Pretoria - Brand South Africa has congratulated the country’s national soccer and rugby teams for valiantly flying the South African flag in the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day on Saturday which resulted in overwhelming victories by both teams.
Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola said the Springboks and Bafana Bafana, the supporters and all South Africans have done the country proud by displaying Ubuntu to the visitors.
Matola said the day has shown the country and nation as an attractive destination for tourists and for investments.
"It is often said that what matters most is how the game is played. We met on the sports field and played for our national pride and honour. The game that was won is where South Africa showed itself to the world as a winning, warm, embracing and passionate nation,” Matola said.
Bafana received a standing ovation following the home team’s 2-nil convincing victory against Burkina Faso.
Bafana’s two goals were scored by Siphiwe Tshabalala who also scooped the man of the match award. As the champions of the inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, Bafana received gold medals and a trophy.
The springboks soared to an emphatic 73-13 victory over Argentina's Pumas. South Africa scored eight tries and a penalty try to earn a bonus point and draw level with New Zealand after the opening games in this year's rugby championships.
Mandela Sport and Culture Day was part of the massive social cohesion and nation building campaign announced by President Jacob Zuma as part of the celebration of the 95th Birthday Celebrations of former President Nelson Mandela.
It was a day of cultural extravaganza, the international encounters, which later was followed by a star-studded artist line-up includes popular Mali singer, Salif Keita, David Jenkins, Mahotela Queens, Umoja, Gcina Mhlophe, Black Coffee, DJ Alessandro, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Wouter Kellerman, Naima McLean, DJ Cindo, Mafikizolo, Toya DeLazy, Kurt Darren and Elvis Blue.
The proceeds from the inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day will go towards building the Nelson Mandela Children's hospital in Gauteng. - SAnews.gov.za
