Motlanthe praises Team SA

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has congratulated Team South Africa for gallantly representing the nation in the London 2012 Olympics.

Motlanthe said the Olympians had hoisted the South African flag with admirable finesse by winning gold medals.

Speaking at the second anniversary celebration of Lead South Africa, Motlanthe said: "These are indeed magnificent achievements that suffuse our nation with an exalted spirit of patriotism. So, hearty congratulations to team South Africa.

"I am confident that more gold medals will follow as the games continue, further giving credence to our well-founded belief that we are indeed a winning nation," he said.

He said South Africans must continue to hold hands and build on the foundations laid so that they can strengthen and consolidate the country's democracy.

"Each positive contribution we make to our nation, whether big or small, helps our country expand its core vision of unity, democracy, non-racialism, non-sexism and justice."

With regard to unemployment, poverty and inequality, Motlanthe said these were the most demanding social realities that must be addressed with urgency.

"Our country is fortunate in that we have inherited the legacy of an illustrious generation of leaders who were visionary and epitomised high-minded values such as self-sacrifice, selflessness and the moral rectitude to stand for what is right, despite the all-too-real prospect of insufferable consequences," he said.

Motlanthe also commended LeadSA for its initiative of encouraging people to ensure that every day is Mandela Day. Mandela Day was celebrated worldwide on 18 July. - SAnews.gov.za