15 March 2024 Issue 3 Year 86

PDBY

PDBY

JustGo

Carpooling revolutionises

South African transportation

P3

P7

Party hosting: Apartment Edition

P10

Historic Moment:

South Africa

Hosts Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the First Time

Exercising your right to vote P16

From the editor

Disillusionment and the

With classes in full swing once again and semester tests and assignments around every corner, this may leave students feeling overwhelmed, depressed and anxious to the point where it feels like a fully grown man is sitting on their chest at all times (I call mine Jeff). Another feeling that is often brushed over, though, is that of disillusionment. UP is not at all how Rory Gilmore made it look!

Flu. Accepting this feeling of disillusionment may be exactly what you need to move forward. It may also be possible that your suffering is trying to tell you something. Are you in the right field of study? Do you need to revise the way you are approaching your workload? Should you stop seeing that Tuks Ekhaya boy who has “just been really hurt in the past (grade 10)”?

Visual: Sourced

Visual: Sourced

Cups of coffee amidst beautiful autumnal leaves, being swept off your feet by a rich, handsome college man full of witty banter, and being enthralled by stunning prose and novels. This is unfortunately not what most people find when they enter the Hatfield Campus gates. For most of us, the experience is more akin to stuffy 10z lines, Jared from Hinge, and suffering tearfully through Heart of Darkness in English 120.

Visual: Sourced

So, what the hell is there to do about this glaring disappointment?

Let it linger

As hard as it may be, disappointment is a quintessential part of being a university student. You will be hard-pressed to find a student who has never failed a test, been in a terrible situationship, dealt with mental health struggles, or (at the very least) suffered a case of the Strip

Your discontent with your present situation might be a small hurdle to get past, or it might be something worth exploring. In the end, it is completely up to you how you deal with your situation. But if you do happen to be involved with an Ekhaya man – divorce, babes!

Visual: Sourced

Make yourself the main character

Visual: Sourced

While it may be hard to realise that you are not in Legally Blonde/ Pitch Perfect/ Gossip Girl (or whatever kind of college media guys watch, idk), you are also fully in control of your own university experience. Joining a day house, a club or a society can be a great way to grow your social circle, participate in campus events and bolster your resumé in the process. Use Pinterest or your favourite college movies for campus outfit inspiration. While you may feel out of place at first around a bunch of perennial flip-flop wearers, something as simple as a cute outfit can change your whole outlook on going to class.

A cup of coffee is another classic main college character accessory. If you find that

your budget does not account for your caffeine habits, make the most of a reusable coffee cup and bring your own drink of choice from home (PDBY does not take any responsibility for any mood-altering substances you may choose to put in your reusable coffee cup).

Love and romance may not be the easiest part of the main character archetype to control – this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it, though. If you want to partake in the Hatfield dating scene, try using dating apps, participating in speed dating events around campus or going out every now and then. Now… the types of people you find through this process may not be very romantic. They may not be very nice. Hey, they may not even be very single! But at least they are… uhm...

Anyway, moving on.

Visual: Sourced

Copy:

Karla van Dyk

Katherine Weber

Lunga Mapipa

Thimna Qunta

Charlote Nomfundo Mkhonza

Ghausia’B Tasmiyaa Abdulrhaman-Jhamaney

Nolwazi Sangweni

Layout:

Annelize Breed

Jade Fabri

Katherine Weber

Hannah Buhr

Kyra Erwee

Multimedia:

Cleo Qin

Karabo Malabela

Sharon Dumba

Gabriella Msuya

Nicole Hagemann

Mwansa Mwimba

Ontiretse Moatshe

Micaela Wathen

Finally, just try to be present. Try existing on campus without your headphones on, engage with other students or strike up a random conversation, go to class and don’t look at your phone. If you want that Rory Gilmore experience, nothing is stopping you from living your own version of it.

Visual: Sourced

Correction

The article "UP makes today matter" in issue 2 contained two errors. Firstly, it was said that Dr Romina Henriques and her team are leading UP’s fight against climate change. While Dr Henriques does work in climate research, several others at the university are also doing work in this field, and it cannot be said that she is leading them in this work. Secondly, neither Dr Henriques nor her team had any involvement in the development of the iNaturalist app, as was incorrectly stated in the article.

Web:

Sechaba Ntshehi

Inganathi Jacobs

Social Media:

Jade Fabri

Owami Malobola

Dané Schutte

Lesedi Mabaso

Bakhanya Moropa

layout@pdby.co.za

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JustGo Carpooling revolutionises South African transportation

Relebogile Manana

For many commuters in South Africa, the journey to and from work or university can often be challenging, from traffic congestion and petrol expenses to struggles finding parking. UP is no exception, as a significant number of students struggle to find parking daily and many are forced to resort to parking a distance away from campus.

PDBY asked the popular UP Instagram meme page “cry_at_ up” to conduct a poll asking students how they get to campus. The poll revealed that, of the students who replied, a substantial portion drives to campus daily, causing the evident parking problem. The results indicated that 46% of students walk to campus, 40% drive, 4% carpool and 11% use public transport.

JustGo, a trusted online ticket sales service, released a solution to this kind of problem. The recently launched JustGo Carpooling aims to connect drivers and passengers travelling between cities, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution to commuting challenges. Elmie Venter, the business unit manager

given destination in contact with passengers going in the same direction, to enable them to share the trip and costs.”

This innovative service will not only address the parking and commuting issues for UP students but will also provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods.

How it works:

1. Online registration:

Drivers register online on the JustGo LiftOffer, providing details of their upcoming trips at no charge.

2. Easy booking:

Passengers can easily browse available trips on the JustGo website and app, selecting the ones that suit their schedule and route.

3. Safety measures:

Both drivers and passengers share their contact and ID information with JustGo, ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience. Drivers must meet specific criteria, including being over 21 years old and possessing a driver’s licence.

4. Flexible planning:

Whether planning months in advance or requiring a lastminute ride, JustGo Carpooling allows passengers and drivers to make connections according to their schedule.

5. Cost savings:

By sharing rides, both drivers and passengers can significantly reduce their transportation expenses. Payment transactions are handled through the JustGo app, eliminating the need for cash transactions.

With this new service, commuters can enjoy the benefits of a safer, more affordable, and environmentally conscious mode of transportation. Whether it is between students or coworkers, JustGo offers a practical solution to the commuting challenges faced by the UP community.

To learn more about this offering, you can visit www.justgo. co.za/carpooling or download the app from your phone’s play store.

Tackling Sexual Harassment Insights from UP’s Transformation Office

Relebogile Manana

On 13 February, Duke Rasebopye, a member of the Transformation Office at UP, led a vital discussion for second-year EBIT students enrolled in the compulsory Joint Community Project (JCP) module. The session delved into the pressing issue of sexual harassment, covering topics such as understanding sexual interactions and consent, and recognising signals. With a general societal concern about sexual harassment, Rasebopye emphasised the importance of such conversations.

PDBY conducted an interview with Rasebopye in which he highlighted the importance of recognising the distinction between sexual harassment and sexual assault, as many people often confuse the two. He explained that sexual harassment encompasses unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual and unwanted nature. On the other hand, sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity.

Regarding the role of the Transformation Office, when someone has been harassed or assaulted, Rasebopye explained, “There is an anti-discrimination policy that covers harassment, which applies to both staff and students, and generally anyone who enters the university space.” He elaborated on how the office engages with external stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for UP students, even in off-campus settings.

When asked about the monitoring of incidents related to sexual harassment, Rasebopye described how students’ reports usually trigger interventions from the Transformation Office. Matters concerning unfair discrimination, harassment, bullying, hate speech, violence or retaliation are brought to the office for resolution. Additionally, students can directly report incidents to the office for prompt action.

Reflecting on prevalent issues within student culture, Rasebopye identified sexual harassment as a recurring concern, emphasising the importance of understanding its broad scope. He highlighted the vulnerability of first-year students and underscored the need for support mechanisms and educational initiatives to address their needs.

Regarding supportive measures for students after an instance of sexual harassment, Rasebopye outlined various avenues for assistance. These include referral to UP’s Student Counselling Unit, engagement with faculty student advisors (FSAs) for academic support after such an occurrence, collaboration with security services for protection orders or police involvement, as well as access to Thuthuzela care centres for comprehensive support, especially in cases of rape.

In conclusion, Rasebopye highlighted the commitment of the Transformation Office to provide the comprehensive support and assistance to members of the UP community affected by sexual harassment or assault or any other kinds of discrimination. Furthermore, he encourages students to partake in the upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which is hosted annually on campus in April. By fostering awareness, providing resources and implementing robust support systems, UP aims to create a safer environment for all.

