YCLSA anticipating the world cup-100 days to go (and counting)!!!

2 March 2010

No one in South Africa will ever forget the 15th of May 2004. This is when FIFA made the much anticipated decision as to who will host the World cup in 2010. The decision became a life changing one for fellow South Africans and the continent as a whole. For the first time the Word cup event would be hosted on African soil. South Africa has been in the spotlight ever since and critics remain pessimistic about our ability to deliver.

The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) is thrilled that the World cup event is fast approaching kick off, despite a number of logistical setbacks. The World event is going down in history as one of the most exhilarating events to take place in South Africa. We would like to commend the Local Organising Committee for the hard work and efforts invested in ensuring that the event runs smoothly.

The Police Ministry has put measures in place to ensure that security is not breached in any way during the world cup event. As the YCL our concern has been around the marginalisation of the poor and the working class. Followers of the soccer game in South Africa are the black majority, but seemingly the event itself will not accommodate them to a large extent. The price of original Bafana Bafana jerseys ranges from R500 to R1200; this alone is a wage for someone. Unfortunately the price issue has consequently opened room for a black market to flood the streets with fakes. We call for the LOC and SAFA to ensure that there are locally produced soccer jerseys which will contribute towards job creation, supporting local entrepreneurs, and also contribute to the reduction of the price. The tickets are also quiet expensive for loyal fans. We do commend the LOC for making efforts to make tickets available at convenient points (over the counter as opposed to the tedious bank application method).

The Celebration of 100 Days to Kick-Off should include an assessment of how far we have gone in ensuring that our economy yields sustainable jobs; as the YCLSA one of our programmes this year is the “Youth on Jobs summit” which will be a platform for various stakeholders to deliberate on the job crisis.

Moving forward, the LOC has to explain how it will guarantee that SMME`s will benefit from the hosting of the World Cup.

As the YCL we will be going out to encourage young people to support our team, Bafana Bafana as well as the entire showpiece by buying tickets. They should go out in numbers to stadiums or Fan Parks to blow their Vuvuzela`s. Let’s put pessimistic views aside and build momentum towards the event. All South Africans should patriotically wear a soccer jersey on Friday to show they support for the World cup. Let’s make this event a success!

Issued by the YCLSA Head office

For more information

Contact

Gugu Ndima (0767831516)
Spokesperson