Soccer WC 2010 [Part 2] [Archive]

DennisRodman97

August 1st, 2007, 02:18 AM

South Africa: CT Approves Revised Plans for 2010 Stadium

Email This Page

Print This Page

Visit The Publisher's Site

BuaNews (Tshwane)

31 July 2007
Posted to the web 31 July 2007

Themba Gadebe
Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has approved the final building plan for the Green Point stadium, the venue for the 2010 Fifa World Cup semi-finals.

The initial plan had to be revised after the rezoning of the land in Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, and the obtaining of environmental authorisation for the development.

"The revised building plans for the Green Point multi-purpose stadium for the 2010 Soccer World Cup were approved by the City of Cape Town at a special council meeting held on Monday. This is a major milestone in the project," the city said in a statement.

The design of the stadium was revised to reduce the overall building size and height to meet the available budget.

The 68 000 seating capacity, however, remained unchanged.

While original building plans were advertised for comment in January and February this year, the revised plans were advertised during May and June 2007, and additional objections were received by the closing date of 7 June 2007.

The plans have also been circulated to the relevant city departments for comment.

"Until now, the foundations of the stadium have been under construction on the basis of two provisional building plan authorisations.

"The city followed this route to make sure it remained legally compliant as the construction progressed. We have stayed within these authorisations at all times," said Cape Town's Executive Mayor, Helen Zille.

Following the approval, the mayor said that the structure would soon rise above the ground level, saying three final tenders for a long-term operator of the stadium were currently being assessed.

"The operator will have to run the stadium in a sustainable way," she noted, adding that "the operator will also be expected to produce income for the maintenance of the sport, recreation, park and walkway precinct proposed for the reconfigured Green Point Common.

Ms Zille told the council the stadium project had extremely tight deadlines for the upcoming World Cup 2010 event, saying "we cannot afford any delay."

"We are also confident that Cape Town will be able to make the most of the 2010 matches and events, following the recent "90 Minutes for Mandela Match" played between an African and World Eleven at Newlands on 18 July," she said.

She further said that the"90 Minutes for Mandela Match" showed that Cape Town soccer lovers could fill a stadium and create exactly the kind of atmosphere and excitement that we want the world to see in 2010.

World Cup fixtures will be played in ten stadia across the country, of which half are being renovated to comply with Fifa's requirements and the other half to be built from scratch.

Construction has started on all the five arenas to be newly built.

Relevant Links

Southern Africa
Construction
Soccer
South Africa
Sport

Renovations to four of the stadiums set to host 2010 fixtures would be complete by December 2008.

These stadiums are Vodacom Park in Mangaung, Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg, Loftus stadium in Pretoria and Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Those who will be completed by October 2009 are Mbombela in Nelspruit, Peter Mokaba (Polokwane), Nelson Mandela Bay, Green Point (Cape Town) Moses Mabhida (Durban) and the Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Mo Rush

August 1st, 2007, 10:00 PM

My sis works for one of the structural engineers sub-contracted to greenpoint and sent me some pictures this morning. Not sure if these have been already shown here, but will paste them anyway.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image006-1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image001.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image002.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image003.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image004.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/image005.jpg

Llanfairpwllgwy-ngyllgogerychwy-rndrobwllllanty-siliogogogoch

August 2nd, 2007, 11:37 AM

So after the WC most stadiums will become Rugby stadiums ??

Sand-Shark

August 2nd, 2007, 12:20 PM

Certainly rugby will (at present) still be the quickest way for most cities to fund and justify their stadiums. But not all will become rugby venues.

SA BOY

August 2nd, 2007, 12:42 PM

just thinking Newlands is going to battle to keep Problems err sorry province there. Imagine boks playing AB's in this stadium

Mo Rush

August 2nd, 2007, 03:43 PM

just thinking Newlands is going to battle to keep Problems err sorry province there. Imagine boks playing AB's in this stadium

Newlands move gathers pace

Newlands Move Gathers Pace

Cape Argus (Cape Town)
NEWS
31 July 2007
Posted to the web 31 July 2007

By Dale Granger

Going, going, gone that's Newlands, the oldest Test stadium in South Africa and the only rugby venue in the country that is 100% owned by a provincial union.

Within days an important decision is due to be taken at the City Council that would reduce the famous Newlands to rubble as WP Rugby, in conjunction with Investec, have been secretly negotiating with the City Council over a move to the new Green Point stadium after the 2010 World Cup soccer.

The move would transform WP into the richest rugby union in South Africa and one of the wealthiest in the world, as the land at Newlands is valued at R250-300m.

All of Western Province's major rivals, the Sharks, Free State Cheetahs and the Bulls, have long-term leases with their city councils on their stadiums while Ellis Park is 50% owned by the Lions Rugby Union and Orlando Pirates.

This puts WP Rugby in a unique position of cashing in on the sale of Newlands and moving to the new, state of the art 60,000-seater stadium as a tenant.

Investec, who have agreed to stand surety for R185m to cover surplus costs projected in the budget of the new, R3bn Green Point Stadium, have put in a tender with Western Province to operate the new stadium for the next 30 years.

If successful, the 112-year-old Newlands would almost certainly follow the same fate as famous old rugby/soccer stadiums around the world such as Wembley, Lansdowne Road, the Parc des Princes, Highbury and Anfield. It is likely to be demolished to make way for residential or commercial development.

However, the issue of demolishing Newlands is so sensitive that the WP Rugby Union have not yet discussed it at executive level. WP rugby officials, Investec and the City Council were tight-lipped yesterday when asked to comment on developments that are likely to decide the fate of Newlands within weeks, if not days.

"We have shown an interest," said WPRFU chief executive Theuns Roodman. "Beyond that I can't comment as it is confidential. I can't say yes or no."

Even WP Pty Ltd managing director Rob Wagner appeared to be in the dark, saying: "Newlands is owned by the WP Rugby Football Union and we pay a rental for the (Stormers and WP teams) to play there. It is a union matter that has nothing to do with us."

Hugh Herman, chairman of Investec, was unavailable for comment yesterday. Company spokesperson Jennifer Cohen said she could not comment either, but was aware that the City Council were intending to make an important announcement in the tender process on Monday.

Cape Town's 2010 spokesperson, Pieter Cronjé, confirmed that the City Council was busy assessing the tenders - a joint venture involving four parties, another one of two and a single entity.

"We have just completed the first round of assessment and there is more work to be done. Only when we have had the second session, working through the check lists and going through all the elements, will we be able to give a clearer picture.

"In the past we have spoken to Western Province Rugby and other facility operators to get a sense of the dos and donts of running such a commercial operation successfully.

"Now that the tenders are in, we are not in a position to disclose any substance of the documents as they are confidential at this stage.

"The first step is to make sure that the tenders are compliant in terms of being in good standing with SARS and so forth. Then we will assess the bids in detail, consider what they are offering and their track records and the team of core experts will recommend which bid should be given the tender in a written, formal report to the bid adjudication committee.

"The process will then be open to public meeting for discussion. Then we will negotiate and sign a long-term lease agreement and in terms of that we are looking at 30 years," said Cronjé.

Although the recommended bid was scheduled to be announced on Monday, Cronjé said he was not certain of the time-line at this stage. The evaluation committee was due to meet today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2007 Cape Argus. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/28200712131.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/282007121371.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/282007121591.jpg

dysan1

August 2nd, 2007, 07:24 PM

Newlands move gathers pace

Its scary the Western Province rugby in are such a bad financial position that they will even consider selling newlands (their final asset) and turning it into rubble. They have sold so many assets over the years and squandered the money, will things be any different this time? And demolishing newlands is a scary thought, worse than kings park, since it is one of the most historic grounds in rugby.

Mo Rush

August 2nd, 2007, 08:15 PM

Its scary the Western Province rugby in are such a bad financial position that they will even consider selling newlands (their final asset) and turning it into rubble. They have sold so many assets over the years and squandered the money, will things be any different this time? And demolishing newlands is a scary thought, worse than kings park, since it is one of the most historic grounds in rugby.

yeap. buts it the future of WP. and it allows them to get out of their financial mess and move into a stadium thats leaps ahead of the newlands stadium, which doesn't offer a future to to the constraints of the location.

nobody is completely pro-knocking down newlands, i know i certainly would not like it to be knocked down but thats the choice, and the green point stadium offers the club, rugby, soccer, the city and its people a future.

Weighing up the pro's and cons, green point wins.

DennisRodman97

August 3rd, 2007, 04:51 AM

Jo'burg traffic could 'jam' 2010 World Cup
ALFRED MULENGA
CORRESPONDENT

JOHANNESBURG: Travellers passing through the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg cannot fail but be impressed by developments taking place there. Runways are in tip-top condition and it is quite a spectacle to see aircraft of various shapes and sizes landing and taking off to various destinations around the globe. Inside the terminal building, the arrivals and departure lounges, including duty-free shops and banking facilities, are in superb condition.

A drive into the heart of Johannesburg, the country's commercial centre, also confirms that South Africans are firmly on the road to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals as blocks of flats and other housing facilities are under construction in every direction of the sprawling city.

No wonder FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, on his latest inspection tour had no hesitation in affirming that contrary to doubts raised elsewhere, South Africa was ready to host the World Cup, which Africa will be staging for the first time ever.

However, what the FIFA supremo did not talk about was the "magic" the South Africans would use to conquer the traffic jams particularly in Johannesburg so that soccer fans travelling by road or jetting into the city from all over the globe do not arrive at the various World Cup venues when the referee is about to blow the final whistle.
Right now most workers in Johannesburg, for example, nearly always arrive late at work because of the traffic congestion on all the major arteries leading into the central business districts.

This includes the Johannesburg-Pretoria Highway, which is one of the busiest throughout the day. "There are so many cars in Jo'burg, traffic moves so slowly that most employers do not mind if an employee arrives an hour late.

"Bosses have come to accept the fact that congestion is a problem because if the bus or car is caught up in a traffic jam, there is very little that an employee can do," Gloria Nyangulu, a former Gaborone West resident said from her new home in Midrand.
"If a traveller in transit is not to miss his or her flight, it is advisable to secure accommodation in one of the hotels near the international airport because by as early as six o'clock in the morning, there are so many cars on the roads that if your flight is at 8am, you must be up by 4am in order to get to ORT international airport - which is some 30km from Midrand - and it can take up to an hour to get there because traffic is painfully slow," she said.

Work on the construction of the railway line - amicably dubbed the Gautrain - to link Johannesburg with Pretoria (Tshwaane) seems to be progressing well after initial land problems with farmers on whose property the railway will pass.
When complete, the train service will certainly go a long way in decongesting road traffic in and out of the two cities, which are both principal gateways to various World Cup venues across the country.

The Local World Cup Organising Committee headed by veteran administrator, Dan Jordaan has been praised for the sterling work done so far.
New stadiums are being built while old ones are being, or will be renovated to meet FIFA requirements. In light of the present traffic jams, the organisers, it is being suggested, should go an extra mile and look for financiers to invest in the setting up of a tram network as one way of decongesting Johannesburg - and indeed other cities with World Cup arenas - so that World Cup 2010 SA is a rousing success. (Sila Press Agency)

DennisRodman97

August 3rd, 2007, 04:52 AM

So Joburg is like L.A ...so much traffic and shyt.

kulani

August 3rd, 2007, 03:00 PM

So Joburg is like L.A ...so much traffic and shyt.

Yes, that's why Gautrain (high speed rail) and BRT (bus rapid transit) projects are all the craze now.

DennisRodman97

August 4th, 2007, 06:34 PM

who loves watching porn?

kulani

August 5th, 2007, 01:03 AM

who loves watching porn?

watched all the porno i needed in my life when i was in high school.

DennisRodman97

August 5th, 2007, 04:30 AM

lol :D ...im sure durby loves porn.

kulani

August 5th, 2007, 02:50 PM

here's some pictures SA vs NZ rugby at ABSA stadium in Durban, just next to the new Moses Mabida stadium (still can't believe those suckers changed the name from King Senzangakhona)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/613062037_7961d24fc6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/613765902_e16685abdc_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1178/613059125_798bf8a192_o.jpg

^Anton^

August 5th, 2007, 07:04 PM

Dennis, what does porn have to do with anything here...

Durbsboi

August 6th, 2007, 09:15 AM

lol :D ...im sure durby loves porn.

I think I got my college collection somewhere in a back drawer, you want it? :lol:

I didnt know they were putting a water feature in the CT stadium ;)

http://i9.tinypic.com/53zcr3o.jpg

Llanfairpwllgwy-ngyllgogerychwy-rndrobwllllanty-siliogogogoch

August 6th, 2007, 01:25 PM

So Durbs will have two huge stadiums next to each other.
I was in the assumption the old stadium was going to be upgraded.
So will the old one stay or what ??
PS , in the biggest soccer magazine in Netherlands there was a big negative story on the WC in S-Africa. I get sick and tired of the negative news.
No, it is not going to be a WC in Europe so Yes there will be a few things different than we are used to, when will they get it? I am sure when the WC is over S-Africa will get big compliments on the great tournament.

^Anton^

August 6th, 2007, 03:49 PM

SA BOY

August 6th, 2007, 04:08 PM

dont know wether to laugh or cry, if the sell the land they are laughing but such a loss of the oldest ground is SA is tragic but part of evolution .

QUOTE=Mo Rush;14585142]Newlands move gathers pace

Newlands Move Gathers Pace

Cape Argus (Cape Town)
NEWS
31 July 2007
Posted to the web 31 July 2007

By Dale Granger

Going, going, gone that's Newlands, the oldest Test stadium in South Africa and the only rugby venue in the country that is 100% owned by a provincial union.

Within days an important decision is due to be taken at the City Council that would reduce the famous Newlands to rubble as WP Rugby, in conjunction with Investec, have been secretly negotiating with the City Council over a move to the new Green Point stadium after the 2010 World Cup soccer.

The move would transform WP into the richest rugby union in South Africa and one of the wealthiest in the world, as the land at Newlands is valued at R250-300m.

All of Western Province's major rivals, the Sharks, Free State Cheetahs and the Bulls, have long-term leases with their city councils on their stadiums while Ellis Park is 50% owned by the Lions Rugby Union and Orlando Pirates.

This puts WP Rugby in a unique position of cashing in on the sale of Newlands and moving to the new, state of the art 60,000-seater stadium as a tenant.

Investec, who have agreed to stand surety for R185m to cover surplus costs projected in the budget of the new, R3bn Green Point Stadium, have put in a tender with Western Province to operate the new stadium for the next 30 years.

If successful, the 112-year-old Newlands would almost certainly follow the same fate as famous old rugby/soccer stadiums around the world such as Wembley, Lansdowne Road, the Parc des Princes, Highbury and Anfield. It is likely to be demolished to make way for residential or commercial development.

However, the issue of demolishing Newlands is so sensitive that the WP Rugby Union have not yet discussed it at executive level. WP rugby officials, Investec and the City Council were tight-lipped yesterday when asked to comment on developments that are likely to decide the fate of Newlands within weeks, if not days.

"We have shown an interest," said WPRFU chief executive Theuns Roodman. "Beyond that I can't comment as it is confidential. I can't say yes or no."

Even WP Pty Ltd managing director Rob Wagner appeared to be in the dark, saying: "Newlands is owned by the WP Rugby Football Union and we pay a rental for the (Stormers and WP teams) to play there. It is a union matter that has nothing to do with us."

Hugh Herman, chairman of Investec, was unavailable for comment yesterday. Company spokesperson Jennifer Cohen said she could not comment either, but was aware that the City Council were intending to make an important announcement in the tender process on Monday.

Cape Town's 2010 spokesperson, Pieter Cronjé, confirmed that the City Council was busy assessing the tenders - a joint venture involving four parties, another one of two and a single entity.

"We have just completed the first round of assessment and there is more work to be done. Only when we have had the second session, working through the check lists and going through all the elements, will we be able to give a clearer picture.

"In the past we have spoken to Western Province Rugby and other facility operators to get a sense of the dos and donts of running such a commercial operation successfully.

"Now that the tenders are in, we are not in a position to disclose any substance of the documents as they are confidential at this stage.

"The first step is to make sure that the tenders are compliant in terms of being in good standing with SARS and so forth. Then we will assess the bids in detail, consider what they are offering and their track records and the team of core experts will recommend which bid should be given the tender in a written, formal report to the bid adjudication committee.

"The process will then be open to public meeting for discussion. Then we will negotiate and sign a long-term lease agreement and in terms of that we are looking at 30 years," said Cronjé.

Although the recommended bid was scheduled to be announced on Monday, Cronjé said he was not certain of the time-line at this stage. The evaluation committee was due to meet today.

Mo Rush

August 6th, 2007, 04:33 PM

I think I got my college collection somewhere in a back drawer, you want it? :lol:

I didnt know they were putting a water feature in the CT stadium ;)

http://i9.tinypic.com/53zcr3o.jpg

yeah of course.

water will be lead into a pipe from the downward sloping roof and will then be pumped down the pipes in the stadium column, from there the water will move to the underground water storage pond, which will store water for the stadium and precinct.

DennisRodman97

August 6th, 2007, 09:32 PM

anton just kiddin about the porn...i was bored..

Durbsboi

August 7th, 2007, 12:21 PM

yeah of course.

water will be lead into a pipe from the downward sloping roof and will then be pumped down the pipes in the stadium column, from there the water will move to the underground water storage pond, which will store water for the stadium and precinct.

Im taking thats a serious statement, because I read something to that effect last year.

Durbsboi

August 7th, 2007, 12:22 PM

anton just kiddin about the porn...i was bored..

My philosophy is "A Pc with now porn is like having pop corn with out salt, its just not right!"

^Anton^

August 7th, 2007, 04:02 PM

^^
Hard to believe it's winter down there :lol:

DennisRodman97

August 7th, 2007, 04:03 PM

yall freaks need to stop about the porn thing....get ur ass back to work

Durbsboi

August 7th, 2007, 04:31 PM

Telkom Charity Cup was held at the Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng over the weekend.

This has got to be one of the funkiesnt stadiums in the world, its design is mind boggling!

http://www.saps.gov.za/_images/docs_publs/publications/journal/march06/nw3.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/6eym0p2.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/5z4mxx5.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/4ti6wlg.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/4md6lno.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/4pp2xjn.jpg

^Anton^

August 8th, 2007, 12:58 AM

^^
The design is original indeed! Maybe a bit dangerous for kids though?

DennisRodman97

August 8th, 2007, 01:32 AM

Compromise reached on city names for 2010

Khoza says the preliminary draw for the 2010 showpiece will take place on November 25 in Durban

August 07, 2007, 19:30

The world governing soccer body, FIFA, and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) have reached a compromise regarding the names of the cities for the 2010 World Cup. The agreement was reached following the monthly 2010 board meeting.

The problematic cities were Tshwane, Mangaung and the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality. Within the country these names will continue to be used, while for international purposes they will carry double-barrel names - Pretoria/Tshwane, Bloemfontein/Mangaung and Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay. The names will also be printed on the tickets. However, Mbombela or Nelspruit is still to be discussed.

The 2010 LOC chairperson Irvin Khoza says: "The board also confirmed that the preliminary draw for the 2010 showpiece will take place on November 25 in Durban. The show will be broadcast worldwide. FIFA has also expressed satisfaction with stadia construction. Cape Town and Port Elizabeth are the only cities behind schedule."

Meanwhile, Telkom SA has become the official supporter of the 2010 World Cup. Its technology will provide the fixed-line telecommunications backbone supporting the broadcast of the action.

DennisRodman97

August 8th, 2007, 01:34 AM

^^ what is up with the name change in south africa....

^Anton^

August 8th, 2007, 01:53 AM

I really don't get it, cities have their names for a reason.. Pretoria was named that way because of Andries Pretorius, Durban because of Benjamin D'Urban... and I could name dozens of other cities, and let's face it, they wouldn't be the cities they are now if it wasn't for them. They are part of South African history, and I think it's dumb to just erase that legacy (denying history won't erase it) to give those cities a new fake identity.

