Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah Strengthens Ties with South Africa’s Sports Minister at Landmark Contract Signing
Herbert Mensah, the visionary President of Rugby Africa, continues to elevate the sport across the continent, driving its rapid growth and increasing global recognition.
Under his leadership, rugby in Africa has witnessed unprecedented development, drawing attention from major international stakeholders.
On March 1, 2025, Mensah joined South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, at a significant contract signing between the French Development Agency (AFD), the South African Rugby Union (SARU), and Rugby Africa. This landmark agreement, finalized in South Africa’s capital, marks a major step in strengthening rugby’s footprint across the continent.
Rugby Africa highlighted McKenzie’s influential presence at the event, stating:
“Gayton McKenzie is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to sports in South Africa. His presence at the signing was electrifying—he brought an energy that turned heads and drew everyone in!”

Mensah, reflecting on his long-standing friendship with McKenzie, praised his character and authenticity:
“I’ve known Gayton for years—been to his home, and he’s visited me in Ghana. That bond of friendship runs deep. The best way to describe him? Real. He engages with people with pure sincerity, something that shines through in his books.”
With South Africa serving as a dominant force in world rugby, this strategic collaboration between SARU, AFD, and Rugby Africa is expected to further propel the sport’s growth across the continent, paving the way for a stronger African presence on the global stage.


