In a landmark initiative to uplift and back grassroots rugby, Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation have partnered with the Boland Rugby Union to distribute a remarkable array of equipment to its 221 official affiliated clubs. This significant event took place at the Boland Rugby Stadium on 22 February 2025 ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Boland Rugby Union is the biggest union – in terms of size and geographic distance – in South Africa and has played an integral part in ensuring that its members get the very best through these and other Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects.
“We are grateful to our long-term partners – Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation – for going above and beyond by empowering the Boland Rugby Union to make a noticeable impact at the clubs,” said Bennie van Rooi, president of Boland Rugby Union. “This initiative is its second year, and we can see the impact that it has made following last year’s handover. Rugby clubs in the Boland have a strong loyal following so being able to help them with equipment will help improve things at club level.”
The comprehensive donation to approximately 490 teams from 221 registered rugby clubs includes over 2,300 rugby balls, approximately 70 carrying boards and neck braces, and nearly 300 pole protectors. This initiative underlines the Boland Rugby Union’s unwavering commitment to helping grow talent and promoting the sport across the region.
“We are proud to support Boland Rugby because of the powerful role sport plays in empowering communities. Our partnership with Boland Rugby aligns with our core belief in the transformative power of sport to uplift and inspire young people, especially in our underserved communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only providing sports gear, but also aiming to foster confidence, resilience, and opportunities for individuals who can then give back to their communities,” said Carl Roothman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sanlam Investment Group.
This event will testify to the magnitude and power of sport within the Boland region which stretches across 13 municipalities and is played across four leagues including three senior men’s divisions and one women’s competition. Many of the clubs will also be receiving the same level of support as the top clubs in Boland, with the Sanlam Boland Top 12 – the union’s flagship competition – showcasing the best talent in the top leagues, it is initiatives like this that set the Boland Rugby Union apart from its fellow South African rugby unions.
“When we partner with the Boland Rugby Union, we understand and know that it will be utilised to the maximum benefit of each club,” said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson of the Motsepe Foundation. “We hope that this investment will help clubs to continue to provide a safe space and ideal platform to showcase the talented and gifted rugby players that can be found in Boland, men and women.”
