SOME roads will close because of a sea of green-and-gold when Durban celebrates the Springboks’ victory in the Rugby World Cup, which will be on Saturday, November 4.
The Springboks returned to South Africa and landed in a packed OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday after they became the first nation to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times after they beat New Zealand by a narrow 12–11 in France, on Saturday night.
Also read: 5 Springbok facts you may not know
EThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said residents and motorists are alerted to temporary road closures along the parade routes in the Durban CBD between 08:30 and 14:00. “Residents are invited to come and celebrate with the champs. Safety and security measures will be rigorously implemented along the route and at viewing points to guarantee a safe and unforgettable celebration,” said Kaunda in a statement.
The Springboks will be received by KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba in true Durban style. Kaunda calls all Durbanites to line up along the following routes at 09:30 to catch a glimpse of the World Cup Trophy (The Webb Ellis Cup) and to cheer for their world champions.
According to the City’s statement, the route starts at the Garden Court Hotel in uMhlanga at approximately 09:30 and continues on to Aurora Drive, Centenary Boulevard, Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Kenneth Kaunda Drive, Blackburn Road, Chris Hani Road, Queen Nandi Drive, Malandela Road, Inanda Road, Umgeni Road, Roadhouse Crescent, Riverside Road, Ruth First Highway, Snell Parade, Anton Lembede Street, Pixley ka Seme Street, Mahatma Gandhi Road, and Russell Street before stopping at City Hall.
Meanwhile, Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said the tour’s purpose was to reach as many people as possible within the limited timeframe before the squad disperses. “The areas chosen represent the five largest population centres in the country which include Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria. East London was selected because of the significance of the Eastern Cape in the history, development and future of black rugby. Nelson Mandela Bay, where Captain Siya Kolisi hails from, is being pencilled in for a special visit at some point,” he said.
Satellite tours to the Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape are in the planning stages, with scheduling contingent on players’ club commitments.
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