Inter-Varsity, which received a double threat from flu and strike action last week, will go ahead this weekend.
Inter-Varsity, which received a double threat from flu and strike action last week, will go ahead this weekend.
Rhodes University communications manager Lebogang Hashatse said Grahamstown has had a higher than usual incidence of flu which negatively impacted sporting activities early on in the third term.
“This prompted the Rhodes sports administration to put a hold on all sporting activities for some five days,” he said.
Sports administration issued a high alert advisory to both recreational and Inter-Varsity participants.
“Sports administration was equally concerned about the possible impact that could be suffered as a result of the labour industrial action," Hashatse said.
"NEHAWU had embarked on an industrial action following their disagreement with university administration about the manner in which monies to make salaries at Rhodes competitive were allocated.”
Deputy vice-chancellor of academic and student affairs Dr Sizwe Mabizela said: “The University is pleased that Inter-Varsity will proceed as planned and we are looking forward to an exciting Inter-Varsity."
The industrial action ended on Tuesday after NEHAWU and the University reached an agreement.
High stakes
The FNB Eastern Cape Inter-Varsity, held at Rhodes University this year, will see four universities taking party: Walter Sisulu University, Rhodes, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Fort Hare University.
Inter-Varsity will end with the rugby encounter between Rhodes 1sts and Walter Sisulu University on Saturday at 3pm.
“With the inclusion of Walter Sisulu University the stakes are even higher than before,” said assistant manager at Rhodes sports administration and chairperson for the 2009 FNB Eastern Cape Inter-Varsity, Mandla Gagayi.
This year’s event will see over 900 students partake in 22 different sporting and culture codes, with cycling, debating and ballroom dancing appearing at Inter-Varsity for the first time.
“We are keen to see all making the most of a unique occasion where students studying in the Eastern Cape not only compete against each other on the sporting fields, but build in many a case lasting friendships as part of their university experience,” said Rhodes University head of sports Roger Adams.
Healthy competition
Sports administrators from all four institutions see the event as a way to bring students from together to share and enjoy life through sport. Students on the other hand have goals and strategies in mind to ensure that their institution wins.
“Long time rivalries have been developed through this event and these rivalries will live on even when the current generation of students is gone,” said Gagayi.
The festivities will include a Rhodes Student Representative Council party at 5pm tomorrow on the Great Field to celebrate what Hashatse dubbed “the biggest annual university sporting event in the province”.
Gagayi said no liquids of any kind will be allowed to enter the Astro and Great Field on the weekend, while the SAPS and Makana Traffic department “will come down very strong on road traffic offenders”. They will look out for unlawful parking, reckless driving and road side parties.
