Deviant- Issue 1 October 2019 by Deviant

Deviant-

Issue No. 1 October 2019

BIG, BAD &

TATTOOED LEVEL UP!

GAMING-A NEW PROFESSION?

Hangmen:

Disrupting

SHOULD WE BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY FOR GBV?

misconceptions:

ANARCHISM

FASHION STEREOTYPESWHICH ARE YOU?

Culture Section

Fashion Section

14.

_______________________

Editorial

Meet an Anarachist - Sian Wilson Level-Up - Amy Nicholson

10.

Healing Hands - Julian Yeates

12. 2

Deviance & Daga - Sian Wilson

_______________________

16.

Tattoo Photo Spread - Simbulele Nelani Fashion Stereotypes - Julian Yeates

C O N t E N t S

Protest Section

Education Section

18.

_____________________________

19. 20. 21. 22.

Half-Hearted Apology - Thulisile Mapongwana

Youth Refuse to Vote - Amy Nicholson

Hangmen - Thulisile Mapongwana An open letter to Rape Culture - Karabo Dikobe

Be Yourself - Simbulele Nelani

_____________________ A Deviant in Academia - Karabo Dikobe

Destigmatising Disabilities - Sian Wilson & Julian Yeates

26.

Animal Welfare Photo Spread - Sian Wilson

30.

Horoscopes

32.

Meet the team

E D I T

R I A L 4

By Julian Yeates & Sian Wilson

or too long people advocating for change have been silenced. For too long uniqueness has been shunned. Now, there is a publication representing the previously neglected. Deviant strives to offer a platform to showcase the beauty of deviance as it ignites activism, inspires change and celebrates society’s diversities. A person is ‘deviant’ if they are viewed as ‘other’ through acting differently from societal norms or defying them altogether. Anything uncomfortable, offensive or misunderstood is automatically deviant in the eyes of the rule-maker. This edition focuses on young people who are excluded or marginalised from society due to their deviant nature. A common misinterpretation of deviance is the violation of aesthetic standards labelled as “abominations of the body”, as described by Erich Goode. Breaking these standards often results in isolation and discrimination. Rather, in breaking rules

“We seek to facilitate conversation around social change and acceptance”-Julian Yeates

of aesthetics the artistic expression, natural beauty and diversity therein should be appreciated. One story deals with deviance in terms of violation of an aesthetic as it unpacks employer biases towards people who look divergent in terms of fashion, race and body art. These biases add to the growing unemployment rate of South Africans which is 27.6 percent after the first quarter of 2019, according to Fin24. Simultaneously in discussion is the global phenomenon of Fortnite and how gamers are discredited and ashamed of their hobby, especially the rising female gamers. Stuart Hall comments on the political nature of deviant people as “a distinctive cultural or existential content: their disas-

sociation from the status quo is expressed as much in cultural attitudes, ideology, and lifestyle.” This issue of Deviant is inspired by Hall’s political philosophy of deviance as it touches on student activism and ways in which students defy conventional voting standards and challenge authority figures. Along with debates around feminism, fashion and gaming, this publication highlights non-conformists like advocates of homeopathic medicines and marijuana. The objective is to fairly represent all under-dogs including members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. Deviant pays homage to the marginalised and educates the ignorant. Too long have pretty faces and happily-every-afters blotted the pages of magazines. Deviant is here to change the conventional magazine through its chaotically ordered style and provocative content. Deviant aligns itself with Stuart Hall’s comment that “in the course of redefining themselves, deviant groups come to redefine the social stigmas against them in political terms.” Through showcasing deviant behaviour and deviant people in the publication, we seek to facilitate conversation around social change and acceptance. Dare to be deviant.

Illustration: Julian Yeates

CULTURE

6. Meet an Anarachist - Sian Wilson

8. Level-Up

- Amy Nicholson

Illustration: Julian Yeates

10.Healing Hands

- Julian Yeates

12. Deviance & Daga - Sian Wilson

Disrupting misconceptions: "Anarchism" with Chloe Osmond By Sian Wilson

narchy is opposition to authority; Chloe Osmond explains to me as we take our seat at a picnic bench in the grungy and grimy concert hall of Slipstream. Chloe, one of Rhodes’ own resident anarchists, takes a sip of her double vodka lime before lighting the cigarette I’ve offered her and continues. “People think that anarchy is the antithesis of democracy, but it’s actually the epitome of democracy.” She is a fourth-year Journalism student, video editor of Activate Online, student activist and anarchist. When she isn’t creating media, she narrates at the library for the visually impaired or she works at Slipstream, a live-music bar on New Street that caters to all walks of the alternative.

Photo credit: Sian Wilson

Chloe pretends to pour a drink as her co-workers watch on and laugh, because unless I intended to pay, it would go on her tab (and apparently that’s already quite high).

