SA, “We did it!”: President Zuma
Six years after Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced that SouthAfrica would host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, President Jacob Zuma hascongratulated South Africans for a job well done. Grace Taylor writes...
Speaking at a post 2010 Fifa World Cup media briefing,President Jacob Zuma said it felt good to be able to say “we did it” regardingthe country’s hosting abilities for the international soccer tournament. The President drew on the 16 years of democracy that SouthAfrica enjoys now -- in the face of a crippling apartheid legacy which he saidthe country “has only recently emerged” from.
“We have been able to show the world that we have what ittakes to compete with the best, united in our diversity.”
President Zuma said of the barrage of critics who doubtedSouth Africa’s ability to
host a successful world cup, that seeing how well itturned out was a “...truly emotional moment for a nation that had doomsayerswarning football fans to avoid coming to South Africa.”
“The world had been told to expect high levels of crime,unfinished stadiums and other infrastructure as well as lack of accommodation.They came and discovered that we are a winning nation of very humble,hospitable people. They learned too that we are very efficient organisers andplanners.”
His comments came in the light of reports of theft frominternational journalists and
hotel room robberies.
President Zuma was careful to share the victory of thesuccessful hosting of the world cup with various stakeholders. He said: “ Wedid it well [host the World Cup], we did it successfully but we did not do italone. We did it with Africa and with the support of the world.”
“We thank FIFA, under the leadership of President SeppBlatter, for the
confidence shown in our country and people over the past sixyears. Our hosting of
this historic first FIFA World Cup on African soilvindicates Mr Blatter's strong conviction that we were capable of delivering aspectacular and successful event.”
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee and theentire football fraternity were also commended during President Zuma’s speech.
“We thank the thousands of public servants and volunteerswho made sure that the experience of our visitors and football fans in general wassafe and efficient.
They demonstrated that our service is professional,efficient, innovative and deserving of international respect.”
President Zuma made special mention of the South Africa’sprivate sector saying: “ We thank our private sector for working with
us toprovide the infrastructure and services that made this a world class event.”
But most importantly, President Zuma paid tribute toordinary South Africans.
“...There are certain things that you cannot buy or create.Key amongst these for us - is the humanity, friendliness and warmth of theSouth African people. South Africans are the true stars of this tournament.
“We particularly commend South Africans for embracing eachother, making the tournament a powerful nation building tool. We were inspiredby the explosion of national pride that accompanied this event. Our people put all their energy intopr
omoting this tournament and support for the national squad, Bafana Ba
fana.”
President Zuma called South Africa’s “Football Friday”campaign a “meaningful and collective experience of a lifetime.”
He said government would undertake to initiate a programmeto thank South Africans and to “harness this spirit of a common nationhood and socialcohesion.”
In closing, PresidentZuma addressed questions pertaining to South Africa’s long term investmentplan. He said government would continue engaging with the private sector andforeign investment, adding that the World Cup provided South Africa withinvaluable project management experience.
"We will work with world leaders in every forum in Africaand the world, to promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals,especially those on
education. This we must do to celebrate the legacy of thisvery first African FIFA Soccer World.”
“The World Cup did not compromise the focus or the fundingthat we have maintained since 1994 on improving the health,
safety, educationand economic wellbeing of our people. Bringing this event to the co
untrycompelled us to fast-track certain aspects of the country's development.
“We are sure that the investments we have made willcontribute to increased tourism, trade and investment. This will ultimatelycreate the opportunities and bring in the revenue for us to address social challenges.”
President Zuma concluded asking South African’s not to packaway their national
flags or to lose the spirit of camaraderie. 
“Let me remind SouthAfricans that we are the reigning Tri-Nations and Rugby World Champions.Therefore, do not pack away those rainbow nation flags just yet. National dutystill calls. Yesterday was the [Soccer World Cup] Final. But it was definitelynot the end.”
Picture credit: Copyright Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. Photographer: Reinhart Hartzinger
