The ANC on Friday came out strongly in support of the Springbok emblem, saying it did not want to see it replaced.

This follows moves to once again have the leaping antelope Springbok culled as the emblem of South Africa's national rugby teams.

"The ANC would like to state categorically that it would not like to see any replacement or change of the Springbok emblem until sufficient debate and consultation of all stakeholders, including rugby supporters, has taken place," said ANC spokeswoman Jessie Duarte.

"We would also like to encourage our world-acclaimed sportsmen to continue winning more world cups for South Africa and not be detracted by debates on the future of the Springbok emblem."

‘The arrogance of white people’

Duarte was responding to discussions at the National Sports Indaba in Durban where sports portfolio committee Chairperson Butana Khompela told delegates on Thursday that the Springbok emblem "divided the country".

"Minister, I want you to observe the arrogance of white people on the Springbok emblem," he said.

Khompela said that there could be "no negotiation" on replacing the Springbok emblem; however, the Democratic Alliance said it saw no need to scrap the emblem.

"Everybody in the country, including those who are not necessarily rugby fans, identifies with this emblem. Every emerging rugby player aspires to be part of the Springboks' legacy," said DA spokesman Donald Lee.

"The emblem is a symbol of excellence, pride and passion. It has been with us through two rugby World Cup victories, and it epitomises the pursuit of excellence not only in rugby but sport in the country."

An international brand

Meanwhile, South African Rugby Union (Saru) President Oregan Hoskins also hit back at Khompela and company in their attempts to scrap the Springbok as an emblem, saying it was an international brand worth "megabucks" and should be kept.

Hoskins said he had not been a delegate at the conference and did not know what the legal standing of the conference's resolutions would be, but insisted that his position had always been that the emblem should be retained.

"I have been on record about this so often in the past," he said.

"We are waiting to see what resolutions are taken at the conference by the end of today and then we will issue a press statement.

"We need to determine whether the resolutions would have any legal standing.

"But the fact is the Springbok emblem is an international brand. The Springboks have followers all over the world — in Australia and New Zealand, in Canada, the US and Russia. To remove it will be to remove its incredible value from SA Rugby," he said.

  • What does the Springbok emblem signify for you - unity or division? Leave a comment below!

    Sapa

    Print this page
    Send this article to a friend
    RSS
       Digg
    de.li.cious
    facebook