South Africa: countdown to 2010 FIFA World Cup

Some foreigners worry about what to expect during the World Soccer Cup in South Africa. They are especially wary about the country’s high crime rate.

On their side, South Africans are also a bit wary. After all, big events usually have some less desirable side effects. Less than 100 days before the World Cup kick off on 11 June 2010, the locals are bracing themselves for:

Road congestions, because traffic is expected to increase by about 30 percent at the times of the games.

Dealing with kids, because schools will be closed during the World Cup (the kids are delighted).

Price increases in air fares, cab fares and restaurants. True, South Africans do not rely on cabs for transport all that much, but they love dining out and find it most unfair that that they too will be paying inflated bills just because the local hospitality industry is looking to profit from this once-in-the-lifetime event.

Shortages of fresh veggies and fruit. After all, that is what happened during the German World Cup, and can be reasonably expected to happen in South Africa too.

Rise in absenteeism. If experience of predecessors is anything to go by, it is estimated that at least one in three South African employees will take “sick leave” to watch soccer.

Add to the above the fact that world events are favourite gathering place for unsavoury individuals from all over the world, from sex workers to felons of all sorts, it is perhaps understandable that some locals are planning to stock on supplies and remain barricaded in front of a TV set for the duration of the cup.

However, such parochial attitude is not widespread. A great majority of South Africans is a cosmopolitan crowd. They are looking forward to hosting one of the world’s greatest sporting events and enjoying the festivities surrounding it, a few annoyances notwithstanding.

“I am excited about it! It’s a once in a life time opportunity and I plan to revel in it”, says one South African blogger. “The excitement is brewing. This is an epic time for all of us lucky enough to be in South Africa in 2010. It's a once in a life time opportunity and I am going to make the most of it. Everything seems to be on track, and it's looking impressive. Such a momentous event in South Africa!”

Some World cup 2010 facts and estimates

• South African government has spent R33 billion on preparations for the 2010 football tournament.
• Over 130 000 jobs were created in building stadiums alone, and this contributed R2 billion to low income households.
• South Africa now has ten world class sports stadiums which can be used to hold other big sporting events after the World Cup.
• Almost R13 billion was spent on upgrading transport systems across the country, and major cities now have new systems like the Bus Rapid Transport System.
• R1.3 billion is being spent on safety and security, which will assist the South African Police Services in making sure the event is safe, and in their continued fight against crime.
• South Africa is counting on 450,000 foreign visitors, but the actual number could be lower, mainly due to the effects of the recent global recession of the fans’ spending power.
• The state company Eskom, which is struggling to keep the electricity supply adequate, promised to work closely with municipalities to ensure the lights don't go off during the World Cup; just in case, BP has diesel-powered generators ready to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
• The Airports Company of SA has negotiated a no-strike deal with its 2,300 staff for the duration of the World Cup. The staff also agreed to work overtime to keep six airports running around the clock during peak periods.
• SA Breweries (SAB) estimate that the demand for beer will rise by 4 to 6 percent during the five-week World Cup period. SAB is finalising detailed plans to make sure the country is well prepared for beer-drinking soccer fans. The company will increase its brewing in April and May to ensure there was reserve stock. Special attention will be paid to taverns en route to and from stadiums. Dedicated telephone numbers will be set up whereby customers can dial in should they require emergency supplies.
• South African government wants to have an extra billion condoms for the thousands of soccer fans expected to visit the country. In this context, the Department of Health welcomed Britain's plan to give South Africa 42 million condoms.

Also see

South Africa 2010: frequent questions

Project 2010

Buy 2010 memorabilia online