Of all things, Makazole Mapimpi’s WhatsApp profile picture speaks volumes. The image is of a closed fist, accompanied by the words ‘Never Give Up’, written in capital letters.
Indeed, there can be few other World Cup-winning Springboks who have better embodied such a sentiment. Mapimpi’s story, after all, is one of triumph and inspiration against all the odds.
Hailing from humble beginnings, the Springbok superstar grew up with few worldly possessions or luxuries and, as he shares in an exclusive interview with SA Rugby magazine, he also endured some horrific incidents that have driven his decision to launch a campaign against gender-based violence.
As a child, there were times when Mapimpi wasn’t sure where his next meal would come from, or if he would have a roof over his head.…