“People think that anarchy is the antithesis of democracy, but it’s actually the epitome of democracy.”

he air inside of Slipstream is smoky and warm. The duo performing begin their rendition of Zombie by The Cranberries, an appropriate backing-track to our interview topic, while patrons of all stripes play pool and lounge. Chloe is well known in many circles within the Rhodes community for her documentary on rape culture during the 2016 RU Reference List protests. “I was only in my first year, but I came to Rhodes to be a journalist. So, when I heard that things were going down on campus, I put on my gumboots and headed out, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into.” Subsequently, Disrupt became an internationally-recongised documentary. Social justice and activism, she explains, are intersections of holding anarchist ideologies. Simultaneously identifying as a punk, a sub-culture that is anti-oppression and pro-expression, as well as being a vegan, she says that there exists a venn diagram of which anarchism, punk sub-culture ideologies and activism intersect. Each ideology holds intersectionality at its core. “You can’t just give a shit about animal rights,” she exclaims passionately. “You need to give a shit about it all. The world is crumbling around us.” While her existence in its disruptive and confrontational entirety is a major affront to most people, even within such a supposedly liberal space as Rhodes, Chloe maintains one thing: she simply doesn’t care what people think of her. However, lighting another cigarette and shifting uncomfortably, she tells me the struggle of inconsistency she faces when it comes to living by her ideologies and still maintaining a sense of functionality within society. “As much as I am a rebel, I don’t think I’m particularly brave.” Many young people like Chloe embody starkly contrasting personas in different environments. Photo credit: Sian Wilson Illustration: Amy Nicholson

Chloe Osmond

Despite describing herself as a “ukulele bitch” (meaning that she plays and records covers on her ukulele on Instagram), Chloe can play the guitar and talks about how Mike, the owner of Slipstream, welcomes anyone with a talent to the stage. Punk rock bands and metal bands are most frequent amidst the poets and ukes.

When Chloe goes home, she leaves her mohawk, studded boots and controversial opinions in Grahamstown and dons a decent-daughter mask for her parents. She blushes and runs her fingers through her box-dyed orange hair. “I do wish that I was able to be braver – out and proud, you know? But when it comes to my family, obviously it would suck to lose them.” Picking your battles is an important skill in maintaining an anarchist ideology. Behind the bar she hears all sorts of things that the anarchist inside of her froths to confront, but she has to maintain her professionalism. While anarchism aligns most closely with communism, Chloe acknowledges the necessity of earning a living in order to survive. She needs her job. So, she must grit her teeth when old men give her hell about her piercings, her vegan ism or say things with racist and sexist undertones after they’ve tossed back a few-too-many whiskeys. Asking about topical issues she currently resonates with she tells me with a sly smile and a glint in her eye: “I spoiled my ballot. This year in the general election, if “Spoiled Ballot” was a party, it would have been 6th.” Finishing off her drink, I ask about her plans for the future, the air around us quieter now as the band has stopped playing. “There’s a whole family at home waiting for me to fail at my alternative mission. I really don’t care about having a career, which is scary in a society that perpetuates the idea that a career is necessary for survival. The world makes it very difficult to pursue your passions; I’m just hoping to live a life, making media representative of the things I stand for. Anarchy isn’t about chaos, it’s about integrity. I’ll live by acting on my integrity.” She nods earnestly, as if reassuring herself. Asking for one more cigarette for the road, she looks over her shoulder at me and smirks. “The point: Conformity is laziness.”

aming, or Esports, has never been fully accepted in society past it being classified as a ‘hobby’ or a ‘pastime’. However, to many people in the community, gaming is not only a hobby but sometimes their jobs. With online platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.tv, gamershavebeen ableto make money by doing their ‘hobby’, competing in Esports tournaments such as the Fortnite World Cup this year. It seems that gaming might be transforming from a taboo pastime into an accepted factor of our society, becoming a profession as well as a form of entertainment.

Gaming, or Esports, is something that a lot of people do today. Some people play to have fun, some people play to destress, and some people play professionally. The concept of professional gaming has really caught wind this year, thanks to the platforms of YouTube and Twitch. tv. According to an editorial on Think with Google, gaming content on YouTube is able to cross national, language, time zone, and cultural barriers that exist on the platform more than any other genre. In addition to this, Twitch.tv is a live streaming platform which primarily features gaming content. According to Alexa Internet, Twitch.tv ranks at number 34 in global internet engagement over the past 90 days. In addition to this, 100% of the sites audience visits sites/channels in the ‘Games’ category. Platforms such as these allow gamers to earn money while doing something that they love, even allowing their audiences to interact with them through the streams’/videos’ chatroom/comment section, as well as the donation system in place on Twitch.tv.

However, professional gaming is not only sitting on your couch and playing video games all day. Professional gaming requires talent and practice, with a lot of people even studying the games they play and different techniques and strategies which could result in a win. Professional gaming requires dedication, just like any job would, however it is still not entirely recognised as being a profession or job as of yet. In fact, it wasn’t until recently when Fortnite grew in popularity that Esports gained as much attention as it did.

Earlier this year, from the 26th to the 28th of July, was the Fortnite World Cup, held in New York City at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. This event was one of the largest Esporting events ever, having a $30 million prize pool, which was split between the event’s different categories. The stadium was reported to have been completely full, sold out for all the days over which the tournament took place. However, people all over the world could watch the tournament by watching its’ livestreams on YouTube and Twitch. tv. The eventual winner of the Solo’s tournament, 16 year old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, ended up winning $3 million.

Illustration: Amy Nicholson

When Bugha made his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, he explained that he plays Fortnite for at least six hours every day, spending that time not only playing the game but practicing and preparing himself for tournaments such as the Fortnite World Cup. It was only after this event that people started to recognise the financial benefits of being a professional gamer, realising that it is in fact a profession.

In the past, gaming was always considered to be a hobby, never a job which could earn you an actual living. However, over the past year there has been a strong shift all over the world, with people now coming to recognise the true

nature of Esports as a profession. And it’s all thanks to platforms like YouTube and Twitch.tv, as well as events such as the Fortnite World Cup.

