2011: Edition 3 by VARSITY

Varsity Jam packed THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

Cricket

15 March 2011

Volume 70: Number 3

021 650 3543

page 14

varsitynewspaper.co.za

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A never-ending nightmare Pasqua Heard

COPING WITH CAPACITY? – The ight for Jammie Shuttles continues as students battle to make their lectures on time. will be an increase in buses, nothing has changed.” Nicholas Bodenstein, a second-year Humanities student, complained, “Every day the Sandown Jammie drives past students waiting at Dean Street because it is too full to pick them up.” Critien stated that UCT Properties and Services are aware of the problem and are attempting to rectify it. He told VARSITY, “One of the alternatives we are considering is having a truncated route at peak [times] which leaves the terminus and goes directly along Main Road and up Dean Street, and thereater up

to campus and returns. [However] his may rationalise other services.” Critien added that queues will be inevitable. Yet, despite the ixed

“We hope to create a third lane up Woolsack Drive, and create our own shuttle lane.” budget, solutions to the Jammie issue are being explored and might be implemented in the future. “During the mid-year break

(weather permitting, and provided we get approval from the City), we hope to create a third lane up Woolsack Drive, and create our own shuttle lane. his will improve turnaround time and consequently the standing time for students,” said Critien with regards to solving the queuing problem at Tugwell. “It will come at a cost of the disestablishment of some of the parking bays on Woolsack Drive above the Baxter Bridge – but it is for the beneit of the majority who use the service.” Critien provided a further solution: “We – along with the GCI

– will be piloting a healthy lifestyle option in the second semester, by “leasing” bicycles to those students who choose to exercise. he City has planned “Safe Cycle” routes and we will need to have cycle routes on campus re-instated. Two hundred 12-speed bicycles are to be imported for this purpose.” Admitting the Jammie Shuttle services need to be improved, Critien did explain that, “In 2010 the Shuttle provided 32 000 passenger trips per day. One can only imagine what the traic would be like if we did not have the Shuttle: more vehicles on the road.”

IN THIS ISSUE

he increase in the number of students at UCT has lead to a severe strain on the Jammie Shuttle services. he number of students far outweighs service capacity. Particular concerns have been raised about the Sandown and Claremont routes, reportedly the most chaotic during peak hours (around 8am and 4pm). “he 7:20am Sandown Jammie takes about 40 minutes to get to UCT because of the traic – at least 25 minutes are spent on Dean Street alone,” said Lavashnee Govender, a Commerce student. George Cogill, a Sandown Jammie driver, insisted that delays are also caused by students arriving late at the bus stops. “We are not meant to wait for students, but I take the chance – then I risk getting ined. So from now on I will not wait for students who do not get to the bus stop in time,” said Cogill. Govender also explained the lack of queuing system for the Sandown Jammie, which causes problems during the busy times. Even those who arrive early are not guaranteed space on the bus. John Critien, the UCT Executive Director of Properties and Services, explained, “We are monitoring the daily peaks and may have to swop the size of vehicles to cope on certain routes.” Critien added that an additional quantum has been put into service on the Claremont route to try and cope with increased student numbers. Lara Goldin, a user of the Hiddingh Jammie commented on the service, “Even ater monitoring for four days, and saying that there

Photo: www.michael.currin.co.za

Student Assembly

page 2

RAMfest

page 12

Student Activism

pages 8 - 9

Gay Pride

page 6

Gaddai

VARSITY, the oicial student newspaper since 1942, is committed to the principles of equality and democracy.

page 5

news

JAPAN – A ten-metre high tsunami hit the northeast coast of Japan on Friday 13 March causing extensive damage. he tsunami was prompted by an 8.9magnitude earthquake, which also caused severe damage to nuclear reactors north of Tokyo. Leading world experts continue to warn that the situation could become as damaging as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. An estimated 10 000 people remain unaccounted for in the atermath of the tsunami, while the death toll currently stands at approximately 1 300 lives. – NEWS24.com

SA considers 21 drinking age CAPE TOWN – South Africa is considering raising the legal drinking age to 21 years in an efort to curb alcohol abuse. Social Development minister Bathabile Dlamini announced the proposal ahead of the Second Biennial Substance Abuse Summit, where it has been tabled for discussion. Supporters of the proposal have pointed to Scotland and New Zealand as examples of countries where an increased drinking age is said to have had positive efects. – iol.com

France and UK call for Gaddai to quit PARIS – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddai must step down immediately, said French President Nicholas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron in a joint statement on hursday. “It is clear to us the [Libyan] regime has lost legitimacy… [this is necessary to] end the sufering of the Libyan people,” read the statement. Anti-government protests have rocked Libya and are being met with crushing violence by those loyal to Gaddai. South Africa’s stance on no intervention in other countries’ domestic afairs means it will not join the call for Gaddai’s resignation. – News24.com & EyeWitness News

Manyi retains gov’t support, Manuel chided JOHANNESBURG – Controversial spokesperson for the Presidency Jimmy Manyi will remain in his post with the government’s support, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Minister Collins Chabane announced last week. Manyi has been under heavy ire for his comments on an “overconcentration” of Coloured people in the Cape. Minster in the Presidency Trevor Manuel labelled Manyi a racist in an open letter, but later received a slap on the wrist from the ruling party for making the letter public. – News24.com

Stephanie Venter

SRC in spotlight at Student Assembly Stephanie Venter

HE VACANT portfolio on the Student Representative Council (SRC), the proposed merger of the Centre for African Studies (CAS), and the Jammie Shuttle service were among the most discussed issues at 2011’s irst sitting of Student Assembly, held last Tuesday, 8 March.

SRC Societies co-ordinator Alex Spoor urged the House to vote in favour of the SRC co-opting On the issue of the vacant Sports portfolio, the SRC proposed that the portfolio be given to the current Dayhouses co-ordinator, Kim Senogles. Like many previous years, the question of why the SRC had elected not to co-opt a new member arose, with many in the audience of the view that the portfolios would be better attended to individually. SRC president Amanda Ngwenya countered that “team dynamics” were the SRC’s irst concern regarding co-opting, and indicated that the team felt happier with this solution.

However, SRC Societies co-ordinator Alex Spoor urged the house to vote in favour of the SRC co-opting a new member, adding that he was in the minority who voted for co-opting during the SRC’s decision. When it came to a vote within the house, members in attendance were in overwhelmingly in favour of coopting. his vote however was not binding as some members had let, and less than two-thirds of the House remained at the time of the vote. hough 77% of those who voted were in favour of co-opting, this only came to 53% when all absent members were considered. At least 66% is needed to ensure a binding vote. Questions regarding the SRC’s stance on the proposed merger of the CAS arose ater SRC president Amanda Ngwenya presented the political report. he political report presents the SRC president’s views on the state of afairs at the university pertaining to students. Members of the audience encouraged the SRC to take a stance regarding the issue, as it had been stated that they would not take an oicial position. Instead they expressed the need for “the Faculty of Humanities to be transparent in its operations with students” regarding

Picture: garethsmit.com

Earthquake, tsunami slam Japan

ATTENTION – SRC President Amanda Ngwenya addresses Student Assembly. the merger. he SRC was congratulated on ensuring that no Jammie Shuttle trips were cut between Lower and Upper Campuses, a proposal that UCT had extended as a result of inancial constraints. While the number of trips between Lower and Upper Campuses remains the same, residences such as Clarinus Village and Rochester have noticed fewer Jammie Shuttle trips to their residences, a matter brought to the SRC’s attention. he remaining item on the agenda, the SRC’s proposed amendments to the SRC’s constitution, was

postponed due to the late hour. he sitting ended at approximately 9:30pm, and an extraordinary sitting to discuss the amendments is to be held today, 15 March. Last Tuesday’s sitting of Student Assembly was more extensively marketed than previous years, resulting in slightly higher student attendance. he sitting was held in the Clarinus Ballroom, difering from years past. he idea behind Student Assembly is transparent governance from the SRC, and students are encouraged to use the opportunity to hold their elected student leaders accountable.

HIV/Aids testing at UCT Lyndall Thwaits

Tamsyn Qually, a second-year Humanities student, said, “he testing was well organised and I felt comfortable in the testing environment. It was really eicient, so overall, a positive experience.” Close to 2 000 (1 928) HIV tests were done over the three day period on Upper Campus, with 1 099 of these being repeat tests. Over 800 students reported it was their irst

IV/AIDS WAS a priority this past week at UCT with one of the many Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) drives coming to campuses across UCT. he purpose of the drives was to promote the importance of HIV/Aids and knowing your status. he Student Wellness Service (SWS), in collaboration with HIV/ Aids Institutional Co-Ordination Unit (HAICU), and the “First hings First” campaign held the VCT drive from 1–3 March. he campaign was run as a combined event, with testing taking place in Jameson Hall on Upper Campus, as well as the Barnard Fuller Building, and the Wolfson Pavilion lawn on the Health Science Campus. According to Deputy Vicechancellor Crain Soudien, “UCT welcomes the ‘First hings First’ initiative as a way to complement the HIV/Aids education we already

1 928 HIV tests were done over the three day period on Upper Campus, with 1 099 of these being repeat tests

Very few staf members, both permanent and contract, got tested. have in place in our academic programmes.” he “First hings First” campaign is endorsed by the Ministries of Health and Education and forms part of the government‘s initiative to provide expansive HIV counselling and testing. he SWS piloted the VCT drive as one of its annual campaign programmes to get students and staf tested. he VCT drives also encourage students to act responsibly to keep themselves and their peers safe. An estimated 5.7 million people living

Picture: michael.currin.co.za

NEWS BITES

BEEN TESTED – Students were invited to sign a banner in support of HIV testing. in South Africa have HIV/Aids. South Africa has one of the largest numbers of people infected with HIV/Aids in the world. Students were encouraged to take part in the voluntary testing over the three-day period, with testing being free and available to all. Students who opted to get tested sat one-onone with a trained counsellor who

facilitated the testing and counselling session. According to Dr Landon, the principal medical oicer of the SWS, “students appeared to be enthusiastic and oten came in groups to support one another.” Students who were tested and found to be HIV positive were referred to the SWS or to their appropriate medical facility for further care.

test, and 654 of these were irst-year students. Landon said, “this was an amazing support from students but we would like to encourage more staf to support the drive.” Very few staf members, both permanent and contract, got tested. It was also found that more female than male students were tested. his, according to Landon, is a worldwide trend. Although the feedback from the testing drive was very positive, Landon acknowledged that UCT still faces many challenges surrounding the HIV/Aids epidemic, and said that students should be aware of issues such as stigmatisation and the impact of drugs and alcohol. VCT is free and available to all UCT students and staf at the Student Wellness Centre throughout the year. Qualiied professionals are available to counsel, test and provide information on HIV/Aids to all who would like it. For more information please contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 1017 / 1020.

