Vuvuzela South Africa

He calls himself the stadium manager - he collects the trash from cars for a tip at the traffic lights.

I have watched the 2010 Stadium in Durban from the day they dug the first sod. It is on my way to town, about six minutes by car from my flat on the Berea. And I have watched the progress with total awe.

Durban Landmark

I’m not quite sure when I decided to start taking photos of it, but I knew when it was formally named the Moses Mabhida Stadium that is was going to be a Durban landmark  and also an icon of these times we are living in.

When FIFA President, Sepp Blatter read South Africa’s name on 15 May 2004  in Zurich as the next hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this country – and indeed the continent – erupted with joy. It  many ways the euphoria was bigger than the 1995 World Cup victory.

In making the announcement Blatter said the decision to send the event to Africa was a victory for the entire continent.

A drive by picture with my BlackBerry of the Moses Mabhida Stadium last week.

Moses Mabhida Stadium a Symbol of Energy and Hope

I think the Moses Mabhida Stadium, so massive and fancy; elegant and huge – with its 106 m, high and  350 m free span steel arch is a symbol for all the people – soccer fans or not,  of excitement and collective energy; of anticipation and hope.

I always tell people that I am sure in 20 years time the men and women who are working on the stadium now will take their children and grandchildren there when Durban hosts Olympic events or some International event and tell them – “See, grandma/ grandpa or gogo/tata worked on this stadium – it was in 2009…”

A brand-new passenger terminal right next to the stadium will include a railway station, parking, and park and ride facilities for spectators.

According to Durban’s 2010 Website:

The stadium has been specifically designed to be active 365 days a year, creating a dynamic entertainment node for the city of Durban, incorporating Imbizo Place with over 7000m2 retail space, an amphitheatre and a cable car. The cable car will ascend to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch.  From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular panoramic views over the ocean and the city.

I can’t wait for my first time up to the top of the arch, although I don’t like heights.

I am sure that the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will be ready to hand over to FIFA on deadline.

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