2011: Edition 6

Varsity THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

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3 May 2011

Volume 70: Number 6

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Ask more questions IN THIS ISSUE

Menzi Simelane discusses the Scorpions and his faith in government Alex Nagel & Stephanie Venter

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Tatane’s killers on trial page 4

Image: Gallo Images

he youth “can and should ask diicult questions” about government actions and responsibilities, National Director of Public Prosecutions Menzi Simelane told students at a panel discussion on Wednesday 20 April.

“You [the youth] may be students but you are members of society irst,” said Simelane.

Simelane was one of three panellists at the UCT Black Law Students’ Forum’s event, “Catching the Scorpions’ Tail”. he event, held at the Kramer Law Building, discussed South Africa’s need for an autonomous anti-corruption unit.

Professor Wouter de Vos and Aiheli Tshivhase, both lecturers at UCT’s Department of Public Law, completed the panel at the discussion. he discussion focused on the dissolution of the Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions, an anti-corruption unit established in 2001 to aid the South African Police Service in ighting crime. he unit was dissolved in January 2009 and replaced with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, usually referred to as the Hawks.

Explaining the reason for the Scorpions’ creation, Simelane said, “Police needed to be assisted in its ight against crime because some crime is conducted by the police themselves.”

However, the Scorpions worked relatively closely with state advocates and this caused suicient questioning about the legitimacy and independence of the unit, said Simelane.

Professor de Vos argued that

Royal Afair

page 6

PEAK CONDITION – Runners take part in the annual Two Oceans marathon over the Easter weekend, supported by family and friends. the Scorpions’ dissolution revolved around a corrupt relationship with the police and “political intervention.”

the Scorpions’ dissolution revolved around a corrupt relationship with the police and “political intervention” Simelane felt that the South African government should not be permitted to interfere in the “interior motives” of the sector. “Whether it was independent is still subject to discussion,” stated Simelane, but the dissolution of the DSO was “perfectly legitimate”. he issue of corruption was raised and Simelane was asked what the

PROTEST POLICE BRUTALITY JOIN THE SRC IN FIGHTING UNWARRANTED FORCE

Jammie Plaza Thursday, 5 May 13:00 Wear black

ANC’s stance is on this “insidious disease,” as Professor de Vos referred to it. “here is a link between our rights and the realisation of the presence of corruption,” said Simelane; “Our government remains committed to ighting corruption.”

Simelane concluded that it is crucial for South Africa to have an independent anti-corruption division; emphasising to the ministerial committee that “It’s not independent if you are there”.

Simelane noted the “lack of trust” between the judges of the ministerial committee and the executives in the anti-corruption division. “here may be a trust issue,” he stated, “and these are the issues that this country [faces]”. his is where intervention by politicians is evident, and thus the Scorpions can no longer be labelled

independent, Simelane explained. he question “In what sense do you mean ‘we don’t trust the executives’?” was asked by a member of the audience. Simelane replied that the global public are growing increasingly sceptical of all politicians.

“It’s believed once we vote you there you change,” he said. he government, commented Simelane, should take responsibility for their actions because the public “will be more dissatisied if they don’t get an explanation”.

Another question posed to Simelane by a student was whether Simelane trusted the government. “I do,” stated Simelane, “because I work for them.” He also expressed faith as an employee of the government that “political leaders will deal with problems irrespective of race and class.”

Poormanities

pages 8

Worker’s Day feature page 15

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

2

news NEWS BITES

Bin Laden is Dead WASHINGTON - Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the most hunted man in the world, was killed in a ireight with United States forces in Pakistan on Sunday, President Obama announced. Cheering crowds gathered outside in New York City and Washington as Obama declared that “justice has been done�. – newyorktimes.com

Malema keeps singing Union of South Africa (Tau-SA) and AfriForum ater they found the song’s content to be ofensive and regarded it to be hate speech.

According to the Southern Times, AfriForum approached the court, asking for the court to ban Malema from using the song altogether. he historical and symbolic meaning of the song and its lyrics has been heavily analysed by the court

Royal Wedding LONDON - Prince William and Kate Middleton inally tied the knot in London on Friday. he Royal Wedding went ahead at Westminster Abbey in front of 1900 invited guests. It was watched across the globe by over 2 billion people and was deemed the wedding of the century. – BBCnews

Cops in CCTV beating

Malema admitted that a song that results in the death of people is not worth singing

TRIAL ON HOLD - Julius Malema and Winnie Madikizela- Mandela outside the Equality Court in Johannesburg Image: Lucky Morajane

Lyndall Thwaits

WOODSTOCK Police have been caught on CCTV handcuing and repeatedly beating the owner of Woodstock Dreams Sports Bar, Nnamdi Muoka, late last Saturday night. he CCTV recordings showing the violent attack were recovered from the bar’s premises. he police oicers involved in the attack have been identiied, but claim that they were provoked by patrons in the bar. – iol.com

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Cops stop ANC-DA clash in Mamelodi

Pasqua Heard

PRETORIA - Police were called into the Mamelodi Township in Pretoria this past Tuesday ater a number of ANC supporters attempted to stop a DA rally from taking place. Premiere Helen Zille spoke at the rally in the Soloman Mahlangu Freedom Square which was an oicial DA event. he ANC have denied that they purposefully intervened in the rally. – news24.com

U

Tornadoes hit US hard TUSCALOOSA - A total of 313 people have been reported dead ater a number of violent storms have hit the southern USA. he devastation has been compared to that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eight states have experienced varying degrees of destruction and citizens are currently going through the remains of their processions. – BBCnews

Lyndall Thwaits

he Cross-examination of ANC Youth League President Julius Malema as part of his ongoing hate speech trial at Johannesburg’s Equality Court has come to an end.

Malema’s use of a struggle song with the lyrics “dubul’ ibhumu� (“shoot the boer�) has been called into

question by AfriForum because it allegedly incites hate speech.

Malema, deemed the “future president of South Africa� by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and his use of the song “shoot the boer� has sparked much debate surrounding the nature of the song and its relevance in present-day society.

Malema and the ANC were brought to court by the Transvaal Agricultural

over the course of the trial. he ANC has defended Malema, saying that the song forms part of a collection of struggle songs which are part of the apartheid legacy and the history of our country.

In a Mail & Guardian report, AfriForum’s deputy chief executive oicer and youth movement leader Ernst Roets explained that the group inds the lyrics threatening, and claims it poses a threat to the safety of Afrikaners and farmers.

Malema has explained to the court that the words “awudubhule ibhunu� are not a call for black people to kill

white people, but a means of ighting against the system of “oppressors�. he reasons for the use of the song in the present day have not been fully established.

Over a year ago, a comment that Malema made at the Cape Peninsular University of Technology about rape was brought to the attention the Equity Court which demanded that he make a public apology and pay a ine of R50 000 to a women’s charity.

To date, Malema has not heeded either directive; he applied for leave to appeal but the deadline for this has long passed.

While Malema’s legal team still sit with this over their heads, TimesLive reported that he only attended his hate speech trial “out of respect� for the court.

Although Malema admitted that a song that results in the death of people is not worth singing, outside the courtroom he was adamant that he would take the right to sing the song all the way to the constitutional court if needed. he City Press have been made aware of a potential settlement between Malema and AfriForum; if the outcome is favourable for AfriForum it has been reported that they would consider dropping the hate-speech case against Malema.

UCT broadens access to information nknown to many students is a site, named UCT OpenContent, which enables anyone to access both teaching and learning materials from academics and tutors within the various faculties at UCT. OpenContent is located on the “Research and Libraries� drop-down menu, found on the UCT website home page.

It currently has 115 resources which consist of 697 downloadable items. “My only complaint is that I would like to see more Humanities faculty content on it,� says Travis Noakes, a student working towards his doctorate in Media Studies. “As a student, the site is useful to view detailed examples of the diverse research activities occurring at UCT and download podcasts of talks (like GIPCA’s and CET’s) that I could not attend. he site also makes it easier to search for UCT’s academic resources online,� says Noakes. he portal is diferent to Vula in that it is accessible for everyone, no matter which courses they are registered for or whether the person is a student at UCT.

Shihaam Donnelly, working with the Centre for Educational Technology, explained that OpenContent oicially started in February 2010. he site developed through the Shuttleworth Foundation-sponsored Opening Scholarship Research Project.

It currently has 115 resources which consist of 697 downloadable items “he aim of the Opening Scholarship Research Project was to explore the opportunities that Information Communication Technologies and open dissemination models could ofer for enhanced communication and more efective knowledge dissemination at UCT,� said Donnelly.

However, the OpenContent portal has encountered several problems. “he project hasn’t had any funding since September 2010,� said Donnelly. he project is run purely through the “passion� of a small group of individuals at the Centre for Educational Technology.

“here is [also] a challenge with the copyright issues surrounding some of the content used by academics in their materials – trying to overcome the intellectual property law hurdle is not always easy and it causes delays, which means a further delay in getting the materials onto the site,� says Donnelly.

Professor Jean-Paul Van Belle explains that another hurdle for OpenContent is that students do not seem to be engaging with it as much as hoped. “Too few people know that they can Google only for Creative Commons content,� says Professor Van Belle.

Despite the project’s problems, Donnelly remains positive about what it can achieve, saying, “If

students can encourage their lecturers to rather use open creative commons-licensed materials, it can yield beneits in the long run. “he less UCT pays for copyright licenses [which are paid when material is uploaded onto Vula], the more money there could be for providing students with electronics for example, or to credit student accounts with print credits.�

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news

3

The First 15 years of the Constitutional Court Georgie Mackenzie

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n Wednesday, 20 April, former Constitutional Court Justice Kate O’Regan delivered a talk, organised by the UCT History and Current Afairs Society, on the subject of the irst 15 years of the Constitutional Court.

O’Regan was appointed as a justice of the newly formed Constitutional Court in 1994. he creation of the Constitutional Court marked the beginning of a new era of democracy in South Africa - as a nation founded upon human dignity, equality and freedom. he main purpose for the court’s creation, for which it is renowned in legal communities worldwide, was to prevent the injustices of the past Apartheid era continuing, even if subtly, into the new South Africa and to declare any behaviour which was not in line with the Constitution and its extensive and praised Bill of Rights as unconstitutional and thus invalid.

O’Regan served as a Justice for these 15 years, this being the maximum length of a term that a justice can hold. Before she was chosen to be one of the new South Africa’s irst female judges, she was a senior lecturer in UCT’s Law Department, while also serving

as a legal advisor to the ANC on land claims legislation. Since her term of oice ended in 2009, she has been appointed chairperson of the United Nation’s newly created Internal Justice Council, established to ensure accountability in the administration of justice within the UN as well as to recommend judicial candidates to the General Assembly for appointment.

The composition of the JSC has been questioned by many ... for being too political and executivebased O’Regan’s interesting and intellectual lecture focused on the purpose for the creation of such a court in our legal system and the functions that the court fulils and the procedures through which it does this.

Her speech was understandable for non-law students and was done in such a way as to make complex matters of constitutional law apparent to all. What O’Regan examined, in detail, was not only the Constitutional Court’s special functions, such as certifying provincial constitutions and judging the constitutionality of the conduct

of the president and Parliament, but also how the court approaches a dispute based on a provision in the Bill of Rights. In addition to this, she discussed its jurisdiction as the highest court in the land for constitutional matters.

What was of great interest to many of the students who attended the lecture was the complex and muchdebated procedure relating to the appointment of judges (this can be mainly attributed to the essay which most second-year law students had to hand in that week based on this particular debate). he Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is the body which decides which judges should be nominated by the president. he president must appoint those nominees given to him for the high courts, but he can use his own discretion to appoint one of the nominees given to him for the position of a Constitutional Court judge. he composition of the JSC has been questioned by many in the legal profession for being too political and executive-based. hus, the question has arisen whether the Judiciary is institutionally independent, especially since the President and political inluences are so greatly involved in the appointment procedure.

O’Regan discussed this issue,

your career as a

VARSITY speaks to the high-lying founder of the South Africa Women in Aviation and Aerospace Indsutry:

Reilwe Ledwaba BSc Biochemistry & Microbiology, PDBA (UCT)

What is your current position and what is the name of your organisation?

Founder of Southern African Women in Aviation and Aerospace Industry (SAWIA) registered nonproit organisation; Portfolio Manager, Girl Fly Programme in Africa (Part of SAWIA’s segment); and still lying helicopters for SAPS. www. sawia.org Which factors ignited your interest in this position/organisation? he establishment of Southern African Women in Aviation (SAWIA) was largely driven by our desire to impact change within the aviation industry, as well as our

Describe some of your day-to-day responsibilities and experiences.

My day starts at six in the morning and ends at ten at night. My main responsibilities: General management of the organisation. Coordinate and track projects; liaise with diferent portfolio managers. All of the Portfolio managers are employed full-time and work for SAWIA parttime and most are pilots; as a result, the team only meets twice a year.

Once a week we hold a Skype meeting for feedback and ensuring we are still operating at the same page. I also usually hold a one-to-one meeting with each portfolio manager once a month. hat is in addition to my fulltime job as a helicopter pilot. I travel a lot, meeting international donors and promoting the organisation.

pointing out that there is a need for diversity in the Judiciary in order for it to be more representative of the new South Africa and that, within this and the JSC’s functioning, the President’s powers are limited.

Kate O’Regan is not only an interesting and compelling speaker,

but also provided great insight into the judicial system which allowed students to ask important questions about the formation of courts at that time: a time when the injustices of the past were still fresh in the mind of the nation, and it was uncertain what the future would hold.

Careers Calendar

pilot passion for the empowerment of women. We recognised the need for such an organisation, which would provide the necessary support structures and resources to women in the industry. Our aim is to meaningfully contribute to a more equitable representation of women at all levels in the Southern African aviation industry, through several projects.

