Hansard: Debate on preparations for the FIFA 2010 World Cup

House: Joint (NA + NCOP)

Date of Meeting: 09 Nov 2009

Summary

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Minutes

UNREVISED HANSARD

JOINT SITTING

Tuesday, 10 November 2009 Take: 583

TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2009

PROCEEDINGS AT JOINT SITTING

_______________________

Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 14:04.

The Speaker of the National Assembly took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION

START OF DAY

The SPEAKER: Hon members, I wish to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of members of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee. [Applause.] We warmly welcome you to Parliament.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP

(Subject for Discussion)

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Mr Speaker, Deputy President, hon members, it is indeed a privilege to introduce this special debate on the 2010 Fifa World Cup in this Joint Sitting of the Houses of Parliament this afternoon. Allow me to thank the programming committee for acceding to the request to dedicate a special occasion during this closing of Parliament to this momentous event that will take place in our country next year.

We are 212 days away from the biggest football event that Africa has ever hosted. We are counting down with confidence because we know that we have done and continue to do our best to ensure that the stage is set for the world to play on. When we say, Ke Nako, we say without doubt that we deserve to be the host we are about to be. When we make a call for the world to visit and celebrate Africa's humanity, we do so because we know that Africa's is ready to welcome and share with them her humanity.

Preparations for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup have never been easy. Equally, we have never as a government given up, even when faced with escalating financial requirements within a worldwide financial recession. The preparations are not complete but we are at a very advanced stage. While we still have to go through a few areas, progress in each of the projects cascading from the 17 government guarantees can be seen in many spheres of life in our country.

Our government has invested a substantial amount of funds from the fiscus towards the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. This was done with the clear understanding of the benefits that this event will realise for our country and for our continent, Africa.

The 2010 Fifa World Cup will be the most significant branding exercise in the history of South Africa and for Africa. Cumulatively, more than 26 billion television viewers will be focused on our country for more than 30 days. I have no doubt that the world will be blown away by what they are going to experience: a world-class event in a truly African setting.

From the beauty of Table Bay, with an iconic stadium set against the backdrop of the majestic Table Mountain, to the magnificence of the Indian Ocean beaches from where the Moses Mabhida stadium gives visitors a view of the city and the coastline - from a unique vantage point on the top of the arch, to the images of African wildlife at the Mbombela stadium and, finally, to the calabash at Soccer City where more than 94 000 fans from around the world will gather in true African style for an opening and a closing lekgotla about "the Beautiful Game" of football.

Each one of our stadia tells a different story – whether it be about our father, Nelson Mandela, in Nelson Mandela Bay or about a youth leader, Peter Mokaba, after whom the stadium in Polokwane is named, or the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, and, of course, the old workhorses: Loftus, Ellis Park and the Free State stadium where many a battle for national pride was won, will also be dressed up for this spectacular occasion.

As a government and as a people we will be proud to roll out our achievements of the past 15 years. Cast your memory back, hon members, to the old Jan Smuts airport in 1994 and look now at the magnificent Oliver Tambo International Airport today. It symbolises the great progress that we have made in infrastructure development. The same can be said of our roads, our hotels, and the rest of our hospitality infrastructure, from our IT&T infrastructure through to our banking industry.

As one of the most critical elements in the hosting of a successful World Cup, transport is a key focus area from government's point of view. With a total expenditure of R170 billion over the past five years, the fiscal years 2005 to 2010, the South African government is certainly taking this very seriously – and demonstrating it. South Africa's rail system, road infrastructure and public transport will not be the same once 2010 rolls around. It will, in fact, be of world-class.

South Africa's airports are also being prepared for 2010. With the expected 450 000 foreign visitors for the tournament and the majority of them arriving by air, we must be ready for the influx, and we certainly will. Already we have seen the new international terminal opened at Cape Town International airport, while the new La Mercy airport is well on the way to completion. The O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg is increasing its parking and baggage-handling facilities considerably. Anyone who has used the airport in recent months will testify to the many improvements already noticeable in and at South Africa's main airport.

Our visitors will be welcomed to our country with the friendliness and hospitality for which South Africans are well renowned. Our people will, once again, prove that they are our greatest asset. Just as we triumphed over the adversity of the past, our nation will rise to the occasion and show the world who we are: a nation united in our diversity. Our people will fly our flag high in Alexandra and in Sandton, in Bishopscourt and in Guguletu, in Umzimkulu and in Chatsworth, in the lowveld in Mpumalanga and around the dust fields of Springbok.

South Africa's tourism industry is set for a major boom both during and after the World Cup. We are already seeing a number of direct benefits from South Africa's hosting of the tournament, with 25 new hotels being developed in the Johannesburg area alone.

Currently, we receive around 9,5 million visitors to South Africa on an annual basis. With the World Cup, we expect this to rise past the 10 million mark and we hope to even reach the 14 million mark by 2015.

It is the preparations we are doing now that will ensure that we can deal with this influx of visitors after 2010. It is the improved airports and public transport that will mean that we can cater for the expected increase. The work we are doing for the World Cup will allow us to cater for growth in South Africa on a wide front.

Of course, the infrastructure developments and the expected increase in tourism during and after the 2010 Fifa World Cup are important parts of ensuring that South Africa receives the full benefit of hosting the world next year, but, most importantly, the football will also unite the people of this country.

