From successfully hosting a G20 summit to shining on the sporting arenas and then pivoting to be the champion for global social justice Madiba wanted us to be, South Africa is a force to be reckoned with. But back home, excuse us if we're not excited when gender-based violence and the mowing down of children in gang violence are part of our daily reality, writes Gasant Abarder in a new column.
Fans of Ireland's rugby side took umbrage when our Bok supremo Rassie Erasmus threw a cheeky double thumbs up after winning the Test, now being billed as the strangest ever played. The Boks triumphed for the first time in 13 years against their bogey opponents, so what's wrong with Rassie celebrating? Also, I thought the Irish were plesierig? Apparently not!
The four-time world champion Bokke have conquered all before them and are now at the top of the global rankings. To top it off, hooker Malcolm Marx was awarded rugby's Ballon d'Or right after the final whistle. As an Afrikaans friend pointed out to me: 'We've feasted on puma, then sushi, then cockerel, Irish stew this past Saturday - volgende week vreet ons Walvis we play Wales this weekend.'