by SouthAfrica.info
reporter
In 2010
the Fifa World Cup will be hosted in South Africa.
Don't know where South Africa is? Don't know how to
get here? Scared of being eaten by lions? Want to know
what the beer is like? Our answers to frequently asked
questions about the 2010 tournament will set your mind
at ease … and may surprise you too.
Image © SA Tourism |
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South Africa? Where's that?
We're on the
southern tip of Africa (that lozenge-shaped continent east of
America, south of Europe and west of China), where the Atlantic and
Indian Oceans meet. We have nine provinces: Gauteng, the smallest
and most densely populated, adjoins Limpopo, North West and
Mpumalanga in the north; the Northern Cape, the largest province
with the smallest population, is in the west; the Free State is in
the middle of the country; and the coastal provinces of
KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape lie to the
south.
Well, what's the place like?
Believe it or
not, we have cities. With roads. And skyscrapers. And electric
lights. And traffic jams. South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa,
the most advanced, broad-based economy on the continent, with
infrastructure to match any first-world country.
You can drive on wide, tarred highways all 2 000 kilometres from
Musina at the very top of the country to Cape Town at the bottom. Or
join over 7-million international travellers who disembark at our
airports every year.
Two-thirds of Africa's electricity is generated here. Forty
percent of the phones are here. Twenty percent of the world's gold
and 77% of its platinum is mined here. And almost everyone who
visits is astonished at how far a dollar, euro or pound will stretch
...
And the people?
South
Africa is a nation of over 46-million people of diverse origins,
cultures, languages and beliefs. Africans are in the majority at
37.2-million, some 79.4% of the population. The white population
is
estimated at 4.4-million (9.3%), the coloured population at
4.1-million (8.8%) and the Indian or Asian population at 1.1-million
(2.5%).
And we're good company. "We can say that the people of South
Africa were always friendly, very boisterous and constantly
celebrating during our visit to the country," Fifa's inspection team
said in their country report. "[They] would stop and show their
joy and support of the country's commitment whenever our group
passed
by."
Do South Africans speak English?
Yes, indeed. Everywhere you go, you can
expect to find people who speak or understand English. English is
the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government,
of road signs and official documents. Road signs and official forms
are in English. The President makes his speeches in English. At any
hotel, the receptionists, waiters and porters will speak English.
Another major language is Afrikaans, a derivative of Dutch, which
northern Europeans will find surprisingly easy to follow.
What cities will host the 2010 games?
The 2010
tournament will be staged in nine South African cities:
Johannesburg - The economic hub of Africa, Johannesburg is
a bustling, sprawling city of contrasts, spread across the small
but
densely populated province of Gauteng. Two Johannesburg stadiums
will be used for the event.
Pretoria - A pretty, quiet city north of Johannesburg in
Gauteng, Pretoria is the capital of South Africa, with a long,
involved and fascinating history.
Cape Town - South Africa's oldest and loveliest city lies
in Table Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, in the south of the Western
Cape
province. Beautiful buildings, the nearby winelands, long white
beaches and a rich cultural life make Cape Town South Africa's most
favoured tourist destination.
Durban - If Johannesburg has a business culture and Cape
Town a culture culture, Durban has a beach culture. The warm Indian
Ocean and the city's tropical climate make it one of the nicest
places to be in the South African winter.
Port Elizabeth - The Friendly City lies in Nelson Mandela
Bay on the windswept Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape province.
Bloemfontein - The former capital of a Boer republic and
now capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein - the name means "flower
fountain" - is a pretty city with thousands of rose bushes and
some poignant memorials.
Rustenburg - Its tranquil Jacaranda-lined streets belie
the fact that the Rustenburg area in North West province is one of
the world's most heavily mined regions, with a wealth of platinum
underground.
Nelspruit - The capital of Mpumalanga province lies in the
fertile valley of the Crocodile River, about 330km east of
Johannesburg.
Polokwane - The capital of Limpopo province is ideally
situated near the border of the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park.
And the stadiums?
World
cup matches will be held in 10 stadiums:
Soccer City (Johannesburg) - The
Soccer City stadium near Soweto in Johannesburg is to undergo a major
upgrade for the 2010
tournament, with a new design inspired by traditional African
pottery and a revamped capacity for 104 000 football fans. The
stadium will hold the final and opening matches, five first-round
matches, one second-round match and one quarter-final.
