First impressions of South Africa
Last week &samhoud visited Johannesburg and Soweto. You have been able to read about our experiences. Here is the first result of the work our cameracrew did. Enjoy the first impressions of South Africa:
South Africa – In connection we trust
On Tuesday afternoon, the 26th of January 2010, a big gathering takes place on a football field in Soweto. On the pitch the final of a Dreamfields football tournament has just ended. The winning team is about to collect their prize. Salem Samhoud takes the microphone: ‘Dear children, Thank you very much for sharing this day with us. I just have a short message for you. Over the years I have become pretty successful by following a clear vision, discipline and by working hard. I believe in a brighter future for everyone. I strive after that. I wish you all a lot of success and happiness as well. And to achieve that please cherish your dreams, be disciplined and keep your feet firmly on the ground.’
After these words the winning team steps forward. But looking at the big group of spectators around them, it becomes clear that this whole crowd is a winning team. Today.
Progress High School is part of this winning team. There, children and teachers opened their hearts and minds for more education and sports. The teachers also expressed their dreams and vision in paintings, which added up to a beautiful dreamwall in the school.
The Ipelegeng Community Center is part of this winning team. The future for them has become more colourful because of a fresh lick of paint on the walls. These new walls symbolise the beginning of a more independent future for the community center that is now ready to welcome the visitors of the 2010 World Football Championship.
John Perlman’s organization Dreamfields is part of this winning team. John organized a tournament for children of 8 primary schools from Pimville, Soweto.
Matchboxology is part of this winning team. They contributed their knowledge and experience on business in South Africa. Furthermore they invited several famous ex-professional football players who work now in a programme called ‘Footballers 4 Life’ that aims at instructing children to resist the negative influences in South African society.
Meropa is part of this winning team. Their help in matters of public relations contributed to the awareness of this event.
Phaphama is part of this winning team. Their organization helped us to connect to the community of Pimville, Soweto. Phaphama taught us a lot about the South African spirit. And they organized our ‘homestays’.
The homestay families are part of this winning team. Not only did they invite us in their homes, they also fed us and shared their thoughts with us. And they offered us a place to sleep. This afternoon, on the playing fields, they cook meals for everybody.
And then &samhoud is part of this winning team. This trip back to the roots of our company was also a journey to our own personal roots. Consciousness, connection, knowledge, ratio and emotion go hand in hand and it forms us once more.
If this winning team today provides everybody with only a little bit of hope, than undoubtedly there will be a winning team tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. That’s what South Africa needs and what this country deserves, being a connected winning team.
