His Story
In Conversation
Creating a Portrait
A Leader:
Francois
Pienaar
 
"The power of sport, it's incredible. It cuts across all colours, all religions, all creeds, all people; it's got an amazing effect on people."
43 Million South Africans
Profile of an Icon
Francois Pienaar
 
When Francois Pienaar climbed onto the podium at Ellis Park in 1995, his shorts pulled up too high and his shirt tucked in too tight, a dream that South Africa had not fully understood was realised. They had won the Rugby World Cup on home soil, and a team of underdogs not used to international competition had defeated New Zealand, the world's best team.
Profile of an Icon
Francois Pienaar

When Francois Pienaar climbed onto the podium at Ellis Park in 1995, his shorts pulled up too high and his shirt tucked in too tight, a dream that South Africa had not fully understood was realised. They had won the Rugby World Cup on home soil, and a team of underdogs not used to international competition had defeated New Zealand, the world

Play video
In Conversation
Francois Pienaar
 
Francois Pienaar, former Springbok rugby captain, talks to filmmaker Adrian Steirn about the unifying effect of sport and its importance to society; his relationship with Nelson Mandela, and how South Africa’s triumph at the 1995 Rugby World Cup helped to heal a divided nation.
 
 
 
 
Creating
A Portrait
 
A series of behind the scenes images reflecting the 21 icons team at work.
Francois Pienaar stands in a kitchen in front of a chalk board with a list of household chores. Two items on the list – already crossed off – stand out: ‘Win world cup’ and ‘Unite the nation’. The portrait depicts an ordinary man who can claim an extraordinary, unparalleled accomplishment.