28 January 2017 Issue 1 Year 79

First-years edition 2017

First-years edition 2017

Perdeby

Tuks se amptelike studentekoerant / Official Tuks student newspaper / Kuranta ya baithuti ya semmuĹĄo ya Tuks

28January2017

Photo: Kaylyn O’ Brien

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Perdeby Contact carel.willemse.@up.ac.za

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Perdeby

Editorial | 28 January 2017

Welcome to the things

www.perdeby.co.za perdeby@up.ac.za m.perdeby.co.za @perdebynews @PerdebySport @PerdebyE Tel: (012) 420 6600

Editorial Editor-in-chief Carel Willemse

carel.willemse@up.ac.za @Ed_in_Chief

Production Team Huvasan Reddy Tayisiya Rozova Marko Svicevic Savannah Plaskitt Shaun Sproule Thoriso Phasha Jaco Stroebel Kaylyn O’ Brien Rebecca-Anne Perridge Samuel Sherwood

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

Copyright

As I enter my fourth year at university, I remember the first day I stepped onto this campus in the begining of 2014. It was the most uncertain that I had ever been, and I had so many questions on my mind. Was I really cut out to become a lawyer? Would I be able to cope with the pressures of university? Was I ready to leave my hometown and begin the next chapter of my life? Three years later the answers to all those questions are a solid yes. It wasn’t easy at first, but my university experience has been the best period of growth I’ve experienced so far.

In my first year, I was perhaps a little too

enthusiastic about beer towers and waking up under staircases, but I’ve matured a little bit since then. I’ve seen a lot at UP in the last two years of which the Fees Must Fall protests have stood out the most. I don’t know how this year will turn out and I don’t know if we’ll see protests or major disagreements.

Protest action has begun to define the university experience in a way. I would advise that regardless of which viewpoint you agree with, make an effort to listen to opposing viewpoints and be open to change. University is a period of growth and learning and while

Limitless

If you want to join our vibrant team look out for application forms in the next print edition and online Contact

Perdeby

on perdeby@up.ac.za

Huvasan Reddy 2016 Features Editor

From the Editor-in-Chief

Perdeby is printed by Paarlmedia. All rights reserved. Contributions are welcome. All due care will be taken with materials submitted, but Perdeby and printers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend or alter in any way deemed necessary.

Perdeby cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The opinions expressed in Perdeby are not necessarily those of the editors and printers of Perdeby.

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking” - Gen. George S Patton.

Welcome to arguably the best years of your life. I am completely aware of the information and emotion overload you currently face. The uncertainty and excitement of what lies ahead can be daunting and there will be people who will try to take advantage of your current state of confusion. Stand strong, keep a level head and accomplish what you set out to do the day you decided to enrol at this institution: graduate.

What you are holding in your hand (or perhaps reading online) is a newspaper called Perdeby. (The direct translation of Perdeby is wasp but we all know that a Perdeby is actually a student newspaper. We started publishing in English only in 2012 to ensure accessibility to all our readers). Currently in it’s 79th year of print, it has informed and entertained generations of students before you. We are one of the largest and oldest student publications in Africa and we offer a variety of content to cater for the very diverse student body at UP. 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 since before democracy and even before South Africa became a republic.

Perdeby has seen the wide spectrum of

protests may or may not play a role in your experience at UP, remember that it should be defined by your successes in your academic, social, and external life.

As you begin the next chapter of your life make new friends, try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Make an effort to join some sort of a student structure, be it in your residence, in sport structures, your faculty house or even Perdeby. Engage in student life, this is a time you’ll never get back.

Also, read Perdeby weekly. As we enter our 79th year, we remain dedicated to bringing you the latest news, while continung to entertain you. There is something in these pages for everyone.

You will see that my editorial photo is one of me dabbing, because I’m a year behind the trends. Being old is hard, okay. I do have some life advice though. Do the things that will make the academics to be done, don’t get into a stranger’s VrrrrPha, and if all else fails (including you) spray some Doom on your test paper.

Welcome to the things. I say the things, because I still don’t know what happens here.

development of this country 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 tips, letters or comments and if you would like to be part of this vibrant team, keep an eye out for the application form at the end of February.

I can guarantee you as our reader that during 2017 you will read stories in this newspaper that will make you laugh, will make you think, will inform you and will even make you uncomfortable. In the end what we would like to achieve is to initiate discourse in 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 at perdeby@up.ac. za During the next couple of years you will fall in love and get your heart broken, make mistakes and learn from them, 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. What they do not tell you is that the real knowledge

isn’t only acquired 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 Perdeby, TuksFM, Rag or Stuku, societies, student politics or day houses. If you aren’t involved you will never really experience student life.

The quote at the top of this editorial carries a lot of significance to me when I reflect on the current climate at universities and the world in general. I challenge you to think for yourself, to not follow the mainstream narrative, to question facts presented to you (especially by populist movements). Welcome those who differ from your opinion, you might learn something, or better yet, you might teach them something.

So here is my do’s and don’ts list for your time at UP: • Don’t label people. Your preconceived notions and stereotypical judgements form a mountain in your path prohibiting you from getting to know others.

• Engage with your fellow students.

• You will get what you give during your university career. It is fun, but don’t let it last too long.

• Be realistic of your expectations when you get your degree.

• Give back.

• Consider that you once were a first year.

• Listen to advice.

• Grab opportunities.

• Create opportunities.

• Look out for your fellow students.

• Make mistakes.

• Be aware what is happening in the world.

• Be aware of what happened in the world.

We easily repeat mistakes. Be the one who sees the mistake coming and change the path.

• Don’t let social media shape your view of the world; it is only an echo chamber.

Go out and experience the world.

You are a select group of the country`s population who is afforded a tertiary education.

Use this opportunity to become the leaders of tomorrow—the leaders that the world so desperately need.

Carel Willemse Editor-in-Chief

28 January 2017 | News

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Interview with TSC chairperson Henrico Barnard HUVASAN REDDY

The 2017 TSC inauguration. Image provided

Temporary Student Committee appointed for 2017

CELLIERS MARAIS Due to disruptions by the Fees Must Fall protests during the second semester at UP last year, a Temporary Student Committee (TSC) was appointed by the UP council. The TSC was appointed to take care of urgent Student Representative Council (SRC) business until such a time that fair SRC elections can be held again. The TSC consists of four members from the 2016 SRC and another eight members from various other student governing bodies.

All members of the TSC must have met the same eligibility requirements necessary to become part of the SRC, including that they must have had a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 60% and must have completed 80% of their academic work over three consecutive semesters at UP. The chairperson and vicechairperson of the TSC were elected as Henrico

Barnard and Thabo Shingange, respectively.

Mzikazi Noholoza, head of Student Governance was unavailable for comment.

The TSC executive consists of: Chairperson: Henrico Barnard Vice-Chairperson: Thabo Shingange Secretary: Cara-Lee Compton Treasurer: Ansa van Vuuren Societies: Nosihle Msomi Study finance: Thabo Shingange Facilities, Safety and Security: Roahan Gouws Marketing, Media and Communications: Cara-Lee Compton Post Graduate and International Affairs: Simba Gwati Day Students and External Campus Affairs: Tinashe Chingoka Transformation and Student Success: Maikeleng Ledimo

The TSC chairperson for 2017 is Henrico Barnard, who was voted in internally by the UP council appointed TSC. Barnard spoke to Perdeby about his goals for 2017.

As the TSC chairperson, what are your goals for this year?

My best achievement could be more stability on campus than last year, have a conducive student environment and study environment, for people on last year [the protests] played an even bigger strain on needy students by all these actions. In general thats why we are here, so my main focus is a conducive student environment, and also to actively debate about the issues on campus that are sensitive and people need to discuss, and not just do it in your own party, but have the openness to speak to other people and tell then where you come from, and reach a mutual understanding to see what are the things we agree on, through all these differences, and focus on what we can achieve together.

The TSC is made up of students from very different backgrounds, how will you manage to work together?

I made it very clear from the start there is no place for politics in that office. As soon as you associate yourself with a specific party, then you exclude a huge amount of students, other than that, they don’t approach you as openly as they would.

What’s going to happen with student culture in general?

I personally support that, and I think student culture is a big part of student life. Insync will be the first student culture event.

In terms of res culure, what should first year

TSC chairperson Henrico Barnard. Image provided

students expect, will it be transforming?

There is pressure from different sides for transformation. It also has come a long way since my first year. Residences have had a lot of changes, I was in res from 2011 to 2014.

What I’ve experienced, even the change and inclusivty that came in those four years, I am relatively sure that it’s still continuing. It’s slowly and dynamically changing, but a res is also a dynamic place, each year it’s got it’s own vibe and it’s own ideas that they do.

When should students engage with their faculty houses, and when should they engage with the TSC? The faculty houses are the first step before the TSC, there’s also a faculty house representative on the TSC. If your facult house doesnt represent you, or doesn’t represent you enough or in the correct way, you can come to the TSC member for faculty houses.

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News | 28 January 2016

Former SRC president Mosibudi “Rassie” Rasethaba addresses students protesting as part of the Fees Must Fall protests. Photo: Fezikile Msimang

Political parties speak out on free education POOJA PUNDIT The uproar of the Fees Must Fall protests of 2016 commenced after Minster of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande made an announcement on 19 September on provisional fee adjustments for 2017 for tertiary education institutions. He announced that students with a household income of less than R600 000 will not face any fee increment.

Daso UP chairperson, Kwena Moloto, affirmed Daso UP’s stance on the fight for free education saying, “Daso UP is in full support of the call for free quality higher education for the poor as well as proportional funding for the missing middle. Free education for the poor is feasible in South Africa. It is not that we don’t have the resources, it’s that resources are mismanaged by the ANC government.” Moloto explained that it is Daso UP’s view that if you

can afford to pay, you should pay. Moloto said, “This isn’t a call for a 0% increase. It’s a call for free higher education for the poor.

[Dr Blade Nzimande’s] decision to have a 0% increase for students with a household income of less than R600 000 doesn’t answer the real question that we as students are asking.”

He admitted that Dr Nzimande failed to address students’ call for free quality higher education and by doing so passed the buck to universities: “When leadership was needed, Minister Nzimande failed to step up. He failed the students of South Africa.”

Afriforum Youth’s Henrico Barnard said, “[Afriforum Youth UP] does not agree with the violent approach that is taken by the [Fees Must Fall movement]. However, we agree that all deserving students should have the opportunity to attend tertiary education.”

Barnard added that Afriforum Youth agrees

that all deserving students should have the opportunity to receive tertiary education, with admission based strongly on merit, adding that “students who have the capacity [to attend a tertiary institution], but not the necessary financial requirements” should be able to study. Barnard said, “[Afriforum Youth] reject political projects that will further weaken universities under the guise of ‘decolonisation’ and will watch over academic standards that will be decisive for the future of the students and the country.”

