Siya Kolisi has been named one of TIME’s Most Influential People of 2024, and South Africans couldn’t agree more with the honour!
Global (19 April 2024) — It’s no secret that Siya Kolisi is a South African hero. Not only for the way he has helped lead the Springboks to the Webb Ellis Cup twice but also for his character. His determination. His grit. His proudly South African spirit. It is for these reasons (and countless more), that he has been named one of TIME’s Most Influential People of 2024!
Siya Kolisi’s story has been well documented, and has touched scores of hearts, both locally and around the world. So much so, in fact his documentary telling of it—’Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story’ even earned crowd favourite at an international storytelling festival in New York last year.
Part of the reason Siya Kolisi and his story are so loved is due to the infectious hope Siya represents. Trevor Noah—who wrote the TIME excerpt showcasing Siya as one of the magazine’s Most Influential People—put it best when he said:
“He’s been the embodiment of hope during a time in which many South Africans find it hard to hold on to any. Through political strife, an energy crisis, and the effects of COVID-19, Siya has made rugby into something more than just a competition. His multiple victories—the country’s victories—have meant so much.”
So much about Siya Kolisi as a leader has largely made what Nelson Mandela famously hoped rugby would become in South Africa possible. Today, the Springboks are also a symbol that invokes unity of incredible proportions. Indeed, it is no longer a sport; our rugby stars are our superheroes, the squad who show us that anything is possible. But to say that any of that comes down to the game alone and not the hearts beneath the jerseys is a great misjudgment.
“He’s given so much to a nation of 62 million people. I hope he’s savouring every moment of his success.”—Trevor Noah.
In true Siya Kolisi fashion, the legend humbly commented on his achievement, sharing:
“Being named to the 2024 #TIME100 list is an incredible honour, one that deeply humbles me. It’s a profound responsibility to stand alongside individuals who dedicate their lives to enriching others. This recognition isn’t just for me; it reflects the numerous individuals and communities who have poured into me and shaped me to be person I am and am becoming. I’m grateful to [TIME] for highlighting the importance of compassion and service in our world.”
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