TUT Top 12 attracts 1 500 young athletes

More than 1 500 young athletes from over 60 high schools converged at Pilditch Stadium on Friday, 11 September 2026, for the annual TUT Top 12 Athletics Meeting. The event provided high school athletes with an opportunity to compete on a high-level athletics platform, while showcasing emerging talent and gaining exposure to university opportunities.

Hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Directorate of Sport and Recreation, the TUT Top 12 Athletics Meeting was sanctioned by Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) and held in partnership with aQuellé.

The meeting welcomed athletes aged between 14 and 17, predominantly learners in Grades 11 and 12. Schools from Tshwane and across Gauteng made up the majority of participants, while several schools from outside the province, including HTS Witbank, also took part. Individual athletes from across the country who were unable to enter through their schools were also given an opportunity to compete.

Athletes competed in a range of track and field events across various age groups, testing their preparation and abilities while earning points for their respective school teams. The competition created a vibrant atmosphere, with coaches, teachers, parents and fellow learners cheering on the athletes throughout the day. The event was also broadcast live on SuperSport Schools, allowing families, schools and supporters to follow the action.

While athletics competition was at the heart of the event, the TUT Top 12 Athletics Meeting also provided an opportunity for the University to engage with learners, parents, schools and the broader athletics community. Various TUT structures, including the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD), Student Representative Council (SRC), and Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED), participated through exhibition stands and engagement activities.

The exhibition area enabled learners, parents, coaches and school representatives to interact with TUT staff, ask questions and learn more about the University’s academic programmes, student life and opportunities. For Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners, these engagements provided valuable insight into various fields of study and encouraged them to consider their options after completing school.

Participating schools competed in A-Section and B-Section categories, with points accumulated across the various athletics events. The Top 12 winners were ranked according to their overall points tally.

In the A-Section, Die Hoërskool Menlopark Blue topped the standings with 2 756 points, followed by Hoërskool Waterkloof Blue with 2 457 points and Hoërskool Montana A with 2 300 points. The remaining teams in the standings were Curro Hazeldean (2 165), Hoërskool Zwartkop (2 120), Hoërskool Garsfontein Turquoise (1 851), Die Hoërskool Menlopark White (1 365), Prestige College (1 287), Hoërskool Waterkloof Geel (936), Southern High School (772), Hoërskool Garsfontein Wit (519) and Hoërskool Montana B (370).

In the B-Section, Hoërskool Oos-Moot led the overall standings with 824 points, followed by TuksSport High School with 753 points and Midstream College Teal with 739 points. Individual entrants were also recognised among the winners.

The TUT Top 12 Athletics Meeting continues to bring together schools, young athletes, families, coaches and the University community through sport. The event serves as an important platform for TUT to engage directly with schools and prospective students beyond the classroom. It also strengthens the University’s connection with schools while providing young people with an opportunity to learn more about TUT’s academic programmes and future study opportunities.