Remarks by Hon Premier TSP Makwetla at the Launch of the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Football Cup MRTT Hotel and Tourism Academy, kaNyamazane

12 June 2008

 

Programme Director, Mr B Nxumalo,

MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, and Chairperson of the 2010 Political Committee, MEC DD Pule,

Members of the Executive Council and MPLs,

The Executive Mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality, Clr L Chiwayo and other Mayors and Councillors present,

Representatives from Mozambique and Swaziland,

The Director-General, Mr KW Ngema, Heads of Department and Managers in the Public Service,

Ladies and gentlemen.

 

It is with great honour that I welcome all of you to the launch of Premier’s International Football Cup to be played in Mpumalanga towards the end of this month. I am particularly pleased by the participation of our brothers and sisters from Mozambique and Swaziland in this competition, as this allows us to continue cementing our relations that have existed over many years of living side-by-side as African compatriots.

 

For us, the staging of the Premier’s International Football Cup is one of the important build-up events in our preparations for hosting some of the 2010 Soccer World Cup games in the Province.  As we continue in our preparations, staging prestigious tournaments such as this one provides experiential learning opportunities for the Province in many facets of hosting international events in line with prescribed international standards.  The hosting of the Premier’s International Football Cup will expose the local stakeholders and organizers to the complexities and expected requirements with respect to aspects of hosting the 2010 World Cup games. These include, among others, the implementation of appropriate major event safety and security measures as well as holistic risk management planning.

 

Programme Director, one of the critical success elements of the 2010 World Cup on the African continent is our ability to bring together the people of Africa to promote socio-economic interaction and relations among neighbouring African communities.  It is important to mobilise African people across the borders to unite and rally around ensuring that the hosting of the Soccer World Cup on African soil is a success.  As part of mass mobilisation and the build-up to 2010, it is our commitment that we jointly work together with Mozambique and Swaziland in implementing initiatives that will foster mass participation in World Cup related events. 

 

Programme Director, we look forward to receiving the supporters of Mbabane Highlanders from Swaziland and Costa do Sol from Mozambique in Mpumalanga as they accompany their teams to play with South African teams during the Premier’s International Football Cup.  As a Province, we will ensure that we provide a pleasant experience for all the people travelling to South Africa to watch the games.

 

In the wake of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa over the last few weeks, we want to ensure that these games send a strong message that South Africa is against any attacks on foreign nationals. The people of Mpumalanga have spoken with one voice against blatant acts of criminality masquerading as xenophobic attacks. Consequently, government, business and civil society formations are working hard to implement measures that will prevent the recurrence of such repulsive acts of violence against foreign nationals. Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of crime and violence are brought to justice. We want to urge all the people of Africa to feel welcome in South Africa in general, and in Mpumalanga Province in particular.

 

Programme Director, in conclusion, there is no doubt that the quality of the teams that will play in the Premier’s International Football Cup will provide exciting entertainment to soccer fans in South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland.  I wish all the teams well.  

 

I thank you

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government

 

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