20 May 2019 Issue 7 Year 81

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20 May 2019

Year 81 | Issue 7

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Student arrested for cellphone robbery

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2 | Editorial

20 May 2019

Do yourself proud specific routine and a ritualistic check list of processes I need to go through before an exam, so the idea of leaving my belongings somewhere I can’t get to in any hurry already starts to get me into a sweat. I think that we need to look at how exams are being carried out. Is undue stress being placed upon us?

ome of you are facing your first university exam season and it shows…

It’s that time of the year when we all rush to the crazy store to buy those clear little plastic bags to pack stationery into so that you can comply with exam rules. The new exam rules are something I never really had to face with the first time they were implemented falling during the final exams of my undergrad. To me they seem annoying, unnecessary, over the top and their implementation takes the stance that every student will try to cheat. I am also the type of person who has a

Recently I saw a post in the ‘memeosphere’ where some ingenious exam writer had copied notes to the underside of their plaster to check during an exam. In my experienced people would really go to this level of creativity to get the upper hand. During this exam season I hope to get this discussion going. Send me your exam experience in a letter to the editor at editor@ pdby.co.za, and keep an eye on our social media and website. In any case, take care of yourself during this period. Keep an eye on those around you too, your encouraging words to someone could change their day and you could save that third-first-year chemistry student’s future. Good luck, and don’t f*** it up. Shaun Sproule

Campus Cousin

our cousin has recently been facing the kind of existential dread that many of our younger readers probably think will never befall them (spoilers: it will). What I’m talking about is the fabled quarter-life crisis. Morbid as it may seem, this is a state that lies on the horizon for us all. Adulthood can mean many things: freedom, responsibility, crippling debt…but let’s keep it light, shall we? Your cousin once read something interesting on the cesspool that is Facebook (a rarity in itself): adulthood is having the “we have food at home” discussion with yourself. And it’s true. Maybe being an adult means getting to stay up until 4am with your PlayStation, but it also means bearing the consequences of that decision – at some point. Your 20s can be strange like that. Being an adult definitely means noticing things like, “hey, my knees hurt a lot more frequently nowadays” or, “it’s quite liberating to crack open a new pack of kitchen sponges” or, “I’ve definitely reached my threshold for vodka tolerance”. In all honesty, though, as you progress through the swamp that is your 20s you will realise that being an adult mostly means making things up as you go along. Adulthood is this grand standard that we are all meant to strive to, yet adulthood might mean different things to different people – a notion that cleverly tricks us into thinking that we’re bad at being adults. Is anyone good at being an adult? As an adult, you might begin to realise that some things become never-ending: your laundry, your dishes, your ever-growing uncertainty about the future, and that collection of mugs on your bedside table. Your cousin could laugh all of this off and say that adulthood really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be, but sadly we can all agree that that’s not true. It’s nice to dream though, right? My lower back is killing me, Campus Cousin

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News | 3

20 May 2019

Student arrested for cell phone robbery Robberies rife in Hatfield

Carel Willemse

21-year-old UP student was arrested for robbing a fellow student of her cell phone on Saturday 11 May. The robbery took place on the corner of Hilda and South Street in Hatfield as the female law student was walking to campus around 9:00 in the morning. The suspect grabbed the student’s phone from behind and ran away. The law student screamed for help and ran after the suspect. A passing motorist saw what was happening and told the student to get in his car. They chased after the suspect and as they caught up with him, he threw the phone back into the car. A security officer from the Department of Security Services at UP heard the screaming and

managed to arrest the suspect. The suspect will appear in the Hatfield Community Court on a charge of common robbery. Brigadier Kushie Nair, Station Commander for Brooklyn SAPS, commended the security officer for the arrest and thanked the motorist who assisted the victim. In a separate incident, a perpetrator can be seen on CCTV footage provided to PDBY, grabbing a student’s cell phone in the lobby of Hatfield Studios. The thief then runs away with a shocked student looking on. On 4 May, a 19-year-old man was walking on the corner of Duxbury and Lunnon Road when a group of four men pepper-sprayed him and took his wallet.

In yet another case, a 21-year-old man was also robbed in the early hours of the morning after waiting for a taxi on Lynnwood Road outside a pub. An unknown man grabbed his cell phone from behind and fled in a Volkswagen Polo that was waiting on the side of the road. In a statement, the Brooklyn SAPS states that robberies in the Hatfield area remain a concern. Students are often targeted for their cell phones and laptops. Students are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Information that can assist SAPS in investigations can be provided anonymously by phoning 08600 10111 or by sending an SMS to 32211. The 24-hour Brooklyn Police number is 012 366 1735/6 To view the CCTV video of the Hatfield Studios cell phone robbery visit www.pdby.co.za.

University of Pretoria Debating Union hosts annual Intervarsity Debating Tournament Shannon Delbridge

rom 11 to 12 May the University of Pretoria Debating Union (UPDU) hosted their annual Intervarsity Debating Tournament, the Pretoria Parley Invitational, known in the debating circuit as PPIV. The event was a huge success with minimal delays between the debating rounds and a provided lunch for participants that was catered for by Spaghetti. The tournament aims to provide a

platform for university students to discuss and debate pressing issues that exist in our world today. The tournament had a large chief adjudication panel with members from all around the world, making sure that the motions that were set and debated were fair and not biased to a specific team. The debating style at this tournament was British Parliamentary style. Therefore, had two teams in proposition and two teams in opposition of the motion. The UPDU chairperson, Rimbilana Shingange, was the convener at the

Starving rape culture through accountability Hlompho Moichela

tournament and made sure to keep the circuit aware of the motions being debated via the tournament’s Facebook page. These motions included the likes of: “This house believes that self-interest should be viewed as a legitimate moral principle”, as well as “This house regrets the rise of unconventional politicking”. This was also the first tournament in the circuit to run on a Tier ticket system, allowing participants free entrance to the tournament or alternative entrance and a provided lunch. This system was

extremely successful and will hopefully be implemented in future tournaments. Four UP teams made it to the quarterfinals: Team Carolinians (Koketso Nonyane and Bradley Tjongarero), Team Eyak (Bulelwa Jita and Itumeleng Choche), Team Sami (Zoleka Mazibuko and Rorisang Moyo) and Team Tiwi (Franciscus Crouse and Thuli Madumo). Two teams from UP made it into the Semi- Finals: Team Eyak and Team Tiwi. One UP team made it to the finals: Team Tiwi. However, the overall winners of the tournament were Noluthando Honono (University of Johannesburg) and Pule Mmula (University of the Free State).