If you or anyone you know are dealing with an issue that requires external support, feel free to contact the Transformation Office at transformationoffice@up.ac.za or Whatsapp them at 012 420 8404.

UP crisis line : 0800 006 428

An international student’s experience

Azikile Mathule

On 21 February, PDBY spoke to a final-year BA (Law) international student. This follows the confidence on how UP provides high-quality education for international students expressed by Prof. Sunil Maharaj, UP’s Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education. The Study Abroad Aide has placed UP in the top 8% worldwide when it comes to providing affordable high-quality education.

Affordability and the ability to provide high-quality education is one of the few reasons this institution is deemed relevant for international students. However, those receiving this service have a broad spectrum on how they are accommodated as international students, including how the institution is able to make their South African experience worthwhile. The institution has an international students buddy program, which assists first-time students with assimilation.

The final-year Law student has outlined that the obstacles these students encounter can easily affect their mental health and that the student counselling unit plays a key role in helping them process the difficult experiences they face in South Africa. Leaving a familiar environment for a new, unknown environment can be challenging. That transition is easier when there is inclusivity. Unfortunately for this final-year student, that was not the case. She said, “The stereotypes that have been meticulously woven to create a perception of migrants through the effects of South Africa’s apartheid [trickle] into our day-to-day survival.”

Common challenges faced by international students include how long it may take to access their funds due to administrative reasons. The influx at Home Affairs also contributes to the challenges, and the renewal of academic visas may take up to six months. Unfortunately, the university cannot always intervene, leaving students to deal with the Department of Home Affairs alone. Language barriers are also an obstacle, as these students struggle to understand what their peers communicate to them. “If we speak in the common tongue, we are perceived as bougie, when in actuality, it is the only medium of communication we have to engage with the world,” said the Law student.

The University of Pretoria has an annual day celebrating international students. This year on the UP calendar, it is indicated to take place on 4 October. Such efforts are appreciated, as according to this final-year student, it helps demystify some of the stereotypes that have been imposed upon them as a community.

UK Friends of UP launched News Bite

Stacey Mgijima

On 5 February, the United Kingdom Friends of the University of Pretoria Foundation was launched in London.The event attendees were UP alumni and supporters of the collaboration, and featured radio host Bruce Whitfield as the guest speaker. The main aims of the collaboration, which is affectionately known as the UK Friends of UP, are fundraising and initiatives that enable educational opportunities, research endeavours and community engagement at the university. One can also support the initiative by donating towardsthe Vice Chancellor Scholarship Fund, which is aimed at assisting students who form part of the missing middle. The UK-UP alliance promises to be mutually beneficial, as UP will gain the resources it needs to support educational and institutional advancement. Donors from the United Kingdom gain an official channel through which to support the university as well as other benefits, such as a tax certificate and tax relief against their income.

To find out more about the initiative, visit https://upfoundation.org.uk/

Visual: Sourced

Exercising your right to vote: All you need to know about the 2024 national elections

Boitumelo Mabogoane

We are 30 years into democracy, and the ANC has reigned supreme in every poll since the 1994 elections.

It seems, however, that the party gets worse by the day. From corruption, loadshedding, increasing poverty and high unemployment rates, South Africans appear to have had enough of the ruling party. Despite this, there seems to be little to no effort to register to vote or take initiative in learning about which parties will be participating in the elections and what these parties stand for, especially from the youth. To commemorate the upcoming Human Rights Day and to honour the gift that is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, practise your right to vote in these upcoming elections, and be a custodian of the change in your country.

After much speculation and gossip, President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally announced 29 May as the official date for South Africa’s national and provincial elections. By now you should have registered to vote, as voter registration for the upcoming elections closed on 23 February. You can check your voter status and details such as the voting station you are registered at by visiting elections.org.za.

You have registered to vote –what ?

The different political parties taking part in the upcoming elections have released their manifestos, which can be found on each party’s website. All the manifestos can also be found here: https://elections24.co.za/manifestos. The next few weeks should serve as an opportunity to learn and understand exactly where these parties stand on key issues such as education, employment, and any other issue that is close to your heart. This will help you decide whom you will be casting your vote for.

According to Stats SA, there are two important new developments in the 2024 elections to note: “For the first time, South Africans abroad will register as voters using an online selfregistration portal. In addition, people who are not associated with political parties may stand as independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections.” Stats SA also indicates that

voters will now get three ballot papers: the first is to vote for a political party or independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly, the second, to vote for political parties or independent candidates contesting in the region for elections to the National Assembly, and the third is to vote for political parties or independent candidates contesting elections of the provincial legislature. These changes mark a pivotal development in the country’s politics and democracy by expanding political participation, enhancing voter choice, and placing local issues in the spotlight.

There is much anxiety surrounding the elections and the

Humans of UP: Cara Janse

Vuyiswa Fumba

In a thoroughly diverse institution such as the University of Pretoria, there are a million and one interesting people with so much to say. Drawing inspiration from the famed photoblog “Humans of New York”, “Humans of UP” aims to introduce characters from the streets of Hatfield to you in all their uniqueness. In this edition, PDBY interviewed MSW student Cara Janse van Noordwyk about her studies.

What are you studying and why?

I am currently busy with my Master’s in Social Work. I kind of fell into that because there was no space in Psychology. But then I realised that it is what I want to do, and I have a deep passion for social justice. It was a good way to be an activist and make money at the same time

Can you explain what social work entails?

Social work is multifaceted. People think it’s just taking babies from people and helping people adopt babies and removing babies[…]. But, it’s actually so diverse and there are many different specialities. We facilitate any kind of assistance for individuals, families and communities. [...] We basically work on social development, improving quality of life as best we can and empowering everybody.

How has your perspective changed since you started working in that field?

My cultural competency has improved a lot, which I am very grateful for. I have learnt that you can’t just apply what you’ve learnt at university; you have to apply what people teach you. [...] You have to listen to individuals and let them guide you in how they need assistance and how they need you to facilitate that for them.

possibility of a new ruling party, to such an extent that there has been the propagation of misinformation and disinformation online, as well as voter disillusionment. The only way to be well informed and to make an informed decision regarding who to vote for is by taking the initiative to learn for yourself and take a stand. There are a few key reasons why you should vote. Firstly, simply because you can. This is one of the many privileges that people in this country did not have a few decades ago and should not be taken for granted. Secondly, voting empowers you and gives you a voice. In this way, you have a say and some influence over the governance and policies that shape our everyday lives. Lastly, democracy needs you, and democracy only works if people participate and take initiative.

van Noordwyk

Would you say your cultural competence is the biggest skill you have learnt?

Yes, and I know how to write a report! I think my people skills and being able to hear and listen and think solution-based [are] my biggest skill[s]. That’s something that I can apply to other parts of my life.

What is one of your biggest dreams in life?

I want to direct the UN or, at least, change policies at a big scale. I want to cast my net super wide and help as many people as I can with policy making.

What is your favourite quote?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Either busy with my doctorate degree or [having] completed it.

Thus, social workers are involved in many different areas of social development outside of adoption and child protection. As a UP postgraduate in this field, Cara is an ambitious individual who wishes to harness the power of knowledge to shape the world on a social level.

Visual: Ontiretse Moatshe

Safe Socialite!

Kyra Erwee

Pretoria is one of the most dangerous cities in South Africa, but also one of the most fun! With hundreds of nightlife hotspots surrounding the campus, it is the perfect city to live out your socialite dreams. You simply cannot say that you went to Tuks if you have not been to the infamous Strip, or if you have never sat outside Varsity Bakery at 01:00.

The moment the sun sets, the streets transform into a utopia of lights and music, and places that seem unassuming during the day turn into thrilling social hubs. It is truly an exciting phase every student should experience, but what happens when the utopia suddenly turns into a nightmare?

The clubs and pubs close to campus have come under fire multiple times in the past. Violent activities such as stabbings, shootings and sexual misconduct are only some of the hair-raising incidents that have taken place at these establishments. In May 2022, a young man was murdered at a well-known club less than a kilometre from campus, causing serious concern for the safety and well-being of the university’s students.

The reports of date-rape drugs and spikings within these clubs are also never-ending and people often get told to rather order unopened drinks to prevent this from taking place. It has become the norm to expect danger, so waking up the next day unscathed is, unfortunately, often a pleasant surprise.

This all sounds scary and dangerous, but there are various ways you can ensure your safety during a night out. PDBY compiled a few tips you can follow to be a SAFE socialite:

1. S – Send your location

It is important that people know where you are heading during the night. The App Store is filled with apps that can allow others to track your phone: Life360, Find My iPhone and Find My Phone are just a few. You can even send a live location on Whatsapp. This will allow your friends or family to notice if you are in a place you normally would not be in. These apps have reached headlines for saving lives hundreds of times and are even effective once the device has been switched off, so make sure you send your location to multiple people at the start of the evening.

