Perdeby
Official independent student newspaper of the University of Pretoria 3 September 2018
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Sonop asks for no meddling
year 80 issue14
Happy spring
Pg. 4
Content: Ditebogo Tshaka and Adivhaho Maphwanya
80
Global Gag Rule
Pg. 5
RAMfest returns
Pg. 6
UP students: Horny for Victory
Pg. 8
Infographic: Shaun Sproule and Tayisiya Rozova
2
Editorial | 3 September 2018
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3 September 2018 | News
3
The 2018/2019 newly elected SRC
this is the biggest challenge) but students did put me here so I will do my absolute best to deliver on my promises. My biggest hope is that we put the UP students first. That the students drive the UP SRC. he UP SRC elections were held Anything after that will be the cherry on on 27 August from the 07:00 until top”, Zulu added. 29 August at 19:00. UP students Kabwa said, “My main priorities for the received an email containing a URL, term is basically reimaging our culture as username and a password. The URL a university, really engineering solutions gave access to ten ballot papers where and by that I mean putting all our heads students could vote for their preferred together, everyone from all kinds of candidates. This year, 11786 students voted backgrounds, looking at what is the best in the elections. The number reflects an way forward with regards to students. ” He increase compared to last year’s elections. continued, “I did make it very clear that According to Deputy Director of Student throughout all of this. I’m not making any Affairs, Dr.Willem Jorissen, in 2015 promises, but I do believe that students only 7455 students voted, in 2016 the deserve someone who is real, because our elections did not take place because of students are real and real recognises real.” the #FeesMustFall movement and in 2017 Regarding issues that needed attention 10744 students voted. The 2018/2019 on campus, David added that, “In my SRC Secretary, Ryan Haines, said, “In opinion it’s issues pertaining to sexual spite of an insignificant increase in the harassment. I do not think it has received voter turnout from 2017 – 2018, only as much attention. There are students that 24,37% of the entire eligible population are walking around campus terrified just to voted which is substantially small. I do leave the gate.” however believe that slow progress is “I have had students tell me that I want better than no progress and look forward to go home, but I want to stay late and to the voter turnout next year.” On 29 study. The reason why I’m leaving is August, the official preliminary results because I will have to walk alone and that David Kabwa elected 2018/2019 SRC President. Image Provided for the elections were released. According scares me. That is something that I think to these, David Kabwa, who ran as an SEATS IN THE SRC has to be addressed,” he explained. SRC VOTER TURNOUT independent candidate, was voted SRC Dr Matete Madiba, director of the President with a total of 2971 votes, Department of Student Affairs (DSA), followed by EFFSC member Thulile Zulu, noted, “I congratulate all those who will who is the deputy president with 2708 24,37 be part of the 2019 SRC. I appreciate their votes. This year the SRC comprises of five courage to put themselves forward as DASO members, two EFFSC members, candidates. And as one ex-SC member said, three ANCYL members and an independent the hard work begins after all campaigning candidate. and voting is done. I am confident that the Kabwa told Perdeby, “As an independent team will seize every opportunity, pull their candidate my sincerest wish is to work various strengths together and make 2019 with all structures and all societies for the a memorable year. There is always a lot of betterment of students. As an independent work to be done, to continue with existing 75,63 [candidate] my mandate is across any kind projects and to initiate new ones to fill of societal/political lines and I believe for specific gaps. I am hopeful that those who that very reason that as an independent voted for them will not be disappointed.” candidate I can bring about an era of Voted Did not vote Dr Madiba said that the DSA would accountability.” make sure that there is a meaningful Kabwa said his strategy was to go Infographic: Kayla Thomas handover between the two teams, facilitate around and talk to people and get to know an induction programme and all relevant what’s going on with them by engaging training and provide them with full support throughout their Chiefs F.C, the Orlando Pirates or the Mamelodi Sundowns with them. His goal was to speak to three thousand students. time in office. Regarding the higher voting turnover this year, F.C. – it is imperative that political affiliation does not He said that he marched up and down campus and spoke to she believes that “the student IEC worked very hard on the influence the fact that the SRC represents ALL students!” roughly 2000 students. “The biggest thing I learned from this marketing of the elections. It was a very energetic team with Kabwa also added, “My hopes are that we will surely put is how important it is to listen,” he said. many wonderful ideas. They worked very hard, from the time the interests of students first. In a nutshell that we may work as Haines explained that the differences of parties will not of the nominations through to the three days of voting. Online a cohesive unit, because that is what the students deserve” affect the mandate of the SRC, telling Perdeby, “It should not voting provides a significant level of convenience and it Zulu told Perdeby, “My main priority is to do my absolute affect the leadership structure. Once you are elected to play appears students are responding positively to what it offers.” best and not to be selfish with my time (which in all honesty football for Bfana Bfana [sic], you no longer represent Kaizer Ndumiso Mntambo, Refilwe Mofokeng, Resego Molele and Mbali Mkhithi
T
The Ubuntu box initiative T Nondumiso Mntambo
Photo: Elmarie Kruger
he Ubuntu box is a student-driven initiative that was founded in 2017, and is a grassroots project that aims to help students in financial need. The Ubuntu box initiative’s campaign is based on the premise that if the UP student population of approximately 60 000 students each donated R5 per week to the initiative, UP students could raise R1.2 million per month to help their fellow students in financial need. The money collected would then be availed to help students with registration fees, food, books, tuition fees and to help students who are unable to graduate due to a lack of funds to pay the remainder of their tuition fees. Perdeby spoke to one of the organisers of the Ubuntu box initiative, to find out what the inspiration behind starting the project was. They said, “The initiative was founded in response to the divisions exposed during the higher education crisis in university. The student led protests and movements effectively highlighted three key issues: 1. There is a need for transformation and student-based solutions to the crisis we are facing in institutions of higher learning. 2. University communities remain extremely divided. 3. We continue to face a funding crisis in our higher education system.”
