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| 06.02.06 (11:26 am) [edit] |
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| Joburg scores from SA's bid win |
| 06.02.06 (11:14 am) [edit] |
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May 17, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
BLAAAAA! The sound of vuvuzelas ruptured the deathly silence hanging over Mary Fitzgerald Square as thousands of Joburgers, mesmerised by massive television screens, watched Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, painstakingly remove from an envelope the card that would name the host of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
2010 celebrations in Newtown
In an instant the atmosphere at the City of Johannesburg's party in Newtown, one of the many bid-result events around the country, turned into a loud and relieved celebration - a far cry from that after the last bid.
Before Blatter's announcement, the thousands of soccer fans in the square - some with painted faces and some wearing fancy hats - had about them an anxious air.
"It has to be South Africa," said Sebenzile Ntsomi, staring intently at the screen before the Fifa briefing.
"We are ready and waiting to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I don't know what will happen to me if we lose it again."
As for the mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, and his committee: they could barely contain their enthusiasm. The mayor even led the singing in the build-up to Fifa's briefing, screened to the crowd live from Zurich's World Trade Centre.
Back in Joburg, along the M1 South overlooking Newtown, motorists stopped at the side of the freeway to watch the screens - and not even a traffic officer could make them move along. Drivers climbed out of cars and joined the dancing.
Finally the moment of reckoning arrived; silence descended. Some fans started praying, most just held their breath.
When the words "South Africa" emerged from the envelope, the noise was overwhelming: people cried, people laughed, people jumped, people threw themselves to the ground. For a moment, even photographers forgot they were on duty and joined in the melee.
A glimpse of Nelson Mandela shedding a tear on television caused floods back home.
"I really can't explain the way I feel right now," said Simphiwe Cele.
"This World Cup will really put us on the map; many companies will be looking to invest in South Africa. This is going to boost our economy and create a lot of jobs."
After the announcement the thrilled mayor reminded residents of the role Johannesburg was to play in the World Cup.
"I'm very excited we won and we are looking forward to the hard work that will follow," Masondo said.
"There will be talks during the next few days on the opening ceremony to be held in Johannesburg, the first match and the finals to be played in Johannesburg. We want Johannesburg to remain in people's minds. A lot of job opportunities will be created."
Bongi Mokaba, the City's events manager, said: "There's a lot of work that needs to be done. The government and business people need to ensure that Soccer City and the roads leading to it are upgraded and completed. We need to maintain the passion that was shown today by our soccer fans."
The international media centre would be in Johannesburg and Fifa would move its headquarters here for the tournament, she said.
"We need to have a well-trained staff," she added.
The news left Jacoline Mabitsela jubilant: "I'm looking forward to 2010 and I hope I will get a job."
City of Joburg
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| Joburg ready to play role in World Cup |
| 06.02.06 (11:13 am) [edit] |
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May 17, 2004
By Lucille Davie
JOHANNESBURG, the city that boasts the headquarters of South African soccer at Soccer City in Nasrec, is ready to play a role in hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
"Be assured that we stand ready to use our resources and expertise to help promote abroad the many advantages and benefits that visiting players, officials and spectators will be able to enjoy during the 2010 World Cup," says Eddy Khosa, deputy CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.
The company offers congratulations to the people who pulled off this "incredible coup" - President Thabo Mbeki, former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, bid chairman Irvin Khoza, bid committee CEO Danny Jordaan, and the entire bid committee.
South Africa's soccer headquarters are situated in Johannesburg at the 94 000-seat FNB Stadium in Nasrec, which is to get a R350-million facelift over the next two years, according to ThisDay newspaper. The city is to play host to world soccer body Fifa, with its headquarters during the World Cup to be situated at the Sandton Convention Centre. The media centre is to be based at Nasrec, south of the city. Johannesburg has another international soccer venue, the 60 000-seat Ellis Park Stadium, and several other smaller venues, which are likely to be used for training purposes.
Cheryl Carolus, CEO of South African Tourism, described the confirmation of the successful bid as "absolutely sensational", adding that "the country's tourism industry will be ready and waiting to give a warm South African welcome to the thousands of fans who will flock to the country for the largest sporting event of its kind in the world".
Johannesburg hosted the prestigious and highly successful World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002. South Africa hosted the Cricket World Cup in March 2003, with the final match and five games being played in Joburg.
"We are very proud to once again have been given the opportunity to showcase to the world that South Africa and its cities are more than capable to deliver world class services and hospitality," said Khoza.
Carolus concluded: "The country has shown without a shadow of a doubt that is has the ability and maturity - in possessing the sophisticated world-class infrastructure and technology and quality tourism products - to facilitate and exceed beyond expectations in hosting such an international gathering of diverse cultures pursuing one single passion."
Johannesburg has a good percentage of those world-class facilities, from stadiums to hotels to conference facilities.
City of Joburg
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| Joburg's sports facilities - simply the best |
| 06.02.06 (11:12 am) [edit] |
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September 2, 2003
By Bontle Moeng and Tammy O'Reilly
SITUATED within one block in the inner city of Johannesburg are three international standard sports complexes, with soccer fields, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a specially prepared athletics track, tennis courts and a Rugby World Cup venue.
Surrounded by high-rise buildings and road overpasses, the three facilities - the Johannesburg Athletics Stadium, Ellis Park, and the Standard Bank Arena - are within walking distance of one another, and central to all the residents of Johannesburg to attend international and local events.
The sports precinct is situated in New Doornfontein, on the eastern side of the Johannesburg Central Business District.
"We have the best sport facilities in the City of Johannesburg," says a justifiably proud Junior Ramovha, Regional Manager for Sports and Recreation.
Standing out among the oval-shaped venues is Ellis Park Stadium, a venue that boasts a capacity of 80 000. This well-known stadium, home to soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs and the Gauteng Lions rugby team, has played host to the likes of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and a number of international concerts.
