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South African Government is on course towards 2010 Federation 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)