<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cdiplomacy of the highest level\u201d.<\/p>\n
A senior person involved in organising the event said: \u201cThe function is to build bridges between the two administrations, as difficult as it is right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
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South Africa had a \u2018successful\u2019 meeting with the US, says Ramaphosa<\/p>\n
South Africa\u2019s relations with the United States are deeply strained, with tensions escalating over US claims of white genocide in South Africa and South Africa\u2019s foreign policy choices, with Washington also accusing Pretoria of \u201ccosying up\u201d to Iran.<\/p>\n
The Springboks will play the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, marking the finale of the Rugby\u2019s Greatest Rivalry tour between South Africa and New Zealand, with the match expected to be highly lucrative for SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby.<\/p>\n
\u2018Deepening\u2019 diplomatic and commercial relations<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
Aphelele Fassi
\nPaul de Villiers
\nMarco van Staden
\nKurt-Lee Arendse, and
\nGrant Williams.<\/p>\n
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the event was intended to \u201cdeepen diplomatic and commercial relations\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event showcases what South Africa is about,\u201d Phiri said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read: Airlink flyover: Was it worth it?<\/p>\n
The third test between the All Blacks and South Africa was played at FNB Stadium in Soweto last week.<\/p>\n
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The Boks are leading the series 2-1, with the last match in Baltimore to go.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Springboks are a great symbol of a united South Africa,\u201d said Phiri.<\/p>\n
The event, which Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Richard Stewart flew in from South Africa to attend, would \u201cdeepen commercial relations\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about strengthening people-to-people relations. One way to interact is through sport. This is an opportunity to bring together two of the world\u2019s best rugby teams,\u201d said Phiri.<\/p>\n
\u201cSport brings together a number of elements that resonate with people and builds commercial relationships. We have a Nando\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read:\u00a0US firms in South Africa call for \u2018cool heads\u2019 in Trump spat<\/p>\n
The invitation to US media mentioned \u201csports diplomacy\u201d and an opportunity to interview South African Ambassador to the US Roelf Meyer on the rugby rivalry, sports diplomacy and rugby in America.\u00a0The event also featured South African food and wine.<\/p>\n
#Springboks #deployed #mend #SAUS #relations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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