The 2010 FIFA World Cup will result in anticipated injection of about R21.3 Billion into the South African economy. Tourism will be able to cash-in on the 3 million or so visitors that will come to the country. Stadiums, airports, road and networks will be upgraded.
The success of the tournament will obviously also give South Africa and the rest of the continent an image makeover. This is what will obviously be key to sustainable social and economic upliftment in the longer term for the continent.
There will also be unexpected financial benefits for our soccer, I believe. Up until now, South Africa has been inviting the great teams of the world, both clubs and national teams, to play in tournaments such as The Nelson Mandela Challenge and Vodacom Challenge. However after the world cup these dynamics will shift somewhat. When the whole world sees our fabulous infrastructure, awesome sunny weather and stunning sports stadia it will be them calling us, not us calling them in the future.
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It has taken a long time to get there, but South Africa is doing some great things to put our tourist industry on the map- Great international TV ads etc. I am working in Soccer mad Saudi Arabia and many here are planning to go; not just because of the World Cup, but because of the positive perceptions being cultivated.
Government – just keep the crime down- look at what has happened to Pakistan
Interesting to learn our brand is positively promoted abroad. Indeed crime is a serious problem, just hope the new government will do their part in reducing it.