26 January 2019 Issue 1 Year 81

454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

Tel: 012 362 7180

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre

454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

Tel: 012 362 7180

Tel: 012 362 7180

454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

PDBY

26 January 2018

Year 81 | Issue 1

Tel: 012 362 7180

Print, Digital, and Broadcast Youth Media

yourcampusnews. @PDBYMedia

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@PDBYMedia

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PerdebyTV

www.pdby.co.za

UP upgrading facilities

Let’s talk about sex, baby

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Mzanzi and chill: Africa’s first Netflix original

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064 549 1271

599 Francis Baard St.

Why TuksSport is so dominant

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ARCADIA

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2 | Editorial

26 January 2019

It’s a love-hate thing

W

elcome to university.

You are going to learn so much in these first few weeks and you will probably have advice thrown at you from every direction. Campus Cousin (14) has been eager to give some tips for weeks now, and the older students might try give even more interesting advice in the next few weeks. Just so you don’t get too bored of all the wise words from those who have faced the fire, I have decided to limit myself to one thing — being here is all about the love-hate feelings you will have towards being in this wonderfully horrid place.

Welcome

Dear first-year,

W

elcome to the best years of your life. Whilst in the thick of it you might argue that the next three to five years is the hardest thing you have ever done, and perhaps, in comparison to what you have experienced up to now, it will be.

However, once you leave the university, I hope you look back on your time here with a fond remembrance of, not necessarily the academic path you followed, but rather the people you met and the opportunities you embraced.

During the next couple of years, you will fall in love and get your heart broken, make mistakes and learn from them. You will operate on caffeine and plan your social calendar around semester tests and exams and at the end of it all, you will be ready to enter the real world, the one you were warned about by your parents, the world where you can only survive if you have an education. What they do not tell you is that real knowledge is not acquired only in

the lecture halls of UP. It is in your everyday dealings with the people at UP. My advice is to get involved, be it PDBY, TuksFM, RAG or Stuku, Societies, student politics or day/faculty houses. If you aren’t involved you will never really experience student life.

The newspaper you hold in your hands has been around for 81 years (previously called Perdeby). Student media and student publications in particular form the life-blood of journalism in South Africa. Most of the student newspapers around the country have been around before democracy and even before South Africa became a republic.

PDBY has seen a very wide spectrum of the development of this country and this university and provided students with a platform to discuss an array of subjects, some more controversial than others. It does however remain our responsibility to bring you the truth, an unbiased and balanced account of what is happening on your campus. But we need your help. You are our eyes and ears on campus, so send in your news

It is no secret that university is hard.

Once you have pulled a few all-nighters or rushed from the Xerox to your submission point with seconds to spare, trying to find someone with a stapler while you jog, you might start to understand the full meaning of the ‘hardness’ of university.

But then the next test or exam will come, with the exact sections you decided not to study becoming the only question in the test, and you will realise you were wrong, it does get worse. Don’t even get me started on trying to understand how TuksPrint works (and don’t ask older students, they don’t know either), or the dreaded two words every student has heard in their time here — “main gate”, or the struggle of trying to find parking at any point while the sun is in the sky, or even the arctic temperatures of the Chancellors building. These are all matters that require a cup of coffee and a few hours of sharing battle stories of life at UP.

balanced by an equal measure of good times.

The friends and connections you make along the way will be some of the closest and most special of your life, you will grow and mature beyond what you can imagine, you will have coffee at Haloa, snacks from the Piazza and many a Wacky-Wednesday from the engineering side of campus. You will learn, and you will love it — just make the most of your time here.

However, these instances are always

Editor

Work hard, play hard, and read PDBY. Carel Willemse Editor-in-Chief

PDBYMedia, formerly Perdeby, is the official independent student newspaper of the University of Pretoria. We are committed to providing fresh and entertaining news content for UP students, by UP students, about UP issues.

Advertising Sales Tel: 012 420 6600 Cell: 083 318 9738 carel.willemse@up.ac.za

www.pdby.co.za Twitter:

@PDBYnews @PDBYSport @PDBYe Instagram: @PDBYMedia Facebook: PDBYMedia Tel: (012) 420 6600

Editorial Editor-in-chief Carel Willemse Editor Shaun Sproule News Henri Uys Features Katie Atkinson Entertainment Sam Mukwamu Sport Online Content Ricardo Teixeira

carel.willemse@up.ac.za @Ed_in_Chief perdeby@up.ac.za @ShaunSproule news@pdby.co.za @henriuys features@pdby.co.za @katieatkinson4 entertainment@pdby.co.za @sammysouthside sport@pdby.co.za onlinecontent@perdeby.co.za @the1trueRicardo

Shaun Sproule

tips, letters or comments and if you would like to be part of this vibrant team, keep an eye out for the application form in this and our February editions.

I can guarantee you as our reader that during 2019 you will read stories in this newspaper that will make you laugh, make you think, inform you, and even make you uncomfortable. In the end what we would like to achieve is to initiate discourse among the student community about things that matter and directly affect you. Should you come across anything that you feel is in the public interest of your fellow students, let us know.

yourcampusnews.

PDBY Media

Finally, I would like to shamelessly plug my newspaper — Read PDBY! We are a wealth of entertaining and interesting information. Stay up to date with what’s happening on campus and in the student life around Pretoria. In my opinion this newspaper is the best, and I’ve been around for a while, so you should listen to me.

Web Adivhaho Maphwanya Copy Georgina Glass Visuals Ditebogo Tshaka Multimedia Ofentse Malele Production Prudence Ramsboka Development Elmarie Kruger Layout Kayla Thomas

webeditor@pdby.co.za @i_adi_m copy@pdby.co.za @georginaaliceglass visuals@pdby.co.za @didi_tshaka multimedia@pdby.co.za @fentse_malele production@pdby.co.za @robyn_prudence development@pdby.co.za @elmarie.kruger layout@pdby.co.za @kaylathomas1998

Letter policy PDBY appreciates that freedom of speech is an inalienable right enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic South Africa. We encourage our readers to engage in discussion and debate on issues that affect them through letters to the Editor, comments on our website, tweets, or posts on Facebook. We ask our readers to keep the following in mind: 1. PDBY will not edit letters, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts in any way.

2. PDBY will label letters, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts as opinion. These do not represent the views of PDBY in any way.

3. The PDBY editorial must approve letters, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts before they are published.

4. PDBY will not publish letters, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts that are defamatory, or libelous, or that contain offensive content.

5. PDBY reserves the right to practice discretion when publishing letters, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts.

6. PDBY reserves the right to publish any content we receive unless the sender specifically requests otherwise.

7. PDBY reserves the right to retract a letter, comment, tweet, or Facebook post after it has been published.

8. PDBY will not accept responsibility for any consequences the author of a letter, comments, tweets, or Facebook posts may experience as a result of the letter being published.

9. PDBY will only publish letters between 150 and 200 words.

10. PDBY will not publish letters unless the writer confirms their full name, student number and contact number. PDBY will not publish this information, we need it for our records.

Copyright PDBY is printed by Paarlmedia. All rights reserved. Contributions are welcome. All due care will be taken with materials submitted, but PDBY and printers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend or alter in any way deemed necessary. PDBYcannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The opinions expressed in PDBY are not necessarily those of the editors and printers of PDBY.

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26 January 2019

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VukaUP Loyalty Programme Benefits of the VukaUP Loyalty Programme

Steps to join the VukaUP Loyalty Programme

Join the VukaUP Loyalty Programme for only R480 per year, and pay half price for the benefits below.

Pay the R480 annual fee into the VukaUP Sustainability Fund account below.

Note: This annual fee should be paid upfront.

STEP 1

Half-price dining benefit at SPUR Members pay R75 and receive a R150 voucher.

The voucher can be used once a day.

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One voucher per sitting is permitted.

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Purchase 5 x NuMetro movie vouchers

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2 x KFC vouchers

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2 x Airtime vouchers

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STEP 2 STEP 3

Students pay only R350 (instead of R480) to join VukaUP. This offer is valid from 25 January to 15 February 2019.

You can save up to R10 680 per year if you purchase all the available benefits that include the following:

Purchase 2 x Airtime vouchers

Receive an email from Tuks Vuka Reality with the following information: Your membership PIN, and A link to the VukaUP Loyalty Programme platform.

STEP 4

1. Pay R480 up-front (annual membership fee).

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Purchase 2 x KFC vouchers

Scan your proof of payment Save your Proof of Payment as a PDF, JPEG or PNG. The file name of your Proof of Payment should be: A1A364 VUKA (followed by your ID number).

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Upload your Proof of Payment on the online VukaUP Registration Form.

Log onto to the VukaUP Loyalty Programme platform at www.tuksvukareality.co.za using your PIN or ID number.

Click on ‘VERIFY’.

Update your personal details and click on ‘SAVE’.

As soon as you have updated your personal details, you can now start purchasing your rewards on the VukaUP platform.

Start purchasing your VukaUP Loyalty Programme benefits.

Go to www.tuksvukareality.co.za.

Select the reward/s you want to purchase and add to your ‘Cart’.

Click on the Cart icon to view your chosen awards and the amount payable.

Enter your cell phone number and click on GET OTP to receive a One Time Pin (OTP).

Enter the OTP and click on Checkout now .

A screen will appear where you should enter your credit card information to make payment.

After successful payment, your vouchers will appear on the screen.

Check your redeemed benefits.

Go to www.tuksvukareality.co.za.

Click on ‘Benefit history’ where your redeemed benefits will appear.

You may choose to ‘SMS’ or ‘EMAIL’ or ‘VIEW’ your voucher numbers.

Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions at: www.up.ac.za/juniortukkie > VukaUP Loyalty Programme.

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How much do I have to spend out of my pocket?

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As soon as the payment is confirmed and the Finance Department at the University of Pretoria allocates the money to the VukaUP fund, the participant’s details will be sent to INCENTIV, the firm managing the VukaUP Loyalty Programme on behalf of UP. Note: Payment from other banks can take up to three working days to reflect in the ABSA account of the University of Pretoria.

STEP 5

2 for 1 popcorn and soda combo at NuMetro Members will pay R55 for one combo and get a second one free.

The benefit can be purchased once a day on the VukaUP platform.

The benefit can be used 5 times per month.

R 50

Total amount for free

Not a bad deal at all: Purchase vouchers for R890 per month and spend double the amount = R1 780!

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#ChooseUP Contact information | Mr Themba Maluleka Tel +27 (0)12 420 6606 | Email VukaUP@up.ac.za Website www.up.ac.za/juniortukkie > VukaUP Loyalty Programme Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions at www.up.ac.za/juniortukkie > VukaUP Loyalty Programme

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2 for 1 movie benefit at NuMetro Members pay R75 for a single 2D* movie ticket and get a second one free OR members pay R95 for a single 3D* movie ticket and get a second one free.

The benefit can be purchased once a day on the VukaUP platform.

The benefit can be used 5 times per month.

Make your booking via: - NuMetro website www.numetro.co.za - NuMetro Mobile App - NuMetro Self-Service Terminal - NuMetro Counter - NuMetro Call Center +27 (0)860 124 6362 *2D and 3D tickets cannot be used at Nu Metro’s Scene VIP, Scene Xtreme and 4DX movies.

Bank Account Branch Code Account number Reference

STEP 7

Half price KFC voucher Members will pay R25 and receive a voucher for R50.

