Football Trip Cancelled

We have been planning for a number of weeks for the Choir to go over to some of the matches in and around Johannesburg but sadly when they go to the border they were turned away by the South African Border Control and told they could be arrested if they tried to sing near the stadiums.
This was really disappointing as its such a wonderful opportunity for people to be blessed by their singing dancing and their culture. I was asked by Sikhumbuso to write to Mr Mandela on behalf of the Choir so I have and it is below to read if you are interested.

Please pray that someone would be able to help them get permission to sing.

To the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Dear sir or madam good day to you
I would like to inform you about a group of Blind and Visually impaired young people who were turned round at the border of Swaziland by the S/A border control. Their intention was to travel to Johannesburg to sing and dance in traditional 'Swazi Style' for visitors, and possibly go to one of the football matches. They love football and in fact won a football tournament in Swaziland for the disabled 3 years ago, sadly, currently no funds or opportunities for them to train and represent their country exist.

We at Africa Equip brought the whole choir 12 members to the UK 20 months ago and we toured England and Wales with them taking school assemblies and sharing their experiences in churches and Colleges for the Blind They were so loved and welcomed. It was even arranged for them to play the England Blind football team at Hereford College for the Blind, But the England Coach Tony Larkin's Father passed away and the game was postponed.

It was a joint Idea with Africa Equip and the Choir to take the wonderful opertunity to share their talents with visitors from around the world so you can only imagine out disappointment when they were turned away last week. They had even wrote their own Football song.
They and other Blind young people are treated so unfairly within their communities due to their disabilities yet they never complain they just get on with life they are so full of joy and energy That they inspire and bless anyone who hears them I saw with my own eyes the impact that they had on people here in the England and Wales I saw strong men cry and alcoholics cry like children so moving was their Singing Dancing and Joy. They were this year awarded the top position by the Association of Christian Gospel Artists in Swaziland yet they were not given tickets to go and get their trophy, they could only afford 3 tickets! what an indictment!

So I am Appealing to you my dear brothers and sisters do not let this be a shame on South Africa please could you arrange for Mr Mandela to give them permission to come to South Africa I do not consider myself worthy to speak to Such a great man myself. I did make the journey to his old home in Soweto when I last visited, I personally stood against the discrimination of apartheid back in the 80's and went to hear bishop Tutu when he came to Birmingham. I love Africa and her people and have devoted my life to Her Service under the guidance of my God. ( you can read more of what I do at the Africa Equip website Africa Equip Website and My Blog my blog )

The Choir's request is to have a letter of permission, Just to be able sing on the streets near some of the stadiums and if possible to have one police officer near by to look after them but that may not be necessary.

Thank you in anticipation of your help

your servant in Christ

Brett

And on Behalf of Skhumbuso Khumalo Chairperson of the Christ Worshippers Gospel Choir. who asked me to write on their behalf to Mr Mandela.