South Africans are not having it with President Cyril Ramaphosa as they demand to have a public holiday tomorrow after the statesman promised it a few days ago.
Some people suggested Ramaphosa could be using the Rugby World Cup for electioneering.
After defeating France, Ramaphosa said some people asked for a holiday that he declined, but he said he would consider one if the boys win the World Cup.
“This incredible success that our boys have achieved in Paris. Many of them felt that we should declare today a public holiday and I declined. I said we will only consider that when they win the final at which I will personally be present,” said Ramaphosa.
The video where he said this is currently viral on various social media platforms.
The Springboks defeated New Zealand with a point, in a nail-biting final in Paris on Saturday night. Ramaphosa had an opportunity to stand on a podium and give players medals and hold the Webb Ellis Cup.
People even joked about French President Emmanuel Macron who was seen holding an umbrella for Ramaphosa as it was raining.
“Never in a Rugby World Cup tournament has any team had to travel on such a difficult road as the Springbok team of 2023, having beaten the top-ranking rugby teams in the world to reach this finale,” said Ramaphosa.
“I spoke to the boys earlier today and informed them of the 62 million people back home joined by the entire African continent who are rooting for them and who will stand behind them throughout the final.
“The boys are determined and fully driven by your support. We are bringing the cup home,” said Ramaphosa.
Political analyst, Dr Ongama Mtimka, said the country can draw a great lesson from the Springboks.
“We can draw great lessons from the Boks, chief among them is that we are ‘stronger together’ but only if we choose the best among us to do the job,” said Mtimka.
Yesterday (Sunday) morning, the Presidency announced that Ramaphosa will address the nation tomorrow (Monday) at 8pm.
This left a number of people angry since they said they were looking forward to the public holiday.
Bafana Kubheka from Thokoza said he feels bad because he had told himself that he was not working tomorrow.
“I was looking forward to a holiday, I had high hopes. I am unhappy with Ramaphosa, he is a typical politician, using this to campaign for elections.”
Another Ekurhuleni resident, Sibongile Radebe, said she feels that Ramaphosa should have made an announcement about the holiday immediately after the Springboks won.
“This means he did not have faith and that our boys were going to lose,” Radebe said.
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za
Link to embad
https://x.com/cyrilramaphosa/status/1718243541317558443?s=46&t=oeMLeLVU-0aswZe6EmGwPA