Durban

Durban (Zulu: eThekwini, from itheku meaning "bay/lagoon") is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. After Johannesburg, the Durban Metropolitan Area ranks second among the most populous urban areas in South Africa, virtually ex-aequo with Cape Town. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. It forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. The municipality, which includes neighbouring towns, has a population of almost 3.5 million, making the combined municipality one of the biggest cities on the Indian Ocean coast of the African continent. The metropolitan land area of 2,292 square kilometres (885 sq mi) is comparatively larger than other South African cities, resulting in a somewhat lower population density of 1,513/km² (3,920/sq mi). It has the highest number of dollar millionaires added per year of any South African city with the number rising 200% between 2000 and 2014.

Cannabis (drug)

Cannabis, also known as marijuana and by numerous other names, is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); it is one of 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 84 other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

Cannabis is often consumed for its mental and physical effects, such as heightened mood, relaxation, and an increase in appetite. Possible side effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Onset of effects is within minutes when smoked and about 30 minutes when eaten. They last for between two and six hours.

Cannabis is mostly used recreationally or as a medicinal drug. It may also be used as part of religious or spiritual rites. In 2013, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis (2.7% to 4.9% of the global population between the ages of 15 and 65). In 2015, almost half of the people in the United States have tried marijuana, 12% have used it in the past year, and 7.3% have used it in the past month.

2022 Commonwealth Games

Durban 2022 will be the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games, where all 71 member territories from the Commonwealth of Nations are expected to compete. Durban, South Africa was awarded the rights to host the games at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly meeting in Auckland, New Zealand on 2 September 2015. It will mark the second time a Commonwealth Republic will host since Delhi, India in 2010.

The games are set to open on the 18 July 2022, coinciding with the birthday of the late South African President and global icon, Nelson Mandela.

Bidding process

Two cities had made confirmed bids for the games; Durban, South Africa and Edmonton, Canada. Edmonton withdrew its bid in February 2015, leaving Durban as the only bid to go forward to CGF General Assembly in September 2015.

Durban, South Africa

The coastal South African city had previously considered bidding for the 2020 or 2024 Summer Olympics. If Durban were to host the games, it would be the first Commonwealth Games held on the African continent. South Africa's second largest city, Cape Town bid for the 2004 Summer Olympics, but lost out to Athens. Durban is home to major professional Rugby Union, Cricket and two association football teams – AmaZulu F.C. and Golden Arrows. The city has previously played host to matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 1996 & 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the 1995 Rugby World Cup, as well as the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The Kings Park Sporting Precinct will be part of the bid. In addition Durban also hosted the 123rd IOC Session.