PDBY 12 April 2021
Year 83 | Issue 3
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Campus Nostalgia: The 1918 flu pandemic and UP
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Getting involved in university life as a day student
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12 April 2021
2 | From the Editor
Let’s talk about ‘not all men’ men’. To question why ‘not all men’ may be a problematic response, it’s important to understand what ‘men are trash’ means. I can only speak from the perspective of a white, cis woman, but to me ‘men are trash’ is a direct reflection of the fear women live in and are subjected to throughout their lives. But it is also a protest statement against the patriarchy and the privilege that comes with being a straight, cis man – and this is largely where I find issue with the defence of ‘not all men’.
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o you’ve made a statement about gender-based violence, rape or sexism, and the response you received was ‘not all men’ do xyz. Why is this problematic? Is it problematic at all? I’d argue yes, and if you read this and think that it’s exceptionally obvious why it’s problematic, then I’d think we read similar things, follow similar people and subscribe to similar discourses and what I say here won’t be anything new or extraordinary to you. But if you read this and feel confused, angry or annoyed at movements like ‘men are trash’ or agree with ‘not all men’, then this may be something new to consider. That being said, I am only sharing my own views in a limited space and I fully recommend furthering your reading beyond anything I may say. My obligatory disclaimer, well … disclaimed, let’s get into it. Who are we referring to when we say ‘men are trash’ and ‘not all men’? I think it’s safe to say the large majority of people using these terms are referring to cisgendered, straight men, so I suppose in some ways, it really isn’t all men. But I am willing to bet that the people using ‘not all men’ as a defence to ‘men are trash’ aren’t defending groups aside from cis, straight men, so I think it’s safe in the context of this editorial to refer to ‘not all men’ as meaning ‘not all cis, straight
Gender-based violence and sexual assault are things women fear every day, and can do little to escape. Living with this fear and being on constant alert for our safety is exhausting and we get angry at the unfairness of having to live this way. Of course the basic argument of ‘not all men’ is that not every man is guilty of rape or gender based violence and many (hopefully most) men would never physically harm a woman. But rape and sexual violence have existed since the dawn of humanity, and in 2021 the world is still plagued by these atrocities. While many men and women fight against it, rape continues. (Men are raped too, but the way rape is used as a tool of violence and oppression against women across the world is why this discussion is about men raping women). We live in a male dominated world and a society of patriarchy, and yet the men in the world do not do enough to stop rape and other forms of gender based violence (and sexism, and femicide and inequality – the list goes on). And this is on all men. Rape culture, locker room talk, inequality between genders and every day sexism is perpetrated by huge portions of the population and not only by rapists and sex offenders. We can’t tell which man will rape or hurt a woman, but we also can’t tell which man laughs at a rape joke, or which thinks a woman belongs in the kitchen, and this is why it becomes ‘all men’. ‘Men are trash’ is a protest against the power and privilege men exercise to justify not dismantling the patriarchy and not doing more to stop men from raping, killing or abusing women. Yes, not all men rape. But all men are guilty of not challenging the system
that allows other men to rape. All men are automatically privileged and benefit by the fact that they are men, and live in a world that favours men. ‘Men are trash’ because they accept and benefit from a system that oppresses women (many more groups are negatively effected by this system, such as queer people and people of colour, but that extends beyond the scope of this editorial). The infrequent man that is a true feminist does not counter the impact and message of ‘men are trash’ nor does it substantiate ‘not all men’. I also think that the men who are true feminists would never say ‘not all men’ as to be a feminist they’d understand what ‘men are trash’ means and why ‘not all men’ isn’t a justifiable response. Why is it upsetting to hear ‘not all men’? Well to me it’s upsetting because it sounds like ‘not all men’ care, or care enough as a collective. It dismisses the systemic problem and makes ‘men are trash’ sound like an overreaction, when in reality it’s an underreaction. Perhaps instead of angrily protesting that ‘not all men’, we should ask ourselves why ‘men are trash’ became a thing, and address those reasons instead of being against the phrasing itself. ‘Men are trash’ is an idea, a protest and a cry of oppression. We should care more about the root of this than the ego bruise of calling men trash. Make it ‘all men’, and make it that all men will challenge the problems and strive to change them. It’s also important to understand that ‘men are trash’ doesn’t mean you hate your father, brother, boyfriend, or male friends. It means you understand that all men play a role in either allowing the problems to be perpetuated, or actively working to challenge them.
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12 April 2021
Intervarsity News University of Witwatersrand (Wits) Wits has announced the appointment of vaccinologist, Professor Lynn Morris, as the Braamfontein-based institution’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research. Beginning her five-year term at the beginning of April, Prof. Morris brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as she returns to her alma mater, where she previously won the Wits ViceChancellor’s Research Award in 2014. Listed as an A-rated scientist by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Prof. Morris is an experienced HIV researcher and was the recipient of the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award in 2017. She previously held positions such as Research Professor at the Wits School of Pathology, Head of the HIV Virology Lab at the Centre for HIV & STIs, National Health Laboratory Service, and most recently, having served as the interim Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, where she led the institute through the 2017 Listeriosis outbreak, and the current COVID-19 pandemic.
News | 3
WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION, CENSORSHIP OR PUNISHMENT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND FREEDOM OF MEDIA AND PRESS. THIS IS THE FREEDOM TO SHARE YOUR OPINION, WITHOUT FEAR WHERE DO YOU GET THIS RIGHT FROM?
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Vice-Chancellor of UCT, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has announced that the institute will launch the new #RhodesMustFall (RMF) Scholarship and an annual lecture, with the first scheduled to take place in early April. This initial lecture will be given by former UCT Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Njabulo Ndebele, who is also the chairman of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. The announcement comes six years after protests were sparked at the Cape Town institution with widespread calls for transformation at the university, most notably resulting in the removal of the statue of Cecil John Rhodes from a prominent centre of the university’s Upper Campus. The initiative seeks to find a way forward for the institute after the 2014/2015 protests shone a light on the need for transformation at the university.