9. 9

"Being called 'deviant' is quite complementary" -Janet Leslie

The Power of Healing Hands By Julian Yeates

here was something warm about her, homely, sacred. I could not put my finger on it, until she told me her history... The cold, foggy day forced me to huddle by a dying fire in a coffee shop. I stopped shivering when Janet Leslie joined me. Warmth radiated from her and her kind eyes enveloped me. Her crimson shawl draped over her elegantly and her red glasses perched on her slim nose. She was engulfed in a cloud of maroon and orange. But her sky-blue eyes, magnified by her spectacles, looked at me kindly. She clasped her hands neatly in front of her, they looked strong but soft. I asked, “do you consider your profession deviant from normal medical practises?” She squinted and laughed lightly, “being called deviant is quite complementary,” she paused, thinking, “some people think it’s deviant simply because it isn’t standard, but that does not make it negative.” When she spoke, I felt as though I were listening to a mother telling her children a bedtime story. After contemplation, she summarised, “what I do has the potential for a great deal of good.” Janet is currently studying and practising craniosacral therapy and offers it in her Healing Holds practise. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is defined by Healthline as “a type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum and spinal column” through “gentle pressure.” Janet focuses on “touching with intention” to “shift the energy value” of a patient. Stress and trauma can be relieved through “light, focused touch,” according to Janet. The practise concentrates on the movement of energy through the body and balancing it. CST is not common due to “the lack of proof” to illustrate its effectiveness, said Madden Naicker who has been a pharmacist assistant for 16 years. Naicker admitted that people are becoming increasingly interested in homeopathic medicine as opposed to pharmaceutical treatments. Janet believes CST and other homeopathic treatments “enables the body to heal itself” rather than “imposing medication on it without understanding what is wrong.” As Janet describes the therapeutic process, her hands make large, moving gestures in the air, the red cape swaying with her. She moved like a spell

caster. Like a little child, I found myself entranced. The therapy consists of lightly holding the patient’s head, neck, appendages and chest to centre the person’s energy and release compression. As Janet describes this she firmly holds the different parts of her body, her hands move hypnotically. “Touch with care is very powerful” she whispers, as if it were a family secret. Something “subtle” is felt within you, a type of energy which is “unexplainable”, her blue eyes gaze off into the distance as she tries to describe this feeling. Janet had an experience of CST working as she encountered someone who had a twisted coaxes and during the therapy the lady “could feel her coaxes go back into place,” remarked Janet, surprise bubbling out of her as she spoke. “People need to be open to it in order to be fully healed,” she said prophetically, adjusting her glasses like a wise owl. “I’ve had my journey of recovery and I want to pass that feeling on, to help others recover,” Janet said, her

Janet’s motherly touch can heal all

blue eyes gazing nostalgically into the fire. She had a soothing countenance and I struggled to pinpoint why I felt so comfortable with her. Janet became interested in the power of heal ing through holding because of her experience as a stay at home mother. Janet has five children and dedicated her life to raising them. “I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to raise them,” she said with a reminiscent smile. She discovered the power of holding when her chil-

dren fell and injured themselves “being able to hold them when they fell, diminihed the trauma they experienced,” she explained, while cradling her arms. Her perseverance during motherhood shows itself along the deep crevices shaping her face. Then it struck me, it all made sense! The reason she made me feel safe and cared for was because she was innately a mother. She was a natural carer, healer and holder –a natural mother. Through nurturing her children, Janet experimented with herbal and homeopathic treatments. Janet is an advocate for these medicines as she believes it’s a way of healing without ingesting chemicals from pharmaceuticals. A supplier of herbal and homeopathic treatments is The Mustard Seed. Storm Davies, an employee said that more people are turning to natural medicines as they have “less side-effects” and “can be fairly priced.” The medicines “may work differently depending on the person,” said Davies. However, Janet believes that pharmaceutical treatments are needed in certain situations. Naicker support’s Janet’s claim when stating that pharmaceutical medicines have “research and studies which prove their effectiveness” while herbal medicines do not. Naicker believes both CST and pharmaceutical medicines have “a role to play in the world” depending on the patient’s situation. Janet plans to study more into healing practises in both herbal medicines and energy treatments. She plans on hosting retreats to facilitate conducive healing, as she told me this, her aquamarine eyes lit up with excitement for the future. Janet left me with an interesting insight, “the name Healing Holds came from me having the privilege to hold my children,” she crossed her arms on her chest, “I learnt the power of touch through holding and being held.” Parting with her was like saying goodbye to a mystical, crimson being. When she exited, she glided across the room in a shadow of red, her powerful, nurturing hands were clasped at her waist –waiting to heal. Illustration & photo credits: Julian Yeates

Deviance and dagga: local business battles demonization By Sian Wilson

n September of last year, the South African Constitutional Court made a groundbreaking ruling decriminalizing the private cultivation and use of cannabis. Result: individuals and businesses the nation over are cashing in on the newly-accessible lucrative industry. Alongside the business edge, activists are using this opportunity to shed cannabis of its pathologized stigma with particular relation to its combative properties against severe anxiety and other mental issues plaguing young people. One such activist under guise of their online business, newly launched in March of this year, is The Bakery. The young entrepreneur and full-time student at Rhodes University (who requested anonymity), has taken this rare opportunity to improve their own standard of living, and the mental wellness of fellow students. “I’m a struggling student trying to support my family,” proprietor of The Bakery expressed over Instagram direct message from the official business account. “I also aim to give the Rhodes stoner community a greater sense of class in the eyes of broader Makhanda society.” Acknowledging the unambiguous laws which still apply, The Bakery only produces goods within the legal confines

Illustration: Amy Nicholson

“Students have and will continue to use cannabis regardless of its legality.”

