The portfolio committee on sport, recreation, arts and culture for the Gauteng government is planning public hearings on the 2010 World Cup at the Johannesburg City Hall next month.

The portfolio committee on sport, recreation, arts and culture for the Gauteng government is planning public hearings on the 2010 World Cup at the Johannesburg City Hall next month.

Sipho Mkhize, acting chairman of the committee, told Sowetan yesterday that they will also invite all the stakeholders to give presentations on the preparations for the World Cup.

Mkhize, who was appointed acting chairman of the committee after Pule Malefane resigned to join the Gauteng Tourism Authority in June, said they will announce the date for the hearings once all the logistics had been completed.

"The stakeholders will offer their presentations on their readiness and progress," said Mkhize, adding that representatives of the various departments in the province will also attend the gathering.

"The department of health will also tell us of their plans to deal with the World Cup, so will other departments like safety and security, public works, finance as well as sports, recreation, arts and culture.

"What we are saying as a committee is that we should keep the community informed about the developments on a regular basis, that is why we are organising public hearings on the World Cup," said Mkhize.