The prophets of doom will always have the last say.

As we are embarking on one of the most significant commissions ever, they are the ones who refuse to see the legacy of and positive spin-offs from the 2010 Fifa World Cup. They choose to ignore the promise of a resultant cohesion among cultures who are excited about the historical coming together of nations on the African continent from this weekend onward. They argue the volume emanating from bellowing vuvuzelas, the inconvenience of infrastructural change with improved services in mind and the anticipated discomfort of hordes of foreigners who would be trampling their shores. In the same vein they refuse to see the future legacy of such a hosting and the mammoth infrastructure the province would otherwise not have been bestowed if not granted host status.

On the other hand they are scrupulous opportunists who would, however, want to cash in on any possible business opportunity identified for this period.

Amid negativity around the arrival of scores of players and supporters on the part of a minority group, the emotions that coincide with a feeling of belonging are most prominent during this time – especially a day ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s big kick-off at Soccer City in Gauteng.

With the vuvus, the booming bass sounds from reverberating taxis and the overall vibe on the streets comes a pride in my heritage. I am proud to be of this soil. It is a soil that beats to a different drumbeat. It is a loud thumping sound that connects one’s spirit with the earth. Once the drums start pounding together, one cannot mistake the unique rhythm for any other continent.

I am delighted to be associated with this Africa with its majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, bold sunsets, mysterious history and more often than not its versatile people, who give resonance to their presence through the showcasing of their individuality in countless ways.

It is when one travels across borders that one gets adequate opportunity to witness interaction actually being the key when relating to other nations and cultures.

The World Cup should be seen for its worth. It is occasions like the one that Fifa created for Africa’s children that make us richer individuals.

Viva, Fifa, Viva!

Yolande Nel