Not In My Head

An open letter to Rassie Erasmus,

Rassie I’m a fan. You’re innovative, creative, an out-the-box thinker, strategist deluxe, compassionate, tough, driven, deeply passionate, funny and good-looking, to boot. Knowing you to be self-reflexive and always anticipating the next great challenge, allow me to ask you to rise to an enormous one.

You have consistently expressed deep admiration for the resilience and determination of Springbok players, recognising that many of these athletes have faced significant hardships and obstacles in their lives, yet have risen to the highest levels of rugby through sheer dedication and talent. You often highlight how their backgrounds shape their character and drive, instilling a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. 

By emphasizing the importance of these stories, you not only honour the players’ achievements but also acknowledge the broader social context of sport in South Africa. You see their journeys as a source of inspiration for the entire team, fostering a culture of unity and pride within the Springbok squad. This connection between the team and the people is a cornerstone of your leadership philosophy, reinforcing the idea that rugby is not just a game, but a powerful vehicle for change and hope.

Your phenomenal leadership has encouraged a team spirit that celebrates diversity, reflecting the nation’s struggles and triumphs. By fostering a sense of responsibility within the squad, you’ve helped them understand that their performances resonate far beyond the rugby pitch. 

So please tell me why, when your team has such immense social capital, you allow it to associate with fossil fuel companies? How is it your team has not confronted how this association threatens the integrity of your beloved sport whilst you’re all being used as tools for petroindustry “sportswashing”- improving their public image while diverting attention from their detrimental impact on our environment? What is the real message you’re sending to youngsters – that they must take the present climate shocks and coming deprivations (caused by crony petrocapitalism with its moral bankruptcy that has benefitted only a small minority) on the chin? Whose futures count?

Is this what all the intense preparation and grueling training has been for? To give TotalEnergies and Engen a social license to operate and normalise their activities in the eyes of millions of sports fans?

TotalEnergies, the 19th largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, has been found guilty of misleading sustainability advertising by South Africa’s Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), marking a significant first in the country. The ruling, issued on August 14, stemmed from a complaint by Fossil Free South Africa, which highlighted deceptive claims made in a partnership with South Africa National Parks (Sanparks) for a #FuelYourExperience competition. The ad proclaimed TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainable development, a statement deemed “false and misleading” by the campaign group, which noted the company’s ongoing fossil fuel operations and expansion plans contradict TotalEnergies’ sustainability claims. 

The ruling mandates that ARB members, including broadcasters, must reject ads from TotalEnergies that assert a commitment to sustainable development. What a shame the name Siya Kolisi, and his foundation, are tainted by this greenwash duplicity. Endorsement works both ways.

Whilst this is a crucial step for consumer protection and sustainability integrity in South Africa, Engen has now been allowed to step into the gap.

Engen has faced criticism and allegations of injustices related to environmental and labour practices in South Africa. Their operations have been associated with poor maintenance, pollution and ecological degradation, particularly in communities near their refineries. Residents have reported issues like air and water contamination, effects of toxic substances such as benzene affecting public health and local ecosystems. Neither do Engen’s profits adequately benefit the communities where they operate, perpetuating economic inequalities in regions heavily impacted by their operations. Your team wears the emblem of those who mitigate by ‘dilution of pollution’ on our land and in our water and ocean commons.

Rassie, my challenge to you and your team is not to leave resistance and standing up to Big Oil to teenagers, fence-line communities, aging activists and those whose only way to speak out is on a placard. Why be a zero-transition-Zombie? Imagine, Rassie, what a difference you and your team could have made if each of you took a knee for the environment, and all of our climate futures, and refused these fossil fuel endorsements? Imagine how that action would re-enliven a sense of agency in youngsters and South Africans alike? 

I look forward to your response,

Janet Solomon