Sep 16 2008
2010: Will they come, or will they stay?
First published on my old blog on 23/5/2008.
Next to articles about foreign tourists cancelling trips to SA in the wake of the anti-refugee war, this article also appeared in the SA media in the past days…
2010: Fans to spend R40bn in SA
May 14 2008
Johannesburg – The South African economy could see a turnover in excess of R40bn during the World Cup finals which kick off at the new Soccer City in Johannesburg in June 2010.
Chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee, Irvin Khoza, was upbeat that South Africa will host the best World Cup in history.
In a special interview with Sapa on Wednesday, Khoza said every detail and preparation was on track.
Said Khoza: “It was exactly four years ago we won the right to host the greatest soccer event on the planet. It was a day in Zurich, Switzerland that will stay in my mind for the rest of my life when Fifa president (Sepp Blatter) pulled South Africa’s name out as the bid winner.
“What a day for not just South Africa, but Africa, as this will be the first World Cup on our continent.
“We will show the world how well we can organise a World Cup.”
Khoza is almost drowned by paper and files in his “to do” tray during the interview.
But hard work has never scared Khoza who rose from secretary of Orlando Pirates two decades ago to club chairman, and one of the most powerful sports officials in the land.
He is also chairperson of the Premier Soccer League and vice president of the South African Football Association.
Khoza said around 500 000 fans would watch the first African World Cup finals in SA.
But he appealed to the public: “We must show these visitors who will be influential people such as stock brokers, bankers and CEOs of companies, that we are good hosts.”
In other words, South Africa must show good customer relations to those visitors who will spend an estimated R40bn during the month long showpiece.
Said Khoza: “The human factor is vital to the success of the 2010 World Cup. We need to show the world we are a happy people and worth visiting again.
“Our tourism record is tops but we can do even more by showing patience and good will to our guests and encourage them to return on a longer holiday in the near future.”
Khoza said the building and renovating stadiums were on track as were the upgrading of roads, airports and hotels.
“It is not just about individual reputations, it is about showing the world what a beautiful country we have and the possibilities we offer tourists.
“We have all worked extremely hard and, believe me, it is a labour of love and all we ask is for South Africa to embrace our visitors and show them true South African hospitality.”
- Sapa
Comment: The visitor number on which the R40 billion estimate is based, was not mentioned, but I guess it’s a very high number. Unlike Khoza (and others), I’m not so sure that SA 2010 will receive a flood of foreign fans. In fact, I’m concerned about the number of visitors..
Admittedly, my view is formed from inputs gained in Stuttgart, Germany only, and as such not representative of anything. But, maybe it could be used as a proxy for the rest of Germany…
In Stuttgart the people are very sceptical of 2010 in SA. Regarding the pre-event preparation and regarding the event itself. I haven’t spoken to anyone who didn’t smile when I said everything will be ready on time (including the stadiums).
I’m sure all will be organized and ready in time. Not a year before kick-off (as was the case in Germany in 2006), but on time. Why should all be ready before the time?
So, that’s not the issue. The big question is whether more than a handful of “white supporters” from around the globe will turn up. At this stage, I doubt it. I think 2010 has the real chance of going down in the history books as “the first black World Cup”.
If “the Westerners” stay away, 2010 will not be “the best World Cup in history”, as Khoza aims for (above). Only when every nation feels at home, and pitches up, will the event be successful.
The Germans must have understood this back in 2006, because they opted for “The world as guests at friends” as their advertising and marketing slogan.
Sometimes I wonder whether the South Africans realize they have an “image problem” in many parts of the soccer-playing world presently. And that they need to do something to turn this image around – and soon.
Because most visitors will be making their decisions to go or stay in the next 8 to 12 months. Only the small minority will make a last-minute decision.
