Pretoria - Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has promised a ground-breaking and spectacular inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day at the FNB stadium on Saturday, 17 August.
For the first time in the history of South African sport, South Africans will watch both rugby and football teams playing against their opponents at the same venue. There will also be cultural activities and a music concert later on the day.
Speaking at the launch of the Mandela Sort and Culture Day at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mbalula said when he presented the idea to President Jacob Zuma, he gave it the green light, saying: “This is what the legacy of Madiba is all about.”
Said Mbalula: “Nelson Mandela will never die as long as initiatives of this nature are undertaken now and into the future.”
As Madiba’s 95th birthday is approaching, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile called on all South Africans to make a difference on Mandela International Day in the lives of those who are less privileged, because the spirit of Madiba was about doing something for others.
“It is the spirit of selflessness. Go paint a school or assist at your respective local clinics.”
With regards to Mandela Sport and Culture Day, Mashatile said: “We are going to see a rainbow nation. Sport, arts and culture are a big vehicle to bring people together.
“This event will contribute a lot towards social cohesion and I want to urge South Africans to come out in their numbers.”
He said the proceeds on the day will go to the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
The Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina, which was initially scheduled to be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, will start at 5pm.
It will be preceded by an international friendly football match between Bafana Bafana and Burkina Faso. Kick-off is 1:30pm.
Tickets for Mandela Sport and Culture Day are priced from R220 to R550 and will be available from Computicket outlets from Monday, 8 July.
The Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day is a joint programme by various partners, coordinated by the Department of Sports and Recreation, to celebrate and promote the legacy of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela.
The launch also included the official handover by Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale of the commemorative gift of two autographed soccer jerseys on behalf of the Confederations Cup finalists, Brazil and Spain, presented by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Brazilian Football Confederation President Jose Maria Marin and Spanish counterpart Angel Maria Villar Llona at the Confederations final held on Sunday, 30 June in Brazil.
The gifts were handed over to both Ministers Mbalula and Mashatile, but the framed soccer jerseys will be kept at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. - SAnews.gov.za
