Power cuts won’t affect World Cup
"We can't pretend that they (the power cuts) are not a threat. They cause anxiety but they cannot cause cancellations." Stofile and the ANC Youth League were addressing journalists in Pretoria.
He said that the department had given the department of minerals and energy R260 million for the purchase of grid generators should the energy crisis not be solved in 2010.
This followed a meeting between the two parties in which issues relating to South Africa's readiness to host the soccer World Cup were discussed.
Stofile said that it was good that the two parties had had a chance to discuss issues as many were wondering if the "people placed at the top were in touch with aspirations of the World Cup". "The World Cup must make a contribution to the country," said Stofile.
He added that the department would convene a workshop in February where matters such as access to information – especially to rural areas – about the World Cup would be discussed.
Another issue that was also studied was the involvement of young people in the organisation of the World Cup. The Youth League said it was important that the youth be involved in the planning as well as the construction of stadiums.
Secretary general of the Youth League, Sihle Zikalala, said that the League wanted to see more being done to involve the youth in the planning of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
This was in turn re-iterated by the minister. "We will campaign for the inclusion of young people in the structure," he said.
Stofile said that companies should employ graduates so as to bridge the gap in skills development. He also urged graduates to start their own companies.
The ANCYL said that it was important to remember that the World Cup should benefit the country as a whole and not only for people who were interested in "building their own profiles".
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