26 January 2009
Gauteng is on track to give the world the most exciting World Cup events. As
Africa's foremost global city region, Gauteng offers visitors the best of both
worlds; excellent infrastructure combined with African warmth and
hospitality.
Some of the obvious and well known facts that make Gauteng the heart of the
2010 FIFA World Cup include; three match venues, home of FIFA headquarters,
home of International Broadcast Centre, main port of entry, as well as hosting
the opening and closing ceremony and final match.
Today the country reaches the 500 days count down towards the 2010 FIFA
World Cup and 140 days countdown to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009; Gauteng
prides itself for its state of readiness to host these two major events
successfully leaving a lasting legacy as the home of competitive sport.
"The forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup holds prospects for the Gauteng City
Region to provide a world class event, while dealing with our priorities such
as accelerated economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, road and
transport infrastructure development, safety and security, provision of quality
health services, disaster and emergency services and building the love for
football as the home of champions," said the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts,
Culture and Recreation, Barbara Creecy.
Stadium
Soccer City, Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park stadium refurbishment is on
track and are compliant to FIFA regulations.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded to meet international
standards as well as local and international demands.
Roads and transport
Infrastructure is being revamped to ensure quick and easy travelling to the
match venues and tourist destinations whilst the OR Tambo International Airport
which is the main port of entry is ready to welcome and process the huge
numbers of football lovers and tourists.
Tourism and hospitality
The hospitality industry in Gauteng is working around the clock to improve
accommodation and related services. Touristsâ attractions such as the Cradle of
Humankind, Dinokeng Game Reserve, OR Tambo Museum, Walter Sisulu Square,
Sharpeville Memorial Site, Apartheid Museum, Newtown entertainment precinct,
Freedom Park and others are ready to thrill our visitors.
Dedicated police, emergency, medical, health, traffic and disaster
management services are gearing up to ensure quality service delivery to
residents and visitors alike.
"I encourage all Gautengers and South Africans at large to purchase the
Confederations Cup and World Cup tickets and rally behind our national team by
wearing Bafana Bafana colours," said the MEC.
For more information contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: 011 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068
Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Guateng
Provincial Government
26 January 2009
Source: Sapa