that religious centres can make a difference by opening up more centres for counselling, adding that the creation of separate counselling centres funded by the government and the private sector can significantly aid primary victims in providing them with support to reduce the ripple effect of primary traumatization. Chris Joubert, the programme coordinator at the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender, focused on HIV testing and counselling. As the third panelist, Joubert dismantled the stigmatization surrounding HIV, how it can be contracted and most importantly, treated. Joubert said that, “there is a lot of fear that comes with testing for HIV and talking about an experience like being raped”. As a counsellor and HIV tester, Joubert encourages students to make use of the free of charge HIV testing at the CSA&G. Regardless of whether they have been raped or would simply like to check their status, the CSA&G is open Monday to Friday and they are also based at the student health centre as well as the Graduate centre. Final panelist, public health practitioner, Dr Chuma, has been in medical practice for twenty years, having practiced as a clinical medicolegal doctor for 14 years. Dr Chuma delivered a

clinical and factual presentation on the issue of rape, sharing the “backstage knowledge and information behind consequences of rape which probably, not many people know about”. Structural problems exist within the public health field such as the shortage in female practitioners and competent female police officers with adequate training in procedural actions during a rape incident. This is due to insufficient resources allocated to the public health field. The speed at which a rape victim is attended to is also problematic. The victim often has to endure a lengthy waiting period prior to being evaluated, firstly by a counsellor, followed by an HIV testing counsellor who checks the victim’s pre-status and only afterwards, does the victim reach Dr Chuma, who collects specimen from the victim for further testing. Another structural issue mentioned by Dr Chuma, is the constant changing of the rape kit, which Dr Chuma finds to be “inefficient”. In the case of being raped, Dr Chuma advises refraining from showering, more importantly bathing and if possible, no urinating. This ensures better DNA collection, and if a victim desperately feels the need to shower or bathe, then the clothing items worn during the incident should be removed and preserved for testing.

D YO IS UR CO ST UNT UD IF EN YO T U CA B RD RIN G

n 13 May Law House held a seminar titled “Rape culture and sexual health”. Topics such as human rights, sexual abuse, secondary victimization and secondary traumatization, HIV and the clinical perspective of rape were discussed. The first panelist was Adebayo Okeowo, the founder of the “White Code Centre” non-profit organization that uses technology and digital media to promote human rights. In his presentation, titled “The Enablers”, he highlights the flaws in society, especially regarding the response to sexual abuse and rape incidences. “We shouldn’t seek to police the body of women or her wardrobe choices, but rather let her be”, expressed Okeowo, who further described those who turn a blind eye to sexual

violence or “those who choose to do nothing because they feel it is none of their business […] are being enablers by allowing such violence to be perpetrated and not even stand against it”. Primrose Kurasha, who has achieved her LLB and Masters in International trade and Investment law in Africa from the University of Pretoria, focused her talk on secondary victimization and secondary traumatization of sexual assault, “In every tragedy, there is someone who has to suck it up and be strong for the other person” voiced Kurasha, this creates secondary traumatization, which isn’t addressed in society. Kurasha unpacked the three effects of secondary victimization, namely being: confusion, carrying an unfair burden of guilt and lastly, anger. “If we do not address a problem in society, it manifests into a crime” said Kurasha. She also suggests

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4 | Features

Pregnant and alone, for real? Kristin De Decker

regnant and alone flyers pasted on the doors of campus bathroom stalls are not a new occurrence. Rather, they seem to be a reminder to all female students of pregnancy as a potential risk to their education. They usually entail some form of anonymous emotional support and advise possible options. Yet, UP’s policies and aid provided for pregnant students is somewhat shrouded in mystery and misinformation. UP policy According to UP regulations, attending eighty percent of lectures is often pivotal in order to pass modules and gain exam entrance. The demands of pregnancy however, could interfere with being physically present on campus for such lectures as well as for tests and examinations. This can prove to be detrimental for a pregnant student’s academic career and future. In light of this, the university’s policies with regard to pregnancy-related matters is of great importance. According to UP spokesperson, Thamsanqa Mthembu, if pregnant students miss lectures, tests and examinations, “UP follows the normal protocol in terms of managing and dealing with absenteeism”. The pregnancy is categorised as a “medical condition” resulting in the university “[requiring] a doctor’s note, in order for the respective faculty to make arrangements for Image: Elmarie Kruger

the student to be assisted with catch-up notes, or to retake the test/exam”. Pregnant students can therefore avoid outright academic exclusion if the correct procedures are followed. UP has also taken into account that female students may fall pregnant while living in a residence and this policy is covered in Annexure F. This protocol’s overall aim is to ensure that students have support structures in place in the form of both emotional and practical support. The head of residence must be made aware of the pregnancy once it has been confirmed and be regularly updated about important dates pertaining to the pregnancy. It is vital to note that “the child will not be permitted to live” in the residence as the student is “responsible for making appropriate childcare arrangements” even though the student may return to the residence after the pregnancy. Moreover, the pregnant student cannot live in the residence “during the final weeks of pregnancy”. Overall, pregnancy statistics specific to UP are constantly updated, but Mthembu told PDBY these are “dealt with and kept in terms of the clinic and patient confidentiality”, restricting their ability to be publically published. Finally, Mthembu reiterated that “the university encourages students to prioritise learning at all times” and will handle all pregnancy related matters according to a “case-by-case basis” that is rooted in a student’s right to privacy. Psychological aid and practical action Student Counselling is a valuable resource available to all registered UP students and can be consulted about pregnancy related issues as well as general sexual health. Clinical psychologist and head of Student Counselling, Dr Linda Blokland highlights a myriad of these issues. When asked what advice is given to pregnant students with regards to their options, she suggests that “counselling around pregnancies are aimed to be client sensitive and to facilitate the individual to make the best decision that they feel comfortable within their own circumstances.” This not only emphasises each woman’s individual experience and unique context, whether the pregnancy is accidental, planned or as a result of malignant circumstances such as rape, but each woman’s choice in how to proceed. Dr Blokland