Rhodes University Rhodes University’s School of Languages and Literatures has recently announced the writing of the first ever ChiShona written PhD thesis in the university’s history. Dr Ignatius Mabasa, an acclaimed Zimbabwean storyteller of the Makhanda-based university’s African Language Studies section, is the first student in the institution’s history to be awarded a PhD written in Shona. Dr Mabasa, a folklorist and author, tells the story of ChiShona people in his thesis, which he labelled “a revolt against attitudes that systematically deny Africans an agenda in their own land and languages.” Dr Mabasa adds that “the choice to use ChiShona is a response to the exclusion and marginalisation of othered knowledges. By using the Shona language, I am rethinking pedagogy and targeting a disenfranchised audience.” Mabasa’s thesis was supervised by Professor Chimhundu, a well-known ChiShona academic, and internationally acclaimed Professor Russell Kaschula, who is a professor of African Language Studies at Rhodes. Compiled by Tshepang Moji
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4 | News
Renamed and repositioned: the Campus Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute Nostalgia Mothusi Mokalane
The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and UP Susanna Anbu
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oth the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic draw stark similarities in terms of the effects on the higher education and learning space. Recently, Dr Bronwyn Strydom, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, analysed the similarities between both pandemics and drew a comparison of their effects on UP students. The article compiles snippets from UP’s archives about student experiences during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic in South Africa. The Spanish Flu epidemic is dated to have reached South Africa in September 1918. Back then, UP was known as the Transvaal University College (TUC) and was subjected to campus closure, much like the one we witnessed in March 2020. The Spanish Flu epidemic caused numerous deaths and infections, to the point that October 1918 became known as “Black October”. The rate of infections soon stabilised in November, so the epidemic’s effects were short term. The onset of the Spanish Flu in 1918 allowed the Council of TUC to exercise emergency powers, and as a result, the academic year was suspended early, with exams being postponed to 1919. Dr Strydom writes that “this meant a disruption of only a few months towards the end of the academic year. This is quite [in] contrast to the disruption of most contact classes and normal campus activities for three quarters of the academic year in 2020.” Based on consensus found in the first Volume of the university’s history, it was agreed that the campus atmosphere was very tense when the Spanish flu broke out. Especially between English and Afrikaans speaking students as the tension continued escalating to the point where a British flag was burned on campus grounds. It is suspected that the closure spurred by the Spanish Flu epidemic aided in easing the volatile tension. Dr Strydom also includes a student’s testimony of what it felt like to experience the Spanish Flu epidemic: “But in the year 1918 the whole world fell under the Spanish Flu and the population of Pretoria was also affected. By the Summer of 1918 the situation was so bad, that it was impossible to continue with classes.” Numerous students were affected, but, documents suggest, no residence students died, although many were seriously ill. Groups of students, which were not yet infected, joined teams of volunteers which undertook visits to mainly the poor areas of the town, to try and help people affected by the disease. Doctors and nurses were insufficient and there was very little that could be done, except to provide food (usually soup) and to try help in emergency cases. Those who were ill were advised to lie still and under no circumstances to try to wash or bath. Among students who still remained behind in the residences there was a general spirit of fatalism, as students felt they could only wait and see what happened. Another phenomenon that was reciprocated across both pandemics was the concept of campus closure alleviating impending stresses of exams and tests. In her article, Dr Strydom relays a testimony of a student in 1918 who expressed great relief towards campus closure as it would allow him to polish up his Chemistry. When classes resumed in 1919, only 300 students enrolled for the year from 1918’s count of 325 students. An editorial written by the editor of The TUC Student Magazine read: “There are again young forces which have joined us, a number of new students. We wish them a warm welcome. There are also old forces which have disappeared from the scene; among them are those who due to illness—the results of the terrible epidemic—had to leave. A rapid recovery we wish to them all.” (Sourced from ‘Two pandemics, one hundred years and the University of Pretoria: A brief comparison’, Strydom) Compared to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has led to over a year of campus closure, the Spanish Flu pandemic only had fleeting effects to facets of student culture, student gatherings and classes. Despite a temporary suspension of classes in April 2020, classes were still able to continue online but access to campus is still non-existent for a majority of students.
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n its 10 year anniversary, the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership at the University of Pretoria has been renamed and repositioned. This center was situated in the Department of Business Management a part of the EMS faculty. It’s main mandate was to develop future leaders through research and academic citizenship. As of 2021, the centre’s new name is the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute (ALLI). This change allows the institute to partake in all activities linked to development of leadership and teaching at UP. Professor Derick de Jongh, director of the institute, indicated that “the renaming and repositioning from a centre to an institute will assist us in unlocking value that would imply a more dedicated inter- and trans-disciplinary approach that spans faculty borders and academic disciplines”. ALLI’s objective is to create a new wave of leaders who are responsible for fashioning local and international business conduct and policies, as to simultaneously uphold social and environmental justice. The institute’s strength is in its ability to tackle the academic integrity of a variety of academic disciplines in various faculties. The core focus of the institute lies in the following strategies:
leadership in context, which focuses on growing theory on responsible leadership and leadership collaboration; leadership in development, which navigates the institute’s current projects on leadership and sustainable development and; leadership in shaping alternative accountability, which looks into the role that leadership plays in shaping alternative accountability principles. The repositioning of the centre to an institute was realised through the need for closer cooperation and collaboration with the university. “A leadership CoLab hosted by ALLI could ensure that UP maximises its impact on leadership research and teaching” said Prof. De Jongh. In the ten years of its existence, ALLI has demonstrated itself to be a primary leadership research and teaching centre in Africa. The research projects by scholars of the institute have been published in leading international journals. The institute also has PhD alumnae, and the staff members are currently supervising 14 PhD students. The Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership has for over a decade positioned itself at the forefront of leadership development initiatives at UP. The transition from a centre to institute is not just a name change or an organisational shift, but an enhancement of the work that the institute is already doing.
Student Wellness and SRC sanitary pad drive Katherine Weber
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ith some students being back on campuses and in residences, the SRC and Student Wellness Committee are committed to providing menstruating students with sanitary
Illustration: Sanele Zulu
products, should they find themselves in need of these products and unable to attain them. SRC member Thuto Mashile has emphasised the importance of providing students in need with these sanitary products during this uncertain time. These products will not be delivered to students’ homes or anywhere outside of Gauteng. Should students find themselves in need of these products, they can go to the Student Wellness Committee’s Instagram page and find a Google link to where they can fill in their information. Thereafter, they will be given a permit to access campus, where they can collect their sanitary products from the UP Clinic on Hatfield Campus. Mashile also states that the Student Health Committee and the SRC have other initiatives and student health issues that they plan to address over the course of the year with the assistance of the Student Health Services.
Stranded dolphin assists research Manelisi Magoro
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he MRI Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria plans to conduct research on South African cetaceans following a stranding of a striped male dolphin near Die Kelders. Striped dolphins are an offshore species, making them difficult to study due to their unpredictable location in the ocean and the costs of offshore fieldwork. The biology and physiology of this species can be understood through collection of samples from strandings. “The minimum samples collected are skin, blubber and muscle tissue. When possible, we would do a full necropsy of smaller animals like this during which we collect stomach content, reproductive organs, etc.,” says Dr Els Vermeulen of the Unit. These samples undergo a series of analysis such as genetics, stable isotopes, pollutant
load, hormonal analyses, fatty acid profiles and more. This provides important data of these lesser accessible species. The Whale Unit’s focus relates to inshore species including the southern right whale, humpback whale, Bryde’s whale, humpback dolphin, Heaviside’s dolphin and common dolphin. “We are currently deploying offshore acoustic devices to start focusing on the study of offshore species, which is critical in times of increased offshore human activities”, said Dr Vermeulen. The Whale Unit offices are situated in Hermanus, the whale capital of South Africa, and not on campus in Pretoria. This is due to the importance of their regular fieldwork and attendance of strandings which requires access to South Africa’s coast in their work. For more information follow the whale unit on their Facebook page at MRIWhaleUnit.
