2015: Edition 11

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

29 September 2015

VOLUME 74: EDITION11

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Out With Outsourcing

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IN THIS ISSUE

UCT’s outsourced workers call for a living wage and accountability on poor working conditions - “UCT can outsource accountability but it can’t outsource responsibility”

Image:UCT Rhodes Must Fall Facebook.com

Aisha Abdool Karim with research by Gape Masole and Nico Nomyayi

O

n Saturday, September 26th, a group of outsourced workers held a picket outside the UCT Council meeting being held in Bremner building. Mzomhle Bixa, Chairperson of the NEHAWU Joint Shop Stewards Council, handed over the workers demands on improving working conditions for UCT’s outsourced workers to Vice Chancellor Dr Max Price. Also in attendance were members of the Rhodes Must Fall movement and Left Students Forum.

The letter, handed to Price, stated that the “UCT Council has repeatedly been presented with the demands of workers at UCT” and that the Council “has become complicit in endorsing management’s rejection of the demands”. The UCT NEHAWU Joint Shop Stewards Council has previously attempted to engage with UCT management regarding their demands, however these meetings were unsuccessful.

The demands outlined in the letter are as follows: UCT must implement Clause 6.7 of the UCT Review, which recommends an adjustment to the salaries of outsourced workers, UCT must introduce a minimum basic wage of R10 000 per month for all workers without any loss of jobs, and UCT must directly employ all those working at the institution.

The last demand references Section 198A 3b of the Labour Relations Act, which deals with the issue of ‘dual employment’ in regards to who the employer of the workers is.

These demands have been endorsed by the SRC.

The decision to adopt the outsourcing system at UCT was instituted by Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Vice-Chancellor at the time, in the 1990s. This included ‘non-core’ services, such as cleaning, security, catering, transport, and groundskeeping. Outsourcing is seen as cost-effective and means that employees in these sectors are no longer employed directly by UCT, but rather contracted from an outside company.

transformation at UCT needs to extend to workers Worker action against outsourcing is not a new development and has been ongoing since the system was implemented in the 1990s. This was because previously, when workers were directly employed by UCT, they were seen as staff of UCT and received the same benefits as other employees. Once workers were outsourced, they received lower wages and fewer benefits. Ihsaan Bassier, SRC Chair of Labour and Services, said, “A large portion of the financial gains from outsourcing was just the cost born by workers.”

As a result of worker action UCT created a Code of Conduct in 2014. Following concerns raised around working conditions of outsourced employees, a review on outsourcing was released in 2014.

The UCT Council adopted the Code of Conduct in September last year and it is included within the service contract between UCT and their outsourced companies. A workshop to discuss the new code of conduct with NEHAWU shop stewards has

been scheduled at UCT. Pat Lucas, UCT Communications and Media Liaison, said, “It is expected that companies conduct their labour relations in a way that is fair.”

One of the biggest issues with the current outsourcing system, according to Bixa, is the dualemployment system. Bixa said that under the current system, workers are unclear on who they are working under and therefore “don’t know which procedure [they] need to follow to dispute [their] grievances and complaints”. He said that all outsourced workers, regardless of the company, encounter this problem and are continuously referred between parties, making it difficult to address the complaint.

A representative of the Left Students Forum (LSF) said, “There are no effective internal forums through which problems can be resolved”. The representative noted that due to dual-employment, it is harder for individual grievances of workers and issues to be resolved.

In a statement issued to VARSITY, Lucas said, “UCT’s code makes provision for resolving disputes (as an alternative to the CCMA), but only after all internal processes within the company have been exhausted.” Lucas noted that each company has their own set of internal processes and said, “It is not UCT’s role to manage the handling of complaints at the outsourced company”.

According to Bassier, any workerdriven gains, such as wage increases and benefits, are undermined by the outsourcing system, as it results in “diluted channels of accountability”.

Bassier noted that this issue would be resolved through insourcing, as UCT would then be directly responsible for all workers.

The three main issues, highlighted by Bassier, that outsourced workers faces are: negligence, in terms of unpaid wages or lack of benefits; mistreatment of workers, such as unfair dismissal; and the on-going action for workers to receive a living wage.

Mental Health

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Our Ancestors

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SRC Timeline

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place pressure on management structures

The majority of the complaints raised by outsourced workers are not unique to one company and all workers share similar grievances. The Workers Forum, which is organised by workers across companies, has consistently argued in favour of insourcing workers. There have also been previous reviews that recommended insourcing Metro, the cleaning service for residences, Sibanye, the company that operates the Jammie buses, and the garden services. However, LSF representatives said that UCT management has maintained that the outsourcing system should remain in place at UCT, given its cost-effectiveness.

While the main demand from workers is that they be insourced and employed, by UCT directly, there are also other issues that need to be addressed. The introduction of the outsourcing system at UCT meant that employees lost quite a few of the benefits that previously existed when workers were insourced. Bixa specifically noted concerns around health and safety in their working environment.

Image: flickr.com/amboo who?

Report Cards

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SA’s Heritage

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Dirt Don’t Hurt

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Continues on page 3

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

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v74 e11 – 29 September

2015

Robyn Ausmeier

A News Bites Clare Garrard Happy Birthday out of Copyright

USA – A US federal judge has ruled that the copyright for the Happy Birthday song is not valid.

Since 1988 Warner/Chapnell have been collecting royalties for the song every time it is used in a public performance. The case was launched in 2013 by Rupa Marya and Robert Siegel, who are making a film about the song. However, the song still remains under copyright in the UK and other countries.

–BBC News

South African troops withdrawn from DRC for violations

DRC – South Africa is withdrawing around 50 peacekeepers from the DRC, due to the violation of disciplinary codes, including leaving the base after curfew, according to a military spokesperson. As reported in a military statement, these personnel had compromised the security of other troops. The peacekeepers were deployed in Eastern Congo as part of a unit committed to fighting rebel troops.

–Al Jazeera

Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) sees first woman Deputy President

South Africa – President Jacob Zuma appointed Justice Mandisa Muriel Maya as the first female Deputy President of the SCA on Wednesday, September 23rd. Justice Maya will fill the vacancy that has occurred following the discharge from active service of Mr Justice Khayelihle Kenneth Mthiyane,” said presidential spokesperson Bongani Majola.

She will thus occupy one of the top four senior positions in the leadership echelons of the judiciary.”

–News 24

Systematic Fraud by Volkswagen

USA – Volkswagen (VW), the world’s biggest carmaker, has been involved in a fraud scandal following the revelation

by America’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that several of the VW diesel engines had software which switched on pollution-controlling technology only under test conditions. This was installed in order to penetrate the US market.

VW Chief Executive, Martin Winterkorn, has resigned, and the company has set aside €6.5 billion for the expected financial hit.

–The Economist

large percentage of students experience mental health issues while at university. However, there is a lack of adequate awareness around this and limited support is provided for students who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. At UCT, there are certain support structures, such as Student Wellness and the Mad Hatters Society, which offer assistance to students affected by mental illness, although these bodies are in need of further support themselves.

Thembelihle Ncayiyana, the current SRC Chair of Societies, has been speaking out about mental health and advocating for greater awareness and support on the issues surrounding this. Ncayiyana noted that students are often unaware of what to do if they are experiencing psychological trauma or know of someone who is struggling. In response to this, she suggested that the University should provide students with information on how to react to signs of mental illness or substance abuse.