Former SRC President and a representative of the Fees Must Fall movement at UP, Mosibudi “Rassie” Rasethaba shared his views on the funding of free tertiary education. Rasethaba said that there are multiple models that speak of free decolonised tertiary education for all, and that one can consider combining different progressive

models such as an education tax that will levy those “criminals” [sic] engaged in the monopoly of the economy. Rasethaba also suggested the introduction of “a watertight corporate tax”. He added, “The call to fight for free, decolonised, afrocentric, and intersectional education is called on noble, genuine grounds which is that education is a universal fundamental right which must not be commodified.” Rasethaba added that “we are in post-modernity and [a] phase of decoloniality, hence we need to resource our education along such tenets so that we can decolonise our minds. The knowledge production must be African so that we recover our identity and dignity. Anyone who is not concurring with this call is still hallowing the aftermath of the project of colonialism. That individual or group must be cogently [sic] sensitive.” Rasethaba affirmed that education should be free for all, the rich and the poor.

Rasethaba voiced his message for the firstyears of 2017, “My message for the students of 2017 is that the fight for free decolonised education is [a] fight for you. It is [a] fight for a better society and we encourage them [firstyear students] to join as we continue to destroy all unjust systems.”

UP 2016 SRC interim chairperson, Thabo Shingange, affirmed Sasco UP’s stance in the fight for free education, saying, “The fight for free quality education is not a new phenomenon, which Sasco has been championing for the last 20 years.” He added that free quality education is still a matter of debate, and not of implementation, however, those against the revolution of free decolonised tertiary education “under the rhetoric of it is not feasible” must not think something is a problem because it does not affect them personally.” Shingange explained that the bid for fee-free quality education speaks to the call to “de-commodify” education overall, where everyone (rich or poor), ought to be a beneficiary. EFFSC-UP was unavailable for comment.

Student political societies at UP RENEILOE BALOI The University of Pretoria has a variety of political societies for students to take part in.

Afriforum Youth Afriforum is a civil rights organisation that describes itself as “an inclusive, Christian Afrikaans organisation” that stands up for what they believe in. Jaco Grobbelaar, Afriforum Youth Tuks Coordinator, said: “our mission and vision is to protect the rights and interests of our members on campus [...]

We started with around 300 members at the beginning of [2016] and now we have over 1000 members at Tuks. Everyone is welcome to come join us if they agree and can associate themselves with what we are doing.”

According to Grobbelaar, Afriforum strives to maintain a healthy student life on campus. He further added that Afriforum believes studying is one part of student life and that the other part is having a healthy and fun social life.

Daso UP The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (Daso) is founded on three core principles: fairness, freedom and opportunity. Daso states that its mission is “To ensure that students have their voices heard and that key issues are addressed. We seek to uphold democratic values on campus and to promote accountability and transparency in the university administration.” Daso seeks to address key issues like financial aid, the costs of food and drink, and freedom of speech.

Daso UP was unavailable for comment.

EFFSC-UP The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command UP branch (EFFSC-UP) “seeks to act in the interest of campus workers and

students across South Africa, striving for economic emancipation in our lifetime.”

EFFSC-UP’s plan of action is to ensure that financially excluded students are assisted.

Anyone interested is welcome to join EFFSCUP. Sasco The South African Students Congress (Sasco) was formed in 1991 as a political organisation that seeks to champion the interests of students in the higher education sector and as a catalyst of progressive transformation in the sector. Sasco states that it remains the “only leader of the student’s transformation issues across the sector and the only vanguard of the students nationwide.” Sasco UP branch strives to bring about the broader transformation at the University of Pretoria that seeks to promote the achievement of the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution and the creation of the National Democratic Society. Sasco within the borders of UP exists within the Progressive Youth Alliance which consists of the ANCYL, Young Communist League, Sasco and the Muslim Students Association (MSA).

Sasco is active on four UP campuses – Hatfield, Mamelodi, Groenkloof and Prinshof campus – and runs programmes that seek to provide a conducive environment for teaching, such as the annual Right to Learn Campaign, political schools, Operation Save the Semester, and Graduate Alive. “We as Sasco believe that students’ interest must be put first, hence we say ‘Students First, Sasco to the front’ and [therefore students should] make Sasco [their] best friend on campus”, said Micheal Sbhaka Prince Ngobeni, Sasco chairperson.

28 January 2016 | News

Sexual assualt at UP: what you need to know DANICA CHARLES The University of Pretoria has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual assault, per the University’s code of conduct on handling sexual assault. The code of conduct reinforces that perpetrators and victims may take the form of any gender, sexual orientation, race or social class. There are several student structures that students can approach for advice and assistance on matters relating to sexual harassment and assault.

What is sexual assault?

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act defines sexual assault in South Africa as: “Unlawful and intentional sexual violation of another person without their consent”. This includes acts such as genital contact that does not amount to penetration; contact with the mouth designed to cause sexual arousal; unlawfully and intentionally inspiring the belief that one will be sexually violated; when one person forces a second person to commit an act of sexual violation with a third person; and when one person forces a second to masturbate or commit various sexual acts on themselves. .

The Green Route Project The Green Route Project was implemented by the University to prevent sexual assault on or near campus. The route makes provision for students to be accompanied, on foot, to and from their residences, vehicles or any nearby places, by security officers, from 18:00 to 06:00 daily in front of the following points: Hatfield Campus: ABSA ATM (next to Merensky Library) Prinshof Campus: HW Snyman Building Groenkloof Campus: Between the Administration Building and Auditorium Kalafong Campus: Klinikala Building The Onderstepoort and Mamelodi Campuses: These campuses do not have escort points, however can be arranged through the 24-hour Operational Management Centre at: 012 4202 310/760. These escorts will be done by personnel from the Department of Security Services.

Students who live in residence are able to go to the security official on duty at the gate of their respective residences to arrange an escort. #SpeakOutUP The #SpeakOutUP campaign has been

implemented to “increase awareness relating to sexual harassment and sexual assault”.

The campaign aims to “mobilis[e] the entire university community in an effort to combat sexual harassment on or near our campuses”.

This campaign makes use of material meant to sensitise viewers to sexual harassment. One of the concepts used by the campaign is showing that there are many faces of sexual harassment, reinforcing that sexual harassment is always a “clear and present danger”. They reach students through the student portal, intranet, ClickUP, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Students can find additional information about the campaign on the UP website.

Who to contact?

For immediate assistance and action, the UP Crisis Service number: 0800 006 428/012 420 2310, is a 24-hour crisis service offering professional and confidential support to victims of crime in times of trauma. Victims can access psychological support through the UP Careline number: 0800 747 747. Counsellors are available to support and advise students with issues of sexual abuse. Advisors on sexual harassment are provided to students at antisexualharassment@ up.ac.za or on 012 420 6245/2119/4002.

Students are encouraged to make use of the following additional numbers: SAPS: 0800 11 12 13 Brooklyn SAPS (Hatfield): 012 366 1740/7 Sunnyside SAPS (Groenkloof): 012 422 3696 Pretoria Central SAPS (Medical campus): 012 353 4000/4223 Pretoria North SAPS (Onderstepoort): 012 353 5666/5600 Atteridgeville SAPS (Kalafong): 012 373 8534 Mamelodi East SAPS (Mamelodi): 012 805 4041 Ambulance: 10177/112 Student Support offers short term individual psychotherapy whereby personal consultations will be held for students who have experienced sexual trauma. Office hours are between 07:3015:30 and the office can be contacted at 012 420 2333. Student support services is located next to the Student Centre, opposite the Tukkiewerf entrance.

Photo: Stefan Stander

Getting around at UP RENEILOE BALOI UP busses There are free busses available for all UP students, all you need is a valid student card.

Busses are designated according to campus, making it easier for students to get to their destinations. The residences busses are divided between four different stops: Groenkloof campus, Prinshof campus, men’s residence and TuksNaledi residence. There are also busses that transport students to Mamelodi campus, Prinshof campus and also between Sunnyside and the Hatfield campus. Time schedules for all the bus routes are available on the UP website.

A Re Yeng busses To use the A Re Yeng busses, you have to get a connector card that costs R25 to activate. The A

Re Yeng bus system uses different routes than the normal UP busses, but students can also get to Groenkloof, Hatfield, Sunnyside, and Pretoria CBD. The normal time bus times are from 06:00 to 20:00, although the bus to Groenkloof is from 06:00 until 19:00.

Gautrain busses To use the Gautrain busses you will need a Gautrain card, which costs R14. The cost for travelling depends on the destination and whether you are travelling at peak or off-peak times. You do not need to use the Gautrain to use the Gautrain busses, but if you use the Gautrain you can use the busses at a cheaper price. The routes for the Gautrain bus in Pretoria are Arcadia, Brooklyn, Lynnwood and Menlyn. Operating times for these busses is 06:14 until 20:00 on week days.

Who to contact when you need help

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Photo: Michael Ridge

HENRI UYS At UP, there are a variety of services available to assist students. These services include medical, legal and security assistance. Here’s a look at some of UP’s support services that are available to registered UP students.

Healthcare Student Health Services offers healthcare services to all students at UP. Services offered

by Student Health Services include the treatment of injuries, including examination, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, family planning, dietary advice, free eye testing and information or advice regarding medical matters. There is also the Voluntary Counselling and Testing Clinic (VCT) that assists students with HIV/AIDS tests and provides counselling free of charge. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis. However, some services such as eye testing and pregnancy counselling require an appointment.

Consultations are free of charge consultation times are subject to change. These services can be found on all of UP campuses and are run by fully qualified and registered healthcare professionals.

Counselling Student counselling is available to all registered students free of charge. The Student Counselling Division (or Student Support Division) offers academic, therapeutic and emotional support. These services are rendered by a highly professional multi-disciplinary team of counsellors, clinical psychologists and social workers. Services offered include career planning, stress-handling, life skills, trauma counselling, assistance with study methods, and relationship skills.

Safety and security Security is a big priority at UP. Therefore a number of security services are available to students. A toll-free 24-hour crisis line is available to assist students who have experienced trauma such as robbery, rape and assault. Support is also available to students who have experienced personal and family crises 080 000 6428.

The Green Route Project is a project which helps students to travel safely between destinations. Security officials accompany students and personnel members on foot to and from residences, vehicles and other nearby places. These services run between 18:00 and 06:00. Security officials accompany students from selected points on all UP campuses: Hatfield, in front of the Absa ATM next to the Merensky Library Prinshof, in front of the HW Snyman building Groenkloof, between the Administration Building and the Auditorium Kalafong, in front of the Klinikala Building.

Students at the Onderstepoort and Mamelodi campuses should contact the 24-hour Operational Management Centre on 012 420 2310/2760 to arrange an escort. Students can also approach a security official on duty at the gate of their respective residences to arrange for security accompaniment.

