The City has also lined up numerous cultural activities for the day including poetry, dance, the singing of the National Anthem and flying the South African flag for football.

SAMA award-winners JR and Rhythmic Elements will headline the live performances along with Tshwane’s development musicians and bands.

The festivities, which have already kicked off, will see a World Cup branded bus touring three target areas, first stopping at the Tshwane University Technology (TUT), Soshanguve campus, the Central City Parking lot in the CBD and will then proceed to Winterveldt Shoprite corner.

Thereafter festivities will begin at Slovo Park in Winterveldt at midday with keynote addresses and entertainment taking place until 5pm.

The City will also host the National Press Club networking forum at Loftus Versfeld to give members of the media an update and an overview of its plans.

Executive Mayor, Gwen Ramokgopa, says the city has made commendable progress in preparing for this world-class event.

“The people of Tshwane are an integral part of this success and thus it is important that we regularly engage them on our progress and plans as the opening of the tournament draws nearer.

“The 50- day celebration is a great platform for us to do this; hence we are taking advantage of this opportunity to update the public on the exciting developments that will be taking place in their city,� said Ramokgopa.

Godfrey Nkwane, CEO of the City’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Programme, announced that the city will hand over Loftus Versfeld to FIFA on 24 May. –BuaNews