news

Vuyile Mahlangeni

HE UNIVERSITY’S ORIGINAL “Blue Route” will be reinstated in the near future, on completion of the construction on Middle Campus. Concerns about student safety have been raised in response to diversion of part of the route over the past year. Until recently, most of the new route was unlit – a source of unease for many students using it. he route is an initiative of Campus Protection Services (CPS) and aims to ensure safety for students walking between Upper Campus and Lower Campus. It has previously received positive reports, but today part of the original route is no longer accessible, decreasing its efectiveness. he “Blue Route” is relected on UCT maps of the Upper, Middle and Lower Campuses by a bluedotted line. It is patrolled by onsite oicers employed by CPS. here are ive emergency call-out stations positioned along the route, each monitored by a nearby CCTV camera. hese stations (pictured right) are blue and topped with lashing lights

for visibility at night. CPS states that their functionality is checked every morning. When building began on Middle Campus early last year, part of the “Blue Route” fell within the area enclosed by the construction site. Because of this, students were forced to use an alternative route crossing north of Woolsack residence and over the grassy patch enclosed by Cross Campus Road and Woolsack Drive. Despite the detour caused by building started in 2010, the “Blue Route” path has not been changed on 2011 campus maps. his is because the use of the original route will resume as soon as construction is completed on Middle Campus, scheduled for 7 April. CPS’s Campus Protection Manager Gary Dyssel stated, “We have received some feedback from the SRC regarding this matter and that led to the creation of the footpath crossing through the grassy area alongside Woolsack Residence.” Dyssel explained that safety measures have been put in place since the old “Blue Route’s” interruption. Measures include two new emergency call-out stations, one

Picture: Raees Abdoola

Blue route to be reinstated

BLUE LIGHT – Student safety is still a priority for CPS, who will reinstate the original “Blue Route” in the near future. located at the above-mentioned area of concern, and the other just before the highway bridge for students joining the route from the Sports Centre. A CCTV camera is located a few metres from both new stations. Additionally, two CPS oicers have been deployed to monitor the area. One oicer is stationed at the parking lot above Woolsack Residence from Monday to Friday, and the second stands under the bridge by the rugby ields. According to CPS records, no

muggings have been reported in this area with the use of the new route. “I hardly ask CPS oicers to walk me to res because I never feel unsafe, and there are always oicers along the route anyway,” said Londeka Nene, a student and frequent user of the route. Dyssel further noted that “irstyear students were made aware of these developments during the campus safety talks held during orientation week. I always use that opportunity to advise students to

use the shuttle service as much as possible but assure them also that we are always available when needed.” CPS ofers an escort service for students walking from a place of learning to a place of residence. Cindy Heckly, a CPS oicer at the Control Centre in the Leslie Social Sciences Building remarked, “We usually have between ive and 15 students here every night requesting to be escorted to Lower Campus, and that assures us that students are aware of this service.”

Chloe Stepney THE IDENTITY of UCT and its students was discussed during a panel discussion entitled “To whom does UCT belong?” organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) on hursday 11 March. Five panelists spoke in Molly Blackburn Hall, followed by student questions and responses. Many in attendance raised concerns about international students’ role, the meaning of the Ikey Tiger brand, academic freedom, and the balance between being an Afropolitan university and playing a role in the global community. “he purpose of this discussion [was] to identify areas that need further discussion. It’s not necessarily to come up with solutions,” stated Jessica Price, SRC vice president and organiser of the event. “he process of the discussion is just as valuable as the solution,” Price said. he ive panelists – ViceChancellor Dr Max Price, SRC President Amanda Ngwenya, Zimbabwe Society President

Amanda Mashauyare, Ikeys Rugby captain Nick Fenton-Wells, and Black Management Forum Media and Marketing Director Khaya Makhubu – were chosen to attract diverse members of the student groups to attend the discussion, Price explained. In answering the question, “To whom does UCT belong?” Mashauyare said the university belongs to the competent, hardworking and outstanding staf and

“There is an argument to be made about access, but that is not the same argument as the one about inancing.” students, explicitly including those from over 100 other countries. Dr Price said that with respect to international students and higher education, even though UCT wants to make its resources available to the entire continent and rest of the world, as a public institution funded by South African money, there are

situations when the university must take a stand. “[UCT has] no obligation to give everyone an education at the same cost,” Dr Price said. “here is an argument to be made about access, but that is not the same argument as the one about inancing.” Panelist Makhubu said that he was concerned about UCT’s struggle in identifying as an elite university, but not an elitist university. “We believe that right now, UCT is in the hands of the elite and that should change,” Makhubu said. Fenton-Wells said he believes UCT itself owns the Ikey brand, which continues to expand its identity through athletics. “here is uniication both on the ield and of the ield,” Fenton-Wells commented. “[hrough] the Ikeys brand we want to encompass all views of life [and] all members of the university.” He said it is crucial for UCT to become involved in sports clubs – a forum where all students can engage and interact. Yet, some students in attendance said they thought the Ikey Tiger brand appears exclusionary, particularly

Picture: garethsmit.com

UCT considers identity

VC LISTENS – Dr Max Price was one of ive panelists invited to the SRC discussion. because of its strong attachment to rugby. Ngwenya responded that she believed the Ikey brand is used not only as a university identity, but also as a marketing venture. Seneme Mthembu, a fourth-year student who attended the discussion, said that she was not comfortable with the idea of the Ikey Tiger identity as a business. “Identity is something more personal than business logic,” explained Mthembu. She said she hopes the university will be able to create an identity that all students can relate to, while still preserving the identity of individuals. Tapiwa Tevera, a post-graduate Materials Engineering student, in

response to the event, said he was happy to hear the passion of the students during the discussion and looked forward to the upcoming SRC events in April. “he level of debate was really impressive,” Tevera said. “Issues of this nature are of particular concern to me. If I’m engaged in such a way, I can approach a debate in a much more informed way. It’s also important to hear the opinions of student leaders.” he SRC plans to discuss some of these areas of concern on UCT Radio on hursdays between 2pm and 3pm, in addition to a week-long event planned for mid-April.

opinions LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editorial

Nyasha Kadandara Editor-in-Chief

United we stand, divided we all fall T

his week I wanted so desperately, to write about something that would not entertain the campus wannabe politicians and the crazy marxists. I’m cringing as I type, but ater Student Assembly, I had to tell you about how outraged I am by what I witnessed. Before you stop reading, let me ask you… does the jammies, or parking on campus, or the appalling administration piss you of? How many of you sit on steps not chairs because you arrived ive and not ten minutes before the lecture started? Or wondered about the subliminal message that rugby seems to be the only sport played at UCT? Surely there should be someone to hear our views, act and make this home a better place for all? Now, let’s talk about the fact there is one single body above all other student bodies that has the means and mandate to push the agendas of the student body, as well as represent our views to the old-fogies at Senate, and Council. Student Assembly (SA) – the parliament for students; is supposed to be a platform to raise our issues, and a place to hold the SRC accountable. Instead you attend SA to hear our “beloved” SRC tell us that they haven’t done anything about our core issues? Because they are far more concerned about their team dynamics’ than they are about us. Instead of giving a stance about dilution of Centre of African Studies (CAS), they talk about forums and debates. he CAS students want to know, “Are you with us or not?!”

hey don’t realise that statements such as “no comment” means one of three things: A) they are too scared to comment, B) the SRC is divided on the issue, but since only the president has the sovereign right to talk / to release press statements, they’ll go with her opinion, or C) they just don’t care! Bottom line is “no comment” is a comment, and one that is just not good enough! Ater hours of points of information and clariication, discussing, objecting and commenting we voted for a recommendation that SRC inally give the sports portfolio the justice it deserves, by co-opting a member to give sports at UCT their undivided attention. I have one question for the SRC? Who the hell are you representing? Our time has been disrespected, my intelligence insulted by the fact that you can sit there, pretend to care, and then just do whatever you want to do. Because the issue of the Sports Coordinator was so heavily contested at SA, an extra ordinary sitting is being held tonight, ironically at the African Studies Gallery, where we shall hear amendments to the SRC’s constitution. I have one amendment / suggestion: represent the needs of UCT students irst, hear the voice of the members of the SA, and think about the people who voted for you! Address real issues instead of planning parties for us, we can party on our own. Don’t just look into things, do something because right now all you are, are a bunch of divided toothless dogs!

I write in response to “UCT gym: worth its weight in gold?” (1 March 2011)

am a disgruntled member of the UCT gym. I am frustrated with the poor standard of care shown by the UCT admin (staf) towards the gym. I am therefore mildly irritated by what I saw in the last edition as a largely glowing appraisal of the gym. I have on a number of occasions voiced my complaints to the UCT sports administration and the gentlemen who work at the gym. However, I am yet to see any changes. I irst voiced my complaints in October last year to Frans Mamabolo, who ater two weeks and various follow up emails from

sub editors Rhynhardt Krynauw, Khanya Mtshali, Stuart MacDonald, & Caroline Walker staff writers Calvin Scholtz, Pasqua Heard, Michelle October, Thabang Letheo, Lauren-Kate Stewart, Chloe Stepney, Vuyile Mahlangeni,Thandeka Mujati, Ehrard Vermak, Nick Corbett, Malope Mogwaneng, Josh Benjamin, Killian Mazibuko, Michal Malek, Olivia Wainwright, Sajjad Karasmi, Nick Huxter, Kishan Chokkappan Sajjad Karamsi, Michal Malek, photographers Michael Currin, Rudi Botha cartoonist Julian Nkuna

LOCATION: Room 5.20, 5th Floor, Steve Biko Building EMAIL: editorial, news, opinions, features, sports, hr, ads, marketing, images, or dtp

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I feel that one should not accept the line that the people who complain are those that cause the problems. To me that is avoiding the very issue. I understand that the gym is not Sports Science or Virgin Active but disagree that just because I am paying less I should be receiving what I regard as shocking service. Surely it can’t be that hard to enforce the rules, ix broken equipment timeously, and ensure that the gym is clean and the weights (and their racks) correctly labelled. Matt Hacking

NEWSGATHERING: 15 March, 1pm LS2A DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 30 March

WIN BIG WITH VARSITY & UCT RADIO VARSITY is ofering 5 double movie tickets to the screening of Never Let Me Go @ Ster Kenikor, Cavendish on 23 March 2011, 20:00 All you have to do is do is tell us how many times the following words appear in their respective sections SAID in NEWS

ITS/IT’S in Opinions IF in Features THEY in Sports Send your answers to win@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Trust and Believe

NKOSIYATI KHUMALO, Deputy Editor

here’s a Stephen King book I read at least once or twice a year, for various reasons. It’s over a thousand pages and during some readings I skip entire sections, but trust and believe, it never disappoints. Everyone knows It as that one about the clown (a ilm followed in 1990), but those of us who don’t have an aversion to these carnival staples recognise It as a wonderfully wellwritten story. he plot follows seven childhood friends who reunite as adults to try to kill the town monster, whose particular food of choice is children. Part disturbing, part ridiculous, yet wholly entertaining and quintessentially Stephen King.

