President Cyril Ramaphosa has been selected as an abOVEnormal Team South Africa World Cup 2026 Brand Ambassador.
A statement released by the abOVEnormal team noted:
“As South Africa commemorates defining milestones in our democratic journey — 70 years since the historic Women’s March, 30 years of our Constitution, and the enduring spirit of national pride reignited by Bafana Bafana’s historic AFCON victory 30 years ago — this moment presents an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and the possibilities that still lie ahead.”
Founded and led by Masingita Masunga, a Black South African woman with a disability who has risen beyond barriers once designed to exclude millions from meaningful economic participation, abOVEnormal stands as a living testament to the freedoms, opportunities, and possibilities that the older generation fought to secure.
The abOVEnormal brand embodies the resilience, excellence, and determination that define the South African spirit. It demonstrates what becomes possible when democracy opens doors that were once firmly shut.
abOVEnormal produces sporting gear, including Bafana Bafana-branded outfits, sneakers, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Orders can be placed by contacting Masunga on 0725162675.
A Historic Convergence of Milestones
The statement added:
“This year presents a remarkable convergence of history:
70 years since the Women’s March + 30 years of Constitutional Democracy = 100 years of courage, progress, and possibility.
100% South African. 100% committed to progress.
As Bafana Bafana continue their journey towards the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are reminded that there was a time when South Africa was denied its rightful place on the international sporting stage.
Their AFCON triumph 30 years ago was far more than a football victory; it was a powerful symbol of a nation re-entering the global community and taking its place among the world’s nations after decades of exclusion.
The opportunities our athletes enjoy today were secured through the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, dignity, equality, and South Africa’s full participation in global society. The road from isolation to international competition was paved by a generation that believed future generations deserved opportunities they themselves were denied.”
Sport, Economic Inclusion and Transformation
The statement continued:
“It is on this premise that, as the First Citizen of the Republic, who called upon South Africans through the rallying cry of ‘Thuma Mina’, who championed the story of the ‘Tintswalo Child of Democracy’, and who continues to defend Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment as a vehicle for inclusive growth, this World Cup season presents a powerful opportunity to elevate South African participation and economic inclusion within the global sports business ecosystem to unprecedented levels.
The same democratic breakthrough that returned South Africa to international sport must now be leveraged to secure meaningful South African participation in the economic opportunities that surround global sport.
Political freedom opened the stadium gates; economic inclusion must ensure that South Africans also have a stake in the business of sport. That is the next frontier of the transformation project for which so many sacrificed.”
Supporting Local Brands
The statement further argued that:
“abOVEnormal, as a proudly South African brand, believes it would undermine the spirit of transformation, economic inclusion, and support for local enterprise for leaders to participate in World Cup activities through international brands while a homegrown African brand is investing directly in national identity, economic participation, and South African equity on the global sporting stage.
The generation that fought for freedom did not do so merely for South Africans to participate in global events; they fought so that South Africans could own and benefit from the opportunities those events create.”
A Call to Rally Behind Team South Africa
“As we welcome you to Team abOVEnormal, we look forward to seeing you in your abOVEnormal Bafana Bafana T-shirts and gear, proudly championing a homegrown South African brand as we stand 100% behind Team South Africa.
Together, we can inspire our boys as they step onto the world’s biggest stage and demonstrate that South Africa is one united nation, determined not only to participate in the global game, but to lead, build, and benefit from it.”
NO DNA. JUST RSA.
