HOST CITIES READY TO WELCOME THE WORLD...

CAPE TOWN

The terminal at the Mother City's International Airport has undergone a complete transformation, making it bigger and ready to receive thousands of football fans. The city offers an abundance of attractions. Apart from Table Mountain, it has beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, historical buildings, museums, art galleries, street markets, world-class restaurants, wine estates and theatres.

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg is known as the City of Gold and the business hub of South Africa. It will also be the hub of World Cup activities as both the opening and final games will be played at Soccer City. With loads of clubs, restaurants, theatres, markets and shopping malls, the city is ready to entertain visitors. Interesting places to visit include the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City.

PRETORIA

The greater municipal area of the country's capital city is called Tshwane. Its Loftus Versfeld Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa, has been used for both rugby and football matches and is home to one of the country's top rugby teams, the Blue Bulls. It has been upgraded for 2010 and seats almost 50 000. The city's rich and colourful heritage includes the famous Union Buildings.

DURBAN

The city and its greater municipal area called Ethekwini, is ready for the 2010 World Cup and beyond. It has a stunning new stadium, a revamped public transport system and the modern new King Shaka International Airport, which opened in May. Its Fan Park is situated on the beach-front close to the Kings Park sports complex, transport facilities and other entertainment. Its beautiful beaches and rich culture are world famous.

BLOEMFONTEIN

Bloemfontein is South Africa's judicial capital. Its greater municipality was recently renamed Mangaung, which means "place of the cheetahs" in Sesotho. Its Free State Stadium will host six World Cup matches. The city, also known as "the city of roses", owing to the abundance of roses, is the most centrally located city in South Africa, accessible by car from anywhere in the country within 12 hours.

NELSPRUIT

Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga, boasts a beautiful new football stadium, specially built for 2010. With its unique zebra patterned seats and giraffe-themed roof supports, Mbombela Stadium is a truly African World Cup stadium. Nelspruit is close to some of South Africa's most breathtaking scenery and popular game reserves, including the famous Kruger National Park.

POLOKWANE

This truly African city with its newly built 2010 football stadium, is a great place for visitors to start their African journey. Its international airport serves as a gateway to the continent, it offers a wealth of wildlife, culture and heritage, beautiful rugged landscapes and friendly people who are happy to talk about African football! It is also close to one of the major attractions in Limpopo, the Mapungubwe National Park.

PORT ELIZABETH

Located in the Eastern Cape Province, the 'Friendly City' will host the third and fourth place playoffs of the World Cup. The greater municipal area has recently been renamed Nelson Mandela Bay and has been home to some of the country's most iconic figures. They include Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, Chris Hani, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo, as well as other heroes of the freedom struggle.

RUSTENBURG

The city's newly revamped Royal Bafokeng stadium is ready to accommodate 44 385 football fans. Situated at the foot of the Magalies mountain range in the North West province, Rustenburg is close to several game lodges and nature reserves. It is also home to the largest platinum mines in the world and the largest platinum refinery, which processes about 70 per cent of the world's platinum.