PDBY
11 October 2021
Year 83 | Issue 10
yourcampusnews.
Photo: Ruth Versveld
Khoisan group protest at Union Buildings
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The multi-level marketing student dilemma
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Featured Artist: Paint the Walls
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11 October 2021
2 | From the Editor
PDBY Media Copy: CJ Barnard Maryke Steynvaart Lise le Roux Nondumiso Mntambo Ntokozo Xulu Ndinae Ramavhoya Tiara Joseph Layout: Duane Kitching Kara Olivier Bellinah Zwane Kendra Dean Multimedia: Tshepang Rihlampfu Cletus Mulaudi Cassandra Eardely Madeeha Hazarvi Masehle Mailula Ruth Versfeld Elma Akob Vice Mkansi Nikhila Moodley Social Media: Maria Lehoko Oratile Kgofelo
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11 October 2021
News | 3
Compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for health science students Manelisi Magoro
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he South African Committee of Medical Deans (SACoMD) and the South African Committee of Dental Deans (SACODD) have recommended compulsory COVID-19 vaccinations
for all health science students and health care workers, including those in training for professions in the health care sector. This will also serve as protection vaccination for dental care students and workers who are exposed to high-level Aerosol Generating procedures which increase the risk of exposure to pathogens and infection. SACoMD and SACODD report that approximately 40% of health workers were infected with the virus during the first wave. They are highly exposed to COVID-19 in their work environment which makes them more vulnerable to infection and development
of symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Infection of health workers increases the risk of transmission to their family or household members and those in their community. “Vaccination of healthcare workers transcends individual benefit and has major benefits for the broader health facility, which includes colleagues and patients whose lives are entrusted to their care”, says the South African Committee of Medical Deans and the South African Committee of Dental Deans. SACoMD and SACODD appeal to the immediate vaccination of adults against COVID-19, and compulsory vaccination of health science students and health workers to ensure the safety of patients and the general community.
Student challenges: expectations of the newly elected SRC Amukelani Makamu and Susanna Anbu
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s the end of the 2021 academic year draws near, the SRC has been elected for 2022. PDBY has interviewed students at UP about their expectations of the newly elected SRC. Issues that were raised include queer inclusivity in the university, international student challenges and financial exclusions. The following students were interviewed: Vice-Chairperson of House Humanities, Sicelo Ngwenya, an international student, Tariro Chidharara and queer activist, Nande Flatela. International Students: Challenges, data and financial exclusions Chidharara told PDBY that she has experienced a lot of challenges as an international student, especially in terms of applications for different opportunities on campus. Chidharara further explained that “by coming to [the] University of Pretoria in South Africa, coming from Zimbabwe I thought we were just equal students at school. I found out that everything you want to apply [for] like SRC student-aid - they say international students are excluded.” Chidharara further expressed that she feels discriminated against every time she sees such statements. “I assume since we all pay tuition fees we would have equal opportunities on campus, regardless of where
you come from. Sometimes when international students complain a statement like ‘international students may apply’, this statement makes us doubt that something positive will come out after applying.” Chidharara added that she would like the University and the newly elected SRC to see all students as ‘one people’ and not use phrases such as ‘international students may also do this’ but rather phrases such as ‘all students’. “I think international students’ tuition fees should be [reduced]because, as for now, we are buying data on our own. It’s unfair to pay the same amount of fees with people who are getting data every month”, Chidharara explained regarding the free data that the university provides to local students.. . Chidharara suggested that the university can open a financial aid portal for international students to help fund for their tuition fees to reduce the amount of financial exclusions. Ngwenya told PDBY that it would be better if the SRC advocated for policy changes to allow students to finish their courses/degrees even if they are financially excluded then withhold the qualification until the student settles the debt instead of blocking the student from finishing their degree because of financial exclusion. Queer Inclusivity Ngwenya said that he believes that the
university is doing its best to be more inclusive of queer students, but believes that more could be done and that there is always room for improvement. Flatela echoed this sentiment by stating that “the university still has a lot of work to do in terms of the inclusion of the queer community”. Ngwenya expressed that as much as the university might have a policy against discrimination and trans-protocol, “policy does not mean implementation”. He explained that “implementation of policy is what’s important, and that’s what the SRC should strive for”. Flatela suggested that the inclusion of the trans community in all aspects of the university experience should be prioritised by ensuring that the campus bathrooms do not follow a binary system and promote the availability of better health-care of queer people at large. A lot of students have various opinions on their ideal SRC and the change they would like to see within the student body. community. For more information on the SRC, students can visit or contact the SRC on instagram @ up_src or student development on instagram @ upstudentdevelopment.
