‘While our national team, the Bokke, commands respect and has a significant following, I have seen how our provincial teams ignite a different level of passion,’ writes Danie van der Lith.
SO LET’S be honest: to me and many other South Africans, rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life, a force that has no boundaries, and it brings people of our nation together like no other sport has done in this beautiful country of ours.
The love and passion that we, South African supporters, have for rugby is unmatched. All of us cherish a deep-rooted love for the game that has grown over decades. This love for the game was sealed at the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup, a momentous event that not only highlighted South Africa’s sporting ability but also symbolised the nation’s unity and newfound democratic spirit.
I vividly remember the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It holds a special place in my heart and, I am certain, in the hearts of countless South Africans. It was the first major sporting event held in our country after the end of apartheid, and it served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope, a hope that all races can be brought together and live in peace.
The Springboks, our national rugby team, triumphed against all odds to win the Webb Ellis Trophy. Their run in the tournament culminated in that unforgettable final against eternal rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks, at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
I can still clearly see Joel Stransky setting himself up for the drop-kick that sent the ball sailing between the posts. With one voice, thousands of us cheered together all over the country. Why? Because we knew at that moment that we were the best in the world.
While I was only 13 years old at the time, I can clearly remember Nelson Mandela, wearing a No.6 Springbok jersey, handing the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar. That moment has been etched into the memories of our nation.
Our president’s gesture was more than symbolic; it was a statement of unity, showing that the new South Africa could come together, regardless of race or background, and we could achieve greatness if we wanted to.
While our national team, the Bokke, commands respect and has a significant following, I have seen how our provincial teams ignite a different level of passion.
This passion has a different flavour when fans sit at their home stadium. From Western Province in Cape Town to the Blue Bulls in Pretoria, and our own pride and joy here in Kimberley, the Griquas, each province has its own proud and passionate supporters.
The Currie Cup, SA’s premier domestic rugby competition, is fiercely contested, with supporters donning their team’s colours, flying their flags, and shouting their lungs out for their home team.
Every time I sit on the sidelines of a rugby field taking photos, I see the emotional investment each supporter has made in their team. Donning their rugby jerseys, victories are celebrated with tears of joy and exuberant festivities, while defeats can lead to heartbreak, sombre reflections, and (of course) tears of sadness.
This intense emotional connection is a testament to the deep love we have for our provincial teams. It’s common to see entire families, spanning multiple generations singing, “Daar’s net een kwas, ’n Griekwas,” as they pass down a legacy of support from one generation to the next.
Let’s be clear: for many of us, rugby in South Africa is not just about the game; it’s about changing lives and bringing people together. The sport has a unique ability to bridge divides and foster a sense of community.
Now, it is not uncommon to see people of all races – South Africans, our people – sitting under a tree outside a stadium, lighting a fire, and having a traditional South African braai. What could possibly be better than that?
In the post-apartheid era, rugby has played a significant role in promoting social cohesion and providing opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds.
I’ve seen grassroots rugby programmes spring up across the country, offering young South Africans of all races the chance to engage in the sport, develop their skills, and build character. These programmes often extend beyond the pitch, providing educational support, mentorship, and life skills training.
Rugby has become a tool for social development, helping to uplift communities and create pathways to success for many young people.
And then back to the international scene, to me, and many other of my countrymen, one of the most notable examples of rugby’s transformative power is the story of Siya Kolisi, the first black captain of the national team.
Kolisi’s rise from a disadvantaged background to leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023 is a testament to the sport’s potential to change lives. His story has inspired countless young South Africans, showing them that with determination, passion and hard work, anything is possible.
Rugby’s ability to unite people is perhaps its most remarkable quality.
In a country with a complex and often painful history, rugby has provided a common ground where South Africans like you and me can come together and celebrate our shared identity. The sight of fans from different backgrounds singing the national anthem in unison, draped in the green and gold of the Springboks, is a powerful reminder of the sport’s unifying power.
Watching 60,000 fans of all races sing our anthem as loud as they can has brought tears to my eyes on many occasions. It feels as if the spirit of unity embodied by the green and gold, and Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika (God Bless Africa), transcends our differences and brings us together as one, even if just for that moment in time.
The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among supporters is palpable. It has to be said that this sense of unity is particularly evident during international competitions, where the entire nation rallies behind the Springboks, setting aside their differences to support our team.
And if what I have been saying up to this point hasn’t sunk in, allow me to emphasise my point: Rugby has become an integral part of South Africa’s national identity.
The sport’s rich history and the significant moments it has produced have woven it into the fabric of our nation. The 1995 World Cup victory, the triumphs and trials of the Springboks, and the passionate support for provincial teams all contribute to this sense of identity.
The sport’s influence extends into popular culture, with rugby references appearing in music, film, and literature. The phrases “AmaBokkeBokke” and “Ons maak dit lekke vir die Bokke B-B-B-Bokke,” a term of endearment for the Springboks, are widely recognised and used with pride.
The green and gold jersey is not just sportswear; it’s a symbol of national pride and unity.
Looking to the future, as South African rugby continues to evolve and grow, the success of the Springboks on the global stage continues to inspire a new generation of players and supporters.
Covering rugby competitions from school level to Under-21 and varsity level, all the way to club rugby and provincial rugby, I can attest to how inclusivity and development at the grassroots level ensure that rugby remains accessible to all South Africans, fostering a diverse and talented pool of players, and passionate supporters at every level.
Here in Mzansi, rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a reflection of our nation’s soul. The passion and love that we have for the game is a testament to its enduring appeal.
The sport’s ability to transcend boundaries and create a sense of unity is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a nation comes together with a common purpose. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
My hope is that with every school, club, varsity, provincial, and international match played, rugby will continue to strengthen the bond among all South Africans, regardless of background or status. This bond can help us grow into a nation with a deepening love and passion, where our hearts beat to the rhythm of our national anthem and our veins course with green and gold blood.
Hopefully, one day, our children and their children can speak about how rugby united their parents and how a passion for a seemingly simple ballgame became a cornerstone of the united South Africa they live in.
