A surprise visit by Former South African president and freedom struggle icon Nelson Mandela at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup Final, had the capacity crowd at Soccer City on their feet cheering and applauding.

The former South African President was accompanied by his wife Graca Machel as they drove around the field on a golf cart. His appearance at the Final was kept under wraps and when his name was announced over the public address system the crowd were surprised to see that he was in attendance.

The appearance of ‘Madiba’ rounded off what can only be described as a spectacular closing ceremony, which lasted about half an hour and was highlighted by the appearance of Colombian Super Star Musician Shakira, accompanied by South African band Freshly Ground to perform their popular ‘Waka – Waka’ hit.

The event was made up of a spectacular sound and light show, which highlighted the best the continent has to offer in natural beauty and through its vibrant artistry. While a huge Dung Beetle made its mark at the opening ceremony a herd of Elephants heading to a synchronised lit up watering hole stole the show at the closing ceremony.

After the appearance of Madiba, Italian Captain Fabio Cannavaro, who led his country to victory at the 2006 Fifa World Cup, brought the Fifa World Cup trophy onto the pitch in a case specially designed by the world renowned Louis Vuitton fashion house, as he symbolically handed the trophy over, setting the stage for the Netherlands and Spain to battle it out at the 19th Fifa World Cup final.