14 August 2017 Issue 12 Year 79

Perdeby literature edition -pages i-viii

Perdeby Tuks se amptelike studentekoerant / Official Tuks student newspaper / Kuranta ya baithuti ya semmušo ya Tuks

14August2017

year79issue12

YCL hosts 4th Annual Woman-ofWorth Network -pg 3

Erika and Olympus, winners of UP A Capella 2017. Photo: Stefan Stander

Erika and Olympus victorious at UP A Capella CARINA KLOPPERS On Saturday 12 August Erika and Olympus were crowned the winners of UP A Capella at the Musaion after the eight finalists gave their final performances. UP A Capella is an annual singing competition, formally known as Serenade, between the residences of the University of Pretoria.

The prelims took place from 7 to 9 August. To ensure that UP A Capella is judged fairly and is free of bias, all residences performed under assigned house numbers.

During the three nights of prelims, residences performed with great enthusiasm while showcasing their different approaches to UP A Capella. Some residences sought to educate the audience with serious themes, while others opted for lighthearted themes that would charm and entertain. All in all, the performances varied in song choice and the

execution thereof.

On Thursday evening 10 August, the ladies’ semi-finals took place, followed by the men on Friday 11 August.

On the Saturday evening the venues were packed with spectators buzzing with anticipation for the UP A Capella finals. Nerina kicked things off with their theme Motown Records 2k17. Their funky outfits and soulful renditions of popular songs made for an entertaining performance. They placed third for the ladies.

Boekenhout performed next. They approached their serious theme, Hope in the Flats, with immense dedication and maturity. Although their range might have lacked variety, the raw power of their vocals led them to tie at third place with Kiaat.

Vividus Ladies followed with a lively execution of their theme, Caravan Park. They won best

prescribed song, which for the ladies was Ellie Goulding’s ‘Still Falling for You’, and came second.

Before a quick intermission, Kiaat impressed with their satire and wit.

Their impressive vocals elevated the unified performance of their theme South Africa’s Political Zoology.

Erika blew the audience away with their sensational solo vocalists and flawless harmonising. They used their theme, The Living Statue, to subtly inject social commentary on individualism. As well as placing first for the ladies, they also won the new award for best multi-culturism.

Olympus was a definite highlight of the week with their theme, Death of a Bachelor. Their commanding stage presence and the general excellence of their performance, resulted in them walking away with best own composition and best prescribed song for the men. The men’s prescribed song was “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight

Runners. They placed first for the male residences and were named the overall winners of UP Acapella 2017.

The gracious ladies of Madelief were next with the theme Herstory.

In spite of their vocals falling a little flat at times, their performance was redeemed by their poise and finesse.

They won best own composition for the ladies.

The evening’s last performance was given by Vividus Men using the theme, Mzanzi Driving School. The amusing performance was concluded with a stunning rendition of “My African Dream”. They also won the award for best multi-culturism and placed second for the men.

Regardless of the uncertainty that surrounded UP A Capella this year, the event was still a thriving success.

It was clear that the residences thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the jubilant response to the results emphasised the pride students still feel for their residences.

ROAD TO THE FINAL

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Are all the things political?

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Well, it certainly feels that way. In the last couple of weeks it seems that is all we talk about. Between the fiasco that was the vote of no confidence, to the growing fear of nuclear war between North Korea and the US, I completely understand why some of us may be feeling a little “politically fatigued”.

In the office, nuclear war has become such a topic of discussion that I fear it may turn some of us into whatever the equivalent of

a “Doomsday Prepper” on a student budget looks like. With the upcoming SRC elections taking place, I think it is time for us to have a little heart-to-heart about what politics really means.

When I think about politics and particularly when I think about choosing a leader, the idea of the “social contract” comes to mind. In its simplest sense, we as citizens allow ourselves to be governed, and in return those who govern us do so according to the rules and values that we as citizen’s make.

Consequently, we also have the ability to change those who govern us when they no longer govern according to the common will.

Therefore, we as citizens have an incredible amount of power and responsibility, as we are able to dictate the kind of future that we want.

In terms of the SRC, the same concept applies. The power and responsibility does not lie in the hands of the candidates, but rather in hands of us as students. As a result,

From the Sports Editor I honestly cannot imagine not voting. We also can not discuss the SRC elections without addressing the reality that is the TSC. To those who are not the aware, especially to first years, the Temporary Student Council is not exactly the SRC as they were selected by management.

Therefore, this election is even more important – as for many students this will be their first chance to have a say in how they are governed.

In the meantime, make sure that you know your candidates. Take some time to read through the SRC supplement in this edition. I also genuinely find this entire campaign process utterly fascinating. For the next couple of weeks, campus will be filled with brightly themed campaign posters and the Piazza will be filled with students who are eagerly and anxiously waiting to grill the candidates, and this will be completely normal behaviour.

If you find that you need a little break from all this, make sure to check out all the interesting content in this edition. On page 3 we have a piece on the 4th Annual Woman-of-Worth Network, on page 5 we have the start of our highly entertaining literature supplement, on page 7 we have a really interesting piece on Cannabis use, and in Sport on page 8 make sure to catch up on the Varsity Football action.

Lorinda Marrian

Perdeby 14 August 1992 25 years ago Student gewond in skietvoorval / Student injured in shooting incident Jannie Becker, a first-year BCom Accounting-student, was shot, after an encounter with suspected thieves Early on a Wednesday morning, he saw that his father’s vehicle had been broken into. It looked like an unsuccessful attempt to steal the radio and they reported it to the police. When they returned, they realized that his flat key, which was in the car, was missing. They were concerned because his address was attached to the key. A person, wearing a leather jacket, joined them in the lift on their way to the flat and asked where they were headed. When they reached the floor that his flat was located on, the person had taken a television set and got back into the lift and started heading down. Jannie ran down the stairs and confronted the man. The man took out a pistol and shot him in his right side, after which he fled.

Jannie spent a week in the HF Verwoerd-hospital (now Steve Biko Hospital) and was discharged on the following Wednesday. He had not recovered enough to attend his classes. The suspected thief was awaiting trial at the time of going to print.

Perdeby 11 August 1967 50 years ago

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Immigrante ingeskakel / Immigrants included The SRC approved the launch of an immigrant union.

The purpose of the union was to help immigrant students become involved in the South African lifestyle.

Anton Pauw, SRC Chairperson, said that there are thousands of immigrants in the country and hard work is needed to help them to fit in.

Neels Botha, founder of the union, said that immigrant students studying in South Africa can gain knowledge through a union like this, which they can use to take the true image of South Africa back to their countries.

The activities of the union included movie screenings and tours through the country.

The union was open to immigrants, and students who are South African citizens – in this way, contact could be achieved between the two groups.

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14 August 2017 | News

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Campus News Bites Medical Plant Sciences PhD student wins prestigious prize UP PhD Medical Plant Sciences student Carel Basson Oosthuizen was awarded the prize for the best paper at the annual Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF) Conference held between 9 and 12 July.

According to ben-erikvanwyk.com, IPUF was started to “promote the cultural, socio-economic and scientific benefits to be derived from the sustainable use of the southern African flora”. According to UP’s website, Oosthuizen’s paper was titled ‘Natural coumarins against persistent mycobacterial biofilms’. This was part of his doctoral research in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Speaking to the university, Oosthuizen said the prize has motivated and inspired him to do more. “Receiving a prize like this and being recognised for my contribution to science has a [tremendously] positive impact on how I, as a young scientist, approach my work,” he added.

EMS students attend conference in Germany Three students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) attended the recent European Bachelor Summer Institute course held in Vallendar, Germany.

According to the Otto Beisheim School of Management’s (WHU) website, the annual two-week long course that the business school organises attracts “business administration [students] who are interested to learn more about the business environment in Europe”.

Cassandra Mayer, a BCom Marketing Management student, Maatabudi Mokabane, a MCom Financial Management Sciences student and Janie Eiber an MCom (Business Management) student attended the course.

They and 21 other international scholars met under the theme, “The Business, Political and Cultural Environment in Europe”.

Apart from engaging on topics such as trade and monetary integration in the European Union and strategies of foreign direct investment, UP’s website says “cultural experiences were threaded into most days’ activities”. This allowed the students to visit places of interest such as the Marksburg Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Centre for Human Rights partners with African Men for Sexual Health and Rights On 2 August, the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) at UP together with the African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR) employed a cooperation agreement to enact a framework in working together. According to their website “AMSHeR is a Pan-African coalition of organisations focusing on men who have sex with men (MSM) and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ([LGBTIAQ+]).

CHR expressed the importance of this agreement in building research bonds with AMSHeR, while deepening the understanding of the rights of sexual minorities.

Similarly, CHR states, “AMSHeR and the Centre [for Human Rights] are confident that this partnership will foster the development of [LGBTIAQ+] and gender justice advocates on the African continent.”

Compiled by Ntombi Mkandhla and Bradley Tjongarero

YCL hosts 4th Annual Woman-ofWorth Network

Kamogelo Lesabe, Chairperson of Young Corporate Leaders, addressing the attendees. Photo: Fezekile Msimang

NTOMBI MKANDHLA

On 5 August, the 4th Annual Woman-of-Worth (Wow) Network was held in Rautenbach Hall.

This year’s theme, “Well Suited”, was an initiative to “redress and take on the sacred cows and socially constructed mentalities concerning youth and women”, said Kamogelo Lesabe, Chairperson of Young Corporate Leaders (YCL), in a media statement released prior to the event. YCL, the organiser of the event, is a UP student organisation which facilitates entrepreneurial and investment sessions for students.

This year, in conjunction with UP’s TSC, YCL partnered with the Young Alumni and Student Committee (Yascom) in support of their #GiveWhatYouCan initiative, which seeks to cater for needy UP students. Instead of providing a cover charge to attend the event, entrance was free for ladies who came with donations for the cause.

The keynote speakers were Shireen Chengadu and Monhla Hlahla. Chengadu currently serves as the acting director of University Relations at UP. In the beginning of her speech, she spoke about the impact that the 1956 Women’s March had on the country. On 9 August 1956, thousands of women, irrespective of race or class, protested against the pass

laws in the country. Yet, in this technologically advanced era where communication is at our fingertips, women “battle to mobilise” she said.

“This calls for an agency and urgency at which we need to act”, she added.

Chengadu said that 60% of university graduates are women. She went on to say that despite even coming first in their class, they are overtaken by their male peers in the workplace.

She urged all women to adopt the concept of being “authentic” and figuring out how their brands stand out from the rest. “You will get blows”, Chengadu cautioned, but encouraged women to “dust it off” and start again.

Hlahla is a director at Ruta Thari Holdings and at Solitron Holdings. Growing up on an orange plantation in Limpopo, she said that she never considered herself as poor, going on to say that “the definition of success is measured by you”. She challenged the attendees to disrupt the belief of being disadvantaged.

“Life has to be hard”, she said. “The bigger the learning, the greater the reward”, she added.

“There’s more to you than your degree”, Hlahla urged, saying that a degree is only an opportunity to make a difference. She also added that one is not defined by who they are employed by.

A panel discussion followed where Angelica van Dou, co-founder of Mzansi Memes, was

the moderator. The panellists were Noma Gigaba, whose business roles include being an IT executive and chairperson of the Noma Gigaba Foundation, Koleka Putuma, a playwright, author and poet, Nontobeko Sibisi, who was ENCA’s first arts and entertainment reporter and pioneer of the #RespecktheDoek movement, and Neo Matlhare, a UP graduate, entrepreneur, and Creative Founder of Nolymross.

When asked what current narrative the media pushes of women, Sibisi said “It depends on what kind of media you absorb.” She added that it was up to women to do their own research to find relatable forms of media for themselves. On being a woman today, Matlhare noted that women are an “inconvenience”, but it is important to disrupt the notions that the world has about them. Putuma added that women have to be “agile” and learn to adapt quickly to succeed in this world.

Gigaba believes that a woman’s role is to undo the pain of the past. She added that women often have to go the “extra mile” to be successful in the corporate sphere, and urged women to work together. Speaking on how her intimate relationships have affected her career, she said it’s important that women strike a balance, but at the same safeguard their careers by standing their ground.

UP student finalist in ocean pollution poster project DANICA CHARLES Sacha Saddul, currently studying third year Information Design at UP, took part in the Green Bauhaus Global Communication Project 2017.

The Green Bauhaus Foundation, established in 2006, is a multicultural global communications project working with universities and academies from five continents.

The initiative aims to encourage sustainable development locally and globally.

The Green Bauhaus poster project theme for 2017 was "SAVE THE OCEANS – Stop Plastic Pollution". The instruction from the Green Bauhaus Foundation was for participating universities to submit their top ten posters, allowing 300 posters to be nominated for the final project. The aim of the project is to select and organise a collection of posters that will travel as an international exhibition and will be documented in a catalogue.

Saddul created a globally recognised poster to raise awareness about the extent of plastic pollution in the oceans. The title of his poster, “Killer Fashion”, was inspired by couture fashion. The poster is a visual concept of a fish getting caught in a net, displayed as a fashion statement, as if the fish is wearing the

plastic net. Saddul told Daily Vox that he is “aestheticising something that is awful, yet happens daily”.

The international design project includes participation from 33 universities from five continents and has been overseen by Professor Helmut Langer, a communications designer and design educator, specialising in cultural, environmental, institutional, and social communications projects.

The United Nations Ocean Conference, held from 5 to 9 June at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, had a preview exhibition of completed posters. This conference served as a facilitation of the poster project to raise international awareness and begin talks about the effect of plastic pollution in the oceans. The project holds the voice of design students from all over the world, who are given the opportunity to use their skills to address unyielding environmental problems.

Saddul’s poster was one of the ten that were selected for this conference exhibition, making him the only South African contributor. Saddul is also one of the 300 finalists. Saddul told Perdeby that “the poster is about aesthetising something that is awful (plastic) an is now made into a fashion statement - as if the fish

Saddul’s ‘Killer Fashion’ poster inspired by couture fashion. Image provided

is wearing it. I feel really proud and honoured that my poster was chosen, really makes my hard work pay off and makes me feel that I have chosen the right career path. I hoped to achieve a new perspective on a topic (save the oceans - stop plastic pollution) that has been seen and heard many times and create something beautiful yet simultaneously sinister.” Saddul describes sustainable development as new advances that do not destroy the environment or further the depletion of natural resources, which he has termed “smart development”.

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News | 14 August 2017

Intervarsity News

University of KwaZuluNatal (UKZN)

On 3 August, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Kwazulu-Natal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, issued a letter to staff and students stating that action on unusual admissions of students has been taken by serving letters of intention to suspend 18 members of staff, one of which has already been dismissed. The investigation has resulted in a search and seizure operation involving 286 staff members. The operation is being undertaken with the assistance of an external forensic audit company. The aim of the operation is to gather further evidence, investigate and determine the full extent of staff involvement. University Management initiated this investigation, which led to uncovering the syndicate. This investigation was critical to ensure all people implicated face the law. To date, five students have been implicated in the UKZN admissions scam.

The Greenline represents UP at Annual Green Campuses Conference NTOMBI MKANDHLA

Between 28 and 30 July, The Greenline represented UP at the 6th Annual Green Campuses Conference held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). This year’s theme was “Save Water”. Cameron Green, Chair and Residence Director of The Greenline, presented on behalf of UP, for which he won the “Best Newcomer Award”.

Along with Green, two other The Greenline EC members Candice Elliot and Connor Smith went to Cape Town. The Greenline is a student society on campus that tackles and campaigns for environmental issues. It works closely with the Department of Facilities Management.

Itumeleng Mahlangu and Peterson Mtshweni of TuksVillage, and Amy Oakfield, who heads up the Green Portfolio at the Onderstepoort residence, also attended the conference.

According to the International South African Chapter of the Association of College

and University Housing Officers’ website, the Annual Green Campus Initiative was established “with the aim for the promotion of environmental sustainability/climate change interventions at colleges and universities campuses in South Africa”.

Leading up to the event, Green said it was challenging to attain funding to attend the event.

However Director of Facilities Management, Prof. Susan Adendorff sponsored him. TuksRes sponsored the other five students. Green credits Ilze Ueckermann, Manager at Waste and Environmental Management in the Department of Facilities Managements, for helping him with his presentation. Ueckermann provided him with “date statistics of the water usage of the University as well as other statistics such as the amount of waste the University recycles”.

With a 10 minute cap, Green said he had to present on all that The Greenline had done for the past three years to over 100 delegates who were from over nine universities and five

NSFAS opens applications for 2018

North-West University (NWU)

Eleven academics, some of whom hold professorships and doctorates, are under investigation for plagiarising the work of other academics and organisations in their research articles at NWU. These academics have been reported to the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Most of them were involved in work in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, based at NWU’s Mafikeng and Potchefstroom campuses. The most senior academic accused occupies a senior management position at the Mafikeng campus.

A whistle-blower close to the student body reported the matter to the CHE and The Department of Higher Education and Training.

An example of the alleged plagiarised work is from an employers’ handbook on managing HIV/Aids in the workplace published in 2003 by the Thailand Business Coalition, Employers’ Confederation of Thailand and the International Labour Office.

CHE CEO Professor Narend Baijnath confirmed that the allegations were reported to the council.

