The Madibeng municipality has announced plans to make use
of various public viewing spaces during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, so that
soccer fans can watch matches without having to buy stadium tickets.
The reason behind this decision is that only one fan park has been approved
in Rustenburg for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
"Initially we wanted to have a fan park in the Hartbeespoort dam
but it was not approved. We will, however, be using public viewing with
big television screens for our soccer fans to feel the world cup atmosphere,"
said the Executive Mayor of Madibeng, Fande Molokoane.
Fan parks and public viewing areas will play an integral role during the
World Cup since tickets are limited.
The mayor was speaking following a tour to showcase some of the tourism
attractions in the province which are set to bring economic spin-offs
during the World Cup.
She said the municipality was willing to give the necessary support to
local community members wishing to take advantage of the economic opportunities
of the World Cup by establishing bed and breakfast establishments.
"We want to support all (of these) establishments especially in rural
areas in the build up to 2010 and beyond," she said.
For the first time non-hotel establishments are going to be used for accommodation
during the tournament.
Although Madibeng is not a host city, the mayor said the municipality
was willing to support host cities nearby such as Pretoria, Rustenburg
and Johannesburg.
Rustenburg is an official 2010 host city, and will showcase matches at
the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. The city will also host the Confederations
Cup in 2009.
Madibeng and Rustenburg fall under the Bojanala Platinum District with
three other local municipalities.
Ms Molokoane said the municipality had also formed a 2010 technical committee
to ensure its contribution to a successful World Cup.
To ensure the municipality develops sport in the area as one of the local
legacy the event will leave, she has partnered with some of the top Premier
Soccer League (PSL) stars who were born in Madibeng.
The mayor will be working Bafana Bafana striker Katleho Mphela and top
PSL star, Lovers Mohlala, among others.
"As people from Madibeng, they want to contribute to the development
of soccer clubs and the nurturing of talent," she said.
With regards to tourism in the area, Mmakau was recently awarded national
heritage status.
The area was recently discovered as having been a home to BaTswana people
about 350 years ago. Traces of houses built in rocks, cattle kraals, grave
yards, food storage, fire places are still visible.
Project manager, James Macheko told BuaNews the heritage site would soon
be open to the public.
"It was meant to be opened during this year's national heritage celebrations
on 24 September but we were not able to meet the deadline," he said.
He also indicated upon completion of the project, the site would be managed
by an established trust.
, 19 Sep 2007
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