SOUTH AFRICAN CONSULATE
WELLINGTON (NZ)
Email gfortuin@paradise.net.nz

PRESS RELEASE – 28 June 2003

Contempt For The Tragic Death Of Marc-Vivien Foe

When the Ellis Park soccer disaster in which 43 Africans lost their lives was relegated to the sports pages, Africans dismissed the issue as mainstream ignorance as opposed to having any malicious intent.

Sadly though last night both TV3 and TV1 relegated the tragic death of fellow African and Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe to the sports section. (TV1 even had raunchy pictures of Beckham and Spice wife in the main section).

One could not but wonder about the similarities with the old-style systemic racist reporting in South Africa where the death of an African Hero was mere sporting-news, if even news at all. If mainstream media see the death of an African as news worthy then please afford Africans the respect you would to your own – but pretty please don’t treat Africans with contempt, knowingly or in ignorance.

Acknowledgement must go to Manchester City for retiring Marc's number 23 shirt and FIFA for considering naming next years confederations cup in his honour.

May the soul of our dear brother Marc-Vivien Foe rest in perfect peace. May his family and friends find peace and fortitude to bear this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as Africa mourns a son.

Gregory Fortuin
Honorary Consul for the Republic of South Africa

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