Hon Chairperson, hon members and our esteemed guests, after visiting all the host cities, the airports and some ports of entry, health facilities, stadiums and venues for fan parks and public viewing areas, and after having held hearings with almost all the main stakeholders, we are ready to report to Parliament.
Starting with the tourism aspects, the progress and plans for fan parks took into account arrangements for small businesses, convenience for fans and security for all. The same applied to the public viewing areas. We believe that we shall be ready in all these aspects.
At the time of the oversight visit, signage was a concern. But right now, coming from different parts of the country, our members have expressed satisfaction with what they have seen since then. Overpricing has been a concern and has been watched closely by the Minister as a result. We can report now that the industry is well aware of the undesirable impact of overpricing and will be in line with pricing associated with peak periods. Although we might have had some problems then, all of them now seem to have been sorted out. Indeed, we are also proud to report that all our airports are clean and well maintained, as well as well resourced.
On matters of health, we checked casualty wards, chemists, trauma units, intensive care units, burn units and blood banks - all resources and capacities. We are satisfied and say that we are ready in as far as looking after injuries and any trauma that could be experienced during the World Cup is concerned.
We are confident about the future of our motherland and that of our continent. We love being African, given the quality of what we have produced with our own hands. None of the airports has failed to impress us. The character, creativity and beauty of being South African cannot be better expressed. I have been to many modern countries, including England, France and Belgium, and I can confidently say that our airports are without doubt among the best and cleanest in the world. [Applause.]
On other deliverables, we have to look at the optimisation of the legacy of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. What type of legacy are we likely to get from this mega event, the biggest event on earth? For instance, we have to look at the managerial risk, the security risk and the reputation risk. The type of hospitality, the quality of service our guests receive, together with the provision of a safe environment will go a long way as far as these are concerned.
We have confronted our tasks with all the vim, verve and vibrancy we are capable of. Using our capacity, four days ago we hosted one of the biggest ultramarathons on earth, spanning about 90 km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg - that is the Comrades Marathon. It could be even longer, at 96 km. This marathon really tests your mental state, your physical state, your capacity, your dedication, your guts - and every runner is pushed to the limit.
It consists of more than 20 000 athletes and more than a million spectators, and organisers are tested to the limit in the process. Not a single incident was reported with regard to crime associated with this event. The only injuries reported were those associated with the sport, and they were all attended to on time, appropriately and effectively. It was spectacular, despite its daunting magnitude. Logistically, everything went as planned. The Comrades Marathon is one of the biggest events on earth and, four days ago, we accomplished it with flying colours.
That is what South Africans, black and white, working together, can achieve, as they do every year. In that event everyone, irrespective of their outlook, is a comrade, prepared to help anyone without any questions asked. We may say many things about ourselves, but this clearly indicates that we are a great nation, warts and all.
Let me use this opportunity to thank the hon Thabethe and the members of committees that went on the oversight visit. Let the games begin. The lights are on. It is time for South Africa to shine. We are ready. Ke Nako! [It is here!]
Tshifhinga ndi tshone. Murumba nga u tambele tshanda. Kha i shome! Ndi a livhuwa. [U vhanda zwanda.] [It is time. Let the games begin. Get ready! I thank you. [Applause.]]
Shine, South Africa! Shine! Shine, Africa! Shine! Feel it! It is here. I thank you. [Applause.]