Tackling the issue

Responding to the drought, the Cape team was in Watsonia Park to hand out bottles of water to residents as part of their national Nelson Mandela Day 67 minutes of goodwill campaign.

Fans came out in droves when they heard who was in the neighbourhood, and the rugby players were surrounded by excited laaities and adults alike, eager for a meet and greet their heroes.

Anton Peacock, Kraaifontein Community Police Forum co- ordinator, invited the squad.

“It was indeed a golden moment when I decided to involve the Stormers in our Mandela Day initiative,” he says.

“Due to the severe drought in the Cape, we thought it was only right to give to those people who may not always be able to afford our most valued resource, water.

“I also wanted to encourage people to do all they can to save, and I hope the Stormers can inspire people not to waste water.”

Watsonia Park resident Nicolaas Jaars, 77, says: “In my wildste drome kon ek nie dink dat my rugby team my water sal gee nie. Dit was amazing om Juan de Jongh in lewende lywe te sien.”

Carol de Kock says she was nuuskierig to see the commotion outside.

“I didn’t know what hit me when I went out and saw it was the Stormers. My husband plays rugby so we are huge fans. I want to thank the team for coming here and we appreciate this water,” she says.