P.S. The apps also come in handy if you have misplaced your phone.

2. A – Assess your environment

The streets of our city are without a doubt an incredibly dangerous place to be. Do not be afraid to stand your ground and refuse to go to a place you know may not be safe. If you find yourself in a dangerous environment, stay vigilant. Assess the room you are in, and make sure you know where the exits are or where the nearest safe building is. It can be easy to be persuaded to go somewhere you are unsure about, but always remember that you are allowed to say “no”.

ciders or beers. Never leave your drink unattended, even for just a moment. It is terribly easy for someone to drop something into it.

3. F – Follow your friends

It can be so easy to get lost during a night out, especially because clubs are big, dark and loud. Most people get targeted when they are alone; thus, before the evening starts, make an agreement with your friends to stick together. Always try to travel in groups, whether you are walking or taking an Uber. Furthermore, do a roll call every hour to make sure no one has gotten lost or is in danger. Multiple studies have shown that criminals or sex-offenders are more hesitant to target a group of people than someone who is alone.

It is also important to be aware of what you consume and to assess the way you receive your drinks. If you did not see the drink being made in front of you, you are allowed to refuse it. If someone buys you a drink, you are allowed to say “no”. It is better to buy unopened drinks such as

The group you go out with is extremely important. A true friend will make sure you are safe. If you ever feel unsure about the people you are with, do not be afraid to return home or refuse to go somewhere with them.

4. E – Emergency numbers

Never hesitate to call an emergency service if you feel unsafe. It is always better to prevent something from happening, rather than being stuck in a dangerous situation. PDBY recommends that you store the following emergency numbers on your speed dial:

● (012) 366 1700 – Hatfield Campus Brooklyn

Police Station

● (012) 420 2310/2760 – University of Pretoria Safety and Security

● 10177 – Ambulance and Fire

● 0800 061 012 – Hatfield CID 24-hour

Emergency Number

● (012) 422 3600 – Groenkloof Campus

Sunnyside SAPS

● (012) 353 4223 – Medical Campus Pretoria

Central SAPS

● (012) 353 5666/5600 – Onderstepoort Pretoria

North SAPS

● (012) 385 1101 – Kalafong Campus

Atteridgeville SAPS

● (012) 815 7079 – Mamelodi Campus

Mamelodi East SAPS

Going out in Pretoria can be loads of fun if you do it responsibly. Do not be afraid to meet new people and do new things, but always stay vigilant. Safe socialising, fellow socialites!

How to hide your hangover from your lecturer and his humble lecture attendees

Cc: Participants in Tequila Tuesday, Why Not Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday

Vuyiswa Fumba

A few things most students have experienced: living below the breadline every two weeks, wondering if 20% really is that much in the grand scheme of the semester mark, and desperately wanting to stop a hangover before attending a lecture. If you are a Hellfield resident who lives within walking distance of at least three watering holes, you have probably said these words before: “Make it stop! Please God, make it stop. I’ll never drink again.” In the event that your desperate plea to the heavens is left unanswered, these are a few ways to hide your hangover from your lecturer and his humble lecture attendees (who may or may not be tossing 300 sober side- eyes your way).

Skip the lecture?

Technically, non-attendance counts as “hiding” a hangover. Sometimes the hangover horrors are so bad, you cannot get out of bed. On those occasions, it might help to remember that most modules only require 80% lecture attendance. (PS: The person who wrote this has been previously academically excluded, heed at own risk.)

A little hair of the dog

The expression “hair of the dog” originates from an old method of treating a rabid dog bite that involves drinking a potion containing hair from the dog that bit you. TLDR: postmedieval people theorised that the very cause of a sickness can sometimes be its solution. This idea has been extended to treating a hangover. Any seasoned alcoholic will scream from the rooftops, “The best

way to deal with a hangover? Keep drinking.” A very fun loophole indeed. Coincidentally, it is also something that recovering alcoholics strongly advise against.

Dark shades and a big bottle of water.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! According to Healthline, dehydration can be a huge contributor to hangovers. It is easier to become mildly dehydrated during and after drinking, which could lead to headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, and thirst the morning after.

Take a panado, suck on a Rehidrat sachet and sip some water during the lecture. Not only will future-you thank you for your class attendance despite the pressing circumstances, your liver will thank you for looking out.

Embrace the binge embrace the cringe

Ride the wave of being hungover. Feel the pain and acknowledge that you are not 17 anymore (if you are 18 reading this, kindly gloss over). No backing out of lectures (unless you have a 07:30, of

course), no sleeping in (unless you have an 08:30, of course), no more than four panados, and for goodness’ sake, no more alcohol! Whether you attend the lecture or not, the hangover will prevail, so you might as well use that time, and that pounding headache, to ponder the impact of your actions and consider some recourse.

Visual: Cleo Qin

Visual: Katherine Weber

It’s just a quarter-life crisis

Karla van Dyk

We are all familiar with the concept of a midlife crisis, a far-off phenomenon that has no bearing on university students. But something that may hit a lot closer to home is starting to gain traction in the media – the quarter-life crisis. Some readers may recognise this term as the title for Taylor Bickett’s 2022 song about her experience as a twentysomething in the modern day, “focusing all of [her] energy on just being okay”. But what exactly is a quarter-life crisis? And how can it be navigated?

Collins Dictionary defines a quarter-life crisis as “a crisis that may be experienced in one’s twenties, involving anxiety over the direction and quality of one’s life”. A New York Times article by Dani Blum suggests that this phenomenon usually accompanies an individual’s transition into early adulthood, which is characterised by increased independence but also more responsibility and uncertainty. At this stage, people begin to distance themselves from their parents by moving out, starting to earn their own money, and relying more on peers for emotional support. Blum’s article suggests that even individuals in their late teens or mid-thirties could experience a quarter-life crisis, depending on their current phase of life. Furthermore, Blum points out that Gen Z’s quarter-life crisis has an added layer of anxiety, compliments of the pandemic and the increasing effect of climate change.

How prevalent is this crisis really? According to a literature review in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, a recent LinkedIn poll involving 6 000 adults aged 25 to 33 in the US, the UK, India and Australia revealed that 75% of participants were experiencing a quarter-life crisis. This indicates that this is a widespread phenomenon that impacts many young adults.

Leading causes

Leaving your childhood behind to enter the “adult” world entails dealing with new expectations. According to a review in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, “the

numerous requirements to becoming an adult, such as finishing studies on time, obtaining the perfect job, choosing the proper spouse, or continuing education to a higher degree, are what lead to the quarter-life crisis”. Your anxiety over meeting these requirements is exacerbated when you open LinkedIn to find peers starting new positions at prestigious companies while you are still struggling to finish your degree (which you maybe hate). And the pit in your stomach grows bigger as you hear of people your own age getting married or having children, while you are still casually browsing on Tinder or Bumble. You take others’ experiences to be the norm and start to question whether you are falling behind in the race of life.

Questioning your goals and trajectory in life goes hand-inhand with an identity crisis, which an article in the Hindustan Times indicates as a leading contributor to a quarter-life crisis. It can feel scary to not yet know who you are or in which direction your life is headed as you age, especially as you start believing that those around you have it all figured out.

How can you deal with it?

Talk about it. This is a cliché for a reason. Not only will sharing your experiences and worries with your friends lighten your mood, but it will also likely reveal that they are going through similar struggles. Maybe you can even embrace the pain by creating a Whatsapp group dedicated to memes about that quarter-life trauma.

Be patient. This one is recommended by Dani Blum. Realise that there are no set time constraints and accept that you do not need to have it all together by 25 (almost no one does, anyway). There is no need to rush along the path to adulthood.

Find balance. Therapist Satya Doyle Byock advises that you need both stability and passion or purpose in your life. While pursuing your goals can give you a sense of security, you also need to allow yourself to take part in activities you are passionate about.

Channel your frustrations A 7 Summit Pathways article suggests channelling your stress and anxiety into another activity. Maybe learn ventriloquy, pursue your dream of writing My Little Pony fanfic, or start a side hustle selling cacti.

The path to adulthood is exciting but also riddled with anxiety, and it is normal to feel unsure about a slew of things. If you happen to pass the quarter-life crisis along the way, know that you are not alone. As Taylor Bickett sings, “everybody feels like this at 23” (or, more generally, at twentysomething).

Degrees of Intimacy: Navigating the University Hookup Scene and the ABCs of STIs

Aleksa Kruger

Situated in the heart of South Africa, the University of Pretoria is not just a hub of academic excellence but also a target for Cupid’s arrows. There are varying romantic and sexual relationships at Tuks, ranging from long-term commitments, casual flings and the ever-elusive hookup. With sexual activity comes the vulnerability and risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Knowing how to traverse through degrees of physical intimacy may help students to attain good levels of sexual health.

