South Africa is truly the Rainbow Nation. A mixture of races, genders and cultures which was on full display during the absorbing 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at Newlands.
The Proteas Women’s maiden appearance in a major tournament final had galvanised the famous “Ubuntu” spirit in South Africans to come out in support of their team. They came in their thousands – 12 782 – which was a new record for any women’s sporting event in South Africa’s history.
In fact, South Africans had flocked to all three venues in Cape Town, Paarl and Gqeberha throughout the past fortnight that has set a new benchmark for women’s sport in the country.
“Our Proteas Women’s team have done us very proud. They have made us all ‘experts’ on the game. Many people had not been to cricket before, but they came to the matches to support our Proteas Women’s team. They are all now cricket experts. We are so proud of this Proteas Women’s team and what they have done in helping to inspire our country and especially the youth – both girls and boys,” said South African Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Ms Nocawe Mafu. The tournament was a resounding success on so many levels, both on and off the field, where the Local Organising Committee was headed up by Muditambi Ravele along with many other females as part of her staff.
Ihaam Groenewald, who is the Chief Director of Sport at Stellenbosch University (Maties), and a strong advocate and pioneer for women’s sport in South Africa, believes not only has the Proteas’ performances provided inspiration, but also the successful hosting of the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has elevated women’s overall status.
“The World Cup has shown that woman can! Women of South Africa can compete at the highest level and provide the stage for it to happen. And what a wonderful stage it was. Everyone walking around Newlands on Sunday, and throughout the tournament elsewhere in the country too, there was just such a buzz inside the stadiums. The atmosphere was fantastic. I had goosebumps watching how South Africans were fully behind our women’s team. It was unprecedented,” Groenewald said.
“My son is even talking to me in the car about Laura Wolvaardt’s cover drive. That’s the sort of engagement this World Cup has created.