Touring Durban with the Bokke, Berea Mail journalist shares her experience

DURBANITES came out in their thousands to welcome the 2019 World Rugby Cup Champions as they did a victory parade through eThekwini on Friday, holding the coveted Web Ellis Trophy aloft and soaking in the joy and support of the euphoric crowds.

Berea Mail reporter Lauren Walford joined the parade on the media bus. This is her account of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As we arrived at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 6.45am dressed in our Bok shirts, I felt like a child on Christmas morning (insert squeals and rubbing hands together) and could hardly contain my excitement as we made our way to meet the Boks’ bus outside their hotel in Umhlanga.

The atmosphere was electric, crowds were gathered around the bus and people could be heard cheering. When the parade began, the ‘vibe’ was tangible and I was blown away by the crowds in the streets, all with their phones aimed at the convoy, cheering for the players.

Police cars had to move people out of the road so we could move forward; it was unreal to see so many people in the streets, traffic coming to a standstill, cars hooting, cheering, smiles on everyone’s faces.

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To have traffic stopped by police as we moved onto the N2 was fun, and I was amazed as on the other side of the freeway traffic stopped, people got out of their cars to watch the Boks pass by.

Grass cutters going about their jobs on the freeway also cheered as they glimpsed SA’s heroes passing by.

KwaMashu was my personal favourite.

People flocked to the streets to see the bus go by, children in school uniforms ran alongside the buses, cheering and grabbing flags dropped down to them by one of the journos on our bus; absolute glee on their faces.

The Durban CBD buzzed as people surrounded the Boks’ bus. It was overwhelming to be whisked through the security gates at City Hall along with the players, while the crowds gathered behind fences. Real VIP treatment!

I wasn’t prepared for the mass of people I saw when we were ushered onto a stage at the front of City Hall – it was a sea of faces, flags, Bok shirts, all cheering for their stars.

In a whirlwind of activity we moved out with the Boks, snapping pictures as they walked next to us to their bus.

It was quite something being right there, while others watched from the sidelines. The drive through the city centre was incredible – people were seen crowding every route, running alongside the buses, standing on ledges of buildings, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the players.

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As the buses approached the stadium I went up onto the roof of the bus to take photos of the unbelievable sight. Fans crowded the road, and then proceeded to run after the buses to see the Boks before further access was denied.

Again I had that sense of disbelief and wonder that I was a VIP who could get up close to the Boks as they left the bus to enter the Presidential Suite. I felt exhausted but it wasn’t over yet!

Beast and Sbu Nkosi then entered the room for the press conference, and I was close enough to the World Cup to touch it (although I didn’t for fear of being thrown out!).

Beast detailed their feelings on winning the World Cup, what they thought of the Durban reception, and his future plans, before leaving the room again, being swarmed by photographers taking selfies with him and the cup.

My mission was to get Beast’s autograph for my daughter, Tayla, which thankfully I achieved before the players got into their bus and left, escorted by Metro Police.

Getting home I felt quite emotional, overwhelmed by the events of the day! Arriving so early and getting home at 3pm, having experienced a once-in-a-lifetime trip with our national heroes, having fought for photos, been shoved and pushed by other photographers, I felt like I had played a game of rugby!

Kudos to the City for organising a successful tour, and for allowing the public to be a part of such an incredible day.

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