The time has arrived for South Africa to own the 2010 FIFA World Cup, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

He was addressing 50-day countdown celebrations at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley.

Zuma, who was wearing a yellow Bafana Bafana shirt, said that it was time South Africans made the event their responsibility.

"As individuals and as a collective, South Africans must create the necessary conditions for the success of this event."

Zuma said that the event would be the country's single greatest opportunity to showcase its diversity and potential.

"We must rise and tell the story of a continent which is alive with possibilities."

He said that South Africa's people would embrace people from other nations and cultures.

The President said that South Africa had made all the preparations for the tournament and was ready for it.

"Our airports are ready and other airfields in various towns have been upgraded."

Zuma said tht security issues for the event had also been adequately addressed.

"Additional funds of more than R1-billion have been allocated for safety and security matters."

Zuma said that this included additional service personnel, helicopters and other required resources.

He told the crowd that the country had great confidence in Bafana Bafana.

"They will indeed surprise many."