St John’s College boys and staff had the honour of meeting two current Springboks, Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira and Malcolm Marx.
This occasion was thanks to the Boys for Action group who had teamed up with the Springboks during lockdown to raise funds for those in need.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette previously reported that the Boys for Action programme was a boys’ schools driven initiative aimed at tackling social issues faced by the country by educating, creating awareness and fundraising. The school that raised the most was promised a visit by the Springboks.
Executive head at St John’s College, Stuart West welcomed Mtawarira and Marx who were part of the triumphant 2019 World Cup-winning team and brought along the Webb Ellis Cup. He said, “A proud image of our battle-weary captain Siya Kolisi holding the Webb Ellis Cup in Loftus a year ago, has become for all of us a symbol of triumph over adversity, a symbol of the Springboks’ commitment to the future of our nation and above all, a symbol of hope that as a nation we’re always stronger together.”
Speaking at the occasion, Mtawarira shared that a highlight of his career, besides winning the 2019 World Cup, was making his debut for the Springboks. Mtawarira said, “I remember back in 2008 at Loftus, a rich place for rugby, I was so excited. I remember sitting in the changing room. I got my jersey for the first time with some of rugby’s big giants. It was quite surreal for me to be a part of their team. I remember we played against Wales, it was a comfortable victory and from there on I never looked back.”
Marx said his debut was also a highlight in his career. “It’s been my dream since I was at King Edward School to play rugby for the country and represent the country. I think every opportunity I got to wear a jersey was the best for me and I got to gain new memories,” added Marx.
The two learners instrumental in pioneering the Boys for Action programme shared their thoughts on the event. Executive head of Student Wellness at St Stithians College, Wanangwa Nyasulu said, “I think it’s just so wonderful to see how hard work pays off. Getting in contact with SA Rugby in making all of this happen was a lot of work. From the time that we started the schools’ challenge and just looking at the boys here having a good time and looking at the Webb Ellis trophy, which looks so much better in person [sic] is just great.”
Deputy head boy at St John’s College, Daanyaal Ballim said, “For me personally it’s in the words of Rassie Erasmus when he said ‘you have nothing left to lose but you have everything to gain’.
“This year has taken so much from every South African… But us coming together has shown that we South Africans truly are stronger together and we shouldn’t just accept the status quo.”
Have interesting events happening at your school? Invite us by email to naidines@caxton.co.za
