South Africa 2010: frequent
questions
Article by
www.southafrica.info
The 2010 Fifa World Cup will take place in
South Africa. Whether you plan to be watching the games in a stadium or fan park
on the southern tip of Africa, or on the screen back home, here's a collection
of quick information on the tournament, and the host country, to help enhance
your experience.
Has South Africa hosted big events before?
South Africa regularly hosts major
international sporting events, and since 1994 has successfully managed some of
the biggest - including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup,
the Women's World Cup of Golf (2005-08), and the only street race in the A1 GP
World Cup of Motorsport (2006-).
But the Fifa Football World Cup, the world's
biggest single-code sporting event - in terms of television audience, bigger
than the Olympic Games - is in a class of its own.
For four weeks starting on 9 June 2010, South
Africa will be the centre of the world. The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the
most extensively viewed event in television history. South Africa 2010 will draw
even bigger audiences. The eyes of billions of television viewers, millions of
international visitors and the cream of the world's sporting media will be
focused on the southern tip of Africa.
We don't aim to disappoint.
Who are Bafana Bafana?
Our national football team is known as Bafana
Bafana - "the boys, the boys" in isiZulu. The nickname comes from the fans' cry
that went up during the team's triumph at the 1996 African Nations Cup (also
hosted in South Africa). Since the end of apartheid and South Africa's sporting
isolation, Bafana Bafana have twice qualified - in 1998 and 2002 - for the Fifa
World Cup.
What's the difference between football and
soccer?
Nothing. While the game is largely known as
football in Europe, in the former British colonies - including South Africa, the
US and Australia - it's called soccer (from the British Football Association,
best known for the FA Cup).
What's a vuvuzela?!
Some would say it's South Africa's national
musical instrument. It's a big plastic trumpet, brightly coloured, and is blown
with gusto by all fans at every football match in the country. The sound it
makes is something between the bellow of a constipated elephant and the buzzing
of a giant swarm of baritone bees, but South Africans like it.
Will South Africa benefit from the World Cup?
It has been estimated that the 2010 Fifa World
Cup will create some 129 000 jobs, contribute around R21-billion to South
Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) and generate another R7.2-billion in
government taxes, with around 350 000 visitors expected to spend some
R9.8-billion in the country during the tournament.
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.
Can I make use of the 2010 logo?
Only accredited Fifa partners and sponsors are
allowed to use the 2010 Fifa World Cup logo in their publicity and advertising.
Where are the games being played?
2010 Fifa World Cup matches will be held in 10
stadiums: two in Johannesburg and one in each of the other eight host cities.
Together, the 10 stadiums will host 64 matches and seat more than 570 000 people
during the course of tournament. Five of the 10 are existing stadiums, which are
being upgraded, with Soccer City - venue of the opening and final match -
undergoing a major upgrade. The other five stadiums are being built from
scratch.
Which cities are hosting matches?
Nine South African cities will stage the 2010
Fifa World Cup.
(Image: Mary Alexander)
Johannesburg
The economic hub of Africa, Johannesburg is a
bustling, sprawling city of contrasts, spread across the small but densely
populated province of Gauteng.
- Johannesburg:
quick profile
- Nearest airport:
OR Tambo International
- World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis
Park
- World Cup matches: 10 first-round (including
the opening) and two second-round matches, two quarterfinals and the final.
Cape Town
South Africa's oldest and loveliest city lies
in Table Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, in the south of the Western Cape province.
Beautiful buildings, the nearby winelands, long white beaches and a rich
cultural life make Cape Town South Africa's most favoured tourist destination.
- Cape Town:
quick profile
- Nearest airport:
Cape Town International
- World Cup stadium: Greenpoint Stadium
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches,
one second-round match, one quarterfinal, one semifinal.
Durban
A warm subtropical place and the largest city
in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is a major tourist destination with the busiest port in
South Africa.
- Durban:
quick profile
- Nearest airport:
Durban International
- World Cup stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches,
one second-round match, one semifinal.
Pretoria
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South
Africa, lying north of Johannesburg in the province of Gauteng. Over 150 years
old, it is a place of grand monuments, delightful architecture and lovely open
spaces.
- Pretoria:
quick profile
- Nearest airport:
OR Tambo International
- World Cup stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches,
one second-round match.
Port Elizabeth
Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth lies
in Nelson Mandela Bay on the windswept Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape province.
- Port Elizabeth:
quick profile
- Nearest airport: Port Elizabeth Airport
- World Cup stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay
Stadium
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches,
one second-round match, one quarterfinal and the third-place playoff.
Bloemfontein
The former capital of a Boer republic and now
capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein - the name means "flower fountain" - is
a pretty city with thousands of rose bushes and some poignant memorials.
- Bloemfontein:
quick profile
- Nearest airport: Bloemfontein Airport
- World Cup stadium: Vodacom Park
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches,
one second-round match.
Rustenburg
Its tranquil Jacaranda-lined streets belie the
fact that the Rustenburg area in North West province is one of the world's most
heavily mined regions, with a wealth of platinum underground.
- Nearest airport:
OR Tambo International
- World Cup stadium: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
- World Cup matches: four first-round matches,
one second-round match.
Nelspruit
The capital of Mpumalanga province lies in the
fertile valley of the Crocodile River, about 330km east of Johannesburg.
- Nearest airport: Kruger Mpumalanga
International Airport
- World Cup stadium: Mbombela Stadium
- World Cup matches: five first-round matches
Polokwane
The capital of Limpopo province is ideally
situated near the border of the wildlife-rich, world-famous Kruger National
Park.
- Nearest airport: Polokwane International
Airport
- World Cup stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
- World Cup matches: four first-round matches
How many tickets will be available?
