99-year lease for Soccer City

johannesburg -a 99-year lease handing over soccer city, south of johannesburg, to the sa football association was signed on friday.

"the signing of this long-term lease will ensure the sustainability of the stadium. it will now truly become a venue of choice for the hosting of both national and international events," said johannesburg mayor amos masondo.

the property is owned by the department of public works which was represented by minister geoff doidge.

also present was sports minister makhenkesi stofile. he said the government had initially intended to donate the land.

however, stofile said in the past land grants to sports clubs had been exploited by rugby clubs. "the intention for this land will not be forgotten when we are gone," said stofile.