In Eastern Cape, boks’ tour bus crashes
NEWS: An accident involving the open-top tour bus of Springboks has occurred.
The tragedy happened on Monday as the bus—which was still wearing the Springbok logo—was traveling from East London to Johannesburg, according to a number of regional South African publications.
It has been alleged that on Monday night, the bus’s brakes failed, causing it to go off the road and smash into the security gate of a home in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape.
The bus has subsequently been removed from the site and was not carrying any passengers.
The Eastern Cape transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, acknowledged the accident, according to dispatch.
RECAP: The rationale for the Springbok team
The grandeur of the Springboks’ historic triumph was impossible to overlook, even after their World Cup trip was over.
The Springboks arrived in Cape Town to celebrate on November 3, 2023, a day when thousands of Capetons, regardless of origin or race, came together. They had just returned from their four-day tour in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Fans had already gathered in patches for the World Cup champions at the Southern Sun Cullinan, where the Springbok players, management, backroom staff, and family had congregated.
They set out for City Hall, where a sea of admirers, many of them wearing South African and Springbok outfits, was waiting for them.
Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff told the media as he faced the cameras on the streets of Cape Town, “It has been incredible.”
“The support, passion, and love have all been electrifying.”
Having participated in the 2019 World Cup tour for the Springboks and the 2022 United Rugby Championship championship tour for the Stormers, Kitshoff is no stranger to trophy tours in the city.
“The most memorable thing for me is seeing the ladies and oomies [uncles] on the side of the bus, crying and cheering.”
Kitshoff, who is expected to join Ulster from the Stormers, said a tearful goodbye.
Fans were treated to concerts in front of City Hall, which featured a cameo by the legendary PJ Powers.
The 63-year-old gave a rendition of her well-known Jabulani and World in Union.
The players soon followed Faf De Klerk, who was wearing his iconic Springbok flag Speedo, as the Boks made their way to the platform.
After wearing his World Cup final kit since the match on October 28, Damian Willemse eventually changed out of it.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi received a very cheeky green T-shirt with the words “wenkant” emblazoned on it from Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The garment was a reference to the incident that occurred between the hooker and England’s Tom Curry during the World Cup quarterfinal match.
The supporters applauded as Captain Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe, from Kraaifontein, spoke to them.
Being back in Cape Town makes me very proud. Kolbe expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“Even though we are a diverse team with varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds, what unites us all is the beauty of these fans at the parade.”
“Let’s stand together, love one another, and pray for one another.”
“My rugby career began here [in Cape Town],” Kolisi continued.
“The assistance that rugby receives here in the
And I just wanted to say thanks for all of your help.
“We appreciate your solidarity in supporting us.”
“It is truly beautiful to see,” he continued.
The tour bus proceeded down Adderley Street, Wale Street, Long Street, Buitensingel, and Loop Street, with thousands of fans trailing after.
Furthermore, nothing could truly capture the views in Langa and Bonteheuwel, even if the CBD has left the Boks and their family in complete amazement.
It was both terrifying and amazing to see the small children chasing after the bus.
People were climbing trees, getting on top of buses, vehicles, homes, schools, and even traffic lights to catch a view of the Boks, and there were banners saying things like “We Love You Siya” and “Hulle Weet nie wat ons weet nie.”
The proprietors of tuckshops and shebeens were playing loud music while Boerie rolls were being peddled everywhere.
It was an utterly joyous event and a time of celebration that made you understand that this actually matters more, even if they just saw the Boks for a few minutes.
Siya Kolisi and his siblings were unique because of the Rainbow Nation.
It provides them motivation to battle, giving them an advantage over opponents and allowing them to win games against France, England, and New Zealand by a single point.
