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Breyton Paulse and the former president of the SARU, Silas Nkanunu.
(Gallo Images / City Press / Charles Pullen)
- Silas Nkanunu became the first black president of the SARU when he succeeded Louis Luyt in September 1998.
- Current President Mark Alexander paid tribute to the former rugby leader and lawyer.
- Nkanunu also held various positions with the world governing body, the IRB, during his time in the rugby administration.
the South African Rugby Union (SARU) first black president, Silas nkanunu, has died at the age of 87, SA Rugby confirmed this Friday.
Nkanunu, who was a public defender specializing in human rights law, succeeded Louis Luyt in 1998 to become the first black leader of SARU, during a time of unity but much division.
He held the position from then until 2003 and was succeeded by Brian van Rooyen.
The current president of SARU, Mark Alexander, described Nkanunu as a “good person”, not just a good leader.
“Silas had great qualities and skills as a lawyer, but perhaps the greatest tribute he can pay is that he was just a good man,” Alexander said.
“It may sound like a weak compliment, but he lacked the ego, malice or aggression that our world sometimes characterizes and was an immensely reassuring and consensual influence at a very difficult time for rugby.
“In some ways you could say that he was the Mandela of rugby in the sense that he was a force for good and was able to completely stabilize the boat in his time in office.
“No one who has known Silas can do anything but remember him fondly.
“The players talk about being able to put the jersey in a better position than when you first received it. Sure, Silas could say that.”
Nkanunu also held positions within the governing body of world rugby, the International Rugby Board (IRB) as World Rugby was known at the time, chairing its game regulation committee and serving as vice chairman of the IRB for a brief period.
At the time of his election, former IRB President Syd Millar said: “Mr. Nkanunu is one of the world’s most distinguished rugby administrators. Having done so much to help unite South African rugby, he has earned the I respect the world of rugby and therefore there could be no more suitable quote. “
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
