UCT RAG

Congratulations on your new appointment as UCT RAG chairman for 2007.

1) Could you please briefly give us some background about yourself?

I’m currently in my fifth year at UCT studying a Post Grad Diploma in Sports Management. I did my BSc in Computer Science and Maths; and my BSc (Hons) in Computer Science prior to this year. I hail from the metropolis of East London (better known as ’slummies’) where I attended school at Stirling High School. My passions are music, sport, South Africa and RAG.

2) What does UCT RAG mean to you?

RAG is essentially the fundraising arm of SHAWCO. However, what RAG is and what RAG means to me are two very different things. To me RAG is an organisation where passionate and innovative students are able to grow and develop while developing others. Thus it is essentially a space that like-minded students can enter together, where they can work towards the common goal of helping those less fortunate then us in South Africa.

3) What does SHAWCO, UCT RAG’s beneficiary do for the community?

SHAWCO focuses on primary health care and youth development within developing communities in the Western Cape. Through various projects and through the use of their
development centres and mobile clinics, SHAWCO aims to improve people’s lives by providing primary health care services as well as educational programmes for the younger generation.

4) How has the RAG organisation changed in the last three years in terms of its representation of students on campus?

When one talks about changes in representation of students, it is difficult to talk within as short a time frame as three years, as often such changes take far longer to take effect. However, three years ago the RAG committee was made up of a wide and diverse number of students from a wide variety of racial groups, backgrounds and even different countries. I am proud to say that this is still the case today, as RAG representation seems to naturally align itself with that of the UCT student body.

5) What will be the top priorities for you during your tenure as chairman?

Firstly, to ensure that R1,3 million is raised for SHAWCO. Secondly, to ensure that RAG keeps up with the continuously transforming diverse society that it resides in. Thus, the ways that RAG raises its funds need to be applicable to the vast majority of students at UCT.

6) Why is RAG still a relevant organisation?

Firstly, because it still raises a large amount of funds for SHAWCO. As long as SHAWCO requires this revenue, RAG will always be relevant in some way. RAG is also relevant in that it still satisfies various needs within the student market. These needs range from events to student products (such as the diary) as well as the need for a space in which students can develop themselves whilst developing others. All in all, RAG is a multifaceted organisation that many of the students at UCT can relate to and create a bond with.

7) Where does UCT RAG fit into the student governance and administration structures at UCT?

On one hand RAG is the fundraising arm of SHAWCO and is thus essentially governed by the SHAWCO board. On the other hand, however, RAG is recognised as a Development Agency at UCT and is thus ultimately governed by the SRC. As a Development Agency it also falls within the Student Development Office at UCT.

Where can RAG 2007 improve on the work done by RAG 2006?

RAG 2006 has done an excellent job and I believe that very little fault can be found in their work. The only improvement that I would like to make is to take a more hard-hitting approach to assessing the feasibility of projects that have a higher risk then potential return. Otherwise, I can only commend Jones ‘Qwagga” Gondo and his team for an excellent year’s work.

9) How much profit does UCT RAG make in a decent year and what is your goal for 2007

Typically RAG raises R1 million in a year. As already mentioned, our goal for 2007 is to raise R1.3 million.

10) How can students who express an interest in RAG join up with the organisation; what process should they follow?

To become a member of RAG students need to go through a fairly rigorous selection process. This is due to the fact that for RAG to be successful, it requires members who are hard working and will most definitely be dedicated to the organisation. This selection process takes place early on in the second semester. Anyone who is interested should head straight to the RAG office and chat to anyone there about RAG and the application process.

11) How will UCT RAG 2007 manage its risk particularly in terms of student health and safety?

Student health and safety at events has always been one of RAG’s top priorities. We will minimise risk by implementing thorough project planning for each project. This planning will include a full risk assessment that will be drawn up after full consultation with those relevant UCT departments who are willing and able to assist. No amount of money raised is worth risking the safety of UCT students for.

12) How does RAG develop its student members?

Quite simply, in any way that they want to be developed! Members of RAG have the freedom and opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people in a wide variety of situations. From corporates, to politicians, to artists - the opportunities are endless. Through these experiences we find that students are able to develop and grow in a manner and direction that best suits them.

13) How will the RAG Management Structure function during 2007?

A steering committee consisting of myself and four other members (HR, Brand, Finance and Operations) will oversee the running of the organisation. The organisation consists of a further ten project managers who each have either one or two projects to manage. These project managers have a committee of four to ten members who assist them in running their project(s).

14) How do you plan to expand RAG in 2007?

To me RAG shouldn’t feel obligated to expand in the next year. At present we provide a service to SHAWCO, and as long as we provide what is required by SHAWCO, then there is no need for unnecessary growth. Having said that, however, it is always refreshing and can often minimise risk to diversify the number of projects that we run. We are thus currently setting up a PILOTS programme were we take in new project ideas and assess the feasibility of running them in the near future.

15) What are UCT RAG’s contact details?

website: www.uctrag.co.za
email: uctrag@gmail.com
phone: (021) 650 3525
fax: (021) 650 3527