2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

South Africa has hosted major international sporting events in the past, so I do not know why people write negative comments about the 2010 FIFA World Cup to come.

Since South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, the country has fruitfully hosted major sporting events. For example…

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• the 1995 Rugby World Cup,
• the 1996 African cup of nations
• the 2003 Cricket World Cup,
• the Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005 and 2006
• the only street race in the opening A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport in January 2006

The Football World Cup is the world’s largest, most exciting sporting event after the Olympic Games. In terms of television audience, it’s bigger than the Olympics. It is in a class of its own. For four weeks in 2010, South Africa will be the centre of the world. The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan was the most covered and viewed event in television history. South Africa 2010, is sure to draw even bigger audiences. The eyes of billions of television viewers, an estimated three million international visitors, and the cream of the world’s sporting media will be focused on the southern tip of Africa.In order for South Africa to bring the World Cup to Africa for the first time ever in history, FIFA was looking at what the country already offers: world-class transport, telecommunications, tourism, sporting infrastructure, and people renowned for their hospitality and passion for the beautiful game. South Africa is a very divers’ country with eleven official languages and different cultures with their various delicious meals that will make you want more to take home.

In 2010, football admirers will enjoy the benefits of a host of multibillion-rand infrastructure projects recently announced by the government. (Currently, 1 rand = 0.129 US dollars.) South Africa will spend in the region of R5-billion on building and renovating 10 World Cup stadiums, R5.2-billion on upgrades to the country’s airports, and R3.5-billion on improvements to the country’s road and rail network.

South Africa is also preparing to make tight deadlines to ensure that the Gautrain, a high-speed rail link between Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Johannesburg International Airport, is up and running in time.

What a boost for South African economy!

According to consulting firm Grant Thornton, the World Cup will pump around R21.3-billion into South Africa’s economy, generating an estimated R12.7-billion in direct spending and creating an estimated 159,000 new jobs. The country’s tourism industry will benefit from the estimated three million visitors expected for the tournament, while construction and engineering companies will look to a slice of the billions to be spent on infrastructure in the lead-up to the event. Another good thing about this sporting event is that small business and ordinary people will benefit.

South Africa is alive with possibility, so get ready for this exciting event in history. The beat of drums, the blowing of vuvuzela horns in the fields, the singing, the dancing, and the beautiful people.

Related links:

FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa | AA Travel Guides
Soccer City | Mybroadband Forums

Photo source:

Soccer City | Boogertman and Partners, via World Architecture News

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