To Bid Or Not to Bid?
There has been a bit of moaning and groaning about the Rugby World Cup bid as of late. People pointing out that is will cost millions to host it, while that money might be better spend on providing save water and housings.
Now I'm not arguing that we are in desperate need for the above mentioned, but I think these moaners are missing out on one vital point.
The Rugby World Cup is more then just a sporting event. Not only will it provide jobs and much needed investment, but it also seems to be the only thing that has ever bound this nation together as one.
This is about nation building, about working together and putting out difference aside, or using those differences to enrich each other.
Composed by Bee | 3:05 pm
4 Comments:
It'll only work if it is used for exactly what you say: unity and enrichment of everyone. But they way these things usually go, it looks like most of the money will stay with the fat-cats, and the poorest won't see any improvement (of employment, infrastructure, etc.). That's how it happens everywhere else, anyway...
one must also remember that such an event will bring in wads of cash in the form of tourism. And if profits are prey to the fat-cats, there's also the small vendors/traders who can avail of the Rugby-spectator's ignorance.
But surely any benefit that the traders derive from World Cup tourism will be short-lived? Unless the event is successful enough a showcase to attract a steady stream of visitors afterwards... there's still a few years left to make things better than they are; Jo'burg is improving but the bad parts of Pretoria are spreading (broken window syndrome and all that).
I think, that you are mistaken. Let's discuss it.
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