South Africa's Triumph

Courtesy of The Huffington Post
Shari Cohen
International development worker in the public health sector
Posted: June 15, 2010 11:35 AM

South Africa Rolls Out the Ubuntu in Abundance

I went on a rant the other day regarding the cost of the 2010 World Cup versus all the critical needs South Africa is facing and whether or not the most vulnerable of this country would gain anything from having the World Cup hosted in their country. At that time, I also had some very positive things to say about our hosts for the 2010 World Cup and I wanted to share that side of the coin as well, because it is equally important.

To say that I have been blown away at the hospitality South Africa has shown the rest of the world would be an understatement. I think back on recent Olympics and struggle to remember much reporting in the USA of athletes from other countries. I remember when a Togolese guy won a bronze medal in kayaking and NBC reported it and I thought to myself, "where are all the other fascinating stories like this one...like the Jamaican bobsledding team." In today's America, sadly, we have drifted so far towards being so US-centric that we only seem to root for the Americans.

Not so here in South Africa. I've been here since early May and each week I have become more and more impressed with the global embrace that South Africans have offered up to the world. On the way to the airport a couple of weeks ago, I heard a radio program that said each day they would focus on one country that would be coming to South Africa for the World Cup, and they would explore not only that sport's history in soccer, but also their politics, religion, and socio-cultural practices.

On the television, I've seen numerous programs that focus on a particular country and it's history of soccer and how the history of that country is intertwined with their soccer history. I've seen programs on India, exploring why India enjoys soccer but hasn't really excelled at the global level... yet. And I've seen shows on soccer in Muslim countries. Maybe it's planned, maybe it's unplanned, maybe it's by chance, but it is happening. It's not just about South Africans showing off their varied and multifaceted culture to their global guests, it's also about using this opportunity to educate South Africa on the rest of Planet Earth's inhabitants.

As I moved through my work here in the provinces over the last six weeks, I had a pivotal meeting with the Board members of a rural NGO. They were explaining their guiding program philosophy of Ubuntu. No, not the Linux program. I'm talking about the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu that essentially says, "No man is an island."

I found a better explanation from Wikipedia:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:
One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality -- Ubuntu -- you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

To me, Ubuntu is the acceptance of others as parts of the sum total of each of us. And that is exactly what I have experienced during the lead up to, and the initial days of this World Cup. There is nary a South African citizen that I've met on the street, or in shops or restaurants or hotels, that hasn't gone out of their way to greet me and make me feel like I am home. And I don't mean that in the trivial, "Oh, aren't they nice, homey people here... " sort of way. I mean real, genuine interest and questions. People seriously want to know where I come from. What it's like where I live. How does it compare to where I am now. What do I think of South Africa. Oh yes, and what do I think of Bafana Bafana... The questions and conversations are in earnest. They are honest. And they are had with enthusiasm and a thirst to know more. South Africans are drinking deeply from the cup of humanity that has been brought to their doorstep.

I would never imagine that an American World Cup or Olympics would ever be this welcoming to the rest of the world. And that saddens me for the state of my home country, but it also makes me feel the pride of the South African people.
I have been truly humbled on this trip. And while I have my gripes regarding development here, I cannot say one negative thing about how South Africa has handled its duties as host and hostess to the world. If I could say one thing to sum up being here during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would be that I've learned the value of Ubuntu, and that when found and offered in abundance, the world is indeed a better place to live in.

So, if South Africa accomplishes nothing more on the playing field, it will still have won as a host country. I am a cynic, no doubt about that. And yet I have to admit, I'm a little teary just writing this because I leave for home next weekend and I will be leaving a little piece of myself here in South Africa. I just hope I have learned enough to bring back a little piece of Ubuntu to my homeland, where perhaps with a little caring and a little water, it will take root as naturally as it does here, in the cradle of civilization. It's funny, many people in America still ask me, "are the people in Africa very primitive?" Yes, I know, amazing someone could ask that but they do. And when they do, I usually explain that living in a mud hut does not make one primitive, however, allowing kids to sell drugs to other kids and engage in drive-by killings -- isn't that primitive behavior? I think it is. When I think of Ubuntu and my recent experiences here, I think America has much to learn from Africa in general, in terms of living as a larger village; and as human beings who are all interconnected with each other, each of us having an affect on our brothers and sisters.


