2010 Good News

Nelspruit Stadium finally boasts a green pitch

2010-03-13T19:39:00Z

It's been a rocky, dusty road, but the Mbombela Stadium finally boasts a lush, green world-class pitch that's sure to do the 2010 FIFA World Cup justice.

Having twice needed to dig up inadequate pitches at the stadium in the last year, it was a case of third time lucky as the new pitch laid a week ago - using only rye grass - germinated well, to the relief and delight of the city's World Cup organisers.

When local and international journalists visited the Mbombela Stadium two weeks ago as part of the '100 Days to the 2010 FIFA World Cup' countdown, they were stunned to see a patch of dry sand - instead of a pitch - at the stadium that will host four first round FIFA World Cup^TM matches in three months time.

But this week it was a different story, with the stadium sporting lush green turf that would be the envy of any stadium around the world.

"We laid the new pitch last Friday, using rye grass completely, and by Wednesday it was germinating well. We've had our challenges, but we're delighted that we now have a great pitch, which come the tournament will be amongst the best in the world," said the Mbombela Municipality's 2010 co-ordinator Differ Mogale today.

He said the municipality and stadium authorities were very appreciative of the efforts of FIFA pitch consultant Richard Hayden, who personally oversaw the most recent efforts to iron out the stadium's pitch problems.

"In the past we relied on pitch consultants, but rather than simply making recommendations Richard Hayden and his team have been personally on-site with us every day over the last few weeks, getting onto tractors and showing our team just what needed to be done," said Mogale.

"We're very happy with the results, with the province's Premier (David Mabuza) even popping into the stadium this week to see the progress for himself. We'll now give the pitch a few weeks to strengthen and while it should be fine to play on in the next six weeks, we will wait until after the first week of May to stage our first high-level test event at the stadium," Mogale added.

Hayden had said "great pitches", not merely good pitches, were needed for the World Cup and the decision was therefore taken to lay the new Mbombela pitch last week - a decision which has now borne fruit.

Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Dr Danny Jordaan, said he was very happy that the Mbombela Municipality had been able to solve its pitch problems.

"I am extremely happy with the effort made by everyone in Mbombela to overcome the pitch challenges and to ensure the stadium is ready for the FIFA World Cup. Credit must go to the Mbombela Municipality and its mayor Lassy Chiwayo. With its orange giraffe columns and black and white zebra seats, the Mbombela Stadium is one of the most distinctive and unique stadiums in FIFA World Cup history. We're confident the stadium will now be ready in good time and that World Cup fans will be able to experience World Cup football in one of our country's most picturesque and famous provinces," said Jordaan of the stadium which is just a few kilometers from the Kruger National Park tourist attraction.

The Mbombela Stadium will host matches between Honduras and Chile, Australia against Serbia, Korea DPR versus the Ivory Coast and Italy against New Zealand during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Source: LOC on FIFA.com

Do you know how to do the Diski Dance?

2010-03-12T10:42:00Z

By Stuart Alderson-Smith

The Diski Dance, the signature dance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is now more popular than ever.

As previously reported here on Shine 2010, this South Africa Tourism initiative was launched last year before the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. Sugen Pillay, Global Manager of Events at South Africa Tourism, last year stated that when foreigners arrive on our shores later this year he wants them to already know how to do the dance. This will be made possible by the instructional clip on the South Africa Tourism website, which can also be downloaded to the user's computer.

Promoted at the Confederations Cup

In the build-up to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 the dance was performed at virtually every major sporting event held. It was also performed for those in attendance at the World Cup Final Draw in Cape Town in December last year.

Since the Confed Cup, the dance has become very well-publicised, and can now be found virtually everywhere online- exactly what the organisers would have been hoping for. A quick search on YouTube gives multiple results, a few being:

Official Diski Dance website

There is now even an official website tied in to SA Tourism devoted entirely to the dance - Learntodiski.com.

On the site one can see viral internet dancer Matt Harding, who was brought to South Africa and given a crash-course in the Diski Dance. Viewers get to watch Matt dance his way from Cape Town to Johannesburg and everywhere in between.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

The site is even running a competition whereby the public can send in the video of themselves busting their best moves and win a trip to the World Cup.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Back to basics

Those of us with two left feet can view the dance broken down in the individual parts on the SouthAfrica.info site, in an article entitled "How to do the Diski Dance".

Yet more proof of the dance taking off overseas can be found in a news article from last week where it was reported that "The Philippine Diski Team performed their dance during Monday's Philippine Sportswriters Awards (PSA) as part of promotions of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup."

