Has South Africa hosted big events before?
South Africa regularly hosts major international sporting events, and since 1994 has successfully managed some of the biggest - including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the Women’s World Cup of Golf (2005-08), and the only street race in the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport (2006-). But the Fifa Football World Cup, the world’s biggest single-code sporting event - in terms of television audience, bigger than the Olympic Games - is in a class of its own.
For four weeks starting on 9 June 2010, South Africa will be the centre of the world. The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the most extensively viewed event in television history. South Africa 2010 will draw even bigger audiences. The eyes of billions of television viewers, millions of international visitors and the cream of the world’s sporting media will be focused on the southern tip of Africa.
Will South Africa benefit from the World Cup?
It has been estimated that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will create some 129 000 jobs, contribute around R21-billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generate another R7.2-billion in government taxes, with around 350 000 visitors expected to spend some R9.8-billion in the country during the tournament.
However, the indirect spin-offs from improved perceptions abroad could have an even greater, longer-lasting impact, not only on South Africa and its development but on the continent as a whole. A successful World Cup will help change the perceptions that a large number of foreign investors hold of Africa.
Where are the games being played?
2010 Fifa World Cup matches will be held in 10 stadiums: two in Johannesburg and one in each of the other eight host cities. Together, the 10 stadiums will host 64 matches and seat more than 570 000 people during the course of tournament. Five of the 10 are existing stadiums, which are being upgraded, with Soccer City - venue of the opening and final match - undergoing a major upgrade. The other five stadiums are being built from scratch. Nine South African cities will stage the 2010 Fifa World Cup (Johannesburg,
Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg, Nelspruit, Polokwane)
How many tickets will be available?
Some 3-million tickets will be available for the 2010 Fifa World Cup’s 64 matches. One third, or a million, will be allocated to South African football fans, another million to international visitors, and the third million to sponsors, teams and the "Fifa family".
Should I come even if I can’t get tickets?
Of course! The 2010 tournament is guaranteed to be, as South Africans say, a jol (a party). As in Germany in 2006, public viewing areas with giant screens will be set up. And you can always watch the tournament and get to know the locals at our numerous pubs, restaurants and sports bars.
What time zone is South Africa in?
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). During June and July - when the tournament will take place - South African time is the same as that in continental Europe, and an hour ahead of the UK. So matches that kick off at 9pm here will be comfortable viewing for Europeans, while US viewers will be taking a lot of early lunches - and Socceroo supporters will be starting their day at five in the morning!
How do I get around?
The host cities are all linked by air and train routes, and South Africa has a number of first-rate tour bus companies. The country’s road infrastructure is excellent, so it’s also a viable option to rent a car.
When it comes to travel within the cities, while South African public transport is not up to the standard of New York or London, there are options. The most popular form of public transport is the minibus taxi. By 2010 a massive taxi recapitalisation plan, currently under way, will have replaced most of the older vehicles with larger, safer minibuses. Most host cities have Metro train and bus systems, and there are numerous meter cab companies. Otherwise, you can rent a car or use your hotel’s courtesy transport.
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