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8 March 2007

The African Union Commission in collaboration with the Government of South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) hosted a Workshop on the planning of activities for the International Year of African Football and the 2010 World Cup African Legacy Programme from Tuesday to Wednesday, 6 to 7 March 2007, in Pretoria.

The purpose of the workshop was to operationalise the implementation of the Declaration of the 8th African Union Assembly, adopted on 30 January 2007, on the International Year of African Football, as well as the 2010 African Legacy Programme.

Two key issues that informed discussions throughout the Workshop are that 'Failure is not an option' and that 'Africa has to start living the 2010 World Cup legacy if she is serious about ensuring that the 2010 tournament itself leaves a lasting legacy.'

The Workshop reached a number of recommendations to ensure a successful and efficient 2010 World Cup that leaves a lasting legacy in Africa. These recommendations will be considered by the AU Conference of Ministers of Sports that will be held in May this year. The Conference is intended to among others, provide leadership to the organisation of activities marking the International Year of African Football, as well as to elaborate concrete activities in connection with the 2010 World Cup.

The Workshop recommended the immediate implementation of the following:

Establishment of a Steering Committee made up of, among others, representatives from the AU, South Africa/LOC, Confederation of African Football Federation (CAF), and United Nations Office of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP). Its function will be to oversee the implementation of the recommendations made. Its responsibilities will include monitoring and regular reporting on progress, and ensuring the inclusion of the African Diaspora in the envisaged activities.

Following are the quick wins proposed for implementation in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup:

* develop a communication strategy on the Continental 2010 World Cup Legacy Programme building on the International Year of African Football
* assist in the preparations of the first Conference of African Ministers of Sports
* revive and strengthen the Africa Women in Sports Association
* prepare for the launch of the African Legacy Programme at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2007
* develop continental framework on sport policy in Africa, including the harmonisation of free movement of sports persons and improvement in conditions of service of football players
* initiate campaigns using football to contribute to addressing socio-economic problems especially rehabilitation of youth in conflict with the law, eradication of malaria and drug abuse
* conduct a feasibility study on the establishment and strengthening of African sport academies
* encourage promotion and strengthening of cultural industries
* steering committee to identify three continental flagship projects out of the various projects identified by the workshop
* initiate campaigns on the theme of "sport for peace"
* develop a programme in support of qualifying African teams so that Africa can win the World Cup
* conduct an audit on the state of African football in order to develop a programme of action to strengthen football as a viable commercial business
* implement identified programmes on strengthening good governance and capacity building in African football
* support the operationalisation of the continental volunteer programme for the 2010 World Cup
* strengthen scientific and technological support systems.

As these recommendations are implemented, we should not lose sight of the fact that the responsibility for football infrastructure development and upgrading lies with national governments, in line with the Declaration of AU Summit of January 2007.

Through these recommendations, Africa recommits herself that she has no intention to fail. We indeed call on the full support of the media from both Africa and elsewhere, as partners in preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. From our side as organisations and institutions involved in preparing for the World Cup, we will avail information and where necessary, ourselves, to ensure that your readers, listeners, and viewers get the correct information that may help them access various opportunities presented by Africa's hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is an African World Cup and it is upon all of us, to make it a truly African World Cup. Africa has the will and capacity; thus, fail, we cannot!

Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759

Issued by: Sports and Recreation South Africa
8 March 2007