₦airaland Forum

@Back2Back I really took my time in trying to understand and make sense of your point but I still fail to get it,West controll not only the SA economy but the world economy,Nigeria for example relied on the West for investment,so I really don't understand where you're trying to get to.

I am talking about people vs goverment here,Is South African goverment or leaders too strong to do as they please?Do our people mobilised enough to bring changes when they feel their need are not catered for?

SA people are very vocal,they want their leaders to work for them,I mean two years ago local goverment house and his car was burned down,because people in that part(this are people who voted for him) said that he was not doing what he was voted to do,I know this sound barbaric but I think in Africa if you're modest no one will take you serious when you're poor,you have to be militant of some sort to be heard by our leaders.In SA when people elect you they expect you to work and if you don't they will turn against you.
Some might say our people are just naturally violent,but i say it's a African thing,we are all violent,we have no respect for human life.If only we can deamnd service delivery instate of fighting useless wars.And letting our leaders to behave like little gods.

1,2 I like the progress,do you think the stadia will be ready to be handed over to FIFA in November as planned?

Please post more pics,and maybe include the training facillities as well

back2back:
what is include in defintion of Giant

Nigeria is power-house of Africa.

When Nigeria sneezes, the whole listen!

When was the last time it sneezed?cause I have never felt anything

The bottom line is there is no Giant in Africa because there is poverty in every country in Africa.

Any country that totally wipe out poverty in it's population,will be worth being called Giant.Until then we're all corrupt,poor third world countries,nothing more and nothing less.

http://www.sowetan.co.za/Columnists/FikileMoya/Article.aspx?id=1032828
I am middle class and proud of it
The F-Word, by Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya
13 July 2009
IF YOU listened to some of the mainstream government communication and you were middle class or better, you would be forgiven for thinking that you do not matter.


It seems to me that there is an inordinate amount of talk about what the government is doing for the poor and the other marginalised, and nothing about how the rest of society – the rich, middle classes and the whites are part of the new project.
Now, before the ultra-leftist and black nationalists get excited, let me declare that any government that initiates programmes to help the poorest out of their morass, especially when they also happen to be in the majority, deserves to rule until whoever they wish to return returns.
We, the middle class, will never be completely free and enjoy the fruits of our liberation for as long as the smell of poverty and marginalisation hangs in the air.
But that should not make those of us who are middle class embarrassed to be in that category.
Instead of celebrating the success of the people who since 1994 have acquired the new status, placing us as close as possible to the realisation of the living wage demanded by the worker movement from time immemorial, we are made to feel guilty that we are in that class.
While I am happy that the government has built 2,6million houses for the previously homeless , returned hectares and hectares of land to the dispossessed and provided safe drinking water and electricity to communities that previously had none, I keep waiting for them to say something to me, who already has running water and electricity in my house.
One gets a sense that our government feels a tad embarrassed with its role in increasing the number of people belonging to this class, even though many of us are direct beneficiaries of its policies such as employment equity and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, instead of pointing to tarred roads (important as they are) and the poorly built RDP houses, the government uses us as living adverts of what is meant by how life has changed since we removed the yoke of apartheid rule.
The marketers seem to be the only people who seem to appreciate that we are middle class. That is why they go around calling us names like black diamonds and induce us to drink what Julius Malema once referred to as “dated alcohol”.
Maybe government’s coyness with middle class achievements must be blamed on this class’ tendency to think itself better than the rest of society – like when they once sought the right to vote for the educated native .
But it is the same class of “chiefs and gentlemen” that formed the South African Native National Congress, and until the most recent ANC elections, led the party.
We simply have no need to pander to the whims of those who romanticise working class or peasantry circumstances.
This especially since such a lot are often intellectual converts to the life they wax lyrical about . If not, they are the people so trapped in a backward mindset that they think that you need to be dirt poor to be “genuinely” black.
One wonders what those who conflate revolutionary blackness with being poor and uneducated make of the many pictures of the likes of Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe looking all regal and sophisticated. One of my favourite Struggle pictures is that of Mandela dressed in a double-breasted suit outside court. Next to him is a gentleman in a three-piece suit smoking a cigarette.
Unlike some of our academics and “revolutionaries”, I have been working class before and when I compare things, I really like being middle class and I am not about to start apologising for it.