UP security services also deals with lost and found property which is handled by the 24-hour Operational Management Centre, located in the Administration Building on the Hatfield Campus.

Legal Advice UP’s Law Clinic offers free legal advice to those who cannot afford it. Students who qualify in terms of the “means test” (students earning less than R7 000 a month and whose asset value does not exceed R350 000) can obtain legal advice for matters such as divorce, maintenance issues and delictual claims. The Law Clinic only provides assistance with criminal cases at the Hatfield Community Court. No fees are charged for professional services delivered to students. Students are only liable to pay for their disbursements, such as sheriff’s fees.

The Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel (SDAP) provides assistance to students who are charged with any misconduct by the university.

The Panel does not provide legal advice, but assists students in the disciplinary proceedings against them. The SDAP can be found in the Roosmaryn Building on the Hatfield campus.

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News | 28 January 2016

Photo: Stefan Stander.

Tuks Camerata take UP to the international stage

XANDER JANSE VAN RENSBURG Tuks Camerata is UP’s official choir and with numerous CD releases, a SAMA nomination and performances on the international arena, Tuks Camerata is one of the most well-known university choirs in South Africa.

This year, Tuks Camerata will take part in the 11th edition of the World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, Spain in June. The symposium takes place once every three years where the best 24 choirs from all over the world are selected to take part. Tuks Camerata is only one of two choirs from the Southern Hemisphere, and the only one from Africa chosen to take part in the symposium. They

will present a workshop entitled “Africa Meets the West” at the symposium.

On their trip to Europe they will also take part in the World Choir Grand Prix in Riga, Latvia, where they will defend their 2014 title as the best university choir. Many other stops along the way are planned such as a performance in Auschwitz, where the choir will be performing “Even when He is silent”, a piece inspired by the tragic events that took place there.

According to Tuks Camerata’s conductor, Michael Barrett, there are three main requirements to join the choir, namely, musical ability, commitment, and personality. Barrett said that musical ability does not necessarily

1701_1577_BOOKMARK_1ST_SEMESTER_CAMPUS_ADS_PERDEBY_265mmWx185mmH_FA.indd 1

refer to being able to sight read. “We look for someone with a good ear and previous choral experience, the bug must have already bitten.”

Commitment is also very important, as the choir will consume a lot of a student’s time and many sacrifices will have to be made as student spend more time with the choir than with their classmates. Thirdly, Camerata looks for people with personality, a person who is adaptable and has a certain “choirness” about them. The first auditions of the year will take place in June. Admission into the choir is based on merit, but the choir has certain transformation goals.

In order to achieve the outlined transformation goals for the choir, Tuks

Camerata has certain policies put in place.

One third of all music performed by the choir will always remain South-African music. The admissions process is completely transparent and current choir members are invited to give input on applicants before they are accepted.

Language policies are structured to not exclude any group. These language policies are also enforced in the choir’s social contexts to ensure that no group within the choir is ever excluded from any conversation.

This year, Tuks Camerata is planning the release of a new CD, more flash mob performances, international collaborations, hosting other international choirs and increasing their campus presence.

2017/01/18 10:55 AM

28 January 2016 | News

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Merensky II library, Hatfield campus. Photo: web.up.ac.za Popular campus pub Oom Gert’s. Image: Oom Gert’s Facebook page

Hangouts in and around Hatfield campus HENRI UYS Socialising is an integral part of university life. Luckily, there are several venues on and off campus where people can relax with their friends.

On the Hatfield campus, the popular Tribeca restaurant located underneath the Aula is a great place for students to take a break between classes. Tribeca is famous at UP for its coffee and provides a nice atmosphere for students to socialise. Also located under the Aula is UP’s Steers branch. It provides space for students to work or socialise while waiting for their food.

Another restaurant on the Hatfield campus is Adlers. Located in the Huis en Haard Building, next to Oom Gert’s, Adlers offers a menu suitable for any appetite. Breakfasts, pancakes, burgers and fish and chips are a few items they

offer. Adlers is also a popular location among students looking for a place to work together as a group.

Students who would like to end off a day with a refreshing beer can do so at Oom Gert’s, UP’s campus bar, located next to Adlers, directly in front of the JJ Theron hall.

Oom Gert’s is famous for its generous plates of chips that can be shared among friends.

The Piazza provides space for students to sit and work, socialise or to eat at the various restaurants.

If you’re looking for a break from campus, Springbok Bar, on the corner of Prospect Street and Hilda Street, is the perfect place to grab some lunch. Opposite Springbok’s is the very popular Aandklas. Aandklas has hosted top performers such as Jack Parow and Francois van Coke.

UP library services CHAD JOHNSTON One of the most important spaces in a students’ academic career is the library. The department of library services caters to the various needs which students face daily. The services provided by the library are there to ensure students excel academically and to assist students who may be struggling to cope with the university workload.

The library provides Wi-Fi hotspots, which become useful when students need to research and access online information. There is also academic writing training and anti-plagiarism workshops offered under information literacy sessions. These are conducted throughout the year and a 24/7 student centre for last minute study sessions.

All these services are free and provide a platform for students to focus on their academic responsibilities. With well over one hundred computers the library is a great place for students with limited resources to check

ClickUP, print assignments and obtain quick research for assignments and projects.

In addition to the online services, the library also has discussion rooms where students can get together. They can also be used to practice presentations in a controlled, quiet environment.

The library also has an innovative Makerspace that offers tools such as 3D printers, a 3D scanner and work stations with design software, electronic prototyping tools and more. The library also caters for students with special needs with features such as Topaz Magnifiers for short sighted students, the Wynn programme for students who suffer from ADHD and dyslexia and the Jaws programme to assist blind students.

The library is an integral part of every student’s daily life. It offers a range of services which can be accessed by all students and staff.

Students who make good use of these facilities and services will definitely be on the right path to completing successful academic careers at UP.

0 100 200 300 info@respublica.co.za www.respublica.co.za

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News | 28 January 2017

Service providers at UP

Image: Marko Svicevic

HENRI UYS UP provides structures that entertain students and inform them about campus related news and activities. These student structures also offer students with opportunities to develop skills while serving the student community.

Perdeby Perdeby is the official student newspaper of the university.

Founded in 1939, Perdeby has become one of the leading student publications in South Africa. Approximately 10 000 hard copies of the newspaper are printed weekly and distributed on UP’s Hatfield campus. Perdeby’s website features all of the articles that appear in the newspaper as well as exclusive interviews and articles. The hard copy of the newspaper is also available online with approximately 25 000 readers a month.

Perdeby can be contacted via email at perdeby@up.ac.za, or on Twitter @perdebynews Tuks FM TuksFM is UP’s own radio station and was founded in 1981. At first, TuksFM only broadcasted to the Hatfield campus. Between

1982 and 1984, TuksFM started broadcasting to all of UP’s campuses and residences. The station received its first one-year broadcasting license in 1995. TuksFM’s main target audience is high school learners, students and young working people.

The South African Audience Research Foundation estimates that TuksFM has an average of 50 000 listeners. TuksFM was crowned Campus Station of the Year four consecutive times (2012 – 2015) at the annual MTN Radio Awards. TuksFM broadcasts on the 107.2 FM frequency. Tuks FM can be contacted at info@tuksfm.co.za, at their office on 012 420 3805, or onTwitter @TuksFm1072 Tuks RAG Tuks RAG (Reach out And Give) is a non-profit organisation run by students and aims to raise funds for various charities. RAG gathers funds by hosting events such as the UP Beat Festival, the RAG procession and the annual Spring Day Festival. RAG is also involved in short and long term community projects. One of the eight portfolios within RAG is TUSHO (Tuks University Student Help Organisation). One of TUSHO’s projects is a soup kitchen that provides food to pensioners.

SDAP The Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel (SDAP) provides assistance to students charged with misconduct. The panel consists of students from the law faculty at UP. SDAP does not represent students during disciplinary hearings, instead the SDAP consults with students on their hearing. During a consultation, the SDAP will explain the entire disciplinary process and answer any questions relating to the procedures. All cases handled by the SDAP will be handled confidentially.

Stuku Stuku (Student Culture) organises cultural activities for students.

Notable events organised by Stuku include Serrie, Serenade and InSync (formerly IenkMelodienk). InSync happens in the beginning of the year. It is an inter-residence activity where the first years of the reses perform for one another. Serrie is dance performances by the residences where they compete with one another. Serenade is an a capella singing competition where small groups from the residences once again compete against one another. Serenade is a national event where UP residences regularly advance to the finals.

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Getting money management right

Visual: Michal Linden

LORINDA MARRIAN Many first-years will have to take up the adult responsibility of having to manage their own money for the first time. This can be difficult and stressful, but with a few nifty tips and tricks anyone can become a happy, thrifty UP student.

Budgeting The first way to manage your money is to budget. You need to set a timeframe for your budget which can be monthly or weekly. Then you need to categorise and list your expenses and income, which can include categories such as “savings” and “emergencies”. Using this, you should be able to create a budget that you can comfortably commit to. If this seems too complicated, there are various mobile apps available such as

Moneyfy-Money Manager and Spendee that can help you with creating and managing your budget.

However, there are alternative ways to manage your money, such as splitting your income into two and spending only half during the first part of the month and the rest in the second half of the month so as to avoid spending all your money at once.

Textbooks University textbooks have the reputation of costing a small fortune. However, there are a few simple ways to cut costs. If you are considering buying a brand-new text book, compare prices at different book stores. Various book stores around campus also sell good quality second-hand books which cost a fraction of their original prices. In return, you can then resell your own textbooks and make some money back.

Food Most students will spend a large amount of their money on food.

One of the most common money tips is to avoid takeaways and instead make your own food and snacks. Avoid buying water and coffee everyday by buying a refillable water bottle and a flask for your coffee. If you absolutely must get fast-food, look for specials at restaurants and takeaways to maximise your value for money.

Entertainment Being a student also means that you should have fun, but money can be an issue. There are ways to have a good time on a budget.

Only take a set amount of cash with you when you go out, that way you won’t be tempted to overspend. Lookout for drink specials – most places in Hatfield have daily specials. However, if you are looking for something a little quieter, a good bet is to take advantage of Ster Kinekor’s half price movie tickets every Tuesday, at any of its theatres for its card-holding members.

Res Students Living in a residence can mean that you have an extremely tight budget. Jane Akura, a third-year Civil Engineering student and 2015-2016 HK at Jasmyn, says that she has found it cheaper to buy both lunch and supper during lunchtimes when the dining hall is selling meals. Giving advice for the use of meal cards, Lerato Mokoena, a second-year Financial Science student and resident at Asterhof, suggests that first-years should not spend their full R100 daily allowance every day, but try to save and maybe even lower their limit if possible. For students with Eduloan cards, Anelisa Ngwane, a third-year Supply Chain Management student, suggests: “Do not spend your Eduloan allowance on things you can get at the dining hall, rather spend it on cosmetics and other daily essentials,” while making sure to not spend all your allowance at once.

