2011: Edition 12

Varsity THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

11 October 2011

Volume 70: Number 12

021 650 3543

Moving up the ranks

varsitynewspaper.co.za

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@varsitynews

A Rush of Blood to the Head YELLOW FEVER – British soft rock band Coldplay kicked off their two-show South African tour on Wednesday 5 October at Green Point Stadium.

The band, consisting of lead singer Chris Martin (pictured right), lead guitarist Johnny Buckland, bass guitarist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion, apologised to South Africans for taking 12 years to come to the South Africa, joking that it had taken them “that long to get a visa.” The band also performed at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday 8 October.

Read the concert review on page 10.

Image: michael.currin.co.za

GCI promotes sustainable living Aimee Carelse

F

Jeremy Loops.

Running the duration of the week was TrashBack, an incentivised recycling drive for any old or unused stationery, clothing and textbooks.

aims to alert students to their responsibility of being good consumers TrashBack is a project that was recently established in the Imizamo Yethu Township in Hout Bay. It encourages members of the developing community to

participate in the act of recycling by rewarding the donation of rubbish and unwanted goods.

The collaboration of the GCI with the organisers of TrashBack highlighted the importance and benefits of recycling while prompting the UCT student body to become more actively involved in recycling.

The GCI aimed to appeal to student interests in order to increase their involvement during Green Week. They did this by collaborating with other organisations and student bodies such as the Ikey Tigers, who sported shirts emblazoned with the GCI logo during their warm-ups.

GCI also gave away vouchers and

two tickets to the popular music festival, Rocking the Daisies, as an incentive to participate in the TrashBack drive. Additionally, the Monday Paper, as well as UCTaffiliated websites such as Vula, pledged their support by going green for the week.

This year’s Green Week also served to promote the GCI’s new and existing projects such as RideLink and its new sister project, BikeLink, as well as the Consumer Activism project which aims to alert students to their responsibility of being good consumers in favour of a sustainable environment.

IN THIS ISSUE

rom 3 to 7 October, UCT’s Green Campus Initiative (GCI) hosted a series of events known as “Green Week.” The campaign is held annually to expose students to the critical issue of climate change and to promote environmental sustainability.

The GCI’s primary intention is to emphasise the importance of society’s responsibility in ensuring a sustainable future. “People know about these issues but they don’t realise the extent to which this may affect them,” says Kate Pallet, GCI’s Head of Marketing.

The theme of Green Week this

year is the Seventeenth Conference of Parties (COP17) – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is to be held at the end of this year in Durban.

In its fourth year running, Green Week aimed to create an awareness of environmental issues surrounding climate change, sustainability and biodiversity.

Over the course of the week a series of events were held to bring these issues to light. They included interactive debates and panel discussions, sustainability displays, daily film screenings at The Labia Theatre on Orange and a musical performance on Jameson Plaza by

Dalai Lama protest

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The Pill – for men?

PAGE 7

Africa bids farewell

PAGE 11

Occupy Wall Street

PAGE 11

The New Biscuit Mill?

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

PAGE 13

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news NEWS BITES

Tornado in East Rand JOHANNESBURG – A tornado hit the East Rand on Sunday evening, injuring 166 people and killing at least one person, a young boy who died instantly from a falling wall. The tornado flattened and destroyed houses and trees in its two-kilometre long path. O.R. Tambo International Airport stated that at least six flights were delayed due to the tornado activity.

Eyewitness accounts described the tornado as a storm that was “raining stones.”

—News24

Occupy Wall Street NEW YORK – The “Occupy Wall Street” march, which began last month, has now moved into Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

The movement has defined itself as anti-capitalism, anti-cronyism, and anticorporatism, but critics say the march lacks direction and leadership. Citizen media has also reported instances of police brutality, with police barricading protesters from accessing Wall Street itself.

Work starts for 2011/12 SRC Olivia Wainwright

O

n Saturday 24 September the results of the 2012 Student Representative Council (SRC) elections were released. On Friday 30 September a meeting was held to allocate portfolios for the new SRC. The 2012 SRC has two portfolios more than previous years; the total number of members has been increased from 15 to 17.

The portfolio designation meeting was chaired by Jacques Rousseau of the SRC Elections Committee.

Within two hours, each member had been nominated for a particular portfolio. Members of the new SRC were watched eagerly by members of the outgoing SRC. Before the portfolios were allocated, meetings were set up between the different parties to decide how they would vote. The eight independent candidates met to discuss how they could create the ideal SRC model. With eight independents, they had the voting power to attain their ideal SRC. However, at the last minute, one of the independents decided to align themselves with SASCO.

—Washington Post

Amanda Knox freed PERUGIA – Amanda Knox has been acquitted of murder charges on the grounds of a lack of motive and forensic evidence. Knox was on trial along with her former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, for allegedly murdering her British flatmate, Meredith Kercher.

Crowds outside the courtroom expressed disappointment with the verdict, but Kercher’s family accepted the ruling.

—The Guardian

New Libyan Cabinet decided TRIPOLI – Libya’s National Transitional Council has announced its new cabinet, following the ousting of longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi last week. In February, Libyan rebel groups united against Gaddafi’s 42-year autocratic regime, which now only holds Sirte, Gaddafi’s first and last stronghold over the country. Elections are scheduled to be held in eight months.

—Gulfnews.com

Steve Jobs passes away SAN FRANCISCO – Steve Jobs, founder and chief executive of Apple Corporation, died on Wednesday 2 October. Jobs had been struggling with cancer for nearly a decade, though family has not confirmed this as the cause of his death. Jobs’ death comes a day before the scheduled release of Apple iPhone 5, which has been postponed.

– News24

Michelle October

independent candidates met to discuss ... the ideal SRC model Consequently, five out of eight of the executive positions were taken by SASCO. Included in these positions were President, which went to Insaaf Isaacs, and Vice-President External, which was taken by Mike Ramothwala.

In response to the meeting, Amanda Ngwenya, outgoing

Image: Uwais Razack ELECTED – 2012 SRC President Insaaf Isaacs is congratulated on her new appointment.

President of the SRC, said, “My strong feeling is that the most skilled candidates are in the non-executive positions and that the new members haven’t been put into the portfolios they would best fit into.”

However new President Isaacs said, “Whilst many students think we vote on political lines, I believe we voted people into the portfolios that best suited them. SRC 2012 will be able to stand as a collective, achieve a lot, and transparently justify our decisions.”

The newly elected SRC is currently shadowing the 2011 SRC member in their future portfolio. In the coming weeks, each new SRC member is expected to learn the commitments that their portfolio entails, learn important UCT policies, have an understanding of the committees on which they will be sitting and meet key stakeholders. The group will take on their full responsibilities as SRC 2012 from 1 November this year.

Campus conman caught “Facebook rapist” arrested in Johannesburg Berndt Hannweg In the previous edition of VARSITY newspaper we reported on a conman acting under the name “Kally” who fleeced three Baxter girls of their laptops and cell phones while posing as an events organiser working for MTV Base.

On Wednesday 5 October Thomas Bester was arrested by police in Alberton, Johannesburg following a civilian tip-off.

Bester was wanted for more than 30 cases, including theft, rape and murder.

Known as the “Facebook Rapist”, Bester would contact women on the social networking site and offer them modelling opportunities and contracts. He would then lure them to other locations and cities where he would steal their belongings.

The man, who goes by several other aliases such as Magagula, Young, Mahopo and Kelly was wanted in connection with the rape of two models in Durban, as well as in connection with the stabbing of 26-year-old Nomfundo Tyulu, who was found dead after allegedly meeting Bester in Cape Town.

He is most likely to appear in court in November.

Judges have no agenda against government, says Deputy Justice Chris van der Westhuyzen

O

n Thursday 29 September Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke addressed a packed lecture hall at the University of Cape Town’s annual Claude Leon Human Rights Lecture.

Moseneke’s speech focused on the role of the judiciary in striking a balance between constitutional supremacy and the will of the people.

The Deputy Justice, who has been a member of the Constitutional Court for more than ten years, said that lately there have been questions raised about the legitimacy of the constitution court.

Moseneke was introduced

by Professor Pierre de Vos, who described the Deputy Justice as a “good guy” with upstanding principles.

South Africa’s decision to adopt a constitution was necessitated by the unjust history of the country, said Moseneke. During apartheid, the lack of a constitution meant that Parliament was able to pass oppressive laws. Consequently, he explained, “the people were the victims.”

Moseneke stressed the importance of a democratic constitution, and said that it allows the

people to hold their government accountable. He went on to say that a robust constitution could make the government “stronger, more responsive, predictable, just, consistent and legitimate.”

He assured his audience that it is not only the government that is expected to act in accordance with the Constitution, but that the judiciary is also subject to the rules and norms of constitutional supremacy.

Moseneke argued that the function of the Constitutional Court is “ultimately supportive of democracy,” thus there is “no place for attacks on judges suggesting an arcane, dishonest agenda against the government.”