@ Poster please attach the source,want to see the full report.

morpheus24:
It has started again.

As I predicted it was only a matter of time. When we talk now they will say we are hating.

Angelheart, RSA Where are ya'll at now?

Let me say this,the reason South Africa will never be like any other failed state in Africa is because our people demand changes when the goverment is not delivering.Goverment must listen to its people not the other way round.Fortunately for me I live in a upmarket subburb where service delivery is not and has never been a problem but I do understand the frustrations that this poor people go through,they want the goverment to act on it's promises and sometime violence(not killing) is the only way you can draw attention,esspecially when you're poor.
I don't condone violence but that's the only way they can be taken seriously.This has nothing to do with foreiners but a South African problem

"STRIKING construction workers, speaking outside Durban’s 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium, told of their hardships in trying to live on R2,500 a month.


Thousands of workers downed tools on Wednesday, halting progress at stadiums being built and refurbished for the World Cup next year as well as at other large infrastructure works around the country.
Protesters began demonstrating at 9am under the watchful eye of the police. They sang liberation songs, calling on the “greedy to give us our money”. Passing motorists flashed their car lights, hooted and waved in support.
A high-profile meeting, which included Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana, 2010 local organising committee, employers’ representative South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and unions, tried to resolve the dispute at the offices of the commission for conciliation and arbitration in Johannesburg.
The workers are demanding a package of benefits that includes a 13percent wage increase. The employers are offering 10,4percent and say the package the workers are demanding will increase their wage bill by 65percent.
But the employers’ protestations rang hollow to the mostly rural strikers, who say they have to walk long distances to work so that they had enough money remaining from their paltry wages to send to their families .

Thabo Mavuso, chairperson of the National Union of Mineworkers at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, said their hard work and dedication was visible from the huge progress on the stadium.
“When the world meets here at this stadium they will be admiring its beauty, not knowing the hardship that the builders went through ,” he said.


Mavuso said they would continue their protest until their demands were met.

Construction worker Patrick Ndlongolo, who is from Eastern Cape and a father of seven, rents a room for R500 a month.
Of the R2000 left from his salary he puts aside R300 for transport. He spends about R200 on groceries . The rest of the money he sends home to cover the needs of his wife and children.

“Most of the time I run out of food during the month,” Ndlongolo says.
“Sometimes I am forced to work the whole day without eating anything. My wife and children also run out of food at times.
“I am not the only one who often goes hungry on the site. Sometimes we all just sit around at lunchtime and do nothing because we have no food.”

Workers lamented that their bosses “had no clue” about their difficulties .
Another worker, Mandla Ntuli, said: “We use our hands to lay bricks. We carry heavy loads. It is not easy. We work in the rain and cold weather, but only permanent employees get the all-weather jackets . Some workers have been here for three years but are still temporary labourers.
“The bosses must come and see for themselves how bad the situation is.”


I SuPPORT THE WORKERS 100%,money is there they should be paid not exploited.Constructions are ahead of schedules Iam not worried about it.

deb:
Our music industry is second to non in Africa,

What does music has to do with being a Giant of Africa? and beside the giants of music in Africa are people like Salif Keita,Baaba Maal,Yousou N'dour,Fela and Femi Kuti,Ladies Black Mambazo,Soweto Gospel Choir,Brenda Fassie,Yvonne Chaaka Chaaka,Lucky Dube,Paapa Wemba,Angelo Kidjo,Tuface,Ismael Lo ask any African if they know this people majority will say yes.You see there is no country that is dominating music in Africa,but if the is then my bad.

And Abuja will be our Paris,Accra our Rome.

