Tutu's Admission, bo-Samuele of PNA, And Our Customers Having Their Say

* Archbishop Desmond Tutu acknowledging that he was wrong about the suitability of Mr Jacob Zuma to be the President of our country. He was quoted in THE TIMES newspaper( 19/08/09) as saying President Zuma: "..connects more easily with people than his predecessor." The 'Arch' had expressed grave concerns about Zuma's presidency before our general elections earlier this year.
 For the Archbishop to publicly admit that he may have been wrong in assessing Mr Zuma is an admirable thing indeed. It is a mark of a true leader to come out openly and say " I was wrong."
In this admission the 'Arch' could actually have been speaking for a lot of other people who had the same doubts about Mr Zuma.
And as if this was not enough endorsement of Mr Zuma's tenure so far, recently, political pundits generally agreed that the President had done reasonably well in his first 100 days in office.


* A very friendly staff member at PNA - the stationery shop that is located opposite the MTN outlet here in The Glen mall. His name is Samuel. This gentleman makes my visits to PNA a pleasure. He is always eager to assist customers.
The other day he proved to be highly creative in helping me to use the last rands in my gift voucher shopping debit card. In this instance I had thought that I needed to buy for the exact amount of the remaining balance in the debit card in order to exhaust it, but he made me aware that I have an option of adding my own cash to the debit card balance to make up the total of my purchase.

"Leka moso Ntate Samuele."


* Some really beautiful words from some our customers after we had served them. They write all of this in our Visitors Comments Book. Here are some really
nice ones:

On Bessie Mnisi Mr S. wrote:

"Bessie bent over backwards 4 us to help us get our funds.
She lived up up to your phrase - How can we help you?"

On Linda Dickson Ms K. writes:

"If your bank had 10 more staff like Linda Dickson it would be great.
She is a fine example."

And on Thapelo Ntlhabo Lady B. wrote:

"Absolutely satisfied with Thapelo. He made my day. Very efficient.
Good for you."

Finally, a special 'big up' to Valentine. This came  from our Branch Admin manager - Erika
Kasselman. She said Val is really considerate. Valentine came to work yesterday not being aware that she should have been off. When she was told that she can go home she opted to stay in order to give a fellow department worker a chance to catch up on his work load.


THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


===============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


Tutu.
_____

Show us the way Arch.
Show us the way forward.
When we err,come down hard.
When we do good, sing.
Sing our praises.
Show us the art of smoking.
The art of smoking a peace pipe.
Show us the art of winning a Nobel prize.
Also, show us the art of calling neighbours to order.
The art of calling a spade a spade.
Lead us Arch.
As an elder teach us.
Lecture us on the virtues of having a spouse.
In old age I need my slippers.
I need my slippers brought to me.
Show us the way Archbishop.
Lead us.
And into temptation, lead us not.


==================================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement.gmail.com
===================================

The African-ness of the Johannesburg CBD, Giveaways From FIFA's LOC, And FGM Blog Posts Highlighted

* The various, and colourful, influences from around the African continent found in the Johannesburg CBD( Central Business District). One sees it in dress codes, in the languages spoken, or in the music played in here. The Jozi CBD is truly African, and this is something good.
This past Friday morning I ventured into the city centre and was blown away by the music I heard there. Being based outside the city centre work-wise, I rarely go there. On this Friday morning - in the Jourbert/Bree street area - I was greeted by some really beautiful African music. This music - played at full blast - came from a 'smallanyana' shop selling religious artifacts. On inquiring, I was informed that the music was Nigerian gospel by a musician called Blessed Samuel. And this particular song was called ''God Be Praised". I loved how this Nigerian gospel music retained its strong African influences.
I made a note to buy the Blessed one's cd on my next CBD visit.


* Hearing that the LOC and FIFA have decided to give away about 120,000 World Cup 2010 tickets for free. I heard this on the Metro FM's Discovery Sports Centre radio show hosted by Robert Marawa. The LOC CEO-Danny Jordaan - was a studio guest and informed us of this. Mr Jordaan said 40,000 of these tickets will go to the construction workers who built the 2010 World Cup stadiums.
This giving back of sorts by the LOC and FIFA is commendable indeed. I have heard that the workers who are building these stadiums are really working hard to finish them on time. Danny told us - as an example - how he would find the workers busy at work even on Saturdays and Sundays at the Port Elizabeth stadium.
This commitment by the construction workers to make the 2010 World Cup a success made me wonder what I am doing - in my own small way - to make 'our' World Cup a success.


