The power of sport is in unity
NELSON Mandela’s view of sport has never seemed more fitting: “Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.
“It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”
It brings people together across race, religion, gender, geography, political affiliation, age and any other difference you can name.
Sport allows us to be the most passionate, emotional, opinionated, social and vulnerable versions of ourselves. Those of you who think “it’s just a game” don’t know what you’re missing.
Sport has been fundamental in changing South Africa and the way it is now perceived in the world.
Siya Kolisi will become the first black African to captain the Springboks when they host England in three Tests in June, he will also represent generations of men who were denied the opportunity to play rugby for
South Africa.
All the best Siya – I am sure you will make us proud and unite us once again. MARIAM BALLIM Isipingo
Shakira gig call off a sign of solidarity
THE announcement that Shakira will not perform in Tel Aviv any time soon, dashing Israel’s hopes of using her name to whitewash its latest massacre in Gaza, is welcomed.
A Grammy-winning Colombian superstar with Lebanese ancestry, Shakira serves as a goodwill ambassador for Unicef, the UN children’s agency that has documented many of Israel’s abuses.
Her cancellation shows she stands in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality. She is sending a superstar-powered message, choosing freedom for Palestinians and people everywhere over apartheid and occupation.
No artist should play in apartheid Israel. Think of the shame still associated with the artists who performed at Sun City.
None can argue they did the right thing. Ignoring calls for international solidarity against apartheid is the sort of decision that gets noted in tributes. SHAISTA MIA
Morningside
Plane recovery could back tourism
I ENJOYED David Basckin’s article in the Sunday Tribune magazine on the unearthing and recovery of a World War II bomber plane.
It was fascinating to read of the recovery of the plane from the depths of the salty mud flats near Liverpool in Britain.
The article gave us a cameo insight into the horrors of war on civilians in densely populated cities. This article brings back memories of stories I heard of in my youth of a World War II bomber plane that went down along our coastline north of Durban.
I was led to believe that it was a British Spitfire fighter aircraft. It apparently crashed into a wide river estuary and sank below the surface into thick mud.
How wonderful it would be if a consortium of wealthy enthusiasts could put together a project to recover this aircraft as a relic of our past. Durban would then have a new tourist attraction.
GANES PILLAY Marine Parade