NMMYou September 2015

student newspaper 2005

- 201 5

| News for the students, by the students |

3&4

SRC Election Results

5&6

Law Ball Students Vie for Top Spot

Look Back on SRC

7

Open Stellenbosch

8&9

Brew’s, Bars, Bra’s and Bru’s

page

10&11

NMMU Choir Sugar Free Sept.

12&13 What Do You Say? Sugar Free Recipes

14-16 page

17

Fashion Take a Hike

New Science & Tech Section!

MR AND MISS NMMU 2015 GOES TO...

By Casey Roche & Sinesipho Joyi being carried onto stage in an armchair.

He announced that “this is how a diva makes an entrance,” and rallied the crowd up with his lively personality.

Speaking to a finalist from the Top Five during the show Katlego Kaise was eager to express the amount of charity work that was done by all the finalists leading up to the show and continuing even once the show is finished.

Crowned as the 2015/16 Mr and Miss NMMU on Saturday, 19 September were the dashing Michael Maja and the gorgeous Yonela Makalima. Playing The Great Gatsby theme to the tee, the contestants

Term 4 | September 2015

brought the house down by earning roaring cheers from the crowd.

to Lindokuhle Booi with Second Princess being awarded to Mbali Makhubalo.

Runners up were First Prince, Banele Nyanyingwa and Second Prince, Khaya Rols. In the ladies section First Princess was awarded

The pageant opened with Pearson High School’s jazz band, and the highlight for the crowd was the arrival of Somizi Somgaga Mhlongo

Other awards that were handed out on the night included the Face of Vulzee which was awarded to Yonela Makalima and Khaya Rols.

Mr and Miss Personality went to Sydney Nkomo and Lindokuhle Booi. The Viewer’s Choice award went to Yonela Makalima and Nkululo Mtyingizane.

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Letter from the Editor

September 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

Follow us on social media

This is a student-run newspaper. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

A few weeks ago while walking on campus, I decided to enjoy a quick bite between classes.

Rookie mistake. Before I’d even taken the first bite of my banana, a monkey with a wild look in his eyes charged at me. I’m not kidding when I say I felt scared for my life. I don’t know what was more amusing for the onlookers who were, at this point, pointing and laughing – the sight of me squealing my most girly squeal and tossing my lunch as far away from me as I could, or the irony of seeing the monkey eating my discarded banana…

It’s true; these trouble-making monkeys are the unofficial rulers of our campus, but while their dominion lies mostly in the kraal, we recently voted in more official group of rulers to lead the rest of NMMU. Earlier this month students went to the polls at the 2015/2016 SRC Elections and, after almost 7000 votes were counted, DASO came out on top (see Page 3).

This is DASO’s second consecutive year in office and, clearly, the students of NMMU have not been disappointed with what they have achieved (see Page 4). From raising millions of rands for financially needy students, to hosting the university’s most anticipated event, Mr and Mrs NMMU (see Page 1), the SRC has made some notable achievements this year. But with issues still yet to be fully resolved, such as the shuttle system saga or the Mr and Miss Freshette fiasco that went viral last semester, there is also room for improvement. 2016 will be a chance for DASO to prove itself and the party it represents – particularly with municipal elections coming up next year. But however they choose to lead NMMU, hopefully it will be better than the pesky primates of South Campus!

Until next month,

Nicole Downing

NEWS

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

NMMU students queuing to cast their votes during the SRC Elections

By Zhané Saais NMMU students casted their votes on 16 September at the annual SRC elections with the Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (DASO) coming out on top for a second consecutive year. Anticipation of the SRC elections that took place on 16 September ran high among students on Election Day. Students came out in their masses with snaking queues at most voting stations on all campuses.

Voting stations opened at 08:00 and closed at 19:00.

Voting came after weeks of campaigning at different campuses and even drew in some of South Africa’s most well-known and powerful politicians from the ANC, DA and EFF. This included Chief Commander of the Economic Freedom Fighter Student Command, Julius Malema’s stirring campaign at the South Campus Kraal the day before. Opposition leaders such as Yusuf

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Cassim (DA) and Nthuthuko Makhombothi (ANC) were also part of campaigning on separate days on both South and North campuses.

