Nama Xaba has been busy inspiring the next generation of sports stars; he visited Camps Bay High School to share his story and meet some of his younger fans.
Camps Bay, South Africa (12 May 2023) – It is always exciting getting to meet your heroes, whether in the line of entertainment, philosophy and philanthropy or sports. The best is when you get to hear their story and learn from their lessons. Nama Xaba, a Stormer’s Rugby player, recently shared his story with the students of Camps Bay High School and he left them all in awe.
Camps Bay High School was very honoured to have Nama Xaba join the school assembly for a talk. Nama’s groundbreaking rugby journey includes winning a scholarship to Glenwood College in Durban, becoming Head Prefect in his matric year, becoming the first black captain of the UCT rugby team, playing for the SA under 20 team and captaining the Western Province U19, U20 teams. Nama is currently playing for the Stormers as well as the Western Province teams and should be back in action later this year once he has recovered from an injury.
Nama spoke powerfully of the racism he experienced in the small mining town of Vryheid where he grew up. From racially segregated classes, being called the K-word throughout his early rugby career to being told to leave the local gym because he was allegedly causing the gym owner to ‘lose customers’. Importantly, he did not let these incidents break down his spirit or define him; he became even more determined to succeed in life and prove them wrong.
“Nama inspired our learners with regards to healthy masculinity by using examples from his own life. He spoke about the dehumanising that underpins locker-room talk and gender-based violence, of the way men are socialised to earn respect through violence and domination, which is often subconsciously driven by insecurity and a sense of not being good enough. He spoke of the pressure men can feel when surrounded by other men to use alcohol excessively in order to impress them.” – Twinita Pattenden, Camps Bay High School’s Social Worker
Nama’s anecdotal stories highlighted the power of integrity and honesty, particularly when you are in the wrong. Nama made a significant impression on the Camps Bay High School learners as he is the kind of role model young South Africans desperately need.
by 