THE YEAR 2015 CONCLUDES

'A year of sacrifices, misfortunes and discontent'.
In South Africa, our president became a hard talk conversation. President Jacob Zuma's discontent mounted when he decided to axe Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene.

ECONOMIC STRUGGLE-  As if the nation was not stunned enough, after Nene's axing the rand plummeted to record lows. We have seen various protests emerging in numbers this year, the students movement in Higher Education marching for free education #FeesMustFall trended on social network. Rivalry between   President Jacob Zuma's supporters and those calling for his removal  (the anti-Zuma) wrestled it out on Twitter using hashtags  #HandsOffZuma #ZumaMustfall #ANCWLmarch #Nkandla and #PayBackTheMoney certainly It's freedom of speech.

GLOBAL NEWS- Civil War in Islamic States dramatically excalated. Extremists continued to flourish across the world. Around one million refugees and migrants, many fleeing  war and poverty in Middle East, Asia and Africa, entered the European Union this year according to the United Nations.

Above all these, myself ended 2015 with a bag! At the awaited Birthday Party of my best friend Mildred, whom I have known for 23 years. We had an incredible journey together, and I am blessed to have her in my life.

Thanks❤💚💖💛❤ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Image: Me and friends, at the Party

NOT SO GRACE AFTER ALL

Zimbabwe's First Lady made vicious  comments regarding women and types of clothes they wear.

'Women are to be blamed for rape'- by Grace Mugabe; the controversial statement reads as follows

"If you walk around wearing miniskirts display your thighs and invite men to drool over you, then you want to complain when you have been raped. If you are raped, it's your fault.  Wear clothes like Mai Mugabe or you can choose a trousers, but not those which are too tight. These types of clothes are the signs of moral decadence in our country.It's unfortunate because it will be your fault."

Sadly we often cling to our belief system even if those beliefs makes us miserable.  Perhaps this is because knowing where we stand- even if we convince ourselves that reality is very bleak.

Shame on her, women are raped even wearing longskirts. There is no difference in the comments she made. What about grannies and infants? Where they wearing miniskirts when raped? Certainly not, they were wearing longskirts and nappies. Not forgetting children between age 2 to12 and so on- what about them... do they invite men to drool over them? That's insulting for me, impractical and immoral too.

Is people like you who creates dangerous societies by infiltrating such unethical and bad echoes without acknowledging reality or  the truth of it first. So Mrs Mugabe use your common sense and stop with your illusions.

By: Nelly Portia

Image of Grace Mugabe at the rally in Zimbabwe.

PIRATES HELD TO A DRAW

When it comes to derby, I can't make up my mind. Knowingly enough where my heart belongs to, but my mind says something else ☺.

There's something spectacular about Orlando Pirates FA. They are eagerly passionate and fearless to compete elsewhere in the world, but more importantly they play as a unit.

UPDATES: CONFEDERATION CUP 2015

A late equaliser dented Orlando Pirates hopes of lifting the second continental trophy when Amar Jamel Sahel's stand-in captain scored a goal in 3 minutes remaining.

Away goal is an advantage for Etoile, and Buccaneers will now have to score in Sousse to stand any chance of coming back with a win. Striker Thamsanqa Gabuza's goal had put Pirates in front in the 36th minute. But one sleep of a second caused Pirates to draw the match against E'toile Sportive du Sahel in the first leg at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg last night.

"Having conceded at home is what we didn't want to do. But we also didn't want to loseit 1-0 and have to chase two goals, " said coach Eric Tinkler.

The second leg will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse in Tunisia on November 29.

Source: SS Blitz

By: Nelly Portia

Gabuza celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.

MALI HOTEL ATTACK

Menace: It seems like Islamic State are competing among themselves. Popularity is a crown to gain. It was a clear target to what it represents; international civilians were killed. The incident was bound to be global, and by doing so they want media attention.

MALI Hostage Siege: A Nine hour siege left at least 27 people dead. 140 guests and 30 staff were held hostages when heavily armed gunmen stormed the Luxurious Radisson Blu hotel in Bamoka Mali's capital on Friday.
*Two militants are among those killed.

