The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, has called on South Africans to unite and rally behind the Springboks and our athletes as they prepare to represent the country at the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the All Africa Games in Mozambique.
The Minister made his call to action on Friday morning at Freedom Park in Pretoria where he launched the Ekhaya initiative – a ‘Home Away from Home’ hospitality village concept government wants to stage at the two sports events.
Ekhaya is a platform owned by the Department of Sports and Recreation SA, mainly to offer hospitality services to South African sportspeople and their families. It also aims to position South Africa as a desirable destination for business investment and tourism. The project is managed in partnership with the International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC) and SA Tourism.
Speaking at the media launch, Minister Mbalula said Ekhaya reinforces the fact that South Africans are united behind our national teams at the RWC and the All Africa Games. “South Africa has a proud history of being a successful sporting nation. Sport is an important part of our culture and a multibillion-rand industry that contributes more than 2% to the country’s gross domestic product.”
The IMC, through its “Play Your Part” campaign, has partnered with the Department of Sports and Recreation on a domestic and international campaign to mobilise South Africans to support the RWC and All Africa Games, under the Magnificent Friday’s banner.
South Africans are encouraged to fly the national flag and to wear supporters wear on Fridays in the build-up to and during these sports events.
SARU President, Regan Hoskins, attended the launch and presented the Minister as well as the CEO of SASCOC, Tubby Reddy, each with Springbok supporter jersey.
“We are delighted with and fully behind the Minister’s call to all our citizens to support the Springboks and Team South Africa at the All Africa Games. SARU values this support and encouragement by the Minister of Sport, the IMC and SASCOC for our national rugby team and want to all South Africans to show their passion and support for these two SA teams by proudly wearing the Green and Gold colours,” added Mr Hoskins.