The organisers went on to say that the Ubuntu box initiative was officially registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation towards the end of 2017. The initiative is housed by the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership. Perdeby asked the organisers how much the project had made thus far. At the time of print, the organisers said that a number could not be given as they were still in the process of counting the money in some of the Ubuntu boxes. The organisers also added, “The initiative will be placing a virtual meter in the student centre on the Hatfield campus so students are able to track how much has been raised and how far we are to reaching our goals.” They said that the initiative was still in talks with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) to make the virtual meter a permanent installation. The organisers explained that the Ubuntu box initiative had registered as a UP society and was attempting to form partnerships with strategic student governance structures as well as the DSA. When asked where they see the project going in future, they replied, “In the future, the initiative aims to grow strong enough at the University of Pretoria to then launch new branches at other institutions of higher learning in order to assist and unite university communities and students across the nation.” Students who wish to contribute to the initiative by donating R5 a week can find Ubuntu boxes on the Hatfield campus at Piazza food stalls, Coffee Buzz, as well the Steers near the Aula lawn. Students are encouraged to visit and interact with the Ubuntu box initiative on their various social media accounts.
4
News | 3 September 2018
Sonop asks for no meddling
image: Elmarie Kruger
Mbali Mkhithi
T
he Sonop men’s private residence in Brooklyn has requested that AfriForum and UP give it space so that it can run its own operation without their interference. This request came after reports that the residence was prohibited from taking part in the singing contest, UP A Cappella, which was held from 9 August until 11 August. This prohibition came after the Student Culture Committee (STUKU) found that the hostel did not adhere to the university’s transformation targets, and it was therefore declared that Sonop could no longer be part of the university. In February the university banned Sonop residence from participating in most of the university’s activities, because it had not transformed enough. Since then, Sonop was not allowed to participate in 1nSync (the UP residences’ first years sing and dance competition) and Rag events. According to IOL news Sonop owner Kobbie Botha admitted that some residents were in fact barred from
participating in the competition, but said it had nothing to do with the admission and racial targets of Sonop. IOL news reported that AfriForum Youth said it condemned the ruling by STUKU, that barred Sonop men’s hostel from participating. The group said Sonop participated under the name of a registered association, Blossom’s Delight, after its affiliation with the university was cancelled early in the year. Ohann Fourie, national co-ordinator of campus structures for AfriForum Youth told IOL that, “It is clear that a registered association is now deprived of its right to participate in university events simply because it is too white, according to the university, and does not meet the university’s definition of transformation. This is nothing less than discrimination based on race.” He continued to explain that, “Students should be considered equal regardless of their race. Now they’re excluded principally because of their race.” AfriForum Youth said it would assist Sonop men’s hostel in the process to be followed after the decision.
Fourie asked, “How is it possible your singing and participation in Ser depends on your race?” He argued that AfriForum would not allow students to be discriminated against based on their race and that this was an issue that is increasingly rearing its head on campuses countrywide. “More and more student organisations are barred from student’s life and events because they do not adhere to national demographic transformation policies,” Fourie said. However, according to IOL news, Botha said he didn’t appreciate AfriForum involving itself in private affairs. Botha explained, “We have made it clear that we are a private and apolitical residence. We can manage our own affairs quite efficiently. We don’t need AfriForum siding with us; we are more than capable of handling our business.” Botha said Sonop was also not obliged to carry out the mandate given by university with regards to the racial dynamics. “We have our own mandate and targets that we are working with,” said Botha. UP spokesperson, Rikus Delport confirmed to IOL that STUKU, made up of student’s representatives, decided to withdraw Blossom’s Delight, made up of residence members from Sonop, from the A Cappella competition as its entry did not comply with the required rules and regulations of the committee. “The decision was not only based on transformation targets, but also the undertones of the theme and songs were found to be borderline sexist and racist by the committee, among other things,” Delport concluded. Delport told Perdeby that the university management has had several meetings with the management of Sonop to discuss transformation and other related issues. He added, “Sonop is a private residence, which means the university has no jurisdiction over it. No private residence is currently allowed to participate in any UP student life activity. If a private residence wants to be accredited by the University they need to sign an agreement and comply with the University’s values and transformation requirements.”