Everyone saw how we as a country came together during the Fifa Confederations Cup in June of this year. Never before have we seen, at any stadium or sports venue, all our people being represented on the stands – all in support of Bafana Bafana.

As a nation we celebrated not only football but the success of a country that we all hold dear in our hearts. We celebrated because all of us know that this will be felt 10 times over in 2010. South Africa will be a changed country once the final whistle blows. We will all be united in celebration of our achievements.

We still, however, need to get to the World Cup. With 23 teams now qualified and the rest to follow in the next two weeks, the country now has to prepare for the final draw in Cape Town on 4 December this year. This important event will map out the 2010 Fifa World Cup to the whole world as the 32 teams are placed into their groups.

It is after this date that the teams will begin to select where they set up camp during the tournament, as the surrounding communities prepare to host some of the world's greatest football teams. It is then that South Africans will certainly wake up to the fact that this is real, that 2010 is in fact here.

We will also see a sharp increase in ticket sales as fans from around the world will then be able to see who their teams are up against in the opening rounds. The remaining tickets will soon be snapped up. It is therefore important that as many South Africans as possible go out there and get their tickets.

This is a historical event that will not be repeated in South Africa for some time to come. This is our chance as South Africans to have front-row seats to the greatest show on Earth, the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

We know that while our people see the evidence that the 2010 Fifa World Cup is upon us, we have to keep reminding them that we will be hosting the best football tournament ever. In this regard, the Department of Sport and Recreation, Government Communications, provinces and the Organising Committee have already conducted six 2010 mass-mobilisation road shows across the country. The road shows are a continuation of what we started prior to the Confederations Cup.

We will soon be heading to Mpumalanga before we go to the Western Cape and the Northern Cape. The programme seeks to galvanise and inspire communities to support the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. We urge our communities and our organisations to come out in big numbers and arrange similar activities in their communities so that the spirit of 2010 permeates every facet of our South African society.

The Football Friday initiative is receiving support from many quarters. We have recently seen the Deputy President, on behalf of the Presidency, showcasing this campaign. This is to show that all South Africans should be active participants in the build-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup. It is to this end that we urge all South Africans to wear their Bafana Bafana regalia every Friday.

After the final draw, the next big moment will be 11 June 2010 when our President, Jacob Zuma, and the president of Fifa will officially open the World Cup. The country will have prepared itself after years of hard work for that moment when people from around the world tune in to watch Soccer City in all its glory. We will realise then that it has certainly been worth it.

It may be the culmination of years of work and toil, but the 2010 Fifa World Cup is only the start. We as a country did not decide to host the tournament just so that we could bring some of the world's best footballers to Africa. We hosted it because we knew the long-lasting effects of 2010. It will be the catalyst for a South Africa that has risen from the ashes of the past and in a little over 15 years taken its place as a world-class country.

As a country we also decided to host the tournament not only to showcase South Africa and Africa. We did so mindful that it will also be a catalyst to unite our people further. Allow me to thank the volunteers who always raise their hands to offer time and energy – this for the good of society. It is in this context that we reiterate, "Working together we can do more".

Hon members, ladies and gentlemen, the journey is about to begin. Ke Nako! It is time to celebrate Africa's humanity. I thank you. [Applause.]

Ms M W MAKGATE

END OF TAKE

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION

Ms M W MAKGATE: Speaker, Chairperson of the NCOP, hon Deputy President, hon members, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Fifa, delegates, the Fifa Local Organising Committee, LOC, and invited guests, the hosting and staging of the Fifa 2010 World Cup in South Africa requires our country to provide a range of guarantees to host a successful World Cup. These guarantees follow the submission of an economic and social impact assessment report to our government. This assessment report precedes any consideration of support for the 2010 bid. It included a diverse range of stakeholders.

When the Fifa executive decided that the World Cup should be held in Africa, and South Africa should host the 2010 World Cup, it took into consideration our logistical and financial capacity to discharge this obligation. It also considered our country's political legitimacy as perhaps the defining requirement. Moreover, it sought to convince the world that the African Renaissance is indeed a reality.

As South Africans, and the ANC, we weaved the dawn of democracy in 1994 that created the bases for the confidence the world is showing in us. And now, as in 1994, our ANC-led government will ensure that 2010 will contribute to realising the strategic objectives of the developmental state.

Therefore, the debate in this august House underscores our government's commitment to give effect to measures and, might I add, extraordinary measures to realise the objectives of an extraordinary event, not that extraordinary events are anything new to us. Then again, as South Africans, we have become known globally as an extraordinary nation.

The central principles of these commitments are all encapsulated in our democratically elected government's seventeen guarantees made to Fifa 2010, in terms of facilitating the hosting and staging of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, and for the first time on African soil.

This is in accordance with the Organising Association Agreement, OAA, between Fifa and Safa and the guarantees issued by our country to Fifa. In this regard, we have, as host country, satisfied all the necessary requirements, technical, statutory and academic, for example, specific seating requirements for spectators, specific requirements for stadia, marketing, etc.

One of the scenes that left most of us as a television audience with lumps in the throats during the recent Confederations Cup – a foundation to the World Cup 2010 – was certainly the singing of the anthems of the countries before matches and the unbridled display of the national colours of the nations competing. Whether it was paint on the faces of the fans and spectators or replicas of flags, it was indeed something to behold. Moreover, what struck me more than anything was the respect afforded to individual countries during the singing and playing of anthems.