Intervarsity News University of Cape Town (UCT)
83% of UCT’s senate have voted in favour of a policy that will make vaccines mandatory for the intuition’s students from 2022. The final decision as to whether to adopt the policy currently sits with the University’s council. 132 members of the senate voted in favour of the policy, 32 voted against while 5 were abstentions. To date, Stellenbosch University (SU), and University of Johannesburg (UJ), have both considered mandatory vaccination policies, but no final decision has been taken.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ recently acquired a highly advanced robot dog named SPOT that has the capacity to exhibit movements that mimic a real dog. SPOT weighs approximately 35 kg, possesses four high tech cameras and can also respond to prompts and instructions. Built by Boston Dynamics in the United States of America, this robot marks a pioneering move into the field of artificial intelligence. SPOT’s movements allow it to navigate complex terrain with high throughput mobility.
University of Free State (UFS)
Two UFS students were killed in a robbery near the campus vicinity. The incident was said to have taken place around 00:40. The students were attacked by robbers clad in balaclavas near their rental accommodation. A police docket has been opened to investigate two murders, house robbery and two attempted murders. Two other students on the scene, who were in critical condition, were rushed to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Khoisan group protest at Union Buildings Mothusi Mokalane
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or almost three years, a group of Khoikhoi and San indigenous people have been staging a sit-in protest on the Union Buildings lawns in Pretoria. Leader, King Chief Khoisan SA, and his followers trekked for approximately five weeks from the Cape to Pretoria, with hopes of speaking to President Cyril Ramaphosa and his cabinet about gaining legitimacy as an indigenous group and as true natives of South Africa. King Khoisan SA’s demands to the President are, inter alia, the removal of the term “coloured” from their identification particulars. According to King Khoisan SA, the term is derogatory and they deem it a racial slur. Another demand is the addition of the Khoisan languages to the official state languages. The protest has been taking place for almost three years now, yet President Ramaphosa has not had any engagement with them. “I find him to be a very arrogant man. We have been on these lawns for years now and not once has he ever crossed the road to come and engage us”, said King Khoisan SA. In November 2019, President Ramaphosa signed the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Bill into law. The Bill seeks to transform traditional and Khoisan institutions in accordance with constitutional imperatives, such as the Bill of Rights. This is done to restore the integrity and legitimacy of the institutions of traditional and Khoisan leadership in line with customary law and practices. Irrespective of this Act by the government, King Khoisan SA and his followers are still not satisfied. According to the Chief, the Bill is old and it was previously referred to as the Traditional Leadership Bill, but now they have included the term “Khoisan” to make it seem more accommodating. The protest still continued, even after the signing of the Bill because, according King Khoisan SA, the Bill does not state and acknowledge the Khoisan as the first
nation of the country and the rightful owners of the land. Dr Gairoonisa Paleker, a University of Pretoria senior lecturer in the Department of Heritage and Historical Studies, stated that everyone has a right to a peaceful protest (emphasis on peaceful) for what they believe to be injustices. “With specific reference to the Khoisan, I think the Khoisan are among the most marginalised South Africans so perhaps they have more to protest about”, Dr Paleker noted. Dr Paleker also indicated that the word ‘justified’ can be viewed as relative - with different people believing something is justified, while others believe it to be unjustified: “I think a more useful term to use is whether their demands are realistic and realisable. If one thinks of the demands in these terms then some are definitely realistic while others may be less realistic. The demand for recognition as the First Peoples is realistic even though it may be politically contested. The demand for official status for Khoekhoe, the Khoisan language, is also realistic. However, the demand for all expropriated Khoisan land is less realistic.” As a scholar, Dr Paleker is of the belief that indeed the Khoisan are the first nation of South Africa. Dr Paleker motivated this by stating that “there is archaeological and historical evidence that would indeed confirm that they were the original inhabitants and most certainly the first people whom the Dutch encountered at the Cape”. According to Dr Paleker, the delegitimisation of the Khoisan can be attributed to their relatively small size of the population. Historically, many Khoisan were killed through exposure to European diseases, and through conflict with the early settlers and other Black groups. Another important contributing factor has been the way in which Khoisan have been viewed by both European settlers and other Black groups. These views are on a spectrum that either romanticise the Khoisan as ‘man in his natural state, at one with nature’ or demonise them as ‘shiftless’,
