We will be ready for World Cup, says South Africa

South Africa’s parliament today approved new laws providing the legal basis for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sports minister Makinhese Stofile told MPs that South Africa would be ready to host the prestigious tournament, despite criticism that it is lagging behind in stadium development and that its transport network won’t be able to cope with the influx of visitors.

Stofile also sought to ease fears about the high cost. He said: “The World Cup offers us an opportunity to present ourselves to the world for what we really can be. It presents an opportunity that no money can buy.”

The new legislation covers issues such as visa and work permit exemptions for FIFA employees and commercial partners and legal guarantees.