DASO was announced as the winners of the 2015/16 SRC elections for a second consecutive year, gaining seven central portfolio seats.

The South African Student Congress (SASCO) took five and the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) a single seat of the central portfolio seats. The results were announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) just 12 hours after the voting stations closed. DASO also won site representatives on South and North campus and SASCO won 2nd Avenue and Missionvale campus site representatives.

The elections occurred without incidents as commended by NMMU Acting Dean of Students Mxolisi Ncapayi as per a statement released via the Communiqué

emails. Also, a 4% increase in student voters was reported which clearly indicates a greater percentage of students who exercise their democratic responsibility and right to vote.

Site Represenative DASO

Oppidani Council

8/8 seats to DASO

The rest of the results are as follows:

Faculty Respresenatives DASO: • Health Sciences • EBEIT (Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Information Technology) • Education SASCO: • Arts • Law • Economics and Business

International Officer DASO

Party supporters campaigning at the Kraal

Term 3 | September 2015

NEWS

TAKING A LOOK BACK ON SRC 2014/15

By Emily van Heerden

At the start of the September break, the Student Representative Council (SRC) released their term report just days before the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) was re-elected to serve on the Council for another year.

According to the report, the SRC has been working tirelessly on many issues on and around campus.

As of the beginning of August, the SRC has headed up the RAGE Campaign, which serves to raise funds and food for students who do not have the means to support themselves.

The idea of ‘Access’ has been something that the SRC has been digging into; especially in terms of financial assistance. Although R4.8 million was raised for bail-out fund, with R3.2 million raised for BTech students and R1.8 million raised for final year students, there are still many students that need assistance.

However, the SRC has been able to cater for 800 students that were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS).

Students are also now able to buy digital devices with their Nsfas book allowances and as part of the SRC’s Rage Campaign meal packs are available directly from the Campus Clinic to students who qualify.

Next year, eco-heaters will be installed in Lebombo Residence, situated on North Campus, where cooking facilities are currently being upgraded.

In terms of the Shuttle Service, a new integrated system has been implemented

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will take care of students as far as Motherwell, Cleary Park and Zwide. The SRC will also be monitoring the system to ensure that any problems, if not avoided, are dealt with swiftly.

Back on campus, the SRC has hosted a dialogue through the International Office to promote the idea diversity.

leaders of NMMU after the elections earlier in September, all eyes are on the SRC to see what they are able to accomplish over the next year.

First on the list is the annual fee negotiation which will be taking place soon, where the

SRC will be involved in order to ensure that the increase will be able to contribute to the success of all students.

At the end of August, the SRC, along with the Black Lawyer’s Association (BLA) hosted a women’s gala themed “I can hear the ROAR of women’s silence”. Here, women were able to discuss issues that are faced on a daily basis and brainstorm some solutions to solve these problems.

On 30 August, the SRC hosted a soccer tournament that aimed to enhance sport transformations. With DASO serving another term as the

A promotional for the RAGE Campaign 2015

Term 3 | September 2015

NEWS

GLITZ AND GLAM AT LAW BALL

Students enjoying the Northern Lights themed Law Ball, which took place at Running Waters

By Arantxa Mathapersadh The NMMU’s Law Student Society (LSS) executive committee and fellow members swapped out their usual attire for a fancier look as they prepared for the annual Law Ball event.

The Northern Lights themed event, was organised by the current Vice Chairperson, Zelda Kotze, took place at Running Waters, Kragga Kamma on Wednesday evening, 23 September 2015.

The society, which received the 2014 Society of the Year award as well as the Best Academic Society award, was hopeful in the weeks leading

Term 3 | September 2015

up to the event that it would prove to be as successful as previous years. The 2015 “Northern Lights” theme differed from previous years’ themes, such as the 2014 Gatsby inspired ball, in an attempt to make the evening formal, yet more relaxed and colourful for members.

The ball, as described by Kotze, was said to be “the most glamorous event of the year,” as it entailed a three course meal, photo booth, table prizes as well as a ceremony that sent off the old executive committee and announced and welcomed the newly elected committee, the

Vice Chairperson, Sebastiaan Marx, and the Chairperson, Kevin Van Wyk. In addition, all funds raised throughout the year by the society, was handed over to their main charity, St Francis Hospice based in Humansdorp, during the event.

