South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December as a public holiday to celebrate the country’s Rugby World Cup victory.
President Ramaphosa explained that they picked the December date for the holiday because most high school students in their final year are presently taking their last exams, and their school term will conclude in December.
The Springboks secured their fourth Rugby World Cup victory with a historic win of 12-11 against their old rivals New Zealand on October 28th.
Read More: Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa Beat New Zealand in a Nail Biting Final
In a nation where rugby evokes strong emotions, thrilled South African supporters had called for a holiday to celebrate the triumph of their rugby champions.
”This victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration of our rugby players and their achievements,” Mr Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation.
“‘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,” he added.
South Africa declares 15 December Public Holiday following Rugby World Cup win by the #Springboks. pic.twitter.com/Evw2YQahS5
— Star FM (@StarfmZimbabwe) October 31, 2023
The president hailed the victory as a “historic accomplishment” and a beacon of hope during a period when the nation grapples with the highest unemployment rate globally, reaching 42 percent, along with pressing economic challenges such as high poverty.
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OR Tambo International in Johannesburg was more like a scene at a music festival than an airport on Tuesday, as thousands of fans bristled with excitement to welcome home the champions.
The Springboks were only due to come through around 10am, but already fans had gathered in huge numbers in anticipation of catching a glimpse of their rugby heroes.
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Members of the public wore wore team shirts and waved flags while cheering on the four time champions.
The #Springboks are back in South Africa ????????????????#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/IBYKzlXxfn
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 31, 2023
In Cape Town, chants of “ibuyile” (“It has returned”) have echoed since the team defeated New Zealand in the tournament’s final .
