Hon Chairperson, in 2010, hon Minister, South Africa hosted the Fifa Soccer World Cup and for that brief moment, soccer brought social cohesion as the nation was united behind the event and our national team Bafana Bafana. I want to know whether the Minister has a long-term plan or strategy with reference to the economic goals by the President's Sona of promoting tourism, creating youth orientated jobs, to use the development of sports to drive diversification in new development, economic upliftment, transformation and social cohesion, if so, what are the relevant details? Thank you very much.
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: Thank you hon Mondise, the point about 2010 Fifa World Cup actually showed us as you are saying that this is one area; if used properly, can forge unity in our society. You would also recall that before that, there was Rugby World Cup in 1995 ... In all these instances; we have seen people showing their affinity to their country; to the signs and symbols of their country. Even today, the Springboks
are in Japan. They will need the support of all of us in South Africa to ensure that they win.
On the issue of economic growth, we took heed of the seven priorities mentioned by the President during Sona which we had. You touched on the key one - on economic growth and jobs - but you also spoke about tourism. Sport in particular and arts in general is one instrument which works effectively in other countries for tourism because people do not go to other countries for buildings primarily; they go to see other people, cultures and sharing other cultures with people. Here in South Africa, for instance ... [Interjections.]