South Africa 2010

The Passionate Host in 2010

Wandering along the Jacaranda lined avenues of Rosebank, taking in some fresh air on a Friday lunchtime I detect a certain buzz in the atmosphere. Almost everywhere I look I see someone wearing a yellow t-shirt. Asking one of the girls heading back into her office I learn of their significance – it is the Bafana Bafana shirt, the football strip of the South African football team. Ever since 2nd March, when the 100 day countdown began, there has been active encouragement from employers for their staff to don team colours in support of the national team. Bafana Bafana means “Boys” or “Little Ones” and their extended family has certainly taken them to heart. Many employers are raising funds for charities by charging employees R10 to wear a Bafana shirt, but R20 to wear a shirt from another country. That’s patriotism for you!

Talking to people about their emotions, most are feeling excited rather than apprehensive. I get the impression that although the clock is now most certainly ticking for those unfinished stadiums, the phrase South Africa 2010 conjures up pride and excitement. People feel great because they are the hosts. The whole country may be busy and perhaps beginning to panic a little, but this is not a country that wants to worry. “Bring it on”, as one keen citizen, remarked excitedly!

South Africa is largely known for its natural wonders – Drakensberg Mountains, Kruger Park and of course Table Mountain. Now welcome to South Africa 2010! The spotlight is on the passion of the people. Football has long been rooted in the culture of South Africa and was one of the few sports, and indeed activities, that managed to transcend race during the apartheid era. The fans of Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, the dominant Soweto clubs, have a zealous devotion, which I’m sure will become all too apparent at their local Soccer City stadium on 11th June.

The sound of the Vuvuzelas, instantly synonymous with South African football will soon be making its way into the consciousness of anyone within earshot. I have already seen shops selling them in the colours of whichever of the 32 teams I may choose to support. Of course the airport shops have taken the brand of South Africa 2010 to the extreme. There are wing-mirror hoods, flags of all sizes, t-shirts, jumpers, hats & scarves (remember it’s going to be cold!) and even flip-flops for those misguided Europeans.