The 20-year-old stadium underwent some reconstruction after soccer fans were crushed to death during a soccer match between South Africa's foremost teams in April 2001. Since then the main tunnel has been redesigned to allow easier access for emergency vehicles.
A short walk across North Park Lane and down Dora Street is the Johannesburg Stadium, home of South Africa's other footballing greats, Orlando Pirates. The soccer team shares their venue with a range of other athletes. Although the stadium is somewhat smaller than that of the Ellis Park Rugby Stadium, with seating for a maximum of 37 500 people, this hasn't prevented it from hosting international artists and sporting events. If seating is not required the Johannesburg Stadium can host 65 000 people.
Apart from the standard track and field facilities, the stadium also has a range of other amenities, including a gym and changing rooms. For those who don't want to get too sweaty, there's always chess, pool tables and darts.
Johannesburg Stadium, built by the City Council in 1992, "is a state-of-the-art high-tech, multipurpose facility".
It boasts a large television screen on the eastern side, with South African and Johannesburg flags decorating the top of the stadium. The television screen allows crowds to catch all the action, including repeats of highlights. For concerts, the audience is able to get a clear view the performance, even at a distance.
There are two main tunnels that lead into the stadium, with each being able to accommodate any emergency vehicle.
"Since May 2002, the management of both the Johannesburg Stadium and the Ellis Park Rugby Stadium has been run by the Ellis Park team," Ramovha said. In this way, safety and security systems for all the venues would be uniform. "A lot of work has been done in the wake of the Ellis Park disaster - more networking and organisation," added Ramovha.
Across the road from the Ellis Park Rugby Stadium, on North Park Lane, is the City's premier swimming and diving pool. Here local swimmers and divers train all year round in the Olympic-size heated pool. A number of swimming galas take place at the Ellis Park pool, and "some of the country's best swimmers still train here", said Ramovha.
"Although the pool is already of Olympic standard," Ramovha added, "we are constantly upgrading and improving the facilities."
There are plans to enclose the pool, Ramovha said. Owned and managed by the City Council, the Ellis Park pool has changing rooms and a food kiosk. While there are plenty of seats around the pool, parking can be a problem, with spectators having to use the bays at the nearby stadium.
Down Bertrams Road, towards Troyeville, is the Standard Bank Arena, a popular venue for a multitude of events, from sports to entertainment. Besides the huge arena, the Standard Bank Arena has a number of tennis courts, where international and provincial matches are played regularly.
A lot of effort has also gone into making sure these venues are accessible to the nearby residents. "We have projects in place to train children from disadvantaged communities," said Ramovha, such as the training sessions run by champion boxer Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for people from the local community
City of Joburg
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| The sweet smell of Soccer Stadium food |
| 06.02.06 (11:11 am) [edit] |
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June 18, 2004
By Ndaba Dlamini
AS kick-off time draws nearer, the blast of the vuvuzelas becomes more strident, the battle cries and songs of soccer fans resplendent in their miners' helmets or "makarapas" more intense - and food is far from spectators' minds.
But vendors outside Johannesburg's FNB Stadium know that later that will all change.
Food vendors operating outside the FNB stadium
Now, it's 6.30pm and the supporters - some still in their working gear - are anxious to get into the stadium before their favourite seats are taken.
For the fans, blowing a vuvuzela, shouting instructions and abuse at soccer players, singing and dancing for two hours burns a lot of energy - and Malifu Makhanya of Dobsonville Extension 3, a food vendor operating outside the stadium, is one of those who provides an essential service.
Makhanya says she has been running her food stall for "a long time". She prepares pap, rice, "idombolo" (dumplings) and soup at home and braais chicken and beef on a gas stove at the stadium because "the tantalising smell of braaiing meat drives hungry supporters mad and entices them to sample my cuisine".
A trestle table operates as her workplace. The table is covered with newspapers, which serve as a tablecloth to make cleaning up easier. "I just throw them into a dustbin when they get stained," Makhanya explains.
Makhanya also offers a variety of salads - from potato to carrot and green peas and beetroot, which she prepares at home and packages in plastic containers.
A plate of food goes for R20 and is served on disposable paper plates, with a plastic spoon on the side without serviettes. A wet cloth is available on request to wipe sticky hands.
Asked about hygiene, Makhanya proudly says she has a certificate of acceptability - a licence to sell food at the stadium - which was awarded to her by the management of FNB stadium. "We were put through a course on food hygiene where we were taught how to clean work surfaces and how to keep utensils clean. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring along my certificate to show you," she says.
Vendors found operating without such a licence are fined between R200 and R1 500 and a lost certificate incurs a fine of R1 000, according to Makhanya.
At the end of May, vendors operating in and around the stadium were put through a one-day course on the importance of hygiene in providing food for the public.
The course, run by Johannesburg's environmental affairs department and FNB stadium management, was aimed at upgrading skills ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. FNB Stadium is one of the main venues for the event - hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies.
Dennis Mumble, manager of FNB stadium said the vendors were awarded certificates after the course. "Vendors were taught the basics of food preparation and the importance of hygiene when serving food, and how to handle their customers."
They covered topics such as measures to take when storing food at room temperature, and how to handle and braai meat in open areas to ensure that food is not contaminated.
"The courses are part of the preparations for 2010. Everything has to meet international standards," Mumble said.
Environmental health officer for Region 9, Douglas Wood conducted the course as part of the environmental affairs department's efforts to implement "basic health and hygiene education" amongst the city's food vendors. More than 140 vendors have gone through the course over the past three months.
"Food vendors must comply with City health regulations and the courses we are conducting free of charge will go a long way to minimising the risks of food poisoning," said Wood.
The food vendors work together: one person brings a gas stove for cooking chicken, while another will use his or her gas braai for cooking beef. "Some people don't eat chicken and some don't take beef. That is why we braai them separately and it saves us the labour of bringing two braai stoves," explains Ouma Radebe, a vendor who operates outside the stadium.
