16 September 2007
The North West province marked the 1 000 days to the 2010 World Cup kick-off
in style at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday with Premier
Edna Molewa saying that the country is boldly declaring to the whole world that
South Africa is ready and on track since being named as the host country on May
15 2004 by Fifa in Zurich.
"Today, I am reiterating without any equivocation and any fear of
contradiction that indeed, as a province and a country we are firmly on track.
We are ready to deliver to the world and our people the best World Cup ever,"
Premier Molewa added.
Premier Molewa also added that her confidence derives from the outstanding
work already done by the various pillars established to lead our 2010
efforts.
"The progress we have made thus far tells one bold story â that indeed
Africa's time has come and South Africa is ready!," she said.
"Intense world attention makes it absolutely essential that the many
role-players with a stake in 2010 act in a united effort and speak with one
voice. The world has given us a life-time opportunity to show what we are
capable of as a country and province. We dare not fail," she added.
She further called on everyone to use the opportunity in mobilising everyone
in a shared vision for the nation and province and to market the North West
province and the country to maximise opportunities created by the 2010 World
Cup.
The government sees the 2010 Fifa World Cup as an instrument, an opportunity
to turn around the lives of all people, to reduce poverty, to create
employment, to empower women, young people, and the disabled in
communities.
The Premier further said that government has made a conscious decision that
this upcoming World Cup will be used to redistribute wealth in the country and
restore the dignity of South Africans from all walks of life.
"Our approach to 2010 goes beyond showcasing South Africa as a soccer
nation. It is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase various facets of South
African life â culture, tourism, economy, etc," she added.
Hosting the 2010 World Cup brings opportunities and possibilities that are
more than football and the North West Provincial Government is confident that
2010 will mark one of the critical milestones on the path to achieving our
socio economic goals.
"2010 must contribute to the increase in infrastructure investment that is
part of Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA), and
through the opportunities arising from preparations and the hosting of
thousands of visitors," she added.
Premier Molewa said that as a result, the acceleration of programmes for
infrastructure, public transport, and tourism must create a legacy of lasting
benefit.
"We must ensure that the developmental legacy is built on and taken forward
to 2014. We must use the occasion to express and build unity amongst South
Africa and solidarity across the continent," she said.
The crowd was entertained by local hip-hop star and North West product, Hip
Hop Pantsula and traditional groups from the province were also there to thrill
the crowd.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
16 September 2007
