Springboks captain Siya Kolisi on Thursday told President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country needs to use its diversity a bit more, as he described it as a powerful force in working towards fulfilling the South African dream, as the beloved sports team kicked off its trophy tour from the Union Buildings, in Pretoria.

The Springboks recently won their fourth Rugby World Cup in France, and will embark on a countrywide tour.  

Addressing supporters at the Union Buildings, Kolisi said the Springboks were grateful for the support they received from Ramaphosa and from all South Africans, during the World Cup tournament.

“We as a team, we chose to dedicate this World Cup to you because you are the reason we are where we are today. The way that you don’t give up, your resilient spirit and how hard you work and the things that you must go through to be where you are in life. The other countries can’t understand. Your support really kept us going. We wanted to show you that diversity is our strength in South Africa,” said Kolisi.

Addressing Ramaphosa, Kolisi said diversity could be used to South Africa’s advantage in Parliament.

“We want to be the servants of South Africa playing rugby and be as best ambassadors as we can. We thank you for your support and we thank you for your love and we hope the celebrations don’t end this week. This unity that we see continues going forward,” added Kolisi. 

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said former President Nelson Mandela identified sport as a symbol of national identity and national unity.

The Springboks win had demonstrated the unique power of sport in building a nation, he added.

Ramaphosa pointed out the Springboks’ record-breaking fourth win of the Rugby World Cup and said the team had lifted the spirits of the entire nation and “you filled us with pride”.

“South Africans were on tenterhooks on Saturday night and you lifted their spirits as you won the cup and brought it back home. You have united the people of South Africa, the words ‘Amabhokobhoko’, ‘Go, Bokke’ are being shouted from rooftops by black, white, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, in all our national languages including the most recent national language, the Sign language,” the President said.

He added that the Springboks’ win was being seen as a win for Africa, by other heads of State on the African continent.

He thanked the Springboks for uplifting the spirit of South Africans and added that “even in our midst with our many challenges, there is always room for optimism and hope”.