student newspaper 2005
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| News for the students, by the students |
3&4
#FeesHaveFallen
5&6
NMMU Fashion week World Class Sports Facilities
7&8 9-11
Clinic Service NMMU 2020 Vision Meet Nick All That Jazz
12&13
Summer Fashion
14-16
Pick of the Month
Guide
The Sale Season
17&18 19&20
Skateboards Exercise for what?
Madibaz Sport
#FeesHaveFallen
but students are not yet satisfied By Nicole Downing to negotiate the proposed 6% increase for 2016. However, with negotiations proving unsuccessful, the SRC sent out and email to all NMMU students informing students
The SRC sent out an email to all NMMU students that evening demanding a shutdown about a shutdown of the institution the following day.
NMMU students protesting last week
After days of protesting nationwide in objection to the proposed university fee increments, President Jacob Zuma declared on 23 October that there would be zero increase in university fees in 2016. But while many
Term 4 | October 2015
students celebrated what is being called a historic victory, others believe this is only the beginning of a national youth-led revolution. Day 1 – SRC begins its negotiations
While student-led protests began to emerge in other parts of the country earlier in the week, it was on Tuesday 20 October that the NMMU Student Representative Council (SRC) called an urgent meeting with top management
In the email SRC President, Hlomela Bucwa, encouraged students to, “come together under one banner. To put aside their differences and join us as the vanguard of students in dismantling fees.” Day 2 – NMMU protesters go ahead with shutdown Despite no attempt being made to follow university rules, said the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Derick Swartz, students proceeded
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Letter from the Editor
October 2015 Administrator Sade Prinsloo sade.prinsloo@nmmu.ac.za Editor Nicole Downing s212288377@nmmu.ac.za News Editor Emily van Heerden s214063216@nmmu.ac.za Features Editor Yonga Jizana s213374072@nmmu.ac.za Lifestyle & Entertainment Editor Vasti Visser s213436795@nmmu.ac.za Sports Editor Tebuho Zongwana s214355438@nmmu.ac.za Blog Cashelle McLean s213223538@nmmu.ac.za Designers Charne’ MacLean s213230747@nmmu.ac.za Tayla-Ann Rodger s213249154@nmmu.ac.za
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This is a student-run newspaper. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
As soon as #FeesMustFall became a trending hashtag, I felt that as a journalist and as a South African student it was my duty to uncover the truth. Using social media to gain a better understanding of the views of the students and what my role in the movement was, I, on 23 October, decided it was time to join the students as they marched from South Campus to City Hall. There was no sense of “us” and “them”. There was no divide on the basis of colour, political affiliation or gender. An old school friend spoke to me about the “royalty of the African mind” and my heart warmed when he told me that this applied to me too. After I joined the Xenophobia march earlier this year, I wrote an editorial about the exceptional sense of unity I felt amongst students – but nothing amounted to the feeling of being part of a nationwide movement. On social media, after Zuma’s announcement, students spoke of making history, of a day we could tell our children about, the 23 October being a date that will forever be remembered as the day fees fell. I have a feeling that this is only the tip of the iceberg, though. We now wait to see what government will do to make up for the losses incurred by zero increase in fees. Will subsidies go up or will our taxes? Will the salaries of government officials be cut or will it be our lecturers who will suffer? At this point, many questions are left unanswered. But as was shown when the fees fell, the youth have more power than we ever imagined. If we are able to collectively ensure better academic opportunities for all in only a few short days, imagine what we can do in a few weeks, months or years. Imagine the possibilities that lay ahead of us in our lifetime…. Yours Sincerely,
Nicole Downing
NEWS to barricade University Way and enforce the shutdown of the Summerstrand Campuses on Wednesday 21 October. While all seemed peaceful, members of the public called on the South African Police Force (SAPS) to dismantle the crowd of about 150 students who, at the time, were blocking a public road.
