Accra, Ghana: The South African Department of Transport (DoT) is confident that the travel requirements of the thousands of international visitors as well as South African spectators will be met. All persons will be able to move efficiently and safely throughout the country to matches during the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Tour groups will be taken care of through their package arrangements.
"Independent travellers can be assured that they will be able to arrange their transport in South Africa by either public transport or hired vehicles."
Lusanda Madikizela, the Department of Transport (DoT) World Cup 2010 coordinator told delegates to the official World Cup 2010 Update held in Accra Ghana over the past three days. The DoT of South Africa co-hosted the event in Accra from 18 to 19 which was attended by all the African countries that have qualified for the 2010 World Cup. This includes Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. The DoT delegation was led by Lerato Molebatsi, Special Advisor to Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele and included Madikizela and Local Organising Committee's head of Transport and Logistics Mr Skhumbuzo Macozoma.
Ghana was represented by Mr Akua Sena Dansua the Minister for Youth and
Sports and Ms Dzifa Peace Aku Attivor the Minister of Transport. The purpose was for South Africa to brief the five African countries in detail about the transport readiness for the 2010 World Cup Madikizela said extended Inter-city and the host city public transport services during the World Cup would ensure connections between all host cities and between key locations within host cities allowing visitors to move around safely, even after late evening matches, "on a limited budget".
South Africa has three international airports, Johannesburg (ORTIA), Cape Town (CTIA) and Durban (King Shaka International Airport), For onwards travel to other cities in South Africa these airports all have large domestic air terminals with frequent flights between the main centres. Upon leaving the airports there are various travel options available. These include public transport shuttle services to transport hubs in the city centres, pre-booked charter shuttles, metered taxis and car rental. All airports will have 2010 FIFA World Cup transport information kiosks to assist visitors with transport related queries and will have the necessary transport maps.
Teams will play their matches in different venues throughout South Africa so many supporters will need to travel extensively across the country. Tour groups and charter bookings will have their own travel arrangements specific to the travel package booked. "Those who are making their own arrangements to follow their teams will have a choice of travelling between cities by air, intercity rail or coach or hired vehicles," said Madikizela.
The Ghanains outh Africa is a large country with major travelling distances between the big cities of Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Given the long distances between the major cities air travel will be the most recommended means of travel. There are frequent flights to all the host cities. For the smaller host cities of Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane and Rustenburg, scheduled intercity road or rail services or hired vehicles are the recommended means of travelling.
A dedicated World Cup inter-city bus fleet will operate between these cities to ensure that spectator travel demand is accommodated. Vehicle hire companies have also increased their fleet sizes specifically for the event, and maps of recommended routes to travel will be provided.
Asked about the readiness of the country's health services for the event Macozoma said: "The South African government has signed guarantees with FIFA which includes providing world class health facilities and services. We are ready in all those aspects including the availability of hospitals and clinics nearby to take care of any emergency. We have dedicated emergency lanes so we can get patients quickly from the stadium to the nearest health facility. We are also ready with detailed evacuation plans should the need arise," said Macozoma.
Responding to questions about the possible effect of the Transnet strike on hosting a successful World Cup, Molebatsi said "strikes and protests are part and parcel of the democratic order in South Africa. We cannot suspend the hard earned rights of workers just because there is a World Cup. We are however certain that there will be a settlement long before 11 June 2010," said Molebatsi.
Ms Dzifa Peace Aku Attivor the Minister of Transport said Ghana was hoping to learn from South Africa's experience of hosting the World Cup: "We are pleased with the detailed briefing we have received and we do not doubt that South Africa will host a successful event. When South Africa succeeds this will be our success as well," she said.
Mr Akua Sena Dansua the Minister for Youth and Sports said Ghana-South Africa relations were well cemented and were being consolidated at bilateral, trilateral and multilateral level all the time: "Our relations date back decades. We express our gratitude for the invitations South Africa has extended to our Excellencies who will be there with the Ghanaian team. We will take our collaboration further after the World Cup in many areas of common interest for the sake of our two countries and of the continent of Africa," said Dansua.
Each of the Host Cities is finalising and implementing its own local transport plans for the event. The following services are being provided in most host cities:
* Airport to City Centre Bus Service, providing a link to the city centres, with onward travel by public transport (rail and bus) and metered taxi.
* Park-and-Ride-Services to the stadium, enabling spectators to park remotely and take a special bus or rail service to access the stadium on match days.
* Extended and special Bus Services, focussing on serving the stadium, core city areas, and accommodation nodes.
* Extended Rail Services, providing an intensified operation and late night services including additional security measures.
* In all cities there are pre-booked shuttle and charter transport operators, metered taxis fleets and vehicle rental fleets.
Linking to the public transport services to get around the city from the many hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and is a factor that fans should consider carefully. Many establishments will arrange a shuttle from the airport on their behalf or alternatively a metered taxi. Clear signage will guide travellers to park and ride sites and parking areas, along walking routes to and within stadium precincts, fan parks, etc whichever travel options are chosen.
Travelling close to the stadium on match days by private vehicle for general spectators is highly discouraged. No vehicles without the appropriate accreditation will be able to approach the stadium.
Further information for travel planning is being distributed by the department through various forms of media including radio, television and print. DOT is running a website, http://www.findyourway2010.co.za. More comprehensive information and easy to view maps on the host city and inter-city travel will be available on this site. The website also contains information on airlines and inter-city services, how to access stadiums and frequently asked questions.
This meeting will be followed by a similar briefing to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to be held in Mozambique at the end of May 2010.
Enquiries:
Thami Ngidi
Cell: 082 888 0852
Issued by: Department of Transport
19 May 2010
