It seems that there is a poor understanding of the history of the anti-apartheid struggle when it comes to the Springbok brand. It is the one brand of which all national groups may well be proud. Butana Komphela has asked for any evidence that evidence exists in history for such an assertion. Well, here is some evidence.
After black and white South African troops fought the Nazis and fascists in Europe, they returned to a South Africa that saw the rise to power of the neo-fascist apartheid order. Thousands of ex-servicemen lead by the War Veterans’ Action Committee — which included a number of communists — established the “Springbok Legion” with an ace war pilot of “Battle of Britain” Spitfire fame, Adolf “Sailor” Malan, as its leader.
The Springbok Legion, in the words of Malan, was established to oppose the police state, abuse of state power, censorship, racism, the removal of the coloured vote and other oppressive manifestations of the creeping fascism of the National Party regime. The Springbok Legion mobilised a torch commando of progressive ex-servicemen and its rallies had as many as 75 000 people in attendance.
In a speech at a rally outside City Hall in Johannesburg, war hero Malan made reference to the ideals for which World War II was fought: “The strength of this gathering is evidence that the men and women who fought in the war for freedom still cherish what they fought for. We are determined not to be denied the fruits of that victory.”
At the height of its existence, the Springbok Legion attracted more than 250 000 members who proudly stood up against racism and fascism under the Springbok emblem. I’m amazed that nobody raises this fact in defence of the Springbok legacy as a uniting symbol, even though there is the disgusting parallel history of all-white sport using the same emblem. If we aim to unite the people of South Africa as one nation, we also have to look at the ties that bind us, and of which we can be proud. This should also inform our discourse and debates.
It is important too that we nurture the memory of those in the white community who stood up against apartheid and ensure that progressive Afrikaners such as “Sailor” Malan and Bram Fischer became role models for the younger generation of whites. Malan was one of the most highly decorated heroes of World War II and bravely led ex-servicemen against the apartheid regime.
Instead of taking decisions of a punitive nature, such as removing the Springbok emblem, the emblem can be used as a tool to educate people by highlighting the other facets of its history. If we are to build one united nation, we cannot lose such opportunities to highlight the ties that bind us historically. Doing otherwise would be foolish, destructive and selective about what we see in history.
There are many examples to show that the protea was also used by the apartheid regime, but it would be equally absurd to reject using this magnificent national flower because of abuse. The world knows the Springbok brand — perhaps it is time that today’s South Africa and the world also know about the other stories behind the Springbok emblem. Let’s not waste an important opportunity for nation-building.
Patric Tariq Mellet is an ANC supporter with 37 years of active experience in the movement who is concerned about the level and tone of debates and the drift towards irreconcilable polarisation and the formation of a new carbon-copy ANC. His chief concern is that South Africa and in particular our majority poor have put their hopes and trust in the ANC for a better life for all and he feels that this has been neglected by a range of indulgent behaviours all round
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37 Responses to “The Springbok emblem controversy”
As i posted in Tony McK’s column, the Union Buildings and parliament buildings were used by the apartheid govt, so should we discard them also or perhaps bulldoze them down?
Guess not, lets sit down and discuss sports and other symbols with peace and co-operation in our hearts with the sole objective being nation building not point scoring or digging in ones heels to presere the past.
Hi Patric,
I have complimented you on this outstanding post on Tony Mac’s blog already, but I think it only fitting to compliment you again. Hats off.
With regards to the Springbok emblem, I can understand the sentiments of people on both sides of the divide, and it is not the first time the issue has been raised. However, it needs to be resolved, once and for all. Our nation needs to move forward, even if the polticians keep pulling us backwards. It is insight and knowledge such as yours that should be used to inspire people to search for common ground and create an environment suitable for reconciliation. There is a vast section of our society, of all races, cultures and religions that want to move on, but there is always some bright spark out there whos mission it is to create controversy and division amongst our people.
I agree that our country is in need of one unifying national sports emblem, that is one of the many issues that are on the agenda at a sports “indaba” being held in Durban. The issue though has been raised by an individual, once again, with a different agenda. Komphela’s mission is the demonisation of SA Rugby, full stop.
