Hayibo - PRETORIA. As the costs of hosting the 2010 World Cup continue to soar, the South African government has offered to pay Germany to host the sporting showpiece. According to a government spokesman, the deal would see the South African taxpayer handing over around R20 billion, for which Germany has promised to host "an authentic and unforgettable African experience".
This weekend the government conceded that the estimated price of hosting the tournament had almost doubled since 2004, and that there was almost no way to guess how expensive it would ultimately prove.
"You can pretty much pick a number between R20 billion and R2 trillion," said spokesman Maybe Makwetla. "Possibly more. Probably more.
"Basically, without wanting to sound defeatist or negative about the budgeting structures we have put in place, it's completely out of control and there is a genuine sense of panic in Finance ministry."
However, he said, the government had decided to act decisively, and had offered the German government R20 billion to "take the whole mess off our hands".
According to Makwetla, the German government said it would use the R20 billion to build a very large wall along its southern border, "to reduce, and ultimately end, contact with Africa".
He said that both the South African government and the Local Organizing Committee were extremely upbeat about the outsourcing of the tournament to Germany, and said it reflected the resourcefulness and thriftiness of South Africans.
Makwetla added that the Germans were also being "more than accommodating, for a small additional fee", which would be passed on to taxpayers in next year's budget.
"It all works out to about R21 billion, but for that price Germany is guaranteeing a safe and well-organized tournament," said Makwetla.
He said the price also included a special appearance by Nelson Mandela, "or at least a large photograph of him suspended underneath a zeppelin".
Meanwhile German authorities have sprung into action with a campaign to raise awareness in Europe of "Africa's World Cup".
The campaign, dubbed "They'll Only Be Here For A Month So Don't Panic", kicked off with a parade through Dusseldorf, featuring a zebra from the local zoo, some Cameroonian immigrants dressed in traditional Zulu costume, a stuffed lion, and the Dusseldorf Philharmonic playing a selection of hits from 'The Lion King'.
The German High Commission is also sponsoring a competition urging German tourists to visit South Africa. The first prize is one week in Johannesburg while the second prize is two weeks in Johannesburg.
Hayibo.com
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