{"id":39078,"date":"2026-07-15T10:40:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T10:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=39078"},"modified":"2026-07-15T12:35:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:35:06","slug":"vut-welcomes-south-africas-future-sporting-stars-at-the-official-opening-of-rhino-week-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/vut-welcomes-south-africas-future-sporting-stars-at-the-official-opening-of-rhino-week-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT welcomes South Africa’s future sporting stars at the official opening of Rhino Week 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT officially opened Rhino Week 2026, welcoming young athletes from across South Africa for five days of hockey, rugby and netball competition.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 July 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Siphephelo Dlamini<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VUT
Young hockey players participating in Rhino Week 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) officially welcomed hundreds of young athletes, coaches, educators, parents and sporting stakeholders to the 11th Rhino Week Tournament during its opening ceremony at the University’s Isak Steyl Stadium on 8 July 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking place from 7 to 11 July 2026, Rhino Week has grown into one of South Africa’s premier youth sporting tournaments, providing talented young athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities in hockey, rugby and netball while promoting sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork and personal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official opening ceremony brought together representatives from government, the sporting fraternity, educational institutions and the private sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration in nurturing South Africa’s next generation of sporting talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening the proceedings, Rhino Youth Sport Chairperson, Mr Martin van Wyngaardt, welcomed athletes, coaches, parents, sponsors and partners to the tournament, describing Rhino Week as an important investment in the future of South African sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He highlighted the tournament’s role in identifying and developing emerging talent, noting that many participants have gone on to represent their provinces and the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Rhino Week Tournament offers young athletes an exceptional opportunity to showcase their talents while competing at the highest level of school sport. For many, this is the beginning of a journey that could one day see them wearing the green and gold of South Africa.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr van Wyngaardt thanked the tournament’s sponsors, schools, parents, volunteers and VUT for their continued support, noting that partnerships of this nature create life-changing opportunities for young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Without the support of our partners, sponsors and VUT, many of these young athletes would not have the opportunity to participate in a tournament of this calibre. Together, we are investing in the dreams and future of our youth through sport.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He concluded by encouraging every team to compete with integrity, embrace the experience and make the most of the opportunities presented by Rhino Week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming participants on behalf of VUT, Dr Gugulethu Xaba, Executive Director of Student Support Services, expressed the University’s pride in hosting the prestigious tournament and reaffirmed VUT’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through both education and sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the athletes, Dr Xaba encouraged them to seize every opportunity presented by the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This tournament is an opportunity to grow in confidence, make new friends and demonstrate what you are capable of achieving. Education is about developing the whole person, and sport teaches resilience, respect, discipline, leadership and teamwork, qualities that will serve you throughout your lives.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Xaba also announced that VUT is strengthening opportunities for elite athletes through a dedicated sports admissions initiative aimed at attracting and supporting high-performing sportspeople with bursaries and academic support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tournament Director Dr Gert Tsotetsi described Rhino Week as an important investment in South Africa’s future, saying the tournament continues to provide young athletes with opportunities to develop their talent and pursue higher levels of competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This tournament offers young athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent and use this platform as a stepping stone towards representing South Africa.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also acknowledged the unwavering support of sponsors, parents, schools and VUT for ensuring the continued success of the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding inspiration to the proceedings was internationally acclaimed South African long jumper Mr Luvo Manyonga, who shared his personal journey of success, adversity and redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on the consequences of poor decisions during his career, Manyonga encouraged athletes to remain disciplined, respect their parents and coaches, and protect the dreams they were working so hard to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Work hard, stay disciplined and never lose sight of your dream. Every opportunity you receive can change your life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Councillor Lehlohonolo Malindi, officially declared the tournament open, describing Rhino Week as far more than a sporting competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said events of this nature contribute significantly to youth empowerment, social cohesion, economic development and nation building while stimulating tourism and supporting local businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We celebrate discipline, dedication, teamwork and the limitless potential of our young people. Rhino Week demonstrates what can be achieved when government, educational institutions, sporting federations and the private sector work together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Malindi reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that will ensure Rhino Week continues to grow into a flagship sporting event at provincial and national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing the Gauteng Sports Confederation, Mr Vivian Lottering commended Rhino Week for its continued investment in grassroots sport over the past eleven years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He encouraged athletes to pursue academic success alongside their sporting ambitions and praised VUT for creating opportunities that enable talented young sportspeople to excel both on the field and in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on behalf of the participating athletes, Mr Francois Strydom, captain of the Ekurhuleni Red Devils, expressed excitement about competing against some of the country’s best young teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We expect to give our very best, showcase the talent God has blessed us with, and hopefully lift the trophy at the end of the tournament. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re looking forward to the challenge, having fun and playing the sport we love.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His remarks reflected the enthusiasm, determination and competitive spirit shared by the hundreds of young athletes participating in Rhino Week 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the ceremony, speakers consistently reinforced the values of discipline, perseverance, respect, teamwork and excellence, qualities that define not only successful athletes but also responsible future leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the tournament continued until 11 July 2026, athletes from across South Africa, together with participants from neighbouring countries including Lesotho and Namibia, competed for top honours while building friendships, creating lasting memories and pursuing opportunities that could shape their future sporting careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By hosting Rhino Week, VUT continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth development, community engagement and sporting excellence by providing a platform where talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As VUT celebrates 60 Years of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, initiatives such as Rhino Week reflect the University’s enduring commitment to empowering young people through education, sport and meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact for society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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