Pretoria - The Presidency says all systems are in place to welcome the Heads of State and Government who have been invited to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, The Presidency stated that all arrangements are being finalised to ensure the successful attendance of the Heads of State and Government and other VVIPs to the opening ceremony, including accommodation, seating arrangements, security, transport, logistics and protocol arrangements.
This follows a report in a Sunday newspaper suggesting that arrangements have not been made for the invited Heads of State and Government to the tournament especially the opening match on 11 June.
Describing the report as "misleading and grossly inaccurate", the Presidency said the South African government working with FIFA will host all the invited Heads of State and government at an appropriate venue at the stadium, which will adhere to international protocol requirements.
"Currently, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is processing responses from the invited Heads of State and Government and eminent persons through the necessary diplomatic channels. South Africa, conscious of its international obligations, will avail the necessary information at an appropriate time," it said.
There was no diplomatic or logistical nightmare, as claimed by the newspaper, Government has constantly stated its preparedness with regards to the tournament. "All our guests and soccer lovers should expect an African feast of all times, and will treasure the memories of this World Cup for many years to come."
The Presidency said South Africa has hosted more than 140 major international events since 1994. "We are proud of our track record in this regard. Among events hosted were the Rugby World Cup, African Cup of Nations, Cricket World Cup, World Summit on Sustainable Development and recently the Confederations Cup tournament".
The country has also hosted the launch of the African Union and other similar events in the past which include the attendance of many Heads of State and Government, and there have been no crisis before, and there will be none during the FIFA World Cup.
