Issued by: Office of the President
25 June 1995
The Captain
Francois Pienaar
South African Rugby Team
Dear Francois
I congratulate you and the team on your stunning victory over New Zealand to become champions of the world. The entire South African nation is proud of you.
I also congratulate you as captain of the South African team. You have been a shining example of dignity and fortitude throughout the World Cup tournament.
I wish to express my admiration for the role you and the team are playing in nation building. Your support for the Masakhane campaign is a fitting expression of the burgeoning unity of our people.
It is my wish that at its meeting on Wednesday, Cabinet consider an appropriate accolade for this monumental achievement.
Nelson Mandela