Johannesburg – SA President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived Saturday morning in France to “cheer on and wholeheartedly back the Springboks” in their quest to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup, the Presidency said.
Defending champions, the Springboks, play against the All Blacks of New Zealand at the Stade de France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final tonight at 21:00.
The spectacle of rugby will be enjoyed by a global audience.
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“Ahead of the highly anticipated final, the President will interact with the Springbok team to wish them well and inspire them to victory,” said Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa.
“The Springboks have inspired all South Africans and the world with the fighting spirit that they have displayed over the course of the tournament which has transcended the sport of rugby.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will before kick off hold a pull aside bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron.”
Back home in Pretoria the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it will monitor places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings before, during and after the Rugby final match.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the National Crime Combatting Forum (NCCF), consisting of all provincial commissioners, has met under the command of General Fannie Masemola to discuss operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security of these gatherings.
Police will be on hand to enforce the law at all times.
“General Masemola is thus satisfied with plans to monitor tonight’s festivities, as part of Operation Shanela, which includes regular roadblocks, stops and searches as well as the tracing of wanted suspects said Brigadie Mathe.
“It is on this note, that the SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.
“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and most importantly not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly.”