Ncayiyana also recommended creating a wellness guide which can be handed out to first years during orientation. This booklet will provide information about what to do if you are experiencing mental trauma, who to contact for support, the procedures to follow if you require assistance as well as the signs and symptoms for people who are not familiar with mental illness.

There is a national shortage of mental health care professionals Student Wellness provides health services at UCT, and employs psychologists as well as health professionals who are available to meet with students from the University.

Students on financial aid are not required to pay for an appointment, and the price for consultations is negotiable in situations where the individual is unable to afford the fee or does not want their parents to see the medical aid

News

Mental Health at UCT

Image: Sofia Gilli

bill. According to Ncayiyana, Student Wellness has been working hard to support students who are struggling with issues of mental health, however there are certain limitations which still need to be addressed.

Ncayiyana mentioned that there is a national shortage of mental health professionals, especially psychiatrists, making it difficult to find qualified individuals to work for the University.

Due to the restricted number of professional psychologists at Wellness, students are commonly required to book two to three weeks in advance for an appointment. Another issue is that Student Wellness is only open during certain times, closing at 16h30 on weekdays, and Nciyiyana commented that students may need urgent support outside of the prescribed times.

Another important consideration when approaching issues around mental health is context and cultural understanding. Ncayiyana noted that there is a lack of recognition around mental illness in many cultures, and she mentions that there is no such thing as depression in vernacular languages. As a result, many students are uncertain of how to deal with the mental trauma they are experiencing.

Additionally, Ncayiyana stated that there is much room for improvement with representation in the mental health profession, with very few people

of colour available to provide students with consultation. Consequently, she says some students do not feel that they can relate to the psychologists who are provided.

The Mad Hatters’ Society is another support system which is open to students who are coping with mental illness. Mad Hatters was established by Katherine Egal in February 2014 and aims to create a safe space where students can discuss various issues related to mental health, including medication, psychologists, stigma around mental illness, and helpful advice for dealing with everyday problems.

UCT needs to “take charge and take the lead” Egal identified the need to create a support group which would speak to specific student concerns, as many existing support structures cater for an older audience or do not have the same understanding of student issues. The Mad Hatters’ Society meets every two weeks and any student is able to join the Vula site, where there is information about counselling services, support groups and dates for meetings.

Mad Hatters is not an official UCT society, as it is only open to individuals

who have experienced mental health issues, and in order to be a society it is required that membership be available to all students. As a result of this, the group is not able to book venues at UCT and does not receive money from the University. Ncayiyana noted that this has been a big challenge for the group this year and UCT needs to come up with a structure where support groups are assisted by the University.

Although the Mad Hatters is currently the only mental health support group functioning at UCT, Ncayiyana stated that there are plans to start up a sobriety group as well as an eating disorder support group at UCT. In order to provide these groups with assistance, Ncayiyana suggested that there be an umbrella body created for support structures, where at least two members of each support group undergo training to become facilitators. Furthermore, she stated that UCT needs to “take charge and take the lead” in addressing mental health in South Africa and on the continent.

Ncayiyana’s advice for students who are struggling with mental illness is to familiarise themselves with the services available to them, to be kind to themselves and to surround themselves with good people. “You need to know that you are most definitely not alone,” stated Ncayiyana.

Environmental Transformation Falling Behind at UCT Megon Venter At the start of 2015 there was a strong push from UCT’s environmental committees to find out what has become of the plans for environmental transformation proposed to the university in past years.

Green Campus Initiative (GCI), has spoken out about the need for a response from the governing bodies on these issues and action from the University as a whole. This year GCI have initiated a new campaign with the involvement of other environmentally conscious societies such as Vegelicious, the Mountain and Ski Club and Zoobots.

confusion surrounding the use of the recycling bins The campaign aims to interrogate leadership structures on issues of environmental sustainability, looking at the part which the institution and student body should play in fostering

environmental transformation. Hugh Stevenson and Nicola Rule, members of the GCI Co-ordinating Committee, admit that there have been changes implemented by UCT. These changes include the development the African Climate and Development Institute, but that these programmes have not been sufficiently implemented and utilised by the University.

“Students are pushing issues and the institution is not following up.

The infrastructure is there but the institution is not pushing people to use it,” commented Rule.

In 1990 UCT signed the Talmar Declaration, committing the University to a culture of environmental sustainability and placing a focus on eco-friendly development. 25 years later, student societies feel that very little has been done by the University to follow through on this declaration and bring about actual change.

The University has allocated certain parking bays to carpooling but according to GCI, inefficient maintenance of the booms has led to abuse of the three-card system. In addition to monitoring the system, Stevenson also suggested that students and staff should be persuaded to carpool by allocating prime parking

bays to carpooling.

In response to the issue of parking, UCT proposed the possible construction of parking complexes; however, Stevenson noted that this neglects to address the issue of environmental sustainability.“They proposed destroying forest land before improving systems already in place which they have neglected,” said Stevenson. There has also been confusion surrounding the use of the recycling bins on campus as there are no official instructions regarding this, resulting in the incorrect use of the system.

students and staff should be persuaded to carpool In order to counter this, GCI has suggested the implementation of mandatory recycling information sessions during orientation. The lack of availability of environmentally friendly campus food (i.e. vegetarian and vegan food outlets) is another issue which has been raised. As a result of this shortage, there has been a failure to promote environmental sustainability

through diet.

Additionally, Jammie Bikes were introduced to UCT in 2014 but many students remain unaware of the methods for renting one and the bicycles have yet to be effectively utilised. “The process [of using Jammie Bikes] is complicated and abstract,” stated Rule. Renting a bicycle involves the signing of a contract and a large deposit plus payment per term. “70% of the bicycles are lying in storage unused”, commented Stevenson. As a result, he noted that an easy means of sustainable transport has become inaccessible to the majority of the UCT body. Stevenson further commented that “University is the place where [students] can really make a difference and effect change and noted that this is what the members of environmental societies at UCT are hoping to achieve before leaving UCT”.

GCI is a UCT Development Agency dedicated to advocating for environmental sustainability at the University. It was originally established in 2007 as a society and relies on the work of student and staff volunteers.

GCI has run a number of initiatives this year, including the “Enough with the Cups” campaign to reduce the number of paper cups used on campus every day.

News

Out With Outsourcing Continued from page 1

In particular, G4S employees have requested guardhouses, as they often have to work long hours outside with little protection. Furthermore, the uniform provided for G4S workers offers little protection during winter months. G4S workers have reported contracting pneumonia as a result of their working conditions at UCT, with one worker passing away due to the infection. Bixa said, “UCT is fully aware of these issues”, however nothing has been done to resolve them as yet.

employees lost quite a few of the benefits

Bixa noted that there are other workers, such as Metro employees, who are working without protective clothing. He said that there are workers performing deep cleaning services, but “there is not enough protective clothing for those working with chemicals”. A few years ago, a Metro worker died as a result of a build-up of toxic chemicals used to clean residences. Representatives from LSF also said, “Cafeteria workers of certain food stalls have very minimal safety equipment”.