As the 2010 Cup slogan goes, "Feel it. It is here." Well, I have felt it, because I am here. Thank you South Africa, for giving me this unexpected gift. I am humbled.

Potential 2010 Criminals Might Find Themselves in a Half Nelson

According to football legend, Pele, former president Nelson Mandela might hold the key to ensuring safety and security during the 2010 World Cup. Pele told reporters in Columbia that the attack in Togo has had a ripple effect on whether soccer teams and supporters will be safe when travelling around SA for the games. He says he's also worried about Madiba's health because as long as he is around - he is a unifying factor for all South African's - he might contribute positively to the success of the games.

Nelson Mandela is certainly an icon in South Africa. The 2010 World Cup also marks a very important step and one that was first taken by Madiba himself. I bet he'd testify that it really is a long walk to freedom. Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the World Cup Organising Committe says its unfair to link the attack in Angola to preparations in SA. True, but the fact that it has happened - makes it possible anywhere and given the timing - particularly in SA where we are constantly in a war against crime it might be something to consider?

I wouldn't call Pele a security expert, he plays a good game of soccer though. I also don't want to make the overt assumption that 'everything will be fine!' Famous last words, you know what I mean? But here's the real question I want to ask...forget beyond 2010, what about beyond Madiba? It is true that he is fragile, but his life represents so much in South Africa and for so many people. What will happen when he goes?

Will we be at the mercy of politically incorrect Julius Malema and the like? Will Helen Zille get tired of the fight and move to Canada? Will Jacob have many more wives and/or children? Eish, it's frightening and perhaps second nature for thoroughbred South Africans to assume the worst. Will SA reflect Madiba's life after he is gone? I hope so. I really do. Beyond the stadiums and the rise in trade and tourism, beyond electricity shortages and water restrictions, and G*d forbid, after Madiba what will we have to show democracy, freedom, fairness and the change that is so desperate in SA?

To all the criminals - ask yourself...What Would Madiba Do? Put it on a bracelet and start asking the right questions...what can I do to turn this around. My life, my financial situation, my family, my education. Who can help me and how? What am I prepared to do? Ask the right questions rather than steal a handbag - it's what Madiba and Pele wpuld have wanted.

Sex, Five, Four...

The countdown has begun. Its about balls. Its about scoring. And its got everything to do with sex and soccer. Sex workers in Hillbrow, Johannesburg are looking forward to the business that the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will bring with it. The opposing side, namely government and police and hoping to crack down on the sex trade, making it virtually impossible to protect the men and women involved in the trade. The spread of HIV can't be controlled and the safety of sex workers is constantly jeopardised by violence and abuse from police and pimps.

The moral high ground is populated with people who think that legalising prostitution will only make things worse. Worse than what?, some might ask. One prostitute was quoted, saying that she hopes the Cup will result in a nice little nest egg that will lead to an early retirement. She doesn't want to sell sex until she's 65, she says. Smart girl. She's got business savvy. I'd say an early retirement and golden FIFA handshake is in order.

Its the Final Draw...

And its a festival. Its all happening in Long Street tonight. The 2010 World Cup kicks off today and the city is popping and crackling with excitement.

At about 7pm, thousands and thousands of people from across the globe will be watching the kick off as the games begin and South Africa has their first taste of welcoming the world.

Musicians, entertainers, puppets, dancers, big screen televisions, restaurants and bars fully stocked, security and more than 8000 celebrities, including our very own Charlize Theron will all be there. It is history in the making! If you're in Cape Town, consider yourself very lucky and as far as 2010...we can't wait!!

Room for 55 000 More

A story published on News24 declares that there are no worries that SA will be able to accomodate all teh visitors estimated to arrive for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. Take a look below...

