PHOTO: RODGER BOSCH / AFP
A former All-Black supporter who is now a hardened Springbok fan has officially submitted a proposal to the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Council (ECGNC) to change Cape Road to Siya Kolisi Road.
Sherwin Jeptha who was born in Queenstown and lived and studied in Gqberha, says Kolisi inspires the entire nation.
Kolisi's journey from humble beginnings to international stardom, and watching the TV series Chasing the Sun, further motivated Jephta to submit the request.
ECGNC Chairperson, Christian Martin confirmed that the proposal had been received and that the process will now get underway.
Jeptha told Algoa FM News that he used to support the All-Blacks, despite his parents, and his brother, Theo, being hardened Springbok supporters.
To this day, he has no idea what caused him to support the All-Blacks.
He said something different clicked in his mind when he watched Chasing the Sun in 2020, which coincided with the birth of his son.
"The way how the new management of the team approaches rugby made me sit up and take notice.
"Something definitely clicked in my mind. I realised that I had an obligation to teach my son about the history of rugby in South Africa."
Another scene in the documentary that moved Jeptha was the part where it is told how Kolisi watched the Springboks lift the Web Ellis trophy in France in 2007, from a tavern in Zwide.
He says the fact that Kolisi lifted that very trophy a few years later himself inspired him immensely.
Jeptha chose to submit Cape Road to be renamed because according to him it connects the dots perfectly.
"What I mean by this is that Cape Road splits Grey High School where Siya attended school from Zwide.
"It brings everything together."
Jeptha also started a movement called Asambe 1% in 2008 when he started to prioritize his health and well-being.
Drawing on the Springboks and their inspiring journey he now inspires others through Asambe 1% to embrace their fitness journeys.
Martin said the application would be submitted to the relevant processes and procedures and that public hearings would be called.
