Cancer survivors, caregivers, students and staff members from CPUT, Varsity College and False Bay College participated in the first-ever CANSA Relay for Life Collegiate event.

CPUT partnered with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) to host the all-night event at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville campus on Friday.

The theme was Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.

CANSA Relay for Life is a global event that unites communities in the fight against cancer and about 6 000 such events are held worldwide annually.

The crowd were welcomed by comedian Stuart Taylor before cancer survivor Kauthar Roomaney shared her inspirational story.

“People often say you only live once but I like to say you only die once and live every day.”

The relay kicked off with a few laps around the hall by cancer survivors to loud cheers from the crowd.

This was followed by a caregiver's lap.CANSA’s Leillani Geduld said they were extremely pleased with the first CANSA Relay for Life Collegiate event.

“The atmosphere has been terrific. We thank everyone who participated, all our speakers, sponsors and MCs and CPUT for co-hosting with us. We look forward to more such events in future.”

CPUT Events Manager Cathy Cloete said the institution was proud to co-host the event.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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With one round to go in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition, the teams for playoffs have now been decided.

Tuks and Madibaz have secured home semi-finals while Varsity College and WSU are also through to the last four.

During Friday’s game at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville, FNB WSU consolidated their fourth position on the log after they edged FNB CPUT 23-19. The scores were tied 12-all at the half-time break.

An early first-half onslaught from the home side saw them holding most of the ball and playing most of the rugby deep inside WSU territory, resulting in Keenan Williams powering across the try line for the first score of the match.

Ntsako Mhlanga then dove across at full length from close range after being denied earlier. Keewan Titus succeeded with the conversion attempt. This handed CPUT a 12-point lead heading into the final five minutes of the opening half.

WSU levelled matters through tries from Maxwell Klaasen and Asisipho Jim with Klaasen converting one.

The opening minutes of the second half belonged to WSU’s defensive resolve which meant CPUT had to work hard to get any points. It eventually came when Ayabulela Zono dove across the try line from a ruck that formed just metres under the crossbar.

Jayson January added the extras.

A penalty and an unconverted try by Klaasen, which completed his brace, handed WSU a one-point lead as the final quarter of the match approached. He slotted another one to seal the victory with four minutes left on the clock.

SCORERS

FNB WSU 23 (12) – Tries: Maxwell Klaasen (2), Asisipho Jim. Conversion: Klaasen Penalties: Klaasen (2)
FNB CPUT 19 (12) – Tries: Keenan Williams, Ntsako Mhlanga, Ayabulela Zono. Conversions: Keewan Titus, Jayson January.
FNB Player That Rocks: Maxwell Andrews (FNB WSU)