Address by H.E. Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, at the Farewell Banquet for Team South Africa to the Olympic Games in Beijing, Johannesburg

SALUTATIONS
Programme Director,
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile,
President of SASCOC, Mr. Moss Mashishi,
Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Zhong Jianhua,
Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Ms. Helen Mekgwe,
Team South Africa,
Honoured guests, friends and
Ladies and gentlemen:

INTRODUCTION
I am delighted to join you tonight as we wish good luck to our much able and capable sportsmen and sportswomen and say to them bring back the glory from the Olympic Games in Beijing.

We know that your commitment and excellent performance in the various sporting fields will make us proud. I congratulate you for putting in a lot of hard work and dedication to be selected to represent South Africa as part of the dream team.

I am certain you will represent South Africa and place our country on the map as the men's swimming team did in Athens in 2004 and like Josiah Thugwane and Penny Heyns did at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

As you prepare for the battle that lies ahead, say to yourself ‘asibasabi siyabafuna, la.'

NATION UNITED BEHIND THE TEAM
In this occasion, I want to assure the team that the government and the sports-loving people of our country are behind you all the way, since they see opportunity for us to once again unite as one people just as we did during the 2007 Rugby World Cup and how we will be during the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup extravaganza.

I am sure your inspiring performance in the China will indeed tell the peoples of the world that you come from a country filled with a great sense of national pride and a country which gave birth to the ninety-year (90) old world icon, uTata uNelson Mandela.

I recall what he said in 1996 when addressing a similar forum such as this one:
"You have prepared and waited for this opportunity for a long time. These Games are the culmination of your victories and your perseverance to reach the top. All we ask of you is to do your best and the rest will take care of itself".

POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND DISCIPLINE
My message to you is this: to succeed in anything in life you need to be disciplined, dedicated and be perseverant.

These characteristics of a winning formula will enable you to bring back bushel of trophies and medals because you possess in you a positive attitude.

A positive and an I-can-do attitude is a key to your success and overcoming the odds in Beijing.

ROLE MODELS
I urge you to always remember that your success is not yours alone since you are role models to millions of young South Africans who look up to you.

Believe me when I say, our hopes and dreams are pinned on your talents and performance. You are heroes and heroines to the many South Africans who will be glued to the television screens in townships, suburbs, rural areas, taxi ranks, school-halls, and various workplaces.

TEAM COMPOSITION
I am heartened that the Team composition reflects progress in terms of gender representation. I learn that unlike four (4) years ago this time around seven female swimmers are included and they are all ready to step into the shoes of grand champions like Penny Heyns, Ryk Neethling and Roland Schoeman.

I also welcome and praise the addition to the team of swimming sensation Natalie Du Toit, who like Oscar Pistorius continues to demonstrate what the human spirit can accomplish and achieve if it is set on a right course.

My thoughts and those of the nation are behind the nineteen (19) year old archer Calvin Hartley and flyweight champion Jackson Chauke; we also wish well the fencing team and the rhythmic gymnast Odette Richard who is a sole representative of our country like Calvin and Jackson.

Furthermore, to Team Isigungu, the aquatics squad and the shooting duo, I say our prayers are with you. True to the meaning of the word Isigungu, you will achieve much if you ‘work together towards a common goal'.

2008 OLYMPICS AND 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP
It is fitting that these games will be taking place in China, a country that has a long-standing history of friendship with South Africa since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998.

Our country draws inspiration from China and we will learn from their experiences in our quest to stage a successful world class event in 2010.

A delegation of the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, led by Mr. Danny Jordaan went to Beijing in May to learn from China's preparations for the 2008 Olympics Games.

CONCLUSION
We are pleased that the First Lady, Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, will be there with you as a patron of the Team.

To the entire team, these Olympic Games give you a platform as talented stars to shine in an international platform.

Good luck, voorspoed, yanga ningaphumelela, ke le akaletsa mahlatse, mi sala hi kurhula.

Ni ya basaba na? Asibasabi siyabafuna!

Thank you and God bless you all.