Pull-her-down syndrome panel discussion Nondumiso Mntambo
O
n 22 August, Lean In Tuks hosted a panel discussion in the SRC chambers. The topic of this discussion was Pullher-down syndrome (PHD), a term first coined by South Africa's first black female talk show host, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, according to the 18 August 2014 edition of BONA magazine. PHD is defined as,“The lack of support that women have for each other, especially in the working world.” Perdeby interviewed Lean In Tuks’ chairperson, Tshepiso Thlotse, to find out what the panel’s definition of PHD syndrome was. Thlotse responded, “PHD syndrome shines a light on the unhealthy environment that women have put themselves in, it looks at judgement amongst women, the unhealthy competition, bad comments and the general negativity surrounding women.” Thlotse said PHD syndrome was a reason for concern because “women are becoming less aware of the meaning of good competition”. Thlotse gave the following example to model her statement, “Less opportunities are being created for women, so you will find that within corporate spaces 15-20 women are competing for one position. You will find women who put in more effort to tarnish other women's reputation in order to make themselves look better for the position.” Thlotse went on to express that she was for women doing what needs to be done to get what they want to achieve, but that this should not come at the expense of someone else's reputation. During the discussion, the attendees discussed possible ways of identifying and overcoming PHD syndrome. One of the
Two of the panelists, Thiruna Naidoo and Kaylee van Burick. Image provided.
panelists, Thiruna Naidoo, said, “As women we need to check our behaviour, and our responses. Before you are quick to respond to someone or make a comment you need to check yourself and understand that the environment you are in is not just yours, you share that space with someone else. To someone else what you say about them or what you do could affect them in more ways than you realise.” Another panelist, Zintle Mkrweqana, said, “We [women] need to be aware of ourselves and what life has done to us internally. An ugly personality means an ugly inner being - what you're going through on the inside reflects what you share with the world.” Kaylee van Burick, another panelist at the discussion, noted, “It's important for women to communicate their feelings and be willing to receive the feelings of others because sometimes we act and carry ourselves in ways we don't know offend the next person.” Van Burick went on to say that in some situations “we [women] are quick to blame it [people taking offence to what we say] on them, so we [women] need to also have self-reflection and self-recognition.” Thlotse said that overcoming
PHD syndrome boils down to “understanding and respecting each other's characters, values, beliefs, morals and life choices.” Thlotse went on to say that women should be an “understanding gender” and “be accepting of the differences that exist between women”. She added that although hosting the event was challenging, as Lean In Tuks could not put up posters because of the ongoing SRC elections, they managed to fill 50% of the venue. In parting, Thlotse said she hoped that the discussion had equipped the panelists with the ability to draw the line between good and bad competition and that they realised that it is better for women to pull each other up instead of pulling each other down. She emphasised that people in general should strive towards achieving success in their individuality, but also refrain from judging people based on how they attained their success. Thlotse concluded by sharing one of her personal beliefs with Perdeby, “If we were going through what certain people are going through and had the same character and personality, chances are that we would have made the same decisions.”
Photo: Image provided.
UP introduces new extended music degree Lorinda Marrian
T
he Department of Music has established a new extended five-year BMus programme. The new degree adds an additional year to the standard fouryear programme, where students will be required to take four foundational courses within their first year. Professor Alexander Johnson, the head of the Department of Music, says that this degree will be able to increase access, particularly of previously disadvantaged students, who could not meet the requirements of the four-year programme. The new programme has a lower APS score and level of musical proficiency requirement. However, the additional support year will ensure that the students will be at a comparable level to first years of the four-year programme within their second year of study. The degree is also different to the university’s previous BA Music degree which had the same music proficiency requirements as the four-year degree. The department of Music has partnered with the Tshwane School of Music for this programme. The first year of the extended programme will be offered at the Tshwane School of Music located in Eersterust, east of Pretoria. The school, established in March 2013, provides music education to youths from previously disadvantaged communities within the Tshwane area. The school has recently been renovated and has raised significant funds for new instruments and equipment. The school also acts as an exam centre for UNISA for music theory and performance exams. Prof. Johnson says that although the students will be based at the Tshwane School of Music campus, the students will attend some modules at the university’s Hatfield campus in order to learn and perform with the other students involved in the music department. He also mentioned that since he became head of the department in 2016, he has tried to accommodate a larger spectrum of students. Therefore, the degree will offer blended learning through a diverse curriculum and include a range of students who previously would not have been able to be part of the BMus programme. Prof. Johnson hopes that in three years there will be a balance of enrolment between the fouryear and five-year programmes.
