“Oh no!’ I would cry in dismay as the ball veered left – or more often than not, way over the top. “Don’t be so upset. I’ll be there when you come to bed,” she’d croon. “What’s that?” I’d say. “I said don’t be so upset about me going to bed. I don’t mind you staying up and watching the game so long as you don’t expect me to watch it too.” I couldn’t tell her it was the missed goal that upset me. “But why don’t you stay up a bit longer and watch with me,” I said while glancing sideways at the screen so as not to miss any of the action. “No, I’m tired I’ll see you later. You enjoy the game,” she’d say kindly. “OK girl. Sleep well. We don’t perhaps have any chips in the house do we?”

And then - the dreaded day dawned. The Spanish were winging their way home with the cup and the vuvuzelas had fallen silent. That night, I turned the TV on and it wasn’t there. The World Cup was gone. Panic hit me. What am I going to say to her? I have to make conversation. I have to talk to her. What about? I took a deep breath and ventured into the other room where she was sitting in front of the other TV. “Yo there. Can I make you some tea?” She ignored me. “Honey, I’m making tea. Do you want a cup?” She looked up, irritated. “Schhh! I’m watching Gray’s Anatomy and he’s just about to score with this nurse he’s been chasing for months.” I heard the word and jumped down next to her. “What’s the score?” I asked. “What?” she gasped. “You mentioned score.” She looked at me in a strange way and said: “Scch. I’m watching. Go away.” Feeling all alone and left out, I ambled to the kettle to make a cup of tea. “I’m going to bed,” I said as I walked towards the door. “What’s that?” she grumped. “I said I’m going to bed,” I replied with a tinge of irritation in my voice. “Oh OK. See you later. We don’t perhaps have any chips in the house do we?” Yeah sure.

But what a fantastic ride the World Cup was. The spirit that permeated every sector of society was just incredible. So much has already been written on the vibe, the unity, and the spirit of togetherness that to repeat it here would be pretty senseless – except to say I loved every minute of it. But now it’s back to work and I must say that I have emerged from the World Cup a far wiser man when it comes to the challenges facing South Africa. I say this because it showed me – reminded me in fact - of what we truly are as a nation. We are united; we can meet what to others may seem insurmountable challenges; we can rise to the occasion and most importantly we can – and really want to – get on with each other. You see, I had forgotten all that and I was made to forget by politicians who over the past years have hijacked all the good that exists in South Africa and replaced it with mischievous talk of racialism while indulging in corrupt activities and being everything that leaders should not be. We must not let that happen again. We must not let the Julius Malemas of this nation hijack everything that is good in this country. People now have a comparison – the good versus the bad – and the vast majority leans towards the good. Malema’s rantings are inane and boring compared to the upliftment that comes from a ‘chorus’ of vuvuzelas. Jackie Selebi’s corruption activities are so out of place when compared to the spirit of camaraderie and unity of purpose that we saw during the event. We don’t have a racial problem in South Africa down on the ground where the ordinary people meet. What we have is a management and leadership problem that fails to address and deliver on the simple things in life – like running water, electricity and basic housing. We can build world-leading stadiums but we can’t build simple square houses. I just hope our leaders have also learnt some lessons from the World Cup. If they go back to what they were before FIFA arrived, then we have a hopeless case. If they learn from the lessons that saw South Africa rise as a giant, then we’ll be OK.

In ending, FleetWatch wants to congratulate and thank all the trucking companies which delivered all the food and other goodies to all the stadiums, fan parks and other venues, on time and without hic-cups. The trucking industry was not seen but it was there performing to world class standards of service and delivery. Well done truckers. If I had my way, you’d all get a FIFA medal for you truly are winners.