"Like the heinous attack in Paris, and attacks we see all too often elsewhere; this is another reminder of the scourge of terrorism, " Barack Obama said, speaking in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday morning.

Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei also expressed condolence for the victims and their families: "China expresses indignation and strongly condemns this atrocity."

Reuters Reports: Al Qaeda affiliated terrorists group claimed credit for the attack. The government of Mali declared a 10 day state of emergency, and a three-day mourning peroid which had began today.

Twitter Comment by David Berke@berkesaw said "Mourn #Mali too. They may not have a Tower, but now they too are victims of Islamic terrorism. And yes, I said it. What it is, it is."

AFP: Security source says authorities in Mali are reportedly searching for at least three suspects over hotel attack. 

By: Nelly Portia

Image&Source by Mali Info/News showing militants(outside)surrounding Radisson Hotel.

JONES CAUSED A STORM IN CAPE TOWN

It was uncertain, and now it's been confirmed that Eddie Jones is the new England Rugby coach.

Jones had only been in Cape Town for 8 days to begin his work as the Head Coach of the DHL Stormers, and with no less than 2 months after signing with Stormers Super Rugby.

The 55 year-old Australian succeeded Stuart Lancaster, who left England after disastrous 2015 RWC campaign. The former Australia and Japan coach will stay on till December to assist Western Province Director of Rugby Gert Smal with onfield preparation.

WP President Thelo Wakefield: "It's pity to lose Eddie before he make his mark but you can't keep someone against his will."

Western Province Rugby has agreed terms with the Rugby Football Union to release Jones from a three contract. "While I am excited about the opportunity to coach England, I'm very disappointed to be leaving the Stormers, " said Eddie Jones.

"When I was appointed at Western Province Rugby, there was no vacancy within the RFU and I never envisaged this opportunity to come forward, " he added.

Eddie Jones, (Image) who led Japan to the RWC by winning 3 matches became England's first foreign Head Coach.

RICHIE CALLS IT A DAY

After winning a successive two rugby world cups, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has announced his retirement with immediate effect on Thursday.

The announcement comes in the awakening news of former New Zealand rugby player's passing, Jonah Lomu on Wednesday. Lomu died of kidney disease at age 40.

Richie McCaw: "I sit here today with no regrets over what I have done as rugby player. I think I played some of my best rugby over those last couple of weeks."

The 34 year-old, flanker is the most capped international rugby player in history with this year when he surpassed a record of 148th test and captain 110 matches(all- time record). McCaw won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards in 2006, 2009 and 2010. He also led New Zealand to successive world cup victories in 2011 an 2015. Recorded 97 wins, 11 defeats and 2 draws

"I am going to be hanging up my boots. My last game for the All Blacks and as a professional rugby player was the World Cup final a couple of weeks ago, "McCaw told a news conference in Wellington on Thursday. He made his Test debut in 2001 and was appointed captain in 2004. After a 15 year glittering career he's been hailed as the greatest rugby player of all time, and leaving behind a remarkable memorable legacy.

"We are very proud of him. He made all New Zealanders proud. You couldn't pick the right time to do this, everyone knows that you got to wait for the right time, " said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Meanwhile in South Africa: Legendary Springbok centre John Gainsford passed away on Wednesday morning, at age 77 following a long battle with cancer.

Source: SS Blitz

Today: Richie McCaw (image)at the press conference.

JOHNSON BOWS OUT

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has retired from all forms of international cricket after today's second Test match against New Zealand at the WACA in Perth.

Johnson took two wickets on the final day as the 2nd Test match finished in a draw. "My career has certainly had its up and downs but I can honestly say I have given it all my all and am proud of everything I have achieved. To win an Ashes series and a World Cup is something I will treasure forever, "said Johnson.

He is the fourth leading wicket-taker for Australia with 313 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 28.52 and best of 8-81. Also 239 wickets in one- day internationals. The 34 year-old was named ICC Player of the Year in 2009 and 2014.

Source: SS Blitz and ABC media 

"I've given the decision a lot of thought....