Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse and Herschel Jantjies caused an uproar when they delivered food parcels at Peakview High School in Athlone in Cape Town on Thursday.
The World Cup-winning Springbok trio – accompanied by Blitzbok and Imbokodo captains Siviwe Soyizwapi and Zintle Mpuphas and representatives of the charity organisation Gift of the Givers – handed out the food parcels and delivered a message hope to a group of learners at the school and also laid down a challenge to schools across the country to get involved with the campaign.
The gathering at schools located on the Cape Flats is to raise awareness for SA Rugby’s #StrongerTogether for R32-12 relief campaign, whereby the Springboks are assisting with hunger alleviation through a unique project.
The other charity which will benefit from the campaign – where raffle tickets are sold for R32-12 and the players are giving away some of their most prized possessions from last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan – is Food Forward SA.
The challenge is to see which school sells the most tickets in the raffle as part of the campaign, with the reward being a ‘visit’ by the Webb Ellis Cup, while 44 unique prizes are also up for grabs.
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Kolisi and the players received a roaring welcome at the school, where only the Grade 12 learners are back as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown regulations.
The players handed over food parcels and school stationary to the 67 matric learners, while their teachers were watching the event in the schoolground.
‘I am always excited to visit a school, and even more to do it during this challenging time,’ said Kolisi, who is giving away a match jersey worn in one of the RWC pool matches last year.
‘We know that your very important school year was severely disrupted by the coronavirus and that your communities are suffering because of the negative impact. However, it is important that you show determination to finish your academic year and I want to urge you to work so much harder and just give it your best.
‘Our World Cup win last year was the result of a lot of hard work, team work and effort, so you must approach your studies and exams with just as much determination. You are the leaders of tomorrow and even though it is tough at the moment, persevere and do your best to prepare as much as you can for your exams.’
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Jantjies said it felt good to give back some of their time to the learners and the community and urged members of the public who haven’t yet bough raffle tickets, to do so before the end of the campaign early next week.
‘I think it is an amazing campaign and I am really honoured to play my part in the Springboks’ initiative,’ said Jantjies, whose prize includes a World Cup match jersey and ‘Champions’ cap.
‘The players all jumped onboard and donated personal items used during the RWC, which is really something special. We want to thank those who have contributed so generously, but we still have a few days to go with some wonderful prizes on offer.’
Willemse, who donated one of his Springbok World Cup t-shirts and match shorts, commented: ‘The #StrongerTogether for R32-12 campaign is nearing its end and we would like to encourage people to visit www.springboks.rugby, buy a raffle ticket for only R32-12 to win one of those amazing prizes up for grabs.
‘This unique campaign works closely with Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers, and they are making a huge difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans all over the country, with a helping hand where possible.’
Other prizes announced so far include Cheslin Kolbe’s scrum cap, Faf de Klerk’s South African flag-print underwear, Duane Vermeulen’s RWC training jersey, Rassie Erasmus’ lucky white shirt, a talk from the former Bok coach to raise funds for the winner’s charity of choice and a personalised RWC Trophy Tour to the house of one lucky winner.
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
