Back the Boks by blowing your horn at 1pm on Friday: Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa asked that South Africans send "a very clear message of support to the Springboks."
President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked South Africans to wear their Springbok jerseys on Friday, if they have one, and to observe a minute of silence at 1pm.
In addition, he asked that South Africans who find themselves on the roads blow their horns at 1pm in support of the national team, who are taking on England in the final of the Rugby World Cup in Japan on Saturday.
Speaking in a question and answer session in Parliament on Friday, Ramaphosa said: "I've been requested by the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, who is currently in Japan, waiting to attend the final - he has directed me to join him, which I will be doing."
He asked that South Africans send "a very clear message of support to the Springboks."
President @CyrilRamaphosa departing South Africa 🇿🇦 for Yokohama, Japan 🇯🇵 where he will lead the nation’s support for the @Springboks in their Rugby World Cup final against England. #RWC2019 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/TJqFdJou58
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) October 31, 2019
Last week, Ramaphosa phoned the Springbok team in Japan ahead of their semi-final match, assuring them that all South Africans are behind the national rugby team ahead of the big game.
The President joked that he clearly will not be needed by the team to succeed even though he was willing to step into the squad.
“I now know that I don't have to come and play any role in the squad. I mean I wanted to help but I don't need to help you guys have done extremely well.”
Ramaphosa had to juggle a tight schedule to make it to Japan this week, with prior commitments such as the inauguration of Botswana's newly re-elected President having to be considered.
Britain’s Prince Harry will also be at the final game to cheer on England.