How Nelson Mandela united South Africa during the Rugby World Cup — The Power of Sport
“Sport has the power to change the world.”
“It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where there was only despair.”
Nelson Mandela saw the value in sport. He saw an opportunity to heal and unite an increasingly divided South Africa. During a time where there was tension over the country’s first ever black president. Nelson Mandela went onto the pitch wearing the team’s traditional green cap and jersey following South Africa’s unlikely 1995 Rugby World Cup win. The vast majority of the stadium were stunned but followed with chants of “Nelson.” It is arguably one of the best examples of how sport can help heal division.
Mandela saw the power of sport early on but in a number of different ways. He used sport to promote peace as well as to bring justice. During his stints in prison he supported international boycotts of South African teams at events across the world. South Africa was banned from the Olympics from 1964 till 1992 and was also banned by a number of different international federations. Things were going to change following Nelson’s release from prison and his presidential win.
