South Africa to improve transport for 2010 World Cup

5 July 2009

Plans to improve transport in South Africa in time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup have been outlined in parliament.

Concerns had been raised about the violent protests taxi companies were involved in over the rolling out of a mass bus service for the international sport event.

Transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele asserted there will no longer be any conflict within this sector, adding taxi companies will be encouraged to co-operate with rail and bus transport systems.

As well as investing 25 billion rand (£1.93 billion) to upgrade the railways, the government is also set to contribute 20 billion rand to improve the airport infrastructure.

Mr Ndabele explained this is to accommodate the vast number of visitors that will pass through the country.

"At present, [Airports Company of South Africa] handles more than 32 million passengers annually," he said.

"The number will be 43 million in year 2010 - and will continue to grow."

Between June 14th and 28th, the eighth Fifa Confederations Cup 2009 took place in South Africa.

Category: Transport