Perdeby Tuks se amptelike studentekoerant / Official Tuks student newspaper / Kuranta ya baithuti ya semmušo ya Tuks
16April2012
year74issue08
DASO tackles quotas
Shaveathon
Haezer interview
Varsity Cup: Full match report
P3
P3
P6
P8
Varsity Cup Champions
Photo: Kobus Barnard
Shooting on campus raises safety concerns KEVIN VAN DER LIST
A 24-year-old former LLB student of the University of Pretoria shot herself in the stomach and is recovering from her wounds after undergoing surgery at the Netcare Montana Hospital. According to witnesses the shooting took place at 18:00 on Wednesday 11 April on the UP Hatfield Campus. It is believed that the weapon used belonged to the father of the victim. Early reports suggest that she was in her graduation robes following her graduation ceremony when the incident occurred. The Law Faculty graduation took place at 15:00 on the day of the incident at the LC de Villiers Sports Grounds. A married couple, who were on campus for their daughter’s awards evening at the time of the shooting, told Perdeby they heard
a gunshot at 18:00 near the Client Services Centre and said, “[We] noticed [the] student about 10 metres away from us, lying back on the grass – a black jacket across her lap. There was no screaming or hysteria but the girl was speaking on the phone asking for help. Soon thereafter her father and family ran past us and he quickly applied a cloth to her stomach and started speaking to her.” Eye Witness News reported on 12 April that the victim was trying to commit suicide. But Brooklyn Police told Perdeby that these claims are unfounded. “Unless the investigation leads us [to believe that the incident was an attempted suicide], we are still going [to deal] with it as an accident,” they said. A university spokesperson confirmed that it was an accident but that the details are still under investigation. According to a press release issued by the university, the victim,
Chantelle Stockel, is under police investigation for the negligent discharge of a firearm. Stockel is unwilling to comment to the press. The incident has raised concerns about safety on campus. UP’s Director of Security Services, Colin Fouché, said that the shooting was a “very unfortunate, isolated incident.” He told Perdeby that the incident is a “matter of concern” but that “security [at UP] is not out of hand.” He assured students that they have nothing to fear and should not be concerned for their safety on campus. Fouché said that Tuks is a gun free zone and that there are specific circumstances surrounding the shooting that he can’t divulge at the request of Stockel’s parents. Fouché admitted that “[there is] always more [that] can be done” to improve security. What do you think? Tell us @perdebynews.
2
Editorial
16 April ‘12
Perdeby www.perdeby.co.za perdeby@up.ac.za m.perdeby.co.za @perdebynews Tel: (012) 420 6600 Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Carel Willemse carel.willemse@up.ac.za @Ed_in_Chief Editor: Beyers de Vos perdeby@up.ac.za @perdebyeditor News: Margeaux Erasmus news@perdeby.co.za @MargeauxErasmus Features: Meagan (Short Stuff) Dill features@perdeby.co.za @meagandill Entertainment: Nadine (Italian Stallion) Laggar entertainment@perdeby.co.za @Alula273 Sport: Carlo (Sausage McMuffin) Cock sport@perdeby.co.za @CarloRP
I hate you, please die
From the Editor
I considered just writing down random words and then using Google to translate it into some obscure Eastern European dialect, or maybe Elvish or Klingon or Gobbledegook for this editorial. Sometimes, you just run out of things to say. I considered telling you all about my broken heart, à la Adele, but my personal life isn’t nearly as interesting as all that, really. Plus, I’ve never found writing an appropriate cure for emotional trauma. Vodka is the only cure. Wow, I sound really healthy, don’t I? So instead, I’ll tell you all about why I hate Vodacom. A few months ago my BlackBerry decided it no longer liked being charged. I tried two chargers and two USB cables, but no luck. So I took it into Vodacom where the fairly snotty girl behind the counter took my phone away into some back room, came back and told me my battery needed replacing. She had put her own battery in my phone, and it had charged, she told me. So I bought one. For R600. R600 which I just had lying around of course, what with me having a fancy job and salary and stuff. But then, lo and behold, my phone still wouldn’t charge. I took my old battery, the one that apparently needed replacing, put it in a friend’s phone, and to my amazement, it started charging. The problem obviously lay with the phone, not the battery. This after the snotty girl told me my battery needed replacing. Lies! So I took it back but they refused to refund me. The battery had been taken out of its packaging they said. A battery they had sold me under false pretences and which they themselves took out of the packaging and put in the phone for me. I lost it a little bit and unleashed a few profanities, and they eventually decided maybe it would be
best to give me my money back. As he handed me my money the branch manager told me that maybe next time I should think before I take things out of packaging. Fool. Then, I gave my broken phone in for repairs, only to find out that they “cannot fix your phone”. They can’t tell me why they can’t fix my phone. They simply can’t, and please could I pay them an assessment fee for essentially doing nothing but telling me they can’t fix my phone? So I have to buy a new one, which is what I expect they wanted. Now my question is this: If I end my contract with Vodacom, do I have to pay a penalty? Because, seriously, they have the worst service I’ve ever come across. Well, maybe not ever. But certainly recently. Fools. Okay, rant over. It’s certainly been an interesting week. We won the Varsity Cup (go, go us) and then Chantelle Stockel shot herself, accidentally or on purpose (it’s still unclear at the time of writing) on campus, which raised all kinds of exciting questions about how safe campus was. Personally I think campus is perfectly safe. Our security department really are quite good at their jobs, most of the time, and to assume that this is going to suddenly mean a spike in gun related violence or to say you no longer feel safe on campus is somewhat alarmist. Nevertheless, it is unnerving when you realise that getting a gun onto campus is quite easy. I am not sure how much campus security can realistically do about that, though. Are they suddenly going to start searching us all? I doubt that. And I don’t think they should have to. Also, did I mention Vodacom were fools? Beyers
