South Africa's president hit back at critics who claimed that the country would not be able to host the World Cup.

And he said that it was a legitimate aim to bring the 2020 Olympics to either South Africa, or another African nation.

Durban and Cape Town are believed to be preparing bids for the summer games, with Rabat in Morocco also thought to be in the running.

"Africa needs to get some of these big events," said Zuma.

Of the World Cup, which passed off without major incident and has generally been hailed as a success, Zuma said it was a testament to the hospitality of South Africans.

"It's an emotional moment for the nation," he said.

"Doomsayers were warning football fans to avoid coming to South Africa.

"The world had been told to expect high levels of crime, unfinished stadiums and unfinished infrastructure and a lack of accommodation.

"They came and discovered that we are a warm nation of very humble and hospitable people.

"They learned that we are very efficient organisers and planners.

"We did it. We did it well. We did it successfully. But we couldn't do it alone. We did it with Africa."