MiCampus Feb/Mar Issue 12

M i campus magazine

Feb - Mar issue 12

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Mi ed’s note

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hat a month this has been so far! Most students across all campuses in South Africa are back on campus and so the usual hustle that we know all too well begins. I must say this time of the academic year is usually slow and laid back for me as the library is not yet full and the first essay or project is usually weeks away.

However this should be the time when you get your ducks in a row and prepare your study time table, see page 4 as well as your study kit. As you do this read our inspirational story about Ranti Mothapo on page 3 and you might get the inspiration and motivation to face the coming month. This month has been filled with a lot of events from the AFCON Cup on page 25 to the death of a legendary singer Whitney Houston, Page 7.It is always the month of love...

So if you think you are seeing red, you probably are from the red roses and gift cards in stores! I hope you have a fabulous one and remember to be safe with whatever you will be getting up to.

EDITOR: Sylvia Matlala

CO-ORDINATOR & SALES MANAGER Marole Mathabatha

DESIGN & LAYOUT: Skhumbuzo Mtshali

HR MANAGER Bandile Mbatha

MARKETING Brian Mahlangu

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FINANCIAL MANAGER Phote Monyamane

CONTIBUTORS: Tsholofelo Mophosho

Mbalenhle Zondi

Abednigo Zwane

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3 THE SPECIAL ONE: RANTI MOTHAPO 4 Financing your studies 5-6 The “Hilton Hotel” residence gets a royal boycott.

7-8 “We will always love you” -Whitney Houston 9-10 MiLove, it’s the Chemistry within and without…

11-12 Private accommodation vs. campus residence 13-14 The gift of love given out of love 15-20 Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo 21-22 Miexpression Wall 23-24 MICAMPUS MAGAZINE WALL ON FACEBOOK 25-26 ZAMBIA DOES IT FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA 27 MIGAMES

Mi Inspiration

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ome call him a maths Wizard but I think he is simply one of those people Malcolm Gladwell call outliers. Ranti Mothapo hails from the rural village of Ga-Maja in Limpopo.

After acquiring a Bursary Ranti went to St Marks College where he topped his class. He matriculated with 100% in Mathematics in 1998 when he was in Matric. Ranti believes that Sekhukhune St Marks College build his character.

Ranti Mothapo was one of the first few Black people that graduated at the University of the Witwatersrand with Actuarial Science written on their Certificates. He graduated with BEconSc degree not just normally but with distinctions majoring in Acturial Science and Mathematical Statistics. He then obtained a joint BScHons in Advanced Mathematics of Finance and Acturial Science.

Although Ranti does not believe Acturial science should be studied because of love for money he also has entrepreneurship philosophy. He is currently a founder and Managing Director of Matlotlo Group (pty) Ltd. The company is responsible for managing and developing the business across all pillars.

Ranti is an experienced Young, successful and black individual though success is relative. He has worked at the investment and derivatives structure at Investec. He also worked at Standard Bank.

Ranti acknowledges the need for Black Actuaries as he is a Founder and Secretary of the Association of South African Black Acturial Professionals (ASABA). He is an awards filled individual as he is recipient of Actuarial Society of South Africa Presidential award which he received in 2006, He also received a Black Management Forum award in 2005. In 2004 he received Limpopo Premier’s

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Acknowledgements City Press and Matlotlo pty (ltd).

RANTI GIVING A SPEECH AT ASABA DINNER http://asaba.co.za/site/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&v iew=category&id=2:&Itemid=2

Morula award. He is currently a member of the Presidential Youth Working Group.

Speaking to City Press after he had just graduated Ranti attributed that “relationships are often characterised by mismatch” and he believes that in terms of relationships “If you clearly define what you want, you are going to miss out on many opportunities.”

from their budget, they usually seek students who need funding so if you have not applied this year, constantly look out for that call. Another good thing about Financial aid is that 60% is a loan and 40% is turned into a bursary if you proceed well (pass) every Fear not because Micampus magazine year. has compiled a list of bursaries, donors Please visit their website for more inand scholarship that could come in handy formation on http://www.nsfas.org.za/ in funding for your studies. But before

