Pretoria - People from all over the world are responding in their numbers to the call for volunteer applications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
With little over a week left to submit applications, 47 251 applications have been processed through FIFA.com since the volunteer programme opened on 20 July.
According to a statement by the 2010 Organising Committee (OC), with an average of 1 500 applications being received per day, the volunteer programme is set to break the 50 000 mark by the cut-off date at the end of August.
This would surpass the number of applications received for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, which was 48 167.
Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan, said the committee was honoured by the tremendous response it had received.
"We can see how excited people from all around the world are about 2010 in the number of applications we are receiving from volunteer hopefuls. They are eager to be part of this World Cup that will showcase Africa's capabilities to the world," said Dr Jordaan.
He stressed the importance of the volunteers to the success of the football spectacular, referring to them as the, "face of the World Cup" and "the first and last point of contact for the many visitors expected during the tournament".
Johannesburg is leading the pack in terms of applications with 11 969 volunteers across the two venues of Ellis Park and Soccer City, while Pretoria has 6 176 applications. Nelson Mandela Bay has 4 752 and Cape Town 4 356, while Durban currently has 3 971.
Despite the high number of applications, anyone still wishing to apply to be a volunteer for the World Cup is encouraged to do so volunteers with specific skills, including those with driver's licenses wishing to work as transport volunteers, are needed.
Volunteers can apply at www.fifa.com/volunteers2010. Those without internet access or requiring further information about the programme and how to apply at volunteer centres around the country can also contact the toll-free volunteer hotline on 0800 52 52 52.
