Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has called on South Africans to embrace African unity in the face of ongoing xenophobic attacks on migrants. Speaking during his visit to Team Nigeria's camp in Botswana, Olopade's engagement extended beyond routine oversight, reflecting a deliberate effort to reinforce the message of continental cohesion at a time when concerns around xenophobia continue to surface in parts of Africa.
Olopade's Message of Unity
His interaction with South African athlete Akani Simbine further underscored the symbolic importance of collaboration among athletes from different nations, stressing the role of sport in fostering unity across the African continent. "South Africa and Nigeria, we are one. Stop the xenophobia. Stop attacking your brothers. We are all Africans and we are one family. I am here with Simbine from South Africa," Olopade said in a video he shared on social media.
Training as a Model for Unity
The training environment itself provided a practical demonstration of the unity he advocated. Athletes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana were observed sharing facilities, exchanging encouragement, and preparing collectively ahead of the global competition—an atmosphere Olopade pointed to as a model for broader societal interaction. "Look at what is happening here at training. Athletes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, all sharing the same track, encouraging one another. That is the Africa we want. Our young people must see that we are stronger together," he said.
Sport as a Vehicle for Diplomacy
Positioning sport as more than competition, Olopade framed it as a vehicle for diplomacy and cultural connection, urging stakeholders across the continent to sustain the bonds that exist beyond national borders. His remarks also highlighted how fan support often transcends nationality, reinforcing a shared African identity. "When Simbine runs, Nigerians cheer. When our athletes win, South Africans celebrate too. That is global harmony through sport. Let's take that spirit from the track to our streets, markets, and neighbourhoods. We are one family," he added.
Olopade noted that the National Sports Commission remains committed to leveraging athletics and other sporting platforms to deepen youth engagement, strengthen diplomatic ties, and advance continental integration through shared experiences on and off the track.