We are all Giants in our own way,cause I don't see this Giant topic going anywhere.Looking at the latest measurements on Nairaland,Botswana with the population of under 2 million should claim the title,or maybe even Namibia,not mentioning that all the major companies in Botswana and Namibia are South Africans.
All our countries,big and small offers something different to Africa,and we should all respect that.We can't compare there is nothing to compare.

yoruba:
Be honest, If Im walking in the in streets of Hillbrow Im likely to get killed than any other place in the world. Its all about having a safe event(world cup) regardless, I would like to go there but the crime stats are shocking.Dont try to compare SA and Nigeria because Nigeria is not hosting the world cup. Besides SA is one of the leading nations in crime stats

You're are right about hillbrow,and it's just a coincidence that majority of people in hillbrow are Nigerians,it's a crime infested part of joburg where drug dealing,prostitutions,robberies and other crimes are high.I have not set my foot in that part of the world in 15 years.Atleast I hear that the goverment is cleaning it up,good luck to them.

Regarding Crime Stats?Yes we should compare, Can you at this moment give me crime stats of your country? Cause I can give you mine.Look my advise to you is to sit at home and watch on TV,its not a bad thing,2 billion people do that every fou years,you're not alone.Stop comming with lame excuses.And beside you need a tickets to watch games and clearely you dont have one currently
Adios senora

yoruba:
People gonna get killed, robbed, raped etc. (Im afraid just thinkin about it)
Ill be honest, I considered coming to that country but then again the reality is shocking

My brotha people get killed,robbed and raped also in Nigeria as we speak,stop acting all holy holy.

Did you know that during the Confederation cup and the British lion tour in South Africa,when prostitutes stole money from Egyptians players in in their hotel and couple of british fans where robbed,a captain of Bayelsa Football team was shot dead in Nigeria?
And during that time there was also armed robery in a hotel where some of your local team was staying.I will get you the links if you're interested.

And I'm only mentioning this stories cause they are football related,my point is crime is everywhere.

We don't mind doing that

Mukina you're just a hater

Shame on you

mukina2:
ban the vuvusela's ,stop the xenophobia

Princess I'm being serious here,let me tell you the fact,majority of South Africans are not xenophobic but I don't think we have to justify ourself to you.I love you princess,and Iam sure you know that .It's unfortunate that I am married,I was going to propose to you right here,on nairaland

I think the biggest challenge for SA/Africa is that people expect us to fail even before we try.Yes Iam dissapointed at what happened to british lions fans,who where lost and end up in the wrong neighbourhood,maybe we can improve on advising visitors on which place to avoid.We have hosted lots of international tournament without problems,we hosted Confedaration and the Rugby British lions tour at the same time and there was  only one serious incident. Give SA a chance,next world cup will be in brasil and it's crime rate is also high,but people will give them a chance.

And to honest SA is not as bad as people say,we have independed anti goverment media,that is very vocal and report ony bad news,white people are continuing making fortune but also are also the most negative people in SA.If you read their papers you'll even be afraid of going to the toilet in your own house.Iam not saying there is no crime but most of it is been intentionally exagerated for commecial reason.

biolabee:
Hoping to come over next year, lets still see how things go

If you come for the World cup,bring warm clothes cause it's going to be freezing,at the stadium make sure you have a vuvusela,because by blowing it up for the whole 90 mins,means you'll probably be warming yourself

@Mukina

Beckenbauer on South Africa(FIFA.com) Tuesday 30 June 2009
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Franz Beckenbauer is a busy man wherever he goes and things were no different at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 for the 63-year-old legend. In his role as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, the Bayern Munich president spent several days in South Africa, taking time in between his many other duties to watch the two semi-finals and the play-off for third place.

Beckenbauer also found time to speak to FIFA.com exclusively about his first impressions of South Africa, his optimism for African football in general, the potential failure of several international heavyweights to qualify for next summer’s finals, and Germany’s crunch away qualifier in Russia. The man who won the FIFA World Cup™ both as a player and as a coach also shed some light on the current situation at Germany’s most successful club.

