22 March 2010
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Hazel Jenkins has successfully concluded her four day visit to Uruguay. The express aim of the visit was to showcase South Africa in general and the Northern Cape in particular to the multitude of soccer enthusiast and the business fraternity in Uruguay. The Premier and her strong delegation which was comprised of MEC’s and the business fraternity were warmly received by the people of Uruguay.
It is worth noting that the Uruguayan National Soccer Association has chosen the Northern Cape to set up base camp for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World cup spectacle.
Her itinerary included a visit to the centanarium stadium which also housed the football museum. This was particularly significant because it was at this historic stadium which was constructed in nine months that Uruguay won the first Fifa World Cup championship in 1930.This experience gave the delegation an insight into proper preparations and arrangements of an event of such a magnitude.
The Premier also addressed the national and internationally media around our readiness as a country and province to host the international community. This media conference received extensive media coverage in Uruguay and beyond.
The Premier also allayed the fears of the business fraternity and tour Operators about exorbitant prizes and stressed the issue of competitive and affordable prizing of tourists packages.
She and Mayor of the Francis Baardt District Municipality Mr. Achmat Florence also paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Montevideo Ms Hayara Rodriguez to discuss possible twining agreements about economic development and tourism opportunities for the local municipalities and to share practices of good governance. The delegation went on to meet the Minister of Tourism and Sports Dr Hector Lescano.
During her address at the press conference she thanked the National Football Association for the confidence that they have shown in us to host them during the 2010 World Cup.
She further said that in discharging our responsibility in this regard, we will live up to the challenges we have accepted as hosts. “We assure you that South Africa, and the Northern Cape in particular, will live up to its obligations to the players, the officials, the Soccer Authorities and the many soccer enthusiasts. We will provide you with the best facilities and a most hospitable stay in our Country”.
She also indicated that “We invite the citizens of Uruguay to come and enjoy a very warm African experience and unique South African hospitality”. We trust that the occasion of this international sports spectacle will also provide you with the opportunity to share in our rich and diverse cultures, and enjoy the inspiring and beautiful natural heritage that defines our country and continent”.
We believe that together, we can and will make it the best sporting event ever. I am convinced that our country and people have done what they could to contribute to the successful hosting of the World Cup.
She also assured the internationally community of our ability and capability to host a safe and peaceful event in contrast to the many negative things that are being said and written about us by the prophets of doom. “Our country is reputed for its capability of hosting major sporting events. We have staged major international events such as the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 1996 African Cup of Nations and more recently in 2009, the FIFA Confederations Cup. “We therefore earnestly want you to be part of a true African experience” she appealed.
She also boasted about the fact the Northern Cape Province was chosen to host the 50 days countdown event. Premier Jenkins said that “As the Northern Cape Province, we will also host the 2010 FIFA World Cup 50 days countdown before the actual event which further demonstrate the confidence that the Local Organising Committee has in our ability to host the international community. This event will be attended by the most senior echelon of Global Soccer dignitaries, including personalities such as the FIFA President Mr. Sepp Blatter and our own SAFA President, Mr Kirsten Nematandani”.
She invited the many Uruguayan soccer enthusiasts to come and enjoy the warmth, hospitality and the scenic beauty of our country. “It is an experience never to be missed” she concluded.
Issued by the office of the Premier
Spokesperson of the Premier
Mafu Davids
0823166000