Cape Town – Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has praised newly naturalised Springbok Vincent Tshituka and his brother Emmanuel, following their recent acquisition of South African citizenship.
The Tshituka brothers, who fled political unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in South Africa as refugees in 2002.
The minister took to his X account to congratulate Emmanuel and Vincent Tshituka on becoming naturalised South African citizens.
“Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka came to SA as child refugees from DRC. Yesterday, I had the honour of watching Vincent make his debut for the Springboks after naturalising them,” Schreiber wrote.
“The latest reminder from our Boks that – no matter our background – we truly are Stronger Together.”
Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka came to SA as child refugees from DRC. Yesterday, I had the honour of watching Vincent make his debut for the Springboks after naturalising them. The latest reminder from our Boks that – no matter our background – we truly are Stronger Together 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/I80pT7ocXN
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 6, 2025
Vincent Tshituka made a stellar Springbok debut, scoring two tries against the Barbarians on a rainy match day in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 July.
In a post on Instagram after the match, the newly minted Springbok struggled to put into words what he described as a truly monumental moment in his life — stepping onto the field for his Springbok debut.
“Still trying to find the words… This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to run out for the Springboks, and all I can say is, Thank you God!!,” he said.
“It’s something I couldn’t have even begun to dream of since I was a kid, and now it actually happened.
“A dream realised! CRAZY!”
In the final three slides of his Instagram post, he expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during his Springbok debut — sharing heartfelt moments and thanking those who stood by him.
View this post on Instagram
“The last 3 slides is just a depiction of the type of support I’ve been blessed with, and this is only the tip of the iceberg!
“There are so many more people that I could have credited.
“So to everyone that’s ever prayed for me, spoke words of life over me, shouted in my corner, sent me a message or just wished me luck.
“THANK YOU!!
“You’re all loved and appreciated❤️,” he said.
