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Minister: Mandela to Attend World Cup Opening Ceremony

   VOA News 03 June 2010
   Former  South  African President Nelson Mandela smiles as he holds the
   FIFA World Cup trophy at the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South
   Africa, 6 May 2010

Photo: AP

   Former  South  African President Nelson Mandela smiles as he holds the
   FIFA World Cup trophy at the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South
   Africa, 6 May 2010

   South  Africa's  sports  minister says former President Nelson Mandela
   will attend the opening and closing ceremony of football's World Cup.
   The  Mandela  family had previously said the 91-year-old statesman was
   too   frail   to  attend  the  sporting  event,  which  kicks  off  in
   Johannesburg June 11.
   But  Sports  Minister  Makhenkesi  Stofile confirmed Thursday that the
   renowned  statesman  requested  and  was  granted  tickets to both the
   opening and closing ceremonies.
   Although  Mr. Mandela has scaled down his appearances in recent years,
   he helped campaign for the World Cup to be held in his home country.
   Sepp   Blatter,   president   of   FIFA,  the  international  football
   federation,  said it is fitting that the revered anti-apartheid leader
   will be able to attend.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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