Your Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers,
Welcome to South Africa.
I am very humbled that you responded to our invitation to join us for this very special occasion, the opening ceremony of the first Soccer World Cup tournament in Africa. Given your hectic schedules, Your Excellencies, it is very important to us that you made the time to come to South Africa for this occasion. You are making this a truly African World Cup. We extend a very warm welcome to you all.
Your Excellencies,
This is a celebration not only of the beautiful game of football, but of goodwill, understanding and human solidarity. It is really important that we are able to share it with you.
Today is the culmination of a long journey that began with the announcement by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, on 15 May 2004, that this country will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Like the release of President Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the first democratic elections in 1994, this announcement caused an avalanche of national jubilation.
Almost seventy months after that announcement, the moment has now arrived. The world has converged on Africa, the mother continent. And together we are welcoming them as the leadership of the African continent.
Your Excellencies,
It is truly an honour to host this tournament on behalf of Africa. The World Cup is a powerful tribute to the achievements of the peoples of Africa, and a sure sign that the continent is making great progress.
Through this competition, we have an opportunity to eradicate the stereotypes about the continent, some of which are part of the legacy of colonialism.
We are encouraging soccer fans and tourists to explore the continent, and discover for themselves what Africa is about. The World Cup must make the world see the beautiful landscape, humanity, progress and vibrant spirit that is in this continent. They will see that this continent is not about wars and conflict. It is a continent of peoples who love peace, harmony and sustainable development. Where there are pockets of conflict, work is continuing to find peaceful solutions. They must see the real Africa.
Your Excellencies,
You would have noticed the football fever in South Africa. The rainbow flag flies all over the country, showing a nation that is beside itself with joy and excitement. I know that the whole of Africa rejoices with us.
Your Excellencies,
I am sure you join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude to the father of our nation, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This World Cup tournament is indeed a dream come true for him. He taught us national reconciliation and unity, and we will always thrive to follow in his footsteps. He will sadly no longer be able to join us at the opening ceremony, due to the tragic loss of his great grand-daughter in a car accident this morning. We extend our sincere condolences.
We will use this competition to further unite the South African and African people, as we dedicate the World Cup to him for teaching us to believe in humanity.
Excellencies,
We trust that you will enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy your presence. Enjoy today’s game and the entire tournament.
I thank you.
Issued by: The Presidency
11 June 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
