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Gauteng government to undertake major study into sporting events
10 December 2008
The government of Gauteng, the most populous province in the Republic of South Africa and the fourth largest economy within the African continent, has commissioned a major study to assist them with the development of a post 2010 event strategy for the region.
This feasibility study will assist the provincial government to develop a strategy and plan for bidding and hosting of major events beyond the FIFA World Cup in 2010. This strategy will seek to support the province's Globally Competitive City Region and Growth and Development and Competitive Sport Strategies.
With the region's preparations for the World Cup moving smoothly on schedule (21 of the World Cup matches will be hosted in Gauteng) the Gauteng Government and its major urban centres of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, are now planning to look forward beyond the World Cup to ensure that the region benefits fully from its hosting of the world's second largest sporting event.
The Gauteng government has commissioned the international sports consultancy TSE Consulting to undertake this study on its behalf. Member of Executive Council (MEC) Barbara Creecy, the MEC responsible for sport in the region said "Others may see the arrival of the World Cup in our country in 2010 as the culmination of their sporting dream, in Gauteng however we believe that hosting this great event will signal the beginning of a new era for sport in the region. It is for this reason that we are determined to ensure that we are fully prepared to capitalise on our achievements in 2010 which is why we have commissioned this study now".
Lars Haue-Pedersen, Managing Director of TSE Consulting said "Whilst naturally being very honoured and delighted to have been awarded this important tender, we feel that this is visionary thinking by the Gauteng government. So often cities and regions undertake the hosting of major international sporting events without considering how such events can impact in the long term on the future planning of that region. This study will provide Gauteng with a clear understanding of the options which will exist for its international sporting future".
Enquiries:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
Email: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 December 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za/)