responded to the question of there being a stigma for pregnant students, saying that “being pregnant in itself does not carry stigma. It is the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy that may or may not carry stigma. Counselling would be sensitive to what kind of support a pregnant student may need if she seeks assistance from the Counselling Unit.” Marteney Nieuwoudt, Chairperson of Psyche Society, told PDBY that pregnancy related issues are “not in [their] ‘scope of profession’”. In contrast, Mthembu, identifies the “clearly defined protocol” followed by Student Health Care Services when dealing with pregnancy related matters. Firstly, “confirmation and status of the pregnancy” must be ascertained, then the student can be “referred for additional care, including antenatal care, which is provided at the nearby Sammy Marks Clinic.”

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In the instances where a female student has decided on abortion, Dr Blokland notes that there are “several medical facilities where she can receive such a service”

The CrossRoads pregnancy help centre, is another recognisable service available, due to their flyers appearing in most bathroom stalls on campuses. This non-profit organisation works in conjunction with UP and appointments can be made through Student Health Services. These services are based on both Hatfield and Mamelodi Campuses, and inform students about their options, as well as provide “unplanned pregnancy counselling”, “pregnancy loss counselling” and “post abortion counselling”. All of these counselling sessions are free and confidential. In the instances where a female student has decided on abortion, Dr Blokland notes that there are “several medical facilities where she can receive such a service”. These consist of a “number of private options, public clinics, and also NGOs who provide such services within the context of a holistic approach to

20 May 2019

sexual health and psychological care of the individual.” Dr Blokland equally states that the costs of abortions “vary depending on whether this is a private or public service. NGOs also provide services at an affordable cost for young women.” These versatile options available, illuminate the structures in place that cater towards supporting and aiding those pregnant students in dire need of assistance. Students speak There is often a disconnect between the university’s policy and student awareness of possible support structures. When asked if they thought the university would support them if they fell pregnant during their studies female UP students responded as follows. BA student, Eden Ben-Attar, believes that “the university will support [her] to a certain extent, in terms of financial advice and social support”. BCom Business Management student, Tadiwanashe Mutambara, contrastingly told PDBY that she does not think the university would help her out. Similarly, Palesa Hlela, who is studying BAHons Sport and Recreation Management, said she does not think the university would support her “with regards to being pregnant and a mother.” Moreover, each student was asked whether they were aware of potential support structures available if they fell pregnant. Mutambara opines that “[she] personally [doesn’t] know if they do have any systems centred around helping pregnant students”. This interestingly has parity with Hlela’s comment that she is “not aware of any of the support structure on campus.” Yet she has read or heard of “those ‘pregnant, alone and scared’/ AMATO posters on the bathroom stalls”. Divergently, Ben-Attar is “aware that the University of Pretoria offers a range of support services.” She has “also been made aware that the student advisors under the department of Humanities are available to point [her] in the right direction” and she knows about the “banners posted in the girls’ bathrooms all around campus”. The disparity in the comments appears to highlight the gap in knowledge and awareness, among female students, about their protection against academic exclusion and psychological trauma when the potential of pregnancy becomes a reality.

Hybrid learning at UP Mahmooda Milanzie

ybrid learning is a combination of traditional classroom-based teaching and online delivery. A key component of hybrid learning is that it complements the face-to-face work done in a teaching environment. This means that the online activities try to engage learners and enrich their thinking capacity while catering for their individual needs. At the University of Pretoria, exposure to online platforms began as early as the 1990s and has continuously improved over the years. UP is one of the most hybridised universities in South Africa as it encourages and has implemented hybrid learning approaches to increase the academic excellence of UP students. The hybrid approach is seen as more conducive than other approaches as it prepares students for the world of work while they get to experience campus life. Mr Oscar Eybers, a lecturer in the Unit for Academic Literacy told PDBY that “UP recognises that hybridity does not only enhance teaching and student learning […] but also prepares students for their eventual application of technology in workplaces”. In 2019, Mr Eybers has completely hybridised the LST module and has over a thousand students enrolled in the course. This means that all course content and assessments are hosted in ClickUP. With hybrid learning, Mr Oscar Eybers says that they are able to keep track of students’ performances between assessments and also give students access to

much information which is accessible on any device with internet connection. Mr Eybers says that technology based learning began in the early 1990s with CD-ROMS emerging as the dominant form of hybrid learning. The only problem was that the CD-ROMS could not keep track of the completion of work nor the progress done by the individual. This is when the modernised hybrid learning began, then known as learning management systems, to help keep track of activities completed online. The advantage of hybrid learning is that it offers flexibility to students, allowing them to complete online activities in their own space. Students are able to keep track of their progress which promotes autonomy and allows them to take responsibility for their own success. Mr Eybers says “hybridisation has increased independent learning […] and the quality of work by students has improved.” Due to the nature of hybrid learning, students are more likely to do better than students who are exposed to only either classroom teaching or online teaching. Professor Norman Duncan, Vice-Principal of Academics at UP told PDBY that “research by the Department of Education Innovation has found that students who use ClickUP frequently, outperform less frequent users and that majority of students enjoyed a course that had class time as well as online activities and resources.” Economically, hybrid learning is reasonable and most affordable. Prof. Duncan says that many free online resources could be

will stop reading actual books”. Another concern is that students may be too engaged in the online component of their modules rather than contact time in classrooms. Mr Eybers says that by 2020 the LST department will strategically reduce contact hours in a manner used to offer hybrid learning. He warns that will help both teaching and learning. that “not investing in teaching and learning However, Mr Eybers says that students need technologies will in the long run be very to have a minimum of 60% contact time. In costly for the higher terms of educators [education] system.” potentially losing Although there their jobs to hybrid are no educational learning, Prof. disadvantages in Duncan dismisses hybrid learning, the this concern and system does require says that learning electronic devices and internet access which is to obtain a degree is a process in which both a challenge for some students off-campus. human interaction and discussions are vital. There is also a concern that students may He says, “an effective hybrid approach to not be able to educate themselves offline. Mr learning and teaching requires a greater (and Eybers comments that he worries “students no lesser) investment by teaching staff.”