The term "Diski" comes from local slang - South African soccer has quite a different style to that seen overseas, with the slang for the local style being called "Diski".

Click here to download the Diski Dance music and instructional video

Image source: Firsttouchonline.com

Create your own virtual makaraba

2010-03-11T14:59:00Z

Now, the entire globe can embrace the 2010 FIFA World Cup in true South African style with the latest creative Makaraba Facebook application from South African Tourism.

On the application, fanatics create their own makaraba using plastic hardhats traditionally used in the building and construction industry and decorate them with sentimental football paraphernalia.

The SA Tourism Makaraba Facebook application allows Facebook users to create their own uniquely styled makaraba, which is linked to their Facebook users profile. To do this, they simply drop in their favourite photo, choose a design and voila, they have their own unique and proudly South African Makaraba.

The basis of the makaraba starts as a simple plastic hardhat, which is personalised by cutting, crafting and moulding it into a headdress that is proudly worn to local sporting matches around the country.

With less than 100 days till kick off, many South African companies are commissioning local makaraba makers to create their own corporate Makaraba complete with their organisation's logo and messaging in an attempt to generate additional awareness and exposure for their company.

Visit http://apps.facebook.com/satourism/ to create your very own Makaraba and join South Africa in celebrating the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Collen Ndlovu wins SA FIFA Interactive World Cup qualifier

2010-03-10T15:17:00Z

Collen Ndlovu has won the Live Qualifier Event in Johannesburg, South Africa and secured his place in the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final 2010.

A record number of entries of 466 contestants of all ages and backgrounds made their way into Cresta Shopping Centre to compete for the top prize which would ultimately take them to take part in the Grand Final in Barcelona, Spain on 1st May, 2010.

Ndlovu has won an all expenses paid trip to join a total of 32 of the world's best virtual footballers at the Grand Final where they will compete for the title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2010 and take home US$20,000. The winner of the Grand Final will also receive a money can't buy opportunity to attend the FIFA World Player Gala where he or she will have the chance to meet some of the world's elite male and female footballers.

"The first time I picked up the control today I found myself a little overwhelmed, but slowly I picked up my game," said Ndlovu. "I'm surprised but so happy I won."

The Live Qualifier Event in Johannesburg, South Africa is one of 10 Live Qualifier Events taking place around the world including Australia, Brazil, Italy, Russia and Japan, between October 2009 - April 2010. Players will also be able to compete for one of the 21 Grand Finalist spots available in the Online Qualification on the PlayStation®Network

This year marks the sixth edition of the FIWC, which is the world's largest football gaming tournament. Last year's FIWC09 tournament witnessed over 515,000 players compete in the online qualification in an attempt to join the 19 winners from the Live Qualifier Events at the Grand Final in Barcelona, Spain. After a hardly fought Grand Final, 21 year old Bruce Grannec from France was crowned the FIFA Interactive World Champion for 2009.

For more information on the FIFA Interactive World Cup visit www.FIFA.com/FIWC

Stand in line to win a copy of FIFA 10 by EA simply by signing up to the Shine 2010 newsletter.

Image source: FIFA

Gigantic Bafana Bafana jersey reaches Johannesburg

2010-03-09T15:29:00Z

After almost four months since its launch in the City of Gold, the Adidas Unite Mzanzi Unite (UMU) truck carrying the gigantic Bafana Bafana jersey makes its return to the city today.

Back in November 2009 in down town Johannesburg at the Market Theatre, Adidas launched the UMU campaign which is aimed at uniting South Africans behind the 2010 FIFA World Cup and a platform for the fans to register their support for the National Football team – Bafana Bafana.

Since then, the now famous yellow jersey has travelled to five other host cities such as Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Nelspruit being the latest stop last week, en route to Jozi with thousands of signatures collected from South Africans.

“It’s been a great tour thus far and we’ve reached a momentous milestone whereby the people of Johannesburg, the city which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will now get their chance to give their support to the global showpiece and the national team by signing our big jersey,” says Zobuzwe Ngobese, the Public Relations Manager at Adidas South Africa.

The Adidas truck kicks of its tour of Jozi at the Tembisa Plaza Shopping Centre today. It will be in Jozi for the next three weeks until the 26th March 2010 where a Celebrity Day has been lined up for celebrities from the city to sign the jersey at Soweto’s Maponya Mall.

