JOHANNESBURG - 2023 saw the country united as the Springboks conquered the world with the slogan Stronger Together.
But, that all began back in 1995 when President Nelson Mandela backed the Boks.
The nation was further galvanised when Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations the next year.
It was at a time of political division with the country still reeling from apartheid.
These lessons show how sports and federations can heal divisions.
Author and historian Andre Odendaal believes they can play the same role in today's polarised climate.