Nobody's history if clean of mistakes, so I don't get why certain names are being demonized for their past whereas others, as for example King Shaka, are being honored and their name appears everywhere though their hands aren't exactly clean of innocent blood either.

kulani

August 8th, 2007, 07:53 AM

^^ what is up with the name change in south africa....

Welcome to South Africa, the ANC calls it transformation to redress the apartheid naming policy which preferred to recognize white heroes at the expense of black heroes. :lol:

As for how i feel, i wouldn't give a shit, just show me the money.

Durbsboi

August 8th, 2007, 08:46 AM

I think its all balls to be honest, they can take their new names & shove it where the sun dont shine, they full of f*cken shit, they rather make stupid things like that their top priority, but other things such as unemployment, crime & corruption can take a back seat. Just the other day 10 prisoner's escaped from a maximum sercurity prison! how the f*ck can you call it a maximum sercurity prison, if 10 dudes had time to cut holes in fences & run out, I mean come on!

Durbsboi

August 8th, 2007, 08:47 AM

^^
The design is original indeed! Maybe a bit dangerous for kids though?

Like the pyramids, the Aliens built it :D, Its a 59 000 seater, I dno why they just didnt renovate this place add roof's & used it for the world cup, it would have been cool

DennisRodman97

August 8th, 2007, 09:18 AM

you dont have to change a name of a city to honor black heros....u can name a building, a park, a street after them in some other way...changin a city's name is just crazy .....and i think they need to be stopped ....cuz if this continue....cape town and johannesburg are next to be changed..

Durbsboi

August 8th, 2007, 11:00 AM

bro. you can talk to your wall, it will listen more than these dudes will.

^Anton^

August 8th, 2007, 11:05 AM

I agree with Dennis. I understand some street names should be changed as to not honour apartheid leaders, and I think almost anyone would understand that (here we also changed hundreds of street names that would honour fascist leaders after the Civil War). Something very different, though, is to change the name of a city!

If it was to restore the original names of cities which names were changed during apartheid, I would agree 100% with the measure, but this is not the case, those cities have such names cos of the people that founded them, we may not like it or not, but those cities exist as we know them because those guys once settled there and started building them.

Llanfairpwllgwy-ngyllgogerychwy-rndrobwllllanty-siliogogogoch

August 8th, 2007, 11:33 AM

Yes, ANC have their priorities in the right place !
Maybe they should also put priority in changing the name of the president of Zimbabwe

^Anton^

August 8th, 2007, 01:31 PM

^^
As long as he's "truly African" by ANC standards (and you guys know what I mean by this), it doesn't matter that he's a filthy dictator.

Mo Rush

August 8th, 2007, 03:12 PM

Fifa has final say on media host
Zara Nicholson 08 August, 2007 Cape Argus

The cabinet may have recommended Johannesburg as the host city for the 2010 World Cup International Broadcasting Centre (IBC), but Fifa has yet to conclude an agreement and make a final decision.

Mo Rush

August 8th, 2007, 04:12 PM

2010 invasion has organisers on the hop Sipokazi Maposa 08 August, 2007 Cape Argus

The number of visitors projected to visit Cape Town during the 2010 World Cup has increased more than five-fold, triggering a hunt for extra accommodation and transport. [ Full Story... ]

^Anton^

August 8th, 2007, 04:13 PM

^^
Oh interesting! :) so according to this, CT may eventually host the IBC? Well, as South Africa's top conference destination (thx for your signature Mo, hehe) it would make perfect sense.

Mo Rush

August 9th, 2007, 12:08 PM

2010 Invasion Has Organisers On the Hop

8 August 2007
Posted to the web 8 August 2007

By Sipokazi Maposa

The number of visitors projected to visit Cape Town during the 2010 World Cup has increased more than five-fold, triggering a hunt for extra accommodation and transport.

Organisers are now looking to the Southern Cape and winelands regions for accommodation for international teams and their spectators.

After an analysis by the pro-vince over the past four months, between 250 000 and 300 000 visitors are expected to descend on the city during the World Cup, and at least 150 000 of these will be staying in city hotels.

Initially the number of visitors was estimated to be 50 000, but has since gone up by 200 000 after more studies were done.

Provincial 2010 project director Denis Lillie said organisers had to realign their transport plans to accommodate the growing number.

He said authorities were looking at using the integrated provincial and municipal transport plans that promote the co-ordination of rail, buses and taxis to get people to and from the stadiums.

"We have to make sure the transport action plan is up and running and responds to these numbers.

"Some of the best teams will be coming here and we need to ensure that we offer people a better service," Lillie said.

This would also see some of the 700 new buses that had been ordered for the event transporting people as far as Southern Cape towns such as Kynsna, site of the popular Oyster Festival, which will coincide with the World Cup event during July 2010.

Lillie said these buses would be released into the public transport system after the event.

"We are beginning to understand exactly what we should be expecting during the event and how to respond to that.

"We have spoken with previous World Cup and Olympic organisers, such as the 2012 London Olympics Committee, for advice. We are moving ahead and are getting ready," he said.

The province was also looking at securing land and getting national government approval to build depots, plazas and parking facilities for the 2010 luxury buses.

A piece of land has already been identified in Khayelitsha to build a bus depot.

At least one big depot and five small supporting depots are being considered.

The issue of non-availability of depots was recently raised by Golden Arrow Bus Service, which raised concerns about the little time left for planning for the soccer extravaganza.

Golden Arrow's general ma-nager, Francois Meyer, said there seemed to be a lack of support on how the luxury buses, set to operate for about 18 hours a day, were to be maintained, whether any new depots were to be built for them and where the extra drivers would come from.

But Lillie said this was being looked at, with drivers and mechanics set to be trained once it became clear what kind of buses were to be brought in.

"In terms of operational plan we are ready to go ahead... It's just a matter of getting final approval from the na-tional government and getting funding," he said.

kulani

August 9th, 2007, 12:56 PM

Yes, ANC have their priorities in the right place !
Maybe they should also put priority in changing the name of the president of Zimbabwe

good one, :lol: :lol:

Inertia

August 10th, 2007, 10:01 AM

Soccer City, courtesy of Andrew Murray

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/1062284122_6f1fff8ec6_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/1062284122_4a12fb718d_o.jpg

DennisRodman97

August 10th, 2007, 05:10 PM

wow what a shot........good job inertia

Inertia

August 10th, 2007, 06:23 PM

Thank kulani.. From his post in the soccer city thread

DennisRodman97

August 12th, 2007, 05:56 PM

kulani

August 12th, 2007, 06:11 PM

I will be moving to dallas texas next week or so.....no more computer for a while...im moving to look for a job....i will try to get in shape and start playing soccer again...hopefully by next year i will join dallas fc of the MLS....i was never serious about it b4 now i am......wish me luck guys.

Hey Dennis, good luck with your job hunting. I hope you get a really kewl job with some more money. How long you are going to be without the internet. We will miss your ass *****, LOL

^Anton^

August 12th, 2007, 09:30 PM

Dennis, good luck man, but hey, there has to be internet somewhere in Dallas! :P We don't expect you to be on as often as you used to, but come on, keep on posting every now and then alright?

DennisRodman97

August 13th, 2007, 12:06 AM

thanks fellas ...i might go to the library ....i will have to work hard and get some money to buy some laptop...i need to drop about 20 pounds of weight....:( its gonna be hard....i need to register for gym.

Mo Rush

August 13th, 2007, 09:56 PM

1...2...3...4...............15

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1210/1097144313_04b0fd9d82_b.jpg

Inertia

August 13th, 2007, 10:05 PM

not all dedicated to the site tho.. one for the old stadium?

^Anton^

August 13th, 2007, 10:07 PM

DennisRodman97

August 13th, 2007, 10:26 PM

anton give me some advice ....what ways do u guys lose weight in spain.

Mo Rush

August 13th, 2007, 11:09 PM

not all dedicated to the site tho.. one for the old stadium?

all dedicated to the new stadium. only prep work takes place at the old stadium.

dysan1

August 14th, 2007, 08:35 AM

15??? my word. Giles? they all disproving you

Durbsboi

August 14th, 2007, 09:20 AM

anton give me some advice ....what ways do u guys lose weight in spain.

do what the locals here do, drink 100ml's castor oil with quater glass orange juice, you'll shit everything out :lol:

SA BOY

August 14th, 2007, 09:28 AM

15??? my word. Giles? they all disproving you

I can only blame the inefficianet South African contractors and the PM mileage this is getting to keep the FIFA people quite that they are behind.
No contractor in his right mind (where buget is not an issue) would let this over craneing happen.

I dont give a shit as im not picking up the tab, you Sa tax payers are:ohno:

dysan1

August 14th, 2007, 12:42 PM

I disagree that inefficiancy is a reason, you seem to dislike SA construction firms

^Anton^

August 14th, 2007, 02:30 PM

anton give me some advice ....what ways do u guys lose weight in spain.

What do we do to lose weight in Spain? LOL it's not like we live in a different planet or something, hehe... it's just nutrition tips that could apply to anyone in the world :)
I would first need to know what's your current diet and exercise routine, though.

DennisRodman97

August 14th, 2007, 02:48 PM

shyt i just run on tread mill.....:D

Mo Rush

August 16th, 2007, 11:05 AM

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Prelimdraw.jpg

Llanfairpwllgwy-ngyllgogerychwy-rndrobwllllanty-siliogogogoch

August 16th, 2007, 02:40 PM

anton give me some advice ....what ways do u guys lose weight in spain.

Stupid question, sometimes Spaniards lose kilo's in chunks !

TRwJKYi4Px4

Inertia

August 16th, 2007, 09:29 PM

SA 'won't run out of money'
Posted Thu, 16 Aug 2007

The 2010 Soccer World Cup would test South Africa's "fiscal muscle", but the country would not run out of money, the chief executive of the Local Organising Committee said on Wednesday.

"We will never run out of money... the project remains within budget," Danny Jordaan told a 2010 National Communications Partnership Conference in Johannesburg.

He said much work had already been completed. Nine hosts cities had been confirmed, stadium contracts had been signed, legislations had been finalised and 95 percent of the broadcast rights had been sold.

Jordaan said the mascot had been chosen, but still needed a sex and a name.

The preliminary draw was scheduled for 25 November.

With a nod to his detractors, Jordaan pointed out that the highest number of countries ever had entered for the event.

"If it’s not going to happen, why would 204 countries want to participate and win one of the 32 places."

Ben Egbuna, president of the African Union of Broadcasters, said critics were looking forward to a "flawed and mediocre" organisation of the tournament.

"Unfortunately many commentators still regard Africa as one big country where all forms of crime are the rule."

He said more effort was needed to surpass the standards set by previous hosts of the World Cup.

Inter-African flights in particular had to be improved.

Sapa (http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/businesstoday/businessnews/404545.htm)

Wonder what the 2010 mascot is... It better not be a meerkat

DennisRodman97

August 17th, 2007, 04:40 AM

Stupid question, sometimes Spaniards lose kilo's in chunks !

TRwJKYi4Px4

lol...no thanks i wont try that.

Durbsboi

August 17th, 2007, 10:37 AM

Wonder what the 2010 mascot is... It better not be a meerkat

lol, believe me, you going to get a lot of people who are going to want to kill it if it is! Are you also part of that group on facebook? :lol:

Mo Rush

August 17th, 2007, 12:46 PM

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/17820071120241.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/17820071119261.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/17820071120491.jpg

hsark

August 17th, 2007, 04:58 PM

OMG !!!!!!! on cape 2010 stadium i bet i could see those cranes from my house cant wait to take some pics in december

DennisRodman97

August 17th, 2007, 10:46 PM

damn....load of work.

Inertia

August 17th, 2007, 10:55 PM

City is set to be
2010 broadcast capital

Nasrec, the expo centre near Soccer City looks set to host the media crews bringing the 2010 Fifa World Cup to the billions of football fans around the world.

August 17, 2007

By Ndaba Dlamini

THE Expo Centre in Nasrec looks set to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ International Broadcast Centre (IBC), the media nerve centre that will disseminate all match information of the tournament to billions of viewers all over the world.

While the decision is yet to be endorsed by Fifa, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) recommended to the cabinet that Johannesburg be the host centre of the IBC. The cabinet also gave its approval.

Cape Town and Durban were also in the running.

Nasrec, the Expo Centre, in the west of Johannesburg, is big enough to accommodate the IBC – with all the international broadcasters the event draws, according to Linda Ngwenya, director for the City's 2010 unit.

Joburg will play host to the official opening and the final match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, with the grand finale being played at a revamped Soccer City Stadium, next door to the Expo Centre in Nasrec.
The Expo Centre in Nasrec looks set to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ International Broadcast Centre

The Expo Centre in Nasrec looks set to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ International Broadcast Centre

The IBC will be the information nerve centre for the World Cup and the media streaming, which goes out to over 30 billion television viewers around the world during the course of the biggest event on the planet, will be organised, packaged and sent out from that facility.

It is expected the centre will host more than 2 000 journalists, providing television, radio, print and internet reports on the 2010 football event.

"The City has proposed that Halls 5, 6, 7 and 8 [at Nasrec] will house the Host Broadcast Services logistics offices, the Fifa co-ordination offices, the LOC offices and all South African, Asian and European broadcasters," Ngwenya says.

A hotel district to accommodate journalists and IBC support staff will also be built. The onsite 12-storey hotel is expected to have 500 rooms and, Ngwenya says, it will be complete in time for the Confederations Cup in 2009.

A retail and office building; an exhibition and film centre; and an events facility will also be constructed at the Expo Centre, according to Ngwenya.

Mo Rush

August 18th, 2007, 12:59 AM

lets hope FIFA ratifies the decision and doesn't make the LOC look silly

^Anton^

August 18th, 2007, 01:18 PM

Stupid question, sometimes Spaniards lose kilo's in chunks !

Congrats, now we all know you're an ignorant full of prejudice, so... where r u from? I'm sure I can find some stupid stereotype to make fun of you, do you really want to get into that? And just for the record, I couldn't be more proud of being Spanish.

DennisRodman97

August 18th, 2007, 10:55 PM

relax anton...he prolly just joking.....no need to be sensitive.

DennisRodman97

August 20th, 2007, 04:15 AM

dallas texas here i cum......laters fellas....i will miss u nerds...lol....durby, anton, kulani, Big Mo, Pule.........i will get on when i have the chance to check on yall images. :D
Hasta La Vista

Durbsboi

August 20th, 2007, 10:24 AM

smell ya later Dennis.

Those CT images are impressive, but work on the out bowl of Moses is almost complete & I see they going to start casting the actual bowl now for support to the stands.

Inertia

August 21st, 2007, 09:50 PM

Work towards World Cup forges ahead

Joburg is well ahead of schedule on its plans for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, and government officials believe the city will be ready in time to host the world's biggest sporting event.

http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/aug/cbd.jpg
Come 2010, Joburg will probably be the most popular and talked about city in the world

August 21, 2007

By Ndaba Dlamini

WITH the renovation and construction of stadiums well ahead of schedule, Joburg is ready to host "the best Fifa World Cup ever" in 2010.

So says Linda Ngwenya, the director of the City's 2010 unit. He was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, 16 August before a tour to showcase the progress and developments under way in the city as part of preparations to host the world's greatest sporting event.

http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/aug/orlando1.jpg
Construction is underway at Orlando Stadium, one of the 2010 training venues

The city was well ahead of schedule compared to Germany at the same stage, according to Ngwenya. Well-equipped soccer stadiums, legacy projects, an integrated public transport system, greening the city, getting ready for an avalanche of tourists - "all these projects are far advanced and in every case will be finished well in time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™", he said.

State investment
Speaking at the same occasion, the director-general in the 2010 Fifa World Cup government unit, Joe Phaahla, said the government had invested R17,4-billion in infrastructure for the World Cup as part of a much broader spending programme towards 2010.

"A large amount of work is under way, particularly in construction and other infrastructure development projects such as transport, stadium construction, accommodation and communication."

Phaahla said the stadium construction programme in all host cities was on schedule and those stadiums earmarked for the competition would be completed in time for the Confederations Cup in 2009.

Johannesburg has four major soccer stadiums - FNB, also known as Soccer City; Ellis Park; Orlando; and Rand. Soccer City and Ellis Park have been put forward to host World Cup matches and Orlando and Rand will be used as practice venues.

The revamp of Soccer City in Nasrec, expected to host the opening ceremony and match as well as the final match of the World Cup, is "far ahead" of schedule and is expected to be complete by 2009 in time for the Confederations Cup. The stadium, where 15 of the 64 matches played during the World Cup will take place, will have a capacity for 94 700 spectators by the time 2010 rolls around.

Tenders for upgrading at Ellis Park Stadium were awarded in July and construction was expected to start soon, according to Ngwenya. The 50 000-seat stadium will get an additional 10 000 seats when new tiers are built behind the goals at the north and south ends of the ground. New seating will be erected for VIPs and the media.

Orlando Stadium
Earmarked as a World Cup training ground, construction of the R200-million Orlando Stadium was also far ahead of schedule. Work began in May 2006 and the new, 40 000-seat stadium was expected to be complete by 2008, according to Ngwenya.

"Dobsonville Stadium, also in Soweto, is also undergoing refurbishments. When complete, [it] is going to be the most state-of-the-art football and athletics stadium in the city."

Revamps, however, stretched beyond the stadiums, Ngwenya said. An Olympic-size, in-door swimming pool and gymnasium, an up-market housing development and a trendy shopping centre would change the face of the township.

Soweto would also be boosted by the greening of the Klipspruit and its tributaries. A theatre would be built while Diepkloof hostel would be transformed into an integrated settlement.

The Rand Stadium, which is undergoing refurbishments valued at R69-million, will also be used as a training venue during the World Cup. Construction here started in December 2006 and work on the 28 000-seater stadium is expected to be completed by October 2008.

Apart from the stadiums to be used during the World Cup, a further 238 around the city had been identified for greening and upgrading, Ngwenya explained.

International Broadcast Centre
The World Cup International Broadcast Centre (IBC), the media nerve centre that will transmit all match information of the tournament to billions of viewers all over the world, is expected to be set up at the Expo Centre in Nasrec.

Ngwenya said a hotel district to accommodate journalists and IBC support staff would be built at the Expo Centre. The onsite, 12-storey hotel was expected to have 500 rooms and, Ngwenya said, it would be completed in time for the Confederations Cup in 2009.

In terms of transport, Ngwenya said the Gauteng provincial government was building the Gautrain, linking the airport, Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station. A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system would bring buses, taxis and trains close to every citizen in the city. The system was expected to be in place a year before the first ball was kicked in 2010, Ngwenya said.

"The objective of the BRT is to minimise travel times while also providing security, comfort and convenience to the customer. This system will guarantee the safe and secure transportation of host broadcast services and broadcasters, and facilitate the rapid boarding and alighting of customers. A pre-board fare collection will be used and peak frequencies will be in the range of a vehicle every one to three minutes and [every] 10 minutes during off-peak."

Accommodation
Turning to accommodation, Ngwenya said numerous hotels and bed and breakfast facilities were available in close proximity to the stadiums and a dedicated bus service would be provided by the City to enhance or supplement the existing public transport facilities to service the IBC requirements.

"One sphere of accommodation that has been proposed for use during the World Cup are residences at the universities of Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand, where over 5 000 rooms are available. All requirements such as laundry, restaurants, security and recreation will be available to the media occupying these facilities."

Ngwenya said Johannesburg was very aware of the fact that it would come to symbolise the whole of South Africa and, to some extent, the whole continent. "During the four weeks of the World Cup, Johannesburg will probably be the most popular and talked about city in the world."

Mo Rush

August 21st, 2007, 10:02 PM

Llanfairpwllgwy-ngyllgogerychwy-rndrobwllllanty-siliogogogoch

August 24th, 2007, 12:27 PM

Congrats, now we all know you're an ignorant full of prejudice, so... where r u from? I'm sure I can find some stupid stereotype to make fun of you, do you really want to get into that? And just for the record, I couldn't be more proud of being Spanish.

got your period ??:nuts:

btw I'm from Vught !