In addition, Supercare workers have expressed concerns around working conditions and feel they are being mistreated. With regards to health and safety, Nozizwe Beya, Chairperson of the Supercare

Nico Nomyayi

NEHAWU branch, said, “They just give the documents to the workers, but workers cannot understand these papers”. Beya said they need practical training when it comes to health and safety. Beya is also a health and safety officer, however she said that these officers do not receive formal training and do not know first aid.

Beya said they have taken their complaints to UCT management about how they are treated within the university and also noted that workers feel victimised, but UCT has not yet done anything to address their complaints. This victimisation refers to workers feeling unsafe conversing with students and staff as well as being unable to refuse to do work that is hazardous to their health and safety. Beya also commented on the report compiled on outsourcing workers, which she felt did not accurately reflect how workers felt.

Commenting on concerns around health and safety, Lucas said that these issues must be dealt with internally and “the Department of Labour can be approached if there is a problem related to health and safety”.

Supercare employees have also been seeking compensation since 2006 for five months worth of wages, equivalent to approximately R6 million. In 2006, UCT administrators increased workers’ weekly hours from 40 to 45 without increasing their wages for the additional time. In 2012, UCT administrators acknowledged that workers were owed these wages,

however there was a dispute over whether Supercare or UCT needed to pay them.

Category A consists of full time undergraduate students (excluding students who are completing their degree by distance mode) and the election becomes invalid if less than 25% of the student population in this category votes. Category B consists of distance mode students as well as semester study abroad students.

Category C consists of Masters and Doctorate students. This year 29% of the students in Category A voted, with the election poll therefore meeting the necessary quorum.

Lifikile Hugo, a second year Commerce student, stated that she is not yet sure how she feels about the new SRC as it is still early days.

“They need to carry on advocating and implementing transformation at UCT as they have promised and must desist from using the SRC as a platform to achieve personal agendas,” said Hugo.

Another second year student, Zanele Kabane, in the Humanities faculty, expressed some concern over the newly elected SRC, “More black people and the LGBTQIA+ community should be in the SRC. The members should depict a realistic representation of UCT students and this has not been achieved as yet”.

Yonela Tsibolane, a second year Humanities student, commented that the main issue with the SRC is transparency, and that students need to be kept updated about what is happening around them.

On Thursday September 24th, the Trans Collective issued a statement on their Facebook page raising concerns about dealings of the new SRC and expressing disappointment in the UCT electorate.

v74 e11 - 29 September 2015

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Image: Michael Currin

all workers share similar grievances

Bassier also noted that Supercare workers, in a meeting at the beginning of this year, said they were being paid under the minimum wage, their bonuses were unpaid, and that Supercare had been undermining the payment code.

Beya noted that transformation at UCT needs to extend to workers as well and transformation cannot be addressed without considering the role of workers. Beya said, “It starts with us because we are the cleaners in this place.”

Bassier highlighted the need for all workers to belong to the same union, as the current system under outsourcing “creates artificial barriers” and “fragments worker mobilisation ability”. He said there has been a push for the creation of a single union that is recognised by the university, in order for all common issues to be addressed.

Overall, the emphasis is that all unions and workers need to work together, as they are all trying to address similar issues within their companies. Workers also highlighted that they needed to take control back from management and place pressure on management structures to address their concerns.

VARSITY was unable to address grievances within each individual outsourced company, due to time limitations. There will be articles addressing complaints from each outsourced company at UCT in upcoming editions.

VARSITY contacted Adele Moller, the UCT Supercare manager, however she declined to comment and due to late notice, VARSITY was unable to get a comment from the regional manager of Supercare.

VARSITY’s initial request for a comment from UCT management was only with regards to issues raised by Supercare workers. As a result, UCT management was unable to provide a comment on issues raised by other outsourced workers employed by different companies.

VARSITY contacted the UCT branch of NEHAWU, however they were unable to provide a comment at the time of going to print.

of Keenan Hendrickse in talks with Nthupula Masina, Ryan Prithraj, Noxolo Ntaka and an unidentified speaker discussing Thato Pule’s position in the SRC. Hendrickse acted as the campaign manager for 10 SRC candidates, including those mentioned above.

The conversation was recorded after Hendrickse sent a personal voice message to Pule and then failed to realise that his device was still recording while he had a private discussion with the aforementioned candidates. In response to the recording, the Trans Collective stated that Hendrickse and the V candidates aimed to remove Pule from the SRC in order to pursue their own agendas.

VARSITY conducted an interview with Hendrickse in response to the claims made against him. In defence of what was heard in the voice message, Hendrickse said that it was important to note the context

of the discussion. Hendrickse stated that the concerns raised in the recording were related to previous conversations, where Pule allegedly proposed resigning from the SRC or destabilising the body from within if not placed in a position of power.

The New SRC

On Sunday, September 20th, the provisional results for the 2015/2016 SRC were released. Voting took place from September 14th to September 18th. The newly elected council consists of all five V candidates, five independent candidates, three DASO members, three SASCO candidates, and one candidate from the Trans Collective. At the time of going to print, the Constituting Meeting, where new portfolios are allocated, was yet to be convened.

the main issue with the SRC is transparency According to the provisional results released by the Electoral Commission, 6091 votes were cast by students, with 2842 online votes and 3249 votes through ballot.

There were 140 spoilt votes and abstentions. Results are considered provisional until due process is followed. This process includes the finalisation of complaints which have been received and the publication of campaign spending for the different candidates.

The number of student votes which are needed to meet quorum is divided into three categories.

expressing disappointment in the UCT electorate In this statement they commented that “the collective psyche of the university remains stagnant in populist and loyalist voter behaviour”. They further stated that they were unhappy with the demographics of the new SRC, as they felt there was limited change in voting patterns despite discussions around “the racialised politics of space and psychology of representation”. The Trans Collective also released a recording

Hendrickse acted as the campaign manager for 10 SRC candidates Alongside Keenan were two members of V, Ryan Prithraj, Noxolo Ntaka and an independent candidate, Nthupula Masina, all of whom reiterated what Hendrickse said on the matter. In the interview with VARSITY, all persons present emphasised that their goal was to keep Pule within the SRC, and their reluctance to place Pule in the Presidency was not related to identity or personal convictions.

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V74 E10 - 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

News

Unpacking the Refugee Crisis Image : wikipedia.com/Vito Manzari

Parusha Naidoo

R

efugee status is given to people who are unable to return to their country of origin as a result of evident threats of persecution due to their race, religion, ethnic group or political stance. There are currently 19.5 million refugees globally.

Refugees have fled their countries due to ongoing violence, threats of persecution, and state oppression. By receiving refugee status, people are protected and assured security of their basic human rights. The majority of refugees currently originate from Syria, however other countries include Eritrea, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Somalia.

There are currently 19.5 million refugees globally

The Arab Spring is pointed to as one of the largest contributors to the influx of refugees. Specific to the case of Syria, the Bashar al-Assad regime has implicated the killing of civilians with a complex civil war currently composed of numerous opposition factions and ISIS. Millions of people have been placed in humanitarian camps, however they face poor living conditions and little protection.

Continued violence and instability within North Africa and the Middle East has resulted in people seeking refuge in neighbouring countries that are stable, resulting in European countries becoming the destination.

The EU’s Dublin Regulation stipulates that refugees must remain in the first country that they enter until asylum claims are administered.

