One love one goal one team one nation

11 on the clock, my friend Ntutu Majija and I join the patriotic throngs which have braved the Johannesburg winter chill in the streets of Sandton to salute Bafana Bafana. It is the 9 June two days before the biggest soccer show piece in the world and the first to be hosted by the African continent.
South Africans have come out in droves in their Bafana regalia and Sandton is a melting pot of different cultures. The green and yellow shirts are the order of the day. The decorated makarapas (construction hats won at soccer matches) and the latest designer hats made in the South African flag weigh in significantly too.
Ponchos, dresses, blankets, wigs and sunglasses all made in the national flag make the event colourful. You almost feel inappropriately dressed without one of these paraphernalia. It is needless to say that some look like clowns in these. The wailing sound of the vuvuzela can be heard everywhere. South Africans wave their flags in unison to support the national team as it stands poised to take on the world. It is a true South African carnival and a sight to behold.
Sandton is on its feet, it is moving and exciting. No one is concerned about the time despite the fact that we have been waiting for Bafana Bafana for the past two hours. The Shosholoza song alternates with the tune blown from the vuvuzelas. The funny and sobering messages written on the posters make their own noise too. These range from “On Friday we will eat tacos and drink tequila (implying that we will beat Mexico come Friday 11 June) to united we stand behind Bafana Bafana”
Some compromise their personal dignity and clumsily show their ‘dexterity’ by doing the home brewed diski dance. I am convinced that the diski dance instructor would have his hands full teaching many how to do it right. But who cares?
Today we are a true rainbow nation united behind one goal to support our national team. Mzansi has already won the world cup with this show of love and unity by its people. For a moment we have forgotten about our problems and our differences as a nation. The camaraderie, joy, and laughter are a common feature on Rivonia road. Strangers embrace and hold hands with each other without any restraint. This beautiful show of our common humanity and unity should be kept alive beyond this tournament. The SA nation would otherwise be the biggest loser if it lets this slip away.
To non South Africans, this may be ‘much ado about nothing.’ But to South Africans who understand how far we have come with race relations in this country, this is a miracle. Soccer has done what politics and religion have failed to do over the years.
At exactly 13:20pm the bus carrying Bafana Bafana emerges from the hotel to great jubilation and thunderous applause. Matthew Booth, Simphiwe Shabalala, Reneilwe Letsolonyane, Itumeleng Khune and others show their appreciation through a smile and a wave and the crowd goes ballistic. The cameras click furiously, the vuvuzelas go louder and the flags go higher as the bus proceeds to Maude Street and other parts of Sandton.
People wave from the roof top of high and low buildings as the Bafana bus parade proceeds. I wave until I cannot see the bus anymore. It is a goose bump moment that leaves me with tears of joy. I feel lucky to be a South African today.
Good luck Bafana!