Did the Soccer World Cup deliver on expectations held by ordinary individuals living in South Africa?
The Mail & Guardian revisited street traders in Melville and a shebeen queen operating on the edge of Johannesburg city to find out.
Street traders
Business for street traders during the World Cup was good, Samuel Muzumbi told the M&G.
The street trader from Zimbabwe sells beaded wire art that he makes with his brother Silas on corner Seventh and Second streets in Melville.
The brothers suspected business would boom during the World Cup, so they spent months (before the tournament) preparing new designs to add to their collection.
They added wire soccer boats, miniature soccer players and flags of the world to their existing stock of African animals.
Thanks to the tourists who took interest in their beaded creations, Silas was able to afford a trip back to Zimbabwe to visit his grandmother. Samuel plans to make the same trip, just as soon as he sells the remaining stock and Silas comes back.
The M&G spoke to Samuel about business during the World Cup, the Johannesburg metro police and plans for the future.
M&G: So, how was business during the World Cup?
Samuel Muzumbi: Business was good if you compare it to now. People were buying from all over the world.
M&G: Did you watch the games?
SM: Yes, I was watching in restaurants around Melville because we left here after 9pm everyday.
M&G: So you enjoyed it?
SM: Yes, I did. We were able to advertise our art and skills and we were also able to make new creations.
M&G: What did you think of Africa’s performance in the tournament?
SM: Soccer is unpredictable. I guess it just wasn’t Africa’s turn. But each and every African team was playing to win.
M&G: Last time we spoke, you and Silas complained about the Johannesburg metro police confiscating your artwork. Have they done so recently?
SM: Yes, just last week they took our stuff again. They must have come three times during the World Cup.
M&G: Why do you keep making things if the metro cops keep confiscating them?
SM: How can I survive if I don’t make more stuff and sell again? I cannot just sit.
M&G: I am sure you’ve heard the rumours of xenophobic violence flaring up again after the World Cup. What are your thoughts on this?
SM: Yes, I have heard about that. Well it hasn’t happened, but maybe it will happen. If it does I will go back to my country and see what to do there?
M&G: What would happen to the business?
SM: That’s why we decided to come this side in the first place. Business is not booming in Zimbabwe but if we have to, we will go back and see what we can do to earn a living.
M&G: What did the Soccer World Cup teach you about doing business?
SM: We need a licence so that operating our business is easier.
Shebeen Queen Magogo
Pashi Tofile, also known as Shebeen Queen Magogo, said she received a lot more than she expected from the World Cup.
“It was exciting. Many different people were coming in, even Mark Fish was here,” Tofile told the M&G.
Her modern-looking shebeen, California Pub and Restaurant in Doornfontein, was buzzing with activity, entertaining and feeding soccer fans from all over the world.
“The Mexicans were my first visitors,” Tofile recalled. “Some even tipped me R500.”
She said pap, vleis and Castle Lager were hits with the tourists, while in-house cocktails were prepared especially for the tournament.
On the walls of the pub are messages left by the tourists saying just how much they enjoyed their stay.
The pub went through a mini-makeover in the lead-up to the tournament. It was fitted with three new flat screen TVs, a new security team and given a fresh coat of paint.
The drinking hole is now back to business as usual and serving its loyal customer base, students studying at the university around the corner.
The M&G spoke to Tofile about exceeding expectations, the tourists and business during the World Cup.
M&G: How many people visited the California Pub and Restaurant during the World Cup, and how was the experience?
Pashi Tofile: I don’t know how many people visited but it was more people than I was expecting. Some sat on the floor, others sat outside. It was packed. I exchanged numbers with some of the tourists and those who are still around call me.
M&G: Where were the tourists from?
PT: From all over the world, but even local rugby people came to visit. Some of them didn’t go to the stadium but watched all of the games at California.
M&G: Did you get to watch the games?
PT: No, I was busy with security outside, checking everything so I didn’t get to see much. But I will be going to the cinema at Eastgate where I heard they’d be showing the games.
M&G: Were there any complications? Did anything go wrong?
PT: There was a tourist who lost a camera. The tourist was angry and I felt bad, but I still don’t know if the camera was lost or stolen because we didn’t have naughty people there that day and we had 24-hour security.
M&G: So how are things now at California?
PT: The students are back (I missed them) and things are quiet again. But it’s okay because I made a bit of money and business was booming.