Zuma also took a swipe at those who doubted South Africa's ability to hold one of the world's most watched sporting events, saying the spectacle was a celebration for fellow African states who had helped in the fight against white apartheid rule.
"After many years of planning and hard work, we can tonight celebrate the long road we have journeyed together in our preparations for this first African World Cup," Zuma said in a speech prepared for a World Cup banquet.
"South Africa has come alive and will never be the same again after this World Cup."
"The infrastructure development will continue as part of the World Cup legacy to benefit all South Africans in years to come and enable all citizens to have improved access to services and infrastructure.
"After the final whistle, we have to ensure through effective development programmes, that football becomes a truly unifying and meaningful sport for our people as part of the legacy of the World Cup," Zuma added.
"I am sure it will be the greatest World Cup in history," Blatter said.
"The challenge for employers is to ensure that there is some productivity at work this month," Zuma quipped.