12 April 2021
Student voices in the pandemic I
ntroduction In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reached South Africa and the country went into a strict lockdown to try and contain the situation. In the following months, a group of University of Pretoria development studies students - themselves forced to leave campus and student residences and try to learn online – wrote about this unprecedented situation. In this short collection we share some of these experiences; some reveal what the students themselves were going through, some capture the stories of others around them. No-one, at the time of writing these, really imagined that a year later we would still be so severely affected by this pandemic. But here we are, all still grappling with many of the same challenges. We hope you find these glimpses of how others have been affected in some way illuminating and perhaps encouraging. Editors: Marc Wegerif and Bontle Modubu – March 2021 University of Pretoria, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology. Understanding The Impact Of COVID-19 On Spaza Shop Owners In Sebokeng Township The spaza shop owners and informal traders who were interviewed declared that the national lockdown affected them negatively. Mama-kay is one of the spaza shop owners who was interviewed. She is a breadwinner for her family, a single parent to two lovely daughters and one son. She says that: “The President announced the national lockdown after I had bought fresh fruits and vegetables from the market, because of that I was forced by the situation to keep the business running to avoid food getting rotten and my children’s money to go to waste. However, I was caught off-guard by police officers forcing me to close down. I was so stressed, that was the only source of income we have in the household and my other worry is that products like bread, fruits and vegetables that will expire and get rotten, which will result in a major loss to my small business.” In our black community, COVID-19 has the same stigma as chronic diseases such as HIV & AIDS and TB. Mama-kay explained that,“after the police officers came to my mini garage and stopped me from operating, many people in the community thought that I was stopped because I have signs and symptoms of coronavirus, which was not true. My business was no longer the same, some parents would go to an extent of saying to their children to stop buying. Nevertheless, the business bounced back because my spaza shop is the only one in the neighbourhood and people are avoiding long queues for small things like bread, milk, sugar, fruits and vegetables so they ended up buying from me again”. Author: Lehlohonolo Motloung Read the collection in PDBY: next installment 03/05
Follow @pdbymedia on Instagram for up to date news Illustration: Cassandra Eardley
12 April 2021
Features | 5
QUEER REPRESENTATION: knowledge, attitude and practices
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he queer community includes marginalised groups across the globe, and despite the continuous transitions in countries’ constitutions, the community is often still kept aside and stereotyped against by non-queer people. Equal and fair representation is vital, as it ensures visibility. Therefore, in a world with various platforms of knowledge production that continuously influence how people think, it is important to advocate for fair and sufficient representation of queer lives and experiences. As South Africa’s media landscape changes and develops, there is also an increasing awareness of the need to ensure diversity of stories covered and voices heard, and access to the media. In many respects, the media has recognised that it has a role to play in helping build a healthy society. There is increasing media representation of women and people of different races, and coverage around complex issues such as HIV/AIDS. How the media portrays queer groups influences how society thinks of them. Coverage that is negative, stereotyped, or even non-existent, impacts the way in which the community is viewed and received. Media - as a tool of knowledge production and influence - has the ability to increase understanding - or the power to re-enforce negative perceptions that contribute to discrimination. UP’s queer society, Tuks UP&OUT, explains that representations of queer life in the media, like movies or series, are “about queer ‘struggles’”, and that a “lot of queer media that’s considered ‘good’ by critics involves at least some elements of violence”, and is not limited to physical violence. UP&OUT explains that media representation is important in reflecting that “queer life doesn’t need to be a struggle”. Head of Public Relations and Influencer Partnerships at an advertising and marketing agency, RAPT Creative, and Masters candidate, Khangelani Dziba, states that there is lack of awareness and consideration of queer voices in the work done by brands and media development. “Whilst the industry purports its support for the community in parts, a lot of the work being produced is still done by cis people who do not always fully grasp the complexity of the community and produce it with a heteronormative lens that centres [on] their comfort more than that of [queer people]” said Dziba. This act only adds to the stereotypes, and these actors remain unaware they ma be harming instead of aiding the community. UP&OUT adds that “the quickest way it will change is by queer actors, directors, and producers finding their way into the industry”, but that this “isn’t easy at all”. “Out in the media?” is a research study conducted by director of Community Media for Development (CMFD), Deborah Walter et.al. The study reported that poor coverage has a negative impact on how people relate to the queer community. Some people are consequently ashamed of openly expressing their sexuality, because the media is portraying the community from a linear angle that limits diversity and is essentially stereotyped. The study also showed that negative or false coverage results in strained relationships between queer people and their families and friends. Negative media reinforces negative attitudes within social structures, resulting in hampered acceptance, respect, and understanding. “Can the media do better to cover the sector? Yes. Are there committed content producers out there who are interested in learning more? Absolutely. Does the community itself have to demand fair representation? Most certainly”, wrote Walter. The lack of African content that is inclusive of queer people and their lives is an issue that prevails. This is because of the oftenquoted notion of homosexuality as “un-African”. Among many of the myths created about Africa, the belief that homosexuality is absent in Africa or incidental, is one of the oldest and most enduring. African leaders, historians, anthropologists, clergy, authors, and contemporary Africans alike have denied, overlooked or actively opposed homosexuality or same-sex relationships and persistently claim that such patterns were introduced by Europeans. In his book “The Pink Line: Journeys Across the World’s Queer Frontiers”, South African author, Mark Gevisser, shares an example from Nigeria’s leader of the Senate, David Mark. Mark, who Gevisser explains is responsible for Nigeria’s anti-queer legislation, said in 2013 that “there are many good values we can copy from other societies but certainly not this one [of decriminalising homosexuality]”. Gevisser further cites a 2016
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survey by the Human Sciences Research Council on attitudes towards queer people in South Africa, and reports that 72% of respondents disapproved of “homosexual activity”, with some citing queerness as “un-African”. These attitudes result in slow progress in queer rights, which allows discrimination and violence against queer people to continue - or even be condoned by legislation. While South Africa has progressive and inclusive legislation for queer people, Gevisser discusses anti-queer laws and movements in countries such as Uganda, where Stephan Langa, a pastor who hosted a seminar in 2009 to “expose the ‘Homosexual’s Agenda’”, wrote that he promised to “help Africans protect themselves” from queer people and communities. These discourses continue across Africa as queerness is denied or oppressed, and the lived experiences of queer people negated. Such negation further excludes queer lives from representation in African media, entertainment, education, and social content. South African Telenovela productions could also do better to represent the queer community fairly. Often when a queer storyline is introduced to a soapie, it is made into an event, written from a “taboo” angle, and used as a burning issue that will draw in large viewership for presumed shock value. Once the objective is achieved, the characters are pushed back into the closet. This misrepresentation sends a negative
