29 March 2007
Gauteng is ready to help make the FIFA 2010 World Cup a world class event
which will leave a lasting legacy for development in the province.
This was the message at the launch of the Gauteng 2010 strategy in
Ekurhuleni today. The event, held under the theme "Gauteng 2010: Hosting a
successful FIFA World Cup, Leaving a Lasting Legacy," was addressed by Gauteng
Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Barbara Creecy and FIFA 2010 Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan.
About 500 delegates, including representatives of the LOC, 2010 World Cup
host cities and civil society participated in the event, which also discussed
progress and partnerships on infrastructure and transport, business
opportunities, sport development, volunteers and marketing.
Shilowa said Gauteng was throwing its full weight behind the country's
efforts to make the FIFA 2010 World Cup a world class African event attracting
fans from across the world, while also boosting economic growth, job creation,
poverty alleviation, sport and transport infrastructure, and safety and
security.
"The Gauteng 2010 strategy will ensure that all government departments,
municipalities and other stakeholders work together to create a lasting legacy
for the people of our province and showcase to the world what we are capable
of," said Shilowa.
Creecy described the hosting of the 2010 World Cup as yet another victory in
the short history of democracy in the country and Gauteng.
"In launching our provincial 2010 Strategy, we are opening more doors for
shared economic growth and social progress in our province. We are
consolidating the nation building we started in 1994, and we are showcasing our
province, country and continent to the international community."
"I am confident that integrated and co-ordinated implementation of our
strategy, in partnership with all role players, will ensure that we deliver a
world class event in a way that contributes to creating a better life for all
in our province," said Creecy.
A key focus of the strategy, which has eleven key focus areas, is to ensure
readiness to host a world class tournament and leave a lasting legacy for
shared growth and development in the province.
Gauteng's preparations for 2010 are well underway. This includes the
upgrading of the province's three official match venues: the Soccer City, Ellis
Park and Loftus Stadiums as well as potential team training venues, George
Thabe, Sinaba, HM Pitje, Orlando and Rand Stadiums.
The first phase of upgrading will begin at Orlando and Rand Stadiums in the
current financial year, while the other three stadiums will enter their second
phase of upgrading and infrastructure development.
Initiatives to boost public transport infrastructure are underway, including
the Gautrain rapid rail link, which will transport visitors from the OR Tambo
International Airport. Access roads around Soccer City and Loftus are under
construction and being upgraded and the intelligent transport systems and
signage is already being implemented on major routes such as the R21 from
Pretoria to the airport and the N1 from Pretoria to Johannesburg.
Other priorities include the upgrading of bulk services infrastructure,
public viewing facilities, safety and security, broadening access to business
opportunities, football development and developing a youth volunteer
programme.
For more information contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: (011) 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068
Issued by: Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng
Provincial Government
29 March 2007
