Another 8 teams have fallen by the wayside since the last post, but Ghana is now carrying the hope of all Africans. Suddenly there is a revitalization of soccer enthusiasm among the South Africans who still care to keep up with the happening – just when I thought the chance to experience the world cup had been buried with the elimination of Bafana Bafana. However, it does not seem like Ghana’s success provides any ramifications in the socio-political spectrum of the South African population. I visited the Soweto and Johannesburg fan parks during a couple of the matches that were staged this past week, the attendance were dismal. There were just over a couple of hundred people at each park, compared to thousands who thronged these large screen venues during the initial weeks. Germany’s parks really set the bar very high in 2006 because they all maintained huge numbers of fans throughout the world cup, even after host nation was knocked out by France.
I interviewed two heads of small-scale accommodation businesses, one in Rustenburg (north-west of Johannesburg) and another in Bloemfontein this past weekend. Both towns played host to big games, USA/Ghana and Germany/England respectively, which put pressure on their businesses since all teams have a huge number of travelling fans. Both expressed some degree of satisfaction with the way their businesses have benefited during the world cup. However, they still expressed disappointment over the way contracts were awarded by FIFA’s hospitality partner, MATCH, citing a few irregularities especially towards smaller businesses.
The CEO of ESKOM pleaded with the workers’ union Thursday encouraging them that they must shelve the strike plan. The union is adamant that they are going ahead with the strike because negotiations have been stalled some more for long enough. The worry has now extended beyond the country’s image during this world cup, but also to the effect that loadshedding could have in the ordinary citizen’s life…at least the CEO cited that! On the other hand, the economic consultancy group economics.co.za have reiterated the fact that the employment situation in South Africa is desperate – is the world cup doing enough, or will it, to help the central authorities deal with this issue that bedevils the country? Can Pretoria live up to its political discourse of addressing the plight of over 20 million unemployed South Africans?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The African World Cup: Part Two
“Bittersweet End for Bafana: Victory in defeat as we continue to host the world’s biggest event”, the headline on the frontpage of one South Africa’s leading daily newpapers, The Star. South Africa’s national soccer team defeated the rebellious French team but could not avoid elimination. In the process, Bafana Bafana became the first ever host nation to be eliminated in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup since its inception in 1930. This further spoiled the otherwise vibrant atmosphere that greeted visitors in the days leading up to the kickoff of the tournament. The nation was clearly unenthusiastic about the game, with game day passing like any other day: minimal vuvuzela blowing, very few people wearing the gold and/or green Bafana regalia, and everyone getting about their normal business. And although there was some sense of pride over the win, that did not last long. We wait to see how far-reaching will the national team’s exit have on the socio-political prospects of South Africa.
On the other hand, the quarterly economic report shows that unemployment has risen by an annualized rate over 6 percent, mostly as a result of a shrink in the construction industry. This was exacerbated by the completion of construction and infrastructural-related projects associated with the FIFA World Cup, which resulted in a 10.2 percent decline in construction. Immigration authorities have also recorded an increased influx in returning immigrants who have found the going tough in industrialized nations amid the slow global economic recovery. How optimistic should the country be about the much publicized economic payoffs? The negotiations between ESKOM and National Union of Miners, in auspices of the workers, broke down on Thursday without any consensus. This is worrisome to the tournament organizers as well as politicians, both of whom will have seemingly failed on their mandates – to deliver a successful world cup to citizens and the rest of the world. Event security has been exceptional thus far with no major reports of crime, which is commendable given that this existed as the main worry.
Ayoba from South Africa, it’s here…but can we still feel it?
On the other hand, the quarterly economic report shows that unemployment has risen by an annualized rate over 6 percent, mostly as a result of a shrink in the construction industry. This was exacerbated by the completion of construction and infrastructural-related projects associated with the FIFA World Cup, which resulted in a 10.2 percent decline in construction. Immigration authorities have also recorded an increased influx in returning immigrants who have found the going tough in industrialized nations amid the slow global economic recovery. How optimistic should the country be about the much publicized economic payoffs? The negotiations between ESKOM and National Union of Miners, in auspices of the workers, broke down on Thursday without any consensus. This is worrisome to the tournament organizers as well as politicians, both of whom will have seemingly failed on their mandates – to deliver a successful world cup to citizens and the rest of the world. Event security has been exceptional thus far with no major reports of crime, which is commendable given that this existed as the main worry.
