Austin Malema Gets Cosy With Boks

Johannesburg: There were no VIP suites or loud cheers of thousands of rugby-loving fans. Instead, for one Hyundai customer Austin Malema, hosting two Springboks stars at his Randburg home, was the greatest and most unforgettable experience that he will cherish forever.

Malema, 35, was the lucky winner of Hyundai South Africa’s ‘Host-A-Bok’ competition, which gave all customers who booked a Hyundai vehicle service before 31 July 2026, a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime rugby experience of watching a rugby game with professional rugby players.

Former Springboks Captain, John Smit and current Springboks star, Evan Roos joined Malema at his Randburg home to watch the Vodacom Bulls playing against the All Blacks in what quickly became an unforgettable rugby get-together.

For Malema, it was less about meeting sporting heroes and more about sharing this special occasion with people who live and breathe the rugby game.

“I honestly could not believe it when I found out I had won the Host-A-Bok competition. Having John and Evan in my home, watching the game together and talking rugby like old friends was something I will never forget. This was rugby in its purest form: superstars who, despite their achievements, were so down-to-earth, watching a big rugby game with plenty of laughter and fun,” said Malema.

Smit, who knows a thing or two about big-match pressure, enjoyed swapping the stadium atmosphere for the more relaxed surroundings of a fellow rugby fan’s home. “Rugby has always been about bringing people together. Sitting in Austin’s lounge, watching the game and sharing the highs and lows with him was a lekker reminder of what makes this sport so special. Thank you to the Hyundai team for this incredible initiative,” said Smit.

For Roos, the experience was just as memorable. “It was awesome to experience the game from a fan’s perspective. Austin was such a great host and there was definitely no shortage of passion, opinions and rugby banters,” said Roos.

Tshiamo Tladi, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa said the competition was designed to put fans, rather than brands, at the heart of the experience.

“We did not want to create another polished VIP event, instead, we wanted something real. The thought of a rugby fan opening his home, sharing his passion and having a proper match-day experience with two Springboks. Austin’s special moment captured exactly what ‘Host-A-Bok’ is all about,” stated Tladi.

For Malema, a staunch Hyundai and Springboks supporter, the experience was unforgettable.