Web: Marissa Gravett webeditor@perdeby.co.za @perdebynews Copy: Hayley (Benoni Pony) Tetley @Hayley_Tet Layout: JP Nathrass @JPNathrass Visuals: Brad Donald @Brad3rs
Teams Layout Nolwazi Bengu Yannick Pousson Copy Louis Fourie India Goncalves Jaco Kotze Nolwazi Mngadi Saneze Tshayana Lizette van Niekerk Marié van Wyk Nadine Wubbeling Yuan-Chih Yen Advertising Sales Tel: 012 420 6600 Cell: 083 318 9738 carel.willemse@up.ac.za
Copyright Perdeby is printed by Paarlmedia. All rights reserved. Contributions are welcome. All due care will be taken with materials submitted, but Perdeby and printers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or alter in any way deemed nescessary. Perdeby cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The opinions expressed in Perdeby are not necessarily those of the editors and printers of Perdeby.
@perdebynews
Accommodation: HAAKDOORNBOOM: 2 x bachelor flats. R2300 p/m (w&l incl.) Own small garden. Small pets welcome. Deposit required. Available immediately. 10 mins from Onderstepoort. Laundry & meals can be arranged @ extra cost. Phone Liana, 073 588 9071
aandklas presents
ROCK Thursdays Buy 1 get 1 free: 20h00 - 21h00
News
16 April‘12
3
Students support CANSA shavathon FRANCOIS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN The CANSA Shavathon was held from 11 to 17 April on the various Tuks campuses. Students had the option of shaving their heads, colouring their hair or simply making a donation. Shaving the head is a symbolic gesture in support of cancer survivors and those who lost the battle against cancer. One of the organisers of the Tuks Shavathon on the Groenkloof campus, Elraana Venter said, “We are expecting between 500 and 1000 students to participate in the event on each campus,” and added, “we are expecting to raise about R35 000, but we are aiming for R70 000.” The funds raised by the Shavathon are used for cancer research and health programmes that include prevention and education campaigns, care centres and clinics. CANSA has invested
R5 million in cancer research in the past year and has supported 14 000 cancer patients. The World Health Organization estimated that 7.6 million people died from cancer in 2008 and it is expected that the number of deaths will rise to over 13.1 million in 2030. According to the South African National Cancer Registry, approximately 100 000 people are diagnosed with cancer in South Africa each year and one in four South Africans will be affected by cancer in their lifetime. The approximate survival rate in South Africa is 40% and it is estimated that 60 000 people lose their battle with cancer each year in South Africa. Students who missed out on the event can still make a donation by visiting CANSA’s website at www.shavathon.org.za. Photo: Eleanor Harding & Gideom van Tonder
DASO and AfriForum Youth want racial quotas removed MAXINE TWADDLE Both the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) and AfriForum Youth are taking steps to remove racial quotas at the University of Pretoria. According to DASO chairperson, Thorne Godinho, DASO will hand in a report regarding the removal of racial quotas in the university’s admission policy to the university. This report is an adaptation of a similar one handed over to the University of Cape Town management by DASO’s UCT branch. According to Godinho, DASO’s “aim is to try and influence university policy.” Acknowledging that this may be difficult to achieve, Godinho said that he hopes students will assist in pressurising UP to change the current quota system. “The best case scenario is that we are able to remove any racial quotas,” said Godinho. He added that it was unnecessary to “disadvantage some students to create a better university.” The report points to international universities which it says employ more effective admissions policies. The report alleges that “race-based admissions policies institutionalise victimhood,”
and states that, “excluding race from the criteria ensures that those whom society should reasonably expect to compete do so, and learn to navigate themselves in the world, on the basis of their skills, talents, and hard work.” Godinho hopes that DASO will succeed not only in its attempt to remove racial quotas from Tuks, but also to “put an end to race politics at Tuks.” “There is a place for all of us at Tuks,” he said, “and DASO will counter any organisation on campus which promotes division and advances racial nationalism.” In another attempt to remove racial quotas from University policy AfriForum Youth met with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) South African commission, on 4 April. AfriForum Youth submitted a detailed proposal containing alleged discriminatory practises in the admissions policies of South
African universities. AfriForum Youth requested that the commission approach UNESCO to meet with the governmental Department of Higher Education with the view of amending race-based admission into tertiary institutions. AfriForum Youth National chairperson Charl Oberholzer said in a statement that, “The current policy on admission requirements at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science … does not comply with international conventions, which the South African government ratified in 2000.” According to the statement, issued the same day as the meeting, “The commission indicated that the proposal was acceptable, and that the process would be pursued immediately.” Section 26 of the United Nations (UN) Manifesto states that the opportunity for higher education must be available to all people and based solely on merit.
