SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

”Canada Media Report” by Jean Dugas

”After being a lifetime soccer fan, and having attended two previous World Cups, I decided that I wanted to combine my two loves, soccer and journalism. So I took six week leave of absence from my daily newspaper job to cover my first World Cup as a freelance reporter

in South Africa.

I must admit that before setting foot in South Africa, I was a bit curious, not scared, but curious of the type of welcome I would receive. As a Caucasian man, I was quite aware that apartheid had ended 16 years ago. Only 16 years ago after decades of domination on the Black man.

An extra 44 000 cops on the beat would be no match for a somewhat angry and Black majority population. Who wouldn’t be a bit bitter after that treatment? But the « Mandela effect », as I like to call it, was in full force. I was happily surprised by the warmth of all South Africans. Hatred, replaced by forgiveness. Just as Mandela had preached. Everyone, Blacks and Whites, welcomed me with open arms. United as a nation, in everyday life and in the stands for the Bafana Bafana. It was quite the scene. And it’s the lasting image that I will forever remember from my six-week journey in South Africa. But you know what I will remember most about South Africa? The people. I met wonderful South Africans. Some of whom will be friends for a long long time I believe. I will also remember how the kids of Orange Farm, a very poor township south of Johannesburg, can still smile while living in beat-up shacks with just about nothing but their family members. No water, no bathroom, no electricity, no possessions, and not much food either if not for a local community center run by a non-profit organization. I will also remember that South Africa is back. Back from the darkness of its past and looking forward to a sunny future thanks to one man, Nelson Mandela. Madiba as he is affectingly called by all South Africans appeared for a brief moment before the start of the World Cup final. His mere presence, aluminous in itself, had a profound effect on me, on the crowd. Everyone instinctively rose in the stands. Another unforgettable moment.

FIFA.COM

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