The LSS Charity Golf Day, which was held in early August at Wedgewood Gold Course, is the main fundraising event for the charity and managed to raise approximately R5000 towards the cause.

and Bus Party, held by the society throughout the year, have been part of the society’s initiative to achieve assist in achieving NMMU’s Vision 2020 with the six different values in mind.

Kotze also claimed that the Law Ball, as well as the Green Week (hosted from 31 August to 4 September 2015)

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NEWS

STUDENTS VIE FOR TOP SPOT

From left to right, Sinovuyo Ndindwa, Amandla Didiza and Ryan Karshagen, are 3 of the 5 finalists for the Herald GM Youth Citizen of the Year award

By Casey Roche Expressing a great love for their communities and the well-being of others are three of NMMU’s very own students who have been selected as finalists for the Herald General Motors Youth Citizen of the Year Awards.

Sinovuyo Ndindwa, a Bcom Accounting student, Ryan Karshagen, a BA English and History student and Amandla Didiza, a BA Law student are amongst the 5 finalists in the running for the award.

The award, which brought in the youth category for the first time this year, is aimed at recognising individuals who have gone the extra mile in service to others and their communities. As Ndindwa was quoted as saying, “The Citizen of the Year Award is a very prestigious one and is every philanthropists’ dream.”

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The amount of work that these three students do in their respective communities seems endless and they show no signs of slowing down.

At the young age of 20, Karshagen is the current chairperson of NMMU’s Ballroom and Latin American Dance Association, where he incorporates charity work by visiting organisations such as Reach for a Dream.

Karshagen is also an ambassador and volunteer at the Unity in Africa Foundation.

With his involvement in the Bona Bathandwa Dream Club, Karshagen pays visits to the Walmer Township once a week, where he assists with a homework club. “It is here where my inspiration stemsfrom the radiant smiles I receive from the children that I work with on a weekly basis,” said Karshagen

Didiza was appointed as Global Youth Ambassador for A World at School in May last year, where he is adamant on bettering education in the Eastern Cape. Didiza organises talks for various schools in areas such as Zwide, Motherwell and New Brighton on the importance of staying in school and advancing to a tertiary institution. Once obtaining his degree and going on to get his Masters Didiza wants to start up an international co-operative for access to education as a basic human right. Speaking to the Herald, Didiza said, “Education is at the centre of my heart. I want to start up a foundation of my own.”

Ndindwa, founder of Imbewu for the Future, is eager to use his Accounting degree and further post-grad studies to

help the citizens in his home town of Zwelithsa, where he saw many small businesses going bankrupt. Assisting the youth by tutoring them and helping them to apply to tertiary institutions, Ndindwa would also like to help the older generation in managing their businesses correctly.

Ndindwa’s organisation, Imbewu, has implemented a five year plan where they hope to obtain reliable sponsors with at least five paid volunteers to run their day-to-day activities.

The organisation hopes to open up a local literacy centre.

The winner will be announced at a gala event on 30 October. Win or lose, these three students are headed for greater things and will undoubtedly make NMMU proud.

Term 3 | September 2015

FEATURES NEWS

OPEN STELLENBOSCH

CAUSES OUTRAGE

By Sithisa Magxwalisa The Open Stellenbosch movement has become trending topic amongst South African students on various social media sites after the release of the documentary Luister. The documentary discusses the grievances relating to racism, discrimination and the language policies of the institution.

The documentary presents the experiences of Stellenbosch students and a lecturer at the institution as they share how they have been affected by the prevalence of what they view as racism and discriminatory views of the Afrikaner students at the university. The overall complaint is that the university should represent a democratic South Africa and instill inclusive policies to the benefit

of all students. In addition to that, it is their belief that there should be language equality in the sense that all barriers to the learning experience should be eliminated. This includes creating access to lectures and learning material English.

Students at various institutions across South Africa have since pledged solidarity to the Open Stellenbosch campaign and have organized silent demonstrations in support.

Image sourced from www.youtube.com

PENCIL THAT IN

By Arantxa Mathapersadh Viwe Ndayi, Marketing and Engagement Intern for the Department of Public Relations and Communications Studies has taken it upon herself to create the “Grass Roots for Bright Routes” pencil drive project. The project, which has been implemented at NMMU, ran for a seven week period (10 August – 30 September).

