Thami Banda, 2010 unit media relations manager, says the excitement is palpable and that spirits are high in the municipality as everyone gears up for the biggest sporting spectacle in the world. His unit made surprise visits on Friday 21 May 2010 to Ikwekwezi FM and Pretoria News to see if members of the media were embracing Football Friday by either wearing Bafana Bafana jerseys or team jerseys of their choice.
"It was a very heart-warming moment to see South Africans proudly wearing their jerseys, to see flags and 2010-related memorabilia on desks, in the entrance halls and outside buildings. In addition, it was equally pleasing to see those South Africans with duel nationalities expressing their preferences.
"We are currently in negotiations with Pretoria News to be our print media partner for the Fan Fest media centre and used this visit as an opportunity to strengthen our ties with them," said Banda.
Enter the CBD to a combination of branding and beautification with strong emphasis on the city's environmental-consciousness. Branding along protocol routes includes flags, banners, posters, advertising and graffiti and there is also 2010-themed landscaping. Fountain Circle has been upgraded while Church Square, Church Street Mall and Lilian Ngoyi Square have been spruced up with decorative lighting.
Southern Sun is calling on all South Africans to stand united, hand in hand, in support of Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 9 June from 12-2pm, to form a line of support through the streets of Sandton, Johannesburg, from Southern Sun Grayston in Rivonia Road down Grayston Drive, along 5th Ave, down Maude Street and back up Fredman Drive.
Starting with huge radio announcements with 94.7 Highveld Stereo and Talk Radio 702 and various elements in and around the hotel, the United We Shall Stand campaign will culminate in this show of support.
"Let us show the world that we're 100% behind our team and prove that there is nothing more powerful than the power of the people. Being covered by the likes of Primedia, United We Shall Stand is going to be an event not to be missed," says Graham Wood, MD of Southern Sun Hotels.