term budget. Reports of police brutality quickly surfaced making international news. Day 3 – NMMU declares “business as usual”
On Thursday 22 October, with a meeting with the VC scheduled for 13:00 at Khanyisa Melwa, a third year the Madibaz Public Relations student who S t a d i u m , was at the forefront of the management protests at NMMU recalled, concluded “We were shot at with rubber that academic bullets and teargas and stun activities would grenades. We were victimised. continue as Never ever have I felt like that normal. But while in my life. Never ever have I the SRC urged felt so worthless.” students not to Students were eventually protest, reports soon f o r c e d came in back onto of classes university b e i n g “We were shot at with disrupted by grounds, continuing protesters as rubber bullets and t h e i r they moved teargas and stun protests through South peacefully C a m p u s . grenades. We were and united. E v e n t u a l l y, victimised. Adorned the protesters in colours converged in the Kraal, waiting to representing the three student be addressed by the VC. political parties, there seemed However, adhering to previous to be no political divide arrangements, the VC amongst the protestors. remained at the stadium and addressed a handful of what Ondela Kepe, third year was reported to be mostly staff Economics students and members. Melwa explains the Provincial Youth Chairperson students’ refusal to meet the of the Democratic Alliance VC at the stadium: “If you are joined the protests that day. letting your oppressor set the “There’s a certain level of terms of engagement – tell political maturity that we are you when to meet, how to seeing unfold here today,” he meet, where to meet, how said. “Over and above what the day is going to go – you we as political organisations have already lost.” advocate for, fundamentally Angered by the VC’s we are fighting for the rights of all students, and what you see here today is a testament to that.”
NMMU students showing their support for the national #FeesMustFall campaign
Day 4 – The day fees fell An urgent meeting between President Zuma,
we are fighting for the rights of all students
While the situation remained peaceful in Port Elizabeth, thousands of students in Cape Town marched to Parliament, where both President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, sat in a meeting of the National Assembly to hear the mid-
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North a n d South Campus, effectively locking in hundreds of staff and non-protesting students until about 18:40.
refusal to meet them at the Kraal, the students proceeded to barricade all entrances to
One of the protest signs seen during the protest at CIty Hall
Term 4 | October 2015
NEWS Vice-Chancellors and SRC Presidents from around South Africa was called in Pretoria on Friday, 23 October. Meanwhile, nationwide protests and university shutdowns continued. NMMU students met on South Campus, marching to 2nd Avenue Campus and eventually to City Hall. SAPS worked in conjunction with the students to ensure a safe, peaceful march. Soon after meeting in front of the City Hall, students were met with the good news that negotiations with President Zuma had been successful. At 15:00 he announced from within the Union Buildings that South African students would face zero increase in fees next
On Monday 26 October, despite a statement from top management saying that academic activities would continue as usual, a studentcreated Facebook page encouraged students to counter this. “Lectures, tests, tutorials etc. will NOT commence,” said the admins of the page in a post on the morning of 26 October. “ T h e #NMMUShutDown Student Movement mass meeting will commence from 12:00 and students should mobilise themselves to meet at the Kraal for the reading
The no fee increment, ultimately, is a precursor to the next thing which is free education year. “On the matter at hand, we agreed that there will be a zero increase of university fees in 2016. Discussions will continue looking at broader issues than the fees,” said Zuma. The aftermath After making global news in a movement that is being likened to the pre-1994 student uprisings, many students rejoice in what they consider to be a historic victory. However, other students remained dissatisfied, knowing that many issues relating to their cause had yet to be addressed. “The no fee increment, ultimately, is a precursor to the next thing which is free education. Education is not a commodity, it is a basic human right as enshrined in our Constitution,” said Melwa.
Term 4 | October 2015
Protesters at City Hall
of the proposed memorandum where additions will be engaged on and finalised prior to meeting with the VC at 14:00.” The memorandum was then posted a few hours later citing both short term and long term demands, including issues such as outsourcing, the payment structure of African national students and the decolonisation of the current curriculum. These were presented to the VC at the dialogue later that day, and in an official statement by NMMU it was declared that, “A memorandum of agreement was signed and general consensus reached around many of the demands made by NMMU students at a mass dialogue with the ViceChancellor Prof Derrick Swartz and the university management team today.”
