Siya for president? I'd be on his kant if he ever stepped into the political ring

President Cyril Ramaphosa with the Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi. Image credit via Flickr/ GovernmentZA

I have a friend who passionately believes that Siya Kolisi should be president of South Africa. Every few days he sends me something that Siya said or did to prove his point. This has been going on since the Springbok victory in Japan four years ago – which my friend still can’t talk about without becoming tearful. 

Siya’s life story is of course compelling and very moving. It represents the worst and the best of our country: the horrors we come from, but also what is possible with hard work and dedication. 

Even though I hope Siya stays out of politics (for his sake), I agree with my friend that there is something presidential about him. 

Siya has a natural charm and warmth with people - and especially children - as was evident from his engagement with the boys and girls that ran out onto the field with the different teams. Despite clearly being in the pre-match zone he, unlike most other captains, smiled at them, chatted with them for a few minutes, and then took their hands – thus clearly putting them at ease and making their day. 

It is these seemingly little things that really matter and the mark of a great man. 

His smile, ease with children, and genuine joy when meeting people reminds me of Nelson Mandela – although thankfully he sings better than Madiba!

However, what really epitomises his presidential nature is Siya’s understanding of what South Africa needs. He knows on a deep existential level that the people in our country want to be unified. He understands that we still want to believe in the dream of Madiba, that we can be a great nation if we unite. 

More importantly, Siya and his band of brothers showed us on and off the field, that it can be done.

“We have many problems, but united and in diversity we can overcome anything and nothing will stop us,” said Siya repeatedly in response to media questions. 

He is right! What he didn’t and couldn’t say – so I’ll say it for him – is: “if only it wasn’t for the politicians.”

It must have really irritated the many politicians, who use our economic, racial, and social differences to boost their and their parties’ popularity, to see how thousands came together and celebrated victory. 

Long gone are the days when rugby was seen as a mainly white, Afrikaans sport. The songs, dance, and coming together celebrated our rainbow nation. 

Some would cynically argue that this was just a temporary respite from all the divisions and hatred that we are made to believe is at the center of our society. I don’t think so. Like Siya, I strongly believe that people want to unite, they want to see the good in others and most importantly, they want to make this country work. 

If anything, it illustrated to me that those politicians who are trying to divide us are out of touch. 

Politicians – including President Ramaphosa - would be wise to heed this message, especially as we are heading into the divisiveness of election season. This World Cup tournament made it very clear, that people really want a “Siya” that can make us believe again, who can tell us that it is still possible, and that can motivate us to come together, roll up our sleeves and say: “let’s do this”. 

We want leaders who understand that it is the people of this country who will save South Africa - not the politicians, private sector or ideologies and grand policies. 

We need leaders who will motivate us to get off our couches and onto the proverbial South African field. And even though we understand that things will not improve overnight – we need things to move in the direction. Afterall, we know now that even one small point can secure a victory. 

Of course, in the process there will undoubtedly be a few injuries, bloody noses and hopefully some politicians will get red cards, but can it be done? You bet your bottom in Faf’s underpants it can! We proved it on Saturday. 

Congratulations to the Bokke and thank you for all the joy (and angst) you gave us! And Siya, if you ever do decide to run for President, I and 60 million South Africans will be on your kant!