Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) reached a successful agreement on the sale of the Tafel Lager Stadium in Kimberley. The acquisition of the Stadium by SPU has also been approved by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande.

SPU has a strategic interest in the property and property developments surrounding and immediately adjacent to its campuses. Key to the strategic intent of the University is to ensure that appropriate, aligned and integrated development of such properties do provide a suitable and enabling landscape for long-term enhancement and accommodation of the University.

SPU had a long-standing interest in acquiring the Stadium with the requisite infrastructure, practice, and parking facilities to consolidate and integrate it as part of its South Campus. The planned development on the South Campus includes additional residences, sporting facilitates and related offices, and enhanced bulk and site infrastructure.

SPU seeks to preserve the iconic sporting and civic institution in Kimberley that would otherwise be lost to the City, and be in a position, as the future property owner, to exercise the requisite governance and control over the Stadium of what, effectively, would become a shared, multi-purpose sporting facility. Opportunities for the co-hosting of and partnerships with regional and national sporting codes and bodies would also be unlocked.

SPU will purchase the Stadium as a going concern, accompanied by a lease agreement back to the GWRU. The agreement is mutually beneficial and will enable collaboration between the University and the GWRU.

Operational matters pertaining to the transfer will soon be finalised between the University and the GWRU. The conveyancers are currently in the process of finalising the legal matters relating to the transfer of the property.

Statement issued jointly by Sol Plaatje University and the Griqualand West Rugby Union.

Ms Kashini Maistry                                                                                                Mr Arni van Rooyen

Senior Manager: Communication & Marketing                                                CEO

Sol Plaatje University                                                                                            Griqualand West Rugby Union

Email: kashini.maistry@spu.ac.za                                                                      Email: arni@gwrugby.co.za

Mobile: 082-806-6114                                                                                           Mobile: 071-670-8983