As I watched the Beijing Olympics, I could not help myself but envy the Chinese.
One question kept coming to me: Can we, as South Africans — the sport-mad nation that we claim to be — show such a united front when the world’s media and tourists descend on our shores to capture South Africa’s biggest moment of glory in the world arena?
I’m afraid we cannot, because we are a sadly divided nation. In this piece I will tell you why.
The reason I envy the Chinese is because, so far, I have been overwhelmingly impressed with their patriotism and the way they have embraced these Games as a nation and stole this moment as an opportunity to market China — a country that is still recovering from strong allegations of human’s rights abuse.
In less than two years’ time, the spotlight will fall on South Africa for the world’s greatest showpiece on Earth — the Soccer World Cup.
The 2010 World Cup LOC has been perennially trying to convince us that the World Cup will unite us as a nation, that it will heal old wounds, bridge the gap that exists in our polluted society created by the injustice of the past, and mend the cracks caused by racial divisions.
We are led to believe that in 2010, we will see no colour — nothing but a rainbow nation as depicted in our flag. We are told that the whites will flock to the stadiums waving the South African flag and rallying behind Bafana Bafana.
The optimists want us to believe that South Africans will see a new era — the one never seen before.
Now let’s do a reality check and be brutally honest. All the above are romantic ideas but, sadly, far-fetched. Trust me, it won’t happen and if it does, it will be by a miracle.
And, as someone who believes in miracles, I will leave that window open.
Before you rush to crucify me, try to answer these questions and please, be brutally honest when you do so. Then, and only then, you can throw stones.
First of all, we hosted the 1995 Rugby World, Cup, Cricket World Cup, another Cricket World Cup and a host of other major international sporting galas. Why is it that it is only when it’s football’s turn that we hear people telling us that the World Cup will be a failure because of crime that is apparently spiralling out of control?
Yes, crime is a concern, but I suspect those opposed to the World Cup are using it as a convenient card to chase tourists away. Mind you, most of these sceptics are South Africans living here or abroad.
Then there is a debate of stadium construction. From 2004, the sceptics told us that we won’t be able to finish stadiums in time. Why?
Then I come to the most fascinating point: Why is it that we only see blacks filling the stands at soccer games in South Africa?
Let’s be honest, we are still being driven by the ancient stereotypes arguing that football is a black man’s sport in this country. It is only when European teams visit our shores that we see the so-called rainbow nation in the stands.
And, mind you, they are not supporting a South African team, but gladly clad in European colours to enhance the “Europe is best” mentality.
The recent Manchester United tour was evident that South Africa, after all, is still in black and white.
The support was divided along racial lines, and don’t be surprised if that happens again in 2010.
Ag man, we are such a divided nation and you can deny this until you turn blue or pink.
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