Ayoba from South Africa, it’s here…but can we still feel it?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The African World Cup: Part One
Friday the 11th of July was a great day to be South African, and to be African. This day was the official opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – a truly historic moment for the continent! And there was everything to show for with South Africa playing against Mexico in the opening match. The game ended in a stalemate but South Africans thought they had every reason to be proud of Bafana Bafana, The Boys.
It was an outstanding atmosphere at the public viewing park in Sandton where I watched the game. South Africans from all walks of life had also gathered at viewing centers across the nation to witness the opening spectacle. According to official figures from FIFA, over 300,000 people were at the centers. In addition, approximately 10,500,000 also watched in the comfort of their homes and in pubs. Blacks, whites and coloreds had their voices in unison behind the team; the vuvuzelas were really loud whilst some sections of Sandton danced their afternoon away. The official opening ceremony was graced by performances by famous African artists, as well as Grammy Award winning R. Kelly who teamed up with the Soweto Gospel choir in the singing of the official theme song Sign of a Victory. South Africans are really excited to be playing host to the world’s most beautiful game, as evidenced by their behavior. As a foreigner, I was quite moved by what I experienced this afternoon and I am quite sure other nationals felt the same way. I came across fans from Costa Rica, Ireland, the United States (Seattle), England, Argentina, Nigeria and Korean Republic. Visitors to the rainbow nation are going to experience a world cup with a different touch to it, an African World Cup. This was an absolutely successful official opening, and South Africa truly made the continent proud. 
Over the past week, there have been a number of issues that have arisen concerning the tournament. On the second day, South Africa met the security requirements after matches involving England, the United States and Argentina were played without incidents. This security capacity has been carried on to other big games, the only glitch being that of a laser pen that was brought into Ellis Park Stadium. However, FIFA quickly reiterated that security personnel should bar these pens from getting into stadiums at all costs. Unfortunately, Sunday (the 13th) witnessed one of the fears that were raised prior to the beginning of the tournament: labor action. The security personnel that were contracted to man stadiums for the duration of the tournament staged demonstration outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban citing unfulfilled contract clauses. This derailed tournament plans and forced the Local Organizing Committee to negotiate with the South African Police Services for the latter to assume security duties at all venues across the country, which effectively meant over two thousand low-income security guards were fired. Details that have emerged and cited in media reports are that the parent company of Stallion Security had promised to pay the guards $200 each at the end of the tournament, a fraction more than the regular wage…“because it is the world cup”. Other guards claim that they enrolled for short-courses in event management, and others had erected temporary shelters in inner city Johannesburg’s Park Station because they could not afford commuting to their homes. Who is being short-changed? In addition, the National Union of Miners (NUM) consisting also of workers from the electricity company, ESCOM, have mass action set for Friday (18th) in response to stalled negotiations. Speaking to eNews, the chairman of NUM cited that their concerns lie with their families first before those of the country and the World Cup: if lights go out and there is no one to turn them back on is none of the workers’ concern.
On Wednesday, South Africa was humbled 0 – 3 by Uruguay in their second group game and this might prove to have dire consequences on the socio-political discourse. The next day, Thursday, I did not hear the sound of the vuvuzela neither did I see anyone wearing a Bafana Bafana jersey in Springs town. Does this spell the end of the experience for South Africans? This tournament was meant to emulate the feat achieved by the 1995 Rugby World Cup when the South African Springboks managed to win the tournament on their way to uniting a racially-divided nation. Now, if South Africa fails to make the second round of the tournament, what effect could this have on the expectations of uniting an economically-divided country? The team has a remote mathematical chance of making it into the round of sixteen, needing a massive victory against 2006 runners-up France whilst hoping that either Uruguay or Mexico win when the two Latin-American sides meet on the 22nd. Can the any of the teams save the country’s socio-political hopes?
