DVC’S CORNER

Prof Pamela Dube, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development & Support, University of the Western Cape

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

This poem, titled ‘Harlem’ and scripted by the poet Langston Hughes, helps us locate the intersection between the transformation of society and its relationship with higher education, and the expectations and tensions that give rise to this very complex relationship. Drawing from the seminal work by Hughes, it is critical to pose the question, What time is it now?

Many sectors of society continue to suffer as a result of the devastating effects of COVID-19. This reality has redefined lives and there is a growing sense of anxiety and despair as South Africans lose jobs, which adversely affects quality of life. We are on a different rhythm as we grapple with the reality of a pandemic whose influence has captured the attention of the world, the effects of which are particularly dire to citizens of poor nations and societies.

Among other priorities for higher education is the state of students’ mental health as a result of myriad challenges affecting their proper functioning. The introduction of online learning, despite the support provided, is a new addition to the way students need to manage their time, and a reality they must adjust to.

This experience will be useful in guiding institutional efforts to support first-years who will be part of a university community for the first time in their lives. The vast majority of them will show different interests, such as playing a sport, forming part of the debate society and taking part in a wide range of exciting co-curricular programmes. Our responsibility is to encourage them to be hopeful about their time at UWC and, at this time, our collective strength and the ability to withstand adversity should serve as an inspiration as we take the road less travelled.

The word “endurance” is very common amongst athletes as they must work hard to triumph, to become champions, and to sustain their performances and enter the echelons of legends. And, just like sport, universities are spaces of opportunity where disadvantaged yet talented students can find the will to succeed. This is one of the most important values at UWC and we are proud of how students have taken these opportunities and summoned their energy to change their lives and that of their families for the better. Thus, promoting inclusive sport where every athlete is judged on the strength of his or her talent remains a key societal priority and must be pursued with vigour and without fear.

Clearly, there is something dramatic and profound about where in time we are and how we respond to it; mankind is being called upon to display extraordinary strength and courage. The pandemic is a subject of inquiry that can, on no account, be neglected or taken for granted. We are reminded about this when we read the devastating news of the passing away of colleagues and family members who have succumbed to the virus. From the available information, the impact has not been felt the same way among students and we need to work together to keep the situation under control.

At UWC, as at other universities across the country, all our sporting codes were suspended as we endured the initial challenges of COVID-19. This ongoing reality compels us to change the way we relate to the present circumstances and prepare for the future, disregarding the things that make us comfortable and content.

Last year, for the first time, the Sport Awards had to shift to a virtual platform, with the event honouring women and men who, in the last 60 years, have made a seminal contribution to sport. And even though our sporting fields may have abnormally grown grass and our passionate students and staff members may be deprived of live sports, we will come out stronger than before.

Even during this so-called “new normal” period, our sports men and women became innovative, organising online training sessions in order to stay motivated in a way I have never experienced before. That, to me, shows character and an eagerness to keep healthy and in good shape so that when they are allowed to take to the fields once more, they will be ready. We also welcome with great delight the call made by most sporting codes to resume training, led by Varsity Cup Rugby.

I therefore call upon the entire UWC community to be strong; the time to cheer for and rally behind our athletes is near.

Let us all continue to adhere to and follow the COVID-19 safety regulations to prevent the spread of the virus. This is business unusual and it calls for novel ideas and solutions. We have a collective responsibility to contribute to making the dreams of students and athletes possible and I hope the motto of the Student Development & Support department, “Creating your future”, serves as inspiration.