Proudly South African

"I've got a good feeling and I can feel it in my soul that happy days are here again so let the games begin. People from around the world, come and celebrate, God's smiling on Africa so have a little faith. Let us Stand as One, doesnt matter where you're from as we dance & sing together, no more black or white theres no need to fight as we blow our vuvuzela" These words are from the recently released World Cup song by Martin PK, which has received much attention from the South African public. When I first heard the song, I got goosebumps, as I drove down Kloof Nek on my way to work. This was just another Proudly South African moment, as with the World Cup coming up in less than 90 days, SA has made so much effort to get ready for this world class event which will showcase SA and its talent.

We have 10 stadiums which will host matches, much time, effort and resources have gone into preparing these stadiums to be world class venues. In this blog we will look at each of the stadium as these venues are something to be proud of.

Cape Town stadium has the beautiful backdrop of Cape Towns most visited tourist attraction, Table Mountain. It is located between Table Mountain & Robben Island. This stadium is one of the most environmentally conscious stadiums in SA as it has a solar water heating system as well as the old components of the old Green Point stadium were recycled and reused to build this beauty. It can accommodate 70 000 sporting enthusiasts and cost R2.7 billion to build.

Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein was completed in November 2009 & cost approximately R302 million. 85% of the labour for this project was sourced locally creating jobs for 340 locals.

The Moses Mabhiba Stadium is located in Durban and is named after a former General Secretary of the South Africa Communist Party, Moses Mabhiba. It has a 30 storey steel arch which will have a cable car which will take visitors to its highest points showcasing, the amazing panoramic views. The stadium cost

R 1.5 billion and can accommodate 70 000 people.

Soccer City, which was formerly known as the FNB stadium has undergone a major upgrade in order to be for the soccer tournament. It is situated in Soweto, next to the FIFA headquarters. It is Africa's largest stadium as it seats 94 000 people. Upgrading the stadium created 700 jobs for local workers and cost R3.1 billion. The opening and final matches will be played at Soccer City. I have been on a tour through Soccer City and one does not realise its size until you are in the stadium, standing on the pitch, in awe of the structure.

Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg was built in 1928 and is well known for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final where the Springboks showcased their talent, winning the final. The stadium has been renovated for the World Cup and can seat 62 000 people, with the renovations costing R19 million.

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Eliazbeth (PE) is one of my favourite stadiums. It is located in the heart of the city and overlooks the North End Lake. It seats 46 500 people and cost R1.6 billion. PE is known as the friendly city but also as the windy city thus the roof of the stadium has been designed to deflect the strong winds.

The Mbombela Stadium is situated in Nelspruit and is known for its zebra print seats and giraffe shaped columns which support the roof. Mbombela is a Swati word which means many people gather together in a small space.It can accommodate 46 000 fans and cost R98 million to build.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane can seat 45 000 people and cost just over R1 billion to construct. The stadium is named after Peter Mokaba, a former leader of the African National Congress Youth League. A babobab tree was the inspiration behind the shape of the stadium.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, home of the infamous Super 14 team, the Blue Bulls, needed minor renovations and about R90 million was spent to get the stadium ready for the World Cup. It has hosted a number of sporting events including the All Black Tour of SA as well as concerts of international stars such as Celine Dion and UB40.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg needed minor changes to ensure it was ready for the World Cup. R340 million was spent on these upgrades allowing 42 000 spectators to enjoy the soccer action.

Excitement amongst South Africans is definitely oozing and one cannot wait for the spectacular to begin.

I can honestly say that I am proudly South Africa, our country has done well in preparing for the month long event, its now time to show the world why our country is amazing. Its time to blow our vuvuzelas and scream LADUMA.

"2010 here we go again, I'm glad to say that I'm proudly South African, this is where the party is at and we're kicking it off and thats a fact" ~ Martin PK