micampus sept/oct

M i campus magazine

Sept - Oct Issue

Academic life: we check out a few of UJ’s many ‘hangout’ spots

Mi ed’s note

The blooming colourful, lush vegetation, the early rising of the sun and the warm nights are a sure sign that beautiful spring has graced us with her much appreciated and long awaited presence.

Joburg’s citizens chose to embrace the season by adorning bright colourful clothes and ladies well – we know that they fear not shedding off those boots and coats. Spring is in the air! In keeping with the season changes this month’s theme is clean, fresh all that is bright and colourful exuding energy. I just love this season. The journos took to the campuses and gathered all that is relevant to the students at this present moment. In this edition we spoke to Thandile Kondika, a young mover and shaker in her own right: read her story on page 13. To all those who aspire to be part of the Arts, we have the low down on what it takes to be part of this vibrant sector check out page 7, page 3 is catered to those who are looking for inspiration in their studies, Mi Campus Mag went out to find out what it takes to be an A student. Are you perhaps looking for a way to fund your studies or secure that much needed internship read page 16. Like any other year the change in seasons comes with adding some few important pieces to your clothing wardrobe, page 9 contains some tips on how you can wear these clothing pieces at an affordable price. This edition encompasses all that we think you may need in both your social and academic life in order to gear you up for spring and the last block of the year. I hope you find reading the mag as informative and enjoyable as we have when compiling it together. Embrace the season, safely though.

EDITOR:

Sthandiwe Ndaba CO-ORDINATOR & SALES MANAGER

Marole Mathabatha DESIGN & LAYOUT: Skhumbuzo Mtshali

HR MANAGER Bandile Mbatha

MARKETING

Brian Mahlangu

Nowell Duze

FINANCIAL MANAGER Phote Monyamane

CONTIBUTORS: Rossitta Mbanze

Sibongile Mabena Masentle Ntholeng

Ranold Mthembu

Amanda Masondo

Disema Mokoena

Katlego Mkhwanazi

Bongani Tau

Mbalenhle Zondi Welcome Lishivha

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Our education system Extra ordinary students

Mi Career Mi Campus fashion

UJ chills spots

My story with Thandile Kondilati Getting a head start

Passion for finance

Wits SRC benefit concert Mi funny and sooo awkward moments Expression wall Fun page Music review Basketball Disability awareness event

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Mi Education

Can trying to figure out which subjects to choose in high school be taken lightly?

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BY: AMANDA MASONDO

s it safe to assume that the subjects one chooses at this stage could very well determine the future of a scholar, their career choice and ultimately the life that they will live for the rest of their lives? It sounds like too much pressure to put on the young minds at such a tender age and barely the beginning of their high school life. Some may argue that it is the suitable age to make such a decision, that choosing these subjects at this stage could give these learners a sense of direction and focuss.

In many high schools, learners are given the opportunity to choose the subjects that they want to do throughout the duration of their schooling, meaning that they will do the subjects of their choice from grades ten all the way to metric. The questions are, is it really their choice? How will such decisions affect these prospective students in the future? Micampus recently spoke to student/learners, teaching professionals and those who have left the system (former students) in order to get a variety of opinions.

Most of the people we spoke to con-

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fessed that in high school the subjects that they choose had nothing to do with their career choice. The subjects were a reflection of what either their parents wanted them to be or peer pressure from their friends and not who they were. Another issue that came up was that some of these high schools lacked a variety of options to choose from and that limited the choices made. When asked if the time frame and age of such a choice was appropriate, majority said no. Others interviewed said that it was the perfect time and age however learners should be taken to career expos beforehand so that they know what subjects are required for their career choice and if need be psychology analysis should be checked for each learner; to check brain dominance, that will give the scholars an idea of the kind of careers they might be good at.

This is where the importance of subjects such as Life Orientation come in, this is one of those life changing decisions that are taken lightly but are in fact essential to future endeavors.