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Image: Elmarie Kruger

The advantage of hybrid learning is that it offers flexibility to students

20 May 2019

Features | 5

Measles outbreak sparks global vaccination conversation the last reported outbreak was by Health24 in 2017 about a Johannesburg outbreak. However, with countries that have previously been ince last year, measles has been gaining declared measles-free, like the US and Australia, prevalence in the United States. The experiencing dramatic increases, it is clear that disease, which according to the UK’s this is a problem in “developed” countries too. National Health Service (NHS) website can lead According to the US’s Centre for Disease to “potentially life-threatening complications”, Control (CDC), measles is a virus that “lives has been spreading all over the world, especially in the nose and throat mucus” and “can spread in the US. Despite the fact that the US has been to others through coughing and sneezing”, and believed to be almost measles-free in recent can live for up to two hours in the air. The CDC years, many attribute the anti-vaccination goes on to say that infected people can spread the movement as the cause of declining rates of virus from four days before the vaccination and consequent increasing rates of measles ...this means the number rash has appeared, meaning that infections. of measles cases in just the someone who does not yet know that they have measles can still On 22 April, CNN reported first four months of 2019 spread the disease. This rash, that the US is moving closer has already surpassed the which appears as “red-brown” to a record number of measles cases, with over 600 cases total number of cases for the and “blotchy” according to the reported this year and “dozens whole of last year in the US NHS, is not the only symptom. Other symptoms include a high of cases reported weekly”. fever, “cold-like symptoms such CNN points out that this as a runny nose, sneezing and cough”, sore and means the number of measles cases in just the sensitive eyes and “small greyish-white spots first four months of 2019 has already surpassed on the inside of the cheeks”. Once you have the total number of cases for the whole of 2018 contracted the measles virus, you can only be in the US. treated for your symptoms and will have to wait However, it is not only the US where measles for the disease to run its course because viruses has become a problem. According to CNN, there cannot be cured by medications like antibiotics. were “nearly 4000 cases of measles in Israel In severe cases you may be hospitalised. The since March 2018”. TRTWorld reports that NHS lists diarrhoea, vomiting, earache, eye Australia has seen 81 cases of measles as of 8 infections, chest infections, and seizures caused April alone, compared to their 103 total cases by fever as some of the complications of more for the whole of 2018. SABC News also reports severe cases, with hepatitis, meningitis and that measles has been increasing worldwide and encephalitis (brain infections) and even vision quoted the World Health Organisation (WHO) loss and heart or nervous system problems as saying that cases increased by “nearly 50% in being complications of rare, extreme cases. The 2018, killing 136 000 people”. Although South groups most at risk of experiencing these serious Africa has always experienced measles outbreaks complications are babies under one year old, due to the lack of vaccination in rural areas, Alison Massey

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children with a poor diet or weakened immune as saying that “the bulk of anti-vaccination system. Pregnant women who contract the virus content doesn’t violate Facebook’s community can experience complications like miscarriage, guidelines for inciting ‘real-world harm’”, and stillbirth or premature birth, according to the that parents must be aware of the “spread of fake NHS. news”. The article also explains that “the rise of Despite the undesirable complications and ‘anti-vax’ Facebook groups is overlapping with recent spread of the disease, which is completely a resurgence of measles”, with the Facebook preventable by vaccination according to the NHS, spokesperson saying that, despite this, “the the anti-vaccination, or “anti-vax”, movement company doesn’t think removing such content persists. According to Historyfvaccines.org, helps to increase awareness”. the movement against the Measles, Mumps The world is certainly pushing against antiand Rubella (MMR) vaccine started in 1998 vaccination ideas, however. During the last when “British doctor Andrew Wakefield week of April, Africa observed its eighth annual recommended further investigation of a possible Vaccination Week. According to the World relationship between bowel disease, autism, Health Organisation (WHO), the theme of this and the MMR vaccine”. As Historyofvaccines. year’s vaccination week, “Vaccines work, Do org points out, though, Wakefield had a conflict your part!”, emphasising the “collective action of interest because he had been “paid by a needed to ensure that every person is protected law board to find out if there was evidence to from vaccine-preventable diseases”. A 2019 support a litigation case by article by Africa News reports ...this means the number that Sudan had been preparing parents who believed that the vaccine had harmed their of measles cases in just the “to vaccinate over 11 million children”. In 2010 Lancet, first four months of 2019 children against measles and the internationally accredited polio” after the country had has already surpassed the already experienced 834 cases pathology laboratories, total number of cases for the of measles as of March 2019, “formally retracted the paper after the British General whole of last year in the US with a total 4980 in 2018. Medical Council ruled against Earlier this year, Italy ruled a Wakefield in several areas”. law stating that unvaccinated Even more incriminating was the 2011 report, children will be banned from kindergarten. This that outlined “evidence that Wakefield had move comes as a reaction to the fact that “there committed scientific fraud by falsifying data” and were more than 80,000 measles cases in Europe also that he “hoped to financially profit from his in 2018 alone, three times more than in 2017”, investigations”, according to Historyofvaccines. says Parent24. Parent24 explain that this move org. Indeed, The Guardian reported in 2015 that by Italy has brought the country closer to the a major research study involving around 95 000 WHO’s 95% target for vaccination rates, which children had found no link between the MMR is the “threshold [that] serves as the point at vaccine and autism. Autism Speaks, an advocacy which herd immunity, when enough children in and support group for people who have autism, a community are immunised against a disease has corroborated this report. so that infection can no longer travel through Why, then, does the anti-vax movement that community, kicks in”. While there is an continue? A Washington Post article from earlier abundance of contradictory information for this year suggests that conspiracy theories spread the average person to decipher, it is clear that on social media sites like Facebook play a big the spread of accurate information in terms of role. vaccinations is a step toward curtailing the spread The article quotes a Facebook spokesperson of global diseases.

