Julius Malema Explains Why South Africa’s National Rugby Team Must Get New Name, Emblem

• Julius Malema has stated that South Africa’s national rugby team must get a totally different identity
• The activist insists that the name "Springboks" does not represent the country’s democracy and must fall
• South Africa defeated New Zealand 12-22 to retain their Rugby World Cup title

EFF leader, Julius Malema has opined that the South African national rugby team must change its name from the Springboks.

In his remarks during the Gauteng EFF provincial ground forces forum, Malema insisted that the rugby team need to get a new name to represent South Africa’s democracy properly.

The Springboks have continued to tour parts of the country, having visited Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town following their Rugby World Cup glory.

The Siya Kolisi-captained side defeated New Zealand 12-11 in a pulsating encounter at the Stade de France to retain the World Cup title.

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Malema’s EFF, through its official X account, had congratulated the team for a job well done, but on Sunday, Malema said something totally different.

He changed his tune and lamented that the streets of East London were occupied by “mabokoboko”. He said:

“We do not have a problem with rugby. We love rugby, but we do not love mabokoboko. Mabokoboko, die bokke, Springbok is an apartheid symbol.

“You cannot say remove apartheid symbols and maintain the name Springbok and the emblem Springbok and the colours that were used during apartheid by white people. We support rugby, but not the one for Boers.

“The Springboks must fall. That national team we will get it a new name and the new colours and the new emblem which will represent our democracy.”

Siya Kolisi reacts to retirement rumours

Sports Brief earlier reported that rugby star, Siya Kolisi reacted to rumours that he could retire soon, having helped the Springboks to the 2023 Rugby World Cup title.

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The 32-year-old, who is expected to return to France to help Racing 92 in their Top 14 campaign, said he is not considering retirement now.

Kolisi added that he and other team members have always been motivated to deliver for the fans and for the next generation of Springbok heroes.