In this regard, we are all satisfied with the statutory guarantees which are in place to ensure the rights of all counties that will qualify and come here to display their flags and sing their anthems without fear of intimidation or provocation. If there is intimidation of any kind, we believe it should be in the display of skills, ability and technique on the playing field. We, therefore, welcome the imposition of penalties in the event of such offences.

In terms of visas, visitors' permits, work permits and business permits, our country has provided the guarantees through legislation that were passed in the two Houses of this Parliament.

No person or persons with unscrupulous intentions and sinister activities will be allowed into the country. As South Africans, we have become a favourite destination for millions of tourists. And we enjoy that status. However, it suffices to say that unpatriotic conduct by officials within departments that are integrally involved in preparations will not be tolerated, let alone the threat of corruption, since this event will certainly re‑emphasise the sheer weight of the dollar. We are, however, encouraged by the contingency and anticorruption measures that were introduced by the SA Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, other departments and provinces, etc, as a matter of priority.

We are particularly safe in the knowledge that the Department of Home Affairs has introduced 2010-specific plans such as Advance Passenger Processing, APP, which provides a mechanism to prescreen travellers at foreign airports of entry by April 2010. Hence, the message should go out to every official that the ANC-led government is indeed highly vigilant and prepared to quell any mischief that is intended to tarnish the image of our country.

Our own experiences over the last 12 years have shown that our sport federations are not proactive, and sometimes lag behind when it comes to asserting ourselves in terms of crowd control, particularly before big matches. And from what we have witnessed through images in the media, we are facing Herculean tasks in terms of crowd control and control of unruly behaviour. We are also mindful that communicating our control and safety measures will present its own challenges. However, as the ANC, we wish to state again and without fear of contradiction that we are ready.

In terms of transport, our national Department of Transport has adopted and is implementing some of the most advanced public transport and traffic systems in the world. In this regard, and at a statutory level, traffic‑free zones are envisaged in certain areas, with accompanying provisions for prevention and penalties. We endorse and support these provisions, although we are also mindful of the fact that football fans would generally be travelling by public transport, on foot, etc. Experience and research in cities where previous World Cups were held prove this point. However, it does not mean that we should be complacent.

In line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, our country wants to halve poverty and unemployment by 2014. And we believe that the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup could not have arrived at a more opportune time, since we strive to fulfil these goals in the development of our nation.

In conclusion, as the ANC, we are indeed secure in the knowledge that our government is putting in place the required instruments that signal confidence and our passionate determination to the global community. However, we would like to appeal from this podium to Fifa to ensure that, together with us as government, the much vaunted legacy project indeed becomes a living monument, is nourished and sustained. We would, therefore, like to call on our people to demonstrate in no uncertain terms why we got the vote of confidence to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, since we believe that ultimately the Fifa 2010 World Cup is about the African Renaissance in general and South Africans in particular. Let the games begin.

Ke nako. [Now is the time.] We are ready to welcome the world. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr T D LEE

END OF TAKE

Ms M W MAKGATE

Mr T D LEE: Mr Speaker, Mr Deputy President, Ministers and colleagues, in 2006 I told this House that the 2010 World Cup was just under 4 years away and that we had some 1 460 days to ensure that we get everything right.

I said that the government needs to provide:

Strong leadership and a clear focus, deadline-driven vision for the 2010 world Cup.

I also said that in 4 years time:

South Africans want to be able to look back with pride, not just at our performance in the tournament, but at our role as hosts and organisers.

As of today there are 212 days to go and that challenge still holds.

There is something the World Cup can deliver to our people that no amount of money ever will. Here I refer to the priceless example of everything we can be as individuals and as a nation. I refer to evidence of our ability, proof of our will to succeed, a legacy of success, and a reservoir of self-belief as examples that will benefit us long after the final whistle has blown.

But to succeed we must fixate with laser-like intensity on one clear objective, and that is to produce the produce the best World Cup ever. We must not simply match but we must surpass the achievement of every host nation that has come before us: our World Cup must be run more efficiently; our hospitality must be much warmer and more generous; and our streets must be much safer than anything experienced before. To make it happen we need inspired leadership, a clear management structure and obsessive attention to detail.

Today the government and the World Cup Organising Committee have delivered on this requirement and their role in the management and creation of this event must be commended. I think we can clap. [Applause.] But we aren't there yet. To use a rugby analogy, we can't drop the ball with the try line in sight. And we can't drop the ball, because this World Cup is as much about the next year as it is about the next generations. It is about leaving behind a legacy that we can all be proud of and benefit from for generations to come.

Central to that objective is making sure that this World Cup has a series of benefits that run far into the future. Here I am not just talking about infrastructure or better systems and structures, but an emotional benefit; a sense of pride in our democracy and our achievement. This is our real challenge and the prize that awaits us.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank the organising committee and Dr Khoza for what they are doing. As far as I'm concerned, coming from Port Elizabeth, I really want to thank Danny Jordan, because we are from the same area. Danny, we are very proud of you. [Applause.]

Mr G P D MAC KENZIE

END OF TAKE

Mr T D LEE

Mr G P D MAC KENZIE: Speaker, hon Deputy President, we are left with just 212 days to get to the World Cup; the clock is ticking. After the disappointment of losing 2006 World Cup bid to Germany, it was with great euphoria that on 15 May 2004 South Africa received news of being awarded the rights to host the Fifa 2010 World Cup. Last June South Africa successfully hosted the Fifa Confederations Cup signifying our country's readiness to host the World Cup. South Africa's legacy will be immense after this event.

The Bus Rapid Transit system will soon be implemented in a number of host cities, and is already operational in Johannesburg. The refurbishing of 2000 train coaches at a cost R18 billion, and the development of new generation stations will benefit all of us in the future. South Africa's airports are also being refurbished for 2010 and beyond. The number of luggage carousels will be increased as will the number of terminals and parking bays. Durban will also have a new airport at La Mercy. An improvement in our road network will materialise with the expenditure of approximately R96 billion.

We shall have outstanding stadia in our country. The huge cost of overruns in the construction of various stadia across the country is a matter of utmost concern to us in Cope. Again and again contracts are not awarded to the lowest tender. In one case a tender for seating that was accepted was almost double that of the lowest tender. The issue of tenders is now a very sore point with all South Africans. The electorate insists on transparency, accountability, and 100% compliance with all Public Finance Management Act, PFMA, requirements.

We will also need to examine the very crucial point of whether the contractual obligation with Fifa in respect of 30% of all contracts being issued to SMMEs has been complied with. A total 465 000 tourists are expected in our country with an estimated spend of R8,5 billion. The safety of football fans will naturally have to receive the highest priority. Cope wants to see every single South African identifying with this event, and for each to exercise utmost vigilance. Cope therefore calls on government to release a telephone hotline number that can be used to request help or report any matter of importance. The setting up of a call centre is crucial.

Cope calls on government to also start preparing the South African nation, through regular rehearsals, to warmly receive tourists and leave an indelible impression on them of a crime-free, friendly and hospitable nation. The World Cup must inspire entrepreneurship amongst all South Africans. It is important that opportunity is spread across the formal as well as the informal sector.

The hosting of the World Cup will be a time to celebrate our ability and our capacity to undertake organisation on a mammoth scale, and to produce spectacular results. To those throughout the world and our country who were negative about our capacity to handle the staging of the World Cup, it is evident that the facts prove that their misgivings were misplaced. To Danny Jordan and his team we give huge thanks for a job well done. [Applause.] Their skill in negotiating bureaucratic hurdles has inspired us. We will be indebted to him and his team for years to come.

Finally, the question that everybody is asking is whether we will be ready to meet our contractual obligations to Fifa by December 2009. Cope is very confident that everything will be completed in time. Phambili Mzantsi Afrika! Phambili Bafana Bafana! [Forward South Africa! Forward Bafana Bafana!] [Applause.]

Mr B W DHLAMINI

END OF TAKE

Mr G P D MAC KENZIE

Mr B W DHLAMINI: Speaker, His Excellency the Deputy President, colleagues, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, in the well-known song, My African dream, the lyrics read:

In my African Dream there's a new tomorrow. My African dream is a dream that we can follow.

My African dream for this upcoming 2010 World Cup, the first to be hosted on African soil, is that it must not only be the greatest Fifa World Cup ever hosted, but it must be a tool that will secure a better tomorrow for all South Africans and the continent.

It is also my dream that this World Cup fulfils government's investment goals of achieving economic growth and development by making sure that the hosting of the tournament creates opportunities that can be accessed by South Africans, in particular those who were previously excluded from participation in the economy; the poor and unemployed.

My dream is that this World Cup will once again evoke the same passion and pride that winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup did. Also, I wish that this World Cup will serve as a valuable nation-building exercise that will bring all South Africans together, proudly united in our diversity.

My dream is that this World Cup becomes a powerful vehicle through which we can change the often negative international perceptions of our country and our continent as a whole. Having said this, I know that any big sporting event such as the world Cup has its challenges and the 2010 World Cup will no different. That is to be expected with such a major undertaking of hosting an international showpiece.

Looking at the preparations that have been done so far, I believe that South Africa has made great progress in the recent months and I can confidently say that our planning and preparations for the event are on track. Constructions of most of our stadiums are now in the final stages while concrete plans have been put in place by the Local Organising Committee to ensure that the event goes smoothly. The Local organising Committee has also ensured that all the finer details are in place, 212 days before the event starts.

I am pleased that as we prepare for the 2010 World Cup we are already witnessing positive results. Let me mention a few of these: firstly, more that 20 000 jobs were created in the construction of the stadiums; secondly, construction workers have received extensive skills training; thirdly, a substantial number of jobs have been created, and it is estimated that the World Cup will create about 415 000 permanent jobs; and lastly, there has been an investment of about R212 million in school and community sport over the period to 2010.

I am, however, concerned with the state of readiness with regard to our transport system. While the Bus Rapid Transport system has been rolled out in Johannesburg with great success, the other host cities are nearly ready. I hope that government gives this matter the urgent attention it deserves because the success of this World Cup will also largely depend on whether or not we will be able to safely transport our visitors to and from stadiums, and in and around our cities.