FIFA.com: Mr Beckenbauer, how do you rate the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 both in terms of football and organisation?
Franz Beckenbauer: Everything I’ve seen so far has been very good. There were a few surprises in the group stage, especially in the Italy-Brazil game which the South Americans completely dominated. Overall I’d say that the football has been of a very high quality. The weather played a role, too, as it was very cool in the evenings, meaning the players were forced to keep moving so that they didn’t get cold. The organisation was very, very good. There were no problems and everything went to plan, so all in all it was a successful dress rehearsal for next summer’s World Cup.

Which team caused the biggest surprise in your eyes?
The USA of course! They lost their first two games and were by most people’s accounts as good as out. I’m sure they’d already packed their bags when the news came through they would be playing supposedly invincible Spain in the semi-finals. But that’s football - how many times have we seen one of the favourites slip up? The Spanish didn’t play badly either, they just couldn’t break their opponents down. The Americans rattled them with their sheer athleticism.

Was there a team which impressed you in particular?
That’s difficult to say. I don’t think the performances of South Africa and USA were a one-off, though. Both sides played with a high tempo and astonishingly they were able to maintain it over the 90 minutes. For me, that was the biggest surprise of all!

World champions Italy crashed out in the group stage and European champions Spain failed to make it to the final. Do you think that these two heavyweights now have an advantage going into next summer’s FIFA World Cup having had this wake up call with plenty of time to spare?
That could well be! I think they looked really disappointed, especially the Italians.

What did you make of the atmosphere in the South African stadia? How did you find the vuvuzelas…
I’ve experienced that kind of atmosphere a few times during my career. It seems very strange to us Europeans, but it’s not unpleasant. You get used to the tone of it, sometimes it gets a bit louder, sometimes quieter, but I can’t say it really bothers me. When I’m in the stadium, a brass band could be playing next to me and I wouldn’t hear them because I’m so focused on the game.

Can fans look forward to a FIFA World Cup full of South African passion next summer?
Absolutely! You’ve seen for yourselves how enthusiastic the South Africans are, so I’m sure you can imagine how big next year is going to be.

Let’s move on to the subject of World Cup qualification. With Argentina, France and Portugal all struggling to qualify for South Africa 2010, three perceived giants of the international game could be forced to watch next summer’s finals from their sofas. How do you rate their respective chances?
I’m sure that Argentina will make it in the end. Portugal are having major problems qualifying. They need to win all their remaining games and hope that the teams around them do them a favour too. It would be a terrible pity if France were to miss out. That said, history doesn’t mean a thing and you have to make sure you qualify like everyone else. I hope that all three make it to South Africa, but the Portuguese are facing a real uphill struggle.

Under the tutelage of Fabio Capello, England have been playing their best football in a long time. Do you consider England to be among the favourites for the World Cup?
Of course! The English have learned from their failure to qualify for the European Championships and Capello is an experienced coach who has really brought some order into the camp. Their form in the current qualifying campaign is second to none and when an English team qualifies for a major tournament, they are always among the favourites.

Germany have a difficult and potentially decisive match against Russia coming up in October. How do you think the German squad will approach the game? Are you confident they can go there and get a result?
A draw would be enough because we still have a one-point lead. We’ll be playing on artificial grass, which is of course very different to normal grass, so we’re going to have to adjust to that. If we can do that, then I’m sure we can get a positive result and qualify for the World Cup as group winners.

Berti Vogts recently mentioned in an interview with FIFA.com that he would not be surprised to see an African side make it to the semi-finals at South Africa 2010. Do you agree?
I’ve been waiting for over ten years now for an African team to make a serious impact at a World Cup. I was slightly disappointed with the African sides at Germany 2006, especially with Cote d’Ivoire as they had Didier Drogba up front. Now they have the chance to prove themselves on home turf, what with the competition being held in Africa. I agree with my good friend Berti Vogts, though – it certainly wouldn’t come as a shock to me to see an African side make it to the semi finals.

Do you have a particular team in mind?
Well I think we need to wait and see what happens in the African qualifiers first. Just as in Europe, a few of the big names are having real problems at the moment. The South Africans are great at building attacks, they’re technically very strong and they have some very skilful players, but they struggle in front of goal. If they can find someone who can put the ball in the back of the net, they would definitely be my tip to surprise a few people. Either way, it would be a fantastic achievement for African football if an African side were to make it into the semi-finals.

