Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa is to visit Germany this weekend to learn best practices in hosting a successful Soccer World Cup.

The Premier will lead a delegation of provincial and local government officials from 16 to 22 September, during which they will focus on strategies employed by Bavaria and Munich to host the 2006 Fifa tournament.

This is in preparation for hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

"Key areas of discussion will include safety and security, transport and other infrastructure, economic development and investment promotion, enhancing sporting performance as well as the roles of the state, the city and big business in relation to the world cup," the provincial government said.

The delegation will meet with the Bavarian Minister of the Interior; the Minister of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology; German business leaders; the Mayor of
Munich and the President of the Bavarian Parliament.

Earlier this week, Mr Shilowa announced that municipalities and the provincial government in Gauteng had developed a 2010 implementation plan to ensure that Gauteng was ready to contribute to South Africa's successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Gauteng hosts three official match venues for the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City (FNB stadium), Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld that will be upgraded.

The province will also be the main point of entry for international visitors.

Mr Shilowa said the province aimed to use the opportunity to market the province.

Most importantly, the province has announced plans to upgrade infrastructure, improve transport systems and enhance economic development to create a lasting legacy for its people. - BuaNews