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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
HSRC researchers are addressing their findings on the urban legacy of the 2010 World Cup. This follows the publication of 'Development and Dreams: The urban legacy of the 2010 World Cup'. Dr Orli Bass of the Centre for Critical Research on Race and Identity at the University of KwaZulu-Natal who co-edited the book spoke to Project 2010 about the findings...  Millions of South African view the 2010 World Cup as the solution to a number of social and economic problems facing the country. What are the key findings of your research? There are four key findings in book, including the fact that the contribution of the tournament to economic development and the reduction of unemployment has been overstated. Nevertheless, host cities and the economy may benefit from expedited investment in transport and information and communication technology. Another viewpoint expresses doubt regarding the value of the investment in stadia and their financial sustainability. My focus is on the tangible legacy - I see that as where the biggest possibilities lie. In 1994 with the elections and 1995 with the Rugby World Cup there were moments of national pride and this should be repeated next year. What are the biggest misconceptions about the World Cup among members of the public? I don't think there are misconceptions per se - it's more a question of managing perceptions . I think it is important to be realistic what 2010 can achieve - that's crucial for the organisers of the event to make sure expectations are realistic. Germany - the hosts of the previous World Cup - also experienced enormous social problems in the build-up to the tournament. Many analysts believe the World Cup provided the glue that brought that nation together - could the same hold true for South Africa? Well I think it can tell different kinds of stories. Africa has always been a story of famine and war - 2010 offers the chance to tell new stories, to change these perceptions. more interviews... |