Mo Rush

August 24th, 2007, 05:08 PM

City‘s stadium progress now back on track, says Jordaan

By Max Matavire Metro Editor

PORT Elizabeth has stepped up the construction pace of its World Cup stadium – to the extent that the project is now on schedule, the 2010 local organising committee (LOC) executive said yesterday.

Committee chief Danny Jordaan said his delegation, which comprised Sport Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi and among others Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, left the city “quite happy” with the progress made on the stadium.

The executive committee meets monthly on a rotational basis in all the host cities to monitor construction progress. Last month it was in Durban.

Only two weeks ago Jordaan said the construction of the Port Elizabeth and Cape Town stadiums was lagging “slightly” behind. However, there was no cause for concern.

“We discussed construction progress and the budget management. We also visited the stadium. We leave the city very happy. They have managed to deal with challenges and the project is now on track. They have done a lot of work over the last two weeks,” said Jordaan. “We are also happy with the financial management.”

He said the Port Elizabeth stadium was critical as it should be ready to host the Confederations Cup in June 2009.

According to the programme, the stadium should be completed by the end of next year.

Jordaan said they had met mayor Nondumiso Maphazi, deputy mayor Bicks Ndoni, municipal manager Graham Richards and other officials “for a full briefing”.

Maphazi also said the LOC executive was happy with the pace of work.

“We explained to them all the processes we are going through. A lot of work has been done in the past days, and we have adopted different approaches so that we meet the deadline,” she said.

Five completely new 2010 stadiums will be built. The other four are Cape Town, Polokwane, Mombela in Mpumalanga and the King Senzangakhona in Durban.

Construction budgets for all these stadiums have shot up, resulting in the national treasury calling for explanations from the municipalities.

dysan1

August 24th, 2007, 06:21 PM

^^ king senz...journalists are useless buggers

Mo Rush

August 24th, 2007, 07:22 PM

^^ king senz...journalists are useless buggers

thats an understatement.

DennisRodman97

August 25th, 2007, 02:37 AM

hey nerds,.....arrived in dallas tx on monday....i got a job yesterday lol....so fast...9 bucks and hr...not bad just to manage till i go back to school in january.....holla~!!1

hsark

August 25th, 2007, 02:09 PM

thats like R63 a hour thats good money back here in sa consider a micky ds burger meal is R20

kulani

August 25th, 2007, 02:55 PM

hey nerds,.....arrived in dallas tx on monday....i got a job yesterday lol....so fast...9 bucks and hr...not bad just to manage till i go back to school in january.....holla~!!1

hey dude, i am happy for you. welcome back. hope you like your new job. how many hours are you going to be working a day?

DennisRodman97

August 25th, 2007, 03:18 PM

standard 8 hours a day....40 hours a week.

Mo Rush

August 29th, 2007, 10:14 AM

17 cranes, 1050 workers

Full steam ahead on 2010 stadium

By Helen Bamford

In spite of finds of human remains, ammunition and old wagon wheels while excavating the site of the new 2010 stadium in Green Point, construction is steaming ahead, with part of the stands already visible.

Health and safety manager Russell Nicolson said a partial skull was found during excavations of the site, which were overseen by the Cape Archaeological Society, but nothing would pose a threat to the development.

Bucket-loads of golf balls were also plucked out of the ground, hardly surprising considering it was the site of the old Metropolitan Golf Course.

In 2003 the discovery of 3 000 human skeletons during construction works at Prestwich Place in Green Point brought that development to a halt.

But at this stage it is unlikely that anything, not even the pending legal action by a local civic group, will stop the controversial R2.85 billion, 68 000-seater stadium, which is fast taking shape.

Approximately 1 050 people are working flat-out on the site, which is divided into four distinct areas.

Each one has its own self-contained section with a shop, administration areas, site offices, locker rooms and "chill-out" areas. They are colour-coded and each has a soccer theme.

Walkways and roads have also been constructed to enable people to negotiate the site with ease.

One engineer told Weekend Argus the stadium site was as organised and sophisticated as any they had worked on abroad.

Seventeen state-of-the-art cranes, shipped from Germany, tower over the site, with the largest looming 79.5m skywards.

Each crane operator, including a first-ever female one, has two "banksmen" to direct operations.

Nicolson said the banksmen were responsible for all the rigging and making sure it was safe.

He said it was also a good plan for a crane operator to be on good terms with his banksmen to ensure their lunch and snacks were hoisted up.

He added that each crane had its own radio frequency so operators could only ever talk to their own banksmen, to avoid any potential confusion.

The old, partially demolished stadium is being used as a construction yard where concrete is mixed and all the re-inforcing material manufactured.

Nicolson said that most of the concrete and steel from the old stadium had been recycled in a huge crusher and some of it was being used on the new site.

Most of the expertise on site is local, apart from a few international specialists.

The stadium's exterior will be covered with cladding to reduce noise levels, while the roof will be designed in such a way that noise will be reflected back into the stadium.

Nicolson said a number of smaller local contractors had combined forces in joint ventures because of the scale of the project.

So far there had been no serious incidents on site, just a few minor "finger injuries".

And the only problems with theft had been from journalists visiting the site who had made off with their hard-hats and reflective safety vests, he added.

The first sod on the project, which is a joint venture between Murray & Roberts and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO), was turned by Premier Ebrahim Rasool and Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille on March 20.

Weekend Argus learned that when Fifa president Sepp Blatter later visited the site in June with Rasool and Zille, a special road had to be built for their motorcade, which comprised some 140 people.

A viewing platform was also hastily constructed for the party taking pictures of the site with Table Mountain in the background, before heading on their way.

The City of Cape Town's 2010 spokesman, Pieter Cronje, said Fifa wanted to inspect the stadium by the end of October 2009 but the entire project would be finished in mid-February 2010.

The World Cup takes place between June 11 and July 11, 2010, and Cape Town expects to host a semi-final.

Cronje said they were looking for an operator to run the site as a commercial venture after the World Cup, which would generate income for the city.

This would include managing the urban park and common surrounding the stadium.

The end-product will comprise a number of plush VIP areas, medical and police stations, offices, a soccer and rugby museum and fan shops.

It will also have its own generators - in case of blackouts.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on August 25, 2007.

Mo Rush

August 30th, 2007, 09:45 AM

Helen Zille :

We are also ahead of schedule on construction of the 68 000 seat Green Point Stadium in preparation for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.

By the end of June this year, 13% of the stadium had been completed, exceeding our target of 10%.

Work has continued rapidly ever since Council gave its approval for the building plans, and the two day strike on the building site has ended.

I must, however, repeat a concern that I have regularly raised, and that is the inadequate budget provision for cost escalation on the stadium. I raised this in my meeting with President Thabo Mbeki yesterday, and stressed the urgency of a national approach to this serious risk factor that all of the host cities face. The National Treasury must address this issue.

Mo Rush

September 7th, 2007, 04:34 PM

Beckenbauer excited at 2010 progress
Posted on 07 September 2007 - 15:18

Franz Beckenbauer © Getty ImagesGerman legend Franz Beckenbauer visited the construction site of Cape Town's 2010 Fifa World Cup stadium on Friday and declared himself "very very impressed" with South Africa's preparations for the event.

Beckenbauer, who is now a Fifa executive member, is in South Africa for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Along with the chairman of the Fifa World Cup Organising Committee, Issa Hayatou, and the chief executive officer of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee, Danny Jordaan, 'Der Kaiser' visited the site of the picturesque Greenpoint World Cup stadium, on the slopes of Table Mountain and alongside Cape Town's Table Bay.

"Cape Town is one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world. The place could not be better. And South Africa is a wonderful country.

"The Greenpoint World Cup Stadium is in a stunning location, underneath Table Mountain and with a view of the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. I am very very impressed with the construction going on in Cape Town and it's fantastic what the people in South Africa are doing in preparing themselves for the World Cup in 2010," said Beckenbauer, who has written his name over and over again in football folklore as a Fifa World Cup-winning player in 1974, coach in 1990 and administrator as chairman of the Germany 2006 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee.

And while Beckenbauer's exploits on and off the World Cup stage are the stuff of legend, it was the sight of Cape Town's 2010 World Cup stadium steadily under construction that gave Beckenbauer great satisfaction.

Speaking after the site visit, Beckenbauer said he was extremely confident South Africa would be ready to host the global football showpiece in 2010.

"I am definitely convinced that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will be a success. It's the biggest opportunity for South Africa. The whole world will be watching this country in 2010. And as far as I can see they're on time and I have no doubt all the stadiums will be ready before the World Cup," said Beckenbauer.

Germany is still basking in the success of a World Cup last year in which Beckenbauer played such a major role, but he advised South Africans to put their own stamp to what will be the first Fifa World Cup on the African continent.

"The best thing is not to copy the German World Cup. South Africa must ensure it's an African World Cup, with all the continent's culture and flair. I am sure it will be a great success," said Beckenbauer, who was also joined in South Africa by two of his vice-presidents from the Germany 2006 Organising Committee, Horst Schmidt and Fedor Radmann.

Hayatou, who was last at the Cape Town construction site with Fifa President Joseph Blatter in June this year, was also extremely impressed with the progress made on the site since his last visit.

Jordaan said it was clear to Beckenbauer and Hayatou that much hard work is being done in South Africa to prepare for 2010 and that the country was on track and on schedule to host a successful event.

"Leading up to the preliminary draw of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in Durban on November 25 this year the message they will take to the rest of their colleagues on the Fifa executive is that a lot of work is being done.

"The progress made clearly shows we're on track for a wonderful World Cup. They (Beckenbauer and Hayatou) are getting very excited about Africa's first World Cup. That's very evident when talking to them.

"The period of doubt from anyone about South Africa's ability to host 2010 is long gone. People are now only interested in dealing with operational issues," said Jordaan.

[/B]

Mo Rush

September 7th, 2007, 11:49 PM

Work is currently taking place at the following stadia:

Green Point
Moses Mabhida
Nelson Mandela Bay
Peter Mokaba
Mbombela
Soccer City
Ellis Park
Free State
Rustenburg

Loftus is the only stadium yet to start with construction of its new roof

Mo Rush

September 7th, 2007, 11:58 PM

http://www.sabcnews.com/video_ram/0,1573,47157,00.ram

Bloemfontein 2010 stadium gets the nod
Bloemfontein 2010 stadium gets the nod

The Bloemfontein Vodacom Park stadium is to be upgraded after months of delays
September 07, 2007, 17:45

The Mangaung 2010 World Cup committee has announced the upgrading of the Bloemfontein's Vodacom Park stadium, after months of delay. The stadium is one of 10 that is to host matches during the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

The Mangaung 2010 Chief Executive Officer, George Mohlakoana, says upgrading work was meant to commence in July. However, it was delayed due to a shortfall of R65 million between the tendered price and the approved budget of R241 million. He says they have managed to secure the R65 million from the Free State provincial government.

Upgrading begins
Meanwhile the upgrading and refurbishing of the Royal Bafokeng sports palace in Rustenburg started this morning.

The stadium will cost about R220 million to build and will seat 45 000 spectators when completed. It will have an improved electronic scoreboard, as well as upgraded parking and media facilities.

The stadium is also to host FIFA confederation cup matches in June 2009.

DennisRodman97

September 8th, 2007, 01:38 AM

Mo Rush

September 9th, 2007, 10:44 PM

Updated:

http://picksandshovels.blogspot.com/

Mo Rush

September 11th, 2007, 11:28 AM

Today, the voting for the official 2010 World Cup poster starts. Only South African residents over 16 years are entitled to vote. The voting finishes September 30, the selected poster will be unveiled at the preliminary draw in Durban on November 25.

See SABC News - Voting for 2010 world cup poster starts tomorrow
and the FIFA voting page

Here are the three designs:

http://www.fifa.com/imgml/worldcup/poster/vote/poster1.jpg

http://www.fifa.com/imgml/worldcup/poster/vote/poster2.jpg

http://www.fifa.com/imgml/worldcup/poster/vote/poster3.jpg

Mo Rush

September 11th, 2007, 11:29 AM

Voting for 2010 world cup poster starts tomorrow
September 10, 2007, 11:15

South Africans will have an opportunity to vote for one of three designs to become the official poster for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the FIFA communications department said today.

"It is important for us that the people in the host country have the final say in the choice of the official poster which will represent their country all the way up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said the general-secretary of FIFA, Jerome Valcke.

The three designs will appear in newspapers across the country from September 11. The closing date for the voting is September 30. The voting is however open to South Africans only. Voters also stand a chance to win the very first two tickets to be awarded to the public for the 2010 World cup.

Poster to be unveiled in November
People can vote by phone, sms or online by logging onto www.FIFA.com/poster, from a total of 16 entries, all submitted by South African based agencies.

The three designs were selected by a jury which included Valcke, CEO of the SA Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad and deputy finance minister Jabu Moleketi.

The selected poster will be unveiled at the preliminary draw of the 2010 World Cup in Durban on November 25. - Sapa
Click here to send this article to a friend Click here for a printable version of this article
RELATED STORIES

sobza

September 11th, 2007, 11:47 AM

sobza

September 11th, 2007, 11:49 AM

Either the first or the third one, me thinks

CTMAN

September 11th, 2007, 11:52 AM

any of those 3 pics are great. Better than London's 2012 logo and probably only cost half as much to design :lol: Personally I like them all and going to be hard to chose 1. I will stick my neck and say no 3, not the best of the lot but kinda hints at the birth of football in Africa and hosting the event for the first time.

dysan1

September 11th, 2007, 12:02 PM

go to the link and vote if you are in south africa. so hard to choose. whats it actually for?

the bloody site wont let me vote...says i'm not in south africa! eish Fifa, still think natal is an outpost?

^Anton^

September 11th, 2007, 02:40 PM

I'd go for the first one!
The design of the third one is really beautiful, but I think the first one would represent better the event it announces.

DennisRodman97

September 11th, 2007, 05:57 PM

yap the first one is the only good one there.
wtf is a poster? dont they have a logo for the world cup already?

Lydon

September 11th, 2007, 06:12 PM

I like the third one. I don't get what's so special about the first...?

Umhlanga

September 11th, 2007, 06:32 PM

The 3rd is best. Anything but the 2nd.

Lydon

September 11th, 2007, 06:46 PM

Stupid website doesn't recognise me as from SA >< Had to send an SMS.

Pule

September 11th, 2007, 09:04 PM

The second one will do it for me.

Lydon

September 11th, 2007, 09:41 PM

The 3rd is best. Anything but the 2nd.

or the First :P So we're left with the third! Wooo :banana:

Mo Rush

September 11th, 2007, 11:10 PM

Sports delegation say stadium is on track

By BRONWYNNE ESBACH

A high-level sports delegation left the construction site at Green Point Stadium in high spirits after a visit that erased doubts that Cape Town was ready for the 2010 World Cup.

German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer, Danny Jordaan, CEO of the South African 2010 World Cup Organising Committee, and Issa Hayatou, the president of the Confederation of African Football, visited Green Point stadium yesterday.

Beckenbauer, a Fifa executive member, said Germany had dealt with the same stumbling blocks when they hosted the World Cup last year.

"Munich stadium also took around two-and-a-half years to complete and it is a wonderful stadium. I am an expert on new stadiums and I am happy to witness what is happening here," said Beckenbauer.

He was in the country for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Confederation of African Football.

He described the design of Green Point Stadium as a combination of the Berlin and Munich stadiums.

"I am very, very impressed. There is a lot of work facing the people, but everyone is doing an excellent job."

He believed South Africa also stood a chance of winning at soccer's biggest showpiece.

"The whole world will be watching, and to host a World Cup is a gift from God. South Africa has the home advantage, and very talented players and one of the best coaches in the world. South Africa has a good chance of winning in 2010."

In relation to the escalating crime problem, Beckenbauer said he "trusts government to control the crime problem".

Jordaan added that South Africa had hosted a number of major sporting events, such as the Tri-Nations and Super 14.

"The security and safety of the players has always been there. I have no problem re-assuring people that they will be safe when they come here."

Hayatou said construction at the stadium had made great progress since his visit in June.

"The way things are going now I am optimistic and I feel this will be completed on time," said Hayatou.

The principal project manager at the site, AndrÃ© Lambrecht, said the stadium was a "massive undertaking", and that progress was influenced by "environmental factors".

"We have a bad winter, and the design is difficult. This is a real challenge, but we are really pleased," he said.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on September 8, 2007.

Durbsboi

September 12th, 2007, 09:34 AM

They better get that voting thing working soon, coz it also says I aint from SA, pretty sure Im sitting in Durban at the moment.

Mo Rush

September 12th, 2007, 12:24 PM

They better get that voting thing working soon, coz it also says I aint from SA, pretty sure Im sitting in Durban at the moment.

only capetonians vote

romanSA

September 12th, 2007, 01:10 PM

1000 days left....

------------------

SA sweats 1 000 days before 2010 kick-off

Chris Otton | Johannesburg, South Africa

12 September 2007 11:22

One thousand days before the most popular show on earth rolls into Africa for the first time, the 2010 Soccer World Cup hosts face a mammoth task in organising the extravaganza and silencing party-poopers.

Delays to stadium construction, questions over transport and accommodation and nervousness over safety in one of the world’s most crime-ridden societies have left South Africa constantly having to reassure that all will be right on the night of June 11 when the tournament kicks off in Johannesburg.

A year ago, even Fifa president Sepp Blatter appeared to be having second thoughts when he said he wanted to see more "pickaxes and shovels" in action at the 10 venues that will host matches.

But on a visit to the country in June, Blatter's fears appear to have been largely assuaged and he attributed the lingering doubts to envy.

"To organise the World Cup in South Africa, there's a lot of jealousy because people say they can also do it somewhere else. They cannot because it will be a wonderful World Cup," he said.

Blatter's trip included a site inspection of the under-construction Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, which is expected to host one of the two semifinals.

But a downing of tools last month in a dispute over travel allowances after legal disputes delayed the start of construction work highlighted the potential for timetables to slip in a country with a long history of union unrest.

South Africa, a sporting pariah before the demise of apartheid in 1994, has successfully staged the cricket and rugby world cups since it was brought back into the fold, but knows that the 450 000 foreign visitors expected during the tournament will provide a challenge of a completely different scale.

While the major cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban should be able to cope, relative backwaters such as Nelspruit and Polokwane know they have major work ahead.

"We are upgrading our roads, railway lines, with a new train station going to be built near the stadium, and we are increasing the capacity of the airport," Differ Mogale, the 2010 coordinator in Nelspruit, told Agence France-Presse.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us in the province to show the country and the world what we are capable of and we don't want to let it slip."

Electricity supplies remain erratic, especially during the winter months of June and July, while visitors to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport can find themselves stuck for over an hour to have their passports stamped on entry.

Trevor Phillips, the outgoing chief executive of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL), believes there should be an acceptance that the competition will not run with the same efficiency as last year in Germany.

"What we should be doing is trying to make the World Cup experience uniquely African: where the bus comes 10 minutes late but nobody gives a toss because they are having such a good time," he said in a recent interview.

The decision to award the tournament to South Africa in May 2004, which came after the bitter disappointment of a losing bid four years earlier, has been widely seen as an opportunity to showcase the whole continent.

Neighbouring countries such as Mozambique are hoping for spin-offs from not only tourists but also by hosting teams during the tournament.

Even Zimbabwe, whose political crisis has raised alarm bells within the organising committee, is planning a spruce-up in a bid to attract visitors.

Within South Africa, the tug of war over who should fit all the bills is likely to intensify as the clock ticks down and there are fears that it could be at the expense of tackling some of South Africa's deep social problems.

Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu admitted earlier this year there was a danger her ministry's demands for both cash and infrastructure "could be completely wiped off the radar screen" as funds were diverted towards 2010.

The government is also aware the crime rate in a country, where about 50 people are murdered every day, must be tackled if the tournament is not to make headlines for the wrong reasons.

On the field, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has an equally daunting task of producing a team to do the country proud. Bafana Bafana are currently ranked only the 13th best team in Africa, behind minnows such as Guinea and Mali. -- Sapa-AFP

http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__sport/&articleid=319000

Mo Rush

September 12th, 2007, 02:18 PM

read it earlier..not a very positive article. its one of those dribs and drabs(i stole bits of articles off iol) journalism.

