MTN South Africa today announced that it would be contributing R30 million to the SA Rugby Growth Fund, R10 million per year for the next three years, in recognition of the Springbok’s historic victory at the Rugby World Cup.
Charles Molapisi, CEO at MTN SA, the principal sponsor of the Springboks, offered his heartfelt congratulations to the Boks today, saying, “We are deeply privileged to have been a part of this journey alongside the Springboks. Each one of you has consistently shown us what nation-building, unity and unwavering dedication can achieve. This R30 million contribution is to help SA Rugby ensure that the next generation of players of this calibre can be discovered, from every corner of the country, to ensure the next Siya is nurtured and developed through the rugby ranks.
After five days filled with elation and celebration, the Springboks embarked on their eagerly awaited Springbok Trophy Tour in Pretoria this morning, with a stop-over at MTN’s headquarters for lunch. They departed MTN for the Johannesburg leg of the tour starting in Braamfontein and then heading to Soweto to conclude at the FNB Stadium.
The Springboks, a source of immense national pride, have consistently gone to great lengths to bring people together. The Springboks are the only team to have won every World Cup final they’ve been in, winning four titles in eight appearances. More than any other country.
Molapisi continued, “Our longstanding partnership with the Springboks has been instrumental in driving significant social change over the years, touching the lives of South Africans from all walks of life. As a country, we needed this. And we thank you for it. Our heartfelt appreciation goes too, to the Springbok coaches and management team, the South African Rugby Union and its technical team for enabling us to be in the action right alongside the Boks.”
“Thanks too, to the millions of South Africans for their fervent support of the Boks. From those who conveyed their well-wishes through MTN platforms, the participants of our MTN Gwijo challenge, and those who journeyed to France. The powerful spirit of unity and encouragement, demonstrated on social media platforms and at fan parks throughout the nation, showed the Springboks that we stood firmly behind them, no matter the outcome – and we will continue to do so”.
Tomorrow, the tour will move to Cape Town, and then Durban on Saturday, before concluding in East London on Sunday, 5 November.
For more details on the Victory Tour visit https://www.springboks.rugby/