Some prominent government leaders to have supported the campaign include President of the Republic of South Africa –Jacob Zuma, Helen Zille, Noxolo Kiviet, and Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Other high profile personalities that have put their signatures are: 2010 LOC CEO Danny Jordaan, Adidas Global CEO Herbert Hainer, SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani, former Bafana Bafana captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, current players Aaron Mokoena and Tsepo Masilela, Springbok captain John Smit and teammates Bismarck Du Plessis and Ruan Pienaar, the Stormers rugby club, Ajax Cape Town FC and AmaZulu FC, all of which signed the giant jersey during the Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Nelspruit legs of the tour.

Renowned celebrities such as musicians L’vovo Derrango, Ntokozo Masinga, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Bongi Dube and Msawawa, Isidingo actor Tsepo Maseko, writer and composer Mbongeni Ngema, have also signed the jersey when it was in their home towns.

After signing the giant jersey on the truck, the public is presented with a special yellow UMU buff item, which is a symbol that you have signed the jersey.

For more information on the Adidas UMU truck tour or to sign online, the public can track the campaign at www.adidas.com/unite

UMU truck tour schedule in Johannesburg
•    09th March 2010:        Tembisa Plaza Shopping Centre
•    12th – 14th March 2010:     Lakeside Mall
•    15th March 2010:         Ivory Park Secondary
•    17th March 2010:        Kensington Secondary
•    19th – 21st March 2010:    Pan Africa Shopping centre (Alexandra)
•    22nd March 2010:        Hector Peterson Memorial
•    23rd March 2010:        Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
•    24th March 2010:        ABSA building (JHB CBD)
•    25TH – 26th March 2010:     Maponya Mall (Soweto)

World Cup fever everywhere…

2010-03-09T08:03:00Z

By Stuart Alderson-Smith

Can anyone in South Africa claim to not be aware of the less-than-100-days-away 2010 FIFA World Cup? I have my doubts...

Having virtually disappeared off the face of the Earth for five days last week there was no lack of World Cup promotion noticeable virtually everywhere.

Being away on paternity leave last week, this reporter was far too preoccupied with matters of family to watch the TV news, listen to radio updates or purchase a newspaper, and yet on multiple occasions every single day there was some form of reminder about the biggest sporting event in soccer's imminent arrival.

Soccer around every corner

Clearly the promotional efforts being made are working: whether it was large billboards on the side of the road, to the profusion of soccer-related items for sale virtually everywhere, to even the large number of soccer jerseys being sported on Football Friday, evidence of something major in the sporting world going on was everywhere.

This can only be seen as a good thing by the organisers of the tournament. The enthusiasm is contagious. People who a few years ago never seemed to take the slightest notice of anything soccer-related suddenly own Bafana Bafana jerseys, have an opinion on vuvuzelas and tend to have regular conversations about those who have, and those unfortunate few who have not, obtained their match tickets.

2010 World Cup always featured in conversation

Other items too seem to have been influenced. A great example is the Gautrain: whenever this new high-speed rail link is discussed, it is never simply the rail system alone that gets discussed - someone always queries whether or not it will be ready in time for the World Cup.

The same applies to the ongoing road construction frustrating drivers everywhere - the question seems to never be just "When will it be completed?" but rather "Will it be completed in time for the World Cup?"

The point is not whether or not the answers to these questions are positively or negatively received, but rather that the World Cup always seems to feature in some way or another.

General everyday life too has been permeated: when looking for a swimming pool cleaner recently there was one on display with a mini soccer ball attached to it - for no apparent reason other than "Hey! It's World Cup time!"

Pull into your local petrol station shop - you can rest assured that scattered all around the till points you will notice a proliferation of World Cup key rings, caps, vuvuzelas, banners, etc.

World Cup Marketing 101

Clearly those tasked with drumming up support, enthusiasm or simply good old-fashioned awareness of the World Cup have done something right. Whether you are part of the 99% of the South African public who can't wait for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to kick off, or part of the remaining 1% who say that they're not really that interested (but will secretly be watching the event anyway), there is simply no escaping the fact that this country is pulling out all the stops to make this the best-supported World Cup ever.

Images: OC

Soccer City ready

2010-03-08T12:37:00Z

Written by Ndaba Dlamini

It's all over bar the football at Soccer City - the completed stadium has been handed over to the City and will have its first test later this month.

The Aveng Group, its subsidiary Grinaker-LTA and international construction partners, officially presented what a representative of the contractors called "a piece of African pride" Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, on Wednesday, 3 March.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for The Aveng Group, as we present a piece of African pride to the mayor of Johannesburg. We are ready for the World Cup and cannot wait for the games to begin so that we can showcase African ingenuity in design," said Roger Jardine, the chief executive of the Aveng Group.

Accepting the huge 90 450-seat stadium, the venue for the opening and final matches and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 32-nation tournament, Masondo said the dream, hatched some years ago, had become "reality".