Michael Border

stipulated by the Government Gazette of May 23. The publication stated that health supplement goods infused with cannabis, CBD and THC have been exempted for a period of 12 months of the initial ruling. Cannabis-infused products are permissible if they contain less than 20mg cannabidiol (CBD), or if they contain less than 0.001% THC and 0.0075% CBD per daily dose, as explained by an article in Business Tech of June 7. Michael Border, a reputable local psychologist and advocate for the use of cannabis by students expressed his opinions: “Students have and will continue to use cannabis regardless of its legality. The inconsistency and quality of supply remains the overarching issue.” Border believes that products by and for students will create a greater sense of trust and tolerance within the community at large. He argues that being able to deal directly with their peer group will encourage use of cannabis products that are less likely to be adulterated by other toxic substances, as is common. The caveat is to proceed with caution away from the demonization of cannabis and mental wellness altogether.

FASHION

14. Tattoo Photo Spread -Simbulele Nelani

Illustration: Julian Yeates

16. Fashion Stereotypes -Julian Yeates

Storm Gailey-The sword symbolises her friendship with her four best freinds, affectionately known as ‘The Four Musketeers’.

Ashleigh Christians- The ‘Ta Moko’ tattoo was inspired by the All Blacks rugby team. She believes that Maori art is a beautiful culture and should be celebrated.

Shay Visser- Tattoo was inspired by his favourite musical piece from‘ Lord of the Rings’.

Sian Wilson- A cicada and a two-headeed snake both symbolise rebirth and new beginnings. Busisiwe Goduka- Symbolises the strength of overcoming hardships and rediscovering one’s relationshiop with the Lord.

Storm Gailey- The tattoo was inspired by dreams and nightmares. Arranged & Written: Simbulele Nelani

Sian Wilson- A butterfly for her personable sister, a wasp for her tenacious sister, and a moth to represent her own unique personality.

b i g, b a d

TAtTOOEd

Photographs: Sian Wilson

Unstitching Fashion Stereotypes By Julian Yeates

fashion stereotype is a generalisation or assumption made about a person’s personality or way of life simply based on

the clothes they wear. The versatility of fashion in Makhanda makes one speculate if fashion stereotypes still permeate the scene. Students argue that fashion needs fluidity and hybridisation as it enables people to define themselves and erase stereotypes. Find out which fashion stereotype you are based on your everyday dress sense!

“The Trend-Setter” These people are assumed to be affluent, sleek, fun, fashionable but creatively limited. These people dress as a crew and can sometimes be indistinguishable from their friends. People assume this person is intelligent, well-spoken but snobby. This person has a versatile fashion sense and appears to be in control.

Illustration: Julian Yeates

“The Everyday Look” A simple look does not warrant a simple personality. These people are stereotypically confident, loud, dramatic and sassy. They are easy to relate to and have a chilled energy, unless they are late for a lecture then they are fierce walkers. They are ‘health bunnies’ who care about looks.

“The Hippie” These stylists are generally bohemian, carefree and they care more about comfort than look. Stereotypically they are seen as artsy but unkempt and unclean. These people are stereotyped as vegans, do-gooders but are good conversationalists who add a new outlook to the topic.

“The Bad-Boy” People who wear leather are assumed to be rough n tough. They have an air of danger and arrogance about them and are ready for an intellectual argument. Their look is stereotypically seen as edgy and fierce while their attitude is rebellious and nostalgic. They are assumed to be heavy drinkers.

“The Bro” These people are a stereotypical ‘broer’ who enjoys catching a cold beer with his mates and wears a cap indoors. They are laid back, humorous people but might be conservative in their ideas. They generally have a preppy look and always seem on the go. They are afraid to try new fashion trends.

“The Girly-Girl” These people are stereotypically feminine, flirty and bubbly. They might be a bit obnoxious with forcing their opinions into every conversation. These outfits are rarely practical and the person is assumed to be showing off. They are usually gossip-girls. The dress adds attitude.

PROTEST

18.

Half-Hearted Apology -Thulisile Mapongwana

19. Youth Refuse to Vote -Amy Nicholson

20. Hangmen

-Thulisile Mapongwana

Illustration: Julian Yeates

21. An open letter to

Rape Culture -Karabo Dikobe

22. Be Yourself

- Simbulele Nelani

Judgement Day! Half-hearted apology stirs UCKAR community By Thuli Mapongwa

n the evening of the 5th of August the Rhodes University Campus is echoeing with the voices of their aggravated students.The long-awaited Grazzle for SRC 2020 leadership is taking place. Athi Sigele, a contoversial candidate for Media Councillor, takes to the podium standing accused of running a sexually offensive Facebook page two years ago. His presence poses the question: should people with questionable pasts be put in leadership positions? That afternoon, a frenzy errupted on the UCKAR Facebook page after Sigele issued a public statement with regards to the meme page he ran called Rhodes Savage. In a part of the post, he stated that he has grown immensely since then and that the sentiments on the page no longer resonate with him. However, two Rhodes students challenged his ‘apology’. A batle of opinion ensued between the trio, the students arguing that the statement conveniently omits that his posts were sexually offensive to many members of the Rhodes community at the time. One of the students further expressed that the apology came after a complaint was filed against Sigele with regards to his suitability as a candidate for student governance. Therefore insinuating that the intentions behind the apology were self-seeking. Looking outside of Makana on a national scale, everyone - precarious past or not - is eligible for election to the National Assembly. Daily Maverick states that “one in five leaders of the political parties registered to contest the 2019 elections nationally has a chequered past”. Considering that the previous South African President, Jacob Zuma, who has been accused of rape in the past, is currently facing 18 chargers of fraud, as well as 700 counts of corruption – it can be concluded that immoral behavior is a seed planted - it does not begin overnight, nor does it go away, but rather manifests

