The closing ceremony of the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ opened with a song that has been the anthem of this World Cup, Waka Waka, it’s time for Africa, by Colombian superstar Shakira and South African band Freshlyground, which set the tone for an electric show.

Colours, lights, flags and sound were the order of the day.

South African musicians including Stoan, Zuluboy, Jozi, Slikour, Teargas, Theo Kgosinkwe, Abigail Kubeka and Zulu scathamiya group and Grammy Award-winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, bid the world farewell in the only manner Africans know how, with song, dance and a touch of story-telling.

From 1960s-style Sophiatown jive to hip hop and kwaito, from the gumboot dance to the bujwa dance, which originated in Soweto, South African singers and dancers set Soccer City alight for the world.

Giant, colourful projections of the world’s flags were also a highlight, as were the life-size elephant puppets that made their way around a virtual waterhole, casting beautiful long shadows behind them.

And when former South African President Nelson Mandela came onto the pitch after the ceremony, the estimated 500-million people watching on TV must have known in their hearts that Africa’s time had come!

Soccer City was a hive of activity as people prepared for the ceremony. Photo courtesy Uyanda Mbuli

Freshlyground arriving at Soccer City to perform the famous Waka Waka song with Shakira. Photo courtesy FRESHLYGROUNDsa

The flags of the world during the closing ceremony at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Photo courtesy Aki Anastasiou

Madiba made a surprise appearance, making the night even more magical. Photo courtesy Aki Anastasiou

If you’d like to see Cristiano Ronaldo play in Cape Town, get your tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on Thursday, April 15. Photo courtesy vuhlser

Get your 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tickets from Thursday, April 15, over the counter at The Spearhead, 42 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Foreshore in the V&A Waterfront or at any FNB branch.

Cape Town will host eight matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, starting with France vs Uruguay at Cape Town Stadium on June 11. See here for a full list of Cape Town Stadium fixtures.

FIFA announced on Friday that there are still 500 000 tickets available for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Ticket selling points around the country will be open from 9h00 to 18h00 for South Africans (category one, two, three and four) and 18h00 to 22h00 for international residents (category one, two and three); the fourth category, containing the cheapest seats, is reserved for South Africans only.

Of the 2.2-million tickets sold so far, SA leads the way with 925 437 tickets, followed by the US with 118 945, UK (67 654), Germany (32 269), Australia (29 657) and Canada (16 001).

With only a few hours to go until the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, celebrations have begun in earnest at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium. True to African style and a first in FIFA history, this year’s tournament is bursting onto international screens with a song. This is the first World Cup to be inaugurated by a concert, and billed are the likes of Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, The Parlotones, Angélique Kidjo and South Africa’s Voice, Vusi Mahlasela.

Waka Waka, the official FIFA World Cup™ anthem, will also be performed by Colombian superstar, Shakira, and our very own Freshly Ground. Somalian K’Naan will be calling out for football freedom with his own Waving Flag.

Broadcast to over 30 000 audience members and millions more worldwide – with the help of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, ESPN2, online music site VEVO and a little primetime coverage from ABC – this concert promises to raise the roof on international expectations.

When 70% of the music line-up are African, you can be sure the world will know where the heart of music for 2010 beats.

Tiffany Turkington-Palmer is at the event and says, “It’s absolutely fantastic! The organisation has been superb. There are thousands of people here, but the toilets are spotless and the organisation is really impressive! There is an amazing atmosphere!

In the queue for the concert. Photo: Tiffany Turkington-Palmer

The vibe is fantastic! Photo: Tiffany Turkington-Palmer

Bafana Bafana supporters turn out in their thousands. Photo: Tiffany Turkington-Palmer

Celebrating the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ at the kick-off concert! Photo: Tiffany Turkington-Palmer

Charlize Theron, photo courtesy René aka SpreePiX

Friday December 4, 2009 is the date for the Final Draw, which is a major part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The event will bring a star-studded list of international celebrities to the stage in Cape Town.

The hosts for this Friday’s event are South African Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron and FIFA Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke.

They will be joined on stage by a range of celebrities, including football star David Beckham.

South African President Jacob Zuma and FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter will welcome the world at the start of the 90-minute live broadcast.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela will deliver a pre-recorded message that will be shown via video.

Most of the 32 coaches of the qualified teams are also expected to attend the Final Draw.

The Final Draw in Cape Town will be broadcast live to millions of people in more than 200 countries.

Arriving at Soccer City for the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, between South Africa and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana fans 100% behind their team!

South African right down to our toes.

Inside Soccer City.

This Mexican supporter is currently attending her fifth World Cup!

South Africa takes on Mexico, FIFA World Cup™ 2010 opening match.

Young Bafana Bafana supporter.

The crowd was filled with South African supporters.

See also:
World Cup opening ceremony in pictures

South Africa draw against Mexico in World Cup opener

Cape Town Stadium hosts its first international match

France vs Uruguay draws crowd at Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest

Cape Town Fan Fest frequented by families and friends – Photos

Bafana Bafana about to face Mexico in World Cup curtain raiser

The opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ – A Cape Town Tourism photo essay

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ gets under way!

Soccer City: where vuvuzelas blow the loudest

Football fans flood Soweto as the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives!