Statement by Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula on the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2014
Introduction
South Africa’s hosting of CHAN 2014 coincides with the country’s celebration of 20 Years of Freedom. Twenty years into a free South Africa, we remember with gratitude how the countries of the continent supported us during our struggle against apartheid. We celebrate the solidarity we enjoy in the African Union, solidarity which makes wonderful events such as this tournament a reality showcasing the African continent and its talented people to the global village.
The tournament is the perfect platform to kick off the 20 Years of Freedom celebrations and will allow the nation to unite behind a common objective. Our hard won freedom has allowed us to stride proudly onto the continental and world stage.
Government has ensured that sufficient resources are committed to the tournament. Day five into the tournament and after Bafana’s second game, the CHAN tournament is running smoothly.
The tournament showcases our generosity of spirit as a host nation. We are convinced that South Africans will continue to open their hearts and arms to visitors from the continent and the world. We are confident that this tournament will unite our nation as we celebrate 20 Years of Freedom and we hope that you, our esteemed visitors are enjoying our uniquely warm brand of South African hospitality and our fine summer weather wherever you find yourselves in our beautiful country.
We are confident that the nation will increase their support for CHAN 2014 as they supported other major international sporting events. Tickets are on sale at Computicket outlets countrywide and are priced as low as R40.
Progress to date
To date we have seen ten matches being played in all host cities. The teams showed vigour and good sportsmanship. All the matches that have taken place were incident free and celebrated in the spirit of Ubuntu. We would like to commend all the officials involved in the tournament to keep up the good work.
What resources were deployed to the games played thus far?
Government is working in a coordinated manner to ensure that the CHAN 2014 will be safe and secure; citizens and visitors can rest assured that our plans are in place to ensure a successful tournament.
Throughout the tournament, government is in touch with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the best support is given to them.
Bafana Bafana performance
The boys have done well and we are proud of them. We believe that they will make it to the finish line. As I said, good performance will be rewarded handsomely. The country stands firmly behind Bafana Bafana and will show their support and appreciation for all the participating teams. South Africans must continue to support the team throughout the tournament and fly the flag high.
Sport and Recreation South Africa
As Sport and Recreation South Africa we are fully behind this tournament, the LOC and CAF. We are proud that the tournament is now FIFA accredited; this is a great feat for developing African football stars. It raises the profile of the tournament which will be of major interest to all football fans in our country and beyond.
Government Communication (GCIS)
Our central government communication agency, the GCIS working with communicators in the provinces and cities continue to disseminate information to the public on CHAN 2014 through a range of activations which include amongst others community events, mobile trucks, community media and social media platforms. South Africans who were not at the stadiums were able to watch the games at various public viewing sites. The GCIS has confirmed that there are over 31 public screening venues in strategic locations where people may watch the matches.
Transport
The Local Organising Committee for Orange CHAN 2014 announced that, through the transport agreement reached with PRASA, 45 buses were made available to transport football fans in possession of a valid match ticket on match days.
Whilst Cape Town has 23 buses, both Mangaung and Polokwane have 11 buses each to move soccer fans from pick up points on specific times and take them straight to the stadium. Please check your listen to your local radio station or visit the government website for the transport schedule.
Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs has ensured that it is all systems go at major ports of entry which are mainly, OR Tambo, Cape Town International and Bram Fischer airports as well as the main borders with neighbouring countries.
Arts and Culture
We saw in the opening ceremony the spectacular performance by our local artists. Even at the closing ceremony we will have top class entertainment for fans who will be attending the final match. Please go out and buy your tickets as this will be a spectacular ending to the tournament.
Sport has the power to unite us
The CHAN 2014 brings together Africans from all walks of life through sport under one common goal. Let’s celebrate Africa’s finest in football together, united. I urge fellow South Africans to continue to be good hosts to our visitors during this tournament. This may include making friends with your neighbours, travelling together to matches, inviting fellow Africans to visit local tourist spots and learning about football teams and players.
Tournament information
There are now 22 matches left in the next 11 match days with Cape Town hosting two quarter finals games and the other two in Mangaung and Polokwane. The semi-finals will both take place in Mangaung and whilst Cape Town hosts the final and third-place matches.
Call to action
The public are encouraged to come early to the stadiums. We also urge supporters to continue adhering to restrictions such as not bringing umbrellas when it is raining during the games. We understand the rainy conditions but for the safety of our supporters however they are not allowed inside the stadiums.
Tomorrow is Freedom Friday; please wear your Bafana shirt to celebrate 20 Years of Freedom. Join us on twitter and remember the hashtag is CHAN2014.
