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26 January 2009

Gauteng is on track to give the world the most exciting World Cup events. As Africa's foremost global city region, Gauteng offers visitors the best of both worlds; excellent infrastructure combined with African warmth and hospitality.

Some of the obvious and well known facts that make Gauteng the heart of the 2010 FIFA World Cup include; three match venues, home of FIFA headquarters, home of International Broadcast Centre, main port of entry, as well as hosting the opening and closing ceremony and final match.

Today the country reaches the 500 days count down towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 140 days countdown to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009; Gauteng prides itself for its state of readiness to host these two major events successfully leaving a lasting legacy as the home of competitive sport.

"The forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup holds prospects for the Gauteng City Region to provide a world class event, while dealing with our priorities such as accelerated economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, road and transport infrastructure development, safety and security, provision of quality health services, disaster and emergency services and building the love for football as the home of champions," said the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Barbara Creecy.

Stadium

Soccer City, Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park stadium refurbishment is on track and are compliant to FIFA regulations.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded to meet international standards as well as local and international demands.

Roads and transport

Infrastructure is being revamped to ensure quick and easy travelling to the match venues and tourist destinations whilst the OR Tambo International Airport which is the main port of entry is ready to welcome and process the huge numbers of football lovers and tourists.

Tourism and hospitality

The hospitality industry in Gauteng is working around the clock to improve accommodation and related services. Tourists’ attractions such as the Cradle of Humankind, Dinokeng Game Reserve, OR Tambo Museum, Walter Sisulu Square, Sharpeville Memorial Site, Apartheid Museum, Newtown entertainment precinct, Freedom Park and others are ready to thrill our visitors.

Dedicated police, emergency, medical, health, traffic and disaster management services are gearing up to ensure quality service delivery to residents and visitors alike.

"I encourage all Gautengers and South Africans at large to purchase the Confederations Cup and World Cup tickets and rally behind our national team by wearing Bafana Bafana colours," said the MEC.

For more information contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: 011 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068

Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Guateng Provincial Government
26 January 2009
Source: Sapa