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10 Jul 2010

We are coming to the end of a historic, vibrant and very African 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. When we won the rights to host the world cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed.

However, what has happened so far has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They are the stars and champions of this tournament.

As government, we will launch a programme soon to thank South Africans in different sectors. They deserve to celebrate in style.

We extend a special thank you to South Africans for the passion and excitement that has kept the tournament alive for the past weeks. We thank you for putting the country first.

We thank you for embracing one another and Africa. We thank your opening up your country and your hearts to the world in a most patriotic and memorable manner.

We thank you for your unwavering support for Bafana Bafana. You stood by the team until the end. When they bowed out in style in Bloemfontein, like good hosts, you redirected your support to other teams.

We thank you most sincerely for making this a truly African world cup. The committed support given to Ghana and other African teams displayed African unity, love and solidarity in practice.

When we bid our guests farewell next week, we will do so with great appreciation, as they came from every corner of the globe, to help us make this tournament a success.

As we look forward to the final match between the Netherlands and Spain, let us pat ourselves on the back for a job well done so far. Let us keep celebrating, let the vuvuzelas keep blowing and let the football festival continue at Soccer City and the fan parks until the final whistle. This has been a truly inspiring, moving and uplifting month.

Well done South Africa.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
10 Jul 2010

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