US Ambassador Donald Gip: About six weeks ago, I was stuck in a traffic jam - a big traffic jam. Now let me clarify upfront, traffic jams are not indigenous to South Africa; even my beloved United States suffers traffic back-ups. Generally, it is a miserable experience as you know all too well .

However, this was an extraordinary traffic jam, unlike any other in the world. It was the opening day of the World Cup traffic jam. It was a traffic jam that transformed the N1 into a dancing and singing party, into a celebration of the beauty and splendour and diversity of this glorious country.

As we moved towards the stadium we saw South Africans of all colours celebrating together. They were proudly waving their flags, singing their songs and, most important, blowing their vuvuzelas. And on every face was incredible pride. Pride in pulling off the greatest party in the world with such spirit and style. Pride in the beauty of the country. Pride in being South African. And I was filled with pride to be a very small part of this collective joy.

Whenever I tell this story, to a South African government minister or to the workers at our healthcare programmes in the townships, I get the same reaction. They nod and say: "Me, too. The World Cup made me proud of my country . the only feeling that came close was when Madiba was released from prison."

South Africa received justified accolades, compliments and kudos from all corners of the globe after the World Cup. Let me add my own: You did an extraordinary job. South Africa showed the global community that the Rainbow Nation is alive and well and vibrant.

You proved the doubters and the naysayers wrong and showed that, when people pull together, there is no task, no obstacle that is too big. On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I congratulate you. Well done, South Africa.

When South Africa is at its best, everyone gives up a little of their own self-interest to work for the good of everyone. The World Cup was a great example. As the Dinokeng Scenarios said so beautifully, during the month-long celebration and the years of hard work leading up to the final glory, you weren't walking behind one another, or in front of one another, but walking together. That's what made the World Cup a success. Individuals, all stepping up, working together.

After the World Cup, I felt a little let down. I think many of us might still. I miss the excitement of the games, the conversations about the referees, the rehashing of beautiful plays but, most important, I think we all miss the spirit of belonging, of being one, united across race or class or nationality.

However, South Africa can recapture that spirit. You are a country, a people, that has proved again and again that, when you unite, you can conquer the challenges, no matter how big, that face this country.

This event marks my first anniversary as US ambassador to South Africa and I can say that, over the past year, and not just during the World Cup, I have seen examples of South Africans in all positions, from the halls of government to the streets of townships and rural villages, all walking together. Over the past year, as you worked together to achieve your goals in education, healthcare, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation, security, and regional assistance, America has been proud to walk beside you.

Together, our countries have a great deal to celebrate. In 2010, through the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, in partnership with the Department of Health, US agencies and partners helped South Africa deliver comprehensive HIV/Aids and TB services to millions of South Africans.

About 1.6million people received HIV testing and counselling, and more than 800000 adults and children received antiretroviral therapy.

We doubled the number of primary healthcare clinics able to treat people with HIV/Aids through the training and mentoring of medical professionals, the enhancement of drug delivery systems, and the renovation of clinics. And we continue to celebrate breakthroughs in South Africa, including the recent microbicide research by Caprisa,in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with funding from USAid.

In 2010, walking together with the Department of Basic Education, the US mission's English-language programmes provided specialised training to over 1000 South African teachers.

In 2010, the US and South Africa walked together to extend two-year access scholarships for 240 new students in rural areas and townships, to give each of them intensive after-school English study, and we doubled the number of South African students given scholarships to study in the US on our Community College Initiative and other educational exchange programmes.

In 2010, our countries signed a memorandum of understanding that opened the way for additional Peace Corps volunteers, including the first volunteers ever in the Eastern Cape, to join the more than 120 already working here in South Africa.

In 2010, South Africa has stepped up its role as a regional peacekeeper and mediator. We're proud to support this effort through training of the SA National Defence Force and through grants for South Africa's trilateral assistance programmes. Together, we are confronting some of the most difficult crises in the region: Zimbabwe, the DRC, Madagascar, Sudan and Somalia.

None of these successes would be possible without a high-level of co-ordination and co-operation. I would like to recognise those from the South African government, from South Africa's vibrant civil society and educational sectors, from the corporate and business community in South Africa and my colleagues in the diplomatic community for their willingness to walk alongside the US here in South Africa.

South Africa is a true leader. Your country is a leader in the region, on the continent, and throughout the world. South Africa is the only country in the world that has reinvented itself as a free, democratic and multiracial society after suffering decades of injustice under apartheid.

South Africa could be like any other country, but America and the world need you to be more. The legacies of Dube, Luthuli, Tambo, Biko, Sisulu and, of course, Madiba show us all what is possible. Today, as we have over the past 16 years, we look to South Africa to rise to that role of global leadership, to set an example for all to emulate, to show us our better selves and what can be achieved when people take their own destinies in hand and work together.

As South Africa walks along the path you set out on in 1994, America is very proud to walk with you as a partner, and as a friend. Through our strategic partnership, our two great democracies can achieve great things for our people, and the world.

• This is an edited version of a speech by Gips at an anniversary event in Pretoria on Friday