The Springbok rugby squad received a warm send-off to the World Cup at an official function hosted by President Jacob Zuma last week.
In welcoming all to the function, Zuma said sport was “one of the key unifying factors in our country”.
“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,” he said.
The Springbok rugby squad received a warm send-off to the World Cup at an official function hosted by President Jacob Zuma last week.
In welcoming all to the function, Zuma said sport was “one of the key unifying factors in our country”.
“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,” he said.
In bidding the Bokke farewell, Zuma said: “Remember that you have a huge responsibility. You are carrying on your shoulders the dreams and aspirations of the rainbow nation."
The President told the squad that the Boks should successfully defend their rugby world champion title.
“Go out there and do your best – and that best is to bring back the trophy to Mzansi. That is your national duty."
Zuma also reflected on a number of sporting events which have brought the country together, including the Springboks' 1995 Rugby World Cup win, which so electrified and united South Africa.
“In 1996, Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations, filling the nation with pride, just months after the Bok victory," Zuma recalled.
In 2007, when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy, the team had mesmerised the rainbow nation again, and ignited a wave of patriotism, Zuma said.
"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”.
