UCKAR (University Currently Known As Rhodes) boasts a wide range of societies including academic, cultural, religious, entertainment and social development based groups. Below is a look at a few on offer. The full list of societies is available at http://www.oppidanpress.co.za.
Rhodes Dance Society: “The epitome of fun and dance diversity.”
Great expectations? The society offers experience in a diverse range of dance styles and the classes are aligned with the interests of the members. Their main focus is Ballroom and Latin dance, with a number of classes offered to accommodate all levels of expertise.
Cost? R342.
Here’s looking forward to? Getting involved in numerous shows and competitions. These include Intervarsity, where various universities in the Eastern Cape compete in
Ballroom and Latin heats and Can Rhodes Dance? where UCKAR students can showcase their dance abilities. They also perform in the Cultural Show where a range of styles is welcome.
Basically… Broaden your experience and knowledge of dance while exercising and getting to know new people in a social environment.
Rhodes Model United Nations: “Fun, exciting and intellectually stimulating.”
Great expectations? Important engagement with what may be expected of UN representatives – dealing with current events, pressing international issues and the basics of international law. Their members also gain valuable experience in areas such as public speaking, debating, critical thinking and dispute resolution.
Cost? To be announced.
Here’s looking forward to? Participating in various conferences, including an international conference (a passport is needed but financial assistance will be available); their external conference in Cape Town; and the Intervarsity conference, which will be hosted by UCKAR and attended by NMMU.
Basically… Get a stimulating look at what a career with the UN may be like while gaining the experience needed to prepare you.
Gender Action Project (GAP): “Simply wants you to come as you are.”
Great expectations? GAP aims to establish educational safe spaces for marginalised groups with specifically feminist action in helping others assert humanity actively threatened by patriarchy, sexism, racism, and ableism. The ultimate goal is to forge a place of freedom, with emphasis on ‘no fear’.
Cost? R200
Here’s looking forward to? A formal debate on matters surrounding the Fees Must Fall movement in order to cultivate an informed interaction with the movement. An annual favourite of the team is If you really knew me, inspired by the idea of people only seeing 10% of another person. Both events are part of GAP’s plans to assist the transformation process in various ways.
Basically… GAP is what you make it with its role as an inclusive and transformative space at UCKAR.
Words by Holly Allison
UCKAR boasts a wide range of societies. Check the list below to find which ones best suit you.
RELIGIOUS
Isaiah 26:8
7th Day Adventists
ACTS (Association of Catholic Tertiary Students)
Chi Alpha
Dynamis Youth Network
HSS (Hindu Student Society)
His People
MethSSoc (Methodist Students’ Society)
Muslim Students Association
Student Christian Organisation
Voices of Glory
Forward in Faith on Campus
AnSoc – Anglican Society
MUSICAL
Rhodes Live Music Society
RU Hip Hop Soc
ACTIVISM/POLITICAL/ENVIROS
Common Ground
Gender Action Project
Legal Activism
Model United Nations
OUTRhodes
ROAR (Rhodes Organisation for Animal Rights)
RUGreen/SEACC SF (South East African Climate Consortium Student Forum)
SHARC (Student HIV and AIDS Resistance Campaign)
Rotaract Club of Rhodes
DASO (Democratic Alliance Student Organisation)
SASCO (South African Students Congress)
PAYD (Pan African Youth Dialogue)
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
EASOCru (East African Society)
Greek Soc
Lesotho Students Association
Rhodes Malawi Society
NamSoc (Namibia Society)
Zambian Soc
Isintu Soc
Zim Unlimited
Zulu Soc
Nhlalala Ya Vatsonga Society
Swazi Alive
VhaVenda
Bapedi Ba Rhodes
Art Society
Rhodes Book Club
Ink Soc
Marimba Soc (New)
ACADEMIC
AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants)
Geology Soc
Law Soc
ABASA (Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa)
RUPSA (Rhodes University Pharmacy Students Association)
Black Lawyers’ Association
Zoology Soc
Golden Key
Chem Soc
Science for Society
SUDO Soc (Computer Science and Information Technology Society – new)
ENTERTAINMENT
Activate
Astronomy
Dance Society
Game Soc
Debating
The Oppidan Press
Toastmasters
Wine Tasting
Mountain Club
Neko Anime
Rhodes Ultimate
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Galela Amanzi
Inkwenkwezi
JJH (Jehovah Jireh Haven)
Masincedane
President’s Award
Rhodes University Youth Quake (New)
BUSINESS GROUP
BMF (Black Management Forum)
Enactus Rhodes University
Rhodes Entrepreneurs Society