If one person runs out of gas the other team members provide back up. "Most of us bring along two extra gas cylinders just in case," Radebe adds.
Vendors selling outside the stadium don't pay rent for their patch, while those inside the stadium pay R200 a match.
On a good day, especially when big teams like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are playing, Radebe says she has to spend as much as R1 000 on stock.
Vendors move from stadium to stadium to sell their foodstuff - depending on where the big matches are being played. "Last week, I was in Bloemfontein for the South Africa-Cape Verde match. In order to survive, we have to follow big matches around," says Radebe.
Evening matches, which normally kick off at 7.30pm, present problems to the food sellers outside the stadium. "We live in fear of being mugged. And getting transport home is also a problem because there are very few people willing to transport us and our goods at night," says Radebe.
At present there are no covered stalls for the vendors. According to an FNB spokesperson, the provision of covered stalls will depend on the upgrade plans. She said food vendors operating outside the stadium will be provided with covered stalls, but those inside the stadium will be provided with covered kiosks.
For soccer fans like Themba Ngwenya from Mofolo, a match without the services of food vendors is unthinkable. "I wouldn't survive the 90 minutes without taking a break at half time to fill my stomach."
City of Joburg
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| May the beautiful game rub off on Joburg's slums |
| 06.02.06 (11:09 am) [edit] |
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Neil Fraser
May 24, 2004
I'M sure there was never an opening of an Oscar, Emmy or Grammy envelope as eagerly and nervously anticipated (and then emotionally received) by so many people as the one that revealed South Africa would host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Whew!
So, when the highs start declining and the partying slows down, what will the event - promoted as the second-largest international event after the Olympics - mean for us?
In June 2002, when writing about the value of sporting events to a country and cities, I quoted the following: "The total investment in the current [2002] Soccer World Cup was a staggering $2,5-billion by South Korea and $5-billion by Japan. That translates to not far off R100-billion in our money!
"The direct and indirect economic benefits are estimated at $8,8-billion for South Korea and $26-billion for Japan - 2,2 percent and 0,6 percent of GDP respectively, hardly chickenfeed!"
And the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 provided the impetus for an investment of more than $8-billion in infrastructure and housing.
Miquel Botella, writing about the "Keys to Success of the Barcelona Games", says: "Everyone agrees that the real success of the Barcelona Olympic Games - and the Paralympic Games - was the transformation which the city underwent, with development which normally takes decades taking place in only six years."
GMP Swann, of the University of Manchester's business school, says planners identify four benefits of such events:
• the new sports facilities and associated amenities built for the event;
• the short-term economic stimulus stemming from new construction and other investment in the advance of the event, and visitor spending during the event;
• the marketing opportunity to attract new business and promote tourism; and
• urban redevelopment.
So, what will the event do for the inner city? What will be left as a legacy to Joburg's citizens?
Let's start at the eastern end of the city, an area encompassing Doornfontein, New Doornfontein, the Ellis Park sports precinct and Bertrams. This must be the major focus for the inner city - I know there are other areas in the metro that will be involved, but my interest is the inner city itself. And, let's face it, if any area needs the upliftment offered by the World Cup, this is it.
The area, which probably covers 150 to 200 acres, is an area of mixed use: business, residential, light industrial, a little retail and many education and sports facilities.
The sporting facilities themselves are excellent, though underused, but the general environment is under severe stress. Drive through the streets and you sense decay and disintegration. Overcrowding abounds and slumlords thrive.
I remember visiting a three-bedroom home in Bertrams 10 years ago that housed 75 people. And they each paid R200 a month for a living area the size of a postage stamp.
A number of industrial buildings have been illegally sub-divided for residential occupation and the area has attracted a large number of immigrants. Also, a survey we did some years ago revealed many criminals in the area.
Of course it wasn't always so. Doornfontein derives its name from one of the many farms that preceded the finding of gold in 1886. Almost immediately afterwards entrepreneurs began to set out what was to become the first luxury residential suburb in the city. By 1891 it was being referred to as "posh"; the "par excellence swagger suburb"; "patrician Doornfontein"; and "a villa neighbourhood".
Neighbouring Bertrams - named after Robertson Fuller Bertrams, an early explorer of the goldfields who acquired the ground and developed Bertrams, Bellevue East and Lovettsville - drew mixed classes of people but offered good housing in a suburban environment.
The first city swimming pool was built in Ellis Park way back in 1908-9, rugby and tennis established themselves there in the early 1920s, the rugby stadium was completed in 1982 and the athletics stadium in the late 1990s. But, in the past few decades, the area has steadily deteriorated into a slum and the stunning residential buildings of the turn-of-the-century have, sadly, disappeared.
But the area has exciting potential. It is already well served by trains, mini-bus taxis and buses, and has an excellent road network. Its sports facilities are internationally known and it is home to major educational institutions. It also has a significant history that has left an endowment of numerous heritage buildings - admittedly nearly all in appalling condition.
In other words, it has the latent assets and potential for delivering that great ingredient so often lacking in our urban areas - a sense of place. The World Cup will provide the impetus to release the assets and harvest the potential of the area.
I believe that 2010 gives us the motivation, the time and the money for a serious upgrade that can turn this area into something extraordinary. There must be many supplementary and complementary sports facilities that could be clustered in the area. Where buildings have already been demolished or where they must be due to their condition, we need to provide parks and sports facilities, especially for children - for everyone will want space to play and kick a ball.
Housing is going to need careful and sympathetic handling: the refurbishment must embrace all and not displace the "real citizens" who live there. Residential and sporting facilities must be linked to the proposed inner-city transport system.
Then there was talk some years ago about redeveloping the source of the Jukskei River and opening the watercourse eastwards, towards the airport. That could be a spectacular addition to the city's assets - attracting all kinds of new activities.
How about improved street-lighting festooned with colourful banners; restored open spaces between the sports facilities; and new hotels, restaurants, shops and sports facilities. And a museum celebrating South African and international soccer heroes!