‘lazy’, ‘thieving’, etc. On the aspect of the President and the government not engaging with the Khoisan protesters, Dr Paleker stated that it is an unfair act by the state. “I think their struggle and certainly their tenacity and persistence- they have been camped out there now for almost three years - deserves respect and acknowledgement from the government in the form of a serious engagement with them.” Dr Paleker suggests that scholars can indeed assist the protesters with getting their demands adhered to. “Well, as scholars and academics we can certainly contribute by producing more knowledge about Khoisan history, their way of life, culture, language, etc”. She went on to add that she “visited them in February 2019 and spoke to King Khoisan SA to hear first-hand what their protest was about. Since that first visit, I have visited twice more in 2019 but only to take food and blankets. I have not visited them again since the onset of COVID-19”. When asked what she thinks the impact of the government answering to the demands of the Khoisan will be on the country generally, Dr Paleker responded by stating that “this is a difficult question to answer, because it involves a bit of prophecy and I am no prophet. But realistically I don’t think the government will meet their demands, certainly not on the question of land.”
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11 October 2021
4 | News
What do societies expect News Bites from the SRC? Katherine Weber and Manelisi Maphela
Katherine Weber
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ith SRC elections introducing a new SRC, an opportunity for change is in the air. Each new SRC has an opportunity to improve on the work of the SRC that came before them, and to serve the students in the best way that they can. As they represent the majority of the student populace in various ways-such as religious beliefs, social justice issues, as well as various disadvantaged communities, PDBY sought to speak to a handful of student organisations on what they want to see from the new SRC. Upon speaking to societies like Up&Out, BOLD and the Muslim Student Association (MSA), communication and accessibility is a common issue that these societies want to see improvement in more than anything else. Societies like BOLD and Up&Out, who advocate for disabled students and the queer community respectively, deal with social and environmental issues that need to be addressed by the SRC. With the introduction of gender neutral pronouns to the university’s online interface, Up&Out expressed a concern for certain lecturers who didn’t quite understand what these terms meant and felt that the SRC should be doing more
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to educate people on what these terms mean. While representatives of BOLD believe that the SRC should be available to talk to students about issues that they are facing on and off campuses that might hinder their academic performance in any way. With this need for increased communication, come the issues that are being voiced by students themselves. Certain members believe that SRC members will be better equipped to serve students by attending meetings or by being in direct communication with the executive committees to target issues and make campuses and campus life more safe and accommodating for students who face issues or have certain disabilities. Collaboration between the SRC and societies is believed to be the way forward to solving key issues, says Archie Mdluli, a member of the BOLD society. While the SRC cannot be involved in every society or go to every meeting held by the executive managements of each society, there has been a call for the Societies Portfolio to be more involved with student societies.New societies and even old societies have faced administration issues that have gone unanswered by the current SRC such as the registering of new societies like the Palestinian Solidarity Committee (PSC-UP), who still face issues with no response from the current SRC.
Each new SRC has an opportunity to improve on the work of the SRC that came before them, and to serve the students in the best way that they can
Race relations among students and fighting racism
Illustration: Cassandra Eardley
Mothusi Mokalane
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outh African tertiary institutions are often a place to explore and discuss race relations and dynamics, especially given our history as South Africans. The question that we never really focus our energies on is whether not taking an active stand against racism is unintentionally supportive of it. Racism in South African universities is alive and kicking. Students experience racism from fellow students and the university staff. Steven Collings and Neeshi Singh-Pillay conducted a study titled “Racism on a South African campus:
A survey of students’ experiences and attitudes” to determine the degrees of racism experienced by students in South African tertiary institutions. The study revealed that in a sample size of 433 students, 242 respondents (55.9%) reported that they had experienced a total of 926 racial incidents on campus in the 12-month period reviewed. The majority of these experiences (71%) involved discriminatory behaviours, with members of the university staff being the modal perpetrators (56% of all incidents). Collings and Singh-Pillay write that “although racial experiences elicited a range of negative reactions - becoming upset, fearful, or angry - none of the incidents had been reported
UP Veterinary student wins Global Research Prize A UP veterinary science student has won the 2021 Prize for Global Research of the Province of Antwerp for his thesis on viral diseases in African hoofed animals. Dr Hendrik Swanepoel, a South African veterinarian, completed his Master’s degree through a collaborative programme between the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium.
