BuaNews (Tshwane)
Michael Appel
29 September 2008
Johannesburg — President Kgalema Motlanthe told the nation on Sunday evening that despite the recent changes in government, South Africa would host the best World Cup ever in 2010.
"As you know, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is one of our major projects as a nation and a continent.
"We are confident that, working together, we will host the best FIFA World Cup ever," the president said in a televised address.
He highlighted that the country needed to welcome the world to South Africa and demonstrate the warmth and hospitality for which South Africans are well known for.
Mr Motlanthe last week personally reassured FIFA President Sepp Blatter of the South African government's full support for next year's FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"We remain on course to host in 2010 the best FIFA World Cup ever - an African World Cup. We would like to assure Africa and the world that the deadlines set by FIFA will be met.
"South Africa's hosting of the World Cup is testimony to the achievements of our democracy," Mr Motlanthe told the FIFA president by telephone.
After congratulating Kgalema Motlanthe on his election, Mr Blatter said: "I want to thank Mr Motlanthe for taking the time today to personally inform me about the situation, as this underlines the importance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the South African government.
"I was pleased to hear from him that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is fully supported by all political and governmental authorities and that everything will be done to make 2010 an unforgettable success," Mr Blatter said.
During the conversation, Mr Motlanthe informed the FIFA president of the composition of his new cabinet and also expressed his satisfaction with the infrastructural preparations.
Mr Blatter also reassured Mr Motlanthe of FIFA's 100 percent support and assistance in the preparations as well as FIFA's full confidence and trust in South Africa's organisational capabilities.
During Mr Blatter's recent courtesy visit to South Africa, former President Thabo Mbeki told media that political change was inevitable in the country and that the world cup would not be affected.
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