The project was created through an idea to help primary school students to develop their writing skills. It has, however,

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evolved into a pencil drive after the research conducted found several schools to be lacking in basic school supplies.

Vezubuhle Primary school principal, Ms Mzxaka, expressed her disappointment at the lack of stationery to Ndayi by saying that students are so desperate to learn, but lack the proper tools that equip them to do so.

This pencil drive project is one that will benefit public primary schools in Port Elizabeth.

“The campaign speaks to the importance of having a great

start in life,” Ndayi claimed.

The project aims for a target of 10 000 pencils which will help 10 public schools and has a total of 10 volunteers who aid in the overall implementation of the project, which falls in line with NMMU’s 10th year celebrations.

received and the department hopes to receive at least 8000 pencils by the end of the month.

There has been a great number received by students, staff members and stationery companies such as Staedtler, who has agreed to donate two boxes of pencils towards the cause. Thus far, approximately 1002 pencils have been

Pencils may still be donated and dropped off in the box at South Campus’ Main Building, 5th floor, outside room 02.

The project also helps students to realise their dreams by suggesting that “if you write your dreams down, you are most likely to remember them and thus implement them.”

Term 2 | May 2015 Page 7

FEATURES

BREWS, BRA’S, B

PORT ELIZABETH IS DRINKING UP CRAFT

“I’ll have the usual” With craft beer establishments like BEERYARD sprouting up all over Port Elizabeth, you can rest assured that there will be nothing usual about your usual.

By Ian Mills I have been involved in the restaurant and bar industry for the best part of the last five years both as an employee and as a client (I'm a student after all). You hear a lot of things from behind the bar. Sometimes, you're treated to the odd juicy tidbit like, “I know right! You can't even tell that they're not real!” But usually, it’s just “Can I have a Castle Lite, bru?”

I had gotten used to the

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mundane task of serving Port Elizabeth’s 18-25 year olds' their beverage of choice. But one day, a patron asked if he could please have a Naked Mexican. Before I could say the words, “I'm sorry sir, but were not that kind of establishment”, I realised that he was asking for a lager; a different type of lager. It was a craft beer. In that moment, I was made aware of the craft beer revolution happening in South Africa.

This revolution has reached

Port Elizabeth, and more specifically, our campus. But is this craft beer revolution here to stay? Or is it just a passing fad like the Nike Roshe Run trainers and lumberjack beards worn by those who imbibe them the most?

Lex Mitchell, founder of Mitchell's Brewery in Knysna and South African brewing legend claims that the reason he became involved in craft brewing in 1980 was because there was a market for it. He

explained that “for a long time there has been a general move towards artisinal living and produce made from pure, organic ingredients.”

In a world where people are forever searching to define or redefine themselves, authenticity, especially in their beverage(s) of choice is a must. This is made even easier when one has more than one choice.

Term 4 | September 2015

FEATURES

BARS AND BRU’S

T BEER CULTURE, AND IT TASTES GOOD New kid on the brewing block, Niall Cook of the Richmond Hill Brewing Co. shares this view. “I think South Africans are really enjoying the beer choices available to them now.

They no longer have to settle only for a light lager,” explained Cook. The Richmond Hill Brewing Co. currently has three flagship brews on offer at Beeryard. They are the Car Park John American Amber Ale, the Two Rand Man Irish Red Ale and That Girl, a dry stout. When asked about what challenges craft beer still faces in our country, Cook stressed the importance of beer education. “More often than not a sample (of beer) and a little explanation as to what they are drinking quickly open their eyes to the vast world of beer that has been denied to them for so long.”

Education does not seem to be a problem for the boys in the NMMU Micro Brewery. In fact, it’s the reason the brewery was created in 2009 in the first place. It was originally a BSC Honours Project and has since been adopted by a committed group of six students in the Biochemistry department.

They are Richard Davis, Kenneth Oosthuizen, Ned Camille, Stephen Clarke and Dale Annear. Fuelled only by the love of beer and the desire to explore the world of it, these brewers have since crafted three unique brews. These beers were entries in South Africa Breweries’ Intervarsity Beer brewing challenge.

