THE image that South Africa portrayed since the start of the World Cup as being hospitable and warm should not cease when the tournament ends, Department of International Relations and Cooperation director-general Ayanda Ntsaluba said.

THE image that South Africa portrayed since the start of the World Cup as being hospitable and warm should not cease when the tournament ends, Department of International Relations and Cooperation director-general Ayanda Ntsaluba said.

"People have created a positive picture of our country that in future they have to build on," Ntsaluba said yesterday in Pretoria.

He said the World Cup had, so far, proved that the country was ready to host an event of any magnitude. Ntsaluba added that the government had already started preparations for the closing of the tournament.

He would not confirm which heads of state would attend, but added: "We cannot but celebrate the passing of Ghana to the second stage." - Sapa