AN INSIDERS PERSPECTIVE- Kate O’Regan brings the consititution to the students of UCT. Image: Carron Naidoo

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

Establishing Southern African Women in Aviation and aerospace industry and moving it where it is now with a limited budget.

What jobs did you have before your current job(s)?

Cabin Attendant (British Airways-Comair, SAA) What challenges have you encountered?

Understanding the diference between leadership and management has been one of the biggest challenges thus far, and that has resulted in a failure of other organisations I started prior to SAWIA. Once I understood the diference, I had to reassess my leadership style and that has yielded amazing results.

In retrospect, what advice can you give to students?

Opportunities oten present themselves as challenges. Have an open mind. Travel, see the world and experience life.

Career Awareness Talks All talks take place from 13h00 – 13h45 3 MAY: Preparing for Interviews Venue: LT1, Hoerikwaggo 5 MAY CVs & Cover Letters & 11 MAY: Venue: LT1, Hoerikwaggo 10 MAY: “A journey to the stars and beyond” by Dr Bonita De Swardt from the South African Astronomical Observatory LS2B, Leslie Social Science 12 MAY: Rethinking your career Room 3B, Hoerikwaggo

Career Awareness Talks We will be ofering career talks during the June/July vacation – collect a talks schedule at CDP Reception or download it: www.careers.uct.ac.za

Mock Interview Programme Enquire about registration at CDP Reception MAY: 4, 9, 11

Hot opportunities Law Career Fair on 5 May in Kramer Building Quad Career Days on Mezzanine Level, Leslie Social Science 9 MAY: Grant hornton 12 MAY: PricewaterhouseCoopers Presentations 5 MAY: Group Five in LS3A 9 MAY: Grant hornton in LS2D 16 MAY: PricewaterhouseCoopers in LS2D Work Travel Showcase from 10h00 – 15h00 in Molly Blackburn 4,11 & 25 MAY: Chilli Adventures 5 MAY: Sasts Working Adventures 19 MAY: CCUSA Looking for a bursary/scholarship, vacation or graduate opportunity?

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

4

news

Tataneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleged killers denied bail SRC to protest police brutality Demonstration scheduled on steps of Jameson Hall on hursday 5 May at 13h00

MURDERED - Andries Tatane was killed during a service delivery protest in Ficksburg

Danielle Barnes

T

he eight policemen who have been accused of beating and murdering Andries Tatane during a peaceful service delivery protest in Ficksburg on 13 April were denied bail in the Ficksburg Magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court on Friday, 29 April.

Four of the policemen have been charged with murder and six are facing a charge of assault with the intention to inlict serious bodily harm on another human being. he case has been postponed until 2 June in order for further investigation to take place.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Dawood Adam said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the public interest that the investigations be as quick as possible.â&#x20AC;? According to Adam, progress has been made because â&#x20AC;&#x153;a lot of investigationsâ&#x20AC;? have been done. here were many people waiting outside the courthouse, eager to know if the accused policemen had been granted bail or not. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can guarantee you if bail was granted, the community outside here, which is full of anger, they would get out of control and turn violent,â&#x20AC;? Phillip

Felokoe, a member of the Megheleng Concerned Citizens (MCC)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive, told the Ficksburg Regional Court during the bail hearing.

Tatane was â&#x20AC;&#x153;defenseless and unarmedâ&#x20AC;? when he was killed he angry protestors waiting outside the courthouses were desperately asked not to shout any insults at the many policemen who were assigned to watch the crowds as they sang and chanted. hey wore T-shirts with Tataneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo on them.

Bail was denied for all eight of the accused, calming the protestors who had threatened to cause mayhem if bail had been awarded.

In a statement given to journalists, the MCC pleaded with the court not to grant bail to the eight police oicers. hey believed that, had the policemen been let out on bail, that would have fuelled peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anger. he group said they â&#x20AC;&#x153;count on the support and prayers of the nation at large. he blood of this fallen hero is enough.â&#x20AC;? he group was â&#x20AC;&#x153;pleading with the entire worldâ&#x20AC;? to join them

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THE DIPLOMACY OF TRANSFORMATION: SOUTH AFRICAN FOREIGN POLICY AND STATECRAFT "

@0@ (/(+ Former South African Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

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in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;call that the eight must not get bailâ&#x20AC;? .he protestersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; voices were heard and the policemen were denied bail pending further investigation. he accused include Nicodemus Israel Moiloa, Mothusi Magano, Mphonyana Ntaje, Olebogeng Mphirime, Solomon Moeketsi, Jonas Skosana, Kanathasen Munsamay and Isaac Finger. he eight policemen were charged following their actions on 13 April.

Andries Tatane, 33, had challenged the policemen to spray him with a water cannon during a peaceful service delivery protest. he policemen responded to this challenge by iring rubber bullets at and beating him. Tatane collapsed and died 20 minutes later. he group who witnessed this said that Tatane was â&#x20AC;&#x153;defenseless and unarmedâ&#x20AC;? when he was killed.

The University of Cape Town Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Representative Council will hold a protest demonstration on hursday 5 May at 13h00 in response to the brutal murder of Ficksburg protester and UCT alumnus Andries Tatane.

Andries Tatane, a teacher and community activist, was murdered by police on 13 April 2011 in a protest march for service delivery in Ficksburg.

Tataneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder is but one of example of the unlawful use of force by the South African Police Service. In its 2010 annual report, the Independents Complaint Directorate reported that it had investigated 1769 cases of people dying in police custody or as a result of police action. his protest demonstration aims to publically reject the use of unwarranted force and the abuse of power by the police services.

UCT staf and students are encouraged to wear black on hursday, 5 May, and to make a peace sign to photographers at the protest action, to show that the UCT community stands in solidarity with peaceful protestors. he protest demonstration will be held on Jameson Plaza, Upper

Campus, UCT on hursday 5 May at 13h00. he SRC President, the ViceChancellor of UCT, the Chair of the University Council and the UCT staf and student body have been invited to attend. he SRC President and the Vice-Chancellor, together with the national and provincial police commissioners, will be invited to lay a wreath on Jameson Plaza as a mark of respect to Andries Tatane.

In February 2010 the murders of UCT social science student Dominic Giddy, preceded only months before by the murder of UCT medical student Benny Pakiso Maqobane, sparked a UCT protest march against crime.

At the memorial service preceding the march, UCT ViceChancellor Dr Max Price said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we do not rise and prevailâ&#x20AC;Ś if we accept defeatâ&#x20AC;Śour children will inherit anarchy and we will be reduced to citizens fearfully awaiting our turn to sit by their graves. We must all say: Enough!

Enough! Enough! We demand better for this generation and the next. For ALL of our children.â&#x20AC;?

Once again, the UCT community says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enough.â&#x20AC;?

POLICE BRUTALITY - 2011: Black policemen assault a black protestor, 1976: White policemen assault white student protestors

opinions Editorial

Nyasha Kadandara

5

Trust and Believe

Editor-in-Chief

So he’s dead – now what?

Silence never gets the job done I

laws and broken street lights, you only have yourself to blame!

Closer to home, SRC have oten accused VARSITY columns of being unfairly critical, implying that we aren’t always right. But ater calling them toothless dogs and summoning thee “Gods” of campus, they have inally come to party. Feast your eyes on the organisational report disguised as a “letter the editor”. Firstly, I would like to tell you how privileged I feel, because you have written to me, to tell me and the students how you have all been keeping. Secondly, it’s about damn time you tell us how you earn your monthly performance bonuses.

Lastly, it has been our pleasure as the ones with the “loudest” voices to see to it, that you are answerable.

Now, it’s time to make a real diference. Be on Jameson Plaza on hursday 5 May to protest police brutality. It must be known that the police are not above the law and that the words “To honour and protect”, should and will be upheld.

VARSITY is closing shop for the semester. We’ve lost a few along the way, and made some great additions to the team. Looking back on the semester we’ve rocked the boat, kept our dignity and grades in tact. Now we’re of to hit the books, exams are upon us.

Remember your leaders are only as good as you make them, so crack that whip!

ne

op ws in io fe ns at ur es sp o co rts nf er en im ce ag e ed s ito ria l ad s hr

bet for every two people who protested during the Egyptian revolution, there was one person sitting at home. Either they weren’t bothered, or too busy with other things because they believed it would make no diference or they were too scared to risk it. Now they are all living in the new Egypt.

Quite frankly, it’s hard to do the unquestionable, selless and oten dangerous efort of speaking out against those that rule. But silence doesn’t get you far either. We’ve recently enjoyed a series of public holidays in remembrance of those who spoke, marched and fought for a better day. So why stop now?

On the front page you will have read about how Menzi Simelane has challenged us to hold the authorities accountable. In reference to the ministerial committee he said, “It’s not independent if you are there.” I concur: if you make enough noise, the people in charge, wherever they may be, eventually the big dogs will run out of earplugs and will have to hear you out. Or like Gbabgo they will retreat into holes.

On 18 May South Africans will decide who they want in their local governments. Coming from someone who has no idea when I’ll cast my irst national sabotage-free vote, I urge you, to go vote! If you didn’t register, shame on you; next time you complain about the liquor

@varsitynewspaper.co.za 2011 collective editor Nyasha Kadandara deputy editor Nkosiyati Khumalo news Stephanie Venter & Lyndall Thwaits opinions Tiffany Mugo & Berndt Hannweg features Marché Arends & Thandokazi Hlwatika Design Nic Botha images Jessica Christie, Rachel Dolye & Michael Currin web Azhar Desai & Chris Linegar human resources Caterina Aldera & Chido Mpemba advertising Sizwe Moagi & Nyarai Mulambo marketing Rémy Ngamije OPERATIONS Candy Peck CONFERENCE team Florentina Swigelaar & Odwa Sihlobo sub editors Rhynhardt Krynauw, Claire Louise Hunter, Joy Mojemal, Sakhi Gcina, Georgie Mackenzie staff writers Calvin Scholtz, Pasqua Heard, Olivia Wainright, Michelle October, Thabang Letheo, Alex Nagel, Ehrard Vermak, Danielle Barns, Rachel Botsis, Nick Corbett, Matthew van der Westhuizen, Anton Taylor, Nicole Beale, Alex Searle, Samantha Jenner, Mon-Cheri Baatjes, Cailin Gibson, Zaid Gamieldien, Sajjad Karamsi, Kishan Chokkappan, Meli Ncube, Katherine Verhoeven, Kate Ahrends, Matilda Nengare, Sibahle Melane, Nimtaz Giga, Ziyanda Tshabalala, Calvin Freese photographers Rudi Botha cartoonist Julian Nkuna

OFFICE: Room 5.20, Level 5, Steve Biko Building

Nkosiyati Khumalo, Deputy Editor

I grew up in a quiet suburb about 40km from New York City. A 30minute train ride (or a 45-minute ordeal through highway traic) was all it took to get to the home of

what’s probably the most recognisable skyline in the world – one that was forever changed on 9/11.

Now, the man identiied as the mastermind behind terrorist attacks in the US in 2001 has been killed. As an American, I have mixed feelings about this. I remember that day perfectly; I remember how it felt not just to watch the destruction on TV but to actually see plumes of thick, black smoke illing the air for days.

I remember the fear, the panic, and the worry; some of those who were killed that day were friends, or family of friends. My mother worked only a few blocks away. I’d walked those streets and into those buildings several times as a child. In a way, the attacks almost felt personal. he outpouring of emotion and huge tide of patriotism that swelled in the

months to follow were, to some level, justiied, and while the execution of the “war on terror” is poor at best, the core concept of ensuring that no group of people should ever be the victims of gratuitous violence is I believe a just one.

But the mixed feelings come in when I watch videos of impromptu street parties following President Obama’s announcement.

It’s comforting to know that bin Laden no longer poses a threat – not just to the US, but to Kenya and other countries where his organisations have been active.

Yet I wonder: Should we be so excited about violence? Does his death equate to the end of terrorism?

How many other “Osamas” exist?

Will it stop innocent lives from being spared?

Good luck!

VARSITY would like to wish everyone the greatest success for their midyear exams. Have a wonderful vacation, arrive alive, don’t drive and drive!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘20 000 Learners March (5 April 2011) It was excellent to see that Equal Education’s human rights day march formed the lead story of Varsity. he article did well to highlight the disappointment of the non-attendance of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

However, there is one aspect of the article that was very troubling.

In illustrating the disappointment of the crowd at the Minister’s noshow, the writers interviewed one of the nearly 20 000 learners to ind out his response. He is Ben Goble, a grade 12 learner from Westerford.

While the response of a Westerford student is interesting, it struck me that of the nearly 20

000 black, working class learners present at the march, Varsity chose to interview 1 of possibly 50 white, middle-class learners from an ex-model C school. here is no doubt that the march is of relevance to everyone, and that the Westerford learner’s response is important to hear. But having been to Westerford myself, I can state without hesitation that there is little doubt whose reaction to the Minister’s no-show at a march demanding minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure is truly signiicant. he Westerford student, to his major credit, is there in solidarity - butonly in

solidarity - with the thousands of learners for whom a lack of school infrastructure is a daily reality. It’s the views of those learners that we need to hear. It might have been interesting to have the view of both a middle class student and of one from a working class school, but to focus only on the former (particularly when they constituted such a small minority on the day, and must have been actively sought) is diicult not to interpret as relecting prejudice.

Michael Mbikiwa

Those who shout the loudest aren’t always right Varsity editorials and opinion pieces have occupied their pages with foul-cries that the SRC has done nothing substantial in our term in oice thus far, and that we ought to “grace students with our presence”. his commentary has at times seemed to be unfair. he SRC as an institution is a curios artefact: members of a SRC must remain accessible to students always, yet also commit themselves to administrating on behalf of students. It is the latter function which keeps us occupied almost always, and similarly sweeps us away into the Bremner meeting rooms.

Ironically perhaps, it is here where the SRC as a machine of student governance is most efectual. It is through the University committee structure where the decisions which afect our student body are thrashed out. Here in meetings, the SRC ights for policies which are more favourable to students. he issues which matter most to us all – from the setting of fees to securing additional Jammie Shuttle routes

– are determined here, and it is disingenuous for any student to claim otherwise.

