Olympic chief makes South Africa stop
Khoza felt it important to welcome Rogge, saying "it is crucial that we acknowledge the visit of the President of the IOC, who with FIFA, ensured that there would be normal sport in South Africa." Both the IOC and FIFA banned South Africa from participating in sport while the policies of segregation during the apartheid era were in place. During his visit, Rogge was briefed on the progress of the Local Organising Committee in the preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He seemed pleased with the progress and was unwavering in his commitment to the African continent, emphatically stating that he was "absolutely convinced that South Africa in particular and Africa general are capable of the hosting of a major sports event."
The International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge received a warm welcome from the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Dr Irvin Khoza, during his visit to SAFA House on Friday.
Khoza felt it important to welcome Rogge, saying "it is crucial that we acknowledge the visit of the President of the IOC, who with FIFA, ensured that there would be normal sport in South Africa." Both the IOC and FIFA banned South Africa from participating in sport while the policies of segregation during the apartheid era were in place.
During his visit, Rogge was briefed on the progress of the Local Organising Committee in the preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He seemed pleased with the progress and was unwavering in his commitment to the African continent, emphatically stating that he was "absolutely convinced that South Africa in particular and Africa general are capable of the hosting of a major sports event."
2010 Increased opportunities for tourismThe World Cup was attracting international conferences, and thousands of delegates who were not connected to the tournament would be coming to SA in 2010, according to Dirk Elzinga, managing director of the Cape Town International Conference Centre. First National Bank?s Solutions for Tourism department said that since SA was chosen to host the event there had been a huge increase in applications for finance for tourism-related projects, ranging from accommodation to tour buses. According to Business Report, Pieter de Bruin, the head of the department, said there would be increased opportunities for tourism even before 2010.
| New aircraft and vehicles for SAPS | |
| With government focusing on visible policing to deter criminals, the Minister of Safety and Security announced a raft of new equipment, including several helicopters, for the SA Police Service (SAPS). Charles Nqakula said it would be spending R13.5m on three new mobile command vehicles fitted with modern technology and R20.2m on four new helicopters this financial year. According to an allAfrica.com report, in 2009/10, in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup, the police services will be further strengthened with another two high-tech mobile command vehicles at a cost of R9m. | |
