INANDA, outside Durban, came to life yesterday when more than 200 Australian supporters flocked into the area to get the feel of how the people there live. The township has a rich political and cultural heritage.
Despite the Socceroos suffering the heaviest defeat so far (4-0) at this year's World Cup against Germany, supporters were in high spirits as they paid a visit to two schools - JLDube High School, named after struggle icon John Langalibalele Dube, and Inanda Institute - where they donated 40 computers. They took the opportunity to interact with residents, dancing and playing football.
Phillip Sithole, acting head of Durban Tourism, said: "They will leave a lasting legacy. We are expecting other countries to visit Inanda because of its history."
The Socceroos supporters also donated big screens for presentations. Accompanied by journalists, they visited statues of Nelson Mandela and Dube. The visit will be televised.