The BWI and the National Union of Mine Workers – NUM - hosted the visit of the President of the DGB Mr Michael Sommer who was accompanied by the head of International Policy of DGB Mr Wolfgang Lutterbach, Staff of FES Bonn and South Africa, as well as German Embassy representative in Labour and Social Affairs Section Monika Maria Sommer. The delegation visited both the Coca Cola Park stadium known as Ellis Park Stadium and the Soccer City Stadium.

The President was welcomed by BWI Regional Representative Crecentia Mofokeng accompanied by Regional Education Secretary Paul Opanga. The delegation had an opportunity to visit the Coca Cola Park stadium formerly known as Ellis Park Stadium the stadium has had name change according to FIFA requirement the new name will remain for five years, Ellis Park has a special Place in hearts of South Africans, in the 1995 Rugby World Cup South Africa won the Cup beating New Zealand. This stadium has capacity to be used for both Rugby and Soccer has now been renovated and has a capacity of 70 000 seats and will host the Semi –final in the World Cup.

The second visit was at Soccer City Stadium where the delegation was met by NUM Shop steward Patrick and Head of Occupational Health and Safety of Grinaker LTA, this is the stadium to host the first and last games in the World Cup, the stadium has 95 000 seating capacity, the biggest in Africa, the stadium was constructed by a local contractor Grinaker LTA in partnership with a Dutch Contractor Interbeton. The delegation learnt about progress achieved and the final work still to be completed. The delegation was very happy with the developments so far.

The delegation were also briefed on BWI 2010 World Cup Campaign, the objectives of the campaign, Partners especially affiliates involved what the campaign have so far achieved and the landmark it has made for BWI work in the sports events.

At the end of the visit President Sommer expressed his satisfaction on what he has seen so far and the best facility designed by South Africans with a cultural design of an African Pot, good coordination by BWI office working with its affiliates.

9 March 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa