Pretoria - Government says the lasting legacy that the 2010 football spectacle has left shows that "today is already better than yesterday."
Briefing the media on its assessment of the tournament, government on Wednesday said the country had changed significantly because of the tournament and although it was still too early for a precise indication of the economic benefits it would have on our economy, analysts, scholars and economists are suggesting it could be billions.
"Our preparations for the tournament have already shown that today is already better than yesterday. Improvements in public transport, security, investment and tourism have already been shown to benefit the people of our country," Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko told the media, adding that the upcoming cabinet lekgotla will determine the priorities of government going forward.
Maseko was flanked by three cabinet ministers: Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe, Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele - who all gave a detailed review of the tournament three days after the final whistle was blown.
Dlamini-Zuma said the country had gained a lot from the football tournament, especially in connection with project management and planning adding that this type of expertise can be used in other sectors of society.
"Yes there are lessons learned from hosting the tournament and we are going to draw from them."
As part of preparations for the World Cup, government upgraded its road and rail infrastructure, airports and introduced new systems such as the Bus Rapid Transit system, known in Johannesburg as Rea Vaya.
The Gautrain, which is seen as a catalyst for economic development in South Africa, had finally moved out of testing and into a fully-fledged operation.
"The transport milestones developed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup form part of the lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by generations of South Africans for many decades, long after the World Cup has come and gone," Maseko said.
South Africa has always viewed the hosting of the World Cup not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for development whose benefits would be felt long after the tournament - hence the country's world cup spend of R30 billion on transportation (roads, airports, ports of entry), telecommunications infrastructure, as well as stadiums.
The investment in 10 world-class stadiums alone created 66 000 new construction jobs, generating R7.4bn in wages, with R2.2bn going to low-income households and therefore contributing to a reduction in poverty, Maseko said.
Though stadiums have been the most visible part of the World Cup-related expenditure, the lion's share of the expenditure had gone into transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, and the renovations of ports of entry for visitors.
In addition, train stations near stadiums were upgraded, roads were improved and airports saw a massive facelift.
Government's investment in broadcast technology is also being seen as remaining an asset to the country for years to come.
The World Cup, the ministers agreed, had created a wonderful PR platform for South Africa to build a brand identity that reflected the country's economic diversity, entrepreneurial aspirations, investment opportunities, economic growth, and greater stability. The event also enhanced Africa's global image and helped to combat afro-pessimism.
The ministers believed there were long-term benefits to hosting the grand event.
"This World Cup has been a God sent for our tourism ...I think the major benefits are long-term. Many people who came here are pleasantly surprised and want to come again," said Minister Radebe.
Home Affairs data has indicated that 1.4 million foreigners visited the country to experience the World Cup which was held for the first time on the African continent.
The South African economy also received a major boost from international tourists. Maseko said data estimates that about R93 billion was pumped into the economy.
Government has labelled the hosting of the tournament a "success" and that everything went according to plan- which it attributed to "careful planning."
"Government always intended that tomorrow should be better than today."