“race-based admissions policies institutionalise victimhood”
“Certain admissions processes at universities exceed the limits of fairness, and equality, and, in terms of our own Constitution, government has to comply with those conventions which it endorsed,” said Oberholzer. COPE@TUKS does not support the university’s current quota system either, Chairperson Thabo Mdlalose told Perdeby. He said that COPE@TUKS advocates an equal racial quota (that is, out of every two students accepted, one is black, and one is white), “as long as it is in line with the high academic standards of this institution, and acknowledges inequalities of the past.” According to Mdlalose, if Tuks alters its racial quota system, it “ensures that it admits the best students into the university.” South African Students’ Congress (SASCO) chairperson Tokologo Ngakane told Perdeby that, “Turning this issue [of admissions] into a race matter is not going to take us anywhere; the issue is coming up with a policy that is going to work for everybody, regardless of race and financial position.” UP was unavailable for comment. See the report handed in to UCT management at pPerdeby748e.
4
16 April ‘12
Features
Unity in diversity: resourcing student disability at Tuks SAMANTHA NOLLE He walks purposefully according to a detailed map of the university that he has committed to memory, calling to mind the now familiar routes. Absorbed, he listens to the lecturer as other students take down notes. Percy Makube, a first-year social work student, is blind. He has had to rely on his other senses to become accustomed to a large and bustlingcampus. In an ordinary day he makes his way from class to class as any other student would, but he needs to constantly formulate his route. He says that this process is fairly easy and he is able to get to and from classes on his own. He and the other students with special needs are provided with a support system by the Student Affairs Disability Unit. Makube remains in constant communication with the relevant lecturers and tutors, as well as with Student Affairs. Dr Florinda Taute, a social work lecturer, confirms that she takes extra measures to provide study material for Makube, such as textbook content and study guides which are passed on to his tutor or to Student Affairs for him to collect. Jean Erwee, senior administrative officer of the Disability Unit, explains that text can be converted into braille in Microsoft Word and printed by a braille printer. For students who are visually impaired, font size can be enlarged to create an easily readable format. Tests and exams are undertaken orally with the lecturer or in Student Affairs using specific computer programs. In some circumstances, a scribe is provided to read the questions as the student dictates the answers, or extra time is given. According to Erwee, the function of the Disability Unit is to create self-sufficiency and independence amongst students while
dealing with the logistics of each particular disability. Promoting equality is essential, as is diminishing stigmas and labelling of disabled students. The Disability Unit aims to assist disabled students to function on the same level as other students, keeping in mind that academic performance is one’s own responsibility. Erwee adds that there is no excuse not to perform since the necessary resources are provided so that the difference in experience
between students with disabilities and those without is leveled out as much as possible. To further support students, the Unit for Students with Special Needs provides wheelchair-friendly residential placement. It is entirely the students’ decision whether or not to seek other social support, although Erwee has established an open-door policy for students which involves mentoring, social care and guidance. Within lectures, the environment and
experience varies for both students and the lecturer. Makube describes himself as a survivor who overcomes his challenges and plans to complete his degree in the standard time like any other student. Along with his optimism, he expresses his appreciation for those students who introduce themselves to him. In order for him to be a part of the community he must familiarise himself with students’ voices since he cannot recognise their faces. He suggests that students should be more open-minded about his disability and the unique perspective it provides and should engage with him rather than simply avoiding him. “I can greet people and they can greet me,” he says. Dr Taute says that the students in her social work class are supportive and prepared to help Makube. She does, however, point out that, “It should not be a matter of ignoring the student, but rather treating them as any other student.” She explains how proud she is of the performance and excellence in work from her students with disabilities. “They have excelled in the same way as other students,” she says. Moreover, Makube receives social support from friends within the Disability Unit which also acts as a social hub. Within this unit students have access to the resources and facilities they need, including computer and internet access. The awareness and acknowledgment of students with disabilities and special needs unifies the diversity within the student body. An optimistic and holistic environment enables different students to achieve success with the resources and support provided by the university. Photo: Kobus Barnard
