President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared 15 December 2023 a public holiday, to celebrate the Springboks World Cup victory.
There had been speculation that the President would declare a public holiday, after he joked in Cape Town earlier this month that he would consider announcing a public holiday, should the Boks retain the Webb Ellis trophy.
But during his address to the nation on Monday night, Ramaphosa announced that the start of the matric 2023 exams will make it impossible for the nation to take a day off sooner than expected.
“I know that many of us want us to have a holiday now to celebrate.
But we should all agree that we should give our matriculants time to focus on their exams and celebrate afterwards.
In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity,” said Ramaphosa.
The President also urged the nation to rally behind the victorious Springboks and welcome them when they arrive in the country on Tuesday, with “great joy and jubilation.”
The Boks are expected to conduct a victory tour around the country before being received by Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings later this week.
Ramaphosa also encouraged the nation to rally behind the Proteas in the same way as it has given support to the Springboks.
The team is currently participating at the Cricket World Cup in India.
“I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup,” added the President.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged the victory of Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He highlighted that the country’s spirits were similarly lifted by the achievements of the national squad at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, in June this year.
