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Perdeby
Tuks se amptelike studentekoerant / Official Tuks student newspaper / Kuranta ya baithuti ya semmušo ya Tuks
11May2015
year77issue09
EFF failure to launch leads to attack on journalist CAREL WILLEMSE A Perdeby journalist’s phone was forcibly taken from her and her recordings deleted at the launch of the EFF Groenkloof campus branch on Friday 8 May. Due to low attendance, the launch was postponed. Busisiwe Beje, a Perdeby news journalist, was invited to cover the launch in the Normaalsaal, but less
than 15 EFF members attended the event. It was then decided to postpone the launch. Beje was the only female left in the hall when a group of EFF members surrounded her and asked her to delete the recordings she had made. According to Beje one of the EFF members held her while others took her phone after she refused to delete her recordings. When she told them
that what they are doing is wrong and that she would file a complaint, SRC deputy president Luvuyo Menziwa told her to go ahead and do it. Menziwa did nothing to stop the intimidation. According to Menziwa, the recordings were deleted because Beje never arranged with anyone to attend the event or asked permission to make recordings. EFF Tuks chairperson
Kabelo Mahlobogwane confirmed with Perdeby that the event was advertised on the Groenkloof campus as a public event. Beje, a resident of Inca on the Groenkloof campus, was also invited by EFF deputy chair Sam Mphuti to attend the event. While trying to leave, Beje was pushed from behind while an EFF member shouted at her that this wasn’t a newsroom, it was an EFF meeting and that she had no right to be there, even though Beje tried to explain that she was invited by the EFF to cover the event. Mahlobogwane declined to comment when asked about the behaviour of the EFF members towards Beje.
A look at UP student politics
MICHAL-MARÉ LINDEN
With campus seemingly more politically active than usual, Perdeby investigated just how many students are members of a political society on campus.
The investigation found that only 1 in 50 students are members of a political society. This comes amid general student apathy towards student governance as demonstrated by the low voter turnout at the SRC elections over the last four years.
This kind of apathy raises serious questions. Why are students so apathetic towards student politics? Does politics have a place at the university? Should such a small percentage dictate what is happening on campus?
Interviews
Xenophobia victim - pg. 6
Francois van Coke - pg. 9
Perdeby would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Write us a letter (perdeby@up.ac.za) or tweet us your thoughts (@perdebynews).
Chante Geary- pg. 9
Black Cat Bones - pg. 10
Akani Simbine - pg. 12
Infographic: Michal-Maré Linden
cutting edge student living
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Perdeby
Editorial | 11 May 2015 Perdeby media school, lesson 1
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On Friday I said that I was going to write an editorial of this nature. I didn’t. Obviously it’s time to, though, because here I am on a Sunday night rewriting the editorial that I intended to. This decision is based on two incidents that have happened to Perdeby staff members this last week. In light of the political schools that political parties on campus are hosting, Perdeby is jumping on the bandwagon right here to provide you with some important things to note about media. You can call it a media school, if you must. The function of media, including Perdeby, is to inform, educate and entertain. Essentially, we need to reflect reality by being a mirror to society. We do this by providing objective information that will inform society about what is happening around them. More than that, we are the watchdog of society, ready to bark when things look suspicious. We aren’t complacent about happenings so that we can, in turn, mobilise society out of its complacency. Perdeby is independent, and we fight hard to keep it that way. This is because our allegiance lies with the students. Perdeby is not the propaganda machine of the university. We don’t have to be nice to
From the Editor
them if they’re not being nice to the students. Likewise, we’re not controlled by the SRC. They may be students but we don’t have to be nice to them either. We’re definitely not under the jurisdiction of any society or structure, so they can’t tell us what we’re not allowed to do if it’s well within our rights. Key to this independence is objectivity. Perdeby always strives to tell the story as it happened. This includes telling every side of the story. It’s also the reason why I don’t believe in publishing opinion pieces other than the editorial, why we won’t let anyone but a Perdeby journalist write a story, and why we have a designated “letters” section for any opinions expressed to us. This brings me to the incidents and crucial issues that need to be addressed because they echo a larger, national, and even international misunderstanding about what the media can and cannot do. In order to have stories, we need to attend events and happenings. The media cannot attend private events. For instance, we cannot cover every SRC meeting because we’re simply not invited. The media can attend a private event if they have been invited. For example, serrie finals this Friday is not a free, open event but we will cover it because Stuku has invited us and it is relevant to our readership. The media can attend any event that is open to the public, especially if it has been advertised as such. Events open to the public are vital to cover, especially if they deal with current topics of discussion as they impact and encourage participation from a wider range of people. This makes an event that is open to the public not just Perdeby’s right to cover, but also our responsibility. If you are hosting an open event and a journalist is in attendance, you cannot kick them out (yes, this is addressed to you Anti-Racism Forum) because we have every right to be there, personal invitation or not. You definitely can’t take a vote as to whether we’re allowed to publish a story on the event or not because the answer is, and will always be, that we most certainly are allowed to and most certainly will. Journalists are quite dutiful people, you see. And while we’re on the topic, Anti-Racism Forum, you criticise us for not engaging in the debate
on racism and transformation, which is okay because now we’re making an even more conscious effort, but when we do attempt to cover it (the article would have explained what was expressed at your political school and what you stand for so everyone could hear your message), you instead decide that we aren’t invited and that we can’t write about it but that you’ll write us a letter instead. That’s not how media works. Please, choose your stance. Journalists also have the right to access to information, specifically that which is in the public domain. This includes any footage from an event that is open to the public. No one has the right to make a journalist delete footage of a public event (And yes, EFF Tuks, this is for you). You certainly can’t harass and intimidate them either, because that’s actually illegal. As far as I’m concerned, the launch of a new branch is something you should actually want us to cover. This is basically free publicity for you, but you’d rather ensure that the article never sees the light of day by assaulting the journalist assigned to the story. I honestly don’t think you even need a stance, just some common sense. There are deeper questions in all of this that apply to everyone we write about: if you don’t want us to cover something, why? Are you trying to hide something? Are you scared that an objective take on an event may risk making the holes in your beliefs apparent? Journalists aren’t vindictive and we’re certainly not out to get you. We just want to provide a reflection of all the sides of a story so that the reader can choose their stance. A world without media freedom is one where the public can’t see the whole picture. It allows those in power to do whatever they want without being questioned. Media in society is vital. If you’re playing your part correctly, you need not fear us. If you aren’t, we have the tools to unravel you. In a supposedly free society, our role becomes more important by the day. Media doesn’t just help win freedom, it plays a part in ensuring that you get to keep it too.
were made, some sensible and some outlandish, but as great as the forums was, individuals within the house at large probed the leaders present to stop talking about it and finally get the ball rolling. I’m not a politically inclined person, but it is interesting seeing many of the parties present on campus working against each other and not together to achieve a number of the same goals they fight for and represent. As much as I may or may not agree with some of their points of view, listening to their requests does spark something in you to do something and be a part of the activity which this university will soon see. I, however, was disappointed with Afriforum. As a political party, you fight for what you believe in (even if the majority that attended the event don’t agree with you). You don’t just walk out on when the going gets tough, especially at informative events like this. Is this an indication of how your party handles its challenging situations? As soon as it gets a
little tough, you give up? Instead of leaving, you could have used the time to take down notes and maybe learn something that might challenge the way you think. The issues raised by your speaker, the rest of the panel and the house at large did exactly that for me: shift me from a narrow minded point of view and challenge me. I really hope such events get hosted more and that information is sent out to the masses about them. Students like myself are always eager to learn and have our ideologies challenged for the better. The leaders that guide and lead us on campus have a responsibility to inform us and try get us involved. Most people are more than willing, we are just kept in the dark on certain issues. Hopefully true change can come about on our campus and more of these events are hosted. Inathi Ngesi
Michal
Letters I will admit that even though I’m a fairly well educated individual, I am ignorant on many issues because they might not affect me and/or I may be blind to them. However, when the opportunity presents itself, I do attend forums or events and try to engage in pressing matters and issues with regard to student life and the state of our country. The recent transformation event hosted by ABASA and the SRC was one I was glad I did not miss out on. I thoroughly enjoyed how the panel brought up the issue of transformation with regard to their own individual societies or political parties. It was very informative for me, as when you talk about transformation, you tend to narrow it down to race, class, the past, apartheid, etc. People tend to forget about certain specific genders and communities affected (women, the LGBT community, and people living with disabilities). Suggestions
Copyright Perdeby is printed by Paarlmedia. All rights reserved. Contributions are welcome. All due care will be taken with materials submitted, but Perdeby and printers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend or alter in any way deemed necessary. Perdeby cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The opinions expressed in Perdeby are not necessarily those of the editors and printers of Perdeby.
