Central SA
Sol Plaatje University to boast world-class events facility─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:10 Tue, 26 Nov 2024
Set for completion in February 2025, Sol Plaatje University’s new multi-purpose events complex at the North Campus precinct will have capacity of hosting more than 2,000 people.
The complex will comprise three main components: the Great Hall, a council chamber, and a multipurpose hall.
Students and visitors could be accommodated in the hall, with a stage that could seat another 50 delegates. With good acoustics and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, the hall will be an ideal venue for stage productions and concerts.
“The hall is intended to represent the university’s commitment to education, diversity, inclusion, and heritage,” said Sol Plaatje University spokesperson Kashini Maistry.
“The council chambers on the second floor will accommodate 70 people which is enough to host our senate and council meetings, and during exam time 465 students can sit here to write. This hall will also be used as a venue for indoor sports events, with multipurpose courts for netball, basketball, and volleyball.”
The university launched its sports centre at the South Campus precinct on Friday (22/11). The centre has a 1,000-seat sports hall, a gymnasium, and a biokinetics and sports medicine research centre.
SPU vice-chancellor and principal professor Andrew Crouch said the centre is set to transform Kimberley into a hub for sporting excellence.
SPU vice-chancellor and principal professor Andrew Crouch at the launch of the sports centre. Photo: Facebook/Sol Plaatje University
Outdoor facilities include rugby, hockey, and cricket fields, as well as various multi-purpose courts.
“The state-of-the-art facilities and creative programmes will increase access to opportunities and foster social cohesion for SPU students.
“This milestone signifies a historic first for the Northern Cape, addressing the need for a world-class sporting facility that not only serves SPU’s students but also empowers communities across the region,” said Maistry.
A sketch of the world-class events facility. Photo supplied
At the launch of the sports centre, chairperson of University Sport South Africa Netball and assistant coach of Spar Proteas women’s netball, Dumisani Chauke, said “The University is creating a foundation for the success of numerous young athletes.”