Beggars can’t be beggars: the panhandling issue in Hatfield LUSANDA FUTSHANE We’ve all been there: you’re leaving McDonald’s when you’re greeted by a homeless person who puts on a mournful face and asks you for some loose change. Because you’re feeling charitable, you hand him a few coins. He thanks you, tucks the change into his pocket and moves on to his next potential donor. The next day you’re walking past Wimpy and the same guy with the same mournful expression asks you for more loose change. But this time you might not be having such a great day and maybe you’re just a little broke, so you nervously and apologetically turn him down. The same thing happens the following day and the day after that. Eventually, you force yourself to stop paying attention to him no matter how desperate he seems. Poverty is a sad reality in this country, one that no one is trying to ignore. If the government is addressing the problem adequately, why are there still beggars at traffic lights, on every street corner and outside restaurants? Perdeby talked to one of the many homeless people in Hatfield. Steven (who has no known last name) says that he’s been begging for a living since he was a young boy when he left home after both his parents passed away from illness. “I came to Pretoria to find work, but I had no school and papers so no one wanted to hire [me].” Steven, who “lives” on the pavement on the corner of Duncan and Prospect Street and begs at various locations around Hatfield, says that he has no other option but to beg. “I don’t do crime, I’m a Christian. I just want enough money to eat every day.” He doesn’t remember his age or his last name. He says that he has never had a birth certificate, even when his parents were still alive, and he has no idea how to get one. He stopped attending school after grade three and he admits that since he started begging he has taken to
alcohol to help him deal with his situation. Hatfield is a student district and as such, students are the ones who end up donating their change. Are students really the most reliable or even logical target for begging? James Radebe, a second-year BSc Geography student, thinks they are. “In comparison to them, we’re wealthy and they’re not asking for much. Everyone has something to spare, even if it’s 50 cents.” Esme van den Heever, a first-year economics student, disagrees. “They’d do much better if they moved to more affluent suburbs [or] maybe even the CBD. An extra R2 a day adds up to a lot at the end of the month and that
doesn’t fit into any student’s budget,” she says. Nkosi Libede, a final-year physics student, believes that there are plenty of opportunities for homeless people to improve their lives without resorting to begging. “The government has done a lot to help these people out, but some of them just don’t want the help,” he says. In South Africa there are NGOs that cater specifically to homeless people by placing them in homeless shelters and helping them to find employment. There are orphanages for children who find themselves without any parents or guardians. Despite all these
measures that are in place to help shift the economic inequalities in the country, there are still a number of people who resort to begging as a way of getting by. Libede believes that most homeless people prefer making money the easy way, either because they’re used to it or because they enjoy the lack of accountability. “They’re not responsible for anyone but themselves and they don’t answer to anyone. It’s no secret that some of them leave homeless shelters and return to being hobos because the life we’re paying for them to have with our change involves drugs and alcohol, something the government can’t give [them in the shelters],” he adds. In certain countries like the UK as well as parts of the USA (Florida and Georgia) and Canada (Ontario), begging is either illegal or regulated by permits which are obtained from the respective municipalities. In South Africa, there aren’t any laws against panhandling, which makes it difficult for officials to control it. It has been speculated that there is definitely a connection between the number of homeless people in a particular area and the frequency of crimes like mugging and pick-pocketing which take place in that area. Could society benefit from some form of law that dictates when, where and how begging should take place? It might still be a while before poverty is eradicated in this country. People might regard standing on the corner of Burnett Street, accosting students exiting McDonald’s and pleading with them for money as an easy solution. Whether you give them some of your change or a nervous and polite apology is completely up to you. And as Steven puts it: “The help we need is not money, it is kindness.” Do you think: 1. Begging is fine and we need to understand it, 2. Begging should be made illegal, 3. Begging should be controlled better? Vote at pPerdeby748g. Photo: Gloria Mbogma
Entertainment
5
16 April ‘12
Lostprophets: all weapons, no ammunition BEYERS DE VOS So, everybody knows that taste is subjective. Except that sometimes, people have bad taste and they’re clearly wrong. And that’s when stuff like this happens. Here are the top ten saddest facts about music. 1. 2.
