By Christelle Terreblanche
International Relations director-general Ayanda Ntsaluba has admitted that the costs incurred to accommodate foreign heads of state during the World Cup had not been budgeted for.
"Our president has invited them, so we will accommodate them here for a maximum of two days," he said.
"But they will pay for their own transportation here as is customary practice for state visits. We will provide security, protocol, accommodation and we will ensure they are welcomed properly at the airport.".
Ntsaluba could not confirm that up to 50 of the 52 African leaders, who President Jacob Zuma issued with special invitations to the first African World Cup, have accepted. This meant he could also not provide an estimate of the total bill: "We still are getting the RSVP's in."
Most are expected to arrive on June 10, the day before the opening match. Many of the same dignitaries are also scheduled to visit South Africa during the tournament for a global summit to ensure that 75 million children around the world get access to teaching.
Presidency spokesman Zizi Kodwa said The 1GOAL: Education for All campaign and summit wuould be part of Fifa's legacy work in Africa and other poor regions globally, adding that all the heads of state and eminent persons invited would be treated to "an African feast".