Date: 19/08/2010
Source: The Presidency
Title: SA: Motlanthe: Reply to Parliamentary questions, by the Deputy President of South Africa, on maintenance of national unity post 2010 World Cup, in the National Assembly, Cape Town

Question No. 7

Dr G W Koornhof (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

Following the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, what steps will the government take to prolong the unity of the nation, with particular focus on the needs of poor people?

Reply:

Honourable member, as we heard in the debate in this chamber yesterday, the South African government was inspired by the enthusiasm displayed by the people of this country, from all races and walks of life, in the build-up to, and throughout the course of, the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

To capitalise on the positive mood that prevailed in the run-up and throughout the event, the South African government is in liaison with the International Marketing Council to conceptualise a programme aimed at building on the enthusiasm of South Africans which was expressed in their cohesion as a nation, united under a common flag and anthem.

This programme will seek to develop and entrench a nation brand of "Ubuntu", of unity through our diversity, of innovation and creativity, of possibilities. A campaign has already been developed and will be launched within the next few weeks.

In addition, government supports other initiatives currently underway by the private sector which encourage South Africans to build on this spirit even after the world cup. Some private businesses continue to infuse the flying of the national flag in their campaigns, and we encourage others to do likewise.

We have seen the flying of the flag in the last few days, especially in the buildup to and during the friendly match between our national football team, Bafana Bafana, and their Ghanaian counterparts, the Black Stars on 11 August 2010.

I thank you.