Universities around the globe can draw valuable insights from the reigning rugby world champions, the Springboks, regarding the power of diversity and inclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This power saw the Boks defeat the formidable All Blacks 12 \u2013 11 in the final in France to clinch the cup for a fourth time. The epic final harked back to their iconic 1995 victory of 15 \u2013 12 over New Zealand in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The achievement was celebrated as one of the most significant nation-building milestones worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the victory parade in Johannesburg, victorious Springbok captain Siya Kolisi passionately declared: \u201cThis one is for every single person in South Africa, rich or poor X<\/span> it does not matter. This win will inspire a lot of people, but it won\u2019t change their circumstances. However, for us as the players, it\u2019s going to give us a platform to create more opportunities.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kolisi\u2019s words are a poignant reminder that even after the Cinderella-like 1995 Springboks world cup victory, South Africa still grappled with enduring challenges. His message was carefully chosen, emphasising the importance of discerning the role of such victories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bringing social justice to all South Africans can only be realised by establishing pathways to well-being and prosperity, a role that universities play. Education and innovation serve as vital routes out of poverty and the shadows of historical injustices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The touching moment captured in the documentary series Chasing the Sun<\/span>, in which Rasie Erasmus shed tears upon realising that winger Makazole Mapimpi lacked a family photograph to attach to his Springbok jersey, serves as an example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Such acts of care unite people and empower them to overcome any odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, the innovative duo behind the Boks\u2019 back-to-back world cup triumphs, undoubtedly benefited from the education they received at the University of the Free State (UFS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their academic foundations have significantly contributed to their excellence as coaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To become the best, one must work with the finest. The talented and diverse technical staff includes Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, Daan Human and Andy Edwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, the 2023 World Cup-winning squad, with 41% identified as black players, was the most racially diverse in the history of the Springboks and also an embodiment of South African rugby traditions and styles, blending the high-altitude ten-men rugby of Gauteng with the flair and abandon often seen at lower altitudes of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The squad had 16 overseas-based players, nearly half of the 33 allowed. They brought new perspectives and skill sets to the team, creating a beautiful collage of mixed and crossed backgrounds, cultures and heritages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the journey toward socially just inclusion is ongoing, the Springboks have exemplified the importance of embracing diversity with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Universities around the globe can draw valuable insights from the reigning rugby world champions, the Springboks, regarding the power of diversity and 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\n
\n )<\/span>
\n Prof. Colin Chasi is the director of the unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice at the University of the Free State (UFS).<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"