queer community. “I was frustrated with the lens at which we were being positioned in ads and I wanted to see an immediate change”. The thesis is a critical qualitative investigation of the South African advertising industry as it relates to brand resonance and queer representation. It draws on theories produced by queer scholars and brand leadership scholars around the world. Dziba’s argument is one which aims to reveal the influence that our upbringing has on how we come to understand key constructs relating to gender identity and sexuality, which ultimately impacts our approach on how we are inclusive (or dismissive) of queer identities in South African advertising. Transgender men and women fight twice the battle for fair representation. It is very important for all citizens in a country to have accurate and clear identification. For a trans man or woman to get an ID that reflects their identity in South Africa is often an impossible mission. This is because of the transphobic attitudes that the Home Affairs officials subject trans people to. Often we read in news publications that trans people are given a run around by the Department of Home Affairs with regard to the issuing of their new identity particulars. This sometimes leads to trans people being unable to work because the IDs they have do not reflect the persons they present themselves to be. In a media release, after Intersex South Africa and Gender Dynamix reported the discrimination that its officials subject transgender and intersex people to with regard to getting new Identity Documents, the Department of Home Affairs stated that they do not condone such conduct and that those officials will be attended to. The Department further indicated that, according to Section 7.2 of the Birth and Death Act 51 of 1992, the rights of a citizen to change their gender status is recognised, however, this is applicable only in instances where the parents registered the wrong gender of a child. With regard to transgender persons, the law requires applicants to provide two letters from the referring doctor and a specialist who either performed gender reassignment surgery or oversaw gender affirming treatments like hormone Image: Cletus Mulaudi replacement therapy. The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act states that any person whose sexual characterestics have been altered by surgical treatment or by evolvement through natural developments resulting in gender affirmation, or any person who is intersex, may apply to the Director General of the National Department of Home Affairs for the alteration of the sex discription on his or her birth register. This procedure looks good on paper and sounds very simple, but it is not the lived experience of many trans people. The SAPS’s job is to serve and protect, yet queer people are still victims of corrective rape, assault, sexual harassment, and even police brutality. Freelance writer and founder of BARE Stories (that celebrates the lives and stories of queer individuals), and a prospective PhD student at the University of Pretoria, Welcome Mandla, was recently allegedly sexually harassed by a male business partner on a business trip at Magaliesburg, and was allegedly threatened by the perpetrator after the trip. Mandla went to the following police stations to get a restraining order, of which he claims none assisted him; Brixton, Brooklyn, and Garsfontein. “The police don’t really care for queer people. There was an element of homophobia in dealing with my case because they made me feel like I am demanding, being a brat, and unreasonable”, Mandla said. After getting the restraining order, the police allegedly failed to deliver it to the perpetrator as they could not find him the first time they went to deliver it. After this, Mandla was told that for the sheriff to deliver the order, Mandla would be required to pay R800. After this, he was told that his case is being moved to Magaliesburg, where the incident took place. At the time of writing, the restraining order has still not been served. “I urge all queer people facing the same difficulties as me to speak out about their perpetrators and the unfair, discriminatory treatment that the police subjects queer people to” motivated Mandla. The University of Pretoria has an Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) which seeks to protect all students and staff members against any form of discrimination and abuse. If anyone of the UP community is discriminated against, harassed or assaulted, they can contact the transformation Office Director, Nontsikelelo Loteni, at ntsikie.loteni@up.ac.za, or transformation Office Manager, Sarah Matseke, at sarah.matseke@up.ac.za, as well as the Brooklyn SAPS at 012 366 1700.
The police don’t really care for queer people. There was an element of homophobia in dealing with my case because they made me feel like I am demanding, being a brat, and unreasonable ...
message to the masses, as the storylines usually are about, amongst others, rejection, hate, and suicide. These are things that might follow once one comes out; however, there are other positive narratives that can be written into storylines. A bad storyline might make it justifiable to treat queer people badly, as rejection and hate are the only narratives that are on television. The insufficiency of long-standing queer characters in telenovelas makes queerness look like a “temporary” thing which then feeds into the societal belief that queerness could be a passing phase. What media representation could include are characters playing queer couples, building careers, and expressing masculinity or femininity openly in weekly soapies so that viewers can see the variety of characters in the queer community. On representations of queerness in film and tv, Tuks UP&OUT says that stories can “go beyond queer people coming out or experienc[ing] violence or some combination of the two”, and show an experience beyond suffering. A lack of adequate education to inform children from primary and secondary levels is another thing that feeds into the misrepresentation of queer people. Subjects such as Life Orientation and Life Skills are not informative enough about queer experiences. Sex education and preparation is an “awkward right of passage” that “queer students need [...] just as much as straight students do“, explains UP&OUT. The problem arises as “many queer students fresh from high school don’t have even the most basic queer sex ed, or what they know they know from porn or erotica”, as “there’s so little genuine information that’s easily accessible”. UP&OUT suggests attending the CSA&G talks or checking out the resources in their Google Drive at @tuks_upandout. Just like the media, education curriculums influence our philosophies. If a subject aimed at teaching pupils about life and its diversity overlooks societal aspects such as sexuality and sexual orientation - then schools are not adequately teaching against homophobia and transphobia. Dziba, of RAPT Creative, adds that the Life Orientation curriculum has to be reviewed. “This will help avoid ignorance and grooming of children who are homophobic and do not know much about queer communities”, explained Dziba. In trying to bring about the necessary information that will shape the narrative of queer experiences, Dziba is currently working on his Masters at Vega School of Advertising on the representation of queer people in the advertising industry. The inspiration for Dziba came from the ignorance the he found in the advertising industry relating to the
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Mothusi Mokalane
12 April 2021
6 | Features
Getting involved in university life as a day student Carli Botha
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hen it comes to getting involved in university life, the University of Pretoria has something to offer for every student, from day houses to faculty houses, to all the societies in between. Being part of a structure not only gives students the opportunity to make friends and take part in events, it also provides students with various opportunities to learn and improve certain skills.
[their] peers and collaborate on different projects.” Sibeko added that students will also learn how to balance academics and life. “Forming part of NAT House will provide you with the opportunity to find the balance and the harmony between your academic responsibilities and social life, as well forming part of an effective bridge of communication between you and the NAS faculty”. This is why Stefan Steenekamp, Chairperson of NAT House, believes students should get involved with a faculty house. Humairaa Mohamed, Chairperson of OPVSC, told PDBY that “our committee portfolios ensure that all aspects of student life are considered- from Academics to Transformation and more”. Mohamed emphasised that “our students are our main priority”. Students can follow and engage with the faculty houses on Instagram.