3 September 2018 | Features
5
Women in engineering challenge society
Gemma Gatticchi
O
ver the past few years, women have made exciting advances in many fields including science and engineering. However, the acceptance, or lack thereof, of women in such disciplines remains a problem. CEO of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), Manglin Pillay, recently sparked debate with comments about the views of women in STEM careers. In the SAICE Civil Engineering July, Pillay says “Leeds Beckett University and the University of Missouri published a paper in Psychological Science showing that women in egalitarian gender-equal societies do not choose careers in STEM – they prefer to choose care or people orientated careers […]”. He continues to say that only 5% of women in engineering hold middle management positions because this is the time that “the majority of women wish to have families”. While Pillay’s comments do not show that he is opposed to women in engineering, they do show that he thinks most women’s priorities do not align with progressing in the field. He concludes by asking whether “we should be investing so heavily in attracting women into STEM careers, specifically engineering, or [if we should] invest in creating more gender-equal societies”. In order to normalise women in engineering, many initiatives aid in the transition of women into male-dominated spaces. For over twelve years Women in Engineering (WomEng) has worked to empower women in the field of engineering through cost-effective, value-driven and dynamic programmes. This fellowship was developed by two female engineering students at the University of Cape Town who struggled with the move toward a traditionally ‘unfeminine’ industry. Hence, SAWomEng was formed, which later branched into the internationally recognised WomEng. Naadiya Moosajee, co-founder of WomEng says “[e]ngineers design our world and our society, and if we don’t have women at the design table, we exclude 50% of the population.” That is why, according to the WomEng website, they have a succession of different programmes to help females through every phase of decision-
making. These programmes include projects such as GirlEng which reaches over 6600 young girls and creates awareness, of STEM careers in entertaining ways. According to a 2013 survey, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) said 11% of the total number of engineers registered with the council were female, however the number of professional female engineers came to only 4%, many of whom left the industry due to the gender-bias they encountered. According to the Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology faculty (EBIT) females make up 1267 undergraduate students and 349 postgraduate students at UP. Apart from WomEng, another organisation which strives to increase the number of females in engineering is the Women in Engineering (WIE) affinity. This is one of the biggest global and professional initiatives that commits itself to inspiring and promoting women engineers worldwide. Some of their projects include international leadership summits, women’s workshops and the granting of scholarships. Moosajee explains that in South Africa they have already seen shifts in the number of female students applying to study engineering and many classes have increased from 10% to 30-40% female. When looking at the improvement in the female position in engineering it is clear that these initiatives have had a positive impact. Lungi Zuma, a chemical engineer, is testament to this positive impact. Zuma has done significant work in sanitation through her chemical and physical analysis on excrements to design a safe treatment network for waste. She also plays a leading role in the novel hygiene procedure at the eThekwini Municipality. When asked about how she thinks the role of women in engineering will evolve, Hema Vallabh, co-founder of WomEng, says “population growth, climate change, food security, all these subjects are around people, around community. My personal belief is that engineering is moving from being about things […] to being about people. And who is better equipped to be a part of that journey than women?”
Pretoria’s purple rain Katherine Atkinson
S
pring has finally arrived, which means that the jacaranda trees will blossom in no time. You only need to take a trip around our campus to see why Pretoria is known as the jacaranda city. It may, therefore, come as a surprise to find out that despite jacarandas being one of Pretoria’s points of pride they are not indigenous to the country. Jacaranda mimosifolia are indigenous to Central and South America. In the late 1800s, the trees were first brought to South Africa for ornamental purposes, says News24. While sources debate whether South Africa’s first jacaranda originates from Argentina or Brazil, there is a plaque on 146 Celliers Street in Sunnyside which commemorates the trees’ arrival in Pretoria. The plaque, which sits below two jacarandas, states that Mr JD Celliers planted the trees, imported from Brazil, in 1888. Today, there are between 40 000 and 70 000 jacarandas which stand tall in Pretoria, says Traveller24. It comes as no surprise, then, that jacarandas are synonymous with Pretoria’s culture, right down to the tree being the name of our local radio station. Although jacarandas are notorious for their lilac colour, they also come in a far rarer white colour. If you are looking for proof, then visit Herbert Baker Street in Groenkloof where approximately a hundred white jacarandas can be spotted in small clusters. Despite their beauty, jacarandas pose a significant threat to South Africa’s ecosystem
as they are an alien invasive vegetation. Agricultural Research Council explains that the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) was amended in 2001 because alien invasive species were deteriorating South Africa’s natural resources. During this amendment, jacarandas were added to the list of “category three” invaders. This means that while they have the potential to become invasive they are not problematic in every situation. Therefore, already existing jacarandas can remain as they are, on condition that they do not grow close to the flood line of watercourses and that a conscious effort is made to ensure that they do not spread. The amendment also means that jacaranda trees can no longer legally be planted. The Daily Examiner says that, if cared for correctly, the purple-blossomed jacaranda trees can live to be two hundred years old. This means that Pretoria might only be able to enjoy the trees for a few more decades at best. If you are planning to make the most of the trees while they are here, Traveller24 suggests that you visit Klapperkop for a birdseye view of the trees. Other places (besides UP’s campuses) that are good for jacaranda viewing include Government Avenue, which is just east of the Union Buildings, or areas around Arcadia. While viewing the jacarandas, if you are lucky, a blossom may fall upon your head. According to a myth that has been passed down by generations of UP students, this means you will pass all your end of year exams.
