He has a recipe for success, and he knows how to collect the trophies. One of South Africa’s favourite sons, Dr Rassie Erasmus, was a welcome sight back at the North-West University (NWU) when he delivered his first guest lecture since being awarded an honorary doctorate in 2024.
The lecture, entitled From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Insights from a Back-to-Back World Cup Winning Coach, was hosted by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences – School of Human Movement Sciences in partnership with NWU’s Centre for Human Health and Performance (CHHP).
Dr Rassie had the audience in building F6 on the Potchefstroom Campus in the palm of his hand with his trademark quips, as he outlined how he and his management team went about reviving the Springboks in 2018.
Some of the key components of his winning formula include empowering players to take ownership of everything they do and to keep on evolving.
Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, said there were many parallels between the Springboks’ and NWU’s approaches to the pursuit of excellence.
In his closing remarks, Prof Tyobeka said: “I would like to take a moment to reflect on the invaluable insights that Dr Rassie shared with us. He emphasised a fundamental truth: that no one person in this room is more important than the next. This principle resonates deeply with our values at the North-West University, where we are committed to developing future leaders who will carry these ideals into their communities and interactions. Dr Rassie spoke of the vital importance of identifying and nurturing talent through strategic goal setting, a process that mirrors our own efforts here at the University. Just as he and his team take ownership of their journey to success, so too do we take pride in our collective achievements, based on teamwork and collaboration. Think of our medical school initiative; it’s our World Cup and we’re following Rassie’s roadmap to the letter, even though we don’t have a Beast, an Ox or an Eben!” Prof Tyobeka exclaimed.
“We also heard about the Springboks' ability to adapt and evolve. They refuse to stagnate and we must do the same. Earlier today, at the opening of the Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences, Dr Rassie expressed his pride in being part of a university that embraces innovative thinking. It is a commendation that carries considerable weight coming from the visionary behind the Bomb Squad. One of Dr Rassie’s coaching mottos is ‘the best process wins’. With the right people working together, extraordinary things can be achieved. At NWU, I see this teamwork and dedication every day. Let us take inspiration from the Springboks: let us reject defeat, strive for continuous improvement,and take ownership of our journey forward. Thank you, Dr Rassie, for your inspiring words and for challenging us to be our best,” Prof Tyobeka concluded.
Dr Rassie Erasmus delivered his first guest lecture since being awarded an honorary doctorate in 2024.
