Krugersdorp - The 2010 FIFA World Cup taught South Africans to appreciate the glory and beauty of their country, celebrate their achievements and successes.
This is according to Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Nelisiwe Moerane, who was speaking at the Gauteng provincial Heritage Day celebrations at Maropeng on Friday, on behalf of Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
"The FIFA World Cup saw an unprecedented display of national unity and social cohesion, with millions of South Africans rising together and proudly waving the national flag and doing their utmost to make the visitors feel welcome," she said.
Government is using this year's Heritage Day to celebrate the successes of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the theme "Celebrating 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup successes: Our heritage."
The country is celebrating the contribution of all South Africans during the global event - from building physical infrastructure to the inspirational cohesiveness that united all South Africans.
According to the MEC, South Africans used the tournament to demonstrate to the world that their country has potential to achieve great things.
"We demonstrated that we have both the capacity and expertise to organise the biggest world events. The people of Gauteng, from all walks of life, deserve praise for their role in the success of the World Cup.
"The successful of hosting the World Cup is an achievement worth celebrating and cherishing for many years to come," she said.
The day at Maropeng, which is Setswana for 'returning to the place of the origins', was fun filled with indigenous games such as Muravharavha being played, among other things.
Moerane said Gauteng is a special place for both the country and the world since it is the home of Maropeng, which denotes the universal relevance of the Cradle of Humankind as the ancestral home of all.
"It was in this province at this very same place where evidence was found that the oldest human ancestors lived," she said.
The MEC described Gauteng as a place where the creative spirit of the nation converges in a dense cultural heartland, an intersection of African and global trade.
"It is only in Gauteng where one can be dazzled by the blending of contrasts, an abundance of starry African skies amid glittering city lights.
"The flow of Gauteng's scenic beauties thrills as much as it relaxes, rooting you to the very basics of creation. Here you will find people in harmony with nature," she said.
She also used the occasion to pay special tribute to the late leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Duma Nokwe, Lilian Ngoyi, Walter Sisulu, Charlotte Maxeke, Chris Hani, Joe Slovo and Bram Fischer, to mention but a few.
However, she also paid tribute to those who are still alive and continuing to inspire the nation such as former President Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Albertina Sisulu, Desmond Tutu and President Jacob Zuma.
The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is now part of the country's legacy and national heritage which all South Africans can be proud off.