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11 May 2015 | News
Tuks catches Rhodes fever
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Photos: Shen Scott
LETHABO MALEPA AND MICHAEL BONGANI REINDERS On 23 April the Society for Current and Global Affairs, with the support of the Transformation Committee, hosted an event titled “Rhodes falling and UP: last monument to racism?” The event was led by former UP lecturer and current junior philosophy lecturer at Unisa, Terblanche Delport. The lecture focused on the issue of white supremacy on a global scale as well as in South Africa, with emphasis placed on South African university’s. UP was the main focus of the discussion with Delport speaking of “the possibility of imagining a decolonised and
democratic University of Tshwane”. During the lecture, Delport stated that, “I really don’t think Afrikaans should exist and the continued existence of Afrikaans is exactly proving my point of white supremacy.” He further stated, “they [the Afrikaners] should just be a part of Africa.” After the lecture, Delport opened up the floor and responded to questions from the audience. After a question regarding the approach students should take toward transformation, Delport encouraged a “bottom-up approach”. He explained that, “What needs to happen at Tuks is, on a very practical level, a mass meeting should be called ... where one
sits down with the goal of deciding how we would go about this.” He added that, “I think the idea, the time to debate particulars, is done. It is time to think about the reality
“I really don’t think Afrikaans should exist and the continued existence of Afrikaans is exactly proving my point of white supremacy.” of decolonisation. The time is now.” He explained that the decision of whether or not to do something had
already been made, and that it is now necessary to discuss what to do. Delport also mentioned issues which should be addressed at UP saying that we should attack res, attack the syllabus, and approach transformation. However, many raised the concern that they do not have the ability to voice their concerns without fear of their plans being halted or without the fear of being expelled. People also spoke about how students should not only be allowed to voice their concerns, but that the university should be proactive about these concerns raised. When asked how to actively achieve change at UP, Delport said that, as with UCT using the Rhodes
statue, Tuks needs to find something to rally around, but added, “At Tuks it is difficult to choose one image, one symbol, because there [are] so many.” Delport did, however, sight the white sculptures outside Old Merensky as possible targets. The Society for Current and Global Affairs said that, “[The event is] not an instance of radicalisation of students. What [we] are trying to do is create a platform for students to talk about topics that are important to them. This week [it was] Rhodes, but there are countless [more] issues. Topics [they] will cover in the future that are current and global will be [about] the university as a business.”
UP’s activism week: say no to xenophobia
Image: Society for Current and Global Affairs Facebook page.
Students signing a banner about the Garissa attack. Photo: Shen Scott
JODY DAVISON The SRC, in collaboration with various student societies and students, hosted an activism week against xenophobia from 20-24 April, with daily activities in the piazza. Rebeka Gouhbegovic, a masters student in international relations, approached the SRC with the idea and the SRC encouraged societies to get involved. House Humanities, Soul Inc., the Centre for the Study of Aids and Gender (CSA & G), Tuks Debating Union, the political sciences department, the UP International Student Association (UPI) and Blue Palm all contributed towards the week in different ways. UPI and Blue Palm collected clothes throughout the week to donate to victims of xenophobic attacks. On 20 April, House Humanities held a memorial for the victims of the Garissa University massacre. They also distributed white ribbons and promoted their “Wear something white for peace” campaign which then ran throughout the week. Sumien Deetlefs, House Humanities’ chairperson, said “the aim was for
students to stand up against all the violence that happened in different parts of Africa.” Also on 20 April, Tumelo Duke Rasebopye, the SRC member with the Marketing, Media and Communication portfolio, spoke about the activism week and Soul Inc.’s chairperson, Lebogang Paul Lebese, performed a poem. Lebese said that it “tries to highlight the importance of love, respect, community, discipline and order, which of course forms the basis of the spirit of Ubuntu”. On 21 April Bella Cox, a Kenyan third-year BA General student, performed her poem written from a foreign student’s perspective in response to the attacks at Garissa University. On the same day, the CSA & G also provided boards for people to write on and anti-xenophobia posters for people to take pictures with. Gouhbegovic spoke briefly on 22 April regarding the issue of xenophobia, and those who attended were given the platform to “express anything on the theme of xenophobia”. On the same day the political science department supplied
paper for people to express their stance on xenophobia. On 22 and 23 April, Suvania Subroyen, Khayisile Mohudi and Kwena Moloto, members of Soul Inc., performed poems. On the last day of the campaign there was a march followed by a discussion moderated by Christopher Hojem, chairperson of Tuks Debating Union. Before the march, SRC president, Mosibudi “Rassie” Rasethaba explained that the activism week was “about awareness and joining the whole country to say no to xenophobia”. Kenneth Diole, a third-year student studying political science and international relations, described the march as a disappointment in regard to the turnout, although the attendees were optimistic. Diole felt that the debate “asked many questions that have been eluded by the university, for example issues of transformation”. Student participation in the activism week was low and Gouhbegovic remarked on this prevailing apathetic attitude, saying, “Evil prevails when good men do nothing ... don’t be that good man who does nothing, take a stand.”
Talks about Tuks as a lasting monument to racism JODY DAVISON On 23 April a discussion hosted by Society for Current and Global Affairs posed the question: “Is the University of Pretoria a lasting monument to racism or is there a possibility to imagine a decolonised and democratic University of Tswhane?” Subsequent to this discussion on 23 April, the Anti-Racism Forum (ARF) held a meeting on 28 April in an attempt to deal with some of the issues raised. Ndumiso Dladla, a member of the ARF’s political committee, said that the discussion on 23 April was a “rational account of what is happening, but it leaves the question: what must be done?” Questions on how to engage with issues of transformation on campus were the central focus of the meeting. Hesta van den Heever, a founding member of the Society for Current and Global Affairs, had highlighted that the languages of instruction at UP is an issue at the 23 April discussion. Van den Heever had explained how students questioned the university’s language policy, because it states
that, “There is to be no discrimination against any staff member or student who has command of only Afrikaans or of only English or of only these two languages.” Another reason for the meeting was that the ARF felt that after the discussion on 23 April they needed to provide a platform for those with similar goals to connect and work together on achieving such goals. The letter committee said that “these goals roughly revolve around transforming the university.” Furthermore, at the meeting the ARF introduced their four committees that have been formed to deal with specific aspects of what the ARF sees as the issues on campus. The four committees are social media, political, letter writing, and practical engagement. Dladla explained that the political school’s purpose “will be to consolidate and raise consciousness regarding the exact nature of the problem”. The ARF’s first political school took place on 7 May. During the event, it was made clear by members of the ARF that Perdeby was not welcome at the event.
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News | 11 May 2015
No use crying over spilt wine
Photo: Charlotte Bastiaanse
BIANCA MEYER The Wine Tasting Society’s registration for 2015 has been denied, along with 21 other societies. According to Michelle Kruger, SRC member with the societies portfolio, the Wine Tasting Society did not meet all the necessary requirements to re-register as a social society of the University of Pretoria, and so their application was rejected. The notice issued to inform the society of their rejected application stated that the Wine Tasting Society did not submit two of the seven essential documents for application. The documents missing were the minutes of their annual general meeting and an alphabetical list of members. Kruger said that another reason might be that the use of alcohol is not part of UP’s 2025 vision and mission. However, Kruger added
that she doesn’t “think that they [the Wine Tasting Society] are promoting drinking”. Mzikazi Noholoza of the DSA confirmed that she knows about the decision not to renew the society’s registration. Jana Knoetze, chairperson of the society, said that the decision does not come as a surprise as there was reluctance when the previous wine tasting event was arranged, but that it remains a disappointment. However, Knoetze said she is “100% sure that all the necessary documents were handed in and that the file was comprehensive” and that the Wine Tasting Society will appeal against the SRC’s decision. Knoetze said that the society’s goal is to give UP students the opportunity to learn about different wines as well as the wine making process using an educational approach.