There is considerable tension between democratic theory and constitutional supremacy, admitted Moseneke. However, he felt that it is a “gross misinterpretation” to suggest that the work of judges undermines the processes of democracy.

The Deputy Chief Justice said that all judges strive to find a “rich equilibrium” between the will of the people and the supremacy of the constitution. Therefore, it is only fair, he argued, that governments should also “respect the rule of law and the high ambitions of our constitution.”

BARRED – Thomas Bester.

SticklersInc Editing Services Proofreading and copy-editing of theses, reports, assignments and dissertations.

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news

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Frustration at refusal Palestine bids for UN membership of Dalai Lama Michelle October T

Image: Olivia Wainwright ENTRY – Protesters gathered to advocate for the Dalai Lama’s visa.

Olivia Wainwright

O

n the evening of Monday 3 October, demonstrators gathered outside parliament as part of a protest to allow the Dalai Lama to enter South Africa. Approximately 200 people gathered for candlelit vigil.

This followed weeks of public outcry in reaction to the South African government’s decision to reject the Dalai Lama’s visa application.

“Let him in now! No pass laws for the Dalai Lama” On the morning of Tuesday 4 October the Dalai Lama cancelled his trip to South Africa. The purpose of his trip to South Africa was to attend Desmond Tutu’s eightieth birthday party on 7 October.

Many have been angered by this situation, not only because of the denial of such a highly esteemed religious leader’s entry into the country, but also because of alleged reasons behind the visa applications denial. Many believe the South African government has denied the visa due to their political relationship with China.

Since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, the Chinese government has put

pressure on countries they associate with to avoid accommodating him.

Kate Muller of Landmark Foundation commented, “I stand for religious freedom and I don’t think commercial gain should interfere with this freedom.” Others felt it was unfair that Desmond Tutu, a man who fought hard for the freedom of this country, should be denied his friend’s presence at his birthday celebrations.

The Civil Society Coalition, with the slogan “Let him in now!

No pass laws for the Dalai Lama” said, “We are also hurt because the SA government has decided to cause unnecessary suffering and inconvenience to the Archbishop, who with others, has given his entire life for our freedom.”

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille also commented, “To deny Desmond Tutu, who fought so hard for this country, the right to have his friend to his birthday party seems particularly mean-spirited.”

Tutu showed his disappointment at the ANC over the visa issue on Tuesday 4 October when he said, “We will pray as we prayed for the downfall of the Apartheid government. We will pray for the downfall of a government that misrepresents us.”

The Dalai Lama has entered South Africa three times since the end of apartheid. The first time his entry was refused was in 2009.

hE UN Security Council has begun consultations concerning Palestine’s bid for UN membership, Al Jazeera reported last week. The bid comes in an attempt to establish Palestine as an independent state, and thus invigorate peace talks between Israel and Palestinian representative groups.

Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, submitted the bid on 23 September this year, saying it is the Palestinian people’s last resort to fruitful peace negotiations.

The US, a devout Israel ally, has already threatened to exercise its veto power should it come to a vote.

The US says that the bid would only hinder peace talks between Israel and Palestine and a two-state ultimate objective. US President Barack Obama was reported as saying, “If

this came to the Security Council we would object very strongly, precisely because we think it would be counterproductive.”

The US is currently in negotiations with other states to persuade them to abstain or vote against Palestine’s bid, in the event of a vote, which would prevent the US from exercising a potentially embarrassing veto.

A council of 15 member nations are deciding how the bid should be dealt with and once a decision is made, the bid will be handed over to a recommending committee.

In order for the bid to pass, a total of nine member states have to vote in favour of it. Thus far, six states have come out in support of the bid, while seven have not yet stated their allegiance. Colombia stated it will abstain from the vote.

The European Union, however, remains divided as to who will vote in favour of the bid. The New York

Times reported that the authority will be severely questioned across the Middle East should each state in the EU vote differently.

At present, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, among others, stand either to abstain or vote against the resolution. France, Spain and Britain show signs of voting in favour of the bid.

The EU has invested economic interests in Palestine, providing up to €1 billion in aid. Since the Arab Spring revolts, the EU has increasingly recognised the need for Palestine to be an independent and recognised state. However, reports state that the US has frozen aid to Palestine in an effort to sway Abbas from the bid.

Israel has slammed the bid saying in a speech to Palestine, “If you want to get to peace, put all your preconditions to the side.”

SRC earnings in question Pasqua Heard

W

ith the introduction of the new SRC, the benefits members receive have come to the attention of several people. Each member of the SRC can receive a total of R6 428 for their seven month period in office if their duties are fulfilled.

The SRC Achievement Awards originally started in 2004 under the name of the SRC Incentive Plan. This involves rewarding the members R918 per month, dependent on them fulfilling their duties.

There are five criteria that the members need to meet to receive their full R918 for the month. The members are required to list the criteria that they have or have not met at the end of each month.

This is assessed by an evaluation team who interview each of the candidates on their performance.

The members lose R306 for each criterion they do not meet. The stipends of members who resign are shared amongst the remaining SRC members.

The funding for the SRC Achievement Awards is provided by the Executive Director: Department of Student Affairs budget.

“The SRC stipends assists the SRC in holding members accountable...”

“The SRC stipends assists the SRC in holding members accountable ... it encourages, in my view, a stronger work ethic but, more importantly, it goes some way in compensating members for some of the expenses from personal funds members incur whilst serving the student body,” said Jerome September, Manager of

Student Development.

Amanda Ngwenya, 2011 SRC President, said that, “Students should not hold the SRC to account because the SRC gets paid. The amount paid is negligible and not in any way proportionate with the work that gets put in by those who do their job. The SRC has the privilege of being able to speak on behalf of students. That is the primary reason for holding the SRC accountable.”

Some students are concerned about the student body being unaware that SRC members receive payment. “Students often don’t care about SRC elections but they should since the SRC are quite literally paid by the students to provide a service,” said a member of a UCT council, who chose to remain anonymous.

“Had students known about this, they would be more encouraged to participate in the election process,” the source continued.

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For more information contact Janine Osman: Email Janine.Osman@uct.ac.za, Tel 021 650-4393, or visit the School of Management Studies website:

www.commerce.uct.ac.za/managementstudies/ pgdiplomas

4

opinions Stephanie Venter

Editorial

Lyndall Thwaits, Deputy Editor

En Pointe

Editor-in-Chief

If you don’t like it, change it!

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Caterina Aldera Managing Editor

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@varsitynewspaper.co.za Office 5.20, Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union

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Rhynhardt Krynauw, Copy Editor One word: To be prepared.

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2012 Collective

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editor Stephanie Venter deputy editor Lyndall Thwaits Copy Editor Rhynhardt Krynauw Managing Editor Caterina Aldera news Olivia Wainwright & Pasqua Heard opinions Berndt Hannweg & Nick Corbett features MarchĂŠ Arends & Thandokazi Hlwatika sport Sajjad Karamsi & Nicole Beale Design Nic Botha images Michael Currin & Gareth Smit web Chris Linegar, Alex Nagel & Carla de Klerk cartoonist Julian Nkuna human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu & Lydia Shilla advertising Kaede Wildschut marketing Andrzej Ogonowski Finance Andrew Montandon OPERATIONS Jodi Edmunds sub-editor Robyn Thomas writers Aimee Carelse, Samantha Jenner, Kylie Marais, Tiffany Mugo, Michelle October, Cady Roberts, Calvin Scholtz, Devashka Vallabhjee, Chris van der Westhuyzen, Tanya Wagner & Lucy Wileman photographers Jonathan van Deventer, LoriRae van Laren & Luke Viljoen Images Interns Uwais Razack & Thabang Serumola Features Interns Liam Kruger, Geraldine McMeekin & Anade Situma Design Takura Wekwete

opinions

FOR

Caterina Aldera

W

ith Twitter and Facebook on the rise, it’s increasingly easy to communicate, even with complete strangers. While governments face the challenge of regulating citizens, companies are struggling to manage their brands amid the chaos of employees’ private comments on social networks.

We’ve recently seen in the news @PigSpotter, or just “Cliff,” a South African who started using Twitter to notify other South Africans of roadblocks and speed cameras. It’s clear that Cliff hasn’t thought about why the cops do roadblocks and trap speeding cars.

His latest tweet resounds with irony: “Pork pulling at corner

De Korte and Jorrisen str as usual just beware fasten your seatbelt and adhere to speed limits, as always.”

Come on, if it was “as always,” why would people need to know where the cops are?

At the same time, @PigSpotter tweets about accidents and traffic jams. This is fairly useful. However, surely that just encourages people to use their cellphones while driving?

How else would they get that information off Twitter and why else would they need it? After years of complaining about the police presence in South Africa and the increasing crimes rates, we should be grateful that they finally seem to be doing their job.

The government has a responsibility to regulate what people say on the internet if certain citizens are putting others in danger.

When police tried to arrest @PigSpotter for “obstructing or defeating justice,” they found it was no easy task to locate someone by only a first name.

