World Cup opens with a touch of sadness after death of Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter
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The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicked off Friday morning with bold opening ceremonies and the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, following a Thursday night kickoff concert in Johannesburg featuring Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Alicia Keys and a host of other performers, among them Somali-born K’Naan singing ‘Wavin’ Flag.
Nelson Mandela did not attend the opening ceremonies or game, however, after one of his nine great-grandchildren was killed in a single-car crash early Friday morning coming home from the concert.
Zenani Mandela, 13, was a passenger; authorities suspect the unidentified male driver was intoxicated and said he may face a homicide charge, the Fabulous Forum reports. The Associated Press quoted a police spokeswoman as saying, ‘He lost control of the vehicle, and it collided with a barricade.’
This sadness comes after lighter news that Fergie of the Peas was delighted after sharing a ‘flirty’ moment with the anti-apartheid leader during her trip to the country to perform.
Click here for full L.A. Times sports coverage of the World Cup. EW.com’s Music Mix has more concert clips here.
-- Christie D’Zurilla
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