Image provided.
TuksRes launches Female Leadership Academy BUSISIWE BEJE On 4 May TuksRes launched the TuksRes Female Leadership Academy at the Plant Sciences Building on the Hatfield campus. The programme is aimed at developing leadership and life skills as well as empowering firstyear ladies in residence. In her opening speech, fourth-year medicine student and facilitator of the programme Cyan Brown said, “This is a programme where five or ten years down the line we see women creating radical change … and who understand what leadership is about.” Brown said that they will not choose specific students to be part of this academy, but that they will “go to the residence[s] and give an introductory lecture [on] the programme and the girls that
would like to join can enrol [in] the academy.” Thembani Mentor, a fourth-year medicine student and programme facilitator, said, “Leadership skills empower one to lead and manage themselves. When we are equipped with resources that help us reinforce, grow and improve who we are, our education can’t help but be affected,” when asked how she thinks empowering females will contribute or influence students’ academic performance. Bes Liebenberg, manager of the TuksRes Leadership Training Academy, Residence Affairs and Accommodation, said, “On the one hand our vision at the training academy is to build and develop [women] who will serve the university in leadership structures
so that [the] university, TuksRes and residences can benefit.” Liebenberg said that ladies who are part of this academy will receive certificates that are recognised by the South African Qualification Association (SAQA) as “[they] are negotiating currently with a training company called Africa Skills Village to help [them] get the content of this women in leadership programme accredited on the SAQA framework”. When asked what she would like to see being achieved in female residences with the women in leadership academy, Sisana Machi, director of residences, said, “You can’t just wake up one morning and think that you’re going to be a leader … an academy like this one is where you start.”
Wits SRC president removed Graduate Alive campaign launched at Tuks from office
Image: Sasco Tuks branch Twitter page
SHAMMAH BOTERERE Image: YouTube.com
MICHAEL BONGANI REINDERS Mcebo Dlamini has been removed from his position as Wits SRC president after being given a suspended exclusion, pending appeal, earlier in the year. Dlamini was found guilty of misconduct by a student disciplinary committee for an unknown offence. Afterwards, Dlamini posted on Facebook stating that he had been found guilty of “insulting one senior management clown that I said [he’s] an incompetent white man who still harbours [an] apartheid hangover.”
Wits Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adam Habib told the media that Dlamini had been allowed to stay in office while he appealed his conviction. Prof. Habib then said, “I have decided to withdraw my decision for Mr Dlamini to remain in office.” Prof. Habib said that he made this decision because he realised that allowing Dlamini to stay in office while his appeal was pending would be a violation of the SRC constitution and the principle of justice. Dlamini has recently made headlines for comments on Facebook in which he expressed his admiration
for Adolf Hitler. His comments regarding Hitler upset the South African Jewish community and Prof. Habib condemned Dlamini’s post. Following Dlamini’s removal from office, Prof. Habib has said that Dlamini’s declaration of his admiration for Hitler did not influence his decision. However, Prof. Habib did admit that Dlamini’s comments had brought the university into disrepute. Dlamini, however, expressed his belief that the reason for his removal from office was because Prof. Habib had given into pressure from Zionists.
Sasco, in conjunction with the SRC and the Department of Health Services, held a “Graduate Alive” initiative at the Student Centre on 21 and 22 April. The event aimed to address HIV/Aids issues among students. The event created awareness of safe sexual practices and encouraged students to get tested for HIV. Statistics about HIV/Aids and the realities of living with it were also explained. Students were encouraged to take responsibility for their HIV status and to ensure that they maintain good sexual health. According to eNCA, 6 million South Africans were reportedly living
with HIV in 2014, the highest rate in the world, only 2.7 million of which were reported to be receiving HIV treatment. In South Africa there were 1 000 new infections and more than 1 000 Aids-related deaths on a daily basis at the time of the report. Tumelo “Duke” Rasebopye, SRC member with the marketing, media and communications portfolio, described how the initiative was met with a positive response by the students who were present at the Student Centre. He mentioned how the launch was a success, as shown by the number of students who went to the Centre for the Study of Aids & Gender and the clinic to get tested soon after the program.
11 May 2015 | Advertorial
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Features | 11 May 2015
Xenophobia: an inside look at a victim’s story CEOs pay
R100 000 to spend a night out in the cold
CINDY FRIEDMAN
Image: Kirsty Mackay
TIJANA SAKOTA South Africa was rocked by xenophobic attacks throughout most of April. The attacks saw many foreigners fleeing on buses back to their homes in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi and other African countries. These individuals were targeted by South Africans who expressed their anger by looting foreign-owned shops and subsequently turned on the foreigners themselves. A report by the Human Sciences Research Council describes intense job competition and competition for resources such as housing, sanitation and informal trade opportunities as “critical” to the “emergence of tensions” within Kwa-Zulu Natal and areas such as Jeppestown and Malvern in Johannesburg. Eyewitness News (EWN) describes how the violence between South Africans and foreigners is believed to have been initiated by King Goodwill Zwelithini, the reigning monarch of the Zulu nation. It is suspected that his call for foreigners to leave South Africa exacerbated violence between the people. In an exclusive interview with Perdeby, a Malawian national, Michael*, describes his experiences during the xenophobic turmoil, what persisted in returning to the crisis-stricken area of Malvern, and why he chose to remain in South Africa. Michael has been living in South Africa for nearly 10 years. He works in construction, painting, plumbing, gardening and almost any
to buy it for R8.” Michael also argues that it is safer to buy from these foreign-owned shops as the route to Spar is dangerous. This leads to the violent retaliation of locals towards the foreignowned shops. Moreover, Michael describes how he initially dealt with the xenophobic flare-up in his area. “If you [do not] show off that you are a foreigner and if you get on with your day, the locals will not bother you,” he says. However, in the week of 13 April 2015 tensions started rising in Michael’s area. Michael’s employer requested that he and his family stay on his employer’s property upon hearing about the escalation of the attacks in Johannesburg. “I said I would be fine for that night but would come stay at her place on the Thursday night.” On the Wednesday night, Michael describes how he was awoken by infuriated locals who were “banging on [his] door” and threatening him and his family. “My wife and son ran to hide under the table in the kitchen, and I went to [collect] as much [of our] clothes and belongings as I could.” It was only after 40 minutes that the tormenting of the locals ended. The police presence in the area seemed to calm the situation. The following day, Michael and his family went to stay with his employer. They stayed there until the following Monday. “I was lucky that my family and I [did not] have to stay at the police station in Malvern.” He explains how the station was overcrowded and that many foreigners seeking refuge within the station still feared the locals who stood just metres from the station. Michael describes how
“Some people in my area had to leave everything to run for their lives ... at least we had something with us” other handiwork. “I [would] like to call myself a ‘jack of all trades’,” he says. An educated and intellectual individual, Michael remembers coming to South Africa in search of work. “I came to South Africa because there were more opportunities for me here than in Malawi.” Michael started a family in South Africa when he married a fellow Malawian and had a child, who is now seven-years-old. He experienced the xenophobic outbreak in 2008 and describes how he predicted that last month’s situation would spread to his area. “When I heard of the violence in Kwa-Zulu Natal, I knew it would come to Malvern.” Furthermore, Michael describes how attacks on foreigners started with the looting of foreign-owned shops. “The thing is, it is more convenient for us to walk two minutes to the spaza shop than to walk 20 minutes to the Spar.” In contrast to reports stating that foreign-owned shops sell merchandise cheaper than South African shops, Michael believes otherwise. He argues that although foreign-owned shops are more expensive, they are closer to the people. “I would rather buy a can of [Coca-Cola] for R12 at the spaza shop than walk all the way to Spar
he and his family “left in time” and that they were able to take most of their belongings along with them. “Some people in my area had to leave everything to run for their lives ... at least we had something with us.” Upon returning to Malvern, Michael describes how there was a police presence in his area and a sense of calm remained. “My son had to return to school so we had to go back.” Michael describes how “everything was back to normal”. In regard to this, Michael believes that an “underlying force” sparked tensions between locals and foreigners. “The people in townships [cannot] one day wake up and decide to fight against us foreigners,” he says. He argues that a group of people had instigated the violence between locals and foreigners, saying, “This group of people wanted to show that the South African government is unable to control the country ... they wanted to create unrest in South Africa.” This agrees with minister of state security David Mahlobo’s interview with EWN’s Govan Whittles. The minister spoke about how he knows of individuals who are “instigators in ... various communities”. The minister spoke of issues which are all inter-related with one
