Who stands to gain from 2010?

When South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, everyone from large corporate companies to street vendors shared in the excitement of benefiting from the economic opportunities that come with the soccer spectacle. South Africans have donned their cars and businesses with South Africa’s flag and official colours. But, as the excitement mounts, so too does the anger of those who believe they have nothing to gain.

Read more: Chasing promised dreams

Is South Africa ready to embrace the enormous challenges ahead?

When John F. Kennedy announced America’s plans to put the first man on the moon ahead of Russia in the 1960s, he declared: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade not because it is easy, but because it is hard.”

Read more: Up and coming in 2010

On 21 May 2009, the 2010 Host City Forum declared South Africa “ready in all respects” to host the Fifa Soccer World Cup

The forum, consisting of senior representatives of all nine World Cup host cities, was held at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa’s SAFA House headquarters in Johannesburg.

Read more: And away we go

Is there still a degree of obscurity regarding the country’s readiness to host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup?

When a survey was done on the possible economic benefits of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, the vital statistics were very impressive. In all, 487 000 foreign visitors were expected, with a possible economic boost for South Africa of R55 billion, and 415 000 additional jobs created.

Read more: Are we or aren’t we?