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100 years of Humanities at UP Stephanie Cookson

he Faculty of Humanities turns 100 years old this year. In light of this, the House Humanities executive committee and the deanery have planned celebrations throughout the year to commemorate the faculty’s centenary, and reflect on the faculty’s role in the university as well as society as a whole. In the last one hundred years, 16 deans have presided over the Faculty of Humanities. The faculty has awarded over 4 500 masters degrees and 1 216 doctorates since receiving university status in 1930. The current Dean, Professor Vasu Reddy, said that the centenary of the faculty allows for an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, as well as the ways in which the faculty’s academic or creative endeavours can be expanded to best serve UP and South Africa. The exact birthday of the faculty is 27 May 1919. When UP was founded in 1908, the unofficial

Photo: Nkululeko Ngcobo

faculty consisted of just three lecturers who taught six languages as well as philosophy to 32 students. Today the faculty consists of 243 staff. In addition, the faculty offers 16 undergraduate programmes in the languages, social sciences and visual and performing arts, and more than 150 postgraduate programmes at all levels. With 12 academic departments, four centres, two academic and research units, as well as a psychology clinic, the faculty also looks forward to the opening of the Javett Art Centre at UP later this year. This centre aims to connect the broader community with the university. “Together with our Future Africa campus (recently launched), we see many prospects for the Arts and Humanities,” says Prof. Reddy. A gala concert was held in April to celebrate the centenary, as well as launch the merging of the Music, Drama and Visual Arts departments into the School of Arts. The Dean’s Concert included the UP Symphony Orchestra, and renowned performers, from pianists to theatre performers and vocalists. “Today, we look back on a century of academic and creative excellence in this faculty, while fully aware of the imperfections and inequities that governed a significant part of this century,” said Prof. Reddy. When PDBY asked Prof. Reddy what changes he has seen during his time as Dean, he cited the very high student success rate “given the exceptional calibre of our academic staff” as well as the constant improvement of student support and course quality. Prof. Reddy said that most UP Humanities graduates “go on to successful careers and postgraduate studies”, locally and abroad. “The Faculty of Humanities at UP is also a place where tomorrow’s thinkers, artists, social analysts, professionals and leaders are formed,” he says. Prof. Reddy also notes the research quality and projects taking place in the faculty, as well as the faculty’s growing diversity and “highly dedicated and committed staff who are creative, hard-working and innovative.” He adds that “our student body has changed and is changing and there is great new energy in our student population”. Prof. Reddy says that he is “immensely proud of our student leadership,

particularly with House Humanities.” House Humanities has planned multiple events to celebrate, starting with the Centenary Merchandise Sale this month. The centenary hoodies were designed for the first time including students’ designs. According to Chrizaan Pretorius, the Academic Officer of the house, the House Humanities 100 Years Quiz Night will be taking place on 1 August and will contain questions about the history of the faculty. This year will also see the second ever Mokete wa Humanities, following the inaugural Mokete in July 2018. The now annual event is set to take place on 26 July, with the theme of African Intersectionality. On top of the Dean’s Concert, there is a long line of celebratory events planned, starting with the launch of the coffee table book “100 Years of Humanities” on 27 May in Senate Hall. The second semester will see the Humanities Cook Book consisting of 100 recipes sourced from the staff of the faculty, as well as a heritage month in September by the students from the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, called “Walk Back in Time: Humanities 100.” Further, “Humanities Day” will take place on 23 October. Other events include symposiums and public lectures from the Centre for Sexuality, Aids & Gender, the Philosophy Department on “Fingering Academic Citizenship: The Biometric State in/of the University”, the Political Sciences Department on “The Role of UP in the Evolution of Political Science in SA”, a lecture from Dr Elinor Sisulu of the Sociology Department, and “Archives and Memory Making” in collaboration with the Human Resources Council (HSRC). Going into its second century, Prof. Reddy remains committed to the core concerns of the Humanities Faculty, such as giving voice where there is silence and contributing to finding meaningful solutions to the grand societal challenges of our time. “Striking a balance between national responsiveness and global competitiveness, between demographic representivity and cosmopolitanism, goes to the heart of the academy,” says Prof. Reddy. Reflecting on 25 years of democracy in April this year, Prof. Reddy expressed the faculty’s focus on a progressive and exciting journey “towards increased inclusion, intellectual diversity, creativity, technological advancement, access, equality and representivity.”

6 | Entertainment

20 May 2019

What’s Next for Popculture?

Image: Elmarie Kruger.

Emily Harrison

or the last eleven years, Marvel has dominated cinema and for the last eight years Game of Thrones has dominated our TV screens. Both of these entertainment juggernauts are ending their original storylines this year, so what’s next? From the time Iron Man hit the big screens in 2008, Marvel became a pop culture phenomenon that no one could escape. The world has followed the first three “phases” of The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to it’s conclusion with Avengers: Endgame earlier this year and Spiderman: Far From Home, which will release later this year. On the small screen, the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones premiered in April of this year and will end on 19 May, after which HBO will release a documentary about the making of the show. With both of these franchises ending their original run, it is safe to say that this is an end of a pivotal pop culture moment. Both the Marvel movies and Game of Thrones have changed their respective mediums. The 22 Marvel films have turned superheroes into a cultural phenomenon and created a previously unseen popularity for the genre. The films also introduced the “extended

universe” medium to Hollywood by having all their films connect in some way or other. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has also shown that films with minority or female leads can make as much money as others, with Black Panther making over a billion dollars in the world-wide box office and the same goes for Captain Marvel. Game of Thrones has also changed the television environment by proving that bigger budgets can pay off, according to Variety each episode of the final season had an estimated budget of 15 million dollars. The show has also shown that audiences appreciate a higher production value, this can be seen through the show’s reliance on movie-quality CGI and large-scale sets. Game of Thrones has shown that risks and boldness are something a tv audience can appreciate, the show has never shied away from being explicit with more mature content and has taken bold steps as far as storyline goes by killing off their main character in the first season. So, what’s next? Well, neither of these franchises are slowing down, with HBO confirming a prequel show already in the works for the Game of Thrones universe, and another three potential spin-off series. Marvel is not going anywhere either as Disney announced

eight other Marvel movies coming after Spiderman: Far From Home, as well as three confirmed Marvel series coming to their Disney+ streaming service. With all these projects surrounding these two franchises, the question has to be asked as to whether audiences will eventually become bored with these stories and start to wonder whether it’s time for something fresher. There is however some hope as to the direction these two powerhouses are going in. HBO’s CEO Richard Pleper told Variety that the prequel series will have a “fresh, exciting perspective”. As for Marvel, the studio has taken more risks recently by hiring more creativity-