another: “The attacks on foreign nationals ... the issues of defacing statues [and] land invasions ... [are] becoming coordinated,” he said. The minister further spoke about how the government is “keeping [its] eyes wide open” on these issues. Moreover, when questioned on whether or not he trusts the police in keeping him and his family safe, Michael responds by saying, “I do trust the police, but sometimes they arrive late to sort out the problem.” Michael describes how upon his return many foreigners had left to return to their countries of origin, yet some foreigners still remained within his area. “I did not consider going back home.” He describes a difference in lifestyles in South Africa and Malawi to be a reason for not returning home. “I have been here for a long time now. I [cannot] pick up everything to start a new life in Malawi.” He also spoke about he is established in South Africa and how it would be difficult to find the same work in Malawi. Romola Adeola from the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) at UP emphasises the government’s responsibility in implementing “effective, population-sensitive strategies” in order to realise socio-economic rights of South Africans. She says that “pragmatic policies” need to be developed in order to address inequalities rooted in the past, tackle corruption and “move the nation forward”. “South Africa has an obligation to protect the rights of all persons within its jurisdiction”, Adeola says. This includes foreign nationals. She describes how South Africa possesses the moral imperative to “foster social cohesion [and] development”, thus improving the living conditions of all African people. In identifying the South African government’s condemnation of the xenophobic attacks, Adeola argues that a future xenophobic crisis may not be ruled out if “long term preventative measures” are not taken into account. “One such … measure is awareness-raising on the rights of nonnationals”, she states. The spirit of ubuntu and togetherness and its meaning in the context of xenophobia should be an area of focus. Adeola argues that the government must highlight positive and effective contributions which foreigners have made to the country, as well as further educate the relevant government departments about the underlying values of South Africa’s constitution: “respect [for] human dignity, equality and freedom”. The CHR strongly believes that “silence by those whose voices matter” only contributes to a society that is oblivious to the catastrophic consequences of xenophobia. “It is equally important for all South Africans to say ‘No’ to xenophobia,” both in words and deeds, urges Adeola. *The individual’s name has been changed in order to protect his identity.
Ten years ago Australian business leader Bernard Fehon created the concept for a fundraiser with a difference. The CEO Sleepout invites the CEOs of top companies not to just donate money to help the homeless, but challenges them to also sleep outside for a night to experience the lifestyle of the people to whom their donations are going to. Regarding conventional fundraising events, he feels that it is “incongruent to have a feast for people who can’t afford their next meal”. His Sleepout idea was such a success that the initiative spread to the US, the United Kingdom and Canada, and on 21 April Talk Radio 702 announced that the CEO Sleepout had officially reached our shores. Hosted by Talk Radio 702 and Sun International, this event will be held on 18 June, the winter solstice and therefore the longest night of the year, outside the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton. It seeks to change the concept that home is only a place that the homeless truly appreciate. Terry Volkwyn, Primedia CEO, feels that it is quite ironic that the event is being held in Sandton – in a city that is home to many of these CEOs’ businesses and families, they will be sleeping in a home of a different kind. Each of the ten CEOs who have confirmed their participation so far will donate R100 000 to Girls & Boys Town, a national organisation that helps underprivileged youth, and in return will receive cardboard and a sleeping bag in which to spend the night. They are hoping to raise a total of R25 million. The idea to give the donations to Girls & Boys Town is a significant one as Bruce Whitfield, Talk Radio 702 talk show host, said that it is being found that more and more CEOs in our country started off in underprivileged situations but through sheer determination managed to beat the odds. This initiative is therefore a way of reminding them of the background from where they came. A few well-known CEOs who have confirmed to take part in the Sleepout are the CEOs of City Lodge Hotel, FNB Business Banking, Europcar, Mulichoice, Telkom and the Mail & Guardian. Although many of us have not quite reached CEO status yet, and some have no intention to, the idea behind it is one that has no monetary or age limit. It is about getting in touch with a part of South Africa that many of us never give a second thought to, besides when we see a beggar on the street or drive past a township. We can hand out money, but taking a more hands-on approach has a more long-lasting effect. As Volkwyn says, “There is very little hope without active citizens. We can’t depend on [the] government.” The reality, however, is that at the end of the night these CEOs know that they have a comfortable home awaiting them. That is why it is important to realise that every helping hand counts and that making a contribution is so easy. Closer to home, The TuksFM Woolly Winter community outreach programme began in 2012 and asks listeners to donate tinned food and blankets, which are then distributed to various organisations. This year the project is running from now up until 29 May and they are hoping to raise 6 tons of goods to help the cold and starving this winter. It may not be a R25 million donation, but each effort helps to chip away at the problems that so many people in this country face.
11 May 2015 | Features
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A woman winning the White House? JARED DE CANHA
The race will soon be on in the United States as the country looks toward its 2016 presidential election in an age-old struggle between Democrats and Republicans. Enter Hillary Clinton: a woman with impressive credentials who has recently thrown her name into the race to become the Democratic presidential candidate in 2016, in the hope of becoming the first female president of the superpower that is the US. Clinton is no stranger to the White House, and will be hoping to complete her cycle which began when she served as first lady to her husband, Bill Clinton, when he was elected in 1992. Clinton has since held the position of senator and became secretary of state under the Obama administration. This will be Clinton’s second bid for the presidency after her hopes were snuffed in 2008 when fellow Democrat Barack Obama was elected as the Democratic nominee and later the 44th president of the US. Clinton has commanded her fair share of attention during her time in American politics. In her current presidential campaign, which was recently launched on social media, Clinton posed a question to American citizens asking if they were “ready for Hillary?” This question was answered by approximately 90 000 retweets, over a million views of her campaign video and almost 500 000 likes on her campaign’s Facebook page on the day that her candidacy was announced. Clinton can also boast about being the first American presidential wife in history to have entered into the position of first lady as a professional with a postgraduate degree. Clinton’s influence and political prowess have also earned her sixth place on the Forbes “100 most powerful women of 2014” list, where she was ranked under the likes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. This ranking was slightly lower than usual for this regular who was rated second on the Forbes list of the “Most powerful women in politics” in 2011 when she held the position of US secretary of state. In her 2008 campaign Clinton avoided making
Image: Hendro van der Merwe
a spectacle of the fact that her victory would result in history being made as she would be the first female president to be elected. This approach, however, has changed according to CNN Politics, who reported in an article titled “Hillary Clinton’s gender tightrope” that Clinton will use her gender to her advantage in this election. Many Americans, however, view her age as a bigger hindrance. Clinton will be 69 years old if she is successful in her bid for the presidency and would be the second oldest person to hold office after 77-year old Ronald Reagan. Clinton’s age has sparked speculation as to whether she will have the stamina to try
for two terms in office. This does not, however, mean that her gender has not come under scrutiny. The Huffington Post recently reported that Clinton’s campaign has received sexist sentiments at some of her rallies where men displayed posters and yelled for Clinton to “iron their shirts”. The sale of Hillary Clinton nutcrackers denoting her reputation for being perceived as tough, as well as sentiments on Twitter referring to Clinton as “Hilda-Beast” and mocking her habit for wearing unflattering trouser suits, have also negatively contributed to her campaign. This is why it is believed that
The next generation of space exploration SAVVA POUROULLIS If you look at the progression of our knowledge of space over the last 20 years, the figures are astounding. When the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990, it heralded a new age in astronomy. Hubble shook up the scientific community with the instruments necessary to peer deeper into the cosmos than ever before. With constant upgrades and repairs, Hubble became the prime hunter of newfound knowledge about the history of the universe. 25 years down the line, Hubble’s replacement, the James Webb Space Telescope, is well under construction in order to bring humanity closer to unlocking more of the secrets of the universe. Named after the man who helped turn Nasa into an organisation focused primarily on science and research, the fittingly named telescope will not be orbiting the earth, as Hubble does. Instead, Webb will be orbiting the sun at the same rate as the Earth, hiding inside our planet’s shadow to protect itself from the sun’s powerful rays while it absorbs light from the furthest reaches of the observable universe – the faintest light ever captured by a telescope. This $8.7 billion project is shaped somewhat like a star destroyer from Star Wars, but is roughly the size of a tennis court. While it is difficult to comprehend the size of its 6.5 metre mirror, the instrument with which the telescope captures light, its scale has been made comprehendible by a life-sized model on display in the streets of Austin, Texas. Webb boasts a primary mirror with an area 6 times larger than that of Hubble, yet it has half the mass due to recent technological improvements in the space industry. According to Nasa, the position of Webb
