Issued by: Office of Deputy President
Dear Captain Hansie Cronje
It gives me great pleasure on behalf of myself and the people of our country to extend our gratitude and best wishes to you and all the national cricket team players who will be representing South Africa in this, the 1999 Cricket World Cup in the United Kingdom.
We express our conviction that you will continue to draw great inspiration from the sporting prowess of and build upon the foundation that has been laid by all the sporting ambassadors who have represented our country with great pride and honour.
Across the width and breath of our country, from Cape Town to Johannesburg; from Pietersburg to Durban; from Kimberley to Durban; black and white; young and old; men and women; people will all be hoisting the national flag over the next few days in the fullest knowledge that you have the will and capacity to bring the World Cup to Africa and thereby add to the renewal of our country and continent.
All South Africans are aware that you and your team face a difficult task, especially since you will be playing away from your beloved country and supporters. Yet we have absolute confidence that you have what it takes to tread proudly onto the field as South Africa's sporting ambassadors
Signed by:
Thabo Mbeki
14 May 1999