South Africa's biggest Sunday newspaper punts World Cup, and gives the last word to Julius Malema

SHOOT: SA DAZZLES WORLD that's the headline TIMESLIVE uses in a feel good, pat yourselves on the back article. It's a giant advert for the world cup, but the article is soft on critical thinking. What impact will swine flu have in mid-winter in South Africa? What will happen to the workers of these stadiums when work is wrapped up? Can security be assured if unemployment in South Africa - and strikes - continues to worsen? Will transport be sufficient? What about road signage? Can electricity to the stadiums be guaranteed in mid-winter? You do have to wonder what the Sunday Times is thinking when they leave the last word - in an article promoting the country to its citizens - to Julius Malema. The newspaper is giving credibility to the least inclusive, the most divisive public personality in this country. A friend tried to register on FIFA's site to buy tickets. The cost? R6000. The headline behind the headline is simply this: MONEY MONEY MONEY.

clipped from www.timeslive.co.za The Fifa secretary-general said: "I can safely take the risk of telling the world that South Africa is ready for the 2010 World Cup. And the message I want to send to the world is: 'Come and see for yourself.'" Foreign media described the draw ceremony as "spectacular, slick and glitzy". The mood around the country was similarly upbeat this week. Western Cape premier Helen Zille said: "We've just got to put everything into it to make sure it's the best World Cup ever, a great African World Cup. Phindile Makwakwa, 2010 coordinator in the office of the KwaZulu-Natal premier, said: "We're going to be hosting big guns like Brazil and Portugal. This is our opportunity to put ourselves high up on the map." ANC Youth League president Julius Malema said: "The youth should go out there, buy tickets and support our team. They should welcome and protect all those who will be coming to this country for the event."