Deputy Chairperson, Chairperson, hon members, fellow South Africans, starting from my right, drafters of the Constitution decided to have the National Council of Provinces. So, I would like to register that as this House, when we congratulate the good work done by the Springboks, we should write a formal letter to the SA Rugby Union, Saru, and request that the celebration should not only be in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, but should also go to North West, Free state, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Limpopo. [Applause.] So, they are truly South Africans. [Interjections.]
Last Saturday, in a small village in Mpumalanga, Block C Sebokeng, in Nkomazi Municipality, I went to bed in a place that I could proudly call my beloved country - South Africa. I was reminded of the endless possibilities that South Africa represents when our rugby team, the Springboks, defy the odds to emerge victorious in this year's edition of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Siswati:
Sibashaye, sababeka lutsi enhloko. [Tandla.]
English:
Having triumphed over New Zealand in the semifinal match, England were the bookmaker's choice to sweep South Africa aside, but our sporting heroes had other ideas. Not only did they win, they did so comprehensively. [Applause.] We salute Siya Kolisi-led battalion, which reminded us that we can play and win together as a country. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Siswati:
Sitawuncqoba simunye. [Tandla.]
English:
Their heroism should be a lesson to us that we can achieve more if we work as a team. Our former President, Tata Madiba once said: "It seems impossible until it is done." Indeed, ours seemed like an impossible Japanese task until Springboks hoisted aloft the Webb Ellies Cup at the end of the 80 minute encounter.
I join all of our citizens in wishing the coach, Rassie Erasmus, and the entire technical team, the captain and all the players - and all the players! - well. [Interjections.] [Applause.] And thank you for their ambassadorial role. We will draw many lessons from their unity as a team and their cohesiveness as a true South African brand. I think I can now confer on President Ramaphosa the title of prophet as he predicted the outcome long before the first ball of the day was kicked. He said: "I will come and join you in lifting the trophy."
The President said that to Siya Kolisi amid doubts that South Africa was up for the challenge. These doubts were fuelled by the fact that we have lost to New Zealand in the group stages. We are indeed the only team to have suffered a defeat in the group stages which then proceeded to be the champion in the history of the Rugby World Cup. We are the only country that has won the Rugby World Cup in three different continents - in Africa, in Europe and in Asia.
[Interjections.] Yes! We are a country of firsts, and we continue to do so under the stewardship of President Ramaphosa.
Siswati:
Sihole Mengameli!
English:
Let me also congratulate Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira on his retirement for international test matches as it has been alluded by my colleague. I have the following words to "The Beast" Mtawarira: "A good dancer knows when to leave the stage." As the National Council of Provinces - as Parliament, we are proud of what they have done. They have promoted a true social cohesion foundation that we can use to unite the country. I thank you. [Applause.] [Interjections.]