2010 a lifeline for South Africa
Craig Urquhart
4 June 2008
South Africa is picking up the pieces after one of its greatest tragedies in living memory. A nation that, for so long, has been a shining light for so many has shown its dark side.
As the government, the security agencies, civic organisations and millions of ordinary South Africans reach out to help those affected by xenophobic violence, the world is focusing on the country which has been chosen to host the quadrennial showpiece of international football.
2010 Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan has noted that the current crisis in South Africa, and the tragedy in China following the recent earthquake, have raised the levels of scrutiny, with both countries preparing to host mega sporting events.
"We can see the focus of attention on our countries, for completely different reasons, both of them tragic," Jordaan said.
While Fifa has expressed its concern about the attacks on foreigners, it has reiterated its faith in South Africa to produce the goods. "We trust them, I trust them, and we will do this World Cup 2010 definitely in South Africa," said Fifa President Sepp Blatter.
As we reflect on the issues that sparked the outbreak of xenophobic violence, we must embrace the lifeline the 2010 World Cup presents us.
This is an event like no other. It draws the spotlight from countries around the world and presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary unity - and diversity - that helped us to win the rights to host this tournament in the first place.
Urquhart is a former Fifa World Cup media officer and the current editor of Project 2010
