I have been reading so much of the doom & gloom of overspending & low expectations in the economic benefits that will be garnered by South Africa after the world cup. There are headlines like: 2010 World Cup not for all Africans , where they speak on the disorganization, lack of ticket sales, lack of focus on security & general lack of focus on the people of South Africa /Africa & all the things outside of infrastructure that will make for a successful World Cup, particularly on African soil. Placing European standards on Africans in their own home has always been a formula for disaster because Africa/Africans are unique by cultural familial design. The more an African feels like they are involved in the process & are a welcomed member of the family, the sweeter & more prtotected the festivities will be.There’s heavy discussion on social media business sites like “Linked in” amongst African groups like Africa-All Things Business showcasing fears that they will not have the boost in business promised & expected, with headlines like this:2010 World Cup – South Africa. Going to be the the biggest financial washout the world has seen? Some 70 days and there are as yet almost no firm bookings for spectators coming to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. Flight deals cancelled, accommodation handed back. Are we even going to see 150 000 spectators visit our shores? What is the problem? Security? Distance? Cost? Please help me understand this.
No one seems to understand what is going on in South Africa & its world cup organization, particularly the LOC (Local Organising Committee ). I am one who screeches when I hear the letters L.O.C because I had the worst experience with them when Ghana hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 08′. These committees are often created from & plagued by nepotism, financial incentives, bribes & who you know in high places as opposed to real professionals with expertise in a specific field put together to represent their individual nation’s interests on a national, continental or international stage. As an African, I can’t help but to acknowledge the fact that often in Africa if you give certain people such power they tend to overdose on it like heroin addicts who just can’t get enough, even if it’s to the detriment of themselves and others. In Africa everyone wants to be boss, so much so that we walk around calling one another boss.
After the horrific incident in Angola during the Africa Cup of Nations & South Africa’s well publicized post apartheid crime rate; security must be of the highest priority -not only for the safety of players & visitors, but also for the honor & pride of South Africa & Africa as a whole because we are often portrayed globally as uncivilized people who can not control our violent behaviors. This is Africa’s new decade & all eyes will be on Africa as the world watches, so we must not give the naysayers any reason to perpetuate the continuos racial & continental ignorance that has been spewed & believed for far too long by far too many while keeping Africa from recognizing its power & dreams!
From what I hear in my circles, nothing can keep most football fans, particularly African football fans, who are physically & financially able from attending these games. No matter what, it is & will be history in the making! As the world returns to its mother’s land, we must pay proper homage in remembering that out of one Africa came many people! Viva Africa -God Bless the Motherland -Our Dreams Can No Longer Be Deferred!
“Weyy oh Weyy oh Africa-Our time 2 shine.. our time 2 fly.. our time 2 b inside the sky.. our time 2 soar”