"Today we stand in a uniquely designed stadium. The design reflects a calabash or African pot which is the most recognisable object to represent the African continent."

The calabash sat on a pit of fire, and the bold colour of the stadium seats reflected the city of gold, the African sunrise and sunset, and the colours of the calabash, according to Masondo.

"The player's tunnel on to the field has been built to reflect a mining tunnel, which is synonymous with Johannesburg and gold production; and the craftsmanship and the quality of work done is second to none and it is truly worthy of emulation."

Even though the stadium building was complete, there was still work to be done outside it, including building roads and paving, said Sibongile Mazibuko, the executive director of the City's 2010 Office.

"We are waiting for Telkom and Sentech to finish laying their cables before we pour concrete or lay tar on the roads. The BRT station along the Soweto Highway and all work around the stadium will be completed by the end of March," she said.

Soccer City Management

To ensure the facility was properly managed and did not become a "white elephant", Masondo said the City had appointed a professional stadium management company, National Stadium South Africa, to take care of it.

Soccer City Stadium is complete

This company would, among other things, run community programmes on HIV/Aids, attend to catering needs, deal with security and stewarding.

Since the stadium is finished, it has to be tested to ensure all is ready for the World Cup. On 26 March, a test match will be staged between small teams, including the Johannesburg Soccer Legends, which will play a select side. The matches will be used to test ticketing and evacuation systems and the pitch, among other things.

In the first week of April, it will host thousands of schoolchildren who will test everything in the stadium, from lockers and showers to training equipment. In May, it will host the popular Nedbank Challenge at full capacity of 90 000.

It is expected that Bafana Bafana will play a friendly match against a yet to be named team before the World Cup begins on 11 June.

Construction of the stadium, located in the vicinity of the sprawling township of Soweto, had benefited the communities immensely, Masondo said. "I am pleased to inform you that we created 17 200 jobs; over 800 members of the community received formal training and accredited certification in areas such as bricklaying, crane operating, surveying and computers."

More than 150 subcontractors were contracted to the value of R1,6-billion to provide various construction services such as steel work, concrete plumbing, electrical and transportation with on-the-job skills development for working heights and rope work, added Masondo.

One of the legacies of the World Cup will be the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), also locate in Nasrec. Masondo said upgrades of halls at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, where the IBC is located, were complete and the site was handed over to FIFA, the world football governing body.

"We are track and ready to host the World Cup. We are confident that everything will go well. Together we will deliver the best ever World Cup experience and leave a lasting legacy for the people of Africa, South Africa, Gauteng and Johannesburg," he added.

Source: joburg.org

INTERPOL shows confidence in security plans for the 2010 World Cup

2010-03-05T17:13:00Z

The South African Police Service (SAPS) presented the South African government's security plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the police representatives and chiefs of security of the participating countries during a two-day workshop held on 4-5 March at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. The discussions, which also included representatives of FIFA, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, the South African government and INTERPOL, saw a very fruitful exchange of information, and all stakeholders expressed their confidence in the plans.

"FIFA definitely has trust and confidence in South Africa. We saw that the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was well organised, so now it is time for the whole world to put its trust in South Africa's ability to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Security is a matter for the government, and we have received adequate guarantees in this regard, so there is no reason to have any doubts. The FIFA World Cup is about enjoyment, and I am convinced that we will have a wonderful festival in South Africa," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

The South African National Commissioner of Police Bhekokwakhe Cele, who provided an overview of the event security, law enforcement and national security plans, added: "Today everybody agrees that this will be a wonderful event. The security personnel in place will be supporting teams, fans and all participants to make sure that they enjoy a fantastic event. We have received very positive feedback from the delegations representing the teams and we will liaise with them to ensure that their security needs are taken care of. We are sure that this preparation will also leave a legacy in all areas of security for the country after the competition."

Representing INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble at the security workshop, INTERPOL Director of Police Operational Support Services Brian Minihane said: "The workshop has provided an important platform for the law enforcement community worldwide to review and enhance security planning and coordination in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup, during which INTERPOL will be providing South Africa's police force with key operational support on the ground."

"We are very happy that this two-day workshop has helped to tackle all the issues that might previously have been unclear in relation to security. I am now entirely confident that we have all the ingredients for a safe and successful World Cup and that we will enjoy it," concluded Andy Holt, lead on football matters for England's Association of Chief Police Officers.

"We are very grateful to the teams, the police and the security representatives for their support and cooperation in such an important matter, and for their confidence in us. We have successfully hosted other great sporting events in recent years, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and we are certain that this will be the case again in 2010," said Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan.

