Development and Dreams: The Urban Legacy of the 2010 Football World Cup

Embracing the effects of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this study seeks to understand the greatest potential benefit of the 2010 World Cup—a repudiation of Afropessimism and an assertion of a contemporary African identity both at home and on a global stage. Penned by both academics and practitioners, this guide provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the probable consequences of the World Cup for the economy of South Africa and its cities, from infrastructure development to the projection of African culture and identity. Attention is given to a range of topics including the management, costs, and benefits associated with the 2010 World Cup; the uncertain economic and employment benefits; venue selection; and investment in infrastructure, tourism, and fan parks. The examination also explores the dreams and aspirations associated with the 2010 World Cup and what it means to talk about an African Cup, African culture, and identity. This volume is an invaluable companion to policymakers, planners, and students as South Africa prepares to host the world’s largest sporting event.

Udesh Pillay is the executive director of the Centre for Service Delivery at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa. He holds a PhD in Geography, and prior to joining the HSRC, he was head of the delimitation and planning directorate of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa. Richard Tomlinson is a visiting professor at the school of architecture and planning of the University of the Witwatersrand, and he is a consultant in urban development and project management. Orli Bass is a postdoctoral fellow in the Centre for Service Delivery at the HSRC. Her areas of research interest include the relationships between cities and culture, representations of Africa and its cities, and megaevents and cities.