SACCI congratulates the organisers and the people of South Africa on the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. This event has provided a positive impetus to economic trends which may not have otherwise have existed. Visitor arrivals exceeded expectations and despite some minor hiccups, the event has given South Africa the potential to overcome the hesitancy it was experiencing in its recovery from the recent global downturn.

The country must build on the positive outcomes experienced such as the efficiency and effectiveness of the security and justice systems and the relative efficiency of the transport system. The country should be proud of the uniqueness of the stadia and of the global acclaim they generated. A true legacy for South Africa lies in the fact that architects and construction companies will be involved in the design and construction of stadia in Brazil for the 2014 world cup. The world cup has formed a basis on which real opportunities can be built and the potential that it has provided must be worked on and expanded. South Africa has shown that it can successfully host major events, and must boldly pursue other opportunities as they present themselves.

Already there are signs that business and consumer confidence have been boosted, as seen in the June SACCI Business Confidence Index which registered an increase of 2,8 index points over May 2010. We need now to turn our focus from Soccer World Cup 2010 to Opportunities 2010 wherein we harness the impact of the World Cup toward the generation of viable economic and business opportunities which will provide a sustainable, real economic return. South Africans must now unite to protract the positive sentiment generated over the past month.

SACCI wishes Brazil success in its preparations for 2014, and for the successful hosting of the next world cup.