At the 120^th session held this morning in Beijing, the IOC decided that Durban will be given the right to host the 123^rd session of the IOC.  Durban had been shortlisted with Hong Kong and we won the bid by 67 votes to 22.  The fact that we reached the final stage is itself an important milestone and for that we should be proud, but to have been awarded the right to host the session is an incredible honour. 

Minister Stofile led our delegation and in his presentation he argued that “ No IOC General Assembly has ever been hosted on the African soil before. We want to use the 2011 Session as an opportunity to show the world the opportunities and possibilities that Africa can offer.  We want to show that Africa is a continent of hope and enthusiasm.  South Africa has an excellent infrastructure and an advanced technology and sophisticated business systems. Preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are contributing tremendously to the upgrade of our facilities and organizing capacity. South Africa has successfully organized more than 15 mega-events since 1994.  Many of them have been held in Durban, and ALL of them have been incident-free...The IOC was the first international sports organisation to associate itself with the struggle against apartheid. In 1992 the foundations for a free South Africa were laid. In order to encourage this, the IOC welcomed South African athletes to the Barcelona Games...We would want to use 2011 as an opportunity to thank the IOC for what they have done for us and for what they continue to do for us...Granting us the opportunity to host you in 2011 would reinforce our place as part of the family of sporting nations in this the 90^th year of our iconic leader, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela...Help us pay tribute to the legacy of all Great Olympic athletes from Africa. Assist us as we entrench the Olympic Spirit among our people. Allow us to expose the Olympic Committee members to the warmth and friendship of our people.”  The Minister’s leadership and enthusiastic support throughout our bid was wonderful.

Sam Ramsamy was instrumental in directing us and leading our preparations and together with the Minister he made the presentation to the delegates.  Throughout the week I have been amazed at the respect the international Olympic community has for Sam and the work he has done and we owe him a great debt of gratitude. Few realise that Sam is on the Executive Board of the IOC -- one of 15 out of the 115 IOC members.

Mayor Obed Mlaba was ecstatic and with our winning bid and said: “On behalf of the city of Durban, I am delighted that we have won the right to host such an important and prestigious event.  It comes on the eve of our team’s formal reception in Beijing and a day before our athletes attend the Opening of the Beijing Olympics and is great news for Durban, South Africa and Africa”.  Thanks must go to Julie-May Ellingson (Head: Strategic Projects and 2010 Programme) and Sue Bannister (Deputy Head) who put together the bid over the past eight months.

The 123^rd session will mean a lot for us, not only economically and from a marketing point of view, but it will be the first time the IOC hosts such a prestigious meeting in Africa, but will also allow us to thank them on our home soil for supporting us in the struggle against racism and sexism.