They are The Nelson, a Czech Lager, Red Mistress, a Belgium Saison ale and Stage 1, an experimental wit-bier.

Term 4 | September 2015

“The Big Three”. With The Nelson, Red Mistress and Stage 1 having been well received at SAB’s Intervarsity Beer Brewing Competition, one can expect great (drinkable) things from the NMMU Micro-Brewery.

The Nelson was placed 2nd overall in the competition and will soon be available for tasting at Rendezvous Café. “We want to make the beer tasting a monthly event to show our progress,” said Dale Annear.

When

asked

about

the

University’s involvement in the microbrewery itself, Kenneth Oosthuizen explained, “NMMU and its science department has taken more of a passive role and allowed us great freedom in the beers we brew. They do provide us with resources if needed and

Rendezvous Café has shown great support for what we are doing.”

The NMMU Microbrewery will host a tasting of The Nelson Lager at Rendezvous Cafe on 8 October at 12:00.

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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

NMMU CHOIR HOSTS NATIONAL FESTIVAL

United in choral music, TUKS Camerata, Stellenbosch, UJ and NMMU choirs closed the festival with a mass choir performance of Dr. Peter Louis Van Dijk’s “Plea from Africa” led by the NMMU Choir’s soloist, Siphokazi Molteno under the baton of American conductor, Joey Martin of Texas State University. They closed the show with a hearty standing ovation at the Feather Market Hall, Port Elizabeth.

By Sithisa Magxwalisa The NMMU Choir has had a great year so far, with a jam-packed calendar of performances and appearances at a variety of local and national events. This September was no different as they shared the stage with three of South Africa’s best university choirs at the biennial KUESTA University Choir Festival. The choirs experienced a “music by the seaside” themed KUESTA in recognition of the hosting coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

The choirs in attendance included Stellenbosch Choir, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Choir, University of Pretoria (TUKS Camerata) and the hosts, the Nelson Mandela

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Metropolitan University (NMMU) Choir.

Choirs brought their unique energy each specialising in different aspects of choral music that has gained them recognition nationally and internationally.

The Stellenbosch Choir, the oldest existing choir in South Africa, performed under the baton of Andre van der Merwe who is known for his discipline and precision in the articulation of classical pieces.

Stellenbosch performed pieces from their expansive classical and technically impeccable repertoire.

A clear favourite this year was the powerful performance of “The Conversion of Saul”, which exhibited beautiful moments of vulnerability in

contrast to the powerful and delivery of the dynamics of the American piece.

biblical character, David, when he received the news of the death of his son, Absalom.

The UJ Choir, with conductor Renette Bouwer brought their A-game from their exciting traditional, African music repertoire that entailed medleys that pay tribute to our rich South African diversity while also bringing a humble portrayal of Western classical and spiritual pieces.

The hosts of this years’ KUESTA Festival, the NMMU Choir performed a collaboration of classical, anglo-spirituals and their world renowned traditional music offerings that included the Nelson Mandela medley and the latest rendition of uXam (Anti-Xenophobia) medley.

TUKS Camerata conducted

by Michael Joseph Barrett, performed a combination of classical, spiritual and traditional pieces.

The heartfelt performance of “Absalom, My Son” was one of the highlights. It conveyed the grief experienced by the

The KUESTA University Choral Festival showcased the continued development of South African choral music culture; as well as the exceptional standard that has been groomed over the years at our universities.

Term 4 | September 2015

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

SUGAR FREE SEPTEMBER THE HOW AND THE WHY

Suzelle supports sugar free September

By Vasti Visser If you’re into healthy living or have a viable internet connection and access to social media, you may have noticed this month’s hottest health trend – going sugar free. Sugar free September is a way for people to kickstart a healthier lifestyle by reducing their sugar intake.

So what exactly does the latest health craze entail?

According to healthconscious blog, The Muesli, it’s impossible to go completely sugar free as the body requires glucose for energy. However, there is ample glucose in fruits, vegetables and dairy for a balanced diet. Therefore, the goal of Sugar Free September is to avoid any food or drinks with added sugar.

One of the biggest challenges

Term 4 | September 2015

is cutting out refined sugars which is found in bread, pasta and other flour based foods. On the plus side, with decreased sugar consumption there’s no need for low fat so feel free to enjoy as much cream, cheese and cream cheese as you like.

