Madiba land on course for 2010
Jun 21, 2009
I SAY SO<br><br><b>By James Bakama</b><br><br>I am fresh from the Confederations Cup in the rainbow nation and I must say I was impressed. All I await now is kick-off of the World Cup proper, and I am confident that it will also be successful.
I SAY SO
By James Bakama
I am fresh from the Confederations Cup in the rainbow nation and I must say I was impressed. All I await now is kick-off of the World Cup proper, and I am confident that it will also be successful.
I commend the organising committee for being steadfast in even the stormiest of conditions.
A year ago, South Africa was plagued by problems hindering its preparations.
Striking stadium construction workers and delays caused by rainfall and strong winds, all sent pessimists up in arms calling for a ‘plan B’.
There was indeed talk of another country waiting in the starting blocks as alternative hosts.
But trust the organisers. They remained focused on their assignment, and one year on, they are not only back on track, but actually ahead of schedule on most of the unfinished projects.
If there were still any lingering doubts, they must have been dispelled by new President Jacob Zuma.
“We’ll deliver a world-class event that will forever change the perceptions of the international community, and also ensure a lasting legacy for the people of Africa,'' Zuma said in his inaugural speech last month.
Not even the horrifying statistics of South Africa’s world record of 50 deaths a day, are popping up today.
Organisers are spending $162 million on security, including 40,000 officers (700 at most games), surveillance cameras and even unmanned drones.
It's not the first time that the country unleashes its security machinery. Examples abound of South Africa’s ability to provide safety for high level events.
The recent Indian Premier League cricket tournament, which was moved to South Africa because of unrest in India, went off without any trouble.
Other events that South Africa has successfully hosted include several world summits on top of the rugby World Cup, African Cup of Nations, All Africa Games and cricket World Cup.
The football World Cup next year should therefore be no exception for the rainbow nation.
I wish them success.
By James Bakama
I am fresh from the Confederations Cup in the rainbow nation and I must say I was impressed. All I await now is kick-off of the World Cup proper, and I am confident that it will also be successful.
I commend the organising committee for being steadfast in even the stormiest of conditions.
A year ago, South Africa was plagued by problems hindering its preparations.
Striking stadium construction workers and delays caused by rainfall and strong winds, all sent pessimists up in arms calling for a ‘plan B’.
There was indeed talk of another country waiting in the starting blocks as alternative hosts.
But trust the organisers. They remained focused on their assignment, and one year on, they are not only back on track, but actually ahead of schedule on most of the unfinished projects.
If there were still any lingering doubts, they must have been dispelled by new President Jacob Zuma.
“We’ll deliver a world-class event that will forever change the perceptions of the international community, and also ensure a lasting legacy for the people of Africa,'' Zuma said in his inaugural speech last month.
Not even the horrifying statistics of South Africa’s world record of 50 deaths a day, are popping up today.
Organisers are spending $162 million on security, including 40,000 officers (700 at most games), surveillance cameras and even unmanned drones.
It's not the first time that the country unleashes its security machinery. Examples abound of South Africa’s ability to provide safety for high level events.
The recent Indian Premier League cricket tournament, which was moved to South Africa because of unrest in India, went off without any trouble.
Other events that South Africa has successfully hosted include several world summits on top of the rugby World Cup, African Cup of Nations, All Africa Games and cricket World Cup.
The football World Cup next year should therefore be no exception for the rainbow nation.
I wish them success.