Mbeki assures FIFA of commitment to a successful 2010

South African President Thabo Mbeki Tuesday reiterated government's commitment to a successful 2010 Soccer World Cup that will leave behind a lasting legacy for the entire African continent.

Addressing FIFA delegates at the FIFA World Cup South Africa Kick-Off Workshop in Cape Town, Mbeki said it was indeed, "kick-off" time for the real hard work of making the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup the most successful tournament of them all.

He said the government's "intense" involvement in preparation programs and workshops was evident of the country's willingness to make the tournament a success.

This includes preparations to build and upgrade stadia; developing transport and the most modern communication systems; the building of safety and security infrastructure and the cultivation of a positive public mood in the nation, according to a report from BuaNews.

"The high level of government participation in the 2010 World Cup Kick-off Workshop reflects not only the seriousness of the tasks that lie ahead of us, but also our government's passion and unequivocal commitment to make the 2010 World Cup an eminently successful tournament," he said.

"Accordingly, I'm certain that each and every one of us will do the right things and spare no effort in ensuring that everything necessary for a truly successful 2010 is done on time, and preferably ahead of schedule," he said.

Hosted by FIFA, the two-day workshop that began on Tuesday and ends on Wednesday is aimed at bringing together all 2010 stakeholders such as host cities, government and FIFA officials.

Amos Adamu, Chairperson of the 2010 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Irvin Khoza and CEO of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, are among the high powered FIFA delegation that will be responding to stakeholders' questions.

The workshop takes place at a time when the South African government had announced billions of Rands as investment on infrastructure development in preparation for 2010.

Source: Xinhua