How the pandemic has affected the world of art
During Heritage Month, the CEO of the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, Lekgetho Makola, spoke about how the pandemic has hit the art world and how galleries have had to adapt by using online platforms to display art. Makola spoke about the importance of art and the importance of the centre in trying to create a PanAfricanist artistic experience and making that experience accessible. The centre has started doing live streamed tours managed by staff and have set up interactive sessions where staff members and the public are able to speak to artists about their work.
UP Lecturer wins World Building Congress competition
Karen Botes, a UP architecture lecturer, has won the World Building Congress 2022 abstract competition. The competition requires participants to write a 300 word abstract that relates to building for the future. The purpose of this competition is to connect the international building community to discuss their latest research. Botes’s submission was chosen out of 900 abstracts and was similar to the ideas expressed in the literature review for her PhD study in Landscape Architecture.
Prof. Robert Miller wins a TWAS Award
Professor Robert Millar, Director of the Centre for Neuroendocrinology at UP Centre, was awarded by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for 2020. TWAS awards are presented to scientists from developing countries in acknowledgement of their contribution to the science field. The World Academy of Sciences aims for the advancement of science in developing countries and the promotion of “sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy”.
to campus authorities”. Respondents’ racial attitudes were found to vary as a function of both gender (males being more likely to endorse racist statements) and race (white students scoring highest on a measure of old-fashioned racism and Indian and white students scoring highest on a measure of modern racism). Nontsikelelo Loteni, the University of Pretoria’s Transformation Office Director, explained that the University has taken a zero tolerance stance against any form of discrimination, including racism. “We raise awareness to encourage everyone to speak against racism or any form of discrimination”. Loteni went on to indicate that inasmuch as freedom of speech is a human right that any person can exercise, no one can be forced to speak on any issue if they feel they do not want to engage on the matter. The university does hoewever raise awareness and encourage students and staff - irrespective of race - to speak against racism and discrimination. Loteni believes in persuading and educating people rather than criticising them. “Criticising a person won’t lead to any change whereas educating them is an opportunity to persuade them for change”, said Loteni. Speaking out against racism is somewhat an expectation and duty that we all have, we especially have this expectation of people with influence to speak out. The university motivates anyone to speak out through a platform called #SpeakOutUP, an organisation that condemns discrimination and helps to create a conducive environment for all. Loteni indicated that the University of Pretoria has an anti-discrimination policy in place and the Transformation Office has measures and platforms that one can turn to, should they encounter any form of discrimination. The Transformation Office will investigate the case after a report is lodged in. Additionally, Loteni put forward that, through UP Enterprises, staff can request to attend diversity training. To report any case of discrimination, students and staff can contact the Transformation Office Director at Nontsikelelo. loteni@up.ac.za and the Acting Manager of the Office at Sarah. matseke@up.ac.za.
