The effect of large sporting events on urban development will have endless positive spin-offs for any country, says Yannis Pyrgiotis, executive director and chief technical officer of the Athens Olympic Games organising committee.

"Johannesburg, will play a pivotal role in the 2010 football World Cup by hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, is on track with their infrastructural plans," says Reid.

Lynette Finlay says that SA has one of the best property returns, outperforming the UK and Ireland, and that government has set aside huge budgets to create massive infrastructure for the world cup.