NWU spokesperson Louis Jacobs said the university was informed of the matter by the CHE and that the investigation was at an advanced stage. He also said NWU would not release particulars on the staff members involved or comment on whether action had been taken against the academics implicated.

HENRI UYS

University of the Witswatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand’s vice-chancellor and Politics professor, Adam Habib, wrote an open letter to the members of Parliament, titled ‘History Will Judge You’. Habib states that the members of Parliament need to “rise to the occasion” with regard to the “no confidence vote”, shown by the repetition of the line “the future of this beloved country lies in your vote!”, urging members of Parliament to vote wisely.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Medical student, Safa Naraghi, Engineering graduate Teddy Mudge and Law graduate, Tshepo Mosaka have earned scholarships from FirstRand to attend prestigious UK universities for the next academic year.

Mudge received one of two FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar scholarships, worth R800 000 each. Mosaka and Naraghi each received one of three FirstRand Foundation scholarships, also individually worth R800 000.

Compiled by Danica Charles

environmental audit firms. “There were two categories: […] Category A and Category B. Category A was for Green Campus Initiatives that are three years and younger and category B was for Green Campus Initiatives that are older than three years”, he said. In category A, Green presented against four other universities which were Capricorn TVET College, Vaal University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, and the University of Zululand.

The Greenline, representing UP, came first for their presentation.

On winning the “Best Newcomer Award” at the conference, Green said it “meant the world” to him. “I am very proud of the Greenline EC and we have been working very hard in the last year to make all [of] this possible”, he added. He further expressed his gratitude to the Department of Facilities Management, particularly Ueckermann whom he said had “gone beyond what [was] asked [of her] to make everything possible”.

Screenshots of the UP Libraries homepage. Image: Ciske van den Heever

New app launched for UP’s libraries HENRI UYS On 20 July, UP’s Library Services announced the launch of a new app designed for UP’s libraries.

Elsabe Olivier, Assistant Director of Marketing and Quality Assurance, managed the project. Olivier said, “It is important for the Department of Library Services to give easy access to its sources and other information to users on their smartphones because this is the world our youth is used to.” Olivier said that UP made use of an external company that specialises in creating mobile software designed for libraries.

The app, called UP Libraries, enables students to make use of UP’s Library Services whether they are on campus or not. Students can search for books, journals, magazines, and other materials. The app will direct students to a UP library where the study material is being held, and will also show students where the material

can be found in the library.

Students can use the app to place or cancel holds on books, check on due dates and renew items that have been taken out. Students can also use the app to get more information on UP’s libraries such as directions, locations, operating hours and telephone numbers. The app also allows students to chat to a librarian for assistance.

Olivier said that they received positive reviews from students. These reviews include compliments such as, “The library has developed itself by focusing on the current and future needs of the users, and this is illustrated through the creation of the library app” and “The new library app is very helpful and user friendly.” The app has also received good reviews on Google’s Play Store, currently holding a score of 4.8/5 (at the time of going to print).

The app is available for download from the Google Play and Apple app stores.

On 1 August, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced that applications for funding in 2018 are open.

In a media statement, NSFAS announced that it has partnered with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) “to provide easy access for learners to [apply] for funding”.

The partnership will allow NSFAS to make use of the 15 NYDA branches nationwide, as well as more than 50 Local Youth Offices (LYO) to accept NSFAS applications for funding. “These local youth offices are situated within local government facilities in all nine provinces”, the statement reads.

NSFAS funded approximately 524 950 students for the 2017 academic year and NSFAS expects this number to grow for the 2018 academic year.

NSFAS encourages students to apply for funding. The media statement reads: “We (NSRAS) have worked behind the scenes to strengthen and improve our internal systems and capacity, to be able to deal with the high volumes of applications that we are expecting.

We are calling on all Grade 12 learners; outof-school young people; unemployed young people; and Public University and TVET college students not currently funded by NSFAS, who will need financial support in 2018, to start submitting their applications.”

Potential students can apply via NSFAS’s website by completing an online application form or by visiting any NYDA branch or LYO who will assist students in completing a manual application.

Students that are already funded by NSFAS for 2017 do not need to apply again.

Applications will close on 30 November 2017.

14 August 2017 | Literature Edition

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14 August 2017

year79issue12

The importance of early literacy SAVANNAH PLASKITT South Africa has an on-going education and literacy problem.

In 2013 a study by The National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU) found that out of 1772 rural Grade 5 learners, 11% could not read a single English word from the assessment passages, and a further 41% were considered non-English readers due to the speed they read at. According to recent research, 58% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, while 29% are completely illiterate.

A 2016 study by the Department of Economics at the University of Stellenbosch for Research on Socio-Economic Policy (ReSEP) found that of 15744 Grade 4 learners tested, “58% of the Grade 4 sample could not read for meaning in any language (i.e. the intermediate benchmark) and 29% were completely illiterate.” These statistics differed between provinces with Limpopo scoring the worst where at the end of Grade 4, “50% were illiterate and 83% could not read for meaning.”

Help2Read says that “The foundation for literacy is built long before a child begins Grade 1. It starts while still in nappies.

Learning to talk, listen and understand are precursors to identifying letters and sounds, and eventually words and whole sentences.” The Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University said, in a summary of their research, that the majority of brain development takes place from birth to five years of age.

This period of rapid growth forms the foundation for a child’s educational ability. The Centre on the Developing Child also explains the concept of brain plasticity saying that, “The brain is most flexible, or ‘plastic’, early in life to accommodate a wide range of environments and interactions, but as the maturing brain becomes more specialized to assume more complex functions, it is less capable of reorganizing and adapting to

Illustration: Michelle Hartzenburg

new or unexpected challenges.” Literacy is a very important component of our lives, and children who develop literacy skills earlier have a higher chance of success.

A 2011 article published in Mind, Brain, and Education titled ‘Early Language Learning and Literacy: Neuroscience Implications for Education’ states that early exposure and processing of phonetics is a strong predictor of “future competence in language and literacy.” This means that the more infants are spoken to or read to, the more their literacy skills improve.

Although South African early reading

skills are poor, another problem is the language of tuition, the 2013 Annual National Assessments found that in 70% of students, learning from Grade 1 to Grade 3 takes place in an African language and from Grade 4 onwards learning for 90% of students takes place in English. Switching languages further hinders students, especially since the 2016 study by the Department of Economics at the University of Stellenbosch found that these students are not able to read for meaning in their first language.

In 2010, Stellenbosch University released a report titled “The costs of illiteracy in

South Africa” which estimated that illiteracy is costing South Africa “R550 billion per year in income and GDP.” The paper explained the effects of literacy at an individual level saying, “the literacy of parents (and their behaviour, such as their reading behaviour) displays a large association with learner literacy (the magnitude of parent factors, relative to that of other factors, is arguably larger than is commonly believed).” The paper also said that “Literacy is associated with selfreported satisfaction, and health, and with a healthy questioning of those in political power, and political parties generally.” The socioeconomic cost of illiteracy was further illustrated by a 2010 paper released by UNESCO titled ‘The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy’ which found that “During the first few years of their lives, children of illiterate parents probably have few opportunities to learn communication codes, or to learn to read and write […]

Illiteracy among adults increases present and future socioeconomic vulnerability, and is a significant factor in the reproduction of such vulnerability through children.”

The research by UNESCO also found that “Illiterate adults face serious employability issues, given their low level of knowledge and expertise. This is attributable to a lack of formal schooling, caused either by an early departure from school to enter the labour market or the loss over time of the ability to read and write.”

However, interventions have been shown to have positive impacts. Literacy for All conducted a programme at Isiphiwo Primary School in Khayelitsha. In 2006 the Western Cape Education Department Systemic Test results for Grade 3 showed that 5.3% of learners reached the required literacy standard, August 2006 and April 2007 learners used the ‘Kagiso Readers’ programme and teachers were trained by Literacy for All. When the test was conducted again in 2008 “52,7% reached the required standard for Grade 3.”

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Literature Edition | 14 August 2017

Defying what’s normal Paneleiro1 - Kegan Gaspar

Ele é um Paneleiro!

Ele é um Paneleiro!

Um Paneleiro, ele é!

Each morning my street ignites with this chant.

Every child sings with glee, ele é!

I am eight years old, an outsider, My mother is not Portuguese, an English woman, My father is not Catholic, a deviator, My avós are burdened, a grandson or a demon?

Ele é um Paneleiro!

Ele é um Paneleiro!

Um Paneleiro, ele é!

Each afternoon they repeat the ritual.

I walk home from school, ele é!

I I I I

am a child, guilty, have no solace in church, rejected, feel as if I have nowhere to turn, deadly, always hear it, so are people like me sick in the head?

NO. Today I shall sing a song.

1

Eu sou um Paneleiro!

Eu sou um Paneleiro!

Um Paneleiro, eu sou!

Paneleiro is a Portuguese slur for “homo”, “queer”, ect.

Queer -Thirunu Naidoo Adjective \kwir\ Queer: a state of acceptance, of the self and of others.

Queer: the last thing you’d ever want your child to be.

Queer: a rejection of labels with boundaries slashed into the sand of your mental island.

Queer: my sister’s best friend is more than just a friend to me (in my heart) Queer: a celebration of diversity, diversity devoid of exclusionary practices.

Queer: a word my grandfather spat out in disgust in his youth.

Queer: my first intimate connection with a girl with short hair who called me Star Queer: a slur used to dehumanize people who loved outside of heteronormative ideals.

Queer: the carrier of my shame when a girl caught me staring at the curve of her breast.

Queer: my mother’s tears when I told her that I will not birth any children of my own.

Queer: a description of the sexual practices no one dares talk about.

Queer: a phase, a state of confusion, a possession, an influenced state.

Queer: an extraordinary ab N O R M A L ity.

That’s Just Not Normal Jodi Marx No sex before Marriage?

Are you crazy girl?

You have been dating him for four years It’s just not normal These are the questions That I hear everyday From people who hear of my virginity And don’t know what to say I always tell them: I love him so much His familiar smile His love for God He knows me so well We dance and laugh We share our thoughts on life We support each other through everything I know him so well Gentle strokes against our skin Thoughtful kisses planted on our lips Concerned eyes looking into one another Always putting each other first but, We haven’t had sex It’s just not normal So what if, Plastered in make up She dances against a shadow in the club One drink, two drinks, three drinks she downs.

She’s got everyone watching by the pub Her eyes grow hungry as she finds her prey Which handsome guy will it be today?

She grabs him by the hand Throws him on the bed and without a thought Thrusts herself onto him Hard knocks against their skin Forceful kisses against their lips Apathetic eyes looking mindlessly into darkness Growling in hunger for a short lived pleasure, But they are having sex So that’s normal right?

Since when did the idea of harsh touches and meaningless “f*****g,” become more normal that two people who chose; to wait, to grow in fondness, to enjoy the little moments, to learn the corners of each other’s hearts and have sex ONLY when ready?

Sex Sex Sex Sex Sex

without without without without without

love respect concern support understanding

Sex without all those things That’s just not normal.

Or is it...

14 August 2017 | Literature Edition

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The things are rather lit

Entertainment Editor

Apologies for the title, but I’m trying to be cool.

But now that I have your attention, welcome to our Literature edition – it definitely is lit. We have been working on it for quite a while. A literature supplement of this size has been my dream for quite some time and I am immensely proud of every person who had a hand in putting it together.

I’m most proud of the writing competition this week. We received an overwhelming number of entries, showing the importance that literature has in our lives.

Relating to the content of this supplement, we received a message from someone indicating their displeasure at how much we covered queer issues in our last edition. I think this is exactly why we need this discussion and exposure, let alone all the other aspects that make this line of discussion not only relevant, but necessary. Almost everyone has heard about President Trump’s comments on transgender

people in the military, Australia is making moves towards joining a host of countries that allow for marriage equality but masses of people are trying to oppose this move, and our own Deputy Minister of education, Mduduzi Manana, felt so insulted by being called ‘gay’, he felt it necessary to beat a woman. To say that our current coverage is irrelevant is not only ignorant, but small-minded.

Queer literature is a growing industry for those identifying as queer, and those for who don’t, but who are feeling more comfortable buying, reading, and writing their stories. Queer Africa 2, which features UP’s own Emma Paulet, was launched at UP two weeks ago. Read our review of the book on page vii.

Literature can also change the way you think.

There are countless authors out there that will challenge your understanding of the world. This can be from the way you look at the influence of sport on gender-based violence in Jos Dirkx

The state of the South African literature industry

Photo: Ciske van den Heever

TAIGA RIVE Those of us who are in touch with South African literature still largely do not know what the industry looks like from the inside.

We have seen the creation of a host of fantastic stories but we have little knowledge of what the processes, restrictions and benefits of being a writer in this country are like. By speaking to prominent figures in South African literature, a more personal encounter of the industry is exposed. This sheds light on where our industry stands at this point, along with some hopeful expectations of where it might go.

As with many other aspects of South Africa, we see that we

have begun our journey on the back-foot due to the injustices of South Africa’s past. South Africa is in a constant battle which makes things that seem to come easily for our western counterparts more challenging for us. Emma Paulet, UP student and author of the short story, “Warm”, in Queer Africa 2: New Stories, explains that the mark South African literature has made on a global level is a start, but there is so much more that we can offer. The problem is generally not a lack of quality work, but rather a disinterest from certain international parties echoing a historical trend of a one-way flow of knowledge from the West to Africa.

In order to get published today, it is almost imperative to go

book Tackled(page viii), to influencing the idea generations have about each other and the histories of people living on the other side of the track (or century) on page vi.

From a young age, books start to have an impact on us. Try telling the average person that you didn’t grow up with the likes of Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, or Rand Al’Thor (if you know who this is, can we please be friends) and you will get all sorts of over reactions. Sadly though, there are far too many people that don’t have access to the world of books, whether it is the actual books they don’t have access to, or the ability to access the information in a book.

Perhaps if we all did our bit to help those less fortunate than us, a little of the pressure can be lifted – much like Michelle Nkamankeng, an 8 year old author who is doing her best to spread her passion (page vii).

Enjoy our edition and happy reading.

Shaun Sproule

through a publishing house, says the Publishers Association of South Africa (PASA). Royalties you can collect as a writer from publishers’ sales are usually 10-12%. In this technological age, PASA also suggests publishing both in print and as an eBook.

South African writers have historically used their writing as a tool to express political and social criticism; however this does not mean we produce one-dimensional work. Established South African author, Deborah Steinmair, who has published five novels and one volume of poetry, points to the oppression in our country as being a great fuel for creativity, but Paulet describes a noticeable shift in writing styles that have emerged since apartheid, generating a multitude of new genres and topics.

Steinmair explains that a key restriction for a writer in South Africa is that “the audiences are so disparate… If you happen to be an Afrikaans author, you write to a small audience and the same applies to Xhosa [isiXhosa] authors. Also, one would not dare to write from the point of view of a black or coloured South African, for example, while a writer likes to think that he or she should be able to imagine themselves in anybody’s shoes…We are all still worlds apart, and this is limiting.”

Both Paulet and Steinmair encourage young writers to follow their dream because although remuneration in this industry may not be the biggest incentive, the country needs stories. We live in a time of critical readers who will dissect the work produced, and ultimately it creates a way for people to make sense of their world and relate to the experiences of people around them. The literary industry is undergoing a time of transformation, having outgrown previous restrictions, and positive things are predicted for the future.

Stopping the presses: print media’s ‘death’

Photo: Raimund Nel

REBECCA WOODROW Print media, the form of mass communication where information is conveyed through printed publications like newspapers, comics, books, and magazines, has been in relative decline since the advent of the digital age. Students are undoubtedly aware of this with our use of eBooks, PDFs, and navigation of online repositories and other resources.

This occurrence features as a topic of widespread interest with varied responses from studies conducted by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, to contributions on Forbes’ website under slightly worrying titles such as “How to Survive the Death of Print Media”, that do not seem to realise their own irony.

Print media’s decline is deserving of this attention.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) Entertainment and Media

Outlook: 2016-2020, projects that “in 2020, the newspaper market in South Africa is expected to be R1 billion smaller than in 2015” and “the difficulty of monetising digital magazines means digital magazine growth will not be enough to offset print losses”. Uncertainty in the South African book industry is present as there are government proposals to reduce the number of approved school textbooks, a worrying prospect as the educational market makes up more than half of the South African book publishing industry.

On a global scale, the industry is stagnating. PWC’s segment findings on newspapers show that the Asian Pacific is the only region where print circulation is growing, which likely still will fail to recover the US$23.8 billion loss in the total global newspaper advertising revenue, predicted to happen between 2012 and 2021. The growth in the Asian Pacific is doubly good due to its direct influence from a rise in literacy rates that brought about increased readership.

There are benefits to the decline in the print media industry, despite the gravity of the consequences understandably being able to overshadow them. In the printing aspect alone the reduction in paper consumption and the production process is environmentally beneficial.

In this period of significant change, it is important to remain grounded. A vital aspect of the developments in mass communications is that, while the means of accessing and distributing information is undergoing a revolution, the pursuit and appetite for information is not going to disappear – content remains king. Alphabets and writing materials were created so we could defy the limits of human memory and the digital age is its descendant. Internet access has reduced the obstacles to gaining information resources.

A publication going out of print does not mean it will cease to exist because online content is no less real than its printed counterpart. The decline of the print media industry is unfortunate, but it is not a death sentence. The loss of the institution is inevitable but its intention remains with us, and it would be against our interests to stop the presses for nothing new.

