OUR LOCAL HERO

PROF TYRONE PRETORIUS, RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR

We strive for young men and women who conquer the worlds of sport, science, mathematics, arts, culture, humanities, health, innovation and technology in ways that bring out their humanity.

THERE IS A STORY

I’ve heard here on campus through the grapevine and through our media office. The story goes that our very own Springbok, Kurt-Lee Arendse, rushes back to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) campus as soon as he lands after an overseas tour.

I’M NOT SURE IF IT IS STILL THE CASE for Kurt-Lee but it certainly was in those heady days in 2019 when he was first picked for the Blitzboks. After a successful first outing with the Bok sevens side, journalists awaiting the triumphant team at Cape Town International Airport reported that he rushed through the airport like a man on a mission. When asked where he was going, he simply replied: “Going home. To UWC.”

KURT-LEE IS SETTING THE RUGBY WORLD

ALIGHT. At the time of writing, he had scored the first try against hosts France to help send the Boks to another Rugby World Cup semifinal. His scoring rate has been phenomenal since he made his debut for the full Springbok side.

IT REMINDS ME OF UWC’S HISTORIC FIRST MATCH in the 2019 Varsity Cup, where we ran our more experienced hosts UCT so close before they edged us out at the Green Mile. Kurt-Lee was spectacular that night, too, and was noticed by the Blitzboks management. A few days later, he was called up. The man who discovered the flying winger – the late Chester Williams – was elated for Kurt-Lee. But in the confines of his office, Chester scratched his head because after just one game he had lost the player he had built his entire Varsity Cup campaign around. Chester knew there was no holding Kurt-Lee back. We all knew it. He was just too good.

WE ARE PROUD OF THE ROLE UWC PLAYED in Kurt-Lee’s development – as a rugby player, a student and a human being. The Bulls had the foresight to sign this rare talent and his student days have since made way for professional franchise rugby. But a kinder, humbler individual you will battle to find. When he returns to UWC to watch us play in Varsity competitions, he takes the trouble to show first years around the stadium where he started out, chat to them, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

IN A FEW MONTHS, hopefully with our country again crowned world champions, a new cohort of Kurt-Lees will play in the Varsity Cup, and they will hope to make an impression so they can reach the same stunning heights he has achieved. But our athletes all know that whether they win or lose, they are part of the UWC family and we share their joy and pain. They are our students first, before they are Springboks, Proteas, Bafana or Banyana stars.

THEY ARE OUR STUDENTS FIRST, BEFORE THEY ARE SPRINGBOKS, PROTEAS, BAFANA OR BANYANA STARS.

KURT-LEE THE SPRINGBOK MAKES US SO PROUD. Kurt-Lee the young man is even more impressive. That is what we strive for: young men and women who conquer the worlds of sport, science, mathematics, arts, culture, humanities, health, innovation and technology in ways that bring out their humanity. I wish all our student athletes the best of luck with their respective codes in upcoming competitions. May we all strive to be like Kurt-Lee –on and off the field.