Africa Watch: S.Africa offers colourful Confed Cup ceremony

"Part of the reason why poverty still persists in our continent is governments inability to work in a bi-partisan manner with the opposition to confront the many problems facing us as a continent. In almost all the advanced democracies a government in power works or listens to the opposition in matters of national importance such as education, defence, energy and the economy. However in Africa such matters are always hijacked by the ruling government to the detriment of the nation and its people". Lord Aikins Adusei

Monday, June 15, 2009

S.Africa offers colourful Confed Cup ceremony

25 mins ago

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – The 2009 Confederations Cup officially opened Sunday with an energetic ceremony by hosts South Africa with a giant human flag of 700 school pupils and a showcase of African culture.

Painting themselves in the colours of South Africa's post-apartheid flag, the pupils formed into a giant formation before painting the tournament's logo on a giant banner circled by flags from the eight-nation tournament.

The announcement of teams topped off performances from South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lebo M of "Lion King" fame, and a procession of peformers representing the entire African continent.

With kick-off at 1400 GMT, the 52,500-seater Ellis Park stadium cremony was met with cheers as fans showed their appreciation by blowing plastic trumpets known as vuvuzelas and loud roars