Former Ballito resident Matthew Svenningsen writes:
I find myself in Geneva, Switzerland, on a cold, wet Tuesday evening after immersing myself in a flood of social media content celebrating the Springboks’ triumphant return home.
They clinched their second consecutive Rugby World Cup victory and secured a record-breaking fourth title.
As I reflect on these past six weeks, it’s clear this experience has been nothing short of incredible.
I was fortunate enough to attend all the Springbok games, except for the match against Tonga and the semi-final against England.
My heart is brimming with elation as I witness how this world-class sporting event has brought South Africans worldwide even closer together.
But amidst the joy, I can’t escape the profound emotions of what I can only describe as survivor’s guilt.
The rollercoaster of emotions that accompany elite sports and the unifying power of rugby, especially for a cause as noble as representing South Africa on the world stage, have been truly exceptional to witness in France.
I genuinely believe that we are one of the few, if not the only nation, playing for a cause far greater than merely winning a World Cup. It means so much more to us.
My personal journey has taken me far from my homeland.
I left South Africa for a gap year in 2012, and now, eleven years later, I find myself living in Geneva having never returned to South Africa to live permanently.
While I’ve had many joyous return trips, visiting my home country approximately once a year, this World Cup experience has stirred up complicated feelings within me.
As I followed the Springboks across various French cities for six weeks, ticking off a significant item from my bucket list by witnessing their victory first-hand, I couldn’t shake the sense that I might have let South Africa down.
The survivor’s guilt I feel is tangible and gut-wrenching. South Africa is a place of resilience, wonder, and enchantment, so why do I feel this way?
In simple terms, survivor’s guilt is a reaction to a situation where someone has left, while you have not.
All things considered, my life is going well, but many South Africans are facing hardships and challenges that I am not.
This disconnect between my current situation and the struggles faced by many of my fellow countrymen is the source of my complex and mixed emotions.
It’s important to note that these feelings of survivor’s guilt are not unique to me. Many South Africans around the world may be grappling with similar emotions.
However, it’s crucial to remember that winning a Rugby World Cup, as exhilarating as it is, won’t solve the complex issues our country faces, like loadshedding and a range of other challenges.
What this remarkable sporting achievement does show us is the incredible power of rugby to unite a nation.
The Springboks’ back-to-back victories underscore what we can accomplish as a people, no matter where we are in the world.
It’s a testament to the fact that when we come together, set aside our differences, and work as a team, there is hope.
With hope and unwavering teamwork, we can achieve great things.
I want to express my gratitude to the Springboks for being a source of inspiration and for showcasing South Africa’s best side.
They have not only brought immense joy to our hearts but have also reminded us of the incredible potential that lies within our nation.
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