The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has paid tribute to the extraordinary life and unselfish contribution to the establishment of a united South Africa, of former President, Nelson Mandela.
Mr Mandela passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday. He was 95.
“All of our lives are poorer today at the extinguishing of the great beacon of light and hope that led the way for our country through the transition to democracy,” said Mr Oregan Hoskins, President of the South African Rugby Union.
“We have been steeling ourselves for this day for some time but, now it has arrived, the sadness is no less. Madiba had a place in all our hearts ¬and his passing is a personal blow to us all.
“The South African Rugby Union shares in our nation’s sadness: Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his fellow countrymen.
“His name will rank among that of the greatest liberators and humanitarians for as long as mankind walks the earth. It was our privilege to have lived in this country during his lifetime.”
Mr Mandela was a legendary freedom fighter, the first democratically elected South African State President and a Noble Peace Prize winner.
He used the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the first major sporting event to be hosted in SA after the 1994 democratic elections, as an instrument of change to help promote unity amongst all South Africans.
“Madiba was a true icon of inspiration and as much as South Africa owes so much to him, so does rugby,” said Mr Hoskins. “Through his extraordinarily vision, he was able to use the 1995 Rugby World Cup as an instrument to help promote nation building just one year after South Africa’s historic first democratic election.
“Mr Mandela was also instrumental in retaining the Springbok as the emblem for our national team at a time when a chorus of voices advocated a change of the symbol, for various reasons. It was an act of reconciliation and generosity of spirit which no one could have expected.
“The South African Rugby Union also sincerely appreciated the many times he inspired the Springboks to many great heights on the playing field.
However, Mr Mandela inspired the entire South African nation with his kindness, generosity and ability not only to forgive, but also to understand his fellow citizens.
“The countless accolades bestowed upon him by various institutions and governments across the globe are testimony to his unique, caring and very humble character. I believe it is a legacy and personality trait to which all of us must aspire.”
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said: “My lasting memory of Madiba is that of a person who had enormous ability to bring people together. His presence at a Test Match just lifted the crowd and energised the team – it is actually hard to describe.
“Of course, as a sportsman I am so grateful for him for what he did for our country. He inspired South Africans, who for so long were very divided, to peacefully build a united Rainbow Nation.”
Mr Hoskins said that SARU was considering ways in which the Madiba Legacy could be honoured in rugby.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/uzyc0jOh3Mg[/youtube]
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RIP Madiba
“Through his extraordinarily vision, he was able to use the 1995 Rugby World Cup as an instrument to help promote nation building just one year after South Africa’s historic first democratic election.
“Mr Mandela was also instrumental in retaining the Springbok as the emblem for our national team at a time when a chorus of voices advocated a change of the symbol, for various reasons. It was an act of reconciliation and generosity of spirit which no one could have expected.”
As news of Mandela’s death went around the world, the first of what are likely to be many gestures of respect took place at sporting events.
A minute’s silence was observed before the start of the second day of the second Ashes Test between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval and both teams wore black armbands.
Play after lunch on the fourth day of the first Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Dunedin was also delayed for a minute’s silence to be observed and flags were lowered to half mast.
World soccer body Fifa ordered flags to be flown at half mast and a minute’s silence to be held before the next round of international matches.
World number one golfer Tiger Woods also paid tribute to Mandela and recalled meeting the South African president in 1998.
“He invited us to his home, and it was one of the most inspiring times I’ve ever had in my life,” said the American.
A sad day, but one that shouldn’t be totally negative.
Celebrate life, don’t mourn death.
@ Scrumdown:
Well said.
RIP Madiba.
Rest In Peace Madiba.
If more people had as much forgiveness in their hearts, the world would have been a far better place.
You were an attorney, activist, terrorist, freedom fighter, prisoner, negotiator, world statesman of note, a South African of note… and I’l always be thankful for what you did for rugby in South Africa.
I hope the legacy of forgiveness you displayed, carries over onto those who follow in your footsteps in governing this country.
May your death once again bring this country together and celebrate your life.
RIP, Madiba, a great no 6, and an inspiration to us all. As Scrumdown has said, lets rather celebrate his life, than mourn his passing.
Tributes have been flowing in from everywhere…
Sharks:
The Sharks Media Release
IN MEMORY OF MADIBA
Durban, 6 December 2013: The Sharks join the rest of the rugby fraternity, the citizens of our country and indeed the world in mourning the loss of our beloved Madiba.
Madiba was the very essence of what each of us should aspire to be. His immense capacity to love, forgive and inspire a generation is some of the many great attributes he possessed.
We can never forgot the integral role that Madiba had in transferring our nation’s opinion on rugby in South Africa, what it stood for and the power it had to unite a nation.
John Smit, The Sharks CEO was fortunate to meet Madiba on several occasions throughout his playing career and shared a special relationship with him.
Commenting on their relationship, John said: “I first met Madiba before my first Test match in 2000 and I was more nervous about meeting the great man than making my Springbok debut. He saw that, smiled and embraced me. He made it just so easy to speak to him.
