Book review: Umbhoxo – Making rugby an Afrikan game

In the year that South Africa has won the Rugby World Cup for a record fourth time, it is fitting that a book on the history of black rugby in the country is published as the Springboks squad had a strong contingent of black players who contributed to that success.

Umbhoxo debunks the myth that black people in South Africa only started playing rugby union when the Springboks made a return from the international wilderness just over 30 years ago.

In fact, the book – which is a collaborative effort done by researchers and academics – is the first of its kind that makes a detailed and comprehensive study at the historical narrative of African rugby in South Africa.

‘Afrikan’ not ‘African’

Interestingly, the term “Afrikan” – which appears in the title of the book – is prominent throughout and in one of the early chapters a detailed explanation is given by the authors as to why that phrase, instead of the more commonly used expression of “African”, is preferred by them.

It will come as a shock to many that rugby union has been popular amongst South Africa‘s black people – especially its African population – and played in an organised manner at club and schools levels for close to 150 years, with the game having its roots in the Eastern and Western Cape since the latter part of the 19th century, primarily due to British colonialism.

An extract from the book emphasises that fact succinctly: “British rule had a disruptive effect on the conquered: agents of imperialism such as teachers, missionaries, traders and farmers, moved into Afrikan territories, bringing the native people into contact with alien European ideas and institutions.

“The missionaries set up schools and encouraged black people to abandon their ‘uncivilised’ customs and obtain a Western education, learn about Christianity and adopt British cultural values. Sport was an integral part of assimilation and mobilisation.”

There are several stories and anecdotes of iconic players’ exploits from the past and how they were denied the opportunity of representing their country against international opposition due to the evil system of apartheid.

Growth of the game

From club rugby the game’s popularity grew immensely and various rugby unions were established, which competed successfully in tournaments against rival teams in the establishment and in non-racial rugby.

When one looks at the current set-up in the Springboks side and how the likes of inspirational skipper Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am, Bongi Mbonambi, Makazole Mapimpi, Trevor Nyakane and Ox Nche have made their mark in the Test arena as amongst the best players in their respective positions in the world, it’s hard to argue that their predecessors from similar backgrounds mentioned in Umbhoxo would not have reached the same heights if they were afforded the opportunities to test their mettle at international level.

Overall, Umbhoxo – Making rugby an Afrikan game is helpful and certainly educational as it provides readers with plenty of knowledge on a topic which is unknown territory for most rugby enthusiasts. It is also an excellent book for research purposes on South African rugby.

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