Johannesburg - Government, FIFA, the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) and stakeholders in the industry have gathered in Johannesburg this morning for the 2010 National Communication Partnership Conference.
The conference aims to ensure South Africa and African brands are able to use the 2010 FIFA World Cup to showcase the country and the continent.
By taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the World Cup, Africa will create as a legacy of 2010 a strengthened capacity to insert its own content into international information and communication flows.
One of the biggest impacts from hosting the World Cup will come from the phenomenal marketing and communication opportunity it will offer the country and continent.
The forum will also develop an informed, integrated and inclusive communications plan that builds on the achievements to date as well as the experiences from the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
According to a statement, the communications plan will offer 2010 stakeholders, including sponsors and host cities, with the means to mobilise and inspire the nation.
Issues to be discussed at the conference include feedback from the recent 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, analysis of media reports (both local and international) on South Africa's preparations for the world cup and panel discussions on ways to improve communications around South Africa's hosting of the world cup.
Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi will deliver the keynote address, while speakers include Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, Deputy National Police Commissioner Andre Pruis and LOC Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.
The 2010 National Communication Partnership has been established to ensure that the country's communicators make the most of this opportunity of a lifetime. It is a voluntary association of communicators from every sector and all communication disciplines.