“For me as a player, the moments I had with him on a one-on-one basis and from a team perspective is something I will cherish forever.”
Smit added: “He was loved by the world because of his leadership and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. This is what we will all miss the most but remember the best.”
May the principals that he fought for and lived by, be an inspiration to us all and may his profound legacy live on forever.
Rest in peace TATA!
Bulls:
For immediate release: 6 December 2013
THE BLUE BULLS COMPANY MOURN THE LOSS OF THE GREAT MR MANDELA
The death of Nelson Mandela will be felt by all. His love for life, people and sport is something that will always be remembered, treasured and aspired towards.
The Blue Bulls Company would like to take this time to extend their deepest sympathies towards the family and close friends of a man known as the Nations Father, Mr Nelson Mandela.
BBC CEO, Mr Barend van Graan is one of the worldwide millions who will miss the great man, “Humble, knowledgeable, determined and loving, Mr Mandela portrayed so many ideals for which we as a company strive to achieve in everything we do. Mr Mandela fought for what he believed in which was peace and equality – something all South Africans must continue to work towards. Today is a massive loss for this country, however we must not lose sight of the fact that we were truly blessed to have had such an inspirational man touch our lives.”
Tribute from WP Rugby
Western Province Rugby has paid tribute to former state President, Mr Nelson Mandela, who passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2013. Mr Mandela – who was 95 years old – passed away peacefully at his home.
WP Rugby President, Mr Thelo Wakefield, said: “On behalf of Western Province Rugby I would like to pay tribute to one of the greatest leaders this world will ever see.
“Mr Mandela meant a lot to every single person in this proud nation of ours and we can only marvel at what he did for our country.
“Hopefully his legacy will continue to live on for a long time and I would like to offer my sympathies and best wishes to the Mandela family during this sad time.”
DHL Stormers and Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said: “My lasting memory of Madiba is that of a person who had enormous ability to bring people together. His presence at a Test match just lifted the crowd and energised the team – it is actually hard to describe.
EP Rugby mourn the loss of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Eastern Province Rugby mourn the loss of former president and international icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who passed away at his home on Thursday, 5 December 2013, at the age of 95.
“Mandela lived an extraordinary life and will be forever remembered for the role he played in the uniting of a divided South Africa, for his humble spirit, his compassion and the personal sacrifices he made to bring about a better future for all,” said EPRU President, Cheeky Watson.
Watson said among the many wisdoms Mandela had shared with the world, were his insights on the role that sport could play in uniting people across racial lines.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” Mandela said in a speech in Monaco in 2000.
“It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination.”
Watson said that EP Rugby would continue to build on this ideal, by advocating for non-racial sport and striving to unite people through their passion and love for the game of rugby.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mandela family, with his friends and colleagues and also with the rest of the South African people who today mourn with us at the loss of South Africa’s greatest son,” said Watson.
IRB
The International Rugby Board and the global Rugby family have been paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, who passed away today.
The inspirational former South African leader and father of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ changed the face of Rugby in South Africa, using the opportunity of hosting Rugby World Cup 1995 to project the sport’s character-building values to unite a nation.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset led the tributes on behalf of the global Rugby community: “Mr Mandela was a truly remarkable man. I was honoured to be with him during the historic days of Rugby World Cup 1995 and saw his incredible impact on his nation and his people. His wisdom, intelligence and sheer presence was a wonder to behold.”
“I am so proud that the Rugby family could play its small part in supporting Mr Mandela’s efforts to establish the new South Africa and that our tournament came to symbolise the emergence of a new nation. He changed the world and we were privileged to witness and embrace his work.”
“Our thoughts are with Mr Mandela’s family, the South African Rugby Union and the people of South Africa at this time of mourning.”
IRB Vice Chairman and South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins said: “The South African Rugby Union shares in our nation’s sadness. Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his own fellow countrymen.
“His name will rank among those of the greatest liberators and humanitarians for as long as mankind walks the earth. It was our privilege to have lived in this country during his lifetime.”
Nelson Mandela – Possibly the most respected, revered and loved Statesman the modern world has seen!
so so so sad
rest in peace madiba
.. and thank you so so much for everything!!
TV in SA and accross the world is on fire with Madiba tributes…
Is there another leader who has grabbed the world’s love and respect as much as he has done? I doubt it.. I doubt we’ll see that again in our lifetimes!
11 @ grootblousmile:
Yes GBS one realizes at a time like this how far and wide Madiba’s appeal was. Caught a few songs when driving on a program on BBC Radio Scotland tonight called Get It On with Bryan Burnett (one of my favourite radio shows where they have a theme and get listeners to choose the songs to play that match the theme) and he had a show where he was inviting folk to submit songs to play in memory of Nelson Mandela, so really good ones – you can see some of what was requested on their FB page.
Suid-Afrikaanse kunstenaars besin oor oudpres. Mandela en sy nalatenskap.
Pragtage huldeblyk!