MELINA MELETAKOS Alternative rock band Lostprophets has returned with their fifth studio album, Weapons. Doused with pop influences, the Welsh sextet’s latest offering does little to veer away from the generic, making it a rather forgettable listening experience. The first track, “Bring ‘Em Down”, is one of the album’s finest. Repetitive guitar riffs, distinctive background synths and a catchy chorus give the song its anthemic feel. The remarkable guitar riff towards the end makes it noticeable among a collection of otherwise ordinary songs. Another stand-out track is “If You Bring A Gun, We’ll Bring An Arsenal”. Making good use of a group chorus, it’s one of those annoyingly memorable songs that stick in
your head for a week after you’ve listened to it. This track is another fist-pumping anthem that Lostprophets are able to pull off quite admirably and it will probably translate well onto a live stage. “Better Off Dead” sees lead singer Ian Watkins rapping, an unusual experiment for Lostprophets. “Heart On Loan” is one of the slower songs on the album. Its emphatic chorus is noteworthy but the track will be remembered more as a failed attempt than a praiseworthy ballad. “Jesus Walks” is easily the most mainstream pop song on Weapons, and unapologetically so. It’s not that this poppunk influence is necessarily a bad thing. Rather, it is Lostprophets’ unoriginal rendering of this genre that makes the song
– and the album in general – unpalatable and irritating. Lostprophets’s heavily distorted guitar, addictive choruses and the passion with which they play is, sadly, not enough to redeem Weapons and the lyrics, which are laced with teenage angst and iconoclasm, have been exhausted by bands before them. Having said this, the band has been creating music for 12 years now. To be able to do this they must have a substantial following, most likely a generation of angry teens, tripping over their fringes while dipping their toes in the waters of superficial rebellion. See the “Bring ‘Em Down” music video: pPerdeby748c. RATING: 4/10
Wortematie, deur Theunis “Wortel” Strydom, is die eerste sogenaamde “studenteroman” in Afrikaans en is ook Strydom se eerste gepubliseerde roman. Dit speel af in Stellenbosch en alhoewel daar gesê word dat alle karakters en gebeure in die boek fiktief is, kan mens nie help om te wonder of dit nie tog `n outobiografiese werk is nie. Is dit dalk `n komiese vertelling van die skrywer (self `n gewese student op Stellenbosch) se eie ervaringe op universiteit? Die roman handel oor Wortel, `n student op Stellenbosch en hoe sy lewe verwoes word deur `n vraagteken, `n huisdans, `n ekonomietoets en `n rugbywedstryd. Tussen alles is Wortel en sy koshuismaats besig om mekaar strepe te trek, te swot en om sinneloos te gesels. Dit handel ook oor wat dit behels om `n Matie te wees. Die boek is `n informatiewe en akkurate weerspieëling van hoe koshuis- en studentelewe (op Stellenbosch en oor die algemeen) eintlik is. Terwyl die verloop van die roman soms
eentonig raak en dwaal, kry die skrywer dit reg om die leser se aandag te hou. Met droë woordspelings en skerp, ongewone vergelykings sal Wortematie jou definitief hardop laat lag. Die skrywer slaag ook daarin om die verwikkelinge en komiese gebeure so oor te dra dat die leser dit maklik kan insien. Dit is maklik om met die karakters te identifiseer, omdat hulle alledaags is en reeds aan die begin van die boek op `n interessante manier aan die leser voorgestel word. Wortematie is selfs al met die suksesvolle Spud vergelyk. Enige iemand wat op universiteit is (of was), sal hierdie unieke roman geniet. Ons hoop om nog boeke uit Theunis Strydom se pen te sien. Sien die Wortematie ‘trailer’ pPerdeby748f. BEVINDING: 7/10 Perdeby gee `n kopie van Wortematie weg aan die eerste persoon wat die naam van die skrywer aan @perdebynews tweet. Illustrasie: www.watkykjy.co.za
Anything to add? @PerdebyEditor
Image: www.nme.com
Wortematie:`n komiese roman oor studentelewe DAVID STEYN
Justin Bieber. Neither Led Zeppelin or REM have ever had a number one single. Rihanna has ten. 3. Ke$ha’s “Tik-Tok” sold more copies than any Beatles single. 4. Celine Dion’s Falling Into You sold more copies than any Nirvana or Bruce Springsteen album. 5. Katy Perry holds the same record as Michael Jackson for the most number one singles from a single album. 6. Barbra Streisand has sold 140 million records. That’s more than Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and Green Day combined. 7. People actually bought Billy Ray Cyrus’s album. 20 million people. 8. Juanita du Plessis is the best-selling South African artist. 9. “I Gotta Feeling”, you know, from Fergie and the gang, is more popular than any Elvis song. 10. Nicholaas Louw.
