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Durban - World Cup visitors have been so impressed with South African hospitality they will become the country’s tourism ambassadors when they return to their countries, Durban's mayor said on Thursday.

Obed Mlaba told Sapa he met many visitors who had been singing the host country's praises.

“They will go back with a different view of our country. Many came here thinking that they were visiting a very harsh and hostile country. They have been treated well and they are happy.”

He said he had interacted with visitors during games played in Durban and the opening game in Soccer City, Johannesburg between Bafana Bafana and Mexico.

Pre-match sessions

“The premier (Dr Zweli Mkhize) has also made it easy for us to interact with our visitors by organising pre-match sessions. That is where we tell our visitors who we are and what we can offer.”

Another pre-match lunch has been organised for the Brazil and Portugal game on Friday, Mkhize’s office said on Wednesday.

Mlaba said Durban had been praised for ensuring the smooth running of World Cup matches, and of logistics for fans visiting the city.

“The authorities have done all the planning and implementation, it is the local residents who extended their hospitality to local and foreign visitors.”

He said he was impressed by councillors who were entertaining visitors at the Bridge City shopping mall, between the city and Inanda township.

“Those visitors were not guarded by the police, but the local people who created that comfort and the sense of security for our guests.”

Mlaba said security measures around the city would not be relaxed after the World Cup, as part of the "new approach" to fighting crime.