President Cyril Ramaphosa was one of the high profile people, who attended the World Rugby Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, this past Saturday. Amabokoboko did not disappoint as they brought it home once again, making the whole country proud.
Acknowledging the win, Ramaphosa noted that the Springbok’s victory is as significant as the great sporting achievement we have witnessed. Furthermore, the first citizen then wrote a message on his Twitter page for South African citizens.
“Dear Fellow South African,
The Springboks’ win at the Stade de France on Saturday night has lifted the nation’s spirits, confirming the enduring power of sport to unite and build a nation.
The Springboks go down in history for having won the Rugby World Cup more than any other nation, but this alone is not what makes this an exceptional triumph. The symbolism of this victory is as significant as the great sporting achievement we have witnessed“, Ramaphosa said.
He also noted that it has been under democracy that the Springboks won the coveted Webb Ellis Cup a record four times.
“When South Africa first competed in the Rugby World Cup in 1995, our democracy was just a year old. Back then, there was just one black player on the team, the legendary Chester Williams. Of the squad that played in the past weekend’s final, just short of half were black players, including the team captain, Siya Kolisi,” he added.
Touching on the historic victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he admired the nationhood and sporting excellence displayed.
“The fervent, colourful and touching displays of national pride from South Africans both at home and abroad during this tournament, show that perhaps as never before, the Springboks have well and truly been embraced by all races as their own.
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 my personal favourites.
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,” said the president.
Read the rest of the letter HERE
