Awarding Durban the 2022 Commonwealth Games would be a "vote of confidence for South Africa and the African continent", the bid's chief executive Tubby Reddy claimed today.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission has recommended that the CGF General Assembly votes to award the South African city of Durban the 2022 Commonwealth Games next month, but their report, released today, outlined several areas requiring immediate attention.

EThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee have approved a budget proposal of ZAR1.1 billion (£59 million/$90 million/€83 million) aimed to deliver infrastructure upgrades and an athletes village should Durban be awarded the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The last thing I expected when being driven back to Durban’s King Shaka airport following the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission’s four-day visit was to be questioned by my taxi driver about the political situation in Britain, ahead of the country’s General Election on Thursday (May 7).

After providing an over-complicated run-down of how Britain’s political system works, I explained that when the ballot papers are counted and a result is announced it is anticipated another coalition Government will form, with either David Cameron or Ed Miliband in charge.

Effectively a marriage of convenience.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission chief Louise Martin has dismissed the prospect of a back-up plan being considered for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, should Durban’s bid suffer setbacks.

There have been no alterations so far to the proposed sports programme for the Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games, although changes could be possible should the South African city be confirmed as hosts in September, bid chairman Mark Alexander has revealed.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission chair Louise Martin says Durban 2022 will need to make “big decisions” regarding a swimming pool for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. despite being “impressed” by facilities in the South African city.

Mark Alexander, chairman of Durban’s 2022 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, believes the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission’s visit is highlighting how the South African city is ready to host the Games.

Scotland’s Louise Martin says that the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission are “Ready to be Inspired” by Durban’s bid for the 2022 Games, as they begin a four-day visit of the South African city.