High unemployment. A dramatic decrease in investment. Growing xenophobia. A national mood of collective depression. A national football team supported by only 8% of the population after being knocked out at the group stage of their continental championships. And two years away from hosting a Football World Cup.

South Africa 2008?

No, Germany 2004.

In contrast, South Africa today is comparatively better off than Germany was in 2004. Unemployment is at its lowest level for some time, increased investment – especially that of government – is expected to shield the country from the worst of the global economic slowdown (together with some incredibly insightful changes to banking laws and interest rates over the past 3 years) and the people of South Africa are less depressed than they were a year ago. Even Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national football team) won their fifth game in a row this week!

Also this week, two separate surveys were released indicating that South Africans were overwhelmingly confident that they will host a fantastic World Cup in 2010, despite concerns about crime, traffic congestion and inflated prices. The stadiums are going to be breathtakingly awesome. The picture here is of the new Cape Town stadium – how stunning is that?

See some of the latest information at Wikipedia.

The “African World Cup” in 2010 is going to be the best one ever, and unforgettable for those who go.

If you’d like to hear someone who knows what’s going on, and can give you the facts, as well as share insights on how to help your company or organisation get the most out of the World Cup, then contact Gary Bailey – see http://www.gameplan2010.com/