Students currently enrolled at the university engage in various romantic relationships, characterised by different levels of commitment and intensity. Long-term commitments usually have emotional engagement, discussions of future goals and continual growth. Casual relationships and hookups, on the other hand, are generally short term, lacking emotional intimacy whilst being more centred around physical attraction.

The student demographics on campus can be described as a mosaic of different races, cultures and ethnicities. These factors as well as age and course can influence relationship status. Analysing the statistics of these demographics provides valuable insights into how this translates into the dynamics of romantic relationships. For instance, students pursuing demanding courses may opt for non-committal relationships, considering time constraints. Cultural and societal expectations may also affect the type of relationship students seek. Students coming from more traditional backgrounds

may be more reluctant to date casually. According to the American Journal of Health Education, “religious attendance and religious belief played a significant role in distinguishing between those who have and have not participated in hooking up behaviours”.

The type of relationship students engage in has a direct correlation with risky sexual behaviour. According to an article

up should prioritise their health and practice safe sex.

The type of relationship frequented amongst students similarly correlates to the spread of STDs. South African universities, like many globally, face challenges related to the spread of STIs. Factors such as limited sexual health education, stigma, and barriers to accessing healthcare services contribute to this issue. This is further impacted by South Africa’s high HIV infection rate, with University World News indicating that 3.4% of South African university students have tested positive in the last decade. By analysing the prevalent types of student relationships, we can gain insights into potential avenues for targeted interventions to address the spread of STIs.

To combat this issue, universities should implement: comprehensive and accessible sexual health education. Universities should prioritise comprehensive sexual health education programmes to empower students with knowledge about safe practices, consent and, and the importance of regular health check-ups. Furthermore, ensuring easy access to sexual health services on campuses can contribute to the early detection, treatment, and prevention of STIs. Confidential and non-judgmental services should be made available to all students.

Campus may be where love bugs rendezvous, but it may also be a potential breeding ground for bugs that are a little harder to shake (without a good dose of antibiotics). Remember, safe practices and regular health check-ups are as essential as going out for vodka slushies instead of studying for that calculus test.

Visual: Karla van Dyk

Visual: Nicole Hagemann

Party Hosting: Apartment Edition

Marike Muller & Kirsten Minnaar

Everyone loves a good party. Especially when hosting it in one’s own space, far, far away from parents where there is no fine china to fear breaking, no lingering neighbours and no curfew. The budget may be small and the space even smaller, that should not keep them from hosting the event of the year. Hosting a vibrant party is no easy task, so these helpful tips can go a long way in planning the gathering students deserve.

Maximise your space

Maximising a space is tremendously important. When one only has five spaces available for guests, it would be unreasonable to invite twenty people. If a guest asks to bring a friend (or a clingy significant other), politely explain that a tiny student apartment simply does not have enough space for even one more person. As the host or hostess, play that sympathy card!

The menu

With social spacing out of the way, it is time to focus on the key elements that make a good party. Simplicity is best. The thought of experiencing a kitchen meltdown due to overly ambitious experimenting with new, time-consuming foods is more than enough to dampen one’s party enthusiasm. Stick to what you know, students are not picky.

A few options to consider on the menu are chips (R20 at Checkers), dips (R20 at Checkers), pizza (Between R60 and R70 at Checkers) and a quick puff pastry that takes 20 minutes to bake in the air fryer before guests arrive. Serve these snacks on a long wooden board or even paper plates – whatever you have at your disposal should work just fine. If guests take offence to paper plates, they probably were not real friends to begin with!

A wooden board is easy to clean; simply run it under warm water for about a minute, dry off any excess water and leave it overnight to dry. Paper plates are any host or hostess’ dream, as they go straight into the bin.

The drinks

Now, for the long-awaited section. The fuel for foolishness, the instigator of inhibition… booze. Yes, it is expensive, sometimes unpalatable and can give you a headache

consume it. Before even thinking about hosting a party, decide whether you are going to supply some sort of alcoholic beverage to guests or just soft drinks and water. It is definitely easier and cheaper for the host or hostess to make use of the acronym BYOB, informing guests to bring their own booze. But if you want to supply it, punch is always a good route to take. A simple punch recipe can always be topped with a can of mixed fruits and Sprite.

Quick and easy punch recipe:

- The liquor of your choosing. Most people opt for Vodka, but you can add almost anything you have lying around the house.

- Lemonade. You can substitute this for any other soda, fruit juice, energy drinks (use with caution) or any combination of these you like.

- If you are feeling extra: add some edible flowers or glitter, food colouring or fruit. While you may have heard of adding candy to your punch before, this is generally not as fun as it sounds, as the candy just ends up swollen and mushy, and it leaves your punch looking murky.

The guest list

There is always that one guest who had a little (or a lot) too much to drink. A helpful tip on how to handle these types of guests includes taking preventative measures. When inviting guests, take note of who historically seems to get the rowdiest, then make a decision. Ask yourself: will I be able to handle this guest if things get out of hand or will I be faced with a noise complaint (and a looming friendship breakup) the next morning? Maybe this guest will mature out of the blue, but it is better not to take any chances! Furthermore, it may be worth considering the vibe you want to curate before you send out your WhatsApp invites. Your go-all-night, Strip friends may not be the ones to invite to a night of casual board games. Similarly, your more mellow, relationship friends may not particularly enjoy a night of Strip Poker and binge drinking.

Curating the vibe

House parties can range anywhere from laid-back dinner parties to wild ragers. Decide on what you are going for and plan accordingly. A theme can be a simple way to help set your vibe, and it can be as simple as asking your guests to dress accordingly, or just picking out a fun, on-theme activity. Curating the music can also help set the mood you want. Spotify has a wide array of (extremely specific) playlists, so you are bound

March Playlist

to find something that suits your event. Consider your seating arrangements as well. If you are serving dinner or want to foster a more conversational atmosphere, make sure that all of your guests have enough room to sit. If you do not own enough chairs, you can always ask your guests to bring their own camp chairs or throw some blankets and pillows on the floor. If, on the other hand, you would like people to dance or move around more, move the chairs and furniture out of the way to create a small dance floor and make sure there are fewer seats than there are people. This will encourage people to get up and dance.

No theme ideas? No problem! Here are some easy, affordable, apartment-friendly themes: Pizza and game night: busting out the board games is a great way to ensure that your guests always have something to do and do not get bored. If you are going for a more boozy vibe, swap the board games out for drinking games. Wine-tasting night: have everyone bring a different bottle of wine to save some cash. Pyjama party: this works especially well if your guests are staying the night.

Potluck: everyone brings a different dish.

Euphoria: turn on your LED strip lights, put on some fun, glittery make-up and Charli XCX type beats.

Pink-night: it can be any colour, really. Just throw out any decorations that match and ask your guests to dress accordingly.

Craft night: TikTok is always ready with new and interesting craft ideas. Candle painting, jewellery making, decorating lighters or even swapping paintings every 5 minutes are all fun and creative things you can do with your friends.

Crime scene clean-up

The party has come to an end. The memories created during an unforgettable night that might have been forgotten are evidenced in the chaos of your home. Last but not least, have a clean-up plan. A wise man once said, “Once you have a plan, you are already 50% there.” Clean the kitchen, wash- and pack away the glasses, cutlery, and leftover food after your guests leave to simplify the cleaning duties for the following

day. A big bonus would be to politely ask your guests to bring their own snacks. That way they have brought and saved you the trip to the Tupperware drawer. Keep one thing in mind though, the more wild the party - the more wild the cleanup. If it is a rage you are going for, be prepared to clean all of your floors, counters, bathrooms, and sheets (better safe than sorry). If you have any valuable or breakable items, stow them away somewhere safe unless you want to be cleaning up glass the next morning. Rolling up your carpets may also be a good way to help minimise cleaning the next day. Remember that the feeling of hungover regret you feel while you scrub the sticky red wine from your floor is natural and it means that you threw a true rager. Note: it is also natural that you never want to host a house party ever again.

Last minute tips

While it may be really upsetting, there always seem to be last-minute cancellations to any event. Try not to let this dampen your spirits too much, as you can have a great time even if your event is smaller than anticipated. In the last few hours before your event, there are some things that are easy to forget. Make sure your bathroom is stocked with enough toilet paper, and that there is a bin as well (especially if there are ladies coming). Make sure that you have enough ice and keep in mind that if people are going to be drinking, they may start getting hungry later in the night (even if you supplied food to start with). Also, bear in mind that some people may end up staying the night unexpectedly. Depending on your living situation, you may also consider warning your neighbours or housemates that you are having a party, and that they should feel free to ask you to turn your music down. No need to make enemies with your downstairs neighbour a mere 3 months into the year.

