Since 1994, the world witnessed South Africa slowly redesigning and rebuilding a triumphant nation with one of the world’s most progressive constitutions as a road map. The 2010 FIFA World Cup saw a galvanisation of the previously unheralded strategic, economic and creative skill inherent in the country. Created as a platform to salute the energy that created the World Cup, this initiative posited the event as a case study for national cooperation, dedication and identity. The country performed under intense international scrutiny and had the chance to present its success as inspiration and learnings, not only to other nations, but also to its own future generations.
The City collaborated with Brand South Africa and South African Tourism on a multimedia report on the city-making efforts, brand developments, and associated tourism and investment potential of the World Cup in South Africa. As South African cities were at the centre of World Cup developments, the analysis of urban potential was vital. The City launched the online multimedia report at the Turbine Hall in Johannesburg on 22 September 2010. The launch was accompanied by two panel discussions on Nation Design and Lessons Learned from the World Cup, chaired by Richard Lapper, then bureau chief of the Financial Times.
The City also hosted editors-in-chief of 15 global design and culture publications (print and digital) for the Design, Cities & the World Cup programme. This was a very rewarding endeavour for South African cities, designers, architects and prominent urban projects – with huge global exposure