ABE BAILEY OVERSEAS TRAVEL BURSARY 2012 Cape Town – London – Oxford – Cambridge – Edinburgh – Cape Town 21 November – 15 December 2012
AIM
Leadership Development Towards Nation Building
ELIGIBILITY Senior students/junior members of staff (third year and above) Age 25 or less Must be a South African national Must demonstrate all round leadership qualities Applicants must have a strong academic record and a proven record of community participation/ public service ethic.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: The Office of the Registrar Email address: regis@up.ac.za Telephone number: 012 420 4236 UP Web: http://web.up.ac.za/ Student Web – English: http://web.up.ac.za/abe-bailey-travel-bursary Student Web – Afrikaans: http://web.up.ac.za/abe-bailey-reisbeurs
6
16 April ‘12
Entertainment
Evolving electro: Haezer rocks out
MELINA MELETAKOS Headlining numerous shows around the globe, local producer and DJ Haezer is making an impressive mark with his brand of trash/electro. Perdeby caught up with him to talk about his upcoming full-length album and being a perfectionist.
How do you see trash/electro evolving? Kids are more open to cleaner bass lines and more melody. The “bangers” being played at the moment have more melody and very simple structures. The electro crowd, in my opinion, is over just hearing hardcore trash tracks one after the other and expect
DJs/producers to be more creative and versatile with their choice of songs/sounds. You’re working on an album at the moment. When can fans expect to get their hands on it? We’re aiming for the end of August/ September. What made you decide to finally take the risk of making a full-length album? I wanted to release a body of work that works as a whole and not just singles one after the other. Another reason is to turn my DJ sets into live sets. I might release a sixtrack EP or an album. You’re a self-confessed perfectionist. At what point do you decide that a track is complete? When I can’t find anything to criticise. I generally don’t care too much about what other people think. Definitely take the people close to me and fellow producers seriously when they give feedback, but the moment when I believe a track is done, no one can convince me otherwise. You are a pioneer in the electro scene in South Africa and someone that other people in the industry really look up to. Does this put pressure on you with this upcoming album? I feel a great deal of pressure concerning this album/EP, just because it’s the next step in my career. The next stage. In my mind, this new album is my best work and I believe it will bump up my name in the international DJ/producer market. If it does nothing for me, I will have to reconsider what I’m doing. It’s a good product and some big labels are showing interest. So, I just have to wait and see. There seems to be a lot of DJs in the South African electro scene but not as many producers. Why do you think that is? The funny thing is that there are plenty of electro producers – they are just too shy to play their own stuff. Remember, electro is quite young and a lot of kiddos are just DJing electro because it’s the “cool” thing to do. Now, electro is not as popular as it was and the real producers and authentic DJs are sticking it out and doing what they love because they love it and not cause its “cool”. How has the electro scene in South Africa changed since you first started out? It’s definitely grown a lot and became quite popular. It’s now the norm to have an electro tent at pretty much every festival in Cape Town and Johannesburg. What I liked about
it in the beginning was that it was still quite underground and had quite a punk attitude about it. Now you hear electro at jock jols in Claremont. In the end, I don’t really care. As long as people get to hear good music. You’ve headlined quite a few international gigs. Does it ever feel a bit surreal when you think of how far you’ve come since you first started out? I’m grateful for the small gigs when I started. It definitely grounded me and I learned a lot about the industry and what can go wrong and how to deal with it. By the time I started playing big gigs, I was used to dealing with technical issues and thinking on my feet. You were in Thailand in January, Australia in February, you’re going to be in Austria and Sweden in July and then you also have an upcoming UK tour. Does the constant travelling ever get a bit much? I love travelling. It’s one of the quirks of DJ’ing I enjoy most. When I’m away for two months at a time, it does get a bit much. But I really love experiencing all the different cultures and cuisines around the world and always meeting new people and making awesome friends all over the world. How does it feel when you’re standing in front of a crowd, watching them go crazy to your music? It’s the pay-off for all the work I put into my tracks. There’s no better feeling, seeing how people react to the beats I make and seeing people freak out, but at the same time with a smile on their faces. How has the internet changed the way musicians such as yourself work? It’s changed the way I market myself and my approach on sharing music. I don’t make any money with record sales. I make my living through DJ gigs. The only way to get gigs is to have a demand for your brand. Your brand is only as good as your tracks as a producer and performance as a DJ. The internet has made it possible to do international gigs much sooner in your career, but it’s also made it harder in the long term because there is so much music out there that is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It has set the bar very high in terms of quality. Anyone can be an overnight success, but to stay successful for the next five (or even ten) years is the real challenge. See a DJ Haezer video pPerdeby748a. Photo: Eleanor Harding
The final slice leaves an average aftertaste NATANYA SPIES