2011 collective editor Nyasha Kadandara deputy editor Nkosiyati Khumalo copy editor Candice Newton news Stephanie Venter & Lyndall Thwaits opinions Tiffany Mugo & Berndt Hannweg features Marché Arends & Thandokazi Hlwatika sport Tarryn Steenekamp DTP Nic Botha images Gareth Smit & Jessica Christie web Azhar Desai & Chris Linegar human resources Caterina Aldera & Chido Mpemba advertising Sizwe Moagi marketing Rémy Ngamije CONFERENCE team Florentina Swigelaar & Odwa Sihlobo

me got back to me assuring me that something would be done and that he would personally see that my request would be dealt with. Needless to say nothing has changed a full four months later. I have spoken at length with the gentleman in charge of the gym and whilst he shares my concerns he says his own requests to the admin go unheeded. Whilst I agree with Helene that in theory the gym is a great option, I feel that as a student who pays for the privilege to use the gym that when I have legitimate complaints, they will be taken seriously. I understand that the piece gives some criticisms of the gym however

Rock Candy

he characters display the kind of tenacity that makes one wonder: what keeps them going? It’s the same question you’d ask while watching a boxing match in which the underdog is bleeding, beaten with swollen ears and whale-sized lips – yet he still stands. What keeps you going? For students, it’s most likely the future: the fact hope that graduation is ahead, followed by a real salary, power, independence, options. But maybe it’s simpler than that. Perhaps it’s knowing the child-eating monsters can eventually be defeated. Perhaps it’s knowing that the end will always be better than the middle.

CANDICE NEWTON, Copy Editor

o, Japan is under siege. Not by foreign armies but rather by the forces of nature. Crazy earthquakes and tsunamis have rendered the south-coast of Japan a war-zone. Apparently, the Earth has moved on its axis by 10 centimeters because of the quakes, and in the words of the infamous Tif Mugo, “I knew it!” I knew things were a bit wonky from Friday onwards; it can be the only explanation for my late assignment! Seriously though, Japan is having a rough time of it. Earthquakes, tsunamis, atleast 50 atershocks, looding, homes and oil reineries on ire, people missing or dead, threat of nuclear exposure, and a whole lot

of people sitting without power or stranded on buildings surrounded by massive inland seas. I feel amazingly privileged to be living in a country that is mostly devoid of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, sand storms, and immense looding. In fact, I am so thankful, I will aim to not complain about university work for atleast a week, because seriously, deadlines aren’t that bad right? here are worse things than working on an essay (surround by home comforts such as cofee and munchies), for example, being stranded on a rooftop! Peace, harmony, love...

opinions Speak Easy

Foreign Intervention:

Tifany Mugo

Saving Libya or Changing Libya?

Tudents in Serbia ousted by some obscure DJ or artist. But Slobodan Milosevic. Students would the same numbers come held a demonstration to protest out on Jammie if hursday this against Soviet occupation of week was centred around stopping Czechoslovakia. Here on our own the domestic abuse of women on campus, students stood against the campus? Where were the masses injustices of apartheid. Although when the Pink Week closet was you may think that these were burned down? hat was a hate major issues that have no relevance crime in our day and age, but the to us today; think about this: if no- majority of people who took a one had taken a stand at that point stand came primarily from LGBTI in time, would we be free “not to organisations from outside campus. care” today? Injustice is something we cannot Over the years, I have acquired close our eyes to, especially when it my “pet rights”. Previously, they is on our door step. were women’s rights and children’s Maybe the problem today is we rights (and the rights of dogs - have too many causes. If it’s not one “Animal rights” was too broad - I endangered plant, it’s an endangered am not a fan of snakes). LBGTI sea urchin. Or save the pigmies in rights joined the list when I South America. People are incapable realised the level of of focusing on just injustice faced by one cause but is that those who are of a On our campus there really a good excuse? diferent sexuality. are instances of rape, On campus, we have It burned my sexual assault and societies such as blood. It got me United Nations of into arguments domestic violence. South Africa Society, with friends and History and Current family. Enter the RainbowUCT Afairs Society, Treatment Action Society (or simply Rainbow). Campaign and Equal Education When Rainbow throws a who seek to do some amazing work party, they go hard. hey rock both in activism and educating the the Kasbah. hey break the dawn. masses on various issues. Check However, this society unlike most them out. has a double mandate. It is a Shouldn’t we be furthering the “fun” society but it is also meant ight for universal justice, not stalling to be a base for LBGTI activism it? here are still so many things on campus. hey hold talks and to ight for. One can only wonder discussion groups. Rainbow how we can turn around and be holds the key to truly educating complacent in ighting all the ills in today’s brightest minds about the world when we are so blessed. I sexual tolerance, and changes so know I sound like Xena the Warrior many perspectives. Nonetheless, Princess meets the committee of many still do not know this side Green Campus Initiative, but those of Rainbow, the most important people are onto something. A better side, as education of the sexualities life will not be found at the bottom could curb so much of a glass of wine hate and violence A better life will not be nor on the loors of in the future. Roof or Mzolis found at the bottom of Tin Women. Strong, (only grime, dirt a glass of wine. beautiful creatures and old beer is who really get the found there). raw deal at times. he abuse of I know it is a cliché but we are the women is not something that future. I say this to myself as much happens in a world far away; it as to any of you. I am guilty of it too. happens on campus. I have talked If we don’t ight against injustice in to a disconcerting number of the world when we are young, we people who know of a student shall grow up to be the people who being beaten by her boyfriend. But perpetuate it. that’s all it is. Talk. he girl sitting I know I don’t want to be the next to you in POL2036 could have leader of a world that tolerates child bruises all over her body from her molestation, and allows women boyfriend. he hottie sitting in to be beaten and raped. A world your tut may not have gotten that that allows humans to be used as wounded leg from falling down on slaves, and people to be attacked an uneven tarmac on Long Street. and killed because of their sexuality. his is a reality. On our campus A world where rivers are poisoned there are instances of rape, sexual and people killed for a handful of assault and domestic violence; diamonds. Where people are dying a fraction of which have been of AIDS and starvation. reported to DISCHO-UCT. Just because you can’t see it over As I sit in the African Studies the top of your iPhone, doesn’t library, I hear the calls and yells mean it doesn’t exist. hat’s not from Jammie. People have come the legacy I choose to leave behind out in full force for the promise of and it shouldn’t be the one you a free Red Bull and a performance choose either.

he current “Libya situation” is a delicate one. It began with wins by rebel groups in the Eastern part of the country, while pro-Gaddai forces remained strong around the capital Tripoli and, in the past week, began advancing on rebel strongholds in the east. Calls for foreign bodies to “lend a hand” to rebel groups have surfaced ever since Gaddai made it clear he would dig in and ight. Foreign aid calls have come not only from Western countries, but also from the Arab League itself. An AlJazeera article reported, “he Arab League has said it may impose a ‘no ly’ zone on Libya in co-ordination with the African Union if ighting continues in Libya.” But one must carefully consider exactly what is at stake: if it is really “for the people” then perhaps such a move can be justiied. But is it really? Or is it because Libya is a country with oil-rich resources and a leader that has historically not “played ball” with Western interests? On the one hand, you don’t want it to turn into a civil war that is won not by popular choice, but by superior weapons. On the other hand, you don’t want another Iraq where motives included various Western elites being able to proit from the war, rebuilding process, and new availability of oil. One should note that the Al-Jazeera article quoted above reminds us that “the Arab League demanded ‘the

Photo: Public domain / cgi.wn.com

Not on our watch it doesn’t

Stuart MacDonald

preservation of the unity of Libyan lands and civil peace’ – similar to the language it used in the run-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.” here is no doubt that there is a certain amount of hypocrisy from the West: they dragged their heels in Egypt (a pro-American Middle-Eastern stronghold) with Obama content to sit back and allow Egypt to “witness history unfold”. Youssef Ahmad, the Syrian Arab League representative maintains that Western intervention in Libya “does not stem from the principle of protecting the Libyan people and interests so much as it protects the interests and agendas of these Western forces”. A Manila Standard article goes further: “Obviously, the US and its British acolyte purposely did not contemplate in mapping out the same jingoistic strategy to invade Tunisia to oust President Zine alAbidine Ben Ali and Egypt to ease out President Hosni Mubarak, because they served to their last day in oice as faithful lackeys.” We must irst remember Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld, who was a key

player in the invasion, recently released a very unapologetic memoir entitled, Known and Unknown, completely justifying the war in Iraq. In an interview on “Good Morning America,” he maintains: “hat was a terribly vicious regime, and there’s no question that the world is better of today than if Saddam Hussein and his regime were still in power. here are millions of people in that country who have been liberated.” Maybe. But without food, water and basic necessities – in terms of which Iraq may be worse of now than before – “liberation” is almost pointless. One worries that, should an Iraq-like scenario unfold in Libya, Gaddai will be used as a scapegoat to justify Western inluence in Libyan economic policies and oil schemes. Such a change may be crippling for many Libyans: a 2006 report by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights maintains “the [government’s] basic allowances scheme exists to guarantee everyone a decent standard of living. herefore no sector of the Libyan population can be described as poor.”

Pope being tried for war crimes

Photo: toms-travel.com

Aluta Continua?

Thandeka Mujati Christian Sailer and GertJoachim Hetzel have iled a 16 500word complaint to the prosecutor of the International court at he Hague. hey want to charge Pope Benedict XVI for “crimes against humanity”. he Pope is viewed by many as God’s messenger on earth and to challenge him is essentially the equivalent of challenging God. So, the fact that Sailer and Hetzel are openly challenging him is either courageous or plain naive. he Catholic church has recently been plagued by accusations of child molestation. Since the Pope is the head of the Catholic church, is he then not responsible for what happens during his time as head of the Catholic church? Should he not be held accountable considering that his lukewarm response is viewed by some, as simply condoning these actions?

he Pope’s supreme authority over all matters pertaining to faith, morals and discipline within Catholicism gives him the right to criticise what takes place under his sovereignty. He may not be the one committing these vile acts, but he is in charge of the people who are. One could describe the Vatican as a state, thus making the Pope’s role that of head of state; leaders of sovereign states are oten held accountable for the atrocities committed by their governments and thus the same principle should apply to the Pope. Frankly, he must be held to higher accountability as his power and inluence transcends borders, ethnicity and culture, and inluences the lives of many.

