Please help to save the springbok emblem...

[kingmonty]

it might be nice to see the springbok logo on the site

The Springbok logo is trademarked, that why there's the replica.

 

[LancelotSA]

Hey guys, I'm waiting for the site owner to put the redirects in (from www.savethespringbok.co.za), but in the meantime, the site is mostly done:

http://savethebok.bloghost.co.za/

Please crit and let us know what you think...

I'm liking it so far after a quick peek. Will do some in-depth checking now. I like the professionalism in even using an apostrophe before the word 'Bok as it should be.

Thanks King.

Good thinking in not wanting to step on toes with trademarked logos but perhaps we could ask permission to use it... after all if SARFU loses it the trademark will be meaningless.

Do you feel we should mail Oregon directly? I provided the contact details in post number 3 of this thread.

 

[DDV TECH]

I'm liking it so far after a quick peek. Will do some in-depth checking now. I like the professionalism in even using an apostrophe before the word 'Bok as it should be.

Thanks King.

Good thinking in not wanting to step on toes with trademarked logos but perhaps we could ask permission to use it... after all if SARFU loses it the trademark will be meaningless.

Do you feel we should mail Oregon directly? I provided the contact details in post number 3 of this thread.

Is the petition working? Can I sign it? Site looks very good, congratulations guys.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

The Springbok was first used by the rugby team in a 1906 tour of England, led by Paul Roos.
The ANC came into being, or was founded in 1912.

For anybody to claim that this is a symbol of Apartheid or equal to the Swastika, is not just dumb, but illiterate to boot.
...

Umm you need to remember that Swastika is an ancient symbol / rune created way before Hitler. So your comparision here can be rebuttled by saying that yes, their creation/design was never influenced by evil doers but they became a symbol of opression to some.

Sure, I have never seen or heard of springbok shooting a black man, but there was the recent incident of a black woman being verbally abused by white rugby supporters at a match. Now to someone who does not have much interest in the sport, he will associate the Springbok symbol with this unfourtinate action.

BTW: The Swastika was used as a symbol of peace by both Germans and English troops during World War I.

 

[LancelotSA]

Is the petition working? Can I sign it? Site looks very good, congratulations guys.

Looks like it is just being tested now as I signed and commented but it did not change the numbers and also at the bottom of my post it said "test". We can hopefully get this sorted quick so we do not lose "votes".

Also was wondering where the comments will eventually appear. Mine was in the preview pane on the homepage but I assume they will eventually go into the blog? Or where?

 

[LancelotSA]

Sure, I have never seen or heard of springbok shooting a black man, but there was the recent incident of a black woman being verbally abused by white rugby supporters at a match. Now to someone who does not have much interest in the sport, he will associate the Springbok symbol with this unfourtinate action.

Well the interesting thing about that incident is that this is what the victim had this to say about the incident and the response of SARFU :

"My experience 10 days ago should serve as a timely reminder that racism can still affect us . We should also not forget that racism is still as much an issue now as it has ever been.

"I reiterate that I do not hold rugby officials, the sport of rugby itself nor the stadium responsible for what has happened to me and I believe this symbolic stand against all forms of discrimination in the game is most important. It is a concerted effort that will help combat the scourge of racism within our sporting codes.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from rugby people - I am glad I can back them in this campaign."

She seems to realise that it is a few who spoil it for the rest and does not choose to blame a brand or the game as a whole. I bet she was waving a Springbok flag earlier in the day.

In fact it may be interesting to try and contact her to find out... maybe via the newspaper?

 

[DJ...]

The Springbok was first used by the rugby team in a 1906 tour of England, led by Paul Roos.
The ANC came into being, or was founded in 1912.

For anybody to claim that this is a symbol of Apartheid or equal to the Swastika, is not just dumb, but illiterate to boot.

The Springbok has been carried proudly into sports by our sportsmen and women for over 100 years, carried proudly by all races that make up our country.
It has been carried into battle by our troops in the 1st World War, and the 2nd World War, where they distinguised themselves in many battles in North Africa and Italy.
It is viewed with respect by sportsmen and women from all the nations of the world, especially those who have faced it across a field.
It has distinguished itself on the battlefield and on the sports field, it deserves to be respected and honoured.
The Springbok as a symbol ranks with the Stars and Stripes, the Haka, the Fleur de Lis, and the Red Lion of England.
It is not some little thing to be tossed aside for petty politics.

Anyone who considers removing this symbol, is doing those who have carried it proudly, those who have earned the right to wear it, a grave injustice, an insult to their achievements and their memories.

It is more than a symbol, it is a heritage a national treasure, and should be declared as such.

