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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has expressed his appreciation to Manchester United following the team’s decision to join the people of KwaZulu-Natal province in celebrating the birthday of former President Tata Nelson Mandela.

The Premier, eThekwini Mayor Councillor James Nxumalo, Manchester United led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Clive Barker and officials from AmaZulu FC cut the cake this morning at Oyster Box Hotel as they wished the most famous icon, long life and good health.

“We all know that that Tata Madiba healed our wounds and established the rainbow nation very firmly. He set us on the path of nation building and prosperity and made us a respected member of the world community of nations.”

“He taught us that all South Africans have equal claim to this country, and that there can be no lasting peace unless all of us, black and white, learned to live together in harmony and peace. He made reconciliation the central theme of his term of office. Many in the media referred to this spirit as a dawn of a new era.”

“The game this evening between Manchester United and AmaZulu FC will assist in promoting social cohesion which Tata Madiba fought for, for so many years. It has been proven all of over the world that sport is a powerful tool of ensuring social cohesion.”

“Therefore, we will use this game to reiterate our message as government that although we might come from different backgrounds but we are still determined to forge unity and a sense of a common destiny for all.”

“The greatest challenge the country faces today is HIV, AIDS, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and other social ills. The provincial government and the South African government as a whole have put together a campaign using sports in general and football specifically to promote HIV prevention and behavioural change. We want to leverage on the respect and hero status of soccer players.”

“There is a campaign which is linked to the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) aimed at providing life-skills training to South Africa’s professional football players so that through these life skills, the players can be positive agents for change in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The project has the full support and backing of the PSL (Premier Soccer League) and South African Football Association.”

“We are calling upon soccer stars and football teams to use their influence to promote wellness in the country. We want to achieve this through celebrity soccer games and a series of events that will demonstrate football players’ commitment to the fight against HIV, Aids and other social ills. Also, amidst the social turmoil caused by the abuse of drugs I believe that you can play a positive role as agents of change.”