A paedophile will not simply tick a “molests children” box on an application form. he church is not immune to the evils in the world. Pope Benedict XVI said of the sex scandal that, “the greatest persecution of the church doesn’t come from the enemies on the outside but is born from the sin within the church.” However, merely acknowledging the fact that the church is lawed has not suiced. People are aware of this. It is my hope that this complaint against the Pope makes him aware of the outrage surrounding this issue. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that the Pope will be prosecuted as the complaint iled by Sailer and

Hetzel seems vindictive and has an undercurrent of hatred, stemming deeper than the issue of child molestation. he complaint claims that the Pope is “responsible for the preservation and leadership of a worldwide totalitarian regime.” In addition, Sailer and Hetzel are not the most unbiased people either; they are part of the “Universal Life Sect” which follows the teachings from the prophet Gabriele Wittek. In 2000, Sailer and Hetzel asked the German Ministry if families could classify the Bible as inappropriate literature for children. herefore, the Pope must be held responsible for the crimes committed against these children. He and the Catholic church should be more aware of the history of the priests they employ and greater diligence is required on the Pope’s part, in terms of protecting children from being vulnerable to priests’ advances. hese charges must give the Pope and the Catholic church the impetus to address these sensitive issues and implement a more rigorous screening process for priests. A paedophile will not simply tick a “molests children” box on an application form nor confess to impure thoughts about young boys in confessions. One can hope the legal action taken instils an element of fear in Catholic priests while forcing the Pope to acknowledge these heinous crimes, and hopefully put an end to them. God save the children from those we trust to protect them.

opinions

Gay Pride Ehrard Vermaak

ew York City, 28 June 1969. Early one summer’s morning a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals rioted following a violent and aggressive police raid on the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood. he Stonewall Inn fronted as a bar whilst being a place of refuge for the most marginalised people in the LGBTI community, including transvestites, trans-genders, hustlers and homeless youth. Generally considered the seed of the modern gay rights movement, the Stonewall Riots was the irst moment in history where a substantial amount of LGBTI people avoided arrest. Legend has it that they used stiletto high heels as their weapon of choice. To commemorate these riots, a “Gay Freedom March” was held one year later to feed the ight for equal rights. In that spirit, Cape Town recently hosted its tenth successful LGBTI Pride Parade. Pride, as it is generally called, is aimed at celebrating sexual diversity in accordance with other parades around the globe. On a continent where being gay is

punishable by law in thirty-eight out of its ity-three countries, South Africa’s non-discriminatory stance and enlightened constitution puts us in a very fortunate position to reach out to our African siblings. Most straight South Africans question the relevance of this parade, while remaining ignorant of the fact that LGBTI people across Africa are being arrested, assaulted and murdered. Human rights are being violated. Voices within the LGBTI community are separated by a sparkling fence when it comes to Pride Parades.

One heinous hate crime that cultural imperialists enforce is so-called corrective rape that many South African lesbians still live in fear of. Due to selection of the costumes (and dildos) on show, some charge the parade with an unnecessary emphasis on sex and fetish-related interests. Critics see this as counterproductive to LGBTI interests, exposing the queer community to ridicule. By making a spectacle

Photo: Rachel van Blerk

Mindless Indulgence or Human Rights’ Interest?

RAZZLE DAZZLE THEM – The march is a time to launt your pride and wave your lag up high. of sexuality, this group believes participators in the parade are disrespecting and stereotyping themselves because a majority do not dress up as spectacles on a daily basis. On the other hand, the argument exists that without events like Pride, the LGBTI community would have no voice. Some might prefer to remain hidden and unheard, forever fearing what society might do if they decided to hold the hand of the person they love. his side of the fence blames fear and ignorance for those members of the LGBTI community, who believe it an embarrassment and see it as perpetuating hate and narrow-minded thinking. We all remember “he Pink

your career as a

Closet” iasco last year. When the prominent icon of its Pink Week sexual freedom campaign was burnt down, students retaliated with a protest and a petition demanding decisive action from our institutions management. It was decided not to discard the charred remains of the once imposing structure. Instead, they decided to call the phoenix from the ashes and instead of coming out the closet, the act called us to burn it down. In the midst of serious conversations like these, Pride can be proud of what it achieves. he colourful lotilla of sounds and sights witnessed not only celebrated sexual diversity, it also airmed and avowed the vast social tapestry from

which the LGBTI community comes from. Yes, South Africa is one of a handful of countries where the rights of the LGBTI community receive near-full legal protection. hat legal protection, however, does not always translate into real-world protection. One heinous hate crime that cultural imperialists enforce is socalled, corrective rape, that many South African lesbians still live in fear of. While it has its roots in activism, Pride has its fruit in a sparkling rainbow of gay fun. As Lady Gaga’s voice echoed from countless loats and trucks, “here is nothing wrong with loving who you are, because he made you perfect, babe.”

Careers Calendar

Systems Analyst VARSITY speaks to a graduate with a position at Rand Merchant Bank:

Tasneem Jacobs BCom Information Systems (UCT) How did you ind your niche in your current area of work? I’ve always had a passion for both IT and Accounting. Working in the Reconciliations area at RMB has allowed me to incorporate both interests into one role, so I use my IT skills to build more eicient accounting processes! Which factors ignited your interest in this position? I was drawn to this position because it allowed me to use both my business and technical skills to its full advantage. My degree covered courses such as Database Systems, Project Management, some VB.Net coding, as well as some basic business and communications courses. I use my database knowledge to compile SQL queries and run various reports on a daily basis. he Project Management module has helped me produce the required documentation according to the required standards when managing new projects, whilst the skills I learnt in the business and communications courses are now the foundation of how I manage meetings and communication with clients and colleagues.

Describe some of your day-to-day responsibilities. he department I work for supports an application called IntelliMATCH, which is a tool used for reconciling all the bank’s accounts. I manage various developments tasks that need to be completed in order to enhance the system and to improve existing business processes. Also, when new business units want to implement IntelliMATCH, I manage the entire analysis and development process. his process ranges from writing a business case, to a functional speciication, right through to inal implementation. What are the key skills that have contributed to your success thus far? I feel the key skills needed are communication skills, presentation skills, analytical skills, project management / business analysis expertise, problem solving skills, and planning & organisational skills. What do you consider to be your biggest achievement thus far? I think my biggest achievement has been earning the respect of both my peers and management. At 26, I’ve established myself as a talented,

Career Awareness Talks

reliable resource, and I am known for my good work ethic as well as the quality of my work.

All talks take place from 13h00 – 13h45.

What challenges have you encountered? Time management and work-life balance are some of my biggest challenges. You need to be able to manage your time eiciently so that work remains at work, while weekends and ater hours are a time for rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, it is not always possible and work follows me home…

22 MARCH: My career in the Media: Talia Sanhewe, Media Personality, Director, Producer and Award-Winning Reporter for CNBC Africa Venue: LT1, Hoerikwaggo

Where did you work previously? I was a graduate recruitment assistant at UCT’s CDP oice for six months before I graduated, and then I worked at FNB as an Application Support Analyst for two years. In retrospect, what advice can you give to students? As with any objective in life, you have to work hard and make many sacriices to achieve success and reach all your goals. Although you will sometimes need to put in a few extra hours or things become a bit stressful, it will all be worth it in the end.

15 MARCH: Opening your mind to opportunities at an NGO: Team from mothers2mothers Venue: LS2B, Leslie Social Science

Download the irst term’s schedule of Career Talks on www.careers.uct.ac.za

Mock Interview Programme Enquire about registration at CDP Reception MARCH: 16, 23 APRIL: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20

Hot opportunities Looking for a bursary/scholarship, vacation or graduate opportunity? Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/careerportal

opinions Nick Corbett

Socially Sushi

arch is the dedicated UCT transformation month. his time around, we hope to witness actions that are, in fact, geared towards transformation. Transformation within the academic realm must include the admission of more disadvantaged undergraduate and postgraduate students. By doing so, a better relection of the true South African demographic can be achieved at UCT. Being a disadvantaged student, I have come to realise that completing an undergraduate degree at UCT will compel me and others like me to pursue the completion of my honours degree. In South Africa, the word disadvantaged has become synonymous with being African, Coloured or Indian. Either way, when you deine disadvantaged, race will always be a prominent variable given our country’s history. here are few disadvantaged students and fewer disadvantaged postgraduate students at UCT, because the majority of us struggle to achieve a 65% average. hroughout my undergraduate study, I have been taught by lecturers and read textbooks that are insensitive to my background, culture and language. he examples used are ones that I can’t relate to or understand. Consequently, I am the one who gets 50% or fails, or the student from a former model-C school who gets a 65%. In UCT, intelligence is attached to proiciency in English, which disadvantaged students are not always familiar with upon arrival. However, this doesn’t mean that we are incompetent. Being at UCT for three years is not

“one portion of deepfried crab sex please” a two metre blast radius of brown, salty liquid. Treating myself to a meal in a typical sushi restaurant, I had the pleasure of ingesting both the salmon nigiri and varied views on rice and raw ish. “Sushi has become too popular,” says a student, “it’s no longer a novelty or the sign of sophistication.” In the news recently, it was reported that self-made millionaire Kenny Kunene, spent a whopping R700 000 on a lavish party which included “nyotaimori” - the practice of serving sashimi or sushi on a woman’s body. Even more shocking is the discovery of companies that ofer models for this kind of activity, for a hety price.

Are we, as students, chasing this sort of lifestyle? Does the ridiculously rampant consumption of sushi relect us wanting to live both wealthily and healthily? Another student begs to difer, suggesting that it’s good that sushi, once rare and expensive, has become so accessible. Indeed, the love of sushi has spread through Cape Town’s restaurants faster than the “Hollaback Girl” music video did on YouTube. Most restaurants with an ainity for steamed rice and diced ocean creatures ofer half-price during many – if not all – of their operating hours. his presents a chance for people from all backgrounds to sample a taste of Japan’s delicacies, without having to approach Absa for a half-million Rand loan to indulge at a nightclub. Sushi has become the “in-thing’” Whether or not it will outshine Gwen Stefani or appear as a line item on our current account is up to YouTube, Gill Marcus or some combination of the two. Nonetheless, this humble person believes that sushi is in fact here to stay. It’s a social outing, less a meal than a collective activity. With cheap prices accompanied by lines like “pass that avocado paste” or “one portion of deep-fried crab sex please,” and a great time out with friends, there really isn’t any excuse not to get your “Harajuku Girl” on. What are you waiting for?

SA Adverts:

More redundant than feminism Josh Benjamin High intensity, emotional drama, family reuniication, survival, the power of hope, man’s resolute persistence and determination in the face of mortal danger. Oakley Sunglasses. Yes folks, it wasn’t just me who noticed Oakley sunglasses sneakily placed on the dusty, sweaty foreheads of those bastard Chilean Miners. In fact, since that little mining mishap last year in a country nobody had previously cared about, Oakley has captured an estimated equivalent of $41 million worth of world exposure, for the mere price of 35 pairs of glasses. What Oakley did in Chile was unprecedented in the advertising world. In fact we may be on the verge of an all-new revolutionary stream of global advertising: Disaster-Survivor Product Placement. McDonalds, take note: when the world inally gives Darfur some attention, get those poor starving African children eating YOUR burgers. For the marketing directors over at Woolworths, might I suggest the subtle instigation of a small genocide this July? Lord knows sales will literally skyrocket. While American companies such as Oakley set global trends, South African advertisers still have a long way to go. Look no further than the TV License campaign: “Pay yours, it’s the right thing to do” was their feeble attempt at getting us mobilized. Whoever thought that “doing the right thing” was a compelling enough incentive to get a South African audience to pay our TV licenses, quite simply, is mentally deicient. With 22 000 murders a year, perverse politicians, and one in

Picture: google.com

ot since Gwen Stefani purchased three or four teenage Naruto fans-cum-back-up dancers has society been so mad about Japanese culture. What is it about sushi that takes a hold of students’ limited attention and leaves them forking out hard-asked-for money for the former luxury food? I couldn’t help but wonder: why are we so gaga over sushi? Ichthyologists have recently deduced that students form the bottom of the societal food-chain, narrowly beaten by phytoplankton and Antarctic krill. his is true. No one likes students. We’re messy, we nag and we don’t do dishes. Car guards, petrol attendants and that guy in Rondebosch who tries to barter jokes for money (sigh) don’t even bother asking undergraduates for cash. Using this highly-correct and expertly correlated data, it’s safe to say that students have little or no wealth whatsoever. And yet, many restaurants known for an aluent sushi menu confess that those of the scholarly inclined constitute most of their customer demographic. Obviously, there is something in the soy sauce that has students hooked. “Sushi is the perfect Sunday aternoon social meal and allows for