Your SRC has a presence here and thus far we have achieved signiicantly: additional Jammie Shuttles have been secured for residences. In fact, the SRC avoided having shuttle routes stopped entirely between Upper and Lower Campus at the beginning of 2011.

Further, the SRC working with management ensured that a new lecture theatre, previously cut from the university’s budget, will be built on upper campus. Perhaps a sad reality of having such a beautiful, albeit limited, campus is parking space: the University will sooner prioritize any open space it has to more lecture venues for students than it will to parking bays. We accept this as reasonable: for now it remains more necessary to have additional lecture space than it is to have more parking bays.

Our work thus far has included a series of seminars titled “To whom does UCT belong?” which considered aspects of the UCT identity, an Academic Activism

Campaign, a month dedicated to Transformation at UCT, Health and Safety drives throughout Residence visits, the successful establishment of Jammie Wednesdays on Medical Campus and visits to Hiddingh Campus (where we are currently lobbying for the construction of a common room for Hiddingh students), bailing out students struggling inancially, running an internship program to better facilitate the transition to the SRC and introduce student governance structures to students, and promoting an Ikeys presence at all sporting ixtures. hroughout all of these campaigns, we have had presence and our presence has been felt.

In light of all of these eforts, I must applaud students who bring issues to us. his is how students can meet the SRC halfway; and this is one of the ways in which you can afect change at our university. his SRC is here to serve you.

Sean Darge is SecretaryGeneral of the SRC

6 Speak Easy

opinions Tifany Mugo

A Modern-day Princess

Democracy: Everything ain’t for Everybody W

ith elections rolling around, there seems no better time to spread my dreadful philosophy on democracy. So here it is: Democracy is the bane of all political existence and it should be wiped clean from the earth with a sponge, with no ifs, ands or buts.

Democracy isn’t for Africa.

And I’m not even sure if it’s for the developed world either, but that’s their mess to sort out. here are a great number of cultural and historical reasons behind this. he diversity of cultures and the construction of arbitrary borders are but to name a few. One needs to only look at the current state of most African democracies to see that democracy is not working.

In Nigeria, elections have led to a break out in violence, with the north having its security tightened; and the whole world has seen what happened in Kenya.

Despite the “great strides” made since 1994, South Africa is also hardly a functioning democracy. he tight hold that history has on this country’s political system is a far cry for the “rule of the people” for which many people fought. he tight hold that the ANC has on this country has stiled democracy to a point which some have said she is gasping her last breaths. Year in and year out people protest against the ANC. hey strike over service delivery, wages or the price of maize meal.

And yet every ive years they go in their droves to vote.

Moreover, the lack of political choice (either you vote for the party who freed you or those white people who remind you of apartheid) has this country masquerading as a

democracy rather than actually being one. Shouting “amandla” at me at Mzoli’s does not a democracy make. Phrases such as “I would kill for Zuma” and “anyone who votes for the white party is insane and should be lynched” are not signs of a rational cognitive process but something far more chilling.

What this mode blesses us with is not wise chiefs who care for their villages, but cognitively impaired politicians who care for their proits. It starves us of good leaders and social cohesion.

However, we are a passionate people who still hold a tribal spirit within us. We are those people who, although we have been conined in arbitrary borders based on economics more than anything else, are still proud to be Zulu, Igbo, Shona, Kikuyu or Banyankole.

And we still have respect for our elders. Hence, we keep on voting for the “big man” with the big car rather than the innovative young thunder cat who can actually get things done. hese identities used to inform our political decisions before democracy and, much as we try to ight it them, inform our political decisions today.

So, all those who advocate for democracy can, to put it lightly, go shove it under a rock somewhere, for it has brought Africa nothing but years of conlict, corrupt leaders and international interference. It clearly is not feasible in its current form.

So let us remember good folks, before we laud the international community for this decrepit creature they call a political system, let us remember that everything ain’t for everybody.

Ehrard Vermaak

O

nce upon a time in a kingdom far far away, there lived a daughter of a miner and an air hostess. he daughter became privileged enough to attend a foremost university of her land, bat her eyes on an attractive young man and ended up as his girlfriend.

However, little did she know that her budding friendship would result in her becoming a duchess, and a probable queen, of the most powerful monarchy on Earth.

And well, one might ask, “Who cares about this?” But on Friday the 29th of April, numerous big screens, humble television screens, radios and Twitter feeds from London to Uitenhage, proved that more people care about the royal family than one can imagine. And as with every other story, there are two sides. However, in this case, the royal wedding has quite a few sides around it.

Ater watching the ceremony on Friday, I was relieved to see Kate choosing a slightly more daring dress as opposed to Diana’s duck-feather duvet-turtleneck dress that she dragged down the aisle about thirty years ago. he country’s new duchess is hot, with the hope of continuing in Diana’s attempt to bring some better breeding into Windsor

family’s fold. As the daughter of selfmade millionaires, she is also from a humble background.

However, unlike Princess Diana, Kate wanted to challenge the old royal traditions by arriving in a limousine, rather than a horse carriage. And with time, we are yet to see how the newest royal will redeine what it means to be a princess in modern times.

Why are Disney Princess movies and associated paraphernalia a multibillion industry?

And although, some say, “Who cares about a bunch of inbred Pomps? hey adhere to rules of life that don’t really impact anyone but themselves.” In an age of democracy, one needs to look at what a monarchy represents.

According to camps that defend the monarchy, the Queen and her descendants provide a sense of tradition and continuity. Prime Ministers and politicians shule around every four or ive years. he monarchy provides the people with an investment in culture and tradition, somehow overseeing the mechanics of these leeting individuals.

Furthermore it is estimated that the Queen is one of the cornerstones of a multimillion-pound tourism trade – also the reason why the Brits holler “long live the Queen”. Hence although the ceremony could easily have fed a starving nation somewhere in a world formerly dominated by these people’s forefathers, it apparently paid for itself.

Hopefully Middleton won’t follow in Diana’s fate of a cold marriage with a prince far from being charming. he sad state might have made her a global phenomenon, but ultimately ensured her death at the hands of the paparazzi. he appeal of the royal wedding is really quite self-explananatory. How many little girls have princess parties?

Why are Disney Princess movies and associated paraphernalia a multibillion industry? Everyone dreams of a fairy tale of their own. To many, Kate is one of them and through her they can live vicariously.

Luckily, whether you are a royalist or not, the word “pomp” will stop being used in every possible way other than the only way it makes sense in this country.

Congratulations to the royal couple, along with the third of the world that tuned in live. May they indeed live happily ever ater.

opinions

7

The Right to Strike Berndt Hannweg

A

s the recent municipal strike in Johannesburg has shown, organised strikes can be deathly efective tools in negotiations and bargaining. But is this right being abused?

Section 23 of the South African Constitution guarantees everyone the right to fair labour practices.

For workers, this means the right to join a trade union and the right to strike. And, indeed, it sounds very reasonable.

If you have an issue with your employer, you can, ater giving necessary warning, down tools en masse and proceed to hold out as long as you can, waiting for management to crack.

As last year’s massive public sector strikes showed, a large strike can bring a country to its knees.

In August 2010, teachers, doctors, nurses and other public servants rejected an initial wage increase of 5.2% and made their displeasure known.

Across the country, public services groaned to a halt as institutions found themselves understafed. he worst hit were schools and hospitals – two areas which, in our country, are sure to spring us into action to protect. Matric students were without teachers and assistance in the very important days leading up to exams, while our hospitals, some already in

dire straits as they are, had trouble providing even basic services. he SA Defence Force was called to ill in the gap, but it took almost three weeks before things could return to normal.

South Africa has some of the best labour laws in the world (as does France, which is ironically another country with a reputation for striking), so perhaps this was an unnecessary and selish action on the part of the strikers.

last year’s massive public sector strikes showed, a large strike can bring a country to its knees However, as much as we may have liked to moan and rant against the strikers whilst standing in suddenly longer queues and chaotic oices, the workers did have a point. he pay increase didn’t even match up to inlation, and while the government pleaded budget shortfalls, it was (rightly) pointed out that these shortfalls didn’t stop ministers from buying fancy cars or giving themselves large increases.

And some of the working conditions were just too terrible to expect sane people to continue.

Hospital doctors, nurses and interns working thirty-hour shits in poor conditions without overtime and teachers lacking access to even basic

Image: Rachel Doyle

teaching necessities simply cannot work that way.

Franklin Roosevelt once said, “All government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. Such action, looking to the paralysis of the Government, by those sworn to support it, is unthinkable and intolerable.” And trade unions the all over the world

have at times fallen prey to Maiosowannabes like Jimmy Hofa, men who realised the truly awesome power large unions can wield.

However, as the municipal strike in Johannesburg continues, and Gautengers ind themselves buried under their own refuse and rats, the question to ask is whether the right to acceptable working conditions is the same right justifying attacks against non-striking workers and

vandalism; whether it is the same right behind negotiation and greed.

Do workers, particularly those in the public sector, not have a duty to citizens to perform?

Whatever the answer is, it is well worth noting the cynical fact that, irrelevant of whether they’re striking or not, union leaders get paid, whilst workers may not.

South African Music: Do we care?

Matthew Van Der Westhuizen

care about what is going on in our local music scene? If one has to ask around about local artists and the ones that are listened to, the same names keep occurring: Liquideep, Locnville, Jax Panik, HHP, JR, Jamali, he Parlotones, Prime Circle, Die Antwoord and Jack Parow.

Although these musicians produce great music and uplit the South

T

“Oh, I thought it sounded too local to be American” Image: the1stive.com

he South African music scene has always seemed a bit diferent compared to the Westernised and American pop culture. A lot of South Africans are not aware of their local music artists and bands.

Is this because we still think that the South African music scene is underdeveloped and therefore not worthy of our listening pleasure?

Or do we thrive on American pop culture so much that we are blinded, or deafened, to our own musicians as South Africans? he South African Music Awards nominees list for 2011 is out.

However, looking at the nominees this year, it is clear that there is a certain pattern of genre which inluences the South African music scene and the way this inluence is implemented into the music that is being produced locally.

One of the bands nominated in

a couple of categories is “Fairytale” hit makers, Liquideep. heir music is considered to be a form of house music that is authentic to South Africa, which makes it a “local” sound. House music, however, has become an established form of music

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.

in popular culture to such an extent that American hip-hop artists are using it in their music. One only has to look at the likes of Pitbull and Lil’ Wayne to understand the inluence of House music on popular culture.

Do we as South Africans really

African music scene, there’s a certain factor of “rejection” when it comes to listening to local music.

An interesting aspect about some South Africans is that when they hear a song that they enjoy but are told that the song is locally produced, they give an immediate response of, “Oh, I thought it sounded too local to be American” or an immediate rejection of the song. his is not a

positive response in a country where we, as South Africans, are trying to rise up to the same levels as our international counterparts and this extends into our entertainment industry as well.

So is South African music living up to international standards?

Yes it is. One only has to listen to the aforementioned artists to understand that concept. Is South African music being marketed to the same degree as international music? hat is debatable. Some are and some are not. For those that are not, is it because their music is not of quality?

No. It is simply because there is not a strong market for South African music as South Africans, like most of the world, are following the monoculture of Americanisation and becoming Westernised in order to achieve recognition on an international standard.

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8

opinions

Commerce vs. Poormanities Degrees Nicolas E Katsapas

Y

ou take up space in our lecture venues. You take up the stairs on Jammie. You take up tables in the food court, the library, residences, Jammies, clubs. Maybe it’s about time you take up a real degree?

Poor BA students, or rather the soon to be poor BA students who are constantly being bashed by engineering, commerce, medical and every other faculty that matters to the world, fear not. Upon waking up next to one of you last Sunday morning, I, a commerce student, have decided to make an attempt for your defence. However, it comes at the cost of a few laughs at your expense, irst.

“An engineering graduate asks, ‘how it works?’,” goes the joke. “A science graduate asks, ‘why it works?’.

A commerce graduate asks, ‘how much, to make it work?’ What does an arts graduate ask? he answer, is, of course: ‘Would you like chips with that?’”

Okay, that joke’s old, but its relevance is far from fossilised.

Especially when the gloriied BA majors of politics, philosophy and (can’t-remember-any-more) are shamefully being abused as a means of easy entry into Africa’s worst university. Humanities degrees are

Image: michael.currin.co.za

an excuse to join the party and get pissed with your friends from school who were a little more serious with life. It seems as if you only came to university to screw… your parents by wasting money.

What would Machiavelli do if he knew his brilliant writings were only being “studied” so that some

spoilt brats could get a good taste of the vibe? In case you haven’t read your course reader; he would’ve cracked skulls.

But, now you’re here and I think it’s about time you pay homage. You have disgraced the thinkers on which society, morality and logical thought have been built for too long. Besides,

Mirror, Mirror

Playing a fair game?

Sajjad Karamsi

Zaid Gamieldien

“religious leaders” issued convenient “fatwas” dubbing protests against the state as illegal and “haraam” he United States of America (forbidden). he United States and and its allies launt their the EU, on the other hand, remain “hypocritic” oath, and pick and conspicuously quiet, choosing not to choose when to support revolutions; interfere, even suggesting once that for example, compare their attitudes Bahrain was justiied in “restoring in Libya and Bahrain. calm and order”.

A few weeks ago, in the midst of the he Arab League (led by Saudi Sahara, Gaddai began an onslaught Arabia) and the US have cherryon a bunch of “revolutionaries” picked revolutions to support. It’s who had the mettle to rise against easy to attack Libya. Gaddai’s madhim. His forces began a merciless man antics have already let him crackdown against them. with zero credibility. His oppressive he United States, with its regime is scattered and easy to entourage, along with the Arab attack. No-one disputes the validity League, decided to irst impose a no- of attacking Libyan forces. ly zone, in support Supporting of the rebels. A few the Libyan rebels days later, British The Arab League and the ensures that yet and American US have cherry-picked another ally will missiles began revolutions to support be found in an bombing prooil-rich region.