* The pleasure of having one of our FGM blog posts( of 02/08/09) being put up on the Spur Restaurant(The Glen) notice board.
Sometime ago I wrote a post in which I expressed how much I had loved the way I was served at the Spur( The Glen). In particular, the way I was served by Ayanda and Joseph. After I gave these guys each a copy of this post they showed it to their management. Management loved the post and decided to put it up in the restaurant's notice board in the public arena for all and sundry to see.
I was flattered to hear of this.
Thank you Spur people.


THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


===========================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


Been To Africa Lately?
__________________

I have.
Been to Abuja.
Been to Kinshasa.
The Jozi CBD has taken me there.
Been to Portugal lately?
I have.
Via Luanda.
Via Maputo.
The Jhb CBD takes me.
Been to Mogadishu?
Been to Addis Ababa?
I have been indeed.
The Mjepa CBD.
I have been all over Africa.
I stay all over Africa.
I am an African Mr Mbeki.
The Jozi CBD makes me.


=====================================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
====================================

Celebrating Our Ladies, Insight into a DC Hearing, And Big Support for Soccer in the USA

* The celebration of Women's Day here in South Africa today.
Every year on this day - a public holiday - we pay homage to the women of Mzansi for their contribution to the liberation of our country from racial oppression.
It was on this day back in 1956 that the women of this country marched to Pretoria to protest against the 'dom pass' law. This was a law that required all black South Africans to carry a 'pass' document at all times.
Here I would like to sing my praises, too, to all the ladies of Mzansi for the many roles in which they still excel even today. Be it as mothers, lovers, friends or fellow workers, you guys still rock.


* Attending a disciplinary hearing for the first time and being really impressed by the whole process. This is despite the fact that a DC hearing subject matter is never comfortable.
I went there to support a colleague and a friend in his hour of need.
I was struck by how fair the process seemed to be. Each side is given ample opportunity to state their case.
The chairman of this particular hearing - Mr James Walsh - did a splendid job in conducting it. He explained clearly how the process works at the beginning. Also, before we moved forward on a particular point he made sure that each side was satisfied. There was no sense of needing to get this thing over and done with quickly.
As if this was not fair enough, at the conclusion of the hearing James asked my friend his opinion on the kind of punishment he should get if found guilty. I nearly fell off my chair at this question.
All in all, 'big up' to FNB for such a fair DC hearing process.


* Evidence that Americans do love soccer after all. This is contrary to the popular opinion that they don't. But it seems the soccer has to be of the right type and style.
It was reported in THE TIMES( 3/8/9) that the recent game between the European Champions-Barcelona - and the local team - L A Galaxy - drew one of the largest crowds.The attendance for this game was estimated at 93 000. This, the report stated, was the largest crowed in a soccer game since the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which the US hosted.
And it is no coincidence that the Americans came to this particular game in droves. The game featured Barcelona - the current finest exponents of how the beautiful game should be played. Barca's style of playing plus the star power of the David Beckham-inspired L A Galaxy team must have proved irresistible.
For us soccer lovers this sign of a growth in popularity of the beautiful game in the US of A is a  wonderful thing.



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


==============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


Queens, All Of You
______________

Queens,women you are.
Queens of nurturing.
You give us life.
You grow us.
Even on our death beds,
Ravaged by desease.
You are still there.
You are teachers.
Not so much by words.
By your deeds.
Queens of loyalty.
Fiercely loyal to your offspring.
To your lovers.
To a fault sometimes.
Queens.
You are strong.
Physically and mentally.
Ouch! the pain of childbirth.
The pain of an offspring gone astray.
The pain of an abusive partner.
You bear it all.
And grin.
We love these qualities in you.
Queens, women you all are.


=======================================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================

'Amakhosi Amahle', Gifts from MOTION PICTURES, And Worthwhile Advice from Iyanla Vanzant

* Our favourite local soccer team - Kaizer Chiefs - putting one over our arch rivals
- Orlando Pirates. In a Vodacom Challenge game on Thursday night, we beat the 'Buccaneers' 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The Vodacom Challenge comprises of a series of games between the two local giants - Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - and a team from outside the country. This year's visiting team was Manchester City from the UK.
Our win over Orlando Pirates was a surprise. The 'Buccaneers' are currently one of the hottest teams locally. Last season they missed winning our
Absa Premier League by a whisker. They lost it on a goal difference. Also, they kicked off this challenge by beating Manchester City 2-0 last Saturday.
So, you can imagine the joy of 'Amakhosi' fans at this beating of the 'hot' 'Amabakabaka'.
And we were not done. Kaizer Chiefs went on to beat the visitors - Man City - in
yesterdays final, thereby winning the Vodacom Challenge Cup.

''Halala Amakhosi."


