The World Cup – bane or blessing to Southern Africa?

By Peter Mietzner

Its economy in recession for the first time in 17 years and led by a controversial new president, South Africa will host a World Cup in 6 months’ time (the month-long tournament begins on June 11)  crucial not just for its own future but for the image of a whole continent.

Any World Cup or Olympics has huge importance for the image and economy of the host nation, with effects that can last for decades, but even more will be at stake in 2010.

The World Cup will be the biggest sporting event yet held in Africa. The continent`s future reputation and chances of holding more mega-events - with the huge investment that they bring - will hang on its success.  It also gives Africa the chance finally to reverse stereotypes of famine, pestilence and war that still blight the continent.

Nobel peace prize laureate and anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu has gone on record by saying the World Cup will have as big an impact for black people as the election of US President Barack Obama and would give new pride to a still divided nation.

 "Football means a lot to our people. This is not a panacea, but it has lifted our people`s psyche, lifted their belief in themselves. With all the negative things that are taking place in Africa, this is a superb moment for us. If we are going to have white elephants, so be it," he said.

While the World Cup will not drag South Africa out of poverty it will do something else: It will put Africa quite directly in front of the rest of the world

Nobody who is poor and lives in a shack is going to be living in different circumstances when the final whistle is blown ... but it may happen in the long term that people go back to the soccer World Cup and say it was a milestone of change on the continent and in the way the continent is regarded.

Economists also say World Cup construction has cushioned South Africa from the global recession and will contribute close to R56-billion ($7,3-billion) to the economy. "It has been a huge blessing for South Africa in view of the recession," said Gillian Saunders of business consultants Grant Thornton.

Nevertheless, the stadiums` spectacular style can perhaps be seen as an affirmation of the capabilities of a young, democratic country in the face of doubts and cynicism both at home and abroad. "For the many little boys kicking a ball in the streets of the world`s townships and squatter camps, football is the stuff of dreams," said commentator Tinyiko Sam Maluleke.

"I will not deny millions of boys in Africa and all over the chance to watch their idols strut their stuff on African soil. I will not deny them inspiration. 2010 is about much more than money and text-book definitions of development," he recently told the SA Mail and Guardian.

Namibia is home, as we all know, to some of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems and dazzling desert landscapes. Our country boasts a wide diversity of terrains, creatures and peoples making it the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime. Evolving sand dunes, savannahs teeming with African game, rugged soaring mountains, the world’s largest underground lake and oldest desert are just some of the natural gems awaiting visitors.

From hiking through desert terrain past sulphur springs in the Fish River Canyon, to 4 x 4 adventures spotting elephants, zebras and lions in the Etosha National Park, to skydiving, water sports and sand skiing, we have an abundance of fantastic activities on offer for visitors.

With the price of flights to South Africa soaring during the World Cup 2010 period, safari holidays can appear unaffordable for holiday makers, Namibia is giving visitors an action-packed holiday without the inflated World Cup price tag.

Maureen Posthuma , Namibia Tourism’s Europe Area Manager recently stated: “The fares to Windhoek have been held at their usual level for this period so people are not deterred from visiting Namibia during the World Cup 2010. We are pleased to continue welcoming visitors to Namibia throughout this period, and it is great that holidaymakers don’t need to avoid the southern regions of the continent during such a popular period”.

One of the remaining areas of concern for organisers is that matches could be robbed of the singing, dancing fans who make local games so colourful and provide the atmosphere which was one of the biggest draws of holding the competition in Africa.

"The one thing we want it to be is a South African and African World Cup. We don`t want it to be European or South American or Asian," said former England footballer Terry Paine, now a popular commentator on South Africa`s Supersport channel.

There are fears impoverished local supporters, faced with even the cheapest World Cup tickets yet almost ten times the cost of a domestic premier league match, will either not turn up or sell them to foreign fans.

The poor record of South Africa`s national team, which failed to even qualify for the 2010 African Nations Cup finals, may also put off local fans, especially if they do not get through to the World Cup`s knock-out round.

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