27 June 2008
The world has once again heard assurances from South African officials that the 2010 World Cup will go ahead smoothly.
Deputy Minister Moleketi, the head of the 2010 Technical Co-ordinating Committee and Deputy Finance Minister, said the country’s preparations were progressing well, and he was confident all the deadlines for the related infrastructure would be met. All stadiums are to be completed by December this year, or January next, in time for the 2009 Confederations Cup. He said that South Africa can and will deliver a successful African World Cup.
The CEO of the 2010 Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan is adamant that, because South Africa had a brilliant track record of hosting large events, with 11 hosted in the last 14 years, and these events were all safe - there was no reason to assume the World Cup would be different. Moleketi added that the CCTV systems in the country were being improved, and this would assist in keeping everyone safe.
There have been some concerns about the crime rate in South Africa, and in Africa in general, but George Weah, former AC Milan and Paris Saint Germain star, said he hoped the World Cup would alter misconceptions and generalisations about Africa. He added that violence was everywhere, and not exclusive to Africa.
South Africa has finally joined international voices in condemning the situation in Zimbabwe, with South Africa signing a Presidential Statement along with other members of the Security Council on Monday, which asserted the collective condemnation of the situation by the Council.
The strikes at the various 2010 World Cup stadiums across the country are causing some concern. It is detrimental that these venues be completed in time, particularly those which are to host the Confederations Cup. Workers at Green Point stadium in Cape Town are demanding a R1 500 “project bonus” every month, according to the National Union of Mineworkers and the Building Construction and Allied Workers’ Union, while workers at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit are requesting better working conditions, a monthly bonus of R1 000 and an R800 night shift allowance.
This is the latest row between developers and workers at one of the 2010 World Cup construction projects, and concerns are filtering from all sides about South Africa’s readiness to host the event. Although half of South Africans are reported to have seen improvements in the country as a result of the hosting of the event, and of the investment into infrastructure, I am certain there are some who would disagree.
Bafana Bafana is also a major disappointment so far in the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The team’s failure to qualify for the Afcon would be an embarrassment, and its poor performance was one of the reasons for the poor showing of Bafana fans at matches. Parliament has expressed its concern on this matter and has called a committee to attempt to find a solution to mobilising South African football fans. However, it might be too late for Bafana Bafana to retrieve any respect.