^Anton^

September 12th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Trevor Phillips, the outgoing chief executive of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL), believes there should be an acceptance that the competition will not run with the same efficiency as last year in Germany.

"What we should be doing is trying to make the World Cup experience uniquely African: where the bus comes 10 minutes late but nobody gives a toss because they are having such a good time," he said in a recent interview.

I wouldn't say that's a very proffesional answer... by saying stuff like that he's only feeding the stereotype that "Africa cannot carry out efficiently such an important event".

And by the way, if the bus came 10 minutes late I would feel annoyed, I don't know where's the fun in that...

Mo Rush

September 13th, 2007, 05:18 AM

Helen Zille's talk to Thabo Mbeki seemed to have worked. She requested that treasury step in to cover possible shortfalls for host cities with regards to the construction of stadia.

______________________________________________________________________

S.Africa Treasury offers extra R5.2 bln for projects
Wed 12 Sep 2007, 5:28 GMT
[-] Text [+]

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Treasury said on Tuesday it had proposed an extra 5.2 billion rand to help out several key government projects and institutions in the 2007/08 financial year.

The additional funds, whose recipients include construction for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and a high-profile energy programme, will be debated by lawmakers on Wednesday.

The communications department will get an extra 500 million rand for state telecommunications company Sentech, which it will use in establishing a broadband wireless network.

South Africa's broadband costs are among the highest in the world, an obstacle to the roll-out of technology to the poor and inflating the cost of doing business in Africa's biggest economy.

The Treasury said 222 million rand more will go to state-owned defence firm Denel, which has received billions of rand in assistance over the past three years.

The arms manufacturer cut its net loss for the year to March to 549 million rand, from a loss of 1.36 billion rand in the previous year.

The government's nuclear reactor project, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, will get an additional 1.8 billion rand to boost the country's energy capacity as the current electricity grid struggles to cope with demand.

The FIFA World Cup will be granted an additional 1.9 billion rand.

"The proposed adjustment is necessary to ensure that stadium construction programmes are not constrained by cash flow shortages," the Treasury said in a statement.

The Land Bank will get an additional 700 million rand. The bank provides financial services to the commercial farming sector and to agricultural-based businesses. Its annual results for the year ended March 2006 posted on its website show that it had a net loss of 125.4 million rand after a 207.6 million rand loss in 2005.

South Africa exceeded its revenue target by 3 billion rand in the 2006/2007 financial year thanks to strong economic growth and improved collection.

Durbsboi

September 13th, 2007, 09:49 AM

only capetonians vote

ah I see, yes, only CT is part of SA, rest of us are in Woogoo Boogoo land :bash:

Mo Rush

September 13th, 2007, 06:10 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1154/1371918741_a44e877a30_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1018/1372800542_78448a46f2_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/1371892351_8028c36e41_b.jpg

Mo Rush

September 14th, 2007, 05:00 PM

Countdown Clock on CT World Cup Website

http://www.capetown.gov.za/wcmstemplates/fifaworldcup.aspx?clusid=472&IDPathString=6497&catparent=6497

Mo Rush

September 14th, 2007, 06:00 PM

1000 DAYS to go!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/soccercitynight.jpg
Opening Ceremony 6pm
Soccer City, Johannesburg

Durbsboi

September 17th, 2007, 09:47 AM

I so want to be here for this night

Mo Rush

September 22nd, 2007, 04:36 PM

Stadium upgrade

In Mangaung, Free State stadium will be utilised as the main venue for the hosting of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. The Free State stadium will be upgraded from the current seating capacity of 38 000 to 46 000. To achieve this seating capacity only the current grand stand will be upgraded. The upgrade comprises mainly the following elements:

• New crowd control facilities, including access and egress;
• Upgrade of the internal layout of the existing grand stand to accommodate additional VIP and VVIP facilities, FIFA and 2010 OC offices, medical and doping control facilities, upgraded dressing rooms and much improved horizontal and vertical circulation
• A new top tier accommodating the bulk of the additional seating and a cantilever roof structure extending over the written media seats.
• Upgrade of the floodlighting to the minimum 2 000 lux required by FIFA
• Temporary media centre and Outside Broadcasting compound
• Ticketing system
• Accreditation centre

During March 2007, Mangaung advertised nationally to invite suitable service providers to submit proposals for the upgrading of the Free State stadium in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The prices received were found to be much higher than the approved budget. As a result, Mangaung is testing the Market again to ensure that a competitive price is obtained. Despite this unforeseen delay, Mangaung is optimistic that it will commence with the upgrading of the Free State stadium at the end of July 2007. The completion date is the end for August 2008, four months ahead of the FIFA deadline of December 2008.

The construction of the upgrade of the grand stand will be done in several phases, involving several independent construction contracts.
• The first phase will commence at the end of July 2007. The completion date for this phase will be the end of August 2008.
• The stadium will then be utilised until the Confederation Cup scheduled to take place in June 2009. It must be mentioned that as the main work will be carried out on the current grand stand (i.e. western pavilion), attempts would be made to ensure the stadium remains operational during construction, subject to adherence to strict health and safety requirements
• A second contract will commence just before the 2009 Confederations Cup. The purpose of this contract is to complete the “overlay” work necessary for the event, which comprises of the specific requirements for mostly hospitality and the media
• A third contract will commence just before the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. The purpose of this contract is to complete the “overlay” work necessary for the big event, which comprises of the specific requirements for mostly hospitality and the media.
• The fourth contract will commence after the 2010 FIFA World CupTM and will include the removal of the “overlay” facilities and the construction of a few items that will be required to make the legacy stadium fully functional.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/1419903724_4630add0b3_b.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/FreeStatestadium2.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/69/202183993_8fff769df4_o.jpg

Mo Rush

September 25th, 2007, 06:34 PM

Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnzwvH-mPNA

Durbsboi

September 26th, 2007, 08:41 AM

^^Can that dude not talk softly? I mean does he have to scream when ever he talks?? But that animation of Soccer City is amazing!

Damn, I really wanted the big bubble roof for FS stadium

Lydon

September 26th, 2007, 01:32 PM

I liked the animation but that man screaming is another story... ><

Pule

September 27th, 2007, 09:43 AM

^^Can that dude not talk softly? I mean does he have to scream when ever he talks?? But that animation of Soccer City is amazing!

Damn, I really wanted the big bubble roof for FS stadium

He is a Praise Singer DB, he performs where there is crowd of peolple and that's how the praise singing is done in Africa.

Durbsboi

September 27th, 2007, 01:40 PM

Ah, thanx for the explanation Pule, but I saw an interview with him on one of the programs ages ago, he was also screaming there, his prob so used to doing it, he does it normally.

Mo Rush

September 27th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Towards 2010: Why the Green Point site is just right

It was with a certain amount of incredulity and sadness, as a patriotic South African, that I perused the contents of Peter de Tolly's ("White elephant looms at Green Point", September 18) self-serving and factually depleted take on the decision making surrounding the development of the new Green Point stadium and its sustainability going forward.

I will accept, for the moment, that this self-styled Olympic planning expert (bid planning and event planning are somewhat different), was not actuated by the fact that he is probably not providing urban planning services to the City of Cape Town in respect of the city's 2010 preparations. However, I believe that a consideration of the facts set out below will bring some balance to what has been (and still appears to be) an emotional issue for some in the Mother City.

Almost half of the article focused on the espousing of IOC Olympic Games sustainability philosophies and how its author and his 2004 Olympic bid team's approach which was ultimately unsuccessful to the attracting of mega-sporting events to Cape Town is somehow superior to that of the professional team that has been assembled by the City of Cape Town to meet its 2010 Fifa World Cup SA Host City obligations.

That being said, one was at pains to understand the (contradictory) and selective reference by the author to the 30-year pay off by the citizens of Montreal in respect of the 1976 Summer Olympics. What the author conveniently fails to mention is that, in more recent times, Olympic host cities such as Barcelona and Sydney have proven to be success stories from a financial and legacy perspective for its citizens.

The author's submission that the ageing Newlands Rugby Stadium should have been upgraded instead of the construction of the new Green Point stadium, for my money, displays a naivete as contemporary approaches to risk management in mega-sporting events are concerned.

The elevated global security environment since 9/11 aside, one must appreciate the behavioural profile of football supporters, rugby supporters and attendees at rock concerts is somewhat different to that of spectators to athletic events.

The bottom line is that Newlands Stadium, hemmed in by narrow streets, a railway line, and a mixed residential commercial node, is not, for example, conducive to the deployment of internationally benchmarked safety and security strategies designed to protect the most important stakeholder who attend sporting events at Newlands - the general public.

For example, the deployment of multiple concentric rings of security strategies at such events requires space as spectators who exited Newlands Stadium immediately after the Tri-Nations test against Australia in July can attest to.

Furthermore, as any historical analysis of soccer attendance figures at Newlands Stadium will bear out, the venue does not appear at all to be a popular venue from a Cape Town soccer "constituency" perspective.

The reasons for this are evident. The facility is, inter alia, not serviced by a primary public transportation node and neither is the layout of its precinct conducive to spectator friendly transport management planning, such as having ample public parking, drop-off and holding areas for buses and taxis.

Which brings me to the reasoning which appears to have underpinned the decision by the authorities that the new Green Point stadium was, all factors taken into account, the most ideal site as a 2010 venue for Cape Town.

The preferred site is within walking distance of the city's primary accommodation node. In order to ensure accessibility of all of the citizens of Cape Town, it is located a short distance from the largest transportation hub in the city.

One can also safely assume that many of our visitors during the event will enjoy the world-class entertainment facilities that the extended V&A Waterfront will offer prior to, and post, World Cup matches. Similarly, the Granger Bay and Green Point entertainment nodes will also play pre and post match host to one of Cape Town's primary currencies tourism.

From a legacy perspective, the footprint of the new stadium and the Common that will be developed around it, the road network that surrounds it and multiple vehicular and pedestrian access points that will service this world-class multi-purpose sports and recreational facility will leave a lasting legacy of general public convenience.

The historical stressful parking and traffic management challenges, such as at Newlands, will be significantly addressed by the new stadium.

The new facility has been designed to meet international safety and disaster management standards.

It meets the requirements of impending sport and recreational event safety legislation, which was recently introduced to Parliament.

Unfortunately the facts are indisputable no manner of upgrading of the Newlands (or Athlone stadium for that matter) would have addressed these issues.

De Tolly cites our country as being "very much a Third World country" as a motivation as to why the various tiers of government have failed its citizens in not negotiating with Fifa to "water down" its technical requirements as far as the co-hosting of the event in Cape Town is concerned. There were similar views and calls during our country's preparations for the hosting of the 2003 ICC cricket World Cup.

And what did our country and, in particular, Cape Town, which hosted the opening ceremony and opening match, do? We staged an event that surpassed, in every respect, England's hosting of that event in 1999 and, for that matter, the West Indies' hosting of this year's cricket World Cup.

The unfortunate and inaccurate use of the phrase "very much a Third World country aside" (we are one of the leading developing countries in the world), one would have expected De Tolly's exposure to the IOC to have taught him one thing international mega-sporting events are all about "big business". They are, among others, about selling as many tickets as possible for the event.

International sponsors who pay hundreds of millions of rand to be associated with these events "want their pound of flesh" hence the required contractual delivery on Fifa requirements.

In any event, is the author attempting to argue that because the 2010 event is being hosted in Africa we must use this as an excuse to downplay our country's and Cape Town's internationally benchmarked delivery capability in order to satisfy practically untested academic and philosophical contra-2010 Green Point stadium views?

I hope not.

In this regard, much is made of the seating capacity of the new stadium. The facts in this regard are as follows:

The stadium will seat 55 000 - the 68 000 for the 2010 World Cup will be achieved by use of temporary seating which will be scaled back after the event.

So it does appear, contrary to De Tolly's assertions that the city's 2010 planners are considering sustainability issues going forward.

Likewise, are we also going to argue that one of the most pressing social economic challenges in the Western Cape unemployment is not being addressed by the development of the required infrastructure for the 2010 event ? Surely not.

Finally, and here I appeal to De Tolly and all citizens of Cape Town who are still in two minds about the city's participation as a host city during the 2010 event this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Sure, there is going to be inconvenience and we are not always going to agree with all of the decision-making around the event.

Our country and Cape Town will (and, in fact, are already) on the world stage as far as our hosting of arguably the largest sporting event (by TV viewership anyway) in the world.

We must attempt to leverage every benefit possible from this - direct or indirect.

However, to achieve this, all of the citizens of Cape Town must coalesce and play their role (no matter how small) in unequivocally supporting this event.

After all the Commonwealth Games, the 2015 IRB rugby World Cup and, yes, Mr De Tolly, the Olympic Games, beckon in the decade after the 2010 World Cup.

# Patrick Ronan is a leading private sector international major event risk management and safety and security legislation specialist based in Johannesburg.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on September 27, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

Durbsboi

October 2nd, 2007, 01:07 PM

It's 1000 days until the cup kicks off

01 October, 2007

By Siyabonga Maphumilo

Durban was in high spirits last week when it celebrated the 1 000 day countdown to the 2010 World Cup with a soccer spectacular in the form of the SAA Supa 8 derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Speaking to thousands of school children and fans who attended the pre-match

celebrations at the Absa Stadium, KwaZulu-Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele said the event was an opportunity to “demonstrate that we are ready to host the world in 2010”.He said KwaZulu-Natal was now preparing to roll out the red carpet for the preliminary World Cup draw in November and the Moses Mabhida stadium being built next door would be among the first stadiums to be ready. Local Organising Committee Chairman Irvin Khoza said lessons from Germany in 2006 had shown that 2010 would only be a success if it had the full backing of every South African.

Taxi drivers

“We need to work a 25-hour day and put forth our culture of communalism which is what we Africans are best known for.” He said everyone from taxi drivers to ordinary citizens and soccer fans needed to be volunteers and ambassadors. “Thousands of visitors will come to the country and we need to show etiquette to them,” he said.

It was expected that at least 6 000 volunteers would be needed for the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, and about 15 000 volunteers for the World Cup.Khoza said the recruiting of volunteers for the events would begin in early 2008. Volunteers would be mainly professionals from different fields, students, unemployed youth and retired citizens. Specialist volunteers would also be required with technical sporting knowledge, language and media skills. General volunteers would be needed for team liaison, accreditation, spectator services, fan parks, transport, information services, hospitality
and logistics

Source: www.durban.gov.za

Pule

October 3rd, 2007, 05:03 AM

SA and Moz look at parks' 2010 potential

September 18 2007 at 10:04PM

South Africa and Mozambique hope to turn the Great Limpopo transfrontier park and the Lubombo transfrontier conservation area into prime tourism spots for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa said on Tuesday the two countries were looking at what infrastructure was needed to make the areas accessible for tourists.

She was speaking at the conclusion of an economic bilateral commission between South Africa and Mozambique, held in Pretoria.

"We looked at how we prepare ourselves as the Southern African region to make sure that by 2010 we have the necessary supporting infrastructure that will make these areas strong tourism areas," Mpahlwa said.

The commission which was headed by President Thabo Mbeki and his Mozambican counterpart President Armando Guebuza received reports on work already underway on these projects.

These include the construction and repair of landing strips for aircraft and infrastructure development in the conservation areas and parks.

Mpahlwa said similar incentives were underway in other transfrontier areas South Africa shares with its other neighbours.

South Africa shares the Ai-Ais Richtersveld transfrontier park with Namibia, the Kgalagadi transfrontier park with Botswana, the Limpopo Shashe transfrontier conservation area with Botswana and Zimbabwe, and the Maloti-Drakensberg transfrontier conservation and development area with Lesotho. - Sapa

Mo Rush

October 4th, 2007, 10:27 AM

July 2010

SF 1 (Cape Town)

England vs. France

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/CTstadium11.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/1179659084.jpg

SF 2 (Durban)

Brazil vs Germany

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban1.jpg

Durbsboi

October 4th, 2007, 12:15 PM

Where do you get these renders from Mo? blody good job! they look awesome!

But I think its gonna be Brazil vs Argentina in Durbs :D

Mo Rush

October 4th, 2007, 12:24 PM

Where do you get these renders from Mo? blody good job! they look awesome!

But I think its gonna be Brazil vs Argentina in Durbs :D

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban6.jpg

Durbsboi

October 4th, 2007, 02:30 PM

:eek2:

My god thats a beautiful sight!

But Im confused, that render shows like a park heading out of the stadium down NMR, but they busy errected a steel structure there now! anyone know what it is?

Umhlanga

October 4th, 2007, 05:11 PM

Where on NMR is the steel?

DennisRodman97

October 4th, 2007, 05:16 PM

look at Mo....the biggest England homer.....England aint been in the semi final of the world cup since 1990. They choke all the time....I agree Brazil, Germany and France might be in the semis. I also think 1 african team will be the last semi final team.
Mo cant even show love for his own country. Ya its not rugby but still where is the love.

Durbsboi

October 5th, 2007, 09:16 AM

http://i21.tinypic.com/211jnud.jpg

Im not sure if they are building a temp shed for all their equipement, but it seems rather large for that. plus they have a dedicated tower crane for it.

News regarding the stadium, the gap between the bowl is taking shape now & the rest of the stadium is rising nicely, its almost equal hieght now right round!

Mo Rush

October 5th, 2007, 11:29 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/1483361278_c41e71d439_b.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/GPointstadium.jpg

anguspil

October 6th, 2007, 02:09 AM

July 2010

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/CTstadium11.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/1179659084.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban1.jpg

Beatiful stadiums, will be a great World Cup; I hope Argentina will be there!

romanSA

October 9th, 2007, 05:21 PM

South Africa: Durban Gears Up for 2010 Prelim-Draw

BuaNews (Tshwane)

9 October 2007
Posted to the web 9 October 2007

Brad Morgan
Durban

Durban is gearing up for the preliminary draw for the qualifying tournament, which is the first official event leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The draw on 25 November, which determines the qualifying groups for soccer's showpiece competition, will be a sizeable event in its own right, reports Southafrica.info.

The entire Durban International Convention Centre has been booked out to accommodate the large number of FIFA officials, representatives of countries taking part in the draw, and more than 300 journalists from around the world who will be covering the event.

Last week, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government approved an R8 million budget to be spent on preparations for the event, which will coincide with the opening in Johannesburg of Soccerex 2007, the first South African edition of the world's biggest business-to-business football exhibition.

Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan, speaking at a 2010 communicators conference in Johannesburg in August, said the "exceptionally complex planning" for the draw was well advanced.

A record 204 out of FIFA's 208 member countries have entered the qualifying tournament. Only the Philippines, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam and Laos will miss out.

The previous record entry was established in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with 194 of FIFA's 198 members at the time participating.

The draw in Durban will feature teams competing in the European, Asian, North American, Central American and Caribbean zones. Not included will be Oceania, South America and Africa, whose qualifying matches will already have started.

In Europe, 53 teams will be competing for 13 places, while the South American confederation, Conmebol, will see 10 teams competing for four or five places. The exact number of sides will be determined after playoffs against a North American, Central American, or Caribbean nation.

Concacaf, the confederation that includes North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, pits 35 teams against one another, playing for three or four places, to be determined by a playoff against South America.

In Asia, 43 nations will meet to try and win either four or five places at the 2010 World Cup. A playoff against Oceania will decide how many Asian teams make it to South Africa.

Fifty-three Africans teams are competing for five places. South Africa, as hosts, automatically qualify for the finals.

Oceania is not certain of producing a finals qualifier. Ten teams will be in action, after which Oceania's number one will play a team from Asia for a place in South Africa.

At the same time that the preliminary draw for the world cup takes place in Durban, the Sandton Convention Centre will play host to Soccerex, the largest business to business exhibition which explores the business side of football.

Representatives from the confederations involved in the world cup draw in Durban will also attend Soccerex.

