One of the most exciting sports events, is taking place in South Africa during 2010. The 2010Fifa Soccer World Cup. I am so excited for South Africa. Not only will it mean that we get tourists from around the world, but also that our soccer fans can actually see world class matches live.
It was a very exciting day when the official Mascot, Zakumi, was revealed to the world. On 22 September 2008, Zakumi appeared for the first time at a launch in Johannesburg, South Africa. Zakumi is a Leopard who came into the world in 1994 at the same time as the new South Africa was born.
Zakumi - a Mascot with attitude
So what can we say about him? One thing is for sure, Zakumi will be first on the dancefloor and last off it at the biggest party in the world - the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. He wants to dance and entertain as many people as he can. He is an animator for fans, players and officials, for schoolchildren, teenagers and big kids alike!
Needless to say, he is extremely proud to be the Official Mascot and determined to be the best host for everyone visiting his beloved country. He symbolizes South Africa and the rest of the African continent through his self-confidence, pride, hospitality, social skills and warm-heartedness.
Zakumi is a jolly, self-confident, adventurous, spontaneous, and actually quite shrewd little fellow. He loves to perform and always follows his instinct and intuition, yet sometimes has the tendency to exaggerate a bit. You will often find him fooling about and teasing people but not in a mean way. He is warm-hearted and caring, and wants to make as many friends as possible.
He loves to play football as it is a great way to connect with others and break down language barriers. He always carries his football around which he will use to invite people to play with him.
Zakumi loves football. At one time he decided to dye his hair green as he felt it would be the perfect camouflage against the green of the football pitch; a bit like his rosette spots are when hunting in the wilderness!
He does have one striking weakness. With all his energy, he needs frequent rests. Occasionally, in-between performances on stage, he may suddenly fall asleep on the spot at the most random times! But rest assured, these are only short breaks that a leopard of his calibre needs to recharge his batteries.
Over the last years he has travelled the whole of Africa where the leopard habitat is good (pretty much everywhere from open savannahs, forests, jungles to mountainous areas, even deserts). He has therefore learned to adapt to new environments; enjoying the diversity in nature and people across the African continent
The name ‘Zakumi' is a composition of ‘ZA' standing for South Africa and ‘kumi', which translates into ‘10' in various languages across Africa.
Zakumi's main priority is to turn the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa into one huge, joyful and unforgettable party and show the thousands of international guests the warmth and spirit of the African continent.
"He wants to create a good mood for the fans and raise the excitement for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first on African soil. He is a proud South African and wants to ensure that the world will come together in South Africa," explained Lucas Radebe, South Africa's football icon and close friend of Zakumi.
TOURISTS - It is estimated that approximately 220 000 tourists from international destinations and 800 000 from within Africa, will attend the World Cup Soccer matches. Of course with so many tourists arriving in South Africa, accommodation is of utmost importance.
Some of the most attractive and beautiful accommodation available for the World Cup soccer tourists, are situated in Cape Town...one of our three Capitals, the largest of the three and also the legislative Capital.
I visited a website that offers accommodation to tourists and was amazed to see the sizes of some of these houses/apartments.
Apartment 1 - Beautiful sea view - Camps Bay - Cape Town
Beautiful pool with sea view
Then there are the most astonishing views. It is very romantic and I would love to stand on the patio while the sun sets, sipping on a cocktail, having fun with good friends.
Spirits are high in South Africa, everyone is so eager for the matches to start. Only 1 year and two months to go!! Construction workers are working around the clock to get all the stadiums built and in tip top condition, in time.
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