However, this regulation has become impractical given that specific countries, such as Greece and Italy, have received the majority of refugees given their accessibility.

Noting the impractical strains this would put on Greece and Italy, Germany pledged 30 000 places.

Through Germany’s humanitarian admission programme the Dublin Regulation has been suspended, allowing for direct application of asylum by refugees.

European counties have reacted by increasing border security, and access points through Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia have been blocked.

Interior ministers of the EU held an emergency summit in a bid to discuss financial support for refugees and border security. Currently

hosting 1.9 million refugees, the international community has also been urged to assist Turkey with extra funding.

On Tuesday, September 22nd, the EU voted on an agreement to transfer 120 000 refugees. The deal, which stipulates a quota proposal for the bloc to accept refugees from Middle East, Asia and Africa, was largely opposed by Eastern European states, who viewed the bloc’s decision as an infringement of sovereignty.

The agreement is set to relocate 66 000 people to Italy and a further 54 000 to Hungary.

Following the ratification of the deal, President Barack Obama has urged European countries to allow more refugees, with the United States pledging to receive 10 000 refugees.

According to Amnesty International, the major countries currently housing refugees are Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.

A major criticism has been the lack of buy-in by Gulf states to offer relocation efforts. With insecurity being fuelled around immigration policies and anti-Islamist sentiments, the response has seen anti-refugee politics as well as increasing human rights violations.

European countries have reacted by increasing border security Hungary has given security forces increasing coercive power in a bid to prevent the entry of refugees, as well as authority to search private properties for any persons who have entered the country illegally. Footage has also surfaced of Hungarian police firing tear gas and water cannons at groups of people at the borders.

In a recent report by Human Rights Watch, it was stated that Macedonian officials have physically and verbally abused refugees. People desperate to leave their countries have also faced exploitation by lucrative smuggling networks that charge exorbitant amounts, but offer little safety.

Many deaths have occurred in crossings via boat, and others have died due to suffocation in overcrowded trucks. Doctors Without Borders also reported that facilities provided for refugees did not supply food provisions and healthcare, with conditions being overcrowded and unhygienic.

Online This Week

Big Chef Campagin

By Left Students Forum A group of people on campus, seen only in their job capacity by students, are the workers who serve us food and drink at the cafeteria’s food stalls. It is a consequence of commodification of human labour in capitalist societies: we ignore the humanity of those we deal with in business transactions. As we sometimes

realise, of course, the people who serve at food tills are not other. The division of our society into race and class, largely determining which side of the food stall we stand on at this elite university, is part of our country’s historical legacy...

Read this story online at varsitynewspaper.co.za

Editorial 2015 Collective editor-in-chief Parusha Naidoo

Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

deputy Editor Jena Ascough

editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

managing Editor Gape Masole

managingeditor@varsitynewspaper. co.za

Copy Editor Courtney Hope

copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Online editor Shannon Krausey

online@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Online content editor Ali Findlay

online@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Social Media Correspondent Khanya Ntsulumbana

socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Videographers Amy-Leigh Braff, Sarah Summers & Amy Rinquest video@varsitynewspaper.co.za

news Aisha Abdool Karim & Robyn Ausmeier

T

he long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…

Not one to struggle when it comes to writing, this edition’s column has been particularly difficult for me. Not because of a lack of words, but rather an overflow of goodbyes and reflections. It is a column that signifies many conclusions: my term as Editor-inChief, my long relationship with

opinions Sandisiwe Shoba & Adam Kleinschmidt

opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

features Busang Senne & Anna Insam

features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

sportS Dean Horwitz & Catherine Fulton

sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za

centrespread@varsitynewspaper. co.za

VARSITY newspaper and my soonto-be-completed academic career at UCT (hopefully).

I signed up for VARSTIY in first year during plaza week. I remember being greeted by a particularly unapproachable, uninterested and intimidating VARSITY member. In my first year most of my articles were rejected, with a total of two being published. My hopes and dreams were crushed of being the next Christiane Amanpour (when CNN was still reputable) but a little voice told me to keep at it.

Somewhere between being rejected and sending out an application, I got a breakthrough. My journey to this point has been filled with countless people who believed I had potential.

So it is only fitting that this column takes on the format of an Oscar winning speech.

Thank you to the readers and my peers that have engaged with this paper throughout this year. For some students VARSITY is simply regarded as a newspaper that solely works to glorify white supremacist narratives, as indicated by my peer Taariq Amod. It is these types of criticisms and engagements that help our paper grow and force us to be critical and

Jena Ascough

Deputy Editor

When I’m sad there are three things I like to do: 1. I make a cup of Earl Grey tea, 2. I play sudoku on my phone, and 3. I look at pictures of baby animals.

Over the last week I’ve found about 600 new favourites for baby animal pictures collection (including a picture of a baby llama that looks like a fluffy lollipop. It’s amazing).

It’s been a sad week. On top of the countless assignments and tests, as well as the anarchy that is my exam timetable, I’ve had to start retracting myself from the VARSITY team -- a team I have been a part of for three years. So please excuse my self-

5

Parusha Naidoo

understand how the student body perceives the paper we deliver to them. So I thank you all.

Thank you to my fellow SundaySubbing warriors, Jena and Courtney.

You have made me laugh, gone along with my crazy ideas and shared my love for Kauai wraps and Debonairs pizza. Thank you to my superhero, Gape, for cracking the whip when needed and always reassuring me that things would be fine.

Thank you to my team: those that stayed, those that resigned, those who disappeared, and those who had to leave due to personal reasons.

Each and every one of you taught me something about myself and VARSITY newspaper.

A special thank you to the remarkable people listed in the column next to me. Thank you for creating those amazing videos, working on our app (soon to be released), editing those articles, writing those investigative pieces, bidding for online writers, feeding us pizza, preventing me from jumping off the balcony on Steve Biko Level 5, finding the elusive v-drive, getting the printer to work, calling us into order when we didn’t deliver the paper and ensuring we didn’t go bankrupt. Thank you all for being real

Ode to My Peeps

news@varsitynewspaper.co.za

centrespread Michaela Findeis

v74 e11 - 29 September 2015

indulgence, but this column is an ode to the wonderful teams I’ve had the privilege to be a part of.

Starting as a measly subeditor in my second year of studies, I got to watch VARISTY’s production cycle as an outsider, hoping one day I could be part of the magic.

Then, the next year I interviewed for the position of Copy Editor -- one of my proudest achievements! I was in the club.

But I feel like all my experiences led me to becoming Deputy Editor of 2015. Working alongside the Dream Team has been such an honour. And

team players Editor-in-chief despite the long hours, constant Whatsapp messages and no pay (for some reason people think we get paid, WE DON’T).

Thank you to my friends that have picked up every edition and sent me those reassuring WhatsApp messages and thank you to that friend that pointed out the typos in my column but still loved me enough to keep reading (you know who you are).

I’ve generally found myself writing this column in the early hours of Sunday mornings when I’m pumped up on too many cups of instant coffee, wracked with anxiety about the looming extinction of the Giant Panda and worried that people would hate me for what I wrote. Thank you to the person that held my hand through this anxiety and worry, and cheered me on to keep using my words and voice.

To my successor, Aisha, and the rest of the 2016 team I wish you all success. Nothing could have prepared us for this year and all the craziness that came with it, but that’s the beauty of being a student newspaper.

