Following the historic 2023 Rugby World Cup victory by the Springboks in Stade de France on Saturday, October 28, Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk made good on his commitment to bungee jump in a “Faf speedo” today, October 30.
Admittedly a fanatic Springbok supporter, Van Niekerk took a major leap of faith at the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge bungee in the world, he also wants to spread a message of unity and tolerance. Even though the colourful speedo, manufactured by BeanBagTheBrand, is not prescribed clothing by Bloukrans Bungy, Van Niekerk will brave the chill.
“While it ended in a fairy-tale for our country, the nuances in the match was nerve-wrecking. I felt like a coiled nerve as we watched the nail-biting action at the Nelson Mandela Stadium fan park and could not even sit down.
“It had all the ingredients that wildest dreams are made of. We won the last three matches against world-class opposition, by only one point, to become the first country in the history of the Rugby World Cup to win the championship four times.
“New Zealand had the same odds at the start of the match as they also lifted the Webb Ellis trophy three times before and presented a major obstacle.
“The Springboks defended like the warriors they are and left everything they had on that Paris pitch. They truly deserve our admiration and appreciation.
“The leadership roles of our hometown heroes are treasured with the Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, hailing from Despatch and seasoned captain, Siya Kolisi from Zwide.
“The atmosphere at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, significantly named after the first South African President to raise the Webb Ellis trophy in 1995, was electrifying. A number of the Kolisi-family joined us to see their iconic family member become a World Champion twice as captain.
“I hope that the victory will unite us, heal divides and foster tolerance across political and religious divisions.
“Now, I am ready for the 216m leap of faith as a proud Springbok supporter to celebrate another historic World Cup Championship, and to spread a message of tolerance and unity.
“Stop the hate and be proud to be South African,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
