President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to bolstering netball's reach in South Africa by erecting an Exclusive Netball Arena.
Ramaphosa announced at Sunday's closing ceremony of the Netball World Cup.
The tournament, a monumental affair spanning the last 10 days at Cape Town International Convention Centre, made history by gracing the African soil for the first time.
President Ramaphosa's address resonated with the urgency of cultivating netball's growth within the nation. He underscored the imperative to establish netball-centric facilities throughout South Africa, a strategic move propelling the sport's advancement.
The timing of his announcement, falling within the auspicious Women's Month (August), lent an extra layer of significance, with the President portraying the arena as a meaningful gift to both the women of South Africa and women globally.
Ramaphosa witnessed the climactic championship clash, bearing witness to Australia's triumph over England as they clinched the coveted title.
President Ramaphosa's commendations extended beyond the victors, encompassing all participating nations. He lauded the top three teams for their achievements and applauded the unwavering dedication exhibited by every participant. In an unexpected twist, Ramaphosa revealed his new-found passion for netball, disclosing that he had been avidly following the matches throughout the tournament.
Ramaphosa congratulated all the nations who competed in the competition.
"I would like to congratulate the winning team, ranked first, second and third. But I also want to congratulate everyone who took part in this competition. I have been watching your sport for the past 10 days, and I must tell you, I have become a new fan," said Ramaphosa.
"I also want to congratulate you on your wonderful vibe, as young people would say. There has been a fantastic vibe here, and I felt it today. You generated a fantastic African feel, and I'm delighted that all the other countries joined in on the lovely mood that prevailed," added Ramaphosa.
The Netball World Cup's hosting has marked a historic moment for South Africa. The Spar Proteas secured sixth place in the final standings. However, the ultimate triumph goes to Australia, who secured their 12th World Cup victory after beating England in the final.
