It's time for Africa - 12 Jul 2010

We came, we saw and we hosted one of the best, possibly the greatest, FIFA World Cup tournaments in the history of the event. It's all over now, but we've been left with great memories of the occasion that we will share with generations to come. With a spectacular closing ceremony, the 2010 FIFA World Cup concluded with a Spanish victory over the Dutch. Congratulations to Spain on their first World Cup win, but moreover, congratulations to South Africa and its citizens on proving the naysayers wrong in producing a near flawless World Cup. There were a few hiccups here and there - a huge hiccup with approximately 600 fans missing the Germany vs. Spain semi-final at the Moses Mabida Stadium due to chaos at Durban's King Shaka Airport - other than that, it was pretty smooth sailing.

Now that the games are over, it's time for Africa to face the rest of 2010 head on and continue riding the positivity of the last month to develop the continent to reach its full potential.

Nigerian Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dele Olojede, at the Africa Leadership Retreat session this weekend on Brand Africa, blamed bad governance for Africa's slow progress, deeming government the continent's greatest obstacle. It is time for Africa's citizens to take control and work together to develop Africa, but it will take enabling governments to support the people in their efforts. It is time for Africa and her people to shine. Ke Nako!

Check out the original version of Waka Waka (This time for Africa) - enjoy!