An artist's impression of the new and upgraded Soccer
City stadium in Johannesburg
(Image: South Africa 2010 Local
Organising Committee)
Ellis Park (Johannesburg) - Ellis Park, which lies near
the Johannesburg city centre, is to undergo minor upgrades for 2010,
and has a capacity of
60 000. It will host five first-round
matches, one second-round and one quarter-final.
Greenpoint Stadium (Cape Town) - Greenpoint Stadium is to
be specially built for 2010, with a view out over Table Bay and the
magnificent vista of Table Mountain forming a backdrop behind it.
The stadium will have an all-weather retractable dome roof and a
capacity of 70 000. It will host six first-round matches, one
second-round, one quarter-final and one semifinal match.
King Senzangakhona Stadium (Durban) - The stunning King
Senzangakhona Stadium is to be specially built, with a walkway
connecting it to the Durban beachfront. With a capacity of 80 000,
it will host six first-round matches, one second-round, and one
semifinal match.
Nelson Mandela Stadium (Port Elizabeth) - Also to be
specially built for 2010, the Nelson Mandela Stadium will have a
capacity of 50 000. It will host five first-round matches, one
second-round, one quarter-final, and the third-place playoff.
Loftus Versveld (Pretoria) - Loftus Versveld stadium is to
undergo minor upgrades for 2010, and has a capacity of 45 000. It
will host four first-round matches and one second-round.
Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein) - Currently known as
Vodacom Park, the Free State Stadium is to have a major upgrade,
with a third tier added, increasing its capacity to 45 000. It will
host five first-round matches and one second-round.
Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg) - Built by the
platinum-rich Bafokeng community, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium is to
undergo a minor upgrade, increasing its capacity to 45 000. It will
host four first-round matches and one second-round.
Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane) - The stadium is to
undergo a major upgrade, increasing its capacity to 40 000. It will
host four first-round matches.
Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit) - To be specially built for
2010, the stadium has a capacity of 30 000 and will host four
first-round matches.
How many tickets will be available?
Some 3-million tickets will be
available for the 2010 World Cup's 64 matches. One third, or a
million, will be allocated to South African football fans, another
million to international visitors, and the third million to
sponsors, teams and the "Fifa family". Tickets are likely to go
on sale in 2008.
Should I come even if I can't get
tickets?
Of course! The 2010 tournament is
guaranteed to be, as we South Africans say, a jol. As in
Germany in 2006, public viewing areas accommodating vast numbers of
fans watching the games on giant screens are likely to be set up.
And you can always watch the tournament and get to know the locals
at our numerous pubs, restaurants and sports bars.
What time zone is South Africa
in?
During June and July, when the 2010 tournament
will be held, our time is the same as that in most European
countries - including Germany - and an hour ahead of the UK. So
matches that kick off at 9pm here should be comfortable viewing for
Europeans, but people watching in California will have to skive off
work at 12 noon, and pity the Socceroo supporters in Sydney, all
huddled around their TV sets at five in the morning.
What's the weather
like?
The World Cup will be held in the southern
hemisphere winter, but it's warm here in Africa. Johannesburg will
be dry, with sunny days and fairly chilly nights. Rustenburg,
Pretoria and Nelspruit will be warmer, but Bloemfontein will be
cold. Polokwane in the north will be dry and hot, warmer than most
European summers.
Durban will be pleasant and warm, with some humidity - and the
deliciously balmy Indian Ocean to swim in. And while Cape Town is
magnificent in good weather - and it can have good weather in winter
- in June the city is generally cold, wet and windy, and its ocean
virtually frozen.
How will I get to South Africa?
By air - unless you have a boat or rugged
overland vehicle. South Africa has 10 international airports, in
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, East
London, Bisho, George, Phalaborwa and Alexander Bay. Operated by the
Airports Company of SA, these together handle over 200 000 aircraft
landings and 23-million passengers annually.
All of the world's major airlines fly here, departing from most
international airports. The national airline, South African Airways,
serves more than 700 destinations throughout the world, carrying
more than 6.5-million passengers every year.
How will
I travel between the host cities?
By plane, train,
automobile … or bus. The host cities are all linked by air and
train routes, and South Africa has a number of first-rate tour
bus
companies to carry you in comfort. South Africa's road
infrastructure is excellent, so it's a viable option to rent a
car, a four-wheel drive or even a motorcycle.
