SARU President, Mr Mark Alexander and SARU Executive Committee Members present; CEO of SA Rugby, Mr Rian Oberholzer; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Hon. McKenzy and Deputy Minister Mabe; Union Presidents and Associate Members of SARU; All SARU National Teams, the Coaching Staff and Management;
SARU Sponsors and Donors; 
All the Awards Nominees;

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening!

On behalf of myself and my wife Humile, I would like to thank you for the invitation to this South African Rugby Player of the Year Awards. Tonight, we honour a legacy deeply ingrained in our country’s culture and unity, while celebrating extraordinary excellence in rugby.

Looking back, rugby in South Africa was historically intertwined with the power structures of the apartheid era. It stood as a symbol of exclusion and a reminder of the inequalities that shaped that time. 

Yet, in 1995, something extraordinary happened. I remember it as clearly as if it were yesterday. When the late President Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing the green Springbok jersey. A symbol that once divided us, instantly became a symbol of unityand national pride, Amabokoboko!

The victory that followed reflected South Africa’s broader journey of resilience and reconciliation. It demonstrated how shared purpose can inspire national cohesion and pride.

The 1995 Springbok triumph marked the beginning of a new era for South African rugby. Subsequently, Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2007, 2019, and 2023 reaffirmed South Africa’s excellence and strengthened our global standing. The 2023 triumph in particular, which secured a historic fourth title, cemented the Springboks as the most successful team in rugby history.

I am reciting these achievements because I believe they were made possible through discipline, commitment, and sacrifice. The same values embodied by the new generation of rugby players we honour tonight.

These sportsmen teach us that through shared purpose and collective sacrifice, South Africans can overcome challenges and achieve greatness together. Their example underscores the importance of unity in nation-building.

We must remember that nation-building is an ongoing process, one aimed at uniting a once deeply divided society into an equitable and cohesive nation. Even today, sport continues to play a vital role in the transformation of our society by promoting inclusivity and expanding opportunities. 

It is for these reasons that we continue to pay tribute to our players and to those who support them. They stand as symbols of what is possible when we unite. We urge you, as enduring bearers of hope, to continue advancing the noble work that was begun in 1995. The work of fostering a truly united and inclusive rainbow nation.

Together, we can carry this hope forward by empowering young people in our communities. Effective investment should focus on building, maintaining, and providing access to quality facilities, training coaches, and expanding participation in underserved communities. Investment in grassroots sport remains one of the most powerful catalysts for social cohesion, youth development, and economic transformation in our country.

We must therefore deliberately continue to invest in rural areas to bridge the gaps that exist in our sporting codes. 

In conclusion, allow me to extend congratulations to all award recipients. Your achievements bring pride to our nation and reaffirm rugby’s enduring place in South Africa’s story.

I thank you.