A young South African inspired by our new Bok Captain has decided to make blankets for the less fortunate in our country.
And when Siya Kolisi heard about what Ben was doing, he sent him a personal video thanking him!
From humble beginnings, amidst the poverty of Zwide township in the Eastern Cape, there emerged a rugby star, who’s inspiring an entire generation of South Africans.
Siyamthanda Kolisi’s childhood reflects the struggles of millions of black South Africans. The inspirational South African grew up in the impoverished Zwide township outside Port Elizabeth and endured a tough upbringing.
Appropriately born on Youth Day (16 June) 1991, Kolisi essentially didn’t grow up with parents. His mother, Phakama, was only 16 at the time and his father, Fezakele, was writing matric and shortly afterwards packed his bags for Cape Town.
“They simply weren’t able to raise me.”
Kolisi went to stay with his grandmother, aunt and uncle on his father’s side in the sprawling township of Zwide near Port Elizabeth. Cramped for space, little Siya had to use couch pillows to make himself a bed on the living room floor.
Going hungry was hardly a weird feeling.
“People from that area might see me succeed and feel that they can enjoy similar success. Having said that, it’s not only about black people or people from the township. In every race, there are people who have things and some who don’t. Not every white person had opportunities growing up. I want to inspire all those people.”
And Kolisi’s story is one that is inspiring South Africans from all walks of life.
Ben recently read the incredible Bok Captain’s book – Road to Glory – and was so inspired that he started making blankets in our captains honour to hand out to street kids.
The Captain caught wind of what Ben was doing and sent him the clip below:
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