Image Provided: Kayla Thomas and Leah Rees
Global Gag Rule Inge Beukes
I
t has been over a year since President Donald Trump, on his first full day in office, reinstated the Mexico City Policy, also known as the infamous “Global Gag Rule”. This policy, which was first enacted in 1984, allows the US government to cut funding to global organisations if they perform or promote abortions abroad, regardless if this is done with or without US money. While the measure has been on and off the books for decades, typically enacted by Republican administrations and repealed by Democrats, its scope has expanded under President Trump and has had visible and far-reaching implications. The USA has been at the forefront of international health activities for over a century. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the total USA global health funding surpassed $10.4 billion in the 2017 financial year, up from $5.3 billion in 2006. This makes the USA the world’s largest source of global health financing and implementer of global health programmes in the world. The Global Gag Rule has most notably affected developing communities. The shutdown of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in parts of Africa, due to funding loss, has blocked primary access to women’s health care. Many of these health centres offer HIV/Aids prevention and treatment, maternal health, and counselling on sexual violence like rape and female genital mutilation. According to Time, The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Marie Stopes International are among many NGOs who have been affected by the Global Gag Rule. The IPPF, which operates in more than 150 countries, faces setbacks not only in family planning but also in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis services for both men and women. IPPF says that for $100 million in lost funding, the organisation could have prevented 20 000 maternal deaths in 29 countries affected by the ban. Marie Stopes International, a London-based abortion and contraception provider that operates in 37 countries, estimates that more than 2 million women it serves will lose their access to contraception. This could lead to a further 6 900 maternal deaths. Hence, a mere two organisations’ loss of funding could lead to a combined total of approximately 7.5 million unwanted pregnancies and 2.5 million unsafe abortions. To shed some light on the current legal position of abortions in South Africa, Perdeby spoke to Ms Sophy Madise, a lecturer at the Department of Private Law at the University of Pretoria. “The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (92 of 1996) came into effect in South Africa in 1997. Essentially, it means that abortions have been legal in South Africa for 21 years. It goes without saying that South Africa has some of the most progressive and liberal laws pertaining to women’s reproductive rights”, says Madise. Due to South Africa’s progressive laws Madise explains that the Global Gag Rule
does limit the constitutional rights that The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act seeks to protect. The rights which will remain protected under South Africa’s constitution include the rights to equality, dignity, freedom and security of person (bodily integrity) and access to health care. The laws on termination of pregnancy place a legal obligation on health care providers to provide or refer abortion-seekers to relevant facilities when qualifying criteria are met. This requirement can also be seen in South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs. Compliance with President Trump’s order will potentially require clinicians in NGOs and international agencies that operate in South Africa and receive US federal funding to violate their professional codes of ethics, the country’s abortion laws, and the country’s Bill of Rights. A 2011 study by the Bull World Health Organisation found that enforcement of the Mexico City Policy by the George W Bush administration led to an increase in abortion rates in sub-Saharan Africa due to decreased contraception access and increased unwanted pregnancies. Madise notes that “[i]f US financial aid is pulled, particularly from vulnerable communities who have no other means to access safe health care, we will certainly see a spike in the number of illegal abortions in the country. It then becomes even more imperative that the state take far more active steps to ensure that women have access to reproductive health care services.” She draws attention to the fact that the public health care sector will not be able to cope if NGOs are unable to continue their work due to the Global Gag Rule. Professor Christopher Isike, who works in the Department of African Politics and International Relations at UP and describes himself as an “Africanist”, adds new perspective to the Global Gag Rule. Prof. Isike states that while United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helpful, Africa should strive to be more independent. “The goal is that Africa should begin to look towards helping itself [...] If it raises up and looks within itself, it can pick up the pieces and come out better. So, I would not like to advocate for the continuous dependence on foreign aid”, says Prof. Isike. When asked if the Global Gag Rule can be viewed as a human rights violation, Prof. Isike confirmed. Although Prof. Isike noted that the Global Gag Rule would deny people access to certain facilities, he questions whether it is the responsibility of countries such as the USA to provide services in the first place. He continues that if it is not the USA’s responsibility to provide services then “the United States by its action has not abused anybody’s right because it has no responsibility towards any nation considering international politics and the national interest.” Prof Isike further draws attention to the role of African governments in providing basic health services to its nation instead of building reliance and dependency on other countries for foreign aid.
