Fly the Flag Fridays

So many people have made comments when they have seen that I still have my South African mirror socks and the SA flag on my car. It seems that because the 2010 FIFA World Cup is over, we apparently should remove all of our WC regalia. The thing is I loved the patriotism which sprung up all over the country and I am not quite ready for it to end yet.
So, you can see why I now totally endorse and support the Fly the Flag Fridays campaign. Instead of wearing Bafana Bafana shirts like we did on Football Fridays, we are now encouraged to wear the colours of our flag or display the flag somewhere, somehow on Fridays. Let's do it, Friday is a few days away. I dare you!

Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes to Jackie Gallagher, founder and General Manager of Sparrow Schools Educational Trust, who won the Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Award in the Education category  on Saturday night.


Initiatives like Sparrow Schools are part of the success story of this wonderful nation of South Africa, where ordinary people rise up and make a difference. Winners in the other categories included Lucilla Booyzen, Sister Jane Dzebu, Ms Lesley Ann van Selm and Ms Khanyisile Motsa.

Jozi

I love the vibe in Jozi. We may not have the beaches or the mountains, but we have incredibly inspiring and energetic people full of ideas and vision to span every aspect of life. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such a pool of inspiration. We also have the advantage of going to the beaches and the mountains for our holidays.
Jozi, may you grow from strength to strength and discard any form of xenophobia before it gets a grip on the nation. All those opposed to this scar on our land, speak out against it loudly and proudly.

Nelson Mandela Day

On Sunday 18 July '10 we have the most amazing opportunity to participate in the Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years serving humanity and the challenge is that we all pledge to give a mere 67 minutes to doing good. It doesn't have to be a huge effort, but if everyone finds something small to do to help humanity, what a difference it will make. I would love to hear what people are planning to do.

Finale'

What a month, what a stadium, what a game and what a final! I was sent this beautiful photo of Soccer City by James Nachtwey of National Geographic by a friend last week  and thought that it was an apt way to end the blog pics celebrating the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It's all over now. Well done Spain and Holland.
I have decided not to get caught up in the post World Cup blues, but to find the positive things about living in South Africa and to post pics which celebrate our beautiful and diverse nation. So keep checking and if you have any celebrate living in South Africa pics to share, please feel free to join in. 

Finally 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals

Well, it is finally down to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. What a sad thought, but what a marvelous time we have had over the last month. Once we all recover from the let down and post World Cup blues, the challenge is to keep the momentum of mzansi. I, for one, am looking for the next thing to promote in this wonderful and diverse nation in South Africa and to keep reconciliation well and truly alive.

Moses Mabhida Stadium is Still My Favourite Stadium

I love this pic of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. I took the photo with my iPhone before the start of the Australia vs Germany game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which seems so long ago now. MMS is a beautiful stadium, by day and by night. I loved the lighting display along the arch on the night I was there. I am still determined to do the extreme adventure swing at the stadium on one of my forays to the warmer city of Durbs.
I must say that our stadiums are fantastic, but there is something about MMS that crept in my heart and it is still my favourite.

Semi Finals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup winding down to the last four teams in the semi finals, we need to look ahead to life in South Africa after the World Cup. The four teams left are Uruguay, who meet the Netherlands on 6 July at 8:30pm SA time, and Germany vs Spain on 7 July, also at 8:30pm.After  all the drama of the last few games, these games promise to be exciting. All of the teams who I chose to cheer on, are now out of the World Cup and I am trying to decide who to support out of these last four teams. I love the spunk of the Dutch supporters and may be swayed in their direction.

Go Ghana

As Ghana and Uruguay battle it out on the football pitch tonight at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the entire continent of Africa is supporting them. They are the third African team to ever reach the quarter finals and should they make it through to the semis, they will be the first African team ever to do so.
The Black Stars, BaGhana BaGhana, whatever you want to call them, just make sure that you give them your support if you live in Africa.