As in most critical issues that have faced the citizenry of our country since the birth of our “Rainbow Nation”, a compromising and reconciliatory approach has, in most cases, resulted in solutions that we can all feel comfortable with, without detriment to others. Our “Constitution”, our “National Flag”, our “National Anthem” are just a few examples of what can be done when we employ a spirit of compromise.
My suggestion for our National sports emblem would be a combination of a Protea, a Springbok and our National flag emlazened on a uniform or kit in predominantly green and gold, with a black trim. The Protea and Springbok should be redesigned so as not to copy or imitate any previous designs. This emblem would in so doing incorporate aspects important to all stakeholders.
Patric, your job now is to research the merits of these icons and colours in the design, and the implications for all concerned. We can then give this proposal to our illustrious Minister of Sport, Mr Stofile, with relevant justifications and explanations. Maybe Tony Mac would consider being our spokesperson (I believe he is well connected).
Hopefully, then, this issue would be put to bed once and for all.
Thanks for the compliments and a constructive approach for taking things forward. Its important for SARU to articulate this.
Having a common national sporting emblem, colours and a motto, which is adopted by all national sporting bodies, is an understandable and desirable move.
But there is a thin line between this and having politicians dictating what should constitute popular sporting culture. The issue that causes consternation as I see it, is the unfortunate suggestion of a ban on the Rugby Union and the public from using what has become a much loved totem or mascot in rugby culture and identity.
There need not be any contradiction between the national sporting livery and a national rugby team having a totem/mascot or an identity bound up with this symbol. There should not be a dictate that teams must bear the name of one of the elements of the livery. While government is within its bounds to create a national protocol framework for sport that represents the country, it would be overstepping the mark to be overly prescriptive about sporting culture, unless this infringes on the constitution of the land and the dignity of our people.
Now there would be a serious argument if the historic symbol was an intrinsically racist hate-symbol. But clearly the Springbok is not the equivalent of a swastika. I have also argued that there is a valiant anti-Apartheid history to this symbol that many are unaware of, and that herein we are offered both a uniting focus and a means of offering white youth an opportunity to emulate progressive traditions that sprung from their own community and reached out to black contrymen.
One also needs to look at the nature of rugby as a high-action sport and the symbolism/totems of international teams. The lions, wallabies, kiwis are all animals which have ‘body-mobility-prowess’ characteristics. The Springbok speaks of agility, bobbing, weaving and jumping. It makes absolute sense to have such a totem/mascot for the team to identify with. The culture of world Rugby largely uses animal symbolism and South Africa should feel comfortable within that competitive culture. The political world needs to consider this in the dialogue that takes place. Our ANC culture has never been one of “we know what is good for you” and hopefully we will get back to that principle.
We are fortunate that the green, gold and black has a resonance with all in South Africa. The national flag almost by accident was warmly embraced and somehow or another the Protea is another symbol that does not engender argument/conflict. So you are right. In this we have part of the solution in terms of national sporting livery. No problem.
We now just need some sensible approach to old bokkie. Within the framework of consultation suggested by Jessie Duarte today, I’m sure that we will see positive progress if we separate apples and pears and have a debate around use of the Springbok as a totem/mascot and the term Springboks as a popular symbol and term which has much endearment in rugby-loving circles. It will help greatly if SARU makes an argument that draws on some of the progressive background of the symbol and commits to using this history to positively build a common pride. A bit of innovation is called for.
I believe that underpinning this debate is a lot of head butting based on the very real pain of past exclusion and humiliation suffered by black people, and a perceived lack of movement in enthusiastically embracing apology, transformation and an innovative spirit of common nation-building. Instead of legislative coercion driving change, we all, black and white, need to get behind the wheel and build a common patriotic spirit. Innovation in this regard will go a long way in overcoming bloody mindedness all round.
Come on! Threatening to do away with the Springbok is a sure-fire way of annoying almost the entire white population and it’s done on almost an annual basis purely to kick them around a little and rub their white noses in their post-1994 political powerlessness.