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14 August 2017 |

Student Development manages all the student life offerings and coordinates these structures in order to produce well rounded graduates. The core of Student Development is to develop leadership skills.

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Every student on campus may choose to join a day house. Day houses take part in extra-curricular student activities and play a similar role as that of a residence.

Student Development manages all the student life offerings and coordinates these structures in order to produce well rounded graduates. The core of Student Development is to develop leadership skills.

Every student that enters the university is automatically part of the Faculty House within which their degree falls.

These houses offer various development opportunities for students to take part in.

Lorem ipsum

All potential leaders have to meet the eligibility requirements of the structures they would like to apply for. Furthermore a 60% GPA is a general requirement for all student leaders of the DSA.

Once all the procedures have been followed and signed off on by the relevant governing bodies the structures will announce successful candidates to their constituents.

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e r d

Remember, you can decide where you want to become involved in and you can choose to take part in more than one structure’s activities, although you can only be elected to be on the EC of one structure at a time. The whole point is to experience new things while also giving back to the university and your fellow students in a meaningful way. This is your opportunity to make a difference.

These facilitate a lot of the activities that Faculty Houses, Day Houses and Residences take part in.

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These committees run special programmes that promote student development.

Once you have met the requirements all student leaders should announce their intent by fulfilling the nomination requirements of the structure they would like to apply for.

After the procedures have concluded, successful candidates will have to submit to election procedures as dictated by the constitution of the structure they are involved in.

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Literature Edition | 14 August 2017

Best female literary role models

Image: leedsbookclub

SAVANNAH PLASKITT

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Image: Michelle Hartzenburg

CARLY TWADDLE

2017 has been a notable year in the Harry Potter world. 26 June was the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 21 July was the 10th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and the filming for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 started in the beginning of July. Potterheads across the world have been indulging in the numerous celebrations that have occurred thus far.

The wizarding world of Harry Potter has grown in the past 20 years. The production of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard have provided fans with a detailed window into the rest of J.K. Rowling’s magical world. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (a play concerning Harry’s son, Albus Severus, and his adventures time travelling) was staged in 2016, and the script published for reading. The magic has grown exponentially over the years through Pottermore, the official fan-site created with J.K. Rowling, which comprises of games and quizzes which sort users into their houses and allocates them their wands. In the last few years, more quizzes have been added, testing fans’ knowledge.

Recently, information on Ilvermorny (the American wizarding school) was published, and a quiz to sort users into these houses (Wampus, Pukwudgie, Horned Serpent, and Thunderbird) was added. Because J.K. Rowling is the brains behind the website and its content, the Pottermore quizzes are deemed the “most correct and accurate” regarding all matters Potter. In addition to the quizzes, Pottermore is J.K. Rowling’s prime medium for divulging more information about her world. Her posts range from explaining the Charms and Transfiguration classes, to discussing the history of Hogwarts and the other magical schools, and (most recently) sharing information on the Magical Congress

of the United States of America (MACUSA), the equivalent of the Ministry of Magic.

On 19 June, Pottermore started the Wizarding World Book Club, a global book club. Each week, they post questions and analyse certain themes from each of the seven books in the series.

The club encourages members to participate in a worldwide discussion over Twitter using a specific hashtag.

Muggles and magical folk have celebrated the anniversaries all year round. In October, two new books will be released in conjunction with the Harry Potter exhibit hosted by the British Library. The first of the two, Harry Potter – A History of Magic is a coffee table book which includes original drafts by J.K. Rowling and essays on items in the exhibit. The second, Harry Potter – a Journey through the History of Magic, explores the history of the various kinds of magic taught at Hogwarts. These books are not written by Rowling, but composed by the organisers of the exhibition. They will be released in the United Kingdom on 20 October, and the exhibition will run from 20 October 2017 to 28 February 2018.

New editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were released in June, with entirely new designs. Four versions were released; one for each house, with each version designed in the house colours, featuring a new house crest, and containing new information about things specific to each house – such as the head of house, the common room, the house relic, and the house ghost.

There have been many themed parties and festivals around the world to celebrate, such as the massive event held at Universal Studios in January. Although significant dates such as publication dates, the Battle of Hogwarts, and Harry’s (and J.K. Rowling’s) birthday have passed, the fandom has not finished celebrating.

The question that remains is: what train will you be on come 1 September?

Books are seen as a force of learning and growth in the world, and what better way to learn and grow than to read about how female characters have grown and overcome adversity. Here is a short list of some of the best female characters to learn from.

George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series has many notable ladies, such as Meera Reed, Asha Greyjoy, and Olenna Tyrell, but the bar is set very low because to stand out all you need to do it to shun the idea of being married off to breed and laugh pleasantly at feasts. However, Brienne of Tarth deserves a mention for doing the most to knock down gender roles. Brienne embodies what a knight of the seven kingdoms is supposed to be, despite the fact that she is a female. A Song of Ice and Fire is also notable in the way it describes Catelyn Stark and Cersei Lannister as strong mothers.

Mariam, a character in Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns shows incredible growth and resilience.

Born as an illegitimate child of a successful business man outside a small city in Afghanistan, Mariam overcomes the dysfunctional relationships she has with her parents to become a mother figure to another women and her young son and to stand up to her abusive husband.

Aibileen Clark in Kathryn Stockett’s book The Help shows bravery and nobility. Aibileen is a maid in Jackson Mississippi in the 1960s; her mother was a maid and her grandmother a slave. The loss of her son motivates Aibileen to stand up against injustices and she tells her story and encourages other maids to do the same.

Matilda is the epitome of a good female role model. Roald Dahl’s six year old character is determined and sempowered; Matilda loves reading and refuses to let injustices stand.

Holly Short a character in Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series is the first female member of LEPrecon, Holly works hard to prove herself in a male-dominated world. Holly also has strong morals which she does not back track on.

Nasuada in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle is a political leader who embodies innovation and is touch with the needs of her people even in a wartime situation.

Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief set during the Holocaust features Liesel Meminger, a young girl who gained the respect of Death himself. Liesel demonstrates bravery and kindness in a time when these traits are rare.

Reliving histories: African novels SHAUN SPROULE

Books can have a powerful influence on their readers. They can take readers on an immense journey of imagination, inspire life-long dreams and change closely held opinions. This power can be used for good or bad, and can be an important tool in helping people understand the lived experience of others.

The story of an African Farm, Olive Schreiner The novel follows the stories of three friends – Waldo, Em and Lyndall – from childhood to adulthood. It takes place in 19th Century South Africa ahead of The First Anglo Boer War, challenging the rigid social conventions of the time. The unorthodox views on religion, marriage and societal repression were controversial over a century ago, and still hold some influence now.

Buckingham Palace, District Six, Richard Rive Set in 1966 during the full thrust of the Group Areas Act, the novel documents the lives of the diverse residents of

Buckingham Palace at the base of Table Mountain. Readers can experience the characters victories, sadness and developments all with the backdrop of the crushing Group Areas Act and the damage it will most certainly cause to the community.

Dog Days: An Animal Chronicle, Alain Patrice Nganang Set in the 1990s in Camaroon, Dog Days tells the story of Maboudjak as he relates his experience of being a “dog’ of the society around him. The other dogs and humans are distant and he finds himself in a world where he can’t even understand the language around him. The novel explores the throes of social and political change and the abuse of some ruling regimes. The novel is propelled by humour, with this as Maboudjak’s most important survival tool.

Hiding in Plain Sight, Nuruddin Farah Bella is a fashion photographer who lives as she wants, entertaining multiple lovers and a glamorous lifestyle. This all comes to a potential end when Bella’s half-brother is murdered, leaving her niece and nephew possibly orphaned.

Bella travels to Nairobi because of her protective instinct for the children. The novel explores family obligations and the ways that a political climate can affect an individual.

Black Moses, Alain Mabanckou Black Moses was longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize this year and follows Moses in the 1970s revolution in the People’s Republic of Congo. The revolution strenghthens the reign of terror in the more rural areas where Moses grew up. This novel is the comic tale of a Congolese Robin Hood, a man who is obsessed with helping the helpless.

The hairdressers of Harare, Tendai Huchu A story of love and friendship, The Hairdressers of Harare follows Vimbai who owns a successful hair salon in Zimbabwe’s capital. Her business is threatened when Dumisani opens his own salon, drawing customers from her own salon.

The two eventually become allies, and more, but this is all threatened by Dumi’s shady past. The novel reflects on perceptions people have and challenges inequality in Africa’s most misunderstood regions.

14 August 2017 | Literature Edition

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Image provided

Catching up with Africa’s youngest author SERISHKA MOODLEY Michelle Nkamankeng is an eight-year-old girl from Kensington, Johannesburg who shot to stardom last year when she released her debut book Waiting for the Waves. You may be wondering why there is so much hype surrounding this adorable little girl.

Michelle was named Africa’s youngest author last year at only seven years old. Now eight, she is not slowing down with her career, but looks forward to sharing her skills with others of her age.

Nkamankeng has started her own foundation called the Michelle Nkamankeng Foundation, which aims to educate underprivileged children by encouraging them to read more.

Through this initiative to encourage learning, the foundation recently held a book drive. She tells Perdeby “I want to help other kids learn. I know that not all of us can afford to buy books so I asked people to donate books so that we can help teach those who want an education”.

Michelle’s mother, Laurentine, says that she is extremely proud of and very happy for Michelle. Laurentine makes sure that Michelle gives back to those who have contributed to her success, and both mother and daughter recently embarked on a hike for Mandela Day to raise awareness about the high illiteracy rate that

Queer Africa 2: New Stories GALA

Image: Gay and Lesbian Memory in Motion (GALA)

plagues the South African youth. She wants Michelle to know that success is nothing if you cannot do something for those who cannot do anything for themselves.

Michelle has recently been working on two new books which are set to be released later this year. The first book is called The Magic Key, and the second, Why I Love Flowers. The idea behind both books is to encourage the art of reading and creative writing among the youth.

Michelle wants people to know that fame is not everything and they should focus instead on improving their knowledge about the world.

She has adapted relatively well since the doors of fame opened.

Her mother does not treat her as if she is Africa’s youngest author; she treats her exactly the same as her older children. She says, “Michelle is no different than my other kids. When it is time to do chores, and when it is time to play, Michelle knows where she stands. She knows that she is equally responsible for her share.”

Michelle’s hobbies when she is not writing include ballet, gymnastics, playing the piano and the guitar.

Michelle loves reading and learning about new things, and she would like to share that gift with other children as well. She is looking for sponsors for her books so that she may continue to help educate other children about the many wonders of the world.

TSHILISANANI NDOU Queer Africa 2: New Stories is the sequel to Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction which was published in 2013. The first book won a prestigious award a year after being published, the first in Africa to win the 26th Lambda Literary Award in the fiction anthology category. The book is now being included in the syllabus of some well-known universities across South Africa. The book has also been translated into Spanish and it is currently in the process of being translated into Arabic.

Queer Africa 2 is another success story for the Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA) organization. The book has 26 fictional stories that touch on being African and queer.

These stories are set in different countries in the world; The USA, Nigeria and South Africa, with most of the characters experiencing some turmoil in their life.

Most of the stories resonate a similar theme; sex, queerness and love. Some of the stories even shed some light on homophobia, as well as other challenges queer people face, especially in countries where homosexuality is punishable by death. Another story gave some insight into how religion and societal standards may influence how people express the true nature of their sexuality.

The message conveyed in these stories is that love trumps all, and that it is unfair that we live in a society that still strips other human beings of their basic human rights. It is unfair that a person’s safety becomes compromised just because of who they love. The book also brings to light the plight faced by lesbians in the townships - women who are persecuted gruesomely murdered in the townships, yet society is silent about it. These authors are the good people that are not being silenced. They are using their words to challenge what is perceived as the norm.

The book features stories by authors Emma Paulet, Zukolwenkosi Zikalala, Nancy Lindah Ilamwenya, Unoma Azuah, Victor Lewis, Alistair Mackay and many more. The stories are thought provoking. The authors do not hold back with words so raw that they paint a picture so vividly perfect it immerses you in the character’s world. The book will leave you in awe.

Image: IMDb

Vaselinetjie Anoeschka von Meck CARINA KLOPPERS Helena “Vaselinetjie” Bosman is a little white girl who lives in a small rural town somewhere in the Northern Cape, with her coloured grandparents who love her dearly. That is until the welfare discovers that Vaselinetjie is not their biological grandchild and she is sent off to a state boarding school outside Johannesburg. Vaselinetjie’s life is drastically altered as she is forced to confront a crueller reality, with damaged children, indifferent caretakers and endless disappointments.

Director Corné van Rooyen will be brining this classic to the big screen on 22 September 2017.

Anoeschka von Meck manages to make any reader relate to a young orphan confused about her race and identity. This is mostly due to the sincerity with which she approaches these continuously relevant topics of a post-apartheid South Africa. Instead of pushing a political agenda or injecting any social commentary, Vaselinetjie draws from Von Meck’s own experiences as a caretaker at a children’s home. This allows for a story where the reader is able to be fully enveloped in a reality far different from their own.

In this different reality, the plot develops slowly and for the most part Vaselinetjie steers clear of any clichéd or exaggerated plot devices. The reader is left exposed to the psychological turmoil of a character that is trying to succeed in a world that only expects her to fail. That is how Von Meck establishes such a strong connection with her readers, as she uses the titular Vaselinetjie to peer into the soul of anybody who has ever felt rejected and alone.

Still, Von Meck cannot avoid a flare for the dramatic when she introduces Vaselinetjie’s star-crossed lover, Texan Kirby.

Regardless of the unoriginality of their story, the tenderness of Vaselinetjie and Texan’s romance prevails. Through the sweetness of young love, the reader will find themselves actively routing for the two teenagers.

The novel’s biggest flaw is that at times Von Meck severs Vaselinetjie’s strong ties to realism in favour of a more positive outcome. Although the argument can be made that this diversion from the harsh truth inspires hope and optimism in her readers, von Meck is nonetheless sacrificing the fervent potency of Vaselinetjie.

Vaselinetjie is an easy read infused with charming colloquialisms to properly engage the reader. Through simply telling a story she is deeply passionate about and consciously avoiding overzealous academic writing, von Meck transports the reader to Vaselinetjie’s world.

Although often forgotten in the shadow of even darker novels such as Dis ek, Anna and Thula Thula, Vaselinetjie’s value transcends the prescribed highschool books it is catagorised with. The novel beautifully captures the vital importance of discovering your own identity in a society primarily concerned with race and class.

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Literature Edition | 14 August 2017

Battling gender-based violence through literature

Image provided.

LORINDA MARRIAN Perdeby sat down with the founder of the award winning NGO Girls and Football SA, Jos Dirkx, to discuss their newly released practical and conceptual guide book Tackled, which focuses on working with boys and young men to decrease gender-based violence. The book includes voices from leading sports men and women such as Springbok Siya Kolisi and Director of the Football Magic Foundation, Fran Hilton-Smith.

What motivated you to write a book based on battling genderbased violence?

I had founded an award winning NGO called “Girls and Footbal SA”.We focus on the development of girls and young women through sport, media and education, and we worked solely in girls only spaces. That means we worked really hard to provide girls with health information, with a place to play sports and we did that [with an all female team] because, often times girls don’t actually have access to that safe space. What we realised though as we were doing the work, is that there is a need to work with boys and young men as well. We often talk about how empowered girls are or rather, we often talk about how girls need empowering but at the same time we have to find a way to also provide the opportunity for empowerment for boys. That’s why we wrote Tackled, which really looks at providing boys with a similar safe space to talk about sexuality, bullying and gangsterism. That is really what

motivated me. So the book was inspired by work that I was already doing and finding ways to improve that work.

How can this book help stop gender-based violence?

It was never our intention [or] our directive to assume that the book would end gender-based violence. But what it does do, [is] it provides a first step and a first approach to talking about genderbased violence, bringing both genders to the table and helping us understand how we can collectively improve and [communicate].

What do you think are the main gender-based barriers at the moment?

I mean it is hard to say. From a global perspective, every country, every culture, and every tradition faces its different challenges.

If we look at a common thread, [...] a lot of it does come down to the language that we chose to use to describe boys and girls. [...]

The dictionary holds 220 derogatory words for women, and only 20 for men. That is obviousle a huge, huge difference. We need to find a way to bridge that gap and to [assess] [the] roles language plays. We do focus a bit on language in the book, and I chose to do that because I think it is culturally relevant.We really show people that those small changes, those small choices that we are making actually have a really big effect. I also think that we do not necessarily take enough responsibility for the [messages] that we [send to] young people. We have a huge responsibility to provide accurate health information to boys and girls and to [...] [educate as to what will] [...] affect [them]. I think that is really a starting point from a global perspective and also from a South African perspective.

What do you think the role of sport leaders, coaches and community leaders should be in stopping gender-based violence?

Community leaders have a massive [...]role to play. Unfortunately a lot of [issues stem from] [...] our own understanding of gender and how we talk to boys and girls. We tried to make that a really practical part of the bookthrough the workshops and also through a few of the chapters that [...] dissect why we make some of the choices that we do. As a coach, a leader, a teacher, [or] a community leader, you have such an important responsibility.