Very well said - please get in touch via PM - I would like to talk..

Is the petition working? Can I sign it? Site looks very good, congratulations guys.

The site AFAIK is working. The email is up and running and based on the feedback I have recieved, has already done considerable rounds throughout SA - needs more support but Monday will tell..

Sure, I have never seen or heard of springbok shooting a black man, but there was the recent incident of a black woman being verbally abused by white rugby supporters at a match. Now to someone who does not have much interest in the sport, he will associate the Springbok symbol with this unfourtinate action.

BTW: The Swastika was used as a symbol of peace by both Germans and English troops during World War I.

If we are to use the example of one woman abused, (which I wholeheatedly disagree with), then we might as well change the name of the company she worked for, the area, the street etc etc etc. It is ridiculous...

Looks like it is just being tested now as I signed and commented but it did not change the numbers and also at the bottom of my post it said "test". We can hopefully get this sorted quick so we do not lose "votes".

Also was wondering where the comments will eventually appear. Mine was in the preview pane on the homepage but I assume they will eventually go into the blog? Or where?

Lancelot: please PM me with the issues you are having - I will communicate this with the webmaster.

Please feel free to make suggestions and crit the site as wel if need be. I honestly think that the content is more important than the aesthetics...

 

[DJ...]

Wow kingmonty - I will be getting in touch with the guys from www.savethespringbok.co.za to hopefully get your design up and runing ASAP!!! Very nice - thanks!!!!

Can you please move the petition link next to the home link?

 

[LancelotSA]

Guys, we all pretty much knew this already but it really seems like it is a few individuals (read Khompela) who have a vendetta against the Springbok.

This was a headline I spotted on the way back from the beach today... ANC say one thing, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation wants another.

This to me adds credence, as if it was needed, to our desire to fight for it's survival.

 

[LancelotSA]

There is going to be a fight! I am interested to find out more about the campaign the headline talks off.

Campaign launched to save Springbok emblem

South African rugby officials have vowed to fight for the future of the Springbok emblem, a symbol a top politician says highlights "the arrogance of white people".

Politicians decided on Friday that the Springbok emblem had to be lost from the World Cup-winner's playing jersey.

Following the resolution, next month's season-ending tour of Europe will be the final time the iconic jumping Bok will be worn on their jerseys.

The move was made to move the Springboks closer to transformation in South Africa, with the Springbok emblem viewed by some in power as a throwback to the Apartheid era.

However, SA Rugby boss Oregan Hoskins said the emblem would not go without a fight.

"I want to say that the Springbok emblem ought to be kept and maintained," Hoskins said.

"There are all sorts of reasons. But, chiefly, it's a brand that's supported by the majority of South Africans, as evidenced at the World Cup in 1995 but, more importantly, in October 2007, when we again celebrated winning the World Cup.

"It's an internationally recognised brand, worth an enormous sum of money. To change the emblem could have dire financial consequences for rugby in SA.

"I am aware that certain people are against the Springbok emblem. They've been quite influential.

"I think that, however, the vast majority of South Africans do not agree with that view. I hope that the majority feeling will take precedence."

Hoskins is now seeking support from ANC president Jacob Zuma in his battle to save one of world rugby's biggest icons.

The ANC has issued a statement saying they will survey its members and rugby fans before deciding on its stance.

Under the plan, politicians want all South African sporting teams to appear under the same logo.

Both the South African national cricket and netball teams are known as the Proteas, a native flower to the African nation.

Cedric Frolick, deputy chairman of the South African parliament's portfolio committee on sport, said that was now something he wanted the Springboks to fall into line with.

One of the ANC's historically stated pledges is for one national sports emblem.

And that certainly isn't a Springbok.

The decision to can the Bok logo was made at a two-day sporting seminar in the republic.

Sports Portfolio Committee chairman Butana Komphela told delegates: "The Springbok divides us. We have a responsibility to unite our country on one national emblem.

"Minister, I want you to observe the arrogance of white people on the Springbok emblem."

Komphela added there could be "no negotiation" on the Springbok emblem.

He also took aim at the refusal of some provinces from not displaying 'Say no to racism' logos on their shirts, calling it "rampant racism".

Once that website is up and running 100% I think his office needs to be emailed about it. It appears our endeavours would have the support of SA Rugby.

 

[savethespringbok]

The redirect to the new site is now active.

 

[LancelotSA]

The redirect to the new site is now active.

Hey guys,

Some things I have noted :

* I would expect the "blog" button on the menu to take me to comments by others but it in fact directs me to submitting a blog entry myself.

