The Cricket World Cup held earlier this year had a number of positive spin-offs for black economic empowerment, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Wednesday.
It said details of these achievements were contained in a report, which was presented on Monday to Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin by World Cup executive director Ali Bacher.
”For most empowerment companies this was an opportunity for skills transfer to parties who had not been exposed to events of this magnitude,” the department said.
”Some of the suppliers are also looking at opportunities in the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.”
South Africa hosted the event in conjunction with Zimbabwe and Kenya in February and March.
Erwin said on Monday his department had pledged R12,5-million to a project aimed at building cricket infrastructure throughout the country. The private sector had also contributed funding.
The project, Cricket Legacy 2003, has led to the construction of cricket ovals in Buffalo Flats in East London and Thabang Township in Welkom. Clubhouses had also been erected in Chatsworth and Woodlands in KwaZulu-Natal, Manzil Park in Klerksdorp in the North West and Hanover Park in the Western Cape.
”I am proud the department could contribute to projects of this nature,” he said.
”This is a real example of how together with business we can make a difference. We hope that the small businesses which were started due to the Cricket World Cup will flourish.”
Amateur Cricket director Maxwell Jordaan said the project emerged out of a clear understanding that South African society was diverse in culture and resources and that its growth was dependant upon a unique collaboration amongst all its communities.
”These ovals must become legacies of hope and centres that will contribute towards a social equity and an improved quality of life,” he added.- Sapa