As Beijing 2008 drew to its glittering finale, the focus of the sporting world turned to the next big one - the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Top delegates from China and South Africa gathered at the Westin Beijing Financial Street for the official showcasing of Johannesburg-Host City of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

(Left: Lindiwie Mahlangu CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company)Top of the agenda was talking and exchanging ideas about hosting the world’s two great sporting events. Miss Lindiwie Mahlangu Chief Executive Officer of Johannesburg Tourism Company, and Anthony Baffoe, FIFA World Cup Ambassador, led discussions at the evening reception, which provided a great opportunity to grasp the momentum and buzz of the Beijing Games and carry it over to the FIFA 2010 World Cup. VIPS included reigning Miss World, Zi Lin Zhang of China.

(Above: Julie Morley, President, Miss World Organisation; Lindiwie Mahlangu; Graham Cooke President of World Travel Awards; Miss World, Zi Lin Zhang)

Talking about host city Johannesburg, Lindiwie Mahlangu said: “It’s ready! It’s where you find the best of the world with a twist of Africa. We are more than ready for the world in 2010. We await you with enthusiasm to offer you the warmest of African welcomes.”

Ex Ghanaian international and FIFA World Cup Ambassador, Anthony Baffoe (pictured left), said: “I love the city because it mixes the best of Europe, Asia and Africa. The first time I went to Joburg I just fell in love with the city and its people - it’s extremely culturally diverse and cosmopolitan. I am a polyglot who has lived in many huge cities across the world and still I maintain there’s no place like Joburg.”
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