If you’re a person of colour (POC) from a South African rugby-fanatic family, you’ll no doubt know relatives who have chosen to support New Zealand’s All Blacks over the country’s national squad, the Springboks.
You’ll also understand why a country on the other side of the world has a deep-rooted history and connection with its biggest rivals.
But is it time for those die-hard supporters to finally give the boys in green and gold their full support?
WHY DO MANY SOUTH AFRICANS SUPPORT THE ALL BLACKS?
In theory, it makes little sense for a country’s citizens to support another in the very same sport. Unless we’re talking about South Africa’s soccer team, Bafana Bafana. But that’s a topic for another day.
For many who don’t know, it has much to do with our country’s dark history and how POC, both in SA and New Zealand, shared a “trauma bond” over racial discrimination.
In SA, under the Apartheid regime and before the policy of racial transformation was even an idea, non-white rugby players were banned from playing in the national rugby squad, known as the Springboks.
Coloured and black players had their own federations, which were ultimately dictated to by the South African Rugby Board [SARB] and reserved for white players. Even though the South African Rugby Union [SARU] was a non-racial entity, it was also subjected to demands by SARB.
From the inception of Apartheid in 1948 until the 70s, SARB forbade New Zealand natives – known as Māoris – in the All Blacks, from visiting or playing against SA. According to reports, this demand was supported or, at the very least, accepted by New Zealand authorities, including the New Zealand Rugby Union [NZRU].
The racial tensions saw an explosive turn of events in the late 60s when the New Zealand protest group Halt All Racist Tours proposed the boycott of games and tours in South Africa.
During this period, many POC in SA stood in alignment with New Zealand’s All Blacks. Many outspoken Māori players also criticised the Apartheid government as well as their own, who inadvertently enforced a racial divide.
A sporting boycott later saw South Africa omitted from the first two Rugby World Cups, in 1987 and 1991.
Fast forward to 2010, and the South African government – via Sports Minister Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile – would offer an official apology for the actions of the Apartheid government.
In a letter to New Zealand media, Stofile said: “I do believe that both the NZRU and SARU should apologise for the folly of those who came before them.
We cannot be expected to simply forget where we come from and the pain it caused many people.”
SUPPORTING THE SPRINGBOKS IN DAWN OF DEMOCRACY
Following the inception of democracy in 1994, the first black president, Nelson Mandela, urged South Africans to mend racial divides and support the Springboks. The move would see him being criticised by militant groups for trying to promote a “fake unity.”
Nevertheless, Mandela would tell the public of the Boks: “The country is fully behind them. I have never been so proud of our boys as I am now. I hope that that pride we all share.”
A year later, SA – who were once shunned by the world over Apartheid atrocities – not only hosted the Rugby World Cup but won it too.
Iconic images of the late proud president – donning green and gold – lifting the Webb Ellis trophy alongside Springbok captain Francois Pienaar made headlines around the world. The historical scenes were credited as the moment South Africans of all races formed a bond through sport and support for, ultimately, the Springboks.
The 1995 World Cup final game, coincidentally between the Springboks and All Blacks, took place at Ellis Park – where the countries will face off again this weekend in a Rugby Championship match.
“It was the first World Cup in which South Africa was involved.
“We were the host country, we won, and it unified the nation,” the late Chester Williams, then the only POC in the Springboks, told World Rugby in 2013.
He added: “Everyone was so happy. White, black, everyone. That day, we all became legends, and after the match, things were so much better in the country.”
IS IT TIME TO MOVE ON?
Despite the Springboks winning four World Cup titles, appointing its first black captain, Siya Kolisi, and players’ emphasis that they are “playing for South Africa,” there are still many who would rather show love to the All Blacks.
Some, like muso Prince Kaybee and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa, insist they enjoy New Zealand’s rugby style. Others are more bold in their support, with multiple fan groups insisting that their “blood is black.”
Some even claim that the Springboks will remain a reminder of Apartheid’s painful past.
Facebook user Nicole de Oliviera posted: “As a person of colour and South African, as a fighter for equality, I will never support the Springboks. To this day, it is governed by extreme racial prejudices, with a few token players.”
She added: “South African rugby is a monument of Apartheid racism and segregation. The people of colour that watch it are slaves with a poor memory.”
Which begs the question: Should sports fans have the freedom of choice on who they wish to support? Or does being a South African make you a Springbok supporter by default?
And what about those who reject the Springboks based on what happened decades ago, by people who have long since died?
The empathetic truth – from my perspective as a POC – is that you cannot tell anyone how to feel. Especially if they have endured pain and trauma at the hands of their oppressors in their past. Their feelings are valid.
Let them support who they want, in this case, the All Blacks. For those who have strong opinions, perhaps their pain needs to be acknowledged.
Ultimately, I believe that their hurt will heal and their faith in South Africa will be restored.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE ALL BLACKS, AND IF SO, WHY?
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