This time we need action enough time for me to be measured with the same scale as someone who went to a former model-C school for twelve years when applying for honours. A lot has been said about UCT’s admission policy, with Dr Neville Alexander arguing that diferent admission policies mustn’t be based on race. Whichever way you deine disadvantaged, Dr Alexander, in South Africa race will always be a variable that stands out. Conversely, Mr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh and Dr Max Price argue that currently diferent admission policies based on race must be used, and this must apply to UCT honours applicants if South African demographics are to ever be relected in the postgraduate community. Dr Price went further and stated that more black students from former model-C schools must be admitted to UCT because they can compete with their white counterparts and become role models to other black students in South Africa. If that’s the case, then they are role models to their fellow middle-class students from the schools they matriculated from. When speaking about transformation in South Africa, we are not merely referring to the replacement of the white middleclass with the black middle-class. We are referring to the empowerment of the less-privileged; those who were denied opportunities by the apartheid regime. Admitting more black students than white students from former model-C schools is substitution, not transformation. Asking for the opportunity to study further and show rural and township kids that through education we can pull ourselves out of the morass of poverty is not asking for a lot.

conversation in between mouthfuls,” says a student. “It’s become so wonderfully accessible, especially in Observatory, which is a typical student haunt,” says another. “Its ritualism is most appealing,” says Russell, out on the town with her friends having printed her Eco notes for the week. We know that sushi can be great fun, especially when watching those who aren’t practiced in the art of chopstick-wielding drop their rainbow-roll into a circus-like narrow bowl of soy sauce, leaving

Transformation: Malope Mogwaneng

THE PULL OF ADVERTISING – Having the ability to arouse the interests of one and all. four South African men admitting to having committed rape, is it any wonder why a campaign like that would fail? It seemed like the fundamental principle of advertising, that of knowing your target audience, was deinitively forgotten with the pirated DVD campaign not so long ago. I’m talking about the “you wouldn’t steal a bag, you wouldn’t steal a car” advert. Ironically, this campaign oten resulted in the experience of sitting in a movie theatre, reading the words “you wouldn’t steal a handbag,” sitting next to a guy who just stole your handbag. Occasionally, South African adverts are successful at grabbing ones attention, yet seem to be attached to the wrong product. “Not inside, on top” always seemed to be better suited to HIV or pregnancy prevention than cofee creamer. Looking beyond, the samples become even less exhilarating: he brutal stupidity of the Panarotti’s

family (and ads in general) make many of us suicidal, while Cell-C has ruined the perception of a long-awaited, original, and hugely promising comedian. It seems all hope is lost. Making a good advert requires a lot of work, knowledge, creativity and is, well... hard. Although optimists drown in half-full bathtubs, I still desperately cling to the belief that the gritty state of our adverts shall improve. If there’s one thing South Africa isn’t short of, it’s unplanned disasters (just ask one of Zuma’s wives). Similarly, there exists no shortage of soiled, uneducated labourers (Ray-ban, this is the epiphany that gets your glasses on Julius Malema). While tragedy product placement seems extreme, it might just be the last resort needed to inject the glory into our desperately deserving adverts. If you disagree, I respect your opinion, but I ask you: “Did you pay your TV license last year?”

DECADE OF DECAYING RIGHTS (Above & Left)– 1969, UCT Lecturers opposed The Extension of University Education Act, Act 45 of 1959, formed part of the apartheid system of racial segregation in South Africa. This act made it a criminal ofence for a non-white student to register at a formerly open university without the written permission of the Minister of Internal Afairs.

Student

Pictures: UCT Library; Manusripts and Archives

1969 –

“TO PROTECT AND SERVE”? (Above) – April 1972, the police invaded the UCT campus in retaliation to a student march in Rondebosch, as well as placard protests on the verge, entrances and rugby ield. Teargas and rubber bullets were used against 100 students. Police shambock women in the Jagger Library, causing over 500 students to become involved in unrest that saw some arsonists torch an SAB-Miller delivery truck behind the Students Union. RIOTED (Left) – June 1976, The Soweto uprising was series of clashes in Soweto, South Africa on 16 June 1976 between black youths and the South African authorities. The riots grew out of protests against the policies of the National Party government and its apartheid regime. 23 people were killed on the irst day including several black teenagers. The riots continued until the end of the year and resulted in the deaths of at least 618 people, mostly black. SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE (Right) – 2010, The South African Protection of Information Bill proposed in 2008, is a highly controversial piece of proposed legislation. It aims to regulate the classiication, protection and dissemination of state information, weighing state interests up against transparency and freedom of expression.

HOW MANY MORE? (Above) – February 2010, In reaction to the deaths of two UCT students in Observatory, UCT took to the streets to demand increased security.

Activism

MOER HOM! (Above)– 1985, Police beat down on students with shamboks to difuse the riot caused in protest against the continued captivity of Nelson Mandela. Pictures: UCT Library; Manusripts and Archives & garethsmit.com

2010

LONG MARCH TO FREEDOM (Above) – 1985, Students protest outside the UCT Sports Centre for the release of Nelson Mandela and other freedom activists. Police respond by iring tear gas into the swarm of protestors.

OUTRAGED (Above) – October 2010, Students held a demonstration on Jameson Stairs to speak out against the burning of “The Closet”. In a multicultural and diverse environment such as UCT, students are encouraged to be accepting of one another.

THE UCT RESISTANCE (Above) – 1987, Lectures and students walk in solidarity. This year in particular saw frequent clashes between protesting students and police, with reporting of police presence on the campus being censored by the government.

features

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Will Mugabe be the next to fall? Killian Mazibuko investigates whether the revolution bug will bite Zimbabwe ublically-driven protests have recently been successful in over-throwing unpopular leaders in Tunisia and Egypt. Many have questioned whether Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe is next. Most of the ingredients for a mass revolt against the government are there: unpopular leader, high unemployment, and economic and political instability. In a recent survey, Freedom House estimates Mugabe’s support base inside the country to be only 17% of the population. he CIA World Factbook determines unemployment in Zimbabwe as standing at 95% and the government of Zimbabwe has told the African Development Bank that it needs US$14.2 billion to repair infrastructure and rebuild the economy.

While most are weary of Mugabe’s rhetoric, very few have shown the courage to take it to the streets Mugabe’s party, the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF), is eager to nationalise American and European companies and increase shares with the black elite. his is likely to afect economic growth and repel much needed foreign investment. Policy diferences seem to be afecting the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) negotiated unity government, increasing political instability. Yet, with all these factors, it’s not clear whether Zimbabweans will follow in the footsteps of their North African brothers. A protest

Wait a bit longer, I’ll tell you when I’m done

Oh no problem. Just tell me when you’re done so I can stop you

Mugabe is still unpopular... his support base inside the country [is] only 17% of the population.

was organised for Tuesday 1 March and by midday there was no sign of marchers. Mugabe seems to be good at diverting attention. He blames the country’s woes on American and European-targeted sanctions which were imposed on him and his inner circle. He recently launched a campaign to get signatures from Zimbabweans petitioning the liting of sanctions. Nevertheless, while most are weary of Mugabe’s rhetoric, very few have shown the courage to take it to the streets. Dr John Akokpari, senior lecturer in the Political Studies Department at UCT believes regime change through protests cannot happen in Zimbabwe. “here is no united pressure against repression in Zimbabwe from SADC whereas the

reverse is true in the Arab region,” he said. Human Rights Watch, an international human rights “watchdog,” recently reported that there is a culture of impunity causing fear in Zimbabwe. Since the days of the Chimurenga war in the 1970s, civilians have sufered human rights violations, of which not all perpetrators have been charged. he top army ranks are still behind Mugabe. Mugabe was quick to subdue PF-Zapu and its supporters based in Matebeleland in the 1980’s. PF-Zapu was the only party with its own military units apart from ZanuPF. his ensured that Zimbabwe was governed by a single-party state from 1987. When Zimbabweans grew tired of this regime, a number of them

The New Age: Friend or Foe? Michelle October Before the release of South Africa’s latest daily newspaper, he New Age, critics speculated that the newspaper would serve as a government mouthpiece since the founders of the paper are the Guptas, an inluential family with close ties to Jacob Zuma and his family. However, three months down the line from the controversial newspaper’s launch, it seems as if its reputation has not yet met the expectations critics have for the paper. Preceding the launch of he New Age, critics feared the possibility of biased reporting because of the president’s close relationship with the Gupta family, linking the appearance of this pro-government newspaper to the failed proposal of the ANC having their own newspaper in 2008. he advertising campaign for the newspaper sported taglines saying, “Protest or freedom of expression?” with emphasis on completely unbiased reporting, despite the media’s critique of the paper.

Zimbabwe, reported on its website that Zanu-PF is responsible for 91.2% of breaches of the political agreement between the three main parties. President Zuma and his facilitation team have been reduced to mere spectators. Zanu-PF maintains they will not move any further until Western sanctions are removed. his seems to be just

Additionally, there appears no market for new newspapers and as a family of business-tycoons the Guptas know that their new venture is not necessarily a proitable one. At the launch of the newspaper in early December, the editor, Henry Jefreys, stated emphatically that the newspaper is not “he New

The editor, Henry Jefreys, stated emphatically that the newspaper is not “The New Agent”. Agent” and will remain completely unbiased. Essop Pahad, a former government oicial who has helped set up the newspaper, stated that the newspaper is supportive of South Africa’s government but is not proANC. he newspaper is against the proposed Protection of Information Bill and the ANC’s proposed Media Tribunal. News reports on the day of launch stated that the paper was scattered with government advertising but that readers of the

paper found it informative, with a hard news, lifestyle and business section. he paper also contains a section of province speciic news for each of the “main” provinces - such Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Free State. Despite the media’s slamming the newspaper as biased and decidedly pro-government, since the three months it has been around, no complaints to the paper have been formally voiced. When compared to another newspaper such as he Times, he New Age is similar. Despite its pro-government ailiations, the newspaper has kept to its word and delivered nothing debilitating to South Africa’s media. Time will only tell how much the government and the ANC inluences the paper’s news, but perhaps the pro-government direction the paper has taken can be healthy for South Africa’s current nation-building phase. In the same breath it must be said that the media’s scathing criticism of he New Age’s potential to deliver biased news can only be a positive sign of the independent voice of the media. Ater all, a critical media is a healthy one.

moved en-masse to the new party: the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Mugabe moved quickly to dismiss this new threat as a stooge of the West. Zanu-PF supporters and war veterans went to their old ways of using violence to deal with the socalled ‘sell-outs’ of the revolution. Human Rights Watch concluded that failure to prosecute most of these perpetrators of violence has fed a culture of fear. his might explain why MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai willingly joined the unity government as a junior, despite knowing that he had won the elections. SADC had promised a reform process to de-politicise this military apparatus through the Global Political Agreement. Sokwanele, a civic group in

a ruse, but they have managed to stall the full implementation of this political agreement. Jacob Zuma continues to pile pressure on Robert Mugabe to implement key reforms. he weekly Zimbabwe Sunday Mail reported in December last year that Mugabe told Zuma that, as a lawyer, he feels awkward in a “semi-legal” arrangement. Zanu-PF now wants an early election under familiar rules which they may manipulate. he ball remains in the SADC’s court to play the midwife for this democratisation agenda. he Roman Catholic Church in Southern Africa recently called upon SADC to delay elections in Zimbabwe saying the environment is not conducive to free and fair elections. It seems that a culture of fear makes regime-changing protests in Zimbabwe unlikely in the near future. Unless the SADC, led by South Africa, does something to ensure this military setup in Zimbabwe is de-politicised, this fear might continue to hold the people from protesting.

