The South African Olympic Team was officially welcomed to the United Kingdom by the South African High Commissioner, Dr Zola Skweyiya at a reception hosted at South Africa House on 26 July.
The High Commissioner saluted the athletes for their hard work and dedication and wished them luck for the Games, underlining the fact that as Ambassadors for South Africa they would be flying the flag for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic games.
“Tomorrow we are all looking forward to that special moment of pride when we see you wearing our national colours at the Opening Ceremony. To each one of you, I would like to assure you of our total support every single time you compete in the Games” said Dr Skweyiya.
The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula thanked the High Commissioner for giving Team SA a warm African welcome. “The gallant fighting spirit that characterises our nation through our forebears must be instilled in our pure African veins, as we defend the flag. It’s motherland or death on the British soil” Minister Mbalula told the athletes who were led by Chef de Mission Ms Patience Shikwambana.
President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Mr Gideon Sam, also thanked the High Commissioner for his hospitality. “When we left South Africa the Commander in Chief summoned us to the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, to give his final orders to the troops. We are welcomed to defend the pride of our nation,” said Gideon Sam, extending a token of gratitude on behalf of the Team.
Other guests at the reception included representatives from national, provincial and local government, SASCOC, Brand SA, SAA, SA Tourism and actor Sharlto Copley.
The South African vocal quartet Romanz performed during the reception.
For more information contact:
Ms Yamuna Pillay: South African High Commission
Tel: +44 75 9527 2084
Mr Paena Galane: Media Liaison for the SA Ministry of Sports and Recreation
Tel: +27 79 509 9833
Ms Penny Ntuli: Media Liaison: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Cell: +27 76 794 9120
Issued by: South African High Commission
