Friday 11 June 2010 is a day that will be forever etched in the history of South Africa… and of the world. It was a day characterized by rainbow colours, celebratory pandemonium and the sound of the Vuvuzela – the definitive symbol of the Fifa 2010 World Cup. Indeed, finally the time had come and South Africa was ready for it all. Today was the kick off for the 19th Fifa World Cup tournament, and the streets were alive with people from across the country, and across the globe – all feeling the momentous energy.

Walking through the city centre, past the Fan Park (which was closed due to being too full), I realized that this moment is one experienced only by a scattered few. Here I was, a girl in my 20s… in my prime… and I was experiencing the world cup madness. What better place than here… what better time than now. No one was raging against any machines though – because today the entire world put aside differences and came together for the love of sport.  Looking around me, everywhere I saw the colours of our flag.

These colours of the rainbow were shouting and dancing and laughing in unison, and for the first time in my 25 years on this planet I felt that all class / gender / race / whatever barriers had been annihilated. Sending the sound of my vuvuzela into the bright blue sky above me, I grasped the enormity of the moment… it was time for a beer. Walking through the Fan Fest, I had goose bumps on my arms, a dance in my step, a sparkle in my eyes and a vuvuzela in one hand and a smoke in the other. Today was Africa’s day, and 200 countries worldwide would witness it.

The 11th of June saw South Africa and Mexico face each other in Jozi’s stadium for the first game of the World Cup. And five days later (16th of June, Youth Day), I’m sitting on my couch with chicken pox (yes, I lie not), waiting to watch Bafana Bafana kick off again. After drawing 1 – 1 with Mexico on Friday, the Mzansi (South) team will be representing their country again. This time against Uruguay, who had drawn 0 – 0 with France on the 11th at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town (CHECK OUT MY PICS!!!).

I won’t be rampaging through town infecting everyone with my polka dots, but I will be rampaging through some beers on my own at home, trying not to hate on those responsible for that angry bee humming noise outside. I’ve gotta’ get myself some ‘vuvustops’ – ear plugs especially made to combat the audio-wrath of the vuvuzela. Before that happens though, I’ll join the folk with their horns and blow my red vuvu loud and proud. Anyway, enough complaints. Two hours to go… Time for my polka dot medication, a beer and a gherkin tuna mayo sandwich. Life is good. Mzansi Fo Sho!

*Big thanks to Jennifer Addington, Jason de Villiers & Cape Town Fifa Fan Fest for the photos!







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