On Sunday afternoon the preliminary draw for the World Cup 2010 will be held in Durban, South Africa. FIFA president Sepp Platter arrives in the city today and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele will head the reception committee. Foreign journalists are present in increasing numbers for the four days of events, which include a huge beach party tomorrow. All the casino hotels in the area are fully booked this weekend, as are almost all forms of accommodation – from 5-star to bed and breakfast.

The next four days will be a test of South Africa’s ability to host a large-scale international event. High on the agenda are security concerns, and the South African Police Services and the National Intelligence Agency are directly involved in security arrangements for the Durban event. Extra security has been allocated to casinos and nightclubs as well as Durban International Airport and the International Convention Centre where the draw will take place.

Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are confident that South Africa will be able to ensure security for all. A statement from the Premier’s office said that the province was not unused to hosting large international events and people returned for the security provided, amongst other things. On Saturday journalists and officials will be taken for a tour of the 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium before a football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at a neighbouring stadium.

In May this year Tourism KwaZulu-Natal won the prestigious Ulysses Award for Innovation in Tourism Governance, given annually by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The province acquired accreditation last year as a best destination management organisation, the first in Africa, and accreditation was granted for three years instead of the usual one. KwaZulu-Natal won the award for excellence in information provision and distribution, information systems and databases, research, and electronic communications such as internet, telephone and fax services.

The big casino companies in South Africa, including those operating in KwaZulu-Natal, have been instrumental in the progress of the tourism industry and were pioneers in destination casino resort development. Gaming taxes have also played a major part in financing necessary infrastructure projects in the provinces. SunCoast Casino and Entertainment World opened in November 2002, rejuvenating Durban’s Golden Mile.

The Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom is a short distance north of Durban outside Umhlanga. First opened in December 2004, a second phase was completed in October last year. The construction and expansion of casinos brings more than employment to an area. Hotel rooms, convention centres, restaurants and entertainment beyond gambling all attract business that contributes to the local economy.

When the World Cup 2010 finally arrives, the casinos, soccer venues, provinces and the whole of South Africa will be geared up to celebrate the occasion. There has been some talk of teams setting up their training camps in neighbouring Mozambique, said to have lower crime statistics, but the South African tourist infrastructure is among the best in the world. This weekend should be a taste of the good things to come. (E-11.22.07)

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