A Democratic Alliance spokesperson for sport, James Masango, said it was worth noting that the SA Rugby Union once said it "did not consider rugby reasons only" when it appointed De Villiers as national coach.

"Perhaps this explains his decision to publicly declare his support for the ANC," Masango said.

"While the DA is wholly supportive of the democratic principle of freedom of association, De Villiers' endorsement of the ANC is an unfortunate use of his position as the national rugby team coach to pursue his personal interests."

The ANC in the Western Cape released a statement on Wednesday, saying De Villiers endorsed the ruling party at a meeting of business leaders, addressed by its provincial election coordinator Chris Nissen.

"I am here to personally pledge my support for the ANC. We have come through a lot of hardship during our time and now is not the time to give up," said De Villiers.

Masango said for sports to remain apolitical, sports leaders like De Villiers had a responsibility not to use their positions to advance their own political agendas.

"By choosing to openly align himself with one party, De Villiers is defeating the country's efforts to depoliticise sports, particularly rugby, which has been at the receiving end of political interference by the ANC government.

"South Africa has come a long way to overcome political interference in sports; we must not go back down that route again."

The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) said De Villiers' "unusual step" to endorse the ANC this close to the election was inappropriate and divisive.

FF Plus spokesperson for sport, Willie Spies, said the Springbok team was one of the few unifying symbols in South Africa.

"De Villiers' conduct now makes the Springbok team a divisive symbol. The FF Plus and other opposition parties are trying their best to fight the ANC's interference in especially rugby," he said.

"De Villiers' decision to endorse the ANC, especially now is a shock. Just as politicians should not be allowed to interfere in sport, prominent sports men should not be allowed to abuse their positions to favour political parties."

Colin Fibiger, a member of the Christian Democratic Alliance's National Leadership Council, said De Villiers had now probably alienated many rugby supporters from the sport.

"To make a public statement regarding the issue, is highly immature however, and quite foolish for a man holding our national rugby pride in his hands," he said.

"The financial success of any sport is dependent on the supporters and De Villiers has in one sentence alienated many supporters who are not pro-ANC," said Fibiger.

"In any other country, he would probably be dismissed for the damage he has done to the game," he said.

"It is unfortunate that someone holding the position he does, does not have the wisdom to know when to be silent on issues.

"Considering the political interference in sport in our country, it was an accepted fact that Mr De Villiers was an ANC supporter... otherwise he would never have been appointed in the first place," said Fibiger.