The Political Aquarium: Ke Nako: It's Time

“Whoever invented football should be worshipped as a God.”[1] Although initially sceptical as I listened to yet another impassioned fan discuss the importance of the 22 sweaty figures running, weaving, dribbling around the field, the importance of football in today’s society as well as historically isincontrovertible. From the World War I Christmas Truce where soldiers laid down arms and took up a ragged football to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa this summer. Watch as this stunning display of sportsmanship dribbles down the battlefield and straight into the living rooms of ordinary people in different continents, government offices of political officials and even the streets of war torn countries. If the man who invented football is not worshipped as a God, he at least should be recognised as a hero.

“Ke Nako”.[2] It’s time. The slogan for the first World Cup ever to be hosted in Africa could not be more politically and economically appropriate. This summer the door will be opened to international investment, political alliances and growing socio-economic stability. And football is the key. However, historically, football has always had this power.

In 1967, Pelé visited Nigeria to play football. This simple action led to a 48 hour ceasefire in the middle of the Civil war[3] occurring at that time. Mr Kunle Komolafe, a Nigerian businessman who was only 5 years old at the time that Pelé visited his homeland, said:

“When he came it was a distraction from the war...Pelé was something. Nigeria valued their sport, football especially.”[4]

He was given this power not as a politician or economist, but as a footballer. Sports have been used as a means to unite and empower the masses throughout history, by organisations like UNICEF[5] and by nations like South Africa during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.[6]

The success of sporting events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup and Pelé’s infamous trip to Nigeria highlights the importance of the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer and its socio-economic implications. As investment in South Africa becomes increasingly attractive investors like Barclays and Vodafone[7] will be followed by the rest of the world drawn by the money pot of buzzing football fans. Domestic suppliers would be able to benefit from the increase in consumers as well as the growing availability of services, like better financial infrastructure, increasing their profit with the increase in demand. There will be less capital flight as it becomes more appealing to remain in a South Africa with better economic prospects. Then everything will be perfect and South Africa will develop economically and there will be no more poor people and there will be economic growth and then everything will be perfect, right? I hope you are all waiting with baited breath for the clause. This will only be possible if South Africa is ready. Ready to re-invest wisely, attract international investment and encourage domestic businesses.

Is South Africa ready? Earlier this month, the leader of the ANC Youth League, Julius Malema openly praised Mugabe, sang a song entitled “Shoot the Boer” and attacked a journalist at a press conference.[8] While the entire population of Africa may be ready for change, the future politicians appear not to be. The whole African continent will be affected by the World Cup hosted- from countries like Swaziland who expect to gain from the stadium 2 hours away in Nelspriut[9] to SADC who will be set to benefit from the increase in economic security it will bring. Julius Malema and Jacob Zuma are both going to have to face the fact that ready or not change is coming to Southern Africa and its bringing 1 billion football fans with it[10]. And so God wrought special miracles by the hand of football.