Certain products that are shown as health foods actually contain plenty of undesirable added sugars, but don’t worry; they can easily be substituted for delicious healthy alternatives, fruit juice is one of these. Juicing fruit gets rid of most of the vitamins and nutrients and plenty of sugar is then added by manufacturers.

Try to substitute fruit juice with a whole fruit . Yoghurt manufacturers add 3-6 teaspoons of sugar to every 200g of yoghurt; rather try mixing fresh fruit with Greek

yoghurt – you won’t be disappointed. Another product that is seen as a health drink is Vitamin Water, which can contain up to 5 teaspoons of added sugar per bottle. Try making your own by adding sliced fruit to your water bottle; you’ll get in plenty of vitamins and stay hydrated!

Once the initial hard part is over and you’ve cleared your body of sugar, the benefits will become evident.

S u g a r cravings will reduce, moods will stabilise, skin

will clear, and energy levels will increase. If that’s not enough motivation for you, remember – your waistline will thank you!

Sugar Free September logo sourced from www.eventbrite. com

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

RECIPES FOR SUGAR FREE SEPTEMBER

Apple halves with sugar-free peanut butter

By Dana Hyde When last did you ‘spring clean’ your diet? It is very easy to get sucked into the whirlpool of unhealthy eating, especially with the pressure faced at university. However, this month we are seeing a ‘sugar-free’ trend and we eagerly invite you on board. As the saying goes a healthy body is a healthy mind!

So here is a list of healthy dishes to kick-start a sugar-free revolution. Join us on a ‘fit for life journey. Don’t despair it will still satisfy your taste buds!

Snack Attack

The Perfect Sandwhich

Fruit Fantasy

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Two of my quickand-easy apple creations will definitely chase your ‘hunger blues’ away.

An ‘all-veggie’ combination that has been given the thumbs up by health professionals? You will not be disappointed. Here is what you need:

My mum’s famous fruit salad always has people going back for seconds. A simple combination that always gets it right.

•

•

2 slices brown bread, lettuce (optional), avocado, tomato, cucumber, grated

•

carrots, mayonnaise and seasoning.

•

Cover with fruit juice (mango and orange works best!)

•

Add a small tin of

•

Apple slices with sugarfree peanut butter or almond butter Apple slices and cinnamon in greek yoghurt

Simple, quick and it won’t break the budget!

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•

Assemble according preference and enjoy.

to

Cut paw-paw, apples, bananas, naartjies or oranges, and strawberries into a bowl.

granadilla pulp and mix with approximately a teaspoon of artificial sweetener (according to preference).

Serve chilled and share the goodness!

Play around with your fruits and vegetables, make salads colourful and put that smoothie maker to work

Term 4 | September 2015

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

HERITAGE & BRAAI DAY WHAT WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING?

By Sithisa Magxwalisa South Africa is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, boasting 11 official languages and a large diversity of cultures that make up our population. To celebrate this, September is known as Heritage Month. Over the years, the focus of celebration of heritage has shifted slightly with the gradual implementation of national Braai Day that is equally recognized on the public holiday observed on 24 September. In light of this, NMMYou took to the students of South Campus to ask them how they will be celebrating and what this holiday means to them.

Shan-Iynn Keur | 2nd year Education South Africa has come a long way from the past to the present day and as citizens it is important that we commemorate our diversity as nation that is rich with culture. We are fortunate to have a country that recognizes and celebrates our unique, rainbow nation diversity and recognizes it through the existence of 11 official languages.

This public holiday should be seen as an opportunity to recognize, express and share our differences in a way that respects and celebrates our differences and uniqueness.

Simba Mattawu (International) & Jeremiah Matsa | 3rd year Law Heritage is a worthy cause to celebrate due to our rich history and past as Africans. We have are one of the most diverse continents with cultural lineage that spans millions of years back in time. It is our duty to reflect and pay homage to our roots and ancestors so that we can look forward to building on it and look to a brighter future.�

Michael Slabbert | 3rd year BA Psych The celebration of heritage day is not a well-recognized holiday as compared to other celebrated holidays in South Africa. A lot more can be done towards celebrating our diverse cultures and building an appreciation for what the holiday aims to commemorate, we need to remember that our cultural diversity is the framework in which we can reflect on the past in order to build onto the future of our country and its’ citizens.