The voucher can be purchased once a day on the VukaUP platform.

This benefit can be used twice a month.

2 for 1 airtime benefit Members pay R20 and receive a voucher for R40.

The voucher can be purchased once a day on the VukaUP platform.

This benefit can be used twice a month.

Familiarise yourself with all the steps below—especially the sequence of the steps—that you need to follow when you complete the online VukaUP Registration Form.

Membership is valid from the date of registration at INCENTIV. Participants will be notified when their annual subscription expires. You can then renew your VukaUP Loyalty Programme membership for another year. Vouchers are valid for three years and can be used together at loyalty partners.

REGISTER AT www.up.ac.za/juniortukkie > VukaUP Loyalty Programme

4 | News

Getting to know the Constitutional Tribunal Sihle Nyangiwe

T

he Constitutional Tribunal is the branch of student governance that deals with judicial matters at the University of Pretoria. Formerly known as the Student Court, they guard the Constitution for Student Governance (CSG). The primary role of the tribunal is to guarantee the protection of student rights. The tribunal also ensures that the constitutions of student structures are not in conflict with the CSG. The tribunal is responsible for overseeing the election of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the resolution of disputes arising from societies, student governance officials and disciplinary hearings.

Chief Justice of the tribunal, Mpho Mogadime, confirmed that “the unfortunate lack of knowledge among students regarding the role of the tribunal often results in a lack of cases instituted with the tribunal that would determine common breaches of student rights with certainty.” Mogadime explained that the kind of issues they deal with involve academic misconduct, interpretation of the CSG, bringing the SRC and other student structures to account,

adjudicating over student forum meetings and passing binding judgements on cases arising from the CSG. The Chief Justice advises first year students to “learn more about [themselves] and everything outside what [they] are used to.

Understand and be clear about the most important reason why you are here, which is to obtain a university qualification. However, be sure to engage with other important aspects of student life in order to have a holistic university experience.” Mogadime continues to say that this may include engagement in various events, societies or competitions.

He concludes by saying that such engagement will “contribute to [students’] growth and wellbeing at the university.”

For those who are looking to get involved with the tribunal, the Chief Justice encourages students “to engage with the tribunal by attending student forum meetings chaired by the tribunal, informative student governance workshops hosted in collaboration with the Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel (SDAP), adjudications which are open to the public, tribunal fundraising projects, the annual Law Faculty Festival, and social media campaigns.” Students who have queries pertaining to student governance should contact the registrar of the tribunal at ashleigh.laurent@gmail.com.

Student jobs in and around Hatfield Sihle Nyangiwe

Y

ou have finally made it to varsity. However, now that you are here, you might be awake at night wondering how you are going to afford the registration fee, accommodation costs, food, clothes and a social life. Luckily, PDBY has compiled a list of general student jobs on and off campus to get you that much needed cash. You can thank us later.

If you have absolutely no idea where and how to start looking for a job, then pay a visit to the University of Pretoria’s Career Services. They provide support to UP students to help them prepare for the workplace. This includes drafting CVs, motivational letters, job searches and career planning. Additionally, the Ready for Work programme has been launched to equip students with entrepreneurship skills and academic competence. If you wish to enrol for the programme, simply register for it on ClickUP by clicking on the link below their banner. Seeing as the Ready for Work programmes vary, you can choose your desired package and complete the activities from assessment one to four. While this programme helps you for future jobs, here are some student-

friendly jobs that you can add to your CV in the meantime: Computer Lab Assistant at the University of Pretoria If you are tech savvy, have an interest in working with computers and providing technical assistance to students, then this could be for you.

You will mostly help solve issues pertaining to passwords, software update, portals and emails. You will also need to have customer service skills and work well in a team environment.

Au Pair If you are fortunate enough to have your own car, you can put it to good use by becoming an au pair. An au pair is someone who babysits children, helps them with their homework, drives them to school and handles their schedules. They typically act as the parents’ representative while the parents are away or at work. This is perfect for students because au pairing hours are usually flexible and typically in the afternoon during weekdays. This gives you enough time to focus on your studies in the mornings and weekends.

Promoter If you are outgoing and need flexible hours, then promotion work may be for you. There are various promotion companies that you can sign up with like Studentwise.

Promotion companies employ people to help with things such as store activations, product promotions and events. According to the Studentwise website, prospective employees are required to be energetic, extroverted and smart. The recruitment process is tripartite, beginning with a phone call, then proceeding to a scheduled interview. If you are selected, you would need to join Studentwise’s Facebook page to view upcoming events and promotions.

Sales Operator If the idea of taking care of children and driving them to their extra-murals does not appeal to you then perhaps this will. Try offering your services as a sales representative at a food ordering restaurant like Delivery Extreme. This job will require you to answer incoming calls from customers who would like to order food from various restaurants. It is great for students because you can do it part-time from 16:00 onwards, when you are done with your educational activities. There is a lot of room for growth as you can carry out other tasks such as ordering stock, processing online orders and helping drivers cash-up.

Insurance representative This is for those who care about healthcare and want to make it more accessible and affordable. Whether it is Platinum Life or Medshield you are sure to learn valuable skills while selling insurance policies to people over the phone. Some insurance companies will require you to do cold dialling while others do not, some will offer incentives while others only offer basic salary. Persistence, an unyielding mindset and a strong sense of work ethic will carry you through this job.

26 January 2019

Staying safe around campus

D Henri Uys

uring the semester, the streets around UP’s Hatfield campus become busy.

They fill up with students, pedestrians, lots of cars and unfortunately, opportunistic criminals.

Hatfield falls under the South African Police Service (SAPS) Brooklyn precinct.

According to Crime Stats SA’s website, a total of 184 incidents of common robbery were reported in 2018 in the Brooklyn precinct. In 2017, this number was 163 and in 2016, 141. A total of 363 incidents of robbery with aggravating circumstances were reported in 2018.

Opportunistic criminals target pedestrians because they carry valuable items that are easy to steal. These items include laptops, tablets, cellphones, cash and jewellery. Victims are often threatened with firearms or other dangerous objects.

Here are some safety tips for pedestrians from the SAPS: Walk in groups, especially when walking at night.

There is safety in numbers.

Be cautious of strangers approaching you to ask for directions, the time, a lighter etc. This is a tactic that criminals use to distract you or to gain your trust.

Walk in busy and well-lit areas. It is advisable to avoid shortcuts, deserted areas and parks, especially at night.

If you suspect that you are being followed or harassed, go to the nearest populated area and ask for help.

Keep all of your valuables concealed until you reach your destination.

Avoid texting while walking. This will distract you from your surroundings and make you an easier target for criminals. It is also advisable to avoid making calls while walking. If you have to make a call, try to make the call as short as possible or wait until you reach your destination before making a call.

Listening to music while walking can distract you.

This will also make you an easier target for criminals and make you less alert of traffic on the road. Avoid using headphones or earphones while walking as these can be stolen easily.

Try to limit the amount of alcohol you consume before walking as alcohol impairs your judgment.

When walking on pavements, walk in the direction of oncoming traffic. Some criminals operate from vehicles by stopping next to the victim, robbing them and then fleeing. Walking while facing oncoming traffic will allow you to see any potential suspect vehicles approaching.

Here are some tips when parking and leaving your car outside campus: Use one of UP’s various parking areas in and around campus. Students can make use of UP’s parking area next to the Engineering Buildings. There are parking areas in Lunnon Street and on the corner of Duxbury and Hilda Street. These parking areas are secured with gates and fences and are monitored by UP’s security staff.

If you park on the pavement, make sure that your vehicle is properly locked. Check that all of your windows are closed. Make sure that all of your vehicle’s doors and trunk are closed and locked.

It is advisable to remove all valuables from your vehicle and to take them with you. If you have to leave something behind, store in your vehicle’s trunk before leaving.

UP’s Green Route Project helps students to travel safely between destinations in and around campus.

Security officials accompany students on foot to and from residences, vehicles or other nearby locations.

The service runs daily between 18:00 and 06:00. On the Hatfield campus, security officials accompany students from the Absa ATM next to the Merensky 2 Library.

The Brooklyn SAPS encourages anyone with information, relating to crime, to report it anonymously on 08600 10111. An SMS can be sent to 32211. The Brooklyn SAPS can be reached on the following 24hour number: 012 366 1735/6. Students can also make use of UP’s 24-hour Crisis Service: 0800 00 64 28.

Additional emergency numbers can be found on the back of every student card.

News | 5

26 January 2019

UP upgrading facilities From a new campus to the first gender-neutral bathroom

Photo: Ofentse Malele Javett Art Centre progress

O Henri Uys

ver the past couple of months various developments and upgrades have been taking place at UP. PDBY took a look at these developments and what they entail.

Future Africa campus The Future Africa campus was an initiative headed up by former UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Cheryl de la Rey. UP launched the initiative “as a platform to develop leadership in transdisciplinary research in Africa”, according to Future Africa’s website.

The construction of the campus started in November 2015.

Some of the projects that will be focused on at the campus includes bioprospecting and bioeconomy, biodiversity and ecosystem services in Tshwane and freedom from violence.

While bioprospecting and bioeconomy combines biodiversity, science and traditional knowledge to make it accessible to the modern market, Image provided. Future Africa campus

biodiversity and ecosystem services monitors native plant species in urban areas. The freedom from violence aims to promote peaceful societies and access to justice, among others.

Also featuring on the campus, is the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP).

According to Future Africa’s website, the programme “aims to grow mid-career African academics in the areas of thought leadership, team management and research development, with the intention of enabling them to contribute to the development of a new paradigm for science in Africa, focused on its contribution to solving the complex issues facing both Africa and the global community.”

The Tuks Young Research Leader Programme (TYRLP) aims to “grow early career academics at UP in the areas of thought leadership, team development, engagement and collaboration, with the intention of enabling them to solve the complex issues that face society”, according to Future Africa’s website.

The campus also hosts various centres and institutes such as the African Tax Institute, the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership and the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation (GovInn). Professor Susan Adendorff, Director of Facilities Management at UP, confirmed that the construction of the Future Africa campus was complete and that the campus is being utilised.

Research centre Another project is the construction of a research centre near the experimental farm of UP’s Hillcrest campus. UP, the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are working together to

Image provided. Javett Art Centre

create the centre. Speaking to Beeld, Professor Sunil Maharaj, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT at UP, said that this centre will be the first of its kind in Africa.

According to Beeld’s article, the centre’s aim is to create a space where all research regarding transport can be done in one place. Prof. Cheryl de la Rey said, “We hope together with these three organizations to make a big difference to the future of transport in Southern Africa.” Prof. Adendorff said that construction will be completed by 2020.

Study centre

to south campus. Prof. Adendorff added that construction will completed in March or April this year. Javett-UP will be open to the public and it is hoped that the centre will become a tourist hotspot.

... this centre will feature UP’s first gender-neutral bathrooms.

UP’s Hatfield campus popular hangout, Oom Gert, closed in December last year to make way for a new study centre. UP Spokesperson, Rikus Delport, previously told PDBY, “Two new spaces have been designed, a social learning space which will have some limited catering offering and a refurbished kiosk.”

Prof. Adendorff said that developments will commence in February this year. Prof. Adendorff added that this centre will feature UP’s first gender-neutral bathrooms.

