'Strike will not affect draw'
2007-11-14 17:30
Johannesburg - The strike at the 2010 stadium in Durban will not affect the preliminary draw of the Fifa soccer World Cup, 2010 local organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan said on Wednesday.
He said efforts were underway to resolve the dispute at the Durban stadium as soon as possible.
"We are meeting with the city manager on Thursday, when he will brief us regarding the development. Any dispute must be resolved in the quickest possible time."
Workers at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban went on strike last week demanding better wages and monthly project bonuses of R1 500.
"The preliminary draw is of paramount importance to us as the organising committee. We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate our ability to organise a world-class event to an expectant local, continental and international community," Jordaan said.
"This is our first opportunity to host a preliminary draw that will really capture the attention of the world...as South Africans we need to hold together and be one team."
The draw will determined the playing groups for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Some of the country's best musicians have been lined to perform. They include Lebo M of Lion King fame, Judith Sephuma, the Soweto String Quartet, Afrotenors and Freshlyground.
President Thabo Mbeki, Fifa president Joseph Blatter and some of the world best footballers will attend the event.
The draw will be conducted by Fifa general secretary Jeromy Valcke assisted by Kaizer Motaung, Jomo Sono and Lucas Radebe of South Africa, Ali Daei (Iran), George Weah (Liberia), Abeli Pele Ayew (Ghan) Kasey Keller (USA) and Marcel Desailly of France.
- SAPA