Rassie Erasmus has revealed how the Springboks redefined what transformation means, eradicating embarrassment from the word.
Rassie Erasmus, who has embraced the team motto of “Stronger Together” to unite the nation, has been instrumental in leading the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup triumph.
He is without a doubt a rugby genius, having led the way in transformation and helped the Springboks improve their depth while also empowering a lot of young players through his rigorous planning and preparation.
Erasmus has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, which would effectively place him in a position to ultimately have served at the helm of the national side for close to a decade when this next stint concludes.
Despite all his achievements on the international stage, Erasmus shared in his autobiography the fact that he viewed his greatest achievement to be the creation of the elite player development pathway which widened the net on the players of colour that were scouted and invested in.
North-West University (NWU) has granted the well-known coach an honorary doctorate in Coaching Science.Erasmus has demonstrated a “unwavering commitment to the Sport Transformation Charter – which is included in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Sport and Recreation – that has resulted in a systematic change in the development of talent and skills across the national rugby spectrum,” according to the university, in addition to his visionary leadership..
RASSIE ERASMUS HAS BROUGHT CHANGE TO THE SPRINGBOKS AND THE WAY TRANSFORMATION IS VIEWED
During a press conference last week, Erasmus provided further insights into his vision on this subject.
“I’ve been involved in South African rugby since 1994. Things were introduced that didn’t work, that embarrassed people, fans, media. I think the main thing was when trying to change, we struggled with the word transformation because some created a thing of it meaning ‘black people in, white people out’.
However, in other nations, the key is simply making changes to the way you operate, speak about, and defend your nation. How you choose a team and how varied your management team is. How do you approach work? We have just explained that the word “transformation” actually refers to change.
When I was coaching Munster in Ireland, you would assume that, from the outside, we could remedy this by no longer making fun of a person or group of people. That was its pillar. The Springbok team is today incredibly honest with one another, and everyone feels comfortable inside the group—but it’s not a place to hide.”
A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Rassie Erasmus has become one of the most loved South African sports figureheads, and his honorary doctorate
was also handed down in recognition of his innovative and exceptional management of the Springboks, as well as for his bold transformation goals.
Awie Kotze, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke about Erasmus’ achievement and awarding him with his honorary doctorate.
“Erasmus has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud,” said Kotze.
“He embodies the principles of resilience, determination and team-work that we at NWU hold dear. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together.”
