JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — South Africa president Jacob Zuma said yesterday that his country “needed the World Cup”, which gets underway tomorrow, adding “it was a vote of confidence from the international community”.

Zuma was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 60th Congress of FIFA, world football’s governing body.

“There are some monents which define the history of a country. Tonight we are on the verge of living one of these moments when the 2010 World Cup gets underway,” said Zuma.

“What an honour, what a privilege for our democracy of 16 years.”

Zuma concluded his address by reading a message of goodwill from former president Nelson Mandela, whom he described as “our icon who continues to inspire us with his love of humanity and of his country and its people.

“Everybody in our country loves him and we dedicate the World Cup to him.”

In his message, Mandela said: “Dear friends, today we mark another day in the story of our democracy. We welcome for the first time the 208 members of FIFA.”

He added: “The 2010 World Cup is more than just a simple game. It symbolises the power of football to bring people together regardless of their language, colour of their skin, their politics or religion.”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter thanked the efforts made by Zuma and the people of South Africa in the organisation of the World Cup which is taking place on the continent for the first time.

“The people here have made the dream a reality – to welcome the World Cup on African soil for the first time.”