On the other hand, employers have found themselves in a legal minefield when it comes to firing employees posting defamatory comments about them on their personal Facebook pages.

Since most companies don’t yet have a social media policy, they can’t legally stop employees from posting comments that might damage their brand in their community. Of course employees should be allowed freedom in the private sphere, but to what extent are Facebook and Twitter really private?

Depending on your privacy setting, anyone can read what you write on Facebook, particularly potential employees and consumers.

Perhaps what it comes down to is a little bit of consideration. If you were an employer, would you like your reputation tarnished at the drop of a hat? And as for you, Cliff, I hope that when a speeding drunk driver hits your car one day, the Pigs are there to help you out.

Electric free speech Government and employers should be allowed to regulate what we say on social media.

Nyasha Kadandara

“

Sam is ditching work to go to the pub!”

Nyasha Likes this status. If the boss doesn’t see this status and Sam has finished at the very least most of his work, whose business is it? What we do on social media sites is not our employers’ business.

I don’t mix business with pleasure, therefore I wouldn’t make my colleagues my friends unless I trusted them. Since I trust them, I will go about saying and doing whatever I feel comfortable with around them.

Makes sense, right?

You were born into this world alone, and you will die alone.

AGAINST

Why should your company loyalties go further than your pay cheque? A company only has so much loyalty for their workers. When you die, there will be an advert for your position next to your obituary. So after a long day’s work, I don’t see why I should remain silent after being overworked and underpaid.

Where is the room for me to rant without my employer retaliating over invisible fine print? It’s not Nonhle Thema’s fault she is a materialistic wannabe-celebrity who blabs about how “little” she earns on Twitter.

Rather, it’s Dark & Lovely’s fault for hiring her to be the face of their product, and then firing her with such haste, when she smeared their name to the twitteratti.

I think it is quite intrusive for employers to be the judge of what you say on the internet. It’s bad enough that corporate cultures transcend work: onto the dinner table, into the bedroom and onto

children’s playgrounds. And now onto our social networks.

In the recent London riots, government employees were jailed for four years for trying to incite street violence through Facebook.

What happened to freedom of expression and association? What happened to the freedom to just be?

Over in Egypt, social media were used in the Arabic revolution, a key factor which was fundamental in organising protestors and meetings that would soon lead to the fall of Mubarak.

If social media poses such a public threat, surely the rules of social media should be addressed in the constitution before they start shoving us in jail cells?

And if you censor the social media, then we’ll have nothing left but reminders of the awful times when we did not have the right to express our more colourful side.

5 Burnt Toast

Berndt Hannweg Opinions Editor

In your honest opinion Take it on the chin, admit you’re wrong, and learn to prepare your argument a little better next time.

Learn also to change your point of view. The only constant is change, and nowhere is that more true than in what you believe. Humans are, by their nature, creatures of duality, and believe that extreme positions exist. There are no areas of black and white, only murky greys.

Passion and conviction are good for debating, but they are poor substitutes for actual research. If Too often we enjoy the you’re going to subject everyone comfort of opinion without the else to your opinion, put in the comfort of thought,” said John F. hours and do the leg-work. If Kennedy, and, as the winner of the you don’t, all it takes is one smug biggest popularity contest in the snake to point out that, “actually, free world, he would know.

Thomas Edison didn’t invent the Having an opinion is easy. light bulb,” and your point lies Everyone has one. In fact, in ruins. everyone has several. Loudly, This is not to say that you at length, and sometimes shouldn’t have an opinion. In fact, tragically misif you don’t have informed. an opinion about The refrain “I Justifying an most things, have a right to my opinion is more you’re either a difficult. It’s all fine opinion” needs to be freak or very, very and well saying apathetic. Which examined that Angelina brings me, in a Jolie’s movies roundabout way, are corrupting the spongy moral to the point of this column: centres of our youth, but until Look at the top of the page. you develop a logical line of “Opinions,” it says. On this page, reasoning that shows why that it it’s mine, but on the other pages it is, or show actual, sexy scientific really should be yours. This year, proof that the She-Devil really is the section was managed by the warping young minds, then what vivacious and outgoing Tiffany you have isn’t an opinion. It’s Mugo, and the next year it will a feeling. be me.

The refrain “I have a right to my Naturally, this seamless transopinion” needs to be examined – ition from excitable black chick and fast – because it is being used to a white guy who only recently by people who think that it means learnt that you shouldn’t wear “I have the right to be loud without pants around your navel won’t putting any effort into actual make that much of a difference, thought.” The planet has enough because it isn’t us who writes noisy, stupid people as it is. the articles.

Let me be clear when I say So send ‘em in. We can’t that while I dislike being proved guarantee a spectacular 2012, or wrong, I’ve come to accept that it is even a cogent one, but we can an inevitable situation, particularly promise one thing. It’s certainly if you like to argue as much going to be interesting. as I do.

Bazinga!

“

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6

opinions

Facebook: Welcome to Google+ Stephanie Venter

division between “recent stories� and “top stories since your last visit� and a mini-feed that must be any stalker’s wet dream. “Introducing Timeline� declares Facebook, allowing users a preview of yet another major change scheduled for the near future. Hang on, didn’t we just go through quite a drastic change?

People were upset. Users didn’t exactly keep their thoughts to themselves about the new changes, to no avail. And just when we’d all have gotten used to (or have been forced to deal with) these changes, it seems there will be more‌ People will get upset and then they will quieten down. However, I do not remember past changes being implemented as often as they seem to these days.

When Google+ came onto the scene a few months ago, no one took them seriously. Gmail is cool, everyone uses Google, but my

perception of the Google brand was as a business-orientated search tool rather than as something I’d want in my social life. That was what Facebook was for.

But the reviews started coming in, and they were surprisingly positive.

Developers of Google+ seemed to care about users’ privacy (no doubt mainly in observation of the outrage from Facebook users), and after two failed attempts (Google Wave and Google Buzz?) I suppose they had to have learnt something.

I can’t help but view the spate of recent, apparently unilateral changes at Facebook in terms of Google+’s emergence. Is Facebook worried? It seems so. But in trying to become bigger, better, and cooler that Google+, they may see many users jumping ship.

Don’t worry about being more popular than Google+, Facebook: you already were.

Real(?)ity TV

store? Will Coach be able to make it through the entire season 18 of Survivor and not tell one single lie?

Will Trista be second time lucky on The Bachelorette season one?

That sense of anticipation never really ceases and has us coming back for more.

Watching reality TV gets a lot of flak, and is accused of dumbing down our generation. You know the drill: “So you know when Kim Kardashian’s wedding is, but what do you know about the Secrecy Bill?�

I don’t believe that we are really

I

like Facebook. Having never really known Myspace (who wants to pick their own background ,really?), I’ve always been quite content with Facebook. It worked for me, its features were pretty cool, all my friends (and later family too) had a profile: the machine worked well.

Enter Google+, stage left. I suppose it’s too much to hope that one social network could reign supreme for too long – look what happened to Myspace – but I would just like to know if Facebook really has to make it as easy for Google+ as they seem to be.

As I’m sure many of you reading this will know, Facebook rolled out some hefty changes recently.

Gone is the focus on status updates, friends’ activities, and apps.

Instead the new home page features alarmingly large photos, some weird

Tanya Wagner

T

he tribe has spoken, so please pack your knives and go, as you have been eliminated from the race.

Auf Wiedersehen.

Chances are you know at least one of these, right? Love it or hate it, reality television is here, and hopefully to stay. May there be more years of watching people put themselves out there for love, adventure, weight loss or the career of their dreams. It has nothing to do with money or fame, of course.

Now, as big a fan as I am, I am willing to admit that there is a major cheese factor involved. Firstly, we are being conned by the name alone.

There is nothing real about being stranded Crusoe-style on an island replete with camera crew and host with dimples up to his ears. Keeping up with the Kardashians couldn’t be more contrived.

The tag lines are mocked in everything from movies and TV shows, to stand up comedy and cartoons. “You’ll still have your wedding, it just won’t be perfect.�

Come on, are you kidding me? That’s just begging to be mocked.

There are occasions where it’s too embarrassing to even mention. It’s okay to admit you watch the usual Emmy-nominated stuff like Survivor, Project Runway or the Amazing Race, but talk about The Bachelor, Bridalplasty or The Biggest Loser and it’s... Actually, I don’t think you do talk about it!

Instead, you just sit there quietly and eat a huge helping of your favourite snack while watching the ladies in their tights and tank tops nervously approach the scale to determine their fate.

And this could be the very reason we love it. Or love to hate it. I think that the allure of reality TV is simple: we want to see what happens next, and whether we were right about the outcome.

Will the Top Chef season two contestant, Otto, get disqualified for not paying for the ingredient at the

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the first generation to obsess over trivialities rather than serious issues.

Did the youth in the 1950s pay more attention to the implications of Fidel Castro coming to power in Cuba than to Elvis? Methinks not.