Illustrations by Amy Nicholson.

itself publicly when leaders take their positions. In a second statement Sigele issued on Wednesday morning, he appealed to the Rhodes community that he must not be judged upon his past ‘misfortunate experiences’, and that they are not an indication of his current character, nor should they hinder his potential as a great leader. Siphumelele Dyakophu, current SRC Media Councillor at Rhodes, agrees Sigele’s resurfacing past might affect his candidacy. However, Dyakophu affirms that the eligibility of people to run for National Assembly despite their immoral actions speaks to how people should not be judged based on past events, as their capabilities as leaders speak beyond their immoral actions. Sigele seeks to be a young leader which is, in essence, an act of preperation for bigger future leadership positions. But will his past - like all other leader’s - resurface and manifest itself on a larger scale one day?

“People should not be

judged based on past events as their capabilities as leaders speak beyond their immoral actions” -Siphumelele Dyakophu

Deviant Youth Refuse to Vote How will it impact the future? By Amy Nicholson

n Thursday, 7 August, the town of Makana held the Ward 12 by-elections to replace the recently resigned DA Councillor, Darryn Brian Holm. Miss Shabnam Shaik, an Anthropology lecturer at Rhodes University, expressed her concern towards the upcoming by-election. “I think that the impact the lower number of youth votes will have on these elections is significant,” says Shaik. According to GroundUp, the number of young people who registered to vote for the May general election this year has decreased exponentially since 2014, specifically in the 18 to 19 year old age group. It is shown that the number of registered 18-19 year olds has dropped from 646 313 people in 2014 to 341 263 people in 2019, a total decrease of 47%. A further decrease in registered voters was recorded in the 20-29 year old age group, which decreased by 4% from 5 759 236 to 5 299 297 people. Ms. Shaik states that she believes that this decrease may be due to a history of either slow delivery or no delivery at all on promises made by political parties. “Lack of poor service delivery is a reality for many, if not most, South Africans and the youth perhaps feel that voting will not reflect real change. Political party manifesto’s are often enticing, but the delivery does not back up these manifestos,” says Shaik.

Illustration by Amy Nicholson.

According to Grocott’s Mail, Angi Jones, the DA candidate in the by-election, is apparently in agreement with Shaik, and said that the lack of young registered voters is because the youth are feeling “fed up”, believing that their votes do not make a difference, “so why bother?” Shaik goes on to say that the lack of young voters in the election gives away a large portion of the voting power to the older generations, who tend to vote from emotional ties.

“By not voting, the younger

generation are leaving their futures and decision-making to people who are older and who won’t be around for the effects or consequences.”

“They have lost hope for a better future or agree that not much will change and so on, but they will continue, for the most part, to vote for the same parties.” Shaik concludes that the lack of young voters shall have a significant impact on the results of by-elections, and future elections in general. “By not voting, the younger generation are leaving their futures and decision-making to people who are older and who won’t be around for the effects or consequences. The older generation, holding a larger portion of the voter power, may not be envisioning the same future as those who will be around to live that future,” expresses Shaik.

- Shabnam Shaik

By Thulisile Mapongwana

Hangmen

iolence against women and children has become a prevalent issue in South Africa – leaving millions of women in a state of panic and fear. This resulting in many women – and men – all over the country demanding the reinstatement of the death penalty, after its abolishment in 1995 to counter the acts of the deviants in society. With the many women and children being abused, violated, sexually assaulted, raped and killed by the thousands daily, it is surprising that the South African government cannot constitutionally bring back the death penalty. Minister of Justice, Michael Masutha, released a media statement clearly stating that, for several reasons, the death penalty could never be a solution to gender-based violence disregarding the majority’s outcry on the matter. One of the main reasons provided by the minister being that death penalty and crime do not prevent nor minimize the rate of crime. This statement released by the justice minister goes hand-in-hand with claims made by former justice chief, Arthur Chaskalson, during the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995. He had concluded in the statement that the killings of a few criminals a year going forward would make no difference in the unbelievably high crime rate we experience. Further stating that there would always be unstable and criminally capable people in our society therefore the uncertainty of bringing a death penalty back would be removed as it would never eradicate the behaviors of such people. This leaves prison being the only possible sanction. The abolishment of the death penalty happened almost 24 years ago, and its return would only be regressing the country’s criminal justice system of the progress made over the years whilst also undermining the Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

20 20

Illustration: Amy Nicholson

The reinforcement of the death penalty will not bring back the people we have to violent rapes and crimes, nor will it protect us from further violenc therefore the focal point should be preventing men from perpetrating violenc hence understanding the root causes of gender-based violence should be of utmost importance. By elimination, the most effective solution would be to ensure that the all violence and rape cases are reported and on the government’s part, ensuring the correct supportive procedures are in place and that punishment be maximum - matching the crime. Another corrective measure would be to ensure that our