Be true to yourself and make the right choice.

E-mail marole@micampusmag.co.za

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Mi Achiever

By: Katlego Mkhwanazi

thing she dedicates her time to. She heads up the Community Service portfolio at the Golden Key Society. “I always knew that I had to do community service; I’ve been involved in it since I was in high school,” said Sonny.

Sonny attributes her success to her hard work. She comes to campus early in the morning and goes home at 7pm.

“I work hard, I start my day early to be productive.” “Some days are long, but I have to pick myself up and carry on with life,” explains Sonny.

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izonqoba Sonny is a third year BA International Relations student. In her second year she was invited into the Golden Key Society and she is now a member of the society’s committee. She was selected as one of the top achievers in her field of study. Sitting with her, I realise that she is an outspoken woman who has a great love for academics. “Since high school I’ve always been an over-achiever,” said Sonny. Sonny admits that she is a bit obsessed with her academics. But books are not the only

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“I THINK OF MY SISTER WHEN I NEED A PICK-ME-UP. I ALWAYS TRY TO BE MY LITTLE SISTER’S MOTIVATION BECAUSE SHE IS MY NUMBER 1 SUPPORTER.”

Sonny said that her strength comes from growing up in an all female household. She also said that she sometimes comes across as being uptight because of her strong belief in women empowerment. “I try to show that it is not a man’s world; we don’t have to be born great, but we can strive for greatness.” Sonny finds third year to be her toughest and most challenging year.

Time management is a challenge for Sonny. “I have a lot on my plate because I’m also a tutor.” However

being involved in different activities on campus has made her more confident and has helped her to overcome her shyness. When asked about her future plans, Sonny quickly pointed out that she just wants to stay in the world of academics.

“I’d like to get my degree and then do honours; I want to be a diplomat and then I want to be president; I’m passionate about politics.”

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DISTRESS? I watch TV, old movies, series. I’ll do anything that doesn’t require too much energy.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNT FROM 1ST YEAR? Never leave things to the last minute.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS? My mother, she sacrificed a lot for me and my sister; Albertina Sisulu and Margret Thatcher A QUALITY OF A TOP ACHIEVER IS...

Resilience because it’s easy to give up.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO FELLOW YOUNG PEOPLE WHO STRIVE TO BE TOP ACHIEVERS? Don’t give up, have a goal. Varsity life is 90% academics and 10% social life

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ernard Hamann is a third year student who is also recognised as one of the top achievers in his degree. The overall impression I got from this young man is that he is very modest about his achievements. “In high school I did okay, my marks were okay, I wasn’t a top achiever,” said Hamann. He is also a member of the Golden Key Society and he is in charge of the Historian and Public Relations portfolio. “I don’t want to just study, I want to serve the community and to do more.

I want to have more than academics [achievements] that is why I joined the Golden Key.” Hamann admits that it is not easy juggling academics, a social life and leadership positions. But he explains that the he is able to maintain good academic results by being organised. “It helps a lot to plan, be organised, that is how I prepare for tests and life in general, have a to do list.” Hamann also mentioned that although his academics are in

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Mi Achiever

check, he sometimes wonders about the future. “Sometimes I’m not so sure where I’m going in life, it is not always satisfying to have good marks, sometimes you want to know where you are going. His future plans are to get a degree, do his articles and work at a law firm. He’d specifically like to go into business law, e.g. Law of Contract.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DISTRESS? I watch movies, series and I also exercise

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS? There is no one specifically that I look up to. I’m inspired by different people.

WHAT ARE THE LESSONS YOU LEARNT FROM YOUR 1ST YEAR? To attend lectures and to be well prepared for tests.

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING? God, he always gives me strength to do what I need to do.

QUOTES YOU LIVE BY? “Your money can run out but your plans shouldn’t.” That is what my grandfather said. “Don’t spend too much time doing things you don’t like.” “Realise the consequences of my actions sooner before it’s too late.”

ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I keep a journal, where I write my thoughts.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO FELLOW YOUNG PEOPLE WHO STRIVE TO BE TOP ACHIEVERS? Enjoy your first semester. Take the time to get into things, don’t just work

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work work. But pull up your socks in your second semester.

BOJANE MAHLANGU 2ND YEAR BCOM ACCOUNTING SCIENCES

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ojane Mahlangu is also a top achiever at Tuks and is also part of the Golden Key Society. “Honestly, I don’t always feel like a top achiever. Most of the time I am just trying to do the best that I can. It feels good to know that my efforts are being recognised and I am proud of myself for achieving what I have thus far,” said Mahlangu.

Mahlangu started out in a different course in her first year, but later changed to Accounting because it’s what she really wanted to study. Growing up, like most kids, Mahlangu wanted to be different things. Some of them being, a dentist, a radiation oncologist, but she eventually realised her laid passion in accounting. “I eventually decided that I wanted to be a Chartered Accountant,” said Mahlangu. However, she soon realised that Accounting Sciences was no walk in the park. “The sheer volume of work can be overwhelming sometimes especially in my course because we are faced with several year modules.” Another challenge for her is balancing her varsity work and personal time. “Staying motivated and eager towards my studies is also challenging at times.” But despite all the challenges, Mahlangu still manages to produce excellent results. So how does she do it? “I attend classes and also try to not let work pile up by catching up as often as I can. I also believe in studying smart – different subjects require different approaches.”

“I focus on doing my best on a test by

test basis. On the odd weekend I give myself down time by doing other activities that are not focused on school work – I believe maintaining a balance leads to greater academic success.”

I learnt to be more independent and to also be accountable for all that I do including my academics. I also realised the importance of having an effective support system.

Mahlangu was kind enough to let me in on her “secret” study techniques. “I begin by reading through the work to get an understanding of the topic. For theory subjects I have found that there is too much work to summarise so usually I just read over the work as many times as possible. I only make summaries where necessary and use acronyms or key words for remembering lists of work. With numerical subjects, understanding the theory is highly important. After I am comfortable with the theory, I attempt questions and past papers. If there is a principle I do not understand, then I go back to the theory and try to grasp it better.”

Once Mahlangu receives her degree, she plans on doing her honours in Accounting Sciences and thereafter beginning three years of articles with an accounting firm.

WHAT IS THE WORST AND BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED REGARDING VARSITY? The best advice – prepare for class where possible and not to let work pile up as well as to ask for help before it’s too late. The worst - that certain subjects cannot be passed on the first attempt and to just accept that I would have to repeat them.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DISTRESS? I listen to music and just try to relax.

I like watching series and I also enjoy going out and spending time with friends. This distracts me from thinking about school work and so helps me to distress.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? I admire different characteristics in individual persons. I believe that each person has a quality that is worth admiring.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU LEARNT FROM FIRST YEAR?

WHAT QUOTE DO YOU LIVE BY? The following two poems: The Victor by C.W. Langenecker and Desiderata by Max Ehrmann as well as the following Chinese proverb: “Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO STUDENTS WHO ALSO WANT TO BECOME TOP ACHIEVERS? In working hard remember that working smart is the best objective.

Find a study method that works well for you. If you struggle to find one, visit Student Support. Have a love for what you are doing. Set realistic goals for your studies. Where you are struggling, get help. Never let a bad mark set you back, a fail is not the end of the road. Use your time well, diarise all your test dates for the semester and plan your study time and free time accordingly. Maintain a good support system – varsity gets challenging and you need people in your life that will encourage and motivate you as well as offer support when you need it most.

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Mi Future

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election: All applicants for the School of Arts degrees must attend an interview / audition.

Once you have applied to study at Wits you will be informed of who to contact to set up an appointment. Pre - 2008 matriculants with a rating of 21 points or below, and mature age applicants must write the Faculty selection test in October 2011. DO

SOMETHING YOU ENJOY. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A successful applicant would hold a three - year teaching qualification (Diploma in Education or equivalent), and would normally have a minimum of two years’ formal teaching experience suitable for the area of specialisation.