It is now important that we take note that South Africa is already the focus of the world. The world's eyes are on us. The countdown has begun. Let us use 2010 to celebrate our colourful culture and our people. Together, hand in hand, let us leave no stone unturned in making sure that this is the best and most successful Fifa World Cup ever. Thank you. [Applause.]

Mr J J MC GLUWA

END OF TAKE

Mr B W DHLAMINI

Mr J J MC GLUWA: Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our true sons of the soil, Dr Danny Jordan and Dr Irvin Khoza, as well as the Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the good work they have done in preparation for our country to host the 2010 World Cup. "Phambili, Bafana Bafana, phambili!" [Forward, Bafana Bafana, forward.]

HON MEMBERS: "Phambili!" [Forward!]

Mr J J MC GLUWA: "Of hoe sê hulle, Danny?" [Or how do they say it, Dannie?] Together we can do more. [Applause.]

HON MEMBERS: Viva!

Mr J J MC GLUWA: Every single worker who has contributed to this event, the ID says, "we are very proud of you." I would like to call on the media to be responsible and patriotic in the coverage of this World Cup. We are saying to the media, "stop your afro-pessimism!" In addition, today during the joint committee meeting with the LOC, the ID was not given a clear answer regarding the eventual privatisation of World Cup stadiums built with taxpayers' money.

Another concern for the ID is the delay, until October next year, of the deadline for the completion of the first phase of the Gautrain. The ID is disappointed that the first phase has been separated from the World Cup deliverables of the LOC. In the period before our victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, Afcon, in 1996 under the leadership of Clive Barker, our local hero, all Bafana Bafana preparations were held in South Africa.

The ID says that it does not make sense to take Bafana Bafana to Brazil. We are asking today, what does Brazil have that we don't have? Brazil only has one thing that we don't have, and that is the family of Carlos Perreira. [Applause.]

The ID would also like to voice its concern, that while Sepp Blatter has been assuring the world that visitors to this World Cup will be safe, we are extremely concerned that people like Julius Malema, who asked for protection, will not agree with this sentiment. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr S Z NTAPANE

END OF TAKE

Mr J J MC GLUWA

Mr S Z NTAPANE: Mr Speaker, Deputy President and hon members, the country has managed, thus far, to stay on schedule with its preparations for the 2010 World Cup. We need to congratulate the many thousands of South Africans who have already contributed to ensuring that next year's event will be a sporting and tourism spectacle.

All the stadiums seem to be ready or very near completion. Now our focus must shift to other logistical and infrastructural issues. Our two foremost concerns now are transport and accommodation. The latter, which is accommodation, seems to be under control at the moment, but we should not underestimate the huge demand that there will be for it. It also means that we will have to guard against greedy and unscrupulous people exploiting foreign visitors by providing them with inferior accommodation at astronomical prices. We need to ensure that there are proper channels, perhaps a hotline, to ensure that exploitive behaviour can be addressed swiftly. The mere existence of such a hotline will serve as a deterrent.

The biggest concern at the moment, however, is the question of transport. The Confederations Cup demonstrated that there are still issues surrounding the park-and-ride facilities. Another concern is the Buss Rapid Transport, BRT, implementation which has been badly received by the taxi industry.

Finally, we need to be sure that the government is properly prepared for the inherent security risk of hosting such a large event. There are risks posed by international tourists, the so called "soccer hooligans" as well as the domestic security situation surrounding community protests. In all of these cases, proper preparation is critical.

This is an example on an international scale of prevention being better that cure. We need to do everything in our power as South Africans to ensure that none of these political risks come to pass. Thank you. [Applause.]

Rev K R J MESHOE

END OF TAKE

Mr S Z NTAPANE

Rev K R J MESHOE: Speaker, the ACDP wishes to commend the Local Organising Committee for all the preparatory work that has been done to make the 2010 Soccer World Cup a resounding success. This is indeed a momentous occasion for South Africa in particular, and the African continent as a whole. We trust that this event will strengthen and boost our image abroad.

Due to my limited speaking time, I will raise only two issues that we believe require further attention: transport and reliable electricity supply. We are concerned that not all taxi operators have pledged their unqualified support for the Bus Rapid Transport system as many still want to profit from the transportation of spectators. Equally so, unions have also not promised that they will not strike during the soccer tournament. As it is a norm in our country for roads to be blockaded during strikes, we want to know if there are any alternatives or emergency measures in place that will still make it possible for the teams and fans to be transported to the stadiums on time if there is a blockade.

During the MTN 8 Cup final between Golden Arrows and Ajax, we were embarrassed by the blackout that was caused by floodlights that failed after the first half. This, despite being told that the stadium management have checked the lights and backup generators three hours before the game. Until today, we still do not know why the backup generator failed to come on automatically.

We need to be assured that these challenges will be addressed, and that South Africa and the LOC will be able to host the best Soccer World Cup ever. I thank you. [Applause.]

Ms M N MATLADI

END OF TAKE

Rev K R J MESHOE

Ms M N MATLADI: Speaker, I would like to greet the committee that is organising the 2010 Fifa World Cup that are among us today, especially the CEO of the 2010 Local Organising Committee, Mr Danny Jordaan. The Fifa World Cup final draw has developed into a major live show that is followed, with great excitement, by millions of people across the world. It will reignite the 2010 World Cup fever, not just in the host country, but also in the qualifying countries where excitement is mounting as we draw closer to next year's fever flagship event.

