7 moments when South Africans shined on the world stage in 2024.
The term may have gained popularity after the Springboks' successful defense at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but the phrase “no DNA, only RSA” has taken on new life in 2024.
Social media helped popularize the term, but only because South Africans from all walks of life did great things.
Here, in no particular order, are seven moments of South African pride that show the term will remain in place throughout 2024.
Also read: Pretty Yende shows off SA talent on world stage with Notre Dame performance [VIDEO]
Pretty Yende at Notre Dame Cathedral reopens
After witnessing Notre Dame Cathedral go up in flames from her Paris apartment in 2019, South African opera singer Pretty Yende performed at the reopening ceremony of the historic cathedral in France.
The fire destroyed the cathedral's spire, weakened the structure, and left a large hole in the roof. Hundreds of firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the fire.
The Europe-based artist excitedly talked about experiencing a cathedral for the first time.
“When it happened, I could really see it out the window. I literally felt the pain and felt the whole atmosphere change,” the opera singer said.
“Of all the monuments in Paris that I can think of, the one I've never been to is Notre Dame,” she said.
“What a special way to experience Notre Dame Cathedral through this incredible renovation. We are truly excited and happy to be able to experience it this way.”
Also read: Tyra nominated for 8 awards at 2024 Billboard Music Awards
Tyra wins the award
Following her success in 2023, her song water Dominating the global charts, South Africa's Tyra won her first Grammy Award in the Best African Music Performance category.
It was very big waterThe success comes after a video of President Cyril Ramaphosa jamming to Tyra's hit song went viral on social media.
She beat out competition from Nigeria's Davido, Burna Boy, Isla Stoller and Asake at the 66th Grammy Awards.
Tyra also won three out of four nominations at this year's MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA).
Also read: SA photographer wins prestigious award in France, walks away with big prize money
Tshepiso Mazibuko shines in France
South African photographer Tshepiso Mazibuko has won two awards at France's L'Encontres d'Arles Summer Photography Festival, taking home more than R90,000 in prize money.
Mazibuko won the 2024 Discovery Prize Louis Roederer Foundation Public Prize and the prestigious Madame Figaro Photography Award for the exhibition “Ho tshepa ntshepedi ya bontshepe” (Believing in things that will never happen).
Mazibuko's research examines the impact that the political designation 'free-born' has had on the post-1994 generation of black South African youth.
The title, derived from a Sesotho proverb, explores the paradoxical nature of this label and how the remnants of apartheid prevent the full realization of freedom.
“It's a great honor to win this award at the Arles Photo Festival. Just having the opportunity to share my work at the festival was so rewarding,” Mazibuko said after winning.
ALSO READ: Drake bet on Doricus du Plessis but loses again, this time for only R8 million
Doricas du Plessis becomes UFC champion
The year got off to a great start for Doricas du Plessis as he defeated American Sean Strickland to become the first domestic fighter to win a title in mixed martial arts' most prestigious organization.
“Wow. That's the feeling I got when I heard the judges' scores read out,” du Plessis said at the post-fight press conference after UFC 297 at a packed Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Hearing legendary Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer shout his name as the new champion, he added, “It felt like 15 years of hard work, dreams and sacrifices were summed up in that one word.” .
Du Plessis then defended his UFC middleweight title against rival Israel Adesanya in a blockbuster bout at Perth Arena in the main event of UFC 305.
Also read: SA chef Siva Montongana’s ‘no DNA, just RSA’ moment at the World Culinary Awards
Siva Mtongana receives award in Dubai
Renowned chef Siva Montongana when her restaurant won Africa's Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards held at Somersault Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai , experienced her own “not DNA, just RSA” moment on the world stage.
“It's always an honor and a humbling privilege to represent my country and continent on the world stage. We brought it home,” Mtongana wrote on Instagram while reflecting on the win.
The award goes to SIBA – The Restaurant in Cape Town, located at the Table Bay Hotel.
The World Culinary Awards, an initiative that recognizes and recognizes excellence in the culinary industry, is now in its fifth year.
Also read: 'Call Us Crazy' is a traditional South African theater show inspired by the public
More than creating champions
South African esports organization Exceed made history when players Peterbot and Polo became the first Africans to win the Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) World Championship.
It's really great to see Exceed become the first South African Esports organization to win a major Esports LAN title
big accomplishment pic.twitter.com/OBIt5xXvjt
— Jake Sucky (@JakeSucky) September 8, 2024
Peterbot and Polo won the FNCS World Championship title and $400,000 in prize money. This victory put Africa on the world gaming map.
Also read: SABC addresses claims over late Nomonde Vakarisa’s payment issues
The advantage of the mighty Springboks
2024 is a victory lap for the Springboks after winning the Rugby World Cup in 2023, and South Africans were unable to celebrate their championships after winning in 2019 due to the coronavirus.
The Boks have only lost two games this year and have used 51 players in all games, including 12 debutants.
The Boks retained the Prince William Cup (against Wales), the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate (against Australia) and the Qatar Airways Cup.
The Springboks also finished their November tour unbeaten after dispatching Scotland, England and Wales. They defeated the All Blacks twice and won the Rugby Championship.
Peter-Steph du Toit has been named World Rugby Player of the Year for the second time in 2024. Eben Ezebeth and Cheslyn Kolbe were also nominated, underscoring the Boks' dominance in world rugby.
Read now: 5 Boxsters selected for Players Player of the Year Award
