“As we forge ahead with the preparations to host such an important event, I ask the SA media if they have the courage to prove that stories emanating from western media are wrong and lack real facts and do they strive to dig deep to present their own truth,” Pahad said in his opening remarks.
“I am not saying that our shortcomings should not be exposed by the media. But this should be done in the truthful manner in the view of presenting the real truth,” Pahad added.
“I want to assure all of you here that we are on track to organise a successful World Cup never seen before. The time has come for Africa to host the world and through this event, and we are hoping that the negative perception about SA and the continent will change drastically.”
Negative reports emanating from Europe, especially from Spain, have increased in the past few weeks, claiming that SA will not be ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and that the event will be moved to another country.
Moeketsi Mosola, of the International Marketing Council (IMC), told delegates that the NCPC is a viable platform for communicators and marketers to focus on the great opportunities offered by the 2010 World Cup to start sending meaningful messages about the continent's positive image.
“As we prepare to host such a prestigious event, we must be mindful that all aspects of SA and African life will be under scrutiny and come under the microscope of global media,” Mosola said.
This year's NCPC theme is ‘Africa's time has come, Mobilising for 2010 and beyond', and aims to make it possible for African communicators to exchange ideas and practical suggestions on how to project a positive image and reputation of our continent to the world, using the opportunities presented by the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
“This conference is also about achieving a coherent and action-orientated plan and a way to build African solidarity and foster a climate that contributes to African growth and development,” Nkwenkwe Nkomo, NCPC co-chairperson said.
More than 500 delegates from as far as Botswana, Kenya, Liberia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania and Nigeria are currently attending the conference. other keynote speakers expected to address delegates include the Mail & Guardian's Trevor Ncube, Government spokesperson Themba Maseko and chairman of local organising committee (LOC) Irvin Khoza.