It makes black people feel mighty powerful to be able to rile whites in this way.
It’s plain and simple bullying, really.
The bully and his chums love the affirmation it gives them ; the bullied loathe the humiliation it gives them.
What could be simpler? And what could be more divisive?
When Bafana Bafana change their name to the Proteas (let’s face it, they are mere boys in the world of mens soccer, so do need a facelift) then and only then perhaps rugby should consider a change.
I found the article around Adolph “Sailor” Malan fascinating, thought-provoking and extremely uplifting.
Being a middle-aged white South African who was schooled mainly in Afrikaans institutions, with a father who was a prominent Pastor in one of the earliest “charismatic” (Pentecostal) churches (Apostolic Faith Mission), I have early memories of some of my School Teachers and fellow scholars blatantly discriminating against myself and other kids from our church, being mocked, taunted and called a “sect” by the majority of the School who were mostly members of the State-endorsed NG Kerk.
Yet, at a young age I noticed a very significant phenomenon. The better I performed in Sport (Rugby and Athletics) the more this prejudice seemed to disappear and I soon found myself as a young “sports icon” in the school, with my Dad’s Religious “indiscretions” long-forgotten. This of course spurred me on to better performances through more intense excercise and practice, whilst I also became naturally passionate about the sport of Rugby and later i.t.o. my own ideology and political direction, leaning first Left then Far Left.
I continued to notice this “sports cancels prejudice” phenomena manifesting in many other spheres, counter to the nature of an oppressive regime and a racially divided society. Whilst most whites around me looked down upon anyone of Color, this sentiment was often neutralised by the Sports prowess of some or other “non-white” Sports Icon. I remember distinctly how some of the staunchest racists in the Boxing fraternity sang the praises of- and openly associated with Champions like Tap-Tap Makhatini, Pangaman Sekgapane and the likes. On an international level, Black Superchamps like Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson were all revered and idolised, whilst outside of the Sports environment, most whites regarded blacks as inferior just by virtue of being Black?
John Vorster seemed to be one of the few who was a consistent racist, considering his stubborn refusal to allow international players of color to compete here in what was considered “white sports” (although Boxing always seemed to be the exception, with fighters like Bob Foster etc. coming here to fight our champs like Pierre Fourie, etc.)
Today when I look back, the irony of this phenomena still astounds me. How is it possible that some of our white countrymen could be so openly racially prejudiced in everyday life, yet when Icons like Errol Tobias, Chester Williams and the likes started becoming household names, they often seemed to be considered by white racists as “having earned their stripes out of racial inferiority”. That brings me to my final point.
Racism works in every direction, where I have often
also seen racism at work against me simply for being white. Yet, it was astounding to see the enormous cross-cultural support for white Sports icons over the years (Gary Player, Gerrie Coetzee, etc. and then of course the ‘95 Bok RWC Champs, who arguably was responsible for the biggest South African party ever, perhaps even bigger than the recent 2007 celebration, which once again clearly showed our Nation’s potentential for unity).
This illustrates clearly that there are 2 very specific components of our Society that seems to be naturally effective deterrents to racial prejudice and these should be nutured, developed and protected in the interests of Nation Building:
1) Sports (as illustrated above)
2) Music (Consider Mandoza’s “Nkalakatha”, Johnny Clegg’s “Impi” and Brenda Fassie’s “Weekend Special” for instance, not to mention our National Anthem?)
All of us South Africans should see this phenomena for what it is…clear evidence that Racism has NO logical base and should consciously be counteracted in every possible way, to ensure a more united and culturally integrated South African society for generations to come.
As a 35 year old ‘Afrikaaner’ I thank you for this fantastic piece of history. We must not let these hero’s be forgotten.
For the rest of the computer generation I have a favour to ask. Can you not please enter the history of the Springbok legion and Adolph “Sailor” Malan on Wikipedia, so that the information may be preserved and shared.
