02 Oct 2009
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The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has created thousands of jobs and training opportunities
It has been predicted that 160,000 jobs would have been created in the build-up and during the running of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, across a range of sectors including construction and tourism.
Earlier this year, South Africa's deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, said that the country's preparations for the World Cup have helped to create numerous job opportunities for the unemployed. He said that South Africa's hosting of the World Cup has "made the government improve on infrastructure, including road networks”.
Construction of stadia has made a significant contribution to the growth of employment and training. For example, the new Green Point Stadium in Cape Town is creating thousands of new jobs, with a positive spin-off for the city's economy.
According to a special report prepared for the FIFA Council, 2,143 on-site jobs have been created to construct the stadium, and 1,179 artisans have received training. This will stand them in good stead even after the stadium is complete.
There is also significant Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprise (SMME) involvement from local companies, with 57 percent of procurement on the stadium having been sourced from BEE companies, and 65 percent from SMME's.
As part of a broad-based BEE programme, the contractor has established an on-site training centre to develop the skills and abilities of all employees, to enhance their performance and help to advance their careers within the industry.
An added incentive for the construction workers is that they will each receive two free World Cup tickets, courtesy of FIFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.
The 68 000-seater stadium, which will host eight games during the World Cup, is on track for completion in December 2009.
Overall, almost 90 percent of South Africans are convinced the country will host a successful World Cup, according to a recent confidence poll by FIFA. Those surveyed said the country was ready and "more than able" to deliver a successful tournament.
We have the inside track on what salaries football players earn! And if you want to watch the matches during the World Cup, better find out about taking leave.