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Entertainment | 3 September 2018
The changing tone of the South African film industry Nthabeleng Vilakazi
L
eon Schuster sits on a resume that boasts some of South Africa’s biggest box office hits. Mama Jack is undoubtedly one of his most successful films, however the screen king stated earlier in August to the Sunday Times that he will not be making a sequel anytime soon, or even ever. The reason behind this statement is the fact that, although it is his dream to make Mama Jack 2, people of colour on Twitter have asked him not to, calling it it insensitive, making him aware of the fact that he made the entire previous film using black face. The changing tone in pop culture has influenced what art has become. The South African film industry has made incredible progress in the last few decades. Like every art form, the film industry has been and is always influenced by the ever-changing environment that surrounds it. Because of the country’s deep history, films have represented the different times in South Africa’s history. The pre-apartheid movie scene was mainly uneventful with it being, according to The Bioscope, “white owned, white produced, white performed and exhibited for white”. During the apartheid era the South African film scene became very political. Many of the films at the time seemed to support or further the apartheid ideology. Noticeably, a lack of diversity in language and race, with most films released during the 1940s till the 1980s being predominantly Afrikaans such as films like Matieland!. However, there were films that were made as a response to the times, such as Come Back Africa, a 1959 documentary about the reality of many South Africans as a result of the laws during that period. As well as African Jim, also known as Jim Comes To Joburg, was a 1949 feature film that stood out as the first African feature-film. After 1994, the film industry has been
Illustration: Kayla Thomas
booming and has had a positive effect on the economy of the country by contributing R5.4 billion to the country’s GDP in 2017. However, actors, director, writers and producers are still looking for different ways to tell South African stories. Filmmakers are reclaiming their history and retelling it their own way with the number of local films steadily increasing each year. The filmmaking scene is still predominately white and so educational programmes and opportunities are being made available in an attempt to diversify the industry. Fortunately, because of the changing tone in today’s environment, the film industry has come a long way in terms of diversity and quality. For many, “wokeness” has changed the way we view many art forms. Seeing someone carry out a stereotype about people, while exaggerating certain features in an attempt to make it funnier is simply not as funny anymore. This has not gone unnoticed by Leon Schuster, who has his upcoming film focusing on rhino poaching, Frank and Fearless.
Behind the spoken words of Puno Selesho Carina Kloppers
P
erdeby recently sat down with local spoken word poet, Puno Selesho, to talk about her personal journey as a South African creative and about how she found her own voice. Selesho wrote her first poem in school and then went on to win some writing awards. After school she proceeded to study law at the University of Pretoria, where she graduated in 2017. Today she is making her name for herself as a spoken word poet of note. This year alone she has performed at both the Joy of Jazz Festival and Oppikoppi. Selesho starts by explaining how it was never her goal to be famous. “Even though I have a deep desire to impact many people’s lives, the goal was never to be a performer per se.” She further explains, “Because of this, I have always felt the freedom to write whatever I like and to experiment.” Even when Selesho does work for clients, she manages to stay true to her art and continue to experiment. She believes that when people push boundaries and write about what really matters to them, their work becomes better. She continues by saying that she has only fairly recently come to realise that her poetry is more than just a hobby. After she started getting some paid gigs, Selesho was still not brave enough in her art to consider it more than just a hobby. “But the more of these requests I got, the more my friends and family encouraged me, [...] the more I started seeing the value my poetry has. This is still a lesson I am learning, but it has changed the way I approach my work.” Because of this she wants to remind other young creatives to always “Just keep creating!” Then Selesho begins talking about how she defines her success as a spoken word poet in South Africa. “Success for me is when I perform a piece and people tell me that they resonated with it or that it moved them deeply or even healed them […] Poetry is a friend, that
Kamikaze Eminem Sam Mukwamu
K
amikaze is the tenth album by American rapper Eminem. It was released at midnight on 31 August, as a surprise album. The sudden and unexpected way the album was released is not the only thing that caught fans off guard, as the album has a completely different feel than his previous album, Revival, which was very underwhelming and generally not well received by critics and fan. Many felt that it would be the end of the Detroit rapper’s career. Kamikaze sees a return of a much more aggressive, angry and focused Eminem that we hadn’t seen on Revival. The album’s most notable difference compared to his previous work, is Eminem’s use of trap beats. The album has a more modern feel with some sublime contributions from producers such as Mike Will Made It on “Greatest”, “Kamikaze” and “Fall”, and Tay Keith on “Not Alike”. This comes as a welcome surprise as he was heavily criticised for not adapting with the times on Revival, with its mostly underwhelming production, which comprised of mostly rock samples. Another welcome surprise was the return of the “Paul” and “Em Calls Paul” skits which were a regular on his older work. What is probably the album’s highlight
Image: Eminem’s twitter page.
is Eminem’s lyrics, as he takes aim at pretty much everybody. From rappers such as Drake, Tyler The Creator, Lil Pump, Joe Budden and Machine Gun Kelly (to name a few), to President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence, and even the media who criticised Revival, Eminem pulls no punches. He touches on the subject of the current state of hip-hop and modern day rappers, with his lyrics pointing to the fact that he thinks neither are up to par. On the song “Stepping Stone”, Eminem opens up on the decline of D12 and his use of the group and his group mates as his stepping stones to fame, and he also announces that the group is officially broken up. Eminem also delivers the lyrics in his usual impressive manner, even on the un-Eminem trap beats, highlighting that he still stands head and shoulders above most lyricists. Kamikaze is a revival for an artist that many believed had killed his career just nine months ago. He proves that he that he is very much adaptable, and he reminds us that when he is this motivated he can create brilliant works of art.