Interview with the Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout

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driven and stylistic directors such as Taika Waititi (Thor Ragnarok) and James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and 2). The studio has also shown an interest in representation by casting minority and female leads. These decisions could lead to a very different and diverse Marvel universe in the future. The future of pop culture could go anywhere from here, although, cinema has shown an increased interest in the horror and sci-fi genre. It is unknown whether either will tap into the level of popularity that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had. As for television, there has been an increase in single-season tv shows, that could mark a shift from the long-running series formula that we have seen in the past. With the popularity of streaming services, it is unlikely that any show will ever have the same feeling as Game of Thrones, where everyone is watching the show at the same time and talking about it the next day, now everyone can watch different shows at different times, this could mark the end of the communal quality of tv. It is impossible to answer the question “What’s next for pop culture?” definitively. No one could ever have predicted the pure scale and popularity of Game of Thrones or The Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the entertainment industry will no doubt rush to find the next Game of Thrones or Iron Man, it is important for audiences to appreciate that they were part of this cultural movement the franchises have created. Audiences should be excited about the doors they have opened and the potential they created in film and television.

Cassidy Bessa

Image provided.

chalk Bezuidenhout is a well-known South African comedian and was born and raised in Geuteng. You may be familiar with him as he has openened shows for big names such as Trevor Noah, and has had his own great comedy shows. PDBY spoke to him about his career and his upcoming performance at the Capital Craft Beer Festival. You studied drama at the University of Cape Town. Were you planning on becoming an actor or did you always know that comedy would be where you would end up? I saw myself as someone who would one day be more of an actor who sometimes plays comedic roles. Comedy started as more of a hobby, but I very quickly realized that it would become my full time gig. Acting will always be my first love and I still try to act

as much as I can. When you are on stage you are distinctly South African and represent our rainbow nation by appealing to all cultures and races, do you plan your jokes out in order for them to appeal to all or is that just your view of the world? I think the only rule in comedy is just to be funny. We all want to know about each other’s experiences and views and if you offer that, people will listen (and laugh). I can enjoy Chris Rock’s comedy, even though I am not American or black. Appealing to more than one culture or race is not something that I planned. I don’t know if it is something you can plan. All I can do is write as much as I can and make it funny. What makes you different to other stand-up comedians and what do you hope will make you stand out to people at the Beer Festival? Every comedian is different just by being them. Even if there is another Afrikaans guy performing… just me being me and him being him makes us different. And it’s not about standing out. That implies that there is some sort of competition between the comedians. It’s a comradery. Yes, everyone want to kill as hard as they can, but we just want people to have the best possible time. It’s about putting on a great comedy show as a whole, not hoping that you will be more memorable than they comic before and after you. What drew you to the Capital Craft Beer Festival and are you there solely for your performance or are you interested in the festival itself? Do you enjoy the art of beer making? I love beer. I think I’d need to catch a lift with someone that day, otherwise I won’t be able to enjoy a few beers. Outdoorsy events are always fun. Music. Beer. Comedy. What more do you need from a day out? When you were younger, who was your role model and who is your role model now? Do you take inspiration from other comedians? To be honest, every comedian that performs on the same line-up as me is a role model in some way or another. Whether it’s a piece of new material or some audience interaction that is brilliantly executed.

Sport | 7

20 May 2019

TuksYachting: Introducing a TuksCycling new club ride NWU Extreme MTB Mariesa Potgieter

Ntokozo Zondo

uksCycling participated in the NWU Extreme mountain biking event, hosted in Potchefstroom, on the 4th of May. This is the first race in a threeyear project with the purpose of encouraging the racing of university students through the creation of intervarsity competitions. The club had four riders competing in this event: Andries Nigrini, Felix Manke, Kieran Mckenna and Paul Reitz. Felix Manke achieved a podium position and Keiran Mckenna placed within the top 10. TuksCycling chairperson, Marinus van Sandwyk, reviewed the clubs performance: “Our riders performed well in unfamiliar conditions against a large field of NWU riders. I’m very impressed with the riders’ performance over the weekend.” The riders’ objective going into this event was to get a win or at the very least a podium position, which they accomplished. The race presented challenges for the four cyclists, with one cyclist being unable to complete the race due to crashing out and another withdrawing from the race as a result of illness. The training that goes into these events is both an individual and group effort for cyclists. Van Sandwyk discloses how training within the club is done: “Cycling has many different disciplines, so we have athletes that specialize in specific disciplines. We do have riders that participate in multiple disciplines and their training does vary slightly in terms of training length and intensity.” TuksCycling has the following goals for their 2019 season: achieving podium positions at all events they participate in and growing the club for both professional and recreational athletes. Van Sandwyk explains the plan in place to accomplish this, “by providing benefits of joining the club, such as discounted rates on specific cycling products”. The cyclists have already started their training for the highlight of their competitive season, the USSA ,which is their priority event of the year and will be taking place in early July.

