Association (Fifa) President Sepp Blatter to KwaZulu-Natal
22 November 2007
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele officially welcomed Fifa President
Sepp Blatter to Durban KwaZulu-Natal at the Durban International Airport
earlier today, Thursday, 22 November 2007.
Blatter arrived in Durban for the 2010 Fifa World Cup Preliminary Draw
taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in
Durban this Sunday, 25 November 2007.
Security has been beefed up at all areas where activities around the draw
would take place including the Durban International Airport, Hotels and the
Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Security has also been tightened at the designated Public Viewing Areas in
Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Esikhawini, Harding and Ladysmith. Security
deployment has also been completed around the Durban beach where a huge Beach
Party is to be held tomorrow, Friday, 23 November 2007. Security has also been
tightened in places of entertainment such as night clubs and casinos through
foot patrols, use of vehicles, motor bikes and horses.
Premier Ndebele said: "This is the biggest milestone yet on the road to
2010, and for this province it should motivate all of us to focus our minds on
ways in which we can play our part in making this preliminary draw an
overwhelming success. The draw should encourage the development of a desire to
work together and show Durban KwaZulu-Natal in the best possible light.
"The 2010 draw presents a golden opportunity to market our province to the
world and the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal are urged to lay out the red carpet for
our visitors. Apart from being gracious hosts and observing good, old fashioned
hospitality, we must keep enlightened self-interest in mind.
"There is absolutely nothing that we can take for granted when it comes to
the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Therefore, we want to say to the citizens of
KwaZulu-Natal, let genuine hospitality be our common product.
"Let us work together to make the 2010 Fifa World Cup Preliminary Draw a
resounding success. Our time has come. We say in Durban KwaZulu-Natal we have
got the altitude, we have got the aptitude and we have got the attitude. So let
us make it happen," said the Premier.
Meanwhile, Premier Ndebele has his thumbs-up for Pirates in the derby
between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to be played in Durban on Saturday,
24 November 2007. "I support Pirates, my wife supports Chiefs and this divides
the family," quipped the Premier.
Tomorrow, Friday, 23 November 2007, there will be a Premiere screening of
the movie "More than just a Game" before the Beach Party. On Saturday, 24
November 2007, there will be a site visit to the 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium
before the Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates game at ABSA Stadium in the
afternoon. On Sunday (25 November 2007) the actual Preliminary Draw will take
place after which a cocktail party will be hosted.
Contact:
Logan Maistry
Spokesperson to Premier Ndebele
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: masitryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
22 November 2007
Source: SAPA