The Vuvuzela Controversy
The football world woke up to participants’ complaints about the vuvuzela with the captain of the French team, Patrice Evra, attributing their lackluster performance to their inability to communicate whilst on the pitch to the noise of the instrument. He added that players fail to sleep because South African fans wake up really early to blow their vuvuzelas. This has given the organizers reason to review the role of the vuvuzela at this year’s finals. Below is the article carrying this story: thoughts?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8737455.stm
Personally, I think taking away the vuvuzela is unfair to football fans as well as to Africa. Recently I have noticed that even foreign fans have caught on the vuvuzela craze with branded instruments now being spotted at all games. And people definitely enjoy it, I know I did at the Sandton Fan Park, and this is one of the better experiences about the African showcase. Football matches have always been noisy, be it from instruments or voices. In Africa, the people have an appreciation for musical instruments. Drums beat in West African stadiums, vuvuzelas sound in South African stadiums!
The OC has however reiterated on Monday that the vuvuzela will only be barred from venues if, and when, it is thrown onto the pitch or used as a weapon. Guess that sweet news to all the fans, and a bold statement to players that they will have to continue playing in the sound of the vuvuzela.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8737455.stm
Personally, I think taking away the vuvuzela is unfair to football fans as well as to Africa. Recently I have noticed that even foreign fans have caught on the vuvuzela craze with branded instruments now being spotted at all games. And people definitely enjoy it, I know I did at the Sandton Fan Park, and this is one of the better experiences about the African showcase. Football matches have always been noisy, be it from instruments or voices. In Africa, the people have an appreciation for musical instruments. Drums beat in West African stadiums, vuvuzelas sound in South African stadiums!The OC has however reiterated on Monday that the vuvuzela will only be barred from venues if, and when, it is thrown onto the pitch or used as a weapon. Guess that sweet news to all the fans, and a bold statement to players that they will have to continue playing in the sound of the vuvuzela.
The preview
This is the post from last week...
The mood in South Africa leading up to the start of the World Cup has been phenomenal; everyone is bracing themselves for the spectacle. I arrived in the country a little over three weeks before the kick-off of the tournament and I felt, and definitely witnessed, great enthusiasm on the part South Africans; for being the host nation and also for their national team.
There were concerns about the suitability of South Africa as a host nation in terms of infrastructural and administrative capacity. Rumor had it that Australia was at stand-by to take-over the hosting in the event that South Africa failed to make enough progress toward meeting preparation targets. The successful staging of the 2009 Confederations’ Cup confirmed that the African nation is a deserving host of the world’s most popular event. Coincidentally, the last of the host stadia was handed over to Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, and will stage the opening and final games of this year’s showcase. The 95,000-seater Soccer City is arguably one of the best soccer stadiums in the world, rivaling the famous Wembley located just outside London. It is modeled after the calabash, an African brewing pot, to represent Africa’s identity in this African showpiece. The euphoria is a message to the world that South Africa, and indeed Africa, can stage a successful tournament.
On the other hand, worry about the host national team’s performance has subsided over the past few weeks which have seen South Africa go on a nine-match unbeaten run. Many fans believe this gives the team the much-needed morale and momentum going into the first game against Mexico. The much-added pressure on the team is that no host nation has ever failed to progress to the second round of the tournament. South Africa’s task has not been made any easier because they stand to face former champions France and Uruguay, as well as an enterprising Mexican team.
On June 6th, the South African president officially welcomed the world to South Africa and stressed on the socio-political prospects of the World Cup.
