Potential 2010 Criminals Might Find Themselves in a Half Nelson

According to football legend, Pele, former president Nelson Mandela might hold the key to ensuring safety and security during the 2010 World Cup. Pele told reporters in Columbia that the attack in Togo has had a ripple effect on whether soccer teams and supporters will be safe when travelling around SA for the games. He says he's also worried about Madiba's health because as long as he is around - he is a unifying factor for all South African's - he might contribute positively to the success of the games.

Nelson Mandela is certainly an icon in South Africa. The 2010 World Cup also marks a very important step and one that was first taken by Madiba himself. I bet he'd testify that it really is a long walk to freedom. Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the World Cup Organising Committe says its unfair to link the attack in Angola to preparations in SA. True, but the fact that it has happened - makes it possible anywhere and given the timing - particularly in SA where we are constantly in a war against crime it might be something to consider?

I wouldn't call Pele a security expert, he plays a good game of soccer though. I also don't want to make the overt assumption that 'everything will be fine!' Famous last words, you know what I mean? But here's the real question I want to ask...forget beyond 2010, what about beyond Madiba? It is true that he is fragile, but his life represents so much in South Africa and for so many people. What will happen when he goes?

Will we be at the mercy of politically incorrect Julius Malema and the like? Will Helen Zille get tired of the fight and move to Canada? Will Jacob have many more wives and/or children? Eish, it's frightening and perhaps second nature for thoroughbred South Africans to assume the worst. Will SA reflect Madiba's life after he is gone? I hope so. I really do. Beyond the stadiums and the rise in trade and tourism, beyond electricity shortages and water restrictions, and G*d forbid, after Madiba what will we have to show democracy, freedom, fairness and the change that is so desperate in SA?

To all the criminals - ask yourself...What Would Madiba Do? Put it on a bracelet and start asking the right questions...what can I do to turn this around. My life, my financial situation, my family, my education. Who can help me and how? What am I prepared to do? Ask the right questions rather than steal a handbag - it's what Madiba and Pele wpuld have wanted.

Happy Birthday Superman!

Ex President Nelson Mandela turns 91 tomorrow. I've ashamed to admit that I've never read his biography but have inspected his life in detail and I must admit, I was a fan before but I'm a groupie now.

Wow. What an incredible man. Incredible. Not only has he survived more hardships than most, he's triumphed over every obstacle in his path. My admiration and respect for Madiba has quadrupled and when I say, he is a South African legend, I truly mean it. There is no doubt that he has made enormous strides in the struggle for Human Rights, not only in South Africa but the rest of the world but the part that I admire most is the fact that he did what he had to do to serve his people and his convictions.

He took his resistance struggle from passive to aggressive and that takes courage. Most people, super heroes even,the moral of the story ends at "the amicable solution where everybody learns something and no one gets in a barney." Not in Madiba's case, after talks and negotiations didn't produce results, he did what he had to do to inspire reform in the policies of the Apartheid government. As Shakespeare would say...he took arms against his sea of troubles and by opposing, ended them. Looking back at his life, I can't comprehend the strength and courage that he showed in a time when strength and courage where crushed at all costs for submission and obedience.

His famous words, first declared at the Rivonia Trial and then again at his public address when released from prison still bring tears to my eyes.

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

I for one, don't have any idea what I would die for, I hope that we can all have something to live for and die for. Something precious to protect, love and cherish. Happy Birthday Madiba! I wish you every freedom.

Have a look at this video montage of Madiba at his most powerful, most beautiful, most admirable.

High Flyers

News reports indicate that the 15 South African Airways crew members who were arrested in London on drug-related charges are getting off, high and dry. British authorities have dropped all charges on the SAA staff who were due to appear in court in London after they were apprehended with 50 kilograms of Mary Jane and apparently some snorting snow supplies hidden in their bags.

What was really shocking about the story was that it didn't just happen once but twice, within weeks of each other. So you can imagine the synchronised eye roll from members of South African tourism, government, SAA (we assume), media and the general public at the thought of another demerit in the Global Behavioural Tally. Another one. Generally speaking, very few get the benefit of the doubt so everyone immediately assumed their guilt (nothing says "drug smuggling" like 50kg's of The Green Dream, you know what I'm saying?). There were some who went with the theory that these drugs were actually in spiritual support for the English Rastafarian's, a bit like the missionaries who smuggled Bibles into Communist China, but its unlikely.

Tourism usually keeps things in perspective though. While some are still expecting politicians to change and complaining about government, inflation, the recession and service delivery, the South African tourism industry can guarantee Table Mountain, a hole in Kimberly, the Cape Wine Route, the Battlefields in KwaZulu Natal, game reserves, beaches, modern cities and rural villages, ex President and legend Nelson Mandela and the Big 5.

So what if our drug exports make the news? We've got fynbos for goodness sake. Fynbos. And safaris (the British love that). I do have to admit though that the charges seemed to have been dropped without much fanfare, wheeling, dealing, none of that. Suspicious? I know I am. But for now, we'll assume that all is indeed well. just be sure to pack your own bags on an SAA flight, bless them, and if the offering extends beyond chicken and beef to dope and crystal meth we'll start to worry.

10 facts about Cape Town in 60 seconds!

• The first inhabitants of Cape Town were pastoralists called ‘Hottentots’, coastal dwellers called ‘Strandlopers’ and hunter-gatherers named ‘Bushmen’.

• Cape Town has a few well known nicknames. The first that most people know it by is the “Mother City”. Another one, which was used by sailors, is “Tavern of the Seas”. This term was used by the sailors because it was a welcome stop for fresh produce and change of scenery.

• Cape Town’s motto is “Spes Bona” which is Latin for “Good Hope”

• Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and former Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu all have homes in Cape Town.

• Cape Town’s sister cities are Nice in France and Haifa in Israel

• The city is home to Table Mountain. The mountain is the most recognized landmark in the city and is even the symbol on Cape Town’s flag.

• The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest standing building in South Africa. It was constructed in 1666 as a replenishment station. Today it acts as a ceremonial facility and a home for the Cape Military Museum.

• Cape Town is South Africa’s legislative capital.

• When there is a cap cloud (cloud that covers the top of a mountain) over Lions Head, one of the peaks in the Table Mountain range, rain is guaranteed within 12 hours.

• Cape Town has been the setting for many medical breakthroughs. This was where the first heart transplant by Dr. Chris Barnard took place as well as where the first recorded caesarean birth was done by Dr. James Barry in 1826.

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