CAPE TOWN, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The South African cabinet has approved that the country submits its bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC), it was announced on Thursday.
"This will once again afford South Africa an opportunity to showcase the country to the international community," government spokesperson Phumla Williams said after a fortnightly cabinet meeting.
The race to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup is on and there are three runners fighting for the honour -- Ireland, South Africa and France. The winner of the bid will be announced on November 15.
South Africa has previously hosted world-class events such as the All Africa Games, Cricket World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup and many international conferences.
"South Africa already has the requisite infrastructure to host the tournament (RWC) without allocating a budget for infrastructure development," Williams said.
Sports is said to be one of the most effective drivers of nation-building and the rugby sports programmes would enhance social cohesion, she said.
The programmes to be rolled out throughout the country leading to 2023 will leave a lasting legacy for the development of rugby in underprivileged communities, said Williams.
According to Williams, the cabinet has approved the overall proposed package for this tournament which is an economic bid that would minimise the demands on the fiscus as well as stimulate economic activity employment and empowerment.
"The tournament will contribute to stimulating our economy by supporting government priorities, especially as it relates to preferential procurement and adherence to the Sport Transformation Charter and the sharing of the profits derived," Williams said.
The event will further boost the tourism and hospitality sectors, she added.
The government has set up the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on WRC 2023, with the aim of directing the bidding process and ensuring that the country benefits economically from this event, according to Williams.