There will always to be trivial, mindless, yet fun distractions on life. However, I am a firm believer that you can have it both ways. You can know that Kim K wore three wedding dresses, all which were beautiful/ugly/classy/tacky (take your pick), and know the purpose and importance of Cop17.

DISCLAIMER The VARSITY Opinions section is a vehicle for expression on any topic by members of the university community or other interested parties.

The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY Collective or its advertisers.

Letters to the editor should be a maximum of 350 words and can be sent to: opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

opinions

7

Pill poppin’: A male contraceptive Tiffany Mugo

“B

aby, are you on the pill?”

Those words may soon be uttered not by men, but by women.

Rumour has it that there may soon be a contraceptive for men taking a great deal of the pressure off women.

From what I have heard, forgetting to take the pill is not cool.

If we can bring the condoms you can take your pill This is probably a good time to lay out the reason most girls will be happy to hear that the burden of the pill may be shared. First and foremost: the side effects. Some women gain weight, some get spots.

Some get extremely moody (Yes, that is a real thing, and not to be messed with).

There is also breast tenderness and enlargement, nausea and vomiting, changes in sex drive (usually in the form of a decrease), bloating and headaches. Secondly, that “Surprise,

Image: garethsmit.com we’re pregnant” will no longer be just our fault.

Thus one can see why we would want to share this “joy” with the boys.

But this isn’t the only reason. Having two people within a relationship on the pill significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. If she forgets to take it’s okay; he took his this morning.

There is also a weird sense of

liberalisation and equality within it.

The burden of family planning will soon be shared. The issue will no longer be, as one friend of mine puts it, “a woman’s job.” If we can bring the condoms you can take your pill.

All this notwithstanding, some people may get reckless. Apparently our generation fears the shame of pregnancy more than AIDS and

other STDs. Now that the chances of being pregnant may be greatly reduced men may start handing it out like hot cakes…without the wrapping.

Conversations like “but it feels more natural” may become more frequent. With the primary fear of pregnancy eliminated people may be more liberal with their goodies

R E E R A C R YOU PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN VARSITY speaks to MONIQUE HELLENBERG – Professional Musician – Bachelor of Music You are currently in the fortunate position of being a successful performing artist. Can you describe your journey thus far?

I was fortunate to have studied music from a young age. Sadly, when I was in Matric, my twin sister passed away, and this was to impact much of the music I was to perform & write in years to follow. After finishing high school, I studied jazz music at UCT, and began sing with various bands and began to teach jazz singing on a private basis.

After University I started teaching at the Jazz Workshop & Pinelands High School on a parttime basis. I was selected for the Standard Bank National Youth Big Band in 2006, and was selected for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2007, and won the prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarship for Singers Competition during that same year.

Later that year, I entered the Cape Town’s Got Talent Competition, and managed to be selected as one of the Top 12 Finalists. It led me to realise that I needed more singing lessons and to get my voice properly back into shape after not having had lessons for a couple of years.

In May 2009, I sang at the SAMA Awards with Goldfish, as the song we recorded together, “This Is How It Goes” had been nominated for a SAMA Award. After recording my debut CD single, “Imagine (Chocolate Diamonds In The Sky)” in 2010.

I decided to teach again in 2011. Soon after making that decision, I received a call from Amanda Tiffin saying that they were looking for another vocal teacher at UCT, and I got the job.

I am still performing jazz gigs at functions & at a couple of venues in Cape Town.

I am finding it challenging and exciting to manage my teaching career, jazz performance & original music performance career at the same time. I also truly enjoy being able to have more than just one subject to focus on, so it makes life more interesting!

Which skills and personal qualities have contributed to your success?

Passion, friendliness, politeness and honesty.

Have contracts: I’m always very pedantic when it comes to having to sign these. It’s important because it helps me to protect myself & my music. Create your own Terms and Conditions for every gig. Also, be creative and have fun.

What challenges have you encountered?

I think the main problem that I’ve encountered is that there are so many grey areas in the music industry. I tend to favour the use of contracts wherever possible. This too can be challenging, because many people prefer to operate in the “grey” zone, because it works to their benefit not to be held liable for anything.

It can be challenging to maintain some type of regular salary whilst only performing jazz gigs,

and sometimes I find it challenging to maintain a love for music during those times when I depended solely on gigs for a living.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement(s) thus far?

Winning the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition prize in 2007, recording a no. 1 Hit with Goldfish in 2009, and writing my own music from 2008. Also, recording my Debut Single & hearing it played on the radio in 2010 and my teaching job at UCT feel like huge achievements.

What jobs have you held previously?

I have taught Singing part-time at Pinelands High School and at the Jazz Workshop, Classical Piano at Rustenburg Girls’ High, and I am currently teaching Jazz Singing on a parttime basis at UCT. In retrospect, what advice can you give to performing arts students?

Don’t give up! Do what you love, but also be smart and business-wise. Perhaps take up a course in financial management, marketing or business as well to assist you in achieving your dreams of being a performing artist more easily and effectively.

ices v r e S s r e e r a u n it ie

C

p o rt a d vi ce • o p in fo rm a ti o n • T DE VE LO PM EN ED UC AT IO N R HI GH ER CE NT RE FO

www.careers.uct.ac.za • 021 650 2497 • Ground floor, Hoerikwaggo, North Lane

causing an increase in a whole host of STDs and STIs. Frankly, I don’t know if the idea will take off. I’m not sure men can handle the ups and downs of regulating one’s reproductive system.

Women have been dealing with the negative effects of being womanly for decades. When “Aunty Flo” comes to visit, it is not nice. Childbirth, not nice. Menopause, not nice.

The most men have had to deal with was that awkward wet dream phase. Maybe impotence one day.

I’m not sure they can handle the aforementioned side effects. But, chances are, men will get the “super pill” with no side effects.

At the end of the day one cannot deny this will all lead to better global crowd control. It will be a large step towards making both partners more responsible for their respective futures rather than placing the onus on the woman. There will be less conversations of the “she is trying to trap me for my money” nature.

Truth be told, it is a burden we women are willing to share. I must say, though, that what I am most surprised by is that men are actually willing to consider something that messes with their, um, man flow.

CAREERS CALENDAR OCTOBER Career Talks The next round of talks will take place after the final exams, from 14 – 16 November.

Opportunities Presentations Wednesday, 12 October: SA Navy Reserve Training Presentation – Engineers only Leslie Social 3A, 13h00 – 14h00 Consult our Career Portal for a list of bursary/scholarship, vacation or graduate opportunities.

Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/careerportal

*Register on our mailing list to receive updates about events and opportunities.

Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/reg *Find us on Facebook: @University of Cape Town Careers Service and on Twitter: @UCT careers

VARSITY Report Card 2011

Azhar Desai Web Editor

Compiled by Nyasha Kadandara

Nyasha Kadandara Editor-in-Chief

Caterina Aldera HR Manager

Gareth Smit Photographer

At the risk of being completely offensive: for a computer whizz, Azhar is funny! And he dresses well. We were impressed. His quiet charm made our meetings bearable, and his tech-wizardry helped get our website where it is today.

How to describe Nyasha? Let’s see: paper shredder, facial expression expert, truth speaker, dancing queen, super woman, the glue that held this collective together.

She is going places.

Sheldon “Whoops – We mean Berndt” Hannweg Deputy Opinions Editor

Tiffany Mugo Opinions Editor One thing’s for sure – Cat knows how to lay down the law. She has a dark side, though: I’ve heard more than one “that’s what she said” leave her mouth.

Still, don’t mess with her.

I like his bag, hair, beard, pants, etc.: it will never end! We were fortunate to steal this Independent Newspapers photographer for our own nefarious purposes. Thanks so much for helping us out far beyond your role!

Nicole Beale Deputy Sports Editor

Thandokazi Hlwatika Deputy Features Editor

Marché Arends Features Editor

Michael Currin Chief Photographer Don’t on’t pick your o r nose or pull p ll out o your wedgie because Michael WILL be there to capture that moment forever.

Candy Peck Operations Manager

Thando is pretty and fashion-forward. Say what you want but that weave is immaculate and beneath that shining exterior is an expert organiser that has helped run a beautiful, well-balanced Features section. If you ever needed a fashion feature or to know ‘what’s hot’ on campus, Thando is your girl.

Sizwe Moago Advertising Manager

The word “weasel” asel” will never mean the th same thing to us ever again. We would watch a TV show with her in it. Seriously, she would make so much money if she just filmed herself.

One concern: her newfound addiction to Twitter. Ciss, Tiff!

We think we need an interfriendtion. Positive vibes abound whenever Tiff’s around.

After years of life in the darkest corners of Menzies, Chris is trading robots and light bulbs for people, constantly breaking the record for amount-of-people-interactedwith-per-day for any UCT Engineer.

Battling with the tech-impaired VARSITY team was challenging, but he’s still here!

Chido Mpemba HR Manager

Though usually all calm and collected, collected Nico Nicole is not to be messed with. She works hard and it takes a tough woman to make it in a traditionally male-dominated field. In fact, we’re not entirely sure who really runs the Sports section because we suspect Nicole has something of a hidden talent for puppeteering. Who really wears the pants in this section?

He wears suits in the office like it’s the UN, which makes us feel so honoured in his presence. He plays a serious game, but deep down we know he’s a big ball of teddy bears and angel wings.

And by the way Berndt, we know there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Why do you keep giving us fizzers? WHAT IS YOUR MASTER PLAN?

Chris Linegar Web Editor

Although perpetually “on the edge,” Marché has managed to come up with topics (despite Opinions always getting in her way) and produce a Features section to be envied. Plus she is genuinely very nice, almost uncomfortably so. In the words of Mj: “Don’t stop, till you get enough!”

Despite her troubles with Accountancy, her eye for detail keeps the VARSITY office running, though smoothly may not be the word... Also, she’s a proud Ikey!

“I’m a Diva.” She is the female version of a hustler, was often absent but always made a memorable flashing appearance, when she did pop by.

Nic Botha Design Editor The Darklord. Nic generally sighs hs at paragraphs which are too long, articles which are over 400 words and headlines which are more than 3 words long, especially on the front page. Nic’s dry humour keeps people guessing and we’ve had “those awkward moments.” Minions, beware!

Lyndall Thwaits Deputy News Editor

Tina Swigelaar Conference Co-ordinator This silent, but non-violent, ads man kept the big bucks rolling in – it’s a pity that UCT admin went and lost it all. Thanks, Sizwe!

Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor

Nkosiyati Khumalo Deputy Editor

Beyonce vs Rihanna – the eternal battle. To be honest, we think he’s more diva than both of them combined. His absence from the office in the past few months has been sorely missed. Most of all we miss his alter egos – Rodney the mischievous 10-year old boy and Shaniekwa* (cue snapping of fingers).

Rhynhardt Krynauw Sub-Editor This is ‘70s – we e mean ‘80s – bab baby definitely spiced things up in the office this year. This man is a beast of Spanish love! ¡Ay caramba!

Please note: This text (and the takeaway menu at Steers) has been excessively checked for spelling and grammar errors by R. Krynauw.

Sometimes it’s good to set boundaries with your kids, such as, “NO, you may not ask that question, Sajjad!” or “Because I said so, Sajjad.” Although he literally has no Politically Correct filter, he’s good at letting HR practise their job!

Lyndall is a DIY queen: she has a first aid kit on hand, is bursting with toast, niknaks and chocolate! From SHAWCO to ballet, editing VARSITY to neuropsych lectures, no one knows how she fits it all in, but wow she does! And flipping well! We’d like to know your secret!

Liam Kruger Staff Writer

Rémy Ngamije Marketing Manager T words Two d d describe ib Rémy: Old Timer. He’s been in the collective for four years and has the worst letting-go issues ever. The future VARSITY collective 40 years from now will listen for the shuffle of his cane as he scuttles into the office demanding a computer as the ex-editor of VARSITY… 41 years ago. He is a VARSITY Newspaper design pioneer. He still a rude, classless, tactless oaf. But we can’t blame him, he is clearly burdened by genius.

An avid d ffarmer armer on Facebook, Faceb Tina is also known for her telephone answering voices which range from the sexy VARSITY tone to her chatting voice with her mum. And, despite past troubles, perpetually leaving her Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail accounts open in the office. Tina is the mommy of the organisation, homecooked goodies included! Don’t leave us! Who will fight through hordes of bureaucrats when you’re gone?

Stephanie Venter News Editor We have never seen en anyone type faster faster or abu abuse a mouse like she can – it’s a blessing and a curse. She responds to your email almost before you’ve sent it! An English major prone to overanalyse ‘Chicken or fish?’ and traumatise a certain highly opinionated Finance major. She’ll be our Head Honcho next year, so watch this space!

Liam’s stealthy entrances pre-empt his lowvoiced musings and accurate judgments of the often bizarre happenings in the VARSITY office. Given his broodiness and lanky build, it is hard to believe that he is a vegetarian.

10

features

REVIEWS

Game review: Gears of War 3 Kylie Marais 

T

he highly-anticipated Gears of War 3 was released on Tuesday 20 September, selling over 3 million copies within the first week. This action-packed third-person shooter is the third and final installation in the Gears of War trilogy, which was first launched by Microsoft Game Studios in 2005.

The developers, Epic Games, are also known for games such as Bulletstorm and Infinity Blade, as well

as the popular shareware game, Jazz Jackrabbit (1994). They have clearly come a long way.

Gears of War 3 picks up from Gears of War 2 and sees the main character, Marcus Fenix and his COG (Coalition of Ordered Governments) team, continuing their struggle to save humanity from the overpowering locust hordes.

Without revealing too much of the plot, rest assured that Gears of War 3 outdoes its predecessors by far, boasting spectacular lighting and a much more vibrant colour palette, while fine-tuning its graphics to near

perfection. New weapons have also been added in the sequel to enhance your grub-killing fun; these include the Digger Launcher, a gun that plants grenades below your enemies, and the Silverback, which is a suit fitted with a rocket lancher and a Gatling gun.

Sorry, PlayStation and Wii supporters: the only downfall is that Gears of War is strictly available on one platform: Xbox 360. It’s not too late for a change, though.

Therefore, with improved graphics, better gameplay, a wider selection of improved weapons and an additional blonde bombshell to play as, Gears of War 3 promises 15– 20 hours of exciting gaming. Don’t

Image: flickr.com/dekuwa

worry, though, because when these hours run out, you’ll have plenty more competitive multiplayer hours to savour.

Fraaaaaaaag out!

Disclaimer: Gears of War 3 contains strong language, intense violence, blood, gore and hours of chainsaw madness!

Coldplay in concert “2011 grade 3/6 marking” In October the Schools Development Unit (SDU) in the School of Education at UCT will be administering mathematics and language tests to all Grade 3 and 6 learners in the province.

The SDU is seeking to employ suitable postgraduate students on a short-term basis between 12 and 28 October 2011 to assist in the marking of these tests.

Remuneration will be based on the number of scripts

Image: michael.currin.co.za

Anade Situma

marked.

Requirements:

Minimum second year pass in Mathematics or Language (either English, Afrikaans, or isiXhosa) Please provide contact details (including name of tertiary institution at which you are enrolled) to: Hayley.eyssen@uct.ac.za, who can be contacted at 0216505874/3850 for further information.

On Wednesday 5 October, Coldplay performed on African soil for the first time, and they did not disappoint. Amid fears that the band would plug their new album, Mylo Xyloto, to be released on 24 October, as opposed to playing their older more renowned tracks, they managed to strike a pretty good balance.

Sport Spor Sp or Management and Tourism Management are just two of tthe he highly regarded postgraduate diploma courses offe of offered fere red d by UCT’s School of Management Studies.

Each of these intensive one-year courses comprises common core areas of study that encompass the fundamental principles of marketing, finance, information systems, business thinking and strategy, communication and career development. Giving you some impressive management skills that will immediately enhance your employment prospects and career options.

This business acumen is combined with expert knowledge and experience in the specialist area, including guest lectures, a real-life project and an internship.

Sport Management covers the bases of sports management and administration and the economics of sport, as well as sports medicine and physiology.

Everyone wants to go to a concert where they can sing along to their personal favourites, so it was cool to hear some of the tracks off the older albums that weren’t released as singles. A few more wouldn’t have hurt!

The show itself was very well put together. The lighting and colour used were exceptional. From the visuals on stage, to the enormous colourful balloons bouncing around the audience, to the fireworks, it was

a spectacle. Kudos to Chris Martin and the boys; the energy, emotion and charisma that they put into their performance took it to the next level.

When you are in a crowd of 50 000 singing words like “if you love me won’t you let me know” from the bottom of your very being, it is mind-blowing. Coldplay is personal. They are the playlist you put on when you are at your lowest.

This is what makes their concerts life-changing; everyone comes to their concerts with their individual emotional baggage.

You can’t be at a Coldplay concert and forget the girl that shattered your heart, or that event that caused you to lose everything back when you “used to rule the world.”

Coldplay songs are about life, and just making it through the day. And so, along with 50 000 people, you sing your heart out to the soundtrack of the events that shaped you, appreciating the band that helped put you back together when the world beat you down.

Tourism Management introduces the most current u rent urre ur nt practices and advancements in this exciting, broad a ad and ever-evolving industry. This includes tourism theory and systems, responsible tourism and hospitality and event management.

TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION, ALL YOU NEED IS AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN ANY AREA. A A. Applications close end October each year.

For more information contact Janine Osman: Email Janine.Osman@uct.ac.za, Tel 021 650-4393

www.commerce.uct.ac.za/managementstudies/pgdiplomas

features

CURRENT AFFAIRS

11

Africa bids farewell to Wangari Maathai Kylie Marais “In the world there is a new collective force of people mobilising around the issue of peace but linking it to the need to protect the environment. But we must assert our collective vision and responsibility to shape that peace not only for our country but also for the whole of Africa.”

