Zuma: $4.3 Billion Was Worth It

South African President Jacob Zuma says the 33 billion Rand (~$4.3 billion USD) spent by the national treasury to host the World Cup was a worthy investment. He specifically cited long-term improvements to communications and transportation infrastructure, as well as social improvements.

But the social impact had been even greater, he said, as black and white fans packed into stadiums and fan parks together, 16 years after the first all-race elections ended white-minority rule.

"The social benefits are priceless. We have seen remarkable unity, patriotism and solidarity being displayed by South Africans, which has never been witnessed before," Zuma told an investment meeting.

Zuma hails World Cup benefits
Sport 24
July 7, 2010

Cybercrime Expected to Rise Ahead of World Cup

South African cybercrime is expected to increase during the lead-up to the World Cup, according to industry analysts. Updated communication infrastructure could help enable online scams.

The arrival in SA last year of the Seacom undersea cable, which has increased the amount of internet bandwidth available, would make for a double threat.

"History also shows that malicious activity increases in a country after new bandwidth is made available," [said analyst Paul Wood.]

South Africa: Scams Likely to Rise At World Cup
Business Day
February 15, 2010

10% of South Africa Online

The number of Internet users in South Africa has grown past 5 million, according to a recent study. This represents 10% of the population.

This is the key finding of the Internet Access in South Africa 2010 study, conducted by World Wide Worx and jointly sponsored by Cisco, released this morning, Thursday, 14 Jan 2010.

The headline data shows that the Internet user base grew by 15% last year, from 4,6 million to 5,3 million, and is expected to grow at a similar rate in 2010.

South Africa: Internet Growth Accelerates
Biz-Community
January 14, 2010

New Fiber Optic Line Updates Communications in Southern and Eastern Africa

A new 10,500 mile undersea fiber optic cable has become operational in Southern and Eastern Africa. It is only the second fiber optic line to serve the region, where Internet access and communications are plagued by outdated infrastructure.

The cable, built by Seacom, a consortium 75 percent controlled by African investors, is the first of about 10 new undersea connections expected to serve Africa before the middle of next year. The expansion will cost about $2.4 billion and will help connect Africa with Europe, Asia and parts of the Middle East at higher speeds and at lower cost.

Right now, Africa has only one submarine fiber-optic cable: the less efficient SAT-3 cable in Western Africa, owned primarily by Telkom, the South African telecom company, and last updated in 2002. Those with no access to that cable are forced to use expensive and slow satellite links.

New Undersea Cables to Expand Broadband in Africa
The New York Times
August 9, 2009