Remember to stay critical, stay committed and always work to serve the student body.

And trust me on the sunscreen. so, on record, I would like to thank the VARSITY Collective of 2015 for such a wonderful year – all other teams I will be a part of in the future will be bitterly disappointing thanks to you guys.

I also want to thank my better half, Parusha, for being such a supportive Editor and Chief, co-worker and friend. Thank you for the chats, the laughs and the Thai chicken wraps with no tomato.

But most of all I want to thank Genevieve Harding: my die-hard fan. Gen, thank you for being the only person who reads my column without me asking. You’re the best.

Lastly, to my successor: Yogi, you’re going to have the most amazing year in 2016. I wish you all the best.

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Applications for VARSITY’S 2016 Collective have

web Julius Stopforth & Bayanda Gumbi

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6

Opinions

v74 e11–29 September 2015

Articulate

Opinions Editor

Have I Been Squandering My Youth?

Yogi Shoba

Nkhensani Manabe

The Nature of Opinion I

As a woman who’s prone to writers-block, producing a column every two weeks has been somewhat challenging. This is probably due to my tendency for perfectionism but more than anything, I blame my fear of being irrelevant.

With the cascade of topical events that have flooded our campus this year, I’ve felt obligated on numerous occasions to have an opinion about them. The premise is that as an Opinions editor, you’re meant to have an opinion on everything, even when you don’t. There’ve been times where I’ve been asked “so whats your opinion on X, Y and Z” and I’ve had to thumb suck a viewpoint.

Thankfully I’m talented with words or else I would have found myself in an awkward situation.

something out of a John Lennon song Yet, my fear of irrelevance stems less from the moments when I’ve lacked an opinion and more from the moments when my opinion has been different to that of the vast majority. The moments when my overt positionality has dictated that I have a particular outlook, and despite analysing this cased opinion, I have been unable to package myself into it.

I’ve realised that the nature of modern opinion dictates that one’s viewpoint must match with the popular one of the day for the sake of being on the right side of history.

What is the right side of history?

There are obvious issues of a painful past of oppression and violence and this legacy needs to be rectified, but if you dont subscribe to popular methodologies to tackle these issues then you’re not in solidarity and subsequently on the wrong side of history. If megaphones and marches are not your solution of choice, then you’ve offended a vast majority of strong-minded activists.

The biggest thing I’ve learnt about modern opinion is that people no longer have patience.

When your history is plagued by subservience and silence, when it’s time to speak up, you will shout as loud as you can. We speak of dialogue, but both parties are unable to listen. Understandably, if you don’t like what you hear it’s easier to dismiss it than to grapple with it. This is dangerous because it becomes increasingly difficult to separate bigotry, hate-speech, slander and the truth. Sometimes there are honest opinions which are left floating in the dark because

no one wanted to hear them.

The idea surrounding equality is that everyone is placed on a level playing field, right? If this is the case, then we should all be opened up to the same levels of criticism and praise. Often those who identify as victims feel exempt from criticism because their position in history gives them this right.

Honestly though, the criticisms do not extend to the masses. No, they fall on the shoulders of the leaders.

Preparing the masses does not mean altering their mind-sets to suit that of the powers that be, but to bring both parties to a place of mutual agreement where they are willing to listen and understand one another.

This is a difficult task, but a leader must shape himself to fit this role.

It’s mandatory. It’s not like it hasn’t been done before. Look at Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years in jail and came out with an unfathomable peace in his heart. He wanted to see both sides of the story and urged the masses to do the same. He fought with a weapon that mesmerised the entire world and we’re still digging to find it even though we all possess it. It took Mandela 27 years to realise that guerrilla warfare could only do so much and that an open heart could result in more good than harm.

I think at this point in my article, I sound more like something out of a John Lennon song than a critical and conscious journalism student, but none of that has ever mattered to me. What matters is that I’ve made my peace. I’m just lucky enough to have done so early in life. Going to a very white boarding school in the Midlands forced me to deal with my positionality, quickly. Nothing confused me more than being called the whitest black girl, as if my talents or achievements were uncharacteristic of black people, hence they had to be white.

I’ve felt obligated on numerous occasions to have an opinion I realised that this is what they had been led to believe by whatever circumstances they were brought up in. It was an eye opener when I had conversations with openminded girls who were different from me but were willing to speak and listen. Hearing their stories and sharing mine was the most cathartic experience I could ever have asked for. Naturally some comments offended, but putting that aside for the sake of finding truth was more valuable than shutting down. I realised that mind-sets are socialised and hence, can be reversed.

We’re not born thinking the things we think. Children prove this every day when their actions break from the status quo. Ultimately, the nature of opinion is that you’re allowed to think differently, if your opinion is just and true. Being relevant shouldn’t be founded on popular opinion which subscribes to a black and white spectrum. Perhaps embracing the grey areas is more powerful than subscribing to boxed ideas. But who knows? Only history will tell.

am convinced that I have been hurtling towards middle-age since I was 13 years old. I have always been “the mature, sensible one.” During my school days, I liked that I was the one who was held up as an example of responsibility among my peers.

I have been hurtling towards middle-age since I was 13 years old I don’t doubt that my superiority complex stemmed from being the eldest child at home.

While I was enjoying my status as “the good child”, I didn’t realise I was missing out on just being a kid.

The expectations placed on me by teachers, parents and siblings to have things together all the time made me a pretty dull friend. No one ever invited me anywhere.

Even if they had, co-ed sleepovers where alcohol would be smuggled in were not my idea of fun.

In high school, it became

clear that I did not fit in with people my age. Suddenly, being called sensible or mature was less of a compliment and more of a sign that I was deeply uncool. Who wants to be the 16-year-old that everyone compares to their mother? Being known as boring, unadventurous or uptight did have some perks.

People respected me, and I had this sense of detached dignity.

Still, when I went to university I decided to try and reclaim this wonderful youth that I had allowed to pass me by. So one night I found myself at a gay bar in Melville, nursing a fruit smoothie (read: nonalcoholic cocktail). I watched a man who had been dancing drunkenly on the tables being carried out by bouncers. It was exhilarating.

Next, I tried the club scene. On two separate occasions, I was at a place where I felt underdressed (I think I wore jeans and a blouse) and over-stimulated by the flashing lights. Add to that the obnoxiously loud music and the fact that I had to watch over my friends’ bags, and it is easy to see why I didn’t go back .

Recently, I was at a sports barcum-restaurant on Kloof Street with some friends. I hadn’t seen any soft drinks or juices on the menu, and

I didn’t want tea, so I ordered a hot chocolate. That was a big mistake.

I couldn’t have demonstrated how out of touch I was any clearer than if I had walked in there with knitting needles, wool and a rolled up newspaper. For the rest of the night, I was “The Girl who ordered the Hot Chocolate.”

The 16-year-old that everyone compares to their mother That frothy hot cocoa represented the clash between two worlds: home, and the streets. That drink drove one more nail into the coffin of my youth. This is what I am calling the early twenties crisis. I am too young to be a bona fide Cat Lady, and too old to be gallivanting around town like a newly-emancipated teen.