11 October 2021
Features | 5
The multi-level marketing student dilemma Kirsten Minnaar
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tudent participation in multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes is a growing and highly controversial phenomenon. Many MLM schemes may appear to be viable business opportunities, especially for those experiencing financial difficulties, such as students. These schemes can, however, leave their members in a much worse condition than before they joined. The typical MLM is a business structure similar to a pyramid scheme. According to Marketing Schools, MLMs function through “sales reps receiv[ing] compensation for their own sales...[and] a percentage of the sales generated by other salespeople they recruit”. Consultants involved in MLMs usually sell products directly to consumers through relationships and word of mouth. MLMs such as Herbalife, Amway, Tupperware and Nu Skin have become increasingly popular in South Africa, and many consultants rely heavily on social media to promote their products. The prospect of earning money while choosing your own hours may seem especially appealing to students. However, there are often more negative than positive consequences associated with participation in MLMs. According to “The Case (for and) against Multi-level Marketing” by Jon M. Taylor, the “[l]oss rates are extraordinary – over 99% for all of the MLMs for which I have been able to obtain relevant data”. Taylor explains that, since it is “[b]uilt on an endless chain of recruitment, MLM is inherently flawed, deceptive, and profitable only for founders and those at or near the top of a pyramid of participants – usually those at the beginning of the chain of recruitment. MLM is also extremely viral and predatory”. According to MLM Statistics, “[d]ue to the relatively low income, high costs, and difficulty in actually selling products, it’s extremely difficult to make a substantial profit with these companies”. Students all over the world tend to be particularly financially vulnerable and this problem is only amplified in South Africa.
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According to the article “Does Financial Assistance Undermine Academic Success? Experiences Of ‘At Risk’ Students In A South African University”, which was published in the Journal of Education (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal), “the majority of South African households are unable to support a dependent at university”. According to BusinessTech, students from eight of South Africa’s top universities owed over R711 million on tuition fees and loans as of 2015. Most students in South Africa cannot afford to become entangled in a marketing scheme that costs them more than they can earn.. A second year genetics student spoke to PDBY about her experiences with Amway. She explained that, as an introvert, “making
emotional manipulation, saying that when friends would express doubt the higher ranking members would encourage them to neglect those relationships. “[They] would make us feel like our doubtful friends didn’t care about us, didn’t want to succeed [and] said we should distance ourselves from them.” It reached the point where “people would prioritise the business so much that they were willing to miss weddings, birthdays etc to attend functions or not schedule as much time to spend with family”. She explains that the idea of “hustle culture” was stressful and that even though they promised flexibility, it really took up a lot of time. “My family and I spent a lot of money. I didn’t have any since I was about 18, 19 at the time and only made around R100 which mostly came from our own pocket and a little from the people we managed to recruit.” She spent a lot of money, since you cannot promote and sell products you are not using yourself. “It was hard, people hate it when you’re trying to sell something.” While leaders would say that anyone could become successful, she found that most of the people who were doing well “either joined years ago or when the business was new in their respective countries”. If you “didn’t do well or get a certain level, we were made to believe it’s completely our fault or that we didn’t work hard enough”. “The worst thing about this for me, is that when you’re in it feels like you could come out with something meaningful and useful. But if you put [in] a lot of effort, money, time and still don’t succeed… after leaving the business, you have nothing to show for it.” While the idea of earning money through one of these structures may seem harmless, MLM Statistics emphasises that before you join a multi-level marketing scheme, you should think carefully. “Look at the income disclosure statements, payment plans, and requirements for each company individually. Consider other ‘side-gigs’ that have a higher level of success. Make informed decisions based on accurate statistics.”