over 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth will allow its infrared instruments to see far more clearly than any of its predecessors or any land-based instruments, despite being much smaller than many telescopes on the ground. Everything with heat gives off infrared radiation, turning the earth and even the telescope itself into a source of interference by swamping its sensitive instruments with infrared radiation. As a result, Webb’s four main observation instruments will have to operate at temperatures lower than -223°C to limit how much it radiates. One instrument will have an additional cooling system to create an operating temperature of -266°C. Despite being positioned so far from Earth, this is still not enough to maintain this temperature so it will have a sunshade behind it to block light and infrared radiation coming from the sun, the earth and the moon. Webb will be the first telescope to achieve such sophisticated observations at infrared wavelengths. As a result, we can expect unique and revolutionary observations from its ability to see light closer to the beginning of the universe than ever before. Light takes a certain amount of time to travel from one place to another. This means that over large distances, the light you see represents what happened at that place a long time ago. However, it gets harder to see light as it travels further because it is very faint. According to Nasa, “Hubble can see the equivalent of ‘toddler’ galaxies and Webb will be able to see ‘baby’ galaxies.” While that may sound like a small increment considering the telescope’s $8 billion budget, this means we will be able to see about 280 million years closer to the creation of the universe. Before Hubble was launched, the scientific community was fairly confident that the universe was somewhere
between 10 and 20 billion years old. Thanks to work done with the Hubble telescope, we now know its age to be 13.8 billion years and, as a result, we have totally remodelled our perception of our universe. It takes the wildest imagination to envision what might be achieved with Webb. Nasa is working with 16 other countries on the project, including collaborations with the Canadian Space Agency and the European Space Agency, both of which are contributing instruments and expertise in exchange for a fraction of Webb’s usage time. The telescope is expected to have a service life of over five years, but carries enough fuel for ten. If Nasa wanted to continue its use of the costly telescope, it would have to be towed back into Earth’s orbit. Thus, managing to book a slot with the unique telescope during its workable time would be a feat in itself. One major advantage Hubble has over Webb is its close proximity to Earth, meaning that it can be regularly repaired and upgraded. While no more trips to Hubble are planned, the telescope should continue with its impressive lifetime for another five years. Hubble is also far more powerful than it was when it was first launched, thanks to a multitude of upgrades and tweaks to its systems, and would not have worked properly at all before its first service due to a flaw discovered right after its launch. Today, Hubble is at its operating peak. Nasa has taken unexpected problems into consideration, of course, and over-designed Webb to remain in near-perfect operating condition even if a whole slew of problems, such as a faulty gyroscope, arise. Hopefully the scientific community can look forward to a decade of fruitful discoveries.
Clinton will enlist help from loyal supporters such as American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, as well as fashion house Oscar de la Renta, in the hopes of avoiding any fashion blunders which could hinder her efforts to tackle the remaining sexist sentiments against her campaign. Clinton will hope to join the elite group of leading ladies in global politics and cement the US among countries such as Liberia, Brazil, Germany, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand and Argentina, all of which are currently being led by women. The potential appointment of Clinton as the 45th president of the US will not only have significant consequences for the US, but the world as well. Based on the level of interconnection we all experience at the hands of globalisation, it is hoped that this appointment will strengthen the call to improve gender representation in our own country. South Africa failed to achieve its gender equality goal in politics ahead of the 2015 deadline. The goal of a 50% target of female representation in all areas of decision-making was first determined at a 2014 Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting, under the Protocol on Gender and Development adopted in South Africa in 2008. According to the Gender Links News Service, female representation in Parliament dropped by 4% between the 2009 and 2014 elections, while female representation in provincial legislatures dropped from 41% to 37%.The percentage of female premiers also dropped by a considerable 33% in the same time period. Female representation in South African politics was also worsened this year after DA leader Helen Zille announced her resignation as leader of the party in April. Zille did, however, subsequently announce that she would continue in her role as premier of the Western Cape until her second term ends in 2019. The crowning jewel in Africa’s attempts to create a more represented society currently sits in Ethiopia, with the Chairperson of the African Union in the form of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who was dubbed “the Iron Lady”, once said that, “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” It is hoped that Clinton and other powerful women in politics will utilise their influence in order to not only shape international political relations to improve the representation of both sexes, but that they will also lead the way for a new generation of women who do not recognise the existence of the glass ceiling.
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Entertainment | 11 May 2015
Image: Jaco S. Venter
Francois van Coke flies solo ELMARIE KRUGER South African alternative rock icon Francois van Coke has made a name for himself as the frontman of Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel. Van Coke recently released a solo album which Perdeby spoke to him about the release. Your self-titled debut solo album was released recently. How did the idea to record a solo album come about? It is something that was in the back of my mind for a couple of years. [Former Van Coke Kartel drummer] Jason Oosthuizen left Van Coke Kartel at the end of 2013, [and] we found a great new drummer in Dylan Hunt [who] previously played with Pestroy, but we decided that we won’t work on new material just yet, we just wanted to become a band again. I had a bit more time on my hands to work on something else. [In] early 2014 I told Jedd [Kossew, Van Coke Kartel’s guitarist] that I want to make a solo album and asked if he wanted to be involved in the writing process. He said yes and we immediately started writing songs for what [would become] my first solo album. Can listeners expect a different sound from that of your other projects on the album? Yes, definitely. First and foremost, I didn’t want to rehash [Van Coke Kartel] or [Fokofpolisiekar]. I love both those bands, but
why would I want to do the same thing again? I also made a point of writing an album that is not genre specific and also tried to steer away from making a straightforward rock album. It is still rock-based, but [it is also] influenced by punk, folk, country, industrial and even pop. The lyrics are still introspective and personal, so not too many surprises there. I collaborated with a female vocalist [Karen Zoid] for the first time [on the song “Toe vind ek jou”]. It is a proper ballad. I haven’t done many of those. I became good friends with Karen Zoid [over] the last year and it was really cool writing with her. [The] success of the song [has been] overwhelming. The album’s first single, “Moontlik nooit”, was made available as a free download on your website. Would you say that this single gave listeners a good idea of what the rest of the album would sound like? Yes and no. The album is very diverse and not genre specific at all, but there are a couple of tunes on the album in the same [vein] as “Moontlik nooit”. “Moontlik nooit” was also released on 7’’ vinyl. What made you decide to go this route? I actually just wanted to release “Moontlik nooit” [as a] free download from my website, to give people a chance to check out a new tune. While I was planning this, Permanent Record
approached me and asked if I wanted to put it out on vinyl. I am [a] big fan of vinyl and have a massive collection that I got from a friend’s dad. [How] could I say no? The video for the album’s second single, “Toe vind ek jou”, which features Karen Zoid, has received over 300,000 views on YouTube. The video itself emanates a feeling of simplicity – was this the atmosphere you wanted to achieve? [Yes], we just wanted to do something that [was] very simple and didn’t cost too much [because] there was no more money to spend. I wanted [the video to be] us playing the song in a room, like a live performance. The director came up with the [idea of the] lamps that light up and dim with the tune and he also told us to lose the guitars. I think that really helped our performances in the video, but at the end of the day I think people watch the video [because] they connect with the honesty of the song. You’ve recently announced that you’ll be forming part of the Blood Brothers concert tour, along with nine other artists. What do you hope to take away from this experience? Blood Brothers is a charity event. I would like to help raise money for cancer awareness and hopefully help some people with cancer. I also just want to hang with friends and play music.
