"The 1000 Day Countdown marks the beginning of the operational phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We are running within time and within budget and we are confident that the tournament will be a success. There is a shared vision and commitment by all South Africans that this World Cup must work," said OC Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan.
"2010 FIFA World Cup presents a golden opportunity to showcase Africa to the world. Now we have to show that the African Renaissance is upon us and Africa's time has come. The South African Government will leave no stone unturned to host a tournament that brings great satisfaction to billions across the world" said President Thabo Mbeki.
The OC, in conjunction with all nine of the tournament's host cities, will stage free public events countrywide to mark the 1000 Day countdown on Saturday, September 15, 2007.
"The 1000 Day milestone offers all roleplayers involved in 2010 the opportunity to collectively inform the nation about the progress made thus far, as well as mobilise South Africans behind the efforts of making sure the 2010 FIFA World Cup becomes the success we want it to be," said OC chief officer of communications and marketing, Tim Modise.
"As a collective, we have to say to the world that we are confident of our abilities to host a successful World Cup. We are calling on South Africans in their thousands to support their host cities' events and to fly the flag for their country. After all, this is your World Cup,"
added Modise.
"I want to congratulate the nine host cities and the Local Organising Committee for the great initiative to organise this commemorative event marking the 1000 Day countdown. I am really delighted by the enthusiasm and big efforts made not only to organise a unique event, but also to include the entire nation in this celebrations on their joint journey to 2010. I am sure that with this event the wave of enthusiasm for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will reach everybody in South Africa, including those normally not in contact with football. If there is one thing on this planet that has the power to bind people together it is football," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
Spend only on the five new stadiums and major upgrade of Soccer City to date has generated and/or sustained 10 400 direct jobs and a further 9 800 annual jobs as a result of the multiplier effect. Soccer City alone, which will host the World Cup opening match and final, has
1200 workers on site daily.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast the 1000 Day Countdown events live on SABC 1 from 2pm-5pm from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, with live links to events in other host cities. All host city events, however, will be underway by midday.
The City of Joburg will host its main 1000 Day countdown event at Soweto's Mofolo Park, with an address by Johannesburg Amos Masondo and performances from artists such as TKZee, Zamajobe, Mafikizolo and Malaika. The City of Joburg will also link up with the ATKV Afrikaans cultural organisation to stage a "Hoezit 2010" music festival at Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square. Among the artists featured will be the Soweto String Quartet, who will soon produce their first Afrikaans album, as well as a collaboration between Dozi and the African Mamas and Anton Goosen and the Bushrock Band. Highveld Stereo 94/7's Joburg Day will also partake in Joburg's 1000 Day Programme at the Randburg Sports Club, with performances by artists such as Freshlyground, Wonderboom and the Parlotones.
Rustenburg will host its 1000 Day event at Olympia Park, with performances by local music heavyweight Hip Hop Pantsula and other traditional artists. The Mangaung Municipality, with the region's famous football supporters, will host its event at Hoffman Square in the city centre, with performances by artists such as Nateaze, Alah-Yen, Mabana Cultural Group, the Botshabelo Dance Masters and the Boikanyo Cultural Group.
Capetonians will converge on the Grand Parade in the city centre, while the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will use the impetus of the city's Heritage month celebrations to host its event at Port Elizabeth's Willows Resort. Durban, which will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw on November 25 2007, will also join in the festivities at the city's main sports stadium. Mbombela Municipality will host its event with a strong cultural emphasis at the Matsulu Stadium, with Polokwane hosting its event at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
National government has allocated R9 billion for transport and supporting infrastructure for the World Cup and a further R8.4 billion for stadia construction and upgrades. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, however, is also about building the country in ways that go beyond improving infrastructure. To this end, government's 2010-related activities also include sports development, volunteer training, youth programmes and arts and culture activities to gear South Africans to be good 2010 hosts.
