2010

We gotta get ready. In 2010 some guys are coming here to kick a ball. The whole country is being mobilized. A warning in a weekly school newsletter to parents warns of young girls being kidnapped to ensure that there'll be enough child prostitutes prepared for 2010. No doubt the drug lords are busily ensuring the efficiency of their networks as well.

Warn your daughters to be vigilant. It's not a joke. Snatching them is one way. Another way is getting them hooked on drugs, often without their realizing it, so that they'll do anything to get their fix. We live in a sick country. A country out of control when it comes to crime, regardless of what Mr Mbeki says.

I have no doubt that the World Cup will offer many entrepreneurial opportunities. I'm quite sure that we will be exporting more; HIV/AIDS amongst those exports.

For soccer fans, it's a very exciting event. For entrepreneurs, it's a very exciting event. For all sports lovers and those who love a great show, it's a very exciting event. I worry about the hangovers, when we count the human cost.

On the positive side, it's been a great motivation to improve the infrastructures in the affected areas. I hear of efforts to improve the public transport system. Haven't seen it yet, but we live in faith. I'm optimistic that the tourism industry will use the momentum to create an efficient infrastucture. I hope that part of that infrastructure will be to set up a controlled network of private accommodation sources that will still be able to offer inexpensive accommodation to tourists after the 2010 event, including for those of us living here. Perhaps an official website citing private accommodation in such a way that prospecive tourists would be able to plan an entire holiday route online, moving around the country along a chain of private establishments.

I assume that the advertising is well under control, down to the finest detail: pregnancy test kits with our flag, saying "Made in South Africa"; free condoms with our flag saying "DON'T make in South Africa". Tobacco products saying "Smoking is a health hazard; so is focusing on reading this label. Keep your eyes on your surroundings!" Keyrings for all hired vehicles saying: "We drive on the left side of the road here. Red robots should be treated as yield signs after 10pm at night, but don't get caught." A special World Cup 2010 instruction manual entitled "Who to Bribe and When". First Aid Kits carrying a warning "Don't get sick. You don't wanna see our hospitals. " And, of course, T-shirts saying "I Survived South Africa".

We gotta get ready.