By Zenoyise John
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus has officially launched its much-anticipated Inter-Res tournament, a sports event designed to provide all students with a chance to showcase their athletic talents while fostering inclusivity and unity.
This exciting initiative, which runs from March to July, brings together students from various residences, providing them with a competitive yet fun environment to engage in sports, connect, and celebrate their unique cultures and talents.
The tournament is set to include three major sporting codes: soccer, netball, and e-sports, with each residence fielding teams to represent their communities. With the aim of encouraging maximum participation, the event has an open registration policy, ensuring every student can join in and be part of the action.
Ntinyiko Mazwaya, Student Campus Council sports officer for 2024/25, says he is excited and shares the vision behind the initiative. “The goal of Inter-Res is simple: to provide a platform for students who may not have the opportunity to compete on a varsity level, to showcase their skills in a supportive and vibrant environment. This event is about much more than just sports; it’s about community, inclusivity, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with students long after the tournament is over.”
Not only does the tournament serve as a space for competition, but also as a stage for social awareness. For 2025, the event will spotlight critical socio-economic issues, with each residence championing a unique cause. These include:
· Faranani: LGBTQI+ Rights
· Ebukhosini: Sexual Health
· Longfellow: HIV & AIDS Awareness
· Bohlale: Gender Diversity
· Moahi: Mental Health
· On-Campus Residences: Gender Equality
· Oracia: GBVF Rights
Ntinyiko highlights the importance of these campaigns.
“Through the Inter-Res tournament, we want to not only celebrate sport but also raise awareness on pressing social issues that affect us all. Each residence will champion a cause, and we hope this will encourage students to engage in meaningful discussions and actions around these topics.”
The tournament has already seen impressive levels of participation, with an overwhelming number of students signing up to compete. Ntinyiko notes that the open registration policy has played a significant role in the high turnout, emphasising the importance of ensuring every student feels welcomed and encouraged to participate.
“We’ve seen incredible support from students, both in terms of the players and the enthusiastic crowd cheering them on. This tournament is truly about fostering school spirit and creating an atmosphere where everyone is included, regardless of their skill level.”
In addition to sports, the event featured a collaboration with Red Bull, where students enjoyed side games and refreshments. DJ performances added to the excitement, creating a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the day.
According to Ntinyiko, one of the standout moments was the pre-game moment of silence. “Before the games kicked off, we had a moment of silence to honour those affected by the socio-economic issues in our country. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of the impact we can have, not just in sports but in the larger context of society.”
As the tournament progresses, Moahi Village has emerged as a dominant force, topping the standings across all sporting codes, but the competition remains fierce, and every residence is in the race for the top.
THE NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
