Thousands upon thousands of soccer enthusiasts and Capetonians filled up Cape Town's streets earlier this afternoon to watch the second last 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match between Argentina and Germany at Cape Town Stadium at 16:00. Those who didn't have tickets made their way to the FIFA Fan Fest™, while some came to 'do' the Fan Walk, the 2,4km pedestrian route to the stadium.
They got there using jampacked Metrorail trains, which were supplemented by additional carriages to cope with the demand. Others came by car, causing heavy congestion along major routes into the city. Once in the city centre, they made their way to various restaurants and bars along the Fan Walk as well as to the V & A Waterfront, where over 120 000 people congregated at specially designated viewing areas.
Over 120 000 people are estimated to have used the Fan Walk, which has become an attraction on its own, and was used late into the night by revellers who couldn't seem to get enough of the vibe generated by entertainers and unusually dressed fans.
Among the thousands of Capetonians was Argentinean Munir Leeya (pictured right), who said he has been bowled over by South Africa. With his face painted like the flag, he was watching the crowds throng past on the Fan Walk on Waterkant Street.
"Cape Town is excellent, it is an excellent town. The people here are really friendly, they don't hesitate to help you if you look lost, everyone is very nice to the foreigners," he said.
"The World Cup seems to be very well organised, everything is working well," he observed.
"The only problem I have is that there are too many people on this Fan Walk and I have lost my friend. It is too crowded, they should have used another street."
American tourist Kristina Beaver said she's had "non-stop positive experiences" since arriving in South Africa.
"It's much better than what I expected. Cape Town is such an amazing place, and we've had such an amazing welcome. It's great to be here when everything is going on."
She admits she was "terrified" about the crime situation, having heard horror stories from South Africans living in the US. "But it's really not what I expected and I feel pretty safe. You just have to have a bit of common sense."
Her friend Greg Ross says the trip to South Africa enabled them to combine two things they love: sport and travel.
"We're having a great time here, and now that the US is out, we're supporting the South American teams," he said, dressed in Argentinean gear.
Also enjoying the Fan Walk were four Labradors. Andrew Decker from Melkbos says he brought his four dogs for their daily walk along the Fan Walk "because it's more fun than the beach".
The dogs – Yogi, Fellow, Lello and Chloe – were well-behaved and evidently used to crowds and the sound of vuvuzelas. Andrew said he drove into town and parked near the Civic Centre to come and experience the atmosphere. "Obviously I'm not going to the match, they wouldn't let my dogs in."
He was also very complimentary about the free water points along the way, saying they were a wonderful idea for everyone – including his dogs.
Another tourist who drove into town was American Donovan Proctor, who has based himself in Hermanus. "It was very easy, I just drove into town and followed the yellow signs. I parked at the Waterfront and here I am," he said on the concourse of the stadium.
"I am very impressed at the organisation of this World Cup overall. Obviously there were a few little problems, but that's just growing pains. This is very unlike what a lot of people expected in Africa," he said.
Frank Siegel, a German, described his experiences in Cape Town as "unsurpassed".
He and his family flew into Cape Town and are staying in Camps Bay for two weeks.
"Everything has been wonderful. The people are helpful and attentive and I have had very good experiences. We also can't believe this is what your winter is like."
His only complaint was access to the stadium from the Fan Walk, saying there should be more entrances to ease the congestion. "Apparently on the other side there is a fort and also all the hospitality areas, but there are too many people here. There could be a stampede."
Apart from that, his experiences have compared favourably to the previous World Cup™ in Germany, which he attended. "It's all very smooth. And this is such a beautiful country, a really beautiful country. Oh, and you have the vuvuzela of course!" he said as he lifted his – in German colours – and gave a loud blast into the early evening sky.
Spain's victory over Uruguay in the second match of the day sent fans into a frenzy, and vuvuzelas could be heard all over Cape Town. The semi-final between Germany and Spain on Wednesday 7 July in Durban is likely to attract the same sort of numbers, and fans planning to watch the match at the FIFA Fan Fest in central Cape Town, and at the City's four fan jols, are urged to arrive early.
Spain is widely touted as most likely to win the World Cup based on their impressive qualifying campaign. They will be up against a formidable foe: Germany has won the World Cup three times, and are confident that they can do so again.
