NELSPRUIT - The premier,  Mr David Mabuza yesterday promised a "refocused energy" on completing the race to make the Fifa 2010 World Cup the most successful ever. "It is very important to make it clear that this is not a crisis but that it is challenge driven," he told a media contingent at Mbombela Stadium.
From now until kick-off, Mpumalanga Province, Ehlanzeni District and Mbombela Municipality will work collectively to support, sign off and fund any outstanding elements of bringing the event to the region.
"From today,  we will ensure that we follow the work of the six cluster groups and watch their progress step-by-step until the last day," announced Mabuza.
"We will give you specifics, tell you who is responsible for a project and when it is going to finish so that they can be held accountable."
This sudden mobilisation was definitely inspired by last week's visit of Fifa and the local organising committee, to which certain guarantees had been made.
Host city mayor,  Cllr Lassy Chiwayo said the aim was "to move into a higher gear" and build on the current achievements. "Apart from the temporary hitch of the pitch, we are the only city to stick to budget, use 100 per cent South African resources and set up an integrated office with the province," he said.
But the wide range of media hit back forcibly at the speakers, wanting to know why it had taken so long to reach this point. The host city was again criticised for being invisible; leaders for being inaccessible and the slow responses to new projects such as the Fan Park at Hoërskool Bergvlam.
Despite there being no signs that Nelspruit is the host city at either entrance on the N4 or indeed, in the town, Chiwayo claimed that there were other forms of marketing. "Visible branding is often last on the schedule and we have 1 000 flags for street poles and masses of material to distribute," he said.
Mabuza, obviously stung by the criticism of the leadership being unavailable, promised to take on these concerns and try to improve. He called on all MECs to do the same, but also challenged some media representatives not to arrive pre-loaded with "negative questions".
The contractor for the Fan Park will be appointed today (Friday) and community meetings are addressing the use of the
R20 million investment.
"Innibos attracts thousands of people and there are no complaints about noise pollution," claimed Chiwayo. "Nevertheless,  the city laws will apply and I can assure that all violations will be prosecuted."
Responding to reports that visitor expectations are falling and the Kruger National Park has released 15 000 bed nights, MEC for tourism,  Mr Jabu Mahlangu said he was "not concerned".
"The national minister of tourism is concerned at the overcharging by hotels and airlines and has issued a statement asking them to desist," he said.