While many believed the haka should be respected, just as many believed it was South African fans’ rights to drown out the war cry.
Following an opinion editorial, written by this journalist on why the Ellis Park crowd was a disgrace for singing ‘Ole Ole’ during the All Blacks’ haka, South Africa has reacted passionately on the issue.
While many believed the haka should be respected, just as many believed it was South African fans’ rights to drown out the war cry.
It’s also worth noting, that the second Rugby Championship clash in South Africa in Cape Town this past weekend saw the crowd fall silent as the haka was performed.
As the Springboks lined up to face their opponents, the big screen at the Cape Town stadium printed a message saying: “Respect the haka” and the crowd obliged.
From a roar to a whisper: The capacity crowd at Cape Town Stadium (completely dominated by Springbok fans) allows the haka to echo around the ground.
— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) September 8, 2024
Don't think I've ever experienced this at a SA ground before, not even at Newlands. pic.twitter.com/ua5WrpyeQa
‘We do not owe another nation the right to intimidate us’
Maria Manwaring wrote to IOL and said: “yes it is very disrespectful for the rugby crowds to make noise and sing during the haka, it is not only south africans, alot of other countries do it, I am a New Zealander but have been in SA for a long time, but am a VERY PROUD citizen living in Cape Town, and noticed that no capetoniens sang during the haka.”
Meanwhile, over on Facebook, Lyle Borman said that the haka: “must be respected, I do believe that opposition teams, whether SA or any other should have an adequete opportunity do their own version/war cry once they are done.
“Ek sien vir Siya! SIYA Kolisi, en ons sê hoyaaaa! (We see you, Siya, and we say hoyaaaaaa!)
“But respect it and do not drown it out”.
Another fan, Mfundo Masondo said: “Drown out...we do not owe another nation the right to intimidate us.”
Philesia Barnard said: “It is a war cry and it should be allowed to met with resistance or response… however from an inner core place… keep quiet and meet them with our own war cry after listening to theirs because it is the right thing to do…. Hoza hoza !!!! Win/win situation.”
Ndabetha Masiphula, however, said it was a mark of respect to let the All Blacks continue doing the haka but said South Africa should also be allowed to do their thing at the same time.
Many others believed the haka was outdated and shouldn’t still be performed.
Dave Cohen said: “Always respect!! The All Blacks have a rich rugby legacy. The haka is a nod to their ancestoral traditions.
“For such a small country, they are mighty..... If we're talking about Australia, that is a whole other conversation.”
Take part in our poll on X.
Do you think it’s important to respect the Haka during Springbok games in South Africa or drown out with crowd support?
Do you think it’s important to respect the Haka during Springbok games in South Africa or drown out with crowd support?
— IOL News (@IOL) September 10, 2024
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