Faculty houses The SRC Academic Representatives, Uwaiza Abdool Sattar and Stéfan Steenekamp, define a faculty house as “an official student structure which is organised along faculty lines, in which registered students, subdivisions, and departments belong to”. UP has nine faculty houses. Day houses Abdool Sattar and Steenekamp emphasised that “the nine faculty According to Dean Botha, Chairperson of House Dregeana, day houses play a vital role when it comes to the academic performance houses “provide the perfect place to proudly participate and set new of students”. Class representatives work closely with the academics standards at UP. This provides you with the platform to be a holistic portfolio of each faculty house, and students can therefore also get student and get to meet new people which can only help you in your involved by running for class representative. Faculties also have subdegree and personal life”. UP day houses are, Docendo, Dregeana, houses that students can join. Abdool Sattar and Steenekamp explained Luminous, and Vividus. that they is an “official subordinate student structure that is organised to Botha explained that “students can easily get involved by visiting represent the interest of students registered for a particular department our website to get all the information they need”. Brendan Alberts, within the faculty”. Chairperson of Docendo, told PDBY that “Docendo is the youngest The faculty houses are Health House, House EBIT, House Education, House Humanities, House Theology, Law House, NAT House, OPVSC (Faculty of Veterinary Science), and Commercii, which falls under the EMS Society. According to Sevashen Thaver, Chairperson of Commercii, Commercii is “a student body filled with the most capable leaders around”. Commercii has eight sub-houses, which cater to different degrees. Thaver stated that Commercii’s goal “is to create a better today for a future tomorrow”. Lindokuhle Zikkalala, Chairperson of House Theology, believes that “the structure of the committee is designed to respond to various needs and hence each of our members are dedicated to serving the faculty, with a soft spot for our students”. Mberi Tjijorokisa, Chairperson of Health House, highlighted that one of the goals of the faculty house is “to develop, grow and impart skills, knowledge and information that will augment the personal development and holistic medical training of the students we represent”. Uwaiza Abdool Sattar, Chairperson of EBIT House, told PDBY that “the faculty house offers academic, professional, and personal development opportunities”. EBIT House also offers social and educational events for “empowerment, enjoyment, and networking” as well as community engagement and sports teams. Nokuthula Mahlalela, Chairperson of House Education, emphasised the importance of mental health by explaining Bua days, where students “can engage in our structure by opening up to speak about their wellbeing”. Liam Jacobs, Chairperson of House Humanities, mentioned that “the house has a wide array of events coming up, from Health and Fitness Saturdays to weekly Groove Sessions to serious discussions on GBV”. According to Jacobs, “students should get involved in House Humanities as our events are always centred around empowering students to shape the future without fear”. Gomolemo Sibeko, Chairperson of Law House, also encouraged students to get involved with a faculty house, “because [students] are presented with numerous opportunities to interact with Illustration: Giovanna Janos
mixed day house which provides a holistic experience for all day house students and allows students to be involved in more than just academics”. According to Diandré Oberholzer, Chairperson of Luminous, “the process of joining Luminous Day House is easy. Students can “follow the link in our Instagram Bio, fill in the google form and join the WhatsApp group”. Dominique Strydom, Chairperson of Vividus Day House, explained that a similar process is followed for applications. Strydom encouraged students to join Vividus Day House Students, “because we offer them a variety of opportunities to participate in different activities”. Societies, student committees, and special programmes Nothando Ngubeni, UP SRC’s Day Students and External Campus Affairs Officer, said that “societies, including day houses, allow day students to be part of the university life”. Ngubeni added that “[societies] are great spaces to grow and be part of the UP society”. Ngubeni emphasised that “these engagements will equip day students with the necessary insight and skills needed to be socially conscious world-class leaders”. Students also have the option of joining student committees and special programmes. The student committees are Student Culture (STUKU), UP Reach Out and Give (UP RAG), and Student Sports, while the special programmes are Golden Key, Enactus UP, and STARS Mentorship Programme. According to Bella Kunene, Chairperson of STUKU, the committee “offers a variety of ways to be involved in the University of Pretoria culture, you don’t need to be in a residence to fully experience the greatness of student culture at the University of Pretoria”. Students can join the general committee to help with the planning of all the events. UP RAG has different projects and programmes that students can participate and engage in. Busiswe Yabo, Chairperson of UP RAG, believes that “involvement in UP RAG is of paramount importance because it fosters and encourages the concept of community engagement as well as the principles of Ubuntu and giving back to the community”. Nashira Govender, Chairperson of Student Sports, explained that the committee is responsible for communication between TuksSport and students. To get involved, students can join the general committee. Golden Key, according to Chairperson Caitlin Olivier, “not only encourages academic excellence, but our events/projects also provide students with the opportunity to expand their talents and grow as individuals (by volunteering in one of our many community outreach projects)”. Students can contact Golden Key by email at gkpretoria@ gmail.com. Sibusile Dlamini, President of Enactus UP, explained that “Enactus UP is a structure that allows students to gain entrepreneurial skills as well as own an enterprise that provides you with the necessary cash flow needed to take care of your needs”. The email address for any queries is enactusup@gmail.com. STARS Mentorship chairperson, Nelson Nthala, said that the vision is “to help a freshman transition into the university space freely”. Students can apply by sending an email to upmentorship@gmail.com. UP grants students many opportunities to get involved in university life. These structures not only give students a chance to meet and engage with other students, but is also an addition to students’ CVs.
Unravelling the Holi Cow debacle: a restaurant, a Hindu Symbol and beef on premises Vasalya Moodley and Susanna Anbu
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outh African celebrity chef and restaurateur, Yudhika Sujanani, made headlines when a petition directed allegations of cultural appropriation at one of her restaurants, Holi Cow. The petition was drafted by the SAIR (South African Indians have Rights), to various stakeholders, such as the SAHMS (South African Hindu Maha Sabha) that has been a national representative body of Hindus in South Africa since 1912. The petition stated that “the company logo is that of a cow head which has markings on its forehead that depict a tilak [a religious mark worn on the forehead] with decoration around the head that closely resemble drawings used within the Hindu faith”. It goes on to assert that the restaurant prepares beef alongside Hindu prayer food (known as Roht), which is viewed as a religious transgression in the Hindu faith. The petition alleges that the establishment commercialises prayer food, considering that that “Roht is not a general treat, it is made very specifically to celebrate very specific deities and it is disrespectful to use it as a mechanism to drive profits”. Following the allegations cited in the petition, representatives from the SAHMS engaged with Sujanani on the matter. President of the SAHMS, Ashwin Trikamjee, agreed to comment on the issue. The organisation reached out to Sujanani after receiving an official complaint about the restaurant, which coincided with their referral to the petition. Following this, the SAHMS had a telephonic conversation with Sujanani, after which a panel of attorneys investigated the complaint. Upon initial investigation of the matter by the SAHMS legal team, Sujanani questioned why a complaint was laid against her restaurant now, despite her restaurant existing for many years before. As per legal advice, an official letter was issued to Sujanani from the SAHMS. In this letter, she was requested to apologise for commercially exploiting Hindu symbols, change the name of her business and remove all references to the tilak. In a final comment, Trikamjee stated that “it is simply unacceptable to use religion to further interests”. PDBY reached out to Sujanani for clarity regarding the accusations
