Developments for the 2010 Soccer World Cup will continue to benefit South Africans after the tournament is over, the South African Football Association’s boss Danny Jordaan said on Tuesday.
”There will be an impact on tourism, transport, sports facilities and on the economy that will benefit the country even after the World Cup,” Jordaan said.
He was addressing the National Communication Partnership Conference in Johannesburg.
”Transport and infrastructure will be ready in time for 2010. Development will be done at a faster pace because of the World Cup.”
But the outlook was not completely rosy, Jordaan said.
”We only have three million tickets of which one million will be available for South Africans.”
There will also be difficulties with broadcast, accommodation and travel.
Themba Maseko, head of the government communications service, said economic opportunities for South Africans during the World Cup will be limited by Fifa’s tight control on sponsorships.
But ”other platforms” will be created for ordinary South Africans to benefit economically.
He said the 2009 elections is also a challenge.
”We have to avoid a situation where parties spread negativity amongst South Africans. This will change international perception.”
Maseko added that South Africa should be projected in a more positive light abroad, and called on the media to play a role in writing positive stories about the country.
Jordaan said business, government and society must work together to ensure that all challenges are met and that the 2010 Soccer World Cup is the best ever.
He said the tournament will generate 129 000 jobs with direct expenditure in the country totalling R7,2-billion.
About 350 000 visitors are expected, boosting the tourism sector by about R9-million. — Sapa