Some 3-million tickets will be available for
the 2010 Fifa World Cup's 64 matches. One third, or a million, will be allocated
to South African football fans, another million to international visitors, and
the third million to sponsors, teams and the "Fifa family".
Should I come even if I can't get tickets?
Of course! The 2010 tournament is guaranteed to
be, as South Africans say, a jol (a party). As in Germany in 2006, public
viewing areas with giant screens will be set up. And you can always watch the
tournament and get to know the locals at our numerous pubs, restaurants and
sports bars.
What time zone is South Africa in?
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead
of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). During June and July - when the
tournament will take place - South African time is the same as that in
continental Europe, and an hour ahead of the UK. So matches that kick off at 9pm
here will be comfortable viewing for Europeans, while US viewers will be taking
a lot of early lunches - and Socceroo supporters will be starting their day at
five in the morning!
What will the weather be like?
The World Cup will take place in the southern
hemisphere winter - but it's warm here in Africa. Johannesburg will be dry, with
sunny days and fairly chilly nights. Rustenburg, Pretoria and Nelspruit will be
warmer, but Bloemfontein will be cold. Polokwane in the north will be dry and
hot, warmer than most European summers. Durban will be pleasant and warm, with
some humidity - and the deliciously balmy Indian Ocean to swim in. And while
Cape Town is magnificent in good weather - and it can have good weather in
winter - in June the city is generally cold, wet and windy, and its ocean icy
cold!
How do I get to South Africa?
By air - unless you have a boat or rugged
overland vehicle. Over 50 airlines and more than 30-million passengers a year
move through South Africa's 10 principal airports, including the three major
international airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
How do I get around?
The host cities are all linked by air and train
routes, and South Africa has a number of first-rate tour bus companies. The
country's road infrastructure is excellent, so it's also a viable option to rent
a car.
When it comes to travel within the cities,
while South African public transport is not up to the standard of New York or
London, there are options. The most popular form of public transport is the
minibus taxi. By 2010 a massive taxi recapitalisation plan, currently under way,
will have replaced most of the older vehicles with larger, safer minibuses. Most
host cities have Metro train and bus systems, and there are numerous meter cab
companies. Otherwise, you can rent a car or use your hotel's courtesy transport.
Where do I stay?
"The hotel sector in South Africa is
first-rate," the Fifa inspection team said in its country report. "There are
enough hotel rooms to accommodate everyone taking part in the 2010 Fifa World
Cup, including media representatives and fans from around the world." Other
options are the many bed & breakfast establishments in and around the host
cities, and over 150 backpacker lodges.
What if I fall ill?
"On the whole, the health system has excellent
facilities and perhaps one of the best private health systems in the world,
drawing on modern technology and highly qualified specialists and medical
staff," the Fifa inspection team said in its report. "We have to add that there
are fully equipped infirmaries with adequate first-aid facilities to meet every
need in the stadiums proposed for the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
What are the people like?
South Africa is a nation of over 47-million
people of diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs. Visitors to the
country always remark on how warm, friendly and welcoming South Africans are.
We've had a difficult past, so we don't waste time being difficult people! And
we're expert at having fun.
"We can say that the people of South Africa
were always friendly, very boisterous and constantly celebrating during our
visit to the country," Fifa's inspection team said in their country report.
"[They] would stop and show their joy and support of the country's commitment
whenever our group passed by."
Are there lions in the streets?
Er, no. But if you want to see wild animals,
you won't have to go far to do so. An hour's drive from such urban jungles as
Pretoria and Johannesburg, you can see lions, elephants, buffalo and hundreds
more species in their natural environments. There are wildlife lodges and game
parks - including the huge and magnificent Kruger National Park - across the
country. Simply take your pick.
What's the beer like?
Cold and delicious. South Africans generally
drink bottled beer, although most pubs offer a range of draughts. The major
producer is South African Breweries, now a huge multinational doing business
across the world. Lager is probably the favourite, followed by pilsener. In and
around the stadiums, you'll only be able to drink Budweiser - an official Fifa
sponsor.
And the food?
Yummy, exotic and varied. South Africa's people
have diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs, and their food is a
correspondingly rich smorgasbord. For the more daring, we offer culinary
challenges from crocodile sirloins to fried caterpillars to sheep heads -
delicious! For the less brave, there are indigenous delicacies such as biltong
(dried, salted meat), bobotie (a much-improved version of shepherd's pie)
and boerewors (hand-made farm sausages, grilled on an open flame).
In the space of a single city street or
shopping mall you'll find Italian restaurants, two or three varieties of Chinese
cookery and Japanese, Moroccan, French, Portuguese and Indian food. Not far away
will be Congolese restaurants, Greek, even Brazilian and Korean establishments -
and, everywhere, fusion, displaying the fantasies of creative chefs.
Other than watch football, what else is there
to do?
So, so much, but where to begin? Try here:
And the nightlife?
Pubs, wine bars, township taverns known as
shebeens, nightclubs, a variety of restaurants, mainstream theatre, avant-garde
theatre, dinner theatre, movies … there's no shortage of places to celebrate or
cry into your beer after the match.
If it all gets a bit much, where's the best
place to go to avoid the whole show?
There are many remote places to escape to in
South Africa's varied landscape, from the massive Drakensberg range of
mountains, which run like a spine down the length the country, to the weird rock
formations of the Cedarberg mountains in the west, the Northern Cape's haunting
Richtersveld area, and the vast plains of the Karoo desert. Or you could just
find a secluded beach on the country's 2 500 kilometres of coastline and bask in
the African sun.
SAinfo - www.southafrica.info
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