Zuma thanks intl media for world cup interest

Speaking yesterday, Monday, 12 July 2010, at the SABC 2010 Broadcast Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, Zuma said: "On behalf of the nation, let me extend our appreciation to the international media for showing as much interest as they have, not just in the tournament, but in our country in general."

Rare praise

This is a rare praise from one of the country's highest political authorities who some months ago were fuming after it became clear that some western media outlets - through a series of depressing headlines, articles and TV and radio programmes - were leading a campaign to demonise Africa and SA, describing them as hotbeds of violence, natural disasters, terrorism, diseases and poor infrastructure.

British's 'ridiculous' headlines such as 'World Cup fans face bloodbath' and 'South Africa World Cup 2010: Quake fears', still vividly linger on many Africans' minds, who were reportedly saddened by they call neo-colonialist mentality keen to see Africa plunge deeper into darkness. (See More 2010 scare stories to come between exploding boobs, bloodbaths?)

But, after SA confounded the critics by hosting a successful tournament - the best world cup ever as some put it - which ended on Sunday 11 July, some observers now believe that perceptions about Africa and SA will never be the same again.

"Better understanding"

Zuma said: "The spotlight on our country will, in the final analysis, leave people around the world with a better understanding of a country that is continuously changing for the better.

"They [foreign media] will now be able to dismiss exaggerations and stereotypes as they know SA better because of your work." (See World cup: foreign media gives us lots to think about.)

Furthermore, Zuma said that after six years of preparation and more than 96 hours of football, the country was looking forward to decades of positive interest among South Africans and people all over the world in the future prospects of this country and the continent.

A total of 13 642 media representatives (FIFA-accredited), including technicians, came to SA to cover the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA said yesterday. There were 2579 print/Internet journalists and editors, 887 photographers and 10 176 media representatives from 245 media right licensees (MRL) organisations.

France-based Host Broadcast Services (HBS) contracted to FIFA to provide 'quality' broadcasting services at all its major sporting events, provided 2542 workers from 65 countries.

"Beginning of a better future"

"We are sad that it has ended, but we are smiling because it went so well. Yesterday it was the final. But it was definitely not the end; it was the beginning of a better future for SA and Africa," Zuma concluded.

For more:

• Bizcommunity: More 2010 scare stories to come between exploding boobs, bloodbaths?
  
• Bizcommunity: World cup: foreign media gives us lots to think about