Springboks inspire youth as they mark celebrations in Pretoria

The Springboks celebrated Youth Day a day early on Thursday with the players unloading food, ‘braaiing’ boerewors and interacting with 200 disabled young people at the Kungwini Welfare Organisation, in conjunction with FoodForward SA, and team partners the Freddy Hirsch Group and Dettol.

Eleven Springbok players – Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Marvin Orie, Evan Roos, and Joseph Dweba – spent a joyous afternoon with the youth as the Castle Lager Rugby Championship training squad continue their preparations for the tournament in the country’s capital.

The players also participated in an education session with Dettol to remind them about the importance of handwashing and hygiene.

“It was a very humble experience for us as the Springboks to go to the the Kungwini Welfare Organisation, and we are thankful that we had the opportunity to be part of such a special initiative with FoodForward SA, the Freddy Hirsch Group and Dettol,” said Orie.

“As Springboks we believe we are stronger together, and to go out and interact with the youth and give back is part of our vision is to make South Africa a better place where people can dream and strive to become the best in the world.”

Malherbe also encouraged them to keep believing in themselves and strive to achieve their dreams.

“The youth have and will continue to play a vital role in making South Africa such a special place, and it is important that they realise their potential and learn that their dreams can become a reality,” said Malherbe.

“Our message to them is to do their best in every task they perform, always work hard to achieve their dreams and to be the best they can every day.”

The day was equally important and memorable for FoodForward SA, Dettol and the Freddy Hirsch Group, who played a significant role in making these celebrations possible.

“Ensuring that vulnerable youth have access to nutritious food is a priority for FoodForward SA,” said their Managing Director, Andy du Plessis.

“We’re excited to once again join hands with SA Rugby to celebrate Youth Day and to highlight the importance of creating economic opportunities and access to food for our youth.

“This year, the Springboks, along with our donors Freddy Hirsch Group and Dettol South Africa, are helping us make a difference to the lives of our youth with disabilities.

“People with disabilities are often at higher risk of unemployment, and by providing better access to nutritious food for people with disabilities, non-profit organisations like Kungwini Welfare ensures that at-risk youth are offered various developmental programmes, giving them better access to employment opportunities.”

Clive Moore, Group Marketing Head for Freddy Hirsch, said: “As a company, we believe that every child deserves to have their unique abilities celebrated, regardless of their challenges.

“Our sponsorship of this charity event with FoodForward SA and SA Rugby is a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community, and in children’s lives, not just with funds, but with quality time, and food that nourishes their bodies and spirits.

“We are proud to be part of this heartfelt initiative, spreading smiles and joy, as we continue to share our Oom Freddy’s Legacy spice, one act of kindness at a time.”

Masibonge Mkhize, who heads up corporate communications and partnerships for Dettol, said: “The Dettol Mzansi Protect programme is a bold initiative where the simple act of handwashing can make a fundamental difference among the people and communities we serve, especially in vulnerable communities, where the much-needed support through education and assistance will make a big difference in people’s health.

“It’s more important than ever to ensure fundamental hygiene measures are in place, and this partnership with SA Rugby, through the Springboks, gives us added reassurance and advocacy to remain vigilant in this area.”