Where It All Began

Rugby – a national talisman of hope

 

This weekend we had SUCH an important event in South Africa. Our first ever black Springbok (national rugby team) captain walked onto the pitch. Here at Where It All Began, we welled up with pride!

Siya Kolisi is his name: he grew up very poor in the Eastern Cape but was spotted by scouts and awarded a place at the prestigious Grey College, from which he built his international career. He’s married to a white lady and has two children.

The Springboks started badly but came back from a 3 – 24 lead by England to win the game 42 -38. Many people attribute this to Kolisi’s leadership.

To understand the significance of this, you have to look at what Nelson Mandela did in the 1994 Rugby World Cup (he wore a number 6 rugby jersey to the final match, which South Africa won). That statement showed the nationalist white section of the country that the time for healing had begun.

Transformation in sport, particularly rugby, is utterly central to nation-building in South Africa and this was truly a milestone.

Image: Ghetty Images ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/480/cpsp