The Wheel of Excellence. Photo courtesy Warren Rohner

With only a week before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town launched its state-of-the-art Wheel of Excellence, from which World Cup fans will be able to see the whole of the Mother City.

Situated in the city’s oldest working harbour, London Eye’s South African counterpart is expected to be in Cape Town for about six months.

The wheel will provide a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island and Paarl.

In any one of 36 fully-enclosed cabins, friends and family can sit back and take delight in the city skyline on the 20-minute round trip. For those who seek a little more luxury, sparkling wine and canapés are also available in one of the VIP cabins.

The London Eye has done a lot for boosting tourism in London; it welcomes an average of 3.5 million customers every year.

Speaking on the impact Cape Town’s wheel will have, V&A Waterfront 2010 commercial director and spokesperson, John Elliott says, “Our aim is to offer visitors new ways to experience the V&A Waterfront and the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime event [the 2010 FIFA World Cup™] in a fun, safe and secure venue.”

With 36 air-conditioned cabins holding eight people, each trip can accommodate 288 people. The wheel will run daily from 10h00 until 22h00.

Tickets cost R70.00 and can be purchased on site.
08 Jun 2010 - 08 Dec 2010
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Venue: Canal Site
Location: V&A Waterfront | Cape Town
Phone: +27 (0)21 408 7600
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Wheel of Excellence. Photo supplied by the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront have announced their entertainment plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, which starts on June 11.

The 50m Wheel of Excellence, a concept similar to the massive London Eye Ferris wheel on the bank of the Thames, will be one of the big attractions at the Waterfront, offering 36 cabins that provide an amazing view of Cape Town as the wheel turns. One ride lasts 20 minutes and costs R70.

Football fans will also have a chance to test their skills by dribbling against a 3D avatar of Argentine football star, Lionel Messi, and can even download a free video clip of their performance.

There will be numerous venues at the V&A Waterfront screening live matches and there are several VIP hospitality options for visitors as well.

Read more in our entertainment section.

Cape Town’s CBD is as full as it’ll ever be today as two of the most important 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches are played. First up, Argentina vs Germany at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. Nearby, at the V&A Waterfront, hordes of football fans pulled through in their most colourful regalia to get in on the soccer spirit. Here are some images from the sunny afternoon. Photos by Ingrid Sinclair.

See also:

•    Argentina vs Germany at Cape Town Stadium: Live updates
•    V&A Waterfront packed with fans on a sunny, soccer-mad Saturday

The Wheel of Excellence at the V&A Waterfront. Photo supplied by the V&A Waterfront

In a groundbreaking move, the V&A Waterfront is launching a free internet initiative this week in partnership with HipZone™, which will give all local and international visitors wireless internet access – for free – via their cellphones or laptops. Staying in touch with friends and family in the midst of football festivities and sharing the experience with them is now possible for all.

The initiative is the first of its kind for a regional mall and raises the local technology bar.

The V&A Waterfront, strategically located right next to the Cape Town Stadium – which will play host to eight games during the FIFA World Cup 2010™, including a quarter-final and semi-final match – will be one of the central activity hubs during the month of the tournament.

“Visitors can view emails, connect via social networking sites or simply surf the web on their laptops or mobile phones,” explains V&A Waterfront Marketing Executive Chantelle Kidd. “Moreover, as it launches during the World Cup, it is a convenient way to share the V&A Waterfront football experience – which includes interactive events, food and beverage offerings and four spectator zones – with friends and family virtually and in real time.”

To access free wireless internet across the Victoria Wharf, visitors can choose “HipZone™ free Wi-Fi” from their wireless internet connections and follow the simple log-in instructions.

Of plans for the service beyond the 30 days of the tournament, Chantelle says, “We’re also looking into extending the service across other parts of the property once the football fever is over.”

It’s not the warmest of days here in the Mother City but anticipation and excitement are providing the heat for the thousands of fans who are descending on popular shopping and leisure destination, the V&A Waterfront, for the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tonight. Here are some images of the early birds who arrived here way ahead of time to be guaranteed a good view of the proceedings. Photos by Ingrid Sinclair.