Dr. Nelson Holihlahla Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the bid announcement in Zurich, South Africa as the host country.
World On Press
Ian Jindela
It all begun with the announcement of South Africa to host the World cup. The joy fell upon Africa. It captured world attention. The excitement went far as in Gautrain, Soccer city, road construction and with newly build hotels. The call made by FIFA president - Sir Blatter couldn’t resist South Africans. It was a celebration with triumphant ambiance; the world looked upon Africa as swarm. The 2010 as a number became a buzz word to all, even the poor of the poorest overflows with exhilaration. It is now and the world is upon us. Major security measures have been done and dealt with.
A young football fan from a rural disadvantage background whom his dream is to experience live soccer match stadium along other soccer fans, can only dream as FIFA announced the ticketing system. The system that needs educated background to follow - In the village near by there is not even a clinic or safe water to drink. Let alone the bank to apply for the soccer game tickets. His dreams are shuttered. Not even an underground mine worker can access the ticketing system, as it is for the literate ones. His only hope is the SABC broadcast of all channels both TV and Radio.
Meanwhile the resent 9 city and 10 stadiums media tour is a proof that South Africa is ready to host the world class soccer tournament, not forgetting the unfinished mess of road construction. Today the same host country will also host an inaugural FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert in June in the township of Soweto. The performance line up has at the moment been dominated by European and American artists. One wonders if this world cup is really in Africa. Mother Africa must be in tears were she is now. What happened to the host country’s dream and passion to partake in the world sporting event? Not only that Soweto is a township and the tickets start from R400 to R1.500. The concert will be produced and organized by a Eurocentric American company. Do we lack homegrown world class producers and organizers for such events? Our country is rich of crafted first class talent and musicians. We hold Grammy award winners and nominees to date. We have managed to host other world class events. During the inaugural of President Obama not a single South African artist participated.
2010 volunteers training held recently held at Sandton Convention Centre whilst the taxi operation decided to go on strike, LOC expected volunteers to pitch for the training that took more than six hours. They came in numbers expecting to be fully catered and taken care. Most of the volunteers who attended were from poor backgrounds. On arrival the food pack which includes 250 ml juice, apple, small packet of peanut, snack simba chips and a dry roll was the order of the day. One could see that the hunger was all over during the training. The volunteers could only survive by water points at the venue entrance. Thanks to the LOC for their hospitality.
This 2010 is no more the dream it’s a reality. I have been on many FIFA and OC related occasions with their five star treatment meals. Our volunteer gets shocking hospitality and expected to smile and welcome visitors at all the time during the world cup tournament. Is our precious South Africa hired out to host the world cup?
Tata Mandela must be in tears with all of these Eurocentric yet American moves in our motherland.
Africa deserves better. They tried to discourage and shake the countries readiness with their fault bomb scare and blaming poor marketing strategy towards the World Cup. What happened to the excitement brought by the Mandela’s? Free Africa for all. Our African legacy has fallen apart. The struggle is not over. Is South Africa worth in making its own decisions to host and organize the event? Are we going to allow the visitor to take control of our house? It is our ball and it is on our shores. What happened to our president’s spirit of “working together we can do more?” How much is to be done before we realize this was not our tournament we were just hired because of the great facilities Africa has. I am a prisoner in my country, set me free. Yes you can! My words are through, my experience since the announcement of the host country for 2010 world cup have been all but nothing for us and about us. Are we free yet? It’s a shame…We have been taken for a long ride. This is a message to the world and awake up call to African son.
