Team SA makes us proud

Monday, July 16, 2018

Brand South Africa on Monday congratulated the country’s sportsmen and women on their achievements at the weekend.

Brand SA said sport has great impact on the nation brand and its attractiveness on a global stage. It said that the nation brand is not preserved by a single dimension, but rather through diverse dimensions.

“Thank you team South Africa, the country’s prowess in sport is and continues to reach great stature because of your dedication,” said Brand South Africa’s Chief Marketing Officer Linda Magapatona-Sangaret.

Brand South Africa’s comments come as South African tennis player Kevin Anderson lost in the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic on Sunday. Other South Africans that took part in the tournament were Raven Klaasen and Kgothatso Montjane.

Meanwhile in golf, Justin Harding carded a one-under-par 71 to secure his maiden Asian Tour victory at the Indonesia Open and Brandon Stone for winning the Scottish Open by four strokes.

There was also a first-ever win in motorsport, for Brad Binder at the Moto2 race in Germany at the Sachsenring circuit, while golden girl athlete Caster Semenya set a new South African record in Athletics at Rabat Diamond League.

As South Africa and the globe prepare to celebrate what would have been the father of the nation Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday on Wednesday, Brand South Africa said the country is reminded of Madiba’s passion for sport.

“It is with this notion that the importance of good performance in sport is acknowledged as a positive construct to position the nation brand for competitive advantage in business and investment sectors. Consequently, making sport a tool of nation branding.”

Magapatona-Sangaret said it was fitting that the sportsmen and women did the country proud during Mandela month.

“It is truly best fitting that our sports men and women did us proud during Mandela month, when we are all urged to be the legacy. I believe there are many young people who have been enthused to persevere and chase their dreams. Brand South Africa hails all South Africans who represented us across the globe,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za