Key findings of a survey of 386 residents of Tshwane show that residents generally have a positive attitude to the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

The survey showed that residents are generally positive about the perceived benefits of the event to the city and the country as a whole. It was conducted by Tania Pretorius and Prof Ernie Heath of the Department of Tourism Management at the University of Pretoria.

Respondents in the survey indicated that they were also generally very positive about becoming involved at various levels, ranging from being volunteers to capitalising on entrepreneurial opportunities.

The majority of the respondents were of the opinion that the event could have a significant economic impact on Tshwane and South Africa as a whole in the form of, among other things, new foreign investment (71 percent), improved infrastructure (81 percent), and training and skills development (82 percent).

Of particular significance is that 85 percent of the respondents were of the opinion that there could be significant benefits for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.

The majority of the respondents (75 percent) were of the opinion that Tshwane's image as a tourist destination would be boosted by the World Cup and that it would provide a great international marketing opportunity (89 percent) for South Africa.

A total of 91 percent of the respondents indicated that they believed that the event would be a major boost for South Africa's tourism industry.

As regards the perceived social and economic impact of the tournament, 66 percent of the respondents held the view that the community would embrace the event and become actively involved and that it would promote nation-building (62 percent).

Significantly, 47 percent of the respondents were of the opinion that participation in sport by South Africans would increase as a result of the event.

As could be expected, a relatively high percentage of the respondents (72 percent) expressed concern about crime and personal safety during the World Cup.

Other challenges identified by them included ensuring responsible pricing (70 percent), managing traffic flows and crowds (67 percent), and curtailing soccer hooliganism (56 percent). Some respondents expressed concern that rural people would not benefit from the event (35 percent) and that the World Cup would only have short-term benefits (31 percent).

Two key suggestions made by respondents were that there should be facilities for disabled people (94 percent) and that the World Cup should have a true African flavour and focus (73 percent).

The majority of respondents (72 percent) believed that South Africa would be great hosts.

Source: City of Tshwane