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Namibia/South Africa: 'Scramble for South Africa' is On
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New Era (Windhoek)
8 May 2008
Posted to the web 8 May 2008
Anna Shilongo
Windhoek
South Africa High Commissioner to Namibia Eunice Komane says contrary to negative reports, her country will be ready for the World Cup in 2010.
Komane said preparations for 2010 are well on track despite negative media reports.
She was confident that stadiums would also be ready for the Cosafa Cup, while transport and other infrastructure provisions are being speeded up.
Additional police and security personnel are also being trained, said Komane, adding that the bid for the building of a media centre was awarded to Nasrec and the building of facilities is expected to start by next month.
The only concern is the recent resignation of the Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Perraira, though she was quick to add, "I am not particularly worried about this because no human being is indispensable. Also, as this is not a South African but an African Cup, Namibia is next in line if Bafana Bafana doesn't make it."
Despite her country's detractors, says Komane, South Africa is on the roll.
She said investors who have foresight and vision are busy investing in the economy of South Africa because they recognise that they will get returns for their investments.
"What is encouraging is that we are getting more and more local investors, as well as from the rest of Africa. One can say there is a scramble for South Africa," said the South African High Commissioner.
Ford has just invested US$200 million, while the Russian and French governments have brought in business people and technical experts to assist with the power crisis.
"These all spell creation of more jobs. Of course, our economy like all others at this present time, even the giants', is under a lot of strain. But we are still able to hold our own," she said.
Komane is emphatic South Africa is confident and that though progress may not be as fast as they wished, it is definitely progress.
"Never in the history of South Africa have so many houses, clinics, schools, etc., been built for the poorer and rural areas. Never before have so many people been able to afford building their own houses," said Komane.
She said South Africa is awash with possibilities and it sees its challenges as opportunities.
"There is no place for sceptics and those who want business as usual," she stressed.
At this moment, South Africa is attracting more tourists than ever before, which is an indication that the country has a lot to offer.
"We definitely don't want to be super powers because we know what super powers can do to people and countries. We want to be counted as countries that have bounced back after decades of hardship, who can do things for themselves while also lifting as we rise."
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In conclusion, she called on neighbouring countries to do all in their power to bring about even better relations with her country for the benefit of all.
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