Image provided.
RAMfest returns Ricardo Teixeira
O
n 3 August, RAMfest announced on their Twitter and Instagram pages that “RAM. IS. BACK”. The event organisers expressed their excitement in the return of alternative music festival and added that a full announcement would follow on 14 August. A week prior to the full announcement’s release the event organisers released some festival art, revealing that RAMfest would be hosting three separate events, including this year’s Halloween event. The events differ from RAMfest’s traditional three-day events of the past. The Halloween event is scheduled to take place on 26 October. Ahead of the event, Perdeby spoke to the festival director Robert Pereira of Black Pearl
Puno Selesho. Image provided.
understands what you're feeling or tells you to pull yourself together. If I can do for thousands of people what poetry has done for me, I’d be more than happy.” She also mentions how she dreams that one day her name would become synonymous with South African poetry. Selesho further adds that she wants to introduce poetry into new spaces and combine it with other art forms. She is aware that Pretoria sometimes lacks the necessary creative spaces, but she emphasises that Pretoria does not lack creatives. She encourages all creatives from all backgrounds that when events do happen in Pretoria, to attend. And that if there is nothing appealing, to create a new space. “It is up to us to turn Pretoria into the city we want to live in.” Selesho explains how creatives’ ability to communicate a message translates into the responsibility to shift mindsets and have important conversations. “People give access to creatives all the time. Our work is in their homes, in their workplace, in their car on their way to school, and etc. Let us not waste these opportunities. Let us create the change we long for.” She closes by imploring any and all to go and “make the world beautiful”.
Live. When asked if RAMfest as it was known in past will be returning, Pereira said “RAMfest is definitely returning. So, first push we’re focusing on rebuilding the brand, bringing it back, getting the international platform for South Africa back on track.” Pereira said that the current aim is to relaunch the full festival next year, stating further that “this is a rebuilding mission.” As part of the rebuilding mission, RAMfest announced on 14 August that they have organised three separate day events, scheduled for Johannesburg on 19 October, Cape Town on 20 October and the Halloween event on 26 October. As part of the full announcement the headline acts were revealed, and they include US based alt-rock band I See Stars. Pereira explained that Black Pearl Live has chosen to book I See Stars to “[stick] to what’s current. I think the South African industry has fallen a lot, and I can vouch for that myself, ‘cause I’ve done this same thing in nostalgic music.” This change aims to give artists who are currently touring the international music circuit in Europe, America and South America a stage to perform in South Africa. Pereira further added “If you want the big artists [to come to] this country, support us. We’re going to bring them.” RAMfest has also made the decision to move this year’s Halloween event from the Voortrekker Monument to Loftus. Pereira commented on the move as a “pure business decision.” Adding that “Infrastructure wise they are really good. It’s much closer for the [student] crowd to access it.” “We love the monument, but for what Halloween is, it kind of limits us to how big we can go.” Pereira said that with the move “we are looking to the future, Halloween has been growing by the thousands every year. So, we have to think four years ahead on this one, and Loftus is a great venue for that.” As for next year, Black Pearl Live is looking towards weekend festivals, instead of the traditional three-day-long festival setup. However, Pereira said there is a possibility of a three-day festival, “we’re talking to quite a few artists at the moment, and it all depends on how they feel and what their touring schedules look like, and if it’s possible to do a three-day festival.”
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Sport Perdeby
TuksNetball prepares for the World Student Tournament Ashley Magwindiri
T
he netball season has only just begun and the UP team is looking forward to an unforgettable season. Six players from the TuksNetball team were selected to represent the South African Student team at the World Student Tournament set to take place on 17 September in Uganda. The selected UP players are Chantelle Swart, Chanté Louw, Tshina Mdau, Lungile Mthembu, Jasmine Ziegelmeier and Marlize de Bruin. Perdeby had the pleasure of talking to captain of the SA team Marlize de Bruin on the upcoming tournament. Reflecting on TuksNetball past seasons, what is going to make the World Student Tournament unforgettable? Being able to showcase the skills we have learnt and improved on throughout the year. What are you doing as a team in preparation for the Tournament in Uganda? We have a problem departure camp that is going to take place but for now we are playing for different universities in the Varsity Netball tournament.
