2010 SOCCER WORLD CUP

South Africa has been chosen

by Fifa as the host country

for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Following the "absolutely sensational" confirmation,

South African Tourism CEO Cheryl Carolus said

the country's tourism industry will be ready and waiting

to give a warm South African welcome to the thousands

of fans who will flock to the country to the largest

sporting event of its kind in the world.

"What better news could our industry have asked for

to cement the successes we have achieved…" she asked.

Economist Mike Schussler beamed at the result:

"Wow! This certainly is a boost for growth and employment."

He estimates the tournament will result in

pre-World Cup construction worth R3-billion,

and will earn the country between R13-billion

and R24-billion over its 43-day duration

and another R8-billion afterwards.

Schussler expects 120 000 new jobs will be created,

of which roughly half will be sustainable.