A successful tournament
Nelson Mandela, the man responsible for bringing the first Word Cup to African soil looks back at a successful tournament. 'Looking at the World Cup and the impact it has had on our community and our country, he is fully satisfied with the investments that have been made on infrastructure' Mandla Mandela said on behalf of his 91-year-old grandfather.
Open minds
'You arrived with open minds. And embraced the spirit of Africa ... South Africa thanks all the teams and fans who visited the country for helping make the 2010 Fifa World Cup one the world will never forget'. More: http://www.imc.org.za/marketing-materials/476-thank-you-world-.html
Soccer fever
'This month’s newsletter is totally dominated by (take a guess…) SOCCER FEVER!!! Not just did we host our very own soccer tournament for over 250 farm children, but we were also privileged in sending 30 Anna Foundation kids and staff to watch a real World Cup game at Green Point stadium! And then we’ve had all the kids make Soccer World cup gifts and memorabilia (using beads) for the many foreign visitors as well as teaching all the children the Diski dance. [On YouTube you can find out more about Diski or even about Diski Zumba style >> toYouTube] A Canadian press group filmed the children training for the soccer tournament and all the local papers have featured their soccer highlights. So yes, the Anna Foundation has ensured that this Soccer World Cup fever has been actively felt by every farm kid.' Anna Foundation Newsletter June 2010
Lekker and hilarious
Zimkhitha Mponzo, Admin Assistant:'Its great seeing SA still behing Bafana Bafana despite their not so lekker performance last week. It was nice as well to see people letting their hair in office i.e. forgetting their positions & just enjoying the beautiful game.*NB* it was hilarious to see Dave green with envy yesterday when Shereen came back saying the Portuguese scored a wapping 7 goals to nil. “haa that’s not fair, I’ve been to 3 games and only saw 2 goals and a draw” ~ that was funny.'
 A waste of time and money
Cleo Mabengeza, Receptionist: 'I still think it was a waste of time and money and I'm not saying this because Bafana lost the game. When I read on IOL about the billions that were spent building the stadiums I felt sick whereas we all know how people are struggling in this country. People have put themselves in debts because of this World Cup. To be honest with you it was not exciting at all to me, thank God I never like Phillip I knew he is bringing trouble. I can’t wait for this World Cup to go away.'
Most South Africans benefited
Thandile Vuntu, Chemical Science student: 'Just to try and analyse the world cup so far from my point of view. I think so far its been a great world cup, even though Bafana Bafana didnt do that well and some of the African teams didnt perfom to their full potential i think. I went to watch one of the 1st games between France vs Uruguay at greenpoint stadium and i must say that i was very impressed with how the stadium looked on the inside and the atmosphere was very great even though the match didnt produce any goals.I think most South Africans have benefited from this world cup because it created a number of jobs for people even though it was for a short term period and ive read that the economy of the country as well was boosted by it. But what worries me is that I dont really think that the government have any plans for after this world cup has finished that people can still have some income, my fear is that after the world cup is finished the unemployment will increase again. Coming back to football i think a lot of people didnt really anticipitate that countries like Brazil, Argentine etc would be already out of this world cup and countries like Uruguay, Netherlands, would be with the last 4. Even the mood has decreased after these nations were knocked out of the tournament. One other thing that has really impressed me is that i havent heard of any major corruption that happened since the world cup began. Im sure in Holland the atmosphere is very great espescially 2nyt and the whole country is praying that the Netherlands will advance to Sundays final and even win the trophy for the 1st time in the country's history. All in all in my opinion its been a very very good world cup so far and i hope it stays that way.'
An overwhelming experience
Beki Khumalo, Debt Administrator: 'It has been such an overwhelming experience, the level of enthusiasm and patriotism within South Africans is amazing. This event has built a sense of unity and pride for our people.
It does not affect my daily schedule at all, no traffic issues, no road closures to my place of work either.
The fan parks, great vibe and people are friendly and it gives an opportunity to meet and make new friends. I personally did not witness a single incidence of crime, it was perfect. The only down side: drinks(alcohol) too expensive.
I’m glad Uruguay is out, obviously as an African I feel that Holland has avenged on behalf of Ghana and Africans.
The Final: Germany vs. Holland. Germany was on fire when they beat Argentina and I believe they are on high spirits and will keep it up on the game against Spain. It would have been great to see a Final of Spain vs. German(so I guess my final is tonight).'
HD PVR decoder
Sikhokhele Dube: 'It’s a great experience, certainly the first I have enjoyed and actually followed, let alone attend a match. I got an HD PVR decoder just to watch it on HD. All my programme viewing has been shelved with the world cup taking centre stage.'
Awesome
Robin Davies: 'It’s awesome. I can’t focus on anything else between 4pm and 10:30pm. Actually, before then, things are a bit hazy too...'
Exciting
Gareth Warley, ICT Analyst: 'Experience is exciting, love fan parks and can’t wait to go see quarter final match in cape town. My daily routine has not been affected that much just a few off days and filling in for staff on leave. Evenings have been much more relaxed because I have been watching all the games.'
Stadium vibe
Ernst Van Der Merwe, Finance Manager: 'Went to the Italy Paraguay game – Everybody was talking football the whole day. Left work early and took the bus to Cape Town – on the bus the guys were all comparing teams and what are their chances.
Cape Town was buzzing even though it was cold and wet - nobody cared that it was raining, people were dressed up, walking along the fan mile singing their supporters songs making their way to the game. Along the way you stop at the bar and have a drink and then walk further while buying stuff from the shops set up along the walk. At the game people were chatting and joking and the stadium vibe was awesome. After the game we all walked back on the fan mile along the bars and shops and back in town we made our way home with public transport which worked great. Cape Town got its act together and provided a great day out !'
Unpredictable and fun
Nicole Benjamin, Audit Senior: 'WC2010 is very exciting. So far, it’s been unpredictable and fun.
I have needed to prioritise better. I don’t usually watch much TV but now I’ve been organising with friends and neighbours to watch matches at their houses. I’ve been going out and having to plan around matches that I want to see (live) or ones I want to watch in the evening. It was tiring the 1st week as I could only watch evening games (need to work in the day) as I would get home and to bed a bit later than usual after watching the 20:30 games but I end up coming to work a bit later and have been taking shorter or no lunch breaks.'
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