Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk made the announcement at an event in Sandton, where he also launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism for South Africans.
“We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas’ stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination," he enthused.
“We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country."
The former Leeds United skipper will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.
Radebe says he is honoured, proud and excited to play this role. “Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world’s biggest sporting spectacular," he said. "I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world’s greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans.
“I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country, not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world.”
Radebe, who was born in Diepkloof, Soweto on April 12, 1969, is one of a family of ten children.
He made his international debut playing for South Africa against Cameroon on July 7, 1992, and went on to earn 70 caps for South Africa before moving from Kaizer Chiefs to Leeds United in 1994.
‘The Chief’, as he was nicknamed by Leeds fans’, captained Leeds United from 1998 to 2002, before retiring from football in 2005.
In December 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid soccer of racism, as well as for his work with children in South Africa.
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