ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 5 • 12 - 25 MARCH 2010
NELSPRUIT
A Fifa 2010 World Cup bus carrying a delegation from the Mbombela Local Municipality and the media received a jubilant welcome when it travelled to townships around Nelspruit on Wednesday.
The bus, which was led by traffic officials and a fire engine, left the 2010 host city early in the morning to visit KaNyamazane, Pienaar, Zwelisha, Kabokweni, White River and Mataffin.
Community members were given vuvuzelas, South African flags, special soccer T-shirts and miniature soccer balls in celebration of just 99 days left to the historical first African World Cup.
“We are very happy to see that the Mbombela municipality cares about us. These gifts mean a lot to me as I will not be able to attend matches because of financial problems,” said Portia Mathenjwa (27) of KaNyamazane, after receiving her gifts.
Another excited community member, Danisile Modau (24), said she wished she could be allowed to join the delegation in the bus.
“Welcome 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa. Sikulindele! (we are waiting),” Modau shouted at the delegation.
When the bus reached Lekazi Primary School in KaNyamazane, pupils streamed from their classrooms towards the fence to greet the delegation and receive their commemorative gifts.
In Kabokweni, the community also came running when they heard the noise of sirens and vuvuzelas preceding the bus.
“We welcome the 2010 Fifa World Cup with warm hearts,” said school pupil Thembisile Shongwe (16).
Shongwe said attending a match would depend on whether her parents had enough money to buy her a ticket.
“If I get the money, I will not hesitate to attend a game. I know Bafana Bafana will not be playing at Mbombela Stadium, so any game is fine with me,” she said.
Mpumelelo Shabangu (30) of White River also did not miss his chance of grabbing a vuvuzela from the bus.
“I’m so happy,” he said, “but I’m not employed, so it will be hard for me to attend the games. I believe that South Africa will host one of the best World Cup events ever.”
The Mataffin community, who lives next to the Mbombela Stadium, also received the delegation with appreciation. The stadium was built on their land, and two schools had to be closed to make way for its construction.
“Since the municipality is now fulfilling its promise of building our children proper schools, everything is fine by us. We will welcome all visitors with warm hearts and we thank the municipality for the visit, which indicate they still care,” said community member Kenneth Mkhonto.
The municipal offices in Nelspruit, Hazyview, White River, Kanyamazane, Matsulu and Kabokweni were closed to the public after 2pm to allow employees to attend a special celebration event in Nelspruit on Wednesday afternoon.
World Cup fever hits Mbombela
JUBILANT pupils from Lekazi Primary School and community members from KaNyamazane came running to witness the 2010 FIFA World Cup bus.
