Pretoria Victory Parade kicks off at Union Buildings
Hundreds of fans sporting placards, flags and vuvuzelas lined the streets of Pretoria and gathered on the lawns and streets of the Union Buildings during for the Victory Parade of the now legendary Springbok team of 2023.
The rugby world champions, the Springboks, began their four-day trophy parade in the Capital City on Thursday, November 2.
Crowds gathered early in the streets of Arcadia, Hatfield and around the Union Buildings to welcome their heroes.
The highlight of those hundreds gathering on the lawns of the Union Buildings, was President Cyril Ramaphosa and captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy as the reigning, victorious, undefeated Rugby World Cup champions and the national heroes.
Ramaphosa said at the Stade de France on Saturday night, the team strode off the pitch victorious and passed into legend.
“Never in the history of the Rugby World Cup has any team lifted the trophy on four occasions. Until now. In doing so you have lifted the spirits of an entire nation and filled us with pride,” said Ramaphosa.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said it was an epic accomplishment.
“We can thank the president for coming to France to meet with the team beforehand. He understood the significance of the moment and inspired the team,” said Alexander.
He emphasised the words of Nelson Mandela that sport has the power to unite.
“These words have never been more true,” said Alexander.
Seeing the happy crowds enjoying the moment, the parade and the players, Kolisi was momentarily at a loss for words.
“Diversity was our strength as a team and I want to make a call on the president and his cabinet to take diversity a lot more into account. Everything I do now is focused on that,” said Kolisi.
The tour started in Pretoria and will go on to Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium.
The following day, the team will move on to Cape Town then Durban on Saturday, November 4 before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, November 5.
– Click here to see a video of the Victory Parade
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