THE  first official event to launch South  Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™  takes place in Cape Town on December  4 and the City of Cape  Town   is pulling out all stops to demonstrate  its readiness to welcome thousands of soccer fans and  dignitaries.

The FIFA Final Draw, which will determine the match schedule for the  32 participating teams in next year’s soccer tournament, will be  held at 19:00 on Friday, December 4 at the Cape Town International  Convention Centre (CTICC).

"About 3 000 international dignitaries and media representatives are  expected to attend this milestone event which will be televised live  to an estimated 150 million viewers across the globe. This is a once  in a lifetime opportunity for Cape Town to put its best foot  forward," says Lesley de Reuck, the City’s Director of 2010  Operations.

"To welcome VIPs at the CTICC, the City of Cape Town will  host a ‘Red Carpet’ event as from 16:00. Although the Final Draw  ceremony will be closed to the public, the City has organised a one  day festival in Long Street where Capetonians can view the Final  Draw on large TV screens," says De Reuck.

"Prior to and during the events, several roads will be closed  temporarily to enable event organisers and various City and  Provincial services to prepare and secure these venues," says De  Reuck.

For the Final Draw event at the CTICC, there will be intermittent  road closures on the Foreshore in the area of Lower Long Street,  Coen Steytler and Cullinan Street, from 09:00 on  Monday   November 30 to 05:00 on Monday December 7.

For the Long Street Festival, there will be a full closure of Long  Street, from Buitensingel to Buiten Street, and Loop  Street, from 13:00 on November 30 to  05:00 on December 7.

From 01:00 on December 4 to 12:00 on December 5, there will be road  closures in the area bound by Queen Victoria Street,  Green  Street, Buitensingel, Loop  Streetand Dorp  Street.

Buiten  Street, Bloem  Street, Pepper  Street, Leeuwen  Street, Wale  Street, Keerom  Streetand Vredenburg  Lanewill also be  affected.

 On-street stopping or  parking will not be permitted on Long Street from Buitensingel to  Buiten from 17:00 on Sunday 29  November.

Access control measures will enable businesses and residents entry  to the affected areas.

 "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these street closures  and wish to thank all Capetonians in advance for their  co-operation.

 "To minimise traffic disruptions, Cape Town Traffic services will be  on duty to redirect motorists and pedestrians. There will also be  sufficient signage pointing towards alternative routes," he  says.

For more information on the Long Street road closures only, please  contact 072 324 2476.

Ends

Issued  by the Communication Department, City of Cape  Town