Mini-Beijing Women’s Conference, Nairobi, 1995

M

any women in traditional, rural areas of Africa continue to be subjugated by society. This, however, was not the case with Wangari Maathai. Instead, Maathai was a determined African woman who achieved many firsts throughout her life and who was not afraid to stand up to societal norms.

Apart from being the first African woman in Central and East Africa to earn a doctoral degree, as well as the first African woman to head a department in a Kenyan University,

Maathai was also the first African woman to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Born in a rural village in Kenya, Maathai made full use of her educational opportunities to the point where, in 1956, she ranked first in her class and, as a result, was granted admission to the only female Catholic high school in Kenya. Four years later, Maathai became one of approximately 300 Kenyan students to receive a scholarship to attend a university in the USA. Maathai obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and completed her Master’s degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh, where her interest in environmental issues ultimately began. In 1971, she received her Doctorate from the University College of Nairobi.

Maathai’s exposure to environmental restoration during her years at the University of Pittsburgh led her to begin the Green Belt Movement in 1977. The mission of the movement was to “mobilise community consciousness using tree planting as an entry point for self-determination, equity,

improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation.”

Maathai’s vast contributions towards environmental affairs paid off greatly, as merely a month after she had been elected into Parliament in December 2002, Maathai was named Deputy Minister of the Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife by current President

making her the first African woman to receive the prestigious award…

African population.” In addition to her unorthodox beliefs, Maathai had also fervently campaigned against the Kenyan African National Union regime who had intended to erect a skyscraper in the Uhuru reserve park, Nairobi. Her determination to preserve the environment ultimately resulted in her winning the battle.

Due to her bravery in standing up against society, Maathai earned her title as a respected leader in society.

Wangari Maathai, who died of cancer on 25 September, will be greatly missed. She was 71.

Maathai’s victories became those

of the continent. She was, and will remain, an inspiration for African women and the African continent as a whole.

While the unique attributes and qualities of Maathai cannot be replaced, efforts have been put into place to continue her work within the Green Belt Movement, in addition to the development of similar organisations. Maathai therefore leaves behind a hope for an improved Africa and will be remembered for her dedicated service to the continent.

Mwai Kibaki. In 2004, she was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace,” as well as her work with the Kenyan women through her Green Belt Movement.

Nevertheless, soon after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, controversy arose when it was reported that Maathai had claimed that HIV/ Aids was “deliberately created by Western scientists to decimate the

Wall Street: the protests shooting of Mark Duggan by London Metropolitan police officers – although again, the extent of the riot’s violence can be attributed to a demographic’s collective frustration at being ignored and remotely abused by an authority that seems to govern, rather than represent. To be clear – the riots were violent, needless, and counterproductive, but they came about from poor governance.

American citizens are taking democratic cues from the Middle East

Image: flickr.com/eyewash

Liam Kruger

T

he past couple of months have seen remarkable acts of protest against governmental institutions; the anti-austerity protests in London earlier this year, the Arab Spring, and most recently the occupation of Wall Street by those dissatisfied by the extent of corporate influence over American politics, and the perceived failure to take responsibility, legal or otherwise, for the economic crisis.

American citizens are taking democratic cues from the Middle East. The use of social media to organize the peaceful protest is a practice borrowed from the Cairo protests in Tahrir Square, which led to the Egyptian revolution. The aims of the Wall Street protestors are not so grand, but calls for structural

economic reforms have been made, amid insistence that the disparity of wealth distribution comes largely as a result of Wall Street’s misdeeds.

One of the consequences of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 was the muting of any form of protest in America against the status quo. This is ceasing to be the case and an educated but disenfranchised populace broadcasts its discontent. Around a hundred arrests have been made, and dozens of blog posts and YouTube uploads depict or describe protestors being pepper-sprayed or cuffed without any clear indication as to why; the protests have been largely peaceful, as the protests organizers have been at pains to emphasise on their website and Twitter account.

Police action, of course, is what sparked off the London riots in late August, subsequent to the

These were the same issues which motivated the protest in Cape Town against the unenforceable Secrecy Bill that had been pushed through Parliament. Even more fantastically, the protests were successful, to an extent; the bill was stalled, momentarily. It’s a small victory – the specific implications of the Secrecy Bill aside, surely there is more general discontent with a government less concerned with enacting its electorate’s will than pursuing its own interests.

Whether or not that discontent is actionable remains to be seen; Wall Street is, after all, still doing its thing, three weeks of protest notwithstanding. 700 arrests have been made on the people protesting an oligopoly of financial institutions.

This is bad for civil liberties in the short term, but it’s an important wake-up call for a nation that needs to learn to distinguish between the enforcers and the state itself.

People, for the time being, remain frustrated, and disenfranchised, but, increasingly, people are voicing these frustrations.

People are listening. This is progress.

Image: afro-bits.org

12

features

Death of the novel have in their bag. Surely, though, the real thing is so much more satisfying? To turn the final page of a novel and know that reading it was an experience, a journey which allowed the reader to be transported somewhere where the radiation from the technology surrounding us does not exist and our lifestyles are not threatened.

Some lecturers at UCT are now using Kindles for their lecture notes; helpful, because entire lectures can be put onto the device and the lecturers do not have to be concerned with printing everything out. Practical, yet as Imraan Coovadia from the English department has noted, technology is slowly but surely taking up all of our time.

Geri McMeekin

W

ho would have thought that hundreds of thousands of novels, from the classics to teen romances, would be able to fit into something smaller than a magazine? It seems impossible, yet the Kindle is now taking the literary world by storm.

But what will happen to all the books? Will our rich, expansive libraries be reduced to computer stations? And will no-one miss that “old book” smell, and the feel of pages that have been turned by innumerable people over the years?

If the answer from the modern world is a resounding “no,” then consider the historical implications of reducing books to museum artefacts or decorations in the local Slug and Lettuce. What we

leave to our children will shape the minds of the future, and the amount of technology by which we are surrounded today also directly correlates with the increasing health problems that arise. Obesity, brain tumours and carpal tunnel syndrome are all products of the overuse of technology.

The rise of the Kindle has become so pervasive that even the bedtime story is at risk – turning the pages of a favourite picture book may soon be reduced to staring at another screen. We call this development, but the previous age was so much more enriching.

Reading a book is supposed to be a pleasure, not something that needs to be made easier through technology.

It is understandable that the Kindle is much lighter to carry around than the ton of books that one may want to constantly

image: mayakaloyanova.blogspot.com

Liam Kruger

S

...reducing books to museum decorations in the local Slug and Lettuce Image: michael.currin.co.za

Life without Steve

“Mostly I worry that technology takes over our attention and leaves very little for books.” says Coovadia, “Books are good at filling empty space and empty time, but email, twitter, and Facebook are even more effective and simply preempt the possibility of reading. It’s actually good to have empty time, an empty soul, an empty mind, because that’s the beginning and sometimes the end of all wisdom.

The web makes too sure that we’re never empty in that way.”

So forgo the lighter, “easier” Kindle, and experience the real thing. Books are important.

Readers should not feel that the experience of reading needs to be updated or altered in any way, the act of reading is an escape. We do not want to birth a generation of people constantly seeking a way out from something that isn’t difficult in the first place; we need to be challenged in order to grow.

teve Jobs is dead. His legacy continues in the company that he built, and the products that he presented to the world. Even so, a vacuum has been left in his wake. Who will take his place, as the central figure in the world of technology – the name and face that everybody knows?

Tim Cook, Jobs’ immediate successor at Apple is one thought; there is a certain continuity, at least, in having Apple’s CEO be the individual that we identify with the heart of technological progress. Yet, as Apple’s plummeting share prices following Cook’s failure to announce the iPhone 5 last week will attest, there is a sense that, while Jobs was the absolute head of Apple, leading it where he felt it needed to go, Cook is merely the company’s figurehead, running it with no more charisma than any other CEO would.

We could look too to Erich Schmidt, CEO of the goliath Google – with whom Apple has had, and continues to have, an on-again off-again relationship.

Certainly, Schmidt is a giant of

internet policy whose decisions greatly affect almost every technology user out there.

But Schmidt has been that giant for years – and pioneers generally don’t come from the incumbent ranks.

Mark Zuckerburg is another candidate; the shift that we’ve seen from innovation to hardware to innovation with software, particularly social networking platforms, would be well represented in having the world’s attention shift from the maker of Apple to the maker of Facebook. But again, Zuckerburg has already made his mark, and a mild change to the news feed hardly constitutes innovation.

The question, of course, is a wrong-headed one; we will not see “another Steve Jobs.” But if we’re looking for another such pioneer, somebody who’ll be having the kind of impact that Jobs has had, we’d be better suited to look not in corporate boardrooms, but in the garages and basements of the world – garages like the one where, not four decades ago, a young Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first rudimentary models of what would become the Apple Mac computer.

