Cup Preliminary Draw an overwhelming success
26 November 2007
The 2010 Fifa World Cup Preliminary Draw, which took place at the Inkosi
Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban yesterday, Sunday, 25
November 2007, has been hailed as an overwhelming success. This was announced
by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele at the swearing-in of Acting
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize in Durban earlier today, 26 November
2007.
Mkhize was sworn in as Acting Premier due to the fact that Ndebele has been
requested by the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), in
his (Ndebele's) capacity as National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the
ANC, to officially represent the ANC at the South West African People's
Organisation (Swapo) Congress taking place in Namibia this week.
"The overwhelming success of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Preliminary Draw is not
only a major victory for South Africa but also for KwaZulu-Natal. The entire
programme, including the events which were planned as part of the build-up to
the Preliminary Draw, was undoubtedly a success. Fifa President Dr Sepp Blatter
together with the entire Fifa Leadership as well as Dr Irvin Khoza and the
Local Organising Committee (LOC) leadership were all thoroughly impressed.
"Generally, the manner in which the province and the city of Durban were
projected during this event is highly commendable. We did everything as best as
we could. We want to congratulate the provincial government, the eThekwini
Municipality, other municipalities, the citizens of our province as well as
each and every stakeholder for the level of professionalism and organisation
that was displayed.
"The success of the Preliminary Draw was judged on the number of positive
comments we received. Sepp Blatter was personally overwhelmed and told us how
he thoroughly enjoyed himself. People from all over the world thoroughly
enjoyed Kwazulu-Natal. We are just excited. We are determined to host the best
Fifa World Cup in 2010.
"The law enforcement agencies also did an excellent job and must be
commended. We are extremely happy with the performance of the law enforcement
agencies and, if this is the case, we are confident about the World Cup in
2010," said Premier Ndebele.
Meanwhile, at the cocktail party held after the Preliminary Draw last night
25 November 2007, Sepp Blatter conferred membership of the Fifa Family to
Premier Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
26 November 2007
