President Ramaphosa praises Springboks for raising nation’s spirits

President Cyril Ramaphosa praises national rugby team, the Springboks, for their World Cup victory, emphasizing that their triumph extends beyond the realm of sport. He believes that their win not only confirms the unifying power of sport but also contributes to nation-building. A according to TimesLive The president highlighted that this victory is not just an exceptional triumph due to the Springboks’ record of winning the Rugby World Cup more times than any other nation, but also because of its symbolic significance.

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President Ramaphosa praises Springboks

Ramaphosa pointed out that it is under democracy that the Springboks have achieved these victories and lifted the coveted Webb Ellis Cup a record four times. He drew attention to the transformation in the team’s composition from having only one black player, Chester Williams, in 1995 to nearly half of the squad being black players in the recent final, including captain Siya Kolisi. The president asserted that the journey of the Springboks to their historic victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is as much about South Africa’s journey towards nationhood as it is about sporting excellence.

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A Call for National Solidarity

The president noted that the displays of national pride from South Africans at home and abroad during the tournament show that all races have truly embraced the Springboks as their own. He urged that this patriotism should extend beyond sports stadiums and be reflected in overcoming national challenges. However, he acknowledged that South Africa’s challenges cannot be forgotten or wished away by a fleeting moment such as a sporting victory. He concluded by hailing the Springbok squad as not only one of the best rugby teams in history but also great ambassadors for South Africa and its values.