And what about the city centre? Perhaps this will be the catalyst to lift the proposed inner-city distribution system to a level that, without the World Cup stimulus, might not have been possible.
How about a light-rail link to our new centres of interest - Newtown and its growing number of eating and entertainment venues, Fordsburg, Chinatown, the Main Street Mining Mall, Gandhi Square, the Faraday Muti Market, Kwa Mai-Mai, Constitution Hill, Drill Hall, the Fashion District, Jewel City - we have so much to show off. What better way to do so than through safe, clean, fast and reliable rapid light rail - linked to Gautrain?.
The Carlton Hotel will re-open; the Braamfontein hotels will overflow; B&Bs and tourist shebeens will be established; Mary Fitzgerald Square will show games on its giant screen; and hundreds of soccer ambassadors will be trained to help tourists and sell our city's incredible history.
What about all our kombi-taxis being painted in the colours of the South African flag; what motivation to send their owners to driving school!
However, there is another side to all this. Swann's research also points out that "the really important legacy may not be seen in the physical infrastructure, nor in the accumulation of competencies in local industry, but in a lasting effect on the consumption and culture of the citizen."
If you watched some of the games in which South Korea participated in 2002, you may have been struck by footage of people watching TV screens in Seoul. They were shown collecting their own rubbish. Why? Because the South Korean environment ministry saw an opportunity for a "green" World Cup.
Civic groups drafted a four-point action plan that included recommendations to grow flowers and plant trees for public display -"these little actions not only satisfy the individuals who do them, but also uplift other people by making our society a better place to live".
This is a great opportunity for all South Africans, but it is also a great opportunity for our city: we need to get solidly behind all levels of government - particularly local - to ensure that the legacy of the Soccer World Cup is a lasting one that benefits future generations.
Viva the 2010 World Cup, viva!
City of Joburg
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| R350m add on for Soccer City |
| 06.02.06 (11:06 am) [edit] |
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May 24, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
ABOUT R350-million has been set aside to upgrade Soccer City stadium at Nasrec for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
With the announcement that South Africa is to host the Soccer World Cup in 2010, organisers are now getting down to business, preparing for the hard work ahead.
Soccer City is a key venue for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, having been put forward by the bid committee as the venue for both the opening match and the final of the competition.
Some eight kilometres to the south-west of the city centre, Soccer City is the home of the South African Football Association (Safa).
"Soccer City is the largest stadium on the African continent," says the stadium general manager, Dennis Mumble. "We said it when we were biding for the 2006 Soccer World Cup, and we're still saying it - Soccer City is the best stadium."
Built in 1987, Soccer City currently has a capacity of 80 000. But, by the time 2010 arrives, this will have been upped to 94 700. The two-tiered stadium will also have an encircling roof added - one of the major construction projects.
"While the upgrade will enable the stadium to hold 94 7000 spectators we are looking at increasing its capacity to 100 000," Mumble adds.
The expansion project is to begin in September and will be complete by April 2007. "All the plans are finalised and we are busy with consultations with the national government."
The hosting of an event of the size of the Soccer World Cup has ramifications beyond the stadiums themselves: the surrounding areas have to upgraded to handle the crowds.
"We are working with the City Of Johannesburg to upgrade the area. There are many things that needs to be upgraded, such as the roads that lead to the stadium and street lights," says Mumble.
Soccer City is used for Premier Soccer League games as well as internationals, and as far as the matches are concerned "it's business as usual", says Mumble. "We will continue to host matches as usual. We are going to take it one step at the time."
Talks are also under way on upgrading Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Stadium and Orlando Stadium.
Ellis Park has been earmarked to host one of the semi-finals.
"The Ellis Park precinct will be upgraded, with an extra 20 000 seats being added," says Morris Douglas, general manager operations at Ellis Park Stadium. The stadium management team will be meeting Safa and the government to discuss the plans.
Mbulelo Bezu - the manager of sports and recreation in Region 10, which includes Diepkloof, Meadowlands, Orlando East and West, and Dube - says the Fifa technical inspection team had visited Orlando Stadium - which will also play a role in the 2010 Soccer World Cup. "We are now waiting to meet with the Safa to confirm whether it will be upgraded or not," Bezu adds.
Orlando Stadium is to be one of the training venues for the tournament.
City of Joburg
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| Joburg Gears Up for Soccer World Cup |
| 06.02.06 (11:05 am) [edit] |
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PLANS are being put in place to host the soccer world's biggest event. The city is setting up groups to deal with specific tasks, integrating the work across its various departments. But the real work should start by the end of June.
February 17, 2005
By Lucky Sindane
WITH five years to go, plans are under way to ensure Joburg is up for the challenge as a host city for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Preparing the metro involves high-level organisation and world-class technology. To keep everyone informed of developments so far, the department of development planning, transportation and environment has presented a report, "Interpretation of 2010 World Cup Strategy and Preparations", on the City's current state to the council.
Erika Naude, the department's deputy director of special projects, said: "The City will set up institutional structures to oversee developments and, hopefully, by the end of June all the plans will be completed and can start to be implemented."
Safa, the South African Football Association, in November 2004 asked Johannesburg to provide information about facilities, accommodation, transport, banking facilities and security. The report is a response to this request.
According to the report, groups will be set up to focus on specific areas and to ensure that the detailed plans are implemented. These groups will cover stadiums, transport, infrastructure, economic development, safety and security, and services.
A joint operating committee made up of representatives from the mayoral committee, the city manager, and the relevant council agencies and utilities, will oversee the preparations.
Stadiums
Johannesburg has two main venues, the FNB Stadium in Nasrec and the Ellis Park Stadium in Doornfontein, that are likely to host important matches, including the opening game, some of the semi-final and quarter final matches, and the final.
According to the report, the city should prepare at least four world-class training venues to accommodate teams that will be based here. They may need night lighting so the teams can train in the evenings, which will have implications for City Power.