The IKEY Tiger... Do you identify with this brand? Send your views to features@varsitynewspaper.co.za Picture: michaelcurrin.co.za

features

REVIEWS

Movie Review: Love and Other Drugs Stephanie Venter

majority of other romance ilms I’ve seen. he chemistry between Hathaway and Gyllenhaal is sure to pull at any romantic’s heartstrings, and there are many genuinely funny moments throughout. Despite this, the ilm does not feel like a romantic

comedy, something I attribute to neither of the main characters being “perfect”. I do not ind Hathaway’s portrayal of Parkinson’s disease realistic, and it is highly convenient that her character’s disease is in its early

stages and thus easy to ignore for the irst half of the ilm. Gyllenhaal’s character in contrast, is entirely believable – but then again, his character does not have a chronic disease that is diicult to portray. Overall I would say that Love and

Other Drugs is worth a watch, if only for the great onscreen pairing that is Gyllenhaal and Hathaway, and the slightly diferent take on a romance ilm. And for the guys, the nudity.

Movie Review: The Next Three Days

Nick Corbett

Calvin Scholtz

Hidden between potted foliage and a black tarp glares a slice of Catalan culture: La Bruixa, a devilish little café smirking out at the world amidst Sea Point’s frenetic dining strip. Covering an outside division and creeping further into an enchantingly lit fore-section, La Bruixa, meaning “the witch” and pronounced “la broosha”, is anything but a cobwebbed and broomsticked old cupboard. Inside one inds a blended setting of traditional wooden tables beset with modern, sleek, black chairs, the sharp angles and earthy colours combining to create a juxtaposition of contemporary and traditional Spanish culture. he interior is charming, with a strong Mediterranean café feel, evoked by the chalked menu boards, wooden barrels and a series of cubist igure paintings and geometric back-lit wall mirrors. Candles adorn the tables, but the dim light by no means adds heaviness to the surprising and refreshingly light nature of the establishment. If that isn’t magical enough, books line the main windows looking through onto the outside section, and are watched by the beady eyes of a number of small witch igurines dangling from the pelmet above, centred in each pane of glass. he café serves Mediterraneanstyle tapas and light foods, a wonderful spot for a light supper or otherwise ater dinner drinks. Be it the wine (a bottle of Leopard’s Leap Cab Sav, soon followed by another), or something more magical, the

The latest ilm from Paul Haggis (director of Crash, winner of the 2006 Best Picture Oscar) stars Russell Crowe as a man whose wife is arrested for a crime she may or may not have committed. Ater he has exhausted all legal routes to getting his wife released, he starts planning to break her out. What’s refreshing here is that Crowe is not an action hero, but an ordinary guy who makes mistakes. It builds up to be a tension-illed ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame.

Picture: La Boheme

Restaurant Review: La Bruixa Bistro

evening was spent sipping and giggling at the enchantment of it all. Whether or not it’s a spell-book guiding the kitchens of La Bruixa, just one hour immersed in the

Catalan culture leaves you with a touch of enchantment and a craving to walk along moonlit cobblestones. A charming 7/10

Picture: sinebot.com

IT WOULD be hard to review this ilm without, irst and foremost, talking about the abundance of nudity that has inspired so much discussion – Hathaway’s nudity in particular. For all the talk of nudity in the ilm, Gyllenhaal does not have many moments he needs to be embarrassed about. But the nudity does appear to have a role in the ilm’s authenticity. I think it would have been hard to make the ilm completely clothed. Jamie Randall, played by Gyllenhaal, is a Viagra salesman, complete jerk, and master of casual sex. hat is until he meets Maggie, played by Hathaway, who sufers from early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Maggie is Jamie’s match, and she makes it clear that he is not allowed to fall in love with her – their relationship will only be about sex. Of course, at this point any half-wit can realise that they will fall in love in the end, and they do. But Maggie’s disease lurks in the background, and as their relationship deepens it becomes harder to ignore. he ilm is surprisingly wellwritten, and certainly contains a bigger dose of reality than the

Picture: celebritywonder.com

 Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Hank Azaria, Josh Gad Directed by: Edward Zwick Rating: 16 LSN

features

ARTS & CULTURE

RAMfest: Mecca for SA Rockers Michal Malek pays tribute to the RAMfest Gods.

lack-clad masses crowded before a giant semi-domed altar, singing along to the words of the performer-priests and feeling the euphoria of a collective consciousness sharing one thing: music. It is not diicult to see why religious groups persecute popular music. RAMfest was an experience that bordered on the spiritual. Nekkies Camping Resort in Worcester was shrouded in a cloud of dust. Much like the cloud which led Moses in the Old Testament, this cloud led rockers and ravers

ROCK HEAVEN – Fans at this year’s RAMfest were not left disappointed. kept congregations stomping late into each night. he main stage, however, was really the holiest site of this alternative music pilgrimage. his giant domed tent held in its bosom Die Antwoord, Gazelle and Not My

Romeo and Juliet dazzles Hiddingh Michal Malek Romeo and Juliet has rarely been seen like this. Dark and eclectic; the story of Romeo and Juliet plays out in a world in which costumes of Chaplin and Holmes are combined with the stark grey-black contrasts of Auschwitz. A beautiful rendition of the Shakespearean classic, the UCT drama department have out done themselves once again.

Romeo’s entourage stole the show from an unfortunately disappointing Romeo, who faded into the background of the others’ performances. his is a story that needs very little explanation. Two star-crossed lovers, Romeo (Glen BiedermanPam) and Juliet (Ceire Pearson), ind love with each other but lose it and their lives because of the hatred between their respective families. UCT’s own director Geofrey Hyland blends comedy and tragedy into a seamlessly conlated and fantastical performance. Costume and set design are reminiscent of the fences and shades of WW2 concentration camps - tastefully rendered, and both breathtakingly gloomy and sinisterly stunning. However, it is the cast and their performances that deserve the most applause. he grungy yet naive Juliet was magniicent, and Romeo’s entourage stole the show from an unfortunately disappointing Romeo

Dog. he international acts blew the audience away; their mere presence had crowds enthralled. he fantastic Funeral for a Friend was this rockacolyte’s happiest moment: a show never to be forgotten. RAMfest party

pilgrims jolled day in and day out; sleep was wasted on the weak, and wasted on the wasted. In the lucid moments between ecstatic rock shows and electrolight-induced dance marathons

Out, and Milling about!

who faded into the background of the others’ performances. Friar Laurence and Juliet’s Nanny were portrayed brilliantly both giving new life to these two well known characters. Elements of slapstick comedy and an epic musical score punctuate the performance in a way that only augments the play. Running until 2 April at the Little heatre on Hiddingh campus, with Jammies running late into the night students have no excuse to miss Romeo and Juliet. R40 a ticket (student price) is guaranteed to provide an evening of sublime Shakespearean theatre. Picture: michael.currin.co.za

to RAMfest, the biggest alternative music festival in South Africa. he three stages at the festival had something (almost) for everyone. For the hardcore there was the Metal4Africa stage which hosted big names in South African heavy metal: Contrast the Water, Haggis and Bong and Enmity, were highlights of the darkest stage of the festival. For lovers of dance, dubstep and house, there was the Griet Electro Pyramid. It was a massive multimedia shrine to electro music, a literally shining beacon of light that

Picture: Thomas Ferreira

RAMfest party pilgrims jolled day in and day out; sleep was wasted on the weak and wasted on the wasted.

RAMfest was an enjoyable experience. Although the dry weather brought with it columns of dust and almost unbearable heat, the festival organisers were well prepared. A hydration station, mist showers, a cooling pool and the Breede River gave reprieve from the swelter and dehydration that the sun and excessive drinking had imposed upon the RAMfest faithful. We were also blessed with clean bathrooms, showers and a general good vibe, a few precious things that are hard to come by at other festivals. And for those who like a little rocker retail therapy, there was a menagerie of stalls selling clothing, snacks and band merchandise – a really great way to stock up on your nonconformist clothing. As far as festivals go, RAMfest deinitely ranks among the top for both quality and quantity (for monies paid). For the R460-ticket this was a festival that opened its doors on hursday 3 March and carried on going until Sunday 6 March. A short search will show that this is a really “bang for your buck” four-day party event that doesn’t disappoint. Just like the Muslims have Mecca, South African rockers have RAMfest. If you’re a fan of rock music, electro or even just a disciple of debauchery, RAMfest is a festival you have to go to at least once in your life.

YOU LIKE – You can get just about anything from the Old Biscuit Mill, including an old rusty typewriter.

