Durban was left as the only bidder for the Games when Edmonton dropped out in February last year because of its own economic worries.

In March, KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott admitted while delivering the budget for the Provincial Government that the ZAR580 million (£26 million/$38 million/€34 million) they had promised to contribute to the Games could no longer be afforded.

But Grevemberg, who will be at a ground-breaking CGF General Assembly in Edmonton due to start tomorrow, told insidethegames: "I think we are very lucky in the case of Durban in terms of its vision and the possible wider advantages, and we have confidence in the South African Government to ensure the delivery of the Games. 

"South Africa fits beautifully into the Commonwealth model and offers opportunities for increasing sustainability, prosperity and empowering young people through sport. 

"It’s a very exciting prospect.

"These will not only be the first Games in South Africa, but the first on African soil, so they have a huge relevance and importance."

Grevemberg agreed that the circumstances around bidding for the 2022 Games had not been ideal.

"Having just one bidder puts you in a more difficult situation," he admitted. 

"We have to work on this. 

"With regard to Durban 2022, I think at this point we want to wait to hear a full update at the Assembly."

Gideon Sam, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, sounded a more comforting note in the wake of the announcement over the financial shortfall in March, insisting: "As the Games are six years away, we have begun the process to engage with various stakeholders in order to meet our obligations as set out in our bid documents.

"We have had discussions with National Government and this is ongoing. 

"We are aware of the current economic environment, but we are confident that we will deliver on our obligations of hosting a world-class event on the African continent."

Meanwhile, Birmingham's decision to join Liverpool in planning to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been welcomed by the CGF chief executive.

"It's wonderful to see a great Commonwealth city like Birmingham considering a future bid to host the Games in 2026," Grevemberg added.

"As part of our Transformation 2022 strategy we'll support them and indeed other cities as they work with their committees, athletes and stakeholders - and in this case Commonwealth Games England - to define their ambitions and develop an inspiring proposition to bring people together for the 23rd Commonwealth Games."

Click here to read insidethegames' full exclusive Big Read interview with Grevemberg.