Share

WATCH: New sports minister earns Bok stripes

Cape Town - Say what you want about Fikile Mbalula, nobody could ever question his love of sport. 

Ever since he was named sports minister in 2010, Mbalula has been a passionate fan of all of South Africa's major sporting teams - cricket, rugby and soccer. 

He was always vocal in his support for the Springboks, and will be remembered for his "moer hulle dood" speech ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

Now, there is a new sheriff in town. 

Thembelani Nxesi has been unveiled as the country's new sports minister, making the move from minister of public works as part of President Jacob Zuma's controversial cabinet reshuffle. 

The sporting community does not know too much about Nxesi, and they are waiting to see what his stance will be on South Africa's 2023 World Cup bid as well as the identity of the two South African Super Rugby teams to be chopped for the 2018 tournament. 

While he was still in charge, Mbalula had banned the associations in charge of rugby, cricket, netball and athletics from bidding for, or hosting, major sporting events because of a 2015/16 Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report that indicated that those sports had failed in their endeavours to facilitate transformation.  

Mbalula said that the result of the 2016/17 report would determine whether or not those bans were lifted, but that now falls under Nxesi. 

There is a lot to learn about the new minister, but he seemed in good spirits at Monday's launch of the new SuperSport Rugby Challenge in Johannesburg. 

Nxesi said the aim was to turn South Africa into world leaders in rugby once again, and he was given a Bok jersey by SA Rugby president Mark Alexander in a moment that is hopefully the beginning of a healthy relationship. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE