The 2010 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa, and it is the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation. Billions of Football fans are desperate to watch the FIFA World Cup and we personally know several of them who will not miss a single match. But the 2010 FIFA World Cup goes far beyond the sporting event.

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, a medical doctor and Master of Public Health (MPH), spent 10 years as a physician and scientist in the Norwegian public health system and served 20 years in public office, including 10 years as Prime Minister of Norway. She is a member of The Elders, and she recently returned from The Elders’ meeting in Johannesburg in South Africa on the eve of the World Cup.

A message from Gro Brundtland (read full message on this page):

Despite the many challenges facing the continent, we feel that the World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Africa’s many achievements – and its even greater potential […] Another highlight of our trip was meeting 80 of Africa’s top students for a lively discussion on the future of the continent. We were encouraged by the students’ intelligence, determination and realism, and most of all by their commitment to succeed, not only as individuals, but to use their skills to help many more benefit from the continent’s rich resources and human talent.

Mr. Wilfried Lemke, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, has made public his expectations for positive social change inspired by this World Cup: “My hope is that the 2010 edition of the World Cup leaves a real legacy, not only for South Africa but for the entire continent. I hope that the transformation will long last, with no turning back. All the involved stake-holders will have to ensure this promise.” -Read full article on UN.org website.

We also hope the World Cup will have a positive impact on South Africa and on the entire continent. Some of us are supporters of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) even if captain Didier Drogba fractured his right forearm arm and won’t be playing. But the hopes and enthusiasm shouldn’t make us forget about a difficult reality in South Africa.

Amnesty International published an article on Human Rights Concerns in South Africa During the World Cup:

… Protestors from poor communities have continued to raise concerns that the majority of South Africans are still being excluded from the benefits of hosting the World Cup. The requirements under the “FIFA by-laws,” which create extensive exclusion zones for informal economic activity, are seen as particularly prejudicial in the context of a country where a large group of South Africans are totally reliant on the informal sector economy for their survival. […] While the government recently launched a new drive to combat the HIV epidemic, it will need to display the same level of determination evident in its World Cup preparations to overcome transport and other obstacles to the right to health for women in these areas and who are disproportionately affected by the epidemic…

2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is a great event and once again, we hope it will be a success and that it will contribute to raise awareness and maybe even solve many recurring problems in the country.

On a lighter note, Max Dana posted last week on her blog: BLK JKS, Amadou & Mariam and Angélique Kidjo live from Soweto. World Cup 2010 is not only about football: the world’s biggest superstars will come together live on VEVO June 10 from Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa for the FIFA World Cup kick–off celebration concert.

We will watch the concert, Max! 😉