I start today with the words of that now famous song by Shakira and our very own Freshlyground. This time for Africa! If we look back on the past 6 weeks we can only shine with pride. We have done well! Congratulations South Africa and thank you to each and every one that made this possible. And yes indeed it does include you, the reader as we were all a part of this magnificent event.

I was fortunate to be invited to a dialogue session on the 'New Economy for South Africa' - lessons learned from the World Cup. We discussed in detail how the build up to the World Cup has certainly transformed the way business is done in South Africa. There was a sense of urgency, a purpose, an understanding that only the best service will do. That means no 'african time'. (wink!) We look back on quite a different year in our own government. Service delivery protests, unnecessary scandals and furthermore unacceptably high levels of corruption. So we sit and compare.

How is it possible that one nation can achieve such greatness over the course of one month and the preceding 6 years of preparation versus the other side which points to its own downfall? And we agree, many lessons have been learned from hosting the World Cup. Enough to put into practice where it is needed the most. Making South Africa a better place for all its people and not only the handful elite.

Now is the time. Ke nako. Let us all stand together and make this a better place. Let us all take hands and create the future our children and their children deserve. Even though globally statistics show that a country is generally poorer after hosting such an event we all agreed that bearing in mind it is the first time since 1986 that a World Cup is being hosted in the developing world, this time the outcome might be different.

Only time will tell if this is indeed true. We have learned many lessons to assist us in building our country to even greater heights. We have learned that indeed we can have a single purpose, a single goal. No matter what our backgrounds are, no matter what our social standing is. We are all Africans and we embrace our future together! Until next time, take care.