Get involved with UP societies

Image provided

GEMMA GATTICCHI Joining a society is a great way to get a break from your academics. With over 100 societies registered at the university, there is certainly something for everyone.

Pledge a Pad is a student-led society, and a registered nonprofit organisation. Their mission is to provide sanitary towels to disadvantaged women and to educate women about the menstrual cycle and the importance of hygiene. They have an

office on UP’s Hatfield Campus, Prospect Street, in the Ou Kantoortjie Building, Room 1-6.

Take a Girl Child to Varsity is a society with the aim of getting women to support each other in growing as independent women.

They do this through making sure information about different universities, qualifications and financing through university reaches young girls, even in rural areas. They also work to give career guidance to girls, holding tutoring sessions and subject choice seminars and help women who want to go back to university and further their studies. The society says, “We believe that if you nurture a girl child, you grow a nation.”

YES @ Tuks is an economics, statistics and econometrics society that works to connect students with the corporate world though formal and informal events. The society focuses on creating mentorship programmes which garner opportunities and growth for those involved. A society representative said: “We strive to be the preeminent society in creating a bridge between future graduates and the corporate world, through the creation and utilisation of social and economic opportunities.”

Tuks Mind Sports Club is involved in all things concerning competitive console, PC and board gaming. According to their Facebook page this society “creates a healthy competitive gaming scene where players are given the opportunity to further their gaming career or skills, by providing an exclusive experience limited to club members.”

UP & Out is the official lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex student organisation at UP. Their society is a platform where students are encouraged to express themselves freely in a judgement free, safe environment. This society strives to promote peace, love, tolerance and equality.

The Inklings is the University’s literature, drama and art society. They aim to promote an understanding and appreciation of culture, language, literature and the arts on campus.

Chairperson Kathleen Godfrey said, “We hold creative writing and art competitions and publish an anthology of poetry, short stories and art at least once a year. This anthology is called Inclinations.” They carry out a list of activities throughout the year ranging from poetry performances to short film productions.

Through this the society actively supports literature, creative writing and amateur drama on campus.

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Features | 28 January 2017

Photo: Fezekile Msimang

Parking problems solved COURTNEY TINK

Parking at UP can be difficult when you don’t know where to look. Perdeby is here to help you with on campus, off campus, paid and unpaid parking On campus parking: As an undergraduate you are only allowed to park on campus after 16:30 for test and examination purposes. If you continue your studies at UP after your graduation then, as a postgraduate, you are allowed to park on campus after 14:00 provided that you have applied and received a disk that grants you access. Doctoral candidates qualify for 24-hour parking and students with disabilities may also apply for on campus parking.

Paid parking: Engineering parking is a secure and popular choice if you don’t mind paying for your spot. The entrance is situated on University Road and is open from 06:00-18:00 every weekday. However, if you plan on using this route then there are two things you should take into consideration.

Firstly, if your schedule will cause you to spend all day on campus then this option may work out to be rather expensive.

If you spend 2-4 hours on campus it costs R8, if you spend 4-6 hours on campus it costs R10 and if you spend over 6 hours on campus then it’ll cost you R20.

Secondly, if you are running late parking here isn’t advisable. There are limited spaces in the parking lot and if they are full then no cars are permitted to enter until there is available space.

Another option for parking is on the opposite side of Lynwood Road in a parking bay next to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles. The parking spot will cost you R4000 per year, which you can pay at the church, and it includes your own remote control access. You can enter and exit the spot at any time that suits you and you will very rarely have to search for an open space. The spot is a twominute walk from campus and is very secure.

Unpaid parking: According to UP, official student parking areas are located on the corner of Burnett and Festival Street, the corner of Herold and Duxbury Street and the corner of Herold and Lynwood Road (or H17, H29 and H30 on campus map). However, all of these parking bays work on a “first-come-first-serve” basis, so if your schedule guarantees that you will be on campus at a very early hour, then you shouldn’t struggle in securing a spot. If you find yourself going to campus between 09:00 and 12:00 then it’s recommended that you find another spot.

The entrances to UP are situated on Lynwood Road, Prospect Street, Lunnon Road and Duxbury Road. Cars very often park up and down the streets that surround these entrances. Parking on the pavement is not strictly legal, and metro police do issue tickets if your car is parked too close to the walkway.

Park and ride: On the LC de Villiers campus in a parking area next to the Daan Swiegers Building there is plenty of parking space and UP provides free parking and bus transport to and from the campus. The buses leave approximately every fifteen minutes.

Photo: Stefan Stander

Res survival guide KATHERINE ATKINSON

Adapting to a new environment can be a difficult experience for many people, especially if you are used to your own home and the comforts that go with it. While living in a residence epitomises vibrancy, fun and freedom it can be difficult to cope with some of the challenges it presents. Perdeby has put together a survival guide for those embarking on the journey of res-life.

The first challenge is having little to no personal space. It is no secret that being a “people’s person” will make res-living significantly easier, but no matter how much you love being surrounded by people, at the end of the day you may still need space, serenity and silence. Earphones or earplugs should make your “university essentials” list. Res can be extremely noisy between the parties, traditions and general messing about. While you are sometimes part of the noise, other times you may need to work or sleep – which is where the earphones and earplugs come in. These are also essential when you have a roommate. Although your roommate may be your new best friend, not all roommate matches are made in heaven. Different sleep schedules, living habits and stress or personality clashes are just a few things that can cause tension. Depending your roommate, earphones may just be the answer to a full night’s sleep or a productive work session.

Difference test and exam timetables between res mates can also be the source of tension. If you cannot go out due to work but your res mates can, then not only will you experience a fear of missing out, or “FOMO”, but you will probably bear the brunt of the noise. If you are the one going out then try to be considerate of your working res mate. This means keeping pre-drinking noise levels to a minimum. If you plan to have more than three friends over, then be considerate and meet at the furthest location from your res mate’s room.

Rules are essential if you share a kitchen or bathroom, no matter how much you initially get along. This is to prevent dishes from piling up sky-high and hair clogging your shower drain. Dirty dishes can cause significant tension within a res or commune – especially when your pile of work is as high as the pile of dishes and stress kicks in. Generally, the “24-hour rule” works well for dishes. This is when everyone agrees to rinse their dishes, put them to the side and make sure they do them within 24 hours. However, a rule that goes hand-in-hand with this is scraping leftover food off dishes before attempting to wash the dishes to prevent the sink from clogging. Hair clogging shower drains can also become a major issue especially in girls’ reses.

Understandably, when an average of 8 people shares a single shower and no-one removes their hair from the drain, it will be impressive if it lasts the week. To prevent your shower from turning into a bath and to be considerate of the cleaners, clearing your hair from the drain is imperative.

Sometimes the temptation of getting takeaways can be almost impossible to resist, especially because of its deliciousness and ease. This is how unhealthy eating and spending habits can form.

While most reses provide the option of eating res food, this may get monotonous or go against dietary needs. If you have the luxury of going home at weekends, then a great tip is to bring back meals from home and freeze them. If you live far away but have access to a kitchen then it is advisable to buy in bulk and cook one meal on Monday and another on Tuesday, then alternate meal one and two for the week. This weekly “food plan” will save time and money. If your only option is res food, then do not fear as there are many variations to choose from each day. Just be vigilant with what you buy so as not to go over your daily res food budget.

Even though res living can be a challenge, it is a great way to meet new people, participate in many fun-filled traditions and socials and learn to be independent. All-in-all if you are staying in res, do not fear it – embrace it and all the quirks that come along with it.

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Image: Lené Stroebel

An introvert’s guide to UP SAVANNAH PLASKITT

How to have safer sex SAVANNAH PLASKITT

Hook-up culture, centred around physical pleasure without the emotional connection or commitment present in traditional relationships, has been labelled a major threat to modern romance, dates and relationships. Hooking up ranges from making out in clubs or bars to one-night stands or friends-withbenefits. University students have supposedly been hooking up with each other for as long as there have been universities, but has there really been a dramatic increase in hook-ups?

According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research this is not the case, with researchers stating, “We find no evidence of substantial changes in sexual behaviour that would indicate a new or pervasive pattern of non-relational sex among contemporary college students.” The study compared the sexual practices of 18-25 year olds during two 8-year time periods (1988-1996 and 2004-2012) and found that the students during the 1988-1996 period were more likely to report having sex at least once a week in the last year and have had more than one sexual partner since turning 18. Alternatively, the 2004-2012 group were more likely to report having no sex partners since turning 18. The biggest change in college students’ sex lives was found to be an increase in the amount of friend-with-benefits hook-ups.

Apps like Tinder have made an impact on dating – if not on the amount of hook-ups then the ease at which they can be attained. There are currently 50 million Tinder users, with 25 million matches a day. Tinder is seen by many as a “numbers game” allowing users to talk to multiple potential hook-ups at a time, instead of just one or two at a bar. If all of those Tinder conversations end in hook-ups, it’s unsurprising many users report hooking up with 50-100 people a year. One of the biggest negatives to this trend is its implications for women.

Everday Feminism said in an article published on 16 February titled “5 Problems with Hookup Culture – And How to Take It Back from Sexism” that double standards are present in the way men talk about women. While men congratulate each other on a hook-up they often degrade women in the same situation.

Everyday Feminism explains, “These men pursue women and try

to convince them to have sex – sometimes even using coercion – and then turn around and call them sluts for agreeing. It would be like if I invited you over for a home-cooked meal and then called you greedy for accepting some food.”

This sentiment was echoed by a second-year BCom Accounting student who said that university hook-ups are seen as a normality, with men not being classified as “loose” or “slutty” after hook-ups, while the same is not true for women. While feminists such as Hanna Rosin in her book, The End of Men: And the Rise of Women, have embraced the so-called equality brought about by hook-up culture, and have praised the modern view of women being equally interested in casual, meaningless sex and therefore are more equal to men, some women have found that this is not the case.

Women are statistically far more likely to feel a need for an emotional connection or attachment, and less likely to enjoy sex outside of a relationship. In one study of 832 college students, 50% of men and 26% of women had positive emotional reactions after hook-ups. Anthony Townsend, clinical psychologist and guest lecturer for UP explained, “Research reveals that men and women have rather different experiences of casual sex (“hookups”) both neurochemically and emotionally. While the release of dopamine (the reward hormone) leads to ecstasy for both men and women, the release of oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) typically occurs more rapidly and in higher quantities for women than in men leading to the experience of emotional bonding for women that is not typically reciprocated by men. While hook-ups may represent an important step away from previous doublestandards of sexuality between men and women, this emerging culture may also cause conflict for women between neurobiology and shifting social-emotional needs.”

Many students cite their reasons for choosing hook-ups over relationships as busy schedules, and a lack of interest in committing to a long-term, monogamous relationship.

