Cape Town – The leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema has called for the Springbok rugby team to change its name and symbol, citing them as remnants of apartheid and white supremacy.
Speaking at a political event in Johannesburg, Malema argued that the name “Springbok” and its associated emblem and colours were associated with the apartheid era and should be replaced to better represent South Africa’s democracy.
“We do not have a problem with rugby. We love rugby, but we do not love mabokoboko. Mabokoboko, die bokke, Springbok is an apartheid symbol.
♦️Must Watch♦️
CIC @Julius_S_Malema addressing the EFF Gauteng Provincial Ground Forces Forum.
– MABOKOBOKO is an Afrikaner pride, it’s an Afrikaner property – that is why the President of the Afrikaners, Johann Rupert, received amaBokoboko. #RegisterToVoteEFF pic.twitter.com/BFjZq7KS2b
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 5, 2023
“You cannot say remove apartheid symbols and maintain the name Springbok and the emblem Springbok and the colours that were used during apartheid by white people. We support rugby, but not the one for Boers,” Malema said.
He said that the emblem and jersey were symbols of white supremacists who oppressed black people.
Malema’s call for change came in the wake of the Springboks’ victory in the Rugby World Cup, where they secured their fourth title.
Following their triumph last week, the EFF extended their congratulations to the Springboks via their X platform, previously known as Twitter.
Congratulations to the Springboks for winning the Rugby World Cup! 🥳
Historic, Monumental and Inspiring! pic.twitter.com/l2kM4FAayg
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) October 28, 2023
Meanwhile, AFP reported that Rassie Erasmus, the former coach who led the team to victory in 2019, was set to return as the head coach for the foreseeable future.
Erasmus succeeds head coach Jacques Nienaber, who announced several months ago that he would quit after the World Cup and join Irish side Leinster.
A high-ranking official within SA Rugby who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I can confirm that Rassie Erasmus will combine his duties as director of rugby with that of Springbok coach.”
Rassie Erasmus will return as head coach of the Springboks for the foreseeable future ✅🇿🇦#StrongerTogether
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 5, 2023
The confirmation that Erasmus would continue to be involved with the Springboks came despite speculation that he might follow World Cup-winning coach Nienaber and accept a lucrative job in Ireland.
Erasmus and Nienaber have formed a tight-knit team since working together with South African franchise the Cheetahs.
They also joined forces with Munster in Ireland before Erasmus was appointed South Africa’s director of rugby and coach in 2018.
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Picture: Twitter/@EFFSouthAfrica
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