A lot of it comes down to the people that are serving as role models [and] the people that are really [...] leaders for young people. I think that is where we can’t underestimate the value that a balanced, strong coach can have on a child’s life. One of our contributors to the book is Springbok Rugby player Siya Kolisi. [...]He said a wonderful thing about just giving people time [...].You would be amazed at the way that giving a child time and showing them that you care can actually have such a big impact on the way that they feel [about themselves].

A writer’s guide to UP UNOSHAMISA CHIRADZA The power in words knows no bounds. It can cripple governments or build them, revolutions are created on the wise words of its leaders. The University of Pretoria offers its students the same opportunities to read and learn about the power that words have. Perdeby looked for Societies on campus that students could get involved in toe better their writing skills or find the exposure they need.

One of the oldest societies, founded in 1982, is The Inklings.

It is a society that actively promotes literature, creative writing and amateur drama. Emma Paulet, one of the writers of Queer Africa 2 was a part of the Inklings. Some of the activities that this society does are poetry performances, play readings and creative writing workshops. They also have an annual poetry magazine called Inclinations and it features the works of students across the university. The current chairperson Kegan Gaspar recommended that students read both Queer Africa 1 and 2.

Perdeby also spoke to Beyond Pages. This society offers both an academic and a social element to the student governance.

Their three main activities are a book club, motivational seminars and team building activities. It also has off-campus objectives such as advocating awareness about business opportunities and equipping people with financial literacy through the promotion of reading the relevant books. Those that join this society can expect the opportunity to develop themselves outside of academics and be enriched with social skills by getting to interact with students from other faculties.

Matsatsi Mohale, the current chairperson recommended that students read more African books on entrepreneurship, looking at the works of authors such as Chimanda Adiche and Eskia Mpahela. For more information on their upcoming events, such the Evolve seminar, find them on social media and be up to date with their work.

The English department located on the 16th floor of the humanities building has a programme called Meet Your Writers that allows students to meet and interact with local authors.

Professor Brown encourages students from different faculties to get involved in this programme because it is an opportunity to meet local heroes who have lots of talent. Meet Your Writers takes place at the Merensky Library once a month. Professor Brown recommended that students read Can’t Get Lost in Cape Town by Zoë Wicomb and Zoo City by Lauren Beukes. The English department has more recommendations on its Facebook page – TuksEnglish, so go check it out.

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14 August 2017 | Features

5

Trans soldiers protected by SA constitution South African Sign Language

Image: Defense Web

LORINDA MARRIAN On 27 July President Trump announced that transgender people will no longer be allowed to serve in the US military. If the ban were to become official, the United States would fall out of the small circle of countries that allows transgender individuals to serve. To date, countries such as Canada, Australia, Israel, Thailand (in administrative positions) and South Africa protect full LGBTQIA+ rights in the military.

Col Kirstein of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) says that the Defence Force “is subservient to the Constitution of

South Africa and therefore does not discriminate against people in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, cultural, language, [and] sexual orientation”. This is further entrenched in the Defence Act of 2002 which says that any member of the Defence Force or employee of the Department who discriminates against a person based on their sexual orientation is guilty of an offence and could, if found guilty, be imprisoned for a maximum of five years.

Additionally, all SANDF members are required to sign a Code of Conduct which says that members will “treat all people fairly and respect their rights and dignity at all times, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language or sexual orientation”.

Trump argued that the US Military could not afford the “tremendous medical costs and disruption” that transgender people would cause in the armed forces. However, according to a study commissioned by the US Department of Defence, done by RAND in 2016, the estimated cost of transition related healthcare would cost the US government between $2.4 million and $8.4 million which is only a 0.04 to 0.13 percent increase on health care expenditure. The same study also found when assessing foreign military policies and impacts that transgender individuals in the armed forces have no significant impact on “unit cohesion, operational effectiveness or readiness” of the military and that instead it benefited all service members by “creating a more inclusive and diverse force.”

In the case of the provision of transition related health care in the SANDF, Col Kirstein says that all members of the SANDF are entitled to free healthcare that is provided by the SA Military, as long as they are serving members. However, any medical or proposed treatment of a member is protected by physicianpatient privilege and it is not the policy of the SANDF to discuss “personal matters in the public domain”.

At the time of going to print, no official statement was released on when and how the transgender ban would come into effect in the US military.

South Africa’s failing education system

Image: Mises Institute South Africa

SAM MUKWAMU In January, London-based publication, The Economist, published a report saying, “South Africa has one of the world’s worst education systems”. South Africa’s education system has been in a dire state; with a lack of both quality education and educators, as well as corruption, South Africa is at the bottom end of various international lists of education standards. According to The Economist’s report, South Africa ranks 75 out of 76 countries evaluated in a table of education systems drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2015. The table included countries such as Canada, Singapore, Estonia, Peru and Tunisia. The publication also reported that South Africa ranked at or near the bottom of various lists in a study conducted by Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

The report came out a year after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga admitted that South Africa’s education system was in somewhat of a crisis, after over one quarter of matric students failed their 2015 matric exams. According to Professor Salomé Human-Vogel, Deputy Dean of the UP Education Faculty, South Africa’s education system has been in a crisis for many years. She commented, “Before the dawn of a true democracy in 1994, the crisis we were facing was that of a racist education system [which] allocated resources unfairly and advantaged white learners at the expense of black learners. Education was a success for a small minority of the population, but a disaster for the majority of the South African population.” Prof. HumanVogel also believes that the frequent change in curriculum, the lack of resources in some schools, as well as the large number of

unqualified or underprepared teachers has further perpetuated this issue.

The Department of Basic Education has tried to better the system by investing in education, however, it does not seem to be making a major difference. About 6% of the country’s GDP is spent on education, compared to the average of 4.8% in EU countries.

In Prof. Human-Vogel’s opinion, investing in teachers would yield a better outcome. She said, “I would very much like to believe that South Africa can change our education system […] by investing in the teaching profession, by raising the status of the profession of teaching so that teachers are paid well and are highly regarded. We need well-qualified, passionate teachers who are committed to the calling of teaching to educate the generation of young people that will be the leaders of tomorrow. If teachers teach well, learners will learn.”

In recent years, the Department of Basic Education has tried to make things easier for students by lowering pass marks in subjects that are holding students back. An example is their recent decision to pass students who pass all their subjects, except Maths, but acquire a mark of at least 20%. The Department has also decided to align the pass marks, so that the Grade 7 to 9 pass marks reflect those of Grades 10 to 12, namely that a pass mark of 30% in at least four subjects and 40% for the remaining four subjects (including home language). Prof. Human-Vogel doesn’t think that all these changes will benefit students, saying, “While I understand the argument that poor marks in Maths are holding learners back [who] may never need Mathematics later on in life, it creates a problem for those who do want to access further learning opportunities where Mathematics is required.” She also went on to say that “South African graduates of accredited institutions of higher learning can be confident that their degrees compare with the best in the world, and we need to be careful that we do not tamper with our ability to be globally competitive, by lowering the standards to pass subjects such as Mathematics”.

Prof. Human-Vogel says that going forward, South Africa needs to “improve the quality of education by improving the quality of teaching and learning, as well as improve the quality of the environment in which teachers teach, and learners learn. You ensure that teachers feel valued, so that they are committed to the profession and to teaching well. You ensure that the environment enables learners to succeed, and you remove the obstacles to an enabling environment by sourcing schools well. All [of] this requires a healthy and growing economy that creates wealth, so that the financial resources are there to invest in education, and so that poverty can be tackled, which will ensure greater access to education for a greater proportion of the economy. For all of this, you need a healthy government who are incorruptible, and who are focused on serving not their own needs, but the needs of all

to be given official status

Photo: Ciske van den Heever

KATHERINE ATKINSON On Thursday 27 July, the Constitutional Review Committee of Parliament recommended that Sign Language should be the 12th official language of South Africa. The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) say that they would like to acknowledge this positive step taken “to finally recommend that the South African Sign Language (SASL) be given an official status.” PanSALB say that this is significant not only for the deaf community, but for those who wish to study Sign Language.

The Chief Executive Officer of PanSALB, Dr Rakwena Monareng, said that like any other language, SASL is “a fundamental human right” and that the PanSALB has “made several crucial calls to government to prioritise Sign Language like any other formal language, and efforts have, for a very long time drawn blank.” The committee acknowledged that the inclusion of SASL as an official language is “long overdue.”

In fact, in 2007, DeafSA handed in a memorandum towards the recognition of SASL as the 12th official language. The memorandum, found on the Parliamentary Monitoring Group webpage, states that DeafSA aims “to pro-actively facilitate and successfully lobby for the acceptance, recognition, development, utilisation of resources/interpreter service of South African Sign Language.” However, until recently there has been no follow through. This has inhibited the growth of the deaf community of about 1 million in South Africa.

DeafSA liken SASL to a “tree trunk on which all the branches of services to Deaf people can be built.”

DeafSA say that many countries, especially European countries, show acceptance and recognition of Sign Language.

DeafSA say that the result of giving Sign Language an official status means “that information, communication, services etc. become accessible to Deaf people in Sign Languages” which is of “stark contrast to South Africa.”

Most recently, South Korea has given Sign Language an official status. On 31 December 2015, Sign Language was declared an official language of South Korea, says SIL International. This legislation was passed after seven years of effort by the Korean Association of the Deaf. SIL say that this is a “historic milestone”, as many deaf communities are marginalised and “without adequate access to education, information or basic services in their language.” The legislation has allowed the South Korean Deaf community to have equal status to non-deaf citizens. SIL added that the legislation opens way for “better access and improved communication in education, employment, medical and legal settings, as well as religious and cultural practices.”

If SASL is approved as the 12th official language, it is hoped that the result will be of a similar nature. DeafSA says that recognising SASL as an official language will allow for deaf people of South Africa to enjoy the same rights as hearing citizens. They add that “it is only through SASL that the quality of deaf people’s lives can be promoted.”

Perhaps one of the reasons why SASL has not been given official language status yet is because many people may believe that it is just a conglomeration of simple gestures.

However, DeafSA say that SASL is “a fully-fledged natural language.” Claire Penn, Head of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Witwatersrand wrote in her book Signs of the Time: Deaf Language and Culture in South Africa that “Sign Language is a real language, equivalent in status to any other language. Deaf persons can sign about any topic, concrete or abstract as economically, as effectively, as rapidly and as grammatically as hearing people can […] there are rules for attention-getting, turn-taking, storytelling, there are jokes, puns and taboo signs, there are generational effects observed in Sign Language, metaphors and ‘slips of the hand’.”

DeafSA say that while every country has a deaf community, the Sign Language of each country is different. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) is used in the United States.

However, the dialects are very similar worldwide which allows for deaf communities to communicate with each other in their different Sign Languages. The inclusion of SASL as an official language will act as a springboard for the deaf community, which has been marginalised for many years.

Through giving SASL official status, the deaf community will be able to better integrate themselves into society.

6

Features | 14 August 2017

South Africas first clinical cannabis convention SAVANNAH PLASKITT

On 5 August, registered nonprofit organisation Fields of Green for All held South Africa’s first Clinical Cannabis Convention.

The hope was to de-stigmatise the use of cannabis and educate medical professionals whose patients may already be using the plant. This conference built on the momentum gained by the ongoing case, dubbed the ‘Trial of the Plant’, that is fighting to re-legalise cannabis in South Africa. Many of the speakers at the event are also expert witnesses in the trial.

In 1993 The South African Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act No.140 listed cannabis under “Undesirable DependenceProducing Substances” and made any part of the plant illegal.

Julian Stobbs and Myrtle Clarke, known as ‘The Dagga Couple’ have taken seven government ministers to the Pretoria High Court in an effort to disprove that cannabis is an ‘undesirable’ substance. They have divided their arguments into four platforms: responsible adult use of cannabis; use of cannabis for health; use of cannabis in industry; and traditional, religious and cultural uses of cannabis.

Dr Keith Scott listed seven universally applicable, fundamental and underlying realities of cannabis use. Firstly, archaeology and history show that cannabis has always been used, citing the 1993 finding of a 2500 year old ‘Siberian Ice Princess’ found to have died of metastatic breast cancer and buried with a pouch of cannabis which is thought to have been used to relieve some of her pain. Scott’s second point claimed that “over 80% of people who use the drug for the first time, never use it again” which he believes disproved the idea that cannabis is a “gateway drug”.

Thirdly Scott says that of the people who use the drug regularly, less than 10% develop an addiction. Fourthly, Scott claims that some of these addictions are due to mental illnesses, and are used as a coping mechanism for victims of abuse or people in dire situations. For his fifth fundamental underlying reality, Scott uses a quote by Darrel Gates who was Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department from 1978 to 1992 and believed that casual drug users form the majority of drug markets. Scott said that “wine farmers and beer brewers no more drive alcohol sales than drug

Photo: Savannah Plaskitt

dealers drive drug markets.” The sixth fundamental underlying reality Scott used was that drug use in itself is a victimless crime, and is no more harmful than a beer after a game of tennis.

Finally, Scott believes that legal regulation of cannabis is the only workable, holistic, and humanistic solution because banning a substance that was already on the market only increases its price and those with substance-use disorders are shunned by society and turn to crime, bearing the brunt of the drug laws.

One of the main driving forces behind the call to legalise cannabis is the industrial uses of the plant. Hemp, a species of cannabis which is used for its raw materials, is differentiated from dagga the shorter, bushier species used for medicine and mind alteration. Arné Verhoef, a gardener with a keen interest in what he describes as future crops, believes that “all cannabis use is therapeutic”, Tony Budden, founding partner at Hemporium, a South African company that sells hemp products from clothes to nutrition supplements explains that although the international niche market for cannabis products is ‘eco green’, in South Africa it is people who are malnourished. Budden helped open the Yiza Ekhaya soup kitchen, a feeding scheme in Cape Town, where the building is made from Hempcrete, a mixture of hemp and lime, and the 250 people fed there daily are often given hemp oil which is high in omega oils. Budden says that the face of cannabis in South Africa is changing from an attitude of “keep this away from your child’ to ‘this can actually save kids.”

Cannabis can also be used as a medicine. Prof Donald Abrams, chief of the Hematology-Oncology Division at San Francisco General Hospital and a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, explained that cannabis shows significant results as a pain killer and in mediating the symptoms of nausea. Prof David Nutt, British psychiatrist and neuropsychopharmacologist, explained that the benefit of using cannabis as opposed to opioids is that the dose it will take to harm you is 100 fold the dose it will take to help you. Prof Nutt also

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emphasised the comparison between cannabis and alcohol, saying that cannabis is at least three times less harmful than alcohol, and significantly less harmful than almost all other illicit drugs on all parameters measured. Dr Marlon Germon explains the medical arguments against the use of cannabis saying that “often people hear claims that cannabis can cure cancer and delay seeing an oncologist and that causes more harm for them.” Dr Germon went on to say that because government is not properly involved yet in the quality control of cannabis people can make all sorts of claims which are not backed up by the medical community. “Regulation is control and harm reduction, and harm reduction is important.

If you class cannabis as a medicine and you are treating medical conditions you need regulations, if there is no regulation the quality of the substance can be harmful, so for medicine and for recreation, regulations are needed.” In terms of possible regulations, Dr Abrams told Perdeby that cannabis “Should be looked at as a botanical medicine like echinacea or garlic, but it should be restricted to people over 21 years of age.”

Shaun Shelly is from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria, and also serves on the board of advisers to the Harm reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support network (HAMS) and Families for Sensible Drug Policy in the United States. He is also a member of the International Drug Policy Consortium strategy sub-committee. Shelly explained the concept of Dr Norman E. Zinberg’s book Drug, Set, and Setting.

The mind-set and setting when a drug is used is important. He explained that policy creates the mind-set and setting, saying that if a drug is viewed as wrong, then a drug that isn’t necessarily lethal and dangerous becomes lethal and dangerous. Shelly says that policy is not having an effect on drug availability but is increasing its concentration (so that more substance can be transported in a smaller space), decreasing the safety surrounding a substance, allowing most drug use to happen in unsafe areas, increasing the criminality surrounding the substance, and allowing self-fulfilling prophecies to take place due to the stigma surrounding drugs. Shelly believes that police arrest quotas are the problem and demonstrated that as the quotas increase, so do the amount of convictions relating to drug use, but the drug use itself does not increase. He also explained that although drug related arrests increased, general crime did not increase, indicating there is not a large correlation between cannabis use and crime. Shelly also said that “low level drug dealers are essential to township economies”, and not all drug dealers are gang affiliated.

‘The Trial of the Plant’ will be heard in the Pretoria High Court from 31 July 2017 to 25 August 2017 after which it is expected to move to the Supreme Court of Appeal and then the Constitutional Court.

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14 August 2017 | Sport

7

Five minutes with TuksCycling

TuksCycling. Facebook, TuksSport

EMMANUEL OLUSEGUN As UP’s premier cycling club, TuksCycling offers students the opportunity to be part of the university’s cycling community.

Perdeby recently contacted club chairman Sean Attridge to discuss the club’s current activities, student membership, and plans for the future.

For the readers who do not know much about TuksCycling, tell us more about the club.

TuksCycling is the official cycling club of the University of Pretoria. We have two main branches to our club, the club and group riding side as well as the racing side. Both are instrumental in the success of the club as a whole. The main function of the club is to bring people together to ride their

bikes and have fun doing it.

