The transformation story of Erasmus, Kolisi is worth telling
Jabu Zwane
South Africa has become the first team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times, second to win the cup in two consecutive occasions. Siya Kolisi is also the first SA national rugby captain to lead his team to two world cup victories.
There was a familiar figure in the director’s seat. He is Rassie Erasmus, who became infamous for choosing Kolisi as captain, against strong opposition from the rugby fraternity and media.
Kolisi was a young black player from a disadvantaged background, and no black man had ever captained the Springboks before. But Erasmus was convinced that Kolisi was the right man for the job. He was a talented player, a natural leader, and a role model for young South Africans of all races.
Erasmus’s decision was also significant because it came at a time when South African rugby was facing a transformation crisis. The Springboks had traditionally been a white-dominated team, but the country’s demographics were rapidly changing.
After almost 25 years being back on the international scene, the Springboks captaincy had looked the same – white.
Erasmus recognised that the squad needed to become more representative of South Africa’s population and saw Kolisi as the ideal leader to lead the transformation project.
Under his leadership, the squad became a more united squad, and began to achieve success. In 2019, SA won the Rugby World Cup for the third time under the team’s first black captain.
Kolisi’s story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. He is a role model for young people everywhere, and his success as captain has inspired South Africans of all races to come together and support their national team. Kolisi’s story of childhood poverty has become most inspirational at a grand scale nationally and internationally.
Quotas role, good or bad
There’s no need to remind the world of the country’s long history of racial discrimination. And how Springboks were one of the most powerful symbols of that discrimination. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the government has implemented policies to promote transformation in sports, including quotas on national teams.
But the policy of quotas has been controversial, with some arguing that it was unfair to white players and that it leads to the selection of less qualified players. Others argue quotas were necessary to address the legacy of apartheid.
Erasmus has been a vocal advocate for transformation, believing that transformation is not just about quotas, but also about creating a culture where all players feel welcome and respected.
Erasmus’s Springboks squad has become a transformed team. He has appointed black players to key positions, both on the field and in the coaching staff. He has also created a team culture that is based on respect and inclusion.
Here are some of the lessons that can be learnt from the Rassie and Siya’s example:
- Collaboration is essential for success. Erasmus and Kolisi worked closely together to create a team culture that is based on respect and inclusion.
- Transformation is not just about quotas. It is also about creating a culture where all people feel welcome and respected.
- Bold and intentional resolve is necessary for progress. Erasmus made a bold decision to appoint Kolisi as captain despite the scepticism of many.
The Rassie and Siya example shows that it is possible to achieve collaborative transformation and success. By following their example, South African institutions can build a more united and prosperous nation.
The transformation story of Erasmus and Siya Kolisi is worth telling. It is a story of collaboration, resilience, and triumph over adversity. It is a story that the country’s institutions can learn to build a more united and prosperous nation.
By following their example, the country and its institutions can build a more equitable and inclusive society.
- Zwane is a mindset development specialist, founder of the Mindset Development Institute, global speaker and executive coach