Thirteen years ago, a few horny teenagers, a freshly baked pie and a high-school prom in the original American Pie entertained the teenage masses. Now, from 6 April, the cast of American Pie is back, just as untamed and promiscuous as before, even though they’ve morphed into working 30-year-olds. In American Reunion, Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott, Eugene Levy, Alyson Hannigan and the rest of the raunchy crew are back to relive their riotous high school years with a highly predictable high school reunion. Filled with tension between old friends and long-lost romances, the movie proves that the iconic cast hasn’t quite grown out of their juvenile tendencies. The former East Great Falls High School teenagers have moved on with their lives: Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle’s (Alyson Hannigan) marriage is challenging due to their rambunctious toddler. Stifler (Sean William Scott) is now attempting to be a responsible businessman and still lives with his voluptuous mother (Jennifer Coolidge). Jim continues to be crudely humiliated, usually by the lingering presence of his father
(Eugene Levy). All of these characters are pivotal comedic assets to the overall narrative of the film. The viewer’s opinion of the film depends on their appreciation of previous American Pie movies. The sequel is not recommended
to those who don’t enjoy vulgar humour or are unfamiliar with the characters. The narrative provides a mass of awkward and disturbing situations, such as when Jim tries to hide his pornographic collection from his two-year-old child or is seduced by a girl that
he used to babysit. As the movie progresses, the jokes become slightly predictable and unoriginal. Because of this, the ending is somewhat redundant. However, do stay to watch one last scene halfway through the credits. For the fervent fans who appreciate the satire and senseless theme of the previous movies, the plot provides an adequate finale to its seven predecessors. Directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who are new to the franchise, continue the theme that captivated the original American Pie generation. If nothing else, the entire cast of the original movie is back (even if their appearance is minimal) with a few new cast members – including Ali Cobrin, Dania Ramirez and Katrina Bowden – who add new flair. Similar to the previous films, it’s the element of reality embedded in each joke, however exaggerated, that makes the film reliably identifiable. Overall, American Reunion confirms the renowned notion that sequels rarely outshine the authenticity of the original. See the trailer pPerdeby748b. RATING: 6/10
Image: www.masti1-entertainment.com
Sport
16 April ‘12
7
Tuks’s Cayla Esterhuysen crowned Miss Varsity Cup 2012 KATLEGO PHEEHA On a day that saw Tuks lift the Varsity Cup trophy for the first time, the university also brought home another prestigious title. Cayla Esterhuysen, who won Miss Tuks Varsity Cup on 5 March, represented Tuks at the nationals of Miss Varsity Cup against seven other contenders for the title. The results were announced during the half time of the final at the TuksRugby stadium. With 26% of the online votes, Cayla Esterhuysen was crowned the 2012 Miss Varsity Cup. “I’m very honoured to be Miss Varsity Cup, but more importantly, I’m so proud to be a Tukkie. I hope to give more to other people with this title than to gain from it myself, and am extremely excited for all the opportunities ahead to make a difference and represent the Varsity Cup as a Tukkie,” she told Perdeby. It was a long journey for the participants of the contest. The organisers made it clear from the very beginning that the Miss Varsity Cup race was not a mere beauty pageant. Personality played the biggest deciding factor in the judging process, as contestants were expected to be knowledgeable not only in rugby, but also in issues such as domestic abuse, global warming, world peace and the Pink Shorts Campaign. Being Miss Varsity Cup comes with its fair share of duties. As one of the main ambassadors of domestic schools’ rugby, Cayla Esterhuysen will be part of the organisation and launching of Varsity Cup 2013, will work closely with the Pink Shorts Campaign and other charity organisations and will also be expected to judge several pageants in order to spread the word about varsity rugby. Like others before her, the 20-year-old BCom Marketing and Tourism Management thirdyear student aims to leave her mark in her one-year reign as Miss Varsity Cup. “I hope to add value to other people’s lives since I feel that that brings true happiness. You should know who you are and always be yourself because why would you try and fit in with the rest when you are made to stand out? What I want to leave behind is that all students must enjoy their student life to the fullest – but responsibly, and have high morals and values. Success comes with opportunity and preparedness, so always look for opportunities,” she said. See our previous interview with Cayla for the Miss Tuks Varsity Cup and additional photos: pPerdeby748d. Photo: Brad Donald
“The morning after pill” Brought to you by Woolfson’s Pharmacy and the single dose emergency contraceptive pill www.mymorningafter.co.za The use of the “morning after pill” as a back- up contraceptive to help prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected intercourse is a subject with a lot of uncertainty with regard to safety, effectiveness and choice. We hope to give you some facts on the subject and eliminate any misconceptions. Emergency contraception (EC) contains a hormone which prevents a fertilized ovum (egg) from implanting in the uterus (womb) so that a pregnancy cannot develop. Under what circumstances can the EC be used: • After sexual intercourse where no contraception was used • After sexual intercourse where there was contraceptive accident or misuse (condom breakage or improperly removed, diaphragm dislodged) • In the case of rape How effective is the EC? Pregnancy is prevented in 70 -90% of cases provided that the tablet is taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. The earlier the tablet is taken the more effective it is. There is no limit to the number of times EC can be used but they are not recommended for routine use because of increased possibility of failure compared to regular oral contraceptives (the pill). Be sensible, if you are going to be sexually active, ask you doctor to prescribe you an appropriate form of contraception. The EC should not be used as a regular contraceptive and should only be used in emergencies. