2010 Mid-Term Report presented to Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka 17 March 2008

The Mid-Term Report for the 2010 World Cup Government Unit was presented by the Minister of Sport and Recreation Dr Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile to Deputy President of South Africa Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at Union Buildings on 18 March 2008.

The report serves as the reminder that the country is left with only 815 days before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "South Africa is ready to host the 2010 World Cup," said Stofile.

Dr Phaahla, the Director-General of the 2010 Government Unit, gave a summary of what is contained in the report. The report contained major milestone achieved by the 2010 Government Unit like stadia construction, transport, information and communication technologies (ICT), electricity supply, safety and security, economic legacy projects, social legacy projects, volunteer programme, health, environment affairs and tourism, mass mobilisation and communication.

R20 billion has thus far been allocated as a direct investment in infrastructure as part of the larger spending programme towards 2010. This amount represent the R9,6 million allocated to transport and the R8,4 billion allocated to the 2010 Unit to provide support to host cities in the construction of stadia. "The expenditure and costs are not open ended and that tenders are out for generators with regards to the minerals and energy," said Mlambo-Ngcuka.

This allocation of funds does not represent the entire allocation from national government. There is a projection of R1,5 billion which will be provided for the IBC and other aspects of the ICT infrastructure. All government departments responsible have submitted plans and obtained allocations for such areas as safety and security, ports of entry and health. "The World Cup will leave Africa with a legacy," added Mlambo-Ngcuka.

South Africa is entering phase four of the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in refining and testing operational plans. The 2010 Unit is convinced the governments performance in respect of its obligations towards the hosting of the World Cup. Other role players like Local Organising Committee (LOC) competes very well with the benchmarks set in the previous FIFA World Cup including the most recent one held in Germany in 2006. Source : Sport and Recreation, South Africa, 17 March 2008