Over 5 000 delegates are expected to attend the exhibition, which runs from 26 to 28 November. It is estimated that business deals to the value of about R7 billion will be concluded.

Previously Soccerex, which is heading into its eleventh year, was hosted by Paris, Los Angeles, and Dubai, which was home to the expo for the past five years.

South Africa will be Soccerex's home from 2007 to 2009.

World Cup fixtures will be played in ten stadia, distributed across nine cities in South Africa.

Five of these arenas are being renovated to comply with FIFA's requirements, while the other half are being built from scratch.

World Cup fixtures will be played in ten stadia across the country, of which half are being renovated to comply with FIFA's requirements and the other half to be built from scratch.

Construction has started on all the five arenas to be newly built.

Renovations to four of the stadiums set to host 2010 fixtures would be complete by December 2008.

These stadiums are Vodacom Park in Mangaung, Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg, Loftus stadium in Pretoria and Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Those who will be completed by October 2009 are Mbombela in Nelspruit, Peter Mokaba (Polokwane), Nelson Mandela Bay, Green Point (Cape Town) Moses Mabhida (Durban) and the Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Billions have already been committed by government for upgrading infrastructure, with the bulk of developments taking place in the host cities.

Relevant Links

Southern Africa
Economy, Business and Finance
International Organizations and Africa
Soccer
South Africa
Sport

To date R17.4 billion has already been made available to the different provinces for use in the construction and revamping of stadiums.

Crucial milestones in the 2010 preparations' timeline include meeting the deadline for the completion of stadiums and transport infrastructure.

Government has also indicated that all developments, transport infrastructure in particular, is not only aimed at 2010, but well beyond in an effort to create sustainable infrastructure growth.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200710090451.html

Mo Rush

October 9th, 2007, 05:56 PM

this makes me worry

http://www.rustenburg.gov.za/default.aspx?i_CategoryID=25

Durbsboi

October 10th, 2007, 09:40 AM

Ok, first of all, when did they decide to take down the roof & make an O D stadium stand clone? .......must say it looks awesome, but we need a roof over that.

http://i22.tinypic.com/sx2n4n.jpg

http://i22.tinypic.com/12637gk.jpg

http://i23.tinypic.com/2ed32a9.jpg

Secondly HOW THE HELL CAN RUSTERNBERG OF ALL PLACES HAVE A PROPER 2010 section on their website when a city like Durbs dont have shit yet! & durban.gov.za is becoming a headache to visit, its so god damn slow!

dysan1

October 10th, 2007, 10:14 AM

ok that is joining the eeew stakes. its like suicide seating

dysan1

October 10th, 2007, 10:17 AM

http://www.rustenburg.gov.za/images/main_image.jpg

This is Rustenburgs 2010 host city logo...not so nice too, what is it representing? diamonds?

MO do you have all the 2010 host city logo's for us to see?

Mo Rush

October 10th, 2007, 12:13 PM

i love the floating tier of seating. apparently its getting a roof

Durbsboi

October 10th, 2007, 12:38 PM

I love the new additions as well, its bold & I love bold!

dysan1

October 10th, 2007, 02:24 PM

REALLY?? are u people smoking something?

Umhlanga

October 10th, 2007, 04:06 PM

I'm smoke free, and I think it looks pretty good. It's unique but still practical. Just as long as there's a roof.

Mo Rush

October 11th, 2007, 08:47 AM

If you would like the 2010FIFA WC Venues as a signature.
(Only uses up about 1 line of your 5 line limit)
PM me and ill send you the code so you dont have to do it yourself.

Martsbra

October 11th, 2007, 10:14 AM

I'm smoke free, and I think it looks pretty good. It's unique but still practical. Just as long as there's a roof.

must be pretty windy up there. They probly only allow heavy bluebull supporters or spectators with parachutes

Durbsboi

October 11th, 2007, 12:06 PM

^^haha, will be interesting to see what roof they put on here, I hope its not a bland thing, it has to fit in with the boldness of this stand.

Umhlanga

October 11th, 2007, 05:24 PM

must be pretty windy up there. They probly only allow heavy bluebull supporters or spectators with parachutes

I must admit that I haven't been able to watch much SA rugby for several years, but when I was younger, the only kind of Blue Bull supporter was a heavy one. :lol:

DennisRodman97

October 11th, 2007, 05:32 PM

FIFA praises South Africa's progress in building stadiums for 2010 World Cup

October 10, 2007

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- FIFA ended a three-day inspection tour of South Africa on Wednesday and praised the progress being made in building stadiums that will be used for the 2010 World Cup.

The governing body of world soccer, joined by South African organizers, visited four of the nine host cities to assess stadiums in Johannesburg, the site of the opening and final match, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

ADVERTISEMENT

The delegation also received progress reports on accommodations, finances and transportation.

"We were able to see signs of huge transformation in the host cities. The task ahead is a big one and we admire the ambition and efforts in the host cities to make 2010 a successful event," said Alain Leiblang, FIFA's head of media operation for the 2010 World Cup.

There have been concerns about the country's high crime rate and poor transportation system, as well as the pace of stadium construction.

"We are quite happy that the program is on track. What we set out to do with this inspection tour, we achieved," local organizing committee representative Dennis Mumble said in a statement. "There are challenges and adjustments that need to be made, but that's the reason for tours such as this, to address those."

DennisRodman97

October 12th, 2007, 07:37 AM

2010 World Cup already raking in more money for FIFA than '06
Video Clip: FIFA 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan discusses the revenue generated by the event in South Africa (11/10/07) By Lizelle CronjeRelated articles
Task team established to oversee energy security during 2010 World Cup
The South African government has established a task team to deal with the security and quality of electricity supply for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a...
Host cities to use both names during World Cup
The 2010 FIFA soccer World Cup host cities affected by the name change process are to use both the old and new names in 2010, BuaNews reports.
• FIFA's Blatter reiterates commitment to 2010 soccer World Cup in SA
By: Olivia Spadavecchia
Published: 11 Oct 07 - 15:30
The FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa has generated more revenue than any other World Cup in the past 100 years, Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan said.

He explained that FIFA had set a revenue target of $3-billion for the 2010 event, despite widely voiced reservations that, from a business case perspective, no African country could guarantee that amount of revenue.

However, Jordaan noted that FIFA had, to date, signed contracts valued at $3,2-billion, and this was expected to increase to between $3,5-billion and $4-billion, making it the highest revenue generated in World Cup history.

FIFA collected some $2,8-billion in revenue from Germany for the 2006 World Cup. Jordaan enthused that South Africa, from a commercial perspective, had "outperformed" other FIFA World Cup host countries.

South Africa is the second developing country to host the event, following Mexico's turn in 1986.

Jordaan said that the event requirements were the same for developed or developing countries, and that developing countries would have to bridge the gap that existed between the countries in terms of infrastructure, for example.

Umhlanga

October 12th, 2007, 05:39 PM

[Jordaan] explained that FIFA had set a revenue target of $3-billion for the 2010 event, despite widely voiced reservations that, from a business case perspective, no African country could guarantee that amount of revenue.

What's he smoking? As Dysan and I pointed out months ago, the location of the WC has almost nothing to do with the revenue accruing to FIFA. International sporting events get more and more lucrative over time, primarily because of expanded media opportunities and ever more expensive corporate sponsorships.

It's a straw man argument to say 'People doubted Africa could generate a profit for FIFA.' No serious or informed person could express such doubts, because the tournament location is virtually irrelevant to how much money FIFA rakes in through sponsorships, broadcast deals, etc. Most of the money received by FIFA does not come from Africa, and won't end up in Africa. The entire tournament could take place in Antarctica, and FIFA would still rake in cash from eager media outlets and corporate sponsors. 2010 is already more profitbale than 2006, and I'm willing to bet that 2014 will be more profitable than 2010.

These numbers represent a success for FIFA more than a success for SA. SA's successful numbers will come during and after the tournament. Jordaan should focus on that, and leave Blatter to blabber about how much money FIFA's making.

DennisRodman97

October 12th, 2007, 09:40 PM

^^ well said...i agree....

DennisRodman97

October 14th, 2007, 08:38 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N6JfTi_3ts4&mode=related&search=
^^ somebody tell me who sang that song...

DennisRodman97

October 14th, 2007, 08:44 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=n1nn4nr5VgA&mode=related&search=

who sang this song too

Mo Rush

October 14th, 2007, 11:13 PM

build houses!

:cry: South Africa does have their priorities right mate .... new stadiums worth billions of Rands, 4 million plus (entire population of NZ) living in shanty towns and more than 40% of the population (18 million - almost the entire population of Oz) living below the poverty line .... way to go South Africa :lol:

Besides that, good luck in the finals mate - The Springboks obviously deserve to be there.

very true. but as before new stadia do not divert funds from housing nor does it impact on the ability of provincial powers to deliver housing. e.g. spending on a R2.85 billion stadium in Cape Town to attract, lets be modest, R10 billion(CBD and waterfront alone bordering on R20 billion of investment in the next 3 years) of accelerated private investment is much better IMO, than allocating the same amount to housing which will not be spent within the next 5 years. We cannot quantify of compare the massive investment a world cup attracts to the impact of housing everybody. Do remember R9 billion if not less is being spent on stadia, new and upgraded. Wembley stadium alone cost more than that, so in the grand scheme of things and the financial situation of the country that is far from being excessive in hosting the worlds most important sporting event( after the Olympic games IMO :) )

People live in shanty towns because of apartheid, bright lights of cape town and lack of economic development in the eastern cape. the city/province is not responsible for the scale of the current situation but ARE responsible for not delivering and allowing the backlog of homes to increase.

Transport and education would be my priorities if we are looking for economic growth and a reduction in employment. Get people mobile so that they can access economic opportunites in any part of the city and give them a foundation in terms of education, so that they can acquire skills. On the other hand, scrap stringent BEE construction requirements and get in the chinese to sort out the housing crisis with funds which are available.

Building houses in masiphumelela with habitat for humanity( no im not mother theresa) has allowed me to witness the reality of the housing crisis, but we cannot keep making promises and allocating funds while people continue to live out their lives. Money being used to attract investment instead of money sitting dormant for years...We have made the right choice.

DennisRodman97

October 14th, 2007, 11:20 PM

^^ I agree to ur point Mo. The impact the world cup will have on the whole of south africa is priceless. Thats why every country want to host this event. The money use to build the stadiums is priceless too cuz of the reward of what the money is being used for.
Most people dont even know what south africa looks like...come 2010 alot of people will see the beautiful part of the country...with that brings more tourism which brings money.
Poverty can never be ignored...and i think there should be some special fund for building houses and improving lives for the poor.

Lydon

October 14th, 2007, 11:28 PM

All I can say is that jealousy makes people nasty!

Pule

October 15th, 2007, 08:31 AM

I'm impressed Mo, well said.

Ignorance is a very bad thing for one to have. I think we need to ignore all these people who have got negetive comments about anything and everything that our governemnt is doing. Yes we not happy about the likes of crime and some couple of issues but remember that we cannot follow what other countries are doing if we don't think it will work in our environment. Should we follow china and and abuse our people's human rights? Should we follow india and pay people less than what they deserve? Wel the economies in those countries are booming and those are the strategies they chose to floow to uplift their economies and who said the infrastructure investment that our government is investing will not turn things around?

And I agree with Mo, we have made the right choice as as Billions of people will now be able to know about the magnificent country that is located at the tip of Africa. Enigma you are talking about building houses for the poor and that's exactly what our governemnt is doing and in addition to that they give them free 600 litres of water per month and free basic electricity, but hey what are those people gonna feed on. Are they gonna eat the bricks that those houses are built on? well I guess we need exposure to the well so that more and people people visit our shores and create jobs fo the poor. We are already seeing the benefit of the world cup far way before it even started.

But all I can say Rome was never built in one day but i guess one day we will be among the best in the world and our people will be out of poverty. The unfortunate part is that unlike New Zealand we never woke up to the wealth we actually have to work for it and that's what I like about our country.

While you people are moaning about our country, we are striving to create work and a better living environment for our people.

Durbsboi

October 15th, 2007, 08:46 AM

As your sig says Pule "South Africa. Alive with possibilty"

That word possibilty has endless meanings for this country, to the bad mouther's, come back in 15 years, then we would like to see what you have to say.

DennisRodman97

October 15th, 2007, 07:01 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=n1nn4nr5VgA&mode=related&search=

who sang this song too

somebody ans this question...dont ignore this

DennisRodman97

October 15th, 2007, 07:01 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N6JfTi_3ts4&mode=related&search=
^^ somebody tell me who sang that song...

pule or kulani....who sang this song plzzz

Mo Rush

October 15th, 2007, 11:17 PM

"2010" becomes FIFA property

http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/loc1.jpg

Martsbra

October 16th, 2007, 07:18 AM

^^ im sorry but some people/organizations should be spending their money and time on important things..its ridiculous

Martsbra

October 16th, 2007, 07:19 AM

its not april is it? this has to be a joke

Durbsboi

October 16th, 2007, 09:01 AM

lol, 2010 is now a trademark, lmao!

Umhlanga

October 16th, 2007, 04:45 PM

That's definitely a hoax/joke. And a good one at that.

Mo Rush

October 16th, 2007, 08:35 PM

Going to try and update this as I receive/find information. News,images etc. are welcome

Johannesburg
- Orlando Stadium 40,000
- Rand Stadium
- Dobsonville Stadium
- Rand Stadium
- Rabie Ridge Stadium
- Cecil Payne Stadium
- Ruimsig Stadium

Cape Town
- Athlone Stadium 40,000
- Phillipi Stadium 10,000
- Bellville Stadium
- SwartklipSport Complex

Bloemfontein

- Seisa Marabou
- Botshabelo stadium
- Clive Solomon

Tshwane
- Super Stadium
- H.M. Pitje Stadium
- Giant Stadium
- OdiStadium
- PilditchStadium

Polokwane

- Seshego
- Mankweng

Durban

-SJ Smith Stadium
- Chatsworth Stadium
- Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
- King Zwelithini Stadium
- Princess Magogo Stadium

Rustenburg

- Olympia Park
To be updated.

Mo Rush

October 17th, 2007, 07:23 PM

this is me being bitter. The LOC have made a very poor decision selecting Nasrec over the CTICC and the ICC. I have just seen parts of the evaluation and it stinks of bias.

750 beds on site ( apart from many many rooms within walking distance) at the CTICC by 2010..and they choose Nasrec, which needs to build a new hotel.
I do apologize for bringing up this topic again..but after seeing that "evaluation" my suspicions were on track.

Jeez..why has FIFA taken so long to ratify the LOC decision? and why have all 3 bids been sent to FIFA when the LOC has already made its choice?

annman

October 17th, 2007, 07:31 PM

I completely understand your bitterness, but hey... I'm a die-hard patriotic Capetonian. I wonder what FIFA is going to make of the LOC's recommendations of NASREC after they receive all the information on all three locales. Wondering if the reason they haven't ratified the decision is that they're not happy?

I would love to see FIFA tell the LOC to get stuffed and not ratify the decision... :ohno: Yes, Johannesburg is the largest city, but with the CTICC extention, the new 350room hotel on site in addition to the new Westin of 350rooms, plus the three other hotels on the old power-station site, Waterfront and Cape Town CBD on their doorstep with countless entertainment, beauty, shops and restaurants... NASREC sounds like an icky place to be stationed as a media person

Mo Rush

October 17th, 2007, 07:57 PM

kulani

October 17th, 2007, 08:30 PM

somebody ans this question...dont ignore this

Dennis, this does not sound like any of SA's big time artists. i would guess that the advertising company just picked some wanna be artist to do that part. i might be wrong though.

Martsbra

October 18th, 2007, 10:27 AM

i think SA (and this forum) breathed a huge sigh of relief when enigma left...

I dont know about you guys, but I have many friends/relatives overseas. Its quite bizarre, but the first thing they ALWAYS do is tell me how bad it is in SA. Its like, hey I spent X amount of rand to come visit you and now you have to talk about this?! They even know more gruesome stories than I do! pathetic i tell u

Pule

October 18th, 2007, 12:32 PM

People will gather every bad things to critisize our country but again our government is failing us in terms of crimie fighting, education and the health system.

annman

October 18th, 2007, 04:12 PM

Just to give my ten cents worth before we get back to 2010 matters at hand... Enigma isn't just critical, he's actually obnoxious and ill-mannered and that type of attitude doesn't belong in SA, he'd be better off living where I do now, in Orlando Florida USA.

After living overseas for 2 years, I'm so sick of feeling alien and not being in SA. I think we have our issues and crime, AIDS and some of our government ministers are big problems, however I think the creativity, friendliness, ingenuity and genuineness of the South African people is unmatched. The landscapes are far superior to any other country and the cities pulse with an energy not found everywhere.

Where I live now, people are rude and dismissive, crime is not that low, friends are hard to come by as people lie to your face without blinking, traffic is disgusting, the urban landscape is cookie-cutter and bleak, the natural landscape is non-existent and the lifestyle is 100's of times poorer than the Cape I left. Let us be proud of where we come... let's sort out our problems and to those who leave SA and have nothing but bad things to say: good riddens to bad rubbish. We need positivity in SA to make things work!

Now, that's my rant... sorry guys!

Durbsboi

October 18th, 2007, 04:18 PM

People will gather every bad things to critisize our country but again our government is failing us in terms of crimie fighting, education and the health system.

It shows that they still have a tought for our country, hence they dig up stuff everyday to tell people, lol.

Mo Rush

October 18th, 2007, 04:52 PM

I wasn't going crazy when I said that the media would have been able to walk from their cruise liner into the International Broadcast centre at the CTICC. That was apart from the 750 on-site beds.

"Cruise liner terminals are not profitable investments on their own. Given this position the trend worldwide is to construct a multi-use facility that can be used as a cruise liner terminal as well as for other uses. Cape Town has the perfect opportunity at present to develop a stunning multi-use cruise liner terminal by linking this project to the proposed expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The design of the expansion of the Convention Centre needs to include provision for a multi-purpose cruise liner terminal to be added at a later date. It is quite possible to construct the terminal so that it does not unduly affect cargo operations in the harbour by straddling the gangway across the wharf to meet the point where the passengers disembark. Just imagine how spectacular and convenient for all concerned it will be having these beautiful vessels berthed adjacent to the Convention Centre."

http://www.capetown.gov.za/press/Newpress.asp?itemcode=2348
COUNCILLOR SIMON GRINDROD

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 06:47 PM

MPs express 2010 misgivings after report on 'shocking' state of SA transport

By Babalo Ndenze

MPs have expressed a number of concerns over South Africa's transport capacity and ability to meet the needs of the hundreds of thousands of soccer supporters during the 2010 World Cup - ranging from construction delays to the lack of a transport authority in Cape Town.

Transport Department officials, led by director-general Mpumi Mpofu, were briefing the committee on the department's annual report.

Democratic Alliance MP and spokesperson on transport Stuart Farrow said his big concern was that the country was running out of time and would not meet some of its 2010 transport obligations.

The MPs' concerns come after a council report that said the city's public transport system was in a shocking state because of underinvestment over many years.

"(The 2010 World Cup) is 10 times bigger than the rugby and cricket World Cups (that South Africa has hosted)," Farrow said.

"We don't see any co-ordination taking place. There seem to be gaps in the roles and functions people should be playing.

"There are also the transport authority issues in Cape Town. We are doomed to failure, and I'm not the kind of person who thinks like that."

The government is to spend R10 billion on transport for the World Cup.

Mpofu said the department had put together a detailed operational plan that touched on everything from aviation, rail, buses, airports, taxis and construction.

About 1 000 new buses would be made available for the World Cup and rail systems would be upgraded.

Mpofu said that Cape Town had put together a comprehensive transport plan, but the problems were in the "roles and responsibilities in implementing".

The city had decided to ditch its transport agreement with the provincial government to establish the Public Transport Operators' Entity. The intergovernmental entity would have seen the management of rail, bus and minibus taxi transport under one body.

Cape Town needed a "more co-ordinated effort".

"In planning, we are absolutely confident," Mpofu said.

"We have increased investment and capacity to operate. But the biggest red flag we see now is the skills to operate.

