WATCH | A legacy beyond the scrum: Rhodes University dedicates field to Ally Weakley's fight for fair play

Rhodes University celebrated its 120th anniversary in November by naming the rugby field as The Ally Weakley Great Field, acknowledging Weakley's outstanding contributions as a sportsman, educator, and champion for justice and equality.

On the Great Field at Rhodes University, where Alastair “Ally” Weakley once shone as the rugby team captain, a board now honours his name. This tribute recognises his legacy as a prominent rugby player in the university during the ‘70s, but also as a social justice advocate who challenged racial discrimination in sports.

Rhodes University celebrated its 120th anniversary in November by naming the field as The Ally Weakley Great Field, acknowledging Weakley’s outstanding contributions as a sportsman, educator, and champion for justice and equality.

Tragically, on 13 April 1993, just three days after Chris Hani's assassination, Weakley and his brother Grant were fatally shot near Port St Johns.

Professor Steve Olivier, Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Scotland and a long-time friend remarked: “This honours his legacy as he was fiercely committed to justice as an anti-Apartheid campaigner during challenging times. He would want to be remembered as a tough sportsman, someone with keen intellect and a mischievous sense of humour, but also as someone who sought to create opportunities for others.”

Olivier, who co-championed the proposal to name the field after Weakley, fondly recalls their time together – especially fishing along the Eastern Cape.

As Olivier walked through the changing rooms, the rugby shirts displaying Weakley’s number evoked strong emotions. He imagined his friend beaming with pride at Rhodes University’s progress in promoting racial equality.

“He would be immensely proud of what Rhodes University has become; it was very different then. He would be delighted to see the current team,” Olivier said.

Rhodes University Chancellor, Justice Lex Mpati, supported Olivier's proposal. Mpati, a fellow law student with Weakley and a member of the same legal organisation, reminisced about Weakley’s strong-willed nature in arguments.

“I last spoke to him after a commissioners’ court appearance; fortunately, we didn’t argue. It was just before the attorneys’ offices closed for the year. We chatted about our holiday plans, and that was the last time I saw Ally,” Mpati recollected.

Mpati expressed admiration for Weakley, recalling their rugby days.

A significant memory was when Weakley, one of four white players on the South Eastern District Rugby Union, participated in a match in Zwide, Gqeberha, when white individuals needed permits to enter townships. Despite several warnings about the tense atmosphere, Weakley stepped onto the field to play.

“When match time came, both teams ran onto the field, and there was Ally with his mates. We had a wonderful day and a successful match, and Ally’s courage truly shone,” Mpati said.

The field’s naming coincided with a two-day reunion of Rhodes University’s 1965-1975 alumni. The group, affectionately known as ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’, joyfully revisited their old residences and the university’s historic buildings, sparking nostalgic memories.

Caroline Rowland, a Rhodes alumnus and Chairperson of the Rhodes University UK Trust, shared her emotional experience: “Returning now feels visceral. I visited Oriel House, my old residence, and teared up. It’s extraordinary how formative those years at Rhodes University are for an 18, 19, 20, or 22-year-old – truly profound times of our lives.”

Rowland observed that Rhodes alumni embody a spirit of social justice, much like Weakley did during Apartheid.

She emphasised the importance of naming the field to honour someone who achieved significant social change through his values and lifestyle, celebrating the goodness in humanity.

The event also aimed to raise funds for the Ally Weakley Memorial Scholarship, a bursary designed to provide talented young rugby players with the opportunity to study at Rhodes University while joining its rugby squad.

Above all, Olivier hopes the naming will inspire students to learn about Weakley’s legacy.

“I hope they don't just pass by the name; I hope they look it up, understand who he was, and what he stood for, so they too can uphold those values,” Olivier expressed.

For further information about the festivities and dialogues planned around RU120 visit the regularly updated official RU120 website.