The people of South Africa owe a word of appreciation to all those men and women who worked tirelessly to make this event happen, in spite of all that was being said about Africa, and South Africa in particular.
Let this World Cup be the lesson to all South Africans that together we can achieve more. It is not for us to hold grudges against our detractors - the doomsayers are free to question our capabilities, but we shall continue to prove them wrong.
This spectacular joy proves beyond words that Africans are capable of doing anything, given a chance.
My appeal to all South Africans is this: let this be the beginning of a new unity.
May the racial segregation of the past find no soil in which to take root again.
In all our acts and deeds, let love, peace and hospitality be the guiding principles for all of us.
Remember, our unity is in our ability to love others as we love ourselves.
Aluta Mzansi! Shapa, Bafana, shapa.
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