After it was announced last Wednesday that former president Nelson Mandela would not be opening the much anticipated Soccer World Cup, opinions have been pouring into numerous news websites as to why South Africa’s hero came to this decision.
After it was announced last Wednesday that former president Nelson Mandela would not be opening the much anticipated Soccer World Cup, opinions have been pouring into numerous news websites as to why South Africa’s hero came to this decision.
Most of the comments were sympathetic to the 91-year-old apartheid struggle leader, saying that he’s done enough for this country and that we should just let him watch the World Cup in the comfort of his own home.
Others were more sceptical, suggesting that President Jacob Zuma paid Mandela to stay away so that he could be in the limelight – a sort of jealous step-sister thing.
Some even proposed that Mandela’s grandson, who made the announcement, is hoping that Fifa will be desperate enough to pay him to allow his grandfather to attend.
Considering our country’s current political climate, and tensions running high when it comes to a particular member of the ANC Youth League, these suggestions could very well be possible.
But let’s take a minute to think about who we’re actually talking about. The Daily Telegraph described him as “South Africa’s most famous citizen” and “the country’s unofficial brand ambassador to the world”. We all know what Mandela did for this country.
I think he deserves a bit more respect – even from those who, for the past four years, have thought of nothing else but soccer.
I agree that this World Cup is something to look forward to, and something that will put South Africa on the global map, and I agree that no one is better suited to open such an event than Mandela a symbol of freedom and hope.
Look at what he did in 1995 bringing the nation together through rugby after decades of violent separatism. But that was 15 years ago.
Would you be disappointed in your 91-year-old grandfather for not attending an event where he was required to walk a lot, particularly upstairs, watch 90 minutes of people running around after a ball, the whole time being filmed, photographed and prodded? I don’t think so.
So why are so many people disrespecting Mandela’s decision to stay away? After spending his whole life fighting for this country, are we really going to sulk because he doesn’t want to watch the soccer in a crowded stadium?
Maybe it’s just me losing faith, but say the sceptical accusations of Mandela and his grandson being paid are true. I wouldn’t really be surprised.
It’s what I expect from today’s government. And as a bonus, I’d get to see Mandela open the cup with some of that Madiba magic. But Mandela would never go for that. He’s way too honourable.
