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.
Fire Sass
Australia’s Donald Bradman (The Don) is considered the greatest batsman of all time. He has an unmatched 99.94 Test batting average – the best performance among all other players in all sports. Many fans believe there will never be another player like him.
Snow Hound
Sport Trivia: How many drop goals were \”dropped\” in the 1999 World Cup qualifier between England and South Africa, and by whom? Answer: Jannie de Beer – 5 drops in the 1999 World Cup,against England in Paris. South Africa won the match 44 – 21.