With more and more of us becoming increasingly academically focused, with less pressure to settle down and marry and with more encouragement to build a career, it is no surprise that young people are leaning towards a no-strings-attached way of hooking up.

For students who are uncomfortable in crowds and crave quiet spaces, university can be daunting. However, there are ways to make the hustle and bustle of campus more bearable.

If you have a choice between an early class and a later one, always choose the early one. The strain of an early morning is worth it as campus is always quiet at 7:30. Not only will there be no crowds, but your class will likely have fewer people in it and lecturers often arrive early to 7:30s, allowing a few minutes of consultation time without making an appointment. Office hours and consultation times are your friend. If you have a question or don’t understand something during a lecture, accept that you’re not going to put your hand up in front of 400 other students and rather request an appointment to ask the lecturer privately.

Instead of studying at the Student Centre or Steers between classes, find somewhere a bit less busy. The library offers quiet spaces to work and you can often find an empty lecture hall all to yourself in the Humanities building. There are also study spaces in many buildings around campus, such as the Natural Sciences 1 Building, which has desks outside the Anatomy and Physiology department and there are tables in the Graduate Centre. If you don’t plan to study during your break and just need a quiet place to chill, the back room of Haloa provides both good coffee and a bit of tranquillity.

UP has many hidden quiet spaces for those who know where to look. For those who enjoy the outdoors there is the Botany building garden, the garden behind the Mathematics building, the benches outside Plant Sciences, or even a short bus ride away the LC de Villiers campus where you can enjoy some time under the trees. If you prefer the indoors there is always the music library in the Musaion.

For those who have found themselves with a roommate for the first time, it is recommended to invest in some noise cancelling headphones. You could also download some white noise to play when sleeping or studying.

When the hustle and bustle of campus becomes overbearing it is nice to know where to go to quietly work, or just get away for a bit.

Add Perdeby on Snapchat @Perdebynews

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Features | 28 January 2017

Open-mindedness, critical thinking and education

Image: Michal Linden

JACO STROEBEL Open-mindedness is the idea that the knowledge and beliefs that you currently hold will not cause you to dismiss new information because it disagrees with what you already know or believe. If you are unwilling to consider new ideas because they disagree with what you think or believe, you are close-minded to the ideas. In their 2012 article “The psychology of closed and open mindedness, rationality and democracy”, published in Critical Review: A Journal of Politics and Society, Arie W. Kruglanski and Lauren M. Boyatzi of the Psychology department of the University of Maryland argue that being open-minded and

close-minded depends on the reason for learning. So the reasons why you consider new information are just as important as the information itself, because of the influence the reasons have on your mind.

Harvey Siegel, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami argues in his 2009 article “Open-mindedness, Critical Thinking, and Indoctrination: Homage to William Hare”, published in Paideusis: International Journal in Philosophy of Education, that you can be open-minded and willingly accept new information, but do so without being critical. Siegel calls this acceptance of information at face-value passive thinking; you are simply persuaded by ideas without considering them properly.

To properly consider new ideas, you need to be aware of what is surrounding the ideas. You need to ask who the information comes from, and if the information comes with an agenda. You need to find out if there is outside evidence confirming this information. You need to be aware of how you are consuming the information, why you are considering these ideas and what impact they will have on you. It is important to ask for evidence that proves the correctness of an idea and to be willing to consider ideas that do not agree with what you already know.

Kruglanski and Boyatzi suggest that there is a purpose to the way that you form ideas. You have motivations to forming your idea of the world around you. They suggest that you are likely to resist new information that disagrees with what you currently believe, if what you currently believe better supports the reason for your idea of the world around you. For example, if you believe that protests and protestors are bad, and if believing this allows you to fit in with those around you, you are more likely to reject information showing that the opposite is true. Similarly, if new information better supports your motivation, then you are more likely to be open to the new information.

In their book The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, authors Richard Paul and Linda Elder of the Foundation for Critical Thinking describe critical thinking as taking a step back and understanding why you think what you do with a willingness to change how you think in order to improve it. They also explain that critical thinking requires you to consider ideas that might not relate to experiences that you’ve had personally or think about what your culture takes as fact.

This means considering experiences that you are unable to share in of other people in an attempt to understand their position and choices. Critical thinking in the space of your culture and society is the act of thinking about society and your place in it. It is a commitment to take part in the social and political aspects of

democracy, a willingness to be open and consider perspectives that are different from your own, a willingness to add these perspectives to your way of thinking, and a willingness to challenge others to also be critical.

Dr James Roberts, a lecturer in the Department of Geology at UP, says that most importantly for students, critical thinking involves being able to deconstruct a question and understand the flaws and strengths of the different approaches for answering it, rather than repeat what a lecturer says in class. He continues to say that, when facing a problem, a student should sit down and think about the problem, deconstruct it, and solve it in as an efficient way as possible. “Above first-year, and especially at Honours and beyond, critical thinking is by far the most important skill a scientist or engineer possesses,” said Roberts on critical thinking in STEM fields.

Siegel regards critical thinking as one of the aims of education and goes on to say, “Open-mindedness is not only an important aim, it is also a necessary one, for any education worthy of the name.” By saying that open-mindedness and critical thinking are important aims for education, Siegel does not say that the subject-specific knowledge gained by an education is of less value. In fact, the implication of this is that critical thinking and open-mindedness is necessary to understand and internalise subject-specific knowledge. So learning is not a passive experience, but something to actively partake in. As a student you have to take part in the process of learning, consider information not just at face value, but with “a disposition to seek reasons and evidence, and to believe on that basis.”

Scepticism and the deconstruction of ideas are the fundamental tools for critical thinking. In order to effectively take part in your academics and social sphere you need to be aware of how you think and the biases involved in your thinking. You need to be empathetic to the perspectives of those around you and be willing to consider these perspectives even if they don’t agree with yours. In the South African social context, critical thinking would require you to think about what you know and believe to be true, and to measure that with what you see around you and the perspectives of other people around you. University is a good place for this to happen since you are exposed to so many different people from all over the country. Each person brings their own perspective. Perspectives clash as people from urban centres often look at the world through different cultural lenses. Critical thinking is about solving problems. It is a way of deconstructing the problem and judging solutions, and this needs to be applied and practiced.

28 January 2017 | Features

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Photo: Tshepo Moagi

Image: Lené Stroebel

Stress and the Student Body

REBECCA WOODROW

Sudoku

Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain that results from demanding circumstances. University is demanding, but it can be rewarding and is structured so that students are able to meet its demands.

In “Common Causes of Stress Among Students” published on 25 May 2015, Livestrong.com named the common causes of stress among students to be bad sleeping habits, academic pressure, full schedules and poor diet. Other worries students face is accommodation, transport, and finances.

According to Ethel Mothlamme of Student Support, the main cause of overwhelming levels of stress for students is when academic pressures and personal problems combine, and are together too much for the student to cope with.

There are two types of stress: eustress and distress. The distinction is important. Eustress, also known as positive stress, is short-term and focuses energy and motivation. Distress is negative stress. It can be long-term or short-term and fuels anxiety and lessens a person’s everyday performance. Distress increases the body’s release of hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.

This release leads to physiological changes to the cardiovascular system, like hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, and a faster heart rate. The hormones also impact the liver and this changes sugar levels and guides a person’s appetite. Distress can lead to both mental and physical problems.

Unmanaged distress can impact a person greatly. According to Mayo Clinic in a Healthy Lifestyle subsection on stress management, the body is subject to physical symptoms of stress usually associated with illness, like pain and fatigue that lead to failing to recognise stress. Distress can prompt self-destructive behaviour such as emotional outbursts, poor eating habits, social withdrawal and substance abuse, resulting in emotional strain which can lead to depression. Life-threatening conditions like heart-disease and diabetes can occur as a result of longterm unchecked distress. According to Campus Mind Works, the University of Michigan Health System web site, common indicators of too much stress are “difficulty concentrating, increased worrying, trouble completing assignments on time, short temper or increased agitation, tension, headaches, tight muscles, and changes in sleeping habits”.

Some helpful stress management strategies recommended by Mayo Clinic and Campus Mind Works include regular physical activity that releases endorphins and improves your mood.

Relaxation techniques, meditation, socializing, keeping a journal, and maintaining time for hobbies are also recommended. To manage academic stress, learning time management skills and goal setting are advised. Mayo Clinic also warns against inactive ways of managing stress relevant to the average student age group like watching television, surfing the internet, and playing video games. Abusing alcohol as an attempt to manage stress has also been proven to only further aggravate it.

The University of Pretoria’s Department of Student Affairs has a student support division aimed at guiding students through difficulties. They offer “academic, therapeutic and emotional support, rendered by a highly professional multi-disciplinary team, consisting of counselling, educational and clinical psychologists and social workers”. The division “[knows] that the transition from school to university can be very demanding and may sometimes feel overwhelming”. Mothlamme says most students do not have serious problems that need behind doors interventions, they just need knowledge about life, and how to recognise when they are facing serious stress. This is what student support is for. They assist students struggling with test and exam anxiety, homesickness, and recognising the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Mothlamme recommends a two tier support approach for students. The first tier should be informal help where the student talks to a trusted person. If the student still feels overwhelmed, or the informal help is not enough, Mothlamme then says students must seek professional help. The professional help doesn’t necessarily have to be face-to-face contact and Student Support offers email and call services for student counselling. Mothlamme advises that students come to Student Support if they are feeling overwhelmed for any reason. She says that needing help must not be seen as abnormal, as most students struggle from time to time.

Student Support offers life skills groups throughout the year, personal consultations, and academic help.

Student Support Tel: 012 420 2333 The 24-Hour UP Care line Tel: 0800 747 747

School and university: Whats the difference?

KATHERINE ATKINSON University is not high school. In fact, the two are not similar at all.

No matter how early you get to your lectures, you may still find yourself sitting on the floor for 50 minutes. Even the lecture halls that accommodate approximately 800 students will not always have enough seats for the number of students who show up to a lecture. Hardly anyone will know who you are, and the friends you plan to sit next to may get lost in the crowd.

In school your timetable is structured by your teachers, in university you make your own timetable. You might be able to choose later classes, depending on your course of study and enjoy a sleep-in after a late night out. However, there are drawbacks to not having a structured timetable such as not having scheduled “recess” times. This means you may find yourself attending lectures from 7:30 until 17:00 without a break. Alternatively, it could mean that some days your lectures are spread out and that you have a couple of hours to kill between lectures. It can be tricky to figure out what to do with this time, which is why it is essential to find your ideal relaxation and work place on campus.

In university as in school, classes are compulsory. However, the classes are much larger in university and if you were to miss a class your lecturer would probably not notice. Take care when the classes have attendance registers or have regular clicker tests.

