As we gear up for the Rugby World Cup Final this Saturday, it's become pretty evident to us at POWERTalk that the Eastern Cape is a treasure trove of rugby talent with no boundaries. Back in 2019, the acclaimed writer Zakes Mda pointed out something interesting - rugby was more than just a sport in Xhosa culture; it was a part of their identity. They'd read about soccer in magazines, but rugby, known as "umbhoxo" in isiXhosa due to the ball's shape, was in the spotlight. While soccer might rule the sports scene in many other provinces, it's crystal clear that in the Eastern Cape, umbhoxo is the ultimate Christmas gift for many young boys. So, on today's culture corner, we're going to dive deep into the world of rugby in the Eastern Cape and understand what it means in the grand scheme of preserving the culture. South African Former Rugby Union Player and Xhosa Rugby Commentator Kaya Malotana and Acting President of the Eastern Cape Rugby Union George Malgas join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.

<p>As we gear up for the Rugby World Cup Final this Saturday, it's become pretty evident to us at POWERTalk that the Eastern Cape is a treasure trove of rugby talent with no boundaries. Back in 2019, the acclaimed writer Zakes Mda pointed out something interesting - rugby was more than just a sport in Xhosa culture; it was a part of their identity. They'd read about soccer in magazines, but rugby, known as "umbhoxo" in isiXhosa due to the ball's shape, was in the spotlight. While soccer might rule the sports scene in many other provinces, it's crystal clear that in the Eastern Cape, umbhoxo is the ultimate Christmas gift for many young boys. So, on today's culture corner, we're going to dive deep into the world of rugby in the Eastern Cape and understand what it means in the grand scheme of preserving the culture. South African Former Rugby Union Player and Xhosa Rugby Commentator Kaya Malotana and Acting President of the Eastern Cape Rugby Union George Malgas join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.</p>

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show that delves deeper into the news of the day, along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. The host also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners make sense of their world.

<p>POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show that delves deeper into the news of the day, along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day&rsquo;s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. The host also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners make sense of their world.</p>