Chante Geary sings on CHAD JOHNSTON UP drama student Chante Geary first caught our attention when she made it to the top 16 of Idols season 10. Perdeby caught up with the sultry songstress to find out where her career is headed next. We hear that you’ve just started recording. Can you tell us who you are signed with and whether you are recording a few singles or an album? I am signed with Universal Studios and I’m recording with a producer named Dan Roberts. Firstly, it was going to be only a single but the people who I record with really liked what I showed them so they decided to give me an album deal. You’re quite young. Is singing a permanent career path that you’ve chosen or are you just enjoying the moment and seeing what life brings your way? I’ve thought about that. Being famous when you’re a really young singer (by the way, I’m not saying I’m going to be famous) doesn’t always work out because it’s hard to keep making hits. Right now I’m just enjoying the moment and loving recording. As a drama student, why are you pursuing singing rather than acting? I think I’m better at singing. You should take the thing you are best at and go for that and I got a really good opportunity. What did you learn from your experience on Idols? The competition is crazy and people take it really seriously and from the start I didn’t take it seriously enough. I just went as a joke and to have fun. I learnt that it’s a very hard industry to work in and everyone in it is really professional. What style or genre of music are you looking to go into? I don’t know if I’m allowed to say yet but we are trying something different. Universal saw a huge gap in the market and we’re going to try that out. It’s actually in my mother tongue and I never thought that I would sing in Afrikaans, but I am giving it a chance
Photo: Stefan Stander
and it [has] been great. I’ve learnt a lot about the language but also a lot about my family because I’m using poems and pieces of writing that my relatives have written and, since my whole family loves to write, it [has] been wonderful. Is there anything you want listeners to experience when listening to your music? I think Afrikaans music is usually seen as very “zef” and “common” and I think I just want to bring something beautiful [to the genre]. Beautiful words in poem [form], making those [kind of] songs, that’s what I want to do. I want to make people feel things, but the instruments that we chose for the album automatically make you attach yourself emotionally to the song because they’re beautiful and pure. How do you plan on building your brand as an artist? Is everything done through Universal or do you try to get gigs yourself? [I’m] very new at it. I’ve only been signed for about two months
so I’m not really sure how it works but Universal has given me a few great opportunities. For instance, I’ll be opening for Elvis Blue in about two weeks, so that’s cool. Basically they help me get in with people that they work with but I still try finding my own gigs. What makes your style unique? As an artist you have to believe in your own work and I really do. I believe that I’m being honest with myself when I’m singing and I think that’s important, you have to be believable so people can relate to you because people aren’t stupid, they want honest singers and I really believe that I’m an honest singer. Do you prefer to write your own songs? The first single is going to be one of my own songs. I don’t really prefer writing but I have been trying it out and it’s also been a learning experience. I also have songs that my aunt wrote and also another one that my friend wrote so I don’t mind taking songs from other people because we all have things to say.
11 May 2015 | Entertainment
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Black Cat Bones sing to a new beat KYLE OBERHOLZER The Black Cat Bones have had an eventful year so far. They have acquired a new drummer, scheduled a jam-packed tour and begun to record a new album. Perdeby recently got the chance to ask them a few questions about what lies ahead. Talk about the new album you’re busy with is rife. How is the recording and production process coming along? The bulk of it is written. Now comes the fun part: rewriting, arranging, pre-production, rehearsing, and recording. Should listeners be expecting a new musical direction for the upcoming album? Very much so. We will, however, retain our bluesy heritage, but rather than getting stuck in our ways we will use this solid foundation to build our new “revised” sound on and hopefully be able to provide our fans and listeners [with] the best of both worlds. You’ve recently taken on Jason Oosthuizen, former drummer of Van Coke Kartel, as your new drummer. How has this influenced your band dynamic? The music for the album was completed by Andre [Kriel, guitarist] and Chris [van der Walt, bassist], literally a couple of days before Jason’s arrival, and [we’re] currently chipping away all the unwanted “wood”. Jason’s input has been crucial to the creation of the new sound [thus far]. He really is a breeze to work with and a very delightful character to say the least. The drummer change seems to have been quite a sudden switch. Has it been tough getting Oosthuizen up to speed for live performances on such short notice? Not at all. This cat is as professional as they come. He just pulled in there and started klapping it from the word [go].
Image: Claudine Photography
Now that you have a Sama nomination and an MK award under your belt there’s a lot of anticipation for your new material. How does the pressure of South African fame feel? We just take as it comes. We’ve never been the kind of group that will allow “fame” (whatever [that] means nowadays) to get to our heads or under our skins. Being nominated and awarded is an enormous honour and [a] blessing for us but it did not change the way we view ourselves or others in the music business at all. We understand that there will be some upcoming unplugged,
Deboned performances. Where can we look out for these? The Deboned side of the Bones is something that Andre and Kobus [de Kock, vocalist] have been doing in various shapes and forms since even before the band was established, and is aimed at venues and events that cater for an audience with a more mature or contemporary taste in music. However, the unplugged sets have been known to evolve into a swampy stomping ground for thrillseekers from all walks of life, if you know what I mean.
Reviews introduce an all-white racist motorbike gang and an all-black gang who perpetuate gang violence in America. What viewers get instead is juvenile humour that will insult the intelligence of savvy viewers. The movie gets most of its humour from prison stereotypes, and as much as some jokes will definitely make you laugh, there are only so many times you can make light of prison violence and rape before it starts to lose its humour or become offensive. Get Hard is definitely not an original movie, and it does not shy away from this fact. It does try to innovate by introducing an investigation aspect to its storytelling, however this section of the movie is not set up well and ends up being anticlimactic. The movie does have its positive aspects. Ferrell and Hart play their respective roles perfectly, creating brilliant chemistry between the two characters. However, this relegates the supporting characters’ to just providing more attention and back-story to the two protagonists. The soundtrack is another excellent aspect of the movie, with familiar songs utilised at just the right moments to evoke certain emotions from the viewer. Get Hard is a sub-par comedy that wastes its potential on tired gags and offensive stereotypes. The acting and soundtrack are surprisingly good and you will get a few laughs out of the movie, but this is not enough to make up for its lack of originality and entertainment. Image: imdb.com
Get Hard Etan Cohen
Calendar 11 May: Ladies’ Serrie prelims – Various residences 12 May: Men’s Serrie prelims – Various residences 12 May: Dr Madeleine Nolte workshop – Merensky auditorium
KOJO ESSAH Get Hard, directed by Etan Cohen, follows the story of wealthy hedge-fund manager James King (played by Will Farrell) who seeks the help of humble car wash owner Darnell Lewis (played by Kevin Hart). King is in need of preparation for life in jail in less than 30 days after he is sentenced to San Quentin for fraud, despite maintaining his innocence during the ordeal. Although the movie offers up some laughs, it is brought down by a familiar and cliché-filled plot, over-reliance on rape jokes and offensive stereotypes. The film highlights the perspectives of two different individuals, a rich white man with all the possessions money can buy and a below-middle class black man who is trying to make enough money from his car-wash business to move his family out of their gang-riddled neighbourhood. The movie, however, fails to develop this intriguing premise of class division in society and ends up poking fun at racial stereotypes. It goes so far as to
14 May: iPhoneography & mobile photography workshop – Merensky auditorium 15 May: Serrie finals – UP Aula and Amphitheatre 16 May: Punk, Skates & Pigtails – Menlyn Skate Park 16 May: Mopanie Oesdag – Pretoria High School Old Boys Club
To get your event listed in our event calendar, send the date, event name and venue to entertainment@perdeby.co.za or tweet us (@PerdebyE). UP societies are welcome to send their events, too.