Among the preparations made, let me congratulate Mr Danny Jordaan, as well as his committee management for the infrastructure development in preparation for the event, including the stadia, roads, airports, hotels, tourist attraction areas, and the artistic South African diverse cultures in music, dance and others.

We, however, would like to caution the organising committee, on a matter of concern, that the Gauteng Province will not pay the extra R1,3 billion to have the first phase of the Gautrain ready before the 2010 World Cup. The section between the O R Tambo Airport and Sandton is supposed to be finished by 27 June 2010 while the tournament would have started by 11 June 2010. This is a real concern.

Another concern is about the issue of sex workers. In South Africa we do not yet have a law that governs this. Other countries that already have laws are asking questions, as last week in Paarl, we had questions that asked what South Africa was saying about sex workers. We need to look at the matter and say what South Africa says so that people who come to our country should have answers.

Allow me, more than anything, to again look into this issue of concern, that I would like us to share concerning 2010; the competence that is expected of our team in South Africa, Bafana Bafana, which has been very weak now of late. We are worried as a country if will we make it. [Time expired.] Thank you very much Speaker. [Applause.]

Mr R B BHOOLA

END OF TAKE

Ms M N MATLADI

Mr R B BHOOLA: Speaker, our country has proven that it can organise world class events. The Indian Premier League championship, the Rugby World Cup and the Swimming World Cup are classic examples of this. Indeed, South Africa must be commended for its organisational ability.

We have the necessary expertise and the know-how to build the best stadium in the world, but we have some very important regrets. The Cup Final in Germany was played in a stadium that was built in 1933. It was revamped. Some of the venues we are using to erect the stadia to use for the World Cup are being revamped as they were rugby grounds.

What has happen to Korea after the World Cup? Germany did not perform an economic miracle. Are we leaving behind a legacy for our townships? Instead of building a stadium next to a stadium, don't you think that the people in the townships would be proud to say that they have sports fields because of the legacy of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup? There will be lots of tongues wagging after the international teams depart.

In KwaZulu–Natal 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup co-ordination is at gutter level. For the past five years, the MEC for economic development has been the co-ordinator and the co-ordination of KZN with the district council is a disgrace and it's pathetic and we call on the Minister for intervention.

We have made some excellent decisions, but we have also made some bad decisions and sometimes people wonder whether South Africa, with its economic problems, can afford to host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, nevertheless, our flag is important. The MF calls on everybody to unite under the flag. Unite behind our President and show the world that in our diversity we are a united country and we are proud of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. We must indeed do everything to place on record that we delivered the best World Cup ever and take party politics out of this.

So, let's march forward with courage, conviction and determination in the deep spirit of brotherhood and happiness so that we can deliver not only a 2010 Soccer World Cup but, indeed, also be the best. [Applause.]

Mr N T GODI

END OF TAKE

Mr R BHOOLA

Mr N T GODI: Mr Speaker, the APC joins this House and indeed the whole country in congratulating Dr Irwin Khoza and his team for not only winning for our country the right to host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, but also in running the preparations for it in a way that promises that this Soccer World Cup will be one of the best organised. The growing awareness and excitement in the country confirm that, indeed, the World Cup is coming to our country, to our continent.

The APC believes that Fifa needs to be thanked for debunking the tendency of international bodies to marginalise Africa. We have just seen the conclusion of the Fifa under-21 Soccer World Cup in Egypt which was won by Ghana. The Fifa under-17 Soccer World Cup is currently taking place in Nigeria and next year the world Cup will be held in our country. This is truly appreciated.

The APC believes that our country will live up to its commitment to deliver for Africa a soccer spectacle never to be forgotten. Beyond the logistical preparations - that we all agree are on course – is the issue of the performance of African teams in particular. It is important that Bafana Bafana should perform credibly, for they know that they have the unqualified support of the nation.

The APC however decries the fact the Safa does not appear to be appropriately positioned to provide the kind of foresighted leadership that would ensure that we have a squad that could rise to the challenge of the World Cup, in which case we would have to rely on the likes of Ghana and Ivory Coast to safe us the embarrassment.

Looking at the performance of the African players in the tough European leagues, there is no reason why we should not follow the example of the Ghana under-21 team, which beat Brazil, despite playing with 10 players for the better part of the game. Our African teams should not just participate, but should compete with the will and confidence to win the cup for Africa.

The APC once again would like to salute the Local Organising Committee for a job, so far, well done. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr M J R DE VILLERS

END OF TAKE

Mr N T GODI

Afrikaans:

Mnr M J R DE VILLIERS: Speaker, agb Adjunkpresident, agb Ministers, agb Parlementêre Leier van die Opposisie, Athol Trollip, agb lede van die Nasionale Vergadering en die Nasionale Raad Van Provinsies, genooide gaste, en elke luisteraar vandag, dit is my voorreg om namens die DA aan hierdie debat te kan deelneem.

Die DA is gebind en gemotiveerd om te veg vir patriotisme, die behoud van die rykdom van Suid-Afrika, volhoubare ontwikkeling van groei in ons land, die uitwissing van werkloosheid en armoede, en om sover moontlik ondersteuning te werf en te wen vir ons nasionale sokkerspan, Bafana Bafana.