(For certain areas of specialisation, a candidate who has two years of post matriculation training and a minimum of three years experience in the field of education may be considered for admission, provided he or she presents a portfolio of work demonstrating knowl-

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By Raynold

edge and experience in the relevant field.)

SELECTION: Provision is made for an extended curriculum for BMus students which will be determined by their academic background and performance. It is advisable for students to know more than one language.

BURSARIES The university does not provide or give away bursaries. This means you either find one yourself, or fund yourself.

One amongst many options would be to use the (NSFAS) or check out some bursaries on the internet.

STEREOTYPES Most people think that when you are doing courses in the Humanities faculty, specifically: BA Music, Dance (Performing Arts) then it means you were one of those stupid learners at school.

But the truth is: when you know that you are talented then go for it and

don’t focus on what people think. They say you have to fight in order to make it in this field .e.g. you can stay for years without a job thus an agent would be good for you.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES -Singer, Song writer, Script writer, Actor/Actress, Choreographer and etc Information found at ww.wits.ac.za

The Wits school of Art

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Mi Fashion

By: Bongani Tau

As we know a year comes with different seasons and in the fashion industry every season comes with its trends; and as much as we (me included) don’t like following trends they keep us relevant fashion wise. Fashionistas always tell us that fashion is cyclical and I, for one thought this is utter insanity but this year’s spring trends have proven this fashionistas right and moi wrong. Who would have thought that bell bottoms, wide leg pants, Capri pants would make a HUGE come-back? Remember this year’s spring theme is “clean, energy, fresh and all things bright and colourful exuding energy” but remember to keep it subtle for you don’t want to look like a clown. Here are the trends one should look out for: TRENDS FOR GIRLS: STRIPES: wear a stripe vest with chinos or chino shorts; pair them with a bronze neck piece, fedora and brogues for a key look. You can get vests from retail outlets like Jay Jays and Mr Price ranging from R30.00 TIP: put a look that suits your style

BELL BOTTOMS: wear bell bottoms with a shirt and nice heels and the Key item is a thin belt tied nicely to exude your figure, for a glamorous outing have a simple clutch with

LACE CLOTHING: you can never go wrong if you pair lace with vintage garments, so go through your grandparents ‘ wardrobes and see what you can find. The nice thing about vintage garments it’s that they are exclusive

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JUMPSUITS: wear a jumpsuit with a fedora and nice & comfortable pumps pair then with a nice and simple neck piece, alternatively add a simple blazer to this look. You can either rock it on campus or when going out.

TRENDS FOR GUYS: FLARED JEANS/PANTS: wear flared pants or jeans with flip flops and a golf t-shirt and have a simple men’s bag for the basic look MOTORCYCLE FASHION: wear plain jeans with a nice plain t-shirt (alternatively graphic tshirt) with biker jacket and a belt with detail that pops-out .

PS: you don’t need the bike

ARMY INSPIRED LOOK: chinos, “double breast” (military) garments, men’s bags, belts

Key colours: olive, lime, beige and brown make a stylish look

THE CARDIGAN: wear a plain t-shirt (alternatively golf t-shirt) with a cardigan and plain jeans with either plain sneakers or flip flops. You can swap the t-shirt for a shirt. You can get nice and affordable cardigans at Markham, Canterbury, Jay Jays

Tip: put a look that best suits your style

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Mi Fashion

Here are some of the trend related looks from students at the University of Johannesburg:

Remember to always put looks that best suit your style. Look good for less. Stay Fashionably fabolous,fierce,feroush‌

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By Mbalenhle Zondi

There are many places where students can relax and just take time out to from the hecticness of academic life: we check out a few of UJ’s many ‘hangout’ spots

Outside the student center: these students love chilling here because that get to play cards and smoke some hubbly bubbly (which we don’t encourage you to do lol)

On the Lawn: These ladies prefer chilling on the lawn because they prefer sitting in the sun and they get to relax before their next class

Inside the student center (SS): the student center has many shops and ‘hangout spots’ to choose from.

