Chairperson, hon members, according to the National Treasury, the estimated impact of the 2010 Fdration Internationale de Football Association, Fifa, World Cup was in the region of R10,5 billion, which amounts to 0,38% of gross domestic product, GDP. The overall impact on the real GDP level over the period from 2007 to 2013 was estimated to be 0,25%.
More than 309 000 tourists arrived in South Africa for the primary purpose of attending the 2010 Fifa World Cup. A survey conducted by the national Department of Tourism and SA Tourism shows that tourists were extremely satisfied with their experience in the country and that they would highly recommend the destination to friends and family. The benefits of the World Cup will thus be enjoyed for many years to come.
Fifa made a total of US$100 million available to the SA Football Association, Safa, as a legacy of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. I am informed that in the region of US$30 million has been used by Safa for infrastructure, buses and World Cup preparations. The remaining US$70 million will be placed in the 2010 Fifa World Cup Legacy Trust.
This trust consists of eight members, including one representative of government from the Department of Sport and Recreation. The trust will be used for the following purposes: football development, which includes development programmes for coaches, administrators, referees and technical officials; the setting up of football academies, facilities and equipment; education, which will include educational, life skills and leadership programmes through football for youth and communities; bursaries for football players, coaches, referees and administrators; health promotion, which will include healthy lifestyle programmes through football for youth and communities; the training of specialist medical personnel for football teams; research and development on football-related health matters; and humanitarian causes, which will include the consideration to fund football communities struck by tragedy or disaster. I'm informed that to date Fifa has transferred R280 million to the Legacy Trust and that the trust will become operational in April 2012. The main beneficiaries of the fund, according to the policy of the trust, will be Safa's structures at national, provincial, regional and local levels. In addition, associate members, like tertiary institutions, schools and football for persons with disabilities, as well as organised supporter groups, will also be eligible for funding. However, all these institutions must be registered as public benefit organisations. Apparently, funding will be allocated on an application basis. All project proposals will be considered against set criteria and the board of the trust will make the final decisions on which projects are funded. More details can be obtained from the Minister of Sport and Recreation.