In South Africa, rugby is more than just a sport, it is the heartbeat of unity, resilience, and shared national pride. The Coca-Cola Be a Bok campaign was created to honor the fans who keep that heartbeat alive, ordinary South Africans whose unwavering passion deserves extraordinary recognition.
Coca-Cola’s Be A Bok platform is a fan-first movement that reframes what it means to be part of the Springbok legacy, offering everyday supporters the chance to step into the green and gold spotlight. With a purchase of the limited-edition Coca-Cola Fan Can or any participating Coca-Cola, Powerade and Bonaqua product, fans can enter to win. Scan the QR code on the pack or send a message for a chance to win an unforgettable Springbok match-day experience, joining the team during this year’s six home test matches and other exciting prizes.
Be a Bok winners were selected from thousands of entries across the country for each of the first three home games, and a few remarkable stories have come to light, none more moving than that of Brenda Jojozi. A devoted mother of three from Pietermaritzburg, Brenda is currently unemployed and never imagined she’d have the opportunity to travel with her teenage son, let alone share in a world-class experience connected to the sport they love. When she was announced as one of the winners, she immediately knew she would bring her 16-year-old son, Tapelo Msimango along for the journey
“It was my first time travelling to Mpumalanga,” Brenda said. “I would never have been able to give my son this experience. Seeing his face light up at the stadium, being that close to the players, it’s something I will never forget.”
Brenda and Tapelo were flown to the match where they were immersed in the full Springbok match-day experience. From meeting the players in person, visiting the players’ locker room to stepping onto the pitch and enjoying exclusive hospitality, every moment was tailored to mirror the treatment received by the players themselves.
“When I think about it, I still get goosebumps,” Brenda added. “To be in that space, with the team and to share that with my son – it was a dream. I’m so grateful to Coca-Cola for seeing us, for creating this moment not just for me, but for us as a family.”
For Tapelo, the moment was more than just a trip, it was an emotional milestone. “He told me he never thought he’d get to see the Springboks like this,” Brenda said. “To see my son filled with pride, as a mother, there’s no greater gift.”
Another winner, Kim van Wyk, echoed the impact: “When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it. These things don’t usually happen to people like me. It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
“This campaign is about celebrating the spirit of the game and the fans who live it every day,” said Franscoe Bouwer, Senior Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca‑Cola South Africa.
“We’re proud to honour the people who carry the spirit of rugby in communities across the country, the ones who wave the flag, who never miss a match and truly believe in the Boks.” The Coca-Cola Be A Bok campaign is a reminder that Springbok pride doesn’t only exist on the pitch, it lives in the homes, the hopes, and the hearts of fans like Brenda, Tapelo, Kim and thousands more who show up, no matter what.