So where do I fit in? What it comes down to is this: there is no right or wrong way to be young. The most important thing is to make sure you appreciate it while it lasts. Whether you are the life of the party, or the one who sits with one glass of water all night, just make sure you take it all in. We’re all young only once.

A House Divided?

Adam Kleinschmidt Last year afforded me and many others a chance to vote in two important elections. The first allowed us to elect one of the most dynamic parliaments in South African history, one that saw the re-election of Jacob Zuma as our President and the growth of the opposition nearly 20 years since the foundation of our democracy. The other allowed us to choose 17 individuals whose single duty as members of the Students Representative Council (SRC) was to lead and represent us. With a student body as big as 27,000 and with a number of pressing issues on the agenda – institutional racism, homophobia, growing student apathy and academic exclusion, to name a few – there is a pressing expectation upon the lucky few that win the annual election.

individuals whose single duty... was to lead and represent us.

How the SRC rises to meet this challenge is how we truly evaluate them, while analysing the way that they conduct themselves. Without a doubt I can say that the SRC of 2014/15 is one that divides many, and often not in a positive way.

Since the inception of this SRC, only five people have retained their original position. The other 12 positions – which include the

Image: UCT SRC portfolios that manage internal discipline, student health and safety, student sports, international students and campus transformation – have fallen by the wayside as politics took hold. Im not going to point fingers, because ultimately I’m one student out of a large student body, but I will take liberty in saying that the legitimacy of this SRC is one I have questioned since the drama began during Plaza Week in February. It is hardly a good sign when, shortly after first years arrive at the university, their student government falls apart in a matter of hours. I understand the reasons behind the drama, and thanks to my understanding– though at the

Disclaimer The VARSITY Opinions section is a vehicle for expression on any topic by members of the university community or other interested parties. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY Collective or its advertisers.

Letters to the Editor need to be kept to a maximum of 300 words and can be sent to:

opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

time limited – of UCT politics and government structures, I could dig deeper into the situation.

Politics is ugly and isn’t for the faint of heart, but by starting off the SRC on a bad note through internal deals, political machinations and one-sided negotiations, the outgoing SRC was never going to be on the right path. So here we stand, nearly at the end.

This year saw Rhodes being pulled away, an SRC that boycotted its official responsibilities, a number of resignations and an election with 17 new candidates. I’ll set aside optimism about the new government and how stability is key, and look behind the veils of buzzwords and rhetoric, because despite all the talk about transformation and change, this new SRC has a major hangover to deal with. There may not have been as much political drama yet compared to last year – at least that we know – but this says nothing for the potential for scandal to rock Level 7 of Steve Biko Students Union.

To read the rest of this story, go to www.varsitynewspaper.co.za

Opinions

V74 E11 - 29 SEPTEMBER

2015

7

Stickee Business Image: Morema Moloisi

Nadia Ghumra

G

iry Joe, Papsy and Cheezz are a few of the obscure names that have become familiar to our ears.

Following Pick n Pay’s marketing strategy of offering a Stickee for every purchase of R150 or more, folks of all ages have been seen acting irrationally, trying to collect them all.

The first time one of these was tossed into my shopping bag, I asked the teller what it was. She replied, “Oh, its a sticker.” When I got home I pulled out the packet, inspecting its creepy packaging. Why on earth would Pick n Pay give this tiny little thing away for spending so much money at their store? There must be

a code or something inside which I can use to enter a cash prize draw, or to stand a chance to win a car. Alas, I was highly disappointed to find only a plastic frog that I could stick to a flat surface.

I expected most of the other shoppers to meet the Stickeez with the same pessimism, but I was wrong.

Within days, social media was filled with pictures of people’s collections.

I saw them on windows, fridges and even car windscreens. I couldnt comprehend the desire people felt to collect these things.

Clearly, the big marketing scheme had worked, because many shoppers were now adding things to their cart just to make it to the R150 threshold. I heard stories of parents, who noticed that they were a couple of Rands short, grabbing some chocolate bars or packets of chips in order to make the adequate amount.

Not only does this encourage their children to demand that “Mommy must get me a Stickee”, it throws away years of teaching them the value of money. Budgets were suddenly tossed out of the window as the cupboards were stacked with unnecessary items and children were merely handed these choking hazards.

Budgets were suddenly tossed out of the window This goes for students as well, as they put their savings towards adding a creature to their farm of Stickeez, not thinking about where their provisions would come from next.

Should we really be concerned about wasting extra cash just to get a toy?

Even though it may seem as if its a small amount, conserving it over time could amount to a meal on campus.

After all, these plastic toys probably cost less than a Rand to manufacture, and are being used to exploit our inner competitiveness.

It is understandable that we all went through a phase as children when we used to collect Pokémon cards or those spoons from Kelloggs that changed colour depending on the temperature of your milk.

Nonetheless, the trauma that I’ve seen these things cause parents, as well as their kids, is ludicrous.

Then Pick n Pay realised the harm they were causing and decided to set up tables outside their stores where you could trade your Stickeez with other enthusiasts. So instead of dealing with tantrums because the children didnt get the Stickee they wanted, parents would go off, some for several hours, to try and trade their little plastic animals. If this didnt work, another option was to buy the Stickeez for R5 each.

Pick n Pay successfully rolled out a brilliant idea in terms of accumulating revenue, which apparently increased by 12% before the start of this month.

They even took it a step further and created an app for Stickeez!

Considering this marketing strategy, perhaps we should contemplate the severe implications that they have on us before we simply give in to whimsical promotional tricks.

8

v74 e11–29 September

Opinions

2015

Discovering the Ancestors

Debunking common myths about the theory of evolution Reon van der Merwe

T

he theory of evolution has been at the center of controversy ever since Darwin’s groundbreaking masterpiece, The Origin of the Species, was published back in 1859.

Science has come a long way since then, increasing our knowledge step by step. However, the discovery of Homo naledi, our prehistoric ancestor, has by far been one of the most profound scientific leaps made in recent years.

Naledi means ‘star’ in Sesotho, and indeed this finding shines a light on how our species came to be.

Yet, nearly 150 years after it became a widely accepted theory among scientists, evolution is still treated with skepticism by the general public.

show how connected we all truly are

Image Ed Stoddard

This is largely due to the misrepresentation of the theory in popular media. This has contributed to numerous misconceptions, the most popular of them being the notion that evolution is not proven, but merely a theory.

As university students most of us have dealt with different theories, whether in the social or the natural sciences. And although theories are

only tools used to help us understand things, most of them are based on empirical observations made in the physical world.

Nowhere is this truer than when we consider the theory of evolution.

The theory is based on welldocumented fossil records which date back thousands of years. The Homo naledi fossil is a great example of this - on closer inspection certain skeletal characteristics seem to stand out.

The specimens collected have humanlike hands and a non-human torso, but look completely human from the waist down. Observations such as these have led scientists to conclude the soundness of the theory of evolution.

Another reason that people dislike the theory is because of the false assumption that humans evolved from monkeys, which has been circulating for the last few decades. Though it is true that humans share an unknown common ancestor with primates, we should regard these primates as our evolutionary cousins rather than as great grandparents.

There are still many gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary tree and with time we will most likely gain a better grip on the origin of our species.

For us non-scientists I find that the best way to understand evolution is by taking a modern day equivalent with which we are all familiar: animal breeding.