Gaddai troops.

In Bahrain, the A few weeks ago, in Bahrain, very presence of the US Fith thousands of revolutionaries Fleet there, and the buddy-buddy began protests at Pearl Roundabout relationship between Washington in the capital Manama. Peaceful for and Manama, means that it’s weeks, they kept on calling for an unacceptable for the US or NATO to end to human rights’ violations. interfere. Human rights violations he Bahraini monarchy didn’t like obviously never occur in countries this much so they sent in troops to that are friends with America. he halt the demonstrations. Enraged, the hypocrisy of the Arab League is even protestors multiplied to hundreds of more revolting. Never great fans of thousands. he Bahraini government Gaddai, his ousting would rid them decided to call in reinforcements, of a maverick in their midst. Bahrain, and in rolled Saudi Arabian however, is one of their own, and armoured vehicles, lanked by UAE the fall of Bahrain would mean troops. hey attacked hospitals, and that Arab monarchies are no longer started shooting at protestors, from sacrosanct. It would mean that one close range. Reports show a two-year of them could be next, so they ight old girl shot multiple times and a 71- to ensure that the monarchy doesn’t year old man asphyxiated to death. crumble. he soldiers then limited access to You just can’t pick and choose hospitals for injured protestors. To when to be a “bastion of morality”. further discourage protestors, Saudi You have to be consistent about it.

T

Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

I

’ve always imagined what it would be like to be Christiano Ronaldo for a day. My day would start by planting a kiss on whichever new model lay beside me as I stroll down to the kitchen for a gourmet breakfast. I’d hop into my sweet Bentley and cruise through the streets of Madrid and stop at my oice: the Santiago Bernabeu. José would then lay out the plans for the day and training would commence. Ater a day of jolting about and perfecting my free-kicks, I’d head back home for a lovely dinner with Gabriella/ Luciela/Tatiana. Oh, and that little US$250 000 check just came in the mail. Let’s face it, footballers have it all.

But do footballers really deserve to get paid more than doctors or lawyers? Comparing the service provided to society, the diference they make in peoples lives and the eforts put into getting their respective positions, I’d say no.

While footballers provide riveting entertainment value, the reality is that they are simply entertainers.

Doctors, however, are valuable assets of society. Seven years of studying ain’t easy. You then have to spend your day working with sick people, curing illnesses and saving a few lives now and then.

I’m not saying footballers have it easy. hey have to put tremendous amounts of physical and mental efort into training on a daily basis and have to deal with constant media exposure. It’s not that easy to sacriice studying and risk a successful career

it could prove beneicial.

Experts claim that becoming a rich and powerful corporate executive is your calling. You apparently graduate with all the necessary skills in order to catapult yourself to the top of any company you choose.

You bear the critical thinking skills in order to tackle “problems” and

in pursuit of a career in football. José Mourinho’s mother enrolled him at a business school because she wanted him to have a successful career. But her little one decided to drop out, telling his mother to watch him make a career out of football. hat takes guts.

do footballers really deserve to get paid more than doctors?

But footballers enjoy the beneits as well. Love from the fans, girls falling all over them without them having to try and itness comes with the job. Not to mention that weekly pay check of around US$200 000 a week. And what do doctors have to show for all their efort? hey earn considerably less than footballers and face lawsuits.

Despite the unfair advantage of

work through falsiied balance sheets. You understand mankind’s psyche and are creative enough to market products successfully. Your writing abilities grant you superior communication skills. And your liberal views and social skills allow you to co-ordinate and delegate in the workplace.

I must admit some of us who were academically fortunate enough to choose our degrees oten feel a tiny drop of regret when we are reminded of abandoning our desire for liberality in order to feed our family.

However, the aforementioned traits are only to make you feel better about lack of numeracy skills and the malfunctioning let side of your brain. It’s obvious I possess an equal number of skills, if not more.

And I didn’t need a degree to acquire them. Bear witness to my ingenious creative ability to write brilliant pieces of entertainment.

Commerce students are being unnecessarily fear-mongered, compelling them to study harder.

Besides we all know Aristotle said: “all paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind”. hus because you are so in touch with your inner philosopher we can count on you to decline the abundant job ofers, leaving them for the degraded commerce graduates.

being born with astounding talent, at the end of the day, it’s just a business. Private hospitals want to be the best practice in town, so they try and attract the best doctors in the business to come work for them. By ofering them high salaries, higher than that of competing practices, a bidding war starts. Sound familiar?

It’s exactly how the football world works. Top clubs in Europe want to be the best team. hey want to win the domestic league, the Champions League and the Club World Cup. So they ofer the best players top contracts with the highest salaries.

Top players like Messi and Ronaldo earn around US$250 000 per week. In just a week’s time they earn more than doctors do per month and in a year they earn enough to start their own private practice! So although it is unfair that footballers earn more than doctors, they are also in business.

opinions

9

Lust for Lecturers Rachel Botsis

U

pon social observation, I’ve decided to classify people into three categories. Note: If you’re reading this, you fall into one of the categories by default.

Category 1: hose who pretend to never have a slightly ‘below the belt’ thought.

Category 2: hose who get a little frisky behind closed doors - bringing out the props and the school-girl outits.

Category 3: hose who decide, “why just enjoy role-play, when you can make dreams come true?” he ones that actually hook up with their teachers: Prof. Seemann or the ith year tutor.

Shocked? Somehow I don’t think so. Quite on the contrary, I think you have a speciic tutor or lecturer that’s come to mind. Perhaps the one that’s caused some distractions during tits.

Sorry, I mean during tuts. Or one that has let you with more than the “academic” ater-thought. I’m not going to spend any time convincing you that these sorts of afairs happen.

Open your mouth and ask around, I’m sure you’ll be (pleasantly?) surprised.

Yes, tutors and lecturers are our superiors…the ones who like to be

on top. But truth be told, they’re not always as strong-minded as their superiority calls for. And us students are neither as mature as we like to portray…we’re passion driven and want what we want. he point is both parties have weak points.

For those wanting to get on board, here are a few pointers to consider before embarking on your steamy journey.

Tutors can still make that naughty role-play a reality and there aren’t too many risks involved If it’s a professor you’re aiming for, irst and foremost – big ups to you! hat’s reaching for the stars. I’d do a little rethinking before I went for gold. Typically, professors are of a rather “developed” age. Developed in the sense that they’ve been where we are, they’ve seen our type before and they still have their prestigious job. he behaviour of “the young and the restless” (aka: me, you and everyone else) is not unfamiliar or new to them. he thing is, by the time you’re a professor, you’ve sorted out your life. You’re no longer an emotional mess, swinging between wanting to

Image: michael.currin.co.za

be constantly drunk and wanting to be the top academic individual, like us students. Instead, he or she has probably got a couple of PhDs below their belt and a sweet and stable partner. If not, they’re probably divorced and bitter or single and cynical, and then what fun will they be?

If you’re really contemplating this, I’d swing a little lower down the academic pole. Tutors can still make that naughty role-play in reality and there aren’t too many risks involved. Point to remember

when on your sexual prowl in the tertiary education ield: the playing dumb tactic is exactly that, dumb. It’s not cute and it’s not going to get you anywhere. (Wo)Man up and ask for what you want.

Closer to home, here’s what UCT has to say about these sticky situations. Page 119 of the University Policy Handbook refers to these encounters as “Special relationships between staf and students.” If you manage to hook a member of staf, the Head of Department (HOD) must be told. If you hook an HOD,

Ethics Antics

All work and no play…

Olivia Wainwright

Image: Johann Larsons

Alex Searle

T

he journalistic profession is going through a crisis of conscience and conidence. hese days a journalist is a little more than the professional equivalent of a vagrant, trying to survive in an era of technological progress and globalisation.

News editors are caught in webs of business hegemonies, trying to extend their reach while being threatened with no bread at the end of the month if they don’t report their version of the truth.

Spare a thought for the online columnist, slave to the omnipresent internet media, diversifying its coverage of news to the world through BlackBerry, Twitter and a host of other media sources.

How is a journalist supposed to function under all these pressures, whilst maintaining a code of ethics (and decency)? he problem is with journalistic ethics itself, particularly with objectivity. he irst set of journalistic ethical guidelines was hammered out by the Kansas Editorial Association in 1910, and all codes from newsrooms to print-rooms share a similar structure, including basic

tenets of truth-telling, accountability and social responsibility. But in our post-modern paradigm where fragmentation and relativism have deemphasised impartiality, people are no longer going to only one source for information.

Journalistic convention advocates objectivity: an obsolete and utterly impenetrable concept to a social forum like journalism. But news is subjective in nature. he time for objectivity has come and gone, and since the online consumer will be visiting up to ive or six news sites at once, they will be able to receive a wealth of information from every rich perspective. he new ethical code should include a clause imploring the journalist to nail his or her colours to the mast. In my opinion, this is the new newsgathering schema of which we all should be a part. he fact remains that journalists have not been able or willing to embrace the technological stampede that now pervades every quarter of the industry. his is because online media is still condescendingly seen as the ofspring of print, and dependent on it for credibility in news-making.

While print and online media are invariably linked, many newspaper companies such as Die Burger reproduce their stories verbatim

on the web. he internet is another ball game completely. Opinions are worth more than news. Information is gathered and distributed in short bursts for a completely diferent readership geared for the global culture of fast-paced consumerism. he advent of internet sources for news and information is a mixed blessing. he world is smaller and spins faster, but it has allowed everyone to become an amateur journalist.

It has catalysed a global trend and is here to stay. So instead of moping about past glory, we need to take a lesson in modern practice from our online brethren. his is the only way to re-establish credibility within online journalism.

Journalists have the advantage of being professional news-makers. he trick is to update, add to and revise the code of ethics while not letting mainstream media become saddled with over-ambitious advertisers or smutty tabloids. he age-old code of ethics must be demythologised.

Objectivity is no longer relevant in this day and age.

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of a journalist’s phone not ringing for work. It’s time to get these sad souls of the streets and back into the newsroom.

the Dean of the Faculty must be informed. If you hook the Dean, then you need to inform a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Here’s hoping your experience ends up being truly “special”.

So, take from that what you need, or should I say who you need. However, most importantly, remember – although it may be a hard task – all in all making it on the Dean’s list is suddenly a little more within reach. It’s just a matter of deciding on which list you will feature.

that we try and keep for ourselves.

In our media-driven society, we ind ourselves constantly as we approach the end of the bombarded by the temptations semester and work starts to pile up, of new technology, fashions and I cannot help but notice that we are experiences. We are a consumerist an extremely busy generation. generation, and the income here are many reasons why we generated by part-time jobs and are under so much pressure and holiday work is a necessity. ind ourselves so busy. As students, Perhaps the reason we ind we face the prospect of having to ourselves so busy is because we ind work at the end of our studies place so little value on rest. We tend in tough times. An economic not to see the advantages of rest report released last July revealed until we begin to sufer from the that South Africa has the highest efects of not having taken enough unemployment rate in the whole of time out for ourselves. Studies have Africa. We have to ensure not only shown that being overworked can that we stand out academically lead to stress, which can cause compared to our peers, but also insomnia, short tempers, headaches that the experience and low morale. we have makes us If stress levels we place so little highly employable. stay high for long We have to use periods, one can value on rest our time not also be victim to only to excel in such psychological our studies, but also to get work disorders as depression and experience, network and join the substance addiction. appropriate societies.

Perhaps, too, we are not very As a generation, we are more good at time management. We are aware of the world around us. faced with a diicult prospect: it is And while some of us campaign clear that we need to rest, but at the for human rights, others seek new same time, we don’t want to give ways of encouraging people to care up on the things we care about. We for the environment. Still others need to learn to be discerning and work for charities, to bring joy to when to say “no” to the demands of the lives of individuals. hese are life. Recognizing the importance of important things, but again, they rest to our health and general wellare time-consuming. being will help us decide whether to On top of these factors, we devote time to something or not. face the pressures that technology Ideally, we will recognize such has created in our time. We spend needs and learn such skills during more time replying to emails, our time at varsity, and will see that checking Vula, keeping in contact to be truly successful in life – not with friends on Facebook and just inancially or academically texting to organize our social lives. but in all aspects – it is paramount hese days, wherever we are, we are that we take time to pause, relax contactable, even in the moments and think.

All-round VARSITY showcases some of our successful sportsclubs: athletics, judo,

sports stars indoor and outdoor soccer, golf, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hockey, capoeira, sailing, yachting, squash and wake boarding.

Images: Geof Kilpin, John Cunnif, Rudi Botha & michael.currin.co.za

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features

Battle of the Blockbusters

REVIEWS

Album review: Holiday Murray

Image: michael.currin.co.za

Kate Ahrends

T

Calvin Scholtz

I

t’s that time of the year again: the beginning of winter in South Africa which means it’s the start of the summer movie season in the United States. his is when all of the Hollywood studios unveil their biggest blockbusters and hope to come out at the top of the box-oice earnings.

While superheroes like Superman and Batman irst appeared in ilms over two decades ago, other comic book characters took longer to make it to the big screen. However, there has been a steady increase in superhero-inspired ilms over the last few years, and this season may just see the phenomenon reach its peak.

First comes hor, which is currently showing, with relatively unknown Chris Hemsworth as the

protagonist. here’s also another X-Men prequel releasing on 3 June, called First Class, which looks at the origins of Professor Xavier and his nemesis, Magneto. his will be followed by Green Lantern, featuring Ryan Reynolds, on 24 June.

May 20th sees the release of the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean instalment, On Stranger Tides. he enduring popularity of Johnny Depp and his portrayal of the character Captain Jack Sparrow has turned a ilm based on a theme park ride into one of the most successful franchises in movie history. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley will not return, however British actor Ian McShane appears as the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, and Penélope Cruz stars as his daughter.