Tourism industry to cash in on 2010

2010-03-05T13:13:00Z

The South African tourism industry is standing in wait to cash in on the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held for the first time in Africa.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the tournament, which kicks off in less than 100 days, would help to push up the number of tourists visiting the country to 10 million this year.

While the global tourism industry shrank 4 percent last year as a result of the global financial crisis, South Africa still ended up in positive territory, said Van Schalkwyk.

"What we will do this year is to achieve what many people said four, five years ago was impossible. This year we will receive 10-million foreign tourists and that, in our view, is a major achievement."

Van Schalkwyk was also confident that the country will be able to provide lodging for the expected 400 000 visitors between June and July.

He reiterated that an extensive accommodation audit has shown there is space for everyone.

"We are confident that we will be able to deal with whatever for the duration of the World Cup."

There are almost 19 000 establishments ranging from large formal to small informal businesses. The 200 000 plus rooms roughly translate into 405 000 beds.

The Western Cape leads the pack with over 7 000 establishments. A new database for all establishments is already operational.

While the FIFA World Cup will bring in visitors, Van Schalkwyk said all South Africans have a responsibility to help build tourism capacity

He said the World Cup would help entrench South Africa as an attractive destination for sports tourism, which presently accounts for 10 percent of all foreign arrivals.

"We have all this infrastructure to use after 2010 and we have to roll out the post-2010 (plan) because on July 12, that show will leave South Africa and we will have to continue to build this industry," he said.

Source - BuaNews

New Bafana Bafana away jersey for 2010 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-04T08:25:00Z

Adidas today launched the South African national football team's away jersey which they will wear during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

"The new away kit, which features a unique new mixture of Twilight and Forrest Green will further identify the hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Like the current yellow home jersey, this green jersey is without doubt one of the most important and iconic that Adidas, as the National team's official technical sponsor has ever designed," says Zobuzwe Ngobese, the PR Manager at Adidas South Africa

The green away jersey design was also influenced by the diversity of our country and its 11 main communities and languages spoken - all of which will be unified behind our country and team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The jersey incorporates 11 threads that symbolise this diversity in unity and modern interpretations of traditional South African artwork. It celebrates the pride of our host nation by displaying the centre of the national flag on its front.

The jersey design was also completed with African art print on the collar in order to be consistent with the home jersey.

"We are excited about the final product that Adidas has delivered to us following numerous consultations about the design of the jersey. The design of the change strip is consistent with the one seen on the home jersey. Our team now has a complete set of home and away jerseys and we will use both strips with pride during the 2010 FIFA World Cup ^TM," says Leslie Sedibe, the chief executive officer of SAFA.

The technical specifications are all about ensuring optimal performance for each player - no matter what his specific individual needs may be. This requirement is met through the use of a wide selection of apparel which will be offered to each player. This ensures that each athlete will be equipped with the tools they need to suit personal preference, and deal with the variable winter conditions in South Africa in June 2010. There will be 21 pieces of playing apparel for players to choose from, allowing players to build their ideal kit from a system that offers the best of compression technology, fit and comfort. This means that, while all players will have the same appearance, they will each be wearing apparel specific to their optimal performance needs. For example, instead of wearing a TECHFIT ^TM short sleeve jersey, a player may choose to wear a long sleeve base layer, a long sleeve FORMOTION ^TM jersey. Other apparel pieces include long tights, short tights, short sleeve base layer etc (please refer to pictures in the CD to see the 21 pieces).

The players' jersey will come in two versions namely TECHFIT ^TM and FORMOTION ^TM. They will both be available in short sleeve and long sleeve versions.

- TECHFIT Powerweb ^TM is a new fabric which is on the cutting edge of athletic design, and works by focusing the muscles' energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output. This is high performance apparel which improves body stability and posture, while reducing muscle vibration through high compression. In addition, strategically placed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powerbands work with the body to store energy through movement, which would normally be lost, and return this to amplify explosive movements.
- FORMOTION ^TM is three dimensionally engineered to move naturally with the athlete's body during sport. These are garments that consider the body's natural 3D shape, sport specific movements, and the placement of fabrics and seams, allowing Adidas to deliver unparalleled fit, comfort, and freedom of movement to athletes. FORMOTION ^TM follows every curve of the athlete's body for better fit and greater comfort while in motion.

Both jerseys feature CLIMACOOL ^TM technology - a combination of performance fabrics, open mesh and ventilation channels which keep cool air flowing in and heat and sweat flowing out.

