Joburg vs CT for IBC

By Damaria Senne, ITWeb senior journalist

Johannesburg, 03 Jul 2007

Two cities are left in the running to host the international broadcasting centre (IBC) for the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament, following the elimination of Durban.

Department of Communications spokesman Albi Modise would not say how Durban lost out, but the World Cup Local Organising Committee previously said proposals would "have to meet broadcasting and technical requirements".

Earlier this year, the three cities submitted bids to host the multimillion-rand IBC, which would encompass studios and production facilities. The centre would also be used to manage media centres at the stadiums where the matches and training take place.

The remaining two bids will see the IBC being located either close to Greenpoint Stadium, in Cape Town, or at the Nasrec showgrounds, in Johannesburg.

Modise says the communications department is finalising its recommendations, which will be presented to Cabinet some time this month. He could not provide a specific date, as the meeting could be moved due to changes in the Cabinet schedule.

The winning bid will be announced shortly after the Cabinet meeting, he says. "The decision about which city will host the IBC is not final until Cabinet has been briefed and approves the recommendation."

Gauteng premier Mbazima Shilowa previously noted the entry of CNBC Africa strengthened the province's chances of winning the bid.

"I am convinced CNBC Africa's smooth entry into our economy affirms Gauteng is a key media hub in our country and proves that we will be able to host media organisations that will be coming into our country for the 2010 Soccer World Cup," he said in his budget speech last week.