The country’s
Minister of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo
Shiceka, chaired the meeting of the forum, which consists of
senior representatives of all nine 2010 FIFA World Cup Host Cities, at
the SAFA
House headquarters in Johannesburg.
With the 2010 FIFA
World Cup now just over a year away and the FIFA Confederations Cup
taking place in a few weeks, the forum has grown in size and
stature as a number of the country’s newly-appointed provincial
Premiers, MEC’s (provincial ministers) and Host City mayors attended the meeting.
Kwazulu-Natal
Premier Zweli Mkhize, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, North West
Premier Maureen Modiselle and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, as
well as Rustenburg mayor Matthew Wolmarans, Ethekwini mayor Obed Mlaba
and Mbombela mayor Lassie Chiwayo were among the senior politicians who
attended today’s forum, which dealt with 2010 issues such as transport,
ticketing, fan parks, as well as comprehensive project updates from all
the 2010 host cities.
“The meeting
agreed that as a country we are ready in all respects to host the FIFA
Confederations Cup and we are looking forward to the start of the
competition. The stadiums are ready and even the infrastructure
touch-ups around the stadium precinct have now been done, while the
issue of security in and around the stadiums has also been addressed.
We also received a presentation from the company doing the opening and
closing ceremonies for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which was very
impressive,” said Shiceka.
The Minister was
pleased that many of the country’s most senior politicians attended the
forum, which he believed was an illustration of their commitment to the
biggest national project South Africa has ever undertaken.
“I was very happy
that many of the Premiers and mayors attended the meeting today. They
certainly came in their numbers and actively participated. I believe
going forward the presence of the Premiers and mayors will take the
forum from strength to strength,” said Shiceka.
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com
South Africa Ready To Host The Festival Of Champions