One can play a game of pool or just chill and catch up on a game of their favorite sport or music show on the many big TV screens that are available.

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Mi Story

By Disema Mokoena

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Mi Story

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By: SibongileMabena

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bursary is a type of funding that is awarded nology training to previously disadvantaged matricuto students who demonstrate financialneed lants and graduates with a flair for technology. All and they are offered by the government class fees, books and residential fees will be paid for and some private companies. However the stuby Group Technology. Learners will also receive a dent must meet certain academic requirements monthly allowance for the duration of the learnerto qualify for the bursary. There are also bursaries ship. For more information contact 0861113460 or for post-graduates and students who are already email help@jonti.co.za registered with a recognized tertiary institution.

Here are some of South African student’s loans ARC INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME and bursaries The Agricultural Research Council is looking for young National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) agricultural scientists to participate in the above-men tioned programme. Applicants must be South African The NSFAS is a statutory body funded by the Decitizens, be enrolled at a South African University, be partment of Education and it provides study loans willing to work in a diverse environment, have acto academically able but financially needy stuquired 65% for the current academic year, be interdents. Depending on one’s academic progress the ested in pursuing a career in agricultural research.

NSFAS loan can be converted into a 40% bursary.

One should apply at their University’s financial aid This is a 12 month programme and applications must offices or visit the website www.nsfas.org be accompanied by a detailed CV, documents and Here is a list of bursary websites that close benationality as well as three traceable referees. More tween October and November information can be obtained at Ms L Malope 012 427

9859 or visit www.arc.agric.za • www.investec.co.za

The Stellenbosch Municipality is looking for two (2) INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIE SA INTERNAL AUDITORS FOR AN INTERNSHIP PROAn internship is an opportunity to integrate career GRAMME. The requirements are as follows: B.Com related experience into undergraduate education degree or three year qualification in Internal Auditing, by participating in planned supervised work. An Experience in areas of risk based planning execution, internship contributes to a student’s personal and excellent computer and systems literacy – MS Word professional work development through chaland reporting of Audits and proficiency with the Stanlenging work assignments South Africa offers dards for Professional Practice of Internal Auditing internships to students who need to complete will be advantages. The offer closes on the 23rd Sepexperiential training in order to complete their tember, for more information visit www.stellenbosch. qualifications. Here is some internship students gov.za can still apply for; Students looking for internships are also advised to

make use of newspapers such as the City Press and NEDBANK IT LEARNERSHIP the Work Place which is found inside The Star newsNedbank is offering an IT learnership programme paper. Technology has made access to information from January 2012 until June 2013. The learnerquite easy, websites such as Careers 24 and Prospectship is aimed at providing full scholarships for ing Basics provide information to recent graduates advanced Information and Communication Techfrom internships to post graduate bursaries that available.

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Mi Graduation By: Mbalenhle Zondi

On her graduation day

1. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THIS COURSE? I have always had a love for figures from my early days and always fascinated by working with money but was unsure about what I really wanted to study as there is quite a range to choose from, as long as it involved working with figures. I made my final decision in matric after I read up on Bcom Finance to get an idea of what it was all about and it was then where I started paying attention to issues pertaining to finance and discovered it was for me. It seemed complex yet very interesting 2. HOW LONG IS THE UNDERGRADUATE COURSE? It is a 3 year course made up of 5 modules per semester for the first two years and 4 modules per semester for your final year.

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3. CHALLENGES THAT YOU HAVE FACED? I went to varsity to study finance without any accounting background, I remember I was very lost in the first few lectures. Accounting was my major and it became my biggest challenge in my first year as I had to work ten times harder than those who had such a background and prove to myself that I could make it. Eventually I caught up and reached a level where I became comfortable and thereafter it became almost like second nature to me.

5. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE COURSE? What I enjoyed the most about this course was how it kept me thinking on my feet at all times, the figures got me frustrated at times but it was those kind of challenges that made it interesting and taught me to be analytical in my thinking. I loved how flexible and open my course was, I could explore as much as I wanted, I was not ‘restricted to the book’. Some things were easy but not all was cut and dry, that made it fun.

6. YOUR FUTURE CAREER PLANS? I definitely want to stay within the field of finance; I would not want to be anywhere else.

I would like to actually get further training/education within the different areas of finance, namely; investments, corporate finance and financial planning and not be limited to one until I find the one I am most passionate about. My course has enabled me to get basic knowledge within these fields and so I wish to explore. These areas all link together yet differ in many ways.

7. WHAT ARE THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF THIS COURSE? There is a wide variety ranging from investment banking, corporate banking, financial management, financial advisory etc. It is a very open field.

8. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE FINANCE ROUTE? Make sure the passion for finance exists because if it’s not there, you will struggle and won’t enjoy your studies (don’t just think of the salary).

Acquaint yourself with all that relates to finance (e.g. financial news), the sooner you start, the better your knowledge will be.

Research all the areas that exist within the field of finance for career purposes, so you know what suits your character and lastly be prepared to work all the time, it will require a great amount of practise daily, that’s if you want to be the best!

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Mi Event

The purpose of the concert was to raise funds for the humanitarian fund, which is basically a trust fund that pays for the needy students who mostly need the finances.

By Welcome Lishivha

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he benefit concert was hiphop and happening! Like anything else (especially new) the concert had a few glitches, but the line up was amazingly packed.

The performing artists were T-BO TOUCH, CAPITAL, FISATZ MIXWELL, DJ NAVES, TUMELO, EUPHONIK, DJ DUDA, GAME, RICARDO DA COSTA as well as the new and popular Mi Casa. It goes without saying that the SRC did manage to get a well packed up line for the concert, which I think was well worth eighty rands.

The library lawns were an ideal venue, not to mention the weather, the lighting and the chilled energy regardless of the actual size and the estimated size. I want to briefly make three observations here, I will not get into the argument of blaming

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it on the a-a-a-alcohol argument for the glitches that went down, but rather I think to acknowledge that benefit concert was okay and that it could have been better. Both parties (students and organizers i.e. SRC) are partly to blame for the disappointing turn out of the concert.

I think it is very important to note that the benefit concert was a first of its kind at Wits, so we are really proud of the former SRC and we acknowledge their innovative efforts. The purpose of the concert was to raise funds for the humanitarian fund, which is basically a trust fund that pays for the needy students who mostly need the finances.

The 2010\2011 SRC is hoping that the benefit concert will be a new form of culture or legacy that will benefit as many students as possible in the future.

“The turnout of the students was disappointing though... The posters were put about one or two weeks before the concert, so the students knew about the concert, we just don’t know why the turnout was bad” Says Tuis Mahlangu, the SRC social and development officer.

The SRC emphasizes how this was not about making profit for any other reason but to raise funds for the humanitarian fund. I personally think that

the turnout by students was very disappointing especially considering the purpose of the event. Students don’t have to be obliged to attend the concert simply because it is for a worthy cause, one of the most important things a concert has to do is entertain and I think this one did fairly well at that.

On the flipside the SRC could have really done a better job to market the event a while before.

One or two weeks is not enough especially for such a new and big event. Mvuyo Makhasi, a second year bio-medical engineering student who was at the concert said: “The concert was on point, but I think the reason the turnout was bad because the tickets were expensive.

It would have made things better if the tickets were cheaper so they could make even more money on the booze that people will most likely buy in abundance”.

The expected number of people was 500, and the turnouts was only approximately 200 to 250, and bear in mind that at some point, there was a rule that ladies can get in for free.

