Update: World Cup 2010 in South Africa
Between the 11th of June 2010 and the 11th of July 2010, the 19th FIFA World Cup will be hosted by South Africa. Hosting cities of the FIFA World Cup are Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Nelspruit. In all the cities, construction, upgrading and improvements have been underway to ensure that South Africa will be ready to host one of the best international events that Africa and the world has ever seen. Even though rumors and speculation have been circulating in regard to the progress being made, South African organizers have recently confirmed that the country will be ready, by offering an update on the construction and infrastructure progress made so far.
Danny Jordaan, who is the chief organizer of the 2010 World Cup preparations in South Africa, spoke to the media in Beijing, confirming that of the ten venues for the games, the four needed to host the Confederation Cup next year will be ready and that the remaining six were on schedule for completion by the end of 2009. But venues are not the only features the country has looked at for the 2010 World Cup. South Africa also confirmed that accommodation, transportation and telecommunications infrastructures were ready to deal with the thousands of anticipated visitors.
In regard to safety and security, the South African Police Service has invested millions in equipment and safety related aspects and have also ensured that a police presence of forty thousand officers will be dedicated to the event. Transportation has been upgraded and a new train added the transport infrastructure, while MATCH has been assessing the accommodation facilities that will be available during the World Cup. Both Essop Pahad and Ray Whelan of MATCH have expressed their satisfaction with the hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments that have been earmarked for this event. Luxury accommodation and good service will be waiting for travelers who come to South Africa to support their teams and to be a part of the World Cup. Another positive aspect of the World Cup preparations is that improvements are being made to the country that residents can benefit from after the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup has brought South Africa together as it works towards a common goal: to host a spectacular event, create lasting infrastructures and to promote South Africa and the entire continent as worthy hosts. South Africa will be ready to host the World Cup as all projects are on schedule. All that is left for spectators to do, is to get ready for incredible sporting action.
