THOUSAND of Sowetans whistled and jostled for attention as RWC Boks made their tour to one of the world’s biggest townships in the world, Soweto on Thursday.
The tour is part of the Webb Ellis trophy cup to the world and mzansi.
A four-day trophy tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.
Players, management, families and some lucky fans, hopped on the open deck bus, that began in Pretoria (meeting Pres Cyril Matamela Ramphosa and his cabinet) before heading to Loftus Versfeldt Stadium.
Title sponsors MTN and FNB offices were next.
Singing, jubilation and peaceful atmosphere was palpable at both stops as players made autographs for emotional fans.
Young, old, mkhulus and taanies, could not miss out on this special euphoria, as sirens from police and private security made way for RWC.
Yes, Soweto came to an abrupt standstill as traffic had to be diverted, reminiscent of election day in 1994.
After taking a turn through the famous Vilakazi Street, boasting two Nobel’s Peace Laurets’ Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, off we hit the highway to FNB Stadium, to conclude the Gauteng tour.
Cape Town, is the next stop today, with Durban to follow on Saturday. EC will follow on Sunday.
Other satellite regions will be considered for the tour, according to South African rugby Union.
Images Jacob MAWELA top (RWC Boks skipper Siya Kolisi seen hoisting the Webb Ellis Cup whilst on victory parade through famous Vilakazi Str, Orlando. Soweto on Thursday).
