Hello 2010! - 11 Jan 2010

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year; 2010 has finally arrived. This year holds the dreams and aspirations of an African nation united in spirit as the continent hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The atmosphere is certainly a positive one, saying goodbye to last years woes, it's apparent that the sweet smell of a successful year is in the air.

Most only ventured back to the office today after hopefully a blissful festive season with a list of New Year's resolutions that usually are forgotten soon after they are made. Instead of resolutions then, let's all determine life goals for 2010 and score them with flair and passion.

While the attack on the Togo national soccer team in Angola was a horrific incident it has spurred an unfortunate bout of Afro-pessimism abroad in terms of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa will of course note the conditions that led to the event, but as far as security is concerned I'm sure it has its bases covered. South Africa is certainly not Angola and to suddenly doubt our capability of hosting the event is ludicrous.

Other than that the year is already in full-swing with events lining up for the media industry including the Festival of Media Awards, Dubai Lynx Awards, 2010 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, Mobile World Congress, 20th World Newspaper Advertising Conference as well as the WAN-IFRA sports news conference, Using Sports News to Optimise Your Revenues, taking place later this week.

Here's to Africa in 2010, let the positive vibes endure!