The 2010 National Communication Partnership, a joint effort comprising organizations involved in communicating about the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, today announced the launch of a national campaign aimed at building public excitement, awareness and support leading up to the two events in South Africa.
Under the banner, "Fly the Flag for Football!", thousands of South African Flags, together with information leaflets, will be distributed to travellers and holiday makers over the Easter Weekend, from Thursday 9th April to Monday 13th April. The Easter Weekend was chosen to launch the campaign as it is traditionally one of the busiest holiday periods in South Africa, with thousands of South Africans travelling across the country.
The 2010 National Communication Partnership (NCP) was formed to co-ordinate and drive relevant marketing and communications messages for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup. The role of the NCP is to inform the public about the events, to market South Africa and to inspire a sense of pride and unity in the South African public. Members include custodians of Brand South Africa, the International Marketing Council (IMC), South African Tourism, the FIFA Local Organising Committee, the Department of Arts and Culture, South African Airways, Proudly South African, and several other private sector and civil society groups.
The NCP hopes to distribute over 47 million South African Flags through various campaigns leading up to the start of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in June 2010.
"Our national Flag is a powerful symbol of unity and pride, and we would like to play our part by encouraging South Africans to proudly fly the Flag as the eyes of the world are upon us," says Margaret Dingalo, Stakeholder Relations Manager for the IMC. 'The FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 is starting in less than 100 days and excitement is building. We need to help drive enthusiasm and patriotism, garnering support amongst South Africans for Bafana Bafana and the event as a whole."
South African football legend Mark Fish is the official spokesperson and will garner support and spread the message to the public for the duration of the campaign. He says, "The South African National Flag is a proud symbol of unity. The eyes of the world will soon be upon us as we fly our Flag and fill the land with the vibrancy, spirit and colour of South Africa. These events are more about football - it's the opportunity of a lifetime, for South Africa and Africa as a whole. Let us raise our Flags in unity, joining together to make the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup joyful, unforgettable events. Fly your Flag and show the world the warmth and spirit of South Africa."
Zakumi, the 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot, is also participating and will be spotted throughout the country interacting with the public and encouraging support.
Colourful face-painted figures wearing South African Flag t-shirts and Makarapas, the traditional football fan hat that is unique to South Africa, will be handing out free Flags at various tollgates, garages and airports across the country. State of the art digital shoot-outs will also feature at various locations where members of the public will have a chance to win prizes after taking shots at a virtual goal.
Source URL (retrieved on 2011/07/18 - 11:48pm): http://www.sa2010.gov.