you get down to applying, here are a few 2. W&R SETA Bursary scheme. This things that you need to note. You must bursary Scheme closes on the 12th always check the closing date of the March 2012 for this year so hurry and bursary and or scholarship that you are apply. This bursary funds students applying for .Also look at the criteria that who aspire to be in the retail and is given such as who may apply and the wholesale industry. So they fund stutype of degree that is funded, tenure of dents studying accounting, logistics, the bursary as well as what the bursary marketing and sales and many more is covering. Make sure that you fill in the in the commerce field. The bursary forms accurately as incomplete forms are covers study costs and offers bursary usually not considered. It is also a good holders the opportunity to gain experiidea to apply for funding early to avoid ence in the retail field. For more infordisappointment. mation visit your financial aid office at

your institution or download forms on Some bursaries need reference letters their website: http://www.careerwise. from your lecturers or department so it co.za/application_forms/w&rseta_burwon’t hurt to be friendly and a lecturer’s sary_application_form_2012.pdf pet once in a while so that when the time comes for reference letters, they know There is also the PARI Nedbank scholwho you are and your potential. arship for postgraduate students as

well as the National Research Founda 1. Financial aid(National Student Fi- tion that offers research scholarship nancial Aid Scheme/NSFAS). This kind of for postgraduate students. So check funding is mainly for needy student with out their websites, download the a previously disadvantaged background. forms and apply. www.Pari.org.za They have an office in most institutions of higher learning and usually the closing dates range from 31 August to 30 September each year depending on the programme and level you are in. So visit their offices or websites for more details.

They also deal with administering different bursaries so it would be beneficial to enquire more about them. Another thing is that, If there is still money left over

YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU WILL GET THE MONEY TO FUND YOUR STUDIES?

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Mi Res

When I said studying in Cape Town was the 9th wonder – I meant every word. The very Hilton hotel you find in Cape Town, perhaps next to Sea Point, hanging above the sea as a portrait in a Stellenbosch home maybe be a thing of a past. Residence life can be a good, but today it has become an exorbitant luxury. Tongues have been left wagging for the past year or so at the University of the Western Cape, with the school opening its newly private owned residence that might as well be figured for a Hilton hotel on paper - when paying for it of course.

“We offer attractive modernized accommodation at the University of the Western Cape, making sure that your learning experience is fulfilling and your stay with us rewarding. Newly built units will be located on campus offering quality contemporary features, privacy and pleasant surroundings. The facilities management team is there to make you feel at home and promote an environment to meet you study aims. Quality furnishings and fittings provide comfort and convenience”. –www.kovacsuwc.ac.za –

If the Hilton hotel marketing team saw the above, they would be digging themselves out their graves. Who needs the Hilton, when you have Kovacs student village. This privately managed residence offers accommodation to students with such sweet and tender words, but

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can the same be said for the price tag that comes along with an academic yearlong stay there? A big “No” suffices for the ideal response in this case, where students pay between R26 - 27 850 for sharing rooms, and close to R30 000 for a single.

Now tell me if that is not extortion? Say to me this is not a practice of obscured under-carpet capitalistic behavior, where Pam Golding prices for a roof over your head while at varsity have become like LV shoes, and a luggage set. Which parent in their good mind will pay such money, no, actually which family can magically raise such money every year for the next four years for their first child in a higher institution of learning, the only hope of the family?

I now understand why the SRC (UWC) clashed heads with management on this matter for months without end. Talking is another thing, if that does not work out, I believe South Africans can express their frustration in a fashion no other country in this world can. The SRC to their advocacy for a re-look of the prices of the residence to the campus roads, and did what COSATU teaches best to the labours of our beautiful country – strike. The strike real got attention, it almost had my iPad destroyed when I had to take pictures of the protest, like a snake, I had to slither my tongue into an excuse as to why I was taking pictures. One thing you do not want to do, is be the guy who seemed apathetic towards a majority cause, perhaps to them I had to pulsate the floor with my over due sneakers that could have started their own protest had I started.

There is one thing about the impact of University protests, regardless of their magnitude, it is that

they can have a ripple effect and affect the affected and unaffected. I still stand with the SRC on the matter, currently headed by president Chrispin Phiri, whose office at the time of publication could not grant comment for the magnitude of the matter as per agreed by all parties involved in the matter. It is very interesting to see the outcome of the matter in the weeks to come as the rectors’ office has taken to task the matter. One can only wish that another strike does not occur because missing hours of library work, as its closed when such events occur, creates a great aura of frustration for students at Udubs (alias for UWC).