Is the club open to students and lecturers?

The club is currently made up primarily of students, but it is open to [...]students, lecturers and alumni.

What would you say have been the club’s greatest achievements in the past five to ten years?

The club has had riders go on to compete on the world stage, and race in events like the Tour de France while being extremely competitive at that level. TuksCycling has always been a force to be reckoned with at the annual USSA tour. Some of our greatest achievements include winning the overall title in 2013 in the men’s section, and the women’s title as recently at 2016. Personally I see our greatest achievement being the over ten-fold increase in our membership numbers this year.

What would you say to convince a student interested in cycling to join TuksCycling?

Cycling is an amazing sport, it comes in so many different disciplines. No matter your ability, there is a place for you in the cycling world. It is also a rapidly growing sport and is a great way to meet new people and just have fun. TuksCycling can be the place for you to find the joy of riding a bike.

How do aspiring members contact the club to become members?

Any aspiring members can contact me. My contact details can be found on the TuksCycling webpage.

Is the club present on any social media platform?

We operate primarily from the TuksSport social media account, but you can also follow us on Instagram, just look for Gauteng student cycling.

What events remain on the club’s 2017 calendar?

Our focus has shifted to mountain biking for this part of the year. We are very excited to be taking part in the inaugural Student Cup. This is a new series driven by TuksCycling, which consists of three races in the cross country format of racing. The first event took place last Sunday (13 August). We will also be sending a men’s and women’s team to the Varsity MTB stage race which takes place in Franschhoek at the end of September.

You will also see us flying the Tuks flag at the many races across the country this year.

For students, lectures and Alumni looking for a biking club to call their own, TuksCycling provides the perfect platform for a unique individual and team biking experiences, both on and off the road.

25-26 AUG 2017

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The Top 10 Top 10 excuses we use for avoiding social interaction and what they really mean 1. I stayed up late doing work and overslept (I couldn’t bother getting out of bed) 2. My mom has come to visit, I need to spend the day with her (I am going to hide in my flat the whole day) 3. My alarm didn’t go off (I wasn’t going to go to your thing anyway) 4. I got the dates mixed up for your party (I knew exactly when it is but I really do not like your friends) 5. I have a splitting migraine (You always go to really loud places that will eventually give me a headache) 6. I have a creative writing class on Mondays (I am going to watch the latest episode of Game of Thrones) 7. I already had dinner (I do not like your taste in food and I will eat at home instead) 8. I have so much work to do (I am going to stay and guiltily watch movies the whole night) 9. I am feeling really sick (I was planning on going with you but I really just don’t want to go right now) 10. I have a meeting to attend (The meeting will be at my house between me and favourite TV show)

Sport TuksNetball. Image provided UP’s Varsity Football team. Photo: Stefan Stander

Varsity Football round-up EMMANUEL OLUSEGUN AND DITEBOGO TSHAKA

The 2017 Varsity Football Tournament has served up some entertaining fixtures as well as a few surprise results after three rounds of matches.

The first round of action kicked off on 27 July as defending champions TUT looked to defend their title as they hosted crosstown rivals UP. In the end, the two teams would end the game all square with a late free-kick from the home side ensuring the proceedings ended 1-1. Elsewhere, CUT (Central University of Technology) took on UJ (University of Johannesburg) at home as they looked to avenge their 2016 semi-final loss. The hosts managed to make out a narrow 1-0 win courtesy of a 66th minute Mpho Molwatse deflected shot. The first round also saw NWU and UWC take home three points each, with the latter putting together the best performance of the first round as they thrashed

Wits 6-0.

The second round’s action took place a week later with UJ looking to put together a win after their loss in the opening round.

They managed to do so, albeit against an unlucky UP. One goal

was all that was needed to separate the two sides at Tuks Stadium, with an inspired defensive display from TUT (that included a host of impressive saves from UJ Goalkeeper Damaine Van Der Walt) enough to see them walk away with the three points. CUT continued to build on their winning start to the tournament with a 2-1 win over UWC, whilst NWU and TUT each recorded big wins against Wits and UFH respectively.

The third round saw TUT face UJ where TUT captain, Mogau Mphahlele, was the first to lead his team to victory, striking the top of the net and bringing the score to 0-1 to TUT. This came after UJ conceded a penalty following a foul by Dane Fortuin.UJ then tightened their defence at the front, leaving them vulnerable at the back. This allowed TUT Thabiso Lebitso, to score a goal at close range, bringing the score to 0-2. In the other matches of the night UWC beat UFH 4-0 while Wits beat CUT 2-0. UP drew 0-0 to NWU after both teams played strong defensive games.

After three rounds TUT find itself at the top of the log table followed by NWU in second place. UP find themselves at second last on the log followed by UFH (University of Fort Hare).

Summer Universiade returns

International University Sports Federation. Image: Twitter, FISU

KWAZI SOKHELA 24 Tuks athletes as well as five HPC and Tuks technical staff members have been made a part of the delegation that will represent Team South Africa at the 29th rendition of the 2017 Summer Universiade, which is set to take place from 19 to 30 August.

The Universiade, which is also referred to as the World Student Games or the World University Games, is the biggest international, multi-coded sporting competition for student athletes, and is organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The event attracts thousands of young student athletes from more than 170 countries, and

has become a platform for the world’s future generation of athletes to showcase their talents against the world’s best student athletes.

Last month University Sports South Africa (USSA) named and finalised a contingent of 180 members that will be sent to the event to represent Team South Africa. There are 129 members from Team South Africa who will be competing in ten sporting disciplines at the event, this includes football, water polo, tennis, athletics, fencing, golf, gymnastics, swimming, and table tennis at the event. The remaining 51 members will consist of a technical team of coaches, medical staff and managers.

UP athletes involved in the event include well-known UP sprinter Thando Roto and hurdler Rikenette Steenkamp.

Roto become the second-fastest South African sprinter of all time when he ran a 9.95 seconds in the Gauteng North Championships earlier this year. Steenkamp will be competing with a string of victories already under her belt. She broke the 100m Varsity Athletics record this year with a time of 13.12 seconds, and was named Victrix Ludorum of the tournament.

Earlier this year, she was won four of the five races in Europe, with her placing second in the race in Ostrava. In Ostrava, she managed to dip under the highly coveted 13 second mark to become the second South African athlete to do so.

Unfortunately, Steenkamp had to pull out of the IAAF World Champions due to a hamstring injury.

In comparison to the delegation sent to the 2015 edition of the Summer Universiade, which saw 32 athletes, two coaches and two managers, the 2017 delegation has 25 more UP representatives. USSA and Team South Africa have set their sights on bringing home ten medals from the competition, in an attempt to eclipse the six medal tally that was achieved

by Team South Africa in the 2015 Summer Universiade in Gwangju, South Korea.

UP prepares for Varsity Netball ANTHONY JORDAAN TuksNetball will return for the fifth edition of Varsity Netball on 27 August, seeking to claim their first ever title in the competition. The team will be looking to go all the way this year, following their disappointing 55-56 home final loss last year to Pukke (North-West University). Perdeby got in touch with Head of Programme and Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk, to discuss her thoughts ahead of the 2017 campaign.

What have the team’s preparations been, leading into this year’s competition?

For me, I think what has been most important was our preparations that occurred last year directly after Varsity Netball.

While most teams went into a rest phase after the competition, we decided to push through and put our players through an intensive six-week training programme to prepare our girls a little bit better for the 2017 sporting calendar. Following that loss in the final, we decided that it was necessary to push ourselves mentally, and so decided to dedicate time out of the November exam schedule to train our athletes in the heat, simulating one on one situations to improve the girls’ mental capacities. For this reason specifically, we sought out very hot and extreme conditions. Additionally, we have many athletes who perform for our national team and other teams outside the university structure, who we have made sure have received the appropriate and necessary match time leading into this year’s competition.

What were your ambitions for your team, coming into this year’s competition?

To win Varsity Netball is what we are preparing for, but we do understand that this is a big statement and it requires us to back it up. We do this by making sure that we have a [...] system aimed at allowing students to take responsibility and make good decisions on court. The moment you’ve got that, the performances will automatically follow. That will then be one of our main focus areas this season, as we look to claim the trophy for [the] first time.

Given the success of various sporting clubs at UP in 2017, does the team have an added incentive coming into this year’s competition?

Yes, definitely. I think the biggest motivation is obviously all the other teams at UP doing so well, but we need to be careful because that also has the potential [to] become our biggest enemy. For this reason, we are taking the positives out of the other club’s performances, but we remain focused solely on our own performance. Having gone unbeaten last season and falling just short in the final is another incentive we will [...] use to elevate our performances this campaign.

How important is Varsity Netball in providing a stepping stone to students looking to progress onwards to professional netball?

Varsity Netball has an incredibly important role. The transfer of athletes to the national team in recent years has been immense.

We have players who have been called up into the Protea squad and who have [had] the added pressure of balancing that with Varsity Netball. This is positive however, because players get extra game time. We also rely heavily on squad depth for this exact reason, and so youngsters in the squad are given the opportunities to prove themselves and grow in confidence and ability.

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Candidates for SRC Portfolio

SRC President Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

My name is Kwena Moloto and I am running under the Democratic Alliance Student organization (DASO UP). I am a 3rd year UP student studying History & Anthropology. I am both mixed race and multicultural; my father a black South African from Limpopo and my mother a white American. I’ve been involved in both student politics and student activism since my first year; with the goal of unifying the UP student body. I am an avid football supporter (team will be disclosed after elections). Family and friends mean everything to me.

I have served the students of UP as Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO UP) during 2015, 2016 & 2017. I was also a member of the DA Mayoral campaign team that took the City of Tshwane from the ANC during in the 2016 local government elections.

As the DASO UP presidential candidate, I pledge 75% of my annual salary (R40000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

If voted into office, my main objectives as SRC President would include, but are not limited to; (1) A DASO SRC would prioritize fundraising, to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. If UJ could raise R100,000,000 then so can we. (2) Lower food prices by creating zero-rent trading zones outside various UP campuses, we’ve identified social entrepreneurs (low-profit) that could sell healthy/nutritional food to students for under R10. (3) Working with TMPD, SAPS and campus security, a DASO SRC would create a safe environment for students both on and off campus.

Students safety needs to become a priority! (4) Rather than going on R260,000 “benchmarking” trips and accepting exorbitant salaries, a DASO UP SRC would invest all “leadership development funds” back into the student body. Never again shall 17 take preference over 60,000 students (5) Extend both TUKS and Tshwane WIFI to high dense student areas so that all students have equal access to study materials. I cannot achieve this without my team, so on the 21st-23rd August vote DASO UP candidates.”

I am a third-year law student that is very assertive, goal-driven, cheerful and persistent. I am not residing at a residence on campus. My interest are current affairs, issues that affect students and I am passionate about young people. I am an activist with a focus on addressing various socioeconomic ills and more particular issues affecting black women. My aspiration to study law is driven by my belief that it can be used as a tool to address and redress societal issues. I live by the motto that theory without practice is useless and that discussing critical issues should always lead to a practical solution. My other interests include cooking, baking and reading.

I was the Treasurer of Youth For Africa Foundation in 2016 and became the Acting chairperson in 2017. I have also held the position of Head of Outreach for the Law Faculty house. In the same year, I was elected as Academic and Legal Research Officer for the Black Lawyers Association and after the resignation of the Chairperson I was co-opted as the deputy chairperson. I have served as the head of Education and training officer for the EFFSC. In 2017, I received the Webber Wentzel Scholarship. I am on the Law Faculty Deans Merit List for 2016 and work as an assistant at the Law Faculty Department under the Centre for Human Rights.

SRC President.

As the SRC President I will bring about an effective and efficient SRC body that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of students before anything else. I have served in numerous leadership structures and learned the importance of planning properly, implementing accordingly and being prepared for the possibility of failure in any regard. I managed to make an impact in society through educating them about the law and the power it holds. As a member of the EFFSC I was confronted with the lived experience of students who experienced various forms of exclusions including financial, academic, residential and unfair suspensions. This first-hand experience has prepared me psychologically and equipped me with the required tools to champion the student cause and speak truth to power without fear and favour. Under my leadership the SRC will be accountable, accessible and open to constructive criticism and most importantly be student centered before anything else.

My tenure in the law faculty house and various other societies has equipped me with effective communication skills and ability to champion the student cause even under University management’s opposition. I believe that education should be decomodified and as President I will champion the cause towards achieving Free Decolonised Education.

I am a third year LL.B student who is hardworking and determined in both my studies and other activities such as student activism. My passion for fighting against social injustices such as patriarchy, racism and homophobia are but a few reasons why I have come to identify as a student activist who believes that they would go to the greatest lengths to bring about change in our lifetime.

Although I do not stay in Res, I do stay near the university’s main campus (Hatfield) and maintain a close relationship with prominent organizations operational within the university, organizations such as the Junior Tukkie Student Ambassador Society, the Muslim Students Association Tuks and SASCO. In these afore mentioned organizations I have, in the previous years, served in several executive positions which include vice-chairperson in MSA, and Secretary General of the Junior Tukkie Student Ambassador Society.

This year however (2017) I am serving as the chairperson for the Junior Tukkie Student Ambassador Society, vice chairperson and head of Politics and Student Affairs for MSA Tuks, and heading the Projects and Campaigns portfolio for SASCO Tukkies. I am also a Golden Key member and I serve on the Legal Shebeen Exco and an Ex officio for Law House. In the past I have made it onto the Dean’s merit list for the Law Faculty.

The reason for which I am running for the President position is guided by my desire to be proactive in the struggle to bring about social justice and cohesion in the University of Pretoria. And so in this quest, I am aware of at least three principles which I believe should be held in high esteem by any person serving in a leadership position and those are accountability, transparency and efficiency. These principles are just the few of which I have come to value from the structures in which I have served and so I believe that with the right office, such principles can be cultivated and extended for the benefit of the student population of the University of Pretoria.

My name is Zanele Ndaba and I’m currently a third year LLB student residing at Tuksvillage. When I’m not studying and trying to get this degree, I am attending poetry sessions and reciting poetry. I’m also interested in current affairs in South Africa and engaging with people of different backgrounds because it is through these discussions that we educate ourselves beyond the textbook. I’m driven by my passion to effect change in people’s lives, no matter how small the change.

In 2015/2016 I was a TuksRAG General Committee member and 2016/2017 I became the Vice Chairperson. I’ve also been in Golden Key society for both 2016. I was also part of the Deans Merit List in 2016.

I am standing for portfolio of SRC president. In my position as vice chairperson of RAG, I learned that what makes someone the best possible candidate is how passionate they are about their work and their ability to be relatable to their peers. Having lived at a residence on an external campus while studying at main campus, I learnt the importance of inclusivity of all campuses. Leadership to me is not about holding a position, but effecting change while being in that position. Which is why I believe I’m the best candidate, not just because I am strong willed but also because I live by the principle of Ubuntu which is required for a president, to always remember that I am because you are.

Kwena Moloto

Mamello Molotsi

Mishkah Abdool Sattar

Zanele Ndaba

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

SRC Secretary Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am running for Secretary under the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO). I am currently completing my BSc in Microbiology and at the same time I am in my first year of my LLB. As much as I knew I could make a difference in the health science field I truly believe that my passion for current affairs and transformation would be of more use in the sphere of law. I was in res (Klaradyn) for three years where I participated in debating, soccer and the mentorship programme. I am also participating in Moot Court for the internal first year league.

I have been a member of DASO since 2014 where I held the position of secretary and Deputy Chairperson. I can now proudly say that I am the Chairperson of this political society. Besides my love for politics and debating, I have a tremendous passion for women empowerment. Last year I graduated from the TUKS Res Women in Leadership Academy. This not only provided me with individualistic skills to be a better leader but it also showed be how important it is that we help build women who are proud of who they are. Recent events at our university has clearly shown that we are in need of female leaders that will stand up for the safety and needs of women on campus.

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 59% of my annual salary (R24000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

This year we have seen the dangers of having students who were not democratically elected in positions of leadership. My goal is to put the interests of students first before my own. I will serve the student body with transparency and will always be accountable. Being on SRC should not be seen as a ‘job’ but rather as an honour to represent the students. I am a driven leader who will make sure that all students (especially females) will feel safe again on campus. With a DA run Tshwane we can ensure that there will be more metro police around Hatfield to reduce the amount of student victim crimes. My goal is to bridge the gap between management and students. As Secretary, I will make certain that the needs of student’s reach management because currently the process for concerns to reach the university is too lengthy.

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact will last in your absence. A DASO led SRC aims to put students first and will lead with integrity.

My name is Grace Maphakela and I am in my second year of Bcom Law.I am apart of a number of societies, ABSIP, Bapedi ba Tuks as well as the South African Student Congress (SASCO).

I am a very focus driven, diligent and friendly womxn.

I’m a very approachable person, a characteristic which I believe is valuable as it has allowed many students to approach me in assisting them with their troubles. As a student activist, one cannot help but strive to be a helpful and selfless, to fully devote oneself to serving the students of the University of Pretoria.

I am standing for Secretary of the SRC for the following reasons: Firstly, as the engine of the Representative Council, I want to ensure that all of the strides that have been made in terms of the change in the Constitution of Student Governance over the years, are properly implemented through my office. I would also like to see assist the President to facilitate effective Student Forum sittings throughout the year. Student Forum is a very important sitting where students get to hold the SRC accountable.

