Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
30 June 2009
editorial
The success of the just-ended FIFA Confederations Cup is conclusive proof that in spite of critics' scepticism, South Africa is capable of hosting the 2010 World Cup.
It is also true that Africa, as a continent, has not had the best of images. Afro-pessimism lodged deep within many so-called critics of Africa has often led to irrational doubt regarding Africa's capacity to play a meaningful role in world events. With the World Cup less than a year away, all eyes were on the Confederations Cup; a dress rehearsal to indicate whether or not South Africa could host the real thing. And by extension, the doubters sought to show Africa as incapable of hosting such events. The critics' pessimism was not without substance. South Africa's more rational critics however were not without some valid arguments - the country has one of the world's highest crime rates, particularly the violent and intrusive type; a strong labour movement prone to industrial action; and a precariously transport system with capacity constraints. In addition, concerns have persisted about the development of the country's sporting infrastructure in readiness for the World Cup.
However with a colourful closing ceremony on Sunday, South Africa wrapped up a seamless hosting of the Confederations Cup, demonstrating its capacity and readiness for the World Cup next year. This is not to say the recently held tournament was without glitches. For instance, reports emerged of players' belongings being stolen from their hotel rooms. However, the strength of a system is not tested by the challenges to its integrity, but its response to those challenges.
South Africa's response to the challenges that arose during the Confederations Cup, was the result of a multi-sectoral composition of its system. Besides the sporting administrators, financiers, marketers and technocrats involved in the hosting of the Confederations Cup, most important was the political will and guidance provided by the government. Without this, no country can successfully host an international sporting event.
South Africa strongly indicated strong political support for the Confederations Cup when no less a person than the Deputy Minister of Safety responded to reports of players being robbed. We believe South Africa has made this continent proud. Indeed, we also see in this success a revision of Africa's international image as a basket case fraught with human suffering and nothing else. At a more practical level, Botswana can no doubt learn lessons from the successful hosting of the Confederations Cup, more so with the World Cup around the corner. The government needs to engage the private sector NOW to maximise potential benefits from the World Cup and stop languishing at the strategy level. Surely, the country must maximise on the goodwill generated by hosting the Confederations Cup.
Today's Thought
The [World Cup local] organising committee and [its] CEO Danny Jordaan have done a good job.
- Sepp Blatter - FIFA President addressing a press conference after the finals
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
