SA ready for 2010 - survey

2007-11-20 14:16

Johannesburg - South Africa is ready for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, a research and survey body announced on Tuesday.

TNS Research Surveys conducted a study in May and June this year on 2 000 adults to determine what their views on the 2010 World Cup were.

The analysis was done in seven major metropolitan areas in the country - 1 261 blacks, 384 whites, 240 coloureds and 115 Indians/Asians took part in the study.

TNS spokesperson Neil Higgs said 63% of South Africans showed optimism about "our readiness for the World Cup".

This was an increase from August last year when only 59% of people thought that South Africa would be ready.

"There has been an increasingly positive trend over the past 21 months. In September 2005, only 40% felt we would be ready," said Higgs.

The Gauteng province was the most optimistic - 67% of people believed that the country was ready for the World Cup.

Cape Town was the least optimistic - 52% of people did not think the country was ready for the world cup.

2010 'vital to SA'

Despite the dispute and controversy over the refurbishment and use of Cape Town's Green Point Stadium for the event, 63% of people were in favour of the stadium being built.

Higgs said: "In the 2005 study 90% of people felt that making a success of the event is vital to South Africans, in terms of job creation and economic growth to alleviate poverty".

TNS urged the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to dispel negativity around South Africa hosting the soccer event.

"The LOC needs to send out strong positive signals to the public, businesses, tourism industry and all policy makers. Every South African stands to benefit from this event," said Higgs.

Despite the positive outcome of the study, one in four people still had doubts about the event and this was a concern, he said.

- SAPA