Africans to start believing in themselves
13 July 2007
Doctor Minister for Sport and Recreation South Africa Makhenkesi Stofile
calls upon Africans to start believing in themselves ahead of the 2010
Federation International Football Association (Fifa) World Cup.
This week South Africa's Sport and Recreation Minister Dr Makhenkesi Stofile
had several meetings with leaders of sport on the Continent. The meetings were
held in Algeria, where the All Africa Games (AAG) is being held.
One of the meetings was that of the Executive Committee of the Supreme
Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) where, Dr Stofile called upon all Africans
to start believing in "Africa's capacity, capability and expertise to host
major events" such as the 2010 Fifa World Cup. This call follows concerns
raised by pessimists around the world, who doubt Africa's readiness to host a
successful 2010 Fifa World Cup despite assurances from even Fifa that South
Africa is on track. "Unfortunately," the Minister has noted, "these pessimists
even include fellow Africans who should know better."
Rev Stofile warned that despite South Africa having one of the best crime
prevention strategies in the world, the strategy cannot implement itself. It
will need Africans to own up to it by continuing to co-operate with each other
as well as with other relevant authorities, on crime prevention efforts ahead
of 2010 Fifa World Cup.
In terms of the recruitment of volunteers for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the
Minister warned that only those African youth that are disciplined, as shall
have been proven by the rigorous screening process in their respective
countries and finally in South Africa, will qualify for registration as
volunteers. The reason for the rigorous screening process is amongst others, to
prevent importation of crime into South Africa.
The World Cup, the Minister said, "presents Africa with a stage to parade
its skill and talent as well as eradicate stereotypes that reflect it as a
continent of inefficiency, and corruption."
Dr Stofile thanked fellow African States, including those who submitted a
bid to Fifa for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup, for their support since
South Africa was awarded the right to host this massive tournament. He also
acknowledged the important role being played by the 2010 Fifa World Cup
ambassadors, who "mobilise support and help reduce the negative perceptions
about Africa's readiness."
Rev Stofile will be hosting a 2010 Night today to celebrate African unity
around the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Ministers of Sport in Africa have been invited
to the 2010 Night.
Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Tel: 00213 549 50850
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
13 July 2007
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)
