The world cup may be over and Spain may have taken the prize as the world's number one but the real winner is every South African that showed patriotism for their country.
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is proud to have played a role during the preparations to the world's biggest football spectacular, from the hosting of the 2009 Confederations Cup in June last year to the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
The NYDA's partnership with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other partners assisted in the recruitment and training of volunteers for both the Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.
In addition to this, the NYDA partnered with the South African Football Association (SAFA) to conduct a four week youth mobilisation campaign aimed at teaching communities about national symbols and the importance of national pride.
"The mobilisation campaign conducted by thousands of young volunteers, formed part of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Legacy programme. We are proud to have played a role in the first world cup to be held on African soil. We hope the world cup has eradicated the perception that Africa is a dark continent," says Andile Lungisa, executive chairperson of the NYDA.
Clayton Peters, Director for National Youth Service programme at the NYDA adds: "As the NYDA, we can proudly say that we played our part well. Our involvement in the Ke Nako World Cup Volunteer programme was instrumental in the success of the world cup.
"Volunteers played a critical role and were the backbone of the 16 functional areas of the world cup. Whether it was showing a spectator to his seat, escorting a VIP, driving a FIFA delegate, welcoming guests at the airport or moving boxes from one site to another, volunteers worked hard, smiled and did what was asked of them. We are proud that we helped select and train these volunteers".
"The NYDA would like to say bravo to the LOC, FIFA, the host cities and all the partners that were involved in making sure this event was a success. We congratulate all the South Africans who braved the cold winter nights to go to the stadiums and fan parks to support Bafana Bafana and other teams. Most of all, we take our hats off to all the volunteers who gave up their time to ensure South Africa hosts the best World Cup. Well done," concludes Lungisa.
What a month, well done South Africa, well done volunteers!
