Speaker, His Excellency the Deputy President, colleagues, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, in the well-known song, My African Dream, the lyrics read:
... in my African Dream
There's a new tomorrow
My African dream
is a dream that we can follow
My African dream for this upcoming 2010 World Cup, the first to be hosted on African soil, is that it should not only be the greatest Fifa World Cup ever hosted, but also be a tool that will secure a better tomorrow for all South Africans and the continent.
It is also my dream that this World Cup fulfils government's investment goal of achieving economic growth and development by making sure that the hosting of the tournament creates opportunities that can be accessed by South Africans, in particular those who were previously excluded from participation in the economy - the poor and unemployed.
My dream is that this World Cup will once again evoke the passion and pride that winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup did. Also, I wish that this World Cup will serve as a valuable nation-building exercise that will bring all South Africans together, proudly united in our diversity.
My dream is that this World Cup will become a powerful vehicle through which we can change the often negative international perceptions of our country and our continent as a whole.
Having said this, I know that any big sporting event such as the World Cup has its challenges and the 2010 World Cup will be no different. That is to be expected with such a major undertaking as hosting an international showpiece.
Looking at the preparations that have been made so far, I believe that South Africa has made great progress in recent months and I can confidently say that our planning and preparations for the event are on track. Construction of most of our stadiums is now in the final stages, while concrete plans have been put in place by the Local Organising Committee to ensure that the event goes smoothly. The Local Organising Committee has also ensured that all the finer details are in place, 212 days before the event starts.
I am pleased that as we prepare for the 2010 World Cup we are already witnessing positive results. Let me mention a few of these: firstly, more than 20 000 jobs were created in the construction of the stadiums; secondly, construction workers have received extensive skills training; thirdly, a substantial number of other jobs have been created, and it is estimated that the World Cup will create about 415 000 permanent jobs; and lastly, there has been an investment of about R212 million in school and community sport over the period to 2010.
I am, however, concerned about the state of readiness of our transport system. The Bus Rapid Transport system has been rolled out in Johannesburg with great success, and the other host cities are nearly ready. I hope that government gives this matter the urgent attention it deserves, because the success of this World Cup will also largely depend on whether or not we will be able to transport our visitors safely to and from stadiums, and in and around our cities.
It is important that we take note that South Africa is already the focus of the world. The world's eyes are on us. The countdown has begun. Let us use 2010 to celebrate our colourful culture and our people. Together, let us leave no stone unturned in making sure that this is the best and most successful Fifa World Cup ever. Thank you. [Applause.]