A public opinion survey conducted among South African citizens shows that the prospect of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2010 "is giving South African pride and confidence a solid boost".
The overwhelming majority (94%) of South Africans are proud that the country is hosting the competition, while 89% believe the World Cup will bring long-term benefits to the country.
Indeed, 92% believe that hosting the major international sporting event will lead to upgraded public infrastructure, such as public transport, roads and telecommunications. Some 90% also believe that the event will improve South Africa's image abroad, and 96% expect it to give a decisive kick to the country's tourism industry.
Meanwhile, some 60% fear that the competition will worsen congestion in cities and inflate prices. They also fear that crime will be a concern for visitors.
The findings are the result of the second of six FIFA-commissioned public opinion surveys, which are meant to track the development and fluctuations of public attitudes towards the World Cup. The results of the first survey were published in January.
In July 2006, the Commission and FIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to make football a force for development in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. As the competition is to be held on the African continent for the first time, the European Commission and FIFA want it to foster economic development and to boost cultural exchanges between Europe and Africa during the preparatory phase (EurActiv 11/07/06).
