Singer Ard Matthews has apologised once again for fumbling through the South African national anthem.
In a letter posted on his blog, the former Just Jinjer frontman apologises profusely for forgetting the words to Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika in a live broadcast on Supersport on Tuesday night.
Following the media and social media backlash on Wednesday, Matthews says that it was "the darkest and longest day of [his] life".
He says: "What I did with this given task and honor is, I failed, very badly. I was completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion and I not only flubbed most my lines but I also completely desecrated a moment that was meant to send the Boks off on their next mission with pride and confidence."
He also has some words for his detractors, saying: "you're angry and rightfully so. I am truly sorry. It was a genuine, nightmare of a mistake."
Matthews apologised to SARU for causing them any "embarrassment", saying "words will never express my shame."
Supersport also received an apology, as well as the Boks themselves.
Matthews writes to the team: "I hope my 'scene' has taken some immediate pressure off you and given you some time to chill away from the negative limelight that has unfortunately consumed me."
He thanked his fans for their "combined love and understanding", before ending off with an apology for the "diverse, beautiful people of SA".
"Theres nothing I wouldn't do take last night back but its done and I pledge that I will do all I can to restore your faith in me as a patriot," writes Matthews.
"I will endeavour to correct this mistake. I will sing the anthem again, many times and for the rest of my life. If I flub the lines ever again, know that my heart is singing with the confidence, accent, diction and conviction of every language represented in this most beautifully diverse song."
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