Javett Art Centre Another current development is the Javett Art Centre (or Javett-UP) development. The centre will contain various exhibition spaces which includes a bridge over Lynnwood Road and a big concrete building which will house various golden African artefacts. Javett-UP will also provide students with an opportunity to do research and to learn about research and restoration skills. The centre includes a studio for students studying a master’s degree in the Conservation of Tangible Heritage to do practical work. According to Javett-UP’s website, this degree is the first of its kind in subSaharan Africa. Prof. Adendorff said that a new social space will be created for students together with a kiosk. A resturant will also be added

UP and the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) are working together to create a feed mill research facility. Prof. de la Rey said, “This new research facility and laboratory will serve as conduit for a number of related research and education activities in both animal and plant agriculture, which are desperately needed by the agricultural industry, the National Department of Agriculture and a number of other scientific disciplines such as biosciences, environmental and climate research.

These trans-disciplinary research initiatives will contribute to new discoveries in climate-smart agriculture, food safety and food security.”

According to De Wet Boshoff, executive director of AFMA, this is yet another facility that will be the first of its kind in Africa. The developments will take place at UP’s Miertjie le Roux farm.

Miscellaneous Prof. Adendorff spoke about other projects currently ongoing at UP. Restoration and renovation projects are planned for UP’s residences. According to Prof. Adendorff, these developments are planned for the next three to four years. Prof. Adendorff said that bus shelters will be added to the parking area where students make use of UP’s bus services. A new external social learning space is also planned for the area next to the Roosmaryn Building. Renovations have been taking place at the Law Building to address water-related issues. Prof. Adendorff added that there are continuous projects at UP aimed at improving accessibility at the institution.

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Feed mill research facility

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26 January 2019

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Features | 7

26 January 2019

Food for thought

Adjust and adapt with

N Photo: Sinqobile Sibiya

Inge Beukes

ot only is a new year seen as a new start, but it is also an opportunity to jot down an ambitious list of new year’s resolutions and cross fingers that by February you have not given up on them yet. According to a poll done

by ComRes, weight loss, exercise and healthy eating top the list of the most common new year’s resolutions, reports the Telegraph. This rings true considering that South African gym companies generate more than R12.5 billion in revenue every year, according to City Press.

In a case before the Competition Tribunal in 2016, it was revealed that Virgin Active controls at least 60% of the gym market in South Africa, with more than half a million members and over 137 gyms countrywide.

Seemingly contradictory to these statistics, Health24 report that almost 70% of local women are either overweight or obese, displayed in latest South African Demographic and Health Survey. South Africa has the highest overweight or obesity rates for women in Africa. Excess body weight remains a large problem, not only in adults. 13% of South African children are overweight or obese, which is more than double the global average of 5%.

PDBY spoke to Professor Tess Van der Merwe, CEO of Centre of Excellence for Metabolic Medicine and Surgery of South Africa (CEMMS), and Clinical Professor and Researcher at the University of Pretoria. She claims that South Africa’s food and eating culture is becoming more westernised. “There is over consumption of fast food and sugary drinks, including juice. There is far too [much] meat protein and not enough plant protein. This includes over consumption of saturated fat

and under consumption of poly and mono unsaturated fat”, says Prof. Van der Merwe. She draws attention to the problematic nature of “quick-loss” diets. “There is also an unfortunate trend to follow cult diets with poor scientific backing e.g. banting diets.

Intolerance of sound nutritional advice as instant gratification has become the order of the day and people expect instant results on e.g. weight loss and health”.

Maintaining a healthy diet may sound easy on paper but the current socio-economic position of South Africa may curtail this. In a 2018 report released by the World Bank, which documents the progress South Africa has made in reducing poverty and inequality since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa is the most unequal country in the world. The report showed that more than half of South Africans (55.5%) or 30-million people live below the national poverty line of R992 per month. This number increased since 2011. The Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being has found that 40% of South Africans cannot afford healthy eating.

Prof. Van der Merwe acknowledges that the rise in inequality and poverty results in unaffordability of fruits and vegetables resulting in overconsumption of basic sustenance foods such as porridge, bread, frying oil and cheaper fatty cuts of meat. Students battling to afford a healthy lifestyle and who resort to unhealthy eating habits are at risk of physical and mental repercussions such as anxiety, lack of concentration, lethargy, insomnia, poor immunity and bad skin. In more longstanding cases, early onset high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can occur according to Prof. Van der Merwe. Lastly, she leaves students with the following advice “Health cannot be taken for granted, more so when you are young, as this is the time to invest in future health outcomes”.

Healthy eating tips for students on a tight budget given by Prof. Van Der Merwe Res Students

Be very cautious of eating big volumes. Just because the meals are prepared, it does not mean that large amounts must become the order of the day.

Pick carefully. Avoid the deep-fried foods and overconsumption of bulk starches.

Eat regularly. If possible, have a small fridge in your room, stocked with small supply of healthy snacks for when meals are missed.

Do not overconsume instant coffee with loads of sugar and milk.

Sleep enough! Often difficult with res life, but lack of good quality sleep can be killer on the biorhythm. If noise disturbs your sleep pattern, report it.

Non-res Students

Buy small amounts of fresh food and plan. Work according to a food planner and do not buy randomly.

Invest in a steamer and slow cook, that way you can have your food ready in no time.

Stock small amounts of healthy snacks e.g. nuts, low fat cheese, powdered biltong, Provita and fat free yogurt.

Do not eat fruit on its own, make it part of your meal. That way the glycemic index will be lower.

Have at least two days of plant- based protein with no meat or chicken. Learn to use lentils, beans, avocado, and peanut butter.

upport systems are imperative to the wellbeing of an individual, especially when one is trying to adjust to a new environment. The STARS Mentorship programme is aimed at first-years and offers new students social and emotional support. As the programme is run by FLY@ UP, an initiative that seeks to ensure that students graduate on time, the support given is also intended to boost academic performance.

Senior students, who must be in at least their second year of studies, are trained as mentors and paired with a first-year student. The mentor is there to help the first-year navigate their way around university. PDBY interviewed Vice Chairperson of STARS, Nia Maluleka, to get a better understanding of how the programme works.

Explain how the stars mentorship programme works? […] During their O-week session, the first-years partake in the survey. I think it is online now, in the past it used to be written. There [are] typical criteria used to identify students who need mentorship […] There’s also the choice of volunteering as well, so we give all the firstyears the opportunity to have a mentor. The mentor’s main objective is to be there for them socially and emotionally and […] any other thing they could be potentially struggling with.

Can you elaborate on these criteria used to identify students who need mentorship?

The [one criterion] is first generational. So, if there’s a first person in a family to come to university – or a [person with a] different dynamic, someone who doesn’t have a reference point –we feel they need a mentor, someone to guide them and just be there with them.

The second one is second choice, so obviously thinking “I’m in for BA General, for example, but I’ve applied for BA Law, so what can I do to get into BA Law?” The mentor is then that bridge to help them get into BA Law.

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STARS has already grown considerably since it started about eight years ago So what makes it different from a tutoring programme, what makes STARS unique? […] I believe that firstly mentors are doing it out of their own will and that’s what makes it unique. We’re not tutors, that’s the thing. I think people tend to struggle with the difference between mentorship and tutoring. Tutors are there on campus, available. We are just like a sister or a brother […] we want to create a family. We want you to come in and feel like you’re not the only one and it’s okay. We’re here to support you. I guess STARS is more unique in terms of mentorship because we provide other extra things. We create skills development to develop both mentors and mentees and we’re going to be introducing more social aspects to help the mentors and mentees integrate a little bit more with other faculties as well.

What does STARS do to make sure mentors and mentees meet regularly and how do you foster the relationship between them?

Firstly, we have training […] if you don’t go to training you can’t be a mentor, so that’s the first thing we do. In that training, we equip you with different techniques and skills for you to be able to deal with the mentee and to work with them. That’s the first step. There are reports put into place […] they ask you questions about the relationship between you and the mentee. We will ask questions like “How many times have you guys met?” and “What are the biggest issues you guys are facing?” So, the reports are there to make sure the mentors are actually doing their job. But even then, we have mentee reports,

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S

Katherine Atkinson

We’re not tutors, that’s the thing.

I think people tend to struggle with the difference between mentorship and tutoring. Tutors are there on campus, available. We are just like a sister or a brother […] we want to create a family. so we can hear the mentee’s side […] we need to make sure that both ends are receiving the amount of information and attention that they need. So that’s what we are trying to do [this] year especially, we are trying to make sure that mentors are held accountable and mentees that are part of the programme are also given a voice.

And how regularly do you have this training or do reports?

The reports are quarterly, there are more mentor reports than there are mentee reports [because] we don’t want to stress out the mentees. They have enough to deal with already. So, the mentors are the ones that we are pushing for more information […] The skills development, last term we only managed to get through one.

But [this] year we are hoping to have at least one a quarter that focuses on the three aspects that STARS focus on – that’s academics, emotional support as well as social support […]

Why would you recommend that a first-year should sign up for this programme?

I think more than anything, it’s an eye-opening experience. Walking into varsity for some people is surrounded by uneasiness […] I would say do it because you will learn something, you will grow. It changes you as a person whether you’re a mentee or a mentor […] First-years should definitely take this opportunity because you will learn, you will grow, you will get a sister or a brother and you will feel more welcome, I guess.

And for mentors joining the programme would you say it’s the same sort of benefits?

Very similar, yes. And obviously, also you’ve got the paper to prove that you’ve done a mentorship programme to add to your CV. Maluleka concludes by saying that STARS want to break the stigma that the mentorship programme is for students who are struggling.

She emphasises that they cater to everybody and anybody and urges first-years to join the programme. STARS has already grown considerably since it started about eight years ago and Maluleka hopes that in the future, STARS ensures that each and every first-year is assigned a mentor. However, Maluleka admits that this is a huge and challenging task.

Applications to be a STARS mentor for 2019 closed in November 2018, so if you wish to be a mentor in 2020 be sure to keep a lookout towards the end of the year or to inquire about it via email upmentorship@gmail.com.

8 | Features

Tips to keep you afloat at UP

Lebogang Ramasodi

F

irst year can be daunting for many.

Besides the stress of a new environment, it takes a while to find the perfect balance between work and play. Here are a few tips that could help you adjust to university life.

Join societies Developing a new hobby may help momentarily distract you from your academic career while allowing you to engage with like-minded people.

Although it may be tempting, do not sign up for every society during marketing week. Choose your favoured few and stick to them. Should you feel that the society is just not for you, or that you are overwhelmed, try another society or take a break.

Stay on top of your work It is imperative that you begin revising your work at the earliest convenience. In doing so, students can identify work that they do not fully comprehend, allowing them to ask either fellow students, their tutors or lecturers for help. This independent manner of study can often seem discouraging to students that are not fully accustomed to the autonomous nature of university.

Form a study group with three or four diligent peers, or should you prefer working by yourself, draw up a timetable and stick to it. For the best study outcomes, it is recommended that you dis-

cover your own learning style. Auditory learners may retain information better should they read their notes aloud or engage in a discussion with their study group while visual learners may use association as a form of learning. This includes identifying certain colours with a specific study unit or module and associating images with concepts. Tactile learners may require keeping busy while studying, such as by shaking a foot, fiddling with a pencil, chewing gum or tracing words with their fingers.