Cape Town - Accommodation at next year's World Cup finals was no longer an issue with enough rooms now available for visiting supporters, FIFA said on Wednesday.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said a target of 55 000 so-called 'bed nights' for an estimated 500 000 visitors at the month-long tournament starting next June had been reached.

"Accommodation is now a non-issue," he told a news conference ahead of Friday's World Cup draw.

South Africa has yet to convince everyone it has enough rooms or sufficient transport for fans at the finals.

However, Valcke said: "We have got the bed nights we feel we need to accommodate the people, based on the estimated numbers that we are expecting.

"We are sure now to accommodate all the potential requests we will receive whatever the demand," he added.

Valcke said extra aircraft would be chartered by MATCH Services, the travel agent appointed by soccer's world governing body, to help transport supporters around South Africa.

"We are renting planes, big aircraft like Airbus 340s and Boeing 747s," he said.

The vast distances in South Africa and lack of rail infrastructure mean air transport will be vital during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 11.

Good times! Welcome the world South Africa.

To vuvuzela or not to vuvuzela?

A serious soccer fan has voiced his disapproval of the vuvuzela on News24. Apparently, the otherwise dubbed "traditional" vuvuzela actually only made its way into soccer stadiums from about 2000. So it is in fact not 'traditional' or 'cultural' according to the reader, they're just noisy.

Its true that you couldn't really call it an instrument, its more of a mistake that makes a noise I think. The upside is that its such a distinct sound that whenever I hear one these days, I think of soccer. Now that is the power of the vuvuzela.

I'm sure that if you've ever been caught at a game next to a vuvuzela blower, you might have a stronger stance on the subject but I've never had the pleasure. The truth is that if you don't like it, you should either get used to it or get one yourself and take revenge on the spit splattering, ear drum shattering fellow fan sitting in your immediate vicinity.

We're fast approaching the end of 2009 and along with that 2010 - the big year, the year that we've all being debating, waiting for, optimistic about, pessimistic about, scared of, excited about. The outcome of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup can't be predicted but as the start draws ever closer, hope resounds around the country and it sounds an awful lot like a vuvuzela.

Perhaps not cultural or traditional, the vuvuzela is fast becoming an instrument of change, prosperity and joy - and that is a tradition all on its own!

Bring on 2010! Bring on the World Cup! Bring on the Vuvuzela.

For more information about self-drive travel in Cape Town, visit www.tourismradio.co.za and get Tourism Radio in your car!

Tourism Radio Takes Flight on Expedia

Cape Town, South Africa – Tourism Radio, a location-based radio station for independent tourists, is the latest service provider to join the Expedia.com website. Expedia is one of the world’s leading travel websites. Users have access to all the information required to plan, research and pay for their travels. In addition to features such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rental and cruises, travellers from across the globe can now opt for Tourism Radio in their rental cars to enhance their travel experience.

Chief Operating Officer, Mark Allewell said, “We’re very excited about partnering with Expedia. They are a fantastic travel resource and Tourism Radio can positively contribute to the service they’re offering tourists to South Africa and particularly Cape Town and Kwa Zulu Natal.”

Tourism Radio is an onboard travel guide, offering listeners location-based information about the area they are travelling through. Other broadcasts include radio shows covering topics like South African food, language and culture, as well as local music. Tourism Radio also boasts a unique “Intellipoint” system that will draw a listener’s attention to landmarks and highlights as the car approaches them.

The latest offering from Tourism Radio is the inclusion of routes within their line up. Wine lovers can follow up to five wine routes throughout the Western Cape to experience the winelands at their leisure. The Cape Point route highlights some of the most impressive natural surroundings in the whole of the Western Cape.

Expedia is regarded in the industry as a leading service provider to scores of travellers. In 2008, Expedia brought more than 100 000 tourists to South Africa with their comprehensive web portal.

“We’re looking forward to talking to more tourists coming to South Africa, we’re confident that the partnership between Expedia and ourselves will deliver on the promise to enhance the travel experience to South Africa, especially in light of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup,” said Mark Allewell.

Visit www.expedia.com to book Tourism Radio for your travels in and around SA.