South Africa’s nationwide Rugby World Cup tour continued on Saturday with a visit to Soweto followed by an audience with former president Nelson Mandela.
Thousands of Springbok rugby fans had braved pouring rain on Friday as they spilled on to the streets in Pretoria and Johannesburg to cheer skipper John Smit and his teammates on the first leg of their victory parade.
While the crowds were thinner on Saturday with only a few hundred turning out in the streets of Soweto, the reception was no less warm.
The sparse turnout, compared with the previous day, was put down to a combination of poor weather and a succession of changes to the Springbok’s programme.
Those that did brave the elements, some still clad in their pyjamas, sang and danced as the bus ferrying the team and the Webb Ellis trophy made its way through the township.
Next stop on the countrywide tour was a visit to former president Mandela
The Nobel Peace Prize winner greeted the team wearing the Boks’ gold and green shirt that he had famously worn to mark their first World Cup win in 1995.
On their arrival, the Boks were ushered pass fans into the building. Many fans were left disappointed at having to wait and then not getting much of a glimpse of the Bokke and Madiba.
Madiba arrived at 10am, after the Boks, and a photo opportunity was held, with each player, technical staff member and manager having a moment with Madiba. This lasted about half an hour before the Boks and Madiba were introduced to the press.
The Boks entered the conference room wearing 46664 T-shirts (Mandela’s prison number and symbol of Africa’s fight against Aids) before the great man entered with two handlers helping him. Madiba’s frailty did not stop him from enjoying the moment, and he was all smiles and enthusiasm for the winning team.
‘Thank you’
Smit thanked Madiba for all his efforts and acknowledged that the Webb Ellis Cup was for him for all these efforts.
Jake White said: ”Thanks for everything Madiba. Thank you very, very much; you have one of the best records ever. Every match that you attend and watch we have never lost. Thank you.”
Mandela decided that he would not let the opportunity pass with out saying a few words.
”At my age every part of my body aches, especially my knees, but you guys have put us on the map. I doubt anyone in the world does not know about South Africa. Congratulations.”
The visit to Soweto, the country’s largest township, had been initially removed from the Boks’ touring agenda only to be reinstated after a U-turn by SA Rugby.
Bryan Habana, one of only two coloured players in the team, welcomed the decision by SA Rugby.
World rugby’s Player of the Year hailed the visit as an opportunity to inspire youngsters in disadvantaged communities.
”People who are disadvantaged don’t always have the opportunity to drive in to the cities to see us,” Habana said on Friday.
”Everybody deserves to have a glimpse of us … Hopefully we will be inspiration for youngsters to do the same [become heroes] for their country.”
Mandela’s recorded message, which had been delivered to the team in Paris, had inspired the team a lot, said White.
Outside the foundation, about 50 people, including children, had gathered in the rainy weather to show their gratitude and support for the national team. Springbok flags flew, people screamed and blew vuvuzelas in celebration.
”We feel very proud and we came all the way from Lenasia to see the Springboks, despite the weather,” said a child.
People ran cheering after the bus when the Springboks left.