A million flags to support the World Cup

An initiative to garner more support for the country's hosting of the world cup, entitled One Million Flags March has been put in place to ensure that we keep on supporting the event. All citizens of the country are urged to wake up with the same spirit that we showed on 9 July when the whole country gathered in Sandton and other parts of the country to garner support two days before the kick-off of the tournament.

The benefits of the World Cup in most countries continue to soar years arter the tournament, because of the passion the people of the hosting nation show to the world. As we all know it is how we treat our visitors: talk to them, engage with them and, above all, how we protect them in our country that are crucial to the county's tourism efforts. On 3 July, 2010, all South Africans are urged to revive the spirit of 1995 and 2007 when our country's rugby team won the Rugby world cup and 1996 when we won the Africa Cup of Nations. Also 1990 when former-President Nelson Mandela and other prisoners were released from jail. The streets of Soweto and most parts of the country were filled with happy South Africans celebrating. The 3rd of July is 15 days before the birthday of Madiba, South Africans will once again come together to celebrate our beautiful flag with the rest of the world.

The route

The event will focus on South Africans, raising and flying their flag in this time of need to show support for the tournament. We are going to get a million citizens to fly the flags in the streets of Soweto. The route will begin at Baragwanath hospital to Maponya Mall, then to Jabulani Mall to Dobsonville Mall through Meadowlands to Protea Gardens Mall then end at the FIFA Fan Fest in Elkah stadium in Soweto.

Other partners involved are Department of Arts and Culture, Gauteng Province, Gauteng Tourism and other notable corporate companies. More than 10 000 Fly the Flag CDs will be distributed on the day; flags will be given to lucky people. The major focus will be on SA flags, but other flags will be allowed as we are the hosts and need to emphasize that point. Dignitaries invited are the DAC Minister Lulu Xingwana, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Gauteng MECs and present and former SA sportsmen. Musicians, actors, craftsmen, dancers and other creative people will take part.

For more information please call or email Arthur on +27 (0)83 457 1330 or az.oc.cisum999@ruhtra, or Brian on (0(71 504 1494 or az.oc.cisum999@nairb.