“Getting ready for 2010 is exciting because what we do now in preparation will be part of the legacy beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup™”
So said Ms Yvonne Johnston, CEO of the International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC).
She was commenting on the Media Club tour held today to showcase the progress and developments underway as part of the country’s preparations to host the world’s greatest sporting event.
The Tour’s partners are the International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC), the City of Johannesburg and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
The tour follows on the second National Communication Partnership Conference which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre on August 15. It was hosted by the IMC and the 2010 National Communication Partnership (which includes representatives from government, business and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee).
The conference brought together communicators from across Africa to discuss how to create a new and lasting impression of the continent that will encourage foreign investment and a global mind change.
The Media Club tour started where the conference had ended – at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Ms Johnston pointed out that one of the contributions to the success of 2010 was a Media Club the IMC was launching. This is a service that will allow media to access a range of content from a variety of sources. Its editorial content is aimed at journalists who wanted to have updated and easily accessible information on South Africa’s readiness for the FIFA World Cup.
Putting across the government’s view, was Dr Joe Phaahla, Director-General of the 2010 Unit. He stressed that the FIFA World Cup is an African event to which the government is fully committed. It is important to recognise that 2010 is about more than football. It is about creating a legacy which will materially enhance the life of South Africans and Africans as well as their pride in being African.
Mr. Linda Ngwenya, Director 2010 at the City of Johannesburg expressed confidence in the City’s ability to successfully host the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening game and ceremony as well as the final game and 15 of the 64 matches that will be played.
“Johannesburg is a true example of heeding the call “we have done it before and can do it again”, he said.
The bus tour drove through the City of Johannesburg, pointing out regeneration and legacy projects, as well as inner city-projects, especially infrastructure upgrades that will last well beyond 2010.
ENDS
Issued by: Meropa Communications
On behalf of: International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC)
For more information, please contact:
Claire Taylor: 011 772 1000/ 072 341 3898
clairet@meropa.co.za
Pamela Dlamini: 011 772 1000// 082 686 2198
pamelad@meropa.co.za
Lauretta Theys: 083 444 4755
