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As the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony kicked off, we saw Team South Africa marching to the drum of their own kicks- namely veldskoene, and an attire that was designed to showcase our cultural identity.

South Africa was No 178 in the ‘Parade of Nations’ procession which ran according to the Japanese alphabet. 205 countries’ finest champions trooped the arena of destiny.

Swimming legend Chad le Clos and women’s hockey goalkeeping heroine Phumelela Mbande lead the our South African gladiators to battle, hoisting the South African flag high.

Seeing our flag reign as proudly as it did evoke numerous emotions for South Africans watching from home and abroad. We’ve seen this flag a lot in media recently given the unrest in SA. But more so than ever, it has been the symbol for the brilliant news, the coming togetherness and the Ubuntu fierce that encompasses everyone who uplifted those members of our community in strife, and came together during a time when we were meant to be torn apart. It has become more than a symbol of the rainbow nation, but one of hope that tempts the tribulations in our country to remember that solidarity will rise up and again. Seeing it soar in the grips of our champions’ hands was undoubtedly a powerful moment for many of us. They carry us with them. We were not in the deserted stadium, and yet, we all were.

The veldskoene and safari-chic?

The emotions showcased by our flag may have been one thing, the mixed opinions on our attire during the parade another. Some loved to see it, some not so much.

In the effort not to turn this into an overt fashion analysis, I stray from typing an essay on the attire. It is the Olympics after all and not SA Fashion Week. It can be acknowledged that a ceremony of this standing could’ve been a brilliant opportunity for fashion, but decisions were made and we will move. Should more cultures have been included? Indeed. Could Team SA be confused for Kruger National Park employees? Potentially. Fashion does speak volumes and sends messages based on what the powers that be determine said message should be.

We can at least see how the Mr Price designers interpreted what they perceive South African culture to be in an outfit.

Regardless of the veldskoene and zebra-enigmatic safari prints, the flag was the best dressed of them all, at least in my opinion writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.

If they win in Crocs I think most of us will be okay with it.

Go rock Tokyo Team SA!

Picture: Team SA/ Twitter

 

 

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