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Nelson Mandela Bridge branded, Madiba posters unveiled

4 Jun 2010

As the 2010 FIFA World Cup fever mounts, local authorities have been doing some sort of soul-searching, looking back at what has been a long and challenging journey, led by one man they believe was the architect of South Africa winning the bid: Nelson Mandela. Therefore, the City of Johannesburg, by branding its illustrious bridge with two huge posters in and out, has today, Friday, 4 June 2010, paid tribute to the 'founding father of the nation'.

Cannot be separated

Mandela and the staging of the 2010 FIFA World Cup cannot be separated, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo told local and international media and curious onlookers right in the middle of the silent bridge, which was closed to traffic as early as 6am.

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York has the Statue of Liberty, Sydney has its Opera House, and Johannesburg has the Nelson Mandela Bridge - the largest cable-stayed bridge in southern Africa, Masondo pointed out.

"One of the reasons why we won the bid is because Nelson Mandela in person engaged in a vigorous campaigning for the country to host this biggest sporting event," Masondo added.

"As we drape this bridge, we reaffirm Madiba as the architect of our transformation and reconciliation," the mayor said, calling on the people of SA to open their hearts and give a warm embrace to the world.

Only a week away

The world cup's opening ceremony and inaugural game are only a week away and participating teams have begun arriving at a slow pace, but that should increase by next week as most teams make final preparations this weekend to head south. Among the latest to arrive in South Africa were Paraguay and England yesterday.

Bizcommunity.com also met a couple of foreign soccer fans strolling past the Nelson Mandela Bridge to have an inquisitive look at what the city of gold has in store for them in anticipation of next week's event.

The event was overseen by Local Organising Committee (LOC) spokesperson Rich Mkhondo.

Issa Sikiti da Silva

About Issa Sikiti da Silva

Issa Sikiti da Silva is a winner of the 2010 SADC Media Awards (print category). He freelances for various media outlets, local and foreign, and has travelled extensively across Africa. His work has been published both in French and English. He used to contribute to Bizcommunity.com as a senior news writer.