World champ Boks are the recipe for success

It is often said that sporting teams take on something of their national character.  French flair, German consistency, Swiss precision – and so the list goes on.

As much as stereotypes usually announce a poverty of imagination, there is at least a vein of truth to the notion of South African diversity, particularly as we approach the Rugby World Cup.  

Diversity is one of the reasons why the Springbok rugby team is so popular.  In terms of demographics and playing style, language group or boot size, the current team is about as different from the Whites-Only team of yesteryear as pap en vleis from foie gras.
We’ve earned the diversity stereotype, the hard way, which is why for us it has such value.

In our rugby, as much as in our dream economy, our diversity is what makes us world class. A Kolbe side-step is not just fancy footwork, it’s a sign that South Africa can cross the winning line in style. An Etzebeth forward charge is proof that nothing can get in our way once we get going.

Our team are world champions because they are imbued with the best that we can offer.

But it doesn’t have to stop at rugby; we should strive for excellence in all spheres of life.

In a sports made country a thumping win, such as the recent triumph against Wales, can do more to lift national morale than GDP growth. It is fair to say there are even those who would gladly swap an interest rate hike for another thumping win against the All Blacks, preferably in October if and when the teams clash in France.

The Cape Chamber hopes we beat the All Blacks without the interest rate hike.  

Brilliant players mean nothing if the team has no merit – that is the lesson of the past. The challenge for the future is to be brilliant players and a brilliant team.

John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry