The School Governing Body (SGB) of Rob Ferreira High School announced that the school will withdraw from the 2027 Lowveld Interhigh athletics competition and establish the Rob Interhigh. Although this was a difficult decision, it follows several years of engagement on revising the current format and marks a new phase in the school’s athletics programme.

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Rob maintains a high-performance athletics programme, with its athletes achieving success at local, provincial, national and international levels. The school participates in more than 20 meetings across the Lowveld and elsewhere, providing athletes with extensive competition and preparation for national events.

The school values its long-standing involvement in the Lowveld Interhigh and the traditions it upholds. However, the SGB believes that its current structure no longer adequately advances the interests of Rob’s athletes and the school.

The decision came after a lengthy process. The SGB began exploring possible reforms in the early 2020s and consulted the participating schools from 2024 to 2026. Rob presented its proposals several times, but the schools were unable to reach an agreement.

One of the main concerns is the substantial variation in school sizes. Learner numbers across participating schools range from approximately 450 to 1 460. Under the existing arrangement, every school must enter two athletes in each event, which can be challenging for smaller schools. Rob accordingly proposed reducing participation to one competitor per school per event. The proposal was intended to make the competition more accessible, but it was not accepted.

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Rob further recommended expanding the competition to include more schools. This would broaden participation and give more athletes the opportunity to prepare for the national championships, organised by Athletics South Africa (ASA). Several schools that do not currently compete have previously expressed interest in joining the Lowveld Interhigh.

Rob has considerable experience organising major athletics events. It hosts four significant meetings each year, including two ASA-accredited qualifying events for the South African Championships. This experience provides a solid foundation for delivering a professionally managed competition for athletes and spectators.

The Rob Interhigh will accommodate up to 16 school teams, including those from beyond the Lowveld and other provinces. More than 10 schools from Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo have already indicated their intention to compete in 2027. Additional schools are expected to participate from 2028.

ASA qualifying accreditation has been granted to the Rob Interhigh. This means that athletes competing at the event will be able to record qualifying performances for the South African Championships. The Rob Interhigh will therefore not only provide high-quality competition and valuable preparation, but also an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the national championships.
The SGB envisages a vibrant, high-quality event that benefits athletes and spectators.

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Visiting teams may also support local guesthouses, restaurants, tourist attractions and other businesses. However, these advantages remain secondary to the school’s primary aim of developing its athletes and preparing them for higher levels of competition.
The SGB believes that the Rob Interhigh will build on the school’s sporting tradition, provide broader competitive opportunities, and become an event of which the school community can be proud.

Throughout its deliberations, the SGB’s primary consideration was what would best serve Rob’s learners, athletes and school. The decision prioritises athlete development, meaningful competition and the responsible use of the school’s resources.