South Africa, a land of rolling savannah, impressive mountains, unspoiled beaches, all teaming with exotic wildlife, dangerous cities, corrupt politicians and rampant health concerns. South African identity has been over simplified in the last few decades. Stereotypical images, and heated news reports have painted a deductive wash over a nation of incredible complexity and cultural diversity. For this reason, South Africans have often felt separate, out of touch, and often in abhorrent disagreement with this international perspective. As a nation, South Africa traditionally rallied around sports, where a national identity was present, but not integrated, as different sports were supported by vastly different demographics.
The FIFA 2010 World Cup was embraced by all. A collective identity emerged in soccer, South Africa's rich soccer heritage was consumed by all cultures and income groups. For the first time South Africans decked their cars and homes with flags, buildings were draped in them, faces painted with them. The country rallied together to create the best possible experience for World Cup visitors, and reveled in each others company. South Africa hosted a successful World Cup with very few glitches, the country's planning, economic, business, arts and advanced infrastructure were on display. South African cities replaced the savannah, world class transport replaced the mountains, images of a nation united replaced those of crime and organisational triumphs replaced those of corruption.
South Africa forged a new, confident, urban identity emerging from the World Cup, and the globe understood it.