On Friday, the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture under the guidance of Minister Zizi Kodwa launched the 2023 Netball World Cup 50-day countdown celebration at the Kenworth Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein.
When is the 2023 Netball World Cup?
The launch is being conducted in partnership with the Free State Provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
As 8 June marked exactly 50 days toward the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled for 28 July – 6 August 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the government hosted an event to galvanise the entire society behind the Spar Proteas.
Minister Kodwa was accompanied by Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu, six provincial MECs of sport, arts, culture, and recreation alongside their HODs.
The 50th Day Countdown event aimed to create an enabling space for members of the media to also engage the Minister, Deputy Minister and various MECs on updates about their planned respective provincial trophy tours inclusive of how others unfolded.
The event also gave an update on the upcoming activities as provinces prepare to host various public viewing and fun parks ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup.
The occasion encompassed a hype of activities and special giveaways to the public.
The activation also served as a precursor to the upcoming Free State Province Netball World Cup 2023 trophy tour scheduled to take place between 14 and 18 June throughout the province.
On Thursday, Cabinet urged South Africans to get into the spirit of the tournament where 16 nations will be participating in the tournament including the country’s own Proteas.
Supporters are urged to fly the flag and the Protea colours on Fridays each week and communities in Cape Town and elsewhere are urged to prepare to host international players and guests who are likely to visit all parts of the country.
“South Africa works diligently and innovatively to attract such global events which place a spotlight on the country and create economic opportunities and support jobs in a range of sectors,” Cabinet said in a statement.