SOUTH Africans waited with bated breath to hear if President Cyril Ramaphosa would declare a public holiday in the next coming days to celebrate then rugby world cup victory.
But to their dismay, they will have to wait for close to two months for that to happen.
This after Ramaphosa decided to announce that the public holiday will be on 15 December.
He said: “In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday, 15th December 2023 as a public holiday.”
“I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup,” he said.
Ramaphosa said on Saturday night, South Africans watched with pride and joy as the national rugby team, the Springboks, became the world champions for the fourth time since the advent of democracy in our country.
He said as they all watched their progress towards the championship, they marvelled at their resilience and determination to overcome some of the best teams in the rugby world.
“At moments when their cause seemed lost, they fought back, and they emerged victorious. This victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration of our rugby players and their achievements,” he said.
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He further said they should also applaud the cricket team who have been performing well in the Cricket World Cup.
He said he had spoken to the Proteas' captain, Temba Bavuma and encouraged them to remain focused and told him that the entire nation supports and stands behind them.
“I want us to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as we have given our support to the Springboks,” he said.
He claimed that electricity supply is improving, and jobs are being created.
He said houses, roads, bridges and dams are under construction.
”Millions of South Africans have been raised out of poverty and now have housing and access to electricity, water, sanitation and other basic needs. Access to health care and education have been greatly expanded,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the R350 grant, which was introduced in 2020, has kept millions of people out of poverty, and continues to provide much-needed support for those who are unemployed.
He repeated his statement he made two weeks ago that government is tackling the “construction mafia” and zama zamas.
The president pointed out that load shedding has constrained economic growth.
He said the underperformance of the ports and rail network is affecting the country’s ability to get exports to market.
“Our economic challenges are severe. Despite the progress we are making, poverty, inequality and unemployment remain high.
He admitted that government has a lot more to do.
“But like the Springboks, we have the determination and commitment to overcome any challenge,” he said.