It’s like they would love-bomb you and you would feel so good because human connection in the real world is so rare especially since making friends as an adult is so hard, so being welcomed felt comforting. cold calls and prospecting people helped me come out of my shell”. She also explained that she “really [likes] the products”, and she still uses some of them. However, she did say that the “environment had a lot of toxic positivity. I realised that people weren’t really friends and some mentors in higher ranks didn’t really care about helping”. She states that these mentors would use their people skills to “give the people they recruited a false sense of friendship and belonging. It’s like they would love-bomb you and you would feel so good because human connection in the real world is so rare especially since making friends as an adult is so hard, so being welcomed felt comforting. But if you expressed doubt, wanted to leave the business or just shop then they would divert all that attention and find someone else. People would join genuinely believing they were helping themselves and they would invite friends because they genuinely wanted better for the friends and family.” She talked about how Amway encouraged
Queer representation in film Muskaan Singh
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he non-threatening gay man: white, middle-class and straight-passing. He is queer representation for straight audiences. Representation is an important aspect to consider in film, and one that is increasingly taken into account. The past few years have given us a number of mainstream queer hits—Love, Simon and Call Me by Your Name come to mind immediately—which is a clear sign of increasing queer representation. But what does more representation mean if it only represents a single queer identity? What does more representation mean if it enforces stereotypes instead of subverting them? If representation is shallow and aims to simply check the box for diversity, is it not doing more harm than good? Representation matters, but responsible, intersectional representation matters more. Despite the progress made in recent years with queer representation, the acknowledgement of the breadth of queer experiences is still severely limited. Yes, there are more and more queer characters on screen—characters that are often well developed - but certain members of the queer community are consistently excluded. For example, in a 2020 Studio Responsibility Index report by GLAAD, a queer media advocacy group, it was found that 22 out of 118 films by the eight largest studios included queer characters, which was the highest representation percentage in the eight years of the report. However, no male bisexual characters were included. Nor were there transgender characters for the third consecutive year. The number of queer characters of colour had decreased for the third year in a row. It is clear that even in terms of quantity, queer representation in film is lacking. Even with white gay men being the most represented of the queer community in media, this inclusion is still limited, with more than half of all queer characters appearing on screen for less than three minutes. Of course, a purely quantitative analysis of the inclusion of queer characters in movies is not one that will provide an accurate view of the shortcomings of film in this regard. Even in terms of plot and character development, when it comes to queer characters, diversity is often included for diversity’s sake. Take, for example, the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope, where queer characters are killed off to progress the plot lines of the straight main characters. Moreover, queer characters are often written as characters whose defining personality trait is the fact that they are queer. In such cases, stereotypes are, more often than not, enforced rather than subverted. Of course, there are movies, such
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Image: Cassandra Eardley
Representation, when it is authentic and empathetic, broadens perceptions, challenges stigmas, and allows people to feel seen
as Rocketman, where a character’s queer identity is central to the plot. But, there is a need for characters that just happen to be queer and for representation that doesn’t centre around suffering, ostracisation and tragedy. We need to see queer characters depicted holistically. The subtle ways in which the queer community has been villainised is also interesting to consider. Take queer-coding villains in Disney movies, for example. Queer-coding is the subtextual characterisations of a character as queer through the use of recognisable stereotypes. Often these traits are used to signify or characterise villains. For example, Hades in the Disney film Hercules or Him from The Powerpuff Girls. Both villains are queer-coded and their characterisation as such is used to villainise them. So, while there may be more representation of the queer community in film today, the way in which it is portrayed enforces stereotypes, caters to a particular demographic (white, middle-class and straight-passing) and adds little value to the
film. However, it is not all doom and gloom. For the many movies with terrible representation of the queer community, there are movies that handle representation well, introduce queer media to the heterosexual mainstream and characterise the experience of the queer community in holistic and empathetic ways, such as Moonlight and The Half of It. The importance of movies that represent queer characters in this way cannot be understated. Representation, when it is authentic and empathetic, broadens perceptions, challenges stigmas, and allows people to feel seen. Film not only represents reality, but affects change in reality. It is a tool to explore the human condition and share the lived experiences of different kinds of people; a means of relating to others and understanding them. Queer representation matters, and it needs to be expanded.
11 October 2021
6 | Entertainment
PDBY featured artist: Three-man rock band Paint the Walls Ashleigh Pascoe
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eet Sean Munday, Jonty Oosthuizen, and Dane Blunt from Pretoria’s three-man rock band, Paint the Walls. While balancing honours degrees and the working world amidst a pandemic, Paint the Walls managed to release their debut single, “Take Me” on major streaming platforms. PDBY interviewed this band to discover who they are, and what they are about. What are the roles within the band? Sean is the singer and the bassist, Jonty mans the drums, and Dane is the guitarist. How did the band start out? Dane and Jonty were in a band before, called Shotgun Not. Their singer and their bassist left Pretoria. I found out through a mutual friend over Instagram, after posting a picture of Mark Hoppus from Blink-182, that Dane needed a singer for their band and [that] we both liked the same music. I got his number from her and messaged him; the rest is history. What influenced the creation of the single, “Take Me”? I wrote it during lockdown while trying to write about this time [that] I was staying with this girl [that] I really liked. There was so much I wanted to say but didn’t. Nothing I wrote sounded right so I made up a story for the verses that aimed to capture that kind of feeling. The chorus represents all the things you wish you could tell someone, but you just end up talking about random cr*p (hence the “nana’s”). What was the process behind releasing your single on major streaming platforms? It was actually a lot easier than most people would think. You just find a distributor, upload it there and in about a month your song is on streaming! What would you say influences the sound of your band? Are there any particular bands or artists that do so? We all love Blink-182. When we were writing songs, they were always our biggest influence. If possible, can you give us a sneak peek into what the band is currently working on? We’ve got a few more demos [that] we’d love to release. Hopefully we can make that happen!
