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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa's statutory research agency, conducts research that generates critical and independent knowledge relative to all aspects of human and social development. Dr Udesh Pillay heads the HSRC's 2010 World Cup Research Unit. Project 2010 asked him…..  Can you define the role your unit plays? We are conducting one of the largest programmes of research on 2010 - both academically and applied. This includes roundtables and discussion forums. We will be publishing a book in 2009 which will be chronicling issues that need to be tackled and all the legacy issues. And then we have the annual longitudinal survey gauging public perceptions of the country's readiness with a sample of 3 500 people. With less than two and a half years remaining, what do you see as South Africa's major 2010 challenges? We still dealing with issues around capacity, although progress has been made in that regard. There have been skills shortages, particularly in the construction industry and the supply of raw materials continues to be an area of concern. Obviously crime is a major factor, but to some extent, concerns that it will impact on the tournament seems to be tapering off. There is the current load-shedding issues and whether the national electricity grid will it remain stable. And, of course, it remains to be seen how the succession battle will impact on the politics of the country. How important is the buy-in of the public for an event of this magnitude? It is very important. There is a growing belief that South Africa will be ready to host the tournament as well as a growing realisation about their own roles they are likely to play. For example, a year ago, one in three people thought they would personally benefit from the tournament...that figure has now dropped to one in five. Do you think the Local Organising Committee is succeeding in getting the 2010 message across to the man in the street? I'm generally disappointed. They haven't spelled out a legacy plan post 2010. I have appealed personally and publicly that there is huge amount of support but to no avail. There is no legacy plan - it's all been speculation and hearsay. We are no closer to achieving these objectives. While the LOC is fixated on delivery targets, there are questions that need to be asked. For example, is an integrated public transport system developed around 2010 sustainable into the future? Will the big hotels that are being built be sustainable? These are the big questions. We need to recognise that we are not going to get 350 000 visitors in 2010 - that number will be between 150 000 and 180 000. What do you see as the biggest lesson we can take from Germany? Proper branding and marketing and making sure the country is shown in a new and attractive and innovative way. This needs to be based on some sort of energetic brand that is sustainable. Germany's Land of Ideas campaign was fantastic - it made the country a friendly and less hostile place. And the achievements of the national team had tons and tons to do with the success of 2006. more interviews...
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