There can be no doubt that the first FIFA World Cup to be held on the continent of Africa will be different to those that have come before it. Africa generally has a tendency to deliver the unexpected and the upcoming worldwide feast of football, or soccer as it is known in the United States, will be enhanced by a few truly African and even more truly South African items, aromas, flavors and activities from beginning to end. I will endeavor to introduce a few of the before-mentioned items, aromas, flavors and activities to the reader in order that the unexpected become more, well, expected.
The Items: Vuvuzela and Makaraba
International visitors will become accustomed to the distinctly inharmonious sound of the Vuvuzela and the colorfully adorned head gear, the Makaraba.
The Vuvuzela is a long, plastic tubular instrument which is speaker-like at one end and is used by football supporters all over South Africa. The idea is to blow into the thin end and make as much noise as possible in support of the blower's team. Vuvuzelas come in numerous lengths and colors, and will undoubtedly become a talking point amongst visitors to South Africa's shores come World Cup time.
The Makaraba is a plastic hard hat which essentially was designed for use as a miner's helmet. The difference is that this helmet has gone under the knife to spectacular effect. Local supporters have used their original artistic flair to incise and shape the plastic to stand up, crown-like, in different shapes and designs synonymous with the teams they support. The art of Makaraba making is growing and Makarabas will be available in colors and shapes specifically designed for every one of the countries participating at the tournament.
The Aromas and Flavors: Boerewors, Sosaties, Bunny Chows and Biltong
First time visitors to South Africa will be introduced to aromas and flavors they will definitely not be accustomed to. Whether it be watching Boerewors and Sosaties cooking on a Braai, dipping their fingers into a Bunny Chow or biting into a piece of Biltong, visitors will experience some truly South African delights during their stay.
Boerewors is ground meat mixed with fat and tightly packed into a long, continuous sausage of at least a metre in length. Sosaties are cubes of beef or chicken, skewered on a stick with onions, pieces of fat, green peppers and mushrooms, among others. These local delicacies are best enjoyed on a Braai (BBQ) and are traditionally served with Phutu Pap (Maize Meal) and Sous (sauce made with onions, tomato and garlic).
A Bunny Chow is a meal of Asian origin, prepared by the local Asians and enjoyed predominantly in the East Coast city of Durban. It consists of curry-flavored chicken, beef, mutton, beans or vegetables which is served in a hollowed out quarter-loaf of bread. The removed bread is used to dunk into the sauce and sambles with chilli, carrot, tomato and onion accompany the meal, which is generally eaten with the fingers.
Biltong is dried meat which has been cured using salt and spice, and hung on a hook until properly dried. It is often served sliced which is easier on the teeth, although many locals prefer to bite off chunks of it whilst watching their favorite sport.
The Activities: Kruger National Game Reserve and Table Mountain
South Africa does not have a lack of things to do between football games. From the Kruger National Game Reserve in the North to Table Mountain in the South, tourists will be able to occupy their time in an interesting and entertaining manner.
The Kruger National Game Reserve is home to the "Big 5" - Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros - along with many other types of animals. It is the perfect getaway for people interested in coming face to face with nature.
Table Mountain is one of South Africa's most instantly recognizable landmarks. Towering over the city of Cape Town, it is synonymous with South Africa and its summit is visited, via cable car, by thousands of people annually.
Other activities include visiting the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, the Big Hole in Kimberley and the Oribi Gorge in Kwazulu-Natal, not to mention the Cape Wine Route, home to some of the most renowned Wine Farms in the World.
In summary, South Africa awaits the many visitors to its shores with open arms. The preparations for the World Cup are on schedule and the locals are eager to welcome and entertain their guests from across the globe. People willing to experiment and indulge in a multi-cultural society are in for the experience of their lifetimes.
Warren Potter - I am a 42 year old South African who has been writing since time began - it feels like it anyway. My freelance exploits have taken me to ...
