Multi-stakeholder approach to planning into 2010 FIFA World Cup initiatives : a case of a non-host area in South Africa

Abstract

The hosting of mega-events such as the 2010 FIFA World CupTM create expectations from the host nation, especially in the host cities. This is largely due to the impacts associated with the hosting of such events. Planning is perceived to be at the centre of successful hosting of such events. Planning also assists in making sure that benefits from such events are maximised and costs minimised. Events like the 2010 FIFA World CupTM do not only require high level planning but also a multi-stakeholder approach. With South Africa and the continent hosting the FIFA World CupTM for the first time since its inception, expectations were rising from both host and non-host areas. The study investigates a multi-stakeholder approach to planning on the 2010 FIFA World CupTM initiatives conducted by a non-host area - Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), Western Cape, South Africa. The location of the CWDM is less than 45 minutes from the host city (Cape Town). By virtue of its close proximity, the CWDM positioned itself to leverage from the event as a result of possible spill-over effects. The study was driven mainly by five objectives. These include the identification of 2010 FIFA World CupTM planning initiatives, assessment of planning initiatives in relation to beneficiation of local municipalities, gaining an understanding of ways in which various stakeholders are involved in the planning initiatives, ascertaining ways in which various stakeholders perceive the benefits/spill-over effects and examining the alignment, integration and co-ordination of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM planned initiatives in the CWDM. In pursuing these objectives, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the collection of data. Respondents included residents (n=1 250), established businesses (n=108) and CWDM officials (n=5), using stratified random sampling, convenient sampling and purposive sampling, respectively. A total of 1 363 questionnaires were administered among the respondents of the study.