| Summary: | Understanding resident perceptions is one way of evaluating the effects of continuously hosting large
scale events in a destination. Given the fact that Africa has only hosted a mega-event once (the 2010
FIFA World Cup), empirical analysis of the impacts of such event within the African context is scant.
This article departs from the premise that, most studies on the 2010 FIFA World Cup focused on the
pre-event expectations with only few on the post-event legacy impacts.This study analysed residents'
perceptions of Africa‟s first mega-event in host city Port Elizabeth. The aim was to compare pre- and
post-event perceptions of the event legacy impacts. The study adopted a mixed method research
design. Seven hundred and ninety six questionnaire surveys were equally split (398 each) and
administered face-to-to face with the respondents who resided within a 2km radius of the Nelson
Mandela Bay Stadium, prior to and post the 2010 FIFA World Cup.The results showed significant
statistical differences and similarities between the pre- and post-event responses in relation to key
socio-economic variable questions. Shift in perceptions were noted in terms of comparing both event
phases. Overall, residents displayed a slightly higher perception post-event. The study recommends
the need to develop legacy indicators to track, monitor and evaluate the long-term effects of the
mega-event. In addition the necessity for a longitudinal study that measures changes in perceptions
over time is essential.
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