Term 4 | September 2015

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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

CAMPUS FASHION #CAUGHTONCAMPUS

Did you get ‘caught on campus’? If so, tag yourself and NMMYou so everyone can see you shine.

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak - Rachel Zoe -

Lusi Mahote 3rd Year BA(MCC)

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Asipho Hintsho

Kelly Hoggons

3rd Year

1st Year

BSc Biochem

BA

Term 4 | September 2015

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMNET

Daniel Kwanulu

Lindilile Malangeni

3rd Year

1st Year

Architecture

Psych

Prince Konolo 1st Year

Brunn Kramer

Samantha Mafuya & Siphokazi Dokwana

Construction Economics

2nd Year

1st Year

Fine Arts

BSc

Term 4 | September 2015

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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

TAKE A HIKE

By Dana Hyde

Hiking has to be one of my newest obsessions. Health benefits aside, beautiful views and fantastical flora can boost positivity and refresh the mind. So grab a group of friends and ‘trail’ the natural beauty on offer in Port Elizabeth and the greater Eastern Cape. The wonders of nature will never cease to amaze and inspire.

Here is a list of trails that I suggest you visit.

SACRAMENTO TRAIL LADY’S SLIPPER TRAIL This offering not too far off campus has to be one of my favourites! Wild vegetation colour this 8 km coastal walk, which covers land of Schoenmakerskop and the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve.

History is also brought to life with many monuments dotted along the trail. A canon that denotes the wreckage site of Portuguese ship Sacramento (1647) is the first of many.

For the more sure-footed hiker, I would suggest this mountain trail just outside of Port Elizabeth. Property of the South African Mountain Club, quartzite landscaping and sensory fynbos climax towards

a rewarding view. A fee of R20 per person is required and you are implored to park your car at Highbrae Camp and Climb – one of many safety precautions that you must adhere to.

GRYSBOK TRAIL Did you know that NMMU was declared a private nature reserve in 1983?

This is yet another reason to sing the praises of our uniquely diverse university.

Established in 1995, there are two trails covering 3.2 and

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2.5 kilometers respectively.

Embark on a private walk for escapist means or book a guide to broaden your flora and fauna knowledge. Having done this trail twice, I can recommend it for all students.

*Always remember to hike in a group (5+) and allocate enough time to complete a trail in daylight. Water and other essentials must also be packed. ..

All in all, prepare thoroughly for fun in a sun with nature as the soundtrack of the day...

Term 4 | September 2015

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

THE BATTLE OF VIDEO ON DEMAND SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA

By Brendan Smit

Image sourced from www.avclub.com

Two months ago, Altech Node and BoxOffice from DSTV were the only two forms of Video on Demand (VOD) available in South Africa. Within a short space of time no less than four other VOD services have been announced.

The Altech Node will officially be discontinued from the end of October.

Video on Demand refers to a system where the viewer decides what content they will have access to when they desire it. This is usually streamed to a device such as a computer, mobile device, or television. It is similar to a combination of YouTube and going to the movies. Users pay a monthly fee to gain access to various movies and series that

Term 4 | September 2015

they can watch in the comfort of their own homes.

gets you thousands of hours of content.

the high cost of internet and mobile data in SA.

Possibly the most well-known VOD service in the world is Netflix, which is unofficially available in SA, although they have announced that they will be launching it in the upcoming months.

In response to this, Naspers launched Showmax. While Showmax has some of the latest international content, it also has some local content, which is believed to be a game changer.

A monthly subscription of R99 excluding internet costs

Only time will tell whether this market is too saturated, or whether the internet infrastructure both fixed and mobile will be able to handle the strain. Another factor is

Keep an eye out for the NMMYou blog for a post on free Wi-Fi in Summerstrand and other locations across Port Elizabeth that will be rolled out later this October

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SAVING YOUR

By Brendan Smit

Many of you remember the glorious days of free internet in the form of BIS, back when Blackberrys were the in-thing.

Many a Blackberry user laughed at the users of Android and IOS and the data struggle they were going through. That was until Blackberry went bang, and the uncapped BIS was stopped.