More protesters supporting the #FeesMustFall campaign at one of the NMMU Campuses
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NEWS
FASHION WEEK AT NMMU
Photographs taken by Karabo Ngcozela
Some of NMMU’s SoMAD students
By Arantxa Mathapersadh The Fashion and Textile Department showcased the hard work of their students throughout the month of October in the three part event, The Collective. The annual event included various sub-events such as the Model Hunt, the Free Creative Fashion show, the Collective Applied Design Exhibition as well as the finale Collective Graduate Fashion show which will take place on 30 October 2015. The Collective Graduate Fashion show will showcase 25 third and fourth year Fashion and Textile students’ garments. The fashion show, organised by the Applied Design Department, allows for recognition of the winning students and models and also provides the means for these students to start successful careers. Additionally, several winning pieces from the Free Creative Fashion show, which was held on 2 October, as well as the
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chosen semi-finalist models will be featured in the finale. These pieces are designed by first year Visual Arts, second year Fashion as well as second and third year Textile students. Zama Phungula, second year Fashion student, enthused about the Free Creative Fashion Show, claiming that it allowed for “exposure and a chance for students to let their hair down and have some fun.”
produce is outstanding.” She elaborated further, explaining, “You don’t need to know much about fashion to admire the garments. It’s a fun and fresh show with great people involved that really deserved the support.”
“It is essential as it showcases a collaboration of work from the different departments that make up the School of Music, Art and Design (SoMAD) at NMMU,” Grobbelaar added.
Applied Design lecturer, Harm Grobbelaar said that the aim of The Collective events is to showcase the work of students to a bigger audience.
The previous event, the Collective Applied Design Exhibition, held on Wednesday, 14 October, proved to be a further success in providing a platform for Graphic design, Fashion design, Textile design, Photography, and Interior design students to display their work as completed throughout the academic year. Second year Media Communications and Culture (MCC) student and model for the event, Natashia Sandow, was amazed by the students’ work, saying, “The work they
Spectators admire student’s photographs
Term 4 | October 2015
NEWS
WORLD CLASS FACILITES TO BOOST NMMU SPORT
Above: Akani Simbine (middle) finishes first with Roscoe Engel (right) coming a close second and Lonwabo Majerman (left) coming third.
Right: From left to right, Akani Simbine, Prof Rosa du Randt, Roscoe Engel and Anaso Jobodwana Photographs taken by Casey Roche
By Casey Roche Sports players are now lucky enough to enjoy world class facilities at NMMU’s new High Performance Complex (HPC). In an exciting opening ceremony on 30 September, guests got the chance to watch the debut sprint on the new 90m Kistler plated indoor track, between two of South Africa’s fastest runners, Akani Simbine and Roscoe Engel. The complex, headed up by Prof Rosa du Randt, not only caters for NMMU students, but is also open to the community for any patients suffering from injuries or chronic lifestyle diseases. Special rates are
Term 4 | October 2015
given to staff and students of NMMU as well as pensioner discounts for the elderly wanting to utilize the facilities. Conditioning is a very important aspect in any sports player’s routine and the HPC offers testing for these serious athletes which includes physical evaluation (to determine the range of motion and strength levels) and Biomechanical evaluation (to identify how the athlete produces the correct movements while picking up on any incorrect movements made by the athlete). These are just a few of the many tests that this complex offers. The much anticipated race
resulted in Simbine crossing the finish line first with Engel right at his heels. Apart from the excitement of the big race, an appearance was made by Anaso Jobodwana, bronze medalist from the world championship. Upon speaking to Jobodwana about the facilities, as he is a part of the Madibaz running club, he was very excited and impressed with the facilities as he can now use world class facilities to train when he is back visiting his home province. “ It’s on par with the stuff that I have seen in the US and all over the world, that is very huge for the Eastern Cape and for NMMU,” said Jobodwana.
The tartan track is the only fully-enclosed indoor track in the country and boasts a 3D Motion analysis system, high speed cameras and Africa’s first Kistler double force starting block system. Apart from the indoor track, the HPC also offers two gymnasiums, laboratories, lecture halls, biokineticist consultation rooms and a dietetics wing.
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NEWS
AFTER HOURS CLINIC SERVICE
Campus Health Clinic team
By Zhané Saais In line with its vision, “to be a comprehensive, collaborative and engaged Campus Health Service in ensuring the holistic wellbeing of students and staff of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University”, the Campus Health Clinic, a division of Student Affairs, is running a pilot project throughout the month of October and November of after-hours mobile clinics. This will be a collaborative effort between Campus Health Clinic Services and the Nursing Science Department.
