A President, a Captain, a Nation

I will most certainly be going to watch this movie featuring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. I well remember the Rugby World Cup 1995. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the opening game at Newlands in Cape Town and even today I am moved by the memory of that emotional outpouring of patriotism amongst the throngs of people present in the stadium.

I can still hear the crowd shouting "Nelson, Nelson" as President Mandela walked out to greet the crowds during the opening ceremony. As the national anthem was sung, I remember turning to my right and seeing a white middle-age man crying as the emotion of the moment overwhelmed him.

I do not know if it is possible for those who are not South African to understand that the story portrayed in this movie is not just about a "good story" - it is a much deeper and emotional tale that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be South African in this era of change, uncertainty, challenge and opportunity.

Go and watch this movie and be reminded that sport unites and that we can stand proudly together as brothers and sisters in a beautiful country that more than ever needs unity and Umoja - a spirit of togetherness.