Study in London Presentation Distinguish yourself

Johannesburg: Tuesday 11th October at the Da Vinci Hotel and Suites, 2 Maude Street c/o 5th Street, Sandton 7pm Undergraduate Study 8pm Postgraduate Study Cape Town: Wednesday 19th October at the Grand Daddy Hotel, 38 Long Street, Cape Town 7pm Undergraduate Study 8pm Postgraduate Study

This presentation will provide information on programmes of study, the application process, our scholarship opportunities and life in London.

King’s College London is a research-led institution in the heart of London and ranked as one of the top 30* universities in the world.

To register for the event and for more information please email: catherine.eames@kcl.ac.uk *QS World University Rankings, 2011

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a King’s Fellow since 1978

www.kcl.ac.uk/southafrica

features

ARTS & CULTURE

13

Coming down to Middle-earth Calvin Scholtz

T

wo very important things are happening in New Zealand right now: one is the staging of the Rugby World Cup 2011, and the other is the long-awaited filming of the prequel to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit.

Following the trend set by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the film will be released in two parts, scheduled for December 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The films have been in the pipeline since The Return of the King cleaned up at the 2004 Oscars, but it had been delayed by legal disputes between director Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema. For a while, it looked as though the film would go ahead with a cast and crew that fans would not have approved of, but eventually an agreement was reached where Jackson would serve as producer and Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) as director.

However, following Del Toro’s

sudden resignation, Jackson has agreed to take the lead and direct both films, collaborating with the same award-winning crew that made The Lord of the Rings successful. Sir Ian McKellen will return as the wizard Gandalf, and taking on the role of the young Bilbo Baggins

It is envisaged that The Hobbit will end where The Fellowship of the Ring begins (the titular hobbit) will be British actor Martin Freeman. Freeman is best known for starring in another literary adaptation, playing Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

For those unfamiliar with the plot: it involves Gandalf having Bilbo accompany him and a group of thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure from a dragon.

Image: bokunosekai.wordpress.com

Along the way, they encounter many interesting characters and creatures, most notable among them being Gollum, whose meeting with Bilbo sets the events of The Lord of the Rings in motion.

Many actors from the original trilogy will make cameos, but the biggest new element in the cast is

definitely the thirteen actors who make up the travelling band of dwarves. Considering that the film is being made in two parts, and that actors like Christopher Lee and Cate Blanchett will make appearances, it is likely that the script will cover a more expanded plot than what is contained in the original book.

Tolkien aficionados will quickly realise that Jackson and his team seem to have plundered the appendices of The Lord of the Rings in order to fill in any plot holes that may exist in the book, and also demonstrate how the events of The Hobbit relate to that of Rings. It is envisaged that The Hobbit will end where The Fellowship of the Ring begins.

Purists will no doubt argue that this automatically taints the film as it will not be representing a true adaptation of its source material, as The Hobbit was written first and set in a slightly more idyllic Middleearth than Rings was. However, they will just have to accept that it is now impossible to imagine what The Hobbit film would be like if it had been made before Rings. For better or worse, we cannot go back.

I for one am confident that for as long as Peter Jackson is standing behind the camera, the end result is bound to be as faithful to the spirit of Tolkien as the original trilogy was.

A new hope (street market) Image: Lori-Rae van Laren

Image: Lucy Wileman

Image: Lori-Rae van Laren

Lucy Wileman

O

ffering considerably more than its unfortunate label as the “poor man’s Old Biscuit Mill” might suggest, the relatively new City Bowl Market on Hope (otherwise known as the Hope Street Market) definitely presents a worthwhile way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning.

The Neighbour Goods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill has long been considered Cape Town’s favourite Saturday morning market, offering an ideal atmosphere for meeting friends while sampling delicious food and sipping locally brewed beer.

However, despite its awesome vibe and great setting, after half an hour of elbowing your way through the crowds and finding that you’ve only made it through one small section of the market, you might be tempted to turn around and go home.

In contrast, the Hope Street Market allows individuals with personal space issues to amble through the stalls without having

to face their fears of being pressed uncomfortably close to complete strangers.

The market is housed on multiple levels of a beautiful old red building at 14 Hope Street. Featuring an outside “chill area” where Rugby World Cup matches are televised, a mezzanine level where draught beer is available, ample seating around long tables and a stage for live music; there is no shortage of things to do.

the Hope Street Market presents a viable, more relaxed alternative So whether you want to relax with friends, make some new ones, or perhaps pack on a few extra kilos (hey, to each his own), this is the place to do it. If the chocolate cheesecake brownies and delicious homemade pies are anything to go by, investing in a pair of slightly bigger jeans will definitely be worthwhile.

The market offers a wide variety of freshly-made foodstuffs as well as organic and free-range ingredients for you to take home. Particularly impressive is the pricing of fresh fruit and vegetables – we walked away with bags of apples, rocket and some small pineapples, paying in the area of R5 per item. Foods on offer range from artisanal breads, pastries and chocolates to oriental-style dishes and seafood paella.

While the Hope Street Market does not offer as wide a variety of clothes and jewellery as its older sister at the Biscuit Mill, Hope Street does host the odd jewellery stall, as well as the physical branch for online fashion service buynetwork. co.za. The market also boasts an additional hall dedicated to fashion market days, which fall on the fourth Saturday of every month. This is a community of people who care deeply about offering local products of good quality.

As Matthew Benas from BuyNetwork commented, the Hope Street market is less concerned

with making money than with encouraging its visitors to enjoy themselves – there is a good 60/40 balance between stalls and places to socialise, and the organisers are determined to maintain this ratio even as they grow. He maintains that the “super-chilled vibe” lends itself to “less pretentiousness” – which is what everyone fears in Cape Town.”

Mike, a draught beer supplier who works with Keg King, holds stands at both the Biscuit Mill and the Hope Street Market. He claims that even though their Biscuit Mill stand is

more profitable, the Hope Street Market boasts a more welcoming space. This allows visitors to chat with the stand-holders about their products without having to worry about holding up queues.

Although the crowds at The Old Biscuit Mill are intrigued by the atmosphere of the place, the Hope Street Market presents a viable, more relaxed alternative. Whether you are looking for more breathing room or simply looking to try something different, make this market the next one that you visit.

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sports

15

Ultimate set for Rocktober Cady Roberts

R

ocktober will be South Africa’s second big Ultimate tournament of the year, pitting the best South African Ultimate teams against each other as they sweat it out for two days in the heat of a Durban summer. Eleven teams from all around the country will be heading out to Westville Old Boys Sports Club on 15 and 16 October, with UCT’s Tigers, currently ranked 4th in South Africa, going in with high hopes.

Ultimate, previously known as Ultimate Frisbee, is a fast-paced, non-contact sport with similar characteristics to American football, netball and soccer. It is played by both men and women, with tactics, strategy and mad frisbee-throwing skills being all-important.

The UCT Ultimate Club is growing rapidly as increasing numbers of students are learning how to play the game and taking part in regular fixtures. UCT Ultimate was represented at the National Championships for the first time

in 2010, and the teams performed admirably, placing in the top 10.

This year in Johannesburg both UCT teams took the game up a notch and the first team ranked 4th in the country. With just fourth days to go to Rocktober, the Tigers are looking to up their game once more.

Six UCT-based players will be included in the South African team Matt Lewis, one of the team captains, says, “We’re going to give it everything in Durban. My goal for the team is to reach the semifinals. We reached the semi-finals at Nationals this year, and we’ll meet many of the same teams that played at Nationals at Rocktober, but we’ve lost a few of our more experienced players in the last few months. We have the talent to reach the final, but we’ll have some very challenging games along the way.”

The Ultimate Club has held two tournaments on campus, giving new players a chance to learn from more

Experience triumphs at Waaihoek Race

Image: jvdblog.tumblr.com/Jono van Deventer

FRISBEEEEE – Ultimate members practise in preparation for Rocktober, one of the biggest national tournaments of the year. experienced players through mixedformat fixtures. The club has also branched out this year and become involved in social outreach projects through SHAWCO. Membership has grown to 100 members this year, a huge increase from the initial 20 that founded the club at the end of 2009.

With the advantage of foreign students at UCT, many of whom have played high-level Ultimate overseas, the local members are able to learn and grow more from these experienced players and put South African Ultimate on the map. Six UCT-based players will be included

Driven past point

in the South African team that flies to Japan next year for the 2012 World Championship.

Anyone interested in joining the club can join the team for social Ultimate on rugby fields B and C on Upper Campus at 5pm on Fridays, or email uctultimate.info@gmail.com.

Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor

Plan now for future success T Image: Luke Viljoen

MOUNTAIN MADNESS – The Waaihoek Race included a steep ascent of roughly 1300m.

Samantha Jenner

C

ool weather conditions were perfect for the UCT Mountain and Ski 14th annual Waaihoek Race.

The challenge is an ascent of roughly 1300m over a distance of just under 2km.

The Race forms part of the Extreme Challenge of three meets, Waaihoek Race, The Roof and Three Peaks (a day’s hike up Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head in time for sundowners).