against her restaurant. Upon reaching out, PDBY was directed by Sujanani to a prior post on her Yudhika & Company Facebook page, dated 2 February, where she addressed the matter. The post said that Sujanani chose to change the name and logo of her restaurant following the petition’s circulation. She stated: “[…] I realised there are more important things than attachment to a brand or a logo. […] there is no name or logo that is worth the ugliness that comes with people insulting each other on this page”. She clarified that “I would also like to state that I have not been bullied into changing my name, I have made the decision to do so” and that “I want to continue cooking and creating and not explaining the name Holi Cow […]”. She further stated that “I have loved creating the brand, Holi Cow, but it has become weighed down by hypocrisy and religious debate”. Sujanani’s post ended with an apology for unintentionally hurting the sentiments of the public. Sujanani asserted in her post that “the information circulating on social media is incorrect” and affirmed that she refused to sell basic Rhot even when she was asked to do so on several occasions. She clarified that her restaurant sells a Rhot-inspired cake and a banana cake topped with pecan nuts with a “Rhot-like crumble”. She also confirmed that the restaurant serves beef on the premises, stating that the practice was not new in her restaurant. Sujanani also clarified with PDBY to “kindly take note and understand the connotation of ‘prayer food’. No ‘prayer food’ is sold at the store. The reason that this has become such an issue is the misconception and miscommunication surrounding this”. PDBY spoke to Professor Maniraj Sukdaven, a senior lecturer from UP’s Faculty of Theology and Religion, for a theological lens on the matter. Prof. Sukdaven’s field of specialisation is inter-religious dialogue with a special focus on understanding different religions and how their intra-beliefs juxtapose other religious traditions. On the significance of the cow as a symbol, he explains that the cow is a symbol for life, as it provides nutritional sustenance to humans. Not only does the milk provide a means for food, but the urine is used for folk medicine and the dung is used as fertiliser, a thermal insulator, fuel for fire, and plastering. Hindu Goddesses in sacred scriptures are also symbolised by the cow. Since these are popular beliefs, Prof Sukdaven holds that eating
beef at an establishment that is marketed with images of a cow seems disingenuous and provocative. He states that in Sujanani’s defence, she can rely on freedom of belief as per her own conscious, practice and understanding of Hinduism. Prof. Sukdaven explains that Hinduism contains a plethora of philosophical belief systems, which is epitomised by the metaphor of all rivers leading to the sea. The sea represents Moksha, the freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is the goal of Hinduism to ultimately achieve Moksha, therefore all philosophical beliefs lead to this. He mentions that if Sujanani’s personal philosophical beliefs are in line with the popular system of viewing the cow as sacred, then her marketing holds serious repercussions, as consuming beef means that a cow was slaughtered. Academics refer to Hindu texts, which indicate that Indo-Aryans introduced the sacrificial and ceremonial slaughtering of cows. The generally negative response to Holi Cow’s marketing is the result of a populist opinion that the cow is sacred. Prof. Sukdaven concludes that Sujanani can rely on specific Hindu texts to support her practices. Mathias Shunmugam, a PhD student majoring in Hinduism at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at UP, and member of the SAHMS Youth League, was consulted for his views on the incident. He states that symbolism is a substantial part of Hinduism as almost everything has a spiritual meaning. The cow is a symbol of life, this is captured in the Vedas (the oldest Hindu text) where the cow is observed as the mother of all gods. He says that “despite the differences in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Hindus strongly agree that the cow is a symbol of life”. He noted that there are Hindus who do consume beef, with India being one of the world’s biggest suppliers of beef. Shunmugam holds that Hinduism should not be seen as one religion, as this means that only one interpretation of it is “correct”, explaining that there are many interpretations of Hinduism. He cited that some Hindus eat beef while others adhere to vegetarianism, yet each of these belief systems hold different things sacred. Shunmugam states that if Hindus of all beliefs showed cohesion and understanding of one another (as Hinduism promotes), then there would not be a debacle in the first place, as mutual respect for the other’s beliefs is evident. As a member of the SAHMS Youth League, he stated that the organisation has education programmes centred around Hinduism in the pipeline.
12 April 2021
Entertainment | 7
Spoken sessions’ open mic night is back
PDBY Featured Artist:
Thulaganyo Ashleigh Pascoe
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DBY spoke to singer and songwriter, Thulaganyo Motau. Motau is a student at UP and recently released a vibrant and funky debut single, “Souls Have Chosen”. She spoke to us about her musical journey, the industry and some of the life lessons she has learnt along the way. What inspired “Souls Have Chosen” and what made it all come together? It is funny because most people think that “Souls Have Chosen” was inspired by or is about someone. It really is not. At the time of its birth, I had just gone through a breakup and everything that I had said on the song was essentially a manifestation of a love that I want to be immersed in, grow and exist in. This was because the song was never formally written down. I remember playing the beat over and over again until I started humming particular words to fill in the spaces. Some words just stuck with me like the chorus that got stuck in everyone’s head [...]. This includes the verses which I also did not formally write because they were freestyled. As I recorded them, I listened to what I liked, what made sense and then just cleaned up the words so that it was not mumbled, or I was not stuttering. I also made sure that it had intentional meaning that I actually wanted to convey. It became the beautiful song that it is today after individuals had given input, feedback and constructive criticism to better the original version of the song. And through the collaborative effort that I had with the producer @onlyonewithwings! Apple Music categorises your song as an R&B/Soul track. Is this how you would categorise your song in terms of genre, and will your upcoming songs fall into this category too? To be honest, it was categorised as that because it needed to be categorised but I think that “Souls Have Chosen” is a mixture between funk and pop. I am not too sure if that is an actual genre or if I have created one, but I would not necessarily categorise it as just an R&B soul track. Additionally, I would not say that my upcoming songs fall into this category because I like to experiment and explore within different genres. I also like to see how I can expand my vocal capabilities and creative capacity within music in general. “Souls have Chosen” was released in November 2020, which is still very recent. How has your following and your platform grown since the release of the song? My social media platforms have grown slightly. I gained about 300 followers, although I am not too sure because I was not really keeping track. I know there [are] more people who engage with my posts, my feeds, my stories and my tweets. It has just been an interesting experience on streaming platforms because I am able to see the analytics of each week. It shows how many people have listened to the song, how many listeners I have gained, how many people have Shazamed the song and where it is being streamed. For instance there are countries I would not have thought listened to SHC. Like Kenya, Singapore or Finland. When did you know that you wanted to release music and what was your first step in the direction of achieving this goal? The relationship that I have with music is very healthy and it has gotten me through a lot of upsetting, toxic, hurtful, stressful and joyous moments in my life. I knew that I wanted to release music when I was mentally prepared for the possibility of being criticised by people who do listen to it or come across it. It takes a certain level of vulnerability, confidence and certainty when accepting that you are being vulnerable to the public with the works that are essentially parts of you that you have decided to share. However, I intend to heal not only myself but others through music because of how other artists’ music has made me feel. Has your experience as a drama student given you the confidence you need to produce the music that is important to you? It absolutely has! One of our practical components was singing, in first and second year, which was basically a great way for me to learn how to
I enjoy pushing the boundaries that are set to box artists in particular genres of music. Thulaganyo Motau Singer, Songwriter
Dani van der Horst
Image provided.
