2010 World Cup South Africa

One question in everyone’s mouth right now, my guess would be: How does a soccer world cup relate to sustainable technology? Simple answer! Development and preparations! These preparations and developments among others include; stadia, accommodation along with communication and transport. One SA official was quoted saying, "The environmental impact has to be kept to a minimum. It essential to ensure that the world cup be hosted in a suitable manner”. But what exactly did he mean?

In my own words, he was talking about reduction of air pollution, emissions and misuse of land. Talking about pollution, I will first touch on the transport situation and preparation. About 1024 taxis have been scrapped off in the city of Kwa-Zulu Natal alone in a move to ensure safe transportation of tourists during the 2010 world cup. This move again reduces traffic congestion and makes sure that only roadworthy vehicles are used.

Despite having the transport infrastructure of a fully developed country, considering that the air and rail networks are the largest on the continent, South Africa plans to improve its current public transport infrastructure and implement special measures to ensure the safety and security of local and international tourists attending the matches. One big surprise to me which more than convince me that South Africa could be transforming into a first world country, is the Gautrain project; a multi-billion rand high- speed rail link between Jo’burg, Pretoria and

Jo’burg airport underway. It will ease traffic congestion and air pollution cruising at 160kmph and operating 18hrs a day. This again will drastically reduce road accidents, which are a major concern between and within Pretoria and Johannesburg. There will be 4 underground stations, 8 surface stations and some 14km of underground track, in some places up to 80m below the surface. Secondly, I will move on to communication and accommodation.

The Nepad e-Africa Commission is planning a mega sea cable broadband by The cable will span the east and west coasts of Africa, terrestrial networks including landlocked countries connecting Africa with Brazil, Europe, India and The Middle East. This is yet another move by SA to improve its communication facilities ahead of the world cup. On to housing, a US-German venture could see eight new luxury hotels being built in SA, 2 expected to be up and running before 2010.

A new regional mall scheduled to open in late 2009 is under construction in Limpopo provincial capital city. The sustainable developments, according to me are all courtesy of the 2010 world cup. All these examples are stepping stones into a first world country. Last but not least, ten world-class stadiums are being constructed ahead of the 2010 world cup with all of them expected to be 100% complete by October 2009, 4 being upgraded, one complete and 5 more under

construction. These stadiums are an example of sustainable technology as they will still be used after the world cup comes to an end. Summarizing and analyzing, the ten stadium project is said to be smoothly progressing, most hotel managers are upgrading their hotels. This is all thanks to the 2010 world cup. Transport-wise, its looking good as all the necessary projects are already underway.

I will finally conclude my presentation with some eye-catching pictures of all the developments expected and underway ahead of the 2010 world cup. The Gautrain project Rosebank hotel Greenpoint and Durban stadiums on next slide