SA Rugby Celebrates Significant Progress in Strategic Transformation Development Plan 2030, Fostering Diversity, Inclusion, and Success
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the Strategic Transformation Development Plan 2030 (STDP 2030), according to the latest internal audit.
SARU President Mark Alexander stated on Monday that the sport is firmly heading in the right direction.
Transformation Progress Across All Areas
The STDP 2030 encompasses various aspects of rugby, including operations such as procurement, governance, staffing, committees, and team demographics.
“Transformation is a process, and when you turn on the television and watch rugby at all levels, it is very easy to see the progress we are making on the field,” said Alexander.
He further emphasized that the plan focuses on access to the game, skills and capacity development, demographic representation, performance, community development and social responsibility, and corporate governance.
National Teams Showcase Transformation Success
Alexander highlighted the significant strides made at the level of national teams under the leadership of Rassie Erasmus.
“Yes, we have targets for the Springboks in demographics, but we also have performance targets which we will not compromise, and we are definitely tracking in the right direction on both fronts,” he stated.
The SARU president also addressed recent media criticism regarding transformation, calling the headlines “misleading” and stating that the organization has a much broader perspective on the state of play.
Inclusion and Diversity: Key Pillars of Transformation
Alexander stressed the importance of inclusion alongside diversity, ensuring that every player feels valued and heard, regardless of their background.
“Our commitment extends beyond diverse representation; we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where every player, regardless of their background, feels valued and heard,” he said.
He noted that the Springboks consist of the best players available in any given year, reflecting the progress made in creating opportunities and new heroes for every community.
Springboks Contribute to Social Cohesion
Alexander praised the Springboks for their positive contribution to social cohesion in South Africa. He commended Rassie Erasmus, who recently received an honorary doctorate, for understanding what it means to be a South African and selecting players based on their commitment to one another and their contributions to the team.
STDP 2030: A Process with a Finishing Line
The STDP is a process with a finishing line set for 2030, and the annual reports serve as a means to measure progress, celebrate success, and identify areas for improvement.
“The STDP is a process with a finishing line in 2030. The annual reports are our way of measuring progress, celebrating success, and noting areas for eventual improvement,” concluded Alexander.
