Benjamin Storey, Sean Mongan & Joshua Robinson

• BSc (Hons) Human Geography
• Critically examining the socio-economic effects of the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup on the Durban beachfront and the townships of Clermont, KwaMashu and Umlazi.

Focussing on Durban and the surrounding area our expedition consisted of three unique individual projects. However, through the focus of the individual South Africans at a local level they became intrinsically interrelated. Our focus was upon on the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the related investment into the country before, during and after June 2010. With over £4.3 billion invested into the country, this ‘mega-sporting event’ provided the country with a unique opportunity for direct investment flows to be concentrated upon areas most in need of financial stimulus. Sean Mongan’s project therefore examined the effect this event had on economic development in Umlazi, examining specifically standards of health, education and fluctuating employment rates. Ben Storey’s project involved investigating the relationship between the investment into the three stadia situated in surrounding township areas that were redeveloped, and the developmental aspects of access to water and electricity. Finally, expedition member Josh Robinson focussed on the regeneration of Durban beach front as a consequence of the World Cup, including the building of Moses Mabhida Stadium. This study explored how this regeneration revitalised the image of the beach front and attracted tourists and investments.

Funded By: Newcastle University Expeditions Committee, Sonia Stonehouse Expedition Fund