SPEECH BY MR. ERIC LUCAS - MP

Madame Speaker,

There is no doubting the mass appeal that football has. It is played by over 240 million players in 1.4 million teams and in 300 000 clubs across the world. This is without a doubt the world's favourite sport, and we in South Africa are in the privileged position of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

This event is broadcast to hundreds of countries around the world with billions of people watching the many games. Although we have successfully hosted major international sporting events in the past, such as the rugby and cricket world cups, no single sporting event comes close to the mass appeal and sheer size of the FIFA World Cup. The excitement and publicity that this tournament generates was obvious for all to see with the recently completed event that was so successfully hosted by Germany. I think that we can also all clearly remember the euphoria that was experienced when South Africa was announced as the host for the 2010 event.

The organisation and hard work that go into the successful hosting and staging of a tournament of this magnitude is mind boggling. These two Bills before us today have been drafted to facilitate the hosting and staging of this event. The eyes of the world will be focused on South Africa, and Africa, for the duration of the tournament. It is therefore imperative that we use all the resources at our disposal to successfully host this tournament and prove to the many pessimists, who are saying that we are not ready to host a World Cup, that we are capable and will stage the best event yet. These Bills will go a long way in assisting our cause.

Much has been said about the many benefits and opportunities that will come about as a result of this event. There will be increased revenue from advertising, increased occupancy in hotels and other lodgings as well as numerous other benefits. It is, however, important that all South Africans, and not just a select few benefit from these opportunities. We must also do our utmost to ensure that the positive effects and spin offs of World Cup will last long after the event is over and have a sustainable effect. We don't want a situation to where the unemployment rates increase drastically after the tournament. We must strive for sustainability.

As much as I would like to go on about all the positive effects and spin offs that this tournament will generate, not just for South Africa but hopefully for the entire continent of Africa, the harsh reality is that there is still an enormous amount that has to be done and much that has to be corrected before we are ready to host an event of this magnitude. We have got to look at the situation and ask ourselves honestly whether we will have the capacity to deal with this influx of tourists; will our police services have the capacity to ensure that the many visitors will have a safe stay; will out transport services have the capacity to transport tourist safely and comfortably to their destinations; will our airports cope with the added visitors? These are just a few of the many genuine concerns that we must find solutions to.

Besides all the hard work that is necessary to ensure that the actual football tournament itself is to be conducted successfully, for example the completion and readiness of the stadia and facilities to be used directly in the tournament, we must also remember that there is going to be an unprecedented number of visitors to our country at one time. Their stay in South Africa must be as pleasant an experience for them as possible to ensure that they will return to our country for a return visit after the World Cup.

Although we are faced with many challenges and obstacles if we are to be ready and successfully host the FIFA World Cup in 2010, I do believe that if all the relevant stakeholders work together and are open and honest when identifying these obstacles and areas of weakness, we will be ready in time for 2010.

The thought of hosting the World Cup is a very daunting but even more exciting prospect, especially for a continent like Africa with such a great love for the game of football and home to many great players who have brought joy to the people over the years. This is our chance to show the rest of the world what we are capable of.

To make this a truly memorable World Cup we must do all that we can to ensure that this event is affordable to, and can be enjoyed by, the average person. Although it is important to learn from the experiences of other countries, it is imperative that we do not replicate them. This is an African World Cup, and as Africans we have a different rhythm, a different climate and a unique way of doing things. Let us embrace our uniqueness and make this a proudly African World Cup.

We, in the IFP, believe that with the right support and dedication South Africa will be ready to host the most successful World Cup yet. These two Bills before us today will assist in making this a reality.

We support these Bills. I thank you.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Eric Lucas: 082 557 2481
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848