“the killings of a few criminals a year going forward would make no difference in the unbelievably high crime rate we experience.” -Thulisile Mapongwana.

prisons are reformed, so they no longer embody a place for misogyny and violence but rather they be spaces conducive to rehabilitation – as per the original intention. As a nation, we all feel that the death penalty would be the most effective measure to punish the people who hurt our families, destroy our futures and take our lives away. However, the government’s ruling is that there the reinforcement of the death penalty would not do anything about the outrageous statistics of gender-based violence in South Africa. Therefore, our best hope is believing that the solutions brought forward would be effective in ensuring that the lives of our mothers, sisters, friends and children are not at the mercy of the heartless deviants our government is so eager to protect.

By Karabo Dikobe

An Open Letter to Rape Culture Rape Culture 123 Patriarchy Road Male Privelege 4567 20 September 2019

To whom it may concern, “Sithule siyafa, siyathetha siyafa. Kungcono sife sisilwa.” - A South African woman. (Translation: We are quiet we are dying, we are vocal we are dying, it is better that we die fighting.) The end of Women’s month in South Africa ended with a reality check. Another woman lost her life to gender-based violence. Another woman was brutally raped, burnt and murdered because she is a woman and because a man felt entitled to her body, and to her life. The South African Police Service’s most recent data shows that a woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa. Every. Three. Hours. This is not a recent phenomenon. In order to try and deal with gender-based violence, we need to first acknowledge what perpetuates it. Rape Culture. Rape culture is the normalisation of gender roles that endorse men as sexual pursuers. Yeshav Sawlal of Letters of Santhi, an activist and youtuber defined it as, “the view that women are sexual conquests by which manhood is legitimized and women are objectified”. Rape culture is perpetuated by club culture, when did buying a girl several drinks in the club equal guaranteed sex? It is perpetuated by rape jokes between ‘the gents’. It is perpetuated by the fact that women do not feel safe, even in the presence of the police[men]. It is perpetuated by victim blaming, “what was she wearing? She was asking for it.”

“Sithule siyafa, siyathetha siyafa. Kungcono sife sisilwa.” - A South African woman.

Finally, it is perpetuated by the fact that women are taught from a young age to be vigilant, remain safe and yet their male counterparts are never taught not to rape. Instead they are taught entitlement. Patriarchy and Male Privilege are the right-hand men of Rape culture. Men are in power; men are making the decisions in society and homes. Men have the privilege of only worrying about being raped in jail. Even with the absence of older men in homes, sons are taught that they hold the power. That their women siblings and counterparts are less than them, subservient to them, to be owned by them. African culture perpetuates this by forcing elder woman children to serve their male siblings regardless of age. Despite Rape Culture being perpetuated by patriarchy and male privilege, it is a national problem. Whether you are a patriarchal princess (a woman who perpetuates patriarchy), a mother, a daughter, a son, a feminist, it is our problem. We need to acknowledge how we contribute to Rape Culture with the things we say and do. Both virtually and in real life. We need to call out those of us who victim blame and shame; we need to call out the abusers, rapists and even the enablers. We need to make their lives as uncomfortable as it is to be a woman being catcalled and threatened on the side of the road.

Yours Sincerely, DEVIANTS.

Illustration: Amy Nicholson

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Overcoming and being ourselves By Simbulele Nelani

eing bound to our different backgrounds, tied to the teachings of our families, and taped to the expectations of our society, people who have broken free from these constraints are often categorised as “Aliens”, “The Others” and “The Wrong”. Thus, LGBTQ+ community members frequently feel the brutal blow of social exclusion and alienation. A member from the LGBTQ+ community adresses the challenges they face, how they overcome them, and their hope for a better, more accepting future. Nodibusiso Faxi, a tall, bold woman of colour holds her chins up high while she explains her ‘coming out’ experience. This was the moment that she told her family about her identification as a homosexual. “My mom’s reaction didn’t surprise me because I always knew that she would stick with me in everything. And because I’m her only daughter I knew that I will have my best interests at heart” said Faxi. The experiences faced by each individual differs, some families may not be as supportive and understanding as another, explains Ayakha Saba.

Illustration: Amy Nicholson

The LGBTQ+ community has faced issues of violence, rape and parental rejection due to their sexual preferences. Some of the LGBTQ+ has had to face social stigma and harassment from their peers growing up. Discrimination can lead to limited access to jobs and health care.

“Why be ashamed of being yourself?” -Simbulele Nelani

Luckily for Faxi and Saba they never had to experience such negativity and exclusion. None of them have experienced intense physical abuse, however they fear for their safety in the future. “Being homosexual should not feel like an abnormality, people need to stop treating us as if we are sick” said Faxi. Saba said that it was not easy coming out, especially because of her family’s expectations. “Personally for me it was not easy to tell my father about my sexuality.

I knew the kind of person he was, and I knew it was not going to be easy for him. But truth of the matter is in the end he accepted me,” expressed Saba. The confidence of coming out is sometimes trigged from wanting to prove people wrong and about taking your power and sense of peace back. It is never about what other people think about you, it is about you and what you think about yourself. Primarily, people should not worry about what other people think of them, and rather stick with those who accept and cherish them. “I think from now onwards I want to start a blog where I talk in detail about my journey. Ten years from now we shouldn’t have to introduce ourselves as ‘I’m gay” said Nosi.

