THERE are times when all citizens should rally around the national cause and make temporary sacrifices for the greater public good.

THERE are times when all citizens should rally around the national cause and make temporary sacrifices for the greater public good.

Bus drivers, taximen and stadium construction workers threatening to hold the Fifa Confederations Cup hostage to their demands only demonstrates their own selfishness.

The eyes of the world are on us over the next few weeks as we host the curtain-raiser to our own soccer World Cup next year.

Doomsayers and Afro-pessimists of every stripe and persuasions have long said we lack the ability to host these international events.

Now along come disgruntled workers intent on pushing their own interests at any cost to prove they are right.

Are these fellow citizens so blinded by narrow self-interest they cannot see the irreparable harm they will do to their country?

Every last citizen should be an ambassador for South Africa at a time like this and ensure that each visitor goes away charmed by our good cheer and hospitality.

Keeping fans out of the stadiums will only reinforce the naysayers' gloomy predictions about our ability to host a world-class tournament.

Compatriots, put your pride in your aside and give the new government the time it has asked for to resolve your issues - and get out now to help carry our flag high.