South Africa today, Friday 4 June 2010 entered the final stretch towards its hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup when Deputy President and Acting President Kgalema Motlanthe, on behalf of all South Africans, accepted the Fifa World Cup trophy from FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The handing over of the trophy to South Africa coincided with a country-wide celebration of the ultimate Football Friday before the World Cup kicks-off on 11 June 2010 at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Football Friday was activated in October 2009 in an attempt to mobilise the country to unite behind South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup and the National Team. South Africans were encouraged to Fly the Flag and learn the National Anthem as well as the country’s dance for the World Cup, the diski.
Government is pleased to say that the response by the people of South Africa to this campaign has been overwhelming. As the final Football Friday is being celebrated, it has become football. Every day, the South African flag is being flown with pride on of top vehicles, buildings and just waved in the streets and the country is vibrating to the beat of the diski dance together with the rendition of various World Cup songs.
Deputy President Motlanthe, upon receiving the trophy today said South Africa’s hosting of the tournament represented a "turning point in the history of the world" because it was the first time the World Cup is coming to Africa and that preparations thus far had shown how much South
Africans could achieve by working together.
The World Cup is here, we are ready. Ke Nako.
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
4 June 2010