Before we go, just a couple of questions on Bayern Munich. Louis van Gaal has arrived as coach and has already brought in a host of new faces. What are you expecting from the team over the coming season?
Van Gaal is well known for his hard-line approach, his will to win and his desire to see football played the way he feels it should be played. He has been given a clear task and we are convinced that he will succeed because he’s proven his ability for many years now. We needed a real football master, a coach who understands the tactical side of the game and has the character to implement it. I hope we have a successful season ahead, especially after last year’s disappointment.

What is the current situation regarding Franck Ribery?

I hope he stays. For me, he’s up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world. We don’t have too many world-class players in the Bundesliga, especially now that Diego has left Werder Bremen for Juventus. If Ribery left then it would be a massive step backwards, and that’s something we want to avoid.

Source is http://www.skyscrapercity.com

Greenpoint in Capetown

Soccer City

Soccer City in Soweto

Soccer City in Soweto

Moses Mabhida

Blatter outlines challenges ahead
Posted: 2009-06-30 06:31

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says the world football governing body is satisfied with the level of preparation that was done for the 2009 Confederations Cup.

Addressing the media on Monday, Blatter said the rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup had been done satisfactorily and Fifa was convinced that South Africa would host a successful World Cup next year.

“South Africa heading is in the right direction and the Local Organising Committee and the South African government have done an exceptional job, but there are still challenges to be addressed.”

Blatter said the hospitality, the stadiums and the reception by South Africans was wonderful, but emphasised that adequate accommodation, the transportation system, crowd control outside the stadium, the park-and-ride system and a few other logistics remained a major challenge.

“These challenges need to be addressed and I’m confident that the LOC working with Fifa and the government will pay attention to these challenges before the World Cup.”

Despite the challenges facing South Africa, Blatter has given the country 7.5 points out of 10 and encouraged the LOC to work hard to reach the maximum points during the much anticipated international sporting event.

He told reporters that as part of speeding up the process, the Fifa Organising Committee will meet regularly with the LOC to discuss the challenges and how South Africa can improve in making this African World Cup the best ever.

Blatter has also met with President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, who pledged to coordinate the process of preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“The South African government has shown great commitment and as Fifa we will work with them and the LOC to ensure that South Africa and Africa at large deliver a flourishing World Cup which will leave a great legacy," he said.

Regarding the Confederations Cup, the Fifa boss said in a report on Bua News that the football displayed by the teams was magnificent, adding that South African fans kept the tournament abuzz.

“I want to thank the South Africa population and not forgetting the volunteers who have done a wonderful job throughout the tournament.

“This competition was not only about football, but it has lifted the spirit of South Africa.

“The final day was particularly exciting with five goals apiece. Bafana Bafana played well against the champions of Europe.

“And the goal they scored (by Kathlego Mphela) to equalise was brilliant. It was a wonderful goal.”

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker’s goal, which sent the game to extra time after the teams were tied 2-2 in regulation, ranks among the best scored during the two-week eight-team tournament.

In injury time when scores of fans had already left the stadium, Mphela let fly a 30-metre drive from a freekick which gave diving Spain keeper Ike Casillas no chance.

The former SuperSport United striker had earlier on scored the opening goal of the match. Bafana eventually lost 3-2 in extra-time to settle for fourth position.

Blatter complimented Bafana Bafana for their improvement during the tournament, adding that next year he expected the national side to be a great competitor against the giants.

“They are a good team, with quality players with great talent. Tactically they were brilliant and now they have to combine these abilities and start scoring goals.

“But overall I complement Bafana Bafana for their continuous improvement," he added.

mukina2:
RSA
you never answered me oh. why is Matthew Boooooooooooooooooooth being boooooooooooooooooooed

You really like my voice'o

Ok there is this tradition in SA football that started in the 70's,skillfull players used to be given nicknames and everytime they touch the balls their fans will scream their names for as long as they have the possession.