"We also have to prepare Orlando Stadium and Rand Stadium as training venues and there is still a lot of work to be done," said Naude. "[But] the plans are there; we just have to implement them."
The Johannesburg Property Company has developed a precinct plan for Orlando Stadium that included the upgrading of the stadium and the addition of two training fields, Naude added. A precinct plan was being developed for Rand Stadium.
Jomo Cosmos, one of the Premier Soccer League teams, have approached the Johannesburg Property Company about leasing the facility when it is fully developed.
Transport
The public transport infrastructure and any investments involved should contribute to the city and benefit all its residents.
The minibus taxi industry will play a significant role, transporting spectators to and from the various venues, and it is vital to bring the industry on board to ensure proper accreditation, vehicle safety, routes and fees.
"We are in the process of forming a Transport Authority and we have been talking to the national department of transport," said Naude.
With such an authority in place, the city should be better able to provide improved transport services to the public and to interpret and plan for the needs identified for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Power Supply
The event will take place in winter, when demand for electricity is at its highest. However, the report points out, Joburg is busy upgrading its power supply network and substations.
"The upgrade will ensure that most of the network and reticulation system is modernised," said Naude.
At previous international events in Johannesburg, City Power provided emergency power to facilities through generators. Generators should be able to cater for capacity crowds at each of Johannesburg's stadiums, particularly at the FNB Stadium.
Security
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) will play a significant role, alongside the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service.
"The security issue is a provincial confidence," said Naude, pointing out that when Johannesburg hosted the World Summit Sustainable Development "the South African National Defence Force, the South African Police Service, the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service assisted us".
Metro police will be important in by-law enforcement and creating a climate of safety within the city. The enforcement of the event traffic management plans will also largely depend on metro police.
Information technology and telecommunications Appropriate infrastructure needs to be in place to cater for media requirements at all of the stadiums, as well as at the media centre.
Environmental management
This includes the beautification of the city, but there is much more involved. Johannesburg must ensure all environmental health issues are dealt with, such as waste management, food control and testing, prevention of communicable diseases and control of environmental pollution.
Financial
"We are looking at entering into partnerships with relevant stakeholders because the city on its own will not be able to fund all the upgrades and infrastructure from its own budget," said Naude.
Economic development
Various industries will benefit from hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup and these should be supported. They include bed and breakfast establishments, traders and manufacturing industries that will make items carrying official World Cup logos.
The event will create jobs and help alleviate poverty, according to the report. In addition, it will attract investors, which will have an economic benefit through various spin offs.
Other departments involved in drawing up the plans included:
• transportation planning and management;
• social development;
• arts, culture and heritage;
• development planning and facilitation;
• environmental health;
• the economic development unit;
• the Johannesburg Roads Agency;
• the Johannesburg Development Agency;
• the Johannesburg Tourism Company;
• City Parks; and
• Metrobus.
City Of Joburg
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| World Cup Beat Goes On In Jozi |
| 06.02.06 (11:03 am) [edit] |
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Progress is being made in preparing the city for the 2010 World Cup, with security, transport and budgets, among other areas, on the agenda.
April 26, 2006
By Lucky Sindane
JOZI has made significant progress in its preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup through the mayoral subcommittee that was appointed last year to oversee the World Cup projects.
"The work undertaken in the five months working period can be grouped into two broad categories, the first institutional and the second planning," said Erika Naude, the deputy director for special projects in the City's department of development planning, transportation and environment.
"The institutional arrangements sought to create a solid foundation on which the implementation of various projects would be undertaken."
Some of the highlights of the institutional work include meeting the requirements of the Bid Book. The implications of the guarantees were analysed and used as a basis for the institutional arrangements that were set in place.
A Technical Convenors Team was set up last year, made up of various focus groups. Each focus group has articulated terms of reference, action plans and budgets. At present the work involves confirming budgets and ensuring greater alignment with the action plans, which are being formulated in detail.
Intergovernmental arrangements with other spheres of government and with the 2010 Local Organising Committee have been improving progressively. The City participates in the Provincial Technical Working Group, and this has helped resolve some of the challenges experienced with overlapping mandates and responsibilities between the City and the province.
"The director-general of the National 2010 Unit has been proactively engaged and a presentation of the national plan for 2010 was given to the subcommittee," Naude explained. "It is anticipated that out of this an intergovernmental relations protocol will emerge. This will clarify further the relationship and responsibilities of the various spheres as well as the rules of engagement with Fifa and the Local Organising Committee."
Much preparatory work has been undertaken.
Stadia and venues
Planning for the two Joburg match venues, Nasrec and Ellis Park, has been completed by the Johannesburg Development Agency and implementation has begun.
Eight training venues have been identified, including Orlando Stadium, Dobsonville Stadium, Milpark Stadium, Rand Stadium, Cecil Paine Stadium, Ruimsig Stadium, Rabie Ridge Stadium and RAU Stadium.
"There are possibilities of creating opportunities for public-private partnerships with regards to training venues, but this would require further exploration and endorsement by the subcommittee and the mayoral committee," Naude said.
Upgrading work on Orlando Stadium and Rand Stadium has already begun.
"Precinct planning has already commenced on Orlando Stadium, Ruimsig Stadium and Rand Stadium," Naude added.
Transportation
A draft, high-level 2010 Transport Plan has been prepared. It used the 2010 Transport Plan prepared by the national Department of Transport as an input and put it forward for infrastructure and operational proposals for transport for Elllis Park and Nasrec.
The main components comprised the north-south section of the Strategic Public Transport Network (SPTN), the Inner City Distribution System, the N17 road link to Nasrec, the International Transit and Shopping Centre and Travel Demand Management measures.
"All of these sub-projects have either reached an advanced stage of planning or implementation has begun," Naude said. "The executive mayor opened the first five kilometres of the SPTN from Moroka Police Station to Orlando last year."
The Department of Transport has set aside an estimated R107-million towards the 2010 Public Transport Funding Plan.
