Issued by: Office of the President
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT NELSON MBEKI ON THE VICTORY OF THE ALL BLACKS
President Mbeki congratulates Captain Tain Randal and the All Blacks on winning the Tri-Nations rugby trophy.
Their magnificant performance insured a decisive victory over the Springboks and a superbly entertaining game.
To Joost van der Westhuizen and the Springboks, the President said they acquitted themselves very well.
Their spirited and committed playing ensured a much improved and acceptable performance.
He said that they had nothing to be ashamed of even though they lost at the end of the day.
The President assured the Springboks that all South Africans remain firmly behind them through good times and bad times.
The President also said that there was enough time for the Springboks to iron out any flaws in their game plan and to overcome weaknesses before the rugby world cup later this year.
Contact: Ronnie Mamoepa (082 990 4853)
Issued by Communications Unit, Office of the President
Union Building, Pretoria
7 August 1999