CLIMACOOL ^TM works by considering how and where the body produces heat and sweat, and focus's specific fabric and garment features in those zones. The effect is that athletes stay dry, comfortable and perform at their peak in even the most heated competitions.

Click here to see more images of the new Bafana Bafana Adidas home jersey

District 9 and Die Antwoord open world’s eyes to SA pop culture

2010-03-03T08:52:00Z

We all know what possibilities and impetus the World Cup brings for such important sectors as tourism and construction, but less has been said about what it may do for the country's creative community. Perhaps this is because the country's artists seem to be doing it for themselves at the moment, World Cup or not.

There has been a spike in interest in South Africa's popular culture over the last year, with movies such as District 9 and musicians such as Die Antwoord bursting onto the world scene (or the internet scene, in the case of Die Antwoord) and asserting a vision of South Africa that does not fit simply with foreign preconceptions. The South Africa depicted by these artists is not the South Africa of Castle lager adverts - all post-racial bonding and Toto songs - and neither is it the miserable hellhole that the British media would have you believe it is. Rather it is a place filled with a strange and urgent creativity, and humour.

And guess what? People 'in the overseas,' to borrow a phrase from Die Antwoord, are utterly fascinated.

District 9 was successful because of its freshness - because it was imagined by a South African mind and set in a South African milieu, when examples of real South African creativity were not easily accessible to foreigners.

Similarly, Die Antwoord have picked up on elements of South African street culture and humour that have captivated foreigners. The fact that so many locals are confused by Die Antwoord's success shows how much we take for granted when it comes to South African culture.

South Africa's creative community has started to find a bold new voice that embraces South Africa as it is, warts and all. It's very powerful. And although our artists seem to be forging ahead with little assistance, let's hope that they too take their opportunities in June. There must be parties and live music and film screenings everywhere during the World Cup, so that when our visitors leave behind all the Johnny Clegg and wildlife footage of the official functions, and wander into the night, they can get a real taste of the way we are.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Airports go 24 hours for the 2010 World Cup

2010-03-03T08:40:00Z

By Nthambeleni Gabara

South African airports will run 24-hour operations during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

ACSA general manager Chris Hlekane said on Tuesday: “OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth International Airports and George airport will operate on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the tournament, depending on daily demand.”

Hlekane said the need to supply this level of support had been discussed with employees and unions, adding that assurance had been given that the exceptional circumstances warranted the commitment of assured service provision.

“As such, we are not expecting any labour unrest during the tournament,” he said.

A significant number of ACSA employees will by the time of the tournament be able to deliver customer services of the highest standard in French, German, Italian and Spanish to international visitors.

Source - BuaNews

100 days and counting!

2010-03-02T09:44:00Z

It's getting closer and closer. The 2^nd of March 2010 marks a significant milestone on the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It will mean that the tournament is a mere 100 days away. 100 days until the continent of Africa, and South Africa, play host to the greatest show on Earth.

FIFA and SAFA will mark the celebrations with an international friendly match between South Africa and Namibia at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Wednesday 3^rd March among other planned festivities.

Soccer City ready for business

And to start things off we lead with a story that has huge implications for the World Cup as a whole and that story is that the FIFA World Cup Final venue is ready!

Soccer City stadium, in Johannesburg the venue earmarked for the opening and closing games of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was declared ready by the Sport's international governing body on Saturday. FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke gave the media a tour of the facility and started that his belief that Soccer City is among the best and biggest stadiums in the world. The stadium will host 94 000 people at the opening game between Bafana Bafana and Mexico.

While Soccer City is ready the pitch at Nelspruit's new Mbombela Stadium is being lifted for a second time after being judged unsuitable by a FIFA inspection team last week. The sand has had to be changed and the pitch will be re-laid for longer-term sustainability. The stadium management have assured the public that they made this decision as a time-saving exercise and that the stadium would definitely be thoroughly tested prior to the first game hosted in Nelspruit, Honduras v Chile on the 16^th of June.

Carnell, Gould, Morris, Benni and the South Africa squad composition

Carlos Alberto Parreira sprung a few surprises when naming his most recent South Africa squad for the international friendly against Namibia. From out in the cold come veteran left back Bradley Carnell seeking a late chance to impress the national selectors. Based in Germany, Carnell has been a mainstay of the national team but has suffered with form and fitness, he will be hoping to prove that he still has what it takes at this level.

Morgan Gould was named in the original squad but has had to pull out due to injury. Gould has played an integral part in SuperSport United's championship winning run but has been replaced in the national squad by SuperSport United teammate and captain Bongani Khumalo.

