On Monday the North-West University (NWU) have opened the building which is named after Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
During the opening ceremony Kolisi together with Springboks coach were present on the event.
They builded two residences which one of it(building) will have total number of 204 students.
Reflecting on the honour of having a building named after him, Kolisi expressed deep gratitude.
He said “No-one ever dreams of moments like this, to have a building named after them. I am so honoured and grateful.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey. I am standing on the shoulders of many people who helped me be where I am today.”
Kolisi went on share his thoughts with the students of the Varsity, where he encouraged them to pay more attention to their studies.
He said “Your opportunities are not just for you. Your blessings are not just for you, I know that you all are on a journey and that you want to become rugby players.
“But remember that you are more than that. You have an opportunity to study, and I wish that I had used that opportunity. I didn’t. Rugby is not always going to work for everybody, so make use of all your opportunities.”
As the best motivation speaker Kolisi went farther more to encourage the Rugby players from the Varsity to believe in themselves.
He said “If you want to take anything from my journey, it is that you have to believe in yourself before anyone else. If you fail, you have to get up and don’t stay down. You have to keep on getting up.
“The more you get up, the more you learn. Just be good people. I haven’t always been the best example, but I am learning every day. Be kind to one another. Be there for one another.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Bismark Tyobeka reflected on the indelible legacies of Kolisi and Erasmus.
He said “Is there an image that resonates more with rugby fans the world over than that of Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks onto the field? I don’t think so. Could we ever have imagined that captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks — under the tutelage of Dr Rassie Erasmus — would scale the heights that they did?”
Tyobeka went on to emphasize how does Kolisi play crucial role in the lives of South African People’s lives.
He said “Siya Kolisi’s story is one that transcends sport. It is a story of perseverance and the undeniable power of opportunity.
“From humble beginnings in Zwide, where he first picked up a rugby ball, to leading South Africa to not one, but two Rugby World Cup victories, Siya has become more than a rugby player, he is a symbol of hope and possibility. We celebrate you, Nt’wakuthi.”
He said renaming the Dennedorp residence after Kolisi was not only about his sporting achievements but also about celebrating the spirit of determination and leadership.
Tyobeka said “Siya Kolisi’s story is not just about winning titles; it is about the values he represents: hard work, humility, and the ability to unite a nation.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
