Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has decided to give government employees half day off on Friday, 11 June 2010 so that they are able to participate in the activities of the opening ceremony and kick off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
On Friday, 11 June 2010 all eyes and ears of the world will be focused on Gauteng as the world's greatest sporting spectacle, the 2010 FIFA World, kicks off. Millions of South Africans, many of them residing in Gauteng, will converge at Soccer City and other public venues to be part of history as the first 2010 FIFA World Cup on the African continent gets under way.
This day will in many respects be a very special one for all South Africans and other fans who came to South Africa from other parts of the world to be part of the historic football event. No South African would want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.
All Gauteng provincial government employees, except those who are involved in the rendering of essential services, will be allowed to leave work at 12h00 on Friday, 11 June 2010.
The Gauteng provincial government has engaged with several organisations including Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), the Banking Council of South Africa and the National African Federation Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC), who all have indicated that they will be implementing special measures in recognition of this special day.
The premier expresses appreciation of this gesture and appeals to all other employers in Gauteng to take special measures to allow their employees to be part of the world cup festivities.
The Gauteng government wishes to urge all fans to travel early to the stadium, fan parks and public viewing areas so that they arrive on time. Fans should be seated at least an hour before the start of the opening ceremony.
The government has arranged various modes of public transport to ferry fans to and from the stadium and other public venues. Private vehicles will not be allowed anywhere near the stadium or other public venues.
Government urges all the people of Gauteng to welcome all the guests with warm arms and show them all the beauty of this province.
Lastly our support for Bafana-Bafana will give them strength and courage to do well in the tournament.
Enquiries:
Thabo Masebe
Cell: 082 410 8087
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
8 June 2010
