#TheGranBoks: A heartwarming online series celebrating the real heroes behind South Africa’s rugby stars, their grandmothers, launches as the Rugby World Cup kicks off!
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 September 2023) – As the Rugby World Cup kicks off today, South Africans are gearing up to cheer for the Springboks. However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, a heartwarming series has emerged, shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes behind some of our beloved rugby stars: their grandmothers.
Welcome to #TheGranBoks, a touching new online series that captures the real stories of the men in Green & Gold through the eyes and voices of their grandmothers.
In a refreshing departure from the typical rugby narrative dominated by brands and sponsorships, #TheGranBoks brings us closer to the genuine, human stories that inspire our rugby heroes. The well-known South African beer brand, while involved in the project, wisely steps back, allowing these incredible grannies to take centre stage.
Castle Lager Brand Director, Wendy Bedforth, expressed her admiration for the project, saying, “We sat down with Malcolm Marx’s granny Melody, Franco Mostert’s oumas Martie, Riana, and Gerda, and Bongi Mbonambi’s gogo Themba, and they offered us the most unique and personal perspectives.”
In a world where success and silverware often define our heroes, this series reminds us that true greatness is rooted in the love and support of family.
Bedforth highlights this beautifully, noting, “They revealed how – the men millions of us admire – are heroes not because of their successes and silverware but rather because they are their grandsons.”
#TheGranBoks will unfold over a three-week period, presenting episodes in English, Zulu, and Afrikaans, ensuring that all South Africans can connect with these heartwarming stories.
One of the stars of the series is octogenarian Melody Anderson, the grandmother of Malcolm Marx. Melody shares her simple yet profound love for her grandson, telling us how she watches matches with her three best friends and cherishes Malcolm’s phone calls on her landline.
Bedforth aptly concludes, “As South Africans – we are a people with heart. You feel it in the way we greet each other and celebrate one another’s successes. It represents our ability to bring out the best in each other and rise above our limitations. We’re so proud for SA to see this series as it typifies the warmth of our spirit and the openness of our arms.”
In a delightful twist, it’s not just the grannies who are offering up gems but also the partnership between MultiChoice and SABC, which has opened access for all South Africans to enjoy Rugby World Cup matches. This inclusivity is further enhanced by the creation of eight dedicated ‘Fan Zones’ nationwide, ensuring that even in the face of load shedding, fans can unite to support the Bokke.
So, let’s raise our glasses not just to our rugby heroes but also to the incredible grannies who helped shape them into the men they are today.
Cheers to the Bokke, and here’s to a thrilling tournament ahead!
by 