The rebirth of South Africa is almost complete thanks to the legacy being left by the World Cup.

Whilst Nelson Mandela's presence at Soccer City to present the trophy to the winning skipper of tomorrow's final between Holland and Spain will not be certain until the last minute, the 92-year-old's absence would not affect the huge stride forward South Africa has taken over the past five weeks.

The world's biggest global sports event has passed far more smoothly than many had predicted.

Lengthy flight delays which prevented some fans getting to Wednesday's semi-final between Spain and Germany in Durban were the only significant problem and a few instances of petty crime were far removed from the doomsday picture that had been painted.

It is difficult to believe this has all taken place in a country that just 25 years ago was in the grip of apartheid, isolated from the sporting world because of government policies abhorrent to any rational free-thinker.

There are still plenty of challenges to be met, and other goals to aim for, an Olympic bid is now being mooted.

But South Africa 2010 will mark the time when, to the wider world, a country and a continent arrived.

"It has been an incredible journey," said Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the South Africa organising committee.

"This World Cup has been about nation building; seeing a cohesive, non-racist, non-sexist South Africa.

"When you look at the stadiums, every kind of South African has been present. Everyone has been part of the show.

"Twenty years ago society was entrenched on a racial basis. Blacks and whites could not go to the same schools. They could not sit together at the stadium, they could not go to the same beach.

"But at this tournament, white South Africans have supported Ghana because they are Africans.

"For so many years people were told they were inferior because of the colour of their skin. Now they can walk with their heads held high.

"We have rebranded our country. From now on, people will look at South Africa through new eyes."

Although not all tickets have sold out for all matches, which would have been the case in Europe, the World Cup atmospheres have been warm and hospitable.

No-one was expecting German efficiency. But Africa has been African, where service has always been with a smile even when events have not quite gone as scheduled.

When South Africa bowed out of the tournament at an early stage, the locals leapt aboard the Ghana bandwagon. After that it was Germany. Now Holland and Spain.

"At Euro 2008, when the hosts went out there was no local support for the event. Here the supporters have backed the tournament," said Jordaan.

"When Bafana Bafana went out we had the emergence of BaGhana BaGhana, then Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Holland, Spain.

"I cannot imagine people in Germany supporting England or the other way round.

"The people have made the difference."

South Africa's demise has concentrated a few minds and Jordaan knows the anticipated windfall of between 80 and 100 million US dollars cannot afford to be squandered.

"The money should be used to set up academies because it is clear that young teams have done very well," said Jordaan.

"Those teams with 60% of their players over 30 have all gone home.

"We will install artificial pitches in townships. We want to give South African football a chance to move to a higher level.

"France did not qualify in 1994. They won it in 1998 and suddenly all the major clubs in all the major leagues wanted French players and coaches.

"South Africa is not at the same level but it is possible to reach for it."

There has been opposition, mainly for the vuvuzelas, such a part of South African football that has annoyed so many travelling fans with their incessant drone.

Yet as bags are loaded onto aeroplanes bound for home, an increasing number of the metre-long instruments have been packed as well.

Jordaan will be intrigued to see what happens next.

"Many people thought the vuvuzelas would be out after the first round but they have made it to the final too," he smiled.

"Now we will see whether they become part of domestic life in Argentina, Germany, England and the Netherlands.

"It is a huge debating point. It is part of the celebration of football, just as was the Mexican wave was."