Secondly, I would like to see a change in the structure of Student Governance within the SRC. Under my leadership, the position of Deputy Secretary will be more than just a glorified position without any responsibilities.

The Secretary and the Deputy Secretary will divide their duties to ensure that the Secretariat functions most optimally.

Kutlwano Mositi, colloquially known as ‘Otice’ is a third year LLB student, who resides at The Fields. He is an idealistic individual who likes coming up with original and innovative ideas, however, he is stubborn but very passionate about the law. His interests include but are not limited to baking, reading, partying and most importantly, sleeping. Kutlwano is very outgoing and forms part of leadership structures within the university, as a tool to bring positive change to the student community, that will have a long-lasting impact on the student community. Find him on all social media platforms with this handle @Kotice5.

Kutlwano is a member of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter - UP and Junior Tukkie Student Ambassadors Society. He is politically affiliated with the EFFSC-UP. Kutlwano has previously served the BLAsc as treasurer, secretary and deputy secretary and the JTSA as the Head of Ambassadors. He currently serves as the JTSA Vice-Chairperson, the Secretary and Webmaster of Law House and the Treasurer of the BLAsc. Kutlwano is a proud member of the Golden Key Society and has been included in the Deans Merit List since his first year. Kutlwano is also a recipient of the Webber Wentzel Scholarship for outstanding academic performance.

I believe I am the best candidate for the position (Secretary) because of the passion that I have developed for leadership through the leadership positions I have held in previously. These positions taught me the importance of being a selfless leader and serving students to the best of my ability. My occupancy of this position will not only ensure that the needs of students will be addressed, but will also lead to my development as a member of society who wishes to make a difference in society. Leadership should never be about self-enrichment, but rather it should be about ensuring that the needs of those you lead are satisfied. My experience as Secretary and Webmaster of Law House serves as proof of my commitment towards being an accountable and transparent leader, by this, I’m referring to instances where all decisions taken by Law House were communicated to the study body through our social media platform and click up. I have also been able to account for whatever decision taken by the Law House to students who requested clarity or who needed their points to be raised at our meetings.

This has indeed, in my view, allowed me to confidently state my competence for the secretariat’s portfolio.

I am currently a third year Occupational Therapy student residing in Curlitzia. I’m privileged to be able share my home with 370 dynamic, driven women and enjoy res life immensely. Whilst participating in serrie, playing netball for Curlitzia as well as many other activities, I try to uphold a good academic record. Besides studying Occupational Therapy, I also take law subjects extra curricularly, where I hope to integrate these two fields someday. I have a passion for people and life in general. I am keen on sport, being outdoors and reading. I am a multi-linguist and currently learning French!

I have served on the House Committee of Curlitzia for the 2016/2017 term. This experience has taught me a lot about what it takes to be a student leader in the current university climate. I am also actively involved in the leadership structures at my church. I took part in the first ever TuksRes Women in Leadership academy in 2015.

I was the winner of an international essay contest. As winner, I attended the UNESCO conference in France last year.

The aim was to encourage engagement and participation among increasingly diverse audiences in promoting the well-being of all.

I am standing for SRC secretary because I want to ensure open communication channels between the SRC and students.

Attending the UNESCO conference opened my eyes to vast, untapped potential in the youth of the world with regards to being the agents for change for the better. Creating similar opportunities for engagement at Tuks is essential.

I would purposefully create many different platforms where all students can participate on equal footing in discussions on all aspects of student life and with unconditional regard for others.

I believe our efforts should first and foremost be of practical value. Their should be avenues and resources put in place to support students who cannot reach their full potential because they are overwhelmed, hungry, embarrassed, scared, etc.

I also believe that participation in fun activities is an excellent vehicle for achieving inclusion and cohesion. It is the role of student leaders to organise activities where students could use their diverse talents, abilities, inputs and perspectives to harness a sense of belonging.

The internal communication within the SRC is equally important and as secretary my duty will be to ensure that every SRC portfolio has sufficient recourses to fulfill their duties.

Soraia Machado

Grace Maphakela

Kutlwano Mositi

Renate Schoeman

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

SRC Treasurer Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

My name is Kiara Deonarain. I am a second year LLB student at the University of Pretoria. I currently stay in an apartment in Hatfield although I am originally from Secunda, Mpumalanga. It would be tedious to name all the societies that I am a member of on campus but a few examples are the PYA (Progressive Youth Alliance), UP & OUT and TUKS Hindu Society. I am an extremely adventurous and spontaneous person and ideally try to experience new opportunities where I can.

In high school, I had served as class representative once or twice but my first real taste of leadership came in Matric when I was elected to be a part of the Executive Committee. I also served as a member of the Academic Committee as I was in the Top 10 and Top 30 of students in the grade. During my first year of university, the year in which I did a BSc in Biology, I volunteered in the Mamelodi Animal Clinic. As a member of SASCO, I was co-opted into the organisation to aid with publishing, media and fundraising.

Independent of university activities, I recently co-ran a student blog, with a few other members, called Delta Blog.

I am running for Treasurer. The treasurer of the SRC is an engine for fundraising. My ideals for transparency and accountability are in line with this specific portfolio. The treasurer needs to be able to account to students on funds coming in and leaving the SRC. If elected, I would like to release quarterly financial reports that are available to students so that they may be aware of the SRC’s financial position and comment on how they think the money could be used more effectively. With regards to fundraising, I believe that it is necessary to institutionalise programmes such as the R10 million game so that it may continue to aid the SRC in their attempts to fundraise long after my term. Money should also be effectively allocated to the different portfolios per their need, for example Study Finance. I would also like to mention that as a student, the trip by the current TSC proved to be very problematic with regards to the financing of the trip. Thus, I would also like to ensure that the SRC have a “No Wastage” policy. Funds need to be used to specially assist the financially needy students who struggle to register at the beginning of each academic year and help fund their studies as well.

I am simply a hard worker, currently completing my Bachelor’s degree in Information Science. I am very passionate about my course and I feel that it has opened my mind to so many realities which I was previously blind to. I am highly intrigued by knowledge thus I enjoy reading and composing literary works.

Another one of my passions and interests is community engagement, I often feel as though I am overly caring when it comes to people and making a difference in their lives. I am not in res and I do not belong to any society. I am truly independent and fully for the people.

I have not participated in any student structures nor have I been in any leadership positions of such structures. I am basically the new kid on the block trying to make some well needed renovations. In 2015, I received an award for “Top 1st Year BIS Information Science Student” with approximately 8 distinctions, all praises due to Christ. I also received a certificate for completing a 9-week training programme at the CSA&G at the Yunibesithi ya Pretoria.

I am the best candidate for these positions because I will ensure that I put the interest of the students first, always. I believe that all students should have a say when it comes to matters that impact them. I will fight to make a difference for the students at all levels starting from an institutional level all the way to the national level and beyond. I am the best candidate for these positions not only because I understand what the students need, but also because I am confident that I possess the knowledge, character, courage and determination to provide feasible solutions to the needs of these students. I will revolutionize the SRC board and serve as a unified voice for all the silenced students and their outcries. I will engage and work with all students to ensure that they have a say and that they complete their studies on time and to the fullest of their potential.

I was born in Kwa Thema, Johannesburg and moved to Soshanguve in Pretoria around 9 months old and have been residing there till to date.

Growing up in the townships teaches you how to truly care for people around you, not just your family but the whole community. I believe I am someone who seeks to always support my peers, encourage, inspire and bring out the best in people.

I am currently in my 2nd year, studying Bcom Accounting Sciences. I reside in Boekenhout and have been privileged to be part of societies such as UPI, Sundowns Tuks Branch, and EFFSCUP to name a few

I have been involved in the sub-committees of various societies more specifically those dealing with finances. My involvement in these committees has allowed me to learn and gain experience from a diverse group of leaders who have served and sacrificed to see good financial management in the advancement of the UP student body.

I’ve been honoured to have made golden key in my previous academic year. I served as president during my last year of high school. I have achieved awards in Sport, public speaking and the likes, but those first two achievements have been something I am truly proud off.

I have been involved in the sub-committees of various societies more specifically those dealing with finances. My involvement in these committees has allowed me to learn and gain experience from a diverse group of leaders who have served and sacrificed to see good financial management in the advancement of the UP student body.

I’ve been honoured to have made golden key in my previous academic year.

I served as president during my last year of high school. I have achieved awards in Sport, public speaking and the likes, but those first two achievements have been something I am truly proud off.

I am a second year student, first year academically. I am currently studying Law and enjoying it tremendously. I am very passionate about my studies and look forward to changing South Africa for the better as a legal practition. House Magrietjie is my home and my pride.

I am very involved in any and all res activities. I am also an EC member of the Tuks Leadership and Individual Program ( TULIP). I am furthermore, a member of the UP Debating Union. My interests and hobbies include reading, theater, music, cooking and baking, debate, philanthropy and keeping up with current events.

I am currently on the EC of TULIP as the Head of Fundraising. As this is a fantastic orginization, I plan on serving on the EC in this coming year as well. With debate being a great passion of mine, I am also a member of the UP Debate Society. In the past two years, I have also served on the RAG, House Internal, Culture Internal, Media and Semi committees.

I am standing for the portfolio of Treasurer. I truly believe that our country, and the world, is in an hour of extreme need. Society desperately hungers for the right leaders to come forth. Leaders who are driven, strong, steadfast, just, compassionate and who have vision. If elected as Treasurer, I shall lead just as such. I shall serve this university to the best of my abilities and resources. Everything I do will be with the aim to promote prosperity, unity and true justice at UP. I am immensely hardworking, driven and passionate about our university. I shall serve it accordingly.

My name is Duane and I am running under the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO).

I have been studying at the University of Pretoria for 4 years now. I am currently in my 1st year of an LLB degree and I graduated from a BSc Human Physiology, Psychology and Genetics degree in 2016. My interests include debating, politics, economics, sport and music. I am currently part of the University of Pretoria Debating Union (UPDU), the Moot Society, DASO and Tuks FM. I founded and successfully ran my own business called Rising Star Tutors.

Academics is a major focus for me and I have been a strong academic since 2014 in my first year. Since then, I have maintained an above 75% average. I have been on the Dean’s Merit List (2015) and I am a member of the Golden Key International Honors Society. I am currently serving as the Chairperson of the UPDU. I have served on the UPDU Executive for 2 years and I served as the General Secretary on the South African National University›s Debating Council (SANUDC) Executive in 2016-2017.

As a speaker, I ranked in the Top 10 this year. I am also currently the Breakfast Presenter on Tuks FM 107.2 and I served as a Presenter Unit Leader for 2 terms between 2016 and 2017. I have in my time at Tuks FM won the award for Best Campus Breakfast Presenter 2016.

As the DASO UP Treasurer candidate, I pledge 59% of my annual salary (R24000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

The reason why I am running is because I believe that the SRC needs to regain its credibility and accountability and the SRC also needs to shift its focus back to representing the most important actor and that›s the students. I am specifically running for Treasurer because too many students are finding themselves in a position where they are struggle to attain funding and I feel that something needs to be done and it needs to be done NOW. Through multiple fundraising efforts, I am going to ensure that we can replicate what was done at UJ where they raised R100 million for students. During my term, I will also refuse to remain silent and allow the University and SRC to get away with wasteful expenditure that doesn›t directly benefit the students.

I will pressure the University to ensure that student’s needs are catered for FIRST. This means that there will not be R260 000 trips to Egypt and there will not be additional hiring of bouncers on campus. I will ensure that during Senate meetings, the student›s voice gets heard, especially with regards to money. I am and I will be an accountable, reliable, hardworking and efficient leader who will ensure that the student›s best interests are upheld. I have sufficient leadership and finance experience, I have a goal in my mind and I will reach it. DASO UP and I are the only candidates for you!

Kiara Deonarain

Rashidia Achillies Mbecke Za-Mulamba

Obakeng Mokgara

Monica Mynardt

Duane van Wyk

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Marketing, Media and Communications Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am Kyle Goosen; running for Marketing, Media & Communication under the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO). I am a charismatic, fair, energetic and an involved individual. This is my second year at the University of Pretoria, but I am studying a first year LLB due to my change from a Bsc Degree.

My interests lie in Politics, History, Art, Literature, Science. I hold a very balance approach to what I partake in from fitness to academics. I hold it in myself; a core principle to maintain balance. So I intend to bring the SRC back into balance.

I have been an active member of DASO UP for several years. I’ve been class representative for various modules. I joined Vividus men in my 1st year at UP.

I have been an active member of DASO UP for several years. I’ve been class representative for various modules. I joined Vividus men in my 1st year at UP. I am standing for the position of Marketing, Media and Communication. A position I intend to take; I am an ambitious character and once I have goal set or task at hand there is little that could stop me. I hold my own presence in composure and eloquence, and feel I have a lot to offer the SRC in putting the “Students first”. I feel that the SRC has lost its way in what it stands for and how it acts; it has become a body of bureaucrats, who no longer see it necessary to integrate and connect itself with the students. It perturbs me to know of the unfairness the SRC holds. Myself, along with my fellow DASO leaders will bridge the gap that has left the Students without true representation. To be honest that is what we are representatives of the greater body.

We serve students; students don’t serve us.

My name is Brandan Murray and I am from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga. I grew up in a very small town called Ngodwana. Ever since I was a young boy I have wanted to work for the governing party in the Republic of South Africa. I am currently studying veterinary science at the University of Pretoria. Last year I did a BSc in biological science to get into vet and I was informed last year October that I had been accepted for vet this year (2017). At the moment I stay in a private flat in Hatfield; however, I do hope to get into res for next year. In 2015 I eventually decided that it is now time for me to grow my political career. Even though I am studying veterinary science, politics has always been one of my interests. In 2015 I registered as a member of the ANC, ANCYL and COSAS. I spent a lot of my time in 2015 dealing around politics and meeting people within the governing party, attending events and going to rallies. Some of my interests include: running, riding horse, farming, reading and politics.

When I first came to the University of Pretoria I registered as a member of SASCO where I made myself active and took part in events held by the branch. I was a first year last year so I could not run for SRC but this year (2017) I decided that this is what I want to do and signed myself up for the SRC elections. I was elected as a PEC member of COSAS in 2015 for provincial chairperson and also elected as REC for Agriculture, forestry and fisheries. I have now been to the parliament of the Republic of South Africa three times now namely for the State of the Nation Address, The budget speech delivered by the former minister of finance and the Budget vote for the Department for Social Development. I plan to go to Parliament again on the 8th of August for the vote of no confidence in the President of the Republic. I have met with the Honourable President of the Republic twice now and I plan on meeting him much more in the future. I have also been selected as a Golden key member at the University of Pretoria for this year and my ceremony is coming up now in September.

I am standing for the Marketing, Media and Communications portfolio.

I believe I am the best candidate because I have very good people skills and I enjoy interacting with people as well as motivating them when they think they cannot go on whether it is with their academics or life etc. I am always up to date about what is happening in our country and I like to stay informed about the things going on around me. I also have the ability to create, implement and oversee communications programmes, be it internal or external, that effectively describe and promote the SRC and its activities.

I am a logical thinker who will be able to tackle any challenges related to my position strategically and sufficiently. I am a very hard working person and I am passionate about the portfolio given to me. In addition, I also have very good leadership skills and I have a lot of time to listen to the concerns of the people and what challenges they face on a day to day basis on campus. I believe I can reach out and help the students with any matters they face. I have good morals and ethics and I believe in standing up for what is right and pointing out the wrong and fixing it. In brief, my passion for this position gives me purpose and I will be committed to complete any task handed to me. I believe that I have the capacity to implement a positive change and I will thus be the best candidate for this position.

I am good at working with people, hardworking & enthusiastic. I am a good listener with good communication skills. I am goal orientated. I have leadership qualities. I have problem solving skills. I was part of the SRC in high school. I am currently doing my undergraduate degree in education. I am now in my third year of study. I not in res I am currently renting. The society that I am in is the EFFSC UP branch. I enjoy reading and getting to know other cultures as South Africa is a diverse country.

I have participated in the EFFSC UP branch and I am also a member of House Docendo which is a day house at Groenkloof campus for day students. I have not been in the leadership of the above mentioned structures, but I have been a member of the SRC in high school and I have been a class representative in a number of my classes.

I am standing for the portfolio of Media, Marketing & communication. I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I am an outspoken person who believes that every organization should be transparent and reliable to it followers. I am someone with excellent communication skills.

The degree that I am studying towards encourages and grooms us to become excellent and efficient communicators both orally and in written form. I respect the views of others and I am a good listener.

My name is Vincent Mokoena and I am the current Marketing Manager for Tuks Top Junior and Senior Leadership Development Program (TTJ&S) and Enactus University of Pretoria. My main responsibility in these student organisations is to recruit; expose and help students grow in these organisations and to expose the benefits of these programs to students. Advertising, sponsorship and corporate relationship consolidation is also one of my key roles to external business and enterprises I am a fourth year Education student, specialising Further Education and Training Curriculum Development. I am day house student and I am actively involved with Vividus Men. I am also the captain for TuksChess A team. I have been part of the TuksChess A Team since 2014 in my first year. I am currently the Project Manager for the 2018 UP Student Diary.I am also an active member of Vividus Men’s Day house.

