May 17, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
BLAAAAA! The sound of vuvuzelas ruptured the deathly silence hanging over Mary Fitzgerald Square as thousands of Joburgers, mesmerised by massive television screens, watched Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, painstakingly remove from an envelope the card that would name the host of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
2010 celebrations in Newtown
In an instant the atmosphere at the City of Johannesburg's party in Newtown, one of the many bid-result events around the country, turned into a loud and relieved celebration - a far cry from that after the last bid.
Before Blatter's announcement, the thousands of soccer fans in the square - some with painted faces and some wearing fancy hats - had about them an anxious air.
"It has to be South Africa," said Sebenzile Ntsomi, staring intently at the screen before the Fifa briefing.
"We are ready and waiting to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I don't know what will happen to me if we lose it again."
As for the mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, and his committee: they could barely contain their enthusiasm. The mayor even led the singing in the build-up to Fifa's briefing, screened to the crowd live from Zurich's World Trade Centre.
Back in Joburg, along the M1 South overlooking Newtown, motorists stopped at the side of the freeway to watch the screens - and not even a traffic officer could make them move along. Drivers climbed out of cars and joined the dancing.
Finally the moment of reckoning arrived; silence descended. Some fans
started praying, most just held their breath.
When the words "South Africa" emerged from the envelope, the noise was overwhelming: people cried, people laughed, people jumped, people threw themselves to the ground. For a moment, even photographers forgot they were on duty and joined in the melee.
A glimpse of Nelson Mandela shedding a tear on television caused floods back home.
"I really can't explain the way I feel right now," said Simphiwe Cele.
"This World Cup will really put us on the map; many companies will be
looking to invest in South Africa. This is going to boost our economy and create a lot of jobs."
After the announcement the thrilled mayor reminded residents of the role Johannesburg was to play in the World Cup.
"I'm very excited we won and we are looking forward to the hard work that will follow," Masondo said.
"There will be talks during the next few days on the opening ceremony to be held in Johannesburg, the first match and the finals to be played in Johannesburg. We want Johannesburg to remain in people's minds. A lot of job opportunities will be created."
Bongi Mokaba, the City's events manager, said: "There's a lot of work that needs to be done. The government and business people need to ensure that Soccer City and the roads leading to it are upgraded and completed. We need to maintain the passion that was shown today by our soccer fans."
The international media centre would be in Johannesburg and Fifa would move its headquarters here for the tournament, she said.
"We need to have a well-trained staff," she added.
The news left Jacoline Mabitsela jubilant: "I'm looking forward to 2010 and I hope I will get a job."
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