Phuthu Stay Phut, Don't go!

A wind instrument in the shape of a kudu horn has been launched in South Africa this week, and might just replace the much talked about vuvuzela at soccer stadiums throughout the country during the 2010 World Cup next year.

South African Nationa Parks (SANParks) and First National Bank (FNB) have created this new and very alluring instrument – which apparently sounds like a subdued vuvuzela to some, or more along the lines of a trumpeting elephant to others.

Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Dr David Mabunda, said that “traditionally, in some African communities, the kudu horn has been used as an instrument to call people together for gatherings at the royal house or for a community imbizo but most importantly as a call to battle. Now the kuduzela will fulfil the same role.”

“Fans will be looking for a product that is unique to South Africa, that you cannot buy in London or New York. We completed the Confederations Cup where there were discussions about the noise of the vuvuzela. Is it in? Is it out? Should it be banned? Today I inform Fifa to please add the kuduzela to that debate,” laughed LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan.

Zakumi, South Africa’s 2010 mascot, is already a fan of the kuduzela. And it’s expected that the kuduzela will be a popular souvenir for foreign soccer fans to take home after the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Unfortunately we can’t provide you with a photograph of it just yet, but if you visit Independent Newspapers’ website you can have a quick peek.

References:
All Africa
Independent Newspapers

Nelson Mandela celebrates his 91st birthday on Saturday. A call has gone out to the people of South Africa and all over the world to celebrate his birthday, by spending 67 minutes, giving back to the community. 67 minutes is symbolic of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela has spent making the world a better place. And which is why the 18th of July has officially been named Mandela day.

So my challenge to all you Phuthu Punters out there,  is to acknowledge Madiba’s birthday wish. I have suggested a few ideas that could get the ball rolling-

• Pick up the litter on your street and neighboring streets for 67 minutes.
• Try tidying your cupboard for 67 minutes and when you can, donate all your old clothes to charity
• Turn off all your electricity for 67 minutes
• Buy a pocket of oranges or make some sandwiches, take them to the beach front or any public place and hand them out to the homeless or disadvantaged.
• Clean graffiti for 67 minutes

Remember guys, it’s only 67 minutes, if everybody contributes, just imagine how much positive energy there would be circulating the globe. Make your imprint and make a difference-

For more ideas and the international low-down on Mandela day, go to www.mandeladay.com

Ever wondered who Governor Cornelis Jacob van de Graeff was? Or when Shaka Zulu was born? Or why Vasco De Gama’s Voyage of Discovery was not really a discovery? Yes, all intriguing questions aren’t they? Well, if you want these answers and a whole, whole, whole lot more, then visit this great website dedicated to South African history – www.sahistory.org.za . I love history so I could spend hours here but if you ever just need to “get the facts”, this website is a wealth of historical treasures.