SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: Thousands attend World Cup carnival in Soweto township

Record ID: 454832

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: Thousands attend World Cup carnival in Soweto township
  • Date: 6th June 2010
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN TOURIST, BOB AUBRIN SAYING: "It's the most vibrant place I have ever been to, and the parade today is absolutely spectacular, smiles on everybody's faces, it makes everybody is smile, it's a wonderful place." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Are you excited about the World Cup? (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN TOURIST, BOB AUBRIN, SAYING: "Extremely excited, in fact I believe the whole world is, I think it's a wonderful thing for Africa."
  • Embargoed: 21st June 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Lifestyle,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA37C8VJ5NP5L4V1QBY0XLZSEO3
  • Story Text: The streets of the historic South African township of Soweto burst into colour and music on Saturday (June 5) for a World Cup parade.
    The carnival was part of celebrations taking place around the country, less than a week before the tournament begins on Friday (June 11).
    The six kilometre parade passed through Mofolo, Orlando West and Dube in Soweto, and also visited Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have two Nobel Peace Prize winners among its residents; Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
    The street has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gauteng because of Mandela's old house, which is now a museum.
    Hundreds of people gathered on the streets to watch the colourful floats and costumed artists and performers.
    The carnival is an annual event supported by the country's depatment of Sports, Arts and Culture. But this year's event was unique because it was infused with the ongoing World Cup football fever.
    Many of the participants donned South African "Bafana Bafana" jerseys and paraphenalia, including face paint.
    Linda is a South African who, before this, had never been to Soweto. She told Retuers the event was something to behold.
    "It's been absolutely fantastic," she said.
    School holidays have commenced for six weeks to accomodate for the World Cup.
    People from all walks of life joined for the historic event, including tourists that have already started arriving ahead of the World Cup.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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