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The service will be offered from a mobile clinic and will be operated by both Campus Health Services staff and Nursing Science Department staff members. This pilot program was started as a means of meeting an increase in student demand. Services offered at these mobile afterhours clinics will include everything done during a normal day at the Campus Health Clinics just with extended hours of operating. According to Sister Antoinette Goosen, Deputy Director and Head of Department of Campus Health Services “the
pilot is done firstly to assess the real need from the student’s side pertaining to health care after-hours and secondly to assist the nursing department with the establishment of the mobile clinic and its operations. We saw this as a dual opportunity to assist two departments.” She went on to suggest that clinic staff will render this service from the current clinics, should it be well received. Students are assured that emergency services will still be offered with sufficient staff consisting of one nurse, an admin assistant and a
counsellor. Sister Goosen also stated that, “at this stage we do not put any limits on the number of patients but more on the number of hours that we shall be offering the service”, in response to a situation that could arise if there were to be a high influx of students on a certain after hours clinic day. The expansion of the Campus Health Clinic’s services shows the value that the department has for the health needs of NMMU students.
Term 4 | October 2015
FEATURES NEWS
2020 VISION FOR NMMU By Zhané Saais “A dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future”. This is the vision NMMU intends to have by the year 2020. In a recent marketing
video released by the stakeholder and liaison officer via the NMMU communiqué, staff and students are presented with the roadmap that NMMU intends to follow to achieve the 2020 vision. The core values essential to reaching this destination
We are committed to promoting equity of access and opportunities so as to give students the best chance of success in their pursuit of lifelong learning and diverse educational goals.
We develop graduates to be responsible global citizens capable of critical reasoning, innovation, and adaptability.
The YouTube video on the 2020 Vision, at the time of printing, has already reached almost 1000 views and a buzz on social media. The video ends with words of unity and
Page Term 74 | October 2015
are respect for diversity, excellence, Ubuntu, integrity, responsibility and respect for the natural environment as stated by the Strategic Planning Institutional Research unit of the Office of Institutional Research.
Our values inform and define our institutional ethos and distinctive educational purpose and philosophy.
We create and sustain an environment that encourages and supports a vibrant research, scholarship and innovation culture.
shows just how much the NMMU has grown since its inception in 2005. “Let’s do this together-for tomorrow.”
Further stated by the Strategic Planning Institutional Research unit are the promises made by the NMMU to achieve the vision. These include:
We provide a vibrant, stimulating and richly diverse environment that enables staff and students to reach their full potential.
We engage in mutually beneficial partnerships locally, nationally and globally to enhance social, economic, and ecological sustainability.
ISIOn
2020 Term 2 | May 2015 Page 8
FEATURES
MEET NICK
The man with the plan – SRC President of 2016, Nicholas Nyathi
By Ian Mills The Student Representative Council (SRC) elections have come and gone and the new president will be sworn into office early next year at the SRC investiture. The NMMyou had a talk with the man himself, Nicholas Nyathi, and asked him a few questions about himself.
school.
What is your course of study at NMMU? I am currently in my third year of a BCur Nursing Science qualification.
Where were you raised?
What drew you to be involved in student governance?
I was born in Kirkwood, but then moved to Uitenhage when I was eight years old. I completed my high school career at Molly Blackburn High
Circumstance. Nursing students like myself must complete their practicals during university recesses. Those who stay in residence must pay
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a daily fee for accommodation during this time. Unfortunately this fee is not deducted from one’s student account. I started the Nursing Society in 2014 to advocate on the behalf of nursing students who were experiencing the same problems. Students from other faculties soon approached me with similar concerns. I realised that I could relate to their problems regardless of my field of study and felt that I could help a broader range of students if I joined the SRC. Student governance is an
interesting place to find a health sciences student.
Do you plan on pursuing a career in politics? Yes, but one which makes use of my nursing studies. I would ultimately like to work in the Department of Health or even as the Minister of Health.
What are the SRC’s plans for next year? Do you have a specific focus? It will be business as usual for the SRC in 2016. Our focus
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FEATURES campus, specifically the issue of academic exclusion faced by many senior students. These students register for a course but are sadly refused entry into the course because they have failed one module. Student councilors have been placed on the appeals committee so that they can hear these student’s appeals to be granted access to their course. Exclusion on a financial level is also a problem our campus faces. The SRC of 2016 aims to build on the bail-out fund that was established this year. We are also in talks with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) about alternative forms of student funding. The fund aims to assist financially needy students who are struggling to pay off their study loans. We will also be bringing back the Remember And Give Extra (RAGE) campaign to help students in financial need. A proposal for part of Bird Street campus to be used as a study and resources centre for students living in off-campus residences has also been submitted to the university.
