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My recent trip to London for a client’s case revealed that the preparation for the Olympics is well and truly under way, but not possibly in the way that South Africa would expect. Whereas we were expected by the world to build brand new stadiums in every city, even in cities that clearly did not need huge stadiums, London is only building one major new arena, being the athletics stadium.
The rest of the structures, and they are going up all over London at the moment, with Greenwich in particular having a number of events such as equestrian and archery, are all basically portable structures that have been wheeled in by trucks and erected, and will be taken down straightaway after the Olympics. After watching South Africa’s efforts, I was somewhat stunned to see this, but on the other hand it is apparently the first Olympics sports event in recent years, in any country in the world, there is way too many comments that has come in under budget and that is most probably why – because they are not going to have a legacy of huge stadiums that can only be filled if a rock start performs a concert and typically rock stars don’t go to Nelspruit.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Friday 13-Jul-12
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Comments
Kaylene said:
on Friday 20-Jul-12 10:30 AM
Well we certainley have alot of white elephants hey, and now we are paying in alot of ways now
thembi said:
on Wednesday 18-Jul-12 05:38 PM
When South Africa built the stadiums they did not think upfront moneywise.They were just happy and overhelmed that they were the first African counrty to host World Cup.
joyce said:
on Tuesday 17-Jul-12 05:42 PM
It seems London has experience in accommodating events like this
Brumilde said:
on Tuesday 17-Jul-12 09:03 AM
I Agree with Brenda good point there
Catherine said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 05:31 PM
I believe South Africa was under pressure to prove to the world that Africa can host a game of such magnitude as World cup, at a time when many believed that it does not have the capability. I agree that they did not think things through budget wise and the use of the stadiums after the event.
Lucretia said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 05:29 PM
I am in total agreement with the way London is brining in the stadiums because as expected, South Africa are now sitting with a good few "white elephants" and nothing to do with same. In my opinion a waste of money that could have been given elsewhere. Lets hope that the world now learns from London.
Robyn said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 01:30 PM
So careless. One would think that a government (of any country) would THINK before taking on these very expensive projects. To me it's logic, to them..well, I don't know what it is to them. It's one thing to try and show off but now all the showing off is done and we're sitting with financial problems. Fantastic.
Simone said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 12:04 PM
Very interesting. Our country really needs to look into getting more cost effective ways of spending.
brenda said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 11:44 AM
When it comes to strategic planning, it is obvious that South Africa cannot think logically and "long term" on many of the decisions made. When you look at England now with the Olympic games coming up, they made the wise decision of portable stadiums? Which in the long run, will save millions.
South Africa tried to prove too much with the Soccer World Cup, an event that lasted one month, by spending millions. In my opinion South Africa did not think logically, and went ahead and built stadiums that will just be a building somewhere, and yes costing thousands just to maintain.
Angelique said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 11:41 AM
Thats sad really is! Cape Town is one of the most visited destinations and its sad to think that may happen. Great for London though on this new approach!
Thabitha said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 11:40 AM
I think South Africa is the most careless country when comes to cost and budget
cherise said:
on Monday 16-Jul-12 11:36 AM
I must say they have really looked into these ideas carefully and come up with great affordable and realistic ways to host the olympics, instead of wasting money. interesting.
Lorette said:
on Friday 13-Jul-12 12:07 PM
I have to agree with Daniela this is actually really sad!
Daniela said:
on Friday 13-Jul-12 11:58 AM
Nevermind Nelspruit, there are talks about tearing down the Cape Town Stadium (and this is a huge and busy destiantion) - the white elephants of South Africa as they are referred to. The stadiums cost more to maintain than any revenue they may be bringing in. That's Cape Town. What about smaller places like Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit or Rustenburg. Sad really.
Seems other countries tend to think these things over a bit better than we do before actually going forth with these large and costly projects.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
