Feeling the National Pride of World Cup 2010

 Knowing how much it would benefit the continent of Africa, Mandela had campaigned for years to host the World Cup, despite critics’ concerns that South Africa could handle the world’s biggest sporting event. Nelson Mandela also saw once again how sport could play a defining role in reaching across the racial divide and uniting his country. In a letter to FIFA, Mandela said that the tournament “symbolizes the power of football to bring people together from all over the world, regardless of language, the color of one’s skin, political or religious persuasion.” 

It was Nelson Mandela who chose a path of reconciliation in 1995, embracing the mostly-white sport of rugby and urging all South Africans to support their team (One Team, One Nation) in the international World Cup Rugby tournament, as played out in the movie, Invictus. Fast forward to fifteen years later, and we saw all South Africans proudly wearing the yellow and green of the Bafana Bafana football team, singing the national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica and cheering as one when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal of the tournament. As South African President, Jacob Zuma, said, “We are truly excited by the success and the spirit engulfing the country. For the first time ever in the 16 years of freedom and democracy, we see black and white South Africans celebrating together in the stadiums and fan parks.” 

Hopes and Aspirations Beyond Football

And now that the party is over? South Africa boosted its infrastructure with the building of stadiums, improved roads, hospitals, airports and hospitality facilities. The precise financial benefit is yet to be confirmed, but one million tourists brought their spending money to the country and reports of 700 million people worldwide viewing the final match placed South Africa firmly in the international spotlight, promoting additional future tourism.   

Whatever the financial outcome, as international accents fade away and fly to their home countries and South Africa returns to normality, the World Cup event has arguably added to the healing and unity which began in 1995. It has also created a positive atmosphere that is conducive to addressing the reality of the country’s challenges. 

Danny Jordaan, the tournament’s top organizer, commented on the gift of the World Cup to South Africa: “The contribution to this society is the new sense of pride, walking tall and being united. This World Cup created a platform for South Africans to sit together and discover their own sense of pride and their concerns and their hope for the future.” 

We  at the 46664 Bangle project wish South Africa every success in realizing those dreams. 

Mandela Day – What’s It All About?

Nelson Mandela Day is an international day recognized by the United Nations in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday where he celebrates by asking everyone to help make the world better, healthier and just.

46664 Empowers Communities in Mozambique 

The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) is a civic organization started by Graça Machel, the former Mozambican First Lady and the wife of Nelson Mandela.

 

The FDC, with help from 46664 and other funders, is empowering communities to uplift themselves and their children through a skills development program called Tecendo a Vida (“Weaving Life”). The FDC is trying to move away from the traditional aid models that provide developing countries with resources but seldom encourage sustainability.

Read more …

Thank You to 46664 Bangle Supporters

As always, thank you for your support and interest in the 46664 Bangle project. Please help its continued success by raising awareness and telling others about this initiative. Every purchase of a 46664 Bangle has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives.

 

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