1000 Days to 2010 Celebrations in South Africa

South Africa unites behind 2010 success with 1000 days to go

South Africans from all walks of life will gather in their thousands around the country on Saturday 15 September 2007 to mark the 1000 Day Countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) and the South African government are satisfied that all preparations for the tournament are on track to deliver on the country's promise to host the best FIFA World Cup™ ever.

"2010 FIFA World Cup presents a golden opportunity to showcase Africa to the world. Now we have to show that the African Renaissance is upon us and Africa's time has come. The South African Government will leave no stone unturned to host a tournament that brings great satisfaction to billions across the world" said President Thabo Mbeki.

The OC, in conjunction with all nine of the tournament's host cities, will stage free public events countrywide to mark the 1000 Day countdown on Saturday September 15 2007.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast the 1000 Day Countdown events live on SABC 1 from 2pm-5pm from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, with live links to events in other host cities.

All host city events, however, will be underway by midday.

The City of Joburg will host its main 1000 Day countdown event at Soweto's Mofolo Park, with an address by Johannesburg Amos Masondo and performances from artists such as TKZee, Zamajobe, Mafikizolo and Malaika.

The City of Joburg will also link up with the ATKV Afrikaans cultural organisation to stage a "Hoezit 2010" music festival at Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square. Among the artists featured will be the Soweto String Quartet, who will soon produce their first Afrikaans album, as well as a collaboration between Dozi and the African Mamas and Anton Goosen and the Bushrock Band.

Highveld Stereo 94/7's Joburg Day will also partake in Joburg's 1000 Day Programme at the Randburg Sports Club, with performances by artists such as Freshlyground, Wonderboom and the Parlotones.

Rustenburg will host its 1000 Day event at Olympia Park, with performances by local music heavyweight Hip Hop Pantsula and other traditional artists.

The Mangaung Municipality, with the region's famous football supporters, will host its event at Hoffman Square in the city centre, with performances by artists such as Nateaze, Alah-Yen, Mabana Cultural Group, the Botshabelo Dance Masters and the Boikanyo Cultural Group.

Capetonians will converge on the Grand Parade in the city centre, while the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will use the impetus of the city's Heritage month celebrations to host its event at Port Elizabeth's Willows Resort.

Durban, which will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Preliminary Draw on November 25 2007, will also join in the festivities at the city's main sports stadium.

Mbombela Municipality will host its event with a strong cultural emphasis at the Matsulu Stadium, with Polokwane hosting its event at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The collaboration, commitment and hard work of the many partners – government, the Organising Committee, private sector and the South African public – to deliver the best FIFA World Cup™ ever is evidence that South Africans can, united in their diversity, work together to achieve one common goal.

Issued by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa and the South African Government Communication Information System. (13/09/2007)