This is Zakumi, South Africa's mascot for the FIFA World Cup 2010. He was unveiled late last year in Johannesburg and "symbolizes South Africa and the rest of the African continent
through his self-confidence, pride, hospitality, social skills and
warm-heartedness." "Za" stands for South Africa and "kumi" stands for ten. I'm not sure why he has green dreads. FIFA 2010 fever was low-grade last year compared to this year's media coverage, the prevalance of merchandise, and the fact that the first round of tickets went on sale February 19th.
Since I was here last year I have noticed a lot of changes and developments at the Johannesburg airport and in Durban to prepare for the event. The Jozi airport has already completed secure building access to domestic flights from the international terminal (something that was under construction last year) and they have scared away most of the informal porters who would wait outside to help (and some, swindle) newly arrived international travellers. I'm anxious to see how South Africa treats the thousands of poor who live in metal shacks near several of the tournament sites. As Mike Davis and many other critics have pointed out, when the eyes of the world are on a country for an international event (sporting or otherwise), governmental forces usually step in to mask the worst examples of poverty - displacing thousands from informal settlements and demolishing them to construct an "appealing" facade. The national news mentions concern on progress and completion - particularly of the stadiums - several times a week. The stadium in Durban (placed north of the main beaches, on the way to ritzier Durban North and Umhlanga) is partially completed but massive in comparison to the Sharks rugby stadium next door - I don't think girders were even up when I was here last year.
462 days away and counting...
Usually success and failure is just one step away,Life is a combination of success and failure. Both are needed
Posted by: Chanel J12 | January 21, 2011 at 08:59 PM
yeah all is pretty for the people who have business in this part of the world, but not for the poor people who was caged in the different shelters, this in order to give visitors a good Africa images...what a false politic.
Posted by: xlpharmacy | October 25, 2011 at 12:28 PM