The impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament on African immigrants in the Western Cape

Abstract

This thesis exams the extent to which the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup will impact on African immigrants in the Western Cape. The study aims to investigate their awareness, expectations, perceptions, and how they would like to be involved in this major event. Between 1 November and 30 November, about a year and a half before the 2010 World Cup starts, 200 immigrants from the African continent who live in the Republic of South Africa completed the survey instrument.

The study was conducted in two residential areas, two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Cape Town city centre. A quantitative design using a questionnaire survey was utilised to establish the opinions of the participants.

Data analysed by means of descriptive statistics was used to obtain the frequencies, expressed as percentages. The results of this study reveal that African immigrants in the Western Cape are aware of the 2010 World Cup and the different opportunities of hosting it on the African continent. African immigrants have positive perceptions and expectations towards this event. They expect to gain some benefits and are ready to be involved in this major event. This research also proposes a framework that offers simple ideas and suggestions to allow the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to select a suitable level on which to involve African Immigrants of the Western Cape in the 2010 World Cup, as well as the ‘tools and techniques’ to help the LOC to plan, implement and evaluate the right community involvement process.

This study could assist in planning and deciding suitable strategies for the Western Cape Province and the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee for community involvement in this event. It could assist also in making the 2010 World Cup an African event, by giving it a true African flavour and focus.