South Africa’s image has been boosted since the International Netball Federation announced Cape Town as the host city for the 2023 Netball World Cup earlier this month.
It is not surprising that South Africa is internationally regarded as a favourite destination for sporting competitions, thanks to a wonderful track record as host nation dating back to 1995, when the Springboks won their debut World Cup in front of an astounded home crowd, led by the nation’s most iconic figurehead, President Nelson Mandela.
The choice of South Africa to host 2023 Netball World Cup will have taken into account the success of the historic 2010 Fifa World Cup, and there is a feeling that netball’s showpiece event could spark significant support for SA women’s sport over the next four years.
The unprecedented support inspired in 1995 and 2010 has powered the heartbeat of South African sport, and continues to inspire South Africans to believe in the transformative power of sport.
This nation’s proud reputation as a world-class sporting destination of choice has been enjoyed by live and global television audiences at other major events including the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2009 Indian Premier League T20 competition, the 2013 Caf African Nations Cup, and the 2014 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
Alongside these great opportunities that strengthen the country’s image, South African athletes are proudly flying the flag on the global stage. In 2019 alone, there are at least four opportunities for South Africa to shine at World Cups.
The Springboks, Proteas, Banyana Banyana and the Proteas netball team will all be hoping to bring glory to the rainbow nation.
Let’s not forget the World Athletics Championships in September, where top athletes go for gold. Brand South Africa together with its stakeholders will support our national team and tell a story of how they inspire new and different ways.
This is the start of an incredible four years that will see the South African flag flying high both from a host and participation perspective.
Let the flags unfurl, let the Anthem ring proudly … South Africa is ready for the world!
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation.
Kass Naidoo is editor and founder of gsport4girls, South Africa’s longest running online initiative in support of women’s sport. Check out @kassnaidoo and @gsport4girls on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information on Brand South Africa, log on to www.brandsouthafrica.com or like facebook.com/BrandSouthAfrica and follow @BrandSouthAfrica on Instagram and Twitter for regular updates.
