Eskom, the government and the electricity regulator are identifying weaknesses in power-supply systems in the nine 2010 Soccer World Cup host cities.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Joe Phaahla, director general of the 2010 unit, pointed out that the event would be held in winter when demand would be at its peak.
”Stadiums will be powered by generators in terms of Fifa requirements,” he said.
”We are working closely with Eskom, the Department of Minerals and Energy and the electricity regulator.”
At the briefing, which preceded a media tour of 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup sites in Johannesburg, Yvonne Johnstone, chief executive of the International Marketing Council of South Africa, said it was estimated that 30-billion people would be exposed to South Africa during the six weeks of the event.
Only 24,6-billion were exposed to Germany when that country hosted it in 2006.
On perceptions about South Africa’s readiness, Johnstone said South Africa’s construction sector deserved credit and faith.
”South Africans built Dubai and that’s a great success. Let’s have some faith in our fellow countrymen.” — Sapa