Zuma: World Cup South Africa’s “next critical moment” 05/01/2010 |
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South Africa president Jacob Zuma says 2010 will be the most important year for his country since 1994, when it held its first democratic elections.
Sixteen years after the historic event, South Africa will host the football World Cup this summer and Zuma has called it “our next critical moment”.
“We embarked on a phase of reconciliation and forgiveness, and worked hard to build one nation, united in its diversity,” he said. “We have proven to the world that it is possible to emerge from a horrible conflict and work together to build a successful, peaceful, stable, multi-party constitutional democracy.
“[Now] we have won the greatest marketing opportunity of our time – the right to host the 2010 soccer World Cup.
“The year 2010 must be the year in which, for the first time, we all communicate positive messages about our country to the world – the successes and possibilities. We have to put the culture of negativity behind us.”
Zuma continued: “We can already see the fruits of the tournament. We have new magnificent stadia, roads and new-look international airports.
“Through the major boost to the construction industry, many of our people obtained work and training opportunities, and this helped to reduce the impact of the recession.
“Working together we must ensure that the tournament enhances our country’s global competitiveness. It must contribute to long-term economic growth and the creation of decent jobs.”
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