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South Africa has celebrated many victories over the last few years, including the fall of Apartheid and the rise of the New South Africa under the reign of the ANC (African National Congress party).
Sport plays a large role in the lives of many South Africans, and recent accomplishments in the sports arena include South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, winning the Rugby World Cup twice.
Soccer and football fans can now look forward to a good show with the FIFA 2010 World Cup, as honed athletes from around the world battle for the trophy on the playing field.
South African nationals anticipate an economic boom during the World Cup, and an increase in the hospitality and tourist trade as a result of the games. Read more about that here.
However, South Africa has struggled in the past with crime; in airports, on the streets and in homes. The SAP, South African Police, say that they are "ready for 2010", planning to deploy more than 41,000 police officers to ensure the safety and security of the public during the World Cup. See here.
South Africa's current transport systems are not admirable in comparison to those of Europe or other First World nations such as America or Australia. Travelling to and from the games, or to and from tourist attractions may prove difficult for many visitors who plan to rely on public transport systems. Congestion on the main highways is already an issue with only the locals utilizing the roads at this time.
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South Africa has recently suffered a series of power shortages resulting in sporadic power cuts. Local communities fear they will have to suffer power outages in order for the stadiums and the surrounding areas to be lit during the games. Business owners anticipate a difficult time in which power cuts and transport struggles create a difficult working atmosphere for employees.
Plans for the 2010 Fifa World Cup are in progress. Hopefully the next two years will see a positive change within South Africa, as locals work to prepare themselves for the estimated 3 million people who will be visiting the sunny tip of Africa.
