"We are extremely proud to have a football star of this stature and a human being of his calibre as our partner," the Minister said.
Lucas Radebe was introduced yesterday by Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the Minister of Tourism, as South African Tourism's 2010 ambassador to the world. Minister van Schalkwyk made the announcement at an event in Sandton yesterday where he also launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism for South Africans.
"We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas's stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination. We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country.
"Now, more than ever, it is important to be an optimistic, dedicated South African with a 'can do' attitude and few people embody this spirit better than Lucas. He possesses all the qualities demanded of an ambassador. He loves South Africa. He loves travelling in South Africa. He knows our destination well, and he is proud of being a South African. He is truly an inspiration," the Minister said.
Radebe will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.
"We are delighted to welcome Lucas on board," says Didi Moyle, acting CEO at South African Tourism. "He has the stature and the global credibility this role demands. He is exceptionally well travelled globally, but his heart lies here in South Africa. He loves our destination and our people. He is a champion of South Africa's ability to successfully host the World Cup."
Radebe is honoured, proud and excited to play this role. "Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world's biggest sporting spectacular. I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world's greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans. I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world."
Ten things you may (or may not) know about Lucas Radebe
1. He was born in Diepkloof, Soweto on 12 April 1969, one of a family of 10 children
2. He spent his young adulthood in the former homeland of Bophuthatswana where he started playing football to help him cope with boredom
3. He made his international debut playing for South Africa against Cameroon on 7 July 1992 and went on to earn 70 caps for South Africa
4. Kaizer Chiefs 'sold' Radebe to Leeds United in 1994 for 250 000
5. His nickname at Leeds, 'The Chief', was given to him by the fans in acknowledgement of his star defence player qualities
6. Radebe captained Leeds United from 1998 to 2002. He retired from football in 2005
7. Last year a local brewery (near Leeds' home ground, Elland Road) asked for public suggestions for a new beer name. 'Radebebeer' was proposed by thousands in his honour
8. He counts former President Nelson Mandela and Gary Player among his close personal friends.
9. In December 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid soccer of racism as well as for his work with children in South Africa.
10. Kaiser Chiefs, the English indie rock band from Leeds took its name from the iconic South African football team of the same name because Lucas Radebe played for them once as a defender.
For further information contact:
Monde Mateza
SA Tourism
Tel: 011 895 3043
E-mail: monde@southafrica.net
Glyn Binkin
Tel: 011 684 1864
E-mail: gbinkin@footballfirst.co.za
Ronel Bester
Ministry of Tourism
Tel: 083 242 7763
E-mail: rbester@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Tourism
14 August 2009