As Suid-Afrikaners moet ons sielkundig en liggaamlik 100% gereed wees om die wêreld daar buite, asook die sokkerspanne van die ander lande, te wys dat ons 'n wennasie is, net soos ons destyds was met ons ondersteuning van die Suid-Afrikaanse rugbyspan.

Om te wen en te presteer moet jy emosioneel, verstandelik en liggaaamlik gerat wees om jou doelwit te bereik.

Hierdie wêreldklas geleentheid is 'n geleentheid vir ons as Suid-Afrikaners om te toon dat ons sukses kan en sal behaal. Reeds op vorige geleenthede – soos in 2002 met die Wêreldberaad oor Volhoubare Ontwikkeling, in 1995 met die Rugbywêreldbeker, in 2003 met die Krieketwêreldbeker, en nou onlangs met die Konfederasiebeker Sokkertoernooi – het ons dit bewys.

Mislukking is nie 'n opsie nie. Sukses is 'n wen vir die nasie en ons toekoms. Een nasie, een toekoms. Die internasionale gemeenskap het 'n mosie van vertroue in Suid-Afrika ingedien.

English:

It is a challenge we accepted and we know that South Africans are more than capable of rising to the challenge and succeeding.

Afrikaans:

Ons het groot uitdagings waar dit armoede en werkloosheid betref en moet gemotiveerd wees om dit uit te roei.

Die DA glo in geleenthede, en daarom beskou ons die 2010 Fifa Sokkerwêreldbekertoernooi as 'n geleentheid wat baie potensiaal het om werkloosheid en armoede aan te spreek. Ons almal kan saam hierdie doelwit bereik. Ons sal en ons wil.

Wat is die geleenthede, onder andere? Statistikuste gee te kenne dat een werksgeleentheid ontwikkel word vir elke 12 toeriste. Ons sal dus ongeveer 16 000 werksgeleenthede in Suid-Afrika kan skep. Die groot agterstand in die padnetwerkstruktuur word byvoorbeeld aangespreek, en dit skep werk vir duisende mense.

Die 2010 Fifa Sokkerwêreldbekertoernooi sal 'n beraamde R21,3 biljoen in die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie inspuit. Die staat sal R7,2 biljoen in belastingwaarde ontvang.

Daar is egter ook dreigende faktore wat die 2010 Fifa Sokkerwêreldbekertoernooi kan benadeel: Paniek kan ontstaan as ons nie daarin slaag om kos te beveilig vir die ongeveer 500 000 ondersteuners en Suid-Afrikaners nie.

Parkeer- en rygeriewe mag onvoldoende wees.

Medisyne om die N1H1 te behandel mag onvoldoende wees. Die toernooi word juis in Suid-Afrika se winterseisoen gehou en hierdie siekte kan van ooral kom en ons moet gerat wees daarvoor.

Elektrisiteitsvoorsiening mag in duie stort. Dit sal winter wees en die aanvraag op elektrisiteit sal dus hoër wees. Kan u u indink watter chaos dit kan skep as 'n skare mense vanaf 'n paviljoen moet beweeg na 'n stikdonker stad daar buitekant?

Ons moet gereed wees om al hierdie uitdagings die hoof te bied.

English:

Hosting a Fifa World Cup is a rare event for any country. Therefore we South Africans must ensure that we make use of every opportunity that hosting this event affords us. We must stand together as a nation, both psychologically and physically. We must support Bafana Bafana wholeheartedly. Every citizen must take up their role with dedication and motivation.

The 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup will be a success and benefit South Africa as a nation. One nation, one future! Thank you. [Applause.]

Mr B M KHOMPELA

END OF TAKE

Mr M J R de VILLIERS

Mr B M KOMPHELA: Speaker, Deputy President, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, hon members, leaders of football, and organisers of the local organising committee led by Danny Jordan, I want to tell to you today that I have asked the ANC, regarding the fact that from 2004 up until today, Donald Lee has never minced his words in support of the 2010 World Cup. I said maybe we took a wrong decision. When the DA supported the decision we took in 2004, I can recall, Donald Lee said the World Cup is priceless. And when Donald Lee said the World Cup is priceless, we said maybe we should evaluate our decision but, Deputy President, it means we took a correct decision to welcome the nations of the world to our own shores. [Applause.]

I want to deal with a few things, Deputy President. Countries were saying there is a plan B if South Africa is unable to host the World Cup. But we were resolute and firm, we have never lost focus that the World Cup is going to be held in South Africa. Plan A is South Africa, plan B is South Africa, and there is not any other plan except South Africa. [Applause.]

Yesterday hon Ndude called me and told me that she cried in Germany when she saw an article in which somebody said he or she must put on a bullet-proof vest when he or she lands at O R Tambo Airport. She said that was painful. I said the peddlers of lies have to be proven wrong because the World Cup is going to be in South Africa. A few weeks from now, we will be making a draw and 32 countries are going to be in this country. South Africa will never be the same. [Applause.]

Regarding our national team's performance, this august House gave us an opportunity to go around the world in order to learn from other countries who hosted the World Cup before. We went to Korea and Japan. When we arrived there, their teams were written off because of weak performances. But as and when the competition progressed with the people of Korea and Japan supporting their teams, which they initially wrote off, Korean and Japanese national teams did fairly well.

