Roger Federer and Siya Kolisi partner to uplift SA youth through education
Roger Federer and Siya Kolisi want to leave a legacy.
That might seem strange for individuals that have achieved so much – Federer is a 20-time Grand Slam champion and the GOAT of tennis for many, while Springbok captain Kolisi has won two World Cups, along with a host of accolades on the rugby field.
But both sporting superstars understand that they would not have reached such success if it wasn’t for the community around them.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF5OYQGtxn4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loadingOn Tuesday, the two delighted learners in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
They delivered much needed teaching resources, through the Roger Federer Foundation and the Kolisi Foundation, and invaluable life lessons, as expressed through their experiences, to Salani Primary School.
Kolisi acted as a tour guide for Federer on the day, no doubt strengthening the bond the 43-year-old tennis star has with the country. Not too difficult a task … After all, Federer is half-South African.
Federer’s association with the country has seen his foundation help nearly three million children across southern Africa, with the hope that a solid education will be able to alleviate the socio-economic ills they face.
While other entities in recent weeks have sought to curtail their aid, for Federer and Kolisi, helping here at the tip of Africa is rather all elementary.
“Hopefully, one day, we can look back and celebrate the foundation’s achievements, but also really make a difference in kids’ lives,” Federer, with Kolisi sitting next to him, said on Wednesday in Johannesburg.
“South Africa was obviously a natural fit for me because my mom is from Kempton Park, just down the road from here. I grew up with some moments here, getting inspired by the culture and getting to understand how different South Africa is to Switzerland.
“I struggled to go to school – not in the worst way – but I wanted to play sports. In Switzerland, you have to go to school, but in some places, like Africa and other places around the world, it is a privilege.”
It was a sentiment shared by Kolisi.
“For me,” the 33-year-old explained, “it is about growing up in South Africa, growing up in a township, and being helped by and raised by the community.
“I learnt ubuntu at a very young age. When we didn’t have food or we didn’t have anything at home, we could always go to our neighbour.
“Being helped by my teachers and the community, it has always been in me. All those values come from the township …I didn’t make it by myself. I was helped by so many people along the way.
“It is my duty and my responsibility to make sure I reciprocate, that I too make an effort to my community.”
Another responsibility undertaken by Kolisi, of a far less pressing concern, is also to introduce the Swiss master to the delicacies of South Africa.
“I eat what I get,” Federer admitted, with a chuckle, “but I need to dive deeper into the food culture. Siya wants to take me out.”
“I want to take you to my hood for some chisa nyama and umngqusho,” Kolisi quipped. “I don’t know about offal. I don’t know if you can handle it, but we will take it slow.”
“One step at a time,” Federer agreed.
It is clear that a ‘bromance’ is developing between the two, one that could indeed have a major impact on the lives of South Africa’s children.
And is such a partnership not what is required right now?
“We all have the power to help one another,” said Federer. “Getting together is the key to success.”
Wise words in a world that seems to be currently obsessed with conflict and division.