FALLEN HEROES REMEMBERED

Sports stars and fans gathered in Johannesburg yesterday to pay tribute to the athletes.  Mbulaeni 'Silver Bullet' Mulauzi, Phindile Mwelase 'Zulu Girl' and Senzo Meyiwa's joint memorial service was held at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg.

Framed pictures of Meyiwa, Mwalase and Mulaudzi

The sports heroes and heroine died in different circumstance this past weekend, and the dates were like orchestrated,  Mulaudzi died in a car accident on Friday 24 on his way to the Athletes meeting in Mpumalanga.  Female professional boxer Phindile Mwelase died on Saturday 25 after been in coma over a week in Kalafong hospital, Pretoria.  Goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa died on Sunday 27 after been shot by intruders in Vosloorus, Johannesburg.

The three athletes memorial service brought supporters, families and colleagues into tears.  Their lives were celebrated and rejoiced; speaker after speaker's words of wisdom entail to describe the unique character of each athlete.  Hailed and embraced, Bafana-Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba's words of comfort came from the bible verse of Isaiah 41 verse 10.  ''When I die one day, you are all invited'', said Boks captain Jean De Villiers.  I would like to say to the families of the 3 fallen heroes... may God bless you; may their soul rest in peace', added De Villiers expressed words of condolence to the families.

''Senzo the gentleman, polite, patient, humble and resilient'', says Frank Chakane Orlando Pirates representative.  Whereas SAFA{South African Football Association} urges South Africans to hand in their guns which will be melted to build Meyiwa's statue.  President Danny Jordaan appealed to the nation to hand their guns at SAFA house, furthermore details will be announce next week Tuesday.

Phidile's death came as a shock to the boxing federation.  Started her career in boxing after living the construction job.  She was described as passionate, hard worker and dedicated person.  They appealed to the Sports and Recreation minister to dwell more into boxing, assist with media platforms and to cater women in boxing.  'Not much is said about women boxing in South Africa', said the boxing representative.  Athlete Mulaudzi a runner, who won the Gold medal and became the first South African to be ranked number 1 in the world, won 800m silver medal in 2009.

Today, memorial services continues in separates venues for the Mulauzi and Meyiwas.  The Mulaudzi's service is held in his home town Limpompo and Meyiwa in Durban.  The Funeral service will be tomorrow in Durban(Mwalase and Meyiwa) and Mulaudzi in Venda.

Nelly Portia

O Captain, My Captain!

Senzo's Death leaves Football Fraternity in shock'  Gone Too Soon...

Senzo Meyiwa

The Nation mourns a tragic death of Orlando Pirate and Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Robert Meyiwa.  The 27-year-old died on Sunday in robbery attempt while trying to protect singer and actress girlfriend Kelly Khumalo.  Meyiwa was shot by the intruders in Vosloorus at Khumalos's home.

''He suffered a single gun shot through the chest'', said Police.  The footballer was declared dead on the arrival at the hospital , the police added.  On Monday 27, at Pirates press conference Meyiwa was described as a kind person, a good leader and patient young man.   He had tenacity and perseverance which brought the team together.  ''Senzo was a team player, he carried the team through the heart of it'', coach Shakes Mashaba. Senzo was not only a captain, he was also a peace maker in a team, added emotional Mashaba.

Pirates Chairman Irvan Khoza, said Meyiwa's legacy should be embraced.  ''This is a national tragedy, As a parent I know the pain of losing one of your own'', said Kaizer Motaung Snr.

Meanwhile, the derby between Chiefs and Pirates is postponed due to Meyiwa's death.  The team retire the number 1 jersey in memory of Meyiwa.  While, the reward for an arrest  in the murder of Meyiwa has been increased to R250 000 from the original amount of R150 000.

Meyiwa's Career

Celebration, Senzo and Teammates

He captained South Africa in their last four matches in Afrivca Nations Cup Qualifiers without conceding a goal and played on Saturday when his club advanced to the semi-finals of the South African League Cup( Telkom Knock-Out).  Born in 1987 in UMlazi, Durban.  Started his youth career in London Cosmos and Orlando Pirates.  73 Appearance at Orlando Pirates and 6 at  South Africa national squad.

The funeral will take place on Saturday in UMlazi in Durban.

Nelly Portia.

FASHION GURU DIES

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS IN BRIEF...the world bid farewell to the fashion guru'

The much-loved Iconic fashion designer Oscar DE LA RENTA died yesterday, aged 82.   He was born in the Dominic Republic in 1932.  Le Renta launched his own fashion labels in 1965, where his signature began to attract clients particular well-known people. 

Oscar DE LA RENTA

He dressed every first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy to Mitchell Obama.  In 1997, Hillary Clinton wore his design at Inaugural Ball.  Laura Bush worn La Renta's design at 2005 Inaugural Ball.  Recently, Amal Clooney- George Clooney's wife wore his design at her wedding.  From bridal gowns to red-carpet, he excelled. 
He successfully dressed celebrities in many functions, and his work speaks for itself

Pres.Obama and his wife.

                                                

Art of Glamorous Work




   

Bridal Gown

By Nelly Portia

AGGRAVATING AND SENTENCING OF OSCAR PISTORIUS

Judge Masipa and her assessors 

Seven months of trial and tribulations ended yesterday at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.  Athlete sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and 3 years suspended sentence on separate gun charges for 5 years. Gerrie Nel, State Adv. played all well for what was worth...''the could be nothing else as a parent sitting at home to hear that your child died a violent death'', said Nel.

Ubuntu and restoration came out to play when the Defence side appealed to judge Thokozile Masipa's sympathy during the argument of mitigation.  Whereas, the State failed to prove the intention to kill against the accuse, but manage to use Kim Martins(deceased cousin) as Reeva's voice.  The court, people at the gallery and viewers abroad were given a glimpse of Reeva's Life(upbringing, childhood and journey to stardom) for the first time since the trial started.

Oscar Pistorius

''The present case is so serious that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate in my view'', said judge Masipa.  

On September 12, judge Masipa found Pistorius guilty of Culpable Homicide. Yesterday, the twenty-seven year old will serve his sentence at Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria.  ''The sentences to run concurrently'', added Masipa Though it's a 5 year maximum sentencing, Pistorius could be out after serving just 10 months in prison.

Arnold Pistorius(Oscar's uncle)says family accepts sentence.  While the Steenkamp is satisfied with the sentencing.  Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority[NPA]may appeal the case within 14 working days.  And the IPC(International Paralympic Committee) banned Pistorius for 5 years from competing in the Olympic Games.  He will be able to compete in 2020 Olympics.

Nelly Portia

GENERATIONS_

''Every generation enjoy the use of vast hoard bequeathed to it by anti-quality, and transmits that hoard; augmented by fresh acquisition to future ages''- Unknown Author-







Really, it's a sad note to some and a relieve to others.  The most loved popular TV series in South Africa ended yesterday, after months of trying to bring back the actors on the set.  Who could have thought...20 years into democracy ends Generations!

The striking cast members and the legal team -26 August 2014

The soapie will be off air for two months until December to allow more episode to be recorded. Generations is revamping itself allegedly due to the dismissal of 16 actors.  Auditions open for talented people with acting careers.  Certainly it will never be the same....

By: Nelly Portia