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Nelson Mandela fails to show up at the World Cup 2010 Opening Ceremony

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Nelson Mandela fails to show up at the World Cup 2010 Opening Ceremony

Nelson Mandela, the African leader and worldwide icon of human rights failed to appear at the inauguration ceremony of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He failed to show up because of the tragic death of his 13-year-old granddaughter when she was coming back from a concert in Soweto.

Earlier the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter had requested the former President of South Africa (Mandela) to open the World Cup as it would have been a privilege for him and the tournament too. Mandela did not reply with a final answer back then as the 91-year-old was not in good health but with a week left in the tournament, he requested Blatter for four tickets to the tournament therefore confirming his presence.

Then an exuberant Blatter wasn’t the only one excited about the prospect of him attending. Millions of Africans were eagerly anticipating his arrival while the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma expressed that it would be a day to remember.

Alas, the man who fought for decades for the right of humans was unable to attend the tournament with the disappointment of many. The opening ceremony went on as colourful as possible in the rainbow country but his absence was clearly visible. Blatter wrote an official letter to Mandela expressing condolences for the loss and disappointment that he was unable to attend at the tournament.

He conveyed that he was very sorry for the death of his great granddaughter, Zenani Mandela. In the letter, Blatter wrote that he understood that his reasons and regarded the event as ‘unspeakably tragic’.

Mandela was keen on attending the World Cup’s first match in which his home land South Africa faced Mexico. Though South Africa took the lead to score the tournament’s first goal, a late goal from the Mexicans saved them from defeat. The performance shown by Bawana was outstanding however the El Tri had many attempts of goals they ever took advantage of them. The match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.

Blatter along with others now hopes to see Mandela later at the Soccer City. For now Blatter expressed, “(Mandela will)… be with us in spirit for which we are incredibly grateful.” He also claimed that Mandela was a ‘most precious friend’ of his and told that the whole football community along with him mourned with him and his family in this time of grief.

Zenani was killed in a car crash this Thursday after she left a concert from a concert at Orlando Stadium to arrive at the ceremony for the World Cup’s kick off.

It is said that Zenani was Mandela’s favourite grandchild. She was also chosen to carry the Confederation Cups trophy on to the stage at the final in Johannesburg, Ellis Park last year.

The World Cup was supposed to be a moment of victory for everybody but as Zenani came back from the concert, an accident with a drunken driver made everything less joyous for the world. Mandela stayed at home with his family during the opening ceremony. The Nelson Mandela formation has commented saying that the misfortune ‘made it inappropriate’ for him to participate in the opening ceremony.

The Johannesburg Metro Police have initiated their investigation into the case along with arresting the driver of the car that killed Zenani and charging him with drunken driving. Further proceedings are to take place.

It is widely speculated that Mandela will try to attend the closing ceremony of the event. Blatter has claimed that this might be the case but that would only happen if Mandela is in good health.

Events like these are turning out to be a major concern in this years’ World Cup. There are reports of related deaths mostly due to mismanagement of events and lack attention and in some cases awareness by police.

The earlier threat of absence by dignitaries due to terrorism acts were eliminated by the security teams responsible and now many luminaries and celebrities are attending the event. But a blind eye towards smaller incidents can really spark up an issue at the World Cup, which is for the first time being held on African soil.

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