The post event analysis of the now behind us 2010 FIFA World Cup begins. For the most part there is a lot of patting on the back within South African media. Like in this Mail & Guardian report in which FIFA president Sepp Blatter gives the South Africa-hosted event a generous 9 out of 10.
As far as global exposure, that was R45 billion Rand well spent, say some economists, who reckon the country would have had to fork out a lot more to generate the same level of publicity sans World Cup.
The real benefits will only become apparent in the long term, and will probably emerge quietly. I love the creativity that this tournament has ignited. And there are numerous projects I can point to as examples, “Pilgrimages” being one of my favourites. Click on “Read More”
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Pilgrimages is an initiative launched by The Chinua Achebe Center for African Writers and Artists. It sent 13 African writers to 13 cities for two weeks during the World Cup. They all blogged via mobile phone about their various experiences, but the real treat comes later. Each writer will produce a book of nonfiction pros, travel literature, to be published in Africa and abroad. The 13 titles will be launched in four African cities in January 2012, during the African Cup of Nations Tournament.
Check the impressive resumes of the writers here, including that of project director Binyavanga Wainaina, he of How to Write about Africa acclaim (Full text here)
Following this World Cup, some people may be looking at Africa in a new light, but that may not last. What better way to remind people of what Africa is really about than through some authentically African literature by some of the continent’s finest young writers.
What’s not to love!
Go to Pilgrimages for more information.
