The welcoming event was held at Booysendal’s North Mine Communication Hall, where the mine’s management announced that they are officially sponsoring the Pumas.

The visiting contingent included team management, coaching personnel and all the players. Welcoming the group, Northam Platinum’s Operations Executive, Wonderboy Kekana, said the Pumas and Booysendal shared common values.

“On March 7, we had an opportunity to visit the Pumas and we realised one of their values is respect. As you walk into their stadium (Mbombela), all their players are showing and acting with respect. The integrity is very high and the team members care, that’s why we want to associate ourselves with the Pumas,” Kekana said.

He commented that most rugby teams in Mzansi take a holistic approach to discipline.

“Their focus is not only to physicality, they also concentrate heavily on social and financial development, they also work with communities through their outreach programs. He elaborated on the motivation behind the partnership: “With the Pumas, excellence is non-negotiable. There is a culture of winning, regardless of the conditions. As Booysendal, we want operational excellence. Every shift, every blast and every safety check must be top-notch at our mine. If we mingle and have relationships with people who are excelling, it will be easy for us to reach greater heights.”

Representing Pumas management was head coach Jimmy Stonehouse. He said it was an amazing experience to visit and partner with Booysendal. “From the moment we arrived, it was clear that their core values align very closely with ours – a commitment to excellence, integrity, and people.”

As part of the excursion, the players toured the mine. They visited the North Concentrator Plant, Fishways and the famous Tower 7, where they saw the Ropecon conveyor belt in action and got a bird’s-eye view from the mine’s designated overlook. Stonehouse said getting a glimpse into Booysendal’s operations was truly inspiring.

“We are genuinely privileged to be associated with an organisation that strives to stand ‘head and shoulders above the rest’. We thank Booysendal for the warm hospitality, and for spoiling us, and look forward to walking this journey together with pride,” he added.

Both the Booysendal management and Pumas management exchanged gifts as tokens of appreciation. Club captain Clinton Swart accepted a challenge from the Booysendal team to see the Pumas excel in the upcoming Carling Currie Cup competition.

The event concluded with a pledge signing by the Pumas squad and Booysendal team to pave the way for excellence within the two institutions.