Date: 18/04/2009

Source: The Presidency

Title: SA: Motlanthe: Remarks by the President of South Africa at the opening ceremony of the DLF Indian Premier League

Commissioner Lalit Modi
CSA President, Dr Nyoka
Team Managements, Players and Sponsors
Cricket Lovers across the world
Visitors and guests
Fellow South Africans

Let me start off by extending a warm welcome to you all to Sahara Park, Newlands, to Cape Town and to South Africa.

A special welcome to the eight Indian Premier League teams, they are more than 200 players, coaches and staff, and the fans who, at short notice, have made the trip to South Africa to participate in and support, the IPL tournament for 2009.

I have no doubt that over the next few weeks we will witness, on South African soil, the talent and exploits of the most gifted cricketers in the world today. What is unique is that in the IPL tournament, those who have been playing uncompromisingly against each other like the Proteas did against the Aussies - will now play in the same teams. Some who have been team mates will now oppose each other.

In entertaining us, the IPL teaches us this important lesson in life: no task is too big, no problem is insurmountable, no disagreement or rivalry is permanent, and every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate our character and resilience.

The fact that the IPL tournament is being played in South Africa, and not in India where it was born, forces us to observe a moment of serious reflection: we must extend our sympathy and support to the people of India and the Sub-Continent who have experienced the trauma of wanton and unwarranted terrorist attacks by groups who cannot resolve differences in peaceful, tolerant and respectful ways.

On the other hand, the fact that this tournament is proceeding is an expression of the resolve and determination of the leadership of the IPL, the teams as we as the peace-loving cricket supporters. It is also a tremendous vote of confidence in South Africa that the organisers of the IPL tournament have chosen South Africa to showcase the world's most outstanding cricket talent.

It is a vote of confidence in South Africa's ability to host the World's premier sporting events like the IPL, the Confederations Cup and, in 2010 the FIFA World Cup. It is a vote of confidence in our facilities, our telecommunications capability and our cricket-loving fans who have already snapped up all the tickets for the IPL matches.

It is a vote of confidence in our many institutions to manage various major events, and run a peaceful election at the same time. But the IPL is also an investment in South Africa. The envisaged financial investment that will flow into South Africa over the next few weeks is expected to be about R1 billion.

But more importantly, the IPL is investing in the future of our nation. They are ploughing back R10 million in the education and skills development of our youth through scholarship funds to 300 learners and 32 schools. Let me use this opportunity to say to the people of India: we will never forget the shared history between our two countries in the struggle for justice and human dignity.

Together, we formed the greatest partnership so that India, Brazil and South Africa could stand together and navigate a path through the unpredictable waters of globalisation. Today we deepen our friendship through the medium of cricket.

Let me pay special tribute to Commissioner Lalit Modi for bringing this tournament to South Africa, for firing the imagination of our people with the razzmatazz that can only come from Bollywood, and for putting together a spectacle that will keep cricket lovers across the world glued to the televisions.

A word of thanks to the President of Cricket South Africa, Dr Nyoka, and CEO Gerald Majola and the entire cricketing fraternity in South Africa, for embracing the IPL and for graciously placing our logistical capacity at its disposal. Let me also express gratitude to the Gupta family for their belief in South Africa, a belief that made them work hard behind the scenes to bring the IPL to South Africa.

To the South African public, many thanks for participating so enthusiastically in the IPL. Remember on Wednesday, 22 April 2009, to take a break from the cricket to go and vote.

I cannot tell you who to vote for, but I can tell you to do so peacefully.

I thank you and enjoy the cricket.