Issued by: Office of the President
22 July 1996
Dear Penny,
I watched with great pride the coverage of your feat in the 100 metre breastroke, firstly breaking your own world record and then winning the first gold medal for South Africa.
Congratulations! You have done our country and our nation proud. You are our golden girl.
Please pass on my congratulations to your manager and coach; and tell our entire team that I extend my hand across the miles to support them all in their endeavours. The whole nation is with them.
Yours sincerely, Nelson Mandela