The Mangaung Local Municipality includes
South Africa’s sixth largest city (Bloemfontein, South Africa’s
judicial capital), two other towns (Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu)
and a rural area. Mangaung means “Place of the Cheetahs.” At
almost the precise center of South Africa, the Mangaung
Municipality is conveniently located for travel from Pretoria,
Johannesburg and Cape Town. The main railway and road connections
for the entire country connect in Mangaung. This is one reason
why the area hosts a number of manufacturers.
The municipality is situated 1,395 meters
above sea level – producing a mild climate. The area is thus
popular with both business people and tourists alike. The
municipality is located within the Free State Province, which
boasts a sizeable agricultural output for South Africa as a
whole. The city of Bloemfontein is also fondly known as the “city
of roses.” Mangaung is a popular venue for conferences and has
developed an excellent infrastructure of centers, hotels and
reception facilities.
Mangaung will also be a host city for the
2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. In order to prepare for the Cup,
approximately $200 million in infrastructure and environmental
upgrades are planned, including hospitality/tourism, public
transport, ICT, health/emergency services and safety &
security. Areas of planned expenditure include:
- Stadium upgrades: $34 million
- Training venues: $9 million
- Safety & security: $9 million
- Fan parks (including supporting infrastructure & utilities): $15 million;
- ICT: $32 million;
- Purchasing of waste management vehicles: $ 2 million
- Transport upgrades, including: Inter-modal public transport facility: $33 million; Extension of Mangaung Activity Corridor: $4 million; New improved public transport access: $2 million; Bloemspruit Pedestrian Route: $2 million; and City Street Upgrades: $12 million;
- Tourism/visitor related upgrades, including: Marketing & communication: $1 million; City beautification: $3 million; Information kiosks: $1 million; Local tourist route: $4 million; and Tourist information center: $1 million
- Emergency services (vehicles and services at stadium/public viewing areas): $1 million
City preparations are currently on
track for readiness in time for the World Cup. Legacy projects
are a prerequisite for all tenders, the aim being to create
sustainable development in the area following the 2010 Cup. Even
after the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is over, Mangaung hopes to
see permanent benefits to its citizens in the form of improved
infrastructure, services and economic opportunities.
The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa is prepared to assist U.S. firms interested in participating in any of these projects. For more detailed information on any of these projects, or about opportunities in the Mangaung area generally, please contact Craig Allen, Senior Commercial Officer at Craig.Allen@mail.doc.gov or at +27 11 778-4800.
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