Get organised This is probably one of the trickiest tips to put into practice. The independence that comes with university means that you may have to organise everything from planning dinner to finding a job.

Setting goals and drawing up daily to-do lists are easy things that can help you keep organised.

You can also download a timetable app such as My Study Life, available on iOS and Android, to help with your time management. Other apps which are useful include Goal Tracker & Habit Calendar which is great for tracking progress and learning new habits and Cram.com Flashcards which makes studying on-the-go possible.

Take up a sport Being a student is demanding and can get quite exhausting, which is why the thought of additional exertion may not be appealing to everyone. Exercise can be a great way to

The independence that comes with university means that you may have to organise everything from planning dinner to finding a job. Setting goals and drawing up daily to-do lists are easy things that can help you keep organised.

promote concentration levels, therefore, enhance your studies. Researchers at the University of British Colombia have found that exercise may also serve to reduce anxiety and encourage better sleeping habits. Joining a sports team is a fun way to make sure you commit to getting weekly exercise. Identify a sport you either already enjoy, or would like to learn, and sign up for it. If you are interested in playing a social sport, approach your residence or faculty sports representatives for more information. If you are interested in taking a sport more seriously, you can contact TuksSport which has over thirty sports clubs to choose from.

Check the notice boards

26 January 2019 Not only do the notice boards keep you updated on the events and special lectures, but they can also be one of the best places to spot a bargain.

The noticeboards, which are located all over campus in places like the piazza, often show advertisements for discounted textbooks, notes and reasonable accommodation. By engaging these notices, you stand a chance to cut costs by significant amounts, thereby allowing you to reallocate and save leftover funds for rainy days.

Put your mental health first It is important that students take any feelings of depression and anxiety seriously and speak out whenever they may feel overwhelmed.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the greatest indicators of suicidal behaviour is feeling endlessly sad, not finding enjoyment in anything, often wanting to be alone, believing that there are no solutions to your problems and the certainty that things would be better if you were not here.

Should you or your friends feel this way, do not hesitate to seek help. UP’s Student Counselling, located opposite Tukkiewerf, is available to students who require therapy and is equipped with a team of counselling, educational and clinical psychologists. To book an appointment with a psychologist you must first go for a short screening session which takes place on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning (08:00-11:30) or on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (12:0015:00). In case of emergencies and reporting of gender-based violence, you may phone the 24hour UP careline on 0800 747 747. Alternatively, SADAG suicide crisis line is 0800 567 567.

What’s with the tent? Blood donation in South Africa

O

lder students will most likely know about the big, white South African National Blood Services (SANBS) tent that occupies the grass near the piazza on Hatfield campus. But for all the first-years, PDBY thought we would share some information about SANBS and why the white tent has become an almost permanent part of the Tuks landscape.

As of December 2018, the Ladysmith Gazette reported that the SANBS was appealing to all South Africans to donate blood as the reserves have been running low. This is not the first time that a “blood crisis” like this has been reported, with News24 reporting in November 2017 that levels were critically low. In June 2018, however, IOL confirmed that this crisis had been averted.

The SANBS explains that there is always a need for blood, with some of the at-risk groups including “surgical and cancer patients”, “accident trauma patients”, “children with severe anaemia [a lack of red blood cells in the blood]” and “women haemorrhaging due to pregnancy […] or other gynaecological complications”. A 2017 Timeslive article explains that in 2012 “almost 55 000 gun-related injuries were treated” across

South Africa. Although this does not include injuries which are not gun-related, it does give an idea of the scale of trauma surgeries and treatment needed in the country. The rate of cancer in South Africa also puts a strain on the SANBS, with approximately 100 000 South Africans being diagnosed each year according to the Cancer Association of South Africa. The pressure on the South African healthcare system to provide blood to patients who need blood transfusions is why the SANBS has set up their white tent on campus in the hopes that students will donate blood.

According to the SANBS, the blood donation process begins with the donor filling out a form. This form questions the donor about their lifestyle to find out whether or not they are healthy enough to donate blood without risk to themselves or to patients who might receive the blood. There is then an interview between the nurse and the donor to “ensure that the questions are understood and that the donor understands the importance of being honest on the questionnaire”, says the SANBS. After this is done, and if there are no reasons that the donor should not donate, the donor’s blood pressure and iron levels are checked by a “small prick to [the] finger”. The donor is then seated on a chair, a cuff is placed on their arm to increase the pressure

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The pressure on the South African healthcare system to provide blood to patients who need blood transfusions is why the SANBS has set up their white tent on campus in the hopes that students will donate blood. during the donation process, the nurse cleans the donor’s arm and then inserts the needle once a good vein has been found. The SANBS explains that “a scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 480 ml. This usually takes between 5-10 minutes”. Lastly, the nurse will also collect “three small vials of blood […] [which]

goes through for testing”.

Not everyone can donate blood safely, though.

The SANBS explains that a few of the groups who might be deferred from donation are people who have a “respiratory infection, flu” or “malaria”, people who have had a “tattoo or permanent make up” within the last six months, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with low iron levels, among many others.

The minimum requirements for donors include that you are “between the ages of 16 and 65 years old, weigh a minimum of 50 kgs, in good

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Alison Massey

Platelets expire in only five days, red blood cells in 52 days and plasma in one year, which means that there is a time limit on how long your blood and its components can be kept. health, have not donated blood in the last 56 days, and [have a] pulse between 50-100 regular beats per minute”. There are also different types of donation, such as whole blood, plasma which is used to help blood clotting in trauma patients and platelets which is often used for cancer patients. These may have different requirements and waiting times.

Many people wonder what happens to the blood once it has been donated. According to the SANBS, in South Africa, 95% of the blood you donate is separated into its components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) and only “5% of blood is used as whole blood”. Platelets expire in only five days, red blood cells in 52 days and plasma in one year, which means that there is a time limit on how long your blood and its components can be kept. The blood is tested, processed and then transported to hospitals based on what they have told the SANBS they need. Next time you pass by the blood donation tent, perhaps you will have a clearer idea of what goes on behind canvas doors.

To find out more, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 119 031 to become a blood donor.

Features | 9

26 January 2019

Disability and accessibility on campus

Lebogang Ramasodi

Being a first-time student can be intimidating for anyone, but heightened anxiety can be caused by a lack of awareness of and accessibility to support systems. This is sometimes the case for those with disabilities. Due to structural and ideological barriers, the estimated 2.9 million South Africans, or 7.5% of the population, living with a disability may not be receiving sufficient care. According to Diversity Success Strategies by Norma CarrRuffino, structural barriers may include a lack of adequate transportation, technological support and ongoing training and development. These are usually informed by ideological barriers such as the prejudiced beliefs that persons with disabilities create safety risks or are more difficult to work with.

In a bid to provide an integrated and inclusive university experience, the University of Pretoria encourages students in need to utilise the Disability Unit (DU) as a support structure.

The DU, which operates within the Department of Student Affairs, defines disability as a “social construct resulting from the interaction between a person’s impairment, attitudinal and environmental barriers,” in the Policy for Students with Disabilities. This definition further states that disability “is imposed by society when a person with a physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological and/ or sensory impairment is denied access to full participation in all aspects of life, and when society fails to uphold the rights and specific needs of individuals with impairments.” This definition is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which aims to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities by promoting a holistic approach to inclusivity.

As they are not always visible, students are encouraged to voluntarily disclose their disabilities to the university. To this end, students may be required to provide medical proof for verification purposes. The policy also states that all staff members are responsible for promoting an intersectional approach to inclusivity. This intersectional approach may include financial, academic and social supports for students who are disabled. Promoting inclusivity also means dismantling the abovementioned structural barriers. This can be done by applying universal

design principles, defined by the National Disability Authority of Ireland as being the “composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people” irrespective of their age, size, ability or disability. The variety in sensory, neurological and physical impairments of disabled students may require the modification of curricula to make it accessible and to reduce hazards, without compromising set academic standards.

PDBY interviewed Maria Ramaahlo, head of the DU, in order to gain insight into the structure.

How exactly does the Disability Unit ensure that differently-abled students can participate in the university’s learning environment?

In efforts to create an integrated and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities, the Disability Unit services include: accessible study venues and computer labs, assistive technological services [such as] screenings, trainings and support to students with disabilities, adaptive text arrangements, facilitation of test and examination accommodations for students with disabilities who require use of assistive technology, test and exam concession applications [and finally] orientation and mobility training for students with visual disabilities.

Can you estimate the number of UP students

We each have the responsibility to create an environment that is inclusive

who have a disability?

We currently support an estimate over 700 students with disabilities across the various categories of disability.

What are some of the most common disabilities that you see at UP? Whilst the enrolment of students with disabilities at universities is still low, there is an increasing number of students with learning disabilities that [are] accessing higher education. Similarly, at UP, this is the largest disability category supported by the DU. Second to this would be students with psychological/psychiatric disabilities.

How does one go about registering with the DU?

First year students are encouraged to register with the Disability Unit as early as possible and submit documentation of disability as a prerequisite to receiving academic accommodations. The student can consult with a Disability Unit staff member (Old Chemistry Building, Hatfield Campus). All consultations are on a walk-in basis thus a student does not need to schedule an appointment […]

Students at the Mamelodi campus can consult with a DU staff member every Friday at the Disability Unit computer lab located within the Mamelodi Campus Library […].

Do you ever find that students are hesitant to disclose their disability to the DU? If so, what advice would you give these students?

Students with non-apparent disabilities tend not to disclose their disability for fear of stigma and discrimination by either their fellow students or lecturers. However, students must note that our aim at UP is to have an inclusive environment. In order to coordinate support requests that allow for equal access and full participation, information regarding a student’s disability and voluntary disclosure thereof is required. All information will be treated as confidential.

What advice would you give to a student who feels that they are being stigmatised because of their disability?

Self-advocacy is one of the most important ways in which a student with a disability can take ownership and speak up for their rights. To some extent, this can be an empowering process for the student and is also an opportunity to challenge prevailing negative attitudes and prejudices towards students with disabilities. The University

Photo: Mashduu Madzhiga

of Pretoria also has an anti-discrimination policy and procedures in place to address discrimination across all its campus. The student can choose to either report the matter to the Disability Unit or their Faculties Transformation Committee for the matter to be addressed.

How can the student population help those who are disabled?

The socially constructed nature of disability, as a product of how society views and deals with disability, allows us an opportunity to breakdown attitudinal and physical barriers experienced by students with disabilities. We each have the responsibility to create an environment that is inclusive and allows for all students to participate in. Viewing students with disabilities as in need of “help” is an example of prevailing negative attitudes and prejudices.

Do you have additional comments?

The UP BOLD (Beyond Our Limiting Disabilities) Society is a student society for students with disabilities. As a society they aim to create a conducive environment for students with disabilities. Their primary areas of focus include academic excellence, accessibility on and around campus, provision for inclusivity in student life and raising awareness about the challenges of students with disabilities. They strive to achieve excellence beyond the expectations of others. All students are encouraged to please register with BOLD. Registration forms are available at the Disability Unit reception desk.

The Disability Unit may be contacted at du@ up.ac.za or +27 12 420 2064.

Procrastination: unproductive temptation or underrated revelation?