Adolf ‘Sailor’ Gysbert Malan is well covered by Wikipedia. ‘Sailor’ Malan is better known outside of South Africa as an Ace Spitfire Pilot than at home, because his cousin DF Malan hated him and tried to obliterate the memory of the Springbok Legion and Sailor Malan as the Apartheid Mob were worried about the influence this may have on young Afrikaners. This memory purge happened alongside the purge of the SA military forces of any officers and NCOs with Springbok Legion sympathies.
In recent years the Franschhoek Museum now carries a brief exhibit of this son of the Drakenstein.
It would be good if all of the South African newspapers ran a series on these unsung heroes who were purged from the history books. It certainly would help to inform dialogue and debate.
Patric Tariq Mellet on October 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I sincerely hope that this information on the origins of the Springbok emblem can be brought to the attention of the AN Circus and other members of parliament who seem to have little else to do than to try and create division rather then unite the SA population.
As an “outlander” I might say that the story is one of the best kept secrets in SA.
I think that one needs to separate out the issue of a national emblem/badge for all South African sport (including rugby) and what I call a totem or mascot for individual sports. I believe that the two can live comfortably side by side with no contradiction. Herein is an opportunity for a win-win compromise.
England, Australia and New Zealand are all fortunate in that the lion, wallaby and kiwi all appear in their national coats of arms. In South Africa the Protea is integral to our national coat of arms and therefor should in terms of heraldic protocols appear in the national sport emblem.
My point of departure is that this however should not preclude any idividual sport, such as rugby, from also having its own totem, projecting the nature of the sport. Thus the SA flag and the national sport emblem (Protea) can be worn on one part of the jersey and the Springbok totem on another. There should be no compulsion that sport teams should be called Proteas. In fact its desireable that soccer, rugby, cricket and whatever, assert their own sporting culture identities alongside our national identity.
I believe that in this context the Springbok is a very apt totem and identity in a sport where animal totems are the worldwide norm. The Springbok symbolises agility, speed, manouvering and all the charactereistics of rugby play. In the Springbok, South African rugby has a brand that stands out in the world.
My argument is that in terms of history there is a terrible and negative side to this brand associated with all-white sport, but there is also a positive side to the brand illustrated by the story of the Springbok Legion. I believe that there is much merit in building on the positive side and working for unity across national groups in South Africa. Sport has a wonderful way of bringing people together. The Springbok is something that many young Afrikaners hold dear. It could be used to combat those negative racist elements if we hold up its other history and give greater exposure to heroes who practically built unity under the Springbok emblem, like ‘Sailor’ Malan, of Springbok Legion and Torch Commando fame. I think that when Madiba put on the Springbok jersey he was consciously showing by example, the approach which I am suggesting here. Nelson Mandela personally knew many of the Springbok Legionaires, some of whom were founding members of Umkhonto we Sizwe. Here I’m talking about men like Joe Slovo, Wolfie Kodesh, Rust Bernstein and others. The late Cookie Leon was a Springbok Legionaire and pilot who smuggled MK soldiers across the border in his plane. It is for this reason that I found it objectionable that one of the senior delegates at the National Sports Indaba suggested that the Springbok emblem should be seen as similar to the Swastika.
In 1941 members of the 9th Recce Battalion of the South African Tank Corps, the Soldiers Interests Committee formed by members of the First South African Brigade in Addas Ababa, and the Union of Soldiers formed by the same brigade in Egypt. The Springbok Legion lasted for 15 years until 1951. Many Springbok Legionaires layed down their lives fighting against the Swastika, and therefore it is extremely insulting to their memory for people to ignorantly compare the two symbols. Springbok Legionaires fought Apartheid with the same vigour and this too should be remembered with pride.
The late Wolfie Kodesh (my own mentor) who was Nelson Mandela’s safehouse man and getaway driver, was a Springbok Legionaire, who served in the ANC and MK most of his life, (decorated with 2 MK service medals) loved watching rugby and supporting the Springboks (who he boycotted during the Apartheid time). I think he was very happy to reunite with the Springbok brand which he valiantly originally sported as a Springbok Legionaire.