One name that continues to be conspicuous by its absence is that of La Liga based central defender Nasief Morris. The defender is out in the cold at the moment despite playing a leading role for his club side, Racing Santander.

Benni McCarthy is also facing a race against time to get fit for the World Cup Finals. South Africa has pinned their hopes on a resurgent Benni McCarthy leading the line for Bafana but a knee injury sustained on debut for his new club West Ham against Burnley has placed a question mark on his availability. Parreira and his coaching team must be hoping that the injury is not as serious as initially feared.

Youngster Andile Jali could be the biggest surprise inclusion in Parreira's World Cup squad. The young midfield maestro was playing National First Division football last season for University of Pretoria FC but after a dynamic first season with Orlando Pirates, Jali is knocking on the door.

In attack, Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lebohang Mokoena has also been drafted into the squad and provided with a platform to showcase his talents ahead of the tournament. Mokoena suffered to get much playing time at Orlando Pirates and subsequently signed for the Brazilians at the beginning of the season. He made an inauspicious start to his Sundowns career but played himself into form and has been justifiably included.

Coaching merry-go-round in Africa

After a grueling interview process in Lagos, the Nigerian Football Association finally appointed a new coach to guide the Super Eagles to the World Cup. While several high-profile names were interviewed for the role, and that included the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Bruno Metsu and Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Nigerians somewhat surprisingly opted for former Sweden coach Lars Lagerback. The Swede has been at the helm of his national squad since Euro 2000 and only recently departed after failing to qualify for the World Cup.

Ivory Coast have also parted ways with their coach Vahid Halilhodzic. The Bosnian did not fare particularly well at the recent African Cup of Nations and it seems he has paid the ultimate price. The football association of the Ivory Coast have ensured the public that a high-profile coach will be at the helm of the Elephants but the appointment could well be a short-term solution as opposed to a long-term plan. The favourite for the role is Dutchman Guus Hiddink who has signed a contract to coach Turkey after the World Cup. He could be allowed to be released from his contract with Russia in order to coach Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Will Brazil be Ronaldinho-less?

Brazil coach Dunga is refusing to bow to public pressure by not recalling Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho from the international wilderness. Ronaldinho has been in sublime form for AC Milan this season and this has led to a chorus of cries from the media and the public demanding his immediate reinstatement to the Brazil squad. Dunga however seems unperturbed by recent events and has left the talismanic frontman out of the squad for the international friendly against Republic of Ireland at the Emirates Stadium on 2^nd March. If Dunga fails to relent he could be depriving fans around the world from seeing one of the truly magical footballers of the modern era in action.

Six years down, 100 days to go

2010-03-01T11:06:00Z

By Stuart Alderson-Smith

With only 100 days left to go until kick off of the biggest sporting event to ever come to Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it might be worth taking a couple of minutes to consider just how far we as a nation have come.

With the World Cup nearly here, it seems ages ago when we as a country were holding thumbs to be named the hosts for the 2006 World Cup. Back in July 2000 Oceania delegate Charles Dempsey elected not to vote, thereby indirectly costing us the tournament - if he had voted, it would have resulted in a 12-12 draw, with FIFA President Sepp Blatter having to cast the deciding vote. He in turn had already stated that he would vote for South Africa.

While it would have been great then, it would also mean that all the build-up, excitement, spirit and goodwill that embodies the FIFA World Cup would be a four-year-distant memory.

A nation celebrates

Instead, our time came in May 2004, when Mr Blatter opened the envelope and lifted the card emblazoned with the two words that a continent was desperate to see - South Africa.

The six years since that fateful day must appear to many to have gone past in a blur - soccer fever seems to be something we have lived with for an eternity, and yet many people are in fact new to this sport. It's probably safe to assume now that there will not be a single South African NOT cheering for Bafana Bafana when their games are underway. That right there further embodies the spirit and message of the World Cup - unity through sport.

Stadium upgrades and construction

Our pre-existing stadiums have seen massive amounts of work happening to them to get them up to world class standards, along with the addition of some exquisite new stadiums which, as part of the World Cup legacy, means that South Africa will be truly blessed with a large number of some of the best stadiums in the world once the final whistle blows.

Transport improvements

Transport too has seen a massive boost lately with the likes of the Bus Rapid Transit System, the Gautrain and the major road upgrades taking place, especially in Gauteng. Whilst the developers of these projects generally claim that are in fact unrelated to the 2010 World Cup, it is probably safe to assume that the event definitely played a part - if not totally responsible for their implementation, it allowed a set date to prioritise the nation's infrastructure development to cope with the hordes of foreign visiting football fans expected to add to our already impressive 11 million a year visitor count.

