President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Luanda, Angola today, 10 January 2010, to attend the opening of the African Cup of Nations.
President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister in the Presidency Mr Collins Chabane and the Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen.
The President is attending the games to support the Angolans on their hosting of the AFCON, to promote African excellence in sports and also to further deepen the warm, fraternal and historical relations between South Africa and Angola.
The President has extended his condolences to the government and people of Togo on the tragedy that befell the Togolese soccer team in Cabinda. He wished members of the team and entourage a speedy recovery. He also extended support to the Angolan government in its ongoing hard work of bringing about total peace and stability in the country.
President Zuma said the AFCON will demonstrate African prowess in football, ahead of the World Cup to be held in South Africa in June to July. He reiterated that South Africa remains 100 percent ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and dismissed speculation that the Angolan incident had any bearing on the world cup tournament in South Africa.
He emphasised that the shocking and unacceptable attack on the Togolese team should not be blown out of proportion, but should serve as impetus for the African continent and the world at large to work even harder to rid the world of terrorist activity and violence wherever it surfaces.
He wished Angola all the best in hosting the tournament. President Zuma will return to South Africa on Monday, 11 January 2010.
Enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024
Issued by: The Presidency
10 January 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
