Bafana Bafana

The fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Bafana Bafana might have exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup earlier than hoped, but while Carlos Alberto Parreira’s boys played to nationwide acclaim, another brigade of locals was pursuing an even more treacherous mission.

By Joseph Opio - 14 October 2010 - Text

Soccer Bling

The South African Premier Soccer League is the wealthiest league in Africa. Clifford (17) is midfielder for Ajax Cape Town and played his first international match for Bafana Bafana just last year.

By Simone Scholtz - 8 October 2010 - Future stars and yesterday's heroes, Photo

Soccer Africanised

Does Bafana Bafana reflect the demographics of the Rainbow Nation?

By Joseph Opio - 29 June 2010 - Africa United, Race, reconciliation and xenophobia, Text

United by Soccer: A history of South African football from apartheid to hosting the FIFA World Cup

From 1958 to 1992, South Africa was suspended from international soccer by FIFA, as a sanction against the prevailing racial segregation in the country. Black populations in country nevertheless played the game and used the discipline in the sport to circumvent association bans enforced by the white minority, as well as to maintain ties with militants in exile.

By Anne Mireille Mbiacob Nzouankeu - 28 June 2010 - Africa United, Race, reconciliation and xenophobia, Text

Taxi Ferry

In Polokwane, Limpopo’s Department of Roads and Transport provided more than R25-million for taxi operators to ferry football fans to five different public viewing areas during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

By Nikki Rixon - 26 June 2010 - Fans, fun and football, Photo

Kids News Network: A Bittersweet Victory

South African children react to the news that South Africa is out of the World Cup.

By Kids News Network - 24 June 2010 - Video

Kids News Network: Flagbearer

Jonathan is a 12-year-old from South Africa who loves playing the African drum. Jonathan has a special mission during the World Cup: he will carry the flag of his country during the match of Bafana Bafana against Uruguay.

By Kids News Network - 20 June 2010 - Video

Ice Cream Factory

Alexandra is a poor, densely populated township that was established in 1912. It borders, and stands in stark contrast to, Sandton, the wealthiest suburb in South Africa. Situated in the industrial side of Alexandra is an old ice-cream factory that has been taken over by locals. They have built two floors filled with one-room dwellings made from recycled tin and wood, dangerously connected by narrow wooden planks.

By Nikki Rixon - 18 June 2010 - Photo, Rich dreams, poor realities