During aapartheid days stadiums was a meeting place to talk about anything from politics to local football(we where never exposed to international football) to entertainment and other issue,because people where not allowed to be in groups of more than 20,the goverment feared that we where plotting against them,so going to stadiums was vital for our entertainment.That is why even our soccer players used to be judged on the their dribbling or tricky skills,to some extend we still have that culture even today(although is not taking us anywhere in terms of international football but our people still want to see it)

So calling the name of Booth is not a new thing,during international matches Fish,Radebe which we use to call him Rhoooooooooo! and Jonh Moshoeu which we use to call him shoooooes are some of the people we use to scream their names.

I hope it answer your question Muki,I think it also answer the vuvusela question on why people blow it the whole 90 mins even when their team is loosing.

biolabee:
RSA very big of you to acknowledge the respect that we have for you and your country

your team played very well and if they get their act right (getting a decent striker and one or two squad players) south africa may be the next revelation of the world cup going in the tradition of africans before (Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal & Ghana) respectively

However this is not to say there were no hitches

Issues noted

1. Hotel incidents with the Egypt and Brazil teams
2. Tramliners getting to match venues late and pple stranded at the stadia

However security seemed to be top notch and no other incidents were of note. I am sure this can be settled before next year.

My prayer for u guys is that Pienaar and Tshabalala have a nice season next year and dontget injured so they can give their best as your creative MFs.
quick one which city do u stay?


Be nice, they were worthy adversaries


Anyone watching Murray V Warinka?

I aggree with you 100%,we need to improve on our weaknesses,and I hope our LOC will address all the shortfalls.Blatter rated us 7.5 which isn't bad at all.
I think that World cup will be different and most of the developement are still going on in preperation for 2010.I mean road,transport sytem that include rail,bus is still undercontruction.So things will be much better next year.

I'm in Cape Town City,may I ask why you asking?

ThiefOfHearts:
still lost

I think the cup is half full

Two from Bafana in final XI
Posted: 2009-06-29 14:30

Tsepo Masilela and Siboniso Gaxa have been rewarded for their excellent performances at the Confederations Cup by making it into the Castrol Index starting XI.

The two fullbacks played prominent roles in Bafana Bafana’s charge to the semifinals, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Brazil.

Masilela, of Maccabi Haifa in Israel, finished seventh on the Castrol Index with an average rating of 8.44, while Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siboniso Gaxa was ninth on 8.24.

Ironically, it was another defender who finished top of the ratings with 9.13, Brazil captain Lucio, who scored the winner in the Final against the USA in his fourth Confederations Cup finals appearance. Kaká had led the standings going into the Final, but was penalised from some slack defending, including his failure to track Landon Donovan’s run at USA’s second goal.

The result was that he was overtaken by both Lucio and US star Clint Dempsey, who netted the first goal in the Final.

Not surprisingly, the list is made up of five Brazilians, while only one Spaniard, David Villa, made his way into the starting XI. Tim Howard, the American goalkeeper who proved so vital to their run to the Final, does not make the starting XI, having conceded the most goals in the tournament. Instead, his place is taken by Iraq’s Mohamed Kassid, who conceded only one goal in three matches.

Castrol Index starting XI: Mohamed Kassid (8.00 rating) – Siboniso Gaxa (8.24), Lucio (9.13), Andre Santos (8.70), Tsepo Masilela (8.44) – Clint Dempsey (9.01), Felipe Melo (8.23), Kaká (8.89), Michael Bradley (7.65) – David Villa (8.76), Luis Fabiano (8.70)

INSIGHTS BY CASTROL
For more winning insights go to castrolfootball.com

To all my naija peeps thank you,you made this tourney even more interesting and enjoyable for me,I know deep down you where all supporting RSA .

I think one thing I take from this tourney is that none of you have ever complained about the organisation,infrustructures which shows how ready SA is for 2010.I hope you're all proud of SA and Afrika.

And also Bafana didn't dissapoint me ,they competted well against the world best teams,you could see that this team is improving and will make SA proud next year.I never doubted our talents but our will to win has always been our downfall,hope we will continue improving.

To all my peeps big up and lets continue making Afrika proud,we owe it to her.

Peace!