In terms of animated ilms, it’s a battle of the sequels as Dreamworks’ Kung Fu Panda 2: he Kaboom of Doom (10 June) faces of against

Pixar’s Cars 2 (8 July). And speaking of two dimensional characters, there is also Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, which will be released on 1 July. It will no doubt involve lots of mindless special efects and explosions, except that there’ll be no Megan Fox this time round. It is said to be the inal ilm in the series: I really do hope so.

Finally, the season will close with Part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on 15 July. his is the irst time that a single work of iction has been adapted into two movies, and the success of this type of ilmmaking is yet to be judged. Part 1 of Hallows was quite a cheerless ilm and, I feel, let its audience largely unsatisied. However, Part 2 is set to be a somewhat harrowing, yet exciting, experience that will ensure that the Harry Potter saga ends on a high note.

Bookmark: A Guide to the Birds of East Africa

by Nicholas Drayson

Georgie Mackenzie As soon as you hear the name of the book, a gloomy picture of an endless encyclopaedia-like book, illed with lists of minute birds and their extensive features immediately comes to mind. However, when you are presented with the book and its tea-stained and quirky cover you soon realise that this book is far from the dreary, preconceived idea that you infer from its title.

A Guide to the Birds of East

Africa is a most endearing read – not only does it make you laugh out loud at times and try to frantically explain to others what you find so funny, but it is also one of the few books that you feel sad to have finished. As you near the end of the read, you indulgently savour each delightful detail until the time of its completion is nigh.

The story is set in Kenya, where you meet Mr Malik, a short, round, quiet Indian man who has mastered the art of an impressive

comb-over. Mr Malik is a member of East African Ornithological Society and attends, without fail, every one of the Tuesday-morning bird walks taken by Rose Mbikwa.

Mr Malik, since having taken up bird-watching with the morning walkers, has secretly loved the kind, intelligent, red-haired Rose.

When he had finally plucked up enough courage to ask her to the annual Hunt Ball, the arrival of his suave school nemesis, Harry Khan, and his flirtatious ways casts doom on Mr Malik’s secret plan.

When Mr Malik, to his own surprise, tells his feelings about Rose to members of his club and Harry Khan, it is decided that the only way to settle the matter is to set a wager – the man who sees the most birds in a week will be the lucky man who can take Rose to the ball. The story follows both Harry Khan and Mr Malik on their delightful and sometimes precarious adventures in order to find the most birds and win a chance to spend the evening with

he first time I listened to the newly released Holiday Murray album, I was taken aback. I knew this Capetonian band was talented, but how brilliant their new album would be, I underestimated.

With a creative blend of styles, this album moves between bouncy drumbeats to acoustic guitar solos and catchy lyrics. And while one song varies from the next, it is clear that there is a deinite uniqueness to the Holiday Murray sound.

Having only formed Holiday Murray in February 2009, it is very impressive to see the amount of support this band has secured in such a relatively short space of time. With James Tut on lead vocals and guitar and Justin Davenport on vocals and guitar, Chris Carter follows on the bass, keys, vocals and violin and Ellis Silverman provides the playful pace on the drums.

It is their well-constructed combination of instruments, however, that sets this band apart.

Ranging from African drums to rattles and shakers, the Holiday Murray album uncovers an exploration and experimentation of new sounds, but also reveals this group’s well-rounded band dynamic. It’s this openness to trying new things, and allowing a sense of curiosity to engage with diferent rhythms and genres, that really give Holiday Murray their unusual edge. his sense of direction continues

Restaurant review: Trenchtown Katherine Verhoeven

the charming Rose Mbikwa. It is not only a light, heart-warming read with its quirky figures of speech and enchanting characters, but it provides you with a whistlestop overview of most of the birds in East Africa – not bad for a day’s work!

to push this band forward, only developing their already efortless ability to yield rewarding results.

Having been to many Holiday Murray gigs, I have found that this band possesses a sense of humility and passion for their music. here’s nothing worse than watching a group perform that try and force their connection to the audience, but this is deinitely not the case for Holiday Murray. his is evident by their very responsive audience, who can oten be found jumping around and singing along. heir live performances are as good as their album, with a very tight collection of songs and charming presence on stage.

Holiday Murray’s recent album launch was also the launch of their irst music video. With “Jirey” easily being their most popular song, their music video is yet another relection of this bands natural talent and funloving attitude towards their work.

My favourite tracks are “Homeless & happy,” with its mature combination of violin and inspiring guitar work, and then “Antagonizer”, with its harmony of sounds and sweeping lyrics such as “Nobody escapes me like you do”. he inal song “Be a bird” brings the 10-track album to a close (but be sure to keep an ear open for the hidden track at the end), leaving behind a feel-good impression and a desire to press play once again.

You know it’s a good album when there isn’t one song that you would skip through.

Just off diverse Lower Main Road in Observatory you will ind Trenchtown, adorned with decorative lights and a yellow paintjob. his Jamaican-style restaurant and bar is named ater the neighbourhood in which Bob Marley grew up. As soon as you walk through that everwelcoming, twinkling doorway, you are transported into a location that embodies the Caribbean in almost every way, from the lively decorations inside to the beachthemed outside. You will not be disappointed. his colourful Eden ofers traditional Caribbean food; most infamously, their iery-hot “Coco Loco Hoppin’ Jons” which are jalapeño peppers stufed with feta and deep-fried. his is a must for the hot-food junkies out there! For the more conservative of you, they also ofer good quality for money

burgers and pizzas. Trenchtown is part of the Banana Jam Café group, but is much larger and has a much better atmosphere than its Kenilworth counterpart. Adding to the Jamaican feel, Trenchtown has regular live Reggae music for your enjoyment as you sip your drink and tuck in to your meal. his restaurant is open from 12:00 – 00:00 Monday to Saturday and 16:00 – 00:00 on Sundays.

However, everybody’s favourite hour has to be happy hour, when you can get generously sized cocktails for just R16 each! My favourite has to be the Green Iguana and not just because it is the biggest. For the sports fans, they have a massive screen outside on which they screen all the major sporting events. Within short walking distance from many bars in Obs, Trenchtown is the perfect place to kick of the night, and it is an ideal hangout for Sunday evening drinks. So push your toes into the sand and enjoy, man!

features

CURRENT AFFAIRS

13

Police brutality: is history repeating itself?

Sibahle Melane he death of Andries Tatane of Ficksburg has caused havoc in the entire country. Tatane was allegedly beaten and shot by the police during a protest march about service delivery grievances on 13 April.

What triggered the police to react in such a manner towards an unarmed citizen is not known. Could it be that history is repeating itself? Gone are the days when ordinary citizens lived in fear of the police; gone are the days when police attacked and tortured people with no particular reason; gone are the days when people had no platform to exercise their rights; gone are the days when police ruled and citizens live in fear.

Or so we thought. What happened in Ficksburg is a stark reminder of the killings and sufering that people witnessed and experienced during the apartheid regime. Clearly South Africa is not as progressive as we all like to believe. he nation is known worldwide for its progressive democracy.

It is ranked 110 on the Human Development Index worldwide.

Nevertheless, in the past few months, that reputation has slowly become tainted. his incident is not the only reminder of the past. Last year the government tabled the Protection of Information bill, also known as the Secrecy Bill to its protesters.

Image: wikicommons

T

DEVASTATED - Andries Tatane’s widow hangs her head in despair as they await the news regarding the bail hearing of the accussed. his bill caused havoc not only in the press, but also in the education ield, for professional writers and for scientists, just to name a few. he bill, if passed, could potentially require that any piece of writing, research and articles should be authorised by the government before they get published. his reminds us of what the apartheid government

It is apparent that police are as cruel and heartless as they were in the past did in the past. hey denied the press the right to publish anything

that did not portray the government positively. Many newspapers were banned and closed down because they failed to obey the government.

Is this post-apartheid government the one supposedly “for the people and by the people,” repeating what their predecessors did? If this is the case, as it seemingly is, then our own government is guilty of hypocrisy.

hey have not only failed to deliver to the people’s needs, but they have also failed to remain the democratic post-apartheid government that people believed to be anti-violence.

Obviously rubber bullets and teargas seem to be a crowd spoiler.

It is apparent that police are as cruel and heartless as they were in the past. hey go home to their loved ones while Tatane’s wife is let without a husband and his kids let fatherless.

South Africa may have passed the apartheid era, but incidents like these are those that easily scratch open the wounds that were once believed to be healed.

Tertiary qualiication should be a prerequisite for becoming a police oicer. Clearly, this is what is lacking, the ability to deal with certain situations in a certain manner. I am guessing the criteria for the job are muscles, strength and cruelty, or, at least this is how it seems.

Just when we think we are done with the past’s horrifying occurrences, something like this happens to remind us of the extent to which the police went to in order to “enforce the law”. his depicts our government as a hypocritical government, stabbing the people who put them in power at the back. he possibility of history repeating itself is frightening. Who are we, as ordinary citizens, supposed to trust to deliver the people’s needs and safety? Clearly neither the police nor the entire government are doing it.

Protests in Swaziland - the next uprising in the African continent?

M

any stereotypes ly around about Swaziland: “where is Swaziland? Isn’t that the place with the naked dancers? Isn’t that a province in South Africa? Cue incredulous wide-eyed look of disbelief on being informed that it is in fact a country, within close proximity, where more goes on than just reed dances.

Despite this general misinformation, the one thing people get right is the fact that Swazi high society is characterized by the scourge of many African leaders; the opulence and extravagance of the King and his cronies in government, juxtaposed with the immense poverty of the “commoners”.

Recently, the world has seen a wave of protests against autocratic undemocratic regimes in states such as Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and Oman.

Swaziland appeared to be on the same path, with the uprisings on the 2 April 2011 until police came out in a show of brutality which has sadly become a feature of African regimes, using water-cannons, teargas, beatings and arrests against protestors, with the Prime Minister declaring any such actions illegal. he Swazi economy has recently been hit by a recession, a culmination of ages of the abuse of state wealth by the ruling elite. he crisis and the government’s proposal to freeze the salaries of civil servants precipitated frustrations in the country and led to

calls for the ousting of the monarchy. he uprising appears to be an urgent call for some action before the country completely collapses. he recent protests show that the people have reached a period where they say enough is enough. hey realise that a culture of deference and tradition will not feed their children, will not lower the highest AIDS rate in the world and will not reform one of the worst health care systems in the world. he movements are led by people whose motto is “We are the generation that says ‘Enough!’”

They realise that a culture of deference and tradition will not feed their children Swaziland is one of the few countries in Africa that has retained a deep sense of tradition, virtually untouched by modernity.

Whereas others tend to perceive it as backward and retrogressive, it is pretty commendable that they have this rich, amazing culture and traditional system. heir deference to and reverence for their King is unparalleled. he Swatis are a peaceful people.

One cannot help but get the impression that the international media and other outside forces are attempting to propel a revolution in Swaziland. It remains to be seen whether a complete revolution would

Image: wikicommons

Matilda Nengare

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - Discontent Swatis gather in efort to revolutionise their kingdom.

The recent protests show that the people have reached a period where they say enough is enough have the support of the majority. he biggest question raised by social analysts is the route the country will take should a revolution succeed.

he organisers of the resistance do not appear to have a cohesive plan in relation to the route to take once the government has fallen. here is deinitely a possibility of it resulting in a power vacuum, which would leave the people even more exposed to abuse and uncertainty.

What do the revolutionaries do once power has been attained? heir primary focus appears to be ousting the King. Beyond that, it is unclear which route will be taken.

Reform is clearly needed in Swaziland, but given the culture of the country, an uprising may not be the best solution.

Do you have thoughts and views on the current political situation in Swaziland?

Email: features@ varsitynewspaper.co.za

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features

OUR CAMPUS

Campus Catwalk Sakhi Gcina

E

ver felt like being on the UCT campus is like being on the set of a photo shoot? Your mind starts to think that everyone you meet resembles a new page of a fashion spread in Elle or GQ magazine. You become convinced that the group of friends sitting on Jammie stairs are posing for some imaginary camera.

Well don’t worry: you are not losing your mind.

When one is a student at university, there is a strong urge to not only express yourself, but also to create an image for yourself and also to carve your niche in the echelons of the social circuit as an individual, and as part of a minority. he majority still can’t let go of that desire to it in. As a result, individuality has fallen away. he term that has been coined to describe these people is hipsters. he behaviour of typical hipsters is that they take an extra hour to get dressed in the morning because they are trying on everything in their cupboard to get the “right” look. he “right” look is usually somewhere along the lines of old school rock and roll.

You see that girl with red, pouting lips, shiny hair, a bare pierced mid-

rif, smelling like cigarette smoke and Dolce & Gabbana walking coolly in to the tut late? Well, she is a hipster and under those aviator sunglasses she secretly wishes that she was the one to come up with the infamous meat dress. At least then she would be unique. he irst ofenders under scrutiny are men. Although they don’t have much to work with, their preppy or beach bum look, which includes the dreaded “thong” lip lops, is hardly inspiring. For them, it is all about who can put on the tightest skinny jeans, creating all sorts of bulging obscenities, brightest pimsolls and coolest beanie or fedora. All suggesting that they have been reading Vogue Italia Hommes imitations.

Women, however, are the biggest ofenders. Some consult each other for advice only to end up looking like each other. his has become a competition; the prize ending up to be the envy or admiration of others.

In the end, everyone is going for the same look. With women there are two categories: the Parisian chic, and the girl in heels.

Glamour, glitter, makeup and all sorts of bedazzled items comprise the Parisian chic look. he aim is to look like you didn’t miss a whole lecture just to wear a crop top, jeggings and

a pair of brogues. hey can be found on the guest list of every hoity-toity club. hey rub shoulders with most of the celebrities you see on Jammie hursdays. heir look is achieved by searching through endless fashion blogs or rummaging through catalogues of indie boutiques. he trick is, of course, to achieve this look on a student budget. his usually involves either raiding your grandmother’s chest of drawers or typically pulling stunts in a dodgy alleyway where you deem the location your “secret vintage shop”.