EDUCATION

24 A Deviant in

Academia - Karabo Dikobe

25 Destigmatising

26.Animal Welfare

Photo Spread - Sian Wilson

28.Horoscopes 29.Meet the Team

Disabilities - Julian Yeates

Illustration: Julian Yeates

By Karabo Dikobe

iiNtetho zoBomi, a deviant in academia

he foundation beneath the module (zoBomi) is to put emphasis of the value of the work of the mind rather than giving learners the equipment to sell their skills in the workplace. It is an education based on ethical agency rather than patience, put bluntly by Dr Pedro Tabensky, one of the course co-ordinators and lecturers. One of its aims is to decolonise the curriculum and make it more relevant to the current plight of students. It is a response to student apathy and tries to speak to the student rather than overwhelm them with information. In ZoBomi, as referred to colloquially, humans are seen and considered to be ethical beings. The course then sets out to engage with and show the kinds of things that get in the way of us acting ethically. It is for the idea that receiving an education, in a deeper sense, means that one has gone through some kind of transformation. In this case, the transformation goes together with the question, “How do I live well in the context of the world and climate I exist in?”. The course is divided into two pillars, the first pillar being theory and the second being service learning. The theory is shown and engaged with through movies on Monday, this is when the topic of the week is expressed visually. This is followed by a double lecture on Tuesdays, which serves the purpose of explaining the topic of the week but also allows the students to be involved and relate the topic back to their lives. The last branch of the theory, are the conversations that take place. The conversations serve to consolidate the theory and assist the students in connecting the dots. “We want students to fall in love with ideas,’’ said Tabensky. Service learning is arguably the most important part of the course, because being educated should be ingrained in working with the community, explained Lindsay Kelland, another course co-ordinator and lecturer. She further

Illustration: Julian Yeates

explained that the course is centred around the student, the course is ‘student led’ they constantly ask, “how do we bring the student into it?” In this way the course remains wide open to ideas brought in by students with whom they engage. Service learning was also a way to initiate what Tabensky described as “moving in the light of thinking.” ZoBomi started off as a pilot course, in response to student apathy, an epidemic that students are socialised in by Universities and other tertiary institutions. One of its aims was to pioneer an institutionalised transformation. Transforming stu-

“leadership of the self... comes from introspection and a daily existential crisis” - Nicole Mamphey

dent apathy into the passion to learn. This is done by requiring students to do a lot of internal work, which means including the body as a whole in the learning and experiences. “We are anti-intellectuals”, clarified Tabensky. He further elaborated that this term does not mean that the course does not think intellect is important, but rather that it is part of the whole, and the entire whole is important. Rather than capitalising on student intellect, zoBomi aims to capitalise on the strengths of students as individuals and as a whole. Despite many students taking this course as an “arb credit”, Kelland notes that the mixture in students and their respective fields allows for interesting dynamics between students. It also allows for different voices to be heard, and different realities to be experienced. Nicole Mamphey, a tutor explains how this “arb credit” has paved the way to her becoming her best academic self, “It is extremely apt that zoBomi began here at Rhodes ‘where leaders learn’, because it encourages a leadership of the self, which comes from introspection and a daily existential crisis brought upon by all the things preventing us from being ethical agents.”

Destigmatising Disabilities By Julian Yeates

alking around campus, there are many diverse people continuing with daily life; passing in and out of each other’s paths without a second glance. I pause when I realise that any one of these strangers could be disabled, and I would have been none the wiser. According to the 2011 South African census 7,5 percent of South African people have a disability. That is a staggering number which has since increased with the rise of invisible disabilities. An invisible disability is defined by Disabled World as a disability which is not immediately obvious to an onlooker. Before coming to Rhodes University, I thought invisible disabilities applied to those with severe learning disabilities and communication deficiencies. I did not realise the scope of invisible disabilities –until I was given the title of ‘Disabled’. Did you know that invisible disabilities include dyslexia, mental illnesses, chronic pain, diabetes and A.D.H.D? I didn’t. I was labelled ‘Disabled’ due to my epilepsy, despite not having had a seizure in two years. I was shocked as I had never thought of myself in that way. This same shock is felt by many people. It is arguable that being saddled with this new label influences the way people view themselves. Perhaps the label does more harm than good? Being defined as disabled can create a double consciousness effect where a person views themselves differently from how they are perceived by society. In a university setting lecturers and tutors tend to pity students with disabilities while those students view themselves as capable instead of pitiful. One such student is Oda Skasgeth, from LSE, she felt that the label for her dyslexia gave her unwanted attention

Illustration: Julian Yeates

This unwanted attention is annoying as it emphasises a person’s weaknesses over their strengths. The label of ‘Disabled’ also does not give a person the chance to define themselves. It categories them by what they lack rather than what they are proud to possess. It frustrates me that people who are considered ‘Disabled’ cannot rebuke this definition but rather have to wear it like a warning sign. First people are stamped with the title ‘dyslexic’, ‘epileptic’ or ‘depressed’ and then ‘Disabled’ is added as the cherry on top. All the labels influence people’s self-doubt and they begin to believe they are nothing more than their disability. That is why I think the label ‘Disabled’ is problematic. Luckily Enable, the Rhodes University help group and society for people with disabilities allows for conversations which deal with these controversies. In one session I attended, Taryn Benade, a committee member, facilitated a talk on defining oneself. She had the outlook that the title ‘Disabled’ can be empowering. Taryn expressed how it helps students who are not coping with work due to their disability or the affects of their disability to receive comprehensive help from lecturers. The point which stood out was that this label was not taking away my individuality or power, but rather giving me the opportunity to prove my capabilities despite the stereotypes of being disabled. People with disabilities were given the power to redefine themselves within the label. Although I was disgruntled with my new title of ‘Disabled’ I’ve learned to embrace it. Through my self-reflection I learnt that you are not defined by labels and that you are more than your disability.

