President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Friday 15 December a public holiday to celebrate the Springboks’ World Cup victory in France and has urged South Africans to focus on the tasks at hand, including matric exams.
Ramaphosa was speaking in a live address to the nation on Monday evening. He’s urged South Africans to back the Proteas in their campaign.
“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sportsmen and women – and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation – I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday. We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Nkosi sikelela iAfrika.”
Ramaphosa has acknowledged that the country faces major challenges, including economic problems – but says progress is being made in addressing them and that people should emulate the Boks’ tenacity.
The President says his administration is making progress in dealing with the legacy of corruption and is also working on improving infrastructure and creating more jobs.
Ramaphosa says progress is further being made in reducing the severity of load shedding.
Live stream below:
President Ramaphosa says South Africa can draw hope from the example of the never-say-die Springboks and their World Cup triumph.
The Boks beat New Zealand to retain the Webb Ellis Trophy.
South Africans are expected to come out in their numbers on Tuesday when the Boks arrive back in South Africa at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
