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Date: 29/08/2011
Source: The Presidency
Title: SA: Zuma: Address by the President of South Africa, at the Springbok rugby team World Cup send-off function, Pretoria
The Minister and Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation,
Deputy President of the South African Rugby Union, Mark Alexander,
Coach Pieter de Villiers,
Captain John Smith,
Team and management of the Springbok Rugby Team,
A very good morning to you all!
We have come together for a joyous occasion. We meet to celebrate sport, one of the key unifying factors in our country.
In 1995, the Springbok Rugby team electrified and united South Africa with excitement on winning the World Cup.
In 1996, Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations, filling the nation with pride, just months after the Bok victory.
In 2007, when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy, the team mesmerized the rainbow nation again, and ignited a wave of patriotism nationwide.
Last year, the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament demonstrated yet again, but on a wider scale, the power of sport as a nation building tool in our country.
The rainbow nation came together with one goal in mind - to make the country succeed in hosting the tournament, and to support the national team, Bafana Bafana.
Sport continues to be the glue that binds our people together. It cuts across the divides, helping us to build a South African identity that we are proud of.
We stand united at this very moment as a nation, as we bid farewell to our Bokke, the world Champions.
Remember that you have a huge responsibility. You are carrying on your shoulders the dreams and aspirations of the rainbow nation.
We want to be one of the countries to successfully defend its rugby world champion title, and we believe you can do it!
Go out there and do your best, and that best, is to bring the trophy back to Mzansi. That is your national duty.
We extend good wishes to the whole team, to captain Smith, Coach De Villiers, and the management.
Go out there and make us as proud as you have done before!
Bon voyage!
I thank you!
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