For a country that works hard at appreciating and valuing its nation's diversity, it
is of course most fitting that the baton travels though our country and on to the
other participating nations.
We welcome the opportunity to showcase and share our successes with the
International representatives of the Commonwealth, representatives from the
host country, India as well as representatives from Mauritius, who are handing
over the Baton to our country today.
We are both honoured and humbled by the presence of our friends from the
region who carry with them the rich history and culture of established
democracies to support the growth of our fledgling democracy. Over the next few
days our visitors will experience our South Africans which may dispel many
assumptions and at the same time instill greater confidence in us as a significant
global participant.
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Today’s event and the handing over of the Baton to South Africa, officially
includes our country in the global team of the Commonwealth and the Relay.
I strongly believe that today’s event will raise awareness and excitement in our
country about the relay, as well as the Commonwealth games.
The Baton, with the South African flag shining bright on it today, represents a
creation of an international legacy for future participants and future Baton Relays.
I would like to thank all commercial sponsors, as well as all stakeholders, who
have contributed to the success of this event which will pave the way for our
participation in the prestigious international games.
We wish the city of Delhi all the best for the coming games and we are confident
that India will give the world a memorable experience.
We are looking forward to meeting you in India in October 2010. But before that,
South Africa awaits its friends from around the world who will soon descend on
our shores for the best Football event ever, the Fifa 2010 World Cup.
I thank you