Opinion- An tribute to the world champions for driving national unity

What a time to be alive in South Africa. I am not a sports fanatic, however for the purpose of national honor I am here to sing praises to the world cup champions.

This is a tribute to how the Springboks made history with the fourth rugby world cup win. 

I am inclined to believe that sport drives unity. Although, I may not be familiar with the science when matches are being played. However, from an economic, social or political stance I fully comprehend what national unity can do through sporting events. 

Let me be frank, 2023 has been a very difficult year for South Africa and South Africans. We as a nation have been impacted by various challenges ranging from the energy crisis, rife unemployment, crime and business closures due to covid-19. We are grieving a nation that could have been and healing to what we desire to become. 

Therefore, this win is an accord to national unity and how we as a nation can leverage on the world cup win to address our challenges. 

With that being said, this win came at the right time. A time where we needed our national morale to be uplifted. A time to showcase what we have to offer to the world. 

South Africa’s tourism industry has played and continues to play a significant role in job creation. According to the South African Yearbook  (2016/7) ‘’the tourism industry is a major contributor to the South African economy and the employment of citizens. The sector contributes about 9% to the country’s gross domestic product GDP’’. This win has positioned us globally in terms of tourist attraction by not only boosting the tourism industry however, reframing South Africa’s image.

The world cup win demonstrated that one win has an impact on how South Africa is perceived globally. This makes room for foreign investment opportunities. 

With the continent being so diverse, we have had the opportunity to showcase our diversity as South Africa. Ranging from the coach, team, captain and players.  We have showcased our vibrancy and rhythm. We have also displayed how support can influence a field of rugby players.

We needed this win as a country and as South Africans. We needed this win to remind us what South Africa is capable of in the global arena. We needed this win to remind us that we need one another to elevate South Africa. 

It was beautiful to witness all political parties present and rising the South African flag because it is all about South Africa.  

Now is the time for Africa specifically to make strides in unity.

A hearty congratulations to the Springboks, we are because you have been great representatives for South Africa. Thank you for modeling the South Africa that we aspire to become. Thank you for putting South Africa on the map. 

The Gateway link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkGnC0OiRJ0&t=20s

Please be on the lookout for the full report on my Ghana trip.

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