* On the homepage, you have two buttons to the right for latest and petition. Under petition there is a link to "Click here to view comments", this too takes you to a new blog entry and not to view the comments.

* We need a little more content on the homepage telling people what the point of the website is and what we are hoping to achieve. Perhaps that email that was written.

By the way I am fully aware that this is a work in progress but will comment as I spot things.

Cheers

 

[LancelotSA]

Some recent news.... do not think the Springbok is safe because the noise has died down, they are working behind the scenes :

October 15th, 2008 Sascoc passes the Bok

Sascoc has asked sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile for “direction” on the controversial Springbok emblem issue.

According to the National Sports Indaba resolution passed last week, Sascoc was required to write to SA Rugby and tell them to replace the Bok with the King Protea. However, on Tuesday Sascoc president Moss Mashishi was still waiting for a copy of the resolution from Stofile, and had also requested “direction” from the sports minister.

Stofile was due back in the country on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Sport Council’s Junior Ramovha joined the chorus of those who say the Bok emblem should be scrapped. “We want people to understand that rugby is losing an opportunity to reposition itself in order to enhance unity in the country by sticking to the past,” he said.

Former Bok flyhalf Naas Botha also gave his two cents worth. “When I played, I played to represent my country. That took precedence. It didn’t matter to me what emblem we had.”

 

[LancelotSA]

Symbol of unity: the Springbok vs the Protea - an interesting article from earlier this year, when the Springbok was also under attack, discussing the issue.

Andrew Talliard, 71, is life president of Progress Rugby Club which was formed in the same year that the springbok emblem was adopted by the national rugby team. Until four years ago, the club was a Cape Coloured side, all of whose players were banned from the national team under apartheid.

He said: "I have a Springbok blazer given to me by Saru for my work in rugby over the years, including Sacos (non-racial South African Council on Sport). I think it's a beautiful symbol and a unifying symbol. I don't have a problem with the springbok, despite its past, so we should keep it. I say forgive, but not forget. The Springbok is a part of all of us, whether we like it or not."

 

[adelp]

This morning I heard Naas Botha said Just shoot the springbok.
I agree with him. He said that it's about representing your country not the picture on your shoulder.
He also said he is against changing the emblem but tired of having the same threat every year and the same fight.
Just shoot the damm thing if it makes them feel better.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

How cool is this

http://www.themercury.co.za/?fArticleId=4669298

JOHANNESBURG: The Springbok has received overwhelming support within two weeks of a call by politicians for it to be scrapped.

SA Rugby has confirmed that it received more than 30 000 e-mails, faxes and letters in support of retaining the Springbok emblem for the national rugby team.

This was in reaction to the call at a recent national sports conference in Durban by Butana Komphela, the head of parliament's sports committee, for the scrapping of the emblem because it was "divisive".

SA Rugby chief executive Johan Prinsloo confirmed that the organisation had received a flood of e-mails, faxes and letters in support of the Springbok.

Fans of the emblem had taken it further, with the social networking site Facebook reporting a host of "save the Springbok" groups - one of which had 24 000 members.

A separate group had started a viral e-mail calling on Springbok fans to make December 1 "Springbok emblem day" and to display the logo in support of the campaign.

 

[DJ...]

UPDATE...

Hey all,

Please refer to the 1st post and show your support for our campaign. It is making a few waves as it goes around the world and we have been contacted by journalists who would like to interview us regarding the feedback it has received. So, if you would like to see my ugly mug on the news (or we can train a hot swedish bird if you'd prefer), then please show your support and visit the website, send out the email to all of your contacts and help us to make a difference.

Whilst we are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time, we need more numbers to really make a dent and have our voices heard. Again, feel free to get in touch should you have any suggestions or queries. The link is www.savethespringbok.co.za

Thanks in advance.

DJK

 

[DDV TECH]

Cool thanks DJK, just a question, Is there anywhere I can see the no of petitions signed? I got about 60 people that said they supported the site after my/your/our mail that was sent, would be nice to see the numbers.

 

[DJ...]

Cool thanks DJK, just a question, Is there anywhere I can see the no of petitions signed? I got about 60 people that said they supported the site after my/your/our mail that was sent, would be nice to see the numbers.

Hey DDV,

So far we only have 650 odd petitions signed which is far fewer than our original target figures. Although we are still in our infancy and we understand that, but would love for the forum to help us out and send this to everyone they know. Even if it just sending the link to your contacts with a really short message asking to sign the official petition, as the original message may have been a little too lengthy.

Please ALL, help out by sending the link www.savethespringbok.co.za to everyone that you know.

Thanks

DJK

 

[DDV TECH]

650? not 6500? 65000? Come on people start spamming already, jeez.