World Cup Opens With Loss For Mandela Family

President Mandela and 13 yr. old Great Granddaughter Zenani

The World Cup creates a huge buzz in and of itself. Soccer, or Futbol as it is referred to in all other places besides the US...is a BIG deal! Id say its the equivalent of American Football in other countries. My ex is from Leeds, England by way of Ghana, so I always got an ear full about this sport that is loved SO much in other parts of the world, but appreciated here in the States as well. Another connection that is shared in many parts of the globe is the love and appreciation for historic South African icon Nelson Mandela.
For those who dont know, Mr. Mandela served as a lead activist in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid or legal segregation allowed for the minority white to rule and enforce racism legally. Mr. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life in prison for sabotage, but what was really his unique ability to unite people in the fight against the government. To much persistence outside of the prison walls, Mr. Mandela was released in 1990. Upon his release he became the first President of South Africa to be elected into a multiracial democracy, which he helped to negotiate. So Mandela for those of you unaware of his importance to world history, can be likened to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mandela is absolutely someone who will go down in world history- Im honored to be alive during his lifetime.
Considering the love and appreciation for both the sport and the Mr. Mandela, Im saddened to say that Mandela's Great Granddaughter shown above with him was killed by a drunk driver while leaving a World Cup Kickoff Concert. The irony is, this was Africa's first World Cup, and Mandela was meant to be at the opening games cheering, instead he was home mourning his beloved Zenani with the rest of his family. According to South African Authorities, the unmentioned driver was in fact intoxicated and could be charged with homicide. This is so sad, and the consideration that the driver was drunk really grieves me. Vice President Biden and a host of other politicians are in South Africa on business and all offered their condolences to the Mandela family. My prayers go out to Madiba (term of affection given to Mandela) and his family. May God's peace help you in this time.
This was a long one BabyKayks but I wanted to be sure to inform you of the historical relevance of this tragedy. Please dont drink and drive...please dont drink and drive!!! This is one instance where the problem is highlighted because of who the victim is, but innocent lives are taken everyday due to drunk drivers, its not worth it. TNT BabyKayKs