How will I
get to the matches?
Okay, South African
public transport is not up to the standard of New York or London,
but as most of us don't own cars we make a plan. If you're
adventurous you could take a minibus taxi, by far the most popular
form of public transport. At the moment the national fleet is a bit
of a wreck, but by 2010 a massive recapitalisation plan, currently
underway, is likely to have replaced the old vehicles with larger
and safer small buses.
Most of the host cities have Metrorail train and Metro bus
systems, and there are numerous meter cab companies. Otherwise, you
can rent a car or use your hotel's courtesy transport.
Where will I stay?
"
The
hotel sector in South Africa is first-rate," the Fifa inspection
team said in its country report. "There are enough hotel rooms to
accommodate everyone taking part in the 2010 Fifa World Cup,
including media representatives and fans from around the world, both
in the main towns … and in the other towns suggested as 2010 Fifa
World Cup venues."
If you don't have the wherewithal for even the reasonable rates
of South Africa's hotels, other options are the many bed & breakfast
establishments in and around all the host cities, and over 150
backerpacker lodges.
Will I be able to phone home?
That, and more. With a network that is 99%
digital and includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and
satellite communication, South Africa has the most developed
telecommunications network in Africa. The country's three cellular
operators provide telephony to over 20-million subscribers - nearly
half the population.
Is it safe to walk around?
Like anywhere,
only if you don't go wandering about deserted streets at the dead
of night. Yes, there is crime in South Africa. But, like the people
who
happily live here, you really don't need to do much more than take
all the usual sensible precautions. Know where you're going before
you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, and
lock
your doors at night. "As long as people attending the 2010 Fifa World Cup ... keep
within certain boundaries, they should not encounter any trouble,"
the Fifa inspection team said in their country report.
"The Inspection Group received an excellent, comprehensive work
schedule from one of the high commanders of the national police,
covering stadiums, media centres and main hotels, that will
doubtless satisfy every requirement for the event."
Can I drink the water?
South Africa has a first-world
infrastructure, but its water is far better than that of most
developed countries. High-quality tap (faucet) water is available
almost everywhere, treated to be free of harmful microorganisms and
both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap.
Johannesburg's water, for one, is as good as anything you'll get in
a bottle.
What if I get sick, or have an
accident?
"
On the whole, the health system has
excellent facilities and perhaps one of the best private health
systems in the world, drawing on modern technology and highly
qualified specialists and medical staff," the Fifa inspection team
said in its report.
"We have to add that there are fully equipped infirmaries with
adequate first-aid facilities to meet every need in the stadiums
proposed for the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
What's the beer like?
Cold
and delicious. South Africans generally drink bottled beer, although
most pubs offer a range of draughts. The major producer is South
African Breweries, now a huge multinational doing business across
the world. Lager is probably the favourite, followed by pilsener. In
and around the stadiums, though, you'll only be able to drink beer
produced by Budweiser, an official Fifa sponsor.
And the food?
Yummy,
exotic and varied. As we said, South Africa's people have diverse
origins, cultures, languages and beliefs, and their food is a
correspondingly rich smorgasbord.
For the more daring, we offer culinary challenges from crocodile
sirloins to fried caterpillars to sheep heads - delicious. For the
less brave, there are indigenous delicacies such as biltong (dried,
salted meat), bobotie (a much-improved version of shepherd's pie)
and boerewors (hand-made farm sausages, grilled on an open flame).
On a single city street you'll find Italian restaurants, two or
three varieties of Chinese cookery, Japanese, Moroccan, French,
Portuguese and Indian food. Not far away are Congolese restaurants,
Greek, even Brazilian and Korean establishments, and, everywhere,
fusion, displaying the fantasies of creative chefs.
Other
than watch football, what else is there to do?
So,
so much, but where to begin?
See an overview of
South Africa's different regions here
And the night-life?
Pubs, wine bars,
township taverns known as shebeens, nightclubs, a variety of
restaurants, mainstream theatre, avant-garde theatre, dinner
theatre, movies … there are plenty of places to celebrate or cry
into your beer after the match.
Are there lions in the
streets?
Um, no. But if you
want to see lions - and leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and
more - visit one of the many wildlife lodges and game parks across
the country, which include the huge and magnificent Kruger National
Park.
A
lion in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
(Image: South African Tourism)
Is
South Africa a democracy?
