The South African city of Durban has been selected as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The announcement was made at the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) general assembly in New Zealand on Wednesday (2 September 2015). The coastal city was the only bidder for the multi-sports event after the Canadian city of Edmonton withdrew from contention in February, citing falling oil prices.

Organisers said the games would be held from 18-30 July, opening on the birth date of the late South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela. "It gives me very, very great pleasure to welcome the South African city of Durban as proud hosts of the 22nd Commonwealth Games," the outgoing CGF president Prince Tunku Imran said. "As a movement we stand together to welcome and support the very first Commonwealth Games on African soil. Congratulations."

The newly elected CGF president, Louise Martin, said, "Congratulations to Durban. You'll do a fantastic job and we'll look forward to working with you on the journey. And to everyone in the room, can I just say thank you very much indeed for electing me today. I'm still coming to terms with it – it's quite scary. My knees are shaking, but I promise you I will work with you and we'll take this movement forward. Thank you very much."

The Commonwealth Games are held every four years and feature athletes from more than 50 countries, mostly former British colonies. The next Commonwealth Games will be held at Australia's Gold Coast in 2018.

More about athletics
South Africa