Other areas where work has been undertaken include the establishing and prioritisation of park-and-ride facilities, enhancing the use of metered taxis in collaboration with relevant bodies in the industry, the development of the policy for the establishment and use of helipads and the issuing of special 2010 operating licences.
Safety and security
Safety and security is one of the key elements that need to be dealt with if the event is to be successful. The City's Safety Strategy is being reconsidered to make provision for 2010 requirements.
The subcommittee has considered the City's closed circuit television camera roll-out plan. Training has already begun on some aspects of the plan, drawing lessons from incidents such as the Ellis Park tragedy. This training is carried out practically at current soccer matches.
"The interconnectedness of the various aspects of the work being undertaken, such as the relationship between transportation and safety, is being constantly monitored to make sure no aspects fall through the proverbial cracks," Naude said.
Environment
A Waste Management Plan has been completed and awareness campaigns are scheduled to begin this year, targeting match venues.
"Engagements with the Gauteng department of agriculture conservation and environment on fast environment impact assessment approvals for 2010 projects are at an advanced stage," she added.
Finance
The capital expenditure and operational expenditure requirements for 2010 have been quantified and captured in the Capital Investment Management System. Work is under way to determine the pressure of these requirements on the City's budgets and to come up with innovative ideas on how such pressure can be alleviated.
"There is some work that is currently being done to explore various procurement and budgeting processes in light of tight delivery time frames," Naude concluded.
City of Joburg
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| SA has capacity to deliver a successful 2010 (22 May 2006) |
| 06.02.06 (10:59 am) [edit] |
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Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen reaffirmed government’s commitment to host a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Replying to a question whether South African construction companies have the capacity to complete the required construction projects ahead of the 2010 spectacle, and whether other projects will be affected due to the 2010 project, he said “government has budgeted R242 million
for stadia to be built and some to be refurbished ahead of the 2010 World Cup. We are convinced we have the capacity and the skills to deliver on this.”
Deputy Minister Oosthuizen made the announcement at a media briefing for the International Relations, Peace and Security cluster on Wednesday in Cape Town. The cluster reported that South Africa's progress in preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in all its facets would continue to feature prominently in the run-up to the event. The 2010 FIFA World Cup has provided numerous opportunities in all spheres for fast tracking development programmes. “The opportunity should therefore be exploited maximally to ensure that the country reaps the socio-economic benefits that can accrue from the focus of the world on our nation and the African continent over the next five years.”
Meanwhile, the cluster also announced that the handover of the "World Cup Baton" by Germany to South Africa would be a major communication event, as will be the commencement of the building projects of the 2010 FIFA World Cup venues. The concept of the "African World Cup" will be finalised. The official Emblem has been created and will be unveiled on 7 July 2006. For the first time in history, FIFA will allow the next host to have a presence during a World Cup.
Zweli Mnisi
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| Cabinet approves 2010 special measures bill (22 May 2006) |
| 06.02.06 (10:58 am) [edit] |
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At its meeting held on Wednesday, 17 May 2006, Cabinet announced that the 2010 FIFA World Cup SA Special Measures Bill was approved for submission to Parliament.
South Africa provided FIFA with certain guarantees as part of its bid for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In order to facilitate these guarantees, South Africa is expected to introduce legislation that will remove any obstacles that may hinder their implementation. Two pieces of legislation have been identified, one a Money Bill that will be sponsored by National Treasury and the other a Special Measures Bill that will deal with non-money matters; and the latter is sponsored by Sport and Recreation.
According to Mr Joel Netshitenzhe, GCIS CEO, Cabinet also noted preparations for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS, and it welcomed the progress that has been made in South Africa, in implementing a comprehensive programme to combat the pandemic. “While much more needs to be done in this regard, the advances in promoting awareness and behaviour change including use of condoms, expansion of accredited health facilities providing AIDS-related services, recruitment and training of health professionals, provision of nutritional supplements as well as home- and community-based care - all these are cause for hope.”
Mr Netshitenzhe said Government will be scaling up communication and social mobilisation on this issue, and the budget for the campaign over a two-year period has been increased from R160m to R200m. Further, with 134 473 people initiated on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment by the end of March, and an estimated additional 80 000 initiated in the private and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector, South Africa today has the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world.
The meeting further agreed that South Africa should become an official member of the Commonwealth Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1965 as a charitable Trust promoting professional co-operation among Commonwealth countries, including support for NGOs, professional associations and cultural activities.
Zweli Mnisi
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| VuVuzela |
| 05.15.06 (12:34 pm) [edit] |
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When FIFA announced South Africa as the host to the Soccer World Cup, the sound of tens of thousands of vuvuzelas could be heard across the country.
The vuvuzela has become a symbol of South African soccer. It's loud, proud and shows the passion that South African football fans have for the game. The vuvuzela is an elongated trumpet type instrument. It is made of plastic and emits a braying sound like an elephant or a vu-vu sound or the deep sound of a foghorn. It is available in a multiple of different colors.
Nobody is quite sure where the name "vuvuzela" comes from. Some believed the name originated from township slang and meant "to shower somebody with music" or because it resembled a shower head. Others say the word vuvuzela is said to be a rough translation from Zulu and means making noise.
The history of vuvuzelas is rooted deep in African history. In ancient times people used to blow on a kudu (buck) horn to summon villagers to a gathering. Going to a soccer game in South Africa could be compared to attending a village meeting. Soccer matches in SA is more than just a spectator sport. It has a social appeal to meet friends and share the day with fellow fans, friends and loved ones.
Adding to the appeal is an African belief that says the baboon is killed by a lot of noise, so the last quarter of a game sees even more frantic blowing of vuvuzelas as supporters try to confuse their opponents.
Soccer is a loud game and active participation by the crowd is encouraged. The purpose of the vuvuzela is to be blown at soccer matches making as much of a noise as possible. If you are not a native South African you better bring a set of earplugs with to the game, or better still, buy a vuvuzela and experience a truly unique South African soccer game.