What do you see as your challenges? Division in the SRC’s ranks is a problem. The SRC is comprised of representatives from all three student political bodies – Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO), South African Student Congress (SASCO) and the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFF). All three parties have their own perceptions of what each other stands for. As a result of this, proposals from one party are often voted against by a different party because they feel that the proposing party does not understand the issue as well as they do.
What motivates you as an SRC member? It’s the people who say “Thank you”. There is nothing more satisfying than a student walking up to me and saying, “I am graduating because of you”. Hearing a parent say
Term 4 | October 2015
“Enkosi” because of what I have done for their child is the best feeling ever.
How can students become involved in the SRC? The SRC has many initiatives which are fuelled by the energy of students. The RAGE Campaign is always in need of more students to help keep it going. Students can visit the SRC offices in the Goldfields South building. Operation Sangena is an initiative which encourages NMMU students to distribute academic prospectuses and application information among matriculants in their community. Any student can be involved and we encourage those who are interested to find out more by approaching the offices of the SRC.
FUN FACTS What’s you favourite food? I love Spur ribs!
Do you have a favourite film or series? It’s definitely How I Met Your Mother. Barney Stinson is the man.
What song is stuck in your head at the moment? “Matrimoony” by Wale Ft. Usher
What was the last good book you read? I really enjoyed Nelson Mandela’s Conversations with Myself
Which three people inspire you the most? My mother, my girlfriend and my best friend, Tafadzwa Muyako
Do you have any hobbies? Yes. I am involved in NMMU’s fencing team and I like to read in my spare time.
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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
All that
jazz The finalists who performed at the annual Jazz Scholarship Concert; in the front: Mthoko Mabuza (piano) the winner of the night, Grant Allison (bass) and at the back Thoba Goba (drums) and Bevin Maschaka (drums) who both placed third. Image Source: NMMU Music Department
By Sithisa Magxwalisa The NMMU Music Department recently presented the annual Jazz Scholarship Concert for music students excelling in the genre of jazz studio performance. Five finalists were selected to take part in the concert on 7 October where jazz pianist, Mthokozisi Mabuza, was awarded the prestigious scholarship.
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The concert featured the finalists performing two pieces that showcased their skill in the command of the jazz language and repertoire – the exhibition of a collaboration of skills such as playing from memory, improvisation, originality and the ability to showcase different styles. The performances were followed by an assessment and deliberation by selected adjudicators, who, for the
first time, were adjudicators.
external
other concerts presented by the NMMU Music Department.
Guests were also entertained by supporting acts, including jazz vocal student musician and TwoTone vocalist, Miranda Ncwane. Ncwane herself has worked up quite a following at the NMMU Music Department for her command of the jazz vocal category and has been featured as the leading act in
The night was brought to close with the announcement of the results that placed Thoba Goba (drums) and Bevin Maschaka (drums) in joint third place, Joash Soobramoney (tenor sax) in second place and Mabuza (piano) in first place.
Term 4 | October 2015
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Style guide: Summer fashion 2015/2016 By Vasti Visser
01
I was fortunate enough to spend the past June/July holiday in Europe, where I spent most of my time sight-seeing, taste-testing, and exploring. I also had the advantage of getting insight into the summer fashions yet to arrive in South Africa. With the summer soto-say upon us, I thought it time to share the top European summer styles. Take a look at the soon-to-be obsessions of the season.
Boho The Bohemian trend is evident this summer through bold boho prints along with over-sized flowing dresses in soft materials. Vogue refers to this trend as “hippy deluxe”; it’s a draw on 70’s style. Think Woodstock and long summer days of frolicking in the sun.
Faded denim This look was evident in all styles: from women’s shirts, shorts and dresses, to men’s sweat shirts and pants. Denim and faux denim materials in light and acid washed colours will be everywhere this season.
Term 4 | October 2015
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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Lace Coinciding with the soft touches of the 70’s boho styles, lace details are essential this season. This elegant detail will add a soft romantic touch to any outfit.
Stripes This classic Parisian look is making a prominent come-back this season along with other nautical styles such as navy and touches of gold. The streets of SA are set to look like a scene from Paris with everyone clad in classic stripes.
t
Khaki/green No longer intended for the bushveld, shades of khaki green have made a comeback in a huge way. The style, which was seen on every person with a parka jacket this winter and paired with classic white Converse, will be carried through into summer where Converse will be traded for a pair of rereturning gladiator sandals, Havaianas or boat shoes for the men.