With all the drama and inverted diplomacy going around like hot cakes, one can only wish that this Hilton priced residence saga , that is somewhat equivalent to the current university residences that cost about 17 000 (max), ends soon – with all the occupants knowing that they will pay less should things go the SRC’s way. The price of education is of value, capitalists can tend to devalue that principle with such masked promises. Students come to varsity to learn, nowhere in the world of academia was such mentioned. We graduate with a degree, not call again slips form the Hilton.

http://www.kovacsuwc.co.za/

HILTON HOTEL IN C.T

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Mi Icon

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hen someone in the entertainment industry dies, the world over goes into a coma of mourning for a while. Most of us remember what we were doing when we heard that Michael Jackson died. With the rise of social networking sites such as twitter and facebook, we literally get to hear of these kind of sadness as fast and as soon as they happen. I remember when I first heard about TK‘s death, it on the radio while I was preparing to go to school.

And when Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa died,I felt something sinking deeper inside of me, for I felt a great loss as if they were my relatives. I mourned with great sadness as I went on with my daily duties.

This day was no difference. Sunday 12 Feb will go down in the history books as the day when the world heard of the death of music sensation Whitney Houston at age 48.A day away from the Grammy awards which are the biggest music awards in America. No one can deny Whitney lived an interesting life, with the voice that she had and the numerous accolades she received .From scooping six Grammy awards under her belt and more than 170 million albums sold worldwide. She was undoubtedly the biggest R&B female sensation of our generation .She also excelled in the film industry with her starring in the movies called the bodyguard and waiting to exhale which also became box office hits .One can’t overlook the philanthropic work she has done in Africa, especially in South Africa as one of the leading

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people who was advocating against apartheid and for the release of Nelson Mandela.

Her music is timeless and she has inspired many artists ranging from Jennifer Hudson and our very own Zonke Dikana and Thembisile. No young girl in South Africa can deny at some point in her life thinking she could sing like Whitney when belting out a tune in front of her bedroom mirror.

She was truly an amazing and well loved music icon worldwide. But sadly her life was not rosy as her career and voice were with her battle with drugs and alcohol addiction and an abusive relationship and marriage to R&B singer Bobby Brown. This led to her losing her international treasure, that is her voice and her comeback album which was co-produced by Akon was not as mind blowing as her previous works. As I write this the air is filled with echos of her music hits such as “I will always love you,” I look to you, Lover for life, How will I know and saving all my love for you “.

This will truly be a Whitney Houston year with tributes and messages of condolences pouring in. May your soul find eternal peace and rest Ms Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

We know that as we salute you and remember your life, Heaven is indeed hosting the biggest party to welcome you with Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Luther Vandross, Eddie Levert and many more headlining the show.

Whitney Houston in South Africa-1994.

WITH 6 GRAMMY AWARDS UNDER HER BELT.

WHITNEY AND BOBBY BROWN.

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Mi Love

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Mi Mi Institution Finance

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inding accommodation while studying can be one of the biggest obstacles at the beginning of the year especially if you are not familiar with the city that you will be studying at or have not made any prior arrangements.

While one hears of heartbreaking stories of students without accommodation from faraway places who have no choice but sleep in lecture halls or the library for a few weeks while searching for accommodation, it becomes evident that prior planning before going to varsity is important. While most students choose private accommodation while at varsity, universities get thousands of applications for campus housing and they usually have limited spaces to offer. Therefore Micampus Magazine thought it was significant to explore the pros and cons of these two living experiences.

LIVING IN A CAMPUS RESIDENCE Campus residence offers the luxury of having easy access to varsity, whether it be through boarding the university shuttle bus to varsity or just taking a 5 minutes’ walk to your class if your res is inside your campus. You also get the benefit of having a tight and secure environment from the campus security systems and thus you can be able to study at the

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library until late with no fear of getting mugged.

When you are in a university residence, you also experience the campus social life with the activities that the residence house committees organize for academic and social development such as sports matches or picnics and braais. There is also a relatively active academic support that one gets from being at res as you are able to befriend students that you are doing the same course with or those that have done it can easily be able to mentor or tutor you .But just like any other living arrangement, residence life also comes with some downfalls.

For instance if you stay in a mixed residence where you have to share certain resources and spaces like the TV room, bathroom and kitchen, this can prove to be a bore. You are forced to deal with people ‘s unhygienic behaviors or thoughtlessness when some do not clean after themselves. Res life also comes with some rules and restrictions such as signing in and out visitors or if you are going out for the weekend.

