VANDERBIJLPARK – South Africa’s biggest school sports extravaganza, the Rhino Week, stormed into its 10th year.

In recent weeks, the Vaal University of Technology’s Isak Steyl Stadium turned into a buzzing arena of talent, teamwork and triumph. Once a small rhino conservation campaign in 2015, this youth festival has now roared into a national sporting phenomenon.

With fierce matches in rugby, netball, and hockey, the tournament saw young athletes from every corner of the country battle it out on the field, each game echoing with chants, cheers, and championship dreams.

The action was electric, but so was the spirit of unity and purpose. At the grand opening, the event’s founding heroes were joined by top figures like VUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Khehla Ndlovu and Gauteng Sport President Vivian Lottering.

Addressing the gathered crowd, Prof Ndlovu said, “To all the athletes gathered here, you represent speed, strategy, strength, but most importantly, values. Fair play. Discipline. Respect. Resilience. These values echo through our Strategy 2033+, our guiding map toward a future-ready VUT.”

“At VUT, we do not see youth as the leaders of tomorrow. You are leading today. Whether on the pitch or in the classroom, your generation is already reshaping how we learn, connect, compete, and rise,” said Ndlovu.

Chairperson of Rhino Youth Sport, Martin van Wyngaardt, emphasised the tournament’s unique position in the sporting landscape.

“The Rhino Week is unique and unparalleled in the world because of the outstanding individual skills of the participants. This tournament is just the start of a fruitful career in top-class hockey, rugby and netball for many players,” he said.