South Africa in accommodation pledge

South Africa has insisted it will be able to accommodate the influx of football fans heading to the country for the World Cup next summer.

Tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that over 400,000 beds would be available for the influx, which will include thousands of English visitors.

He was speaking after an audit revealed that some of the smaller venues may struggle to provide enough in-town accommodation.

However, executive co-chairman of Match Event Services Jaime Byrom remarked: "There has always been the case that an event of the magnitude of the Fifa World Cup cannot be accommodated in its entirety in every host city."

With demand for places to stay so high, those thinking of investing in property in the country may look to buy residences that can be rented out during the tournament.

Those who do so may also benefit from a longer-term growth in tourism in the country resulting from the publicity enjoyed by South Africa.

English fans following the team will see group matches in Rustenburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

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