The national team for women rugby, Springbok Women visited KSD Municipality to conduct their training for the first in their existence. The 2-day training was preceded by a welcoming gala dinner that took place at Mayfair hotel on 28 August 2022.
The event was graced by MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Nonceba Khontsiwe, OR Tambo District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Mesuli Ngqondwana and Cllr Nyaniso Nelani, the Executive Mayor of KSD Municipality.
The OR Tambo DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngqondwana, welcomed the team and stated that the visiting of Springbok Women to the area will engrave a valuable mark in the sporting history of this region.
He shared with the audience that Mthatha used to be a prime area for sport, business and other types of economic activities but that has changed. This necessitates a bold political decision to revitalize the local socio-economic system that will be able to retain and benefit the alumni and community of this area.
He further wished the squad a success saying that by doing so the world will be made aware that despite the challenges that women are facing, there are still opportunities for them in our country.
The Springbok Women’s squad is currently placed No 11 in the world ranking and set to participate in the Women’s Rugby World Cup which will take place in New Zealand from 08 October to 12 November 2022.
In delivering her keynote address, MEC Khontsiwe appreciated the fact that the vast number of the Springbok Women’s team comes from Eastern Cape Province, the home of legends. Additional to that, the Eastern Cape Sport Star of the year that competed with men, Lusanda Dumke, is a team member of Springbok Women.
She further cited that the country is celebrating Women’s Month in honour of women that fought for the liberation of women. As a result, having women that participate in rugby sport is one of the strides made by those women.
“We acknowledge that sport is a powerful tool to achieve gender equality and we need to reach and assist those who are at grass root level. You are our pride to us as women of this country.” She said.
KSD Executive Mayor, Cllr Nelani also encouraged the team to stay focused as they represent over 58 million South Africans. He also expressed his excitement regarding the visit of the team to KSD, the city of the birth and the final resting place of the world icon, Dr Nelson Mandela.
The team conducted their training from 29 -30 August 2022 at Walter Sisulu sport ground and visited schools from nearby villages.