President Jacob Zuma marked one month before the 2010 Soccer World Cup kick off by flying South African Airways today, 11 May 2010, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, ahead of the presentation of the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament tomorrow.
The President took the 13h00 flight. He had stated before becoming President of the Republic that he would fly commercially at times in order to keep in touch with the people.
Today’s flight was also aimed at boosting confidence in the national carrier which will soon carry thousands of tourists and soccer fans to South Africa and around the country during the Soccer World Cup. It is also a celebration of the improved facilities at key airports around the country.
President Zuma says passengers told him they are confident that transport arrangements during the World Cup would be adequate. They expressed satisfaction and delight at the refurbished airports and other infrastructure.
“The national mood is very positive. This augurs well for the tournament and for the country generally. I spoke to the passengers on the plane and they shared their ideas on what they think we should do to improve things in the country.
It is wonderful to see South Africans so committed to their country. They gave me a lot of positive feedback on our work and also on how we can improve the way we manage the country. I am very happy, I am inspired, the flight was truly worth it,’ said President Zuma.
For enquiries please contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Presidential Spokesperson
Cell: 072 715 0024
Issued by: The Presidency
11 May 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
