By Clive Ndou

Cabinet has welcomed the R15 billion budget allocation to preparations for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, describing the move as one that will inspire “all of us to focus our attention on implementation”.

Briefing the media, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said South Africa would never be the same again after 2010.

“We will have better roads, better sports fields, better public transport, better security for all citizens, better soccer players, and most importantly a proud united South Africa,” he said.

During his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday 25 October, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel announced government would spend an extra R80 billion over the next three financial years, of which R15 billion will be allocated for the 2010 World Cup.

He said of that amount, R8.4 billion would go towards the building or upgrading of stadiums while R6.7 billion would be utilised for public transport infrastructure development.

Manuel, who said he would only be in a position to announce the full costs of the tournament in his main budget next year, said the allocation would be complemented by contributions from local authorities and other parties.

Cabinet said a successful 2010 would turn South Africa into a major tourist destination.

“A South Africa in which all the soccer fans who would have attended the World Cup would want to come back as tourists to experience our fauna and flora,” said Cabinet, urging all South Africans to do their best to ensure the country hosted a successful tournament.

It also received a report on the FIFA Kick-off Workshop which took place in Cape Town over the last two days.

Addressing that workshop President Thabo Mbeki said it was indeed, “kick-off” time for the real hard work of making the world cup the most successful tournament ever.

In this regard, Cabinet reassured all South Africans that preparations were not only on track but at an advanced stage “…and that South Africa will be ready to host the first African FIFA World Cup, come rain or shine,” said Maseko.

In other developments, Cabinet announced its approval of the settlement reached with the Richtersveld community regarding a land dispute between that community and Alexkor Limited.

This community had suffered an injustice when they were forcefully removed from their land to make way for diamond mining.

In terms of this settlement, the state will facilitate an extraordinary reparation payment of R190 million to the community.

Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin will sign the agreement with the community shortly, which will include safeguards to ensure that the money is used in a way that meets the long term needs of the community.

Source: BuaNews