Shanté Kroukamp Procrastination is defined as the act of postponing important and necessary tasks mainly due to boredom and lack of motivation. Other definitions place emphasis on intentional delay and describe procrastination as irrational and deliberate. The word is saturated with negative connotations and a deliberate postponement is often discouraged by employers. Although we live in a fast-paced world where personal hurriedness is highly esteemed, consideration to whether procrastination is as bad as it is made out to be should be given.

According to Professor Frank Partnoy, a scholar in the fields of finance and law at the University of San Diego, procrastination has not always been viewed as disagreeable. In fact, according to him ancient Greeks and Romans welcomed and embraced it. Viewing procrastination negatively emerged in the Puritanical era (16th and 17th centuries). Thereafter the idea of an immediate approach to work and an active work ethic arose. Contrary to modern-day beliefs “managing delay is an important tool for human beings.

People are more successful and happier when they manage delay,” says Partnoy to Smithsonian.com. He continues that people “will always have more things to do than we can possibly do, so we will always be imposing some sort of unwarranted delay on some tasks. The question is not whether we are procrastinating, it is whether we are procrastinating well.”

However, it must be noted that there are two

types of procrastinators, active procrastinators and passive procrastinators. Mission.org say that while active procrastinators always deliver and work well under pressure, passive procrastinators get anxious that they will run out of time easily and may not necessarily meet goals.

Psychology Today say that active procrastinators will finish off the rest of their to-do list until they are forced to complete the task they are procrastinating, therefore they are still productive.

Nevertheless, various studies suggest that procrastination is beneficial to an individual because it can contribute to the completion of minor tasks more efficiently and rapidly and individuals usually experience more happiness when delays are managed properly. Furthermore, procrastination may lead to more contentment with decisions and a reduction in stress levels. Another benefit is that new knowledge is gained while attempting to complete the task, seeing that the procrastinator searches for alternative and creative methods to complete the task at hand. Lastly, procrastination leads to effective action-taking. A study published by the British Psychological Society shows that the act of procrastination increases personal performance. As one of the authors for the British Psychological Society, Dr Anna Abramowski writes, “the imminent deadline creates excitement and pressure that elicit peak performance.” In short, stress may be utilised as

a positive motivator encouraging the production of work in a smaller time frame.

PDBY spoke with Mr Sulaiyman Philander, a junior lecturer from the Psychology Department. He is currently working on completing his master’s degree in psychology and recently submitted a dissertation that focused on the topic of procrastination.

Philander said that he is still in the process of waiting for feedback regarding the dissertation and therefore his opinions should not be regarded as established scientific facts. When asked whether he considered procrastination to be good or bad, he replied “[It is] complex and cannot be fully defined as all bad or good […] I found that procrastination helped the participants in my study preserve an ideal version of themselves.” He further explains this by saying that if someone procrastinates then they can attribute their failure to procrastination, as opposed to being academically inadequate. Therefore, while “procrastination is detrimental to both productivity and motivation”, it can also serve as a protective coping strategy says Philander.

Philander agrees that existing research “mostly defines procrastination as negative”. While this is indeed the case, there are certain research studies and empirical research concluding that procrastination has certain undeniable benefits

“...procrastination helped the participants in my study preserve an ideal version of themselves.”

such as its affect on working memory. According to The Mission.org, the two psychologists who researched the effect of procrastination on memory are Bluma Zeigarnik and John Baddeley. They found, in two separate studies, that you can have a better memory for incomplete tasks than for complete ones.

Zeigarnik named the phenomenon in which an incomplete task that remains unfinished for a certain amount of time helps to retain and recall information and so improve the memory ability the Zeigarnik effect. It assumes that the desire to complete a task can be retained in the memory until the eventual completion of the specific task. Baddeley created the Working Memory Model and conducted an experiment in which participants were instructed to solve a certain number of anagrams in a specific amount of time. He found that the participants who were unable to complete the anagrams in the allocated timeframe were more likely to recall the solutions than the ones who completed the task successfully.

Thomas Oppong, a journalist for The Mission.org writes that you think about tasks that are incomplete more than tasks that are complete. This “encourages you to think about new ways to improve or do it better,” says Oppong. However, Oppong says that it should be considered that procrastination may only be beneficial to a certain group of people, namely creatives, artists and innovators. It will most likely not be beneficial to individuals who are not in a creative industry.

10 | Features

26 January 2019

Let’s talk about sex, baby Clara van Niekerk, the chairperson of Up & Out, the official UP society for the LGBT+ community, agrees that sex education in South Africa needs improvement. Van Niekerk points out that “high school sex ed is barely broad enough to cover sex in general, let alone when it comes to the LGBT+ community”. She goes on to explain Up & Out’s plans to improve access to resources on safe sex to the LGBT+ community at UP, saying that “there are a lot of sources on the internet available regarding sex ed, although we do understand that some people can’t just go on the internet to find relevant information”.

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“students who are sexually active should become informed, become familiar with ways to protect themselves [...] and learn to have open and honest discussions with sexual partners”.

PDBY also spoke to Pierre Brouard, the deputy director of the Centre for Sexuality, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) on Hatfield campus.

Brouard believes that there is much to be done in terms of sex education in South Africa, especially for the LGBT+ community. He says that “sex education in general is poorly taught in SA schools and the needs Image: Jan-Dirk Visagies of LGBT+ students are even more neglected”.

In terms of what needs to change, Brouard emphasises Alison Massey “better training for teachers who teach the LO curriculum, better recognition of the value of LO and of LO teachers, better monitoring and evaluation of LO practices across the schooling sector, Safe sex is always a topic worth discussing. However, according and a recognition that sex-positive, information-centric to a 2018 IOL article, “the nature of sex education in South Africa approaches empower students”. He also points out that has always been very conservative with strong ties to religious “access to non-judgemental orthodoxy” and some of UP’s new students may The prevention of sexually services, as well as condoms, find themselves without the proper resources to contraceptives, HIV testing, handle sexual situations. transmitted infections termination of pregnancy Of concern is the apparent lack of “non-het(STIs) is relevant to all services and of course, sanitary erosexual” sex education in South Africa. A pads and other aids to dignified 2017 opinion piece published on the Rhodes sexually active people, menstruation”, are all important University website details how, even though the regardless of sexual to developing safer sex among South African constitution “[protects] against students. discrimination based on sexual orientation”, orientation or gender. the views of the teacher implementing the sex In terms of providing resources education can affect how it is taught. The author, for safe sex, the CSA&G offer Alison Barnard, describes how a teacher she was doing teacher counselling and information sessions and have a “general training under responded to a question about homosexuality with booklet called the Kama Sutra which provides informa“discomfort, annoyance and [was] dismissive”. According to Bartion and sets out key facts and principles, applicable to all nard, “any queer student that has been through the South African sexual practices, irrespective of whether a person idenschooling system can probably give you a plethora of examples of tifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer etc.” says Brouard. how teachers and peers have contributed to an unhappy and unsafe The CSA&G also work with an NGO called OUT LGBT learning environment”.

Well-Being which, according to Brouard, has “developed two websites specifically aimed at lesbian women and Further, an IOL article entitled “Call for gay sex education in gay men, which give practical information on same-sex schools” explains how sexualities”. a woman in her twenThe prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is ties said that she was relevant to all sexually active people, regardless of sexual “left to figure it out for orientation or gender. Healthline writes that some of the herself” in terms of ways in which STIs can be contracted include “contact homosexual sex. The article explains that the with bodily fluids, such as blood or semen”, skin-to-skin contact, vaginal, anal or oral sex, and the use of needles. current life orientation Although there are many ways to prevent STIs, there is (LO) syllabus “deals no sure-fire preventative measure. Brouard notes that it is with sex and sexuality important that, “students who are sexually active should at appropriate levels become informed, become familiar with ways to protect for different ages”, themselves from pregnancy, sexual infections and HIV, which leaves much space for interpretation. IOL quotes the Sex and learn to have open and honest discussions with sexual Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce’s (Sweat) psycho-sopartners”. cial manager, Dr Gordon Isaacs, saying that if non-heterosexual Condoms are used for all sex involving a penis and are sex was discussed more clearly, “gay and curious pupils would a method of preventing pregnancy. They can also help be able to learn about it in a safe environment, instead of having prevent the exchange of fluids which can transmit STIs to find out for themselves”, leading to safer sex in the LGBT+ in anal and oral sex, according to Healthline. Brouard excommunity.

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high school sex ed is barely broad enough to cover sex in general, let alone when it comes to the LGBT+ community”

plains the different barrier methods for non-heterosexual partners, saying that “in the case of two men [barrier methods] would be condoms for anal sex and possibly condoms for oral sex […], and in the case of analingus (oral/anal sex) the use of a barrier like a dental dam or some form of latex. In the case of two women, dental dams for oral sex and analingus would be a similar strategy, or if sex toys or dildos are shared (this can include two men), these should also be covered with protection, like a condom”. It is important to make sure that you are using condoms and dental dams correctly, according to the guidelines on the packaging or online.

If you are having sex using your hands or using toys, make sure these are thoroughly cleaned and safe to use as well. Brouard also points out that if the two people “have sex which does not involve penetration […] the risk of sexual fluids or blood entering the body is reduced” Another, more unexpected, aid to STI prevention is the use of lubricant, or “lube”. According to an article on the Columbia University website, lube helps to prevent condoms and dams from breaking, provided it is a water-based lubricant when used with latex. Lubricant can also prevent cuts, which lessens the chance of infection entering the bloodstream. Lube also helps to make the sexual experience more enjoyable, which leads into another essential aspect of safe sex for any gender or sexuality, consent.

An article by Preventionconnect.org, a “national online project dedicated to the primary prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence”, explains that sex cannot be considered safe unless it is consensual. Sex is consensual only when all people involved have agreed to have sex and consent throughout the whole process. According to Brouard, the CSA&G “also [recognises] that sexual exploitation, harassment, assault and rape do occur, sometimes in the presence of alcohol and other drugs, and [advises] students to be sensible and to always let someone else know where they are and who they are with, and to look out for each other in general”.

In order to continue to practise safe sex, you can test yourself regularly for STIs and HIV so that you can receive treatment if necessary. Brouard explains that “if either party is HIV positive, and they are taking ARVs, […] and have achieved an undetectable viral load, they are unable to infect their partner”, meaning that if the HIV positive person has a low enough level of the virus in their blood, they will not pass the virus onto someone else.

Brouard also mentions a daily preventative treatment that you can take if your partner has HIV to prevent yourself from contracting the virus from them, called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

You can get tested and treated by the Student Health Services, who have clinics on the Hatfield, Onderstepoort, Prinshof, Groenkloof and Mamelodi campuses. You can also get testing, treatment and counselling for HIV at the CSA&G. The CSA&G also provides “individual counselling/information sessions where [they] provide customised information to LGBT students”.

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Entertainment | 11

26 January 2019

Much loved authors back at it again light on the shadows and secrets of a fascist regime. New characters are also introduced, like Alicia Gris, who lost both her parents in the Barcelona bombings by the fascists.

The writing of this novel is both atmospheric and beautiful which makes reading this thick book easier. Zafon’s beguiling storytelling highlights the political espionage with intrigue. This book is highly recommended as it is a part of history that is not often spoken about or one that seems to get lost in the archives of dictatorship.

Image: Goodreads

Cassidy Bessa

N

ew year, new books from some of our favourite and most beloved authors.

Some expected and some not so expected. These new releases will make you excited for a 2019 full of amazing books to come.

Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zuzak This author’s name is not new to most seasoned readers as he is the author of the much-acclaimed book that became an awardwinning movie, The Book Thief. This new release caused much controversy and mixed opinions, but this book is as much of an artwork as The Book Thief is. The writing is poetic in style and is definitely not a boring read as many reviewers have claimed. This novel follows the story of five brothers who are trying to look after themselves on their own as their parents are no longer in the picture. Unlike the macabre narrative of The Book Thief, the narrator is the eldest brother, Matthew, and death doesn’t seem to steal the show in this one. The dual narrative also follows the boys’ mother’s journey out of communist Russia as well as how the boy’s father turns into the ominous “Murderer”. The main plot of the story is about Clay’s journey to build a literal and figurative bridge between the boys and their father. This book is long, you will pick it up and think to yourself that you could never finish reading such a thick book, but it really is worth the read. Zuzak

once again outdid himself and nothing beats his writing.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Taharah Mafi This book is an absolute must read if you are looking for a bit of a shorter book. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is written by the author of the fan-favourite series, Shatter Me. This book follows a young high-school girl who chooses to wear her hijab and shows the terrible racism that she receives as a result, especially after the 9/11 terror attack. Not only is this book highly political and highlights our societies biggest issues, but it is also very fun. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is filled with romance and is nostalgic of high school, but remains relevant to varsity students. It touches on first love, however, love as a concept is used by Mafi as a trope to allow readers to see it through the lens of a culture that is seldom written about. Not only does this book spark a much-needed discussion about racism, but also stays rather light-hearted by including break dancing throughout the novel, which kept the story from being too serious. This book is both eye-opening and heart-breaking.

Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini Hosseini is the author of many famously heart-breaking books such as The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. His new book Sea Prayer is also a heart-wrenching story, albeit a very short one. This book is essentially a short poetic letter from a father

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Brogan Ballack

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to his son which acts as a prayer that is then lifted into the universe. The prayer is told on the eve of a dangerous journey of a family out of their war-torn country. The poem is accompanied by beautiful water colour illustrations which aid in showing how wars ruin the lives of people and taint their happy memories of places that they once loved. This story was inspired by the story of a three-yearold boy, Alan Kurdi, who drowned when his family attempted to flee Syria. However, this is the story of many refugees and because of that Hosseini will donate all of this book’s proceeds to the United Nation Refugee Agency. The book is short but powerful, emotional and impactful, which is the most important thing for a book like this to be.

Labyrinth of Souls by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Zafon is the author of The Shadow of the Wind as well as the rest of the successive companion books, including The Angel’s Game and The Prisoners Game. These books are interlinked but you do not need to read the predecessors to read this one. Labyrinth of Souls is the finale of this series and ties up any loose ends with some of the beloved characters from the other books. This book follows the horrors and secrets of the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s Dictatorship, and how he and the Catholic church overturned the democratic rule. The Sempere Family and their bookshop are still a big part of the story as well as the magic of books, friendship, love and family. Zafon’s tetrology of novels show the importance of writing but also sheds

Caitlyn Walsh Brogan Ballack is a talented singer and guitarist from Durban. She began singing at the age of nine and playing guitar at the age of ten. While studying at Tuks, Ballack has played at many popular venues around Gauteng such as Capital Craft Centurion, Aandklas, Craft Exchange, Thrashers Skate Park, The Deep Roots Market, The Southdowns Market and others, as well as Tuks FM earlier in 2018. Her favourite place to perform is The Deep Roots Market.

PDBY spoke to Ballack about her plans for her music and the lowdown on her and her current achievements.

Although Ballack covers a lot of music, she has written and sung a few originals before, based on her own personal experiences.

She not only plays guitar, but can also work her way around a bit of piano, ukulele, and the foot tambourine. When asked about her favourite thing to do with music, Ballack explained that her “favourite part about music and singing would have to be the fact that it allows an escape from reality.

I am able to embed myself into my own little musical world when I play and sing; being able to create, recreate and learn continuously.” She went on to explain that she “also love[s] that there are no limitations or borders that describe any form of music

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green I am sure everyone knows about Hank’s brother, John Green, with his overly romanticised and popular novels. The brothers are also presenters on a very popular YouTube channel called Crash Course, which has saved many students’ lives. Hank Green is not the brother who is most famous for his books, but this was a very highly anticipated release from him. This book seems to be a very strange mash up of alien sightings as well as social media and YouTube, which seems to form a very bizarre and far-fetched storyline. The premise of this book is that an alien sighting goes viral and once this occurs, a whole bunch of new aliens start appearing around the world. The simple writing style is not for everyone, but it is easy to become engrossed in the story and you are happy to spend your time reading this book. You can see Green’s excitement in imparting knowledge through the pages of technical exposition of things such as physics and neurology. The main character is easy to relate to as you can see your own flaws through hers as well as her strengths. This story has a much deeper meaning as it speaks about the dangers of basing one’s self-worth by likes or social media presence as well as how comments can create an alternate version of yourself. Overall this book is quite witty and an interesting read as its very different from anything else.

It sets a tone for Hank Green’s books to come and how he will continue to grow as a contemporary author.

These new books will hopefully set the tone for another great year of new releases by some of the most beloved authors.

to be right or wrong, there is always room for improvement and I am someone who always likes to be better than I was the day before.”

Ballack’s ultimate dream would be “to be able to travel and play around the country, or potentially overseas” and her goal for 2019 is “to be able to play on bigger platforms as well as improve on growing in terms of my own music.” She already has numerous accomplishments, some of which include achieving honours for music from grade ten to matric, and making it into the judges’ rounds on South African Idols when she was in grade eleven.

When asked what advice she’d give those who are reluctant to play music, Ballack replied “Just go for it. You’ve been given a talent for a reason so there is no point in wasting it. There is nothing worse than the fear of not being good enough; you can’t always rely on other people for reassurance because at the end of the day, your opinion of yourself and your talents is the only one that matters. If you have a dream that you want to follow, then you should, and don’t let anyone get in the way of it.”

Ballack’s most played song on her phone is “Day 1” by Honne, and she intends to release her own single in the near future.

12 | Entertainment

26 January 2019

Finding your vibe in the Jacaranda City

Umqhele Sjava Kevin Mareletse

S

java has returned with his highlyanticipated sophomore album, Umqhele.

Sjava has run into a series of successes as of late, receiving a BET Viewer’s Choice Award and appearing on the Grammynominated compilation album for the Black Panther film. 2018 felt like it was just waiting for him to bask in all that he had achieved and after dropping the Umphako EP in July, fans have been waiting for even more from the 35-year-old. On Umqhele, Sjava made sure to leave the public with more than enough music to last a while and with a run-time of 89 minutes, there isn’t much he couldn’t have expressed.

Sjava explores themes of love, patience, personal growth and dealing with all that comes his way while remaining humble through it all. He shares a lot of his personal side through the stories he tells in the music and as open as it is, he does stay within his comfort zone as it has become a part of the nature of his music to talk about his personal matters. In terms of vocal performances, his vocal delivery on many of the songs is filled with passion and urgency. There is a mixture of sounds between sweet and somber as he harmonises over each song. On this project, the production introduces various natural sounds, with the inclusion of saxophone on “Linda”, and different arrangements of electric guitar and high keys on the keyboard on the song “Eweni”, which felt like it was made for a laid-back, smooth 70’s love song.

The production does take a lot of inspiration from smooth jazz, neo-soul, hip-hop, and maskandi, incorporating elements from each of them into a medley that is a very enjoyable listening experience.

Half of the songs on the album are five minutes and longer, so there is a lot to look forward to in terms of content. Songs to look out for would be “Linda”, “Eweni”, “Isibhamu”, “Angik’deli”, and the outro track, “Ngiyabonga”.

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Photo: Ricardo Teixeira

Carina Kloppers

B

eing a first year can be overwhelming.

You have to register for the right modules, make sure you have enough credits to pass your first year the first time and manage your timetable to avoid any clashes.

Furthermore, the senior students could not be bothered with helping you find the Chancellor’s Building. Scrumptious food and social gatherings will always assist with alleviating some of this stress; and so, eventually, you will know all the best spots in and around Hatfield.

But here at PBDY we decided to help you out and cut the “eventually” from the equation.

Here is a list with some of our favourite spots to help you find your vibe in the Jacaranda

City, right out the gate.

Let’s start with the most obvious, Springbok Bar. With it being a mere stone throw away from main campus and having a ridiculously cheap burger special, every student finds themselves eventually requesting “Bohemian Rhapsody” on their jukebox. Springbok Bar is also usually the only place all residents’ first years are not banned from going to, which means it is just the place to grow your squad.

Capital Craft might be a little out of the way from Hatfield, but it is definitely worth the drive. They have big tables and plenty of televisions, making this the ideal place to enjoy game night with your friends. Also, not to mention the sheer amount of craft beers they have to choose from, that can be enjoyed with their large portions of comforting, hearty food.

Right behind Loftus there is always a fiesta brewing at Salsa Mexican Grill. There they offer authentic Mexican recipes with a slighty modern twist and for when you are feeling adventurous, you can even create your own meal. What’s more, with Salsa Mexican Grill’s bright atmosphere there is no surprise as to why it is such a popular venue for birthday celebrations.

Bravo Pizzeria’s quaint hipster aesthetic speaks directly to any student’s soul. The pizza may not be the cheapest meal you can find, but Bravo Pizzeria boasts some of the most creative pizzas with even more creative names and cooked to absolute perfection. They also went plastic-free last year, making your choice to have dinner there, Mother Nature approved.

Hidden in the south side of Duncan you can find the loveliest coffee shop, +27 Café. At first sight might just seem like a convenient takeaway coffee shop like that of Haloa on campus, until you step through to the back. There you will see that they have converted the industrial setting into a designer space overflowing with greenery, which is perfectly complemented by their light gourmet meals.

For the ice cream lovers there are two choices, Aroma and Royal Danish. Both places’ ice cream is truly delectable, with a range of flavours that differs with each visit.

Just be warned, the argument for which is better is a matter of contention between UP students.

On the first Saturday of every month you can shop your heart out at Duncan Yard. There the Vintage Square Thrift Fair hosts a large thrift clothing market with a variety of stalls for you to pick up a bargain or find a vintage gem. And for when you need a break, you can enjoy some coffee and delicious treats from the Duncan Yard restaurants.

The benefits of a multilingual brain

Illustration: Katherine Atkinson

Carina Kloppers

L

earning a second, third or maybe even fourth language is hard, really hard.

Especially at university level. There is a whole new vocabulary and set of grammar rules for you to memorise, sometimes without any exposure to the language outside of class. So, for those of you brave

enough to delve into the wonder of languages, whether it be ancient languages, modern European languages or even the beauty of our local languages, here is some motivation before the going gets tough. And for those who are not taking a language module, maybe you can see this as inspiration to finally download Duolingo.

Yes, the obvious benefits are, of course, travelling, watching foreign films and colouring in your CV. But there is a whole myriad of benefits hidden inside your noggin. Knowing two or more languages means that your brain actually looks and works differently to that of your monolingual friends.