If you fail to submit an assignment or write a test without a sick note, then you will receive 0% for the assessment. Making sure that your academic activities are completed is completely your own responsibility.

It could take some time to get used to completing online assessments. You may be in a faculty where there are many online assessments per week, so learning how online assignments, tests and submissions work should come relatively quickly. One program that is universal to all faculties is Turnitin, a plagiarism checker. This means that the easy (and illegal) “copy and paste” technique that you may have been fond of in school will simply not do. Anti-plagiarism training is available at the Merensky library, directly across the Humanities building. If you are unsure if what you’re doing constitutes plagiarism, consult with your lecturer.

The workload in university is much larger than at school.

Between the late nights of working and partying, and the naps which are essential for survival, your body clock tends to get confused. This is a normal and universal struggle of students.

This week’s poll What do you expect from your first year?

• Getting distinctions for all your modules • Partying hard • Transferring to Bcom Medicine

Vote on www.perdeby.co.za

14

Entertainment | 28 January 2017

Let your inner geek out with these conventions in 2017

rAge Expo 2016. Photo: Ciske Van den Heever

KOJO ESSAH Each year has a lot of fun and exciting concerts and events to attend, but what if you are more of a nerd than a music enthusiast?

GeekFest is an annual convention that emphasises cosplay, live action role-playing (LARP), table-top gaming, and other interesting activities. The event usually takes place in April or May. The venue changes, but it usually has a lot of outdoor space capable of accommodating a large crowd and the number of interesting events and attractions on offer. If you are into cosplaying, role-playing as different characters, or running away from a zombie horde, then GeekFest is an event you defintely need to attend.

Icon is a comic and games convention that takes place at the

Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg every year. It is South Africa’s longest running gaming and comics convention and is marketed to everyone, from “hardcore geeks” to people who are just a little “geek curious”. Expect to find events such as cosplay competitions, table-top gaming, and vendors where you can buy goodies and souvenirs. rAge Expo is the largest gaming convention in South Africa, with about 35 000 visitors each year. International publishers and developers attend the convention to show off their upcoming games and devices. In addition to the games, there are a number of technology vendors such as Matrix Warehouse to sell you the best in gaming hardware. If you are an art enthusiast, there is a whole section for artists selling their artworks, comics and unique items. Cosplay also features at rAge with a cosplay competition taking place each year.

Pocket savvy Pretoria CAROLYN HUGHES Managing money can be hard, but living off two-minute noodles for the rest of the month because you had too many cheeseburgers is a lot more difficult. Starting university is a shock to the system and the pocket. Perdeby took a look at a couple of things that Pretoria has to offer that are sure to keep you smiling all the way to the bank.

Pretoria’s own little Italy, Duncan Yard, plays host to a wide variety of boutiques, antique shops, speciality cafés and even a beauty studio. Take some time to smell the flowers at the florist and be sure to keep an eye out for themed tiny tattoo bonanzas that take place at Revolutionary Ink throughout the year.

Entrance to the centre is free.

If you’re looking for a birthday present for someone back home or just something different for lunch, head down to the Hazel food market that takes place every Saturday in Menlo Park. Entrance is free and the market offers a huge range of homemade sweet and savoury treats for almost every craving. If you aren’t interested in food, cross over to the stalls where you will find anything from second-hand clothing to hand-crafted wooden watches and much more.

If you’re in the mood for a stroll around a market be sure to also check out the Hatfield Plaza weekend flea market, as well as the trendy Market @ the Sheds situated on Pretoria’s longest street, Helen Joseph.

Menlyn Maine is a five minute drive from Menlyn shopping centre and is full of art pieces that will make for a cultured afternoon of strolling. The mall is dotted with sculptures by various artists. There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants available in the food court, including internation coffee chain Starbucks. If your sweet tooth is bothering you, be sure to stop by Old Town Italy for authentic Italian style Gelato at R25 a scoop.

Outer Limits Pretoria hosts a weekly table top games night for board game lovers. The store also hosts game days and tournaments for specific fandoms, most notably a Magic: the Gathering evening every Friday night. Entrance to the games night is free and participants are encouraged to bring along a board game to add to the pool of games that circulate throughout the night.

Pretoria also has a wide variety of beautiful gardens and parks to enjoy, including the National Botanical Gardens, which has a R30 entrance fee, and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, which has a R35 entrance fee. There is no entrance to the gardens at the Union Buildings. Fort Klapperkop and the Voortrekker Monument boast breath-taking views of Pretoria and entrance costs just over R50. These sites are a must for any student, old or new.

Music festivals in 2017 Red Bull Stage at Oppikoppi 2016. Photo: Shen Scott

JULIA BAIN

One of the most exciting prospects of first-year is finally being able to leave your parents behind, and spending a weekend camping and listening to great music with your friends at one of our local music festivals. No matter your music taste, there is always something for everyone.

Oppikoppi Hosting seven stages, Oppikoppi is South Africa’s biggest music festival. A wide variety of local and international musicians, comedians, and performers gather in Northam’s dustbowl to take part in an unforgettable festival. Previous headline acts include Twin Atlantic, Wolfmother, August Burns Red, Sum 41, Yellowcard, and Seether.

Mieliepop. Photo: Shen Scott

Splashy Fen Starting in 1990, this folk/rock festival is one of South Africa’s premier music festivals. Held in Underberg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, this is the festival for those who love great music and the outdoors. Hosting a variety of well-known local performers including Prime Circle, Dan Patlansky, Springbok Nude Girls, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Splashy Fen is an excellent way to enjoy your Easter Weekend.

In The City When you think of Johannesburg music festivals, In The City immediately comes to mind. Celebrating five years since its establishment, this alternative rock/indie festival is one that is definitely not to be missed. Foster the People and Mac Miller are two of the most popular international acts to have graced the stage at last year’s In The City.

Lush Easter weekend is the perfect time to head out to Clarens for another great music festival, Lush. This year’s headline act has already been announced and fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Australian rock band The Temper Trap. Other local favourites including Jeremy Loops, Shortstraw, and Francois Van Coke have been announced, so expect a weekend of great music.

Mieliepop The Republic of Mieliepop takes place at the end of March close to Lothair in Mpumalanga. The festival has a lineup around 60 performers, includeing local favorites such as Bittereinder, Black Cat Bones and Diamond Thug. The three day festival is one of the most beautiful festivals, with views of the Mpumalanga escarpment. Day guests and guests who would prefer to camp are welcome and the festival is open to the whole family.

28 January 2017 | Entertainment

15

Novels for novices

Photo: Ciske Van den Heever

SHAUN SPROULE Starting university is a new stage of life and navigating it can be difficult. Luckily there are many sources out there that can help you through the changes you will face. Perdeby took a look at some novels that every first-year should read, whether it’s to hold a conversation with your new friends or just to better understand the new opinions and terms you will come across in your years at university.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Brave New World takes a look at the far future where the ideal society has been set up through years of genetic engineering, brain washing, and recreational sex and drugs. However, this ideal society has its limitations. This novel holds insights pertaining to our present and will leave you questioning the world and its future.

Dub Steps by Andrew Miller

In a deserted Johannesburg, a few survivors of a world where everyone has inexplicably disappeared have to navigate through race, sex, and religious differences to start again. Beautifully written with humour and tension throughout, Dub Steps takes a look at the ordinary and makes it seem exceedingly strange.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Adichie is renowned for her thought provoking novels.

Americanah is no different. Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love in a Nigerian secondary school, but soon have to part to opposite ends of the world. Iflemelu departs for America where she discovers something she had previously never needed to worry about – her race. Obinze ends up in London and later becomes a very successful man in Nigeria. Their shared love for their home country brings them closer together years later.

Dog Eat Dog by Niq Mhlongo University student Dingz traverses university life in 1996,

complete with partying, girls and skipping exams. However he struggles with institutional racism at his university and sometimes takes his use of the “race card” to amusing extremes. An incredibly witty novel with a serious look at the struggles faced by black university students, Dog Eat Dog is relevant and relatable to every university student.

The Native Commissioner by Shaun Johnson Taking place at the end of colonial rule in South Africa, The Native Commissioner looks at the looming apartheid regime and the strain it put on many people’s lives. A young man discovers his father’s letters, and along with them an insight into his father’s thoughts and emotions around the creation of the National Party’s South Africa. The novel provides a slice of South Africa’s history while also showing a relatable story of descent. While depressing, The Native Commissioner will open your eyes to South Africa’s past.

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Entertainment | 28 January 2017

A Beginner’s Guide to Gaming CARLY TWADDLE There are many questions and options to consider when diving into the world of gaming. Which console should you buy? Which games should you buy? Role-playing games or first person shooter? Should you play online? All of these questions come down to personal taste. Perdeby spoke to Tuks Gaming Society, Fabio Viveiros from eAe.Reborn, a competitive Dota 2 team, and Alwyn Venter from White Rabbit Gaming about how you can get involved in competitive gaming.

The best games to start with are games like Dota 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and Call of Duty. These games give aspiring gamers the skills needed to compete. Other games that could launch your gaming career include League of Legends, Battlefield and Hearthstone. As an aspiring gamer, you should practise at least three times a week. If you’d like to compete at an international level, the recommended average time spent training is eight to ten hours a day. Viveiros says, “The most important thing is to practice and have fun, work hard and it will all fall into place.”

There are several internet cafés in Hatfield and the surrounding areas where gamers can go. Depending on your platform (console or PC), you also have the option to play online from home.

Social media is the best option to find teams and competitions.

Follow Tuks Gaming on Facebook to keep tabs on their team trials and competitions. Other good societies include Dota 2 South Africa and ZA Gaming Alliance, both on Facebook.

These communities can offer you advice, give you more information and help set you up. Also keep an eye on Telkom’s gaming website, www.DigitalGamingLeague.co.za. Telkom is the driving force behind South African eSports; they sponsor leagues, organise tournaments and sponsor prize money.

The most important is to keep practising and trying to get your name out there. If you haven’t formed your own team, keep working hard and take every opportunity to get exposure and a team may just approach you.

21 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HATFIELD

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For more information visit us at www.hatmed.co.za

28 January 2017 | Entertainment

17

First year bucket list

First year food guide

Photo: Kaylyn O’Brien

LINDO KHOZA

Uncle Fouzies on Burnett Street. Photo: Lerato Mokoka

CLAUDINE NOPPE There are certain things that every first year must do on and around campus to get a taste of all being a student has to offer.

Find your spot on campus. Hatfield campus is beautiful and filled with so many secret spots just waiting to be found. Go to campus on a Saturday, when there are not many people around, and thoroughly explore campus.

Attend at least one lunch hour concert. Take your lunch to the Musaion on Thursdays at 12:30 for free entertainment. A wide variety of UP and non-UP performers mesmerize crowds at these Leo Haese lunch hour concerts.

