South Africa will get a public holiday to commemorate the Springboks’ triumph in the Rugby World Cup this past weekend, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
After the Springboks’ victory, the country was jubilant, and the president’s move just made things more cheerful.
December 15th has been declared a NEW official public holiday by Ramaphosa.
“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, 15th December 2023 as a public holiday. We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible.
“We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no-one behind.”
Ramaphosa said.
South Africans, young and old, watched in exhilaration as the national rugby team defeated their opponents to clinch the prestigious Rugby World Cup title. The team’s exceptional performance on the international stage has rekindled the spirit of unity and pride in the country.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ADDRESSED THE NATION TONIGHT
This comes after Ramaphosa said he would consider granting a day off of work, granted the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in their final against the All Blacks on Saturday.
“South Africans are reveling in this incredible success that our boys have achieved in Paris.
“Many of them felt we should declare today [Monday] a public holiday, and I declined, and I said we will consider that when we win the final — at which I will be present.”
Ramaphosa earlier this week said.
THE PRESIDENCY RECEIVES MULTIPLE MESSAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICANS
The Presidency received messages from South Africans worldwide about whether Ramaphosa would stick to his promise at the Green Hydrogen Summit last week.
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the public holiday – likely falling on the Sunday – was still be considered by the president.
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RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON MONDAY EVENING
The Springboks held on grimly in the closing minutes as they secured a record fourth Rugby World Cup title with a dogged 12-11 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.
According to the Public Holiday Act, any official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be automatically carried over to the next day, i.e., Monday.