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Term 4 | October 2015
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Pick of the Month October
By Dana Hyde From boredom-busters, quirky stocking fillers (Yes, Christmas is fast approaching) to little post-exam indulgences, here are some of my finds for the month. Happy Shopping!
Entertainment Friendly Stranger A fantastic local restaurant, situated in Upper Valley Road; they have recently extended their hours and are now open in the evenings from Wednesday to Saturday.
Ed Sheeran “X” Deluxe Edition (R159.95 from Musica) Ed Sheeran is pure musical talent! Featuring all his smash hits such as “Photograph”, “Thinking Out Loud” and “I See Fire”, this album doesn’t disappoint.
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (coming soon!)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynne (R206.00 from Exclusive Books) A thought-provoking and chilling literary piece; this number one bestseller, now also a major motion picture, is definitely a read all bookworms should invest in.
The last installment of the Hunger Games trilogy phenomenon will be hitting the circuit on 19 November. This is a definite end of exams treat (of which I hope the “odds are in your favour”).
Term 4 | October 2015
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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Treats ‘Honeymania’ Body Butter by The Body Shop (R150.00 from Clicks or The Body Shop)
‘The Gel’ Nail Polish range by Essence (R24.95 from Clicks)
For a more decadent beauty indulgence, this is a must! It’s a bit of a pricey splurge, but smells absolutely divine (and a little goes a long way).
I absolutely adore this range! With a myriad of funky colours to choose from, you can make an eye-catching statement without breaking the bank.
Assorted Doorstops (R99.00 from Mr Price Home) Mr Price Home has to be my haven for decor ideas! Love, love, love these adorable doorstops. Definitely something different for the house.
Multicolour Candle range by Air Wick (R69.00 from Checkers) Infused with essential oils and with a colour changing effect, this candle is absolutely gorgeous! Load shedding will never be the same again...
Assorted Head Jewellery (R29.99 from Mr Price) This accessory will add a bold statement to your wardrobe collection, especially with summer around the corner. From simple elegance, to bold confidence, there is a style with your name on it!
Bournville Mint Dark Chocolate by Cadbury (R12.99 from Checkers) Dark chocolate with a heavenly twist! If you generally don’t like dark chocolate, I definitely encourage you to try this Cadbury offering, it’s not bitter at all!
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Term 4 | October 2015
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
The Sale Season The do’s and don’ts of the best time of year By Cashelle McLean “SALE”, the golden word to many people’s ears; a word that sounds right with any occasion, any time of year and for any type of weather. But what is it about those bright red signs on storefronts and stickers on stock that drive people crazy? Is it the excitement, pride and the little touch of power you feel when you walk out the store with an extra bag of items than you could normally not afford (and probably don’t need)? Is it the excitement of the shopping experience, the early bird entries, and the secret competitiveness with other shoppers? Or the thrill of not knowing what you are going to find and how much you are going to walk out with.
Setting aside the reasons behind our deep-rooted love for a deal, here are some tips and tricks to help you with your next sale:
01
Just because it has a sale sticker on it, it doesn’t mean that you are actually saving money. Many people get caught up in the excitement of a sale and this often allows them to be taken advantage of. Always make sure that you look at the original price of an item, and compare it with the new sale item (even if it means scratching up the sale sticker or asking a store assistant). You will be surprised to find that many times the sale price is either more or the same as the original price of the item.
was
R50 R80 now
If you know that the sale has a lot of stock, make sure you take a cart or basket and grab everything that catches your eye. It might get a little heavy and seem a bit frustrating when you are pushing past people in the aisles, but it sure makes up for the feeling of loss and anger when you go looking for an item that you have changed your mind on.
03
A great thing to do to make your shopping trip easier is constantly editing what’s in your basket (usually when your arms feel like jelly, you know it’s time for an edit). Take your cart to a quite area of the store and go through the items you have collected. Really think if it is something you need, or really like and if it is an item that you are going to wear/use enough to make it worth it. If you have a strong pull to something but still are unsure, take it home, try it on in an environment you feel comfortable and sleep on it.