Nyasha Kadandara Four years. That’s how long I’ve been in Cape Town; four years, and I have never been to the Old Biscuit Mill. How I have robbed myself of good living. Tucked away in the heart of Woodstock, I found the Old Biscuit Mill: a sophisticated lea market where you can ind the very best of what Cape Town has to ofer. Before you even enter the food market grab yourself a mojito; yes, I know it was only midday but on a hot summer’s day it hits the spot. On entering the market you just see lots of food! Chocolates, cheese, pastries, pizza and pesto, my mouth kept

watering. You can have breakfast just from tasting everything, but as much as we’re students, at least something thing! Ater tasting over 30 diferent types of pesto, I think I inally found the one for me – a mustard olive pesto that will transform student budget meals into gourmet ones overnight for only R30 a bottle. My best inds are the honey liqueur, which unlike everything else you had to pay R3 for a taste, but for a R100, a bottle can be yours. Once my tummy was content, I fell in love with an amazing photography shop, Exposure, which has introduced me to Lomography. his is a new style of artistic experimental photography. Exposures approach is: “taking as many photographs

(Lomographs) as possible in the most impossible of situations and from the most unusual of positions possible, and then having them developed as cheaply as possible”. And if you are looking for a ilm or Polaroid camera, then you should deinitely pop in. As a student, harmless trips to the Mill can place a huge dent in your pocket, only because there is so much to buy, and everything is worth it! It is a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning with friends. If you were slightly inebriated the night before, you will get the best hangover food there. Bottom line, get down to the Old Biscuit Mill now – there’s a delicious world waiting to be discovered.

features

INTEREST

Physios on campus

The cell phone generation Cell phones may not be as harmful as we think, says Ehrard Vermaak ne cannot deny the role that cell phones and mobile technology have come to play in our busy little lives. Phones are like appendages these days: our eyes are glued to the control centre of our social network. Is there a thin line between being techno-savvy and being technoying? Are you a cybersocialite or a cyber-stalker? Like Oprah and her pledge, VARSITY wonders if we have Blackburied our communication abilities. he meteoric rise of cellular dependence is as young as our democracy. When Nelson Mandela took his inal steps towards freedom, cell phones started their transformations from bricks to beauties. As a group, it is honestly no secret that young adults are heavy users of new electronic communication media such as IM, e-mail, sms, blogs and social networking. Where before we would only be able to lick our hair and sing in the shower, we can now broadcast ourselves to millions of love-hungry kiddies who might fashion some cheesy collective. Better Belieb it! In a recent study two scholars from Princeton University examined the relationships between friends, romantic partners, strangers and families as expressed via these “new media” that young people are using. hey found that these tools are used mainly to reinforce existing relationships or to gain insight into possible real-world relationships with people they just met. We all Facebook brag to our friends when we fall in love, don’t we? Unlike the murkier days of the early mobile internet (WAP/3G), interactions with strangers online actually relieve social tension and now teach young people how to avoid sexual predation. he study does note, however, that peer communication might be impacting communication with parents and the older generation. Although acknowledging that these services promote social and educational networking, they note the distracting and obsessive quality

cyber-socialising might entail. So yes, you might be being rude from an American/‘irst-world’ perspective. Doesn’t that make this a middle class issue? In 2009, according to the South African Research Foundation, 29% of South Africans had a landline phone, but 70% had a cell phone. A further study conducted by UNISA found that 98-99% of learners from all school types and social strata

Is there a thin line between being technosavvy and being technoying? owned cell phones. UCT’s Centre for Educational Technology’s very own Laura Czerniewicz reminds us, however, that “unlike the rest of the world, when we talk about cell phones we don’t mean those morphed, all in one, virtually-a-TV-virtually-amini-computer-type smartphones. We mean the common-or-garden numbers which have been found for a while now.” he signiicance in this lies in the fact that cell phones provide more access than other internet and communication technologies, and relatively cheaply. All South Africans, especially those with less

fortunate backgrounds, might not have computer-based internet access, but they can use their phones to do research and stay in touch. In her study, those students with phones that could access the basic WAP Internet had better marks than those who didn’t. South African youth spend up to 50% of their money on cell phone related costs. While ToGgLiNg* and so-called SMS language (WTF!) have evoked fears of secret communication and dwindling intelligence amongst our youth, linguistic studies have found that they have more to do with saving space – and hence saving money – than anything clandestine or language-corrupting. One response to parental concern is, according to TIME magazine, a plea for parents to relax: at least “sexting” is increasing the teenage virginity level. Ater looking at the evidence, it seems that we are not communication-defunct, but rather sometimes just plain rude. Cell phones help us stay in touch, help us stay informed, increase our capacity to learn and serve to reinforce our existing peer relationships. hey may, however, alienate us from our poor uninformed elders. We might think we are pretty clever now, but just wait until our future spawn comes home with some gizmo of their own. TTYL!

Picture: garethsmit.com

Picture: Rudi Botha

Photo: www.michael.currin.co.za

Picture: michael.currin.co.za

ACCESSIBLE - Cell phones provide a cheap alternative to traditional internet connections.

Mental health: debunking the myths Olivia Wainwright explores the stigma surrounding mental health disorders This week is International Brain Awareness week, a week dedicated to creating a better understanding of the brain and its power. Unfortunately, sometimes organs in the brain can send the wrong signals to each other. his, among factors, can lead to mental illnesses. he term mental illness covers a wide range of symptoms from depression to anxiety, to substance abuse to schizophrenia. In South Africa, 16% of people have some kind of anxiety disorder, 13% have dealt with substance abuse, 10% have had problems with mood disorders and 2-4% of the population sufer panic attacks. he South African Depression and Anxiety Group have found that depression and anxiety afects 1 in 5 South Africans. In 2008 the South African National Youth Risk Behaviour survey found

that 23.6% of the country’s youth had felt so sad or hopeless that they had broken their usual daily routine for two or more weeks. Only 38.3% of these youths decided to seek medical attention regarding these feelings. In South Africa mental health problems are clearly a common issue, so why are so many of us unaware of them? he diiculty is that mental health problems have been, and still are, stigmatised within our society. A 2010 study of mental health stigmatisation in South Africa concluded that many people stigmatise those with mental health problems as violent and unpredictable. Alexa Scher of the UCT Depression and Anxiety Support Group explains: “Stigma is one of the biggest problems around mental health.” According to Cassey Chambers of the South African Depression

and Anxiety Group, “many people in society see mental illness as a weakness, that it makes you less of a person and that it is not a real illness, rather something that is imagined or put on. Many people don’t realise

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group have found that depression and anxiety afects 1 in 5 South Africans that mental illness is a real illness, just like hypertension and diabetes, and it needs real treatment.” People ind it diicult to say that they are having mental health problems and seeing a psychiatrist, whereas with any other illness, they will happily tell people.

Scher went on to explain: “stigma manifests itself through ignorance of what mental health disorders are. People don’t understand that having depression is just like having diabetes: it’s a disease.” he problem with this stigma is that people are then in denial about symptoms they may have. Even if they do recognise that they are having problems, they may be too embarrassed to seek the medical attention that they need. Even at UCT, there are problems with people being stigmatised over mental health issues. “When I advertise about the group, I generally give out lots of lyers to anyone and everyone,” says Scher. “he responses are varied but generally people snigger and say something along the lines of, ‘I’m not depressed, I don’t need this.’” Chambers remarks, “the only way

to combat stigma is through education and awareness programmes – talking about signs, symptoms and treatment options can help educate both patients, family members and community members.” he UCT Depression and Anxiety Support Group is trying to help people on campus who have mental health problems by creating a safe environment in which issues can be discussed and individuals can help each other. hey are also trying to create a greater awareness of mental health issues on campus by presenting a series of lectures. he next lecture will be by Psychologist David Rosenstein on the 11th April. For those who would like more information or are seeking help, please email Alexa from the UCT Depression and Anxiety group at schale020@uct.ac.za.

sports

Tarryn Steenekamp Canoeists Stuart Maclaren and Greg Martin have done UCT and their communities proud ater recently being selected for the preparatory South African 2012 Olympic canoeing squad. he pair, who have been professional canoeists for approximately eight years, are two

“it is a dream to go to the Olympics, and being a part of this squad means it is one step closer to achieving our goal” of sixteen men that will receive specialised training and conditioning ahead of next year’s games, which are to be hosted in London. South African sports science expert Professor Tim Noakes has been put in charge of the squad’s conditioning, while ever-capable coach Zoltan Bako will take control of the squad’s in-depth training and itness regime. Maclaren, 19, who is currently on a sports scholarship at UCT, spoke of the honour of representing his

country and his dream of taking part in the Olympics. While Maclaren and Martin are not permitted to participate in any canoeing competitions ahead of the Olympics, and missed the 2011 Dusi, the duo have been able to excel in a variety of competitions in previous years. Both men represented South Africa at the World Championships at an u18 level, where Maclaren earned a 6th place inish and Martin came 9th. he two also paired together and were able to claim a bronze medal at an u23 level in the World Cup. hey were also ranked as the top two juniors in KwaZuluNatal in 2009. “For both Greg and I it is a dream to go to the Olympics and being a part of this squad means it is one step closer to achieving our goal. To have the support of Canoeing South Africa has been wonderful and we really hope to do our country proud in the future,” said Maclaren. With the Olympics just over twelve months away, we can only look forward to throwing our support behind the men as they head abroad to do our university and country proud.

Picture: garethsmit.com

UCT Canoeists’ Olympic glory

GOTCHA! – Ikeys centre Marcel Brache is swamped by a strong Maties defence on the Green Mile. UCT went down 35-16 last Monday in their traditional Cape derby against the men from Stellenbosch.

Cricket World Cup: Title Race Continues Sajjad Karamsi

s we head into the inal stages of the Cricket World Cup, it is still virtually impossible to pick out any clear competition favourites. he tournament’s Big Four of India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia are still going strong, and perennial dark horses Pakistan can always pull of a “smash and grab” and emerge with the trophy. An indepth look at the major contenders shows that the next few weeks are going to be an exceptionally exciting afair. he Proteas began with ruthless eiciency, led by strong batting performances from AB de Villiers and good support from their spinners. Debutant Imran Tahir’s emergence

as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers has added extra zing to a formerly pace-heavy bowling attack. As expected, however, in the only high-pressure game the team has played, versus England, there was a predictable collapse. South Africa lost from a seemingly won position, which led to pundits and fans beginning the “chokers” chant. he team choked early, though, and perhaps they’ve got it out of their system now. With the tournament’s most incisive fast bowlers, an extremely talented batting line-up, and their traditionally excellent ielding, they still have every chance

Picture: Gallo Images

The bookies will be having a rough time choosing a clear cut favourite for the title, and rightly so, for no World Cup has been this unpredictable in a long, long time

HOWZAT! – The in-form AB de Villiers will hope to contribute several stellar performances with the bat as South Africa head into the inal stages of the 2011 Cricket World Cup. of winning this World Cup. Almost equally eicient in their performances have been Sri Lanka. Playing all their games with vibrant home support, they too have emerged as strong contenders. he vibrant Sri Lankan crowds have watched gleefully as a strong middle order and a varied bowling attack have led their team to some easy victories

thus far. Despite having an of day against Pakistan, their middle order is extremely strong and with the diversity ofered by the “three Ms”; Murali, Malinga and Mendis, their bowling attack can tear apart any team. With Sri Lanka’s dominance on sub-continental pitches, they too stand out, yet too many “of days” could prove fatal for their hopes.

India, the other host team touted as potential winners, have lots of question marks surrounding their performances at this stage. While their batting line-up is unquestionably the strongest in this tournament, their bowling has let much to be desired. With Zaheer Khan the only reliable bowler in the team capable

of both taking wickets and stemming the low of runs, India remain highly dependent on their batting superstars to lead them to victory. Despite their incredible batting depth, their bowling weaknesses may well be exploited facing the stronger teams in the knockout stages. Unless something changes, their less than incisive bowling may prove to be their downfall. Touted as one of the weaker Australian teams to attend a World Cup in the recent past, the current Aussie outit has shown no proof of any weaknesses. Sticking to their tried-and-tested plan of using three very fast bowlers has worked out well and the return of Michael Hussey to the batting line-up will only please Australian fans. heir Achilles’ heel, however, could turn out to be the lack of spinning irepower in the team. With pitches in the Sub-Continent traditionally being spinners’ tracks, their over-reliance on fast bowlers may prove to be their undoing. However, having won the past three tournaments, if any team possesses the grit to overcome diicult conditions, it’s the Australians. he tournament’s dark horses, Pakistan and England, are displaying a curious yet extremely exciting brand of “Calypso cricket” in this tournament. Pakistan have always had the talent to thrash any team, and if captain Shahid Afridi continues his excellent form, they are virtually unplayable. England have livened up the tournament with their yo-yo performances and, ater winning the last T20 World Cup against all odds, have proven that they too have the resources to challenge for the title. he bookies will be having a tough time choosing a clear cut favourite for the title, and rightly so, for no World Cup has been this unpredictable in a long, long time.

sports 15 AFCON 2012 here we come

CRUNCH TIME – Bafana Bafana will aim to beat Egypt at Ellis Park on 26 March as they work towards AFCON 2012 qualiication.