Patric Tariq Mellet on October 12th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Sorry…I made a mistake in not completing this sentence below…..
In 1941 members of the 9th Recce Battalion of the South African Tank Corps, the Soldiers Interests Committee formed by members of the First South African Brigade in Addas Ababa, and the Union of Soldiers formed by the same brigade in Egypt, took the intiative to start the Springbok Legion.
The Editor,
Could you please send this “blog” with its responses to the President of the SA Rugby Union, as well as the Minister of Sport, and ask them for a response.
Thanks
All this commotion is down to power-hungry politicians who seem intent on killing all pride in our national teams.
Why doesn’t Khompela rather focus on Bafana, and hire a primary school PE teacher to explain the basics of soccer ( ie scoring goals) to them?
Not one black, coloured, Indian, white or even Chinese person I know has ever had an issue with the Bok emblem. it is a source of national pride- the symbol of champions.
But no, Khompela and co are intent on killing this, all in the name of wiping out the legacy of apartheid? why did they not say this when Jake’s men were lifting the cup in France.
As long as the likes of Khompela are in power, with their backward thinking and their eagerness for ‘revenge’, this country’s sports admin will remain the circus it is. and where the hell are the quotas for soccer? why not fine every PSL team that doesnt have 4 whites, or 4 indians, or 4 chinese.
the system is a joke, but no one is laughing.
I think SARU must use this history and put together a media campaign for the Springbok emblem. Showing how everybody in SA could be proud of its history.
SA Rugby has no one to blame for this scenario but themselves. The King Protea is the national sports emblem as currently complied to by ALL sporting codes with rugby being the only exception.. Would it have been preposterous to move the Springbok emblem over to the right to make place for the national sports emblem on the left?
The answer was and is no! Why didn’t Springbok administrators agree to a small compromise of this nature? Read very carefully, no one has asked for the complete removal of the Springbok, merely compliance with the national guideline. The team will always be the Springboks the only difference being a protea on the left of their jerseys.
How ridiculous is this whole storm in the light of the above? Lets stop this silly fight, come to a compromise and move on. One must remember that there is always 2 sides to any story…
John Hart (coach of the All Blacks rugby team) and Pieter de Villiers (coach of the Springboks rugby team) both die and enter the Pearly Gates. God takes John on a tour of heaven and ends up at a little two-bedroom bungalow with a faded Kiwi rugby banner hanging from the front porch. “This is your house, John” says God, “You’re very lucky. Most people don’t get their own houses up here, you know.” John looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the huge mansion on top of the hill. A massive, multi-storey affair with white marble columns, balconies and attractive gardens, Springbok banners line both sides of the footpath and a huge (new) South African flag hangs between the marble columns. “Thanks for the house, God,” says John, “But let me ask you a question. How come I get this little two-bedroom bungalow and Pieter de Villiers gets a huge mansion with all those marble columns and things.” God looks at him seriously for a moment. “That’s not Pieter’s house,” God says. “That’s my house.”
Being a big BAFANA BAFANA and SPRINGBOK supporter myself, all this talk of changing our country’s sports emblems, truly saddens me!… I love all South African Sport, I love that sporting occasions bring us ALL together! And I do not see how anything positive could come from changing this famous and historic emblem? It feels to me that it will only add more sadness, uncertainty and negativity into the hearts of a nation already having to cope with REAL problems, such as Education, an ailing Health System, massive amounts of Violence and Crime, Skills shortages, political Corruption etc, etc, etc, etc… For if President Nelson Mandela could wear the springbok emblem on his chest with pride and honour, on that famous day in 1995, in the wake of an Apartheid Era he had just overcome, was that not one of the most unifying moments in our country’s history? Did that moment not get a whole nation on their feet in unison, to salute a Man and a Team of Champions worthy of such an honour? By deciding to change this emblem, you will be implying that, that moment, that team, and that amazing man did not achieve anything… But rather that a small jumping buck, which stood proud on the shoulders of this country’s first major international sporting achievement after apartheid, is still something that some individuals can associate with negative events of the past. I am afraid that if this is the reality, then “these people” who ever they may be, will never be satisfied… but will continue to try and find something to blame, something to change, and something to hate… And I will be ashamed, to be associated with such a narrow-minded, miss-guided and ultimately humiliating decision. Stop this silliness! Get it over and done with! And then tell the nation what will be next… so that we can start preparing our hearts for the next DISSAPOINTMENT.