Hosting a party in your apartment as a student can be a rewarding experience, but it requires proper planning and execution. By following these tips, you can create a fun and memorable Friday night that leaves a positive impression on your guests while minimizing any potential disruptions or issues. So, go ahead, put on the party planning hat, and get ready to host the ultimate apartment bash!

Where’s Waldo: The Scamming Influencer

Marike Muller

Identifying a social media scammer is not as easy as it may look. It is commonplace for Instagram users to encounter the annoyance of receiving a few unsolicited messages in their DMs. Those victims might have initially dismissed these messages, only to later realise that they were fortunate not to have fallen for the lies of these influencers.

At the close of 2023, several scams came to light. One specific scam takes the top prize: “I need your help, I forgot my password!” Instagram, as one of the world’s leading social media platforms, boasts 1.4 billion profiles. This widespread usage means that it comes with a lot of safety and security protocols. Unfortunately, these protocols are not always airtight - allowing for for the occasional slip. Some common signs to look for when unsure if you are being scammed include offers that seem “too good to be true”. Scammers often entice individuals with free giveaways, holidays, and extravagant prizes for little to no money. Additionally, be wary of overly aggressive sales tactics, such as limited-time offers and threats.

Scammers typically operate from countries where English may not be their first, or even second, language. Statistics show that a significant number of scammers operate from Nigeria. (However, keep in mind that scams can be run from anywhere in the world.). Another red flag to watch out for is that scammers tend to have poor language and grammar skills. Many scammers rely on apps like Google Translate to directly translate their dialogue from a foreign language. This is quite easy to detect, as their sentence construction would be weak and not make sense.

Along with this, look out for the absence of verification.

This does not necessarily mean the elitist “blue tick”. Legitimate social media influencers tend to have some form of website or company to authenticate their identity and brand. Scammers sometimes use fake brands, photos, and profiles to attract attention and followers. Alongside this comes the lack of legitimate followers. These followers usually have minimal posts on their profile, an empty bio and very pixelated photos. Another thing to be aware of is the amount of people this “influencer” is following. If they have more than 10K followers but only follow two or three people, chances are their profile is fake and solely exists on this platform to wreak havoc.

The most effective way to manage these scammers is to report their posts and accounts to Instagram through the social media security platform. To report a post, click the three dots above the post, select “report” and follow the on-screen steps. Instagram usually responds to these reports within 24 hours and gives you a heads-up on how they are handling the situation. Last, but not least, keep your pins, passwords, and personal information safe! Do not share this information with anyone, let alone a random influencer who just wants to help themselves to a piece of your hard-earned money. According to an article on EarthWeb, social media accounts for around 12% of all cases where a victim clicks on phishing URLs. About 25% of all social media scams are classified as romance scams, and in 2022, organisations worldwide reported a total loss of $1.5 billion due to influencer scams.

Social media platforms are actively being used to target victims through a range of scams including those mentioned above. Scammers have a lot of room to manoeuvre, thanks to the rising popularity of social media, and the anonymity and ease of access that these platforms offer. Awareness is key!

Visual:

SAVE A HORSE, WRITE

To the short, cute girl who keeps messing up my hair in CMY 117 Prac group 3 if you’re a single pringle looking to mingle, let’s meet up and see where things go ;)

To the beautiful long leg blonde that tutored on Wednesday for CMY 117 Prac group 3, if you are looking for a tall dark haired hunk to cuddle and wine and dine you, please respond, maybe we can build some chemistry ;)

To Corné in Chem engineering engaged. I think you are super cute, but even though we haven’t talked in a while I really think we should meet up, I’ll spoil you if you give me a chance… you know who I am and I think we should build on our chemistry ;)

One of Frikkie’s friends, don’t know your name. You have the mullet and moustache combo and I always see you around. We had a few classes together, saw you in RPK210 - I have the biggest crush on you and at least want to know your name?!

To the tall boy who studies with me and who moved to a different faculty, I miss our long talks on the chapel grass. I think you deserve the world and I’m willing to give it xoxo

Hello UP student, this is a safe place to shoot your shot at all people how you feel about them, hit on your crush or compliment other day. Anything positive, really. Try to be as detailed makes it easy for the person to identify themself. If both Do you think this Email: shootyourshot@pdby.co.za

Scan the QR code to shoot your shot

Visuals: Sourced

To Matt, the super tall, mysterious, and infinitely handsome guy in my SOC 110 and PTO 101 classes whose name I found out from a WhatsApp group. I always look forward to watching you walk into class because I know you’ll be the only thing I’ll be able to focus on. You don’t know me, but that’s okay. I hope one day when we cross paths again I’ll have the courage to walk up to you and tell you my name.

Olwethu Tshuma in 2nd year, I think you have a gorgeous smile and I’m glad you get to be my campus crush again this year, round 2 here we go :)

To the tall guy in my BCM 251 class with a buzz cut, big nose and constantly pounding VELOs. I want you and I need you. Please notice me.

To the stunning brunette with blues and marmite tattoo on her arm. I can’t help myself staring at you during lectures. I yearn for the opportunity to be close to you. I want you.

Dear girl I met under the tree at the miss you and want us to go berry looking at girls knowing it’s not you that day.

To the cute engineering guy from social and sometimes cross paths can still challenge me to a table love always your lady

To the Vice Chairperson from Law make my whole courtroom out of to my Rachel (lil Suits reference

WRITE A COWBOY

all those cute people you see around campus. Tell those compliment a person on that outfit they were wearing the and creative as possible with your description so it both people agree, PDBY will arrange a meet up. this is you?

shootyourshot@pdby.co.za

the UP shop last November, I picking again. I get irritated you ! We had great chemistry day.

TAU, who I met at that one with on campus. I hope you table tennis match soon. lady in pink.

To J, come reject me again and grow back that beard <3

To the Tuks presenter, with the gorgeous voice. The reason why I stay up late every night. We share the same degree, hopefully the same surname one day…

To Ruben, the Bcom Honours guy I met outside of Njoy. I was very drunk but I think you might be my soulmate. HMU.

To the guy who is always wearing the baby blue shirt. I saw you at Aula grass on the first day of university, I saw you at varsity shield and at the library. I was driving the Kia in front of your friend’s red Audi, you jumped out the car and started running. I think blue looks good on you and you’re a very very handsome man.

To the slightly ginger, Afrikaans girl in my 1st year criminology class with an adorable smile ( who drives a haval ) I love you. Let’s grab a coffee.

To the seasoned fella in my FBS 210 class, we spoke about hockey just before we entered the lecture and you had my favourite colour on(green), and let me just say , you rocked that fitted cap. If you’re down , let’s grab coffee- it’s on me. You’re hella fineeeeee

Law House, you’re so fine you order. Will you be the Mike reference for ya) ?

To Jared from House Tau studying BCom Business Management, you caught my eye at the man auction. The way you were chewing your gum just hypnotised me. I’m probably definitely not your type but I just wanna say: wow.

Dylan from electrical engineering whose friends with Alex(Invicta) you’re so fine <3

Dear Deyaan in 2nd year civil engineering, I’ve been in love with you for a year now. Every time I don’t see you on campus my heart breaks, please come more often!!

To the tall boy on the train. Next time you see me, kiss me goodnight. Signed, The girl with pink hair.

Let’s Review : Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Danielle Yeatman

It is hard to find a South African who does not know Trevor Noah, the country’s national treasure who now graces the international screen. In 2016, Trevor Noah took a step back from stand-up comedy to permanently establish his jokes and South African childhood with ink on paper. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood stands as Noah’s autobiographical masterpiece.

With only 304 pages, Noah manages to take readers on the hilarious, fascinating, sentimental, and fervent journey of his childhood. The combination of humor and emotion that bursts from the pages of this book makes it truly captivating. As Noah recounts the journey of his youth,, he allows the reader to see into his past in such a vulnerable manner that one cannot help but feel that they are part of the story.

This recount of his life is filled with flames, failed youthful romances, and mischievous quests all wrapped together in laughter, accomplishing something very few books have managed to do. Through these life stories, he subtly weaves a vivid image of South African life. As a South African, reading this book was bittersweet from the beginning to the end.

Noah speaks of fascinating and kind people, a South African characteristic that rests in all of us. He also delves into the violence and anger that has grown around such kindness, a chemical reaction formulated by Apartheid that continues to fester and infect so many lives. It is a kindness and violence that South Africans know too well. The beauty and pain are masterfully transcribed through one person’s life, allowing the individual to fade into the backdrop and creating a book that describes South Africa truthfully and passionately.