And how can we forget the infamous girl in heels. High heels are known to be symbol of power and prowess because the one wearing them will tower over anyone who dares to approach “her majesty”. I can’t imagine how powerful one feels when they have to climb the Steve Biko steps and get to the shuttle stop in them though. Indeed, what fashion perceives as beauty is pain and speciically excruciating for one’s feet.

She is only forcing the question people have tried to unravel for centuries: when will vanity stop creating a culture of people who care about judgements others have about them?

Image: Rachel Doyle

Image: devotedfansnetwork.com

Coming right on campus

Anton Taylor

I

recently completed watching every episode of South Park and 30 Rock. his was sad, as it meant that I can never again drink alcohol. For, outside of prescribed medication, which I cannot access, these programs are the only things that keep the demons I experience

the aternoon ater a heavy night at bay.

At about 5pm a horrid anxiety hits me, and I start speculating over what may have happened under the black fog which was the previous night.

My morals momentarily leave me and for a short time, I worry about friendships and laws which were possibly crushed between 2 and 4 am. he Loser Complex is powerful,

Who has better hair, McDreamy, or Hangover guy? and, at times, it has come near to killing me. hese happy little series are all that keep me from death.

So, instead of sweating in the

leshpots of Cape Town, I have recently taken to pondering over deep issues, asking myself the really big questions of life: Who has better hair: McDreamy, or Hangover guy?

Would I stop my life and move to Antarctica if Kelly Brook Facebooked me and asked for my hand in marriage without meeting her irst?

Why do people think dog-tags are acceptable fashion accessories? Who could do more cocaine if challenged, Charlie Sheen or God? Or, are they not perhaps the same person?

Anywho, an issue which I have thought about quite considerably is that of coming right, and, in particular, coming right on campus.

I feel that I need to introduce this revolutionary idea to the students of UCT so that we may improve our already resplendent quality of life.

Now, from the start, I would like to categorically point out that I am not talking about PDA, the third sin ater bare feet and communism. I am talking about kissing (and more?!) somebody you have never hooked up with before, on campus, during the day. Just think of the possibilities.

So much money saved from not going out. No darkened corners to hide freckles, borderline obesity and Ed Hardy Blackberry covers; no drunken mistakes (although I do realise that this is not ideal if you intend on being one of those mistakes); no waking up with Steers pickles on your pillow; and, most importantly, no crushing Sunday evening suicide hangovers. No more turning up the shower to block out

the Carte Blanche music and AIDS babies story as I lie holding my knees rocking on the loor. Just happiness, ponies, rainbows and lots of action.

Of course, coming right sans alcohol is like inding the Holy Grail.

But it can be done. I hate talking about myself and my achievements, but I will ight my modest nature to reveal that I have come right on campus on two occasions. Once with a ginger that was above a 5 out

I am not talking about PDA, the third sin after bare feet and communism. of 10 (they do exist), and once with somebody who has subsequently said she hates me. So it can happen.

Dreams can come true.

I know it’s daunting. I know there are some who say it can’t be done.

But there were people who said the same about walking backwards and getting away with child molestation – that didn’t stop MJ. We need to revolutionise UCT’s culture. We need to change our mindsets from thinking this is a new level of creepiness into seeing it a necessary rite of passage we all have to pass through at least once before graduating.

It must be done. Or else I will be forced to spend my post-party aternoons not answering private number calls and taking hours to write weird 600 word articles for VARSITY.

features

WORKER’S DAY

15

Behind the scenes of UCT Mon-Cheri Baatjes

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hat happens at UCT when we aren’t around? I’m talking about the people that help make UCT the smooth-sailing ship that it is: the ones that feed us, drive us up and down, and tidy up ater we’ve had our fun.

VARSITY conducted a few interviews with our behind-thescenes team to ind out who they are, how long they’ve been working here, and if they enjoy working here. First stop was Henry, the fruit vendor in the food court. He has been working here since 1979.

Henry says he has been here so long, he has seen doctors and lawyers emerge from his regular supporters.

Being able to run a stall for so long can only mean two things – Henry has loyal customers and they have a good relationship with him. He says students have always given him their support.

When asked if he has seen or heard any strange things from students he laughs and says, “I saw someone with a mask the other day...

Ai, they keep me young.”

When we think about our Jammie drivers, we say a silent prayer of thanks even when we might have waited quite a while. hey save us when it’s raining, when the sun is

Image: michael.currin.co.za

baking, when our legs are aching and when we just want to go home.

Try picturing yourself walking from Upper Campus to Hiddingh. Did you know that, back in the day, you had to pay an individual amount whenever you wanted to use the Jammie? hings have changed for our convenience. Let us be thankful for the fact that we don’t have to walk our precious shoes or feet to shreds!

UCT without them means starvation, possible leg problems, and having an unkempt campus hen we have the UCT Super Care employees: the people who

make everything look neat and tidy and the people we don’t always take into account.

Some cleaners have been working here for over ten years, while others, for less than two. Amanda, who has been working here for a year and two months, says the students have a lot of respect for her. “hey joke with me and always want me to smile,” she said. She also said that for people

so young, they know a lot and try to open her mind by encouraging her to continue her studies.

But things aren’t always as bright and shiny. Some cleaners, who prefer to remain anonymous, mentioned that students are rude and demanding at times. Most explained that it was the minority of students acting in this way. “Maar waarom moet ‘n paar vrot appels die hele dosyn bederf?” (But why must a few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch?).

Despite our imperfections and our lack of recognition for the work they do, most of the cleaners agreed that they love being here and feel very much a part of UCT. Perhaps we should all take a little time to take notice of the people behind the scenes. Granted, we’re all very busy with things like research, essay deadlines, tests and what seems an endless list, but it costs nothing to say a simple “hank you.”

UCT without them means starvation, possible leg problems, and having an unkempt campus. In other words: a sinking ship. We can’t go on without them. We need our behind-the-scenes team or else we’ll be a very poorly-constructed Harry Potter movie – no make-up and no special efects.

Smart jobs for students Michelle October

Y

ou never really fully understand the phrase: “I’m a student – I’m broke!” until your course work chucks up the deuces to your weekend job faster than a irst year to MAM1010F. Suddenly there is no allowance for the customary meridian Budget Roll. Suddenly all the clubs in the world should have economically impossible student discounts, primarily in the shape of ludicrously cheap drinks. Suddenly, and against all prior expectations, working in the library is not as nerdy as it sounds.

Are jobs on campus the future? hink about the cuts in travel costs. hink helping damsels in distress in Beattie Lab (the nerds will love this).

Wesley, who works as a computer lab assistant, doesn’t call it the best job in the world. “It’s not like working in a fragrance boutique, we don’t get discounts; we pay for our own paper copies.” He agrees that the pay is decent for a student, though.

He simply handed in his CV to the Information & Communications Technology Services (ICTS) in Lesley Social Sciences Building, at the end of 2010, and started his job in 2011.

Siya works as a Student Assistant in the Career Information Centre for the Career Development Programme (CDP). he Career Development Centre provides students with useful resources and skills, so they can equip themselves for the working world.

“My job gives me the opportunity to develop myself personally,” says

it could be that tutoring the course you aced last year would be better for your future career than promoting Vicks in Pick ‘n Pay every weekend WORK HARD, PLAY HARD - Get a job that’s easy access and fun.

Siya, adding that his job entails handling projects. As a Student Assistant, Siya helps students get the necessary material that will enhance their career opportunities. Although Siya’s salary could not be disclosed, he inds it reasonable.

Zak, a library assistant, got her job by putting herself on the mailing list for the Career Development Programme. he mailing list notiies students of programmes that the CDP has on ofer, such as jobs on and of campus. “I can sit and do some work when it’s quiet [during

my shit],” says Zak. Tifany, a politics tutor, reckons that the only thing that keeps her going at her job is the money. Tifany says, “there are not that many perks” in tutoring, adding, “you have to deal with students.” Another drawback of the job, Tifany says, is the “cock and bull excuses you get from students who don’t hand in their work,” and “course convenors who are really crap at their job.” However, Tifany points out that a tutoring job looks good on your CV and “the money is

worth it.”

Ashton is the music manager at UCT Radio, and DJ of the Global Dance Experience show. He says that in order to get your own show, you could work for “six months to a year.”

Although the work is voluntary, the experience is vital to a person looking to break into the radio industry.

Ashton adds, “here’s a lot around the voice on the radio, such as sport department and advertising.”

If being paid for dealing with broken printers, or helping

Image: michael.currin.co.za

computer-illiterate people, or reshelving books, or informing the uninformed every day isn’t your thing, jobs around campus might not be the best idea for you.

However, it could be that tutoring the course you aced last year would be better for your future career than promoting Vicks in Pick ‘n Pay every weekend. “Work smarter, not harder” rings so many bells all of a sudden, doesn’t it?

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features

ARTS & CULTURE

Lovborg’s Women Ziyanda Tshabalala

A

fter a very busy season for the Mechanicals, they have sadly reached the end of their summer season for 2011. his season’s plays included A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, Peter Terry’s he Great Gatsby and concluding the season is Lovborg’s Women. he actors are Kate Liquorish, Mikkie-Dene Le Roux, Andrew Laubscher and Adrian Collins.

Jorgen Lovborg is a Scandinavian playwright whose writing career began when he was in his early teens. Lovborg’s Women, directed

by Christopher Weare, is a comedy on Jorgen Lovborg’s realistic and naturalistic dramas wrapped in satire.

His captivating female characters were inspired by heartbreak caused by his relationships with women, which were full of distress and resentment. he Mechanicals show

Lovborg’s women in modern light and reconsider them in a modern context. he set did not have many props but the props they had were all the actors needed. hey were successfully

His captivating female characters were inspired by heartbreak caused by his relationships with women able to show the audience the present and the past simultaneously without getting lost in the twirls, jumps and sound efects. he audience was captivated from the word go. he costumes clearly distinguished the present from the past, the visible from the invisible and the cool from the not so cool. It is truly amazing how four actors were able to go on the loor looking nothing like

how they looked when they let the loor. his went smoothly without any awkward unintended pauses in between.

Overall, the music, costumes, props and lighting complemented not only the actors but also the storyline. Besides the frame which lost a little balance during an act (even that did not cause drama), everything went efortlessly well.

At the end, the audience could not stop applauding at the beautifully choreographed play as the cast gave their three bows in conclusion.

Lovborg’s Women is ideal for anyone and everyone. Everyone is guaranteed to laugh and be captivated by the women’s sorrows. he play has been on since 14 April and will show until 21 May. his gives everyone a chance to go check it out as the Intimate heatre seats 70 people at a time. Tickets cost R80. For bookings, email luke. ellenbogen@gmail.com or call 021 480 7126.

Interview: Black Moscow

Anton Taylor

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lack Moscow is a ive-piece alternative rock band who recently celebrated the release of their irst EP Verdigris, on 26 April.

As somebody who’s music taste leans strongly towards Miley Cyrus and David Guetta, I thought that interviewing these gentlemen would be educational not only to me, but to the many UCT students who consider 30 Seconds to Mars heavy metal.

So I sat down with the band, which consists of Xavier van der Zandt on vocals; Marc Röntsch and Stephen Alfreds on guitar; Luke Otto on bass and Rob Ruhrmund on drums, to ask them a bit about themselves.

What separates this band from many others is the hard work which they’ve poured into their music over the year they’ve spent together. Both Luke and Marc study at the UCT Music School, with Marc busy doing his Masters. Xavier, who is studying

a BA, was brought in speciically for his ability to write meaningful lyrics, and Rob is a sound engineer.

VARSITY: Guys, I am worried about your name... I trust you don’t have communist leanings?

Xavier van der Zandt: No it has nothing to do with that. I once wrote a song called “Black Moscow Eyes” and the name stuck. Our name changes meaning, but generally it means that everything has both a beautiful and dark side to it.

V: (sigh of relief) How do you feel about Justin Bieber?

Marc Röntsch: We modelled our careers on his.

Stephen Alfreds: Hero XvdZ: [Horrid unprintable word which saddens interviewer and which would infuriate other beliebers the world over.]

V: How would you say you create your music?

XvdZ: We like to think of our music as being intelligent without pretence. We put a lot of hard work and theory in it.

SA: We have lots of inluences but don’t aim to sound like anybody.

Guys like he Mars Volta and the Detones inspire us, but there is also the classical inluence of Wagner and others in our music.

MR: Music should not be made for anything other than self-expression and art. Certainly it should not be made for money. In that way I ind Nirvana really genuine... We just try to put everybody in the band’s voices into our songs.

V: How do you feel about Tin Roof?

MR: Jas hey, laaik I was with my chinas last night for a hectic prematch and I tell you boet, got straight on the cane-train. Went to Forries and then Tinners, came right one time hey. [Continues with what I could swear was the actual conversation I had with a friend earlier in the day. At irst I am confused by their laughter but eventually realise that he is parodying Tin Roof patrons. I smile on the outside but weep on the inside.]

V: he most important question of course, involves attention from ladies. Do you guys get action now that you’re a performing rock band?

MR: hat is a myth! All lies! We don’t get any action from being in an alt rock band.

XvdZ: Well, we have some cool experiences...

SA: Come on man, we don’t get sh*t. hose chicks from Zula were drunk. Maybe sometimes Indie bands get groupies.

MR: Really, if you’re making music in the hope of getting chicks... don’t.

SA: So if you’re in your room writing songs now, stop immediately.

Black Moscow can be contacted through their Facebook fan page of the same name.

Dietitians are not only weight loss experts

Nimtaz Giga When someone mentions the word ‘dietitian’, what is the irst thought that comes to your mind? he most common response would be: “Someone who puts you on a diet to help you lose weight.”

