On a chilly, wintry morning in Johannesburg most young ladies would be snuggled up in bed. Not so for 800 school girls from Jeppe Girls High School, east of Johannesburg.
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South Africans want to get the Diski dance right before WC football
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On a chilly, wintry morning in Johannesburg most young ladies would be snuggled up in bed. Not so for 800 school girls from Jeppe Girls High School, east of Johannesburg. They ditched the blankets and turned out in full football gear to compete in the school's version of the World Cup.
An increasing number of South Africans are learning the steps, including national cricket captain Graeme Smith, who shows off his skills in a television advert.
The dance is just one of the ways South Africans are expressing their enthusiasm for the World Cup.
Another is the explosion of colour that has splashed itself across myriad office buildings, restaurants and shopping malls. The flags of all 32 participating nations have been draped over and hang from just about anywhere.
Many people have the South African flag attached to their cars with a thin stick. Roadside hawkers have cashed in on the booming flag trade by selling with side mirror covers for vehicles their best selling product.
The flags of other countries have become a much-desired product as well and mirror covers, scarves and woolen hats can all be found for sale at just about any major intersection.
While South Africans are rallying behind their national team, who are the second lowest ranked of the 32 countries at the World Cup, the immigrant communities have added diversity to the local support base.
The writer is based in Johannesburg
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