As one delves into the chronological stories of Trevor Noah’s life growing up in South Africa, one gains insight into people and places that may never be physically seen. The life and heart of the township Alexandra are described with such beauty that readers become disheartened that all the people on the street, with their fascinating tales, will likely never cross their paths. The complexity of navigating life with a black mother and a white father during Apartheid, while coated with funny anecdotes, is described in such unconventional beauty.

To read this book is to fall in love with two things: South Africa and Patricia Noah, Trevor Noah’s mother. The book’s

soul is that of Patricia Noah, a woman of intelligence, beauty, strength, passion, and love. Readers should thank Trevor Noah for creating this book in a way that passes on his mother’s wisdom, advice, and wit. This wonderful book is an easy read, filled with twists and turns, evoking laughter and tears, shock and anger. But most wonderfully, it offers a deeper understanding of the heart and soul of South Africa.

Special thanks are owed to Pan Macmillan for their generosity in recommending and providing the book.

Fashion Stars

Naudette Mukoni

DONATELLA

This edition’s style maverick is a BConSci

Clothing Retail Management student, whose captivating style and innovative mindset quickly caught our attention. Donatella’s world of fashion is truly electric yet personal and multifaceted. Her style is a celebration of diversity, as she always seeks new ways to inspire and be inspired. Don’s style and mood work together in harmony to create fashion ensembles that are both aesthetic and attuned to her own sense of style. Her unwavering commitment to shopping sustainably leads her to thrift stores to find pieces that can be added to her collection. She loves to rummage for items that “evoke joy and excitement” and prefers to create some her own pieces, which stand as a testament to her innovation and creativity.

Don sported a chic denim mini skirt, elegantly paired with a blue sleeveless cardigan. The delicate mesh top she wore beautifully offset her chunky black footwear, creating a perfect balance in the look. The black and silver accents on her belt synchronised seamlessly with her bag and shoes, ultimately creating a cohesive yet alluring look.

Don’s unique experiences as a senior figure skater and ballet dancer (among others) inspire her fashion concepts and allow her to dabble in untouched fashion paths. Her artsy background manifests itself in her clothing designs and stands as inspiration for her upcoming high-end fashion line. Donatella’s creativity and dedication show that fashion is more than just an external display, but a multi-layered art form where she finds solace.

Instagram: donatellaglatter

TikTok: dglatter

ZINO

Visual:Sourced

Meet Zino: an Economics student who lets his outfits do all the talking. Zino’s out-ofthe-box thinking makes it easy for him to cultivate outfits that are organic and visually appealing. Conforming is not in Zino’s vocabulary. He prefers to explore different style subsets to whip out ensembles that are a perfect balance of his emotions and are fashion forward. Zino draws some of his styling inspiration from anime, Tyler the Creator, and the late Virgil Abloh. Although seemingly different fashion genres, his attention to detail and knack for effortlessly blending contrasting styles allows for the creation of some truly unique outfits.

Zino is pictured above rocking a red and white varsity jacket. He opted to pair this statement piece with baggy black pants and lace-up shoes. The clever addition of his bold glasses and round-faced wristwatch added an extra dimension to the overall outfit. Zino loves to look fly while remaining comfortable, and this featured outfit perfectly reflects his sentiments.

Zino hopes to expand in the fashion world and offer his expertise in styling and creative directing. He loves to share his creative ideas on his social media pages and hopes to inspire others to stay “fly, confident and comfy”.

Instagram: zino_psycho

Pinterest: P3rryaye

Visual: Sourced

Visual: Lesedi Mabaso

Visual: Sourced

The Doctor Will See You Now: Ritalin

Danielle Yeatman

Four adults sit around a small table in a dimly lit room, faced with a problem. The first is named The Psychiatrist, the second is The Scientist, the third, The Salesman, and the fourth is named The Ignorant.

The Psychiatrist sighs, “Kids these days, their minds move from thought to thought faster than their restless legs move up and down, and they just cannot seem to focus!” What could possibly be causing this anxiety, unregulatable emotions, and inability to concentrate for long periods?

The Ignorant exclaims, “It must be the phones; of course it is the phones! Those youngsters spend far too much time glued to the screen.” The Ignorant is steadfast. The other adults chant with their objections. “One has to consider the artificial food colouring in their favourite childhood cereal, the bisphenols in the cans that hold their food,” The Scientist proclaims. The Psychiatrist goes further, “Do not forget about the increased workload, lack of job opportunities and constant bombardment of war and tragedy on the news and the disassociation that follows to cope.” The Salesman ponders. “But there are exceptions?” he cautiously queries.

The Psychiatrist sighs, “Yes, of course there are exceptions. Some of these kids, who will grow into adults, have ADHD. A genuine medical condition that requires treatment to tackle everyday life.” The Scientist adds with a nod of the head, “Of course, that is why I have created a pill that will regulate the symptoms of ADHD and can be prescribed by The Psychiatrist.” The Psychiatrist interjects, “But how will one know the difference between a child with ADHD, a slightly hyper yet neurotypical child, and a child faking the symptoms to get to the pill? How will we know to whom to prescribe this pill?” The Businessman smiles its eerie smile and announces the plan, “We won’t.” The Ignorant is sold, and Ritalin is born.

Ritalin, the sexier name for methylphenidate, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has been prescribed for off-label use in treatment-resistant cases of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Ritalin was first synthesised in 1944 by chemist Leandro Panizzon. Panizzon named the drug after his beloved wife Margarita, whose nickname was Rita, and who often used the drug to compensate for her low blood pressure.

A year later, the United States approved the medical use of this drug, and in 1957 it was sold for the first time under the name Centedrin. During the drug’s initial launch, it was used to treat a variety of conditions, such as barbiturate-induced comas, depression, and memory deficits in the elderly. It was only during the 1960s that this drug would be used to treat ADHD, a position that it continues to eagerly hold today.

Ritalin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which means nothing to those of us who are not studying medicine. Essentially, Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the rate at which your nerves and brain cells interact and have a fun chat. Its winning feature is that it increases the activity of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system by blocking two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (a stimulant) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span), from being reabsorbed back into your cells after they have been released.

This is a handy little drug for those with ADHD who experience functional impairments in parts of the brain’s neurotransmitter systems. By increasing the activity in the central nervous system, it produces effects like increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and improved attention. This handy wonder drug of methylphenidate should not be confused with its best friend, amphetamine, with the sexy name of Adderall.

While methylphenidate increases dopamine by subtly blocking its reuptake, amphetamine goes straight for the nerve terminal, causing it to release so much dopamine that it essentially floods the cytoplasm, the funky liquid that fills the inside of a cell. Now that phase one, the scientific creation of Ritalin, is complete, it is time to put it on the market to see what it can do.

As a $13 billion industry, the prescription industry is the place to be, and Ritalin is increasingly bringing home the bread. The rise in ADHD diagnoses is not a distant phenomenon. Africa has one of the highest rates of ADHD diagnoses in the world at 8.5%. Research shows that over the last two decades, South Africa has had a diagnosis prevalence rate of between 5% and 10%, making it one of the most commonly occurring disorders that affect South African children and adolescents. But just because the diagnoses are high does not mean that Ritalin is an easy drug to get your hands on.

While illegal in Fiji and Russia, it holds a position as a Schedule 6 substance in pharmacies, the highest legal schedule for drugs available in South Africa. This means that Ritalin in the hands requires prescriptions from psychiatrists, a piece of paper that could cost an individual thousands of rands. Over the years, this regulation has shrunk to a hurdle, as individuals are increasingly turning to friends with their signed papers or the black market to acquire the drug.

Quintin van Kerken, the CEO of the Anti-Drug Alliance of South Africa, revealed that at least 60% of all prescriptions for ADHD medications are not being used for their associated conditions and are being distributed in schools and universities. There is a divided market that fuels this illegal industry. Some take Ritalin, hoping it will provide the same level-up that Mario receives upon running into a red mushroom during his quest to save Princess Peach.

Much like the mushroom allows Mario to grow in size and speed, students hope Ritalin will enable them to grow their grades in an increasingly cut-throat education system. These players will take the drug orally to experience a level-up of around two to four hours. However, as with most things in life, level-ups do not come for free, literally and symptomatically.

While consumers can expect a cash withdrawal, there are various other side effects and withdrawal symptoms that come with Ritalin. Side effects include nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and raised blood pressure. However, there are other players in the market. These players take the drug in the hopes of experiencing a high sense of euphoria. While certain players take the drug orally, others crush it into a fine powder before snorting it up their noses. This is done to increase the euphoric symptoms associated with the drug, allowing the drug to be released quicker into the system than with oral ingestion.

