Pretoria - Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has welcomed the world to the country, as South Africa readies today to put on the greatest sporting spectacle, the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Home Affairs Department has facilitated the movement into the country of multitudes of football fans from around the world, members of the FIFA family and guests, including Heads of State and Government, through the delivery of its three government guarantees to FIFA - that is the issuance of visas, work permits and priority treatment.
"On behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the government and people of South Africa, we take this opportunity to welcome those who have travelled from the four corners of the globe to share in the moment of glory and honour for our country and indeed the African continent.
"We welcome the players and football fans from Asia, South America, North America, Australia and Europe. We especially welcome those from Africa to whom we have dedicated this World Cup," the minister said.
She called on visitors to enjoy the country's diversity and uniqueness