The lives of the unwanted By Sian Wilson

This photo essay takes a look at the Grahamstown SPCA and all of the abandoned, unwanted dogs being temporarily housed. In society, stray dogs and cats are viewed quite negatively, often with stigmas attached to them, and are not treated humanely. The purpose of this photo essay is to appeal to the greater Makhanda society to take animal welfare more seriously..

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Photographs: Sian Wilson

One of the many residents lifts its chubby body up on its stubby hindlegs to get a closer look, pleading for a taste of freedom, too.

Curiosity is no match for the comfort of the dog-bed on a rainy

The chubby puppy looks up with wanting eyes.

Photographs: Sian Wilson

The puppy realises there is a whole world beyond the four walls of the little lot.

Wary of the strangers, the nameless puppy watches on from a distance as the rain falls down gently.

On the far end of the lot, bigger and older onlookers sit quietly, biding their time, hoping for a forever home. Puppy prejudice reigns when it comes to adoption.

Photographs: Sian Wilson

The bigger dogs sit quietly. Some have been picked up and are unclaimed. Others have been wandering the streets on their own. Most will never achieve their forever homes..

The puppies, despite their freedom, are distracted by their friends still enclosed in their pens.

Photographs: Sian Wilson

29 29

TAURUS -

ARIES -

April 20- May 20

March 21- April 19

Strong-willed and ambitious. High expectations of self and situations. Risk-taker. Passionate and impatient. Devoted and loyal to friends and family. Bold and athletic. Intense sexual appetites.

LIBRA -

September 23-October 22

Justice and equality are mainstays. Surround themselves with beauty and art. Good social skills. Partner oriented. Voices opinions only when provoked or passionate about a cause.

Strong with great physical and mental stamina. Stubborn and unwilling to give ground. Materialistic and possessive. Appreciate comfort and of the finer things in life. Generous, patient, and loyal.

SCORPIO -

October 23- November 21

Enjoys a big and bold lifestyle. Have a powerful ability to focus. Trustworthy and faithful. The ability to overcome massive obstacles. Power, position and money are key motivators.

GEMINI -

May 21-June 20

Versatile, adaptable and easily bored. Quick-silver mind and wit. Loves to chat and share information. Communicators. Sociable and enjoys variety as well as change. Relies on mental analysis more than gut feelings.

SAGITTARIUS -

November 22- December 21 Philosopher and seeker of knowledge. Bright sharp intellect and enjoys mental challenges. High energy that keeps them constantly moving. Must be allowed to roam free and will always return home.

Find out Your

CANCER -

June 21- July 22

Needs to feel secure, safe and comfortable. Home, family, and friends come before all else. Deep appreciation for family history and exploring family trees. Self-protective and lives by gut feelings and instinct.

CAPRICORN -

December 22- January 19

Practical, problem-solver and excellent organizer. Plans life and each stage to create a blueprint one can follow. Closed-mouth when it comes to emotional sharing.

LEO-

July 23- August 22

Likes to be in the spotlight. Dramatic. Athletic and physically strong. Great judgment. Strong leaders. Knows self-worth and exerts will.

AQUARIUS -

January 20-February 18

Unorthodox and unconventional. An eclectic collection of friends. Humanitarian and will take up just causes. Very sociable, intelligent and quick to make friends. Enjoys art and a leisurely lifestyle.

OrOSCOPE

VIRGO -

August 23-September 22

Skilled and successful in a career. Steady workers and attentive to details. Keeps emotions reined in. Analytical and focused on the task at hand. Tends to be overly-critical in their desire to find perfection.

PISCES -

February 19-March 20

Unassuming, deeply sensitive and emotional. Selfless to a fault. Illusion of naivety. Psychic.

Thulisile Mapongwana CAPRICORN - January 16

Amy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yaaassâ&#x20AC;? Nicholson ARIES - April 13

Simbulele Nelani GEMINI - June 08

A poetic ambivert. I write to always remember. The memories. The moments. The emotions. But most of all I write so I never forget - ME.

A wild-child who loves a good gossip session. But behind this excentric personality is a

Behind the humbleness lies an adventurous extroverted introvert. I always engage myself and do what makes my soul shine. Future soccer star.

sweet and strong QUEEN!

meet t 32

Julian “Just Jules” Yeates AQUARIUS - February 05

Sian Wilson ARIES - March 29

Karabo “Rabbles” Dikobe ARIES - April 08

A kind and resilient elf-like creature who aims to find art in all aspects of life!

Tenacious and wordy. Where words fail me, I find solace in expressing myself through fashion and identity. “Everything ain’t black and white / Expand your mind and find your light / You’ll be alright alright alright” - Junoflo

Feminist heathen Bi-Baby “I have found more consolation in isolation than I have ever known in society.”

the team 33

Deviant-

adj. (/-di.v.ənt/) departing from and defying society’s “accepted” standards of being