Attendance by Heads of State / Governments of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer Tournament

QOUTE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1919

PUBLISHED INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17 OF 26 JULY 2010

MR K S MUBU (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether any heads of state/governments attended the (a) opening and (b) closing ceremonies of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament; if so, (i) how many, (ii) what are the names of the persons, (iii) from which countries and (iv) what amount was spent by the Government on (aa) each head of state/government and (bb) their respective staff compliment in respect of (aaa) accommodation, (bbb) transport, (ccc) security, (ddd) entertainment and (eee) other specified expenses?

REPLY:

Yes, it was South Africa’s commitment to ensure that the 2010 Fifa World Cup is regarded as an African World Cup and the benefits that come with hosting this prestigious event are shared with the rest of Africa and the AU gave its full support to South Africa hosting the event, hence President J G Zuma invited the African Heads of State and Government to attend the opening and the closing ceremonies of the event. A total of 42 dignitaries, 26 Heads of States/Government and 16 spouses, attended the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament, the names of the dignitaries and countries are reflected in Annexure A and B. The total amount spent for hosting the invited Heads of State/Government is R16 589 511. 00, with the cost of hospitality suite at the stadium included.

UNQOUTE

Annexure A - Attendance by Heads of State/Governments of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer Tournament Opening Ceremony

Annexure B - Attendance by Heads of State/Governments of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer Tournament Closing Ceremony