Cape Town – Rassie Erasmus is set to receive one of South Africa’s highest honours from President Cyril Ramaphosa for his contribution to rugby and nation-building.
The Presidency announced on Thursday, 14 May, that the Springbok coach will receive the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold during the National Orders ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 May.
According to The South African, the award recognises South Africans who have excelled in fields including sport, arts, culture and journalism.
Thanks to the FW de Klerk Foundation from the entire Springbok team for this special award. We are humbled as a group! Lekka 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/vdRCYb2Zqi
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) February 2, 2025
An official statement said Erasmus was being honoured for his “inspirational leadership in national and international rugby” which helped guide the Springboks to multiple Rugby World Cup victories.
The statement added that the team’s success under Erasmus had strengthened social cohesion and elevated South Africa’s image internationally.
The honour comes two years after Erasmus received an honorary doctorate in Coaching Science from North-West University.
Last year, he also received a Goodwill Award from the FW de Klerk Foundation for his role in uniting South Africans through rugby.
Responding to the recognition at the time, Erasmus said: “I’m extremely honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. But I have to give all the credit to the Springbok team and management for their resilience and determination over the last few years, who made this possible.”
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