If we just look at how all the

domestic dog breeds we have today were bred from a common canine ancestor, the theory of evolution no longer seems so distant from our everyday lives. The only difference is that with domestic animals the changes are man-made, whereas evolution is led by the principle of natural selection, a phrase also understood as survival of the fittest.

primates as our evolutionary cousins Evolution is not just a process that happens every now and then.

The fossil records show periods of both slow and rapid evolutionary change, but life never stands still and is continuously changing. Examples of adaptation and evolution surround us and are far too numerous to discuss in a single article.

However, the theory of evolution does offer mankind a few pearls of wisdom. Not only does the theory show how connected we all truly are, but also how tiny we are in the greater scheme of things.

As the most intelligent species that evolution has yet produced, our actions have undeniably shaped the path of all living things on earth. Thus we have a responsibility not to rule over nature like monarchs, but rather to protect it like a younger sibling.

Finding More Bang for Our Bucks: Solving the problems with the South African Rand Ashley Seymour In recent months, the Rand has flat-lined in strength, resulting in a weakened value of R13.31 to the Dollar. When looking at the current economic troubles of SA, competing with global markets doesn't seem like too much of a problem. However, such depreciation does cause a negative ripple effect for us consumers. How did we get here? What happens now, and how can we revive our struggling currency?

It's all fine and well to shake our heads at such a state of affairs, but it is often forgotten that the value of our Rand is determined by multiple factors. While a large loss in the demand for our bucks is a result of productive inefficiencies and a lack of export competitiveness (ahem, Eskom), global markets also play a role in currency success.

The continued drop in commodity prices and renewed investor confidence in the US has also played a major role. But for once, it would be awesome if the shoe was on the other foot.

An increased focus on SA's corruption, strikes, and parliamentary disruptions has not encouraged much faith in us as a potential investment. In the long

Image: Amina Ebrahim Image: Morema Moloisi

conditions have stifled domestic income run, we need to be.

Depreciation of the Rand will result in long term inflation and an increase in interest rates, in which case, a solution is key. To the average student, the effects of depreciation will translate into more expensive petrol, food and eventually, car and house payments.

So far, such conditions have stifled domestic income to the extent where South Africa is facing negative economic growth and thus, a

potential recession.

Fixing the value of our currency is not as simple as an episode of Extreme Makeover. Export competitiveness is something desperately lacking in our economic welfare, requiring both productivity and innovation.

This is not achieved easily; empowering a low-skilled workforce demanding fair wages to realise their output potential takes both time and resources (resources being investment).

This is where the politics comes in. South Africa enters into the investment market already on the back foot. In a post-recessionary economic climate, international investors want safety in their money and surety. Developing countries

time to resolve these structural setbacks are not the money-houses they used to be. As capital moves back to the West with its expectations of steady growth and profits, SA is left without the funding it needs for start-ups and productive expansion.

This is made all the worse with the increasing political unrest in SA, global attention being drawn to our parliamentary spats, strikes, and productive inefficiencies. This speaks to a greater issue.

While investment is biased to

Western preferences of growth, the lack of demand for the rand indicates both our local performance and how our performance is perceived.

In solving issues of unemployment, corruption, and a lack of education within SA, much of our global market woes will be resolved too.

Food for thought the next time Julius Malema is thrown out of a parliamentary sitting. This is a game of time. Such a change in our currency market did not happen overnight; it will take time to resolve these structural setbacks.

In the meantime, some of us will be giving up on ever shopping at Woolworths while angrily reading the most recent performance indicators.

The SRC Special src Special

9

Image: Amina Ebrahim

How SRC report cards were compiled Parusha Naidoo

Step 1: VARSITY met with SRC members to outline the process.

Step 2: An email was sent to the Secretary General to look through the process and propose any amendments.

Step 3: After a review of proposed amendments, questionnaires were sent out to each SRC member to complete by a specific date.

The questionnaire comprised of the following: • Summary of the SRC member’s personal objectives under their portfolio • Detailed description of exactly what they have managed to achieve during their tenure • Self-evaluation and a personal rating of their performance on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being the best • List of all the committees and/or sub-councils they have served on during their tenure with contact details • Peer-review and a rating of each member according to their performance in their portfolio and team as a whole. Ratings were on a scale of 1 – 10 and required a justification for the mark Step 4: Completed questionnaires were then sent to VARSITY and examined and correlated by a team of eight

editors, who have no personal ties to SRC members.

Step 5: Editors were then assigned a certain number of members who they contacted for private interviews.

• The interview acted as a follow-up for any ambiguous statements and for members to elaborate on the duties they performed • SRC members were questioned on any discrepancies around their performance and how their peers reviewed them • Members were also given the opportunity to respond to any allegations of poor performance and ill conduct Step 6: VARSITY editors totalled up the score received by each member of the SRC according to the peer review section. Scores were coverted into percetages and categorised according to the rating key provided.

Step 7: Report comments were written for SRC members, with the comments written according to a combination of the interview, self-evaluation and peer review for each member.

Step 8: Report comments were sent to SRC members and they were given 24 hours to read through them and ensure that there were no factual errors made regarding their portfolio work.

Step 9: Final changes were made and comments and ratings were

combined, resulting in the final report card.

Disclaimer: The 2015 SRC experienced a particularly unstable year comprising of resignations, reshuffling, dismissals, expulsion and reinstatements. Aware of these conditions, SRC members were requested to review themselves and their peers in the portfolio(s) they held for the longest period during their tenure.

Given the diverse opinions and political affiliations, inevitable tensions in working relations as well as close personal ties between SRC members, VARSITY was aware that SRC members may at times lack objectivity to rate peers on their portfolio work and leadership ability.

In cases where clear discrepancies had arisen, provisions were made for adjustments.

Adjustments for biases did not exceed a maximum of 4%. Examples of discrepancies included: • A member received two extremely low ratings and the rest were high, or vice versa • A member claimed to have fulfilled their objectives but their peers disagreed • A member did not abide

by Schedule C duties

Report cards compiled by:

Jena Ascough, Courtney Hope, Shannon Krausey, Ali Findlay, Aisha Abdool Karim, Robyn Ausmeier, Sandisiwe Shoba, Michaela Findeis & Parusha Naidoo

How to speak SRC Budget (n.) – A document describing the financial plan for a given year to reduce overspending – a document with which the 2015 SRC is unfamiliar, leaving large amounts unaccounted for.

Campaign (n.) – an initiative devised by the SRC to increase their publicity, cleverly disguised as an initiative to assist the students.

Dismissal (n.) – the last resort when SRC members refuse to submit spending reports and perform their community service.

DP List (n.) – a list of SRC members that submitted their portfolio reports after the deadline or failed to submit their required reports.

Reshuffling (n.) – the process that occurs when SRC members become bored with their positions. This involves putting everyone’s names into a hat, shaking it, and drawing out names one by one to decide their new positions.

Resignation (n.) – the official process followed when an SRC member wants to move onto “greener pastures”.

Schedule C (n.) – the DP requirements of the SRC. As long

as SRC members are fulfilling their schedule Cs they cannot be dismissed.

SRC (n.) – acronym for Student Representative Council. A council of students who represent themselves.

SRC Member (n.) – a hypothetical person who has an office on level 7 that no one ever sees, akin to Santa Claus in the North Pole.

