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'Keep the 2010 ball rolling'

15 July 2010

The 2010 Fifa World Cup has given South Africa a platform on which real opportunities can be built, and South Africans should unite to keep the positive sentiment generated over the past month going, says the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"This event has provided a positive impetus to economic trends which may not have otherwise have existed," the chamber said in a statement on Monday.

Visitor arrivals had exceeded expectations and, despite some minor hiccups, the event had given South Africa the potential to overcome the hesitancy it was experiencing in its recovery from the recent global downturn.

Positive outcomes

"The country must build on the positive outcomes experienced such as the efficiency and effectiveness of the security and justice systems and the relative efficiency of the transport system."

The chamber said South Africa should be proud of the uniqueness of its World Cup stadiums and of the global acclaim they had generated.

"A true legacy for South Africa lies in the fact that architects and construction companies will be involved in the design and construction of stadiums in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup."

South Africa had shown that it could successfully host major events, and should boldly pursue other opportunities as they presented themselves.

Business boosted

Already there were signs that business and consumer confidence had been boosted, as seen in the chamber's June Business Confidence Index, which registered an increase of 2.8 index points over May 2010.

"We need now to turn our focus from Soccer World Cup 2010 to Opportunities 2010, wherein we harness the impact of the World Cup toward the generation of viable economic and business opportunities which will provide a sustainable, real economic return."

Sapa