SA fast becoming household name in global sports - Kodwa

Kodwa was speaking to the media at the Union Buildings on Thursday morning during the Springboks's Webb Ellis trophy parade.

He says a back-to-back Rugby World Cup win by the Springboks should inspire other teams to see South Africa as a global winner in sports.

"What other teams and other federations must learn from rugby is that they win, we support the winning, we are a winning nation.

“We are a nation that is becoming a household name when it comes to global sports. We need teams that win, and I think Springboks have set a good example, and all other teams can do the same," said Kodwa.

He said South Africa has missed an opportunity to use sport as an instrument to build national identity and national unity.

"It is beginning to pick up, and I think it is a special moment that we must not miss as a country. Sport is an important tool to build a country that has been divided in the past.

“President Nelson Mandela identified Springboks as a symbol of national reconciliation and national unity. It is the unity that we see now throughout the country, It is the unity we saw in the streets of Paris, South Africans turned Paris into Vilakazi street," says Kodwa.

He also congratulated the Proteas for defeating New Zealand by 190 runs on Wednesday.

"The Proteas have done us proud with their performances at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. 

“Just as the Proteas and the Springboks both beat England in this year’s men’s Cricket and Rugby World Cups, the Proteas have ensured another double by beating New Zealand, as the Springboks did in the Rugby World Cup.

“I wish the Proteas all the best in the rest of the Cricket World Cup. They have done very well to get themselves where they are in the tournament. All 62 million South Africans are behind you, Proteas,"

ALSO READ