We, the student dietitians of UCT, have taken it upon ourselves to try and raise awareness about the role of a dietitian, as we strongly feel that many people are not fully utilizing our services due to this false perception. he dietitian is a member of the multi-disciplinary team and has a unique role to play. Dietitians are health professionals responsible for, among others things, the healthpromoting aspects related to the food people eat. hey are not naysayers and evildoers when it comes to all matters tasteful on the palate.

Rather, dietitians fully comprehend the social aspects related to eating and dietitians are in agreement that eating is supposed to be a pleasurable experience!

Food is an essential part of our lives, which is why it is important to make healthy food choices which can be preventative against possible diseases/conditions. Good food choices promote health and wellbeing. Dietitians do not achieve this by placing people on a diet, but rather by providing advice on how to follow a healthy lifestyle through better and healthier choices. Our role is to provide guidance when it comes to food rather than prescribing a lifetime list of dos and don’ts.

We, as dietitians, cannot possibly provide a lifetime diet prescription.

herefore, people need to stop hesitating before visiting a dietitian and rather begin to see dietitians as healthy-lifestyle promoters and as a solution to a possible food problem.

Many are also ill-informed regarding the role of a dietitian. It is way beyond weight-loss and dieting. he scope of practice of a dietitian covers clinical medicine, community nutrition outreach and public health, food service management, nutrition research and nutrigenomics (a study of how diferent nutrients may interact with speciic genes to increase risk of common chronic diseases).

Dietitians can contribute to the health of all individuals, no matter what their age. his ranges from ensuring growth, mental development and physical development, to managing chronic conditions such as chronic diseases of lifestyle (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol) as well as organ disorders, HIV/AIDS, burns or injuries, not excluding promotion, protection and support of breast-feeding and sport nutrition.

Dietitians are advocates on matters relating to nutrition.

In conclusion, healthy eating is central to the wellbeing of people and as mentioned above, the food choices you make today is key to the quality of life you will have tomorrow.

So, next time you need a nutrition expert, or if you are not sure if what you are eating will promote your health, improve your performance in sport, or you are diagnosed with a medical condition, pay a visit to a dietitian near you.

sports

Come indoors Zaid Gamieldien

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ummer’s coming to an end and with the rain comes an end to short skirts and gatherings on Jammie Steps. What a perfect excuse to be indoors! But the cafeteria and the library won’t be the only places to be this winter, as the oicial UCT Indoor Soccer League reaches its halfway mark. he indoor league consists of 30 teams, split up into 3 divisions, who are hotly contesting the top honours.

Matches take place at Sports Centre 2 during meridian from Monday to hursday, where there are four 15minute matches per day. here is the main league, the knockout cup and the Carling Cup of UCT Indoor Soccer and the MSA Tournament, which kicked of on Monday, 2 May, and is open to teams from other universities. he league works like any professional league would: each division has 10 teams competing for irst place. he top teams of each division then get promoted to the next division while the teams inishing at the bottom get relegated to a lower league.

Apart from having matches called of when it rains due to a crack in the ceiling (which entirely defeats the only advantage of indoor soccer), the only diference is that there’s no actual silverware at the end of the season. However, teams will take pride in the fact that they’re the best indoor team at UCT. It’s a ive-on-ive game, which makes for open, end-to-end play.

Teams usually have around 3 substitute players who roll on and

SCORE - This mislead goalie will be the opponents dream! of as the pace of the indoor game calls for stamina and speed. Creating a team is one the most enjoyable features of indoor soccer. Teams can be a group of friends deciding to give it a try, a select few of the best talents around campus or a group of international students uniting as representatives of their country (e.g.

Team USA).

“Any Hole is a Goal” to “Temple of Boom” Teams pick a colour and a wacky name to suit their style. his can be anything from “Any Hole is a Goal” to “Temple of Boom”. One of the best teams in the league so far is Broken FC, who is dominating the premier league while another ine team known as CT Galacticos are looking

Image: michael.currin.co.za

to dominate in the future, having just debuted this season.

Despite it being seen as friendly competition, do not be deceived by the social nature of the game. You can expect those tackles to come lying in hard. he crowd will boo you of the pitch ater a miserable game, not-so-silently chuckle when the goalkeeper spills the ball or passes it to the opposition and let you know when a player needs to be substituted. hey can also applaud a stunning goal, let you know “you’re the man” and even cry “oooff!” ater witnessing some insane skills on the loor. Injuries occur frequently in the indoor arena and players can ind comfort in the fact that there is a private clinic in Sports Center 2, one level above the playing ield, where even a sprained inger is treated with devoted attention and exceptional care.

17 ABSA PSL: Photo inish Meli Ncube

main contenders to the title. hey are notoriously unpredictable meaning they might cause major If you were previously upsets to the title bids of the Urban hoodwinked into thinking that Warriors, Amakhosi, and the the best league(s) in the world are Brazilians.

It’s not all rosy for the somehow, somewhere in England, Spain, Italy or France: well, dearest, Buccaneers though, as they have a please think again. he local Absa thorny assignment against former Premiership is so tight that a camel champions Supersport United, passing through the eye of a needle who will not make it easy for the team who are about to dethrone would look like a joke.

As it stands the top two teams them. hey then visit Santos, who are separated by goal diference, the have looked all out of sorts since next two by two points, and there the turn of the year, and close the are only three games let to spare, campaign against Golden Arrows. with the exception of Mamelodi Now that is not a guaranteed nine Sundowns, who have tricky away points but their run-in looks easier, tie in hand against unpredictable provided they keep their heads on the ground and Amazulu. Orlando possibly complete Pirates head the they have a thorny a historic treble standings on 56 if they win the points, Ajax Cape assignment against Town coming in former champions Nedbank Cup to to already second by virtue of Supersport United add bagging the MTN goal diference also 8. on 56 points; it is Mpumalanga Black Aces anyone’s guess whose ingerprints will be let on the shiny silver meanwhile have been the victim of the dreaded chop; they were trophy at the end of the season.

Kaizer Chiefs come in third on relegated on 16 April by Kaizer 53 points and Mamelodi Sundowns Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba are fourth on 51 points, and thus Stadium in Limpopo. Moroka mathematically the race is far Swallows, seemingly revived under from over. However, theoretically the tutelage of Gordon Igesund, putting the aerodynamics into look set to battle it out to avoid the consideration it was just about to playofs with the likes of Maritzburg shape up, and it points to Orlando United, Platinum Stars, Vasco Da Pirates having the last laugh, Gama and Amazulu as they are because the other three contenders all separated by a point each from anchoring the second from last will be playing against each other.

Amakhosi, who were humbled place in the log standings.

Nonetheless, with all due by minnows Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup, were crushed on respect to all these teams ighting Sunday by Mamelodi Sundowns in it out in the relegation battle, the excitement is up the log standings. their own back yard.

Nevertheless, the title might be It is anyone’s guess as to who will be decided at the hands of Amazulu, crowned champions. who will play each of the three

Arsenal: The Giant Implosion Calvin Freese

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United have, however, recorded some very impressive victories his season has seen United drop a number of points, drawing 10 matches thus far; in their last title-winning campaign they only drew 6. his has not been a problem though, because while United have drawn, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have lost.

United have been able to maintain

Image: Mark Leech/wellofside.com

his last week determined the destination of the Premier League title, and much like the majority of this season, it has not been so much a team winning, but more so a case of another losing. he title will return to Manchester this year ater a one year absence, and it could hardly be argued that this is not correct, but even the most ardent of Manchester United supporters would have to admit that they have not been in vintage form throughout and the opposition’s shortcomings have aided them.

OUT OF AMMO - Has Arsenal’s era of excellence come to an end? their lead when playing poorly, and extend it when on form. United have, however, recorded some very impressive victories and, as ever, scored important goals when they count most. A real revelation this season has been Javier Hernández, the speedy forward who has been the scorer of a number of these goals.

Although United should win the

Premier League, even if they won all their remaining ixtures they would have come second in any of the past few seasons.

Arsenal have been United’s closest challenger for the majority of the league campaign, with Chelsea sufering a mid-season crash and Manchester City having to deal with a talented but unbalanced squad.

Up until a week ago, it seemed as though there would be a genuine two-horse race between the two for the title, but Arsenal have imploded spectacularly. he Gunners had what looked like a rather easy ixture list, and the promise that the gited young players would inally deliver. What Arsenal did not have was an experienced

player who knew how to get them over the line.

None of the Arsenal players have played a major role in a Premier League winning side, and in crunch games where experienced players such as Ryan Giggs put in a big performance, it shows. In the last week, Arsenal drew and lost ixtures they should have won, partly through poor inishing and defending, and partly through sheer stupidity. A number of Arsenal’s young players have improved over the season, and helped get them into the position they were, but they didn’t receive assistance from the more experienced players in the squad. he manager will surely be looking to bolster this area of the squad in the near future. he Premier League still has a number of intriguing battles for Champions League places and the relegation positions, but the winners should now be a formality.

United can commend themselves on their consistency this season, while the others know they only have themselves to blame. his season will surely be one remembered rather for the major slipfaups than the epic victories.

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sports

Two Oceans from the Back: “Everyday I’m shuling” Calvin Freese

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aturday morning, 23 April, brought about a new and rather exciting feeling for me and certainly a number of other Two Oceans rookies. As some of the Tin Roof stragglers made their way out of Claremont, the athletes began to take over the roads.

Runners appear out of all corners of Claremont and converge on the start line, some breaking into a warmup jog, trying to banish thoughts of the cold air tightening around their muscles, while those who have not trained are looking to conserve as much energy as possible. Moments prior to the bellow of starter’s gun, some nervous or conident banter can be heard amongst the runners conversations about times, training and what equipment they have brought for their assault on the course.

For those starting in the E group, irst timers such as myself, a glance over the shoulder revealed the sight of the true thoroughbreds, those who are attempting the Ultra marathon. his was not a happy situation in which to ind myself. Feeling unit in comparison and stuck behind the

Image: Cailin Gibson

entire ield of entrants for the half marathon, I managed, however, to console myself with the thought that there were at least fewer people that could now overtake me!

Ater the National Anthem had blared out on the speakers, it was time to start. he ield lurched

forward, all wanting a good start, but unable to pass the masses ahead. It was like a misiring car, a rough and uncomfortable journey, and it would continue for those near the back for a few kilometres. Some thought they were the next Jean de Villiers, dodging and barging their way

Oceans ’11

of the athletes and handing out refreshments at numerous watering points along the way. It was a funilled day for all, with the inish at UCT providing various food stalls and beer garden, not to mention the impressive inal stretch of the race lined by masses of people encouraging the worthy inishers on.

Finishing in a time of 3:08:31 and winning the full marathon was George Ntshiliza – the irst South African to win the Two Oceans since 2003. Ntshiliza came from behind and overtook Motlhokoa Nkhabutlane of Lesotho in the inal kilometre of the race, making for a nail-biting inish that is sure to be DON’T STOP ME NOW – The start of the Half Marathon on Main Road remembered. in Newlands.

Finishing in second place was Image: Gareth Smit/Independent Newspapers Nkhabutlane in a time of 3:08:49, while Tsotang Maine, also from Cailin Gibson others, before being met with the Lesotho, inished third in 3:09:19. magniicent views of Chapman’s he women were not far behind, with Peak and the testing climb of the Russian-born Olesya Nurgalieva n Saturday 23 April, the Constantia Nek. he UCT grounds retaining the women’s title in a time University of Cape Town played are a familiar and welcome sight as of 3:33:58. Her twin sister, Elena, host to the inish of the 42nd running runners cross the inish line on the inished second in a time of 3:37:54. of the Old Mutual Two Oceans ield. One of the highlights of the Taking third for the women in 3:42:12 Marathon. Said to be the world’s was Mamorallo Tjoka of Lesotho. most beautiful marathon, runners of he irst local woman home, Farwa Of the 8600 entrants, the full marathon (56km), have both Mentoor, placed eighth. the privilege and the challenge of Impressively, four out of the top 7512 inished the full conquering some of the Cape’s inest 10 spots were claimed by South marathon geography.

African’s in the men’s full marathon. he race begins on Main Road Former Springbok Bob Skinstad in Newlands, where thousands of race is the remarkable number of entered the marathon running for runners gathered in the icy early supporters cheering competitors the Bobs For Good Foundation, but hours before sunrise. he cool air along the entire route. Whether failed to complete the race. was abuzz with excitement, and the family, friends or strangers to each Of the 8600 entrants, 7512 grand spectacle of the event makes other, a strong sense of camaraderie inished the full marathon. With the cold soon forgotten. Ater the is felt between competitors, evident 14 100 half marathon entries alone, singing of the national anthem the as fellow runners help others in need the Two Oceans has wide-ranging iring gun signalled the start of the across the inish line. appeal and strangers become united marathon at 6:25.

It is fantastic to see Capetonians on a single day, conquering the same Runners pass through the and out-of-towners pulling up cause together. Now why wouldn’t picturesque towns of Kalk Bay camping chairs alongside the that be the world’s most beautiful and Noordhoek, amongst many road, excitedly taking pictures marathon?

O

forward, only to meet another wall of runners covering the route. he race wound its way around the suburbs, reaching a depressing point where a long loop ensures that those at the back are able to see every single runner ahead of them charge their way forward. he breathing

began to get heavier, the legs more weary and an iPod becomes an apparent necessity as hearing one’s own gasps for air does not help in the struggle for motivation.

However, motivation could still be found in a number of forms: the cheerful supporters on the sides, a refreshment station along the way, the promise of Forries later, or the sight of a friend you had a bet with walking along begging supporters for a cigarette. As the ascent became steeper, I realised that for a number of runners surrounding me, there was a great chance that they could in fact walk quicker than they were running. he inal stretch into UCT is torture; it always seems such a short trip in a car, but on foot, ater 20 km, it is incredibly long! his is where the training would pay of but the energy of the support forces the runners onto a strong inish. In all the excitement of medals and a chance to inally sit down, the realisation that walking is impossible sets in. he shule becomes a prominent feature of one’s physical form, and for the next few days you feel as though you were the inspiration for LMFAO’s hit single’s catch line, “everyday I’m shuling!”

