TUYNHUYS - CAPE TOWN, 13 MARCH 2000
Your Excellencies,
Members of the FIFA Inspection Group, headed by Chairperson, Mr Alan I. Rothenberg
Members of Cabinet
Officials of the South African Football Association
Members of the South Africa 2006 Bid Committee
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
This evening marks the climax in what we know to have been a thrilling experience for our esteemed guests, the members of the FIFA Inspection Group. Since their arrival on Thursday our country has been caught in a grip of football fever almost never seen before. The distinguished Inspection Group is now on the eve of their final day in South Africa and we are gathered here to wish them Godspeed and thank them for having afforded us the opportunity to show what we are made of.
Gentlemen, in a short period of time you have traversed our country.
You have witnessed, first hand, evidence of our preparedness to meet the expectations of FIFA, to be the first in our continent to host the prestigious Football World Cup on African soil, in the year 2006.
I do not doubt that the facilities you visited, our general infrastructure, the world class telecommunications in our country and outstanding accommodation have made a tremendous impression on you. Most importantly I know that you are fully convinced of the sincerity of our people when - speaking with one voice - they say: "We love the game".
When we say we are ready to host World Cup 2006, we are not merely boasting. We are not making promises that we cannot meet. It is the conviction of all soccer loving South Africans, and all Africans, fully matched by what! our country has to offer that: indeed Africa's time has come! From Pretoria to Durban to Cape Town, you had the opportunity to experience first hand the passion that our people have for the game of football.
I am sure, gentlemen, that your stay here has clarified in your minds the reality about the negative image which some of our competitors have been trying to portray of our country. I know that your contact with ordinary people and soccer lovers has set the record straight in this regard. As South Africans, we are proud that we can host our guests with confidence and dignity. Our international track record speaks for itself.
No doubt, you have been well informed of our capability and capacity to host any world-class event as evidenced by our hosting amongst others, the Rugby World Cup, the All Africa Games as well as numerous high profile, world class international conferences. What greater challenge then could a few thousand international soccer fans pose for us?
Gentlemen South Africa seeks no special treatment. Rather, we seek a partnership with the global football community - because we deserve it. We seek a partnership that extends beyond the borders of South Africa, encompassing all of Africa. This partnership will be sealed by the footballing nations of the world agreeing that the 2006 World Cup must be hosted in Africa. For us this is not only a call for South Africa. When we state the case for South Africa to you and to the footballing world, we do so for our entire Continent.
We urge you to "Hear Africa's Call".
We urge you to hear our call for Africa's Football Renaissance. What better way to start the new century and indeed the new millennium?
For too long, Africa has been the forgotten Continent - the Continent of little hope. Your experiences here, brief as your stay has been, will have relayed a completely different story - that Africa is a continent filled with dreams, aspirations, hopes and desires.
All that she seeks is the opportunity to take up her rightful place, for this to truly become our century.
I do not doubt that you are well aware of the political miracle which we experienced in South Africa, that is now being followed by a social and economic reawakening. We are not where we would want to be but only a cynic would deny that this country has made great strides within a very short period of time.
The social and economic benefits that staging the World Cup will bring would be just the type of boost that we need to complete the transformation and integration of our society. Any South African will tell you of the immense potential that soccer has to bring our people together - as seen during the Rugby World Cup in 1995.
While the event will only be staged in six years time, I believe that the benefits will be felt almost immediately.
FIFA has this special opportunity to use the world's most popular game as a vehicle of social and economic advancement. The will and the spirit of the people of South Africa are unrivaled and I believe that they have spoken unequivocally during the thrilling match you witnessed in Durban during the weekend. You will not find a nation more committed to a common cause - BRINGING THE WORLD CUP 2006 TO AFRICA.
In closing, I want to assure you of the commitment of our government to ensuring the success and smooth running of World Cup 2006. In the presentations made by Cabinet Ministers, this commitment was a common thread, be it in terms of political, human or financial resources. At provincial and local government level, we have illustrated our readiness and the entire political spectrum has given this Bid its unstinting support. Organs of civil society have embraced the Bid as their own.
Gentlemen of the FIFA Inspection Team, we trust that when you depart tomorrow, you will take with you treasured memories of the generosity of spirit of the people of our country. We hope you will return to your respective countries with fond memories of your experiences here. In fact we look forward to receiving you when you come to visit our country again and indeed when you return to South Africa for the World Cup tournament in 2006.
When you return to your respective countries, take with you greetings from our government and from the people of South Africa to the leadership of FIFA under the Honourable Sepp Blatter. Convey to them our readiness and eagerness to host them as our honoured guests in 2006 and even sooner, if they so wish.
We wish you well on your journey home. We know that the passion and fervor of the people of South Africa for the beautiful game will remain fresh in your minds as you make the right decision and reach agreement that it is indeed Africa's turn!
I thank you.