EThekwini Municipality, together with the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government, hosted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Local Organising Committee delegation from 28 to 129 May 2012.
The delegation led by the AFCON LOC Chief Executive Officer, Mvuzo Mbebe, was in Durban for a site inspection and to further explain what is expected from the City as it is one of the host cities. The delegation inspected the City’s hotels and the stadia to establish if they fit the criteria required to host an event of this magnitude.
The MEC for Economic Development, Mike Mabuyakhulu said the visit by the LOC is appreciated and has helped to clarify some issues, which were outstanding.
‘They will now be going back to discuss what it is that we will get as the Province and the City. We want to make it clear that we would love to host the Semi Finals. The people of this Province are very passionate about the game and they deserve to watch semi final games in their home-grounds. It is now an open secret that we presented the best bid. We are known for hosting big events, hence we are called Africa’s playground,’ said Mabuyakhulu.
His Worship, the Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo, said by Friday the LOC would have visited all the host cities and was expecting the feedback about the visit in three days times.
‘The visit was very important because it will enable the LOC to make recommendations as to what exactly we need to do in order to meet the event expectations. We have hosted the World Cup before, hence the LOC seemed to be happy with our infrastructure including our hotels and stadia. We are ready as’ eThekwini and there will be no need for overlay’ in the budget because most of our stadia including those that will be used as training venues are as brand new, we gave them a facelift before the World Cup,’ said Nxumalo.