In his remarks, Jacob Zuma highlighted the unifying potential that sporting events possess, and highlighted the triumph of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in which a newly-independent and racially-divided South Africa marked a sporting and socio-political success. A country on the verge of a civil war managed to unite and celebrate their oneness via the success of the national rugby team, the Springboks, helped by the vision of global icon Nelson Mandela. The former South African president was responsible for South Africa’s bid campaign on the basis of the re-enactment of the miracle of 1995. This has been the socio-political discourse in the country since 2004 when South Africa won the right to host. In additional, economic prosperity from this historic event is also expected to benefit the economically marginalized populations. It is anticipated that the world cup will contribute immensely to the South African economy. According to a government-sanctioned research by Grant Thornton Consultancy in 2003, the soccer extravaganza will contribute over R21 million ($3 million) to the economy, R7 million ($1 million) in tax revenue and provide close to 150,000 jobs. These economic pay-offs are expected to bridge the income disparity that has persisted since independence. Over the past couple of years, South Africans have staged numerous demonstrations over socio-economic grievances. This culminated in xenophobic attacks on foreigners who are accused of depriving local residents of the already limited opportunities.
Uniting to support a national team is a sporting phenomenon, but how genuine are the socio-political expectations of national unity through economic prosperity? One apparent mistake that politicians are making is equating 2010 to 1995 when, if put under scrutiny, these two points in South Africa’s history are different. 1995 brought hope that was not realized, largely. Although the threats of war subsided, everyone recoiled back to their normal lives: the poor majority in the townships and the affluent in the up-market suburbs, and this socio-economic make-up has remained intact. Johannesburg is an appalling sight; the streets were dirty and crowded. But the view changes upon getting to Sandton: last minute construction, magnificent architecture and you would think this is the main centre of the metropolitan region. Infrastructural development has been directed towards specific parts of the nation, parts that the majority does not even go to on a normal day. Sandton has always been for the high and mighty, inner city Johannesburg for the majority…who is benefiting from the millions of taxpayers’ money gone to WC preparations? Life for the ordinary citizen remains where it was fifteen years ago, and will remain there when the WC is over. The much-advertized Gautrain plies routes from Sandton to O. R. International airport and from the airport to Soccer City Stadium. Although Soccer City is close to Soweto, no one from there will ever want to catch a trip to the airport, let alone to Sandton. What surprised me most however was that the national team decided to have their pre-WC parade in Sandton as well, which is so far away from the home of South African soccer: Soweto! The turnout was phenomenal, over 200,000 people showed up to wish the Bafana Bafana (the Boys) all the best, but the choice of the main celebrations left a lot to be desired. In the supporters’ minds, what is more important now is being there for the team but when all dust has settled, what will happen?
Tomorrow, the South African national soccer team takes to the field to face-off against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged on the African continent. The entire nation, if not continent, will be behind their compatriots as they seek to get their campaign off to a good start. Tomorrow nothing else matters: I will be at the official fan park along with thousands of other South Africans. And given the excitement that has gripped the nation, be ready to be blown away by the sound of the vuvuzela. It is 10:30 pm local time and I can hear the vuvuzela blowing outside: The time for Africa has come, SA 2010: Feel It! It is here.
The mood in South Africa leading up to the start of the World Cup has been phenomenal; everyone is bracing themselves for the spectacle. I arrived in the country a little over three weeks before the kick-off of the tournament and I felt, and definitely witnessed, great enthusiasm on the part South Africans; for being the host nation and also for their national team.
There were concerns about the suitability of South Africa as a host nation in terms of infrastructural and administrative capacity. Rumor had it that Australia was at stand-by to take-over the hosting in the event that South Africa failed to make enough progress toward meeting preparation targets. The successful staging of the 2009 Confederations’ Cup confirmed that the African nation is a deserving host of the world’s most popular event. Coincidentally, the last of the host stadia was handed over to Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, and will stage the opening and final games of this year’s showcase. The 95,000-seater Soccer City is arguably one of the best soccer stadiums in the world, rivaling the famous Wembley located just outside London. It is modeled after the calabash, an African brewing pot, to represent Africa’s identity in this African showpiece. The euphoria is a message to the world that South Africa, and indeed Africa, can stage a successful tournament.
