Now that the World Cup is over (Yay, Spain!), I was curious as to the impact this huge international sporting event had on South Africa. This is the first time the modern World Cup, with corporate sponsors and huge television audiences, has been held in a developing nation.
From www.southafrica.info:
It has been estimated that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will sustain an estimated 695 000 jobs and have a gross impact of R93-billion on South Africa's economy. A projected 373 000 foreign tourists will visit South Africa during the World Cup, each spending an estimated R30 200 on average per trip. However, the indirect spin-offs from improved perceptions abroad could have an even greater, longer-lasting impact, not only on South Africa and its development but on the continent as a whole. A successful World Cup will help change the perceptions that a large number of foreign investors hold of Africa.
Mandla Mandela, eldest grandson of Nelson Mandela, is quoted as saying:
"It is our time, now, as Africans, to showcase to the world who we are and rid ourselves of the conflict that has put a negative face on Africa for the past decades. Our priority is to put out the message of nation building. To unite our people under a peaceful umbrella."
"Looking at the World Cup and the impact it has had on our community and our country, he is fully satisfied with the investments that have been made on infrastructure," Mandla Mandela said of his 91-year-old grandfather. "That alone has enabled us as a country to have a steady economy through this recession."
I think it's amazing that I will see South Africa after it has played such gracious host to the largest sporting event on Earth. :) Four sleeps to go!!
From www.southafrica.info:
It has been estimated that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will sustain an estimated 695 000 jobs and have a gross impact of R93-billion on South Africa's economy. A projected 373 000 foreign tourists will visit South Africa during the World Cup, each spending an estimated R30 200 on average per trip. However, the indirect spin-offs from improved perceptions abroad could have an even greater, longer-lasting impact, not only on South Africa and its development but on the continent as a whole. A successful World Cup will help change the perceptions that a large number of foreign investors hold of Africa.
Mandla Mandela, eldest grandson of Nelson Mandela, is quoted as saying:
"It is our time, now, as Africans, to showcase to the world who we are and rid ourselves of the conflict that has put a negative face on Africa for the past decades. Our priority is to put out the message of nation building. To unite our people under a peaceful umbrella."
"Looking at the World Cup and the impact it has had on our community and our country, he is fully satisfied with the investments that have been made on infrastructure," Mandla Mandela said of his 91-year-old grandfather. "That alone has enabled us as a country to have a steady economy through this recession."
I think it's amazing that I will see South Africa after it has played such gracious host to the largest sporting event on Earth. :) Four sleeps to go!!