Term 4 | October 2015
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02
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SCIENCE & TECH
Skateboards, “what are those”?! and balance. All use motors running on rechargeable batteries, meaning that they are environmentally friendly. They all have various weight limits, ranging from 90kg to 140kg. Charging time and distance achieved on a full charge also vary. Prices range between $599 (approximately R7900) for the Nex board and $2 300 (Approximately R30 300) for the Solowheel. The Hoverboards, however, have not yet been priced, but is expected be priced much higher than that of the Solowheel (R30 300). The Nex board is ‘available’ in South Africa, but only unofficially. Bear in mind that the Nex board available is most likely a cheaper knockoff, as the going price is R7000. Make sure to do your research before you decide to buy one.
Image source: autoevolution.com
By Brendan Smit It is believed that in the 1950’s, surfers in California had a brainwave to surf the streets, and using two by four planks and roller skate wheels, created the first skateboards. Six decades later, skateboards have taken an interesting turn. While there have been many trends regarding skateboards, their shape, lengths, wheels, even what they are made of, has changed. Several new advancements in technology have allowed for new versions of skateboardlike devices to be created.
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If you’ve been watching YouTube lately, you would have seen a trend that seems to be sweeping over the YouTube world. This trend is the use of self-balancing scooters, much like the Segway, as seen in Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Of the many new and exciting products available, four to mention are the Solowheel, Onewheel, Nex board and the Hoverboard. Both Lexus and Arx Pax have hoverboards in the pipeline; Lexus has conceptualised and built a prototype, while Arx Pax have actually built a working
With this new trend set to hit South Africa within the next year, the possibilities for students are great. Students in Summerstrand will be able to use these to get to Varsity and back on one charge, allowing them to get to varsity in a quicker and reasonably prototype for sale, and have environmentally friendly released a second one on 21 manner. October 2015. *For those that don’t get the The Nex Board is much reference, when last did you like a Segway without the watch YouTube or Vines? Just handles, the Onewheel, like a doing a quick internet search skateboard with a large wheel will explain everything. The in the centre of the board, phrase “what are those?” is where the rider balances the screamed at someone who is board by shifting their weight wearing unkempt or off-brand backwards or forwards. The footwear; in other words ugly Solowheel, on the other hand, shoes/footwear. is an interesting concept, with the entire device being just a wheel with ‘steps’ on either side, for the rider to step on
Term 4 | October 2015
SCIENCE & TECH
Exercise for what? Introducing, the miracle pill… By Brendan Smit Gym, who needs gym? All I have to do is take my daily dose of my ‘exercise pill’, and I’m sorted. Sound like some wacky dream, or a concept too far into the future? Scientist and research teams from various research institutes and universities across the world are working on a pill that does just that. While headlines call it the ‘exercise pill’, this title might be misleading. Scientists have been looking for a way to chemically mimic the changes that occur in your body during exercise. In essence, they plan to replicate the effects of exercise- minus the sweat and discomfort. The Universities of Sydney and Copenhagen both examined the protein changes in the skeletal muscle of four healthy men. The muscle biopsy was done before and after 10 minutes of strenuous exercise. What was found was pretty amazing; during and after exercise there are over a 1 000 unique molecular changes that occur in the skeletal muscles. However, those awesome little natural anti-depressants, endorphins, that are released when exercising and building muscle mass will not be able to be replicated by the pill. The main aim behind the functionality pill will be to strengthen muscles, lower cholesterol and to help boost brain power. Irisin, a hormone found naturally in the muscles, has recently been able to
Term 4 | October 2015
be isolated by scientists at Harvard Medical School. This is however only one of the many hormones and chemicals discovered and being worked on by scientists at the various institutes. Irisin makes your body burn more fat while at the same time making your body produce more brown fat. Brown fat is good fat that assists in losing weight, so, basically, it helps induce the burning of stored fat, much like the aim of the Banting diet. There is also speculation that Irisin could potentially be used to fight cancer and incurable diseases/disorders that do improve with regular exercise. The target group initially will be patients that are physically unable to do exercise due to condition or disability, and may include the elderly. It is going to be a good couple of years before this miracle ‘exercise pill’ comes onto the market and, in the meantime, there is no replacement for exercise. When it does eventually come onto the market, it is safe to say that it will have a hefty price tag - but it might still be cheaper than going to gym. It should however be noted that doing physical exercise is more than just for losing weight or getting fitter. There are many emotional and psychological benefits too. One concern is that people will become couch potatoes knowing that they don’t have to exercise and that their
eating habits are going to get worse. These are valid worries, as this would cancel out the positive effects of the pill.