Image: Provided
Motau’s ‘Thulaganyo Ya Badimo’
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Image: Provided
The verses that [aim] to capture that kind of feeling. The chorus represents all the things you wish you could tell someone.
Do you have any intention of performing live when COVID-19 restrictions have lifted? That’d be awesome. There’s no better feeling playing for a crowd and you can see they’re really enjoying it. How can those who enjoy your music reach out and interact with you? We are on social media, @paintthewallsband. We always appreciate a nice comment or a message! Are there any additional thoughts you would like to share with the readers? The local rock music scene in Pretoria is really great and I think more people would enjoy the shows if they went. We’ve made friends with the guys in some great bands like Double Sun, Triiip, and Smokey Mercle who I think a lot of people would enjoy listening to. Find more from Paint the Walls at @paintthewallsband.
PDBY’s artists to watch
Ashleigh Pascoe
T
hulanganyo Motau is a vocal and local artist that attends the University of Pretoria. If you are an avid PDBY reader, you will remember that in April 2021 we interviewed Motau regarding her EP, Souls Have Chosen. During this interview, Motau left readers wondering what she was working on when we asked about her current projects and she stated that she had “already said too much”. Now, we can explore this elusive comment. On 12 June, Motau released her new single, “Thulaganyo Ya Badimo”. “Thulaganyo Ya Badimo” is a heart-touching track with elements that could not have come from anywhere but South Africa. The cover art is authentically representative of the sounds that greet you in the introduction. The introduction will invite you to continue listening, and Motau’s angelic voice will have you disappointed that there is only one song on this EP. It is the local feel, and the beating of the drums, that really draws listeners into her music. It is slower and more emotionally complex than Souls Have Chosen - yet it still carries the same element of playfulness. Despite only being Motau’s second release, it is clear that she is successfully exploring musical diversity. The lyrics of this song carry complex themes of religion and self-exploration that perfectly complement the R&B/Soul genre that this piece falls under. It is a soulful and soothing song that South Africans should engage in. Motau is a talented artist, and we cannot wait to follow what she has to offer.
Savvy snacking in Hatfield
Ashleigh Pascoe
S Nicola McCleod “Changing” McCleod is a PDBY regular (check out her interview in 2021’s First Year Edition or catch her at Bar Acoustics at Fokof Bar every week). She recently released her debut single “Changing” and it is available on all major streaming platforms. Her melancholic folksy sound is sure to grip you and have you waiting in anticipation for her next project. IG: @_nicolamcleod_ FB: Nicola McLeod
Black Heidi “Main Frame” Black Heidi is a singer/songwriter who graces the Pretoria music scene with her powerful voice and ukulele. In May 2021 she released a single titled “Main Frame” and it is available on most major streaming platforms. IG: @theeblackheidi FB: Black Heidi
poiling yourself on a student budget does not have to leave you broke. If you are in or around Hatfield, why not grab a chicken burger for only R25 at Springbok’s Bar? For an extra R3, you could include some chips on the side. If you do not feel like a burger, you can always munch on a cheese pizza for R32. Of course, you already know about Steers’ Wacky Wednesday, where for R54, you can buy a juicy beef burger, and get one free. If you have dietary needs or preferences, give Lexi’s Vegan Eatery in Hazelwood a try. On Mondays, you get a second plate of the meal you ordered, for free! Bring a friend along or take it home for dinner. Lexi’s is also now on Mr Delivery, so you can still get your healthy meal even if you do not feel like leaving the house. Another healthy alternative is Hatfield’s Kauai. If you show your student card to the person taking your order, you get 20% off your order, any day of the week. Last but not least, (because breakfast cannot be forgotten), get a Feast Filler Breakfast at Wimpy, for R49,90, or The Crisp Supreme Chicken & Bacon burger and chips for R59, 90. Some people even say that a Wimpy breakfast is the cure for a hangover, so why not give it a try. Eating good food does not need to break the bank, so do not forget to treat yourself once in a while.
