INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR UNIVERSITY SPORTS Prep.
International day for university sports is an international event across all universities around the world. Its aim is to promote keeping fit without having to play competitive sports. The SRC through the office of the Sports and Societies Councilor in collaboration with the International office will be bringing this event for the first time at Rhodes University on the 20th of September 2018. On the 9th of August I, with the International Affairs Councilor, had a meeting with Mr Dingaan Booi (International Office) and at the meeting it had been concluded we would set a meeting with all the stakeholders that are going to be part of the event.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNIVERSITY SPORTS(Done in term 4)
The 20th of September was the international Day for University Sports and the SRC in collaboration with the international office and Sports Administration decided to celebrate the day by having a program with a series of Sporting codes events. International Day
The acting head of the department of Sports Administration contributed R2000 toward cash prizes for the events, from the SRC, R2000 also was contributed towards buying equipment needed for the day and the international office organized the awards dinner for the participants. The equipment needed included bottled water for the participants (200units x R6) and 4x10m skipping ropes (R250). The money contributed by the SRC from the Sports and Societies Councilor’s portfolio funds went towards buying vouchers as spot prizes for both participants and non-participants.
The sporting codes and physical activities included basketball lay-up challenge, rowing, standing long-jump, exercise, Dance sport and skip rope. The activities were facilitated by the projects team and an SRC member. The vouchers were from Revelations (R100, R150 x 2), Pick’ n Pay (R100 x 3 and R200) Van Schaik (R100) and Saint’s & Bistro (R250).
Cash Prizes according to ranking upon accumulation of points:
- R 500
- R 400
- R 300
- R 250
- R 200
ACADEMIC SHUTDOWN
On Saturday the of August we, the SRC, heard of the passing of one of our students Ms Khensani Nkanyezi Maseko and it is believed that the reason she committed suicide was because of an alleged rape. We as the SRC saw it would be unjust if we continued with business as usual. We then demanded a shutdown of all academic activities so that the university can mourn properly, so we can address the issues that surround gender based violence and to ensure the university is accountable for their actions in dealing with sexual assault and rape. On Monday we met with University Management to present the demands from the student body and they agreed to them and the Vice-Chancellor addressed the student body. On Tuesday we then had a program set out in honor of the deceased Ms Khensani Nkanyezi Maseko and to address issues that surround Gender Based Violence. The program included a march up to monument where we had an open mic for people to speak and pay tribute to Khensani and we had a sex and consent talk at the Barat lecture theater.
STUDENT SERVICES COUNCIL MEETING (SSC)
At the SSC meeting, acting head of Sports Admin Mr Gallant reported that sports admin was facing the difficulty of being understaffed. I then suggested that Sports Admin have 2 student posts at Sports Admin so that students are able to assist as paid employees. We are currently waiting for a report back
OTHER DUTIES
On the 17th of August was the SRC inauguration the SRC 2019 council was being sworn into the office, and we as the SRC had to attend. We have had council meetings for every Monday evening but on Monday the 20th of August Rhodes Rugby first team which we decided to go watch as the SRC since it was a varsity shield promotion/relegation game. I also had to attend an interview at RMR on the 21st of August on Lalelani, the SRC radio show. I have also had to do an hour for every day of the week at the office.