Image Source: stocksnap.io
Who knows, maybe the ‘exercise pill’ will become a standard issue for all first years to combat the evil that is ‘first year spread’, even the ‘first year spread’ that has lasted for three years!
Image Source: stocksnap.io
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SPORT
Madibaz Learn to Surf By Brittany Straton The Madibaz Learn to Surf programme runs throughout the entire academic year. The programme consists of eight weeks of lessons each semester. Students who sign up for the programme are taught by a group of experienced surfers, the majority of whom are NMMU students. The students receive individual attention as only four students partake in a lesson. This semester eighteen students signed up for the lessons and took part in four lessons each. The students receive instruction from surfers who have a local knowledge of the conditions in Port Elizabeth. This year there was help from twelve instructors who each took turns to instruct the lessons The instructors enjoy teaching surfing and find it rewarding knowing that the students who take part in the lessons are able to enjoy the sport. The instructors hope that the students who took part in the lessons continue to surf. The NMMU Surfing Club is continuously looking for new surfers. They hold two to three trials in the first semester. This allows them to select the surfers that will compete in the USSA Surf Champs, which takes place as Victoria Bay in the Western Cape.
Member of the NMMU Surfing Club.
Image source: surfing.nmmu.ac.za
The Madibaz Surf Club are the current reigning champs of 2015. The Surf Club looks forward to what the next year holds for them.
By Tebuho Zongwana As the year draws to an end, this is only the beginning of the Madibaz cricket season. NMMYou caught up with captain of the Madibaz second league cricket side, Odwa Bata, to find out what their way forward is for this season’s action. “The Madibaz cricket club is structured in the following way: we are the fifth team in school, however we play a separate league from your first and second team. Those two teams are classified as super league.We have prospect
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league, which is your middle league, then you have you lower league teams which are your first and second league teams” Bata said. Each league consists of players who work hard at every level who strive to make it into the top flight. The start to their previous season was rather dismal as they languished at the bottom of the log in 15th position (out of sixteen teams) after 5 games. However they climbed out of the bottom three to finish the league in 7th position. The Madibaz faced local teams the
likes of Gelvandale, Despatch, Port Elizabeth Cricket Club (PECC) and teams comprising of players from the township areas, such as The United Ones. Having recently being called to his duty as captain, Bata says he does feel the pressure going into this season. “I feel a lot of pressure going into this because the team is always changing; there are always changes because people keep performing every game”. The Madibaz fixtures see them play two games every weekend
from the time of resumption. “The game plan is to win all our remaining games for this year and up the intensity going into next year” said Bata.
Term 4 | October 2015
SPORT
Spar Madibaz:
A Reason To be Proud
Star player, Nobubele Phuza
By Tebuho Zongwana The fourth term of 2015 brought with it explosive Varsity Netball action to our screens. This year the Spar Madibaz were faced with the daunting challenge of conquering this year’s Varsity Netball Tournament. The tournament which consists of eight Universities from around South Africa kicked off in Stellenbosch when The Spar Madibaz (NMMU) narrowly went down to Stellenbosch University (Maties) in a 42-38 thriller. The Madibaz next victory came against the bottom of the log University of Cape Town (UCTIkeys). The ladies from NMMU
Term 4 | October 2015
steamrolled their opponents in a 55-23 victory at the same venue in Stellenbosch. Things began to look up for the Spar Madibaz as they headed into their next fixture with momentum, again annihilating their opposition. This time, the Vaal University of Technology stood in the way of what seemed to be a Madibaz juggernaut going down 70-29. The joy would be shortlived as NMMU would face defeat in the next three of four fixtures. 50-52 win against University of Johannesburg; 31-71 loss against University of Free State ( Kovsies); 4859 loss against University of
Pretoria (Tuks) and 65-32 win against North West University (Pukke). The results saw the Madibaz ending their Campaign with a 42% win percentage and a wellearned fifth place finish, the same position they finished in last year. Star player, Nobubele Phuza, said, “This season we lost a core of the players that were in the team before. For now NMMU is in the building stages but we did well this season. We were even able to rattle a couple of the top teams.” Thus concluding this year’s edition of Varsity Netball.
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