IBC gets R120 million budget

By Siyabonga Africa, ITWeb junior journalist

Johannesburg, 30 Oct 2008

The City of Johannesburg has allocated over R120 million to the construction of the international broadcasting centre (IBC), which will be based in Nasrec, south of the city.

The 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) says construction is set to begin early next year.

Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo announced the budget for the IBC during the city's 2006 to 2008 mid-term report. He says the budget of R120 million will go towards constructing and outfitting the IBC, as well as upgrading and renting halls from the Nasrec Expo Centre.

The IBC will be used by the world's media during the World Cup, and is expected to contribute to ongoing improvements in local telecommunication and broadcasting infrastructure.

Expected revenue

Masondo expects the IBC to generate R340.9 million in direct spend by visitors. The rest of the funds will come indirectly from broadcasters and media representatives visiting the city, he noted.

The IBC is also expected to create an estimated 3 370 jobs, with a salary bill that will add up to R219 million by the end of the event. Based on Masondo's estimations, around R2 002 will be spent per day per broadcasting delegate during the 2010 games.

The German World Cup is said to have attracted more than 13 400 accredited TV commentators, camera crews and members of technical staff reporting on the event. SA expects to attract a similar number of broadcasters to cover the 2010 event.

Johannesburg officials say the 2008 Fifa member countries are expected to send media representatives to the 2010 games.

Worldwide reach

The LOC says more than 30 000m²of land has been earmarked for the IBC, which will house around 2 000 broadcast journalists during the World Cup finals.

“We have to ensure there will be enough space for the broadcasters, the equipment they will be using, and the services they need,” says 2010 LOC chief IT and telecoms chief Phumlani Moholi.

“The IBC will be equipped with video adapters that will convert the feeds, from the stadiums, into digital signals that will be sent out worldwide.”

For the 10 stadiums being built for 2010, Fifa requires 40GB cabling capacity, where 20GB will go live during the match and 20GB will be used as failover, says Thami Magazi, Telkom group executive for multinational customers.

Telkom is expected to connect the IBC to other stadiums and the rest of the world.