Big plans are underway to trade mark this instrument to protect the owner, Neil Van Schalkwyk, and to get the instrument named as the official instrument for Football World Cup 2010. The success of the vuvuzela has been linked to the possibilities for ordinary South Africans to profit from the World Cup in 2010.
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| South Africa 2010 already bigger than Germany 2006 |
| 05.15.06 (12:28 pm) [edit] |
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The 2010 World Cup soccer tournament to be staged in South Africa is already a commercial success thanks to huge international sponsorships secured, an official said.
South Africa has already financially outperformed its 2006 World Cup counterparts in Germany, Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the event's Local Organizing Committee, was quoted as saying by South Africa's government news service BuaNews on Thursday.
He added that the tournament would create unprecedented opportunities for small business enterprises, as the visiting soccer fans would be spending an estimated 9.8 billion rand (1.48 billion US dollars) throughout the country.
Jordaan said all 2010 World Cup projects in South Africa were on course, due to "hard" behind-the-scenes work by the organizing committee, which includes four national cabinet ministers, high profile business leaders and representatives from various other sectors of society.
Jordaan urged South Africans to start learning a few foreign languages, so they could help to make visiting soccer fans feel at home.
He also confirmed that a complete list of matches and venues would be available six months before the start of the tournament.
He noted there were strong indications that most South Africans would be able to watch 2010 matches on their cellphones, due to sophisticated technology which would be introduced in the country, to coincide with the event.
However, he said that the committee's international media publicity campaign for 2010 would only be launched in earnest after the completion of the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Earlier this month, Jordaan said South Africa had signed contracts with five major companies to participate in the World Cup. But he did not elaborate.
Source: People Online
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| SAFA launches "vision" for 2010 |
| 05.15.06 (12:27 pm) [edit] |
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A strategy to undertake the momentous task of hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup and producing a home team that can acquit itself with credit in the tournament was launched by the South African Football Association (SAFA) executive at a three-day indaba in Magaliesburg over the weekend.
Labelled "Team 2010", one of the key elements of the ambitious programme is the planned appointment of a national technical director at the helm of a revamped technical committee that will consist of a maximum of nine members.
The absence of a suitable technical director and qualified technical committee to coordinate national teams at different age groups has long been considered the Achilles heel of the strategy to build a Bafana Bafana team measuring up to world standards.
The technical director will operate in close accord with the 2010 Bafana coach, whoever he might be, but will not encroach on the traditional independence of the man at the helm of the national senior team.
Instead, his main task will be to ensure that all national teams are operating "on the same wave length", with information and advice where needed filtering through to the national coach.
Safa's vision of 2010 includes the repositioning of the existing development trust, and it appointed Tokyo Sexwale as the new chairperson of an intensified operation.
Safa will seek to form a separate registered company to "exploit commercial opportunities resulting from the staging of the World Cup in South Africa".
Safa president Molefi Oliphant was mandated "to take responsibility of the building and completion of Safa House -- earmarked as the new headquarters of the national association".
The structure is due for completion early in 2006, but it remains a vague and mystery undertaking to a large extent, with no details available as to its exact positioning and how it can be completed at a breakneck pace.
The much-delayed completion of the FNB Stadium -- earmarked as the headquarters of the 2010 World Cup -- was described as "urgent", with the Soccer City Trust instructed to look into the matter immediately and ensure construction starts early next year.
Source: Mail& Guardian
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| 2010 Lottery SCAM |
| 05.15.06 (12:25 pm) [edit] |
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Have you heard about the 2010 lottery scam?
I have had plenty emails and even a call from India asking about it. I followed up on the name of the company given, tel no, address, etc, but it is a SCAM so please do NOT pay any attention to the promises of this garbage!
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| Hang Gliding |
| 05.06.06 (12:13 pm) [edit] |
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Imitate the Black Eagle and the Cape Vulture by gliding slowly over unpoilt landscapes. Make use of the air currents to lift you to new heights never explored before. Experience the only true noiseless environment on the planet, the swissssh sound of the wind will be your only companion.
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| Hot air balloon |
| 05.06.06 (12:12 pm) [edit] |
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Hot air ballooning caters for groups from 8 to 20. If you enjoy the feeling of freedom and would like to get a bird’s eye view, then a hot air balloon trip will fulfill your every wish. Champagne breakfasts are served and companies cater for everything from a wedding ceremony to a teambuilding adventure.
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| Skydiving |
| 05.06.06 (12:11 pm) [edit] |
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This is another of the big 5 adventure and extreme things to do while in South Africa. If you have the time it is advised to do the static line course which last a day or you can jump to the free-fall course over two days. Static line jumps are jumping from 3000 feet out of a small Cessna plane If time is not your friend and you have the courage a tandem jump with one of our jump masters are recommended.
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| Rap Jumping |
| 05.06.06 (12:10 pm) [edit] |
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This is definitely not for the feint hearted. South Africans are sports mad adrenalin junkies. Imagine running down a 25 story building face down, kick yourself away from the wall, make a summersault and within 6 seconds you are safely back on mother earth. Wear your Rap Jump T shirt with pride, you’ve earned this
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| Bungee in SA |
| 05.06.06 (12:09 pm) [edit] |
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madness and another madness…..These words race through your brain together with a healthy doses of sweat and pure fear while standing on the ledge of the highest bridge jump in the world.
Time to gather the inner courage while the countdown begins …five, four, three, two, one, bungee. Plunge down 216 meters while pure adrenalin rushes through your brain.
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| Adventure sport |
| 05.06.06 (12:08 pm) [edit] |
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If you are an adrenaline junkie we have the “candy” to cure your addition. When adrenalin junkies talk about the Big 5, they are not referring to animals. No Mamma, they are referring to Rap Jumping, Bungee Jumping, Sky Diving, Base Jumping and Bridge Swinging. Name it….we’ve got it.
