Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
For its exceptional contribution to the world of sport and for displaying great wisdom and leadership in the successful bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Having experienced the bitter national disappointment of a previous bid attempt and having taken to heart the hard lessons of that failure, South Africa's soccer fraternity under the leadership of Molefe Oliphant, President of SAFA, went back to the drawing board with humility to prepare for another attempt at securing the much-coveted event on behalf of the nation. Displaying unity and single-mindedness over a period of four years, the committee focused on the task at hand. Painfully analysing the weaknesses of the previous bid through minute examination and analysis of presentation and strategy, the 2010 World Cup Bid Committee unpacked the barely apparent flaws of the ill-fated earlier bid without rancour, spite or ill-feeling.
Drawing on the individual strengths of each committee member, with each of them displaying great presence of mind and a keen strategic sense, the committee under the chairpersonship of Ivan Khoza, collectively engineered a new bid based on detailed plans for imaginative stadia within a developmental environment, comprehensive security preparations for any contingency, creative hospitality and transport arrangements for tournament participants and enthusiasts, and world-class technological and infrastructural capability, all presented with just sufficient seasoning and flavour to showcase the sheer love of the country for the sport.
Thus was prepared a bid which was the envy of many other countries with many times the resources. With nothing left to chance, the complicated process was stage-managed by the CEO of the Bid Committee, Danny Jordaan, with skill and refinement. The sterling work of the Bid Committee was confirmed by a FIFA Technical Committee which rated the South African bid above all the other contenders on technical grounds.
Needless to say, South Africa's bid coaxed even the most cynical observer into admiration and swayed the most sceptical assessor to the firm conviction that South Africa was the best and most appropriate host and venue for the prized tournament.
All South Africans are proud of winning the bid and are grateful for the efforts and hard work of the committee, who without resorting to under-handedness and intrigue, did what was necessary to pursue the goal of convincing the world of our state of readiness.
Not letting the previous setback undermine their conviction, the committee focused on what was needed to turn the great wish of the South African people into a reality. In performing their national duty, they have made all South Africa, and indeed all of Africa, immensely proud.