11 October 2021
Fun and games | 7
I tag:
Online Class
Bingo
Cross off the blocks that apply to you and tag us in your results!
Took a test without studying and passed with distinction
Graduated online
Watched class recordings during a test or exam
Never attended a live class during COVID-19
Bought notes the day of the exam
Been out after curfew
Attended class in a restaurant or bar
Had wi-fi/ data issues during a test or exam
Sicked a test due to load shedding
Owe your degree to ‘ctrl f’
Got COVID-19 after going clubbing
Submitted an incomplete test/ assignment
FREE
Changed your course
Slept through a live lecture
Got a case of Cabin Fever during the pandemic
Missed a deadline
Made a pros and cons list about dropping out
Been on campus in 2021
Faked connection issues
Spent most of your working week on TikTok
Had Uber eats and Mr D become your best friend
Spoken out loud without realising your mic was on
Got a spasm in your eye from staring at your laptop too long
Never met with your dissertation supervisor
Tag us on Instagram: @PDBYMedia
Sport Sport Bites UP loses women’s football final Kayla Thomas
TuksTennis wins in Uganda
The TuksTennis team won the overall title at the 2021 FASU Tennis Universities Championship. The championship took place in Kampala, Uganda. The UP team comprised players Simona Georgievia, Willem Wessels, Marine Vos, Andre Snyman, Jo-Ane Verhoef, Willie Esterhuizen, Carli Bruhns and Student Head Coach, Blaise Izungu.
TuksWomensRugby 7s head to Russia
The Delta Drone Women’s 7s team won the 2021 King of Rugby Africa University 7s in Uganda. The team was led by Sesihle Maguga and Riaan van der Merwe. With their win, the Delta Drone team will represent Africa in Russia in 2022 for the first ever FISU University World Cup Rugby Sevens.
Tuks wins gold for lifesaving
TuksLifesaving won gold in the team events and overall at the 2021 DHL Lifesaving South Africa Championships. Elijah Dredge of TuksLifesaving also broke the South African record for the boys 15-16 manikin tow with a time of 56.84. The Tuks team will compete in the Africa Games in Egypt, this December.
Player of the Match for TuksNetball
The Gauteng Jaguars won their match against the Free State Crinums in the second leg of the 2021 Telkom Netball League with a final score of 45-39. TuksNetball and Jaguars player Danielle van Zyl was named Player of the Match.
2021/22 Student Sport representatives
UP LLB student Kristen de Beer will serve as Chairperson of Student Sport for the 2021/22 term. LLB student Siyabonga Nkosi will serve as SRC Ex-Officio for Student Sport. Compiled by Kayla Thomas and Leah Rees
U
P’s women’s team for the Varsity Football Tournament lost the final to UWC on 4 October. The game progressed until 70 minutes with neither team scoring. After entering a penalty shootout, UWC won 4-3. It is their first win in the tournament, having competed in the finals four times before. Commenting on the Tuks team’s performance, TuksSport Director, Steven Ball, is “super proud”. He added that he has “not seen a Tuks ‘ladies’ team play football like this”. “The biggest thing is the character they showed. They never gave up. The players were fit and fast. That was all you wanted”, he said. The team coach, Maud Khumalo, also spoke
“Tuks team is only going to get better” of her team’s performance and encouraged them to “be proud of what [they] achieved”. She said that she is “over the moon” and that the “Tuks team is only going to get better”. Similar sentiments were echoed by team captain, Morongwa Manamela, who reflected on how the team “grew in confidence with each game”. While they missed the cup, UP did feature two team members as the FNB Player of the Match and FNB Player of the Tournament. Mmakhgotso Mashishi and Wendy Shongwe were awarded the respective FNB Players titles and Shongwe ended the match by noting that “losing the final is not the result we wanted, but still, I am proud of the way my teammates played to get us to the final”. The final was the UP women’s team’s second tournament final and is unlikely to be their last. As the team captain Manamela says, UP is the “team that never gives up”.
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