14 May 2010
On 15 May 2004, the whole nation waited in baited breath and then celebrated with delight as FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, announced that South Africa had been chosen to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Six years later, the KwaZulu-Natal government has embarked on a campaign aimed at using the world soccer showpiece to showcase "our unity, our warmth and most importantly our commitment to the concept of the rainbow nation".
"We have ensured that everything we do has a positive impact on the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal. More importantly, we have formed partnerships with communities to ensure that we host the most memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup in the history of soccer," said Premier of the Province, Dr Zweli Mkhize, who is also the Chairperson of the 2010 Political Oversight Committee.
He further emphasised that it was important to continue to mobilise the people of this province to ensure that the momentum is sustained. He singled out religious leaders as having an important role to play in this regard.
"I wish to thank them personally for the positive role which they played over the past years when we were putting together the bid to host 2010 FIFA World Cup and after we had won. As government, we appreciate their prayers and we are sure that the successful preparations had much to do with their positive influence and spiritual guidance," Mkhize said.
According to the premier, it was for these reasons that the provincial government had to convene a provincial special prayer specifically to pray for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Close to 400 groups of inter-faith leaders and more than 7 500 congregants from across the province will gather at Harry Gwala stadium in uMgungundlovu on 16 May 2010 for the provincial prayer day. The event starts at 10h00.
The prayer will be attended by the provincial Executive Council led by the premier, members of provincial parliament led by Speaker of Parliament, Ms Nkonyeni and the National Interfaith Leaders Council.
Media confirmation can be directed to:
Ziphelele Ndlovu
Cell: 082 907 3909
E-mail: ndlovuz@premier.kzntl.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com or sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Regi Khumalo
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 May 2010
