KEY COMMUNICATIONS MESSAGES FOR THE MEDIA AND SPOKESPERSONS CORE MESSAGE: “FLY THE FLAG FOR FOOTBALL”

Enthusiasm and support

 Africa’s time has come – South Africa is ready!  Fly the flag for football!  We are encouraging and mobilising South Africans to rally their support behind the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World CupTM – Fly the flag and support the team.

Regional logistics and information

Participate at the tollgates, airports and garages over the Easter weekend. Look out for digital shoot-outs at various spots across the country including the Joburg Easter show. There will also be opportunities for you the public to interact with Zakumi, the 2010 FIFA World CupTM mascot.

Information on Confederations Cup and World Cup

 Played in the host country a year before the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, the FIFA Confederations Cup is traditionally seen as a dress rehearsal for what has become the world’s biggest football event, the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. It aims to test the readiness of the host country but has become a much celebrated event in its own right. The teams taking part comprise of the current World Cup champion, and the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, namely the African, Asian, European, Oceania, South American and Concacaf (North and Central America and the Caribbean) champions.  This year the teams are South American winners Brazil, Africa winners Egypt, Concacaf winners USA, Asian winners Iraq, European winners Spain, Oceania winners New Zealand, the World Cup 2006 winners Italy, and as host of 2010, South Africa.  Taking place across venues in South Africa from 14 to 28 June 2009, the host cities are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg. With the world’s eyes on the country for the duration of the tournament, one of the success factors of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 relies on the attendance by South Africans.  We encourage you to buy tickets and participate in one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Unity and Participation

 We need to make the most of the opportunity to build African solidarity and to foster a climate that contributes to African growth and development  Using football and the world cup as a catalyst, we encourage all South Africans to strengthen citizenship and form a more socially cohesive society.  We also stress the importance of each and every citizen “doing their bit”. The importance of these two tournaments calls for the participation and preparation of all South Africans. .  We encourage you to become more proactive when it comes to engaging all sectors of society. To come together as One Nation.

The Flag as a symbol of unity

The South African National Flag is a proud symbol of our unity as a country. The eyes of the world will soon be upon us as we fly our flag and fill the land with the vibrancy, spirit and colour of South Africa. These events are about more than just football – it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, for South Africa and Africa as a whole. Let us raise our flags in unity, joining together to support our team and to make the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup joyful, unforgettable events. Let us show the world the warmth and spirit of South Africa.

South Africa’s Preparation

 The government is stepping up efforts to ensure all venues are complete by the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. At a press conference held in Beijing in August last year, LOC CEO Danny Jordaan re-enforced the fact that South Africa will be ready to host the World Cup in 2010. He said that the construction of most venues was ahead of schedule.  South Africa becomes the world’s stage with the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Let’s come together as one nation and show the world what we can do!

Africa on the World’s Stage

 “Africa’s time has come” – Let everyone stand up and be counted– South Africa is ready.  We will be making history once again as a nation when we host the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Opportunity and Impact

 The 2010 FIFA World CupTM is more than soccer – it’s an opportunity for South Africa and Africa as a whole. ”An African Showpiece” - it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. We have to have a shared vision, together.  Communicate the benefits and realistic opportunities for involvement.  The two tournaments will increase tourism to South Africa substantially, and will bring tourists from all over the world to our beautiful country.  The two tournaments will encourage sports development  The two tournaments will create legacies that will last far beyond these events.

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