Konjore on World Cup

MINISTER of Sport Willem Konjore gave the assurance that Namibia will draw the maximum benefits from the 2010 Fifa World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa.

‘We are in the final process to upgrade and rehabilitate our sports facilities to the required Fifa standards, in order to attract visiting football teams for pre-World Cup training in Namibia,’ he said.Konjore spoke at a gala dinner hosted by Match Hospitality, a worldwide hospitality rights’ holder for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 11 in various cities across South Africa. Namibia, as one of the leading mining and manufacturing countries was chosen for the presentation of exclusive hospitality packages to individuals and businesses, to have an opportunity to purchase them. The minister added that the country’s major airports have undergone extensive rehabilitation, and a new radar and surveillance system to cover the entire Namibian airspace will be ready by May 2010.A new border control management system is currently also being installed at all border posts and airports.He added that a new electronic passport books’ issuing system is already operational, whereas Customs’ officials have been trained to handle Value-Added Tax (VAT) and VAT refund-related issues at the borders, as well as the handling of financial and organised crime activities.Konjore said extensive international marketing of Namibia’s readiness as an alternative tourism destination has been done through the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and the country’s High Commissions abroad.Konjore said the preparations also include the provision of public viewing areas in and around the country, and thus urged all business-minded Namibians to take advantage of the business opportunities that are offered by the 2010 WC.South African High Commissioner Eunice Komane, said other African countries should not perceive the World Cup as only meant for South Africa.She said countries should try by all means to get involved by attracting teams and tourists alike to their countries as they come to the global competition.She said they should sell their countries through various ways and ensure that they get the maximum benefits in the various sectors that go with it.At the event, general manager of Match Hospitality, Hayley Hillary explained the various packages which includes categories such as the Suite and Fifa Business Seat.The Suite offers the most prestigious and personal way to enjoy the celebrations of the competition, while the Fifa Business Suite offers hospitality in lounges inside or in an exclusive temporary facility. The prices range between US$4 000 and US$17 000. Event organiser Mmabatho Ramompi urged individuals and business people to attend an information session today at Nice Restaurant today, starting at 11h00. They can be contacted on 0027 01 944 7900 or on the mobile phone at 083 565 7647.