As one can imagine, the side effects of snorting something that was never meant to be snorted are undesirable, including damage to the nasal membrane, depression, rise in blood pressure, nosebleeds, fever, vomiting, psychosis, and irregular heart rate or heart failure. Those non-prescribed Ritalin ravers and high chasers remain on the lookout for signs of an overdose, which include severe twitching, delusions or hallucinations, and seizures.

Ritalin is not bad; no inanimate object can be good or bad. It is simply a thing that humans have created, used, and abused. Ritalin was born in 1944. Since then, it has helped millions of individuals with ADHD cope with everyday life, it has taken millions hostage in the hopes of achieving excellence, and it has strangled millions with the weight of addiction. In all these ways, Ritalin is what The Ignorant ordered, The Scientist produced, The Psychiatrist prescribed, and The Businessman provided.

THE RECIPE FOR SOME ENERGY: THE ULTIMATE CHEESEBURGER

Naudette Mukoni

Nothing beats a big, juicy burger with all the toppings. Follow this quick, easy and budget-friendly recipe to tantalise your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• Burger patties or fillets of your choice Burger buns (Brioche buns do it best!) Sprinkles of salt and pepper

• A handful of shredded lettuce

• Thin slices of red onion

• A ton of cheese

For the sauce:

• Spoonful of mayonnaise mixed with tomato sauce does the trick.

• Dijon mustard adds an extra flair.

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium high heat. Lightly season the burger patty and cook for about minutes each side.

2. Flip the patty and add cheese on top.

3. Now it is time to assemble! Start with the sauce on the bottom bun, then add lettuce, tomatoes and sliced onion.

4. Add the patty with the melted cheese and spread some more sauce on it.

5. Finish it off with the top bun and enjoy!

Recipe from: Damndelious.net

How to keep the spark alight

Muenda Mputu

Picture this: on Valentine’s Day you meet someone special, and Cupid strikes his arrow, igniting the love between you and this person. A couple of weeks later they decide that now is the perfect time to head off to Asia for a pilgrimage to do some much-needed “soul searching”. Many might feel a little disheartened by the sound of this news, but there is no need to worry because the love doctor has stepped into the building.

Is it worth it?

Whether the distance spans from Pretoria and Johannesburg, or even crosses international borders, long-distance relationships are not easy. The seemingly mundane activities that couples in close proximity to one another can enjoy, like spontaneous picnic dates or attending each other’s lectures, cannot be done if they reside in different cities. This can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnect between partners or even resentment if one feels as though they are putting in more effort than their partner.

However, the narrative can be changed because love can surpass borders. In an article published by WOIN, a survey was completed by 78 couples in California and Nairobi. These couples were asked various questions pertaining to their relationships, and more than half of the individuals testified that “long-distance relationships require an unwavering amount of commitment and understanding”. A follow-up interview conducted three years later confirmed that 54 of the couples were still together, with 13 of them maintaining a long-distance union.This indicates that long-distance relationships can thrive with dedication and effort from both partners, cultivating a happy and healthy relationship.

The negatives

Everyone is entitled to their relationship preferences, and the stereotypical person may not actively choose to commit to such a union. There are a number of disadvantages that come along with this type of relationship, such as a lack of physical touch, absence of in-person quality time, and not having an actual shoulder to cry on when needed.

Lovediscovery.org published an article entitled “The power of physical intimacy in relationships” in May of last year. In this article, the author Carolina Pataky mentions that physical touch plays a significant role in building and maintaining trust in relationships. When individuals engage in positive touch, such as hugging, hand-holding, or a gentle pat on the back, it activates the brain’s reward system and strengthens the bond between partners. This brain reward system is the release of a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone. This “touchy-feely” hormone proceeds to stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, which reduces stress levels. Individuals in long-distance relationships thus indirectly deprive themselves of this hormone, which may impact the amount of trust they have for one another, as proven by the study.

How to change the narrative

Aside from the disadvantages, long-distance relationships can still thrive. They encourage improved communication between the persons involved and create more opportunities for individual growth and independence. Kaitlyn Goldsmith and E. Sandra Byers, both accredited relationship counselors, also testify that long distance relationships build separation security. This term describes emotionally secure individuals in relationships and can be equated to the opposite of separation anxiety. Below are ten tips to help keep the spark alight:

1. Communicate as much as you can with your partner, because this is how you feel connected to them.

2. Engage in activities together even though you are apart.

3. Remind your partner that you love and appreciate them; reassurance matters.

4. Focus on the positive aspects of being in a long-distance commitment.

5. Do not be afraid to voice your jealousy and insecurities due to the long distance.

6. Prioritise phone and video calls.

7. Make efforts to visit each other as frequently as possible.

8. Use couples apps such as Nectar and the relationship card game to enhance your emotional connection with your partner.

9. Watch a show or a YouTube video together over video call.

10. Actively participate in your partner’s interests; creating a playlist for them if they love music is a perfect way to show that you are thinking of them.

In the end, love is a beautiful thing, so continue to sendyour special someone those much-needed virtual hugs and kisses.

Karla van Dyk

Crossword

Across

1. Rock band who sing “Hey Jude”

3. UP’s LGBTQIA+ society

9. This Disney character’s superpower is the ocean

13. Half man, half horse

14. Most famous ogre

15. Discrimination against people with disabilities

16. Stereotypical staple food for students

Down

2. Ringed planet

4. Solve the anagram for this licensed female pop singer: VIGOR RADIO OIL

5. Looney Tunes rabbit

6. Alice in Wonderland character who loves hosting tea parties

7. Name for this symbol: & 8. Movie where mother and daughter switch bodies

10. The last airbender

11. Fake alcoholic drink for the DD

12. Synonym for objection

Visuals: Sourced

Word Search: Music

Karla van Dyk

weekly horoscope

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19):

Stop overthinking it, underthink it. Actually, maybe just don’t think at all. Just jump into new possibilities without consulting logic or reason.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18):

The old doors are closed and you won’t be able to open new ones with those same habits. Start fresh and look forward; you wouldn’t want your new doors to turn into those old doors.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20):

Chaos is looming and as much as you enjoy it, you must protect your peace as an act of self-preservation.

Aries (March 21 - April 19):

Now we know that trust and patience is not always your strong suit, but you need to trust the process for the process to start.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20):

Detach yourself from your to-do list because life will run away from you if you don’t.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20):

Believe it or not, but you can do hard things and not act like it is the worst thing that has ever happened to anybody. Try some positivity for once ;)

AMAPIANO BLUES CHIPTUNE CLASSICAL DUBSTEP EDM FOLK GRUNGE INDIE

MATH ROCK

NINTENDOCORE OPERA OTACORE

PIRATE METAL PUNK REGGAE

SADCORE SKA

SPYTRACK TECHNO THREE STEP

Cancer (June 21 - July 22):

You are advised to let your emotional waves crash without feeling the need to build a fortress against them. In other words, it is okay to have a bad day. (Just don’t make it everyone else’s problem. Kidding process the feelings as you please.)

Leo (July 23 - August 22):

Tone down the drama, my friend. Some clear thinking with a slight touch of empathy might just save you from destruction.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22):

You, meticulous Virgo, are now advised to don the armour of self-worth like it’s the latest fashion trend. It’s time to stand tall, even if your inner critic is whispering critiques louder than a foghorn.

Libra (September 23 - October 22):

“To live for the hope of it all” is not only a cute tattoo (one you should definitely get) but also the most positive outlook on life that you could possibly have. Continue living with this mantra and happiness will flow to you, or the song will become your reality - either one is good for the plot.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21):

Scorpio, as you become the master of living on your terms, it is important to remember that the idea that other people have of you is not your responsibility to live up to.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Remove yourself from the narrative that life is happening to you; it is old now. Move on, babe. You are the master of your own destiny or something like that.

Is Gaming a Sport or a Hobby?

Neo Paledi

Video gaming is the third most popular form of content creation that comes to mind when people are thinking about starting their own YouTube channels. “The gaming industry is one of the biggest industries in the world and on YouTube as well”, according to Jimit Bagadiya from the Social Pilot website. In recent years, Twitch has also become one of the most popular applications that gamers use to livestream their gaming sessions. These individuals play games for hours upon hours, which requires more energy than one might imagine. This brings forth an intriguing question that has been debated for some: is gaming a sport, a hobby, or both?

Gaming is a sport!

It cannot be denied that when one thinks of gaming, they simply imagine a person sitting in a chair with their eyes focused on a screen, as opposed to what comes to mind when one pictures a typical athlete. However, some people do consider gaming to be a sport. According to The Sport Journal, gaming should be regarded as a sport due to certain activities that align with any existing sport: tournaments and competitions. There are leagues in different games that require gamers to compete against each other. “Each league could be compared to a different sports league that plays the same sport, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator, and Invicta Fighting Championship.” For this view of what gaming is, it appears that the main point is the innovation of digital competitions that bring gamers from all

PDBY

over the world into one software for the same prize.

