The South African Rugby Union (SARU) announced on Saturday that the Test between the Springbok Women and the USA Women at Ellis Park on 4 July would be played in honour of the memory of the Walter and Albertina Sisulu.
The match is part of a double-header featuring the men’s Springboks playing England in the Nations Championship.
SARU agreed to the gesture after interacting with the Sisulu Foundation and the work it has done in the memory of two towering figures in South African history.
The legacy of “Mama Sisulu”, in particular, was being honoured by the association with the Springbok Women in their test match against the USA.
“Mama Sisulu’s life of self-sacrificial love for her people, her unwavering fortitude, and her strong leadership remains an extraordinary example for South Africa’s young women,” said Dr Allan Boesak, chairman of the Foundation.
“Her life is an inspiration for young women in their ongoing struggle to find their rightful, honoured and respected place in South African society, in every walk in life, including sports. Her compassion and determination to seek what is right, is a sustained and sustaining beacon of hope.”
Mr Mark Alexander, president of SARU, said the Union was pleased to assist in publicising the work of the Foundation and the legacy of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, particularly the latter, in association with the national women’s team.
Dr Boesak said: “This partnership highlights the intimate relationship between sports and human upliftment, sports and human potential, sports and social justice, and sports and national unity, this is something which was central to Walter’s life.
“While every sports code has its own path, SARU and the Sisulu Foundation have chosen a collaboration concentrating especially on Women’s Rugby. It is fitting, proper, and natural.”
About: The Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation is a not-for-profit and non-partisan organization, whose mission is committed to advancing social justice, as such programs around education, gender-based violence and food security will receive a particular attention in this regard.
The Foundation strives for the fair treatment and equitable opportunities for all individuals and social groups, especially those who have been historically oppressed, exploited, or marginalized.
Walter & Albertina’s names and legacies separately and together invoke the inspirational confidence South Africans can call upon to underpin these programs (Education, GBV and Food Security). Their names recall integrity, calm authority and authenticity that resonate strongly with the deepest and highest ideals of our nation.
It is these elements that makes this collaboration between SARU and the Sisulu Foundation to honour Walter too for his unifying capabilities.
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Sport Trivia: Which South African who played between 1949 and 1960 was named a Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1956? Answer: Hugh Tayfield. Hugh Tayfield once bowled 137 consecutive dot balls in a 1956/57 Test match against England which was held in Durban. Statistics for bowlers who have played 20 or more tests show that Hugh Tayfield conceded only 1.64 runs per over during his test career.
Valley Guardian
The first ever cricket match was played between the USA and Canada on September 1844 at St George’s Club Ground.