Pretoria - The Ministry of International Relations is undertaking international road shows aimed at building up football fever ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"This road show covers all regions of the world with a particular focus on nations that have qualified to participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals," government spokesperson Themba Maseko said following Cabinet's regular Wednesday meeting.
Maseko said Cabinet was also encouraged by South African citizens participation in the 'Fly the Flag' and 'Football Friday' campaigns.
"The positive response by South Africans to the 'Fly the Flag' and the 'Football Friday' campaigns was welcomed as a clear sign that the country is getting ready to welcome and host the world," said Maseko.
The Football Friday initiative encourages South Africans to wear a football shirt every Friday in the build-up to Africa's first soccer world cup, which kicks off on the ultimate Football Friday, 11 June 2010.
The "Fly the Flag' campaign is aimed at building public excitement, awareness and support leading up to the two historic events in South Africa.
Meanwhile, cabinet discussed and noted the naming of the new airport at La Mercy on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast as the King Shaka International Airport. The airport is scheduled to start operations on 1 May, a month before the kick-off of the soccer spectacular.
