Stand Strong South Africa

With the 2010 Soccer World Cup drawing to a very exciting close, we cannot help but applaud South Africa for putting on a wonderful show. OK so I was not actually there, but for a South African being away from home I have never felt so proud.

I have heard nothing but fantastic reports from locals and visitors - when in all honesty I was expecting otherwise. I will be the first to say that I was skeptical. I wasn't sure whether we could pull it off. I was one of those people thinking that logistically we could not cope with that amount of people. But I am glad to say that I was wrong.

After many years of planning, South Africa finally got their public transport system in order and succeeded to move hundreds of thousands of people within the cities without fail.

The Fan Parks and Fan walks were genius and served their purpose of reducing traffic and congestion and of course brining people together, giving them the opportunity to celebrate as one. After seeing the photo's and hearing the noise of these Fan Walk nights I can only wish that I could have been there to experience it. Never in my life would I have thought of walking from the middle of Town to Sea Point late at night - but it has been done, and safely.

It is so nice to think that so many people will be returning home (potentially with broken hearts due to a loss) with so many great stories and memories of their trip to South Africa.

One has to however ask the question - what is going to happen when the teams and tourists leave and the stadium lights switch off? I pray that things stay exactly the way they are. I hope that South African will remember how it feels to be a country united and happy. With everyone living and celebrating life together. No divides, no sadness, no crime.

South Africa you have shown that you can accomplish so much - the biggest thing - change. Lets keep it this way. It has brought such a smile to my face to see the photo's and the videos and hear the songs of happy people. Happy South Africans. Proud South Africans. South Africans waving flags and holding hands. Singing and dancing in the street. Showing the world what an amazing country we have and what amazing people we share it with.

Remember this feeling South Africa. Remember it and treasure it.

I am Proudly South African.