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Mandela (Madiba)
A day of history. A day that will never be forgotten. The day that Nelson Mandela was released from prison. That day South Africa was on everybody's tongues. History was rewritten on that specific day (not good with dates so sue me for not remembering the exact date but the images are still fresh).
Nelson Mandela walked unto the world scene in a big way. A man of honour and dignity, a man with a heart for the people. This man had all the reasons to hate and to blame, but instead, he came along and started to built a beautiful future for South Africa.
No Bush or Clinton, no Queen or Prince on this earth did more to try and unify, not only South Africa but the world.
Some South Africans, for political reasons, tried to "hate" (more dislike) him but he made it so difficult. Even at the ripe age of 90, closer to 91 (18 July 2009), he is still the statesman of the world and father to South Africans. The man who made long sleeve shirts fashionable in South Africa and brought us a distinctive dance; the Madiba jive.
Madiba, united us wherever he went. In 1995 the country watched the rugby world cup as a unit and rejoiced together in the streets when the Springboks (South Africa) won. He brought us the Madiba magic on the sports fields of the world. I was never big on soccer but yalla shootthat feeling of unity made me watch that historical game in 1996 when South Africa (Bafana Bafana) won the African Cup of Nations.
One day he will be gone (that day South Africa and the world will come to a stand still) but he will never be GONE. Obama, you've got some ruling to do.
Want to experience the Madiba magic and learn the Madiba jive, then Sout Africa is your destination.
Long live MADIBA!
Soccer World Cup 2010
Danny Jordaan, you made us very proud. I wish I could describe the feeling of warmth, joy and pride that I had and still have in Afrikaans, my language, when they announced South Africa as the successful bidder of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I believe that God is on our side as South Africans. You did a great job and I know that you still have sleepless nights but see every difficulty as a challenge to prove to the world that we have arrived big time. When I saw on the news that the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is almost ready, it was the confirmation that everything is on track.
You deserve a one year paid holiday after the world cup. I will have to speak to the next president of the country, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, to see to it.
Bafana Bafana, now it is your time to shine. You showed us in 1996 that you are a force to recon with. Okay, there was a long and very worrying slump but you have restored our hope. Just play it game by game and put South Africa first. Well Rev Meshoe can't give you a years holiday when you win because the Premier Soccer League and FIFA will fight him tooth and nail, but I know that you will receive very big bonuses.
No pressure? Yes no pressure, can't
help to dream. Just go out there and make us proud.
With the Confederations Cup coming up in a few months, you have the chance to
play against the big guns of soccer. Use your opportunity well.
The only problem that I have with the 2010 soccer world cup is the fact that we as a nation asked God, on a big stadium, to give us favour with the bidding but never thanked Him in the same way when we were announced the winners. I hope we can correct that soon. South Africa will be blessed even more when we bless God.
Thank you Father.
Nations of the world, we are waiting on your arrival. Are you ready for an African experience like you've never dreamt of? Book your plane, accommodation and seats now.
Migraines
This morning as I watched Morning Live, a two hour news and actuality show, I just new that we are a nation to be reckoned with. When I switched on the TV, Leanne was talking to a professor about migraines and the breakthrough surgical procedure that is performed in South Africa. Apparently people are flying in from different continents to have this procedure done.
Let me do two possible ads.
1."South Africa, we take away your headaches. Book your flight now, you'll
never take another headache tablet again."
2."Is your husband giving you a splitting headache, fly to the land of
sea, sunshine, wildlife, luxury accommodation, friendly people and Evita's
Party. We will take away your headache and give you a new husband. Men, you can
have the same experience."
Hearts
Years back, when I was still a little boy we gave the world Doctor Chris Barnard, the heart surgeon. He performed the very first heart transplant in the Grootte Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.
What a breakthrough. It is still a mystery and a miracle to me. We thank God for giving us the wisdom and knowledge to be able to performs such wonders.
Need a new life? South Africa will not just give you a new life but also a new heart. Having joked about it, I can also see the spiritual significance of a new heart. So many times people would say you need a change of heart that it somehow lost its power. Forgive me, when I think about something I've got to say it. I'm no writer with a flow of ideas. I'm just Steven D, who sees and says.
People of the world, don't we all need a new heart? Are we not tired of wars, hatred and tyranny? Our hearts need to return to its Maker.
Rugby
Twice the world cup champions. The Springboks is our proud export. England, Australia, New Zeeland, France and others, do you envy us? Please don't answer me, I might regret asking that question.
Under the spell of the Madiba magic we won the world cup in 1995 and twelve years later we did it again. I know America and some other countries are not known for their rugby, but they've got other sporting codes that excel in.
So, if you are in one of those countries and you want to experience the rugby "gees" (spirit) than Newlands in Cape Town or Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is the place to be.
Peter De Villiers, coach those boys, the next world cup is round the corner. You've got two years.
Cricket
Proteas (South African National Cricket Team) you made us proud. Why are the Aussies so quiet. We want you to come and visit our country and experience our hospitality but we're not sure how to offer that without a smirk. Please, we've got nothing against the Aussies, it is just on the cricket field that we know that we're encountering our biggest enemy.
When you visit South Africa for the second leg of the cricket tour, we will be on our best behaviour except when Ponting hits a six. Don't expect to hear any cheers when that happens. Off the sports field we will give you all our love.
The Wall