December 2009

More than 50 000 people gathered in Cape Town’s Long Street on Friday, December 4, with approximately 150-million TV viewers, to watch the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Final Draw. Flags of all countries were flying high as the excited crowd waited for the big moment, but it was the South African flag that was most prominent, and Cape Town represented in a spectacular fashion.

Now with the Cape Town match schedule available for review, planning for the first African FIFA World Cup has begun, and World Cup fever has swooped in.

It is the first time a FIFA World Cup will be held on African soil. South Africa, a soccer-loving nation, is proudly excited to be hosting its first international event of this magnitude, where energy, spontaneity and hospitality are the cornerstones of our culture.

There are about 70 000 beds available in the Cape Town region. Accommodation options range from six-star luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, private villas and self-catering house hires. If you are looking for a secure, direct booking, go to www.safarinow.com for some accommodation options.

South Africa has hosted more than 140 international sporting events over the past few years and not one of these reported any serious crime incidents to date.

The South African Police Services will work closely with disaster management and fire, cleaning and transport services through joint operations centres. The whole stadium precinct will be locked down before the event, and entry will be tightly restricted to guarantee the safety of all visitors, spectators and players from around the world.