from ADANE BIKILA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia Bureau
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) – THE continent is basking in the glory of South Africa’s historic win in the just-ended Rugby World Cup (RWC) in France.
The Springboks beat New Zealand’s All Blacks 12-11, sending the country into frenzy.
The excitement has gone beyond South Africa’s borders.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of neighbouring Zimbabwe was among the first to celebrate the victory.
Congratulating his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans, he said the Springboks put on a magnificent display of determination and strength to win on Saturday, in front of 80 000 spectators.
“Zimbabwe celebrates with you,” Mnangagwa said.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania described the victory by South Africa as a remarkable achievement, besides being historic.
“You have done your country and our continent proud,” Hassan lauded.
Speaking from the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Ethiopia, President of the AU Commission, Moussa Fakhi Mahamat, stated, South Africa’s thrilling RWC23Final victory, its fourth, is not only a historic first, but a powerful testament to a team that has shown the world time and time again, how to be stronger together.”
He congratulated captain Siya Kolisi and the team.
“Africa and the world salute you, Champions of the World,” Mahamat said.
Kolisi in 2019 became the first Black South African to lead South Africa to World Cup victory.
Human rights lawyer, Doug Coltart, hailed the Springboks winning the World Cup as a win for Africa and the Global South, hence worthy of celebration.
Champions in 1995 and 2007, South Africa was alongside Namibia, the continent’s representatives in France. A rousing welcome awaits the winning team on Tuesday.
– CAJ News