Patric - I was aware of the Springbok Legion - but only knew that “Sailor” Malan was involved and that it strove to improve the “lot” of past servicemen (which after reading your contribution) was very a simplistic and “underinformed” view on my part. Thank you for a very informative and pertinent article. I am a “fan” of history and depair at times when people like Bhutana Komphela ’shoot from the hip” and make statements such as the springbok emblem is a “vestige of apartheid”. You have pointed out that it preceeded apartheid. I tried to do the same the other day when my letter to The Star newspaper was published! My point was similar in that “The Sprinboks” as they were known to our allies, were present and active as far back as WWI.
Their heroic stand during the battle of the Somme at Delville Wood will never be forgotten by historians,allies and most of all the French.Euorpean newspapers of the time heralded our stand at the time with headlines that read “Magnificent Springboks” and “Good Work By Springboks At Longueval And Delville Wood”. The 1st South African Brigade was decimated in the wood - of the 3000 that walked in under the orders “to hold at all costs” only 144 officers and men marched out! most of them wore the springbok emblem somewhere on their uniform!
Perphaps more pertinently - the graves of the South African dead all have the springbok emblem engraved on their tombstones above the name of the fallen soldier.
Delville Wood is recognised worldwide as an example of supreme sacrifice- extra-ordinary deeds by ordinary men under extreme conditions - in short - heroes to the man!
I only wish politicians/ spokepersons and decision makers would take cognisance of of what has preceeded them. “History repeats itself” is an often quoted but little “heeded” cliche. How often do we bungle along the same path, making the same mistakes as our forefathers - not only in SA but worldwide!
The history of our country is fraught with mistakes, injustice, division and at times bloody-mindedness! However there are many accomplishments which have and will continue to unite us and I believe that with proper understanding of is origins and feats - the “Springbok” can unite us !!!
the sprimbok meblem represent all the citizens of South Africa.whatever they are trying to do is wrow and we don’t want it.we can’t just change the emblem because of just one person’s wish.whoever came with the idea didn’t think twice about the people who suppot rugby.i believe all South Africans want the springbok emblem.if they change the emblem we as the suppoters including players should boycott the national rugby team’s games for the sake of the sport.GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY.
I was born in South Africa 3 years before Nelson Mandela was elected president. My family is brittish and I never even knew the Apartheid. Just hear the odd stories etc.
I never knew the Springbok emblem resembled anything other than the best rugby team in the world and it’s really annoying that this history gets shoved in my face and they want to change it for such a stupid reason.
All it does is makes me more hateful towards the people involved in changing it. Rascism will exhist as long as there are enough ‘clever people’ that keep digging up the past and slapping it in our faces.
If you want a wound to heal you leave it alone and allow it to heal. If you sit there and keep picking the scab off it’s going to keep bleeding and probably scar. Same applies to rascism.
I know alot of whites are still rascist, as are alot of black people but you would expect the people in charge to act like real leaders and not let emotion dictate their decisions.
Our country has little to be proud about with corrupt government, shocking crime rates and the fact that rascism is still very real. One of the things we can be proud about apart from our great land, is the greatest rugby team in the world. Man it almost brings tears to the eye when you see our guys singing the national anthem on TV. What a sight.
I’m not even a hardcore rugby fan like some of the folks in this country but (trying not to swear here) it really gets to me when one of the few things we can be truely proud about gets attacked by a little man put in a position of power…
Anyways enough rant now. Sometimes I can’t even be bothered to read the news in our country because the overwhelming sense of stupidity and disgust just ruins my day.
PS. I recieved an email that on the 1st of December we must wear our Springbok shirts etc in support of the emblem and protest against the people who wish to attack it. I’m not sure how many people will do it but I think it’s a great idea and I know I’ll be wearing mine. Please join us in an effort to preserve our great emblem.
