MESSAGE BY THE HER WORSHIP CLLR R.MOGOTLANE THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF WATERBERG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY DURING THE WELCOME FUNCTION OF COCA-COLA UNDER 13 AND 18 CRAVEN WEEK TOURNAMENT HELD ON THE 25TH JUNE 2013 AT FOREVER RESORT AT 19H00.

Programme director,

Mayors from our locals present,

Members of the Mayoral committee and Exco-members from our locals,

Councillors present,

President of Rugby Commissioner Charles van Wyk,

Representatives of South African Rugby Union and SA Schools Rugby,

Representatives of Coca-Cola ,

Executives of the Blue Rugby Union,

Tournament Director, Mr Piet Burger,

Sponsors,

Match Officials,

Teachers,

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Parents and Players,

Members of the Media,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Let me take this opportunity to officially welcome you to the Waterberg District in the Limpopo Province. On behalf of the citizens of Waterberg, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Leadership of South African Rugby for choosing our district as host to this week- long event.

Programme Director, the people of Waterberg are justifiably proud to host you in this mountainous region of South Africa. The beauty of the landscape, the culture of the people, the abundance of wildlife and the ancient history make this area one of South Africa`s prime tourism and adventure destination.

Located just two hours` drive from the giant metropolitan hub of South Africa`s industrial heartland of and Johannesburg, the Waterberg offers numerous investment opportunities for business, tourism and recreational development.

With the increased cost of travel, the Waterberg is strategically placed to attract many visitors who seek to escape from the pressure of the cities to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this diverse wilderness destination.

Programme Director, this event takes place during the Youth Month as we celebrate the achievement of the Class of 1976 who`s contribution to the establishment of a democratic South Africa cannot be ignored. As we mark the fifty years of the Craven week tournament, we must in the same vein, support today`s youth as they face new challenges which include amongst others, HIV/AIDS, poverty, unemployment and personal development.

As Waterberg District Municipality, we had a hectic Youth Month programme for this year. On the 14th June, we hosted the District Youth Parliament and last Saturday we had the District Youth Sport Festival. Today we are gathered here in Bela-Bela to promote and support yet another sporting activity as mandated by our legislation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the first President of a democratic South Africa, Comrade Nelson Mandela, used tools of analysis as a leader, to turn Sport into a mobilising and uniting factor to build a united, non-racial, non sexist, democratic and free country.

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It was in 1995 when he joined our National Rugby team on the field, when our country won the Rugby World Cup. Let us take this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery.

To the participants, we say, for some the end goal is winning, but for most, it is to play the game according to the rules and to enjoy it. Although the young players will battle it out to be crowned the Craven Week winners, all those who are part of the game will be champions, irrespective of winning or losing, both players and spectators.

To the Main sponsors, Coca-Cola, we wish to extend a special word of thanks for creating and supporting this tournament for our youth. We trust that you are aware that each sip of Coke that is drank in South Africa carries with it a piece of Limpopo. The phosphoric acid in your product is proudly mined in Phalaborwa Local Municipality which is in Limpopo Province.

Let me also thank the Limpopo Primary Schools Rugby Union and their sponsor, Forever Resorts, for hosting this event, and for having a special development tournament at Swadini each year. We also believe that the Limpopo will make us proud again as you did, by being crowned the 2011 Primary Schools Coca-Cola Craven Week Champions.

Programme Director, let me once more welcome you to this region with traditional warmth and friendliness of the people of Waterberg. Make Waterberg a destination of choice and we look forward to your pleasurable return. Working together we can do more to promote sport amongst our young people.

I THNAK YOU.

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