EDITORIAL: Brazil can take a leaf from SA’s experience
Brazil stands to benefit greatly from the influx of tourists, massive publicity and interest generated in the country as a tourist destination.
THIS week marks the start of the Soccer World Cup in Brazil, and as such, it is the four year anniversary since the football tournament kicked off on African soil.
What a spectacle it was, and our country’s shiny new stadia, high-speed rail and road infrastructure, as well as our warm, welcoming smiles, were a fitting backdrop for what was a hugely successful tournament for Fifa, football and South Africa.
Taking a leaf from South Africa’s experience, Brazil stands to benefit greatly from the influx of tourists, massive publicity and interest generated in the country as a tourist destination.
However, for South Africa it’s time to look forward and it’s encouraging to see Durban is proceeding full steam ahead in attempting to secure the rights to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Up against Edmonton, Canada, which has also entered its bid to host the 22nd edition of the Games, Durban is well placed to host what would be its first arrival in Africa.
Being home to a major professional rugby union, cricket and two association football teams, the city has a proud record of successfully hosting and staging events of such magnitude, including 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Infrastructure inherited as a result of the world cup would undoubtedly take centre stage in the city’s ability to host the event, which sees representatives from all 70 member territories from the Commonwealth of Nations compete. The Kings Park precinct, as well as ancillary facilities around the city, could be polished to great benefit for local communities as well as the arriving masses who follow the Games.
Canada’s fifth-largest city is no insignificant rival however, having previously hosted the 1978 Commonwealth Games, among several other high profile events.
Both cities will need to take careful note of the apparent reluctance of other member cities to host the event, however. Reasons for the reluctance relate to financial implications of hosting the event, after it reportedly cost host city, Glasgow between £500 million and £1 billion to host the 2014 instalment; as well as damage to the reputation of the competition following the 2010 Games and disputes between the Commonwealth Games Federation board and member states’ sporting federations.
Having said that, there’s very little that can match the nationalistic pride one feels when hosting an event that draws the world to your doorstep. Hopefully Durban will make the grade and earn its reputation as South Africa’s playground.
