Asignificant number of German companies were involved in the building and engineering of the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums, says Southern African German Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Matthias Boddenberg.

Engineering and special equipment material for the stadiums was sourced to a large extent form Germany. The total investment in the 2010 FIFA World Cup infrastructure projects amounted to about R35-billion, he adds.

The infrastructure pro- jects that German companies were involved in included roads, the bus rapid transit system and the Gautrain. The total infrastructure project, valued at R450-billion, is ongoing beyond the FIFA World Cup as it is an infrastructure legacy project, explains Boddenberg.

Meanwhile, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, German fans will be treated to a Bavarian Day, the Chamber’s yearly general meeting and the opportunity to participate at the football village, in Birchwood, where the industry body will have a stand for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he says.

He points out that member businesses will display their products and services at the stand.

Remaining Focus

A major focus of the trade fairs this year will be renewable energy, and water and general technology relating to energy and water efficiency. This is the result of energy efficiency and water scarcity being significant concerns, he explains.

The industry body is also focused on offering a commercial advancement training scheme in three aspects, namely office administration, business administration and building training courses in the laying of face bricks, roofing, plumbing, plastering and tiling.

Recently, the chamber started training in the plumbing and installation of solar server units through the builder’s training programme. The company also works with the Department of Labour in training programmes for construction companies and project groups.

The major German business sectors in South Africa are the automotive supply and components industry, the machinery and plant supplies industry and the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry.

German companies in South Africa employ about 90 000 people, and about 60 000 people are indirectly employed.

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