Job well done - Zuma

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma on Saturday urged South Africans to "pat ourselves on the back" on the eve of the World Cup final and called for celebrations to continue until the last whistle.

"We are coming to the end of a historic, vibrant and very African FIFA Soccer World Cup," Zuma said in a statement.

"As we look forward to the final match between the Netherlands and Spain, let us pat ourselves on the back for a job well done so far."

Zuma thanked South Africans for "putting the country first" in the first World Cup on African soil, which he said had exceeded the government's expectations.

"Let us keep celebrating, let the vuvuzelas keep blowing and let the football festival continue at Soccer City and the fan parks until the final whistle. This has been a truly inspiring, moving and uplifting month."

Zuma also praised locals for "embracing one another and Africa", for opening their hearts and the country to the world, and for redirecting support to other teams once the national squad Bafana Bafana bowed out.

"We thank you most sincerely for making this a truly African World Cup. The committed support given to Ghana and other African teams displayed African unity, love and solidarity in practice," he added.

Zuma said a thank-you programme will be launched for locals.

"They are the stars and champions of this tournament," said Zuma.

"As government we will launch a programme soon to thank South Africans in different sectors. They deserve to celebrate in style."