Students associated with the AfriForum Youth Tuks branch, in cooperation with students from De Goede Hoop hostel and Sol-Tech, held a RAG parade on Saturday, 18 February 2017, to collect money for charity. These students collected the amount of R13 000 which was donated to the CMR nursery school.
This initiative followed after the University of Pretoria this year announced that the annual tradition of RAG, which involves the building of floats, collecting money and healthy student activities, will no longer be celebrated at this university. Students of AfriForum Youth Tuks, De Goede Hoop and Sol-Tech decided to continue this tradition under their own steam and each of these institutions built an individual float to take part in the RAG parade.
“RAG is a healthy student tradition that has a lot to offer and contribute to the community. It gives students the opportunity to build leadership skills, get to know each other and have fun, while working towards a greater goal, namely giving back to the community,” says Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum Youth Tuks Coordinator.
Grobbelaar also adds that he would like to see more institutions becoming involved in RAG in future so that it can grow in such a manner that all students will have the opportunity to be part of this initiative.
Renier Goosen, Chairperson of AfriForum Youth Tuks, says that although RAG is hard work, he will do it again at the drop of a hat. “RAG is one of the most satisfying, but also demanding initiatives I have tackled. It is also very fulfilling to know that I have been part of something that has made a positive contribution to our community.” He adds that it has so far been one of the highlights of his student career.
A trophy was also given to the team that built the winning float.