Africa — place of modernity, culture, vibrancy and humanity.  Really? In Africa? It may be surprising to some, but the forgotten continent is not just a place of exoticism, wildlife, war, poverty and famine.         Of course these subjects are still relevant, but Africans are utilizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to showcase the continent as more than just a journalist’s go-to subject for disaster. 
South Africa is home. From Cape Town to Johannesburg and Durban to Port Elizabeth, South African cities are no longer simply destinations. These cities are no longer foreign places of exotic charm — or at least that’s what the South African government is working to convey. They are trying to market the country to the world. It’s both modern and exotic, white and black, rich and poor — and these differences aside, South Africa is united, and it is ready. Ready for FIFA. Ready for tourism. And ready for investment.  Cape Town has been my home for the past six months. Images and words of the Mother City do not do justice to the area’s idyllic nature and vibrant culture. The spirit of the city is a resounding one that has been brought to life in recent months in anticipation for the World Cup. On the eve of the opening rounds five nights ago, Long Street in Cape Town morphed into Bourbon Street on crack. The opening celebration and concert was packed to capacity in Johannesburg at Orlando Stadium. It was a scene of indescribable energy and debauchery incomparable to anywhere else. It was ayoba! — or just plain awesome. After months of anticipation, Africa finally has its first World Cup.  FIFA isn’t just bringing the world to Africa. It is bringing Africa to the world. Business and government leaders are eager to show their country as one of global modernity. This is the country’s re-introduction to the world, re-marketed and rebranded to show itself as more than just the traditional “African experience.” There are questions over whether average South Africans will reap the financial benefits of this summer’s soccer games, but for the most part, South Africans are overwhelmingly excited to host FIFA. It is mind-boggling, though, to see millions spent toward infrastructure and stadiums while down the road people live in squalid conditions. Only time will tell if an economic boost from the World Cup will benefit average South Africans in the long run. As host of the 2010 tournament, South Africa is an outstanding example of an accomplished country. In just a decade and a half, the rainbow nation has wholly transformed itself from an apartheid state to a modern state. While there are tremendous challenges that must be overcome, South Africans can be proud not only of Bafana Bafana, their national soccer team that opened the tournament by drawing Mexico, but also of themselves. It is they who fuel the engine of progress that has enabled South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup. Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at [email protected]