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Thumbs up for flying the flag

THE South African Football Supporters Association has praised the Department of Arts and Culture for using the 2010 World Cup as a vehicle to promote the national flag, saying the campaign has helped unite the country.

THE South African Football Supporters Association has praised the Department of Arts and Culture for using the 2010 World Cup as a vehicle to promote the national flag, saying the campaign has helped unite the country.

Led by Minister Lulu Xingwana, the department started with the campaign early this year when South Africans were urged to fly the flag, a campaign that proved to be a resounding success in all nine provinces.

This was in addition to the Football Friday campaign in which South Africans were encouraged to wear the Bafana Bafana jerseys on Fridays.

Safsa executive member Gladys Bailey said they were encouraged by the government's role in mobilising South Africans across racial lines to proudly fly the country's flag and educate the citizens on the national symbols.

"One of the legacy projects of the World Cup for us as supporters of the beautiful game is to see so many people flying the South African flag," Bailey said.

"Our flag is now one of the most popular items in the market during this tournament because young and old are buying it in large numbers.

"The business of selling the national flag is booming despite the early bombing out of Bafana Bafana. We want to congratulate the Department of Arts and Culture for coming on board in addition to the 17 World Cup guarantees by our government, which is commendable."

Xingwana's department has also roped in 999 boss Arthur Mafokate to educate South Africans about the national flag and how to handle it.

Afro-pop siren Chomee is leading the campaign on behalf of the stable.

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