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We have come to the end of what has been one of the best Football World Cups ever. South Africa has every reason to be proud of our achievements as host nation.

After winning the rights to host the World Cup in South Africa, we knew we faced an enormous challenge to present a world-class event. Today we can say that we have met that objective, and have exceeded our own high expectations. South Africa now stands tall among that small group of countries ever to have hosted an event of this magnitude.

On behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I wish to congratulate the Local Organising Committee and its Chief Executive, Dr. Danny Jordaan, and all of the staff and volunteers who helped to host a first-rate 2010 FIFA World Cup. Above all, thank you to the real champions of the 2010 World Cup, the South African people. Thank you for supporting Bafana Bafana all the way, for enthusiastically visiting the fan parks and stadiums, for using new modes of public transport, for blowing your vuvuzelas louder than ever, for being generous hosts to our foreign guests, and for making the tournament so exciting every step of the way.

We have, as a country, shown what we can do if we give our best. The ultimate legacy of this World Cup must be the new standards of shared purpose we have set ourselves. We have shown that with firm deadlines, clear budgets, proper planning and good management, we can achieve anything. We have had a glimpse of what we, as a nation, can be. Let's not lose sight of it.

Just as each one of us shared the responsibility of making the World Cup a success, so each of us has a responsibility to ensure that we build on its legacy, and apply the lessons to the many challenges we still face.

I have every confidence we can succeed.