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Translation: A major component of the World Cup

“Ke Nako. Celebrate Africa's Humanity” is the official 
slogan for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Ke 
Nako is a Sotho expression, meaning “It’s time.” This phrase is now sweeping the world as fans tune in to 
watch the much anticipated Soccer championship. This is 
a time for the world to turn its focus toward Africa and 
experience some of the warmth, friendliness and passion 
of its people and its rich culture. This is the sentiment that 
is summed up in the event’s official slogan.

Rather than using a translation of Ke Nako, the phrase is 
being kept in Swahili, allowing Africa’s culture to be 
brought out through one of its own languages. Each 
country provides the phrase’s meaning to its people in 
their own language, complete with the explanation of what 
“it’s time” for, Africa hosting a world class celebration and 
through it, sharing a bit of itself with the rest of the world.

The complete slogan, “Ke Nako. Celebrate Africa's 
Humanity,” is trademarked in South Africa with the second 
part in its English version, however countries throughout the 
world have translated this and use it in their own languages. 
Here are a few examples:

French: Ke Nako. Célébrons l’esprit de l’Afrique.
Spanish: Ke Nako. Celebremos el espíritu africano.
German: Ke Nako. Erlebe Afrikas Herzlichkeit.

As the world gears up to watch final this week, let us also 
remember that besides great soccer, we should also enjoy 
the unity and new cultural experiences that South Africa is 
bringing to us through this event.