A World Cup Wrap-Up from AED Southern Africa

A guest post by Viwe Mtshontshi, director of AED Southern Africa–our regional support office in Pretoria, South Africa:

As we congratulate Spain, the winners of the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010, I also join the many voices lauding South Africa as the real winners for hosting the event successfully.  Facebook, twitter, the print media, radio, TV and many different media are still with congratulatory expressions. But most importantly, they are mulling on the lessons learned from this event.

The enthusiasm with which the nation has hosted this event has been very infectious.  Even before the tournament started, when soccer Friday (wearing the soccer national t-shirt) was introduced as a visible way of supporting the tournament and the national team, the nation responded very positively.

I have had the privilege to attend six of the 64 matches, and have been impressed by the good organization and execution of plans as I drive to the stadia, the efficient police function at the gates of the stadia, the friendliness of the volunteers as they show seats to the spectators from all over the world.

As I reflect on how South Africa, FIFA and the Local Organizing Community (LOC) executed this project, I could not help but observe the success had as its foundation, amongst other things, a commitment to success; an approach that will provide practical solutions based on the South African reality, and partnership across all sectors.  I saw in this approach at least three of the five AED identity pillars on full display.

As of May 15, 2004, when it was announced that South Africa was going to host from June 11 to July 12 in 2010, the LOC realized that the mammoth task  had to be supported by all partners, from individual citizens, big business and respected leadership like Nelson Mandela, as the continent of Africa has never hosted an event of this magnitude.

For an example, accommodation was going to be a challenge given that there are not many big hotels in South Africa.  But, we could make use of the existing Bed & Breakfast establishments spread throughout the country, which would also help the guests to interact more with the locals.  It also became clear that good communication affects sustained commitment and passion.  When the national team was knocked out at the group stage, it was important to provide a reason for the people to stay interested and engaged.  The nation was called on to renew their commitment to the tournament behind Ghana, another African team.  When Ghana lost at the quarter final stage the nation was reminded again that as good hosts, to see to the finish the good work they had started.

There is discussion now, with this success, that South Africa might be considered for the Olympics, and from the lessons learned from the 2010 World Cup, we will even be better hosts for the next event.