Latest news with #RhinoWeek
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Rare rhino armoured vehicle turns heads at VUT
VANDERBIJLPARK – Anyone who attended Rhino Week at the Vaal University of Technology's Isak Steyl Stadium over the past two weeks, likely noticed the armoured vehicle on display and wondered about its identity and origins. Coincidentally sharing its name with the event, the vehicle is known as the Rhino. ARMSCOR developed the Rhino Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in the early 1980s following a private needs assessment, shortly after the conclusion of Project Sireb, which evaluated the feasibility of replacing the Buffel MRAP. Only twenty Rhino vehicles were manufactured for the South African Air Force. Based on the Samil 20 chassis, the Rhino was designed specifically for troop transport and patrol duties around air force bases. It has a crew of seven consisting of a driver, co-driver in the front, and five troops in the rear compartment. The vehicle features a fully enclosed V-shaped hull, offering excellent protection against landmines, while its armoured hull and ballistic glass windows provide effective defence against small arms fire and light artillery fragments. Key features include two roof hatches, firing ports beneath each window in the troop compartment, and provision for mounting a roof-mounted machine gun. The driver's cabin is accessible via side doors on both sides, reached by a short ladder, while the troop compartment is entered through a small door at the rear left of the vehicle. A spare wheel is mounted at the rear. Although originally intended for military use, the Rhino went on to prove its worth in a range of international humanitarian demining operations. It consistently demonstrated its reliability and adaptability as a platform in both conflict zones and peacetime missions. With the adoption of the Mamba MRAP family by the South African military in the early 1990s, the Rhino was gradually withdrawn from service and subsequently sold to the private security sector. The Rhino stands as a testament to South African engineering excellence and tactical innovation. * Dewald Venter is a professor at the Vaal University of Technology. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Youth sports take centre stage in Vanderbijlpark
VANDERBIJLPARK — One of South Africa's biggest school sports festivals is back — and bigger than ever. From July 1 to 5, the VUT Isak Steyl Stadium will host Rhino Week 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary with record-breaking participation and national reach. What began in 2015 with just 12 rugby and 18 netball teams has grown into a major national event. This year, more than 90 schools will compete in rugby, netball, and hockey games, with more than 3 000 players expected to take part, making it one of the largest school sports festivals in South Africa. Organised by Rhino Youth Sport Development (formerly Prestige Jeugsport), Rhino Week has become a key date on the school sports calendar. The tournament provides a competitive and inclusive platform for learners from across the country, including teams from Namibia, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State, and Gauteng. 'Our mission has always been to create opportunities for all children to participate, regardless of their background or ability to pay,' says founder Dries van Heerden. 'This isn't just a sports week, it's a dream week.' Now under the leadership of new chairperson Martin van Wyngaardt, the tournament continues to grow in stature and professionalism, with support from seasoned organisers including Gert Tsoetsi (Tournament Director) and Hennie van Vuuren (Regional Representative). In addition to its sporting impact, Rhino Week contributes significantly to the local economy. Despite limited sponsorship, the organisers proudly maintain a no-player-turned-away policy, with around 20% of athletes receiving financial support. The event also has growing visibility on platforms like SuperSport and social media. As Rhino Week celebrates a decade of youth development through sport, it remains committed to building a stronger, more inclusive future one match at a time. Fixtures: July 2: Stadium: 08:00: o14 – Griffons CD vs Ekurhuleni XV 09:00: o14 – KZN South Coast vs Cobras 10:00: o15 – JHB Sentraal Wes vs Ekurhuleni 11:00: Official opening: 11:45: o15 – Pumas CD vs Sedibeng 12:45: o17 – Ekurhuleni XV vs Cobras 14:00: o17 – Sedibeng vs KZN South Coast 15:15: o19 – Gauteng West vs Cobras 16:30: o19 – Sedibeng vs JHB Central West A-field: 08:00: o14 – Fezile Dabi XV vs Sedibeng 09:00: o14 – JHB Sentral West vs Ekurhuleni 10:00: o15 – Cobras vs JHB West XV 11:00: Official opening 11:45: o15 – KZN South Coast vs Amaqhawe 12:45: o17 – Ekurhuleni vs JHB Central West 14:00: o17 – Sedibeng XV vs Mustangs 15:15: o19 – KZN South Coast vs Ekurhuleni B-field: 08:00: o15 – Wasps vs Platinum Hawks 09:00: o15 – Broncos vs Mustangs 10:00: o15 – Meyerton Knights vs Allies 11:00: Official opening 11:45: o17 – Vikings vs Awaghawe 13:00: o17 – Broncos vs Platinum Hawks 14:15: o19 – Lynx vs Platinum Hawks 15:30: o19 – VRC vs Mustangs C-field: 08:30: o17 – Mmabatho vs RCSA 09:45: o17 – Allies vs Meyerton Knights 11:00: Official Opening 11:45: o17 – Lynx vs Mustangs Young Guns 13:00: o19 – Broncos vs RCSA 14:15: o17 – RCSA XV vs Awaghawe XV 15:30: o17 – Sizanani vs Riverside At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
