A new catchphrase has been making waves across South Africa: “No DNA, Just RSA.” As South African athletes continue to excel on the global stage, this slogan has become a symbol of national pride, leaving many curious about its origins and meaning.
The phrase seemingly traces back to a misquote from a widely circulated post in 2020, which claimed former US President Donald Trump said, “The doctors said they’ve never seen a body kill the coronavirus like mine; they tested my DNA, and it wasn’t DNA, it was USA.” Though the subtitles of the video were later debunked, the quote took on a life of its own, particularly on social media.
Enter South African social media, where well-known X (formerly Twitter) user @Kay_Mahapa rebranded the phrase, adapting it to “No DNA, Just RSA.” This twist resonated strongly, becoming a patriotic rallying cry during major sporting events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and Springboks matches.
Springbok fans, in particular, embraced the slogan during South Africa’s Test match against the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Pictures of jubilant supporters captioned with the phrase flooded social media, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
The slogan’s appeal has gone beyond sports, even making an appearance after Soweto native Chidimma Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria. It’s now commonly used by brands and corporate companies in their social media campaigns, symbolizing unity and national pride.
While the catchphrase may not have a fixed meaning, it resonates differently with various people. For some, it’s a humorous nod to South Africa’s seemingly endless pool of talent, while for others, it’s a bold declaration of patriotism. Either way, “No DNA, Just RSA” has cemented itself as a celebration of South African excellence.
