Reply by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, on questions posed in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for oral reply

Question No. 15

Ms ND Ntwanambi (African National Congress, Western Cape) to ask the Deputy President:

(1) Whether government has instituted any programmes to ensure that we sustain the national pride and unity that the people of South Africa and the African continent displayed during the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether such programmes are currently being implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether The Presidency will consider such programmes in order to enhance our shared nationhood and good citizenship; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Honourable member, as we heard in the debate in the joint sitting last week, the South African government was inspired by the enthusiasm displayed by the people of this country, from all races and walks of life, in the build up to, and throughout the course of, the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

To capitalise on the positive mood that prevailed in the run-up and throughout the event, the South African government is in liaison with the International Marketing Council (IMC) to conceptualise a programme aimed at building on the enthusiasm of South Africans which was expressed in their cohesion as a nation, united under a common flag and anthem.

This programme will seek to develop and entrench a nation brand of "Ubuntu", of unity through our diversity, of innovation and creativity, of possibilities. A campaign has already been developed and will be launched within the next few weeks.

In addition, government supports other initiatives currently underway by the private sector which encourage South Africans to build on this spirit even after the world cup. Some private businesses continue to infuse the flying of the national flag in their campaigns, and we encourage others to do likewise.

We have seen the flying of the flag in the last few days, especially in the build-up to and during the friendly match between our national football team, Bafana Bafana, and their Ghanaian counterparts, the Black Stars on 11 August 2010.

I thank you.