World Cup organiser tells world of South Africa immigration readiness

November 11 2009 by Liam Clifford

South African Minister speaks of the country's plans for the forthcoming world cup.

Sue van der Merwe, South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, has been visiting London this week to attend the World Travel Market.

Van der Merwe hopes her visit conveyed the country’s readiness to host the World Cup next summer. She spoke about the South African immigration measures introduced to help prevent illegal immigration and ensure airports are secure throughout the tournament.

She also told audiences about other areas in which the country has invested heavily in preparation for the World Cup. These include infrastructure improvements, safety and security, accommodation, communication technology and justice.

In an attempt to demonstrate South Africa’s readiness to host the first African World Cup, van der Merwe also spoke at the Financial Times Round Table discussion, touching on South Africa's immigration plans amongst other new changes.

As well as her ministerial role, van der Merwe holds the role of Alternate Director of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, which put her in good stead to convince the world that South Africa was the right choice for the football tournament.

The audience at the World Travel Market mainly consisted of representatives from 200 media agencies from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The theme for the Market this year has been ‘Sports Tourism Takes Poll Position.’

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