We cannot begin to imagine the loss that the SRC incurred trying to raise funds through this concert.

We congratulate our out-going SRC for this innovative and potentially beneficial event, we hope that it will be able to grow bigger and better from here on and that the new SRC will learn a thing or two from the mistakes and triumphs of the old SRC. The SRC continues to try making a difference within the lives of students, and as a result they plead with the students who want to contribute to the humanitarian fund but couldn’t perhaps attend the concert. The minimum amount of donation is R20!

Listed below are the banking details to the humanitarian trust fund for anyone who is interested in making a difference and contribute to this worthy cause.

NAME OF ACCOUNT: Wits Foundation 2 Standard Bank of South Africa ACCOUNT NUMBER : 0029 000 76 BRANCH: Braamfontein BRANCH CODE: 004805

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Mi Gags

By: Amanda Masondo

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Mi Fun

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By: Rossitta Mbenze

WATCH THE THRONE

“Jesus was a carpenter; Yeezy laid beats Hova flow the Holy Ghost, get the hell up out your seats” these are Jay-z lines for the first track “No Church in the Wild” and just like that Mr Cater has set the tone for the entire album.

to match up to and it is songs like “Why I Love You” ft. Mr Hudson that make this statement true. It feels like a Jay track and Kanye is just a feature. On “H.A.M” (Hard As a Motherfucker) these two speak of how gangster and hard they are over classical gospel vocals which adds a nice contrast to the theme of the song. “Murder to Excellence” “is a celebration of black excellence” as Jay says and mourning of death of blacks and fellow African Americans with Kanye stating the number of soldiers who died in Iraq.

When I heard that these two hip-hop giants collaborated on an album the only outcome I expected was record breaking. And break records they did- Watch the Throne set a new record for the most downloads for a album in a week when it was released on iTunes (they couldn’t celebrate for long though because fellow hip-hop giant Lil’ Wayne exceeded their achievements with his latest offering - The Carter IV).

With a total if sixteen tracks, four of which are bonuses on the deluxe addition, Watch the Throne is about money, power, and girls: basically the rapper’s lives with some moral and religious questions being posed and their opinions on politics.

Rumor has it that Jay bought his sound engineer a double R so the album wouldn’t be leaked. What a way to create hype around one of the most anticipated albums of the year. The album managed to avoid a leak, the second to achieve such status in ten years. Other notable names to look out for are the Neptunes, O-Tip and RZA of Wutang Clan fame on production and a sample from James Brown on one of the tracks. Watch the Throne is an album that showcases Jay’s lyrical genius and Kanye on production. Whether or not you are a Jay and Kanye fan you will be enjoy this album because these two are definitely in their zones.

Their album demands you to watch the music throne as their stars continue to burn brightly.

Whatever is beyond supernova status they Plenty of the reviews I read on this album state have attained it.

Jay has lyrical supremacy which Kanye failed

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Mi Sports

By Masentle Ntholeng

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he first things that come to mind when you think of basketball are probably Michael Jordan, star basketball player, the words “slam dunk” and ridiculously tall players. Basketball is probably one of the simplest and most innovative sports when it comes to minimalism and being all-round accommodating to any sport enthusiast. Most sports are complex and have long-winding rules that no average person will be able to grasp in a short space of time, and probably need huge amounts of space to play (think cricket, rugby, soccer, baseball), which is why basketball is such a welcomed game. All of these things are what make basketball the very popular sports that it is today, including the eye-candy that spectators get to revel in when watching tall, dark and (mostly) handsome athletes run around with an orange ball.

The sports is now a global phenomenon, with basketball leagues such as the International Basketball Federation (or FIBA) bringing together a number of countries to compete. The US has dominated, winning all tournaments but three.

Tall people can particularly excel in this sport and it has very few requirements: a ball, a target and a person. Michael Jordan is the most famous basketball player, with his extraordinary leaps earning him the

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title “Air Jordan”. Jordan was the winner of five MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards and three stealth awards. ESPN named him the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, and this is the kind of athletic recognition that many ball-players now strive for.

