Rassie Erasmus's 'frail' appearance sparks concern
On social media, South African rugby fans have praised Rassie Erasmus' genius tactics when it comes to the Springboks. This followed the South African team's back-to-back victories against Italy on home soil.
Others have shared their concern at the retired Bok-turned-coach's appearance.
In recent weeks, Rassie has appeared visibly thinner and shrunken.
'Is Rassie okay?' asked one Instagram user in a post on the official Springboks Instagram account. Another added, 'Rassie was quite tall around 10 years ago. I hope he is doing okay.'
A third shared his unfiltered opinion, claiming that the rugby icon 'looked terminal'. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Springboks (@bokrugby)
On Rassie's own Instagram account, followers are also concerned about their role model.
Follower @madams3girls asked: 'Am I missing something or is he looking a bit fragile?' View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby)
While some Springbok fans claim Rassie Erasmus is likely on a weight loss regime, others have pointed to his past health woes, which he hid from the national team and the public.
Months before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the retired player was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, previously known as Wegener's disorder.
The potentially life-threatening disorder can impact vital organs like the kidneys, lungs‚ sinuses, and trachea. Rassie Erasmus shared a look at his shoulder operation scar. Images via X: @rassierugby
Deciding to keep his health woes private, Rassie later revealed that he was treated with chemotherapy.
Fast forward to 2024, the Boks coach revealed he had undergone a painful shoulder operation to correct an old injury.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
21 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Banyana find Wafcon stride reaching quarters with thrashing of Mali
Banyana Banyana found their roar at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as they put Mali to the sword in a 4-0 win in their final Group C game in Oujda on Monday night to emphatically book their place in the quarterfinals. Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring in just the fifth minute at Stade d'Honneur then captain Refiloe Jane added another with a 32nd-minute free-kick. In the second half Hildah Magaia (61st) and substitute Ronnel Donnelly (79th) completed a hefty scoreline that will give Banyana momentum and confidence going into the knockout stage. Coach Desiree Ellis' team needed a point to be sure of progression, though could still have gone through with a defeat, which was confirmed when Ghana thrashed Tanzania 4-1 in Berkane to go to second place above Mali. The South African defending champions, though, after a 2-0 opening win against Ghana where they played well in patches, then disappointing 1-1 draw against Tanzania, chose to go through to the quarters showing their intent to retain their title. Banyana clinched top place in Group C and will meet Senegal, the third-placed finishers in Group A with three points behind hosts Morocco and Zambia (both seven points), in their quarterfinal on Saturday. An advantage for South Africa is they stay at Stade d'Honneur, where they played their three group games. Senegal played in Mohammedia twice and Rabat once. The South Africans were forceful in attack against a solid Mali. Banyana ground possession from the West Africans and absorbed Mali's decent forward movement with strong defence. They worked hard for each other in the opening half and the result was a 2-0 lead by the break. Livewire attacker Jermaine Seoposenwe was involved in both those strikes. She battled for the ball in the middle then fed Banyana's irrepressible midfielder Ramalepe on the right to pick her spot with a shot blasted past Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao for the early opener. On a breakout run from a stray Mali pass Seoposenwe earned a a free-kick on the left edge of the area as she was fouled by Kani Konté. Jane's first attempt from the set piece forced a stop from Karentao but Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi ordered a retake, apparently for the wall encroaching. Jane's second was hit powerfully, going in off the attempted block of the Mali keeper. Banyana continued to apply pressure back from the change rooms. Just past the hour defender Karabo Dhlamini, one one of her runs up the right flank, produced the pass for Seoposenwe to run onto, the attacker, having been the provider twice, providing the low finish.
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
When lies Trump truth — debunking the migrant myth in South Africa's healthcare crisis
Blaming migrants for South Africa's ailing healthcare system is a dangerous and politically convenient fiction. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, this narrative persists, deflecting attention from the real source of collapse: State failure. There is no question that South Africa's public health system is in crisis. Healthcare professionals, policy analysts and political parties highlight systemic dysfunction, characterised by chronic underfunding, collapsing infrastructure, staff shortages and weak governance. ActionSA itself has admitted that Gauteng's health crisis stems from ' inadequate project management, lack of accountability and consequence management, coupled with a lack of skilled personnel and inefficient supply chain processes '. Few would dispute that the state, across all spheres, has failed to deliver quality, accessible healthcare to all. Yet, the claims that foreign nationals are 'overburdening' hospitals or 'abusing' the system continue to dominate the discourse. So widespread is this scapegoating that it has taken on the illusion of truth. But there is no credible evidence to support such claims. On the contrary, multiple studies, including government-commissioned reports, show that many migrants – especially those who are undocumented – actively avoid healthcare facilities due to fear of arrest, discrimination and outright denial of care. When they do seek help, many pay out of pocket, often at higher rates than South African citizens. Scapegoating is not a solution. It's a distraction – and not a new one. There is a deep irony in a nation forged through the struggle against racial oppression now deploying the same exclusionary logic against 'outsiders'. The parallels with Trump-era politics are disturbing. Just as the US president weaponised the myth of white victimhood to slash aid to South Africa and promote a whites-only refugee policy, local politicians have embraced the same playbook – fear-driven, fact-free and designed to divide. Figures like Gayton McKenzie and Herman Mashaba, and movements such as Operation Dudula have built platforms on xenophobic conspiracy theories, and revived colonial-era stereotypes. Their messages, amplified through social media, reach millions, spreading fear and misinformation. Trump would be proud. We may not be exporting white refugees, but we are certainly importing white nationalist logic. 