As part of the week-long tribute to Nelson Mandela, the South African Rugby Union and main sponsor Sasol have donated a sum of R1 million each to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the 46664 initiative.
A cheque for R2 million was handed over to Madiba’s primary charities a few minutes before kick-off of the Mandela Challenge Test between the Springboks and Argentina at Coca-Cola Park.
"It is with a very happy heart that I can confirm the joint donation from Sasol and SARU," said SARU President Oregan Hoskins.
"Madiba (Mandela) is the father of the nation, and his impact on rugby has been particularly profound.
“This is our small gesture of thanking him for all the goodwill he has generated for our sport over the years.
"I think it is also a testament to the commitment of Sasol that they matched our donation. They have been fantastic partners since 2004, and have long shown their selflessness as an organisation in supporting both rugby and other worthy initiatives in the country as a whole."
The handover marks the culmination of the week’s events, organised to express the rugby community’s gratitude to the former President and all he has done for South African rugby.
The Springboks visited Madiba in his Houghton home last Monday, and conducted a coaching clinic in Soweto in his honour on Wednesday.