The ANC seems determined to wipe out any vestige of our history which they consider a reminder of our ugly apartheid past. Provinces, cities, towns, street names have become unpronounceable in their quest to Africanise our country with the vernacular. But why attack the Springbok? The revered symbol of our sporting greats has now become a political football too, reviled by some because they associate it with apartheid sport. Especially rugby.
But they forget how Madiba, clad in the hallowed jersey emblazoned with the Springbok emblem, held the victor’s world cup aloft at Ellis Park and united the nation with sporting pride at a time when racial divides were at their worst. O ur trademark law has given our innocent antelope a reprieve until 2012, when, no doubt, it will be relegated to the scrapheap of time like the dinosaurs. Sharks and bulls are, however, quite acceptable, as the multiracial crowds at the Absa stadium attested at the Currie Cup Final. Neighbour Jan played lock for Vrystaat, so you know where his allegiances lie. With reluctance he switched his support from the Cheetahs to the Bulls for this match only. Mine is always firmly with the Sharks.
The crowd at our village pub was equally divided. The whistle blew, battle commenced, carnage ensued. There’s nothing like a rugby match to bring out the blood lust. F ifteen minutes into the game the big screen went blank. Bloody Eskom, the crowd swore. Not their fault this time – stormy weather was to blame for the broken satellite feed.
All credit to Supersport – they replayed the Sharks’ first try. Even Jan conceded that the better side won, putting it down to the Sharks having more Springboks in their side. After the match, the Springbok’s tour of the UK was announced. And guess what? Players of colour abound, all bursting with pride to wear the bok jersey. W hitey doesn’t complain that our national soccer team is called Bafana Bafana – some would say Bafoon Bafoon would be more appropriate considering their dismal performance. To quote Shakespeare: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. So get used to it rugby fans, in 2012 we’ll be in for change. Our hallowed Springbok will be in the firing line. As the Poms have claimed the rose, guess we’re stuck with the protea. – Derek Christopher |fw
