Tubby Reddy said the financial impact assessment report has been available since Durban 2022 launched its bid ©Getty Images

Tubby Reddy, chief executive of the Durban 2022 Bid Committee, has hit back at claims that no proper financial impact assessment has been carried out on the South African city’s campaign to host the Commonwealth Games and said such a report has been available on its website since the beginning of March.

South Africa's Shadow Minister of Sport and Recreation Solomon Malatsi claimed earlier this month that he had written to the Government to demand one is carried out as it was not clear “how much South Africa stands to lose or gain” should it host the event in seven years’ time.

He added that the nation’s citizens will not be able to judge whether hosting the Games will be worth it if full financial details were not made public.

Durban 2022 will contribute $1.7 billion to the South African economy, according to an economic report published by officials
Durban 2022 will contribute $1.7 billion to the South African economy, according to an economic report published by officials ©Durban 2022
However, Reddy said a document called “Economic Impact, 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa: Durban Host City” has been available on the Durban 2022 website since March 2, when the city officially launched its bid in London.

“The Commonwealth Bid Committee once again reiterates that this comprehensive economic report of hosting the Games in 2022 provides adequate information to all South Africans who are supportive of the Games,” he added.

“The Executive Summary of the bid documents are also available on the website and can be downloaded.

“Members of the public are urged to familiarise themselves with the bid process and to get an understanding on how they can get involved in the lead-up to the Games and also during the period of the Games in 2022.”

The Economic Impact, 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa: Durban Host City report has been available on the Durban 2022 website since March 2, when the city officially launched its bid
The Economic Impact, 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa: Durban Host City report has been available on the Durban 2022 website since March 2, when the city officially launched its bid ©Getty Images

Among the key findings in the study, which was conducted by Ernst & Young, is that the Commonwealth Games is expected to deliver up to ZAR20 billion (£1.1 billion/$1.7 billion/€1.6 billion) in output to the economy, translating to an estimated ZAR11 billion £625 million/$930 million/€863 million) growth in GDP.

It is also expected to bring added exposure to the nation and more employment opportunities, while enhancing tourism and foreign investment.

Durban is the sole bidder for the 2022 Commonwealth Games following the withdrawal in February of Edmonton in Canada due to the international oil crisis.

A final decision is due to be made at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand, on September 2.

Read the Economic Impact, 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa: Durban Host City document here EconomicImpact.pdf. 



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