Trophy tour shows Springboks are a unifying force

The scenes that we have witnessed over the last few days of the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour have shown just how vital the team are as a tool for social cohesion in our country.

The people of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Soweto, Cape Town, Durban and East London graced the streets to celebrate the Springboks’ historic triumph in France, with the country gripped by the euphoria as the Boks, led by captain Siya Kolisi, paraded the Webb Ellis Cup.

The people of South Africa, from all walks of life, races and gender, backed the Boks massively in France; they were glued to their screens at home and some went to watch the team in fan parks, malls, restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues with fellow fans.

Support from all over

There was so much support for the Boks, and the love shown towards the players and coaches, one could have been mistaken for thinking the World Cup was being hosted in South Africa.

Everyone was talking about the Boks, invested in the team’s performances, selections and other things that were happening on that kant of the world. It was beautiful seeing young and old come together to support the Boks.

The trophy tour embodied the vision that the late president of the republic, Nelson Mandela, had for the Springboks, a team for the country.

From being a team that symbolised the inhumane apartheid regime, the Boks have grown to be the pride of an inclusive South Africa. Many people have different opinions about the Boks, and that should be respected.

Joy to the country

Some still see the team as that machine of the oppressive system, and others hate what it has become — a team for everyone who lives in South Africa.

The Springboks are a national team though, and they understand their role and fulfil it well. They play for the people of South Africa.

The joy the Boks have brought to a country with so many social ills should not be underestimated. Yes, their win of the Webb Ellis Cup won’t eradicate the problems faced by many in the country; that’s the job of those in government.

But theirs is to bring the country together, and they have done that, as the four-day trophy tour has demonstrated. Thank you Boks.