Unpacking the Green and Gold warriors

Just like that, we’re into the 2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-finals! One of my core memories is watching Springbok Flyhalf Handre’ Pollard make the last kick through the poles that solidified the Bok’s Rugby World Cup win in 2019. As far as I can remember, my first encounters with the Boks were seated with my cousins in front of the television on my aunt’s living room floor. This was either with a plate of home-cooked food or snacks that only saw the light of day during special occasions. In my household, watching the Boks was one of those special occasions.

The Boks are a team that has come an incredibly long way in terms of their victories and history. During the Apartheid era, South African rugby players were not allowed to play internationally because of what the team symbolised.

During the Boks’ journey to change, a key figure was the Late Nelson Mandela, who worked towards uniting all people of South Africa. Leading up to the team’s first World Cup win against New Zealand at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he led a “one team, one country” campaign that saw all kinds of people coming together to support and back the boys. It was a time of change where we dreamed of leaving behind the divisions encouraged by Apartheid.

Undoubtedly, the Boks have evolved with time. When thinking of the Boks, the first person that comes to mind is Siya Kolisi, appointed the First Black Captain by Head Coach Rassie Erasmus. His appointment was a big deal, considering where the team had started. To a certain extent, the diversity of the current team represents the diversity of our people – their stories and backgrounds. We have the likes of Mapimpi Makazole, a “hero that emerged from homelessness” because of his underprivileged background that did not allow him to practice his skills formally like his other teammates did.

Lately, there’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the Boks – which offer different perspectives on the impact of the team’s triumphing. I recently watched a YouTube video featuring Robot Boi (A South African artist), Pharoahfi (A South African media personality), Mpho Popps (A South African comedian) and Tsitsi Chiumya (South African writer and comedian). Jokingly, they explore how when the Boks won the previous World Cup, the team was paraded across every city for months, so much so that we forgot about load-shedding and the shockingly high violence.

I asked some young people what they thought about the Boks. “The Springboks are a very strong team, and I think this is the definition of a rainbow nation team because of the diversity within,” said Grade 11 learner Jessica. Sharing similar sentiments, 14-year-old Josh said, “The Springboks are a good team, and they represent our country well.” UCT Honours student Nonceba noted, “With everything happening in our country and the world, our rugby team seems to be the one thing that sparks joy for us as South Africans. Honestly, they should inspire everything else in our country to act right.”

I think it’s great that we can unite behind the Boks despite the hardships and inequalities that we continually face as a country. The team has taught us the importance of having strong leadership that drives individuals to success. Alongside this, remaining a unit and showing solidarity proves to make a nation #strongertogether and more positive towards a better outcome beyond the rugby field. The team demonstrates values of self-belief, determination and perseverance, all of which help one go forward in life. The Boks have gotten it right. It is one aspect of our country that continually thrives and inspires.

Do the Boks as a team show us what South Africa could look like in the future? Share your thoughts.