"We acknowledge that this particular World Cup is important.

"We believe the country can pull off these games and do so wonderfully."

Committee chairperson Jeremy Cronin said the country needed to make transport its legacy just as Korea and Japan had made broadband their legacy after the 2002 World Cup.

"But the frightening thing about 2010 is that there is a time limit, unlike taxi recapitalisation, which took seven years," said Cronin.

He said he was envious of the Gautrain project because it had one dedicated team focusing specifically on the project.

babalo.ndenze@inl.co.za

Published on the web by Cape Times on November 7, 2007. © Cape Times 2007. All rights reserved.

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 06:54 PM

Khoza pissed off with province

Let 2010 not be a mistake: Khoza

Irvin Khoza, the chairman of SA's 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) warned against complacency and urged all those planning for the tournament to properly assess the needs of staging the world's premier sporting event.

"When these people leave here (after the tournament) they must not say it was a mistake," he said, moments after chastising conference organisers for running behind their schedule times.

Khoza was speaking in Durban on Wednesday at the opening of the second KwaZulu Natal Provincial 2010 Indaba held at the city's International Convention Centre.

He said that Fifa boss Sepp Blatter had "put his head on a block" for the tournament to be staged in SA.

'We cannot fail ourselves'
"We cannot fail him. We cannot fail ourselves," he said.

He said that while many politicians and businessmen may consider opportunities, he questioned whether provincial authorities had conducted a "needs analysis".

"It's nice to have glossy documents. I'm not interested," he said, before questioning whether thought had been given to providing "people who speak French at the airport for French fans."

"These are outstanding issues that need to be resolved. Basic things need to be done correctly. I'm still not sure the province understands its role."

He said the World Cup was an opportunity for SA to help "balance perception" about the continent.

'Concentrate on what you can do'
He also announced that the LOC would be establishing a "turf committee" to ensure that the soccer pitches were up to standard for the tournament.

The conference heard that more than 3 000 people were expected to attend the upcoming preliminary draw for the 2010 Fifa World Cup to be held on November 25.

Earlier in the morning KwaZulu Natal premier Sbu Ndebele said the preliminary draw was an event that would "grab all of us".

"Every country wants to know who they will be playing."

He said the draw as well as the subsequent tournament in 2010 was "one of those opportunities to increase growth and unite people."

Referring to the issue of patents and infringing on Fifa copyrights by businesses, he said: "Don't concentrate on what you can't do. Concentrate on what you can do.

The only limitation you have is your imagination or lack of it."

At a press briefing shortly after addressing delegates, Khoza said the reason behind switching the upcoming PSL league clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on November 24 was to "test and assess the impact of fan parks".

Khoza said that four fan parks would be established for the match in Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, New Castle and on the KwaZulu Natal south coast.

The match had been scheduled to be played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC Dr Zweli Mkhize told the press conference that he did not expect the strike by construction workers at Durban's 2010 stadium to affect completion dates or the World Cup. - Sapa

Quickwire

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-11-07 15:01:53
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

Durbsboi

November 8th, 2007, 08:17 AM

Khoza raising some good points & issues there.

Mo Rush

November 8th, 2007, 03:17 PM

Khoza confirms stadium well ahead of schedule,praises City Manager, slams organization

Khoza slams KZN 2010 Indaba

By Colleen Dardagan

"My boss is a very fastidious man, very articulate, a strong personality, a humanitarian and he hates being late. My boss is the head of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, and if the games in 2010 are due to start at 3pm, that's when they will begin.

"I was due to speak at 9:45am, it's now 11am. This just can't happen."

Fifa's South Africa Local Organising Committee (LOC) boss, Irvin Khoza, gave the organisers of the 2010 Provincial Indaba at Durban's Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre a tongue-lashing on Wednesday, not only for starting more than an hour late, but for also not inviting KwaZulu-Natal-based LOC board members Kenneth Lebenya and Mahomed Mubarak to the event.

'I don't want to see glossy brochures, I want to know the plan'
"Blatter has put his head on a block to bring the World Cup to South Africa. We have to ask ourselves: What will we give the visitors to the preliminary draw to take home with them?" Khoza said.

"Do the people of this province really understand their responsibility in hosting the first 2010 World Cup event at the end of this month?

"Fifa are fastidious in their planning, and when we talk about their requirements, do we know what we are saying?"

Khoza said that in hosting the preliminary draw, KwaZulu-Natal carried the responsibility of setting the tone for the World Cup.

"I don't want to see glossy brochures, I want to know the plan. Organisers must hold as many practice runs as it takes to make sure they know the protocols, that things are being done correctly. One bad experience could spoil it all," he said.

Heaping praise on City Manager Michael Sutcliffe, who he labelled a constructive dissenter, Khoza urged against complacency.

"Durban's stadium construction is ahead of all the other stadia in the country. But I don't want people going back home saying it was a mistake to give South AfricaI don't want to see glossy brochures, I want to know the plan the World Cup because we didn't understand who the stakeholders were, or failed to appreciate the importance of the role of each of us from the time the visitors step off the plane.

"We want the world to know who we are, but what do we know about the people who are coming to our shores in 2010, and what memories are we going to give them to take home?"

Among other things, viewing venues for Fifa's 2010 preliminary draw were announced on Wednesday.

* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on November 08, 2007

Mercury new

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-11-08 06:27:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 01:26 AM

2010 riches not reaching workforce

Niren Tolsi

11 November 2007 11:59

The 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) and KwaZulu-Natal government heads have dismissed the construction workers’ strike at Durban’s Moses Mabhida World Cup stadium as an “internal labour matter”. It was a “natural” trade union strategy to make gains, they said.

On the other hand, workers and labour rights activists said the strike went to the very core of South Africa’s claim to being a developmental state.

“Government has poured billions into infrastructure development in the build-up to 2010 saying these mega projects will help create jobs and alleviate poverty, but what we are finding is that the monopolies are winning while there has been a pushing back of worker gains made over the last decade,” said Eddie Cottel, South African coordinator of the Campaign for Decent Work Towards 2010 and Beyond.

“Construction workers are the lowest paid in the economy, behind farm workers and domestic workers … construction workers are fully aware of the billions in public funds being spent, but cannot see the benefits as their wages and conditions of work have worsened and there is still a racial dimension to poverty and skills development.

“This while an analysis of the construction sector company performance indicates an enormous increase of 36% in pretax profits from 2005 to 2006,” Cottel said.

About 1 200 workers, many of whom are affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), downed tools last Wednesday after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration issued a certificate of non-resolution in negotiations between workers and construction consortium Group 5-WBHO-Pandev -- triggering the first legal strike to hit South Africa’s 2010 World Cup preparations.

According to NUM regional co-ordinator Bonginkosi Mncwabe, workers’ demands included project completion bonuses for each employee of R1500 per month, and the appointment of a full-time health and safety officer from a trade union.

Mncwabe claimed that some workers employed by the “subcontractors” were earning as little as R5 an hour compared with the agreed minimum wage for the sector of R11,90 an hour. He felt this was unacceptable considering taxpayers were shelling out R2,6-billion for the construction of the stadium.

Despite the construction site winning the Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal award for the safest site recently, labour department inspection blitzes over the past three months reflect an erratic approach to health and safety regulations, especially on work done on elevated platforms.

According to Siyanda Zandeki, the labour department’s deputy director general for service delivery, an inspection on August 28 caused the site to be temporarily closed down. The “life-threatening” violations included workers on scaffolding working without safety harnesses, a faulty crane tower and unguarded excavations.

A follow-up blitz on November 1 showed that there was an absence of toe-boards, which provide traction on high scaffolding, and “persons working in an elevated position near the arch base were not properly secured.A prohibition notice was issued, however it was revoked after they had erected a lifeline [steel rope],” said Zandeki.

A department of labour insider said it would be a cause for concern if any company working in the construction sector, whether big or small, were to ignore this sort of regulation.

Citing the various transport workers’ strikes in France during the 1998 Soccer World Cup and this year’s Rugby World Cup, Irvin Khoza, chairperson of the LOC, said the “timing of these activities [involving industrial action] were in keeping with the nature of these projects”.

Zweli Mkhize, provincial minister for finance and economic development, felt the strike was less about the perception of an inadequate trickle-down effect of the estimated R30-billion government has pledged to the World Cup, and more of an “internal issue” involving labourers, contractors and subcontractors. “I don’t think we should feel that there is an injustice going on [at the stadium construction site].”

While KwaZulu-Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele was quick to point out that “the commitment to deliver a world class 2010 is a commitment by all of us: government, labour and civil society”, it is becoming apparent that as trade unions make recruiting inroads into a sector with previously low levels of unionisation the commitment priority may shift from one of infrastructure delivery to the delivery of worker rights.

Andrew Wright of the National Empowerment Fund said the country’s construction sector was growing at a rate of 20% a year on the back of six quarters of economic growth.

Cottel said: “An analysis of the construction sector company performance indicates an enormous increase of 36% in pretax profits from 2005 to 2006. Executive directors’ remuneration has increased on average by 39%, the highest increase of all the sectors of the economy. But while this boom is expected to last way after 2014, poor working conditions continue through poverty wages, vulnerable employment through subcontracting and labour brokers, and a lack of health and safety at the workplace.”

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 11:09 AM

Construction update: 2 November 2007

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/121120071134231.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/121120071133551.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/12112007113491.jpg

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 11:49 AM

If Nelspruit has problems spelling "Gallery" then I think they in for some big problems.

http://www.mbombela.gov.za/

Click on the 2010 link

Durbsboi

November 12th, 2007, 12:53 PM

What happened to good old Phonics! :ohno:

lukus

November 12th, 2007, 12:55 PM

I just wish they'd say when that site pic was taken.

Umhlanga

November 12th, 2007, 04:42 PM

^^ Construction workers get low pay because their skills are often not very unique. Unions erect barriers to entry to new workers (e.g., apprenticeships, lobbying government to require more licesense, etc.) in an effort to boost construction wages by making widespread skills seem unique, but the fact remains that there's an awful lot of unskilled, interchangeable labour involved on a construction site (or a farm). Highly skilled workers earn more because there are fewer of them. Low skilled, or unskilled, workers earn less because they're easily replaced. It's very simple. Howver, NUM have grasped one aspect of supply and demand: Delay the stadium to ensure that their members get paid more to do a rush job to meet the deadline. :lol:

I wonder if they'll make good on these threats.

(Original articles found here (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20071112031343567C220660) and here (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20071111205502311C101638).)

We will strike at all 2010 stadiums: NUM

November 12 2007 at 08:35AM

By Matthew Savides

The National Union of Mineworkers, representing workers at the construction site of Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, on Sunday threatened to launch secondary strikes at stadiums across the country in an attempt to resolve wage negotiations at the Durban stadium.

The strike turned violent last week when about 400 strikers broke down gates and fences and intimidated non-striking workers.

This situation prompted the contractor, Group Five, to obtain an interdict preventing strikers from entering the construction site.

Union spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said the union was prepared to strike for as long as it took for its demands to be met.

"We are going to strike for a long period if the companies are not prepared to meet our demands.

"We are considering secondary strikes which will affect all 2010 stadiums," he said, adding that it could take place as early as next week.

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality has blocked a proposed march by the union to the city hall on Monday, where representatives were expected to hand over a memorandum.

Seshoka said the reason given for the cancellation was that the municipality had other events planned for the day.

"We have written to the municipality to say we are not convinced. They said there would be events on the same day, but must explain what events these are. If they don't, we will go to the courts to have the march declared legal," he said.

The strike began last Wednesday.

matthew.savides@inl.co.za

New strike will cripple 2010 projects - NUM

November 11 2007 at 10:19PM

South Africa's powerful National Union of Mineworkers has threatened a strike on all 2010 Soccer World Cup projects if demands for bonuses and better safety measures are not met, the union said on Sunday.

Workers from the union are involved in building stadiums as well as a mass transit system in the Johannesburg area as part of World Cup preparations, which have been dogged by a series of industrial disputes.

Bonginkosi Mncwabe, the union's regional co-ordinator in Kwazulu-Natal, told Reuters that two companies in the consortium building stadiums had dropped an earlier agreement to pay bonuses.

"We will spread action to all other 2010 projects so that the message is clear and loud," Mncwabe said.

He said the action would go ahead if there was no deal this week and a strike date would be set by union leaders on Monday.

WBHO and Group Five, the companies accused by the union of going back on the bonus agreement, were not immediately available for comment.

It is the latest dispute to threaten preparations for the World Cup, for which 10 stadiums are being built or refurbished.

Last week, over 1 000 labourers downed tools at the site of the stadium in Durban, demanding bonuses and steps to meet safety concerns. Less than two months ago, workers struck at the Cape Town stadium in protest at a lack of travel benefits.

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 06:22 PM

if workers go on an illegal strike the contractors will have power to fire them, and bring in workers from abroad at a lower cost. they need to becareful

DennisRodman97

November 12th, 2007, 08:23 PM

what is up with all these strikes.......paid the workers and lets move on. Lets roll....

Durbsboi

November 13th, 2007, 07:25 AM

^^They demanding R1500 bonuses per worker per month, with an avg of 1000 workers on site! Thats an estimated R1 500 000 on bonus pay alone! You cant just pay that & move on!

Mo Rush

November 13th, 2007, 09:54 AM

Samwu demands seat on 2010 bid committees

November 13, 2007 Edition 2

JOHANNESBURG: The SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) is demanding involvement in the 2010 World Cup bid committees, said the trade union.

"We are demanding a role in the 2010 bid committees in municipalities across the country - so that we can force companies who win the tenders to build stadiums to set minimum labour standards," Eastern Cape provincial secretary Siphiwo Ndunyana said.

"Samwu does not want to see public money being abused ... Those companies winning tenders to build stadiums must pay workers a minimum wage plus benefits, because they are being paid a huge amount of money for winning those tenders."

He said the union was concerned that there was no open disclosure of how much public money went towards actual building costs and how much was being kept by companies as profit. - Sapa

Mo Rush

November 13th, 2007, 04:51 PM

Soccer Film World Premiere at 2010 Preliminary Draw

Biz-Community (Cape Town)

NEWS
13 November 2007
Posted to the web 13 November 2007
Cape Town

The world premiere of the film, More Than Just a Game, which tells the dramatic and little-known story of organised football played among prisoners on Robben Island, will take place at the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Durban on Friday, 23 November 2007 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The film, produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring, is directed by Junaid Ahmed and stars Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi) and Wright Ngubeni (Generations).

Told through the eyes of five former prisoners, More Than Just a Game follows the story of how political activists who were unjustly imprisoned on Robben Island in the 1960s rise above their incarceration by creating a football league, the Makana Football Association (Makana FA), thereby finding an outlet for their passion and commitment to discipline through football.

Pre-screened

Last week, Singh pre-screened the film for executives of the world governing body of football in Zurich and met FIFA president, Joseph S Blatter, who commented, "What happened on Robben Island was a revealing example showing that football is much more than just a game. For the 'Freedom fighters', it was about dignity, respect, fun and hope in a space where humanity was surviving in the middle of oppression and infamy.

"In the world of today so divided and so unfair, football can teach us a lot on the universality and the solidarity embodied in the values and principles of our sport. The docu-drama More Than Just A Game is a beautiful project that FIFA is proud to support."

Said Singh, "The film is a tribute to the people on Robben Island who fought for the privilege to play football. We appreciate the support of FIFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee for the opportunity to showcase our film at the Preliminary Draw. The film demonstrates the continent's love for the game, validating the FIFA World Cup finally coming to Africa in 2010.

Durban will be abuzz with activity 22 - 25 November, with more than 2000 people expected to descend on the city. The premiere will be attended by the original five Robben Islanders on whom the film is based, ie Mark Shinners, Anthony Suze, Lizo Sitoto, Sedick Isaacs and Marcus Solomon, as well as the actors that play them - Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubeni, Az Abrahams, Tshepo Maseko and Merlin Balie.

In attendance

Also in attendance will be soccer legends such as Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer, as well as representatives of more than 100 football associations and a large contingent of international media.

More Than Just A Game will be released at more than 50 screens nationally in SA through United International Pictures (SA) in December 2007. The film is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Telkom Media, Filmex (, Distant Horizon, and the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. It is executive produced by Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh and produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring with Chuck Korr, Lord Ted Rowlands, Double Jab Productions and Hannelie Bekker co-producing. The screenplay is by Tom Eaton and it is directed by Junaid Ahmed.

Mo Rush

November 13th, 2007, 04:51 PM

imagine actually getting images of this event from the durbanites..just imagine.

DennisRodman97

November 14th, 2007, 12:28 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From 22 to 25 November, the eyes of the football world will be trained on Durban, the city that will host the first international 2010 FIFA World Cup™ event in the shape of the preliminary draw at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on Sunday, 25 November 2007.

The undoubted highlight will be the live broadcast of the draw, scheduled to start at 17.00h local time (16.00h CET) in the presence of South African President Thabo Mbeki, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, some of the best footballers of all time and representatives of more than 110 FIFA member associations.

The ceremony, which includes a section of typical African entertainment, will feature the draw to determine the pairings and groups for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ preliminary competition.

Exempt from the draw are South America, whose qualifiers are already underway in a home-and-away league format, and Oceania, whose preliminary competition began with the South Pacific Games in August 2007.

The draw will commence with the Asian zone, followed by CONCACAF, Europe and finally Africa.

The draw will be conducted by FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke, who will be able to count on such famous names as South African legends Kaizer Motaung, Jomo Sono and Lucas Radebe as well as Ali Daei (Iran), George Weah (Liberia), Abedi Pelé Ayew (Ghana), Kasey Keller (USA) and Marcel Desailly (France) as his assistants.

“The draw will give viewers all around the world an excellent taste of what lies in store for them in 2010,” said Valcke. “170 territories have booked the TV feed for this event, which is a new FIFA World Cup record and yet more proof of the huge interest in South Africa 2010.”

Dr Danny Jordaan, the Chief Executive of South Africa’s Local Organising Committee, is equally enthusiastic: “As the first official associated event of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the preliminary draw is of paramount importance to us at the organising committee.

We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate our ability to organise a world-class event to an expectant local, continental and international community.

We’ve worked tirelessly for months on end to ensure all is in place for this special occasion and we are confident that all visitors to our country will revel in our uniquely African hospitality.“

Meetings of various FIFA bodies and the local organising committee will take place in South Africa’s port city on the Indian Ocean before the football family comes together for the draw (see programme overleaf). On Saturday, 24 November, the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™ will focus on the final preparations for the draw and the approval of the draw procedure for each of the geographic zones while also deliberating on the match schedule and ticketing issues.

The world premiere of Anant Singh’s More Than Just A Game, a film that recounts the story of the Makana FA, an association founded by the inmates on Robben Island, will take place on 23 November.

Mo Rush

November 14th, 2007, 12:34 AM

will minki show up to help with the draw?

Mo Rush

November 14th, 2007, 12:42 AM

^^They demanding R1500 bonuses per worker per month, with an avg of 1000 workers on site! Thats an estimated R1 500 000 on bonus pay alone! You cant just pay that & move on!

worst case scenario..will they be striking during the draw? what if they cause chaos?

Durbsboi

November 14th, 2007, 11:02 AM

imagine actually getting images of this event from the durbanites..just imagine.

get me tickets then MAYBE I'll get pics

Durbsboi

November 14th, 2007, 11:13 AM

will minki show up to help with the draw?

If shes there, then Im there :naughty:

Umhlanga

November 14th, 2007, 06:03 PM

worst case scenario..will they be striking during the draw? what if they cause chaos?

They claim they will. Here are the headline and relevant excerpt:

Durban 2010 strike may go national

November 14 2007 at 02:21PM

The ongoing strike that has seen construction workers down tools at Durban's Moses Mabhida stadium could spread to other 2010 stadiums that are under construction, as well as the high speed Gautrain.

And at a march through the Durban city centre on Wednesday the union's

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) organiser Bonginkosi Mncwabe said there would be disruptions to the preliminary draw for the 2010 Soccer World Cup set to be held at Durban's International Convention Centre (ICC).

