The Springbok emblem alongside the King Protea as symbol of South African rugby helped to unite a polarised society, former cabinet minister Kader Asmal said on Thursday.

In a statement Asmal said many regarded the Springbok emblem as a symbol of white supremacy.

The anti-apartheid movement had accordingly managed to isolate the country's sport - rugby included - from the international field.

When president Nelson Mandela wore the jersey in 1995 it was too soon for many to follow his example because the wounds were still raw, Asmal said.

"But now, nearly 15 years into our freedom ­ and with two World Cup trophies under our belt ­ it is surely time to settle the debate."

He called the anti-springbok posturing by politicians
"old-fashioned, anti-reconciliation and counter-productive to fashioning the united non-racial society we yearn for".

He said the Springbok emblem no longer belonged to the white minority, who had benefited from apartheid, but belonged to all South Africans.

"I am proud of the decision of our rugby officials to incorporate the King Protea in pride of place, over the heart, on our national rugby jersey.

"Its incorporation signifies that rugby is no longer an exclusive brand. It joins its brother and sister sporting codes ­ from soccer to cricket to netball ­ who have long embraced the symbol (of the King Protea)," he said.

"But I am equally proud of the decision to retain the Springbok, to reconcile polarised positions and effect unity. It is the correct decision," Asmal said.