February 21 sees the start of the high-profile Drink Smart Week, an initiative organised by the Dean of Students' Office. The aim of the week, during which a number of events will be taking place, is to encourage responsible alcohol use among the Rhodes University student body.
By celebrating the amazing range of talents and interests available on campus, and introducing students to entertainment which does not involve excessive drinking, the Dean of Students' Office hopes to encourage an enlightened, mature and responsible approach to alcohol consumption.
The need for such a campaign was sparked by growing concern, expressed from a number of quarters, about the often excessive levels of use of alcohol by students in general. This high-risk drinking behaviour can have a severe impact on academic achievement, personal safety, addiction and student attrition.
The Dean of Students' Office recognises that students are young adults, and are therefore able to make choices regarding their personal lifestyle. Also, the Office acknowledges that social drinking is a fact of life for large numbers of people. Drink Smart Week therefore will present options which do not involve drinking to excess, and where students can enjoy themselves safely.
The highlights of the week will include “Has Rhodes Got Talent?” and “Viv's Variety Show”, two revue style shows focusing on the wealth of talent possessed by the student body.
“Has Rhodes Got Talent?” takes place at Eden Grove Red Theatre on Monday evening (21 February). Students with talents of any sort are given the opportunity to show it off to fellow students, with the aim of getting through to perform at "Viv's Variety Show", taking place at the Settlers Monument on Friday 25 February.
As well as the four successful student performers, the Variety Show will feature Andrew Buckland, SunShip, The Deans and the VC, Lucy Kruger & Madele Vermaak, the Rhodes Chamber Choir.
The doors to Eden Grove Red open at 18h30 on Monday. Entrance is free and seating is first-come-first-served. Tickets are still available for Viv's Variety Show taking place at Settlers Monument.