Orlando Stadium: Nation building through rugby (watch exclusive video of the Springbok)

It was all déjà vu when rugby returned to Orlando Stadium a week ago. The Springboks gave the French Barbarians a serious beating of 48 – 28 and got crowned champions of the Premier Social Cohesion Rugby Cup.

This was the second time Orlando Stadium played hosts to a rugby game of this magnitude since the year 2010.  The Springboks, Barbarians match kicked off at 20:00 PM following other clashes which were a curtain raiser.

This international encounter forms part of the Gauteng Premier’s Social Cohesion Programme aimed at fostering nation building. The programme also calls for citizens from all walks of life to play their part in fighting against racism and xenophobia in the province.

Gauteng premier David Makhura said, “We are positive that we will achieve the objective of the games- to foster good relations between South Africans and non-South African communities.

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“Promoting social cohesion and contributing to nation building remains one of our key priorities as we build an economically and socially inclusive Gauteng City Region.  We know too well that the task of building a nation requires that we work together across race, class, gender and political affiliation. It requires partnerships.”

Rugby fans of all ages and races braved the winter cold and invaded Orlando Stadium to witness nation building through sports.

According to the MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Faith Mazibuko social cohesion is one of the important aspects needed to change not only the province but the country for the better.

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“An active citizenry in building social cohesion and nation building can contribute enormously towards the transformation, modernisation, and re-industrialisation of our economy and society. Initially, through football and now through rugby we can play our part in achieving this,” said Mazibuko.

The day was not only about rugby as there were lots of other activities planned for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day.

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