We went to Germany and Klinsmann was on the front pages of all the newspapers in Germany. As and when the tournament progressed, the German national team was also progressing and everybody had red, black and gold in support of the German national team. So is going to be the case with Bafana Bafana. All of us as country would have to unite and rally around this national asset. This will avert a situation in which the people of this country clap hands and sing for other countries, as well as the early exit of our national team from the tournament.

In its 52nd national conference the ANC made a decision that the infrastructure that is going to be for the 2010 World Cup should be the infrastructure that is going to leave an everlasting legacy for the people of this country. Therefore we have to look after these assets and investments so that after the World Cup our people will never regret anything. Instead, they should say they want another World Cup to come to South Africa again. [Applause.]

Madam Speaker, hon Speaker [Laughter.]

The SPEAKER: Hon member don't repeat that. [Laughter.]

Mr B M KOMPHELA: I'm sorry Speaker. I say it with absolute certainty and I believe that we are ready for the world and the world is ready for our stage. The success of this event is not a question of bricks and mortar, but is a question of how far is South Africa going to be sold to the nations of the world. What is going to be the perception of those countries about South Africa? Is it going to be that South Africa is just a dark continent with rampant crime?

We have hosted so many events in this country. We have hosted the Indian Premier League, IPL, in the middle of our own national elections, therefore South Africa is ready to host any other event equal to the rest of the world.

During our discussions Dr Khoza said it would have been an embarrassment if the government of South Africa did not support the World Cup bid. He said South Africa would have been the laughing stock of the world. But today we walk tall in the corridors of the world because South Africa has made us as human beings proud. We agree with that, Dr Khoza. Everywhere we go, we are the towers of the world. [Applause.]

It is not rhetoric but an active reality that ours is a lesson that we learnt from other countries. Ours is the greatest humility that we accept this World Cup in the name of Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Samora Machel. We hope that this is not going to be for the last time because we, as South Africans, are the most privileged. That is all because of the fact that during our time the World Cup has come to our country. Maybe it will come in only another 94 years from now and by that time we will not be here. At least we are here to see the World Cup coming to South Africa now. [Applause.]

However, we are challenging the international community to afford us the opportunity to host the Olympics. It is 113 years since the Olympics were established. So, if we are ready to host the Fifa World Cup which was established in 1904, it means we are also ready as this country to demonstrate to the nations of the world that we can host the Olympics. The Olympics must come to South Africa; we will be ready to host that great event too. [Applause.]

The 52 regions of the South African Football Association, Safa, are going to benefit from the legacy that is going to be left by the Fifa 2010 World Cup. We want to say that that is going to be a springboard for us to build a formidable and far better national team than we have. The Fifa 2010 World Cup legacy will provide us with a base to build something for this country.

With the hosting of the Fifa World Cup we have enacted two Acts and one of them is the Special Measures Act. This Act aims to ensure that our people are protected in terms of safety and security, and that they are able to benefit from the legacy of this 2010 World Cup. But the main question that people have been asking, even up until today, when we had a session with the Local Organising Committee, LOC, is that ...

IsiXhosa:

... ooMamkhize bazakufumana ntoni na?

English:

We have stated it very clearly in the two Acts that ...

IsiXhosa:

... ooMamkhize xa betshisa inyama, besenza zonke izinto ...

English:

... there is nothing that is going to change. OoMamkhize are not in conflict with any other Fifa brand.

IsiXhosa:

Bazakusinika inyama kulaa ndawo baqhele ukuhlala kuyo. [Kwaqhwatywa.]

English:

So, to the people who are panicking and asking whether or not our people are going to be removed with their ...

Afrikaans:

... pap en wors. En ek sê vir die agb lede dat dit nie so gaan wees nie. Mense van hierdie land gaan hul boerewors in die stadiums geniet want dit is nie teenstrydig met wat Fifa in die stadiums het nie. Daardie dag gaan ons ons pap en wors net geniet! [Applous.]

English:

So, our people must be confident that the ANC, in the desire to enable our people to benefit out of this, put these measures in place. The first thing that came to our minds was what will happen to the grassroots because we knew that people are going ask us about the grassroots. Therefore we have put these measures for the grassroots people to benefit out of this 2010 World Cup.

We even went beyond that and told the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee that it will be correct if there are also –besides the fan parks that belong to Fifa - public viewing areas that are managed by the municipalities. This will ensure that there is a free zone for our people to go and party during this grand occasion of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. There is such an agreement, and that is going to happen. Therefore we are calling on everybody to join us in this festival of football. Those prophets of doom will come to this country and there will no need to wear bullet-proof jackets at O R Tambo International Airport, nor in Cape Town and Bloemfontein. Instead, in Bloemfontein ...

Sesotho:

Re tla ba amohela ka masele ka siwelele sa masele.

English:

They will see the passion for football in this country. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, [Laughter.]

The SPEAKER: Hon member your time has expired. [Laughter.] ... [Applause.] Take your seat, hon member.

IsiZulu:

Siyabonga bab' uMkhize.

English:

Hon members, on your behalf I want to once again thank members of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee for their attendance, and also for keeping the hopes and aspirations of our people alive. We know that we will get there.

Debate concluded.

The Joint Sitting adjourned at 15:09.

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