At a packed press brief today at FNB Stadium, Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula heaped praise on South Africans for honouring Madiba whilst still alive.
“I’m touched by the gesture shown by my fellow countrymen and this goes to show how patriotic and jealous we’re towards our gallants,” he said.
He also emphasised that the Mandela Day, will also help to raise funds for the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital -one of Tata’s wishes.
The only such hospital of this nature is in Cape Town.
“With the help of everyone and corporate we can make it. Oprah Winfrey did it with a school for girls so what will stop us not to achieve the old man’s dream?” he asked.
The Unite Cultural Sport Day will see for the very first time in the country, two big sporting codes: Rugby and Soccer played under the same roof at the gigantic and 2010 World Cup finale host Soccer City.
To top it up, our soccer legends and music concert have been penciled in, to give spectators a historical, unforgettable and magical moment!
According to Mbalula, this will be an annual event.
On the August 16 a gala dinner has been punted as a fundraising gesture.
Boks rugby star Piere Spies says he’s touched by the overwhelming response the country has shown towards this important day.
“This is the kind of feeling one really misses about this country: togetherness. I’m blessed to be part of this and so does my teammates, whom some fortunately have met this legendary living Madiba,” he said in teary-eyes.
His counterpart and former Bafana skipper Lucas Radebe also praised fellow South Africans for honouring Mandela.
Local and international artist’s line-up will only be confirmed early next week.
Mbalula also made a passionate plea to the public to donate R1 for the hospital.
Meanwhile, tickets for the inaugural Mandela Sports & Culture Day at FNB Stadium on 17 August are now on sale via Computicket outlets across South Africa.
This unprecedented all-day event will see South Africa’s national soccer and rugby teams play to their combined fan base, in a show of unity to honour the life and values of former president Nelson Mandela.
A Legends soccer match between teams from South Africa and Italy will kick off the day’s proceedings at 11h00.
Then Bafana Bafana will play against Burkina Faso, which will be followed by the Springboks vs Argentina.
A glitzy music concert featuring a host of local and international music stars will follow the rugby match, and continue into the night.
All stadium tickets, valued between R220 and R550 are valid for the whole day, covering all 3 matches as well as the evening music concert.
Further details of the Mandela Sports and Culture Day campaign will follow in the coming days.
TICKET AND STADIUM DETAILS
1. TICKET PRICES
Tickets are now on sale at Computicket outlets countrywide, via online bookings at www.computicket.com or 0861 915 8000.
Gates open at 8.30am.
All stadium tickets (R220 – R500) are valid for the whole day, all 3 matches as well as the evening music concert.
2. HOSPITALITY PACKAGES
Standard hospitality package (excludes concert)
Via Computicket at R2450 pp excl VAT. VIP hospitality packages are also on sale, per person including VAT, which includes a ticket in a shared facility, a suite ticket, buffet meal, complimentary local bar, parking ticket (ratio 1:4) and personalized service throughout the afternoon.
1. VIP Package at R 4 900 (excl. VAT) – View suite facility This package includes the concert and is available from SAIL only.
2. VIP Package at R 3 250 (excl. VAT) – View suite facility This package excludes the concert and is available from SAIL only
3. Standard Package at R 2 450 (excl. VAT) – View suite facility This package excludes the concert and is available from SAIL and Computicket
4. Calabash Package at R 2 950 (excl. VAT) – 5th level Public seating with access to hospitality facility with no view of the pitch. This package excludes the concert and is available from SAIL only.
The hospitality facility will close 1 hour after the final whistle of the rugby match, but tickets will still allow guests access into the public seating to view the concert.
For more information or bookings please call 081 486 3823 or email bookings@sail.co.za