Picture: Gallo Images

Thabang Letheo When Bafana Bafana were pitted against African powerhouses and reigning champions Egypt in the qualifying draw for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, football critics and fans alike began to write of the team’s chances to qualify for the competition. he 28th edition of the tournament is to be jointly hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. he Egyptians have won the past three African Cup of Nations tournaments, and have won the tournament on a remarkable seven occasions in total. hese stats have the potential to terrify any African opponents who plan to dethrone the “pharaohs”, as they are afectionately known. Bafana Bafana are a team on the rise in African football. Our country successfully hosted the FIFA 2010 World Cup and we narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout stages. What better way to mark our prominent rise than to beat the Egyptians and secure a place in AFCON 2012? he latest FIFA rankings, which were released two weeks ago, have seen South Africa move up to number 46 in the world, their highest position since October 2005 and a massive jump from their position of 90th in April of last year. Bafana will face of against Egypt on 26 March at Ellis Park in

Johannesburg. One thing that Bafana Bafana boss Pitso Mosimane needs to do is to select the correct line-up for this important game. For example, players who are not in form and/or are inactive at their clubs should not even be considered. He also needs to put together the correct blend of form and experience in order to be able to encourage an attacking approach from the word go, thereby maximizing his chances of defeating the Egyptians.

This is the moment Bafana has been waiting for and it is the opportunity to show the world what they are made of he Egyptians have not been in the greatest of form lately ater mediocre results such as losses to Qatar and Niger and a draw with Sierra Leone. Most of the players in the Egyptian team are over 30 as the coach constantly relies on their experience in games. his is a great opportunity for Bafana to take advantage as they currently have a very it team with excellent pace. Mosimane must ensure that in-form attacking players, namely Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Davide Somma and Katlego Mphela start the game and

take centre stage. hese stars need to work together in order to keep the Egyptian defence on their toes as they go in search of a vital victory. Andile Jali, who was man of the match in the last game against Kenya, needs to be slotted into midield alongside the more experienced Kagisho Dikgacoi or Matthew Pattison to ind the right balance. he positive news for Bafana is that all of the team’s attacking players are picking up form at the correct time. Davide Somma is scoring regularly in the Championship for Leeds United and Katlego Mphela has scored ive goals since returning from his self-imposed exile and is now on top of the goal scoring charts. Steven Pienaar is settling well at Tottenham and is gaining vital experience in the Champions League while Kagisho Dikgacoi is inally getting suicient game time at Crystal Palace and recently scored a winner against Cardif as he helps steer his team away from relegation. he upcoming match is a home game for Bafana and they need to be as ruthless as possible. his is the moment Bafana has been waiting for and it is the opportunity to show the world what they are made of. A victory over Egypt would further enhance the team’s chances to qualify for the AFCON in 2012 and it could also serve as a morale booster as we seek to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Shapa Bafana Shapa!

NRL: all you need to know Green light for F1 in Cape Town? 2011 is in full swing and that means the start of another brutal National Rugby League season. he NRL is the premier rugby league competition in Australia where sixteen teams take part in an intense physical sporting battle. In a country where ive diferent codes go head-to-head for supremacy within the sporting realm, the NRL has secured its position as one of the most supported leagues with large crowds and large TV audiences. he game is second only to the Australian Football League and currently trumps the well-known game of rugby union.

the occasional bif is encouraged Rugby League is a game of power, stamina, skill and hard hits. It is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players. he hits are ferocious as shoulder charges are allowed and the occasional bif is encouraged too. As one of the two codes of rugby football, it originated as a split from the Rugby Football Union in England in 1895 over the issue of payments to players. Its rules were then gradually changed in order to produce a more entertaining game that would appeal to spectators. he NRL in Australia is exciting and unpredictable because there is a salary cap. Each club can exercise its discretion in relation to how

much individual players are paid, providing that total payments do not exceed the $4.1m cap. he NRL Salary Cap serves an important function as it assists in “spreading the playing talent” so that a few better resourced clubs cannot simply out-bid less resourced teams for all of the best players. his is obviously the opposite when compared to sports such as international football. he NRL believes that if a few clubs were able to spend unlimited funds, it would reduce the attraction of games to fans, sponsors, and media partners due to uneven competition and more predictable accounts. Most of the sixteen NRL teams are located in New South Wales and Queensland, with additional teams from Melbourne and New Zealand. he 2011 competition draw was announced in October last year. Defending champions St. George Illawarra will begin their premiership defence with four consecutive away games, the irst of which is against the Gold Coast Titans. As with other previous seasons, round one will draw the traditional Queensland derby between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys, the New Zealand Warriors against the Parramatta Eels and traditional round one rivals the Sydney Roosters versus the South Sydney Rabbitohs. he 2011 NRL season will consist of 26 weekly regular season rounds. he season started on Friday and will come to a close on 4 September, followed by four weeks of play-ofs culminating in the grand inal on 2 October.

Kishan Chokkappan Cape Town has put in a bid to host its irst Formula 1 race in 2013. he Cape Town Grand Prix Bid Company has planned to meet F1 boss Bernie Ecclelstone over the upcoming months to discuss the possibility of hosting a F1 race in the Mother City. Since the cost of building a brand new Formula 1 track will be an estimated R4 billion (Esther Henderson, 2011), there is the hope that the prospect of an exciting and challenging street circuit similar to the one in Monaco, rather than beginning an expensive project from scratch, will add to the attractiveness of the bid. he proposed race route would be between the Green Point Stadium and the V&A Waterfront in a 5.3km long street lap. Cape Town streets have already been upgraded due to the FIFA World Cup, but in order to meet FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) standards, a further R100 million will have to be invested to get the existing streets up to standard, though this is a far cry from the R4 billion for a completely new race track. he positive spin-ofs for Cape Town would relate to their hosting an annual sporting event that traditionally garners a lot of public attention, unlike a one-time event like the FIFA World Cup. hus, it is hoped that every year the race would generate a handsome income and draw foreigners into the country, while appeasing local F1 fanatics. he only hassle will be during the 4-day

race weekend when commuters will have to ind alter alternate routes to reach their destinations, though it is expected that four days in a 365-day year shouldn’t cause too much public stress.

The successful FIFA World Cup that was held in South Africa will deinitely beneit our bid to host the 2013 F1 race With a F1 race calendar that is already almost at its 20-race capacity, the bid to host the 2013 F1 race will be challenged by bids from the USA and Russia who are proposing to

join the circuit in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Yet there is no doubt that the Cape Town Grand Prix Bid team will do everything it can to bring F1 to Cape Town’s streets. Moreover, the F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, has expressed his interest in bring F1 back to Africa as the last time that a F1 race was held in South Africa was at Kyalami (Gauteng) in 1993. he successful FIFA World Cup that was held in South Africa will deinitely beneit our bid to host the 2013 F1 race. Should the bid be successful, Cape Town will further root its place as one of the most attractive cities in the world. So F1 fans should get their earplugs ready because it seems highly possible that the streets will roar with F1 ferocity in the not too distant future.

Picture: wikimedia commons

Nick Huxter

START YOUR ENGINES - Cape Town has put forward a bid to host a 2013 Formula 1 race.

Sport Varsity

FIXTURES 10km Memorial Race

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UCT ATHLETICS CLUB

UCT MOUNTAIN & SKI CLUB

20 March 2011

18 - 21 March 2011

For more details contact UCT Sports Admin (021) 650 3564

SPORTS BITES

Cape Argus flies by

Picture: Rudi Botha

FOOTBALL: United trump Arsenal 2-0 and book themselves FA Cup semi-inal spot.

This year’s Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay cycle tour saw a total of 40 000 cyclists from across the globe participate. Spectators lined the streets of Cape Town to throw their support behind family and friends.

Picture: Rudi Botha

Picture: garethsmit.com

CRICKET: South Africa beat India by three wickets in Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

Members of UCT’s Cycling Team wait anxiously at the starting line. Team members included the likes of Laine Alexander, Bruce Hughes, Greig Knox, Frank Adrian, Edwin Mooney, Niklas von Maltzahn, David Humphris,Stephen Middelton and Curt Barnes.

RUGBY: Lions earn irst Super Rugby victory after beating Cheetahs 25-20 in Bloemfontein.

Picture: Gallo Images

Mbalula: University involvement invaluable

Tarryn Steenekamp

porting participation as well as the advancement of sport at a tertiary level should form the very backbone of the sporting industry in South Africa. his the view of newly elected South African Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula, who believes that a country’s sporting success should be

measured by youth involvement. In an exclusive interview with VARSITY Sport, Mbalula shed light on his proposed plans for sporting development in the country and told of Sport and Recreation South Africa’s plans to harness the medium of sport, amongst the youth, in the upcoming years. “We have introduced a six point plan which encapsulates our aim to address sports development in South Africa,” Mbalula explained. “Central to this is the issue of transformation as well as school and university sport. We believe that sport amongst the youth is able to address and rectify a variety of problems that our country faces. “We are currently working with the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders and plan to implement a school sport programme that will also be carried through at a university level and will assist in better unleashing sporting potential.” Mbalula also discussed the research that has gone into developing sport amongst the youth and spoke of the innovative work

done abroad that South Africa will plan to replicate in future. “When you look at how other countries have perfected and strengthened their international sporting status, you will realise that central to their success is the investment paid to school and student sport.”

It is important for us to spend most of our resources on school and tertiary sport to ensure that talent does not go to waste “It is important for us to spend most of our resources on school and tertiary sport to ensure that talent does not go to waste. It is necessary for the private sector to come to the fore and invest in the young talent we have in this country.” he World Conference on Sport, hosted in Durban in late 2010, allowed the youth an opportunity to share their views on sports development and discuss their experiences of worldwide sporting

events such as the Youth Olympic Games. Mbalula believes that the conference was able to bring global issues to the fore and highlighted the need for additional investment in youth sport. “he major factor that emanated from the conference is that we need to acquire large investments into youth programmes across the globe,” he explained. Sport and Recreation South Africa have recently joined forces with the South African Rugby Union and SuperSport in order to promote student participation and support through tournaments such as the Varsity Cup. Mbalula believes this is a wonderful opportunity to expose student talent and give students an opportunity to earn themselves provincial and even national selection. he organisation has also formed strong relationships with Athletics South Africa, Swimming South Africa, the South African Football Association and others in order to ensure that all sporting bodies play a critical role in the growth of sport at a tertiary level.

F1: Fans await irst Grand Prix to get under way in Australia on 27 March.

FOOTBALL: Pirates knock Sundowns out of Nedbank Cup after hard-fought 1-0 victory. Pictures:skysports.com, lickr.com, Wikimedia Commons