* Us here at  FNB The Glen branch getting an unexpected gift from the film making company-MOTION PICTURES. This is the company that came to shoot a movie/dvd on our premises sometime back( see our 28th June 2009 post).
Motion Pictures gave each of those of us who took part in this shoot - as bit actors - a R500 gift voucher for spending in any shop in The Glen mall.
It was really nice of Motion Pictures to do this. But, I say, they need not have taken the trouble. Being part of a 'movie shoot' is a priceless experience in itself. We would have gladly done it for free.

"You guys can come back anytime."


* Reading one of the finest pieces on the principle of gratitude in the July issue of the TRUELOVE magazine. It was in a column called - True Spirit - by Iyanla Vanzant.
You will normally hear people saying we need to express gratitude for this or that in our lives, but they never give you much detail as to how this gratefulness will help us, or how to exactly express it. Ms Vanzant gave us the lot in this piece.
Here is an excerpt from one of her steps on how to improve one's life:

" Step 7:BE GRATEFUL
Gratitude is the glue that will attract all the things that you desire. It sends a signal to the universe that you are ready to receive. And the more gratitude you express; the more you will receive to be grateful for.
Spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day writing down the things you are grateful for. Each statement must be charged with emotion. Be clear about your blessings and express your gratitude to the universe.
If you can create an air of genuine gratitude, you will be richly rewarded with many delightful, powerful and unexpected changes. "

We are indeed grateful for this insight, Ms Vanzant.


THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


It's Not For Nothing.
________________

It's not for nothing Amakhosi.
It's not for nothing that we love you.
You are the most successful in Mzansi.
Your cabinet is laden.
Laden with trophies.
It's not for nothing.
That you are the most supported.
Your winning ways are 'crowd pleasers'.
Corporate S A knows loves this too.
Standard Bank, Vodacom, Nike.
They all are close.
It's not for nothing Amakhosi.
You are the best managed team.
'Chencha' Guluva: nice one.
A rich history of greats too.
Bo-Teenage Botsotso; Bo-Waga-Waga.
Bo-Jeff Butler.
Or even Bo-'The Lip' Nene.
It's not for nothing Amakhosi Amahle.
That we adore you.
Let the 'peace sign' reign.


============================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
===================================

Birthday of a Giant, End of the Construction Workers' Strike, And Wesbank's Street Car Race in Soweto

* This weekend marking the birthday of Nelson Mandela. Yesterday( 18th July) 'Madiba' turned 91 years of age.
The fact that Mandela's birthday is being celebrated around the world is an indication of the stature of our former President in the world's eyes.
In leading the struggle for the liberation of our country Mr Mandela became a role model for leaders everywhere. And once in office, his preaching of forgiveness and reconciliation inspired the world to no end.
Not only that. Long after leaving politics Mr Mandela continues to champion causes that alleviate human suffering through projects like the '46664 Campaign'.
We would like to add our voice to the chorus of Happy Birthday messages to a
giant:

"May you live to a 100 years Tata."


* The 1 week strike in the construction industry coming to an end at last.
The striking workers got a 12% wage increase, which was slightly lower than their original demand of 13%.
We are just all relieved that now work on the 2010 FIFA World Cup projects can be continued. Work on the soccer stadiums and the Gautrain can now carry on.
One is sometimes tempted to suggest that all crucial industries related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup should not be a subject of industrial action. But striking, if wage demands are not met, is prerogative of all workers. And we should all respect this right.


* Our township of Soweto hosting the Wesbank Street Race this weekend. This race takes place today, along the Chris Hani Road( the old Old Potch), next the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus.
It is the second time Soweto is hosting the Wesbank Super Series race. The inaugural one took place in November 2008.
As the name 'street race' says, racing cars with V8 engines, and motorbikes, race along the streets of Soweto.
The thrill for me is in seeing an event that would normally be held in the northern suburbs come to Soweto. This race brings a buzz and some excitement to our 'kasi'.





THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


On Your Birthday 'Tata'
____________________

On you birthday Madiba.
We say we know freedom.
We now have our voices.
We are now citizens of the world.
And it all is due to you.
And your comrades.
On your birthday 'Tata'.
What would Mzansi be without you?
What would the world be?
A less inspiring place no doubt.
On your birthday Rolihlahla.
We want to say live long.
Continue to inspire us.
Continue to inspire the world.
'Ta' for the 67 years.
'Ta' Tata.


=============================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================

The King of Pop Remembered, Excellent Service Advisors, And Tips on Blogging from the 'ROOTS' magazine.

