South Africa’s first gay and inclusive rugby team, the Jozi Cats, took on the South African Human Rights Commission team, to commemorate Human Rights Day.
The intention is to achieve equality for all, both on and off the sporting field.
In an unconventional way to mark Human Rights Day, the Jozi Cats uses fun and innovative measures to spread the message.
The South African Human Rights Commission’s Gushwell Brooks says the event is to emphasise the value of respect for human rights in the country.
“Well, it was very deliberate for us to participate at this event and to put this event together actually because we want to challenge those notions … we always have these notions that certain spaces belong to certain people.”
Former Lions player, Ethiene Reynecke says the initiative is more than just about participation, but rather creating an environment on and off the field, where people of all races and gender can feel welcomed and safe.
“For me, personally, we’re selling rugby as a brand and it needs to be inclusive. If you get the whole community (to be) part of it, that’s how you sell tickets and you build a fan base.”
The tournament at the Diggers Rugby Club in Randburg is one of several events organised by the Human Rights Commission across the country.
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