This is a title about the centenary of a badge, an African emblem, a graceful Springbok, which became the official national rugby symbol of a racially divided nation. This year it’s exactly 100 years since the Springbok made its debut, not at home but in Britain.

This is a title about the centenary of a badge, an African emblem, a graceful Springbok, which became the official national rugby symbol of a racially divided nation. This year it’s exactly 100 years since the Springbok made its debut, not at home but in Britain. Unlike the team led by Paul Roos on that historic tour of 1906, today’s Springboks represent a different country, society, ethos and a united rugby board. The authors of the title, in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, represent the rainbow nature of South Africa. Each of them gives an insight from their vantage point. When read in a whole, the title tells the story of South Africa – a story of oppression, freedom, forgiveness and reconciliation. They write poignantly about despair, injustice, hope and glory.