International Football Association (Fifa) World Cup
8 August 2007
The 2010 Government Unit is convinced that South Africa will deliver the
best Fifa World Cup ever with a distinctly African flavour. This conclusion is
based on an assessment of regular reports being received by the 2010 Unit from
various role players in national government departments, host cities and the
Local Organising Committee.
"Greater attention needs to be given in making sure that all the programmes
we are involved in leave a lasting legacy in South Africa and other parts of
the African continent. The key projects being rolled out such as the
construction of stadia, the transport projects, the Information and
Communication Technology projects and many other that government is funding
must contribute towards the millennium development goals", said Dr Joe Phaahla
Director-General for Government 2010 Unit when addressing the Host City
Forum.
At the meeting Dr Phaahla gave an update on progress with the implementation
of government guarantees to Fifa and other projects such as the funding being
provide on a quarterly basis to host cities for stadia construction, the
rollout of transport projects, the implementation of the security by Sport and
Recreation South Africa and other security agencies and the rollout of the Arts
and Culture programme to mention but a few. He said that the success of these
programmes will hinge on collaboration by various stakeholders beyond just
government departments.
Dr Phaahla emphasised that the Arts and Culture programme was very important
of the 2010 Fifa World Cup is to be a uniquely African and memorable event.
This is a key avenue to show case not just South African Arts and Culture but
Africa wide. The plan includes all the aspects of the Arts such as music shows,
dance, films, book fairs, visual arts and the sale of visual crafts.
Delegates were reminded by Dr Phaahla and LOC officials that the African
continent through the African Union heads of states expects South Africa to
play a leading role in making sure that Southern African Development Community
(SADC) and the continent as a whole benefit in many ways from hosting the Fifa
World Cup.
Enquiries:
Monde Mkalipi
Cell: 082 575 3976
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
8 August 2007
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)