The Waaihoek Race trail is largely technical and competitors need to carry a minimum of 15% of their body weight. The braver racers began with a run from the start at the car park on UCT Road, but within 100m slowed to a brisk walk interspersed with jogging. Anyone who’s hiked the trail to the finish at Hoare Hut knows it’s a long climb, and the first competitor soon dropped out.

Daniel Martin, a seasoned trail runner, led from the start and set a comfortable distance from the pack by the time he passed Agony Rock.

He maintained this steady lead and was just within sight but well out of reach of the following pack until he disappeared over Point Hi. Jonathan Glover, second, stormed away coming up Grassy Triangle and was quickest scrambling up Rocky Band. After Point Hi, where the

route becomes more undulating and running is again possible he kept his distance from the rest.

Third place, and first lady, was taken by Samantha Jenner, who maintained a steady pace throughout the race. Although outside the record times of 1h15 (men) and 1h28 (women), the finishes were a respectable 1h29, 1h46 and 1h51.

Unfortunately, there were no entries for the Gas Race. This has the same route and rules, but racers carry an additional 25kg gas canister to re-stock the hut at the top.

Some of the hiking supporters came in much later as they lost the trail for a short while. The marshalls, Ian Scott, Luke Viljoen and Irenee Kaminuza, were called on to round them up, slightly distracting them from their timing and champagnechilling duties.

The next event in the Extreme Challenge is The Roof on Sunday 9 October. This is an endurance hike from UCT to Kalk Bay that covers 40km across the three highest peaks on the Cape Peninsula within time to catch the last train back to Cape Town. The train has not been missed for three years and competitors who make good time are treated to a congratulatory drink at the Brass Bell.

For more information about the UCT Mountain and Ski Club, visit mountainandski.com.

his year has been filled with rugby glory for UCT. We won the Varsity Cup, deservedly, after being losing finalists twice. We won the Western Province Super League after 37 years, winning 13 consecutive games. Former Ikey JJ Gagiano featured at the Rugby World Cup, scoring a try for the US Eagles. Yes, this was a glorious year for rugby, but we tend to forget the achievements accomplished in other sports.

Fencing, in particular, is a hidden pocket of excellence.

UCT boasts some of the best fencers in Africa, with Jacques Viljoen, Giselle Vicatos, Michael Malahe and Skye Pym-Siljeur among the top-ranked fencers in South Africa.

The Yachting Club remains the only South African university team that participates in the prestigious Lipton Cup. The Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams are consistent contenders for the Western Province League Championships.

Even Ultimate (Frisbee) is doing well.

Why don’t most UCT students know about these achievements?

Rugby, rugby, rugby. That’s all we hear about. But why wouldn’t we? It has the highest turnout for games, fancy jerseys that we can buy at the Juta/Atlas/Brainbooks UCT Bookstore, and TV coverage on SuperSport. UCT Rugby has various age-group teams and a well-structured internal league.

They also have money. Lots of it. There are sponsors racing to get their logos everywhere, alumni don’t mind donating a million dollars for a stadium and an administration that loves milking the publicity.

Rugby’s popularity owes as much to its marketing campaigns as it does to success on the fields. And it isn’t even the most played sport at UCT. Soccer is. Friday evenings find the Rhodes or Kopano fields filled with social games played alongside each other. The number of teams participating in the outdoor and indoor internal leagues is much greater than those in any other sport.

The Men’s and Women’s First Teams have regular games on the Kopano Astro, with the women’s team regularly thrashing opponents by a four-goal margin or greater.

Where are the blue-painted fans?

Where are the chants and buzzing vuvuzelas? Why does attendance at games barely exceed 50 people, mainly friends and family of the players?

UCT Students need to realise that rugby isn’t the only sport on campus.

Crowds need to turn up and display the Ikey spirit everyone keeps on campaigning about.

Clubs, too, need to get their act together. Each executive committee needs to have a dedicated marketing representative. Students need to know about the fixtures if they are to turn up in support of the teams.

Clubs also need to start looking for sponsorship now. They say money

breeds more money, and if a few sponsors are already on board, it’s easier to find more.

Ultimately, it’s about the clubs’ on-field success. No-one wants to come and watch their team lose. Clubs need to get their act together and start preparing for next season now. Take a leaf out of the cricket club’s book. With a new coach, new kit and new sponsors, and lots of practices and training games, they look well prepared for the new season.

Clubs need to be proactive in advertising their games. They need to drum up support for their games. Students need to emerge from their rugby cocoon and watch other sports more often.

The Ikey nation needs to rise!

Rise together! Rise now!

Image: Gallo

Sport VARSITY

FIXTURES Kleinmond Weekend

Conservation Meet

ZUCCHINI WALL

SKURWEBERG

15 & 16 October

15 & 16 October

CONTACT: Chris Laidler chris.laidler@gmail.com

CONTACT: Zoe Poulsen zoe.poulsen@hotmail.co.uk

Cowbells dominate Internal 10’s

SPORTS BITES

RUGBY – An emotional Peter de Villiers resigns as national coach after the Springboks’ shock loss against the Wallabies.

FORMULA 1 – Sebastian Vettel retains his title as F1 World Champion after winning the Japanese Grand Prix

Image: Uwais Razack POSSUMS NOT SO AWESOME IN FINALS – While the Awesome Possums managed to easily overcome all opponents on the way to the finals, including the Ikey Ravens (the fielding team here), they came undone against Cowbells in the finals. The tournament’s best batsman, Mahomed Haffejee, is pictured below.

Sajjad Karamsi

C

owbells won the UCT Internal 10’s convincingly on Friday 9 October, dominating in both their semi-final and the finals.

The finals saw them face early frontrunners Awesome Possums, and the Cowbells pulled off an easy 16-run victory.

Earlier on in the first semi-final, the Possums had underlined their dominance, clinching a last-ball thriller against Ikey Ravens. The Ravens batted first, scoring 52/7 in their 10 overs.

This should have been higher, but the Possums bowled and fielded well in the later overs, restricting their opponents to an attainable total.

The run chase was characterised by a steady start, with the openers milking quick singles and twos.

The Ravens’ quick and agile fielding piled the pressure on the Possums, resulting in a couple of quick wickets.

Leading batsman Mahomed Haffejee clobbered two sixes and a four to ease the pressure, but soon departed caught behind. Possums kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, leading to a tense final over where 7 runs were required with one wicket in hand.

Possums managed to pull off a last-ball win, with some smart running taking them to the finals.

In the second semi-final Cowbells

faced off against QED. Opting to field first, their bowlers, led by captain Carl Wiesner, maintained an excellent line but kept on varying their length, keeping their QED batsmen on their toes.

Despite a flurry of runs at the end, QED could only manage 54/1 off their 10 overs. Cowbells managed to scythe through the QED bowlers, with Wiesner smashing a magnificent straight six. They managed to win by 6 wickets.

Cowbells were ultimately too good for the Possums, bowling them out for 48.

The final was a 12-over affair, with Cowbells winning the toss and opting to bat first for the first time in the tournament. They paced their innings extremely well, starting off slowly but accelerating towards the end. The last over, bowled by Lincoln Smith, only went for two runs, and he finished with the figures of 1/12 in 3 overs.

In the chase, Possums couldn’t manage any significant partnerships, with the Cowbells’ fielding restricting the run flow. Battling to combat the pressure, the batsmen attempted suicidal runs, resulting in 5 run-outs.

Cowbells were ultimately too

SOCCER – Bafana Bafana fail to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after an acrimonious, goalless draw against Sierra Leone.

Image: Uwais Razack good for them, bowling them out for 48 after 10.1 overs.

The best batsman award went to Mahomed Haffejee from the Awesome Possums, who scored 85 runs in the tournament. Carl Wiesner, captain of Cowbells, who also plays for the UCT First XI, received the best bowler award.

The inaugural UCT Internal 10’s were played in an atmosphere of great sportsmanship. The Forest Hill Astro provided unique challenges and the tweaked rules meant that players had to improvise a lot.

The quick outfield, restricted boundaries, and the introduction of penalty runs for anything clearing the fence on either side of the square added to the fast-paced nature of the tournament.

Cowbells: Carl Wiesner (c), James White, Rowan Watson, Nick Gerber, Shaun Portman, Steve Lovesay, Benji Walker, David Morgan, Dave Leshnick, Adrian Smith. Substitutes: Steve Wormald, Mark Leshnick, Craig Harty, James Bashall.

Awesome Possums: Muhammad Shaheen Kajee (c), Badee Esau, Mahomed Haffejee, Lincoln Smith, Sashen Singh, Ya’eesh Patel, Mohamed Patel, Uzair Jooma, Qasim West, Fahim Gani.Substitutes: Shaun Hain, Mikhail Botha, Dylan Pope, Joel Pringle.

VARSITY would like to thank Karl Buckton for his contributions to the article.

CRICKET – Mumbai Indians win the Nokia Champions League after defeating RC Bangalore in the final.

SOCCER – Wayne Rooney’s red card could lead to his absence from Euro 2012 group matches.

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