There are myriad opportunities for businesses to become involved in the World Cup, and the City is actively pursuing public-private partnerships.

WITH projects needed across the board to prepare for the largest sporting event on the planet, the investment and development opportunities in Joburg are almost endless - from large-scale infrastructure support to smaller entrepreneurial enterprises, from the hospitality industry to community upliftment.

And these opportunities are not bound to, or limited by, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

As a host city, Johannesburg is involved in a number of developments aimed at upgrading areas of the city in preparation for the World Cup - and beyond. As such, it encourages private-public partnerships, which it is determined to create in relation to several business opportunities it has identified, including in sectors such as:

• Waste management, which would include waste removal, recycling and providing litter bins;
• Environmental management, which would look at landscaping, and greening and beautifying the city, among other projects;
• Health and safety management sectors, with partnerships in providing equipment and upgrading facilities, including mobile clinics;
• Transportation, which would involve creating park and ride facilities, managing transport facilities, and so on;
• Construction, one of the most obvious sectors for business opportunities with the precinct revamps under way, the upgrading of electricity networks, and the burgeoning need for various facilities; and
• Information communications technology, looking at ways to keep communication channels open with the public.

It also has a range of comprehensive policies to encourage investment, including promoting investment; a single suppliers database to ensure all prospective suppliers of goods and services are afforded a "fair, transparent and equitable" process in applying for business opportunities; guidelines for SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises); requirements for black economic empowerment; and tax incentives for developments within designated areas such as the Urban Development Zone in Braamfontein and other areas.

Prospective entrepreneurs and businesses will benefit from taking advantage of the business opportunities. Joburg has lots to offer:

• It is the commercial and economic capital of the continent;
• It accounts for 16 percent of South Africa's gross domestic product, and accounts for 40 percent of the province's economic activity;
• It is home to many multinational companies.
• The headquarters of the mining sector are based in Johannesburg;
• A range of manufacturing industries also operates in the city;
• Many banking and commercial companies are also located in Johannesburg; and
• It is home to Africa's largest stock exchange, the JSE.

In addition, leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Johannesburg is the venue for the world’s largest soccer exhibition and convention – Soccerex – and is expected to gain handsomely from this.

“To us as the Gauteng government, this is not just about football; this is also about the economy,” says Paul Mashatile, the province’s MEC for finance and economic affairs.

Construction, one of the most obvious sectors for business opportunities