World cup 2010

The FIFA World Cup in 2010 gave the world a glimpse of modern South Africa. However,
it was also criticized for failing to portray what living in South Africa means for large parts
of the population. So what can be said of living there in general terms? The country is
diverse in all possible aspects, from language to religion, owing to the many, many
ethnicities unified in this nation. In South Africa, you can find some of the most
“westernized”, wealthy, and progressive facets of the African continent, but also some
of its most dire problems. One thing is certain, however: expats will rarely experience
something just like life in South Africa.

Government infrastructure expenditure and spending on preparations for the 2010 Fifa
World Cup – the first football World Cup to take place in Africa – has made a significant
contribution to domestic investment.

2010-related investments make up less than 10% of government expenditure, which means
investment acceleration is intrinsic to but not monopolised by the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

It is the most sustained, broadest and greatest investment surge in South Africa’s recorded
economic history, and it will continue long after the biggest sporting event in the world in
2010.

For South Africa, hosting the best ever World Cup will be part of building a nation united in
its diversity, living the values of equality, non-racialism, non-sexism and human solidarity.

2010 World Cup and beyond

The government has invested in the 2010 Fifa World Cup because doing so will build a better
life for all. In the 2007/08 Budget, the government allocated $1.3-billion for transport and
supporting infrastructure for the World Cup. A further $1.25-billion will be used for stadiums.
The Budget also provides for sports and recreation programmes, volunteers, arts and culture
programmes, costs associated with safety and security, and emergency medical services.
This investment in 2010 projects will ensure that the government fulfils its guarantees to Fifa,
and allow the country to take advantage of the opportunity to leave a developmental legacy,
speed up economic growth and halve poverty and unemployment by 2014.

Between 2006 and 2010 the government will invest more than $59-billion in infrastructure,
from rail freight services and energy production to communications, airports and upgrading
of ports of entry. It will also spend more on health, housing, safety and security and
education.

An important element of the 2010 legacy for South Africans and post-World Cup visitors to
the country is a range of public transport systems that will benefit major urban centres and
communities that need to access such centres.

Priority has been given to World Cup-related projects, with the public and private sectors
currently collaborating on a range of projects, including:

 Inner-city mobility systems;

 Links between airports and city centres, and the integration of different modes of
transport;
 Bus Rapid Transit systems;
 Preferential facilities for high-occupancy vehicles; and
 Call centre services and information technology and telecommunications systems
to support the planned infrastructure.

Between the government and the private sector, the transport sector is committed to
ensuring that the event in 2010 takes place in a seamless and error-free transport system.

In November 2007, South Africa made a strong, positive impression on the Fifa family and
the world’s media as it hosted the Preliminary Draw for 2010.

Staged in the Indian Ocean city of Durban, the Preliminary Draw was the first official Fifa
event connected to Africa’s historic first World Cup, and showcased South Africa’s
organisational and logistics capacity, as well as its ability to work efficiently with
international partners in various sectors.