Breyten som presies op (vandag se “Die Burger”) wat ek voel oor Madiba, en oor daai spul wat nou agter hom aan loop en die hardste huilers in die stoet gaan wees….
Breyten Breytenbach (digter) : “Die man wat die takke skud,” die Moeilik-heidmaker en die Volksvader het hopelik met ’n hupstappie die grens oorgesteek Anderkant toe. En nou sit die oubaas in die vuurligkring van voorvaders. Mag hy mooi herinneringe sien dans in die vlamme. Ek hoop dit het hom bespaar gebly om te sien hoe die bevryde land oorgeneem is deur rampokkers (wat nou in die voorste gelid van die huilers gaan loop), en hoe kernvrot sy organisasie geword het. Maar vir ’n tydjie ten minste het ons kon droom – saam met hom, en bewus van sy en ons menslike feilbaarheid – dat ons iets beter kon maak van ons gedeelde geskiedenis, dat ons die mede-menslike instinkte wat hy voorop gestel het kon nastreef… Dis al klaar baie om voor dankbaar te wees.
13 @ Pietman:
Ja, daar is pragtige huldeblyke en woorde vanoor die ganse wêreld… sportmanne- en vroue, kunstenaars, musikante, leiers, politici, filmsterre, besigheidsmense, media mense.
Sal graag wil sien dat ‘n groot persentasie van die mense wat nou Madiba se lof besing, nou net 20% harder probeer om sy voorbeeld te volg, sy menslikheid en vergewensgesindheid uit te leef, sy eenheid na te streef… en beter mense te wees.
Veral die politici en wêreldleiers…
As 1 man se dood soveel eer, ontsag en eenheid in die wêreld kan bring, hoeveel eenheid kan deur lewende invloedryke mense met die regte uitgangspunt en lewenshouding bereik word?
Dis in tye soos die wat mens besef wat die moontlikhede en welwillendheidsvermoëns van die mensdom is… wat ons as mensdom mis in die gewone selfsugtige loop van omstandighede en gebeure en hoe eenvoudige omgee en liefde positiewe dinge in die wêreld kan bewerkstellig.
… and then one listens to idiots like Ronnie Kasrils this morning on TV (was on SABC 2 or 3… or was it E-TV)… who sings Madiba’s praises WHILST at the same time beating the drum and punting NATIONALISATION and CONTROL of the mineral wealth of South Africa and using this unfortunate podium to sow his communist / populist shit and vitriol…
He goes so far as to accuse big business and the big retail owners like the Ackermans of being the cause of poverty in SA and the world over…
This so easily makes us (me) hate again… it makes the sowing of division alive again, real again…
@ grootblousmile:
Kasrils is an idiot, Madiba denounced nationalisation in 1997 already. That’s one of the reasons, for instance,that the renowned NZ protestor John Minto who orchestrated the disruption the ’81 series over there, didn’t want to accept the award that the ANC had offered him; he was pissed off at Madiba for not turning SA into a communist state. Kasrils should keep his trap shut, or he will just fan the fire the likes of Malema, Fransman and Ehrenrich are attemting to kindle.
16 @ Pietman:
What is Kasrils… from Lebanese or Jewish or what heritage is he?
Fokken Baberbek domkop!
Ah, I see he’s from Jewish Lithuanian / Latvian decent… doooos
@ grootblousmile:
Jood. Hy en daai ander eenoog Abe Sachs en Joe Slovo is uit dieselfde klas, werfetters.
@ grootblousmile:
@14 Sorry, ek sien jy het sy afkoms gekry.
Domkoppe, veg teen die Palestyne hier oorkant my vir n eie grondgebied, maar in SA wil hulle kommunisme bevorder. Verduidelik daai ene vir my…maar Madiba was nie so dom om vir hulle kukpraatjies te val nie, hy het hulle maar net verduur as beloning vir hulle bydrae gedurende die ‘struggle’. Hy het geweet hulle kan verder nokkol bydra.
I watched quite a bit of the Nelson Mandela Memorial Service at FNB Stadium (Soccer City).
Weather conditions did not let up at all, rain falling the whole day here in Gauteng and at Soccer City.
What was impressive was the amount of Heads of State, Royals, World Organisations present.
Is it just me or was the event poorly organised and amaturish in a lot of areas? The crowds also a bit uncontrolable at times, to the point of coming accross disrespectful… refusing to keep quiet and even booing Zuma at times.
Best speech of the whole service was by Barack Obama, President of the USA…. fantastic orator and public speaker… and straight to the point… and he made some wonderful observations and resolved to live his life more like Mandela. I was quite impressed!
Old Desmond Tutu also has not lost his charisma.
Cyril Ramaphosa, who acted as Director of the service is also clearly a strong chap… wonder if there might be scope for him to become President… at least then South Africa would have a leader with a head for business… not sure about his stance on all political matters though, but recon he now values capitalism and the worth of money and what it can do, since he’s become affluent and a business leader.
Some very poor orators inbetween all the speeches as well…
NOW the heavens have opened properly… raining cats & dogs!
Waar’s die somer… ek kry behoorlik koud!
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