Pretoria - As part of celebrating exactly one year on Thursday to the 2010 FIFA World Cup kick-off, South Africans have been called on to wear Bafana Bafana jerseys or a yellow shirt.
Brand South Africa has encouraged every citizen to blow a vuvuzela and sing the national anthem at exactly 4pm on 11 June, which is when the much anticipated soccer event is scheduled to kick-off in a year's time.
A five-minute count-down will begin at 3:55pm on radio stations across the country, to cue all citizens, wherever they are, to sing Nkosi Sikelele Afrika at 4pm.
The intention behind this nation-wide activation is for South Africa to celebrate one year to kick-off, and to serve as a point of ignition for the tournament.
"It is also an act of national pride in, and support to our country as Africa's first host of this prestigious tournament," said Paul Bannister, International Marketing Council of South Africa's Chief Executive.
"With the Bulls Super 14 victory fresh in our minds, the IPL cricketing extravaganza successfully behind us, the British and Irish Lions clash in play and the Confederations Cup literally only hours away, South Africa's sports buzz is infectious," said Mr Bannister.
Mr Bannister added that there is however a subtle but vital difference between being a good host and a great one.
The magic underpinning being a great host lies in South Africans, who are able to provide viewers and visitors with the contagious, edge-of-your-seat buzz and a taste of the competitive spirit to come whilst making them feel truly "at home" in South Africa, he said.
"We encourage every South African, whether you are in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Sydney, Toronto or London to join us as we mark an important milestone in our nation's history.
"This is an easy and fun way for us to let the world know that we are lighting the torch for the 2010 World Cup," Mr Bannister said.
Also as part of the celebrations, President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer, Danny Jordaan, will be visiting the Green Point stadium on Thursday.
"To mark this important milestone on the world's sporting calendar, the City of Cape Town has arranged an action-packed programme for the day," said Pieter Cronje, the city's 2010 Communication Director.
Activities will kick-off on Thursday with the top-level visit of VIPs to the Green Point stadium from 2pm to 5pm. Helicopters will thrill the crowds with banner fly-overs during the presidential walkabout.
In the evening, Executive Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato will also host a cocktail party at Hamilton's Rugby Field for 500 VIP guests, including the world's most influential leaders who will be in Cape Town for the World Economic Forum conference.
In Johannesburg, the city has declared Football Friday "soccer day in the city" and is encouraging people to show their support for the historical event by wearing their soccer supporters' gear.
Joburg is the hub of the Confederations Cup and next year's 2010 World Cup.
"The city is excited to have scored host city status for both the opening and closing matches of the world's greatest ever sporting events," said Sibongile Mazibuko, Executive Director for Johannesburg's 2010 office and acting City Manager.
"We want fans and citizens to show their support for Bafana Bafana en masse," she added.