State-of-the-art airports

From regular run-of-the-mill airports greeting visitors to South Africa, to state-of-the-art multi-terminal travel ports, as the country's gateways our airports have over the past few years seen massive upgrades and improvements, allowing the first-time foreign visitor to feel as though they've arrived in one of the most modern countries in the world.

Accommodation facilities surge

Accommodation is another sector that has seen massive growth - with all the constant discussion about the number of available beds for the World Cup one item tends to be overlooked - once the event is over there is going to be a large amount of new tourism facilities available, all keen to fill their beds. This can only be good news for a South African looking to score a good deal on a trip away.

Lately we have seen the arrival of Zakumi - the official mascot -, witnessed the arrival and heard the approval of some true football legends such as Diego Maradona, and most importantly, experienced the joy of hearing that we have successfully obtained tickets to witness the kind of sporting tournament that every single soccer fan needs to experience at least once in their lives.

The last six years have been rather hectically busy, but it does not end here - the next 100 days will be a slew of final approvals, alterations, launches and final preparation and tweaking.

In 131 days we can all sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that we as a nation, South Africa, have come as far as was necessary and beyond to successfully host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Get the soccer party started

2010-03-01T10:29:00Z

By Ndaba Dlamini

Blow the Vuvuzela, Fly the Flag, sing the National Anthem! This is a call to all South Africans to mark 100 days to the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.

Already, some companies are heeding the call and are planning big parties on the day, reports Joburg.org.

Taking the lead is South African Tourism, which has hooked up with the Johannesburg Tourism Company to celebrate the 100-day mark. Phumulani Hlathswayo, an events manager at the national group, says they plan to bring Sandton to a standstill.

"Two branded buses will leave the South African Tourism offices for a tour around Sandton. The tour will end in Maud Street, where a street party will take place. Here, Diski Dancers will entertain and teach people to do the Diski Dance."

The Diski Dance, inspired by South Africa's rhythm and unique football style, is a South African Tourism creation and the company's contribution to the Fly the Flag campaign. It comprises five moves: the juggle, header, Table Mountain, trepa and the bridge.

People will be encouraged to blow their vuvuzelas, fly the South African flag and sing the national anthem. Packets of snacks, flags and booklets will be handed out, according to Hlatshwayo.

"The whole point is to get everybody excited about the World Cup; to teach people to be welcoming to visitors during the event. Everyone is welcome."

The day will also be used as part of Fly the Flag to rally South Africans and instil a sense of national pride around the World Cup.

This campaign, launched in 2009, is supported by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) and the South African government.

At 12 noon sharp, the national anthem will be sung, ending the official proceedings in Sandton.

At Cresta Shopping Centre, to the northwest, a similar event is planned. Here, mall employees will take part in Fly the Flag, according to Tarryne Rautenbach, the manager marketing: internal communications the shopping centre.

"The event will start at 12 noon with the singing of the national anthem. Diski Dancers will also be on hand to teach people how to dance. Police personnel from a nearby police station will also join us.”

Even though this is an internal event, Rautenbach says everyone is welcome to join in the festivities, which will be held in the amphitheatre near The Spur restaurant.

To get the party started, the mall is encouraging staff members to wear their soccer jerseys, she says. "We want to get the 2010 World Cup vibe going."

FIFA has also announced that to mark 100 Days to the World Cup, a tour of all nine host cities and 10 stadiums will be done, starting today. The tour will be led by the OC's chief executive, Danny Jordaan, and the FIFA secretary, Jerome Valcke.

The purpose of the tour is to show to the media the readiness of all venues and related infrastructure, and for cities and provinces to give a comprehensive update to invited guests, including the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports and Recreation, Butana Kompela, of their detailed plans for fans.

The first stop of the road show is Ellis Park Stadium in eastern Johannesburg, where Executive Mayor Amos Masondo and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will welcome guests.

The 62 000-seat stadium successfully hosted the 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup finals and is the venue for seven World Cup matches, including a quarterfinal.

On the same day, the delegation will go to Soccer City Stadium in Nasrec. The giant stadium, which has been extensively renovated to seat 90 200 people, is complete and will be handed over to FIFA on 3 March.

The original stadium, known as FNB Stadium before it was upgraded, is where Bafana Bafana clinched their first and only African Cup of Nations trophy in 1996.

This winning team, affectionately known as the "Class of 1996", will attend the stadium tour.

The delegation will move on to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, winding up at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where the official 100 Days to the 2010 World Cup celebrations will be held.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, FIFA president Sepp Blatter and OC chairman Irvin Khoza are expected to join in the celebrations.

Source - BuaNews