SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM HAS 2010 WORLD CUP FEVER

Dear Soccer Fans:

The world’s biggest party is coming to South Africa — with the imminent arrival of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa is gearing up to extend a warm South African welcome to the thousands of fans who will be flocking to the country. The eyes of the world will be on our country — with an estimated 26 billion viewers from across the globe expected to tune in to the 64 matches being played out in nine host cites, from June 11 to July 11, 2010.

During the month-long tournament, South Africa will be showcasing its world-class cultural and tourist attractions, its advanced infrastructure, and its beautiful, state-of-the-art sports centers and stadiums, reinforcing its reputation as a cultural mega-center, and an international hub of business and trade.

This event is really only the beginning of the story, and we’re confident that the impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will remain long after the soccer fans have come, partied, and gone, telling the stories of their unique South African experiences.

— Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism North America

Zakumi Celebrates As U.S. Team Qualifies For The World Cup

Zakumi, the Official Mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, gave a triumphant thumbs up to U.S. team captain Carlos Bocanegra and U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati after their thrilling, final qualifying match against Costa Rica on Wednesday, October 14. South African Tourism arranged for Zakumi to make a special appearance at the RFK stadium in Washington DC, to wish the U.S. national team godspeed on their way to South Africa.

Pictured Left to Right:  Brigadier General Ledwaba; Deputy Minister of Defense Makwetla; Sunil Gulati, President, U.S. Soccer Federation; Zakumi; Carlos Bocanegra, US Team Captain; Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism, North America.

South African Tourism Names 2010 Ambassador

South African Tourism has appointed the iconic soccer superstar Lucas Radebe as their 2010 Global Tourism Ambassador. Radebe is one of South Africa’s most prominent sports figures and is acknowledged, throughout the world, to be one of the leading players of his generation.

Radebe is working with South African Tourism throughout the run-up to the tournament, to help deliver destination messages and grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.

Mr. Radebe grew up in Soweto and went on to became one of the English Premier League's most respected players — and South Africa's most-capped footballer, with 70 appearances for the national team, Bafana Bafana.   His international success has paved the way for a host of up and coming African soccer players. In 2000, he was honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid the sport of racism, as well as for his work with young children in South Africa as a FIFA Ambassador for SOS Children's Villages.

[Back to Press Releases Main]