As the curtain draws closed on the greatest team sport spectacle on the planet, it’s time that we as South Africans reflect on our successes in hosting the FIFA 2010 SWC.

Yes, we’ve had some setbacks and “incidents”, but on the whole, South Africa and its citizens have hosted a fantastic event which has been incredibly successful.  (To all the doomsday sayers, “You were wrong”.)

South Africa is ranked amongst the highest in the world in terms of crime.  There were always going to be “incidents”.  Coming to South Africa and not expecting any issues, is the equivalent of taking a vacation in the Kalahari Desert without expecting the weather to be hot.  It comes with the territory.

On the whole though, we’ve hosted a marvellous tournament and we as a nation, can be proud.

So let’s reflect on the things we did right.  

- Increasing the national policing/security budget and allocating additional police officers during the tournament.

- Instituting specialised “World Cup courts” which handle on the spot fines and immediate convictions and sentencing.

- Proactive and aggressive policing and investigation that has resulted in the quick apprehension of criminals.

- Beautifully constructed stadiums with world-class facilities.

- An improved public transport system.

- Improved roads and transport infrastructure.

On the crime-busting note; if we are able to pursue and catch criminals with the speed and precision as we’ve witnessed during the World Cup, then surely we should be able to continue to deliver this type of efficient policing after the World Cup.

I am proud of our country. I am proud of what we’ve achieved together.  I still have all my SA flags waving on my little car, however “gay” (as my cousin Werner would say), my little car may be.

On the GT barometer (whatever the hell that is), I give us a 9.5 out of 10 for hosting a magnificent tournament.  Well done South Africa!

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