World Cup: What To Do, What To See, What To Eat In South Africa

With the world writing about South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup, Goal.com thought it was time to find out what people who actually live in the host country have to say. 

We talked to three young, talented and passionate people who call the Rainbow Nation home. 

Zarina Bahdur is based in Jozi (Johannesburg) where she works as a marketing consultant. She's been involved in Sports marketing for the past four years. The passionate football follower is also involved with the Soweto-based sports social development non-profit organization the Umhlaba Vision Foundation with DC United's Boyzzz Khumalo.

Clyde Tlou studies journalism at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria.  He is the sports producer and presenter of TUT FM 96.2 and also writes for community newspaper Rekord Noweto. 

Koketso Gaofetoge is a 22 year-old year sport management student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He is a sports writer for the  UJ Observer and radio sports presenter on UJFM.

1 - What are three things that everyone should do when they visit South Africa and why?   

Clyde: Travel - Visitors should travel a lot around the country, visit townships like Attridgeville, Mamelodi , Soshanguve and of course Soweto.


In these places one gets to experience township life firsthand ,the atmosphere is always electrifying. People can hardly travel a meter without seeing young kids dazzling each other with soccer skills in street football.

Diski dance- what a unique way of celebrating football at the stadium! This one is a must learn and you need to make sure you have your own Vuvuzela. The dance is just amazing, you don't have to be a skilled dancer. It is easy, adrenalin pumping and breathtaking!!!

Visit game parks and get to see the Big Five this time not on refined videos but in real life. 

Kotesko: Firstly, Soweto is definitely one place that everyone should visit because of its proud history and being one of the biggest townships in South Africa. It is the only place in the world that has two noble peace prize winners residing in the same street- Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Secondly, learning any of the indigenous languages would be a fun educational experience for any tourist visiting South Africa. It would also put anybody in good stead in terms of getting around the country and interacting with the friendly locals.

Lastly, bungee jumping at the Orlando cooling towers would be an ideal experience. The towers are the largest landmark in Soweto and offer an exhilarating view of the south western townships.


Zarina: The Kruger National Park. Coming to South Africa, it’s important to get in a Safari or two. The Kruger National Park is the most recognised game reserve in the country and all of the Big 5 can be seen. The waterfalls, mountains and gorges in the area are absolutely stunning and will keep the nature lovers and adrenalin junkies busy. 

Apartheid museum in Johannesburg. Everyone has heard about the apartheid times but to comprehend what it was about and the way people lived, you need to see it up close for yourself. The museum makes this possible through the photographs, videos and stories of the time. It’s easily accessible and close by to the Gold Reef City amusement park and casino.  

2-What aspect of South Africa do you think will surprise visitors the most?

Clyde - I must say that the Cultural Diversity with eleven official languages  any local citizen may use whichever language yet the conversation is smooth among or between the concerned parties.

Kotesko - The vast improvements in infrastructure will certainly surprise many who have never had the opportunity to visit Africa. Within the western world, there is this stereotype that most Africans are still residing in huts and in the wild.

This notion is totally distorted and untrue. A visit to any of the urban residential areas such as Sandton and Houghton will dismiss such claims.

Zarina -Seeing people on the streets and all (well mostly) dressed in modern clothing. A pretty normal country in many ways but very unique in so many others.


Like everywhere else, people go to work, hang out with their friends, go for movies and eat out.

Its the tradition and culture that people have held on to that makes us stand out, things like the food, music, dance and art work really defines much of where people come from. The traditional clothing has inspired some pretty special designs over time.

3- What South African food should visitors try?

Clyde –No matter what you like, you will succumb to the South Africa burger known as Sphatlho, Ikota or Bunny Chow.

Made up of bread, potato chips, cheese...hmmm let me stop before your tummy starts to rumble.

There is also some Boerwors, chicken feet all served with some chakalaka.

Mogodu a sotho term for intestines. Also, don't forget the uniquely South African yogurt found in Eastern Cape homes called Inqodi,  All I can say is that for those who are already worried about their weight its HEALTHY so relax!!

Kotesko - Boerewors is a well known South African specialty that everyone should try. It’s a traditional BBQ sausage that is loved by many. Bunny chow is another favorite, especially among the black and indian community. It’s a mixture of a quarter half of bread with its center removed filled with potato chips, cheese, polony, vienna, lettuce and a burger patty. It definitely hits the spot. 

Zarina - A friend recommended pap and swaswi (mixture of intestines, liver and other internal parts of animals), or ting (soft porridge mixed with mabele (sorghum) and pap & home made sour milk!

If you need a snack make sure you got lots of biltong (springbok, ostrich, beef whatever is your preference). 


4- Apart from Joburg - which will be the best host city to visit and why?

Clyde - Bloemfontein has an amazing atmosphere for football. Soweto is called the home of football but the City Of  Roses is where the beautiful game is a religion! Ask the Spaniards who played in the Confederations Cup, they will tell you that the atmosphere is electrifying, exhilarating and breathtaking.

Kotesko - The Mother City-Cape Town. It’s a vibrant city that is well known for its magnificent scenery and stunning beaches. The Green Point Stadium will be one of the stadiums to host a semi-final match.


Beside the football that will be displayed, Cape Town offers many other activities for tourists and The Victoria and Alfred waterfront is an ideal place for tourists.  

Zarina - This is a tough one, but think Cape Town might just edge it. The downside is the weather is unpredictable but they can’t help that so they are forgiven.

Everything in CT is close by and it’s a laidback city. There’s something for everyone. There are tours to suit each persons taste to provide a little guidance if needed.

The city is the oldest in the county and the history can be seen everywhere from the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest building in SA to Robben Island.   The beaches and mountains are stunning.

The buildings are pretty impressive too.There are the hiking trails and whale watching expeditions, some of the best seafood in the country.

The Cape Town nightlife can compete with the best in the world and keep you spoiled for choice. The city as a whole has pretty incredible vibe to it.  

Keep following Goal.com's World Cup page to get all the latest updates on South Africa 2010.