Dear Soccer Fans:

We are entering the home stretch as we count down towards the start of the 2020 FIFA World Cup™!

Two million tickets to the World Cup have already been sold in the first three phases, more than two thirds of the entire ticket allotment for the event. The fourth ticketing phase began on February 9, and will run for 58 days through April 7.

The venues for the official FIFA Fan Fests™ in each of the host cities have been announced, as a seat at a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ game may not be within every football fan's reach. Generally located just a stone's throw away from the host stadium, this is where fans can enjoy live broadcasts in the company of thousands of like-minded supporters. In addition to these official FIFA fan parks, host cities will also offer public viewing facilities in selected locations.

Again, it's not just about soccer! South African artists across a wide spectrum of genres — from music to theatre performances to street poetry and football-inspired artworks — will be on display to the whole world in 2010. This exposure is not limited to South Africans — the whole continent will be able to take advantage of this platform. For example, the 2010 Fine Art Collection comprises a collection of sculptures, photographs, paintings and etchings from over 160 of the world's leading contemporary artists that fans will be able to purchase as souvenirs. Then there is the Pan African art exhibition that will be a parallel event and a major highlight on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ calendar.

South Africa's 2010 World Cup official slogan is KE NAKO. Celebrate Africa’s Humanity™. "Ke Nako" is a Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana word for "it’s time". It is a call to celebrate Africa as the origin of humanity and as a contributor to every sphere of human endeavor.

— Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism North America

Accommodations Aplenty for the World Cup

There is no shortage of accommodations for this year's World Cup. A recent audit of accommodation available in South Africa shows that there are in excess of 200,000 rooms for the use during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, more than enough to provide for the expected 350,000-450,000 visitors. This includes at least 100,853 rooms in host cities (within a 50 km radius of stadiums).

The accommodation database amassed as a result of the audit will form the basis of the booking portal Rooms 4 U (MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "securemail.ruderfinn.com" claiming to be www.Rooms4U.travel), a private sector initiative supported by the Department of Tourism, SATSA and the Tourism Business Community, which will be available for online bookings in early March.


Dancing the "Diski" Earns Virginia Soccer Team the Trip of a Lifetime to South Africa

Premier AC's '97 Fusion Team from Falls Church, Virginia, an Under 12- soccer travel quad  won South African Tourism's "Diski Dancing" viral video dance contest. The girls, their coach, Stacey King, and one parent each will be heading to South Africa on South African Airways for an unforgettable 8-day, 7-night trip.

This memorable journey will include visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town and will be jam-packed with jaw-dropping sights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences including a safari and the chance to square off against a top South African youth soccer team.

The contest came down to five finalists, including the Bandits, from Jersey City, NJ; the Hurricanes of Baltimore, MD; Purple Rain from Memphis, TN; the United Cyclones of Minneapolis, MN and the eventual winners from 97 Fusion. View all five finalists’ entries at  http://www.youtube.com/southafricantourism.


South African Tourism Launches Diski Dancing Contest – Part II

Internet celebrity Mathew "Matt" Harding traveled the length and breadth of South Africa last month, learning the Diski Dance from a host of South Africans who were only too happy to share their unique moves with him.  Matt will debut his own version of the Diski on his YouTube site on March 5. He will also invite entries to South African Tourism and South African Airways' second  viral vide web contest, this time with a chance to win a trip to a World Cup match in South Africa in June.

All you have to do is learn the Diski, and upload your video to e www.southafrica.net/dance. All contest rules and deadlines are posted on this site. So strap on your dancing shoes or cleats and keep those videos coming!


46664 Bangle

46664 is the global awareness campaign that bears Nelson Mandela's prison number, which was assigned to him when he was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1964. It was originally launched to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, and continues to work in the area of HIV prevention — especially in South Africa. Working alongside the other Mandela organizations, 46664 is now expanding its focus to champion Mr. Mandela's broader humanitarian work.

The 46664 Bangle is a beautiful way to show that you support the 46664 campaign. The bangles are made in South Africa in copper, silver, gold and platinum and engraved with the digital imprint of Mr. Mandela's hand. Every bangle has a unique serial number that allows the owner to track the positive impact of their purchase. From the crafters who hand-finish the metal to the previously unemployed people who assemble the boxes they are shipped in, to the proud bangle wearer — everyone feels the benefits.

The 46664 Bangle is available in the US at  www.theBangle.com, or through the US call center 1-866-984-6664.


Focus on Durban

Located on the warm Indian Ocean, Durban's golden beaches are just one element in an interesting array of natural and historical attractions that speak to its unique mix of African and Indian influences. The construction of the brand new King Shaka International Airport in La Mercy, north of Durban, a R2 billion facility, is on track, and scheduled for opening by May 1, 2010 just over a month before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The 70,000 seat Moses Mahbida stadium, one of the brand new stadiums constructed for the World Cup, is hailed as one of the most spectacular stadium facilities, with a funicular and viewing platform offering 360 panoramic vistas of the city and the ocean.


Here is just a taste of what Durban has to offer visitors to the World Cup and beyond:

• Informal markets where you can pick up fantastic African crafts, including beadwork and baskets, line the main promenade along the city’s scenic beachfront, known as The Golden Mile.

• The Ushaka Marine World, the world's 5th largest aquarium, with its water park, shark exhibit, dolphin and seal stadiums and stunning aquatic displays.

• The legendary Victoria Street Market offers a tantalizing array of spices, and a host of both African and Indian products. And no visit to Durban is complete without sampling the famous bunny chow (bread and curry dish), a local lunch staple.

• Phezulu in the Valley of a Thousand Hills is a great introduction to the traditional Zulu way of life.

• Renowned for its nature and conservation efforts, KwaZulu Natal is home to two stunning World Heritage Sites, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in the north, and the breathtaking Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

• For culture and art buffs, a journey through the Midlands Meander showcases over 100 craft shops and galleries.

• If adrenaline rushes are more to your liking, try shark diving of the Aliwal Shoal, take the 100-metre bungee plunge into Oribi Gorge just an hour south of Durban,  cross streams and climb rocky paths through the bush on a quad bike or head to Shongweni Dam for a world-renowned rock climbing challenge.

U.S. Tour Operators

Participating U.S. Tour Operators Offering Tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup of South Africa:

Terry Guillaume
Destination Southern Africa Inc.
1050 E. River Rd., Suite 100
Tucson, AZ 85718
Tel: 520-882-3600
Tel: 1-800-203-6724
www.destinationworldcup.com

John Martin
Great Atlantic Travel and Tour
1065 Laskin Road Suite 101
Virginia Beach, VA   23451
Tel: 757-422-9001
Tel: 800-888-8233
www.greatatlantictravel.com

Christy Lam
Cartan Tours Inc.
1334 Parkview Ave # 210
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Tel: 310-546-9662 ext. 113 
www.cartan.com

For everything you need to know about traveling to South Africa, and planning your trip to any one or more of the various host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, visit  www.southafrica.net/2010