Does South Africa really have enough money, stadiums, etc. to host the 2010 World Cup?

Question

I know that lots of money will be put into this to prepare South Africa for this event, and that FIFA wants to give Africa their first World Cup, but will it be hosted properly considering that South Africa isn't such a highly developed country?

And after all isn't it kind of inappropriate to invest so much public money on stadia when so much of the population lacks basic services and housing?

Answer 1

South Africa is by far the most developed country in Africa and have many first world features. SA has a modern banking sector rated under the top 10 of the world, ATM's, a tourist sector better than many first world countries, restaurants everywhere, huge and ultra-modern shopping malls, some amusement parks, tarred roads (in the cities they are in a GREAT condition), many world-class sport facilities already and a first world private health sector. SA also produces all right-hand BMW's in the world and 700 000 cars are being sold each year. There are more than 7 million cars on SA roads. We have a population of 4.5 million people (out of a population of 47 million) of European origin after all... My point is, is that SA is not the 'Africa' you see on TV (although we have many Africa problems eg. poverty). SA is capable of hosting the event... As far as money is concerned. SA's economy is in the top 25 of the world - as big as Australia's economy. 5 stadiums need a minor upgrade and 5 new ones will be built. It's only a rumour that Australia will host the cup 'if SA is not ready'. We've hosted major international events and will host the best 2010 cup ever :) It's already a much bigger financial success for Fifa than Germany 2006!

Answer 2

As I am currently in South Africa I can provide some info. This is based on what I've read in the newspaper, over the past month. The Stadiums ... A common assumption is that all new stadiums will be built for the WC. Actually only Green Point will be brand new. The rest will be upgraded. All of which bar bar one have started and are progressing on plan to finish early - midway 2009. The remaining stadium will start renovations this week after hosting the last big derby of the season. Green Point has been an up and down battle with everyone throwing in their 5p. That ended about 2 months back and has started construction. Security Plan Dry run at FNB for Chiefs - Pirates derby went smoothly. Transportation A worry could be hectic on match day .... no one is happy with the idea of road closures Crime Majority happens in places fans will never see. Big city crime is comparable to Europe. No one got killed at the Cricket and Rugby world cup, or robbed that I can recall. Unsure about fuss on this point ??

Answer 3

Unfortunately, FIFA forgot about 1986 and the risk of giving the responsability of organizing the World Cup to a third world, non political stable and weak ecomic country, as they did with Colombia back then.
I am pretty sure that the Wordl Cupa won´t be held y South Africa, when you see the excelence of the organization that Germany had, same as France, you know that it is impossible for South Africa to match the resources.
I hope that Spain gets the chance to host it once again, they have the stadiums and most of all, the have the fans!!!

Answer 4

I don't know if South Africa have enough money to fund for the stadiums and etc., but I heard that if they can't do it, then FIFA is going to give Australia the chance to host the next World Cup.

Answer 5

I dont think FIFA would allow South Africa to host if they could not pull it off. I mean its the biggest event in the world!

I remember how much trouble the USA had to get ready for 1994, but I do hope they allow us to host another one.

Answer 6

SA is probably the most developed country in Africa.

Besides, they already hosted another world cup: 2003 cricket world cup, in Johannesburg.

Answer 7

I dont think they would have let them host it if they couldn't pull it off.

Answer 8

SOMEONE WILL PAY..........