Zuma says SA 100% ready for SWC

2010-01-10 14:05

Pretoria - In a statement, the office of the presidency said Zuma who has arrived in Luanda, Angola to attend the opening of the African Cup of Nation has reiterated that South Africa remains 100% ready to host the Fifa World Cup, and dismissed speculation that the Angolan incident had any bearing on the World Cup tournament in South Africa.

President Jacob Zuma has extended his condolences to the government and people of Togo on the tragedy that befell the Togolese soccer team in Cabinda on Friday and wished members of the team and entourage a speedy recovery. He also extended support to the Angolan government in its ongoing efforts to bring about total peace and stability in the country.

President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister in the Presidency Mr Collins Chabane and the Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation Mr Gert Oosthuizen.

The statement said Zuma was attending the games to support the Angolans on their hosting of the Afcon, to promote African excellence in sports and also to further deepen the warm, fraternal and historical relations between South Africa and Angola.

According to the statement, Zuma said the Afcon will demonstrate African prowess in football, ahead of the World Cup to be held in South Africa in June-July.
He emphasised that the shocking and unacceptable attack on the Togolese team should not be blown out of proportion, but should serve as impetus for the African continent and the world at large to work even harder to rid the world of terrorist activity and violence wherever it surfaces.

Zuma is expected back in return to South Africa on Monday.

- SAPA