* The moving memorial service for the late King of Pop - Michael Jackson. This event, held at the Staples Centre on Tuesday, was televised to a world-wide audience.
It was touching to see all those luminaries sing the praises of Michael Jackson. From fellow musicians, actor friends, preachers and people from politics, they all weighed in.
What stood out for me in this event was learning that Michael Jackson's favourite song was not actually one of his own compositions, but was a song called 'Smile' - a Charlie Chaplin composition. A tear-filled Ms Brooke Shields let us in on this fact.
Even more awesome though was having Michael's brother - Jermain Jackson - later perform this very song for us. It was a heart-wrenching performance this. At one stage I thought Jermain was going to break down, but he managed to finish the song. It cannot have been easy for him.
A line from this song speaks for all the 'positive thinkers' out there. It goes something like:

" Smile, though your heart is breaking."

As they say: "You may be gone MJ, but you will never be forgotten."


* Reading a few tips from the current issue(July '09) of the "Roots" magazine on how to be good when it comes to blogging. Blogging is the keeping of an internet
journal/diary that is updated regularly. Much like what we are doing here with this Feel Good Movement website.
In an article entitled "Bla,bla BLOG", FNB's internet and social media specialist
Andy Hadfield listed a few things that one must consider if one wants to start blogging and become good at it.
I loved the following 4 tips in particular:

"
1.What's your message?
Do you want to communicate a particular message? Starting a blog just for fun
could be a waste of time.
2.Are you disciplined?
Blogs require regular attention. Can you motivate yourself to write something
new every day/week/month?
3.Do you have time?
In addition to your writing commitment, you'll need to moderate comments, respond to reader questions, read other bloggers' posts and network with other bloggers.
4.Do you enjoy reading?
Andy says he spends more time reading each day than writing. Do you have that
time and commitment? "

Some excellent advice indeed.


THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


==================================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:

Ek Se` MJ
_________

Your music MJ.
A soundtrack to a generation.
BEN.
OFF THE WALL.
THRILLER.
Who hasn't bobbed to the beats in here.
Your trendsetting style MJ.
Anyone for a 'moonwalk' dance?
Anyone for 3/4 pants with white socks?
Your eccentricities too MJ.
But what genius is not?
That was you MJ.
A showbiz kid to the core.
And what a show.
Thank you MJ.
A special 'THANKS' for "Billy Jean".
The best dance track ever done.
Thanks for the memories.
Ek se` MJ.


==============================================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
===================================

Best Ever Confed Cup, Innovator Workshops, And the 1st of July

* By all accounts the Confederations Cup tournament that we recently hosted here in South Africa was one of the better ones. Some( Irvin Khoza, chairman of the LOC) have even gone as far as to say it was the best Confed Cup ever.
One thing is for sure though, this tournament was well organised. The games flowed smoothly from one to the next. Bar a few hiccups with the 'park and ride' facility, I think we can pat ourselves on the back for putting up a good show.
The football itself also dazzled. Who can forget minnows USA's 2-0 thumping of Spain( the no 1 ranked soccer nation in the world) in the semis. What about Brazil's come back against the very USA in the final. From being 0-2 down at half time the samba boys went on to eventually win the game 3-2.
And Brazil were the deserved winners of the this tournament. They just seem to possess this incredible will to win .This is probably why they are 5 times World
Champions.
We could all learn something from Brazil's never-say-die attitude.


* Attending the Innovators Annual Conference at FNB's Training Centre in Sandton this past Thursday(01/07/09).
This conference brought together nominated leaders and champions of innovation from the various branches and divisions within the FNB group.
We got to learn the 'hows' of innovation in this gathering.
The highlight for me was the address by our CEO - Michael Jordaan. Mr Jordaan
emphasized the importance of innovation in any business concern. He said the way things are changing in today's business world is unbelievable. He left us with one of these gem quotes:
" Everything keeps changing at an increasing rate."

It was a pleasure, too, to meet Bo-Mpho( the shoulder massage lady expert) and Bo-Omphile( the man from Rustenburg) in this conference. Much love to you guys.


* The start of the July month this week.  The 1st of July means we are now starting to slowly leave the cold season behind.
Yes, it may still be cold now. And it may get even colder as we move further into
July. But the move away from the winter season has started. After the end of this month we are on our way towards Summer( through Spring of course), which happens to be my favourite season.
'Woza Summer.
Woza Summer time."


THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


=================================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


They Were Here.
______________

The stars were here.
'Kaka' was here.
Real Madrid's new sensation.
He was here in flesh and blood.
Xavi was here.
Barcelona's stalwart.
And a champ of Europe.
Fernando Torres was here too.
The blonde bombshell from Liverpool.
He was here.
All the stars were here, ladies and gents.
And so were Mzansi citizens.
In their numbers.
Great football was here.
The Brazilian samba came too.
In all its glory.
And it made hay.
They were all here.
And so was the best Confed Cup ever.


=======================================


SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
=====================================