Image: LunaticWolf.BandCamp.com
Lunatic Wolf To the Adventure SHAUN SPROULE Johannesburg folk rock band Lunatic Wolf has a small following but are making waves in the South African folk scene. Their debut album To the Adventure deserves a spot in the collection of any folk music-lover. According to the band, the album is themed around the transition into adulthood. It explores the adventure of life and the feelings that people will have throughout it. The album touches on love, nostalgia and life’s failures and successes. The band’s sound is refreshingly simplistic, although not unskilled, with the vocals carrying the weight of their music. The opening track of the album, “Sure as hell”, is a perfect sample of what the band is capable of as it showcases the skills of all the members. They further show their range with more upbeat songs such as “So much more”, and the slower, more emotional song “Roses”, which explores the unpredictable nature of love. One of the band’s more popular songs is “The tallest tree” with almost 8000 plays on SoundCloud. “The tallest tree” is a song about childhood, lessons we learn as children and how fast time goes by. Most people will connect to this song, so it is no surprise that it is so popular. The album ends with the title track “To the adventure” and it is a good round-up of the album as it discusses the roundabout nature of life. Lunatic Wolf is made up of members Gavin van den Berg (vocals, producer), Richard Oldfield (piano), Jacques du Plessis (keyboard, producer), Gavin Flaks (drums), Adrian Erasmus (guitar) and David Grevler (bass). Du Plessis has also worked with other South African bands such as Shortstraw and Desmond and the Tutus. The band has been featured and interviewed on radio stations and their fan base has been growing rapidly. With such a well-balanced debut under their belt, it’s easy to see why.
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Fun and Games | 11 May 2015
Pssst...
ELMARIE KRUGER With serrie season almost upon us, Perdeby looked at some past themes we hope won’t be resurfacing this year. Or ever.
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A tip for the gentlemen this year: the audience does not appreciate stripping as much as you think they do. Instead of Full Monty, think Monty Python. Replace those jiggling beer bellies with quirky humour and perhaps the ladies will finally take notice of you. Any theme based on a musical. We can only handle so much Grease, Chicago and Rock of Ages, ladies. A little originality never hurt anyone. Themes that can’t be guessed within the first few seconds of your performance. If the audience needs an extended metaphor to understand your theme, you’re probably doing it wrong. Anything involving insane asylums. Res-dwellers, you can stop hinting. Everybody already knows you need help. Themes that are basically a repetition of other res’ themes from previous years. See point two: originality. Oriental themes. Let’s face it, this theme reached its expiry date at least a decade ago. On that note, the Egyptian mummy theme is so 2010. We know it makes for cheap costumes, but surely there must be a more creative way. Another Perdeby pro-tip: you can only do the “public servant” theme so many times. Watching taxi drivers, nurses and lifeguards prance around the stage becomes tiring after a few years. Any theme that requires a dirty face and/ or limbs. We don’t know what it is, but for some reason residence-dwellers love the “brown-paint-as-fake-dirt” look. Take it from us, no theme is worth this unflattering getup. Anything “scary”. Zombies and the undead have been done to death.
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a comeback this year. Pssst… is sorry, Inca, but where exactly will you be coming back from? You don’t even go here, ladies. Pssst… thinks they probably got this idea from their Rag partners, Maroela, who are sure that they’ll be the “next big thing” at serrie this year. Pssst… hates to tell you this, Maroela, but you actually have to make it to finals every once in a while before you can make such claims. Pssst… hopes that Mopanie’s dancing will be better than their singing, as a little birdie told Pssst… that Mopanie have been giving their neighbours some sleepless nights. In a bad way. Pssst… has found few distractions outside of serrie, unfortunately. Vividus Ladies almost annexed the Kollege clubhouse in an effort to find someone to talk to after they finally gave up on their dim Rag partners, Luminous. Pssst… also hears that the Klaradyn semis pulled off a few shameless lap dances on the proefplaas. Pssst… isn’t surprised to hear this, of course. Pssst… expected no less from the Welpies. OP will make a rare real-campus showing with serrie this year. Pssst... applauds you.
We know it’s really uncomfortable here for you, what with this campus not smelling of excrement and all. Meanwhile, Boekenhout’s (albeit rather large) external trophy cabinet has had even less activity than their clubhouse. Pssst… feels there’s no love lost between Boekenhout and Asterhof. That is, until they put another hole in Asterhof’s roof. The Houte would be a danger too, if they weren’t too busy arguing about the camera angles for serrie. Before serrie fever takes control of us all, Pssst… would like to make some requests: Vividus Men, if you plan on making a serrie as disastrous as last year’s, do Pssst… a favour and at least have the decency to switch the lights off again. Pssst… would also like to ask Kiaat a favour. On behalf of all of Tuks, Pssst… beseeches you: please, please keep your shirts on this year. Think of the children, Kiaat. At the end of the day, Pssst… thinks serrie is about enjoying yourselves and entertaining each other. If you do that, good on you. If you don’t, Pssst… will be back next week.
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serrie themes we don’t want to see
Pssst… is as excited for serrie as anyone else. Not for the performance, but so we can see who drops lip and who sneaks into the finals. Not pointing any fingers, Madelief. The Katte seem to be on an external streak after last year’s placement and an Ienk finish, but Pssst… is not expecting any surprises this year. The try-hards on medical campus are going to be difficult to beat. Who else has practice at 08:00 in the morning, during the holidays, after their own main culture event? Haven’t the Kloekies got better things to do? Like learning to save people’s lives? Pssst… hears that this yearning to sing and dance has spread to Olienhout, as the Houte have been difficult to pull away from their practice. Rather burn out than fade away, we guess. Even Lilium have pulled together a performance this year, although they’ll probably make us wish they hadn’t. Kiaat have promised not to use a wrecking ball again, so Pssst… expects a night of entertainment in all kinds of ways. At the time of going to print, Kollege has yet to practice with their band. Pssst… hears that Inca are planning to make
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11 May 2015 | Sport
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Tuks reach Varsity Sevens final DANIËL BASSON Over the weekend of 25 April, ten universities from across South Africa competed in the annual Varsity Sports Rugby Sevens tournament at Villager FC in Claremont. The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Shimlas edged out UP-Tuks 24-19 in the final on Sunday to take home the trophy. Tuks had a squad consisting of many Varsity Cup players and was looking to build on their individual disappointment and bring home the title, but they fell one step short of fulfilling their dreams. After nine league-style matches Tuks was placed third on the log, winning six of their respective matches. This position meant they had qualified for a cup semi-final showdown against the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Tuks comfortably beat UJ, who finished second on the combined log, with a score of 31-19 to claim their
spot in the much anticipated Varsity Sevens final. Shimlas started off strongly and after gaining a seven-point lead, they kept Tuks pinned down in their own 22 metre area. Late in the half, Tuks counter-attacked and scored two quick tries to head into the break leading by 12-7. In the second half Shimlas applied even more pressure and Tuks could not get out of their own half. Ultimately Shimlas scored two more tries and gained a 12 point lead. All attempts that Tuks made to get back into the game were shut down immediately by the well-disciplined Shimlas side until Shimlas threw a wild pass, which gave Tuks possession and their third try of the final after running the length of the field. This turned out to be a consolation try as Shimlas took all the glory in a thrilling final to cap off a very successful tournament.
