By Nontobeko Moimane 15 July 2022

Rhino Week Officials and VUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dan Kgwadi

The official opening of the 6^th Rhino Week took place  on Wednesday, 29 June 2022 and was hosted by the Prestige Youth Sport at the  Vaal University of Technoloty (VUT) Isak Steyl Stadium.

Rhino Week aims to improve students’ physical growth abilities,  help them learn a sense of sportsmanship as well as develop each player’s skill of sportsmanship.

The programme was directed by Mr Sewes Sevenstein, Head of Referees and Disciplinary Matters from Prestige Youth Sport and a senior pastor at New life in Christ Family Church. He opened the ceremony with a quote: “For good physical fitness and strength, sport is an integral part of life. Sports make our life interesting, teach us to work and push our limits to reach a height”.

According to Sevenster, sports also teaches discipline, respect, friendship, leadership, resilience, team spirit and overpowering  of adversities. It’s a crucial part of a student’s growth and development.

Participants included:

Mr Dries van Heerden      : Chairperson of Rhino Week.

Mr Xolani Mathumbo        : President of Sedibeng Sport.

Mr Munya Maraire            : CEO of World-Wide Scholarship.

Prof Ntate Dan Kgwadi     : Vice-Chancellor and Principal (VUT)

Mr Vivian Lottering           : President of Gauteng Sports Confederation.

Delivering the welcome message,  Mr Dries van Heerden said sportsmanship is one of the things that bring people together. It offers an opportunity for boys and girls to showcase their talent. He added that the Rhino Week tournament is unique and unparalleled in the world because of the existing outstanding skills of the participants.

The tournament is a stepping stone towards green and gold (Springboks). “You must believe that there is a possibility of green and gold through determination and passion”, he encouraged participants.  Van Heerden also extended a word of appreciation to the sponsors who believe in the development of the youth.

He also thanked VUT and  its employees for making  Rhino Week a success.  “Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire an has the power to unite people,”  he said, quoting the late President Nelson Mandela.

Mr Xolani Mathumbo (Sedibeng Sport,) spoke about the 4Ds behind his success during his sports days, viz: Determination; Dedication, Discipline and Desire. He mentioned that learners should never fear when they are in the field, making sure that they shine their light as well as shine it on others.

Mr Munya Maraire acknowledged the Founders of the Rhino Week and stated that this is a life-changing platform for the youth, a link to opportunities after school. He advised that there are scholarships all over the world. This year, there are options for soccer, hockey and rugby players. “Seize the opportunity, do your best, thank God, give praise and be good individuals”, he said encouragingly.

Professor Dan Kgwadi expressed his excitement about hosting the event on VUT turf.  “We are of one mind, empowering the young ones…You are our future,” he said.  “It takes discipline to be a sportsman”. He encouraged the learners to be part of the VUT community as it is an institution, positioning itself as a truly South African university through diversity. “I would like to wish you well in this tournament and encourage you express your talent”, he added.

Mr Vivian Lottering emphasized that the Rhino Week tournament is all about opportunities for boys and girls that never got a chance to play at higher provincial and international tournaments.  He encouraged learners to make use of the opportunity and showcase their talent, and  that there is hope.

He added, “You always have a chance, and Rhino Week provides that opportunity.  Anything is possible if you have the desire in your heart. What makes you better than anybody else is the flame that burns in your heart. If you want to be good, believe in yourself”.

All speakers acknowledged the work done by tactical teams, the medical team, coaches, parents and field workers; making it possible for learners to participate in different sporting codes.