The Effects of the World Cup

I have had a lot of people ask me what South Africa is like now that the World Cup has come and gone.  So I’d like to take some time explaining my observations.

The FIFA World Cup 2010 was one of the most exciting, passionate times for South Africa in its history.  The 2010 World Cup was the first held on African soil, and the excitement filled the stadiums, streets and homes of this proud country.  Not many South Africans would have believed that only 16 years after the end of Apartheid and many international sports sanctions, they would be hosting the world’s most popular and prestigious tournament.  However, South Africa was chosen as a host and had prepared for years for 2010.

In the short-term, the World Cup brought the obvious economic boom for South Africa.  There was a massive influx of visitors to the country, and there were increased profits in many of the host cities.  New stadiums were built in many cities, including the state-of-the-art facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg.  Roads, airports and other forms of infrastructure were renovated and improved.  For example, the Bloemfontein airport experienced a serious makeover, which has made me a happy traveler when using it.  There were many construction jobs created, as well as security and other miscellaneous jobs pertaining to the World Cup.

During the month of the tournament, South Africa was united.  Whites, blacks and coloureds were no longer defined by their race, but rather by their national identity.    Although Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national team, did not progress to the next round, there was still immense pride in being hosts to the world.  I have heard countless stories from people who explained that during the World Cup, there was so much pride, happiness and excitement surrounding the tournament that there was barely any crime committed in many areas thought to be dangerous.  The tournament went off without a hitch, and the example South Africa set is now being followed by future host nations.

 Half a year after the tournament, there are still many reminders of the World Cup.  Almost everywhere you go there is World Cup 2010 paraphernalia being sold.  In every city and neighborhood you will find people sporting their yellow Bafana Bafana jerseys, and wearing them proudly.  The World Cup’s theme song, Waka Waka, is still as popular as ever and can be heard daily when in town or any public place.  The effects from the improved infrastructure has left many roads in excellent condition and travelling safer and more comfortable.  However, there are still some effects from the World Cup which haven’t been as positive as others.  Many businesses and municipalities had forecasted too much of an economic impact, and some businesses are hurting after anticipating a huge rise in sales, profits, etc.  There is also the threat that some of the World Cup stadiums may become ‘white elephants’ due to their large operating costs and lack of events being held in them. 

Yet despite some setbacks from the overall impact of the 2010 World Cup, the positive effects far outweigh any negative ones.  South Africa has a new look and proven that South Africans are capable of doing great things.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be an event cemented in South Africa’s history, and one that will remain in the hearts and minds of South Africans forever.