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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...  This has been a fairly dramatic year, even by South African standards. In terms of the country's preparations for the 2010 World Cup, can you give an assessment of how we are doing? The progress on all fronts has been positive. The big issues are the state of readiness and the extent to which the construction projects are meeting their deadlines. For the most part, this is on track, save for one or two stadia which are not ready for the Confederations Cup, but this won't compromise on 2010. On its recent inspection tour, FIFA said it was happy with the progress. Another issue has been the extent to which the upgrading of the public transportation system has been keeping pace with stadia. A big concern for the 2010 Local Organising Committee has been the extent the system will be integrated to ensure the smooth movement of passengers, but we've seen a flurry of activity. I am confident that we will be ready. In terms of accommodation, FIFA has been meeting with the role-players and they are satisfied with the progress that is being made. One of biggest concerns has been the cost escalation, but the reality is there is nothing we can do. My estimate is that the costs are now 30-50 % higher despite the fact that the costs were tied. We've seen costs exceed the estimates and this has impacted on steel, cement and fibre optics. The Treasury has released additional funds, but it is the individual cities which will have make up the shortfall and that will impact on taxpayers. Political uncertainty and the transition are also concerns, but I can't see the elections (in 2009) and a slight swing to the left having an impact on 2010. Also, it's great to hear from (FIFA President Sepp) Blatter that there isn't a Plan B. This is good for mood and morale, especially for those driving this initiative and the international community. Are you satisfied with the relationship between the key role-players - particularly government and the 2010 Organising Committee - with regards to the key challenges that we are facing? There are a couple of issues here - an issue of relations within the LOC itself, an issue of relations in government itself and, of course, the relationship between the two. The problems in the LOC are well documented … I don't think it's healthy, but there's an air of inevitability about it. Sometimes these tensions are not unhealthy and they can bring out the best. Unfortunately, at LOC this hasn't been restricted to (LOC chairman Irvin) Khoza and (LOC chief executive Danny) Jordaan - it's impacted on other relationships with the result that many senior staff members have left. So this isn't healthy, but at least they had good lieutenants to take over. In terms of government, we had some major resignations after the recalling of Mbeki, including (2010 finance and technical inspections chairman) Jabu Moleketi and Joe Phaahla (Director-General of the World Cup Unit). I do believe that (ANC President Jacob) Zuma and Acting Kgalema Motlanthe have acted very quickly - they said repeatedly that none of this will impact on 2010 … we will deliver and have the best World Cup ever. Because of all the fluidity it raises concerns about their relationship, but government and the LOC were involved in the recent inspection tour which seemed to go very well. In terms of labour disruptions to stadiums and other 2010 construction projects, we have been relatively fortunate so far. Do you see this as a threat, particularly with major deadlines looming in the months ahead? No. it was a minor issue this year and it will be even less of an issue in 2009. There is a good labour dispute resolution process and there is a sense that workers want to deliver. Of course, the construction companies feel the same way. If there are disputes, there is always the Zuma factor. He will pull people together - he's that kind of guy. more interviews...
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