By Clayton Barnes, 2010 Writer
Fifa president Sepp Blatter, President Jacob Zuma and other heads of state will be welcomed at the World Cup final draw in style: they will walk along a red carpet and be photographed and interviewed by the world's media before the hotly-anticipated event.
Unveiling the city's plans for the final draw next week, Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said Cape Town was ready to welcome the more than 3 000 international dignitaries expected to attend the event.
He said the eyes of the world would be on Cape Town, and that citizens should take "full advantage" of the opportunity to showcase "our unique culture".
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"The city will be pulling out all the stops to demonstrate its professionalism, creativity and expertise through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Plato. "Africa's greatest city is ready to host the world."
To make residents and visitors feel part of the final draw, the city has organised a one-day festival in Long Street from 2pm to 11pm on December 4.
Plato said that aside from creating a sense of excitement among locals, the event was aimed at showcasing a "safe street revellers' experience" to an international audience.
Guests and dignitaries will arrive at the Cape Town International Convention Centre through a small replica of Table Mountain, which is being built for the event, on to the red carpet where the world's media is expected to gather.
Lesley de Reuck, the city's 2010 operations director, said Long Street and the adjoining streets would be closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian zone from Wale Street to the Long Street baths for the day.
Local artists including Freshlyground, Jimmy Dludlu and TKZee are expected to entertain party-goers.
The annual switching-on of the festive lights in Adderley Street on Sunday will kickstart the week-long celebration.
The ceremony will be accompanied by a concert and a 2 000-strong carnival parade.
"For these three events, several hundred officials from metro police, traffic services, law enforcement, fire and rescue and a number of other departments will be deployed," said De Reuck.
An integrated safety and security plan was also being developed by the police for each event, he said.
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This article was originally published on page 4 of Cape Argus on November 23, 2009
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