Lucas Radebe was introduced by Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the Minister of Tourism, as South African Tourism's 2010 ambassador to the world. Minister van Schalkwyk made the announcement at an event in Sandton on August 13 where he also launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism for South Africans.
"We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas's stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination. We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country.
Radebe will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination. Radebe is honored, proud and excited to play this role. "Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world's biggest sporting spectacular.
I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world's greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans. I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World CupT, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world."
