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

SA Hospitals Ill-Equipped to Handle Major Disaster

A FIFA medical adviser has warned that South Africa's public hospitals are "completely unprepared" to handle a major World Cup-related disaster such as a crowd stampede or riot.

"Hospital disaster plans are actually a disaster," said Professor Efraim Kramer, a Fifa medical officer and adviser to the local organising committee.

Kramer, head of emergency medicine at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University, told a doctors conference on Wednesday that public hospitals had "absolutely no idea" how to implement disaster management plans because they had not been tested.

In contrast, Kramer said private hospitals, some of the best in the world, were better prepared and had good disaster plans. The South African government says public hospitals would handle at least 70 percent of the World Cup workload.

'Hospitals not ready for WC disaster'
Reuters
April 15, 2010

Government Plea to Unions: Don't Use 2010 as Leverage

Government officials are appealing to trade unions to resist the urge to use the World Cup as leverage should there be a strike within the health sector.

Trade unions, government as the employer and the Public Sector Bargaining Council will sit down to deliberate on how to improve service delivery in South Africa, he said.

Top government officials, including the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Zweli Mkhize, stressed the importance of efficient and effective performances by public servants.

He said the people of South Africa deserved improvement in their lives after choosing to fight against the apartheid system, adding that a few public servants should not taint the overall image of government.

South Africa: Govt Urges Unions Not to Use 2010 As Leverage
Bua News
March 14, 2010