Springbok stars Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am named Discovery Vitality Ambassadors

JOHANNESBURG, 30 June 2021 – Discovery is proud to announce Springboks Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am as Discovery Vitality Ambassadors. The duo are responsible for making Springbok history with an exhilarating 66^th-minute try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. It was the first try of the game, that led to the team being crowned victorius World Cup champions – and the Springbok’s first-ever try in a World Cup final.

Makazole and Lukhanyo join fellow Discovery Vitality ambassadors Chad le Clos, Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, Lucas Radebe and Kgothatso ‘KG’ Montjane who motivate and inspire individuals to make healthier choices in support of the Group’s ambition to make people healthier and enhance and protect their lives.

“We are honoured to welcome Makazole and Lukhanyo and to share their stories of growing up in rural Eastern Cape, facing many challenges, at times personal loss and, despite this, going on to make Springbok history. Their personal journeys are an inspiration to all South Africans and their desire to contribute positively to society match Discovery’s aim to be a force for social good,” says Firoze Bhorat, Chief Marketing Officer of Discovery.

The natural talent and tenacity of these two players has seen them rise from rural beginnings, born just 37 km apart in rural Eastern Cape, not attending any of the traditional rugby feeder schools, to becoming leading Springboks whose integrity and fortitude have won the hearts and support of fans worldwide. More than teammates, they have become close friends and have worked to make society better by being strong role models and jointly campaigning against gender-based violence in South Africa.

Mapimpi (31), a winger known for his incredible speed and agility was the second highest try scorer overall at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with six tries. He has quickly become known as one of the strongest finishers for the Springboks, an extraordinary achievement considering he only started in Super Rugby in 2017 after a time with East London’s Border Bulldogs U19 team. He joined the Springbok squad for the first time in June 2018.

Am (28), a centre, gained his rugby break in 2016, being picked by the Sharks. He also spent time at Border Bulldogs. After helping the Sharks reach the quarter finals of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby seasons he was named captain for the 2020 season, taking over from retiring Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. He debuted for the Springboks in 2017 and produced the pass that led to Mapimpi’s historic try in the final.

“Makazole and Lukhanyo’s stories serve as powerful motivation to people of all backgrounds –particularly young people, who have the most to gain from strong role models – to become more active, and to rise above challenges to realise their dreams,” says Iona Maclean, Head of Experiential Marketing at Discovery. “It is also exciting to have them join our global movement to make 100 million people 20% more active by 2025,” she added.

Mapimpi and Am said in a joint statement that they are elated to expand their reach by teaming up with Discovery: “We both care deeply about the wellbeing of our communities. That’s why we’re joining Discovery’s efforts to promote mental, physical and societal health. We look forward to encouraging all South Africans to make healthy living and physical activity a priority every day.”