With the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ just hours away, the City of Cape Town is getting ready to welcome the world to the mother city.

Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato, said on Tuesday 8 June that it was "all systems go" and that he was looking forward to it.

"What a wonderful moment in the history of Cape Town and South Africa!" he enthused.

Plato was speaking at the media preview of the official Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest™ on the Grand Parade, which will be open for the duration of the tournament and will offer live match broadcasts, entertainment, and the ultimate soccer atmosphere to those who don't have match tickets.

He mentioned the significance of the Fan Fest™ being held right in front of the City Hall – the same place from which Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech after being released from prison.

The festivities will kick off today, Thursday 10 June with a 10-hour-long "Cape Town Welcomes the World Party" on the Grand Parade, which will include a concert, carnival parade and the switching on of the soccer streetlight displays.

Plato also dispelled criticism that Cape Town is lagging other South African cities in its World Cup™ "vibe", saying he has seen plenty of flags and enthusiasm. "But the vibe is in the hearts and minds of people," he added.

"Cape Town is ready for the World Cup™. Visitors will have a wonderful time in Cape Town and in South Africa. I've got a feeling that we will surprise most of the world, by showing them we can do it, and do it better than some countries who hosted it in the past.

"We want the whole of Cape Town to feel part of this whole event, and are telling residents not to just watch matches at home, but to come to the Fan Fest and fan jols. The people of Cape Town must use this opportunity to come and enjoy the vibe," Plato said.

City of Cape Town Director: 2010 Operations, Lesley de Reuck, said the organisers hope that this will be the prime Fan Fest™ in the country. It will cost R34-million, while the fan jols will cost R30-million.

"Our mission is to have a safe, free, accessible and eco-friendly environment, where people can feel, hear and taste Cape Town," he said.

Visit www.capetown.gov.za/fifaworldcup for all up to date information pertaining to what’s happening at the fan jols and a daily roundup of what has been on and happened in the city.

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