South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Friday, 15 December 2023 a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks Rugby World Cup triumph.

The Boks won their fourth World Cup when they beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final on Saturday.

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Ramaphosa had earlier hinted that he could declare a public holiday should the Springboks win the World Cup.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO HONOUR SPRINGBOKS

In his ‘family address’ on Monday night, Ramaphosa said that the Boks rightfully calls for a moment to celebrate.

“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 said.
 
“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women. As a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday, 15th December 2023 as a public holiday.
 
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no-one behind,” concluded Ramaphosa. 

“Our victorious Springboks will return home tomorrow. We will welcome them with great joy and jubilation. They will conduct a victory tour around the country and I will receive them at the Union Buildings later this week,” he said.

Ramaphosa has also called on South Africans to rally behind the Proteas Cricket team who are also participating in the World Cup in India.   “I want us to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as we have given our support to the Springboks,” he said.   “I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup.”