Will there be a fan park or viewing site in the Makhado Municipal area for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?

"Our aspiration is to have a viewing point or fan park. We would love to have one irrespective of the fact that a decision has not been taken as to where," said the Mayor of Makhado Municipality, Glory Mashaba during lunch on October 26, the first day of the two day 2010 summit at the municipal social lapa in Louis Trichardt.

Mr Pandelani Ramagoma, the 2010 Provincial Coordinator and one of the guest speakers at the summit, said that the guidelines for the fan parks and viewing points are still forthcoming.

"All municipalities which have the capacity can establish viewing points although the security position will have to be looked at. Makhado Municipality also have that potential and can identify areas for a fan park or viewing point. The guidelines that are still coming will ensure that the local organising committee approve the application looking that all conditions be met," said Ramagoma who congratulated the municipality for hosting the summit and "being far ahead."

At the local 2010 FIFA World Cup summit the Legacy programmes form a football point of view was presented by Mr Kirsten Nematandani of SAFA NEC. LIBSA (Limpopo Business Support Agency) educated people on turning business ideas into reality. Mr Victor Ravhuanzwo, regional manager of SABC Limpopo highlighted the media as a key enabling tool and Mr Junior Ramusi, senior manager: Sport Development in the Department of Sports Art and Culture discussed 2010 from sport development perspective.

"2010 is an opportunity for our soccer loving communities to watch the world soccer stars in their backroom. It is also an opportunity that has the capacity to impact on the broader sport development in all sporting codes," Ramusi said.

Mr Ramagoma discussed the socio, economic and political objectives and opportunities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. One of the broad objectives of 2010 FIFA World Cup is to organise a world class event. That would include "upgrading the road infrastructure and entire transport systems, provision of adequate and quality accommodation, provision of safety and security and provision of improved and world class services such as water, health and emergency," Ramagoma said.

In an interview Ramagoma said benefits for this area included tourism, transport and accommodation. The Mayor confirmed that there will be a need for transport, tourist guides and accommodation.

"Hotels will benefit, also little village hotels for people to enjoy traditional dishes," Cllr Mashaba said.

She added that it is possible that there could be a base camp in Mozambique.

"Our municipality need to interact with our neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique."

Cllr Mashaba mentioned the possibility of "resuscitating the small municipal airport outside of Louis Trichardt if there is a need."

Another aspiration of the mayor is a stadium, "not only for 2010, but we have the Black Leopards here who travel to Giyani to practises."

Concerning 2010 funding Mashaba said: "Mr Ramagoma said that there is R10.2 billion available, but we are encouraged to use our equitable share for the planning and later access funds."