Alienation at UP

Adelle Jansen

On 5 October, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the International Student Division (ISD) called for an emergency meeting to discuss the incredibly low number of students that would be taking part in the International Students’ Day. The SRC and ISD claimed that students often complain that the university does not host enough events, but when UP does, no one is willing to participate. Furthermore, they urged students to attend International Students’ Day, warning that if the participation number did not increase, this event would be cancelled. On 7 October, International Students’ Day commenced as scheduled at the amphitheatre with great success.

Various countries such as the Netherlands, China, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Japan, South Korea, and Italy participated in the cultural song and dance event, the poetry event, and the Mx UP International (UPI) contest (previously known as Mr and Ms UPI). Around 13 exhibition stalls were set up before the official event, giving students the opportunity to engage with and learn about other people’s countries and cultures.

countries received awards for their outstanding performances: Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Ethiopia, South Africa, and China. The Mx UPI winners included representatives from Eswatini and Zimbabwe, who came in first place for not only the Mx UPI but received awards in the majority of the other categories.

Vice-Principal Prof. Themba Mosia addressed the event, highlighting the importance of International Students’ Day, as it brings the UP community together to celebrate a rich diversity of different cultures and experiences. Prof. Mosia indicated that UP is home to over 3000 international students from approximately 110 countries around the world. The number of international students studying at UP has decreased, and Prof. Mosia pointed out that UP is working on attracting more international students. At the same time, the university is encouraging local and international students to become involved with one another, as UP is a platform for students to share culture and experiences.

PDBY conducted several interviews, and it has been noted that most international students perceive the local UP students as very friendly and hospitable. All the students from other countries have different reasons for being here in South Africa. Some have lived a large portion of their lives in SA, others are exchange students, and then there are the students who are studying full-time at UP. The Zimbabwean representatives explained that the reason why they wanted to study at UP is because they wanted diverse information and to experience new things so that they could take back new ideas to Zimbabwe. In contrast, the representatives from Japan, the Netherlands, China, and South Korea emphasised their interest in the diverse languages and culture of SA, along with the beautiful nature. Furthermore, South Korean students explained how they enjoy camping and braaing, plus the general laid-back attitude of South Africans. Additionally, the representative of Italy, who has a particular love for political studies, revealed that he wanted to know the way of life and mentality of people from Africa. He expressed his admiration for Africans when he mentioned his trip to Robben Island and how he was amazed by the liberation movement as well as how people eventually put their differences aside to build a new country.

On the other hand, international students have brought up their discomfort in relation to the high crime rate in SA, particularly around UP. Moreover, international students have reported that one of their biggest challenges at UP is the language barrier.

South Africa has 11 official languages, which does present challenges towards international students if both parties to a conversation are forced to speak a language that is not their mother tongue.

Additionally, there have been reports of culture shock and international students struggling to adapt to the UP environment during their first few weeks. Some individuals insinuated that they feel unwelcome at UP and have been encountering forms of discrimination. An example of this is people assuming or asking if people from China consume dogs. This is a stereotypical view, and it is regarded as offensive to pose this question to Chinese students. Another point worth adding is that students have been mocking and imitating other students’ languages and accents. Although it may be seen as a harmless joke, someone could perceive these imitations as annoying and offensive.

International students expressed their concern with regards to safety but also expressed that they would like for the university to put in more effort to ensure that international students are offered receive more job opportunities in South Africa. Various international students also pointed out that they wish for local UP students to be present throughout orientation week. According to Prof. Mosia, international students are allowed to bring any challenges they face to the international students’ office, as they would

Halloween: Carving out memories

Gontse Mabaso and Musa Mngomezulu

Spooky season has begun, and people young and old celebrate Halloween. Whilst everyone will be out and about in their impressive costumes, it is imperative that we know what Halloween is and how it is celebrated.

According to an article from History. com, Halloween is a holiday celebrated on 31 October, and started as a day when Celtic people dressed up to celebrate their ancestors who have passed on. But the day has found its way to our shores, and has taken a fun new twist.

Did you know that historically, people dressed in costumes to ward off restless spirits but Halloween has since transformed into something fun rather than scary. Although people are no longer trying to be ghostbusters to chase spirits, the day is still celebrated in spooky ways with the history of costume wearing still being preserved 2000 years later.

We spoke to Xenin Steenveld, a student who resides in America, about her first American Halloween experience. She mentioned that she is excited to celebrate the day because it is extremely celebrated in her neighbourhood and all around. Steenveld added that people decorate their houses and stores, and even change their entire look, including packaging, to fit the Halloween theme.

The club culture in Hatfield has caught on to the trend because students love a good time, whether it is chasing after good vibes or you are just someone who enjoys the practice of Halloween. A lot of people understand the concept of Halloween from watching their favourite American films and series, but how we as a country, especially SA’s club culture, got assimilated into this trend remains a mystery. PDBY spoke to a regular club goer, who would like to remain anonymous, who said that clubs like making money and will do anything that brings money even if they do not understand the history or purpose of the practice. When asked what their go-to costume would be, they responded that “anything cheap would do”.

In essence, Halloween has become an increasingly popular trend in South Africa and has morphed into a time where people come together while wearing their favourite costumes. So, if you are ever in the mood to dress up as your favourite movie characters, like Wonder Woman or Spider-man, the time is now. But, did you know that Halloween is not the only day where people wear costume-like attires and celebrate.

Guy Fawkes day or ‘penny penny’ is celebrated on 5 November, and is often celebrated in townships where children of different age groups take to the street, cross-dress or dress up in their guardians’ bestoversized dresses and suits. They then go door-to-door dancing, and instead of getting treats, ask for money from neighbours. One can even mistakenly understand it as a South African version of Halloween. Like Halloween, Guy Fawkes day has a rich history that has been skipped over by kids who rather see it as a day they come together and have fun.

In light of the cross-dressing the day can also be viewed as the children’s way of flattening gender roles and normsunknowingly challenging societal systems. If the practice is preserved, in the future it can be a very powerful tool that teaches young people to normalise gender fluidity and so much more, especially in townships where many people are unknowledgeable of different sexual orientations.

It goes without saying that these two gladly assist and fulfil whatever need they may have. At International Students’ Day, questions were raised in relation to how the university will ensure that international students are integrated into the broader UP environment. UP responded by saying that the university has a number of societies and student structures, suggesting that international students should join whichever one that closely represents or appeals to them.

Prof. Mosia proclaimed that the international community significantly contributes to enriching the culture and experiences of the UP campuses. He continued, stating that “we are all united in our desire and diversity” and that this occasion is a great opportunity to experience the world. With respect to learning and expanding cultural perspectives, international students should not be seen as a threat to the local students. International students are here to learn and experience our unique culture and the history of our people.

Illustration: Cleo Qin holidays share similarities and one could say that Halloween and Guy Fawkes day could be cousins, figuratively speaking of course. It is great to see people celebrate Halloween and it would be just as great to have the spirit of Guy Fawkes day or ‘penny penny’ to catch up to everyone who has not experienced it.

With that being said … when dark shadows form and costumes are seen, the moon will shine brighter cause ‘tis Halloween that’s near!