Image: VarsitySportsSA.com
Five minutes with Ludwig Gerdes
Photo: Kriszti Bottyan
KRISZTI BOTTYAN Ludwig Gerdes is currently studying BCom Management at UP. He juggles this with his responsibilities as a shooting guard and a small forward for Tuks’ first team basketball. What made you decide that this sport was a passion and not just a pastime for you? I started playing basketball when I was 14, but only because Pretoria High School for Boys made sport compulsory. It was only when I turned 15 that I started to become more serious about the sport. I would say the first time I felt the passion was the first time I played a game. Previously I hadn’t been able to play a game as I hadn’t made a team. The cheering from the spectators instilled a feeling of achievement in me that encouraged me to carry on pursuing the sport. By grade 11 I had improved drastically and that’s when one of my coaches put the idea in my head that I could go much further with the sport and make a career out of it. I had a
special bond with my coach and that largely affected how I saw the sport. [All of this] has created the passion within me to work hard and excel in basketball. What do you think you bring to a basketball game? I would say I bring heart to a game. I am a very emotional player so I’ll do anything to win for my team. I feel [that] because I play not only for the moment but for my future in the sport, I will put in the extra hours. You also coach for Pretoria Boys High School. Do you find it hard balancing your job, university studies and basketball? Yes, definitely, because you have to decide where you want to commit your time. It’s not just the physical aspect of it but also the mental commitment. I have basketball practice twice a week at night, with morning sessions at various times throughout the week. I also do rehabilitation training as a result of my injury that I do twice a week. I coach three times a week in the
afternoon and because I’m in first year, I have a substantial amount of modules. Basketball has always been a constant and I tend to focus on basketball because I know that’s what I want to be doing. Realistically, however, I know I can’t completely focus on basketball and hope that it carries me through life, because I know how easily it can all be taken away. I do consider what happens after one’s professional career and therefore that is a big reason why I see importance in studying as well. Basketball is not a big sport in South Africa. Do you think it has the potential to become one? It’s tough to say because I think it has the potential to grow. To get the exposure needed we need the right people in the right positions of the sport. We currently do not have [that]. Energies are unfortunately focused elsewhere. I also think that it needs to be implemented in primary schools so that a strong foundation can be laid. They have created a professional league in South Africa and we have very professional players but a lot of them are maturing as players and only have a few years left to play the sport. You don’t want to grow the league with players from overseas. If you want the sport to grow you need to get the league to grow. Where do you see yourself five years from now, with specific reference to basketball? I have no immediate plans to play for the South African league. Since high school I have felt that I can grow a lot more, in terms of basketball, by going overseas, either to North America or Europe. I’m not a very [well] travelled person so that would also be a benefit of going overseas to pursue [a] professional basketball career. Playing for the South African league does, however, exist as a backup plan. There are some very good teams in the league that I would like to play for. I believe the league would have changed substantially from what it is now. I don’t see myself in a regular office job, so I definitely think basketball is a way for me to help myself and inspire others with the same dream. I will ultimately always strive to blend basketball into aspects of my career if all else fails.
UP students excel in Warrior Race
Image: Warrior Race Facebook page.
CARLI-ANN FURNO The Hakahana Trails in Hartbeespoort recently hosted the fourth Jeep Warrior Race of the year. On Sunday 3 May, a question that is asked before the start of each race was shouted over the speakers to the crowd at the starting line: “Where are my soldiers at?” Perdeby is pleased to report that many of them are UP students. The “Black Ops Elite” category of the race involves a 16km route with 30 obstacles that test the mental and physical ability of the athlete. In order to complete this route and be categorised as an “Elite Warrior”, no assistance over any obstacle is permitted. Such warriors will cross the finish line wearing a black armband and their individual times to finish the race place them in the running for both the Warrior title and the Jeep that is given to the winner to drive until the next race takes place. Three UP students recently achieved ‘“top ten Elite” results. Greg Avierinos, who handed over the keys to the Jeep after winning the last race, achieved a podium place with a solid third position. Dale Smith, a second-year medicine student, improved from his eighth
position in the last race to seventh. When asked about his achievement, Smith told Perdeby that he was pleased with his results, describing the event as “a race against yourself”. Third-year biokinetics student Jonah Young broke into the top ten for the first time. Young described the buildup to his accomplishment as one which involved a training schedule dominated by CrossFit and running. Young says the highlight of the race was to have “overcome obstacles that [he] thought would be very difficult to accomplish”. Smith and Young are currently preparing for the National Warrior Race that will be held later this year. Among the other Black Ops competitors were Tuks medicine students Zein Darwish and Shannon Britt. Darwish obtained an “Elite Warrior” title for the first time and proudly crossed the finish line with his black armband fully intact. Britt, who entered the race with a close friend in the “Black Ops” category (which permits assistance) is proud to have finished the race as a young woman and says, “We enter to be each other’s support. My strengths are her weaknesses.”
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Running toward a dream: Akani Simbine
Image: VarsitySportsSA.com
CARLI-ANN FURNO UP athlete Akani Simbine has shaken the varsity athletic world across the country this year with an unbeatable streak. Perdeby recently had the opportunity to discuss his latest records, victories and hopes for the future with him. It’s been a big year for you. How do you feel about your recent personal best (PB) of 20.27 seconds for the 200m? It has been a big year. Well, it happened during the AGM Provincial Champs and came as quite a shock, especially because 200 metres feels really long for me. I’m on form, but I still feel like I’m unfit. In the semi-final I ran a PB of 20.35 seconds. Before that my fastest time was 20.37 at the Commonwealth race last year. So I went semi-final PB, and then in the final I went
PB again. How do you feel about your unbeaten streak in Varsity Athletics this year, taking the title in Potchefstroom and Stellenbosch in the 100m and 200m? I am really happy about it! Keeping that unbeaten streak going really helps with my confidence. I appreciate that we can run Varsity Athletics, because there aren’t a lot of meetings at that level here in South Africa that we are exposed to, so it’s [a] great thing that we have that kind of exposure. Did anything stand out for you during your time in the Western Cape? Well, actually this past weekend (24-26 April). I equalled my season’s best with a 10.09 second record in the USSA 100m race. It is the fastest sea-level time run by a South African.
The 10.02 second race up here [in Pretoria] was at this altitude, so at sea-level, even though I run slightly slower, it equals my actual best time. You have qualified for the IAAF World Championship later this year in Beijing. How do you feel about this? It is most definitely exciting. It is going to be my second time at World Champs, but this time I feel like I actually have the potential to reach a final if everything goes right. I’m just hoping to keep healthy and [I] am going to train very hard. I feel like out of the last five years this is where I am at my peak and have a real chance of getting somewhere. You are going to run against some big names a few times this year. When you are at the starting line and you look around and see
Tuks beach volleyball team fall short of Varsity title TAY LETHULOE The UP beach volleyball team missed out on the Varsity Volleyball title, going down 44-25 to hosts and defending champions the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The two-day tournament took place from 22-23 April at the UWC sports stadium. The gruelling tournament consisted of the traditional two rounds of games which determine the log standings, meaning that teams would have very little turnover time between matches. Despite this Tuks finished third, winning three out of their five encounters behind UWC and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). This was enough to earn them a semi-final match against VUT. Tuks did enough to secure their spot in the final by beating second on the log VUT 36-29, rounding off a good performance by the northern teams who outplayed coastal favourites like the University of Cape Town. In the semi-final against VUT, a replay of the
previous day’s match, Tuks managed to improve on their performance and build up a decent lead, going into half-time 22-12 up. Fired up, VUT came back from the break to reduce the deficit to four points. Tuks kept their nerve to finish the match victorious. VUT would eventually finish as bronze winners. The final was tightly contested in the beginning as Tuks put on a spirited performance to stay within reach of UWC, who powered to a 23-14 lead at half time. With the lively home crowd behind them, the defending champions, who remained undefeated throughout the tournament, displayed their dominance and established a 20 point lead with five minutes to go. This proved too much for Tuks, ending the match with a final score of 44-25. Although they were not victorious, this was Tuks’ best performance in this tournament, one which the team looks to improve upon in the future. Image: VarsitySportsSA.com
someone like Usain Bolt standing near you, what thoughts run through your mind? How do you cope with the pressure? Well, I don’t really feel the pressure because I actually enjoy these races. [Usain] Bolt has his own aura and brings so much excitement to the atmosphere from the crowd. I get to be a part of that excitement and benefit from what he brings to the track. I look to my side and I try think, “Pshh, there’s Bolt.” It’s awesome running against him. I am at the level where I need to focus on what I need to do, just like he needs to focus on what he needs to do. What are your goals for a race at that level? My hope is to run a perfect race and to finish it well. I tell myself as I go down to start, “Go through your phases right, run a perfect race. Do your best because your best will always be enough.” Do you have any specific hope for the World Championship this year? Yes, this year I want to try get into the final for both the 100m and 200m. What is your training routine right now? Because we are in season, I am concentrating on speed-work, my first 40m drive phase, and my acceleration and technique. I gym at the HPC in the morning and after classes train at a track in Kempton Park. How do you stay humble at a time in your life where your success and popularity are growing at a fast pace? I just tell myself, “You are not there yet.” I don’t want to ever allow myself to reach that place of thinking that I’m “there”. I always remind myself to do more and stay humble. If I let anything get to my head I will stop focusing on what I need to get done to achieve success, and I don’t want that kind of distraction. From what you post on social media networks, your faith seems to play a big part in what you do. Is this an area that you turn to for strength? Yes, most definitely. I even have these tattoos, “hope and faith”, to remind me what I stand firm on. I have been blessed with a talent, and look to glorify God with that talent.
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