Paul Mashatile hails rugby’s role in building unity in South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has praised South African rugby for its role in promoting unity and nation-building, saying the sport continues to inspire national pride and social cohesion.

Mashatile was speaking at the South African Rugby Union (SARU) Player of the Year Awards held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday evening.

“These sportsmen teach us that through shared purpose and collective sacrifice, South Africans can overcome challenges and achieve greatness together. Their example underscores the importance of unity in nation building,” Paul Mashatile said.

“We must remember that nation building is an ongoing process, one aimed at uniting a once deeply divided society into an equitable and cohesive nation. Even today, sport continues to play a vital role in the transformation of our society by promoting inclusivity and expanding opportunities.”

Celebrating rugby excellence

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, while Nadine Roos was awarded SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for a second consecutive season.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus received the Coach of the Year award, while the Springboks were honoured as Team of the Year.

Addressing rugby administrators, players and sponsors, Paul Mashatile said the awards recognised excellence while highlighting rugby’s deep cultural significance in South Africa.

“Tonight, we honour a legacy deeply ingrained in our country’s culture and unity, while celebrating extraordinary excellence in rugby,” he said.

From division to unity

Paul Mashatile reflected on the sport’s complex history in the country, noting that rugby was once associated with the power structures of apartheid.

“Looking back, rugby in South Africa was historically intertwined with the power structures of the apartheid era. It stood as a symbol of exclusion and a reminder of the inequalities that shaped that time,” he said.

He pointed to a turning point during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, when former president Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey in a powerful act of reconciliation.

“When the late President Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing the green Springbok jersey, a symbol that once divided us instantly became a symbol of unity and national pride,” Mashatile said.

Continued global success

Paul Mashatile also highlighted South Africa’s achievements on the global stage, including victories at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“The 2023 triumph in particular, which secured a historic fourth title, cemented the Springboks as the most successful team in rugby history,” he said.

Call for grassroots investment

Paul Mashatile called for greater investment in grassroots sport, especially in rural and underserved communities, to expand opportunities and strengthen social cohesion.

“Investment in grassroots sport remains one of the most powerful catalysts for social cohesion, youth development and economic transformation in our country,” he said.

He concluded by congratulating all nominees and winners, saying their achievements bring pride to the nation and reinforce rugby’s enduring role in South Africa’s story.

The awards ceremony was attended by SARU leadership, including president Mark Alexander and chief executive Rian Oberholzer, along with government representatives and members of South Africa’s national rugby teams.