Support or take part in Serrie and Serenade. Serrie involves singing and synchronized dancing while Serenade is an acapella singing competition. Taking part in these events allow you to get to know more people. If you lack rhythm and talent in the singing department you can always support these events. Supporting Serrie and Serenade is just as important as taking part. Serrie and

Serenade are held in May and August respectively.

Be a tourist for a day. Drive down Stanza Bopape Street one of the longest and straightest urban streets in the world, formerly known as Church Street. Put on comfortable shoes and go seek out the best views at the Voortrekker Monument. End your tourist day with a picnic at the Union Buildings.

Go to the Lentedag concert. Lentedag brings together a wide variety of artists such as Matthew Mole and Bok Van Blerk to entertain you on your day off. Remember to get a ticket well in advance as this event tends to be sold out on the day.

Stay out all night just for an Uncle Faouzi’s burger at 03:00.

After a night spent drinking jam jars at Jolly Roger, dancing on tables at Aandklas, or even spending the night cramming in the Student Center, there is nothing more comforting than a hot meal from Uncle Faouzi’s.

Most importantly, push your boundaries. Enjoy your newfound freedom and try to experience as many new things as possible.

UP’s own music talents

Halloween 2016. Photo: Michalel Ridge

CARLY TWADDLE Starting university can reveal previously unthought-of opportunities with success well in the reach of the average student.

Ewan Botha is a law graduate from UP and also the lead vocalist for the post-grunge punk rock group Impact42. They have

regular performances at Rumour’s Lounge in Johannesburg. This five-piece band relishes their simplicity and the ease with which they can be listened to. Impact42 reaches out to their listeners in a unique way with emotional lyrics and simple enjoyable riffs. Fans can access their new EP on SoundCloud, iTunes and Facebook.

If you happen to catch them, Botha insists you have a drink with them as their favourite part about being in a band is engaging

Hatfield has many hidden food joints that serve great local foods for students at student prices. Make sure to remember these places when looking for a quick bite around campus.

Sphatlo Zone This is a small sphatlo vendor adjacent to Hubbly Café, and opposite The Fields. If you have never had one before, sphatlo is a great way to stave off the hunger after a long day on campus. It consists of a quarter loaf of bread filled with fresh chips and other fillings of your choice. Sphatlo or a kota is an essential experience for students. At only R18 the Russian, polony, egg and atchar sphatlo is a definite must-try.

Varsity Bakery This bakery on Lynnwood road, opposite Huis Maroela, has been part of the UP student experience for generations. For around only R40 Varsity Bakery’s burgers are some of the best that you can get on a student budget. You can also try their bunny chows and some imported sodas like Dr Pepper for something different. +27 Café Secluded inside South on Duncan on the corner of South and Jan Shoba, +27 Café is perfect for taking someone for a quiet night out. The atmosphere is quite laid back with regular jazz performances and great food at affordable prices. Try their Famous Potato Salad for a refreshing twist on an old classic. The café is situated right next to Big Al’s, another notable mention that makes affordable burgers.

Yamazaki If you want to indulge, Yamazaki at Waterkloof Corner is only a short drive from campus. For only R149 they offer an “all you can eat” sushi buffet. Don’t waste your time sitting at the sushi bar though, Yamazaki will allow you to order the sushi that you want from the menu, including any of the starters, to eat until you can’t anymore. If you are not that hungry, they have a wide selection of freshly made Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

Golden Butterfly This is another Asian restaurant next to Roman’s Pizza on Burnett Street. They’ve attached low prices to large portions of food, making it perfect for student budgets. Keep a lookout for their regular “buy one, get one free” specials. with fans. Keep an eye out on Rumours and upcoming music festivals because this band always delivers a head-banger.

The four-piece grunge band Last Chance Seattle is a grunge alternative rock band based in Johannesburg. Lead guitarist James Deacon is a first year BA music and psychology student.

The band takes its inspiration from bands like Nirvana, giving it that distinctive Seattle sound, where the band gets its name from.

Many fans have described Last Chance Seattle as the new South African Nirvana, but the band has their own sound and style.

All four members are classically trained, giving them the ability to harmonise and work with the mechanics of the sound. They pride themselves on being able to challenge listeners as original grunge did. Deacon describes them as “the musical equivalent of being kicked in the face”. You can test this theory by listening to their music on SoundCloud and their Facebook page. They will be releasing a single, “Sophia”, early this year and a new album halfway through the year. Make sure you watch them at Slam Fest this year. Last Chance Seattle has often played in Pretoria, where Aandklas is one of their favourite spots.

The University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra (UPSO) always puts on an impressive show. They often perform at the Leo Haese Lunch Hour Concerts, which are free in the Musaion on Thursdays at 12:30. Keep an eye out for their other events, which are advertised on Facebook. Auditions for joining the orchestra are held early in the academic year. One cellist, Luca Ferrara, tells Perdeby that the atmosphere in UPSO is “almost indescribable” as every time they meet they create a piece of art which is “psychologically tangible to every soul”.

Willemien Rust is a French lecturer at UP. Mixing Afrikaans and French, Willemien explores the interesting combination of the languages that allow her touch on unique lyrical and musical influences. She often works with other artists such as Adelle Nqeto–another UP student making waves with her music. Last year, Willemien won a national award at the Vrystaat Kunstefees for her production of “Twee Hartstale”. The music videos that accompany her music are breath-taking and the music itself appeals to a variety of tastes. Be sure to keep an eye out for her performances at various venues and festivals.

18

Sport | 28 January 2017

Image: Saspa

2017 TuksHockey preview THANDO CELE

Image: Saspa

A view into TuksCricket CHAD JOHNSTON Cricket is one of the more popular sporting codes at UP. Last season, the team finished as semi-finalists while representing South Africa at the Red Bull Campus Cricket finals in Sri Lanka.

They also managed to finish as champions of the 2016 Varsity Cricket competition for the second consecutive season.

The club was founded in 1919 and as the game has developed so has the club, branching off into a women’s club in 1996.

In 2008, Rob Walter started the Tuks Cricket Academy which caters for players across the spectrum from junior to senior level. The club has achieved a great deal of silverware and international success. For the past six years, the club has won the Northerns Cricket Union (NCU) Premier League. They have also won the NCU knockout competition seven years in a row and the NCU T20 club competition four years in a row.

For the last three years the club has participated in the Red Bull Campus Cricket finals, an annual international student competition that pits the finest university teams from around the globe against each other. UP-Tuks have won the student international showpiece on two consecutive occasions. In 2015, TuksCricket scooped multiple team awards at the annual Tuks Sports Awards. The team won the TuksSport Club of the Year, the TuksSport Team of the Year, and then head coach Pierre de Bruyn walked away with the TuksSport Coach of the Year award.

TuksCricket has produced some of the finest cricketers of South African cricket. Some famous cricketing alumni to emerge from UP include Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris and current Protea T20 captain Francois “Faf” du Plessis. An exciting 2017 season awaits TuksCricket with the first priority being the 2017 Varsity Cricket tournament.

The University of Pretoria’s hockey club has dominated the Northern Gauteng hockey scene for over a decade and has produced numerous international players in both the men’s and women’s teams. The style and brand of hockey now synonymous with the Candy Stripes is a fast-paced and attack-oriented approach attributed to the teams’ ongoing success. In 2017, UP-Tuks will try to reach new heights at regional, provincial and national level in the hopes of cementing a legacy in hockey.

The new set-up of management and sponsorship deals will strengthen the club, and also create a very enticing prospect for the incoming flux of fresh talented youngsters. Several junior provincial and national athletes from schools around the country have been recruited as part of UP’s sports bursary programme.

The 2016 hockey season was highlighted by breakthroughs and lots of success for the UP-Tuks men’s and women’s teams at intervarsity, regional and league level. They swept aside all who came before them in the Northern Gauteng Hockey league, successfully defending their league titles once again. UP went on to finish second at the annual USSA hockey tournament, as well as provide a healthy representation of hockey players at provincial level for the men, women and u/21 categories.

The 2017 season will be met with ever-increasing anticipation and excitement to uphold the high standards of 2016, and to build on UP’s status as one of the premier varsity hockey clubs in the country. With the inaugural South African Premier Hockey League (PHL) contributing to the sport’s popularity in 2016, the upcoming season will provide an opportunity for the UPTuks players to make a strong case for club selection. Nicolene Terblanche’s leadership has been met with resounding optimism following the success of the 2016 hockey season. There is plenty to look forward to in 2017, and TuksHockey will further build the talent of the future and continue in the relentless pursuit of success.

Ten minutes with Tuks biathlon twins TAY LETHULOE Annika and Bianca Strydom were the South African representatives in the Union de Pentathlon Moderne World Championships that took place in Florida, USA. The duo participated in a challenging new extended course, making them the record-setters for the new course. It started with a gruelling 1 600 m run, followed by a 200 m swim and concluded with a final 1 600 m run. Bianca finished first, claiming a gold medal, closely followed by her twin sister Annika. The students have made quite an impression in their first year, and hope to continue their success in 2017.

What first interested the two of you in getting involved in such a rare sporting code in SA? We did swimming and athletics separately for our school [at] A-team [level] and performed very well in both, so we then decided to combine the two sports and see where it [would lead] us.

How was the overall experience of competing in the USA? We enjoyed Sarasota very much. The competition was also organised very well. Sarasota was very warm and humid, and it was very nice training there before competing. Everyone was very friendly and we would definitely visit the USA again.

What did you find most challenging about the new extended edition of the world championships?

The challenge was that we had to train further distances than normal. It was very hard because it challenges you mentally.

When you want to stop, you have to keep on going and that

drains you. You also get tired before entering the water for the swimming.

Being first-year students, how have you found your first year with TuksSport, and how do you feel they have helped contribute to your successes as athletes?

TuksSport made us feel welcome by including us in the USSA team. We got the opportunity to meet new people that have similar dreams to us; it really motivates you to train better and harder because you are doing it for a team. We are always excited to go train in the afternoon because of the people there. TuksSport have also provided us with the best facilities [for training].

Tell us more about your Twin Sport development initiative?

Twin Sports relate to us teaching and coaching swimming and tennis to young children. There is a market [for] such developments where we live.

Would you say that there is a healthy sibling rivalry between the two of you that keeps you going?

There is a rivalry but we don’t see each other as competition, but rather as a team. We motivate each other before and during training, and during races. We motivate and support each other because we always train together and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We can push each other and that puts us at an advantage. We are like permanent training partners.

What would you say is the key to being successful in such a challenging sport?

Planning. You need to balance the training and your academic obligations and so it is important to plan ahead. If you want to do this sport, you need to find a routine that works for you,

Image: TuksSport

[allowing] you to train, study and be social. But after planning comes hard work, dedication and discipline. You get those days that you feel tired and want to stop. When you feel emotionally, mentally and physically drained, that is when you need to change your mind-set.

After such great accomplishments at the world championships, what is next for the twins?