If you live in a catering res, there is also the stipulated times of when you should fetch your meals and how and when to book your meals which can

leave one going to bed hungry if they miss the stipulated times. And lastly the hustle of moving in and out can also damper one’s mood because of the packing and unpacking.

LIVING OFF CAMPUS/PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION.

Private accommodation can be suitable and exciting for someone who likes breaking away from the hustle of varsity life and get privacy away from campus. It also offers one an enormous amount of responsibility as you become liable to pay literally( or with the help of your parents) for a roof over your head and some utility bills unlike if you are in res and are paid by a bursary. You also have a luxury of choosing where to stay, that is what flat suites your personality unlike campus housing where you are assigned to a residence without knowing its reputation. You also get the freedom to do what you like (but within some boundaries of course!) without reporting to anyone.

You also don’t need to share anything with anyone, be it the TV or the bathroom.

But these advantages depend on the type of accommodation you get to rent. The disadvantages however range from noisy neighbours who are not studying unlike you or having to arrange transport to and from varsity every day if you live a bit far. You also are forced to do your own chores/cleaning and buying groceries and not forgetting bringing your own furniture. But overall these living spaces are not for everyone. Some prefer res life to private accommodation and vice versa. Hence they call it different strokes for different people.

Flats in braamfontein. source: http://www.staysouthpoint.co.za/jozi.php

tuksdorp in UP Pretoria: http://web.up.ac. za/res.asp?ipkCategoryID=3475

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Mi Gift

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ts Valentine’s Day and the shops are cashing in on the occasion and most people are unable to resist the urge to spend. Micampus magazine understands the stress of having to think and pick out the perfect present for a loved one, be it a partner or a friend. Therefore we have compiled a list of classical gifts that if you buy them, you can never go wrong and if you are a man you will definitely earn hundred points from your girl for eternity.

FOR HER

As a man, forget about the bunch of roses or the box of chocolates for once and think out of the box. Trust me, you will not regret it. Usually giving something that is hand made shows your thoughtfulness and originality. So forget about the generic Valentine’s Day card and use your mind and hands for once. Remember you want to make your partner feel special because she is not like every girl you know. She is different! That is why you are with her,so do not let some CEO or some marketing exec trick you into buying something generic that has nothing to do with your partner’s personality.

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Homemade dinner always wins.

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Pamper her with a bubble bath with bath sops and oils.

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Or better still surprise her with a spa voucher 4.

Get her a gift that has your added personal touch such as a necklace or brace-

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let engraved with a personal message from you or your guys’ initials.

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Something handmade such as a scrapbook or album full of photos of the most memorable places and things you did together.

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Books make for good gifts just as long as you pick the right ones with the genres that she likes.

FOR HIM

One of the biggest mistake that women make is to think that Valentine’ s day is solely about them.A kind of second women’s day.(Well you not wrong in thinking that!)However remember that men too need to feel appreciated and what better way to show your appreciation and gratitude to someone who has supported you through the worst of time than on Valentines Day? Just like with women’s gift ideas above, we went out and compiled a list of what could make good gifts for guys.

(Don’t worry ladies, men don’t put a lot of fuss on gifts, he probably doesn’t expect a gift anyway!lol).

1. Anything sport related would do, is AFCON month right? So a Man United Jersey, Pirates or Barcelona one will do .Just watch your budget on this ladies! But I promise give them one of these and he will love you forever.

2. Perfumes make for good gifts, they are the conventional gifts, yes but you never go wrong with this kind of gift.

3. Sunglasses, wallet or watch case.

4. Shaving set or a custom made tie

5. Some gadgets or gaming gear always make for a good gift.

Whatever gift you decide to get for your loved one, just remember that is the thought that counts. Also bear in mind that this day is not about couples alone but friends and people that you hold dear to your heart so go ahead and get something special for them too. For more gifts ideas, just check out the websites below and get ready to part with your money.

HAPPY VALENTINES FROM MICAMPUS MAGAZINE TEAM!!

FOR HER. Music box

Spa vouchers

Diamond initialed necklace.

Source: http://www.gifts.com/valentines-day/ woman/nC0yuP?mode=24&page=4 Flowers

Source: http://www.redenvelope.com/valentines-gifts-for-him-rrhim

FOR HIM. Men’s colognes or perfume.

Black watch.

A Dartboard or alternative boardgame

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Mi Story

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Mi Wall

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Mi Wall

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Mi Sport

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Mi Games

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