Why did "dung beetles" appear at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in South Africa? Is it their mascot?

What “dung beetle”?

The mascot of the World Cup in South Africa is called "Zakumi". You can know it by watching the I Love World Cup promotional video on Live 8li.

A cute leopard with green African curly hair. It was used as the mascot of the 2010 South Africa World Cup Football Finals. The little cartoon cheetah is named Zakumi and has a green mane, which represents the green field of football. Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land and are mainly found in Africa. The organizing committee of the World Cup in South Africa said that Zakumi has many meanings in the 11 official languages ??of South Africa: Zakumi is composed of two parts: "Za" and "Kumi". "Za" represents South Africa, and "Kumi" has various meanings on the African continent. It means "No. 10" in the language; Zakumi can also be interpreted as "come quickly".

It officially debuted in Johannesburg, South Africa in the early morning of September 23, 2008, Beijing time. The organizing committee of the World Cup in South Africa also determined the date of birth for Zakumi. He was born on June 16, 1994. This day is of epoch-making significance for South Africa - South Africa ended the apartheid system. So Zakumi also represents the new South Africa.

Jordan, chairman of the organizing committee, said at the mascot launch ceremony: "Zakumi is young, active, smart, confident, friendly and enthusiastic." FIFA Secretary General Valko, who attended the ceremony, said: "Zakumi represents South Africa and South Africans, and we believe he will be well-received at the Confederations Cup, a warm-up tournament for the World Cup, and at the 2010 World Cup."