Johannesburg – The Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has appealed to corporate South Africa to throw their weight behind the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup campaign in a public message.
Mbalula asked South Africa’s employers – large and small – to join their workforce in supporting the campaign to wear their Springbok jerseys on BokFridays – starting on Friday.
“It’s that time of year again where we have to wear our green and gold to support our national pride; the Springboks,” said Mbalula.
“Corporate South Africa, black green or yellow, Rainbow Nation, unite behind the Springboks and show your support by wearing the green the gold like me; the Springboks No 1 supporter.”
The Minister’s appeal came ahead of the Boks’ first match of the season – against a World XV at Newlands on Saturday – and marks the countdown in earnest to the Rugby World Cup kick off in England on September 18.
Fans have been asked to share the ‘gees’ by wearing their officially licensed Springbok jerseys on the 11 Fridays between tomorrow and the big kick off.
Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), said the objective was to turn the country green every Friday in the next three months.
“Our campaign for the tournament is #HomeGroundAdvantage,” said Roux.
“It feeds on the belief that passion for the Springboks and the importance of their success to this country runs so deep that wherever the team plays they can feel South Africa behind them.
“We want South Africans to show the team that support before they leave for England by putting on their Green and Gold every Friday to demonstrate their passion for the Springboks and support for the campaign.” - ANA