Your language ability is measured in two active parts, speaking and writing, and two passive parts, listening and reading. When you learn another language as a child you learn it alongside your native language, with a single set of concepts. This means that you

will have a more holistic grasp of its social and emotional context. Conversely, it is believed that when you learn an additional language in adulthood, it means there is less emotional bias when confronting problems in the additional language than in your native one. This could be because as an adult you learn a second or third language by filtering it through your first language. Nevertheless, it does not matter how you acquire an additional language because you can still be fully proficient, regardless of pronunciation and accent. Also, when you learn a foreign language your focus is drawn to the innerworkings of a language, the grammar, conjugations and the sentence structure. You become more aware of language in general, and the many ways it can be structured and manipulated. This helps you develop a better understanding of your native language.

These skills can make you a more effective communicator and a better writer or editor.

And then, one of the visible advantages of a multilingual brain is a higher density in grey matter. Furthermore, studies show that there is more activity in the parts of the brain of bilingual children responsible for executive function, problem solving and filtering through information. Aas an added bonus, the heightened workout a multilingual brain receives throughout its life can also delay the onset of alzheimer’s and dementia with as much as five years.

So, while multilingualism might not make you smarter, it does make your brain healthier, more complex, and actively engaged.

Entertainment | 13

26 January 2019

Mzanzi and chill: First African Netflix original set to begin production Kevin Mareletse

O

Image: Twitter — Netflix / @seewhatsnext

n 10 December 2018, Netflix announced that it would be producing its first original African series, Queen Sono. The show will follow a South African spy as she takes on criminals and still has to deal with her own personal turmoil. Pearl Thusi is to take on the lead role and Kagiso Lediga will be in the director’s seat and with an executive producer credit. this isnt the first time the pair appear in a Netflix produced project together, as they both starred in the film, Catching Feelings, which was also directed by Lediga. Catching Feelings illustrated the great chemistry between the pair and has resulted in further projects like Queen Sono. Catching Feelings is far from a

directorial debut for Lediga as he has already made a name for himself in Mzansi. He has been a director and writer for Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, a show which satirized topical news-related content. He has also been behind the camera for over eight years now and has been a writer since before his days at the Pure Monate Show back in 2003. In a long career, which has seen him garnering a few lead roles, he has picked up more than enough experience in and around the media business to be able to visualize many different characters for the audience to connect to.

Thusi, on the other hand, has found herself in a position where she has landed quite a few significant roles during her acting career, playing Palesa Motaung in Isidingo,

Brenda Riveria in Kalushi, and even Dayana Mampasi in Qauntico, among many others. She has built a reputation of being able to play a wide range of characters, from an everyday woman in the midst of Johannesburg culture, to a former lawyer turned CIA recruit. This sort of range would be necessary for her lead role in Queen Sono, a character she describes as someone who can do it all and attempts to deal with all situations no matter the complexity.

Queen Sono is a great opportunity not only for Lediga and Thusi to show off their respective talents, but also a chance to get more homegrown content shown to a wider audience and set yet another platform for local content creators to shine.

Production of the series is set to begin in

Scenic Settings for Campus Photographers

Image: Justnje.com

12 Views of Beatenberg Beatenberg

Cassidy Bessa

B Kevin Mareletse

I

n recent years, interest in photography has sky rocketed as more and more people are creating their own social media pages and blogs dedicated solely to their photos. With the advancements that camera technology has had, any flagship phone on the market can serve just fine as your main piece of equipment for capturing the moments you want. The university takes pride in taking care of the grounds and for anyone interested in photography, this is an easy place to take advantage of what you have in front you. This is a short list of some of the spots that could be interesting to look out for: Tuks Chapel Located opposite the Centenary building, this building offers a nice canvas to play around with in terms of a backdrop, as it has a lot of white walls that can be great contrasts to any colour you might want to work with, especially bright ones. The inside of the chapel is also worth a visit, with beautiful stained glass and wood

interior. However it is still a religious building so remember to remain respectful.

Mathematics Building Garden There is a large collection of foliage located in this area and it is quite an expansive area with lots of hidden gems to discover and capture.

Ranging from the bridge that crosses over the pond, to the rocky sitting area that is hidden under the trees.

Aula Lawn A large open plane that is a great area to capture you and a group of friends naturally in the midst of conversation that don’t feel set up. It is a great place to start practicing your photography and use what you captured as a template for the next visual you wish to capture.

Botanical Garden Located next to the department of physics, you take the stairs down into a brightly lit paved area which has greenery sectioned into what seems to be the perfect place for a background of any picture you take. There is lots of room to play around and it has a slightly romantic quality to

PDBY Video

Photos: Sam Mukwamu

it.

Old Agriculture Building Located near the AIM building and on the outskirts of the botanical gardens, this old building has beautiful, ornate wooden doors that make a great background, and the surrounding rose garden can help achieve an old-world aesthetic.

Hillcrest Campus A photographer’s dream, as it boasts so many different locations to choose from. The braai area is covered in an array of flowers, is populated with rabbits and features a river that flows right through it. Depending on the season, the foliage can produce lovely colours. The areas around the lake which the river leads to, are scattered with very tall willow trees with low hanging branches that drape down like a curtain.

For sportier looking photos, the athletics fields are a great area, however you need permission to shoot there. If you want to avoid asking for permission, the area near the tennis grounds are good to capture near sunset.

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eatenberg’s debut album, The Hanging Garden of Beatenberg (2013), was a great success and left fans anticipating the release of the next album, 12 Views of Beatenberg (2018). The Indie-pop band comprising of Matthew Field, Robin Brink and Ross Dorkin, have come a long way from their first album which featured some of their most well known songs, such as “Rafael”, “Beauty Like a Tightened Bow”, “Pluto” and “Scorpionfish”. There were high expectations for this new album because of the band’s distinct sound that is very reminiscent of the South African vibe. Their sound seems to have stayed the same in this album by including a collective vibe of the Rainbow Nation. Their music may be distinctly South African but their album still has a global appeal that could mean great things for the growth of the band.

12 Views of Beatenberg has just as much of a light-hearted feel as The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, due to the albums’ same sonic base and idiosyncrasies. Their music has not incurred a more serious tone, which stays true to their style, however, you can tell that the band has spent a much longer time in the studio in order to keep up with the music scene and ensure their music is just as fresh as their first album was at the time.

12 Views of Beatenberg flows so well from start to finish that it is difficult to take one song out of the album and to play it alone.

One of their stand-out singles on the album is the song, “Camera”, which has exactly what people expect from the band as it is catchy and light-hearted with a deeper meaning.

However, when releasing the first two singles of the album, the band decided to release “Aphrodite” which features TRESOR, as it is their first collaboration. This song seems lack-lustre and more of a TRESOR song than it does one of Beatenberg. This left people confused as to how the band was going to handle this album as a whole. However, 12 Views of Beatenberg as an album in its entirety created a happy surprise, as it comes together beautifully and shows the growth of the band while sticking to the band’s identity.

This album may just be the album that makes Beatenberg a beloved band globally and not just South Africa’s sweethearts.

14 | Entertainment

26 January 2019

Campus Cousin

How (not) to be a student you need to study or have just fallen asleep.

So, get some music of your own and blast it back. Personally, I prefer The Little Mermaid soundtrack. Maybe throw some ABBA in there – it will get them to stop pretty quickly.

Don’t like baked beans and instant noodles?

Too bad, because unless you have an extensive budget for expensive microwaveable frozen meals or fast food – or you have a generous mom who cooks and freezes meals for you – this is what you will be eating most of the time. And If you open your fridge and the cheese maybe store brand cereal (assuming your milk bubbles and/or winks at you, it’s probably a hasn’t gone off). Dry cereal is fine in a pinch. sign that you should throw it out (the cheese, Extra tip: you can eat it from a mug if all your not the fridge. Or maybe the fridge, too. I’ve bowls are dirty. seen some things).

Learn to love noise. Because it is Going grocery shopping on your own everywhere. And it never stops. Ever. (I’m for the first time can be great. Until you walk into the shop and realise that half the passive aggressively looking at you, my stuff you planned on buying is, well, a little neighbour who shall not be named. I know expensive. You should, perhaps, go in there you like Ronan Keating and one day I will use that against you. Also see point four). with a budget in the back of your mind, If you’re looking for a quick hangover cure, because sadly, some tough choices await then you’ve come to the right place, because you. At some point you’ll most likely have I’m here to tell you that there isn’t one. Sure, to choose between shampoo and a jumbo jar of Nutella, and let’s face it: most people you’ve heard of supposed quick-fixes like Creme shouldn’t go a whole month without washing Soda, fried foods and straight Disprin (shaken, not stirred), but these will simply lead you to the their hair…although research that I just made up has shown that palm oil, hazelnut only two things you can actually do when you’re hungover: puking and sleeping. and glucose can be good for your hair.

From time to time, you might find yourself Probably. standing in the shower, mid-lather, realising, Just because an item of food is past its expiry date, it does not qualify as ‘vintage’ (see “Great, my shampoo’s finished again.” (Then number one), and if it’s more than two weeks again, maybe this is just me – see point two). old and you have a flimsy constitution, you As I make my presence ceremoniously known really shouldn’t eat it. I know times are tough but if you consume old food, they will only get to you all, I think it’s plain to see where you’ll be getting your sage advice from now on. Hint: it’s worse. from me.

It’s pretty much a given that someone who lives near you will very likely have bad Catch a blessing, taste in music, and what’s more, they will Campus Cousin try to convert you by blasting it whenever With the new year’s existentialism in full swing, I’ve been contemplating my (many) years of student-dom. It’s been an interesting journey so far, and it has also taught me several lessons, some of which I have condensed into list form. Are these lessons useful? Necessary?

A positive contribution to society? If you asked me, I’d say yes, because I wrote it. However, you must decide for yourself...

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Entertainment | 15

26 January 2019

Why TuksSport is so dominant Paul Gray

I

n the past twenty years, TuksSport has developed into one of the most formidable university sports teams on both the local and international stage. This hasn’t just happened by chance. Various conscious efforts have been taken by both university administration and TuksSport administration to develop TuksSport into one of the strongest sports faculties in the country.

This improvement can generally be broken into three major changes and developments in the TuksSport structures and facilities, the appointment of Kobus van der Walt as director of sports in 1999, the introduction of the High Performance Centre and TuksSport High School in 2002/3, and to a lesser degree, the support of the university administration under former Vice-Chancellor Cheryl de la Rey. In 1999, Kobus van der Walt was appointed as the Director of Sports where he put much effort into changing TuksSport from achieving a handful of individual wins and national representation to a world-class sporting institution dominating across a variety of disciplines.

According to an article on Conqagroup’s website, Steven Ball, the Deputy Director of Coaching and Performance Management,

Both the School and the HPC, act as a feeder for TuksSport, giving TuksSport a larger pool to draw from in the search for talented and dedicated athletes. They also form part of the had this to say about Kobus:, “Van der Walt’s greater structure of TuksSport, creating the vision was to transform the culture and ethos dominating ethos and character that UP holds of the university, creating a more collaborative proud. environment where honesty and integrity To show an example of TuksSports’ became the mandate”. To exemplify this, “the dominance and prolific rate of producing University of Pretoria’s sport centre, [has] life national size photographs of victorious sportspeople, we’ll athletes from 2014 [that] greet Joost van der Westhuizen list just a few from you with arms aloft and trophies Victor Matfield the past couple hoisted. They are a testament to years: Joost van Bryan Habana the current student champions der Westhuizen, in football, rugby, athletics, AB de Villiers Victor Matfield and netball, rowing and martial arts Faf du Plessis Bryan Habana, to who have achieved success for name a few, played Lungi Ngidi their university.” for the Springboks; The High Performance Aiden Markram AB de Villiers, Centre, which was built in Mignon du Preez Faf du Plessis, 2002 and opened for athletes in Lungi Ngidi, Tatjana Schoenmaker 2003, introduced state-of-theAiden Markram art facilities, which afforded Akani Simbine and Mignon du athletes the tools needed to train to name a few... Preez, amongst at a world-class level. others, played for Along with the High the Proteas.

