Johannesburg - Former President Nelson Mandela needs the support and prayers of the country, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said at the launch of the Magnificent Friday campaign at Johannesburg's Park Station this morning.
"As players and the rest of South African citizens, we must always remember that we are what we are because of the sacrifice of Nelson Mandela. You must know that the former President needs your support and prayers in his time of need," he said at the vibey event aimed at galvanising more support for the rugby, cricket and netball teams which will be participating in their various World Cups in the coming months.
The former apartheid activist was admitted at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon for routine tests.
"I want to take this opportunity to wish our former President a well and speedy recovery," Mbalula added.
Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Mashatile, who also extended his well wishes to the first democratically elected President, urged South Africans to get behind their national teams.
"Let's support our teams by following them where they will be playing, and we must show the World that we are proudly South Africans by flying our country's flag," he said.
Mashatile further said as Magnificent Friday is not focusing on Gauteng only, next Friday, together with Sports Minister and the campaign ambassadors they will be in Free State before going to Cape Town.
The campaign ambassadors Chommie, Arthur Mafokate, Ringo, Zuluboy, Selaelo Selota, Ntombi to mention but a few mesmerised the crowd with their dancing skills with DJ Christos spinning the disc.
King of kwaito, Arthur Mafokate said the campaign was already beginning to show that South Africans are a sport loving nation.
"Through this campaign, we are hoping to unite all South Africans to rally behind the three national teams as this will also deepen our nation building efforts," he said.
Sensational Afro-jazz singer, Selaelo Selota said the campaign will not only unite people to support their national team, but it will also change the future generation's mindset towards various sporting codes.
"I believe that this campaign will conscientious our youth to view their importance of actively participating in sport as this will also help them to remain healthy," he said.
American basketball player, Courtland Freeman said he hoped the campaign will also keep the 2010 FIFA World Cup spirit alive.
Magnificent Friday is aimed at building on the tremendous wave of goodwill and national pride that South Africa experienced during 'Football Fridays' that were celebrated during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Magnificent Friday will be used to garner support for three major international competitions that South Africa will be competing in - the Cricket World Cup, the Netball World Cup, and the Rugby World Cup later in the year.
