Rhodes out of Inter-Varsity

Rhodes University has officially withdrawn all 26 sporting codes from the Eastern Cape Inter-Varsity which is dud to be hosted by University of Fort Hare, and usually involves the hosts, Rhodes, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU).

A statement sent to the student body by the Director of Student Affairs Malinge Gqeba, explained that for an event as large as Inter-Varsity, certain legal requirements have to be met, including Risk Categorisation of the event by SAPS; Police Clearance; and an event safety plan. The University of Fort Hare had failed to meet these requirements, according to the statement.

Gqeba noted that Rhodes like all other universities, have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and security of students at all times, and that if the university is to fail at doing this it could lead to possible lawsuits. Gqeba said that the decision is binding on all Rhodes Universities clubs and societies, as well as individual students.

Therefore no activities are permitted between Rhodes University, University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University and Nelson Mandela University for the weekend of 18-20 August 2017

The decision comes after a thorough risk assessment of both the sports and the social event (after party) prepara- tions,” said The Rhodes University Student Representative Council.

“We understand the disappointment that could come from making such a decision,” the SRC said, “but we believe the decision made was based on principle and thorough assessment. Any unforeseen negative incidences could jeopardise the participation of Rhodes University in Inter-Varsity in the future. To all sports codes that would have been participating we thank you for your tireless preparation and dedication.”

The Rhodes University sports/community and all the sporting codes are however, still excited to host the InterVarsity 2018 tournament.