Show your love for SA sports

Nicole Beale After the South African team bombed out of the Cricket World Cup in March, the country put its patriotism to one side and words like “disappointing,” “useless” and the ever-popular “chokers” were thrown around. However, here are four reasons to be proud of South African sport.

1.

George Ntshiliza, a South African, won the Two Oceans Marathon last week. He overtook Motlhokoa Nkhabutlane of Lesotho to claim the victory and cross the line in 3:08:31. Ntshiliza is the irst South African to win the marathon in 8 years!

2.

Charl Schwartzel is becoming the golden boy of South African golf. Early in April, he won the 75th Masters Tournament, earning his green jacket and becoming the top-ranked South African golfer and #11 in the world. He reminds us of the likes

of Gary Player, especially as his win occurred exactly 50 years ater Player became the irst South African to win the Masters.

3.

Ater a round robin at Grand West’s ice-skating rink, the South African ice hockey team has moved up a division. he local team overcame the likes of Turkey and Greece to earn a promotion to Division 2 in the world. Although it doesn’t sound like much, this is a huge step for the country, being the only African nation in the top 50 in the world rankings.

4.

And, of course, how could we not mention UCT’s reigning champions of rugby!

So, instead of harping on our past disappointments, South African sports continue to give us reasons to support our country and our sports. We can only hope our national rugby team will represent us as well as our boys did and give us another reason to smile during the Rugby World Cup, which will be happening later in the year.

sports Samantha Jenner As a surprisingly simple sport, climbing is oten misunderstood.

You do not have to be extremely strong, tall or crazy to do it and you need not be fearless. It is not exclusive and, above all, it’s a highly eicient way to leave the world behind by rising above it, even by just a few metres. he all-welcoming nature of the sport is relected in UCT Mountain and Ski Club’s Easy Fridays. hese weekly aternoon outings to rock faces around the Peninsula are an ideal introduction for those who are curious about the sport.

A few of the more experienced members bring all the equipment, calm words of encouragement and safe hands to share the experience.

Even so, it might take a while to feel conident squeezing into the shoes – they are uncomfortably tight, but helpful, especially when wedging a toe into that crevice.

Harnessed in, the newcomers will learn how to top-rope, which involves climbing whilst harnessed into a rope looped through bolts at the top of the route, the slack in the rope being controlled or belayed by the climbing partner on the ground. Whilst climbing, the climber’s mind cannot help but to focus on the balance of the body, seeking grips and liting feet high to new tiny ledges. Partly from using previously unemployed muscles, and partly from the fear of falling, you can deinitely expect your knee to wobble!

And fall, you may well do, and it’s ine. hat’s what the belayer below is for. he fall is short before the rope takes and you are suspended next to the rock to try again. To climb well, you need trust in your belay. It frees you to try routes and moves beyond your comfort zone, to feel the elation of a climb better than those times before. he rappel down (the descent) is reminiscent

of a precarious act in Cirque du Soleil – in my mind at least.

If you do catch the climbing bug and want to see a rapid improvement in your ability, get to the club’s climbing wall at the UCT Fitness Centre. A few traverses around the room and under the low overhang really do wonders for your ability and may inspire you to start the climbing sub-sport of bouldering. Climbing shoes and chalk, and, if you climb outdoors, the use of a bouldering mat for protection, is all the gear required.

Routes set on the indoor wall, called problems, are indicated with swatches of coloured masking tape, with higher numbers for the more demanding routes. Some routes initially seem impossible; how does one hold onto a thumb-sized ledge or grab an out-of-reach grip? Not to worry: they are indeed possible, and the guys and girls who monkey on up are not only inspirational, but are always happy to share tips. he wall occasionally plays host to a friendly contest and notably, the Western Province Boulder League and the Mountain and Ski Club boasts some top climbers, notably Duncan Fraser, who inished fourth in the National Bouldering League Finals 2010.

However, if you’re looking to set your own path up a rock and leave no trace behind you, then perhaps Trad (traditional) Climbing is for you. he lead climber ixes nuts, chocks and spring-loaded camming devices (all the means for ixing a rope to the rock for safety) which the following climber will clean (remove) as they ascend the pitch. his is for the more adventurous climber with faith in their ability and the desire for exhilaration.

Climbing at UCT with the Mountain and Ski Club ofers a cheap (gear is also rented out by the club) and unintimidating introduction to an invigorating sport and a collection of folk happy to share their love of it with you.

El Clasico x4

Image:EFE/Ballesteros

Climbing at UCT

19

FACE-OFF – Barcelona and Real Madrid go head to head.

Kishan Chokkappan

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ince time immemorial, two of the biggest names in football have been rivals: Barcelona and Real Madrid. Being able to watch El Clasico four times in an 18-day period is truly a privilege and a joy for all football fanatics. he story begins on 16 April at the Santiago Bernabéu: Barcelona came to the Bernabéu attempting to destroy the title dreams of Real Madrid. But a much-improved Real Madrid side with only 10 men held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw, thanks to penalties from Messi and Ronaldo in the second half. It was the irst time that Messi had scored against a José Mourinho Real Madrid side. he title sits very much in Barcelona’s

hands. Barcelona was happy to leave the Bernabéu with a draw while the Mourinho – the “special one” – seems to be improving the richest club in the world. he second part of the story is when Real and Barcelona met 4 days later in the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) inal. It was a feisty afair as usual, but both teams kept cancelling each other out during the 90-minute match and the game went into extra time. Ronaldo made his record signing really mean something when he scored an extra time stunner with an amazing header that lew straight past the Barcelona goalkeeper and into the goalposts. here is no doubt that the Real Madrid players had the conidence going into the coveted UEFA Champions League. However, on 23

April, Lionel Messi became the irst player to score 50 goals in a Spanish league, a truly great achievement. here is no competition that teams want to win more than the UEFA Champions League. Any team that wins the UEFA Champions League has the incredible right to brag that they are the best club in Europe. his brings us to part 3 of 4: the El Clasico version of the semi-inal irst leg of the UEFA Champions League, which took place on 27 April. Ahead of the semi-inal encounter, José Mourinho started with his mind games in the press conference by attacking his counterpart, Josep “Pep” Guardiola, who took Mourinho’s bait and came back with some very harsh words.

However, the game, and not the trivial banter of the competitors, is what is important throughout this four-part journey. he irst half of the semi-inal can be said to be less than the Clasico we were hoping for. he game did not really live up to expectations but was heated as usual, with the stadium police being required to step in to stop the pushing, shoving and shouting as the players headed into the changingrooms. Pinto, one of the players on the bench involved in the incident was red-carded, and yes, it is true – the referee is allowed to red card a player on the bench. Pepe was redcarded ater showing his studs to Dani Alves. Amidst all this chaos José Mourinho was banished from his technical area to sit in the stands, for sarcastically saying “Well done” to the linesman. Once again, Lionel Messi could not be stopped and went on to score 2 goals. he second leg is really going to be an uphill battle for Real Madrid at Camp Nou, as Barcelona looks like they are making their way to another UEFA Champions league inal. he second leg semi-inal is going to be on 3 May, and the question everyone is asking is: what can Real Madrid do? Can the “special one”, José Mourinho, do anything to salvage his team? here’s no doubt that it will be an exciting encounter.

Sajjad Karamsi

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ow that everyone has inished ranting at the Proteas ater their premature exit at the World Cup, the time has come to choose a new coach and a new captain who can inally ind the key to unlock the Proteas’ potential and ill their empty trophy cabinet. he list of candidates for the job to replace Corrie van Zyl as coach is topped by the only South African who actually knows how to win a World Cup. Ater Gary Kirsten led India to their victory, he’s been the unequivocal favourite for this job. He would bring decades of experience of how to play cricket in South Africa, with an acute understanding of the cricketing landscape and the diferent craters that litter it. Also, his man-management skills are considered fantastic. He should be a shoo-in for the job. Nevertheless, a cursory look at the remaining candidates, Richard Pybus and

Vincent Barnes, reveals no dearth of quality. Pybus, coach of the Cobras, is a domestic giant, having won two titles last season with the Titans.

Current Assistant Coach Vincent Barnes ofers continuity and a good relationship with the players. He has also developed the bowling attack into a lethal force. However, none of these picks have the “oomph” factor associated with Kirsten, and if he wants the job, there is no apparent reason why he shouldn’t get it.

perhaps the pressure of being the team’s best batsman, wicketkeeper and captain simultaneously would be too much for him he role of the cricket captain is as important as the coach. Graeme Smith’s tenure as test captain shouldn’t last much longer, as a new captain would be expected to lead across all three formats of the

game in the future. hree players have been touted as replacements with Johan Botha, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers being the bookies’ favourites.

Frontrunner Botha already leads the T20 side, and is considered the right age for the job. He also possesses an intelligent cricketing brain.

However, that can’t compensate for his lack of outstanding cricketing talent. Botha is the ultimate bits-andpieces cricketer – with not very good bits-and-pieces. He’s just an average spinner and his batting repertoire consists of rather ungainly slogs and ugly swipes. he selectors still love him though. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers are always among the irst names on the teamsheet. Amla possesses an acute cricketing mind, but in the past has declined club captaincy, seeking to concentrate on his batting. He’s also not the screaming, in-your-face type that fans enjoyed with Graeme Smith. his rather sot-spoken nature is perhaps the biggest obstacle between him and the captaincy. AB de Villiers, on

Image: Luke Walker / Gallo Images/Getty Images

Proteas hunt for New Coach, Captain

VICTORY – Morne Morkel celebrates the wicket of Virat Kohli during the 3rd One Day International match between South Africa and India in Cape Town, South Africa. the other hand, is quite outspoken.

He would be the perfect it for the job, but perhaps the pressure of being simultaneously the team’s best batsman, wicketkeeper and captain would be too much for him. It has been done successfully before, and if anyone can pull it of, this blue-eyed cricketing talent can. he selectors could always opt for shock value and Alviro Peterson or even Dale Steyn

could be surprise picks.

As the selection committee meets, they face the burden of choosing new leaders who can break free of the shackles imposed by the “chokers” tag. hey need to ind men who will inspire the pack; lead by example, and create a cricketing dynasty that will be mentioned with awe and reverence in the annals of cricketing history.

Sport VARSITY

FIXTURES Western Province Hockey Union 1 May 2011 - 7 May 2011 Hartleyvale Stadium

Ladies’ Basketball UCT vs UWC 6 MAY 2011, 6:30pm

Men’s Basketball UCT vs CPUT 6 MAY 2011, 8:30pm

UCT Sports Centre

Judo is awesome

SPORTS BITES

RUGBY – Stormers blew sharks clear out of the water in a 32 – 12 victory.

MOTORSPORT – Bahrain sets their eyes on hosting Grand Prix.

SOCCER – Mamelodi Sundowns crush Amazulu in a 2 - 0 win at Loftus, Pretoria on Sunday.

UCT JUDO TAKE DOWN THE HOUSE - UCT Judo hosted the USSA Judo Tournament in Sports Center this weekend, where Stellenbosch’s team took home the gold.

Images: michael.currin.co.za

Nyasha Kadandara

W

hile many of us were lounging about during the long weekend, UCT Judo had an action-packed weekend as they hosted the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Judo Tournament.

Seven universities participated – the University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University(SU), University of Johannesburg (UJ), Vaal University of Technology(VUT), Cape Peninsula University Technology (CPUT), Witwatersrand University (WITS) and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

Judo is a modern martial art and combat sport. Knockouts occur when one either throws their opponent to the ground on their

back, or immobilizes their opponent by executing a stranglehold or choke for twenty-ive seconds, or forces an opponent to submit by joint locking.

UCT Judo is one of many studentrun sports clubs, and is headed up by Erin Louw and Nicholas Low.

Despite their roughand-tumble nature, they displayed excellent sportsmanship and were superb hosts he two-day tournament started on Saturday, with the Individual category, and the Open catergory.

In the Individual category, ighters competed in their respective weight classes; the men’s section consisting of six weight classes, ranging from

under(U) 66kg to above(A) 100kg.

In the women’s section there are seven classes ranging from U48kg to A 78kg. he Open category has three weigh classes ranging from U66kg to A81kg. he UCT team consisted of Danny de Klerk, Maisha Molepo, Nicholaas Louw, Litha Tsikila, Gabriel Cornell, Dean de Villiers, William Durr, Luke Viljoen and Mikhaila Job. he two days were illed with an intense atmosphere as some ighters were brought down to their knees in lash, while others grappled to overpower their opponents. Despite their rough-and-tumble nature, they displayed excellent sportsmanship and were superb hosts.

In the individual categories, Louw inished 1st in the U73kg class and 2nd in the open U81kg class. Job, the only female in the UCT team,

inished 2nd in the U78kg class and 3rd in the Open class, while De Klerk inished 3rd in the U66kg class.

Day two of the tournament was a team afair. In order to be eligible to participate a team needed at least ive members and SU, VUT, NMMU, CPUT and UCT competed. UCT inished in fourth place behind irstplace winners SU, and CPUT and NMMU, who inished second and third, respectively. he tourney concluded with a friendly face-of between the USSA team and Western Province Judo. he USSA team consists of seven members from the various university teams, in which Louw was selected. he action-packed weekend ended in true UCT style on Sunday evening, when a banquet was held for all participants in the historically grand Smuts Hall.

SOCCER – Barcelona and Manchester United to face of in a heavily anticipated clash in the Champions inals on 28 May at Wembley Stadium.

ATHLETICS – Caster Semenya won her third gold medal in her specialist event on day two of the SA Student Athletics Championships in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Images: lickr.com, espnscrum.com