It was a festival atmosphere at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday as thousands of jubilant South Africans welcomed the Springboks and the Webb Ellis Cup back home from France.

Not even the rain and cold weather in Kempton Park could deter the mood of the public for the homecoming of the Springboks, and now four-time world champions, following their epic 12-11 win against the All Blacks in the World Cup final in Paris last Saturday.

Fans filled all three floors of the airport — singing and dancing, waving their flags and wearing their green and gold.

‘Siya for President’

Posters with the words “Siya for President”, “Faf is my darling” and “Frans is Boss” were held high.

As they waited for the Boks to arrive, the Rainbow Nation celebrated to Mandoza’s Nkalakatha, Brenda Fassie’s Vulindlela, and Kurt Darren’s Kaptein.

The famed Gwijo squad had people singing at the top of their lungs, and then the crowd erupted when they belted Rassie Erasmus’ version of Zombie by the Cranberries – they sang “Rassie, Rassie, he’s in your head”.

‘Happy to be South African’

In the crowd, there were South Africans from all walks of life, young and old people who made time to welcome the holders of the Webb Ellis Cup.

“The Boks have done it. The nerves were high (in the final) but they managed it very well like champions do. I’m happy to be a South African. This is what life is all about, unity and love for one another,” said Bok supporter Sipho Mkhwanazi.

Jenna Nathan, who went to the airport with her friends, said the Springboks showed the importance of diversity in society.

“We are happy to be here, the vibe is incredible, and it’s so amazing how everyone can come just to see the Springboks. We are proud of them and everything they have achieved.

“The Springboks showed how much diversity can do, they have brought us together as a family, as South Africans.”

Different cultures

The Boks, led by captain Siya Kolisi who was carrying the trophy, entered the arrivals hall to cheers and screams at just after 11am.

Kolisi then addressed the media in a press conference with an almost depleted voice. The Bok captain said they wanted their win to inspire the people of the country to embrace each other’s differences.

“You can look at this whole team, we all come from different areas and backgrounds, and as a team, we got to learn that our cultures are different, and that also brings differences among the group,” Kolisi said.

“We need to learn to mind each other and our different cultures, not just in rugby but in communities and businesses and all that we do. You can’t always want to force your way because it’s how you do things, think about the next person next to you.

“It’s what we have learned and coach Rassie (Erasmus ) asked us to not keep it here in the team, let’s speak about it openly.”