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said in a statement on Wednesday it had issued notices for secondary strikes to major construction employers involved in the building of 2010 projects.

[Emphasis added. Story continues. Full story available here (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20071114134359482C452953).]

I'm sure the cops will keep the NUM okes far away from the ICC. But if they succeed in generating sympathy strikes among hotel workers, ICC workers, etc., then there could be disruptions. We'll just have to wait and see whether this gets resolved by then - and if not, see what plans the unions have. But right now it's all speculation.

Mo Rush

November 14th, 2007, 08:49 PM

Saw the preliminary draw stage setup for the ICC Arena, looks great!
SABC were shocking though, they reported the story from Joburg showing old footage of Durban before the ICC Arena even existed.

Umhlanga

November 14th, 2007, 09:52 PM

SABC were shocking though, they reported the story from Joburg showing old footage of Durban before the ICC Arena even existed.

Pathetic, especially since the SABC have a building a block or two from the ICC.

Durbsboi

November 15th, 2007, 09:47 AM

Thats the thing, not much vidz are being made of our cities now! mainly old footage can be found on the net, many of which is very unattractive!

lukus

November 15th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Hopefully this comes to something:

2010 body in bid to end strikes at stadiums

November 15 2007 at 09:42AM

By Lebogang Seale

The 2010 World Cup organising committee is to meet Cosatu in an attempt to prevent strikes that could bring the construction of the host stadiums to a halt.

And so concerned is the organising committee (OC) about the impasse between construction workers and employers that it was due to meet with representatives today from the Durban and Cape Town city councils, who have been hard hit by the industrial action since the beginning of the year.

In Durban, striking workers at the 70 000-seat Moses Mabhida stadium have brought construction to a complete halt, while the building of Cape Town's 68 000-seat stadium has been disrupted intermittently over wage demands.

Yesterday, the dispute boiled over when the National Union of Mineworkers, one of Cosatu's affiliates, issued all major employers, across the five new stadiums for the 2010 football tournament, with a notice for a secondary strike.

Concerned at the tight deadlines facing Durban and Cape Town, the OC's CEO, Danny Jordaan, said they would be meeting with the representatives from the two councils and Cosatu in a bid to break the labour disputes and bring construction back on track.

"We have a meeting with Durban about progress in the negotiations. We will also use Cosatu to get a full briefing from them and we hope the matter will be resolved so that we don't talk about tight deadlines. We want them to settle their dispute and we will also be meeting with Cape Town mayor Helen Zille," Jordaan said.

He could not say when the meeting with Cosatu would take place.

But, to avoid what could be a huge embarrassment to the country, Jordaan and his colleagues in the OC will be hoping that the Durban strike is resolved and also to avert industrial action at all the 2010 host stadiums before the estimated 3 000 delegates, including top officials from the world governing body, arrive for the preliminary draw.

Although the draw will officially take place on Sunday, it will be preceded by various Fifa bodies and OC meetings and media conferences, and the unveiling of the official emblem for the Confederations Cup in 2009 and the 2010 Fifa World Cup poster.

Under the theme "Africa is the theatre, South Africa is the stage", the draw will be the first official 2010 Fifa World Cup event to be held on African soil.

The event is to be beamed live to a global audience of millions in 170 countries from the Durban International Convention Centre.

Exempt from the draw will be South America, whose qualifiers are already under way in a home-and-away base league format, and Oceania, whose preliminary competition began with the South Pacific Games in August.

In keeping with the event's African flair, the OC has lined up artists such as Lebo M, from The Lion King; last year's MTV Music Awards winner Freshlyground; the Soweto String Quartet; Judith Sephuma, Senegal's Youssou N'Dour; and the Afrotenors.

The highlight of the draw will be a derby match between Soweto archrivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night at King's Park stadium.

President Thabo Mbeki will be among the dignitaries, who will be led by Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

Mo Rush

November 16th, 2007, 12:05 PM

Just over 100 of 1200 workers at Green Point Stadium to strike

City stadium workers to join Durban strikers in solidarity

By LINDSAY DENTLINGER and SAPA

Up to 200 construction workers at the 2010 Green Point Stadium could down tools in solidarity from Wednesday, if there is no resolution to a 10-day strike at Durban's Moses Mabhida stadium.

City 2010 spokesman Pieter Cronjé said today the city had received the strike notice from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), issued to all cities where stadiums are being built for the 2010 World Cup.

NUM regional secretary in the Western Cape Patrick Hlengisa said its members were prepared to strike without pay from next week for as long as it took to resolve the impasse in Durban.

Although Hlengisa said the NUM had 200 members working at the Green Point Stadium, Cronjé put the figure at just over 100.

There are 1 200 construction workers employed by the consortium of Murray and Roberts and WBHO working at the Green Point Stadium.

"Hopefully they will be able to resolve the issue in Durban. Our action here will be based on persuading employers in Durban to meet the workers' demands," said Hlengisa.

Cronjé said the City of Cape Town would not intervene in the dispute, but remained hopeful the city's work schedule to meet the October 2009 deadline for completing the stadium would not be disrupted.

Dozens of 2010 construction workers converged on the Moses Mabhida stadium today to continue industrial action. Talks with their building contractor failed to result in a resolution yesterday, and the contractor Group Five/WBHO consortium was expected to resume talks today.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on November 16, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

^Anton^

November 16th, 2007, 01:38 PM

I hate how labor unions sometimes lack of any sense of responsibility... don't they see how important the World Cup is going to be for South Africa? for themselves! I mean, they have every right to protest if their work conditions are not the ones previously agreed or if they're not fair... but, how rushed is the construction of the stadiums? is it going well?

Lydon

November 16th, 2007, 03:32 PM

Labor unions consist of a bunch of STUPID IDIOTS. It's like those idiot residents in Soweto who mobbed outside the new hotel there because they wanted to be employed by the hotel. I dont think they understand that things need to happen and skilled people are needed not just random people.

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 01:25 AM

Progress and deadlines:

Ellis Park - on schedule - June 2008
Free State Stadium - on schedule - October 2008
Royal Bafokeng - back on schedule - December 2008
Loftus Versfeld - December 2008 - unconfirmed
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - December 2008(major works), all work by March 2009 - on schedule

Soccer City - on schedule - April/May 2009
Mbombela Stadium - on schedule - April/May 2009
Peter Mokaba Stadium - on schedule - April/May 2009

Moses Mabhida Stadium - on schedule - June/July 2009
Green Point Stadium - on schedule - November 2009

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 02:07 PM

Preliminary draw stage unveiled

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign%5f27441%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign3%5f27438%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign2%5f27437%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stageconstruction%5f27430%5ffull-lnd.jpg

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 09:04 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2041019152_fa70ab1c5d_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2041025388_dc2e2024ac_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2041020338_81b9b13d92_o.jpg

Durbsboi

November 19th, 2007, 07:57 AM

Pule

November 19th, 2007, 02:41 PM

Upgrade of Soweto Highway .

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/fixP1050750.jpg

DennisRodman97

November 19th, 2007, 11:20 PM

Big MO....help with the TV stations covering the draw in each countries....i have search all the channels here nobody seem to be covering it. Even Setenta sports wont cover it. I wanna watch it live ....damn Mo if u can get a list of the countries ill preciate it.

Mo Rush

November 20th, 2007, 02:27 AM

Cape Town

http://coda.co.za/pics/blog/CapeTownLogo2010.gif

Durban

http://blog.ecr.co.za/newswatch/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/2010-logo.jpg

Rustenburg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Rustenburg.jpg

Nelson Mandela Bay

http://www.mandelametro.gov.za/Assets/2010/composite%20logo.gif

Mo Rush

November 20th, 2007, 02:29 AM

Construction update

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium major works complete December 2008, ready for Confederations Cup February 2009

CLAIMS THAT NELSON MANDELA BAY MULTIPURPOSE STADIUM WILL NOT BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR CONFEDERATIONS CUP REFUTED

Reacting to claims in International Media today that the Multipurpose soccer stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay may not be completed in time for the Confederations Cup in 2009 and that LOC chief communications and marketing officer, Tim Modise, told journalists in London yesterday that it may have to be shelved as a venue, Municipal Manager, Advocate Graham Richards, has issued the following statement:

It must be stressed that the stadium will be complete, with the pitch laid, well in advance of the Confederations Cup.

It has been confirmed with the office of the LOC today that its communications and marketing spokesman Tim Modise did not make any such statement to the international media in London yesterday, as claimed.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and LOC Technical Teams are continuing to work closely on construction schedules and report regularly to the LOC.

It is clear that, despite certain claims by the contractor for extra days under the contract (which have not been conceded) even if such days are given, the stadium will be complete, with the pitch laid, well in advance of the Confederations Cup.

No decision has been taken to withdraw the Confederations Cup from Nelson Mandela Bay.

Also reacting to the claims, LOC Technical Representative in charge of the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium construction, Eugene van Viiren, said although schedules were tight, the LOC was confident that all time frames would be met.

He said the construction programme was moving along well and a possible withdrawal of the Confederations Cup from Nelson Mandela Bay had never been considered.
--
Issued on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by:

Lourens Schoeman
Media Management Officer
Tel: 041/502-0074
Cell: 082 780 2014
Fax: 086 504 9385
E-mail: lschoeman@mandelametro.gov.za

DennisRodman97

November 20th, 2007, 03:00 AM

screw u Mo...i asked u a question.

Mo Rush

November 20th, 2007, 03:06 AM

ImNOTyourBABYDaddy

November 20th, 2007, 03:22 AM

South Africa: Prelim Draw to Showcase Country - Jordaan

Email This Page

Print This Page

Comment on this article

Visit The Publisher's Site

BuaNews (Tshwane)

19 November 2007
Posted to the web 19 November 2007

Gabi Khumalo
Johannersburg

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw in Durban later this week, is yet another opportunity for South Africa to showcase itself to the world.

Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan, speaking at the African Ministerial Diaspora conference on Sunday said, "The Preliminary Draw will attract 204 participating countries, of which 53 will be from Africa. Of those 53 African countries, only five will be able to qualify."

Mr Jordaan said with all the expected visitors to Durban, South Africa has yet another opportunity to "raise the flag" with pride. "The rational behind South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup was to raise the profile and reputation of the country and the continent," he told the high-ranking diplomats. Mr Jordaan said once the five African qualifiers were known, South Africa would be hard at work to organise friendly matches with those nations at the host cities across the country.

This would include celebrations at the fan parks, which were pioneered in Germany, and which are expected to contribute to revenue generation. Last week, FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, who will conduct the draw, said 170 territories have booked the television feed for this event, which is a new FIFA World Cup record and yet more proof of the huge interest in South Africa 2010. All indications are that Durban is on target with its preparations for the event, despite a labour dispute which has seen construction work at the Moses Mabhida stadium grind to a halt. KwaZulu-Natal will host 2010 matches and Confederations Cup matches in 2009, at the Moses Mabhida stadium.

Infrastructure preparations include the King Senzakhona International Airport, which will cost R6.8 billion. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, is tipped to cost R2.2 billion. After the Preliminary Draw, Soccerex, the biggest inter-business soccer convention in the world will kick off in Gauteng from 25 to 28 November 2007 and for the following two years thereafter. Soccerex provides Gauteng and the country with an international platform to showcase the province and the country as a destination for investment, tourism and major events, particularly in the build-up to the world cup.

Relevant Links

Southern Africa
Soccer
South Africa
Sport

The event is also expected to inject R7 billion into the Gauteng economy and create several employment opportunities. Soccerex is also set to attract top international stakeholders in the football industry and be the converging point for high level networking, incisive debate on the latest issues facing the game, celebrities and live football.

The Gauteng Provincial Government won the bid for the right to host Soccerex as part of its strategy to build the province as a key destination for competitive sports events.

Building a competitive sports sector forms part of the province's growth and development strategy to create jobs and economic opportunities.

Umhlanga

November 20th, 2007, 03:18 PM

Dennis, just tune into Fox Soccer Channel. I'm sure at some point during the day they'll air highlights from the draw, probably during a news show, but I doubt highly that you'll find beginning-to-end coverage in the US.

I'm in the UK right now, and I took a look at the Sky Sports schedule for Sunday - even Sky don't have scheduled coverage of the draw. I'm sure they'll show portions of it during a regularly scheduled football news show, but there's no indication at all that Sky will cover the draw as a stand-alone event. If Sky aren't televising the entire event in the UK, then I doubt highly that the entire event will be available in the US.

Umhlanga

November 20th, 2007, 03:20 PM

Durban

http://blog.ecr.co.za/newswatch/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/2010-logo.jpg

Surely they could've done better than this. It looks almost menacing. I never thought I'd be envious of Rustenburg, but I am. :lol:

ImNOTyourBABYDaddy

November 20th, 2007, 04:22 PM

Mo Rush

November 20th, 2007, 07:37 PM

Preparations for FIFA 2010 draw almost complete
South Africa is hosting the FIFA 2010 World Cup

Preparations for the FIFA 2010 World Cup preliminary draw in Durban are almost complete
November 20, 2007, 18:30

Preparations for the FIFA 2010 World Cup preliminary draw in Durban are almost complete. This was confirmed by the event manager of the draw, Andreas Hadjidimitriadis.

He says they started preparing for the event four months ago, but work on site at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre started almost two weeks ago. The event will be broadcast live to 170 countries across the world. Over 3 000 delegates from around the world are expected at the draw on Sunday. Hadjidimitriadis says South Africa will deliver a world class event.

For FIFA this is their largest draw and it is going to be the largest World Cup, as an excess of 204 countries are going to be qualifying for the World Cup in 2010. Hadjidimitriadis says preference was given to Durban people to be involved in the logistics for the draw as well as local suppliers.

http://www.sabcnews.com/video_ram/0,1573,48407,00.ram

Mo Rush

November 20th, 2007, 10:25 PM

International interest for Cape Town's World Cup Stadium

From white elephant to roaring success

The city can learn from other countries how to market the 2010 stadium, writes Laurine Platzky. Fortunately we can learn from the lessons of others. From the early Green Point debates, naysayers have loudly proclaimed the stadium would be a "white elephant".

Some claimed it was being built for a single match Cape Town's 2010 Fifa World Cup semi-final. In short, this would inevitably be a costly mistake. They predicted an expensive eyesore built on the wrong side of town would haunt ratepayers forever.

Even in the government some harboured doubts about the long-term viability of the Green Point stadium.

The recent termination of the city's bid for private operators fuelled the overall negativity.

But emerging evidence from further afield begins to show Cape Town a different outcome is quite possible.

Without a doubt the most successful turnaround of any world-renowned "white elephant" is the rebranding of London's Millennium Dome to the giant sports and entertainment centre now known as "The O2".

Announced in May 2006, this multi-million pound sponsorship with the US Anschutz Entertainment Group and a leading British cellphone company, headed a £1 billion turn-around of the Dome.

A year later and four months after opening, The O2 has hosted the Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Prince, the reunification of the Spice Girls, Disney on Ice, and soon, the only Led Zeppelin concert in 25 years, as well as the Tutankhamen exhibition.

Even Wembley has turned the corner. Notorious for its escalating costs this ambitious stadium accommodating 90 000 spectators, has secured the rights to hosting the Football Association Cup finals and both semi-finals, Rugby League Challenge Cup Finals, the first ever NFL game outside the US, among many others.

Open only eight months, Wembley has hosted the Live Earth Concert and Concert for Diana, plus at least 20 other significant events so far.

The financial and marketing teams have generated impressive income streams, have renegotiated the debt and brought Wembley into the black.

A third new stadium was opened in July 2006 in London. The Emirates Home of Arsenal seats 68 000 close to the original 38 000 North London Highbury stadium. This model is not directly comparable with Cape Town as it was built as a home base for one of the richest football teams in the world. With 180 000 members, the Arsenal club sold naming rights to their stadium for £90 million over a 15-year period three years ago.

In the more genteel St Johns Wood, even the hallowed Lords, "Home of Cricket" and the game's "spiritual headquarters", as ventured into the corporate market with the innovative Investec Media Centre, with tours, a museum, visits to the boys' changing rooms, dinners and conferences in the historic buildings and Lords is planning commercially funded expansions.

And London is now very busy constructing another new stadium for the 2012 Olympics.

Clearly Cape Town does not generate the international buying power of London. Cape Town ventured into the stadium market somewhat reluctantly.

Eager to host a semi-final for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, in order to showcase this great city and its beautiful surroundings to billions of TV viewers, we needed to build a stadium to accommodate 68 000 spectators.

We are not alone. From China to Poland and the Ukraine, from Perth to Belfast to Buenos Aires new stadia are being debated, designed, constructed and financed. Unless owned by wealthy sports clubs, most stadia used to be municipal facilities. Today stadium finance is a professional speciality.

Stadiums the world over experience similar problems, but specific solutions are designed from an innovative range of revenue streams, including selling naming rights, suites and boxes, hospitality and conferencing, match day hospitality packages, retail and sport-related office and hotel accommodation, as well as entertainment.

Some stadiums are built and occupied by one or more anchor tenants, for example, Barcelona's football club has the luxury of its own Camp Nou stadium, about to be upgraded for 100 000, where they have no need for other events as their team and brand are so strong. The Allianz Stadium in Munich hosts two Bavarian clubs, Bayern Munchen and TSV 1860.

On the other hand Paris' Stade de France, built for the 1998 Fifa World Cup and recent host of the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final, hosts numerous events and sports, including the Race of Champions, operates an upmarket restaurant offering mainly business lunches from Monday to Friday.

Despite all the technology available to sports and popular entertainment fans, nothing beats the excitement and energy of attending a live event, of sharing with thousands of others the delight or despair of watching your team win or lose, and afterwards of sharing with your friends and colleagues the experience of having actually "been there".

The focus on encouraging the youth to frequent stadiums is not only about encouraging customers for the future, but about engaging them in positive activities, interested in high-performance role models and keeping them off the streets, away from drugs and focused on healthy sport and entertainment.

At a recent Stadium Revenue Summit held in London, the Cape Town team was a little overwhelmed with interest from potential operators from the UK, France, the Netherlands, Dubai, Germany and others.

Linking stadia into international entertainment and sporting circuits has become one of the ways of ensuring sustainability and Cape Town, along with London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Moscow and Beijing, is seen as a jewel in the global string of attractions.

Once again Capetonians were found underappreciating their not inconsiderable value and spectacular location.

Lessons learned for Cape Town at the conference include:

* Partnerships are essential.
* The operators of the Green Point Stadium will need to bring both rugby and football matches.
* Other sports will be attractive.
* Events large and small.
* International content is essential.
* Premium seating sales strategies required.
* Restaurants and conferencing.
* A museum.
* High performance facilities.
* Limited sport-related retail outlets.
* Market research and sponsorship evaluation are key.
* Our opportunity needs global marketing.
* Ensure enough time for consortia to link up, prepare their bids in order to ensure depth and breadth.

Naming rights may be offered separately or part of the overall operation. Naming rights for Arsenal meant that Emirates paid up front, contributing to the capital cost of the stadium, whereas other models offer revenue over the contract period.

The urban park would be best operated as part of the full package as it would give the opportunity to attract other world-class events such Cape Town's Wimbledon. As well as a regional recreation facility for the people of Cape Town, the urban park can become a spectacular connector from the sea, to the V&A Waterfront, to the historic site of Fort Wynand, to the stadium and the urban fabric of Green Point, linking into the CBD and the Table Mountain National Park. What an opportunity for locals and visitors alike!

Global interest in investing in Cape Town is growing. Already the Stade de France team has visited Cape Town. Dubai Sports City will follow in December. After the Soccerex exhibition in Johannesburg there will be a public briefing of interested potential operators on November 28. Thereafter a Request for Proposals will be issued and the adjudication for the successful consortium with local and international players is planned to be complete by March 2008.

More information can be found on the www.capetown.gov.za or by emailing 2010@pgwc.gov.za

 Dr Laurine Platzky is deputy director-general for Governance and Integration in the Western Cape Premier's Department. She is the Western Cape provincial co-ordinator for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on November 20, 2007.

