South Africa declares national holiday to celebrate rugby victory

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed a public holiday on Monday to commemorate the national team’s Rugby World Cup victory, but only after students had finished their final exams.

Many people in the country, where rugby is a big deal, had hoped for an extra day off, potentially this week, to celebrate Saturday’s 12-11 victory over New Zealand.

Ramaphosa’s declaration of a national holiday on December 15 only partially appeased them.

“This victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration of our rugby players and their achievements,” the president said in a televised address to the nation.

“I know that many of us want 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.”

In South Africa, school begins in January and concludes in December, and most students in their last year of high school completed their first matriculation exam on Monday.

The Springboks, led by renowned captain Siya Kolisi, defeated New Zealand in a thrilling final in Paris on Saturday, generating euphoric scenes across South Africa.

The victory was especially meaningful in the country, where rugby is viewed as a unifying force capable of bridging racial and socioeconomic barriers, as well as a welcome distraction from poverty, unemployment, and other issues.

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For 90 years, selectors chose exclusively white players, making the Springboks a symbol of apartheid.

After the establishment of democracy in 1994, Nelson Mandela famously rallied behind the squad, which won its first World Cup a year later.

Ramaphosa, who is up for re-election next year, used his speech to paint a rosy picture of a country on the mend following the coronavirus outbreak, corruption scandals, and an ongoing but easing energy crisis.

“I am confident that through the actions we are taking now, we will overcome the challenges we face and build a society that works for all of its people,” he said after showcasing his government’s achievements.

“We have much more to do. But like the Springboks, we have the determination and commitment to overcome any challenge.”

The Springboks are scheduled to return to South Africa from France on Tuesday.