After almost 6 years of preparation the FIFA World Cup started this past Friday, 11 June 2010, and what an occasion it was. As a nation we are so proud of our achievements since the advent of democracy 16 years ago and the fact that the SWC is making its first stop on African soil, in South Africa is a testament of how far we have come as African people.

As I drove onto the farm last Friday I could not help but to be excited as I saw staff members clad in national colors and faces painted with our national flag. We put-up a big-screen next to our netball court and started a potjiekos fire (food cooked in a cast-iron pot on an open fire). The food and spirit on the day was very special and the noise-levels were increased when Bafana Bafana scored the first goal of World Cup 2010. What a feeling and what a proud moment when the ball flew like a rocket into the back of the net.

We are all rooting for Bafana and hoping that all the supporters of Path Out of Poverty are joining us. The next Bafana match is against Uruguay on 16 June and we will certainly rally behind the team again with vuvuzelas (an African-horn) and loud cheers. Who knows maybe the ‘golden-cup’ will remain on African soil for the first time.

Wish us luck.

Jeremy Maarman (Programme Coordinator)