In individual disciplines, swimmer Performance Centre, TuksSport introduced the Tatjana Schoenmaker and athlete Akani Simbine TuksSport High School, which started in one all started their sporting careers at UP. of the basement rooms of the HPC, and looked With such varied disciplines excelling, it to cater to high performing sportspeople still shows dominance driven by the passion and at a high school level, who required specific ethos created at TuksSport. assistance needs, not afforded by other schools.

How to balance sport with studies

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Mariesa Potgieter

ow that you are in university, you may find that it is difficult to continue practicing the sports you love while simultaneously being academically successful.

PDBY spoke to various students who are involved in different sports how they balance their studies with the sports they love.

TuksRowing athlete, Ryan Delaney, who studies a BA General, says that “a lot of discipline and time management” is needed. He says that you need to make sure that you are “setting aside time during the day to make sure you’ve got an hour or two every day for work”. This allows you to work intensely on your studies and be able to find time for your beloved sport. TuksTaekwondo athlete, Lea Botha, who also studies a BA General says that balancing her studies and sport is not a problem, because she feels that she “[performs] better academically when [she has] exercised a bit.”

On the other hand, TuksCanoe athlete, Kayla de Beer, who studies a BCom in Marketing Management, reckons that it is difficult to balance sport and studies. She advises students to prioritise and focus on “what needs to be done first”. This means that sometimes it is necessary to “put aside the fun stuff” to achieve ones goals, says de Beer.

Siobhan Jansen van Vuuren, a TuksTriathlon athlete who studies a BSocSci in Heritage and Cultural Tourism, says that they “always have to bear in mind that [their] academics do come first.”

Yet more advice was given from Jaydi Stemmet, a BSc Animal Sciences student and TuksJudo athlete. Stemmet says that “if you want to do something, you’ll manage it”. He continues to say that sport is actually complementary to academics because it keeps your mind fresh”.

Most interviewees believed that if you love your sport, and if you can be disciplined, then it can actually help your academics rather than hinder it, contrary to what students may think.

Intensity scale of sports at UP Mariesa Potgieter

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At UP there are many opportunities where students can excel in different sports. For some students, fast-paced athletics might not be for them, while others thrive on adrenaline. If you are a student that enjoys high-intensity team sports and you like to be outdoors, sports such as netball, hockey, rugby, rowing, football or cricket might be for you. These types of sport require fitness and teamwork. In 2018, UP’s netball team thrived under the guidance of coach Jenny van Dyk. The TuksNetball team, also known as the Jaguars, won the University Sport South Africa (USSA) league for the fifth time and made it to the final of the Varsity tournaments. The Jaguars also won the Brutal Fruit tournament for the second time, remaining unbeaten the entire tournament.

If students enjoy individual outdoor sports, sports like tennis, canoeing, athletics, triathlon or swimming would be fitting. These sports require dedication and high levels of fitness. A lot of practise is needed to be successful in these sports and generally more time for training is required. Outdoor sports are also a great way to appreciate the natural scenery and to get away from your indoor studies.

There are also many indoor individual and team sports offered at UP such as basketball, badminton, gymnastics, trampoline gymnastics, volleyball and fencing. These sports require a lot of practice time in a week from a student.

Students who are more expressive and acrobatic might enjoy sports such as dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and trampolining.

There are also a variety of recreational sports, which students can participate in without losing too much time for their studies. These include TuksExploratio, which is rock climbing and TuksUltimate, which is a sport where teams of seven play against each other with a frisbee.

Both TuksExploratio and TuksUltimate take only two to four hours a week.

Sports that involve thinking rather than fitness, such as chess and mindsports are also offered at the university. There are also sports which can be educational and informing like TuksLifesaving, which teaches participants the skill of lifeguarding.

The extensive list of sports at UP means that they UP accommodate for almost all students.

Whether you are fit or not, there are sports for everyone. On the TuksSport website, more information and relevant contact details can be found.

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Sport The Tuks Res League 2018/19 Oupa Baloyi

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uks Res League is an internal league meant for students to participate in the vast sporting codes facilitated by Tuks Sports. To understand more about the league, PDBY caught up with Tuks Football Campus League Coordinator, Tsholofelo Bulala.

Congratulations on hosting a successful Tuks Res League final which took place last year on 17 September. What made the event the resounding success it was?

The league as a whole including the final, was successful because of the backing of TuksFootball management, help from the Student Sport Commitee (SSC), the cooperation of teams that participated in the league and most importantly, the players who are UP students. Over 1800 registered players in the league took time off their personal schedules to play in the league. We highly appreciate the level of commitment shown by everyone involved.

What is the Res League, and who is eligible to join?

The Tuks Res League is a campus football league that is organized by TuksFootball to promote football on a competitive and social level and which becomes an extramural activity for students to enjoy. It is also a channel for students players to be seen and recognised by TuksFootball and expands opportunities for them to play in other divisions in the TuksFootball structures.

Different societies and social groups based in the university can join the league and all players must be registered UP students with valid student cards. Teams are integrated into the league provided that they register their teams on time due to the limited number of fourty teams for our league.

How will this year's edition of Res League be different from the 2018 one's and how are you preparing for it?

The team is working hard on modifying various aspects of the league to make it more professional and more prominent throughout all campuses. This year we want to implement more programmes to grow this league and take it to the next level so that teams can expect a little more from the league this year.

We have seen two finals taking place; between Dregeana versus UPI and Tap FC versus ZIMSOC respectively. Why were there two finals and what set the above mentioned teams apart from each other?

We had two league finals in the men's league because there are

two divisions of the league. The Premier Division consisted of 16 teams. These 16 teams were set aside due to prominence and due to the fact that the teams had been in the league for three years.

The First Division consisted of 24 teams which included more of the new entries into the league. and teams that had not been in the league previously.

Does the Res League cater for football only?

Res league is conducted for different sporting codes, not just football. For example, netball, rugby and hockey also have a league for students every year. Information about the other sporting codes as well as the soccer is given by the SSC to different societies for them to participate in them yearly.

What is the joining fee and what is the prizes for both divisions?

The TuksFootball Res League joining fee changes annually according to the modifications made to the league. More information will be released upon invitation to the league with registration dates stipulated on it. Teams will be well informed well in time.

The prizes do not include money, it's purely all about bragging rights and the big trophy at the end of it, as well as recognition from TuksFootball and management.

What are the dos and don’ts that the participants should look forward to?

•Students should definitely sign up in a team in order to participate.

•Once in a team, they should work hard and take the league seriously in order for them to win and enjoy the league.

•Students should make sure they are registered to one team only when playing in the league to avoid disqualification or the deduction of points.

•Cheaters get caught. We disqualified a number of teams for trying to cheat the system, it never ends well so do not do it to begin with.

•Students must remember to bring their student cards to games at all times.

•Students must sign and submit indemnity forms to the coordinator by the registration closing date.

•Team managers or representatives should be present at all meetings to be up to date with what is happening and to be informed of any changes.

TuksKarate wins gold at Commonwealth Games Oupa Baloyi

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he UP-Tuks karatekas performed well at the Commonwealth Games Federation Championship in Durban which saw them walking away with five medals.

The event took place in December last year.

One of the entrants, Jesse Sim, won a gold medal in the men’s kata under-u/21 competition. He established an impressive partnership with Justin Baynes and Khardan Ruocchio. Their positive partnership yielded positive results as they won the senior men’s team kata competition.

Wenette Jordaan won a silver medal in the senior women’s under-61 kg kumite competition. Hannecore Constable also walked away with a silver medal in the same weight category as Jordaan but in a different division. Jordaan alluded that her assignment was to walk away with one medal from the kata Kara competition. According to an article on TuksSports’ website, she said, “I had’ve hoped [to win a medal during] the katacompetition, but unfortunately, I ended up making costly mistakes during the bronze medal round which led to me finishing sixth overall. This result led to me having to rethink why I am doing karate. Yes, winning is essential, but it is not everything. I started out doing karate because I enjoyed doing so. Once I realised this, I changed my whole approach for the kumite competition. My

AmaTuks round-up

emphasis was on having fun on the mats and whatever happens, happens. Being more relaxed worked and I qualified for the final.”

“The important thing is that I gained some valuable experience which will hopefully stand me [in] good stead in the future”, she added.

Jordaan aims to win a medal at this year’s South African Championship.

Image: Facebook

Oupa Baloyi and Henri Uys

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maTuks is currently playing in the National First Division (NFD) competition. So far, they have played 17 matches and emerged victorious in five of them. AmaTuks is currently placed 11th on the NFD’s log.

They kick-started this year’s NFD campaign with a game where they shared a point a piece with the Mpumalanga-based Mbombela United at the Tuks Stadium. Zithulele Mhlontlo opened the account for AmaTuks when he scored in the sixth minute of the game. Xolani Nkala of Mbombela United cancelled out Mhlontlo’s solitary goal on the stroke of half-time.

At the Tuks Stadium, AmaTuks were held to 1-1 draw by the 2016/17 winners of the KZN ABC Motsepe League, Uthongathi FC. AmaTuks seemed to have used the two successive draws as a learning curve and went on to beat the Real Kings 1-0 courtesy of Phelelani Shozi’s goal in the 19th minute.

On 16 September, AmaTuks locked horns with Witbank Spurs at the Puma Rugby Stadium, where they emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. The home side drew first blood in the third minute of the game when Patrick Mubayiwa put the ball in the back of the net. AmaTuks kept pushing forward and their resilience and neversay-die attitude paid off in the tenth minute of the game when Pogiso Mahlangu levelled matters up. Two minutes before the referee called time for halftime, AmaTuks were awarded a penalty which was converted by Mame Niang, AmaTuks suffered a 1-0 defeat when they hosted the Royal Eagles at the Tuks Stadium. A solitary goal from Royal Eagles’ Philani Cele was enough for the Eagles to secure three points.

AmaTuks hosted the newly promoted Maccabi FC on 29 September. The match ended with a goal less draw.

Before their international football break, AmaTuks registered their first win at home when they played host to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM FC). AmaTuks emerged victorious with a score of 1-0.

AmaTuks drew 1-1 away from home against Jomo Cosmos.

AmaTuks then emerged victorious with a 2-0 score line at home against Ubuntu Cape Town, thanks to goals from Mame Niang and Diego Franco Mares. The following week, AmaTuks suffered a 3-0 defeat against log-leaders, Stellenbosch FC. During the month of November, AmaTuks played two matches: they drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy and were defeated by TS Sporting 2-1.

AmaTuks played three matches in December last year, losing against Ajax Cape Town (2-0), Richards Bay FC (2-1) and Cape Umoya United (3-1 ).

On 5 January this year, the NFD season continued. AmaTuks drew 1-1 against the Real Kings. The following week, AmaTuks won their game against Uthongathi FC 1-0 away from home.

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