Johannesburg - The Gauteng Executive Council (Exco) has established a monitoring unit to work with municipalities and other government departments involved in the organising of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Outlining the outcomes of the Exco to reporters, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said the unit will focus on critical issues such as disaster management, emergency services, health services, food supplies, hospitality, traffic management, public safety and entertainment.
Mokonyane said the unit will report to a sub-committee of Exco comprising of MEC's for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Roads and Public Transport, Economic Development, Health and Social Development as well as Local Government and Housing.
The Premier said the implications of hosting the FIFA World Cup are huge for Gauteng.
"We have to do everything to ensure that we will be ready to welcome the multitude of visitors who will be in our province during the world cup tournament.
"The fans, players, officials, organisers and everybody else who will be part of the world cup must be able to stay and move freely within our province," she said.
Mokonyane said the true hosts of the FIFA World Cup are people who ensure that the event is a success.
Last year, the province launched the Gauteng Gateway 2010 campaign aimed at mobilising the people of Gauteng to take ownership of the event and to give the visitors a great treat which will make them want to return to Gauteng after the world cup.
The opening ceremony and the first match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico will be played in the province at Soccer City.
Johannesburg will also host the International Broadcast Centre and the FIFA head quarters for the duration of the tournament.
Most national teams will also set up their base camps in Gauteng, while international visitors travelling by air will land in the country through OR Tambo International Airport.
