Erasmus awarded for 'inspirational' role in SA

NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to receive another prestigious award because of his passion, devotion, and brilliance in leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023.

The FW de Klerk Foundation announced that Erasmus will be the recipient of its 2024 FW de Klerk Goodwill Award.

The Springbok coach was awarded an honorary doctorate by the North-West University (NWU) in March this year.

Erasmus was contentiously overlooked for World Rugby’s Coach of the Year award, which went to France's Sevens coach Jérôme Daret, sparking outrage on social media.

The Goodwill Award, established in 2010, gives recognition to individuals and organisations that have made extraordinary contributions to the promotion of goodwill between South Africans and uniting South Africans behind a common course.

The FW de Klerk Foundation has chosen Erasmus as the recipient of this year’s Goodwill Award, because of his passion, devotion, and brilliance in leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023.

His role as a coach inspires people from all walks of life, instills pride, and promotes nation-building.

The work of the FW de Klerk Foundation resonates with the non-racial, meritocratic, humble, and patriotic values espoused by Rassie during his tenure as the national coach.

The Springboks’ victories continue to unite South Africans in celebration and also serve to inspire every citizen to derive important life lessons about working together as a nation, mutual respect, tolerance, humanity, perseverance, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and serving the interest of all of our people.