Gaming is just a hobby!

Those who view gaming as a hobby argue that it’s simply an activity that is just used to pass time or take breaks from daily activities. “It is a pastime activity that people engage

gaming as a hobby, their main argument is that the lack of body movement does not qualify it to be regarded as a sport.

Well… it can be both!

Perhaps both of these arguments can be seen as valid. Firstly, they both realistically exist in the world of gaming. Secondly, there

SCAN

millions of people across the globe to be a part of its world.

Gaming has become one of the most popular activities that people of almost all ages have taken an interest in, especially since the pandemic. Just like any other activity, debates will always exist when it comes to gaming. It is just a matter of having one’s own reasons for why those opinions are

Female student driver required

Job description: Drive 2 primary scholars to the extracurricular activities

When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

Where: From Laerskool Lynnwood to Menlopark area

Time: 14h00 to 16h30

Payment: R100 per day

Please contact Rentia at 0820725530 or email rentiavonwielligh@gmail.com

Own vehicle and valid driver’s license is required

**Achaar Alert for Students!**

Hey there, fellow students! Get ready to spice up your study breaks with our homemade achaar!

Text us at 0817483721 to get your fix and turn your snack time into a flavor adventure!

Christiaan Steenekamp

No, I am not referring to Joburg boets asking their chommies how it’s going. ‘Howzat’ is the shouting you hear from the cricket bowler when he tries to convince the umpire that the batter should be out.

South Africa has enjoyed some fantastic cricket at the start of the year. Our u/19 men’s cricket team competed at the World Cup hosted in our very own Mzansi. We finished at the top of our group but unfortunately lost against India in the semifinals. So close, yet so far.

More positive news is that the South African women’s cricket team achieved two historic wins over Australia in their respective T20 and One Day International (ODI) series. This is astonishing, since the Australian team is playing much more matches than us, and they are ranked number one in the world.

Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to

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The local SA20 cricket league built on its success from last year and had the victors of 2023 yet again in the final, defending their title against the Durban Super Giants. This league is a six galore fest, with maximum boundaries being hit like it is going out of fashion. During the tournament, 454 sixes were hit. This is

almost the same number of times some random oke will tell you from which res he is and why his res is the best (it’s not).

Howzat for a quick cricket summary?

Visual: Nicole Hagemann

The History of South African Sports Participation

Neo Paledi

In this month of human rights commemoration, it is important for the youth to be familiar with the history of the country when it comes to sports and how the nation has come to participate on international stages. All countries have entered different sports at various times, each for their own reasons. With this in mind, let us dive into the country’s most popular sports and when the country became a member in their exciting activities.

Football - Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

The banter that has been happening among African countries during the recent AFCON tournament has been interesting to witness. Arguments starting from who has the best music genre, the strongest economy, and the lowest crime rate, all the way to who has the best food, nothing was off-limits. Just like other African countries, AFCON scheduled the South African national football team (Bafana Bafana) to participate in the tournament in 1957, the inaugural year of the tournament. As the reader may have already guessed, this would not have happened due to Apartheid. As CAF Online states, the country would participate in 1996, not only as newbies but as hosts as well. Since then, Bafana Bafana has managed to accumulate four medals (one gold, one silver, and two bronze). Bafana Bafana, who were notoriously known as underperformers to their supporters, haves hocked their fans with their 2023/2024 AFCON performance. X (Twitter) users have also expressed their hope that the team’s recent performance is only the start of something bigger.

Rugby - World Rugby

According to the World Rugby website, South Africa was one of the first countries to join the initial rugby board called the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB). However, the rugby board would suspend the South African rugby team, the Springboks, from all international competitions due to

international criticism the country received regarding the Apartheid government. This meant that the team could not participate in either the 1987 or 1991 Rugby World Cups. According to South African History Online, the team was readmitted into international rugby in the 1990s after the Apartheid regime was officially

abolished. This was monumental for the country, as it also meant that diversity in the team was now a possibility. Since then, the Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup on four occasions (1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023), which is the highest record in the history of the tournament. The team has also won four Rugby Championship titles (1998, 2004, 2009 and 2019) and test matches against other teams across the world. Ever since then, the team has been regarded as one of the biggest hopes of South Africa. With their official motto being #StrongerTogether, the team has managed to attract various kinds of fans that certainly represent the rainbow nation.

Cricket - International Cricket Council (ICC)

When the first international cricket board was formed in 1909 (formerly known as the Imperial Cricket Conference), South Africa joined England and Australia as one of three official members. Even though that was the case, the South African cricket team, the Proteas, was suspended from international cricket after a worldwide resolution was taken against the government at the time. Just like in other sports, there was no special treatment on this side. According to South African History Online, the team returned to international cricket in 1991 and had a debut match against India in Calcutta, India. Just like the Springboks, the Proteas would also see more inclusion, as the rainbow nation became visible in the team. Although the team has been having a tough time when it comes to bagging World Cup trophies, it has established itself to be statistically known as the best cricket team in Africa and has been in the Top 10 best cricket team list across all formats.

Football, rugby and cricket are South Africa’s top popular sports. With regards to the country’s history, it is debatable whether these that these teams played “catch-up” to the best of their abilities. In the present day, young athletes are preparing themselves to keep these sports alive in the country and improve the victory statistics.

The world of ultramarathons

Christiaan Steenekamp

We are all aware of your casual Saturday park runs or coffee runs. When you want to step it up, you go to half marathons and then full marathons. For most people, it stops there, but for elite runners, there is another step up. This step up is, of course, Ultramarathons.

Ultramarathons, or ultras, are longer than your traditional marathons of 42.2 km, with the shortest generally being 50 km. Some ultras stretch over days, where runners do not sleep and keep on pushing themselves to the limit. Ultras are run on every continent, including Antarctica, where the ‘Last Desert’ multi-stage race is run.

One of the longest ultras in South Africa is the Laingsburg Ultra of 80 km, which is predominantly a gravel run through the heart of the Great Karoo. The two most popular ultras in the country and the world are the Comrades (87.7 km) and the Two Oceans (56 km). Shoutout to the Comrades for being the oldest ultramarathon in the world!

Some of the most extreme ultras globally include the ‘The Jungle Ultra’, which stretches 230 km over a period of five days. This ultra is in Manu National Park in the Amazon rainforest, meaning it is hot, humid, and gruesome. The ‘Badwater’ ultra is inherently known as one of the most challenging runs, since it is a 217 km run across the Death Valley desert in the USA. Where temperatures can soar up to 49 degrees Celsius.

A real legend of the sport is Dean Karnazes, who ran 350 miles (560 km) in 80 hours without sleeping in 2004. Courtney Dauwalter is seen as one of the best female trail runners, holding the record for the UTMB Ultra in France, where she ran 171 km with a 10 000-metre elevation gain in under 24 hours. South Africa’s Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel set the record for the fastest time on the ‘Great Himalayan Trail’, which is 1435 km in 28 days.

Believe it or not, there are health benefits to running these ludicrous races. Such benefits include improved cardiovascular health and increased endurance and ceven improved mental health and increase your self-esteem.

I hope you learned something new and that this will motivate you to go on that ‘easy’ jog of 5 km.

Visual:

Sport Historic Moment: South Africa Hosts Basketball Africa League for the First Time

Sandisiwe Msibi

It is a historic moment for South African basketball, as the country is hosting the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the very first momentous. The home team, the Cape Town Tigers, are participating in this prestigious league for their third consecutive season. But this year, they will have the unique opportunity to compete on their home soil after previous editions saw them competing abroad.

Tip-off in Pretoria

The tip-off was on 9 March, and the last whistle will be blown on the 17 March. All this historic action is taking place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

Cape Tigers Matches (Home Team)

How to buy tickets

Fans keen on experiencing the exhilarating atmosphere of BAL games can register their interest in tickets for matches at bal.nba.com. Do not miss out on this historic event that promises to elevate South African basketball to new heights.

Exclusive Kalahari Conference Group Action

Kalahari Conference, the group that is taking center stage, features four intimidating teams including Cape Town Tigers. The conference promises intense competition. Joining the Tigers are Dynamo Basketball Club from Burundi, FUS Rabat Basketball from Morocco, and Petro de Luanda from Angola. The excitement is visible as these teams have started to show off their skills on the court.

About the BAL

BAL is a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa. The BAL is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the league represents a significant milestone in the development of basketball on the continent. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall expressed his excitement about the league’s expansion, stating, “We are thrilled to play the first BAL games in Pretoria, South Africa, and to return to Dakar, Cairo, and Kigali, where we’ve seen tremendous fan engagement over the past three seasons.”