President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that the Springboks’ win at the Stade de France on Saturday night has lifted the nation’s spirits, and he pointed out the enduring power of sport to unite and build a nation.

The Springboks secured their title as back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions, after beating New Zealand’s All Blacks in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This is the first time any country has held four Rugby World Cup titles.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the journey of the Springboks to the historic victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is as much about the country’s journey towards nationhood, as it is about sporting excellence.

“The Springboks go down in history for having won the Rugby World Cup more than any other nation, but this alone is not what makes this an exceptional triumph. The symbolism of this victory is as significant as the great sporting achievement we have witnessed. It has been under democracy that the Springboks racked up these wins and lifted the coveted Webb Ellis Cup a record four times,” he said.

He noted that the Springboks’ win has united citizens in celebration.

“It is our hope that it must also serve to inspire the younger generation to derive important life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, discipline and leadership,” he added.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the interview that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi gave shortly after the team’s win on Saturday will be remembered as one of the most poignant and meaningful from a sports person in the country.

Kolisi spoke about the different backgrounds of the team members and the difficulties they had to overcome to reach this sporting achievement.

“You have to be South African to see, feel and experience the things we do,” Kolisi had said.

The Parliament, led by the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, expressed its congratulations to the Springboks, saying they have not only displayed supreme athleticism but also the spirit of unity, impeccable team-work and perseverance that defines the nation.

Parliament said this achievement exemplifies the transformative power of sport in South Africa.

“The Springboks' victory embodies the spirit of South Africa: a nation defined by resilience, unity, and a passion for pushing boundaries,” it added.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture Beauty Dlulane said that to match what the Springboks have done will require a massive effort from the next generation of players.

“Defending the World Cup was only previously achieved by New Zealand under Richie McCaw’s captaincy, a feat skipper Kolisi, has achieved,” she said.

“This will remain longer than memory in many minds and generations to come. Many may not realise what it has done for our country as yet, but this was massive,” added Dlulane.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape noted that the Springboks' triumph on the international stage not only brings joy to the people of South Africa but also strengthens the bonds of unity and diversity that make the nation unique.

“With determination, teamwork, and a strong sense of national pride, our beloved Springboks have once again proven themselves as world champions in the sport we all hold dear,” said DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport Gillion Bosman.

Ramaphosa said that this Springbok squad is one of the best rugby teams in the history of the sport.

“But they are far more than that. They are also great ambassadors for our country and for the values that continue to drive our efforts to build a united, more equal and prosperous nation,” he said.