MALEMA: SPRINGBOK SYMBOLISE APARTHEID

10 months ago
11

South Africa’s national rugby side may be a source of great pride for the nation following their record fourth World Cup title. But for some, the famous gold and green jersey and springbok emblem are anything but.

Opposition leader Julius Malema wants the colours and famous leaping antelope badge changed because of their links with the apartheid era.

They’ve been worn by the side since first appearing during a tour of Britain back in 1906. And remained during the height of apartheid when the Blacks were banned from playing the sport alongside Whites in South Africa.

The ANC had called for the kit to be scrapped after coming to power almost 30 years ago. However, Nelson Mandela intervened and allowed the national team to use the traditional strip at the 1995 World Cup, believing it could be a unifying step. But even today, despite making up less than 10 percent of the population, White players still form more than half of the country's rugby team.

Do you agree with Malema it’s time for a change? If so, what colours and emblem would you choose?

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