THE City of Johannesburg, as principal host city of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, established a special unit to manage the event on its behalf.

The 2010 Directorate is the only totally new unit to be created within the Office of the City Manager. Headed by an executive director, Sibongile Mazibuko, it is responsible for issues relating to the planning, implementing and hosting of the world cup.

The directorate liaises with the event's Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the relevant national and provincial departments.

Because of the level of capital expenditure for stadiums, roads and surrounding infrastructure, the unit plays a co-ordinating role between the various departments. It is also responsible for operational issues such as talking to residents, businesses and constructors to ensure preparations go smoothly.

According to Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, "Johannesburg will come to symbolise the whole of South Africa and indeed the entire continent to a significant degree."

The 2010 Directorate therefore plays a crucial role in terms of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup as well as in terms of the leverage and legacy it leaves behind, through the projects it initiates.

The directorate meets on a monthly basis with other host cities. The Host Cities Forum consists of the nine host cities and the FIFA-appointed Local Organising Committee.