Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal government has been given the thumbs up for sticking to a tight budget during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Premier Zweli Mkhize revealed this information when he addressed his cabinet in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
The Premier assured cabinet that except for opening and closing matches, no MEC personally received tickets as they utilised tickets allocated by the Local Organising Committee. All documents have been submitted for a full audit.
KwaZulu-Natal also seized the marketing opportunities that came with the global football spectacle, according to the Premier.
The province mobilised under the theme: "KZN - taking SA forward" and hosted several initiatives that showcased the diverse cultures of KwaZulu-Natal, its hospitality and appeal as an investment and tourism destination.
Mkhize was also impressed with the turnout at the Public Viewing Areas (PVAs) with a total attendance figure at over 400 000.
The PVAs also provided financial opportunities for around 820 SMMEs and 792 service providers. It was also a platform for over 1 000 provincial artists.
The Premier applauded the province for their efforts during the World Cup. "It was a joint effort by the various sectors of our community, and we want to thank each and every person who contributed in the hosting of our guests, including the media fraternity," he said.
Mkhize added that guests were particularly moved by the gesture of some of the mainstream newspapers when editors published some pages in foreign languages on match days.