The FIFA Fan Fest™
The German and Spanish victories were celebrated at the FIFA Fan Fest™ by almost 20 000 fans who had begun congregating at the venue from 13:00 onwards. Despite reaching capacity at around 14:30, people were still being let in as others left to ensure that as many people as possible could share in the experience.
Freshlyground, one of South Africa's favourite bands, got the crowd rocking - African style - straight after the German victory, and FLOW, a multi-dimensional stage performance of beating African drums and rhythm, electric violins and didgeridoo, ensured that the party mood continued well after the next match between Spain and Paraguay.
Earlier in the afternoon, Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan and his counterpart from the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, Horst Smit, added their handprints to the Mandela Legacy Canvas at the Grand Parade. They were joined by Minister of Justice, Jeff Radebe.
The City of Cape Town launched the ‘famous handprints’ project as part of its World Cup legacy projects to honour former President Nelson Mandela and his legacy of ‘offering peace, and not hatred or revenge’.
The canvas, which now has 67 palm imprints made by a selection of illustrious people, including Prince Albert of Monaco and London Mayor Boris Johnson, will be auctioned later to raise funds for the Mandela Foundation.
Mayor Plato, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and American R&B superstar, R Kelly were the first to make their handprints on the canvas. Other celebrities who have done the same are American football star Reggie Bush; US TV personality Kimora Lee Simmons; Hollywood star Djimon Hounsou; South African singer Danny K, members of Lady Smith Black Mambazo; German football star Jurgen Klinsmann; and South African actress Vanessa Haywood.
The Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest™ will be closed on Sunday 4 July and Monday 5 July as no matches will be played on either of these days. It will open again on Tuesday 6 July for the semi-final. Catch the Gugulethu Tenors, Afrobeat and Capsolys.
Bellville Velodrome There were jeers of frustration at Bellville Velodrome Fan Jol when screening of the Germany vs Argentina match was interrupted by a technical fault five minutes before the end. Most of the 3 000 strong crowd left soon afterwards, missing out on the opportunity to watch South African Music Assocation (SAMA) award winner Karen Zoid. Numbers picked up again for the Paraguay vs Spain match, and a good time was had by all.
A fantastic line-up of entertainers has been selected for Tuesday 6 July when the City's Fan Jols open for the Uruguay vs Netherlands semi final. Catch the Fantastic Two for a ballroom dancing demonstration at 14:15, followed by iKapa Fusion Dance, Capoeira Brazilian Dance, the Sange Afro Pop Band, Manding Kan Drums and Dance, Jonathan Rubain, the Sibonela Dance Project, Mtika Afro Jazz Band and Ashtray Electric.
Oliver Tambo Fan Jol "The Oliver Tambo Fan Jol had a good day," said Ian Baguley of ZA Fanzone, the company appointed by the City of Cape Town to manage its fan jols. "We had nearly 400 locals and at least one German family for the afternoon match, and we hosted a group of German dignitaries for the evening match. These people have been actively involved in poverty alleviation work in Khayelitsha, and we enjoyed repaying their kindness with a superb fan jol experience," he said.
The Oliver Tambo Fan Jol will be closed on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 July. It will re-open at 11:00 on Tuesday 6 July for the Netherlands vs Uruguay semi-final. Liesl Stoffberg, Zama and Claire Phillips are scheduled to perform.
Swartklip Fan Jol
Loukmaan Adams and his band (pictured right) rocked fans at the Swartklip Fan Jol before the Argentina vs Germany game. The venue was packed by locals, who showed their support for the FIFA World Cup™ by bringing their families to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Swartklip Fan Jol will be closed on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 July. It will re-open at 11:00 on Tuesday 6 July for the Netherlands vs Uruguay semi-final. Catch headline act De Ja Vue and emerging artists McAshley, the Vadhini Indian Arts Academy, Nothemba Bolele Agnes Kembele, 12th Avenue, Blackcurrent, Cape Maylay, Siyazakha and Nativflo for an experience you'll never forget.
Vygieskraal Fan Jol Locals from the surrounding area took advantage of today's sunny weather to bring their friends and family to Vygieskraal Fan Jol, which is the perfect destination for a day out. There is a beer garden, face painting, and lots of room for children to run around in while the adults attend to the more serious issues - watching the world's best football, right here in Cape Town!
Catch the ever popular Jitsvinger and a dazzling line-up of supporting acts at the Vygieskraal Fan Jol on Tuesday 6 July. Gates open at 11:00, and close at 23:00.