Commonwealth host to be announced next month

The announcement will be made on September 2. The group will be led by Mayor James Nxumalo.

Over the last few months, three large international delegations have toured Durban to inspect the city's facilities and gauge its readiness to host the sporting event. 

Last week, the Games' Federation Evaluation Committee recommended that its General Assembly vote in favour of Durban as host city. 

The municipality's Tozi Mthethwa says if Durban gets the nod, preparations for the event will begin immediately.

"What it means though is that our work will have to start in earnest now, making sure that all our ducks are in a row. This will include not only the facilities that we'll use for the sporting codes but also making sure that we groom and prepare our young talent to take part when we bring such a world sporting event to Durban. 

"We would like the people of Durban to take part in the games and be proud," she said.

(File photo)