There has been criticism here of the some 60 billion rand (approx. $8 billion) spent by the South African government to host the World Cup. That total includes five new stadiums, refurbishment of another five, as well as updates to infra-structure such as roads, airports, and train service.

The money, some argue, would have been better spent on basic services such as housing, water, and proper sanitation and the building of better schools in areas that, historically, were under-served by the pre-1994 regime and have not received satisfactory upgrades since then.

The naysayers also point out that football has historically been a black sport in this country, and yet many residents could not afford match tickets.

This is the first major tournament that I have attended where tickets have been widely available to later round matches. Three times during halftime of our second round matches, the public address announcer told us that tickets were available for the next day's games.

On Tuesday, the FIFA website had tickets available for that night's semi-final. A staff member at our guest house was offered a category one ticket (face price $600) for $200 on Tuesday afternoon.

Fewer visitors than expected have arrived here, 350,000 as opposed to the expected 400,000, due to the cost of travel and the fears of violence that were the topic of many stories in the world press — and that reduction has affected ticket sales. Availability also points to the relatively small market here for the most expensive tickets.

On the other side of the argument, political and business leaders point to the some 15 billon rand ($2 billion) spent by tourists during the tournament as well as to the expected boost in tourism that is expected to result from the widespread coverage given to South Africa during the World Cup, which some say has altered international perceptions of the country.

They also point to the some 66,000 construction jobs created during the lead-up to the tournament, crucial in a country where the official unemployment rate is 26 percent. Infrastructure spending has largely helped South Africa avoid the effects of the global recession, too.

The tournament is also expected to be a catalyst for development. South African organisers have been widely praised for their efficiency, and well-heeled visitors both corporate and individual have no doubt taken note, and that is expected to result in increased foreign investment in the South African economy.

Additionally, more than one Bermudian visitor here this month has ruminated about the possibility of retiring here Bermudian dollars go a long way in South Africa and other visitors will have done the same.

The debate will rage on for years, one suspects, until the economic after-effects of the World Cup can be calculated.

But spending on the World Cup may provide even more ammunition for those seeking solutions to issues such as homelessness, and the provision of basic services. If money can be found to spend on a sporting event, the argument goes, it should be available to provide comfort and opportunity for those who need it most.

Proving the point three times that you run into Bermudians wherever you travel, we encountered some Onions on tour this week.

We were at the Fairy Glen safari park about two hours' north of Cape Town on Monday when we ran into Ralph Trott of Pembroke, accompanied by his son, Ralph Jr. Ralph Sr.'s children treated him to a World Cup trip for his birthday. He was in Cape Town for the Germany-Argentina quarter-final and the Holland-Uruguay semi-final.

A day later, we were walking down Long Street one of Cape Town's main drags when a familiar voice rang out. It belonged to Rajesh Pachai, who has been in South Africa for four weeks, first in Johannesburg and then in Cape Town for the Portugal-Spain second round match, plus the quarter-final and semi-final. He attended 11 matches.

At the Holland-Uruguay match that night, we chatted with Vic Ball, who is here with a group that includes Donald (Dick) Dane and Sonny Augustus. They are based in Johannesburg, seeing as many as 15 matches including the final, but Vic slipped down to Cape Town to see the Dutch book their final place.

Kulula Airlines is South Africa's hip low-cost carrier, known for its irreverent approach to marketing. After flying them from Johannesburg to Cape Town, it turns out their free-spirited approach isn't limited to the promotions department.

Walking up the steps to the plane, we looked to our right and instead of seeing KULULA AIRLINES on the side, we were surprised to see THIS SIDE UP, and an arrow pointing skyward.

On board, the Captain came on the intercom to remind us to turn off all cell phones "and any other vibrating devices, ladies".

When we landed, he was back. "What a great landing that was," he said, to much laughter. "I also wish to remind you to take care when you take items out of the overhead compartments because ¿ shift happens."

Veteran World Cup observer Duncan Hall is reporting exclusively from South Africa for The Royal Gazette.