I am the current captain for TuksChess A team. I have had the opportunity to lead this team in the 2017 USSA Chess Championships where we came victorious in the overall tournament which was hosted at Wits University frim the 3rd -7th of July 2017. I am also the Marketing manager for the TTJ & S and Enactus University of Pretoria. I am the current Project Leader for the 2018 UP student diary.

I am running for Marketing, Media and Communications. I am the Project Manager for the 2018 UP Diary. And what I have learned from working in that major project that involves big external business and enterprises is that there are so many businesses and enterprises in and outside the University who are very keen to engage, invest and help students grow and benefit from their business and enterprise. Therefore my main focus in my SRC term is bringing external business and enterprise to students for the benefit of both parties in the best interest of students. The experience I have had with handling social media communications in the TTJ & S and Enactus program EnactusUP program will definitely add value in the SRC exposure to students.

Kyle Goosen

Brandan Murray

Nonhlanhla Mkhize

Vincent Mokoena

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Facilities, Safety and Security Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

My name is Tlhokomelo Motloung. I am a 3rd Year B.Ed F.E.T (General) student, studying towards being an English educator. I am a resident of House Zinnia.

I am interested in knowing why everyone is obsessed with Game Of Thrones! I love Prison Break and HTGAWM. I enjoy listening to K.Dot and I am a huge Marshall Mathers Stan.

I took part in the first ever TuksRes Women In Leadership Academy which took place in 2015.

I was part of the residence STARS Mentorship Programme in 2016.

I am part of the Student Culture Committee as a member of the 2017 STUKU General Committee.

I took part in Serrie 2015/2016.

I played netball in 2015/2016.

I played soccer and volleyball in 2016.

Sports Semi of the year 2016.

I am standing for the portfolio of Facilities, Safety and Security in the SRC. I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I know and understand the problems that are faced by students especially female students and students who are not privileged. I would like to improve the security system in our residences – have a security system which enables students to feel safe in their residences regardless of the time of day.

Students who are not privileged who rely on buses as means of travelling to and from the Hatfield campus, face huge difficulties when it comes to the bus times especially during exams as the bus times change, thus making it difficult for students to access the Hatfield campus. Therefore, the bus times should remain the same throughout the semester and not change during exams. The bus hours should suit the students’ class times during the semester. Having too long breaks between pick-up and drop off times causes difficulties for students. Seeking alternative transport is costly as most students cannot afford. Those are some of the huge issues that I would like to alleviate should I be given this portfolio.

I have studied at the University of Pretoria for approximately 6 years, completing a Bsc in that time.

I am currently in my 3rd year of my second degree, an LLB (Law). I currently reside in Hatfield Studios, having stayed in several other residences over the course of my studies. My varied experiences and the knowledge that I have gained over the years have motivated me to run for the SRC, to affect sustainable and real change that is sorely lacking in our University structures.

I have been an active member of DASO UP for several years. I was appointed and am presently serving out a term as a Judge and Treasurer of the Constitutional Tribunal, a vital organ in our student governance structures; At Tuks FM, I am a Unit Leader (member of management) and a Presenter and DJ; I have mentored in the Stars Mentorship Program for 5 years, since 2013; In 2014, I was elected as the Internal Secretary of Enactus UP, the local branch of an international organisation which empowers businesses through entrepreneurial support.

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 45% of my annual salary (R18000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

I am running for the Facilities, Safety and Security Portfolio. My collection of experiences in governance structures spanning several organisations disposes me well to co-ordinating efforts in improving and maintaining the status quo in respect of this portfolio. I will be representing the students of UP on, but certainly not limited to, the following items; work on ensuring university facilities are more accessible to students with disabilities: this includes the installation of screen reading software on campus and computers within residences; to ensure that blind and partially sighted students are not confined to the Disability Unit.

Furthermore, on-campus parking for students after 16:30, free flow exiting turnstiles to avoid congestion, the extension of the green route for students living further from campus. In finality to establish an effective relationship between TMPD, SAPS and University Security Services ensuring the safety of students both on and off campus. Working with the City of Tshwane to install WIFI coverage in high density student areas; The extension of bus hours to ensure the safety of students writing late night tests; Work towards achieving the University›s Environmental «2020» vision

My name is Rati Thobejane, I was born and bred in Polokwane , Limpopo. I am a BA Law graduate currently completing my LLB studies. I have a passion for matters of inclusivity and intersectional transformation which has led to my commitment to educating not only myself but all those I come in to contact with about issues pertaining to transformation. I consider myself an avid tweeter and self-acclaimed movie critic.

In 2015 I was a member of the Transformation SubCommittee for House Humanities. I then went on to be elected as an executive committee member for House Humanities and served as Transformation Officer. Transformation Officer entailed dealing with transformation issues within the faculty of Humanities as well as serving on the Humanties Transformation Committee and the Transformation Sub-Council.

I am running for the Facilities, Safety and Security portfolio. My strong leadership capabilities will allow me to tackle matters of inclusivity in a tenacious and resilient manner. My flagship missions is the introduction of a Gender neutral bathroom on all campuses at the University of Pretoria, demilitarization of campus and the introduction of extended operational hours at Student Health/Support amongst other pertinent issues as stipulated in the manifesto of my organization. I am a firm believer in fostering a culture of communication with our constitutuents thus allowing me to effectively follow the mandate given to me by my fellow students.

Tlhokomelo Motloung

Lindi Mtsweni

Rati Thobejane

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Transformation & Student Success Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am currently studying International Studies/ Relations. I am in my second year of studying. I stay in Huis Klaradyn. I belong to various societies which include the Tuks Hindu Student Society and Tuks UP and Out. I am a very bubbly person who gets on well with most people. I have a major passion for politics, football and food. I enjoy listening to my Hip-Hop and essentially I am a pretty straightforward person.

I have done the silent protest for the LGBT society. I have also taken part in initiatives via the EFFSC. One achievement which I’d like to mention was me making it through the Tuks FM auditions and having an opportunity to be a part of their family. Unfortunately I had to pull out due to distance. I have also been part of the MSA community, actively campaigning for a free Palestine.

The portfolio which I am running for in the SRC is Transformation and Student Success. The reason I believe that I am the best candidate for this position is because I feel that many improvements can be made to this specific portfolio in regards to some sort of reform which needs to take place which will allow students to fully exhaust the resources given by the university and aid students in making their journey at Tuks both memorable and smooth.

I therefore feel that I am the best candidate to do so. Many complain that they do not actively see the SRC being involved and I want to change that perspective. We are for the students as they are the ones who elect us into power. It is therefore our duty to ensure that all their grievances are dealt with efficiently.

I am a young man of African origin named Ngwako Kwatala. I was born in Soweto and bred in Daveyton.

I’m doing my 3rd year in BSc Meteorology. I reside at Taaibos residence. My interests are reading (scientific case studies, biographies and history books), puzzles, community involvement and observation.

I have partook in the Stars Mentorship Programme.

I’m running for Transformation and Student Success portfolio. I want to utilize the skills that I have acquired and to enhance some of the skills that I’m in possession of. I aspire to be a young man who is enlightened and empowered in such a way that I can grow to act and to encourage change which will impact the community I live in, such that we work together to sustain our environment while we aid the programmes that uplifts our vision. I have conceptualised that we live in an environment that contains the normality bar, in such a way that when you don’t conform to it you are automatically excluded regardless of whether you are a day student or a res student. This ranges from race, religion, sexual orientation and disability.

From being a member of Kabelano SA Skills academy (cultural organisation), Unity Secondary School Press team, and Salvation Motsweni branch ANC Youth league, I’m equipped with communication, considerate, understanding, conflict resolution, collaboration and tackling issues that I have experienced or those of an individual that I engaged with. Through observations, I have seen that the SRC does tremendous work and it will be an honour to be a successor of such doings.

I am a 3rd year MBChB student living in Tuks Bophelong and I am also part of the UP Debating Union’s Med branch. I have always had a strong sense of morality, which always leads me to advocate and/or work for the good of the marginalized or disadvantaged however I can. Be it tutoring underprivileged scholars, facilitating charity work for homes or even fighting for the creation of safe spaces. I can also never overstate the importance of striving for academic excellence

I am currently serving as Chairman of the UP Debating Union’s Med branch, as well as on my residence House Committee as the Treasurer, Transformation, Social & Debate HC. Furthermore, I have served on the executive of several societies like ThinkBig39 and Project JJ. I was also awarded an elective bursary to do my medical elective in Amsterdam at the end of this year.

First and foremost, being endorsed for this portfolio by the only movement completely focused on the re-humanization of the black child should speak volumes about my capability to hold office. Year in and year out, I have seen this portfolio be more ceremonial than effective; and that is something I cannot continue to allow to happen if elected. I have shown the lengths I am willing to go to for inclusion with the movement of student activism we started on our campus which we called #TransformPrinshof. Even though we were a handful of students with no social capital whatsoever, we refused to allow the stifling of transformation on our campus and it yielded amazing results once a greater collective formed for the cause. This is what I hope to achieve in office; the generation of a will to transform as a collective for societal and student benefit through tireless efforts. And that is what I guarantee if I am elected – that I will work tirelessly to try to ensure that every person (however unique) feels safe in and as though they belong within our university spaces

I am simply a hard worker, currently completing my Bachelor’s degree in Information Science. I am very passionate about my course and I feel that it has opened my mind to so many realities which I was previously blind to. I am highly intrigued by knowledge thus I enjoy reading and composing literary works.

Another one of my passions and interests is community engagement, I often feel as though I am overly caring when it comes to people and making a difference in their lives. I am not in res and I do not belong to any society. I am truly independent and fully for the people.

I have not participated in any student structures nor have I been in any leadership positions of such structures. I am basically the new kid on the block trying to make some well needed renovations. In 2015, I received an award for “Top 1st Year BIS Information Science Student” with approximately 8 distinctions, all praises due to Christ. I also received a certificate for completing a 9-week training programme at the CSA&G at the Yunibesithi ya Pretoria.

I am the best candidate for these positions because I will ensure that I put the interest of the students first, always. I believe that all students should have a say when it comes to matters that impact them. I will fight to make a difference for the students at all levels starting from an institutional level all the way to the national level and beyond. I am the best candidate for these positions not only because I understand what the students need, but also because I am confident that I possess the knowledge, character, courage and determination to provide feasible solutions to the needs of these students. I will revolutionize the SRC board and serve as a unified voice for all the silenced students and their outcries. I will engage and work with all students to ensure that they have a say and that they complete their studies on time and to the fullest of their potential.

I am Lihle Ngubane, a hard-working, humble but ambitious Zulu girl born and bred in the most iconic township, SOWETO in Johannesburg. I am a second year LLB Law student, currently living in Klaradyn, basically on campus. I am a proud member of the JuniorTukkie Student Ambassadors Society (JTSAS) that focuses on recruiting high school learners to UP through various community service projects – and TuksRes Women in Leadership Academy (TRWLA) which is all about empowering women to become successful and independent world leaders. I like learning, advocating for tolerance and acceptance, promoting feminism and dismantling misogyny.

I was elected and am currently serving under an executive committee as Head of Community Engagement and Outreach at JuniorTukkie Student Ambassadors Society, formerly known as JT and have been a subcommittee member of LawHouse Academics since March 2016. I also participated in the TuksRes Transformation Workstreams.

Though the leadership positions are fairly limited, I gained further skills and knowledge through exposure to the different structures of the University of Pretosia as part of my executive functions at JTSAS.

I am running for the Transformation and Student Success Portfolio because I have a vision for a safe space (both on campus and at Res) of integration that is conducive to the best learning environment that encourages individuality, gender equality and multiculturalism. Because this portfolio encompasses all issues faced by students, my aim is to coordinate with the broader student body, student leaders and university management to address identified issues, in an accountable manner, such as Residence Placement, Res Culture and Rape Culture. The process of unlearning and dismantling institutional ingrained prejudice against race, gender, sexuality and ability must begin from first year onwards through student-inclusive and planning, transparent, strategic and consistent implementation. In addition, new strategies to make the FLY @ UP campaign an integral part of every student’s life will be implemented to provide necessary academic and wellness support. Lastly, as a DASO UP candidate, I also pledge to give back 45% (R8 000) of my honorarium towards the SRC Study Finance Fund, a contribution to put Baithuti Pele. I believe I am the best candidate because I am for the students, fully committed to the student-led improvement and would be absolutely honoured to serve the students.

Keshav Bhavita

Ngwako Kwatala

Isaac Masoleng

Rashidi Achilles Mbecke ZaMulamba

Lihle Ngubane

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Study Finance Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am Akhona Mdunge; running for Study Finance, under the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO). I am a second year Law (LLB) student. I was born in KwaZulu-Natal and came to study at this university in 2016. I am currently staying at TMM Lofts.

I am a member of the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation UP, Black Lawyers Association student council and UNASA-UP. Regular participant in moot and on occasion attend Legal Shebeen.

I am currently serving as a mentor under the STARS Mentorship Programme. I am also a member of the subcommittee of the Junior Jurists. I am an active member of the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation UP having served on their general committees under Res Transformation, Law Unit and served as a race official under their Transformation portfolio. I am currently serving as their vice-secretary. I qualified for the 2016 Faculty of Law first year Dean’s Merits List.

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 45% of my annual salary (R18000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation UP aims to increase the Study Finance portfolio budget through a drastic decrease of the salaries of serving SRC members. The 2017, 17 SRC members spent around R500,000 (SRC Salaries + Egypt Holiday), while only raising R5000 for 60,000 UP students.

UJ raised over R100,000,000. If UJ can do it, so can we.

Should I be elected into this portfolio I will ensure that these initiatives are realised expeditiously. The Study Finance portfolio is the most important SRC portfolio. Real lives of real students are affected every year by financial exclusions. Hindrances such as not being able to afford text-books, access to internet and electronic platforms to be able to work from home ultimately culminates in academic exclusions. The DASO UP will continue calling for the extension of Wi-Fi routes but this will not address problems such as how students will access this internet. Working together with students and student societies I intend on leading the implementation of a sustainable and renewable initiative to finance this portfolio indefinitely.

I am Ndumiso Mpanza, a third year Education student.

I live in the largest male residence Kiaat on the Groenkloof campus. I am a member of SASCO, in good standing and currently a BEC member of the newly launched SASCO branch in Groenkloof. I have interests in serving the students, in ensuring I assist in the best possible way I can. I believe in transparency

Which student structures have you participated in, and in which structures have you held leadership positions?

Also tell us of any merit awards, or achievements worth mentioning (100 words).

I have led in various structures within the University of Pretoria, the first one being a house committee member holding one of the key portfolios of Academics and Mentorship, which ensured academic excellence within the residence. At the end of my term I was awarded as the best house committee member of all al times within the residence. I was later appointed as the principal Master of ceremony and organizer of the Residence colloquium which had the likes of cabinet Minister Naledi Pandor. This was one of the most extinguished empowerment events of all times.

I was later appointed as the ambassador of Fly@UP , which seeks to motivate students to graduate on record rime, later I was appointed by the same board to teach UPO, which is a compulsory first year module. I teach this module online.

I am running for study finance, the reason I chose this portfolio is because I want to ensure I explore all various financial assistance that can be giveto students, I want to limit financial exclusions from the University of Pretoria.

I believe seeing a student with great potential being sent away from home due to financial crises. Finances is one of the crucial lines of student life, this portfolio therefore requires someone with interests and passion for students. I represent all different ethnic groups, black or white. In my office, I will try by all means to assist financially needy students to register for the following academic year.

I am a leader of excellence and public service. Vote for me and you shall never regret it.

My name is Lethabo Rametsi, a 22 year old black womxn and Bcom Economics student. I currently reside at Urban Nest and I am a student activist. My activism is focused on the complete eradication of all oppressive systems in the world and the emancipation of humanity and more specifically black poor womxn. I am an active member of the EFFSC UP branch. When I am not focusing on my political activism and academic endeavours I enjoy spending time with friends, reading and binging on movies. My personal motto in life is don’t give up, life has a way of rewarding those who have a will as it creates a way… Remain humble and keep firing.

I am the current EFFSC UP branch treasurer and have been apart of the branch over the years involved in the various programmes to aid and support students. Being able to assist students from being excluded in the various forms and inspiring hope in them has been my greatest achievement here at the University of Pretoria.

The role of the SRC is to champion the needs and aspirations of students and to fight against all forms of exclusion. The biggest barrier and hindrance to student success in tertiary institutions is the lack of funding. Having personally experienced financial exclusion and the adverse effects t has on one’s psychological well-being I have chosen to run for the portfolio Study Finances. I have also gained insight and understanding of how student funding operates generally and more specifically at UP through my years of involvement with the EFFSC UP Study Finance team.

My role as the Study Finance Portfolio holder will be to hold the University Accountable in their responsibility to ensure that student funding is fair, equitable and well managed. I will also ensure that the SRC financial appeals process and criteria is transparent, accessible and student inclusive.

Further work needs to be done in ensuring that financing is made possible for poorly funded postgraduate disciplines. I will work closely with the University finance office to ensure that we raise funds for poor students as well as ensuring that available funds are prioritised and distributed to students that are most in need.

Ultimately my goal is to form part and parcel of the process leading to Free Quality Decolonised Education, also focusing on poor black marginalised students who fall out of the system circumstantially.

