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HOW proud we all were to be South African on Saturday evening; after all, the Bokke showed the rest of the world that nobody does it better than the boys in green.

The rest of South Africa also ensured that they too were sporting the traditional green and gold gear in support of our rugby boys.

But how many of us actually supported them throughout the World Cup tournament? I am sure that a number of those who ran down the streets screaming their lungs out on Saturday night only ever bothered to watch the Springboks in action in the finals.

We all claim to be patriotic; more so when our country takes home the first prize.

However, it is heartwarming to know that a nation once separated by something as sinister as apartheid were joined Saturday night in celebration of South Africa's win. We can all lay claim to our country now, without being excluded from certain pleasures, like equality.

Sport has a way of connecting people; it is like a universal language that all are able to understand.

It breaks down barriers, allows men and women, who would never talk under normal circumstances, to engage in conversation. Discussing for example what a remarkable player Bryan Habana is.

As far fetched as this may sound, I had no doubt that South Africa would bring home the trophy. I actually had a dream that we would win, and to me that became a fact.

My excitement started on Friday afternoon when I received my green and gold jersey, Springbok and all.

I immediately stripped in order to sport my patriotism. It felt good. Saturday morning I once again wore my Springbok jersey. It felt good walking into the shop and receiving a nod from another South African; the kind of nod that says, "We are South African." Race, age, gender, salary bracket... none of this existed. We were all just South Africans on Saturday, supporting our country.

But the sad reality is that this dies after a few days. I am sure that by Friday at the latest all will be forgotten and we will once again continue to live in our bubbles, never giving a second glance to our fellow South African.

It is a shame that we only allow ourselves to break barriers during times like the rugby World Cup finals.

What about the times when we need to support each other under everyday realities?

A mother, the bread winner to her five children, becomes ill and has no source of income to sustain the home and her family. Where is that patriotism then? After all, the Oxford defines a patriot as, "a person who is devoted to to and ready to support his or her country". In other words the love of one's country; devotion to the welfare of one's country.

Then is it not true that without people we would not have a country? So why don't we show some of that patriotism to the people of our country who need our support; to the poor, the dying, the destitute... the list is endless. Imagine the pride you will feel knowing that you have helped someone, someone from your country who, just like you, has green blood.

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