Fikile Mbalula Praises New Springboks Nike Jersey, South Africans Fire Back Hard

• ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula commented on the newly unveiled Springboks jersey, pointing out a detail many may have missed
• The Springboks launched a new Nike jersey on Wednesday 5 August 2026, featuring a subtle patriotic design element
• South Africans pushed back sharply against Mbalula's post, with some questioning his standing to speak on patriotism

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula drew mixed attention on Wednesday 5 August 2026 after commenting on the newly unveiled Springboks jersey, a design developed in partnership with Nike.

Mbalula, a former Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, drew attention to a detail embedded in the jersey's design. According to his post, the words of the South African national anthem are printed below the collar, running down to the chest and along the sides of the shirt.

"If you zoom in closer on this picture, you will see the words of our South African National Anthem written below the beck up to the chest and on the sides of the Springboks jersey. A beautiful gesture of patriotism and nation-building," Mbalula wrote, accompanied by the South African flag emoji.

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Springboks' new jersey debuts with national symbol

The jersey features the Springbok emblem, the South African coat of arms badge, the FNB sponsor logo and the Nike swoosh. The inclusion of the national anthem's lyrics within the fabric's design was positioned as a tribute to South African identity.

Mbalula's comments came shortly after the jersey was officially launched, with the post quickly circulating beyond his followers on the platform.

''If you zoom in closer on this picture, you will see the words of our South African National Anthem written below the beck up to the chest and on the sides of the Springboks jersey. A beautiful gesture of patriotism and nation-building.'' Mbalula wrote.

See the post on X below.

South Africans push back at Mbalula

Despite the positive framing of his message, several users responded critically, directing their frustration specifically at the messenger rather than the jersey itself.

@Mbuyiselo252380 wrote:

"Patriotism And your Political party, don't mix. it's like oil and water, try something else"

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@GustavOpperman1 said:

"No one wants to hear from corrupt unpatriotic ANC criminal stooges who've robbed the country blind about what patriotism is. We can see TRUE patriotism every single day with the Springboks, March4March and Operation Dudula. We don't need you criminals to pretend"

This is not the first time Mbalula has faced backlash on social media over sport-related commentary. He was previously dragged online after weighing in on controversy surrounding Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena and reportedly clashed with former swimmer Roland Schoeman on the platform.

Rassie Erasmus shuts down All Blacks questions

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus redirected Tuesday's pre-match press conference after journalists repeatedly steered questions toward the upcoming All Blacks series rather than Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

Source: Briefly News