Acting Western Cape Premier Leonard Ramatlakane has welcomed the decision by Tasneem Essop, the provincial minister for environment, planning and economic development, to give the green light for a new Green Point stadium and for an urban park to be developed on the Common. All that remains now is for the City of Cape Town to take a final decision on the construction of the stadium.

"The announcement by MEC Tasneem Essop effectively paves the way for our dream of hosting the 2010 World Cup semi-final in Cape Town," said Acting Premier Ramatlakane.

"Minister Essop and her team have taken this decision after careful consideration of all the relevant factors which could potentially have an impact on the environment and the Provincial Government congratulates them on a job well done.

"The new stadium and urban park on Green Point Common will no doubt benefit the broader community and we hope that any potential objectors will think carefully about this. We have no doubt that the overwhelming majority of people in the Western Cape, South Africa and the rest of the world, as well as the local and international soccer fraternities, want to see us successfully hosting the 2010 World Cup semi-final.

"The Western Cape Government looks forward to working with the City Of Cape Town so that all the people of our province and country can benefit from this amazing opportunity to host the world's biggest sporting event on our beautiful shores," said the Acting Premier.

In case of further queries, please contact Makhaya Mani, spokesperson for the MEC for Community Safety and Acting Premier, Leonard Ramatlakane, on 082 780 4493.