Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports has congratulated the Springboks for their remarkable performance which saw them beat England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Japan. Committee chairperson Beauty Dlulane says the Boks demonstrated resilience. She says they should be proud of fighting gallantly. South Africa beat England 32-12.
The mother of Springbok center Lukhanyo Am has praised the team for their victory. Am’s mother Zukisa watched the game with the family of another Eastern Cape Springbok, Makazole Mapimpi, and says she is proud of the Springboks for their impressive performance.
“I feel very happy to Lukhanyo and the team they worked very hard. Their performance was very good. We are happy for their success,” says Zukisa Am.
Eastern Cape premier, Lubabalo Mabuyane, also commended the Springboks on their convincing win against England. Premier Mabuyane watched the game with the families of Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am.
“They were actually very organized very strong and determined to win this particular world cup, quite a high level of patriotism that we have seen. We really appreciate the work that the coach is doing and the technical team. We’re quite happy as Eastern Cape, we’re building South Africa a non-racial society. The role of sport can do to show, people are united,” says Mabuyane.
?? This one is for you, South Africa#StrongerTogether #RWC2019Champions pic.twitter.com/BVFC1LkF1p
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 2, 2019
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah joined in congratulating the team, saying the Springboks have done more than win the 2019 Rugby World Cup. They say they’ve restored confidence in self-doubting South Africans. In a statement the couple says South Africans are extraordinary people who can perform miracles if they believe in themselves.
The Tutus also say late former president Nelson Mandela must be smiling from the heavens today. They’ve congratulated Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, coach Rassie Erasmus, and all the other players for their achievement.
The Khoisan Defiance Campaign in the Western Cape has also shared messages of congratulations. The Campaign’s Sammy Claassen says all South Africans should embrace the hard fought win. Claassen says the Springboks put up a world class performance. Claasen says the win should be used to push for what he calls much stronger, bolder and decisive change in SA Rugby.
Meanwhile, fans across the country watched the match and celebrated the Boks’ third championship win.
Watch videos below of fans celebrating:
![[File Image] South Africa's Shabnim Ismail celebrates with team mates after taking the wicket of England's Sarah Taylor.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SABC-NEws-Cricket-Proteas-Reuters-750x423-1-120x86.jpg)
