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World praises South Africa
Tuesday, 27 July 2010 15:38 | 
Blatter: Mandela’s dream realised
South Africa continues to receive praise from all parts of the world for its role as host nation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter described the country and its citizens as role models. South Africa had set an example, not only through the hospitality the country had shown as a host nation, but also through its exceptional organisational skills, Mr. Blatter said.
“I have to give a big compliment to South Africa, its people and its government, the latter especially for giving the guarantees needed to stage the FIFA World Cup and for meeting them. I have to thank the LOC, especially Irvin Khoza and Danny Jordaan, as well as all of its workers, volunteers, security staff, hospitality workers. They were great.
“I also have to pay a big compliment to Africa. They proved that they could organise the FIFA World Cup and a massive competition. I said at the beginning of this competition that this was a question of trust. FIFA trusted South Africa and from this trust, people gained confidence and South Africans can be proud of what they have achieved. FIFA are satisfied and as FIFA President I am more than satisfied. I am also satisfied that in Spain we had a winner who played good football.”
Commenting on the level of organisation, Mr. Blatter said: “After the Confederations Cup, I gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10, but now – after a successful Final Draw and this tournament – I would give a 9, which in a University would earn the highest honours.”
FIFA President paid homage to the former President of South Africa Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela. “This World Cup had a special momentum, linked with a history of freedom and the history of one man. This man is still living, at the age of 92 and this is a man who has suffered so much. But despite this, upon his release from prison, he spoke of peace and understanding. I met him for the first time in 1992 and he had a dream – to bring the World Cup to his country. The dream came true in May 2004 when South Africa were awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He brought the World Cup to South Africa. He wanted to attend the tournament – and last night (11th July 2010) he fulfilled that ambition. So, I must pay a homage to the greatest living humanist – Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela,” Mr. Blatter said.
FIFA vice-president Issa Hayatou also praised South Africa for the good job in hosting the tournament. “I was so impressed by the willingness of South Africans to show the world their nation, regardless of their social status. Everyone mobilized to make this event a great success, even when South Africa were knocked out of the tournament,” he said.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands Jan Peter Balkenende also congratulated South Africa on the “outstanding organisation of the World Cup”.
President of the Gabon and African Union representative Ali Ondimba Bongo thanked South Africa for making the continent proud. “The World Cup has drawn the attention of hundreds of thousands of international visitors and millions of viewers to the continent. I want to congratulate South Africa for the successful hosting of the World Cup as an African event,” he said.
A similar message came from the German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said: “I could already see from afar that the tournament had been wonderfully organised and that the atmosphere was incredible.” She added that “It’s been a huge victory for the people of South Africa. When we look back on the tournament in the future, we’ll remember Africa in a different light.”
The Colombian pop singer Shakira who composed the official tournament anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), told FIFA.com: “For the first time of my life, I arrived at immigration and I saw the immigration officers actually dancing and singing the Waka Waka. It’s been such an amazing experience.”
UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon said “There is no doubt that this World Cup has been a success for South Africa and for the entire African continent.” He acknowledged the efforts of the South African government and the local organizing committee in organizing and sustaining an event of this magnitude. Its organization surpassed expectations, as the tournament took place in a positive spirit and safe environment for athletes, fans, observers, and local community members alike.
Commenting on the significance of Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup, the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan told FIFA.com: “It is wonderful and in some way shows how far the continent has come. You may recall that 50 years ago this year, 17 African countries became independent. They are celebrating their golden anniversary so for it to coincide with the World Cup organised on the African continent for the first time is really a source of pride.”
Reacting to those who argue that the money spent by South Africa on the FIFA World Cup could have been better spent elsewhere, Mr. Annan said “the benefits and the spirit of the World Cup should not be reduced to financial calculations. If we are to measure the financial benefits, many could take some time to become evident.”
He said the FIFA World Cup has benefitted South Africa and the continent in terms of infrastructure. “We are a continent that has a serious infrastructure deficit. If we had our roads, rails and energy properly organised, Africa would be doing much, much better in trade, not only with ourselves but with the rest of the world. So I think this is a worthwhile investment. I know there are people in South Africa who are not sure how this will benefit them but if it helps them increase trade and they are able to come together and get to know the other African nations better and co-operate better, it will be worthwhile.”
By Stephen Ogongo
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