sing using techniques that assist in singing optimally and effectively. It allowed me to find my own singing voice rather than mimicking or trying to sing like other artists. Also, there are some life long friendships that I believe I have made in my drama degree year group who have been very supportive and encouraging in the same way my family has. This has been the energy we have for each other because we all want to see each other win, we are all going to win. And it was in this environment that I became more confident. Is there a musician who has influenced you as a person and potentially your sound? I cannot say there is a musician that has really influenced me as a person. My sound is heavily influenced by choral singing which is evident in a lot of the songs to come. This is usually heard when Africans come together to express what is felt by an individual or community, like struggle songs, church songs or songs sung at weddings and graduations. It is in these spaces that I often find myself singing from a source that transcends the physical. However, I am also heavily influenced by urban 90s music within the genres of funk, neo soul, soul and R&B. I would also toss in Amapiano and Afrobeats. But as mentioned before, I do not limit myself to genres that I am familiar with, I enjoy pushing the boundaries that are set to box artists in particular genres of music. What is the most important lesson you have learnt through the process of creating your music? One of the most important lessons that I have learnt through the process of creating music is being exposed to the administrative aspect of running a musical career or business. It was interesting to note that 20% of your success in the music industry is attributed to the skill/ talent, but 80% is most definitely what happens behind the scenes. This is why having a team is essential in making sure that you are covered within other aspects of being an artist. Most people do not understand that being an artist is actually a business. You are a brand, a manager, who is running a business where you need someone who will take care of finances, book gigs, assist in maintaining and developing your brand image and identity, having a legal advisor, making sure that your social media presence is kept to date whether it be through video content or photos (that is one thing that is always going to be in motion), having a publicist to make sure you are constantly in the spotlight at all times so that you are recognised by more people in order to reach a wider audience, having a sales and marketing team. This is a business! Do you have any advice for any fellow musicians who may be feeling a little discouraged about their work, or feel as if they have hit a creative block? My advice would be to start, just start. The only person standing in the way of securing your bag, your future career, your accomplishments and success is YOU! And 9/10 supporters mean way more than having 1 hater, who is low key also a supporter. Is there anything you are currently creating that you would like to give the readers a little bit of a hint about? I have said too much!
Bookstagram: African pages to follow
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poken Sessions is a space for performers. It aims to grow a supportive community of artists and creatives, specifically for those involved in spoken word and performance poetry. For a few years, Spoken Sessions consistently hosted an open mic night at Bravo Pizzeria on the last Thursday of every month. But as was the case with many consistencies, when COVID-19 hit South Africa, Spoken Sessions’ open mic night came to a halt. Spoken Sessions hosted a few virtual open mic nights throughout 2020 and refused to let the pandemic dampen its spirits. But there is nothing quite like watching a live performance while eating freshly made pizza. Luckily, both Bravo Pizzeria and Spoken Sessions emerged from 2020 victoriously and on 25 March, Spoken Sessions hosted an open mic night at the pizzeria for the first time since March 2020. While Spoken Sessions is mainly centred around spoken word and performance poetry, open mic night is open to all creatives who would like to perform. This basically means that if you can perform it on stage, you can perform it at open mic night. The evening was filled with poetry performances, but it also included some musical performances. It took a moment for everyone to find the courage to walk up on to the stage and speak but as the night progressed, there was rarely a moment where a passionate creative was not standing behind the microphone. The space is overwhelmingly positive, supportive and is an excellent way for budding new artists to get their work out there. COVID-19 protocols were adhered to and the evening was an all-round success. If you are a performer, this is a platform you should check out. Even if you are not a performer, Spoken Sessions’ open mic night is a lovely way to spend a Thursday evening and is worth adding to your calendar. Some things to remember for next time: Bravo Pizzeria does not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own into the restaurant. It is best to check out the Spoken Sessions social media accounts to stay on top of what is happening and to take note of important performance related information. Follow them on Instragram @spokensessionsza or like their facebook page ‘Spoken sessions’ to stay updated on events.
PDBY’s artists to watch
Vaughn Prangley “Green Eyes” IG: @vaughnprangley Vaughn Prangley is a South African singer-songwriter and guitarist. His sound has been described as hauntingly soulful and optimistic indie-pop. Prangley released his debut single “Oasis” in late 2020 at just 16 years old. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on this budding young artist, as he makes his first waves in the South African music scene. Available on most major streaming platforms.
Kiash Arjun
Kendall Behr
living in the USA who caters for those people who want something more quiet and reflective. @boipeloreviewsbooks (1082 followers) his is a top 10 list of fantastic South African and African What she does: Reviews and shares happy thoughts about African Bookstagrammers on Instagram that PDBY recommends if you literature. Visit their page for your weekly dose of fun reviews. want to know more about African literature, read reviews, and @namis.nook (810 followers) generally engage with the Instagram bookish community. What she does: Book blogging and reviews and fun bookish videos. @flowahh_ (4936 followers) Mostly African literature, romance/chick lit and fiction. Her reels will What she does: Book reviews paired with makeup looks (#booksaslewks). Mostly African literature, poetry, and some non-fiction. keep you repeatedly coming back for more. @booklover_lauren (1480 follwers) If you love beautiful makeup and thoughtful reviews, check her out. What she does: Reviews and giveaways involving mostly African @pretty_x_bookish (14.8K followers) literature, reflective fiction and fantasy. Go for the aesthetic and stay for What she does: Reviews, books hauls, YouTube videos, and general the reviews. bookishness. She mostly reviews fantasy, African literature and non@sabookworm (1435 followers) fiction literature. Bold, beautiful colours and contentious reviews will What they does: Mainly wrap ups, reviews, and feminist thoughts brighten your day. about various fictional characters. @mr.pink.ink (2914 followers) Mostly African literature, What he does: Book reviews, bookish tik toks and unboxings. romance, non-fiction Mostly of sci-fi, fantasy and fiction literature. and classics. If @bookomoso (5164 followers) you enjoy a wide What she does: Instagram live read aloud sessions and reviews of range of books and African literature, occasional giveaways, and YouTube videos. Mostly interesting reviews, reviews African literature, children’s literature and fiction. An authentic, head their way. inspiring account that will remind you why you love reading. We include a sneaky @harvestbooksza (1000 followers) What they do: Sell preloved African literature at accessible prices. They peak at #11: PDBY’s own @kendalldoesbooks, who then use the profits to fund reading competitions for children in Shirley shares her thoughts on African Village, Limpopo. literature, fantasy and speculative @sreddyn (2308 followers) fiction. Head on over to her page to say What he does: Shares thoughts, reviews and questions about African hi and have thoughful discussions. and Caribbean literature and poetry. He is a Taiwanese-South African Illustration: Cassandra Eardley
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“Butterscotch” IG: @kiasharjun16
Kiash Arjun is a PDBY favourite and was a featured artist in both 2019 and 2020. He also featured in a PDBY Featured Artist Live Session in June 2020. Arjun has stated that he is vocally, creatively, and lyrically inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi and James Bay. As a guitarist, Arjun has also stated that he draws influence from Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, B.B. King and John Mayer to name a few. Available on most major streaming platforms.
Manic Kabana “Easy (with Thirdy RSA)” IG: @manic_kabana Manic Kabana is a Hip-Hop/Alternative artist from Bloemfontein. He has developed a unique sound over six years, starting out with songwriting and later engineering and producing most of his work. His first body of work, Poltergeist, is out now.