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he TuksYachting club was officially started this year and PDBY spoke to Jonathan Ham, a third-year veterinary student, to find out more about the sport and their new club. At the moment, the club has 22 members who have been learning how to sail since the beginning of the year. Preparing new sailors is time-intensive as “it takes a lot of time just to learn how to sail and then only after that do you start to learn how to race.” Ham explains that “there are many different kinds of boats, mainly divided into keel boats and dinghies. Keel boats are Image provided. generally larger and used for long sea sailing and dinghies are much smaller and lighter”. TuksYachting mainly takes part in “smaller dinghy sailing and [also] smaller keel boat racing”. For intervarsity sailing the races are usually “short races that are very quick and exciting so there’s also quite a bit of spectator value”. According to Ham, the races generally last about half an hour, and because of this you will sail “about 6 or so races a day”. The TuksYachting team are preparing for their “major intervarsity match, racing Regatta in Durban” in July. This competition is sailed with keel boats, and UP is hoping to take an A-team and a B-team which consists out of 12 students in total. The different universities will compete against each other in a round robin format. Ham says that they “won the event last year and [were] against UCT in the finals”. Ham told PDBY that he is “really looking forward to this year’s race”. TuksYachting has other small competitions “on the dinghies throughout the year”, but one of their main events are the USSA’s that take place in December in Cape Town at Theewaterskloof dam. Ham says that in sailing, “Mental strength is probably one of the important aspects for a competitive sailor, mainly because there are so many things you can’t control” like the “wind and weather”. He feels that the most important part is “being able to recover from being unlucky or being able to minimize your losses, because you mustn’t get demotivated [in] a race”. Physically, Image provided.

you must also be fit and Ham comments that, “you do a lot of exercise [like] a lot of balance and stability [as well as] core and shoulders”. This is needed because “Especially in strong weather conditions you need to be fit enough to use your body weight to stop your boat from being blown over.” Ham’s sailing goals for 2019 is “to prepare adequately” for the Cape to Rio Yacht race which he and another UP student will compete at. This transatlantic yacht race will take place in January 2020 and it is estimated it will take them between 19 and 20 days to complete. This preparation includes “a whole lot of training down in Durban on the boat and sailing the boat from Durban to Cape Town in December”. His other goals are to “remain the intervarsity match racing champions after this Regatta in July”. He also wants the new team to place, “atleast [in the] top 3 in the USSA’s at the end of the year”.

TuksCanoe: De Beer to represent South Africa at World Cup’s K Ashley Magwindiri and Mariesa Potgieter

ayla de Beer recently participated in the K1 race at the South African Sprint Cup, which was held in East London. At this event, De Beer took part in the 200m race and took her first win home. By taking first place, De Beer will be competing in some very prestigious events this year. Leading up to the SA Cup, De Beer had to focus on “mental training”, and she says it made a “massive difference in such a short space of time”. Speaking to De Beer on what other changes she had to make in preparation for the event, she says, “A lot of focus was placed on speed endurance and maintaining top speed for as long as possible.” De Beer went on to say that her biggest weakness had been “losing the lead in the last few meters of the race”. Looking back on her past performances and how she had been working hard, De Beer says that she had to work on “recovery and mobility”, because with a full week of hard work, the body can take

“quite a beating”. Reflecting on her kayaking and canoeing experience, De Beer says it is crucial for beginners to learn “proper technique in a stable boat before moving into a thinner and faster boat.” De Beer mentions that “technique is important” as well as strength, however if one can’t use strength properly, it becomes “useless”. She went on to say that one has to be “comfortable with the uncomfortable” because “training can be tough and slow progression can be frustrating”. De Beer will compete in the World Cup in Poznan, Poland from 23 to 26 May, the World Cup in Duisburg, Germany from 31 May to 2 June and the World u-23 Championships in Pitesti, Romania from 1 to 5 August 2019. In their training program, to prepare for these upcoming competitions, she focuses on “consistency” and putting the work in. De Beer comments that, “it’s just hard work that has to be done”. De Beer’s focus for this year is to “improve [her] times as much as possible and get plenty of international race experience”.

For De Beer, the upcoming championships will be “good preparation for the Olympic spot trial as it will give an indication of the level of racing that needs to be met. The level of senior racing is high and having an opportunity to measure up against them and gain even more racing experience will be hugely beneficial.” De Beer comments that, “Olympics are for any athlete the ultimate dream.” De Beer would “obviously love to attend Tokyo 2020 Olympics and that is the goal. Life can be unpredictable though and the possibility of not meeting selection criteria exists.” She therefore remains “positive and [aims] to qualify, but if it doesn’t happen then plan B comes into play and the focus shifts to Paris 2024”. She further told PDBY how she will be able to qualify by saying: “This year, qualification lies purely on the results obtained by the senior team at the Senior World Championships in Szeged, Hungary. If qualification is met, I can compete for the spot to represent South Africa at Tokyo 2020 Olympics at the 2020 South African Selection trial.”

Sport Varsity Hockey 2019 Staff Writer

n 3 May, the Varsity Hockey women’s tournament began, hosted by both the University of Cape Town and North West University. The tournament, sponsored by FNB, Mugg and Bean and MTN, saw the following teams participating: Maties Hockey, UFS Kovsies Hockey, NWU Hockey, UJ Hockey, UCT Hockey, Wits Hockey, Madibaz Hockey and the current champions, TuksHockey. From 3 to 6 May, the first group stage rounds of the tournament were played at Hares UCT Astro and from 10 to 13 May, the second group stage rounds were played at NWU Hockey Astro. The Tuks team consisted of the following players: Megan Anderson (captain), Marizen Marais (vice-captain), Mmamoagi Kungoane, Natalie Esteves, Thandokazi Chithi, Lerato Mahole, Alexis Steyn, Demi Tait, Kaylin Fourie, Micaela Roos, Jean-Leigh du Toit, Maxine Hannan, Aneme Jacobs, Aimee Anticevich, Ashleigh Thomas, Maikemisetso Marokoane, Jessica-Lee Redfern and Onthatile Zulu. With the previous tournament having been won by Tuks, a lot of pressure came with maintaining the same performance in order to defend their title. The team opened up the tournament at the Hares UCT Astro in Cape Town, playing against Maties Hockey and seeing a defeat of 2 – 0. The next day, Tuks faced off against UJ Hockey, and again suffered a 3 – 4 loss, with Onthatile Zulu and Natalie Esteves scoring in the match. The next fixture saw Tuks play against UCT Hockey, where Maikemisetso

