Belonging - university, rugby and SAX Appeal

My daughter left for varsity yesterday morning sporting a vest that identified her as an Ikeys supporter. She was going off to support the UCT rugby team who were playing against Stellenbosch, the Maties. I didn’t even know that she liked to watch rugby. Actually, I don’t think she is too clear about the rules but is rather enjoying being part of all the hype.

She is having a very different UCT experience compared to what it was like for me in the 1980s. A month ago she got up at the crack of dawn, dressed in neon-coloured tights, T-shirt and headband, to stand on a street corner to sell SAX Appeal and participated in all the activities during RAG week. She has signed up for SHAWCO, the students’ health and welfare community organisation and joined the Film Society. She is spending her Saturday mornings tutoring maths to grade sevens in Khayelitsha.

When she talks about sitting on Jammie steps, taking the bus or going to the library, she makes me a little nostalgic for the time that we had there. I am enjoying seeing it through her eyes. She belongs, no baggage attached. Unfortunately, UCT was resoundingly thrashed (45-5) but she didn’t seem to mind too much.