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6 March 2006

This year's Oscar Best Foreign Language Award to the South African film, "Tsotsi," is yet another well deserved accomplishment of our country and people.

A story of poverty, hopelessness and struggle transformed into faith and a profound moral re-awakening leading to better future, "Tsotsi" is another appropriate representation of the "Age of Hope". It bears testimony to the abundance of South African talent and symbolises what South Africans can achieve when we work together towards a common objective. "Tsotsi" brings sharply to the fore, the important role that the arts can play in nation building.

The award, which follows the winning of the Best Actress by South African Charlize Theron in 2004 as well as the nomination of another South African film, "Yesterday", has given a boost to our film industry while simultaneously propelling our country forward on the global stage to which we were so recently re-admitted and are indebted to make a contribution towards its betterment.

On behalf of the Government and people of South African, I would like to congratulate Gavin Wood, the cast and the entire team for a remarkable achievement. They have made our nation immensely proud.

Enquiries:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447

Issued by: The Presidency
6 March 2006
Source: SAPA