 World soccer’s governing body FIFA has said it will transport foreign spectators itself during the 2010 World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, if the government does not resolve issues affecting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)system.
The stand-off between taxi operators and the government remains unresolved and has led to violence in three 2010 host cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. Hans Klaus, FIFA’s director of communications, said the governing body had contingency plans in the event that the issue remains unresolved. Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal’s Director-General Kwazi Mbanjwa confirmed that he had been transferred to the Ministry of Transport, where he will assist Minister Sbu Ndebele with a number of 2010 World Cup initiatives. “With the Confederations Cup looming and the 2010 FIFA World Cup only a few hund red days away, Dr. Mbanjwa’s vast skills and experience in the transport sector will be invaluable to the National Minister,” said KwaZulu- Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize. Ndebele is under pressure to resolve the stand-off with taxi operators over the controversial BRT system ahead of the Confederations Cup (14-28 June) and the 2010 World Cup. Ndebele will this week hold talks with the taxi associations that have threatened to disrupt both tournaments. |
