2014 Africa Youth Integrity Camp

The mail came confirming my inclusion in the 2014 Africa Youth Integrity camp in Nairobi, Kenya. After sorting out a few passport issues I gained my composure and headed to Nairobi with a lot of expectations and excitement. The next week in Safari Park was like nothing I would have imagined, an experience I’ll hold with me for the rest of my life.

It started with the introduction of my colleagues that would share the experience with me for the next week. I met some amazing young minds that were doing great things in their respectable fields in their countries. It was a breath of fresh air to converse with like minds that all have a Pan-African agenda like me. We were given talks by the influential Brian Kagoro, whose words still ring in my ear till today. The team facilitating us was brilliant and very friendly, I felt at home the entire week. Njoya made sure to engrave integrity in us. We learnt of using Social media as a tool for accountability from the lovely Ruth Aine. The exercises we did on anti-corruption, integrity and ethics were very relevant and an eye-opener to see the fine lines that separates the right from the wrong. Getting to know the guys over the week and the work that they’re doing as well as their stories was something I’ll hold close to my heart forever. We worked, played, ate together, danced, laughed and shared a lot of moments together until the time came to say goodbye to Kenya. I knew when I left that camp that my life will never be the same again.  

A true gentleman

What is the true definition of a gentleman? The dictionary says: A man of good social position, esp. one of wealth and leisure. Suggesting that one needs money to be a gentleman. This is very inaccurate in today's definition of a gentleman.

A gentleman is a man of respect, an honourable man who goes to lengths of measure to make sure he lives a positive life and gives joy to others. He respects all women from grand-mothers, sisters, aunts, mothers and daughters. He's well aware of the fact that women are our backbone and they need all the protection and love that one can offer. A very kind man who puts others needs infront of his, he lives a life that pleases others even though his happiness isn't at cost. Looking for your door to be opened for you? Look no further, that comes second nature to a gentleman. He executes the little things with great effect.

He listens and doesn't just hear his companion. He listens attentively so he can pick up exactly what she needs and wants. He knows that a women's needs far supersede every need in the home. Its his duty and goal to make her happy and he will not rest till his woman is relaxing in delightful bliss. A gentleman knows when to make a woman win.

The word gentle in gentleman also gives away his behaviour when dealing with the female species. He handles her like a glass vase that needs careful precision and a delicate touch. He doesn't hurt women whether physically or psychologically. He will never criticise a woman. All he knows is how to love, protect and make a woman happy. This is my definition of a gentleman.

I am a red devil

I am a red devil, passionate and determined to represent the red in every sporting arena I set my  presence in. We as the red are addicted to winning, its embedded in our DNA. Only determined people with a spirit to succeed make an early life decision to support the red devils. We live for glory and overcome many teams to achieve that. Hate us all you want but we are forever in your faces and we will always challenge for top honour. We have no clue of what giving up means and we never play for a draw. I did say that we are addicted to winning didn’t I?

Sir Alex Ferguson. He is a Sir, best manager of the game to ever live. Compare him to anyone else and you will end up looking like a fool. 25 years of service with ups and downs, mostly ups. He proved his determination to win recently when we lost out to Man City for league glory on goal deference. He vowed to the fans that this will never happen again. Transfer window opened and he turned to the leading goal scorer in the Barclays to come insure that his promise is fulfilled. He signed Robin van Persie who was captain of a rival team, a move that many doubters had written off. My manager  is determined. We are never to lose on goal difference again he said. Hair dryer effect. How many times have we seen a new and refurbished United in the second half? Too many to count. Whatever happens in there is very effective. I have known one manager since I was born, he is my manager...Sir Alex Ferguson.

Being a red is a lifestyle. Match day your shirt has to be nearby, let the haters hate...we will just go and beat them anyway. Passionate in my way, I display my love for United everywhere. My emotions on match day are worse than that of a pregnant woman. Can you blame me? I love my team, I am a die-hard red. One day I will stand tall amongst the 75000 fans at the theatre of dreams, where my dream will come true. For now I tune into supersports and update the many United fans on my twitter account.  One day I will be there to see my heroes in person at Old Trafford. For now my fellow South Africans, follow me on @ManUtd_SA.