What has been the secret behind your success as a team? We play for each other, which goes beyond the individuals and the skills they have. What is it about TuksNetball players that your coach has been able to rely on? It’s drilled in us to be able to follow instructions and any coach loves a player that is coachable, who is willing to learn. It doesn’t always happen this way, but we try to stick to the game plan. What are some of the skills you think netball players should become religious about? Netball players should be able to follow and adapt to game plans. Is there any game you are most looking forward to this season? This season, we are looking forward to growing as a team, so every game will be important to us. As the captain, what are you going to do to make sure that the team stays motivated throughout the season? As the captain, I will make sure they remember why they started playing netball in the first place, this will help them keep the passion alive and grow as a player.
Image provided.
UP students: Horny for Victory Paul Gray
H Photo: Mariesa Potgieter
TuksTriathlon preparing for a big month ahead Mariesa Potgieter
T
uksTriathlon is a sport where three types of fitness are combined into one, because triathletes run, cycle and swim and therefore need to be fit to compete. Perdeby had the opportunity to speak to the coach and two triathletes who are preparing for a busy competition season ahead. Perdeby asked the coach Markus Van Niekerk, who is also an international triathlete, about the upcoming competitions they have for the rest of the year. The biggest competition that came was the past weekend’s (1-2 September) World Championship held in Port Elizabeth. Further he said that, “There’s a few races coming up in Johannesburg and then there’s also a newly launched event in Johannesburg on 2 December” (Joburg Ultra) and other upcoming events are, “The Trinity Tri series in Germiston”. Van Niekerk explained how their weekly practice plan looks when preparing for competitions and noted that “Everyone’s training plan is different. It’s based on their skill level as well as time available for training.” Generally, they have, two different schedules, where they train twice a day for a few days in a weekend the other program consists of them training once a day every day of the week. To prepare for all three events, Van Nierkerk said the athletes need
“consistency” and added, “one does try to have a balanced number of sessions per discipline but they usually focus on the weaker disciplines in order to get it up to the level of the other two”. The coach has to prepare the athletes physically as well as mentally but he feels that it, “Mainly comes down to the individual itself”. He prepares them by sharing their own experiences and by making them feel confident before a big competition. “It is important for me to be realistic with the athlete,because if they are not ready, they can easily hurt themselves in competition,” he said. Perdeby also spoke to Siobhan Jansen Van Vuuren who is currently studying a BA in Heritage and Cultural Tourism. Van Vuuren admitted that it is “tough” balancing work and practice but she said she “always makes a plan “It’s about sacrifices that you make for stuff you want to achieve,” she explained. The way Van Vuuren finds balance is by “[Getting] up early in the mornings to train from 4 until 6”. In the afternoons, she focuses on her academics and then trains again in the evenings. Doing triathlons should be a sport to consider according to Van Niekerk because, “It offers variation” and it, “Gives you the opportunity to go and see the world quite easily, because it’s easy to qualify in South Africa for a race anywhere in the world”.
orny for Victory, a team of four industrial engineering students from UP, are participating in the Red Bull Cart Race 2018, which will take place on 16 September in Sandton. They are participating in the race this year to play their part raising awareness on the issue of rhino poaching in South Africa. Their cause is also an important reason for their participation. To drive this message home, they have designed their box cart to look like a rhino while they dress up as rangers. Speaking to Perdeby, team member Kobus Swanepoel said, “We decided on the rhino theme as it gives our cart so much more depth, we saw our participation as a real opportunity to make a difference.” He further explained that, “The fight against rhino poaching is a real life war, at least two rangers die every week worldwide”. To elaborate on their message they will be performing a skit before their race, in the hopes of educating a larger audience. They are raising funds through public donations as well as selling Stop Rhino Poaching memorabilia. In order to raise public funds, they have set up a website under their team name, Horny for Victory. SAIIE Tuks, UP’s industrial engineering student society as well as The Republic of Olienhout are on board
Image provided.
to help the team on their journey. SAIIE Tuks are selling Stop Rhino Poaching wrist bands for R35. Horny for Victory also hope to gain online traction through their social media posts but most importantly, to get votes through the Redbull soap box race website. The four students play different roles in the team. “Lewis is the initiator, Andrew [is] the innovator, Kobus [is] the communicator and networker and Gerhard [is] definitely the most logical, realistic and practical member,” Swanepoel explained. Being industrial engineering students, they have used the knowledge from their degree to their advantage in constructing their cart, designing the cart using basic physics and mathematical principles. With rules in place to make competition fair, the creation of their cart had to conform to certain requirements, such as an 80kg weight limit. Swanepoel explained, “We salvaged the front and rear suspension of a 110cc quad bike. We joined them with a long and low middle section to carry a driver and place the center of gravity close to the ground. We are making use of four small 13X5 wheels, reducing added weight and keeping the cart low on the ground”. Swanepoel also went into detail about the design-work, saying that “the rhino skin [box cart cover] will be a Mondrian artwork, as the well-known red, blue, gold and white are also the colours of both Red Bull as well as the University of Pretoria”. With the needed support, as well as their passion for change, the Horny for Victory team will create some much needed publicity for a valiant cause.
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