Welcome the world

by Editor · June 2, 2010

In just a few days time, the big day will arrive: the culmination of a dream that had its seeds in the presidency of Nelson Mandela. On June 11, South Africa will finally be the host to the world.

It will be a month during which South Africa can show itself off to the world; what it and its people can accomplish. A successfully staged World Cup may attract investment by companies that seek reassurance of South Africa�s capacities. Being in the global focus every day for a month surely will cement the country�s reputation as a desirable tourism destination, thereby aiding one of our most important industries.

But the benefits of hosting a successful World Cup are measured not only in economic terms. The World Cup can boost national morale. Here is an opportunity to prove to ourselves, a nation perennially wavering between hubris and gloom, that we are capable of extraordinary things, and that we may measure ourselves against other nations.

Coming less than two decades since South Africa emerged from international isolation, the World Cup is a time to assert our membership in the global community from which we may at times feel separated by geography and history. This is our coming-out party.

And we represent not only our own country, but all of Africa. There are many, even people who might describe themselves as liberals, who are virtually willing us to fail in hosting the World Cup. Some of these sceptics even live in South Africa.

To such people it seems inconceivable that an African country might be associated with competence, never mind organising something of world class. If South Africa succeeds over the next month, many people will need to review their perceptions of Africa (which may be the reason they would rather see us fail). Let us make them change their views.

Of course we must be mindful of disappointments in our expectations of the benefits the World Cup might bring. Some entrepreneurs and hospitality service providers, for example, have not profited in ways they had hoped.

Some countries that have hosted the World Cup, such as Mexico in 1970 and 1986, arguably have not reaped the expected rewards, even in terms of international prestige. South Africa may face a similar problem once the euphoria has worn off and new events displace the positive memories of what surely will be a well-hosted event.

And wear off it no doubt will. In the aftermath South Africans themselves will have to take stock of the event. Questions of how the World Cup will have benefited the nation, its economy and even its self-image will require candid interrogation.

South Africa�s relationship with the world football association will have to be analysed. Did FIFA bully the government and population to intolerable extents, forcing unnecessary expenditures? Did we sell our national soul for a few weeks in the limelight?

There are also signs that preparations for the World Cup gave rise to large-scale corruption. Perhaps that was foreseeable. In any event, all areas of possible corruption will need to be thoroughly investigated, bearing in mind also that many functionaries within FIFA, even at its top levels, do not enjoy an undisputed relationship with the highest standards of ethics.

After July 11, South Africa will be left with several stadiums for which there seems little future use. The nation must be told exactly how they will be utilised and who will pay for their maintenance. Contracts with external stadium operators that fail to benefit the respective communities must be cancelled.

But these considerations should be deferred until the day after the 2010 world champions are crowned at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on July 11. In the meantime, South Africans must endeavour to make this World Cup a huge success, and enjoy themselves doing so.

Let the games begin.