/ 22 May 2010

Soweto street party marks 20 days to World Cup

Soweto Street Party Marks 20 Days To World Cup

Soweto closed down its most famous road on Friday for a street party outside Nelson Mandela’s former home to count down the 20 days until the World Cup.

About 1 000 people — many wearing Bafana Bafana jerseys and waving South African flags — filled Vilakazi Street as local musicians played.

“We are here to celebrate … the greatest event of the world is here. It is important for us that we celebrate in Soweto, the home of politics of South Africa,” said Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former wife of the country’s first black president.

The two once lived in a house on Vilakazi Street that is now a museum and a major tourist attraction. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who like Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize, has a house on the same street.

“We chose Vilakazi Street because of the rich history and heritage,” Madikizela-Mandela said. “We are going to show you that we are also a first world, not third world.”

Cities across South Africa are holding almost daily events to build enthusiasm for the first World Cup on African soil, running from June 11 to July 11.

The showpiece Soccer City stadium, host of the opening and closing matches, lies between Soweto and downtown Johannesburg. – AFP