We are taking things slower than usual at the moment. In the upcoming months, we are going to focus on training for athletics due to the upcoming athletics season, and for next year, hopefully achieve the same performance as this year.

28 January 2017 | Sport

19

Tuks represented at indoor rock climbing event. Photo: Michael Ridge

Image Provided.

Annual Frisby tournanet at HPC. Photo: Michael Ridge

Tuks during 2016 Varsity Cup mountain bike challenge.

Photo: Michael Ridge

TuksSport has something for everyone ERIN SLINGERLAND UP is flooded with new faces and sporting potential every year. UP-Tuks has produced, and been a home to, some of the most accomplished sportspeople in South Africa. Hennie Kriel, Caster Semenya, Victor Matfield, Cameron van der Burgh, and Heyneke Meyer are some of the few names of well-known and successful athletes and coaches produced by UP-Tuks.

The common denominator among most of these athletes and coaches is that they are all involved in mainstream sports.

Mainstream sports generally have a bigger fan base and are generally more popular sports to watch or participate in. These sports include rugby, soccer, cricket, athletics and netball. They have large and well-supported tournaments, the largest and most popular one being the annual Steinhoff Varsity Cup Rugby tournament.

While support for these sporting codes is encouraged, many people do not know what else is available at the university, and so don’t support or participate in some of the other available sports. Some of the less popular and lesser-known sports at UP include: TuksDance, TuksVollyball, TuksChess, TuksTennis,

TuksCycling, TuksGymnastics, and the Tuks women’s rugby and cricket sides. These sports clubs are open to any student and they always happily welcome new members. Like many other sports clubs, they require a small once-off joining fee valid for the whole year. Such clubs are filled with passionate people in small groups, and they never fail to surprise the university with some of their outstanding results and achievements.

Thanks to social media it is easier than ever to stay up to date with the latest results and when sports fixtures are taking place. Perdeby and TuksSport have various social media platforms supporters can use to show support, discontent with teams’ performances or simply to keep up to date with events and results. There are Twitter and Facebook have accounts dedicated to sport, intervarsity sport and the latest scores.

The TSG is not only a place for hardcore fitness junkies, but even regular students looking for the occasional light workout can go. Overall, it is exciting to have so much variety at a high standard with UP-Tuks. 2017 will bring new talent and new opportunities to support and participate in an array of sport with the option to pick one or multiple sporting codes.

Illustration: Asiphe Dlulane

Inclusive student sport at Tuks KWAZI SOKHELA TuksSport is home to a diverse range of sporting codes and recreational activities. Not only does UP-Tuks cater for elite sportspeople providing them with an environment where they can thrive, but it also provides many platforms that sport enthusiasts and students interested in participating in sports can make use of.

There are various ways in which students can associate themselves with sporting activities at the University of Pretoria.

Students can join student structures at the university and actively participate in respective sporting disciplines for that particular structure. These structures include residences, faculty houses, clubs, societies and day houses across the university’s campuses.

Once a student has registered under any of the aforementioned structures, he/she becomes eligible to compete in numerous men’s

and women’s events, tournaments and campus leagues which take place throughout the year. These sporting activities and campus leagues include football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, netball, hockey, touch rugby and swimming galas.

For the more competitive students, there is also the prospect of being able to play for the university. TuksSport hosts trials in some sporting codes which are on offer to UP registered students who think they’ve got what it takes to represent the university at intervarsity, regional and national level.

The Student Sport Committee (SSC) is the committee that facilitates and oversees the organisation and management of student activities and annual campus leagues. Towards the end of the academic year this committee opens their applications to any prospective candidates who wish to be part of their General Committee (GC). It is an opportunity for students to assist in planning these student sport events, and also to assist in the other sporting disciplines that are available through TuksSport.

TuksGolf prodigy Zanele Mazibuko ANELE MANANA

Zanele Mazibuko is among a handful of female golfers at Tuks who are breaking down the stereotypical barriers surrounding the sport. The Sport Sciences student is swinging her way into public attention, showing us why women should be taken more seriously in golf.

What inspired you to enter such a male dominated sport?

My cousin and a few of my friends were all golfers so I would always accompany them whenever they went to practice. One day I picked up one of their clubs and aimed a ball at a hole. From then on, I began playing and never looked back. The fact that it was a male dominated sport didn’t demotivate me, instead [it] made me hungrier to play.

What are you looking to achieve with TuksGolf in 2017?

This year I will be completing my PGA hours here at Tuks. These are hours one has to put in on the golf course [in order] to become a professional.

How do you manage to balance golf and academics?

One thing I have learnt to manage properly is my time. I’m a fulltime student, so I need to break down my hours according to my lecture timetable and practice schedule every week. A typical day for me would be to attend class in the morning, attend practice in the afternoon and then study right after practice. If I have any upcoming tournaments in a specific week, I spend a little extra time on the golf course and if it’s a test week, I spend more time on my books.

What are some of the challenges you face as a golfer?

Golf is an expensive sport. You are required to have their own equipment and apparel. So I struggle financially when it comes to golf. I can’t play in every single tournament because that also requires you to pay. This comes as a huge disadvantage to me because the more you play, the more experience you get and the more you improve at the sport.

What was your best event in 2016?

Playing in the 72-hole tournament where I represented the Free State province women’s golf team.

What is your ultimate goal as a golfer?

My ultimate goal is to “go pro”. I want to play golf at a professional level or work professionally in the golfing industry, perhaps as an instructor. I want to help young women who want to begin playing or improve in the sport, and I want to be able to show women that it is possible to succeed at anything through courage and perseverance.

What would you say to an aspiring women’s golfer?

I would tell her to follow her dream if golf is truly her passion.

I would tell her to never get intimidated by the fact that this is a male dominated sport, and I would encourage her to work very hard and manage her time very well. Balancing your books and golf can be an intimidating task, and so it’s very easy for one to start believing that a certain sport isn’t for them when they don’t have the time for it due to a heavy workload.

Sport

AmaTuks makes progress in the NFD

Flip through Perdeby online www.perdeby.co.za

UP-Tuks continues to breed Super Rugby talent

Former UP flank Roelof Smit playing for the Vodacom Blue Bulls in the SuperRugby league.

Photo: Stefan Stander

DYLAN JACK AmaTuks in action against Mthatha Bucks on 17 December 2016. Image: www.amatuks.co.za

KWAZI SOKHELA AND HUVASAN REDDY The UP football team (AmaTuks) first won promotion to the National First Division (NFD) in 2005. By 2006, 7 Tuks players had been selected by the national men’s and women’s teams. AmaTuks won the 2011-12 NFD season, which granted them automatic promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), the countries premier football division. In their first season in the top-flight, AmaTuks managed to finish in 8th place. AmaTuks was relegated in mid-2016, after spending 3 seasons in South Africa’s premier league, returning to the NFD in June 2016.

Upon their return to the NFD, AmaTuks are currently placed in 9th position on the NFD log (out of the 16 teams in the league) with 21 points after the first half of the season.

Following their return to second tier football in the country, their campaign so far has seen them notch up 6 wins, 3 draws and suffer 6 defeats. For the most part of their campaign Amatuks have been languishing in mid-table positions. After 15 games AmaTuks currently find themselves 14 points away from runaway leaders Thanda Royal Zulu FC (35 points), who will guarantee themselves automatic promotion to the PSL if they manage to maintain their lead till the end of the season.

Despite the substantial points difference that

Thanda Royal Zulu FC possess, AmaTuks are engrossed in a tight battle with their adversaries who currently sit above them in the table.

Only 5 points separate Royal Eagles who sit in 2nd place and Mbombela United who sit 10th. Subsequently AmaTuks are only 3 points behind of Witbank Spurs (3rd) and only a further 4 points behind of Royal Eagles (2nd), and are still very much in contention to finish in either second or third. Both Royal Eagles and Witbank Spurs currently occupy positions that would grant them qualification to compete in the promotion/relegation play-offs, should they stay there by the end of the season, with the team that finishes second from bottom of the log in the 2016/17 PSL season. Where they will have the chance to play for promotion to the PSL. The month of January also sees the opening of the transfer window, whereby Coach Shaun Bartlett will be considering his options to strengthen and bolster his squad before tackling the remaining 15 games of the season.

AmaTuks will be looking for a more consistent and stronger showing in the second half of the season, in their attempt to continue their journey back up to the PSL. After a brief hiatus, NFD action will resume on the 11th of February when AmaTuks will kick-off the second half of their season when they host AmaZulu in Pretoria at the Tuks Stadium.

UP has produced plenty of talented rugby players who have gone on to play at the highest level. Many have made incredible strides in Currie Cup and Super Rugby, with some even making it to the Springbok squad.

Rohan Janse van Rensburg The burly inside centre played for UP-Tuks during the 2014 season of the Varsity Cup and joined the Lions squad in 2015. He was injured in his first campaign with the Lions, but has since recovered and in 2016 was one of South Africa’s outstanding inside centres.

His partnership with Springbok Lionel Mapoe was crucial in the Lions’ charge toward the title and second place finish in 2016. Janse van Rensburg has earned himself a deserved call-up to the Springbok side.

Clayton Blommetjies A talented and quick stepping full-back, Blommetjies played for UP-Tuks from 2009 until 2014. He formed a crucial part of the UPTuks squad during his varsity days making 16 appearances and scored 46 points overall.

Blommetjies then made his Currie Cup Premier Division debut for the Blue Bulls in their 35-20 win against the Griquas in 2013.

After struggling for game time at the Bulls, Blommetjies moved to the Free State Cheetahs in 2014 and quickly became an established member of their squad. He formed an exciting partnership with fellow backs Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule. Recently Blommetjies played a large role in the Cheetahs Currie Cup

title triumph, their first since 2007.

Franco Mostert The powerful lock played for UP from 2010 until 2012, making 17 appearances and scoring 20 points in his Varsity Cup career. Mostert joined the Lions in 2013, but had a frustrating first season after he was seriously injured in a car crash, subsequently missing the entire season. Mostert fully recovered and made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 in a 21-20 win against the Cheetahs. Mostert has quickly established himself as a lineout kingpin and leader of the Lions squad. His talents were recognised with a Springbok call-up and debut against Ireland during the 2016 June internationals.

Roelof Smit A strong openside flank, Smit played for UP from 2014 until 2016 and made five appearances and scored five points during his time in the Varsity Cup. During his time in the Varsity Cup, Smit established himself as a brilliant breakdown specialist with his ability to slow down opposition’s possession and steal the ball.

Smit made his senior debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2013 Vodacom Cup and was included in the 2013 South African squad for the Junior World Championship. Smit made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 and currently has 13 Super Rugby caps and five Super Rugby points to his name. Smit’s ability has also been recognised at senior international level as he earned his place in the respective Springbok squads to play the Barbarians and England, Wales and Italy on the SA end of year tour of 2016.

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