Akhona Mdunge

Ndumiso Mpanza

Lethabo Rametsi

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Postgraduate & International Student Affairs Profile

Participation in UP student structures

I am currently in my final year studying International Relations. . I believe you must be the change you want to see in the world. I also believe in equality, nondiscrimination and that one person can actually make a huge difference in the world. My goal in this life is to help people. No matter what culture, what religion they follow if any and no matter what discrimination has previously been placed on them. This is why, among other reasons I am currently studying international relations, so that I can effect real change in the world. Before I effect change into the world I want to effect change at the University of Pretoria.

I have been an active member of DASO UP for several years. I was Secretary of the DASO UP curriculum transformation task team. I also ran for Secretary under DASO UP during the 2016 SRC elections. I am also a founder and Public Relations officer of SHERO (of an NGO organisation in Malawi), that focuses on women empowerment.

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 45% of my annual salary (R18000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First. As an SRC member I will serve the student body and will ensure our manifesto is accomplished and funds are raised to help the students.

After running as SRC Secretary in 2016 under DASO, this year I decided to run for Postgraduate & International Students because I am passionate about solving the issues that myself and my fellow international students face. If voted into office I will fight for; (1) International Students in RES to be allowed to stay in RES during recess without paying fees (2) More in-depth orientation for first year international students (3) Engage both the Department of Higher Education and UP management in regards to the HESSA/Study VISA issue (4) Implement the Xenophobic Attack Security Protocol (XASP) to ensure the safety of international stu dents in high risk zones in the case of an attack.

Mabafokeng Hoeane currently doing my Honours in African history and film. I’m the current Marabele Business Club chairperson. A society aimed at giving business platforms to entrepreneurs on campus. I’m also a Co-founder of the Black Womxn Collective, a society that helps young Black women in business and the arts to network and get founding.

I served as the deputy chairperson of the Bhakti Yoga society in the year 2015. Through BYS I was able to do community engagement and through working with the community my passion for youth development came about. I have been serving as part of the Marabele Business Club executive from 2015 till date. Which has given me an opportunity to work with youth in Pretoria, North West and Eastern Cape. I’m also a member of UP&OUT society on campus. In 2013 I was part of the delegation that represented University of Pretoria at the One Young World summit, a summit attended by the youth across the world.

I’m running for the Post graduate and international portfolio as a post graduate student I believe that more can be done through the SRC to help build a community of Post graduate students where they are able to get help and the support they need to succeed in their studies. I also aim at bringing inclusivity of international students especially those from the African continent as they don’t receive the same attention as compared to other exchange students from outside the continent. I believe that I’m the best candidate because I have been able to

My name is Sadiyah Houghton I am a third year BA Law student and also registered concurrently for my LLB. I am a presenter at Tuks FM. I am currently a day student. I’m interested in books about romance, women empowerment, inspirational and self-help books.

Watching series is one of my favourite pastimes. I’m a conversationalist at heart, vibrant opinionated, strongwilled and open.

I was part of the transformation sub-com in house humanities. I’m a member of SASCO part of the Social Media Broadcasting Task Team. I am also a presenter at Tuks FM.

I am running for the Postgraduate and International Studies portfolio. I am a strong proponent for inclusivity, fairness and intersectional transformation. In order for these things to take place one needs to individualise the struggles of different groups therefore one needs to be empathetic in listening to the problems of individuals. I believe that being relatable is one of my strong points. I am able to navigate from being an empathetic listener to fierce fighter. Students desperately need a voice bold enough to speak on their behalf. I intend to strengthen the relationship between the SRC and the ISD in order to improve communication to international students. Varsity can be a very stressful experience; to reduce stressors to international students, I would advocate for a mobile home affairs and representatives of embassies to be present on campus during registration period. In the interest of fairness I will advocate for half the fees of international students to be paid by June and not April as it currently stands. Postgraduate students, I believe, need more support such as more workshops with external bodies and special student support. I’m driven, tenacious and opinionated. I’m the epitome of dynamite comes in small packages.

I am currently a 3rd year BA(General) student with psychology and criminology as my main subjects and I have applied for honours in both but I would love to continue in psychology. I belong to the Psyche Society which mainly deals with volunteer work and I am also a member of Afriforum youth. I’m not in RES, but I wanted to be since my first year. It has been unnecessary since we live close to university anyway, but I would love to join one next year just to be part of something bigger. I’m very concerned with healthy living, so I love exercising but it’s a struggle to eat healthy regularly. I’m very focused on my studies, but I enjoy my social live whenever I can. I love to sing and I’m part of my church choir. I’m a bit shy with strangers, but once I get to know someone I’m actually quite the extrovert (Ask my friends).

As mentioned earlier I am a part of the Psyche Society and was a project facilitator for volunteering in my second year. I am also an active member of the Golden Key Society since the end of my first year, which is an honourary society for top academic achievers.

I’m standing for both Societies and Post-graduate and International Student Affairs and I don’t have any major specific ahievements to prove that I’m able to excell in my portfolios, but what I can say is that I’m very determined to succeed in everything that I do. I am completely convinced that academics takes first priority in everything we do in our university career, but I am also a firm believer that everyone single one of us needs human interaction and therefore, if elected, I would promote a healthy academic environment and a secure and safe social student live. This has become an exceptionally large problem since all the student-live events have been dying of little by little. I believe I am the best candidate for my positions because it will be my mission to bring such events back.

Jodie Chikowi

Mabafokeng Hoeane

My main interest lay in youth development. I work as a tutor in the Department of Heritage and Historical studies. I recently returned from the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown working as a freelancer for Snake Nation an organization based in Cape town and Atlanta aimed at working with Creatives across the world.

Sadiyah Houghton

Blumke Vermeulen

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Societies Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am a second year student, first year academically. I am currently studying Law and enjoying it tremendously. I am very passionate about my studies and look forward to changing South Africa for the better as a legal practition. House Magrietjie is my home and my pride. I am very involved in any and all res activities. I am also an EC member of the Tuks Leadership and Individual Program ( TULIP). I am furthermore, a member of the UP Debating Union.

My interests and hobbies include reading, theater, music, cooking and baking, debate, philanthropy and keeping up with current events.

I am currently on the EC of TULIP as the Head of Fundraising. As this is a fantastic orginization, I plan on serving on the EC in this coming year as well. With debate being a great passion of mine, I am also a member of the UP Debate Society. In the past two years, I have also served on the RAG, House Internal, Culture Internal, Media and Semi committees.

I am standing for the portfolio of Treasurer. I truly believe that our country, and the world, is in an hour of extreme need. Society desperately hungers for the right leaders to come forth. Leaders who are driven, strong, steadfast, just, compassionate and who have vision. If elected as Treasurer, I shall lead just as such. I shall serve this university to the best of my abilities and resources. Everything I do will be with the aim to promote prosperity, unity and true justice at UP. I am immensely hardworking, driven and passionate about our university. I shall serve it accordingly.

I am Obakeng Sepeng; running for the position of Societies, under the Democratic Alliance Student Organization (DASO). I am 3rd year Education student currently staying at Kiaat Residence. I am a diligent person who is goal driven and determine to assist others in my best capability.

I have been an active member of DASO UP for several years, in addition to this I have been a part of and an active member of: Student Sports Committee, General Committee 2015 & 2016 TUKS RAG, General Committee 2016 STUKU, General committee 2016 Kiaat HK Candidate, 2016 & 2017Kiaat Chairman candidate, 2017 SAWIP Candidate, 2016 TUKS RAG: Executive Committee 2017

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 45% of my annual salary (R18000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First.

I am running for societies, to ensure that the societies receive adequate attention, fast administration and less protocol for society registration.

Decentralisation and categorisation of societies to target a larger audience. I intend on creating an easier registration process, by enabling students to register online for societies, in addition to this giving students a ClickUp link allowing them to register for society, anytime throughout the year.

I am a very energetic person who is full of passion, who is shy at the first sight but as time goes by I get used to people and it becomes easy to interact with them. I love soccer simple because I can play it, I once tried playing netball also. Normally I spend my time with my friends playing FIFA or talking about politics. I am currently a registered Bachelors in Education student, I am doing my 3rd year. I am staying at House Kiaat. I am a member of SASCO in good standing, also forming part of TSCF.

I once was a member of ENACTUS UP, Transformation committee under the sub-committee of Ndumiso Mpanza at the faculty of Education.

I am contesting for SRC Societies portfolio because as a student community, we are constitutionally granted a right of freedom of association. With that being said, we, as students, have to practise what we believe in, with particular associates that we are inclined too. I believe I am a suitable candidate for this portfolio because I believe that the mandate basically comes from the ground (students). The currently burning issues like the offices being taken away from societies, the allocation of funds in a later stage for societies, the marketing of the societies being only monopolised to Hatfield campus and neglecting the external campuses this is are some of the issues that are impacting directly to societies.

I am a second year student at the university, currently staying at Asterhof residence. I belong to the Tuks Up and Out Society and the Amnesty society.

Haha, unfortunately I don’t have any achievements worth mentioning, but emerging as the society candidate would make up for this.

I am the best candidate for the societies position because I am running under the EFFSC, A society which stands selfless to voice the concerns of the student body. In my emerging as the Societies candidate, the student body is guaranteed a voice within the SRC that aims to address and transform issues within the university regarding Societies and relating issues.

I am currently a 3rd year BA(General) student with psychology and criminology as my main subjects and I have applied for honours in both but I would love to continue in psychology. I belong to the Psyche Society which mainly deals with volunteer work and I am also a member of Afriforum youth. I’m not in RES, but I wanted to be since my first year. It has been unnecessary since we live close to university anyway, but I would love to join one next year just to be part of something bigger. I’m very concerned with healthy living, so I love exercising but it’s a struggle to eat healthy regularly. I’m very focused on my studies, but I enjoy my social live whenever I can. I love to sing and I’m part of my church choir. I’m a bit shy with strangers, but once I get to know someone I’m actually quite the extrovert (Ask my friends).

As mentioned earlier I am a part of the Psyche Society and was a project facilitator for volunteering in my second year. I am also an active member of the Golden Key Society since the end of my first year, which is an honourary society for top academic achievers.

I’m standing for both Societies and Post-graduate and International Student Affairs and I don’t have any major specific ahievements to prove that I’m able to excell in my portfolios, but what I can say is that I’m very determined to succeed in everything that I do. I am completely convinced that academics takes first priority in everything we do in our university career, but I am also a firm believer that everyone single one of us needs human interaction and therefore, if elected, I would promote a healthy academic environment and a secure and safe social student live. This has become an exceptionally large problem since all the student-live events have been dying of little by little. I believe I am the best candidate for my positions because it will be my mission to bring such events back.

Monica Mynardt

Obakeng Sepeng

Ntokozo Sibiya

Nicole Smith

Blumke Vermueulen

Candidates for SRC Portfolio

Day Students & External Campus Affairs Profile

Participation in UP student structures

Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio

I am a third-year student studying Education FET General. I reside at zinnia which is at Groenkloof Campus. I enjoy interacting and learning from other students. My interest in life are politics, student governance and basketball.

I am currently serving as a student’s affairs officer of the EFFSCUP. I was elected into the portfolio in the branch general assembly in March. I am experienced in dealing with students’ affairs, last year I helped students who had financial issues and residence issues. I am well informed of all departments where students should be referred to if they have financial and residence issues.

I am standing for Day students and External campuses affairs. I believe that I am the best candidate for this portfolio because I aim to improve and address the concerns that day and external campuses face. I want to create an environment where day students and external campuses feel involved in student governance and student life activities. Therefore, I will ensure that day students get the same attention as res students and that they don’t feel left out from participating in university activities.

These are some of the goals I want to achieve when I get this portfolio.

Lastly I am selfless, accountable, trustworthy and reliable these qualities make me to be the best person for this position.

I am currently a 3rd-year medical student finally studying the degree of my choice, after having enrolled for BSc Biological Sciences degree at the Mamelodi campus and continuing for another 2 semesters at Main Campus before heading to Prinshof campus for the aforementioned degree. I currently reside at Tuks Bophelong, a newly built residence at the Prinshof Campus. I do not belong to any society; however do participate in certain projects with the TSSS society.

I am a lady who is young, ambitious and dynamic in her own right; always seeking new opportunities to learn and improve myself as an individual and as well as bettering the lives of those around me.

I am a value and passion-driven individual. A leader in moulding, a follower of greatness and a health catalyst.

I strive for greatness and perfection in all I do.

An advocate for student success and overall wellbeing, a voice where none is heard, to the best interests of those with the words but no voice.

In the first year of my university I joined the RAG committee within Tuks Naledi, In 2014/2015 I took up a house committee role of First-year guardian portfolio, of which I successfully completed my term and carried out my responsibilities even those outside of the scope of my work to the best of my abilities, I am proud to say I gave it my all in ensuring the overall well-being, of the most delicate group (that being first years) within the university, their transition and adaptation to this rather new and exciting world while still grounded...

I am a Golden Key International Honour Society member, inducted in 2014.

I am a Founding member and a Senior Coordinator of a newly established project with the DSA named Learning Communities, in association with Siyaphumelela and Kresge Foundation; a project for day students that was founded on the basis of addressing and bridging the evident gap between them and the apparent privileged “res” students, equalizing grounds so that the two in their respective worlds acquire similar opportunities and experiences to enhancing their student and academic life, and thus equipping them for overall students success I am the founder of a Community Health Project which aims to educate and equip community about health and how to take charge of its health on an individual basis.

External Campus Affairs: Having been in three of the five Campuses in the University namely: Mamelodi, Hatfield and Currently Prinshof for a minimum of one year in each, having thoroughly experienced the differences in management, treatment and operation of these three campuses I believe I am a suitable candidate fit to attesting to and addressing the serious concerns external campus students encounter on a daily basis (which are of utmost importance and may go neglected/unnoticed due to a lack of a strong advocate).

I am for increasing the awareness of not just the mere existence of external campuses but also how they equally as important as the main campus, giving the university its identity.

I take pride in being an external campus student and plan to make our presence felt, our concerns heard and attended to, improvement in the handling of external campus affairs, the resources available as previously had not been allocated justly, and exhausting all avenues made available that may not be known or not used to capacity in these campuses.

Secondly advocating for vibrance, transparency and equal opportunities for external campuses as much as main campus. Inclusivity and ensuring that each student has a sense of belonging within the university and not just an independent branch somewhere in the university. Dissolving the mentality of a certain campus being less than that of another by making the students in that campus feel important.

How? you ask: by ensuring the university is not just aware of them, but is for them, their concerns, recognizing and endorsing their efforts in both an academic and a social capacity. I don’t just believe in engaging in conversations, but a firm believer in spearheading the change addressed through those conversations.

I go by the name of Karabo Mmakola. I’m currently in my 3rd year studying Education FET general. I live off-campus at a private accommodation. Currently part of the Student Sports Committee here at the university and im a SASCO member. I’m mostly interested in exploring new possibilities and learning new concepts and ideas from people in and around me. I also like interacting and socializing with people.

As mentioned above, I’m part of the sports committee which is where participate most. I currently hold the position of Deputy Secretary of the SASCO Tukkies Groenkloof branch.

In standing for the portfolio of Day students and external campus affairs, as a day student myself (from 1st year) I have encountered a lot of problems same as other day students and those living off campus, my main problem/concern is still the bus schedules not only for my campus which is Groenkloof but for other campuses. The schedules are sometimes inconvenient for the student and it has been so ever since I came to this institution. Another thing is the safety of students living off-campus, those who have to walk in the evening in fear that they might get robbed or assaulted. If elected I will bring change to these problems and most importantly include Day students and external campus affairs into the university’s institutional culture.

BY KARABO MMAKOLA YOU ARE LED AND BY SASCO WE ARE DRIVEN!!!

I am Stanford Ndlovu I was born and raised in Mpumalanga; running for the position of Day Student and External Campus Affairs, under the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO).

I am third year student Studying B.Ed majoring In Social Sciences in Groenkloof campus and I have an interests in politics, science and sports

I have been an active member in both the DA and DASO for several years. I have been a class rep for JLO 310. I was part of the team that met every month to discuss teaching and learning issues under the SRC Academics portfolio. Dell Young Leaders Bursary: selected in top 50 students at the University of Pretoria, for demonstration of leadership potential and ability to overcome adversity. I have been involved with The Michael&Susan Dell foundation that help students coming from underprivileged communities and we help mentor to become future young leaders.

As a DASO UP candidate, I pledge 45% of my annual salary (R18000) to the SRC study finance fund. Baithuti Pele – Students First For the past three years that I have been in UP the external campuses (Groenkloof, Odersteport and Mamelodi campus) have been treated like the “support cast” of the main campus. I have first hand experience being treated like an outsider in my institution. That is why, as a DASO UP candidate that believes freedom, fairness and opportunities, I want to run for the Day students and External campus affairs so that day students can have the opportunity to participate in the student life, access to information and feel part of the University of Pretoria. I want to be an SRC member that is visible and accessible to the student body. I am the best candidate for this position because I have engaged with students in all UP campuses and I know their cry. Under DASO SRC I can make sure that student who are not living in Res can have access to Wi-Fi ,make use of the Tshwane Bus Service. And the Areyeng Buses on routes where they not running at the moment.

Khanyisile Khumalo

Zinhle Mazibuko

Karabo Mmakola

Standford Ndlovu

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