'How can we improve access to quality healthcare?' asks ActionSA. Well, take a look: they don't know. Their solution? ActionSA asserts: ' No South African can enter another country legally without providing proof of medical insurance.' This statement isn't just factually flawed, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of both international mobility and health equity. Many South Africans can and do travel without medical insurance, and many countries do not require it for entry. But more importantly, health access should not be framed as a zero-sum, transactional privilege – it is a human right Debunking the 'healthcare rescue' myth South Africa's healthcare system is not collapsing under the weight of so-called medical tourism. It is crumbling under decades of budget cuts, poor planning and political neglect. The South African Human Rights Commission has warned that denying foreign nationals access will not alleviate pressure on the system. The government's own data shows that migrants constitute just 4% of South Africa's population. They are not responsible for drug shortages, collapsing infrastructure or staff vacancies. Yet, the fearmongering has deeply distorted public perception. The Human Sciences Research Council's South African Social Attitudes Survey found that most South Africans believe there are more than 25 million foreign nationals in the country, with more than 20 million assumed to be 'illegal'. This is not just incorrect, it is the result of sustained political misinformation. Until evidence replaces ideology, this 'alternative truth' will continue to thrive – and 'trump' truth. Scapegoating isn't policy, structural reform is South Africa's crises – whether in healthcare, housing or public safety – are not demographic pressures. They are the result of structural failures. Blaming the marginalised is easier than confronting the uncomfortable truths about misgovernance. In provinces like the Eastern Cape per capita health spending has declined even as patient numbers continue to grow. Experts have consistently pointed to institutional neglect, not migrants, as the root cause. The Life Esidimeni tragedy, in which 144 mental health patients died due to state negligence, had nothing to do with foreign nationals. And yet the migrant 'burden' myth endures – because it serves a purpose: it redirects public anger away from those in power and towards those with the least power. We must hold all political rhetoric to the same standard. Just as we rightly demand evidence when Trump claims white victimhood, we must also demand it when Mashaba, McKenzie or Dudula blame migrants for systemic failures. We cannot selectively suspend our commitment to truth. The real crisis is not migration. It is misgovernance. And the sooner we name it, the sooner we can begin to rebuild what has been broken. DM Associate Professor Jo Vearey is director of the African Centre for Migration & Society at Wits University and vice-chair of the international Migration Health and Development Initiative. Dr Rebecca Walker is an independent researcher and associate of the African Centre for Migration & Society at Wits University. Diego Iturralde is chief director for demography and population statistics at Statistics South Africa, co-chair of the South African Migration and Urbanisation Forum and former chair of the UN expert group on international migration statistics.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Transfer deals score: Orlando Pirates 11-6 Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans often tell you that the first Soweto derby for the new Betway Premiership season starts in the transfer market before a ball is kicked. Don't you agree? The current transfer window has been open since 1 July, while the 2025/26 season kicks off on 8 August. The fierce rivals in Soweto have announced a combined 17 players so far. Orlando Pirates are enjoying a vast 11-6 lead over Kaizer Chiefs. Here's a quick look at the list of players each club has announced. ADVERTISEMENT SOWETO DERBY IN THE TRANSFER MARKET Official: Orlando Pirates have signed a new team (11 players) Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trains his team in Marbella, Spain. Image: Goal The Buccaneers took an early, dramatic lead at the start. Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sipho Mbule was anticipated to join Amakhosi after his super agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed he had offered the 27-year-old midfield maestro to Kaizer Chiefs. Players warned after Orlando Pirates and Saleng saga While most Amakhosi followers waited for the deal to be finalised, one of the most dramatic transfer moments we've ever seen rocked social media. Orlando Pirates suddenly announced Mbule as their first signing of the window. 24 hours later, the Buccaneers announced seven more signings to take a 7-0 lead over Kaizer Chiefs. KAIZER CHIEFS RESPONSE On July 1st, Amakhosi finally played their fanbase something to dance to. The club known as the Glamour Boys announced three new signings, and the score changed to 8-3. ADVERTISEMENT Kaizer Chiefs then suffered an unexpected second crushing blow. Oswin Appollis (23), one of the most coveted wingers in South African football, was announced by Orlando Pirates from Polokwane City. The score switched to 9-3. It was Kaizer Chiefs' turn to respond. The Phefeni Glamour Boys announced former Orlando Pirates full-backs Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and later Siphesihle Ndlovu. Just when Orlando Pirates fans felt the club was done, the Sea Robbers announced TS Galaxy's superbly talented 22-year-old winger Kemogelo Sebelebele. Meanwhile, the current transfer window is set to close on 22 September. FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNINGS Tshepho Mashiloane, 23, right-back Nkosikhona Ndaba, 22, left-back Lebone Seema, 22, left-central defender Sihle Nduli, 29, central midfielder Masindi Nemtajela, 23, defensive midfielder Sipho Mbule, 27, central midfielder Tsepang Moremi, 24, winger Sinoxolo Kwayiba, 25, attacking midfielder Yanela Mbuthuma, 23, striker Oswin Appollis, 23, winger Kamogelo Sebelebele, 22, winger. FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED KAIZER CHIEFS SIGNINGS Nkanyiso Shinga, 25, left-back Flavio Silva, 29, striker Ethan Chislett, 26, attacking midfielder Paseka Mako, 31, left-back Thabiso Monyane, 25, right-back Siphesihle Ndlovu, 28, central midfielder. LAST SEASON'S TALE As far as last season's results on the pitch, the Buccaneers won the MTN8 and finished 12 points behind the league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The position booked Orlando Pirates a spot in next season's CAF Champions League. Despite finishing in ninth place, Kaizer Chiefs ended their decade-long trophy drought after beating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup. The championship sealed Amakhosi's return to the CAF Confederation Cup next season. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES BEFORE THE CLOSURE OF THE TRANSFER WINDOW IN SEPTEMBER? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