Sport Adams fully in speed for the 100m
Boitumelo Kokwe
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peed is crucial to many athletes’ success, and contributes to competitiveness and drive. Athletes like Luxolo Adams work to develop ways to improve records on their speeds and times they have set in competitions and in training, often adapting their approach to their sport. Adams, from TuksAthletics, a 200 metre sprinter, won the 100 metres event in a time of 10.07 seconds at Potchefstroom earlier in March. In 2018 at the Athletics World Cup, held in London, he won a silver medal and featured a best time of 20.01s. Luxolo’s achievement comes after Athletics South Africa Sprint Coach, Paul Gorries, told him to compete as a 100 metre sprinter instead of his usual 200 metre sprint. In a news article published by the High Performance Centre, Gorries explained that he “told [Luxolo] that [they] need the 100 metres to give [us] what [we] want in the 200 metres. He needs to work on his speed. So [we] converted him to a 100 metre-sprinter. The fact that he ran 10.07s shows there are good things to come”. Gorries also considers this as a way to prepare Luxolo and other athletes for the Tokyo World Olympic Games, which are set to commence in July this year.
Fitness challenges online Kayla Thomas
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hile gyms and training centres are open again, not everyone feels comfortable or safe working out in public or shared areas. There are many home workouts that can be completed without exercise equipment or facilities, but some of us need a goal or external motivation to keep up with workouts and fitness during the pandemic. There are many virtual challenges offered worldwide that allow you to meet your personal fitness goals while also meeting set distances or times, or winning a medal to mark your success. Below are two options for home workouts that also set an achievable goal to motivate you and keep you running: The Conqueror Virtual Challenge The Conqueror hosts a variety of virtual challenges that can be started at any time and completed at your own pace over 18 months. The challenges are each themed and range in distance from 33km as the English Channel, to 4000km as the Pacific Crest Trail. Other themes include the 74km Mount Fuji, 97km Mount Kilimanjaro, 451km Grand Canyon, 3669km Route 66, and South Africa’s own 412km Kruger Park trail. Each challenge is completed virtually, with walking, cycling, running, climbing Image: theconqueror.events and swimming all being logged for distance on the Conqueror Virtual Challenge app. Participants can track their progress on the app along street view images of the challenge route, and a tree is planted as every 20% of the challenge is completed. The Conqueror says that “so far [they] have planted more than 450,000 trees since August 2020”, when the challenges began. Once you finish a challenge, you will also receive a physical medal with a design to match the challenge that was completed. To join a virtual challenge there is a fee of R450, and more information can be found at theconqueror.events/all-challenges/. 2021 Virtual Volvo Cars Brooklyn Half Guide - 15 May to 23 May The virtual challenge is presented by Volve and Strava and aims to “bring Coney Island to your own course whether you are in New York City or anywhere in the world”. The marathon race event spans 21km and can be completed anywhere via the Strava app. To join, participants have the option of the free tier, where they can complete the marathon and receive a virtual finishers badge and a 30 day Strava subscription. There is also the paid tier where for R870 participants will receive the virtual finishers badge, a 60 day Strava subscription, and a physical medal and promotional products from the New York Road Runners delivered to their door. The race can be joined from nyrr.org/pages/2021-virtual-volvo-cars-brooklyn-half-guide, and can be completed by running or walking the 21km in a single activity, and logging the distance using any GPS device.
PDBY Featured Athlete:
TuksRugby with Jaco Bezuidenhout Caitlyn Walsh
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DBY Sport recently spoke to Jaco Bezuidenhout, the captain of the TuksRugby team, who have just commenced with the Varsity Cup. Bezuidenhout offers his advice, his challenges and motivations, and what keeps his head in the game. When did you first begin at TuksRugby and what was the motivation? I started playing for Tuks in my first year in 2016 and 2017 for the Young guns team, where we won the tournament both years, and I made my debut for the Varsity Cup team in 2018. My motivation to play for Tuks was initially to get the opportunity to play on one of the biggest rugby platforms in our country. What position do you play in the team and what do you consider the challenges and the pros that come with this position? I play 8th man and some of the challenges playing the position is that you are always part of a physical battle, whether it is making big hits on defence or carrying the ball hard into contact, so you have to be in a top physical condition. One of the pros playing 8th man is the fact that I will always be part of the game as the role requires you to help the back three cover if necessary, you can pick up the ball behind the scrum for a carry, you have to fold and be in position on defence and you are one of the team’s designated stealers/poachers. What do you hope to achieve in this sport? I would like to achieve my goals which are to play at the highest level and to inspire people to follow their dreams and passion, no matter their circumstances, if they have faith and work hard on their craft that they can do just that. Where would you like to go with rugby one day? Rugby has been my passion since I was 7 years old and I have always had the desire to play on the international stage as it is where you can challenge yourself against the best the world has to offer. It also gives you the opportunity to travel the world and interact with different cultures and meet and make new friends. What personal challenges do you experience as being the leader of your team? How do you overcome these obstacles? One of the personal challenges I’d say there is by being Captain of the team is to help them believe in themselves when they don’t have that self belief and to also lead from the front by being an example of a champion person and also champion player. We have a leadership group where everyone has certain roles so it takes the load off my shoulders for certain things, but personally to overcome these obstacles I train very hard to be one of the fittest and strongest guys in the team so that they can see I don’t only preach hard work but live it. How do you prepare before big games like Varsity Cup? I believe great preparation can be the difference between being a great player or a world class player. So to prepare myself before big games such as Varsity Cup, the evening before the game I will visualise everything that will happen from the start of the warm up, all the lineouts, scrums, carries and tackles that I will be involved in during the game until the whistle blows. So that when I am there on game day it feels as if I have been here already and that I will dominate. How would you motivate not only your team but your supporters when you face a loss? To motivate my teammates after a loss I would firstly look at the reasons why we lost the game as every game is different for example, if our effort wasn’t good enough that would be a personal thing every guy has to take on himself to be better otherwise you are dropping your brothers. But when everyone put their bodies on the line for each other and our effort was
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good we would need to take that forward as a positive and focus more on the execution of our game and not the result. For the supporters I would say that we know they believe in us and we thank them for that. We have all worked hard to give a good performance for them and we will do better as this is our passion and we will not take it for granted.
Who is your biggest sporting role model and why? My biggest sporting role model is Richie McCaw as I believe he is the “GOAT” (greatest of all time). He was a true leader for the All Blacks who always put his body on the line for his brothers next to him and lead from the front. He had a reputation for someone who bent the rules in his favour and was one of the hardest working players on a rugby field. What makes him my role model is the fact that he was never one of the biggest or fastest guys on the field but through his hard work he has achieved so many accolades and honours and he still is one of the most humble celebrities ever. What advice would you give to those rugby players wanting to do better and gain more recognition? I would say that they need to keep working as if it is their only option in life, because I believe if you want it bad enough you will move mountains to make that dream come true. So stay true to who you are and never stop working.