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Some side effects may result from using the EC. These range from nausea, headaches, lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking EC, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. EC will have no effect on an already established pregnancy , there is no harm to the baby. The key is to respect yourself and behave responsibly. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about going on to a regular contraceptive and know you HIV status as well as your partner’s otherwise use a condom. Come in to WOOLFSON’S PHARMACY for professional advice and information on the original emergency contraceptive as well as advise on family planning and sexual health. Or go to www.mymorningafter.co.za or www.woolfsonspharmacy.co.za
aandklas presents
ROCK Thursdays Buy 1 get 1 free: 20h00 - 21h00
Sport
Varsity Cup final: full match report
CARLO COCK Tuks beat Maties 29-21 at TuksRuby Stadium on Monday 9 April to win their first Varsity Cup title. In an absorbing final between the top two teams from the round-robin stage, Tuks managed to edge out the men from Stellenbosch to become the first team from outside the Western Cape to win the tournament. Having narrowly missed out on Varsity Cup glory last year as a result of losing to Ikeys in the final, Tuks were keen to avoid the disappointment of losing another home final. With Jono Ross, Wesley Dunlop and Clayton Blommetjies all released from Vodacom Cup duty with the Blue Bulls, Tuks were at full strength for the decisive encounter.
Nonetheless, it was three-time winners Maties who went into the game as favourites, having made it to the final unbeaten in this year’s competition. At half time, the sides were level at 13-13, each having scored two tries. Tuks gained momentum in the second half and scored two further tries to take a 29-13 lead before Maties scored a late consolation try after the hooter had gone, making it 29-21 to the home side. Tuks captain on the night, Zane Botha, was delighted with his team’s victory. “Emotions are running high. Firstly, I want to thank God for this, enabling us to get this victory, and congratulate my teammates on winning this title,” said Botha. He also gave credit to Maties for their display in the final and the
competition as a whole. “I would like to give credit to Maties as well, who have been so consistent this year and put up a tough fight tonight,” he said. Maties captain Helmut Lehmann expressed his disappointment at losing but admitted that Tuks deserved their victory. “It is a disappointment to lose. We just couldn’t get out of our half. They put us under a lot of pressure and we also made some critical errors which led to try-scoring opportunities for them. But they deserve the win. They’ve had a great season and probably deserved to win it tonight,” said Lehmann. The title was not the only prize Tuks won on the night. Star full back Clayton Blommetjies was named the Back That Rocks (the best
backline player of the tournament) and fly half Wesley Dunlop, who scored an impressive 83 points in this year’s competition, was named the Player That Rocks. Tuks’s forwards Franco Mostert and Jono Ross were rewarded for their great displays this year with nominations for the Forward That Rocks. With the Tuks u/20 side winning the Young Guns competition and Cayla Esterhuysen, Miss Tuks Varsity Cup, winning the national Miss Varsity Cup crown, Tuks completed a clean sweep of major Varsity Cup honours this year. See our more in-depth article: pPerdebySPORT.
part in this event, namely the universities of Pretoria, Johannesburg, the North West, the Free State, Stellenbosch, Bellville, Tygerberg-Northlink and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The championships focused on 100m, 400m, 800m, 3000m, 100m/110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, shot put, javelin throw, long jump and high jump. Scores were awarded according to a points system and the overall winner was announced by the end of the evening.
LJ van Zyl and Wenda Theron both came in first place in the 400m hurdles. Anuscha Nice (800m) and Claudia Viljoen (100m hurdles) also came first in their respective events. In high jump, Hubert de Beer came second with 2.10m. Anzell van der Schyff placed second in javelin. Oscar Pistorius and Caster Semenya were also due to take part in this event but withdrew due to preparations for the Olympics. Tuks won with a total of 133.5 points, ahead
of Pukke on 115. Prize money for first place was R100 000. In 2011, TuksAthletics was the only club in the world to win medals in all international events. Three Tuks athletes were also part of the team that won the silver medal in the 4x400m relay for men at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu.
Photo: Kobus Barnard & Hendro van der Merwe
Tuks named ASA National Club Champions
ZENNA MULLER The first Inter-Club Athletics Championships were held at Absa Tuks Stadium on 5 April, where Tuks claimed the title of Athletics South Africa National Club Champions. Danie Cornelius, manager of TuksAthletics Club, told Perdeby, “The first win is always a special one.” The best athletes were chosen to represent their club according to their performances in each event. Eight clubs took
Photo: Kieth Pyper
30 000 people read the print version of
Perdeby To advertise email carel.willemse@up.ac.za
visit www.perdeby.co.za for ad rates