Springboks deployed to help mend SA-US relations

The South African government is turning to the Springboks to help build bridges with Washington at a time when relations between the two countries are deeply strained.

The South African embassy in Washington hosted the Springboks, state-level politicians and businesspeople at an event on Thursday, as part of what the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) describes as “diplomacy of the highest level”.

A senior person involved in organising the event said: “The function is to build bridges between the two administrations, as difficult as it is right now.”

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South Africa’s relations with the United States are deeply strained, with tensions escalating over US claims of white genocide in South Africa and South Africa’s foreign policy choices, with Washington also accusing Pretoria of “cosying up” to Iran.

The Springboks will play the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, marking the finale of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour between South Africa and New Zealand, with the match expected to be highly lucrative for SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby.

‘Deepening’ diplomatic and commercial relations

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Five Springboks met with US journalists, senior US representatives, including Maryland Secretary of State Harry Coker, and representatives of US sponsors Coca-Cola and Nike.

Andy Colquhoun, GM of corporate affairs and head of communications for the South African Rugby Union (Saru), confirmed that the Springboks at the event were:

Aphelele Fassi
Paul de Villiers
Marco van Staden
Kurt-Lee Arendse, and
Grant Williams.

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the event was intended to “deepen diplomatic and commercial relations”.

“The event showcases what South Africa is about,” Phiri said.

“This is diplomacy at the highest level. The Springboks are the epitome of South Africa. The Boks were once a symbol of division, but now you see them playing at the Soweto Stadium, with people from all walks of life rallying around them.”

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The third test between the All Blacks and South Africa was played at FNB Stadium in Soweto last week.

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The Boks are leading the series 2-1, with the last match in Baltimore to go.

“The Springboks are a great symbol of a united South Africa,” said Phiri.

The event, which Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Richard Stewart flew in from South Africa to attend, would “deepen commercial relations”.

“It’s about strengthening people-to-people relations. One way to interact is through sport. This is an opportunity to bring together two of the world’s best rugby teams,” said Phiri.

“Sport brings together a number of elements that resonate with people and builds commercial relationships. We have a Nando’s representative at the event showcasing what South Africa is about, and Nike and Coca-Cola, two of the Springbok sponsors, will also have representatives here.”

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The invitation to US media mentioned “sports diplomacy” and an opportunity to interview South African Ambassador to the US Roelf Meyer on the rugby rivalry, sports diplomacy and rugby in America. The event also featured South African food and wine.

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