South Africa’s politicians are not immune to Rugby World Cup fever, with a fair number already in or on their way to Paris for Saturday’s final against England at the Stade de France.
Leading the way, President Thabo Mbeki left for France on Friday morning, sporting his Springbok jersey and cap.
Other Cabinet luminaries joining the thousands of ordinary South Africans already in Paris for the final include Minister of Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya and Education Minister Naledi Pandor.
Also already in Paris and fully behind the national team is National Assembly sports committee chairperson Butana Komphela, an often vocal critic when he feels the team is ”too white”.
Mbeki was upbeat about the Boks’ chances of winning on his departure.
”We are going to win. We are going to bring the Cup back as we took it in 1995,” he said confidently before leaving for the airport.
Mbeki is scheduled to meet the team before the game to help boost their morale ahead of kick-off.
Wearing the green and gold supporters jerseys in Paris with Komphela are several members of his committee, all believed to be there at their own expense.
Many other MPs from various political parties are also heading for the Stade de France.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille is not going to Paris, according to a DA spokesperson.
However, ”big plans” are being made to watch the game at home on TV, he said.
Also opting not to travel to Paris is Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, who will be giving her full support by watching the game in Cape Town, ”because if I watched in Paris I would probably run on to the field to help”.
Tending towards optimism, De Lille says she is ”expecting Percy Montgomery to convert every one of Bryan Habana’s three tries”.
Former president Nelson Mandela, whose personal touch undoubtedly contributed to Springbok victory in 1995, will also be at home, but expects the squad to return home in triumph.
”I do not doubt for a moment that the Springboks can win back the trophy,” Mandela said in a message. — Sapa