'South Africa Ready for Olympics'

South African President Jacob Zuma says his country's hosting of the FIFA World Cup is proof that it is ready to host the Olympics. Cape Town submitted a bid to host the 2004 Summer Olympics, but lost out to Athens, Greece.

"We have got the facilities. Those who take decisions (about the hosting of major sports event) have seen how South Africa is. I'm sure we could do it," Zuma said.

'SA ready for Olympics'
Independent Online
June 22, 2010

Zuma Boasts Cup's Long-Term Impact on Nation

South African President Jacob Zuma is touting the long-term impact of the World Cup on his country and its national attitude.

Investment in additional resources for the police, disaster management, health and the immigration system would have a lasting impact on the delivery of services to the people.

Also important was the vibrant national mood and the positive response of the world.

"Domestically, the World Cup is generating high levels of patriotism and national pride. Our colourful flag is more visible at this time than ever before."

Cup 'will change SA forever'
May 12, 2010

Zuma Says Transportation System Ready For GDP-Boosting World Cup

With the opening of the new central terminal building at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South African President Jacob Zuma said Tuesday that the country's transportation infrastructure was ready for the World Cup and its transportation demands. He also said that theWorld Cup would add about 4.9 billion Rand (~$662.7 million USD) to the country's gross domestic product in 2010.

He said that as the airport's name changed from the Johannesburg International Airport to the OR Tambo International Airport in 2006, "so did its form and size".

A transport action plan was developed in 2005 in preparation for the World Cup, as part of which R20bn was put into expanding airports countrywide.

"... Now we are seeing the results," said Zuma.

SA ready for World Cup - Zuma
News24
April 20, 2010

Zuma Says SA 'More Than Ready'

South African President Jacob Zuma claims the city is "more than ready" to host the World Cup.

"At the beginning, many people said it would be very difficult for South Africa to host this. We can say now without any fear of contradiction that we are ready, if not more than ready," said Zuma, who later just avoided missing an open goal on the hallowed Wembley turf when invited by Fabio Capello to take a penalty.

South Africa 'more than ready' to host World Cup, says Jacob Zuma
Guardian
March 4, 2010

Zuma Confident About World Cup's Long Term Legacy

South African President Jacob Zuma is promoting the long-term physical legacy of the 2010 World Cup, promising that the event will bring about a major countrywide improvement to the nation's infrastructure.

In an interview with the UK's Financial Times published on Thursday, Zuma said the government planned to invest more than R800 billion in infrastructure after the soccer tournament finished, as Africa's largest economy continues to expand economic activity.

The development programme for the next three years will include power stations, roads and dams.

Zuma hopes to build on World Cup momentum
Reuters
February 25, 2010

Zuma Backs Expansion of Police Power

President Jacob Zuma has come out in support of amendments that would expand police powers ahead of the 2010 World Cup. The changes would allow police to crack down much harder on violent criminals.

Alongside the proposed amendment to Section 49, government is also in the process of strengthening the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD).

Zuma said the strengthening of this directorate is an important measure to ensure that changes to Section 49 are not abused, adding that legislation to this effect will be introduced in due course.

Zuma Supports Amendment to Strengthen Hand of Police
BuaNews
September 29, 2009

Zuma Puts BRT on Hold to Stop Taxi Strike During Elections

Johannesburg's bus rapid transit system has caused a major disruption among the city's taxi drivers, who have held strikes in protest and threatened more. Likely new President Jacob Zuma has put the BRT project on hold temporarily to quell emotions, ensure taxi access during today's national elections, and to give the government time to ease taxi drivers concerns about the system.

Jacob Zuma has put the world-class Bus Rapid Transit system on ice pending further talks after taxi drivers threatened an election day strike.

Zuma said he did not realise how serious the objections from taxi bosses were until they went on strike last month and came to the ANC's office to hand him a memorandum.

The strike, which turned violent in places, left thousands stranded.

...The first phase of the bus system was due to kick off in Joburg in June, in time for the Fifa Confederations Cup, with a major chunk complete for the Fifa 2010 World Cup and final completion by 2014.

Taxi drivers on Monday promised in return they would not disrupt the elections by striking or refusing to ferry passengers to polling booths.

Source:
Zuma puts brakes on new transport scheme
The Mercury via Independent Online
April 21, 2009