Coronavirus: We must continue Mandela’s legacy – Kolisi helping South Africa fight COVID-19

Siya Kolisi says it is vital Nelson Mandela’s legacy continues as the South Africa captain opened up on his role in helping the country fight coronavirus.

Kolisi, who skippered the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory last year, was due to launch his foundation later in 2020.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has launched Kolisi into immediate action and he has partnered with others to make donations to provide vital supplies to frontline medical workers tackling the crisis.

An Instagram post from the flanker’s foundation last week explained: “Whilst the Kolisi Foundation was months from launching with different projects in mind, we couldn’t ignore the seriousness of COVID-19 so began to focus our energy and resources on supporting our frontline workers – supplying sanitisers and reusable masks. 

“We are thankful that we have been able to lean on our incredible partners to support the project and will look to partner with other established organisations in the future to guarantee our work is as impactful as possible, addressing hunger and other areas close to our heart.”

Kolisi said part of his motivation is ensuring the work of former president Mandela continues.

“I just think his legacy must still continue, the rainbow nation he wanted to see,”he told BBC Breakfast.

“Actually working partnering up with the foundation, helping the frontline workers, we’re all trying to attack the hunger and help the workers. 

Starting the day off right… pic.twitter.com/KzBKabwhxX

— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi_Bear) April 6, 2020

“Just thinking of other people, the way he lived his life, he always wanted to make South Africa better, that’s what we’re trying to realise to make sure his legacy continues and because we have a beautiful country, so much potential, we can achieve so much. 

“Hopefully can inspire other people too.”

Kolisi is drawing on his own experiences of playing as part of a team to aid a country that has had over 1,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has one of the world’s strictest lockdowns.

“It’s really tough and I think playing in a team squad, this is going to be a team effort from everyone in South Africa and everyone in general, I think everybody has a role to play,” he added. 

“It’s a time for people to stay at home and not leave our houses, we have a complete lockdown our president has acted swiftly. 

“I think for people who are in a fortunate basis who can help others, food is a big problem at the moment, we’re pushing hard on fighting the hunger, making sure people get meals there are a lot kids who go to school just to get one meal.

“I’m trying to provide for that and making sure we help as much as we can.”

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