The best scientific discovery after bottled beer is surely Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Gravity. For those of you not so clued up on Physics, Newton’s famous discovery was “What goes up must come down”
We here in South Africa does not always believe in what we get taught in school and if you are also one of the non-scientific believers, please pack your bag, get the first flight to SA and participate in the adventure discovery of a lifetime.
Adventure falls in three categories: extreme, extreme and extreme!!!! The level of extremity depends on the person. If heights is not your forte, I would recommend sand boarding off a sand dune in a coastal town, or if you find yourself cash strapped, without transport and no free time on your hands, in Gauteng, down an old gold mine dump. There are excellent adventure tour operators all over South Africa and anything is legal if it meets all the stringent safety requirements.
For the energetic, indulge yourself in canopy tree top tours, rent a mountain bike and explore a steep forest trail, climb a mountain, dive with the Nile Crocodile or the Great White Shark or river raft through gully and gorge. Experience life like never before .Indulge in an adventure that will refresh your soul.
What ever you do…………
FREE YOUR SPIRIT
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| Things to see |
| 05.06.06 (12:07 pm) [edit] |
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South Africa is a vibrant country that has a wealth of tourist treasures for the business, soccer supporter & leisure traveler. Proudly on offer is an exciting mix of things to do that will leave you with a rainbow of memories as the African sky sets on
your 2010 journey to SA.
Extreme adventurers will have no shortage of wild indulgences. Let the football hooligan out, live for a day, do something you never dreamed you would and let your friends for once have reason to call you mad. Adrenalin will never feel this good!
For culture junkies South Africa is rich in history, heritage and culture. The spirit of UBUNTU has been born out of the injustices of the apartheid era, proving hope and faith to be powerful catalysts in the freedom of a nation that boasts 4 Nobel Peace Prize winners. Fascinating art from the ultra modern to indigenous African pieces grace our galleries and theatres are filled with internationally acclaimed multi-lingual performances. African jazz, rock, kwaito, hip hop, classical, traditional and pop music cumulate in a thriving music industry.
The pace of a soccer tour to SA is bound to take its toll at some time and this is when you can escape to have a massage or therapeutic treatment, visit one of our world class malls and shop till you drop, let your hair down at a traditional shebeen or trendy club, or just chill out.
Why not bring your golf clubs and play a round at one of the worlds golfing hotspots, or bring your board and surf the waves at one of our Blue Flag beaches. South Africa has hosted spectacular sporting extravaganza’s including Rugby and Cricket World Cups, the Formula One Grand Prix, the All Africa Games and the Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa boasts a natural scenic beauty in a kaleidoscope of colors and contours. Take a stroll through our beautiful Botanical Gardens, visit bird and marine sanctuaries, aquariums, zoos and nature reserves
You are guaranteed that when visiting any part of South Africa, whether you are a local holidaymaker or an international guest following your soccer team in 2010, there will always be something for you to do or see in our magnificent land.
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| Food in SA |
| 05.06.06 (12:06 pm) [edit] |
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East and West met here and decided they had to have a bit of North to feed the South as well! It doesn’t matter where you come from, you certainly will not go hungry.
Pic from SA Tourism Staple foods include maize, potatoes and a large variety of fruits and vegetables that thrive in the mild South African climate. Morogo is a wild spinach that grows in abundance and the maroela fruit is loved by elephants and used in the delectable Amarula Cream Liqueur.
The South African Fast Food culture is growing rapidly! Because the distances between where people work and live are so great, they are opting for getting take outs. The result is that Fast Food restaurants are popping up everywhere and a huge plus is that they cater for every taste bud under the rainbow.
South Africans love meat and will entertain you with a “braai” or “potjiekos” at their homes over the weekends – with lots of beer and brandy of course! Other meat favourites include a variety of game, biltong, boerewors, and mouth watering steaks.
Pic from SA Tourism
Spicy foods include Achaar (spicy pickled veg), Chakalaka (hot or cold chili veg salad) and Mogudu (spicy tripe stew). For real good home cooking, try Boboti, Frikkadels, or one of the many stews that have made their home in South Africa, served with rice and potatoes.
Pic from SA Tourism With the best of both worlds in the warm Indian and cold Atlantic oceans, seafood is abundant with fish including Galjoen, Kabeljou, Cape Salmon and Snoek, and shellfish including Rock Lobster, Perlemoen, Prawns, oysters and Mussles. The dried out fish known as “Bokkoms” is a delicacy to many inhabitants.
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| Transport in SA |
| 05.06.06 (12:05 pm) [edit] |
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The road infrastructure in South Africa is of a very high standard, especially considering the vast distances between towns and cities. There are over 7000km of national and more than
50 000km of provincial roads.
The roadmap of South Africa will drive you through dreams of living and experiencing a natural beauty that will forever be printed in your memory. The best way to experience this, the diverse culture mixes and hospitality of these friendly people is to hit the road on an organized tour, or to rent a car.
If you have an English drivers license with a photograph on you do not need an international driver’s license. There are many car rental outlets, but you will not be able to rent a car, or continue driving if caught without a license or permit. To rent a car you also need to be over the age of 23 and have had your license for a period of 2 years.
It is compulsory to wear seatbelts and the drinking and driving laws are very strict, with a maximum alcohol blood content limit of 0.05%.
The speed limits vary from 60km/h in highly built up areas, to a maximum of 120km/h on the freeway.
Safety on the road: Keep your car doors locked and lock any valuables in the boot of the car. When in built up areas, keep your windows up as street vendors might harass you. Don’t give strangers lifts and never stop to pick anyone up alongside the road. Try to park your car in a secure area at night, and if going out, park in well lit areas. Keep a lookout for suspicious behaviour around your vehicle. This all might seem over the top, but the locals have become naturally alert to safety on the ro ad, and for your safety, we advise that you are rather safe than sorry.
The freeways are all well signed and numbered, so if you are going to be driving it is imperative that you purchase a map book and plan your routes before taking your journey.
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