The Board decided to make the 2017 Award to Mrs Botha and Mr Van Niekerk in recognition of their wonderful achievements and the manner in which they represent South Africa on the world stage – culminating in the exceptional world record at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Their teamwork inspired South Africans from all our communities and from across the social and political spectrum. It further served to remind us – as stated in our Constitution – that, “…South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity…”, of our commitment to “…free the potential of each person…” and to “…build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place in the family of nations.”
Former President FW de Klerk will present the Goodwill Award to Mrs Botha and Mr Van Niekerk at a handover ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday, 22 February 2017.
Issued by the FW de Klerk Foundation
