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A week of congratulations and condolences

ON FRIDAY last week we gathered at the Sandton Sun Hotel with the National Lottery Board to inject some cash into the coffers of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee as part of their preparations for London 2012.

We also allocated certain amounts, as part of the International Women's Day celebrations, to both the national hockey team and Banyana Banyana for their Olympic campaigns.

Congratulations to Banyana Banyana for defeating Ghana on Human Rights Day at the Dobsonville Stadium.

A thank you also goes to the Ghana team for honouring the invitation to test our strength as we prepare for the Olympics.

We truly appreciate your contribution. We thank the sons and daughters of the subcontinent, as shaped and celebrated under the voice of Mama Africa and forebears like Kwame Nkrumah, Oliver Tambo, Angola's Augustinho Neto and many others who helped us become a better continent.

We also thank the community of Soweto for coming in their numbers to support our team. Words of appreciation and encouragement go to Safa president Kirsten Nematendani, head of Safa women's football Nomsa Mahlangu and the leadership collective for ensuring that Banyana are prepared for the Olympics.

We trust that the team will get all they need to ready themselves for the goal of representing South Africa. Yes, indeed, Banyana Banyana have positioned themselves as the number one football team in the country. They confirmed they are the rock on which the foundation is laid. "Wathint' abafazi, wathint' ibokodo."

Ladies and gentlemen, there is a "big" new thing that has just hit our shores. There is a wonder boy from Bellville who has just hit the big time. This sportsman is truly dangerous.

Ladies and gentlemen, Vernon Philander is the man! You have got it all son. You are fantastic, magnificent, bringing new razzmatazz to the crease. Remember that "nobody built you, you designed yourself, but listen to the advice of your coaches.

The most important message in sport is longevity.

Is it a coincidence that you are being coached by Allan Donald?

Now look at him, he is impressed that you did well. Congratulations to Gary Kirsten, Donald and the entire technical team for this marvellous job.

We hope that we will see more cricket players breaking all the records.

Moving on to the Hong Kong Sevens, congratulations to the team for bringing home the bronze. We are thankful for the medal. We are hopeful that you will be able to bring back more results for the country. In you we believe.

On a sad note. Yes, this is sad, really sad, and our condolences go to the families of those Motherwell Rugby Club players who tragically lost their lives in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Sometimes you think of climbing a mountain and trying to reason with God, asking, "why?"

Please make us understand.

We are in the middle of a development programme where as a country, through the National Sports Plan, we want to succeed and compete with the rest of the world. We are your children.

Condolences also to the Eastern Cape Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union, let's be strong. From these players we built a strong South African national rugby team.

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