SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Residents of Soweto celebrate a successful World Cup

Record ID: 455074

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Residents of Soweto celebrate a successful World Cup
  • Date: 10th July 2010
  • Summary: PEOPLE WATCHING PARADE
  • Embargoed: 25th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7OEZWHRPL3U9DXSY7K0S382L7
  • Story Text: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Soweto on Friday (July 9) to celebrate the successful hosting of the World Cup tournament in South Africa.
    The carnival boasted numerous large bright floats which told the story of the Johannesburg township.
    Themed 'Mzansi's Legacy', the parade's aim was to bid farewell to the month long soccer tournament in true township style.
    "We are celebrating also the soccer, the FIFA World Cup that is happening in our country, so it shows, it brings individuals together to celebrate this day and for Soweto also," said Soweto resident Lucky Ntwai.
    The parade started at Maponya mall and traveled through the streets of Soweto before ending up at Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown.
    Organisers say the square was especially chosen as it was where the Freedom Charter, which was designed to give all South Africans equal rights, was drafted.
    The carnival was organised by Gauteng Dance Manyano, a network of choreographers, teachers, companies, dancers and local schools.
    "We are celebrating our legacy, so the World Cup is now officially our legacy. For the first time Africa has hosted so that will be in our history books forever, so we are celebrating that and we are obviously celebrating Soweto and everything else that has ever become a legacy in this place," said Nompumelelo Kotane.
    The spectacle was led by a large Soccer City float with Mama Soweto sitting on top of it stirring a pot while another featured the iconic Orlando Towers.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains identifiable children: users must ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations governing the publishing of this material.
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