Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth have all expressed an interest in staging the Games and South Africa's Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has said that it is now time to make a choice.

"Durban was the first city to express an interest, but Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg have too," said Mbalula.

"It is important to decide our position quickly and by the time the International Olympic Committee (IOC) come here for their Session in July we need clarity as to which one of those cities will bid."

Durban, which is hosting the IOC Session, including the vote to choose the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics on July 6, remains the favourite to be chosen as South Africa's candidate.

"I spoke to Jacques Rogge, the President of the IOC, when he was here for the soccer World Cup last year and he said it was important that we get the process rolling for the bid," said Mbalula.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) chief executive Tubby Reddy said his organisation was already dealing with Government in an effort to get a bid organised.

"After the euphoria of a very successful football World Cup, President Jacob Zuma alluded to us bidding for the Olympics as well," Reddy said.

"There has been interest from three cities ... and all their documentation will go to the Minister, who will then take it to the cabinet for their endorsement.

"The target date for us to launch our bid is September."

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