Visit to Algeria by the 2010 FIFA World Cup International Cooperation Committee's “KE NAKO ROADSHOW”, 16-19 February 2010
On 16-19 February 2010 the International Coordination Committee (ICC) team visited Algeria to launch the “Ke Nako Road Show”. The Road Show is aimed at employing a comprehensive and collaborative approach towards engaging, exposing and inspiring Africa and all qualified countries about South Africa’s readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Road Show was premised on the following pillars:
- Media engagement;
- Exhibition and marketing of South Africa and 2010 FIFA World Cup;
- Mass mobilisation/outreach programme, and
- Local stakeholder engagement
During their visit to Algeria, the ICC delegation held engagements with the Algerian government; media and interacted with the public through its mass mobilisation/outreach programme.
The ICC delegation consisted of the following members: Ms Grace Khoza, Director: Marketing, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Ms Zengeziwe Msimang, Deputy Director: Strategic Communications, DIRCO; Mr George Chuene, Assistant Director: Video Unit, DIRCO; Ms Duduzile Mazibuko, Chief Director: 2010 FIFA World Cup Project Manager, Department of Arts and Culture (DAC); Ms Nompumelo Malebye, Deputy Director: International Relations, DAC; Mr Aubrey Sekhabi, Artistic Director, Pretoria State Theatre, DAC; Mr France Sesedinyane, Deputy Director: Arts, Culture and Society, DAC; Mr Trevor Chueu, Public Relations Account Manager, International Marketing Council (IMC) and Mr Loyiso Stofile, Marketing Services Coordinator, IMC.
Upon their arrival in Algeria on 16 February 2010, the ICC had the opportunity to address the Algerian media about the objectives of the “Ke Nako Road Show”. The ICC Head of Delegation, Ms Khoza supported by the Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires, Mr Kaya Somgqeza responded to a number of questions from the media about the purpose of the “Ke Nako Road Show”. In addition to this, questions were also asked about matters pertaining to Visa requirements for Algerians planning to go to South Africa for the football tournament; accommodation; availability of match tickets; transport and safety and security measures in place.
It is also important to point out that there was media presence throughout the ICC’s various engagements as per its programme. In addition the ICC’s Head of Delegation Ms Khoza as well the 2010 FIFA World Cup Project Manager in the Department of Arts and Culture, Ms Duduzile Mazibuko represented the delegation in two live television interviews on 16 and 18 February 2010 respectively with the Algerian National Television Stations namely Canal Algerie and A3.
The ICC’s media engagements in Algeria concluded on 18 February 2010 with the hosting of a Press Conference that was held at the Cultural Palace in Algiers just before the cocktail function. One-on-one media interview sessions were also held in the aftermath of the Press Conference.
Moreover, as part of its Exhibition and Mass Mobilisation campaign the ICC “Ke Nako Road Show” toured on 18 February 2010 the Lycee Sportif of Draria (National Sport High School of Draria), the Institute of Sport Sciences and Technologies of Dely Brahim as well as the Offices of the Wali (Premier) of Algiers. These meetings enabled the ICC delegation and the Embassy to carry out their Mass Mobilisation strategy for the purposes of disseminating key information and publicity material about the World Cup.
The attendance of the Algerian public in the three locations of the ICC’s Mass Mobilisation campaign was positive given the large number of people from the different age groups and gender that participated. Furthermore, the Algerian media was also present during the entire course of the mass mobilisation campaign. The Road Show thus added to the football frenzy that has pervaded Algeria following the qualification of the Algerian national team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.