I wonder how many sportsfields or courts etc the Good Minister and his Department have built over the last 10 years.How many Kids have they introduced to Sport or are they perhaps a bit too busy with the important issue of the Springbok?
I am a little in the dark as to who actually makes final decisions on the Springbok Emblem. Whenever I hear comments made about this issue, it seems to always involve one or two individuals. Can so few individuals seal the feit of a trademark
as powerful as this with total disregard for the people to whom this emblem means so much? It seems to me that since Mr Stofile was made powerless within SARFU that all this bitterness has arisen once again, or am I wrong? Further more, I have serious issues with people in power who make idiotic statements such as the one recently made about removing Rugby from certain stadiums. Have these people actually thought of asking the hundreds of thousands of rugby paying supporters how they feel about this, instead of venturing out on a personal political war in the name of the people. What further astounds me is that on the back of this they announce ticket prices for the bok/proteas game at a whopping one thousand, Plus, Rand. Talk about arrogance! I think enough is enough! Boycott the Rugby playing Proteas and teach these so called sports lovers, that sport truly belongs to the paying people!
Funny enough that the 1st December, so called national support the Springbok emblem day, came and went. I didn’t see a single supporter with any Springbok regalia whatsoever…
Just goes to show that the public made a massive scene about the emblem issue, ranting and raving, threatening and spitting fire. Once again nothing came of it, no follow through, no action after so many promises. In a way I am glad that we are moving on. I got up this morning and the sun was still shining despite the fact that the Bok had to make way and the world is very much the same place.
CAS - well well, I observed the same. It makes one think that the support base is actually quite small.
No public gatherings, no green and gold fountains, no Bok Town bar room turn out, no flags, banners bunting, nada - just a few construction workers I saw with pirated counterfeit merchandise.
@CAS …and this is how Zim came to where it is today. Lots of words, little action. The African way, be it African white or African black. Another chapter closed!
Well done Patric. Great bit of information. I had absolutely no idea there was even a movement like that running parallel to the dark ages. Please forward to Khompela and co..
The Springbok emblem is a symbol of racism. I do not care how much fluff you go and dig up to put a pretty face on it, it will always be that because even if its intensions were initially positive, it was turned into a mostrous symbol of hate.
But I couldn’t care less. I have never, and will never support the Springboks. They are not my team and do not represent me as a South African at all.
You can turn the SA rugby jersey emblem into a coffee can, and I would not care. I’ll still be cheering for every other team in the world against them.
All I see is fat Afrikaner racists men swirling brandy and coke, calling the people around them the K -word. Flying their old SA flag. And that is still happening in 2009!
@horse…”All I see is fat Afrikaner racists men swirling brandy and coke, calling the people around them the K -word. Flying their old SA flag. And that is still happening in 2009!”
How can you see that a fat Afrikaner is a racist and a fat African is not?
Is your tardiness in responding an indication for the speed of your thinking?
Springboks are fleet of foot, prancing and leaping through the game parks. They are turned into biltong which is chewy. Am I right in saying they have stripes to distinguish them from other types of deer during the mating season?
Proteas are flowers, with petals that one can pick and put in a vase.
Lions lie around all day in the sun, getting up to jump on springboks when they are hungry - or it could be zebras or other meaty creatures. They don’t eat grass.
A symbol is a thingemyjig that represents something else. The representation may vary from person to person or from political era to poltiical era.
A word is a kind of symbol. Or semiotically is signifies. What does it signify? Don’t ask me. I am a crocodile … maybe a bit chubby and coverd in scales with big teeth. Maybe not.
SNAP … grrr SNAP … boing … tee hee
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As i posted in Tony McK’s column, the Union Buildings and parliament buildings were used by the apartheid govt, so should we discard them also or perhaps bulldoze them down?
Guess not, lets sit down and discuss sports and other symbols with peace and co-operation in our hearts with the sole objective being nation building not point scoring or digging in ones heels to presere the past.
Brent
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