MICHAEL JORDAN Violations and Fouls With violations, as in other sports, if a player does something that conflicts with the rulebooks then the other team is given possession of the ball.

Double dribbling is a violation. This is when a player starts dribbling, stops, and dribbling again. Travelling is also a violation, where a player has a ball and

does not dribble while going to the other side of the court with it.

Carrying is a violation that happens when a player’s hand comes underneath the ball and over it in order for them to push it back down. As basketball rules state, the player’s hand must always be above the ball when dribbling.

A foul is committed when a player unlawfully makes contact with a player from the other team.

Offensive fouls involve the offensive player bumping into a defensive player unnecessarily. A defensive foul is when a defender blocks, pushes, hits or trips an offensive player.

PROFILE Nompumelelo Ramatsoga, a BCom Business Management student at Tuks University is a young woman who plays for the University’s first female basketball team who is making great strides in the game at the tender age of 22. Asked how she feels about the sport and this is what she had to say: Why do you enjoy the sport?

I love basketball because I really enjoy competing and it’s a sport that is constantly changing and there is always something new to learn and a way to make yourself better.

Nompumelelo Ramatsoga

What drew you to basketball?

I’m not really sure what first attracted me to the sport, but it’s been 10 years now.

What is your most celebrated moment of the game?

There are two memorable moments- winning the inter-provincial tournament with Gauteng u/18 in 2005 and going undefeated in our league during my sophomore year at Ohlone College in the States.

How do you encourage other students who are interested in basketball?

Learn as much as you can about the game, watch matches, play pick up and spend lots of time on your own with a ball in your hand.

Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.

Attributed to Michael Jordan (1963 - )

Nompumelelo Ramatsoga With her team.

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Mi Event

T

he disability awareness movement embarked on a campaign to challenge the stigmas and perceptions that pertain to people with disabilities. This process was geared towards the student population.

Throughout the week, DAM members set up games that allowed people to experience various disabilities. Numerous organisations joined the campaign and an exhibition was set up. This gave students the platform to engage with a multitude of organisations and people who are experts in their particular field. The organisations present were Johannesburg Society For The Blind, APD, Barrier Breaker, NCPPDSA, and Epylepsi SA.

The campaign kicked off with a march that saw a partnership between the Every Women Society and the Disability Awareness Movement; noting that women with disabilities are the most susceptible to abuse. During the lunch hour [Monday] students with disabilities met with Mr Lubabalo Mbeki (an employee from NCPPDSA, dealing with job placement for persons with disability). This was a very beneficial meeting; the students were made aware of the opportunities available.In the evening [Monday] DAM hosted a discussion. The main speakers were Dr Analia Pretorius (Head of Wits disability Unit) and Ms Mpho Litha. The discussion allowed students engage with issues of transformation and access to equal opportunities. The discussion made the group conclude that many disabled students do not have the same opportunities as abled bodied students we felt that it was important to address this as many students, irrespective of their disabilities, are still capable academically.

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On day three [Wednesday] we brought in scholars (students from high school) with disabilities who are able to attend university and allowed them to spend a day with university students; this was truly a fun filled experience and educative for both the learners and students. The scholars were able to meet other students who have not allowed their disabilities to prohibit thefathering of their academic careers. Also, the students were given a career guidance talk by DU staff members. Students without disabilities were made conscious of people withdisabilities.

On the final day [Friday] DAM partnered with wits SRC to provide an entertainment hour, there was music and prominent artists such as Morale attended and participated in the activities and games. Later, there was a movie screening (on silent disabilities – dyslexia) and a pizza party. Be the end of the week, a lot of information had been passed, a number of Casual Day stickers sold, and many people left with a sense of awareness.

PARTICIPANT OF THE DISABILITY AWARENESS EVENT