MEDIA STATEMENT
BY THE
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
SADESMO - Declare Start of World Cup a Public Holiday
|
The 2010 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on Friday 11 June 2010, marking a historic moment for South Africa and Africa as it hosts for the very first time the world's biggest sporting tournament. Speaking about South Africa's readiness Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the National Spokesperson of the IFP-aligned SADESMO, said: "South Africa is more than ready to host the World Cup and our critics have been silenced. From here on, we hope our readiness will be translated into equally perfect implementation." However, Sadesmo has identified an area of concern which remains unresolved. Hlengwa noted: "We had hoped that by now President Zuma would have declared 11 June a public holiday, so that all South Africans could savour the historic moment of the start of the World Cup. Failing to make this coming Friday a public holiday, would mean that government would have failed all South Africans. "The start of the World Cup is almost, in magnitude and importance, equal to April 27, 1994. SADESMO urges President Zuma to explore every possible avenue available to ensure that this Friday is at most, made a once-off public holiday. South Africans need to be at home with their families and friends and together witness history being made and being accomplished," said Hlengwa. Hlengwa further added: "Kungaba yishwa eliphindiwe uma impela abantu baseNingizimu Afrika bengancishwa lelithuba elihle kangaka elingasophinde libekhona ebudeni bezimpilo zethu, lokuba babe yingxenye yomlando wezwe. Moreover, considering that South Africans have through their billions of Rands of taxes funded much of the World Cup infrastructure, it is only fair that they get one day off and be part of this once in a lifetime experience." In conclusion Hlengwa said: "Government was willing to give FIFA almost 20 guarantees to host the World Cup, the least government can do is to give South Africans one guarantee and allow them to enjoy the start of the World Cup. Government owes South Africans this holiday." Issued by Sadesmo. For more information kindly contact: |