By Estea Rademeyer.
South Africa’s cricketing triumph will soon be celebrated on home soil as the ICC World Test Champion Proteas embark on a nationwide Mace Tour, culminating in a major parade through Cape Town on Friday 26 September.
Ninety-four days have passed since captain Temba Bavuma lifted the coveted Test Mace at Lord’s Cricket Ground, marking South Africa’s first ICC title in more than two decades. The tour gives the team a long-awaited chance to share the victory with their supporters after a packed competitive schedule kept them abroad following their historic win.
The Proteas, led by Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad, will visit six cities over four days, with stops designed to bring fans into the heart of the celebrations. The tour will open on Tuesday 23 September in Kimberley and Bloemfontein before travelling to Durban, Gqeberha, East London, and finally the Mother City.
Mace Tour Itinerary
Tuesday 23 September: Kimberley’s Diamond Oval (08:30 – 10:00), Tshoseletso High School in Bloemfontein (12:30 – 14:00), and an airport meet-and-greet at Durban’s King Shaka International (17:30 – 18:30).
Wednesday 24 September: Durban city bus parade from Umhlanga to Kingsmead Stadium (08:30 – 09:30), followed by a SAB Braai Day celebration (09:30 – 12:00). The day closes in Gqeberha with a fan signing session at the Boardwalk (17:30 – 19:30).
Thursday 25 September: Grey High School in Gqeberha will host a special captains’ panel discussion (08:00 – 10:00). The tour then moves to East London with a bus parade from King William’s Town to the CBD (14:00 – 16:00), ending with a fan activation event at City Hall (16:00 – 17:30).
Friday 26 September: Cape Town will host the finale, with a fan meet-and-greet at the Grand Parade (12:00 – 14:00) followed by an open bus parade through the central business district (14:00 – 16:00).
Cape Town officials have announced that festivities at the Grand Parade will include live entertainment before the Proteas board the open-top bus. The parade will travel along Darling Street, Adderley Street, Wale Street, Long Street, Buitensingel, Loop Street and Strand Street, returning past Cape Town Station to end in the city centre.
Authorities have cautioned motorists and residents to expect rolling road closures between 11am and 4pm on the day. Traffic officials will be deployed to manage diversions along the route.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, has urged Capetonians to line the streets in support. “The Proteas have had an amazing year that has brought so much pride to the nation. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate their success, especially the ICC World Test Championship victory, South Africa’s first ICC title in over 20 years,” he said.
Cricket South Africa has emphasised that the Mace Tour is about more than sport. It is an opportunity to unite South Africans across regions, cultures, and generations in recognition of a rare moment of international success.