President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, France.
Addressing the nation on Monday evening, the President explained that as much as many want a holiday now, most can agree that matriculants must be given time to focus on their exams, after which the celebrations will continue.
The President has also urged the country to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as they have given their support to the Springboks.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind.”
The Springboks will return home today and they will conduct a victory tour around the country, starting in Gauteng on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to urge the nation to draw hope and encouragement from the determination and the performance the Springboks and the Proteas have displayed.
The victory by the Springboks and the performance of the Proteas follows the victory of Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He says the country’s spirits were similarly lifted by the achievements of the national squad at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in June.
“The determination and resilience of our teams have given credence to Madiba’s words that sports unites the nation. In their achievements, they have revealed much about the unity of the people of the country they represent.
“As a people, we have shown before what is possible when we are united, when we are determined, when we try hard and when we refuse to give up. Together, we overcame apartheid, ended centuries of conflict and gave birth to a thriving democracy. Together, we confronted and overcame the deadliest global pandemic in over a century. We are indeed stronger together,” Ramaphosa said.
@rugbyworldcup He is the moment – Siya Kolisi 🏆 #WorldRugbyAwards #RWC2023 #SiyaKolisi ♬ original sound – Diego R
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the viral clip of Springboks winger, Makazole Mapimpi, being cheered on by customers and store staff whilst out grocery shopping, and that of Eben ‘Elizabedi’ Etzebeth and RG Snyman dancing with South African fans near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, are among his personal favourites.
@rugbyworldcup Etzebeth and Snyman heroes of South Africa 🇿🇦 #RWC2023 #sarugby ♬ aint no mountain high enough – sped up audios
Witnessing so many South Africans don the national team’s colours and profess their support online and on other platforms speaks to the deep love for our country and to our ability to pull together even when the going gets tough. We need more of this, and not just in the domain of sporting achievement.
Ramaphosa added that the interview that Siya Kolisi gave shortly after the team’s win on Saturday will be remembered as one of the most poignant and meaningful from a sports person in our country.
