Hon Speaker, the ACDP would like to repeat our message of congratulations to the Springboks for beating England with a wide margin of 32 to 12, to win the Rugby World Cup in Japan. This was an incredible victory, and would not have been possible without the effort of the whole team who worked together as one.
This being said, I also want to pay special tribute to three outstanding team members. Firstly, a special word of thanks goes to our inspirational captain, Siya Kolisi. Besides the fact that he is the first black captain the Springboks ever had, his outstanding leadership both on and off the field has been exemplary.
Worth noting is his advice to young aspirant rugby players, particularly those from poor backgrounds to have goals while believing that all things are possible.
Captain Siya Kolisi gave another inspiring message after winning the People's Choice Sports Star award at the South African Sports Awards in Durban on Sunday night. He is reported to have said, and I quote:
We are such a beautiful country. When we decide on a goal or dream, as a nation, we can achieve it. Our team is diverse. We've got different backgrounds and races, and we decided to fight for one common thing. We can also do it in life and business. We just have to put our egos aside and fight for what is right so that South Africa can be better.
This is why I was so disappointed by Dr Ndozi's divisive tweet where he congratulated Siya Kolisi for the victory, but said that the rest of the players should go to Prince Harry for their congratulations.
I want to appeal to Dr Ndlozi to join the nation for once and congratulate the entire Springbok team - the only team to have won every Rugby World Cup final they have played in. This amazing victory, sir, was an important
victory for South Africans. Therefore, all South Africans must rally in congratulating them.
The second person I want to mention by name is a great tactician, coach Rassie Erasmus, whose game plan ultimately outsmarted the tactics of England's coach, Eddie Jones. It was great to see how Rassie motivated and transformed our rugby team in just 18 months, to make them Rugby World Cup champions.
The third person is Makazole Mapimpi, who also comes from humble beginnings, who enjoyed a great tournament, and made history when he became the first to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final. His brilliance helped the team to victory. [Applause.]
South Africans are stronger and will be unbeatable if we continue to stand together. To the Bokke, we say that we salute you. You are our team and the Lord blesses you for all your efforts. [Applause.]