Marokoane contributed to the Tuks scoreline, but again, the Tuks ladies saw another defeat of 4 – 2. The last fixture of the weekend was between Tuks and NWU Hockey. With help of goals provided from Aneme Jacobs and Natalie Esteves, the Tuks team saw their first victory of the tournament with a score of 0 – 3. With the first group stage rounds of the tournament completed, Tuks Hockey team found themselves sitting sixth place on the table, with Maties Hockey sitting on top after an undefeated streak. The second group stage round of games began on 10 May, with Tuks beginning their fixtures at NWU Hockey Astro in Potchefstroom against Madibaz Hockey. Marizen Marais provided Tuks with a hat trick and Natalie Esteves also provided a goal, to add to their overall 7 – 0 victory over the Madibaz Hockey side. Tuks’ victory of 6 – 7 over UFS Kovsies Hockey came with goals provided by Megan Anderson, Lerato Mahole and Marizen Marais. In the following day’s match of Tuks against Wits Hockey, Ashleigh Thomas scored alongside Marizen Marais’ penalty to give Tuks a 3 – 0 victory. With that final result in the final group stage, Tuks finished the evening of 12 May, fourth on the log and through to the semi-finals. The semi-finals began with Tuks facing Maties Hockey once again, however with Maties as the log leader in the group stages and Tuks needing to come back from trailing 6 – 0 at the beginning of the second half of the game. Although goals from players like Natalie Esteves and Ashleigh Thomas gave Tuks a contending chance, the semi–final ended with Maties claiming victory with a 7 – 5 scoreline and through to the finals.

TuksArcher to compete at two World Championships Mariesa Potgieter

hristian De Klerk, who studies sports science at UP, has been selected to represent South Africa in two world championships and a world cup tournament in the upcoming months. PDBY spoke to De Klerk to find out more about these tournaments. At the moment, De Klerk and his teammates in the Men’s SA team are preparing for the world cup and the world championships at the same time. The world cup takes place in Antalya, Turkey from 20 to 26 May. After the world cup, the World Archery Championships takes place in S-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands from 10 to 16 June and following this the World Youth Championships takes place in Madrid, Spain from 19 to 25 August. De Klerk explains that, “We get a specific qualifying period” in which they have to “get an average [score] over 697 through the qualifying period” and any competitions in that period count. Furthermore, he says that “They work out our averages with our four highest scores of the season, so if your average score is above 697, you qualify for team trials.” De Klerk is preparing with his teammates for these upcoming competitions by “training together at Tuks every night”. They usually, “shoot a ranking round and then later [they] shoot a bit of eliminations against each other.” For De Klerk, mental strength as well as physical strength are equally important. He explains that, “your mental game has to be on point throughout the whole competition. If you make a bad shot you have to shake it off and move on to the next one.” He

feels that if you are not mentally strong, you will make more “bad shots”. He also adds that, “Physically you need to be able to shoot [more than] two hundred arrows a day. If you’re not physically fit you won’t make it through a competition.” In a competition, to calm his nerves, he usually “takes [his] time between shots for [his] heart to calm down a bit. [He] then takes a few deep breaths before [he] draws [his] bow.”

Image provided.

De Klerk comments on balancing his studies and his sport by saying, “When I study I will study hard and when I’m shooting I will give my best every time. I try to finish all my assignments in the mornings before class and then after class I will go train with the team from 15:00 to about 19:00.” De Klerk’s main goal for the rest of 2019 is to “take last year’s results and improve on that. There is a lot of room for improvement. I’m focusing on giving my best and by doing that I know I will achieve the goals I set for myself.”

TuksWomens Rugby take on Centrale 7s

Ntokozo Zondo

Photo: @TuksSport Instagram

he Delta Drone TuksWomens Rugby team competed in the Centrale 7s tournament which took place on 8 and 9 May in Paris. Having won this tournament in 2018, the team returned to defend their title this year. During the pool games, the team achieved the following results: Tuks 22-0 Guanabara Tuks 28-0 il de France Tuks 42-0 UJ The team qualified to play in the semi-finals where they lost 17-5 to the Ukraine national team and to il de France. The team placed fourth overall within the tournament. Libbie van Rensburg, the team captain, discussed the challenges facing the team leading up to the tournament and defending the title. “The most challenging thing is going into a tournament with an open mind, tournaments change every year and so does our team, so staying humble but determined is always our biggest goal.” While some athletes may change their training for different levels of competitions international or national, Van Rensburg explained why this is not the case for the Delta Drone players. “Our preparations are always the same, whether we play at home or abroad we are always going at 100%.” The objectives set going into the tournament for the players were, “Whenever we play abroad we hope to play in a final, whether it be for first and second or third and fourth, as long as we have a top four finish ourselves and our sponsors are generally pleased. Also, the opportunity for our new players to gain experience playing abroad is something that will always be of value to us.” During the tournament, van Rensburg, who sustained an injury and could not play the remainder of tournament, reviewed the teams overall performance revealing, “I am a little bit disappointed in our performance, but it is very important not to confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” At the beginning of the year, van Rensburg had the opportunity to attend a rugby training camp that was hosted in New Zealand that ran for the period three months ending in April. Van Rensburg revealed what the significance of participating in this training was, “I believe that knowledge is power and even though I may be a very experienced player, there is still so much that I can still learn. I [was] exposed to many different professional NZ coaches and players in my time there and I believe that bringing back what I have learnt there will be beneficial to my teams’ development.” This opportunity provided new knowledge and lessons which van Rensburg hopes to bring back and share with the TuksRugby team. “I have improved on so many small things in my overall game play, but most of all my confidence in a contact situation has definitely improved immensely. I made notes on every training session that I had in NZ and I plan on sharing all these drills and games with my coaches and having them integrate it into our trainings.” The Delta Drone players will continue their European playing schedule with the Stanislas 7s taking place from 11 to 12 May in Nancy and Benidorms 7s in Spain on 24 to 26 May.

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