Heroes' Welcome
For SA Rugby Team
Thousands
of fans welcomed the South African rugby team home
as they arrived in Johannesburg after winning the
Rugby World Cup in France on Saturday.
Springbok lifted the coveted Webb Ellis trophy after
a 15-6 win over England.
Thousands of people who donned their Springbok
jerseys were at the airport to greet their heroes.
Some had even camped there overnight.
Their victory symbolises unity and reconciliation,
as fans across racial divides unites in welcoming
their heroes.
Rosy Events
The team will be guests at a series of victory
events this week, including a reception hosted by
President Thabo Mbeki and an open-top bus voyage of
Johannesburg and Soweto.
Offices did not open early as both blacks and whites
turned out together to welcome the team, basking in
the reflected glory the Springboks are bringing home
with them.
Across South Africa, reactions since Saturday’s game
have had a common theme of national unity.
Captain John Smit led his team on arrival, overjoyed
at the victory over the English team in France. The
joyous mood was not least expected. As the team’s
last win was twelve years ago.
The authorities are hoping to stretch that sense of
pride and unity for as long as possible with a
series of triumphal parades through the key cities
over the coming weeks.
BBC/YINKA