11.02.2010
Zuma tells S.Africa to make WC2010 a success for Mandela
Supporters of South Africa's ruling African National Congress party near a statue of former South African President and Nobel peace prize laureate Nelson Mandela outside the Groot Drakenstein prison in Paarl.
President Jacob Zuma on Thursday called on South Africans to host a successful 2010 World Cup in honour of Nelson Mandela, as the country celebrated his 20th anniversary of freedom.
"President Mandela was central in assisting the country to win the rights to host this great event. We therefore have to make the World Cup a huge success in his honour," Zuma told the opening of parliament where Mandela was present.
South Africa's first democratic leader Mandela, 91 made a rare public appearance at Zuma's speech which was rescheduled to mark his release from 27 years in imprisonment by the white minority apartheid state.
"The hosting of the FIFA World Cup makes 2010 truly a year of action. We have spent many years planning for this World Cup. We have only three months to go. And we are determined to make a success of it," said Zuma.
South Africa hosts the continent's first World Cup in June, marked by infrastructure upgrades and a beefed up police force to prepare for the football world's biggest tournament.
"The infrastructure, security and logistics arrangements are in place to ensure a successful tournament," said Zuma.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Gianluigi Guercia
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