South Africa is a vigorous multi-party
democracy with an independent judiciary and a free and diverse
press. One of the world's youngest - and most progressive -
constitutions protects both citizens and visitors. You won't
be locked up for shouting out your opinions, however contrary.
(But be
careful about smoking cigarettes in crowded restaurants!)
What
currency does South Africa use?
South Africa's
unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents.
Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and
R5, and notes
in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. With a favourable
exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find
South
Africa a very inexpensive destination.
Are there modern
banks?
South Africa has a world-class,
sophisticated financial sector, abreast of all the latest
technological trends. From the moment you step off the plane
you'll start seeing banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers
(ATMs)
all over. All major credit cards can be used, foreign banks are
well represented, and you can bank by ATM or internet.
And
South Africa's national football squad?
The country's football team is
known as Bafana Bafana - "the boys, the boys" in isiZulu - a name
that comes from the fans' cry that went up during the squad's
triumph at the 1996 African Cup of Nations, hosted in SA. Other
than winning that tournament, Bafana Bafana have twice qualified
- in
1998 and 2002 - for the Fifa World Cup since the end of South
Africa's sporting isolation.
What's this about being
able to watch the games on my mobile phone?
Yes, indeed. By 2010, the people of the
world will be able to catch every game live on their cellphones.
South African company MTN, the leading cellular operator in Africa
and the Middle East and a global Fifa sponsor, has won the right
to
broadcast exclusive mobile content, as well as global marketing
rights.
What is a vuvuzela?
Some
would say it's South Africa's national musical instrument. It's
a big plastic trumpet, brightly coloured, and is blown with gusto
by
all fans at every football match in the country. The sound it
makes is something between the bellows of a constipated elephant
and the
buzzing of a giant swarm of baritone bees, but we like it.
Vuvuzela
(Image: South African Tourism)
What's the difference between football and soccer?
Nothing. While the game is largely known
as football in Europe, in the former British colonies - including
South Africa, the US and Australia - it's called soccer, from
the
British Football Association,
best known for the FA Cup.
What benefits will South Africa get
for hosting the World Cup?
It's been estimated
that the 2010 World Cup will create some 129 000 jobs, contribute
around R21-billion to the country's gross domestic product
and another R7.2-billion in government taxes, with the 350
000 visitors
spending a whopping R9.8-billion.
Why did Fifa award the World Cup to
South Africa?
Fifa decided that the 2010
tournament would be hosted by an African country, with five
countries - South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya
-
in the running. In 2004 the organisation's inspection committee
announced
that South Africa had the potential to organise an "excellent" World
Cup - compared to Egypt and Morocco's potential to organise "very
good" World Cups, Tunisia's potential to organise a "good" World
Cup, and the probability that Libya would "face great difficulties
in organising a World Cup to the standards required".
Will Fifa sue us if we use the
2010 logo on our B&B
website?
Only accredited Fifa partners
and sponsors are allowed to use the logo in their publicity
and advertising.
Are South Africans nice
people?
Visitors to the country always remark on
how warm, friendly and welcoming South Africans are. We've
had a difficult past, so we don't waste time being difficult
people.
And
we're expert at having fun.
Can I use my hairdryer?
Electricity is generally 220/230 volts, 15 amps,
and is supplied through either 15-amp three-prong or 5-amp
two-prong plugs, in both cases with round pins. If you're
bringing anything
electrical, bring an adapter – or you could buy one here.
Generally, the 110V video chargers work safely on the 220V
supply. Television
is on the PAL system.
Is it true that there are robots on
the street corners?
Yes, there are. In South
Africa, traffic lights are known as robots, although
no-one knows why. A pick-up truck is a bakkie, sneakers
are takkies,
a barbeque is a braai, an insect is a gogga and
an alcoholic drink is a dop.
If it all gets a bit much, where's the best place to go
to avoid the whole show?
There are
many remote places to escape to in South Africa's varied
landscape, from the massive Drakensberg range of mountains,
which run like
a
spine down the length the country, to the weird rock formations
of the Cedarberg mountains in the west, the Northern Cape's
haunting Richtersveld area, and the vast plains of the Karoo
desert. Or
you
could just find a secluded beach on the country's 2 500 kilometres
of coastline and bask in the African sun.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
Visit the official 2010 World Cup website here.
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