The unique beat of South Africa was felt in last night’s INDABA 2009 opening ceremony, culminating in a message sent around the world that South Africa was ready for the 2010 World Cup – “We are Ready!” was echoed throughout the ICC in Durban. The collective anticipation of the 2010 World Cup exuded passion and exuberance, as the official South African Tourism 2010 TV ad was launched.
After the opening ceremony, the INDABA delegates kicked into party mode at the Beach party on Durban beach. Performers from the Drum Café got the partygoers dancing and even the driving rain couldn’t dampen the festivities.
Global Media Face-off
This morning, Richard Quest – host of CNN’s “Quest Means Business” – opened the Global Media Face-off with the words; “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. An accurate description of the excitement of the impending 2010 FIFA World CupTM and the effect of the global economic downturn on the South African economy.
These topics were the focus of the session, which featured panelists including Danny Jordaan, FIFA 2010 Local Organising Committee CEO and Monhla Hlahla, Airports Company CEO.
Quest vowed to keep the panel open and transparent telling the media that no topic was off limits. He readied the panelists with some questions of his own and then opened up the floor. The response was enthusiastic and tough questions were asked around the potential security issues, transport readiness and comparisons with the 2006 FIFA World CupTM in Germany.
Horst Schmidt, consultant to FIFA and general secretary of the German Football Association described how the World Cup in Germany united the East and West and changed the global perceptions towards the country. He expressed his belief that next year’s event would do the same for South Africa.
Throughout the session, Quest kept true to his word, deftly ensuring the panelists satisfied the media’s questions and concerns. This was made clear when he asked the audience to put up their hands if they believed the 2010 FIFA World CupTM would be a success – the room was filled with raised hands, whistles and applause.
It is clear that the global media agrees with the words of Carol Manana from last night’s opening ceremony – “It is Africa’s time to shine, Ke Nako!”
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