Opening remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the occasion of the opening of the Netball World Cup 2023, Cape Town International Convention Centre

President of World Netball, Mrs Dame Liz Nicholl,
President of Netball South Africa, Ms Cecelia Molokwane,
CEO of Netball South Africa, Ms Blanche de la Guerre
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa,
The Premier of the Western Cape Province, Mr Allan Winde,
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Head Coaches, Captains and members of the various national teams,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Sanibonani! Molweni! Dumelang!
 
I would like to welcome you to the Netball World Cup 2023, the first ever on African soil.
 
As the history of the relationship between World Netball and our country amply demonstrates, sport has the capacity to unite people within and between countries. We are therefore grateful to have been given the opportunity to host this World Cup.
 
In the next nine days from today until the end of this world cup on the 6th of August, I will make sure to follow the games when the various national teams battle for first position. I wish every player and national team success.
 
In particular, I wish head coach Norma Plummer, Captain Bongiwe Msomi and the the SPAR Proteas team members victory in this World Cup.
 
You will do the country immense pride were you to make it possible for President Cyril Ramaphosa to be here on the 6th of August to carry the cup on behalf of our nation.
 
Let the games begin!

Thank you.