As smart phone users, we are keenly aware of the use of our

data, and how it mysteriously disappears, just like that mate of the sock that we can never find. No, there is no mystical safe haven for socks or mobile data. Instead, the applications (apps) on your phone are the culprits. You see, data usage can be classified into two categories: foreground and background data usage. Foreground usage take place while you are using the app and background usage occurs when you are no longer in the app.

LG Phones:

Go to your phone settings and select the networks tab

Select the option that says mobile data

1.

3.

2.

Scroll down until you see a checkbox labelled as restrict background data and tick the box. You can repeat this with all the other desired applications

Once there scroll down past the graph of data usage until you come across the list of applications

5.

Select the desired application

4.

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Term 4 | September 2015

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

MOBILE DATA This is most often the cause of your data draining - the apps use data in the background to remain synced and updated, and this takes place without your knowledge.

The biggest culprits are usually social media applications, including your email app, as well as the android play store and system. There is however a solution to this problem and that comes in the form of blocking background data usage for

certain apps. These few simple steps could save you hundreds of megabytes of data in the long run. Remember that every megabyte that is saved adds up.

For Android there are five easy steps to control data usage:

Samsung Phones:

Select the option that says Data Usage

Go to your phone settings

1.

3.

2.

Scroll down until you see a checkbox labelled as restrict background data and tick the box. You can repeat this with all the other desired applications

Once there scroll down past the graph of data usage until you come across the list of applications

5.

Select the desired application

4.

Term 4 | September 2015

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SPORTS

NEDBANK MADIBAZ SWIMMERS REPRESENT AT ALL AFRICAN GAMES

By Brittany Straton On the 5-11 September three first year NMMU students, Edward Johannisen, Alaric and Alard Basson, competed in the all Africa Senior Championships in Brazzaville, Congo.

Alaric Basson competed in the 100 metre and 50 metre breaststroke event and managed to make the finals for both events. He placed sixth for both events, claimed a personal best for the 50 metre swim, and also set a new Eastern Province record.

He also partook in the mixed and men’s 4 x 100 metre relay where the South African team narrowly missed first place and claimed silver while the Egyptian team claimed first.

Alard Basson, like his twin, is also studying Building Engineering. He competed in the 50 metre and 200 metre butterfly event. He managed to make the finals and claimed fourth place overall. For his 50 metre event he managed a personal best and set a new Eastern Province Record. He missed third place by two splits of a second.

Nebank Madibaz swimmers represent at All African games

It was the second year that Edward Johannisen, a first year BA General student, partook in the All African Championships. He competed in the 400 metre individual medley and was placed fifth.

In his 200 metre breaststroke

race he came seventh.

in store.”

“It was a tough competition, especially swimming against Egypt, but we learned a lot from the likes of Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh,” said Johannisen. “I look forward to what the future has

The swimmers said they have learned a lot from this experience and are privileged to have been able to represent their country.

SPAR MADIBAZ ON RIGHT TRACK

By Tebuho Zongwana Currently occupying fourth position on the Varsity Netball log, NMMU Netball team boast a record of three wins in five games.

This record rightfully allows them to round up the top four which puts them eight points behind log leaders, the University of Free State (Kovsies).

The Spar Madibaz’ last game was a fight of a strong and very determined University of Johannesburg, who come out

Term 4 | September 2015

on top with a hard clashed 50 – 52 victory on Monday night (21 September). The match got off to a shaky start with NMMU holding a very slender 5-4 lead after the opening seven minutes but the home team managed to put more daylight between the teams as they led 11-8 at the end of the first quarter. Both sides managed to secure their bonus point by passing the magic 50-point marker and just when it seemed as though the match was headed for a draw, the

Madibaz clinched the narrow victory.

Coach Dumisani Chauke said, “They showed courage and character. The game was for the team who wanted it the most and we showed that we wanted it.” The game had played out well, especially taking into consideration that the Madibaz team had gone down twice to UJ at the USSA tournament in July.

University of Pretoria (TUKS) at The Vodacom indoor Sports Centre, South Campus on 28 September at 19:00.

Get your tickets by downloading the Varsity Sports app and show your support for the Madibaz Ladies!

The final Home Game will see the Madibaz take on The

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