On 15 May 2004, South Africa was announced as the host of the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup™. Held once every four years, the Soccer World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympics, enjoying a global audience of approx. 11 billion. .

The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup™ will be the biggest event South Africa has ever staged. It will ensure that the eyes of the world are upon us for a full month and will generate huge social and economic benefits before, during and after the World Cup. The city will be provided with a magnificent state-of-the-art multi-purpose Stadium that will attract a host of sporting, cultural and public events that otherwise might have passed it by.

The 2010 World Cup™ will be the first-ever World Cup held on African soil. As an official host city, the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ provides an awesome opportunity for Nelson Mandela Bay to showcase itself.

The city is eagerly awaiting the completion of its “iconic and spectacular” multi-purpose stadium that will host seven 2010 Soccer World Cup™ games including a qualifying final. Currently under construction in the heart of the city, in North End, the stadium will have an eye-catching, unique roof structure and a spectacular view, overlooking the popular North End Lake. It is anticipated that the stadium will be completed by February 2009. The stadium will serve the city’s many sporting needs for many years after the World Cup.

Residents are set to benefit by the enormous social and economic opportunities that the stadium will bring, before, during and after the Word Cup itself. Altogether 6 800 jobs will be created. The development of the stadium will also see the upliftment and urban renewal of the surrounding residential and commercial area of North End and the major routes leading to the stadium.

In order to deliver on its visitor strategy, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has established a Task Team, with various Work Streams reporting into it. The 2010 Directorate reports directly to the Office of the Municipal Manager, who in turn accounts to the Deputy Executive Mayor and Council on World Cup matters. We will be ready! All procurement and participation processes are on track.

Due to the countless business opportunities which will be created, the hospitality stakeholders stand to benefit substantially. The Municipality is coordinating ongoing meetings with the hospitality industry as well as the local vendors of food and drinks to introduce a grading system that will ensure clean, safe and hygienic food for our 2010 visitors. Above all, residents will be equipped with a broad spectrum of skills, which will serve as a legacy and ensure their employment even beyond 2010. For instance, the SAA Golf Tournament will return to NMBT in 2010. Skills acquired during the Soccer World Cup tournament can also be employed there.

The bottom line however is that we acknowledge the fact that the benefits derived from the World Cup post 2010 will be directly proportional to the contributions, input and effort of all South Africans put into hosting this World Cup successfully.

The South African Airways Company is very confident that the airport will be ready. The runway will be extended to 3 000 m, at a cost of R108 million, to accommodate the influx of tourists. Another legacy of lasting benefit for the Beautiful Bay and its people!

Discover the freedom of Nelson Mandela Bay before, during and after 2010 and you will get to enjoy some of the other best things in life, absolutely FREE – the free blue sea, a stress-free environment, clean air and invigorating sea breezes, and free smiles from all who live in Nelson Mandela Bay.

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