On the other hand, worry about the host national team’s performance has subsided over the past few weeks which have seen South Africa go on a nine-match unbeaten run. Many fans believe this gives the team the much-needed morale and momentum going into the first game against Mexico. The much-added pressure on the team is that no host nation has ever failed to progress to the second round of the tournament. South Africa’s task has not been made any easier because they stand to face former champions France and Uruguay, as well as an enterprising Mexican team.
On June 6th, the South African president officially welcomed the world to South Africa and stressed on the socio-political prospects of the World Cup.
In his remarks, Jacob Zuma highlighted the unifying potential that sporting events possess, and highlighted the triumph of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in which a newly-independent and racially-divided South Africa marked a sporting and socio-political success. A country on the verge of a civil war managed to unite and celebrate their oneness via the success of the national rugby team, the Springboks, helped by the vision of global icon Nelson Mandela. The former South African president was responsible for South Africa’s bid campaign on the basis of the re-enactment of the miracle of 1995. This has been the socio-political discourse in the country since 2004 when South Africa won the right to host. In additional, economic prosperity from this historic event is also expected to benefit the economically marginalized populations. It is anticipated that the world cup will contribute immensely to the South African economy. According to a government-sanctioned research by Grant Thornton Consultancy in 2003, the soccer extravaganza will contribute over R21 million ($3 million) to the economy, R7 million ($1 million) in tax revenue and provide close to 150,000 jobs. These economic pay-offs are expected to bridge the income disparity that has persisted since independence. Over the past couple of years, South Africans have staged numerous demonstrations over socio-economic grievances. This culminated in xenophobic attacks on foreigners who are accused of depriving local residents of the already limited opportunities.Uniting to support a national team is a sporting phenomenon, but how genuine are the socio-political expectations of national unity through economic prosperity? One apparent mistake that politicians are making is equating 2010 to 1995 when, if put under scrutiny, these two points in South Africa’s history are different. 1995 brought hope that was not realized, largely. Although the threats of war subsided, everyone recoiled back to their normal lives: the poor majority in the townships and the affluent in the up-market suburbs, and this socio-economic make-up has remained intact. Johannesburg is an appalling sight; the streets were dirty and crowded. But the view changes upon getting to Sandton: last minute construction, magnificent architecture and you would think this is the main centre of the metropolitan region. Infrastructural development has been directed towards specific parts of the nation, parts that the majority does not even go to on a normal day. Sandton has always been for the high and mighty, inner city Johannesburg for the majority…who is benefiting from the millions of taxpayers’ money gone to WC preparations? Life for the ordinary citizen remains where it was fifteen years ago, and will remain there when the WC is over. The much-advertized Gautrain plies routes from Sandton to O. R. International airport and from the airport to Soccer City Stadium. Although Soccer City is close to Soweto, no one from there will ever want to catch a trip to the airport, let alone to Sandton. What surprised me most however was that the national team decided to have their pre-WC parade in Sandton as well, which is so far away from the home of South African soccer: Soweto! The turnout was phenomenal, over 200,000 people showed up to wish the Bafana Bafana (the Boys) all the best, but the choice of the main celebrations left a lot to be desired. In the supporters’ minds, what is more important now is being there for the team but when all dust has settled, what will happen?
Tomorrow, the South African national soccer team takes to the field to face-off against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged on the African continent. The entire nation, if not continent, will be behind their compatriots as they seek to get their campaign off to a good start. Tomorrow nothing else matters: I will be at the official fan park along with thousands of other South Africans. And given the excitement that has gripped the nation, be ready to be blown away by the sound of the vuvuzela. It is 10:30 pm local time and I can hear the vuvuzela blowing outside: The time for Africa has come, SA 2010: Feel It! It is here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Welcome, Siyaliyamukela
THE FIRST POST IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE LATE, CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND MY CONTROL. HOWEVER, IT WILL STILL CONTAIN MATERIAL LEADING UP TO TODAY, THE EVE OF THE OPENING GAME AT THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA. SUBSEQUENT POSTS WILL BE AT 6:00 PM EST (00:00 CAT) EVERY THURSDAY.
South Africa, AYOBA...LADUMAAAAA
South Africa, AYOBA...LADUMAAAAA
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