Durbsboi

November 21st, 2007, 07:53 AM

Surely they could've done better than this. It looks almost menacing. I never thought I'd be envious of Rustenburg, but I am. :lol:

Thats not Durbans logo apparently, thats "KZN's" logo, Durbans logo was unveiled yesterday, its pretty much the same as the current "sporting & events logo" but with like a ribbon thing flying through it, the ends look like they spliting into a Y just like the arch at Moses

Durbsboi

November 21st, 2007, 07:53 AM

It’s Soccer Show Time!

The eyes of the world will be on Durban next week as the city hosts the first big event in the build up to the 2010 soccer World Cup. That’s when some 3000 VIPs, soccer officials and journalists will descend on the city for the World Cup preliminary draw – it’s the crucial decider as to which countries will play against each other, in each of the confederations on their long path to potential Cup glory.

“It may seem a long time in advance, but this is really the beginning of the 2010 World Cup and it’s a huge vote of confidence for Durban that we’ve been chosen to host it,” said City Manager Michael Sutcliffe. Mayor Obed Mlaba urged locals to seize the “golden opportunity” to showcase Durban’s abilities and attractions. “My message to all sectors, like the transport and the hospitality industries, is to treat our visitors and journalists with the utmost courtesy and respect.”

The draw takes place on 25 November at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Complex (ICC) and will be broadcast live to hundreds of millions of soccer fans around the world. But the city will be rolling out the red carpet well ahead of the event, with a programme of exciting soccerthemed events and activities building up to the draw. The festivities start this weekend, when the front runners in the Clipper 07/08 round-the-world yacht race are expected to arrive in Durban after a gruelling run from South America.

The city is one of 10 cities around the world to sponsor a yacht. Next Friday, President Thabo Mbeki, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and his delegation, and other VIPs will get to sample Durban’s hospitality at a beach party. The following day will begin with a tour of the Moses Mabhida stadium and the Information and Visitors centre by the world’s media. “It is important for the city to use this opportunity to assure the world that we are ready to host the Cup in Africa and in Durban in particular,” said Julie-May Ellingson, Head: Strategic Projects.

The party mood will continue to grip the city later on Saturday with a soccer match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Sutcliffe said the match would be an opportunity to “show the international delegation, including media, what our soccer is about and that our soccer-loving people are the best behaved spectators in the world”. The draw itself takes place from 5pm on the Sunday and Durban soccer fans will be able to join in the excitement thanks to a live TV broadcast and big screens at the Princess Magogo and King Zwelithini stadiums, where two PSL soccer matches will be taking place.

Festivities at both venues will kick off at 1pm with musical acts followed by the matches and a live crossing the ICC. There will be several road closures over the weekend of the draw: around the Moses Mabhida Stadium Precinct, the ICC and Kingsmead, where the New Zealand vs South Africa cricket test will take place. Details, including alternate routes and parking will be published in the local media starting next week.

Durbsboi

November 21st, 2007, 07:56 AM

Provincial Government Events For Preliminary Draw 2010

1. Event: Tree Planting
Venue: Chesterville, 30 Dunbar Road
Time: 10h00-12h00
Date: Monday 19 November 2007

2.Event: Training of 200 children from Amjuba Municipality to be trained for two hours
Time: 09h30-12h30
Venue: Osizweni Stadium
Date: Tuesday 20 November 2007

3. Event: Soccer Clinics
Venue: Eskhawini College of Education
Time: 11h00-13h00
Date: Wednesay 21 November
200 children from local municipaltities to be trained for two hours

3.1 Event: Recognition of Dlamvuzo for winning the 2007 Premiers Schools Cup
Venue: Dlamvuzo High School, Esikhawini Towship
Time: 13h30-14h30

4.Event: Soccer Clinic
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium, PMBurg
Time: 12h30-15h30
Date: Wed 22 November 2007
200 children from Umgungundlovu will be trained for three hours

5. Event: Soccer Clinic
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi
Time: 10h30-13h30
Date: Friday 23November 2007
200 children will be trained for three hours

6. Event: Beach Party
Time: 19h00-22h30
Date: Friday 23 November 2007

7. Event: Stadium Visit
Time: 09h00-10h30
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Date: Saturday 24 November 2007

8.Event: Pirates-Chiefs league game
Time: 15h00
Venue: Kings Park Rugby Stadium
Date: Saturday 24 November 2007

9. Please note the following public viewing areas(where the PSL game will be shown)-Harry Gwala Stadium- PMburg
-Harding Sports Ground - Harding
-eSikhawini College, eSikhawini
-Phelindaba Sports Ground, Section, Madadeni Township, New Castle
-Settlers Park, Ladysmith
Gates Open 9h00.
Live Entertainment, entrance free.

10. Event: Banquet 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw
Time: 19h00
Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC
Date: Saturday 24 November 2007

11.Event: Preliminary Draw
Time: 17h00-19h00
Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC
Date: 25 November 2007

Public Viewing Areas for the Draw:
Princess Magogo, KwaMashu
King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi
Gates Open at 13h00.
Draw will be preceded by Amazulu game, entertainment
R10 donation as entrance fee to be finalised

12.Event KZN Government Cocktail Party
Time: 20h00-23h30
Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC
Date: Sunday 25 November 2007

A DVD showcasing the Province will be shown. Premier will deliver message.

Mo Rush

November 21st, 2007, 01:17 PM

Thats not Durbans logo apparently, thats "KZN's" logo, Durbans logo was unveiled yesterday, its pretty much the same as the current "sporting & events logo" but with like a ribbon thing flying through it, the ends look like they spliting into a Y just like the arch at Moses

im not sure which is one is worse. the one is confused and the other says absolutely nothing.

Mo Rush

November 22nd, 2007, 12:39 PM

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/loc/cc09oe%5f28281%5fsq%5fmedium.jpg

Sand-Shark

November 22nd, 2007, 02:57 PM

How nice is that logo! So much better than the WC one.

stoicman31

November 22nd, 2007, 03:22 PM

^^^ yes I agree, thats a very nice logo.

romanSA

November 22nd, 2007, 04:53 PM

Speaking of the SA's 2010 logo, it looks like it's come under intense criticism. I don't know why the next 2 stories have only just been posted online now.

--------------------

South Africa: 75 Percent Say No to 2010 Logo

Biz-Community (Cape Town)

22 November 2007
Posted to the web 22 November 2007

Gerald Yapp
Cape Town

On the live poll running on the Notthe2010logo.co.za website, 75% of the voters do not like the official 2010 FIFA World Cup logo. The poll has been running since November 2006 and may give a good sample indication of what the majority of South Africans believe.

The website was created to give all South African designers an opportunity to design an unofficial logo for the 2010 World Cup. This is a response to the logo design process, which was a closed bid and only open to six design agencies.

No other sporting event captures the world's imagination like the FIFA World Cup. The next FIFA World Cup, which is in 2010, will be hosted in South Africa. It will become the 16th nation to host the tournament. The slogan for the 2010 tournament is 'Win with Africa in Africa'. The logo for the 2010 World Cup is an African map, with the stripes of the South African flag. Many designers watched in surprise when the official logo was unveiled right after the 2006 World Cup - way ahead of schedule as traditionally the logo has been unveiled only two years before the event.

Many designers feel that the logo is below standard - but instead of promoting criticism, the website invites designers to prove they could have done better through a democratic, one person one vote competition, in which the decision is left to the public to vote for their favourite logo.

Created a wave

www.notthe2010logo.co.za believes that if the design process had been far more democratic and transparent as it would have also encouraged more people to look to design, branding and advertising as a career. This would have created a wave of previously disadvantaged designers entering the industry.

The notthe2010logo.co.za competition was launched in November last year. The website was created simply as a portal for designers who felt that they were unjustly excluded from the opportunity to design an emblem or logo for the 2010 World Cup. Many designers feel that the current logo is not a good reflection of SA design and this website affords them the opportunity to submit their own creations. The website also aims to mobilise designers to begin designing the official poster and mascot so that it can be submitted to FIFA for possible consideration.

The site was inspired by the national effort behind the design of the new South African flag in which anyone could contribute a flag design. This was a brilliant PR exercise and the result was a flag that unified the country. This exercise should have been mirrored for the 2010 logo.

The website runs an official competition in which designers are encouraged to submit logo designs that the public will vote on to decide the overall winner. The competition ends on 1 September 2007, but the website will remain online long after that to give all the entrants exposure all the way until 2010.

Already won

The designers who have submitted designs so far have already won, as many people are approaching them for work. We hope that the design community will get more involved by submitting more entries and showcasing what could have been possible to the whole world.

While the aim of the website is to give African designers the opportunity to showcase their logos and will not become the official logo by any means, the winner will get some great prizes for their efforts and become recognised as creating the best unofficial logo - the winner will receive a prize booty which is to date is R11 900.00 and the designer with the most votes will take all.

Sponsors of prizes are encouraged to come forward to support the idea, and in turn get exposure on a website that has already achieved almost 300 000 visits.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200711220647.html

romanSA

November 22nd, 2007, 04:55 PM

South Africa: Public Voting for 2010 Poster Opens

Biz-Community (Cape Town)

22 November 2007
Posted to the web 22 November 2007

Cape Town

South African residents are being invited make their voices heard from today, Tuesday, 11 September 2007, by voting for one of three designs to become the official poster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is the second time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany that the residents of the host country are actively involved in the selection of the official event poster.

"It is important for us that the people in the host country have the final say in the choice of the official poster which will represent their country all the way up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I also want to congratulate the South African design industry on the creation of such wonderful artwork, all of which express the diversity and colourfulness of Africa in a symbiosis with the beautiful game," comments FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke.

The voting process will be supported by an extensive print campaign in Media24 newspapers across South Africa to ensure that everybody in the host country can make their choice. While only people living in South Africa can take part in the ballot, everyone around the world will be able to have a first glimpse of the choice of artworks on the official website, www.FIFA.com/poster, during the selection phase.

From a total of 16 creative entries, all submitted solely by South-African based agencies, three proposals have been pre-selected by a jury made up of FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke, CEO of the 2010 South African Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, Minister in the South African Presidency Essop Pahad, Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, South African playwright and author Wally Serote, and artist and director of the Vega School of Brand Communication Gordon Cook.

Chance to win tickets

Participants can cast their vote for the official poster until Sunday 30 September and will also have the chance to win the very first two tickets to be awarded to the public for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, provided by FIFA World Cup sponsor MTN.

The selected official poster will then be unveiled at the preliminary draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Durban on 25 November. "The official poster selection process is now entering a very important public participation process. We want this to be an African World Cup and a people's World Cup. This is the beginning of our attempts to involve the people of our country in shaping the very important messages and images of this FIFA World Cup. The people of our country and continent have walked this road with us since we first attempted to host this event in 1994 and we have to continue this journey to deliver Africa's first FIFA World Cup together," adds Jordaan.

"I believe the three posters that are up for consideration are all of a high quality. We want as massive a public participation process as possible from our people and I appeal to South Africans to participate in numbers. This is one of the most important public phases we will have in relation to the 2010 FIFA World Cup," says Essop Pahad.

There are three ways for South African-based fans to vote over 11 - 30 September: either online at www.FIFA.com/poster, via SMS or via phone (interactive voice recording). Both the SMS short code and the interactive voice recording system are provided by MTN.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200711220652.html

romanSA

November 22nd, 2007, 04:56 PM

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/loc/cc09oe%5f28281%5fsq%5fmedium.jpg

I really like this logo!! I wish it was the official 2010 logo!!

Mo Rush

November 22nd, 2007, 05:06 PM

Speaking of the SA's 2010 logo, it looks like it's come under intense criticism. I don't know why the next 2 stories have only just been posted online now.

its called south african journalism. its a very old story.

ImNOTyourBABYDaddy

November 23rd, 2007, 03:39 AM

ya that logo is off the hizzle....much better than the 2010 world cup logo....funny how a mini tournament logo is better than a major tournament logo.....they should switch it.

Durbsboi

November 23rd, 2007, 07:09 AM

^^ I agree.

Mo Rush

November 23rd, 2007, 04:49 PM

Cape Town to host World Cup finals draw

23 November 2007

Cape Town is to stage the draw for the finals of the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, tournament organisers said.

Irvin Khoza, chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said that the southern-most city in Africa would play host to the draw in December 2009, after the 32 team line-up has been finalised.

"The (LOC) board today has taken the decision on the final draw. Cape Town is the preferred city for the final draw in December 2009," Khoza told reporters assembled in Durban for Sunday’s draw for the preliminary rounds.

Jerome Valcke, secretary general of football’s world governing body FIFA, said the decision to select Cape Town - subject to it meeting certain guarantees - had been straightforward.

"It was an easy discussion," said Valcke.

Cape Town, South Africa’s tourist hub, is expected to be one of the hosts for semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010, the first to be staged in Africa.

Sapa AFP

Mo Rush

November 23rd, 2007, 05:10 PM

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/78074235.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193AC1AEE55EEB657A500CB4206528FCF90
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/78074284.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193AC1AEE55EEB657A5F8AF264FB8A7909D

DennisRodman97

November 23rd, 2007, 08:05 PM

still no station broadcasting the event in the states...damn/....i have to watch it online then....if i even get a pc. cuz this is my dad's laptop...shucks

^Anton^

November 24th, 2007, 03:19 PM

^^
If you've got sat TV... maybe you can watch it from some European TV channel?

DennisRodman97

November 24th, 2007, 05:36 PM

we dont get european channels here on our satelite. Unless u get the big satelite...which is very expensive. The big bowl satelite.
I will have to watch it online then.

Mo Rush

November 24th, 2007, 08:55 PM

FIFA 2010 World Cup: Final Match Schedule

Opening Matches: Soccer City Johannesburg, 4pm
Green Point Stadium, 8pm

Total matches per venue:
(total round 1 matches in brackets), r16: round of 16

8 matches each

Green Point Stadium - R1(5), QF,SF
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - R1(5), , QF, 3rd place
Soccer City - R1(5), R16, QF, Final

7 matches each

Ellis Park - R1(5), R16, QF
Moses Mabhida - R1(5), R16, SF

6 matches each

Royal Bafokeng - R1(5), R16
Free State Stadium - R1(5), R16
Loftus Versfeld - R1(5), R16

4 matches each

Mbombela - R1(4)
Peter Mokaba - R1(4)

South Africa Round 1 Match Venues:

- Match 1: Soccer City 11 July
- Match 2: Loftus Versfeld 16 July
- Match 3: Free State Stadium 22 July

DennisRodman97

November 25th, 2007, 12:44 AM

what time is the draw tommorow .....dont give me that 1600 hr shyt.
is it 4pm...so i can know when i can watch it.

romanSA

November 26th, 2007, 02:41 PM

PE Could Lose Status as Host City - Blatter

Business Day (Johannesburg)

26 November 2007
Posted to the web 26 November 2007

Mninawa Ntloko
Durban

Fifa president Sepp Blatter yesterday expressed concern with progress at Cape Town's Green Point and Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay stadiums and the two venues' preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Blatter said he was not happy with progress at Nelson Mandela Bay, in particular, and the slow pace of construction might see the eastern Cape city lose its status as one of the host cities of the 2009 Confederations Cup.

"I am still not happy with the work in Port Elizabeth and at the Green Point stadium," he said.

"Port Elizabeth will be ready for the World Cup, but not for the Confederations Cup. They have over 900 days left to complete the venues and you can even build lots of houses in that period.

"I am confident not because I am an optimist, but because it can be done."

Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke said last week Port Elizabeth's status as a host for the Confederations Cup hung in the balance and a decision on whether to strip the city of the right would be taken in 2009.

The other venues for the Confederation Cup -- which starts in June 2009 and is the dress rehearsal for the World Cup the next year -- will be the stadiums in Rustenburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.

Green Point has had numerous disruptions and, besides the court action by environmental groups this year, industrial action by workers has also delayed progress.

"It is not an easy task when you organise the Fifa World Cup. "(Awarding SA the rights to host) was a sports political decision and that is why we are here.

"But there are always problems when you organise a World Cup and you cannot pull it off in 24 hours. We know it is not going to be easy," Blatter said.

He also turned his attention to the national soccer team and said it was imperative for Bafana Bafana to turn the corner and start winning games.

"It is time for this team to wake up," Blatter said. "It is very important to have a strong national team when you host the Soccer World Cup."

Blatter said Carlos Alberto Parreira's charges had to get their act together by the time they travel to Ghana to participate in the African Nations Cup, which gets under way from January.

The Fifa president said Bafana had to deliver the goods in the continental tournament and that their progress was being monitored.

But Blatter's view differs from Parreira's as the Bafana coach has often pointed out that the bigger picture should always be the World Cup and everything else should be used merely as preparation for the global showpiece.

The Brazilian has often maintained that he is still building and the squad was a long way from becoming the competitive outfit everybody wanted to see.

But Blatter insisted that while it was important for Bafana to have a strong showing in the two African Nations Cup tournaments that will be held before the World Cup, the national team should be able to go toe-to-toe with the world's biggest names by the time SA hosts the Confederations Cup in 2009.

"The team should be ready for high-level competition by the time SA hosts the Confederations Cup," he said.

But, with Fifa keeping close tabs on Bafana's progress, Parreira will now be aware that the world has reacted in shock each time the national team has lost matches.

Blatter said Bafana's progress and that of the continent's other representatives will determine whether Africa will be allowed to keep her record six places in the 2010 showpiece.

African nations will have to compete for five qualifying slots to the 2010 event and SA will become the sixth participant as the hosting nation.

Africa is supposed to revert back to just five places after the World Cup but Blatter said it was entirely up to the continent to convince Fifa otherwise.

"It will depend on the progress of the six representatives as to whether the continent keeps its six places.

"If there are huge performances from the six African countries during the World Cup, then we will see."

Europe, on the other hand, is complaining that it has been awarded just 13 slots for the 2010 showpiece.

Blatter said that Europe had nothing to complain about because as things stood, the continent still had more chances than anyone else to win the World Cup.

"The fact is that it is easier to win the World Cup if you have 13 slots in the finals. It will always be difficult for Africa, South America and Oceana to win the tournament because they have fewer representatives than Europe."

http://allafrica.com/stories/200711260649.html

Pule

November 26th, 2007, 02:42 PM

hey listened to me

2010 poster a symbol of Africa

http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/2010/1174-0-0-0_671912.jpg
http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/2010/1174-0-0-0_671913.jpg

26 November 2007

A South African designed poster depicting the African continent forming a man's profile as he heads a football was chosen as the official 2010 Fifa World Cup poster during the preliminary draw in Durban on Sunday.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter said portraying a country in the shape of a man heading a ball was a concept with potent symbolism.

"For me, football is all about emotion and passion, which is why I was particularly attracted to this poster," Blatter said. "It invites the world to join in the celebration of the greatest football event on earth, while highlighting the pride and passion of the African continent and her people.

"It represents the African dream come true. South Africans made a good selection for the poster, which will represent their country all the way up to 2010."

Fifa.com said the face on the poster represented every African football supporter, from Morocco in the north, Gambia in the east, Kenya and Ethiopia in the west to South Africa in the south.

"[It] is symbolic of the relationship between football and Africa, and captures a sense of excitement, awe and aspiration," Fifa said on its website. "It also reflects the positive impact that World Cup will have on Africa. Africa is the hero of the official event poster."

2010 Local Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said the poster symbolises the important role of football in the history, tradition and culture of the African continent, and would serve as an inspiration for a better future.

"It recognises that Africa has a football face and a football heart," Jordaan said.

From an original 16 creative entries, all submitted by South African-based agencies, three proposals were pre-selected for a public vote by South Africans which gave the nod to the design by agency Switch.

Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said in September that it was important for the people of the host country to have a final say in the choice of the official poster, which would represent the country up to the last whistle on 11 July 2010.

"I also want to congratulate the South African design industry on the creation of such wonderful artwork, all of which express the diversity and colourfulness of Africa in a symbiosis with the beautiful game," he said at the time.

Source: BuaNews