The Stadium is magnificent, the spectators are exhilerated and Durban rocks!

Vuvuzela Junkie

I have decided that I am a Moses Mabhida Stadium junkie and after Sunday’s amazing opening, I am a vuvuzela junkie of note.  I now proudly own my new blue vuvu and I just love filling my lungs and blasting it.  Admittedly my vuvu has a distinctly unique sound to it, but hey, it is joining in the cacophony of other vuvuzela blasts which resound around the stadium in one continual victory blaaaaaaaaaaaast.  How dare anyone even consider banning such a fun filled instrument of peace.  I say, South Africa, rise up with your vuvus and blast away!

A Work of Art

The Stadium is a work of art, majestic and enticing from every angle.  I have admired it from the outside, but it reveals even more beauty from within.  From the colourful seats to the inviting sails to the magnificent and exciting arch.  I will be one of the people rushing to ride the skycar.

Rainbow Nation

Last, but most definitely not least – the amazing South African Spectators!  What a wonderfully diverse and creative group of people all brought together to enjoy and support the beautiful game.  Actually it seemed like we were supporting far more than a game, but using the game to support one another.  All seemed to be smiling as beers and vuvuzelas were generously shared with each other and all cheered each new blast of a vuvu.

I will do all I can to obtain tickets to one of the World Cup matches, even sell my vuvuzela if I have to!

Photo by Moth

One of the things I admire about South African’s is our tenacity and innovative spirit.  The old saying, “‘n boer maak ‘n plan” still echoes strongly whether we are a ‘boer’ or any other South African.  We tend to have attitude.  No matter what obstacle confronts us, we find a way to hurdle it.  I think that is one of the reasons why South Africans are generally sought after as employees internationally.

My mother collected me from a domestic flight at Oliver Tambo Airport recently and on our way to lunch we passed the usual array of street vendors at the traffic lights, all entrepreneurs in their own right.  I am often amazed at the creativity of traffic light vendors, but on this occasion, even more so.  Two young men had choreographed a ‘pantsula’ dance routine and were performing with precision and passion.  One could not help but dip into the pockets and contribute something.  I love that South African spirit.  Times are tough, but we push through with flair.

South African attitude says that we can do it.  Despite the negatives, there are always more positives.  Despite the recession, there is a gold mine of opportunity and creative ideas.  Despite our history, there is a future of hope and success.  Despite our differences there is incredible versatility.

We look at our lack and choreograph a way forward.  We make a plan!

“We are proud of Johannesburg because…”  Phone calls streamed in with people commenting on the things they love about Jozi, from jacaranda trees, which abound in the city, to the continual smell of braais in any and every neighbourhood.  It was so uplifting and after just a few minutes I was more in love with this nation than ever before.

We are a fun-loving, crazy bunch of diverse people who are innovative and persevering.  Let’s focus on the positives and enjoy our own green pastures before the hordes arrive for the long awaited FIFA 2010 because after that we are going to be fighting to keep our pastures as the rest of the world wants a bite.