Student Parliament (n.) – previously known as student assembly, this gathering is intended to be used as a platform for students to voice their concerns and come to conclusions, but attendees usually leave with more questions than answers.

Stipend (n.) – the salary that SRC members get paid purely to be SRC members.

Sub-council (n.) – A band of little minions whose job is to represent the students but usually just end up clashing heads with their superior SRC member.

Voting (v.) – when the blue bibs and ropes come out once a year, which become obstacles for students to avoid on their way to lectures during the month of September.

The rating key Pass

1 2+ 2- 3

75 - 100% First Class 70 - 74% Second C lass, Division one 60 - 69% Second Class, Division two 50 - 59% Third C lass

Fail & Other Results Symbols F 0 - 49% EXA Excluded from Assessment UP Unclassified Pass DPR Duly Performed certificate refused

SRC 2015 Timeline 10

SRC Special

September 22: New SRC announced

- SRC meets to create its manifesto

November 1: SRC assumes office

December

- Alex Landsdowne is academically excluded and can no longer be a member of the SRC. - Thembelihle Ncayiyana joins the SRC replacing Alex Landsdowne in Societies Portfolio

January

11: SRC joins RMF movement. SRC President Ramabina Mahapa releases statement supporting RMF 12: SRC endorses Rhodes Must Fall protest 15: - Nicole Mirkin ( Health, Safety and Environment Portfolio) resigns from SRC definitively - Uzair Ebrahim replaces Nicole Mirkin as Health, Safety and Environment Chair - Avishek Dusoye withdraws from SRC leaving International Students Portfolio Vacant - Sean Woodgate moves from Day Students Portfolio to International Students Portfolio - Alex Hotz replaces Avishek Dusoye in SRC taking on Day Students Portfolio 18: Vice Chancellor releases statement about statue responding to SRC President Ramabina Mahapa’s open letter.

22: Official Bremner Occupation

March

-Alex Hotz (Day Students Portfolio) resigns from SRC - Mmamalema Molepo (Sports and Recreation Portfolio) resign from SRC, resignation prolonged until second semester - Avishek Dusoye is re-instated replacing Mmamalema Molepo in the Sports and Recreation Portfolio

May

July

16-17: SRC Review on all current members begins 20: The Queer Revolution holds a march in response to Zizipho Pae’s refusal to resign from SRC 21: SRC expels Vice President External from Office.

(Voted seven against one) Sechaba Nkitseng is expelled from SRC

September 20: The new SRC is announced

6: SRC holds Constitutional Meeting 24: William Cahill (Sports and Recreation Portfolio) resigns from SRC 31: Jessica Pollock (Day Students Portfolio) resigns from SRC - Mmamalema Molepo Joins SRC in the Sports and Recreation Portfolio - Khutso Modiselle joins SRC in Day Students Portfolio

October

19: Opening of Student Parliament 10: SRC Reshuffle occurs due to resignations and uncertainty within the leadership body - Khanyisa Baz Pinini steps down as SRC President and assumes office as Vice-President Internal - Ramabina Mahapa moves from Secretary General to SRC President - Khutso Modiselle moves from Day Students Portfolio to Secretary General - Sean Woodgate moves from Vice-President Internal to International Students Portfolio. Day Students Portfolio left vacant 12: SRC releases statement confirming SRC reshuffle

February

April

8: VC releases statement confirming removal of Rhodes Statue 9: Rhodes Statue is removed - SRC announces the end of their occupation of Azania House

June

28: Vice President External, Zizipho Pae, releases controversial Facebook post

1:Max price instructs SRC to reinstate Zizipho Pae 6: SRC President Ramabina Mahapa confirms the resignations of: Alex Hotz and Mmamalema Molepo, and confirms that Sechaba Nkitseng is no longer part of the SRC 7: The Secretary General, Khutso Modiselle resigns from office 12: Ramabina Mahapa releases statement clarifying change in SRC positions - Uzair Ebrahim moves from Health, Safety and Environment Portfolio to Secretary General - Thato Pule moves from Transformation and Social Responsiveness Portfolio to Vice-President External - Zizipho Pae moves from Vice-President External to Health, Safety and Environment Portfolio - Sechaba Nkitseng removed for failing to complete community service - The reshuffle results in three vacancies within the SRC: Transformation and Social Responsiveness, Labour and Services, and Day Students

August

By Tanya Magaisa & Nico Nomyayi Design by Michaela Findeis

11

src Special

Annual SRC Assessment

The VARSITY Newspaper has compiled a transcript of each SRC member’s performance for 2015.

-- Ramabina Mahapa, President -70% 2+

Serving for a second year, Ramabina noted that one challenge for SRC 2015 was a lack of prior leadership experience by the majority of members.

He also noted that this year’s SRC focused on activism instead of policy writing, laying out foundations that will be developed by the next SRC. Policy proposal submissions included a review of DISCHO’s policies and practical functions, changing graduation processions and establishing an oversight committee to facilitate faculty based curriculum reviews. Ramabina acknowledged that more could have been done regarding disabled students as well as following through with submitting a comprehensive fees proposal. It was felt that these two objectives could not be addressed due to funding and time constraints. Criticism of Ramabina from SRC members centre on his lack of vision, and his inability to create a more cohesive unit. He was commended by others for being level-headed and knowledgeable on UCT’s inner workings.

-- Khanyisa Pinini, Vice President Internal -45% F

Khanyisa undertook many projects during her tenure as Vice President Internal, including publishing a safety booklet for students, organising a task team for Transformation Month, drafting UCT’s Sexualities Policy in collaboration with HAICU, addressing financial and academic exclusion, and assisting the UCT Upstarts organising team. Her peers felt her work ethic suffered following the reshuffling earlier this year, and her involvement in the Rhodes Must Fall movement and UCT Queer Revolution further impacted her ability to fulfil her portfolio requirements. However, she maintains her portfolio objectives have been achieved.

She has also made herself accessible to students, and her professionalism and leadership potential have been noticed. Khanyisa was also responsible for disciplining her peers and chairing the SRC Conduct Review and Recommendation Committee. The CRRC has been constituted since March, but according to her peers, she neglected her duties as chief disciplinarian.

However, all SRC complaints have been investigated accordingly.

-- Oyama Botha, Deputy Secretary General -55% 3

Oyama completed her objectives for 2015 including: compiling a Fresher’s Guide to the SRC; organising SRC memorabilia such as dungarees and t-shirts; starting campaigns in order to increase SRC visibility; and increasing the SRC’s social media following. Oyama served on UCT’s Institutional Forum Committee; UCT’s Admissions Committee; UCT’s Tribunal Committee; UCT’s Department of Media and Communication; the selection committee of the SRC Bail-Out Fund; the Selection Committee for the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Posts; the Shortlist Panel for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Positions; and the University Human Resource Committee. Oyama also worked with the Media and Communication sub-committee. According to her colleagues, Oyama fulfilled the Secretary General duties when the Sec Gen could not fulfil their role.

She was reportedly not always available and may have focused a too much on SRC memorabilia; however she was committed and hardworking throughout the year.

She has done well in handling the SRC’s social media presence.

-- Thato Pule, Vice President External -59% 3

Thato did not respond to requests for an interview to discuss her Report Card. Her personal objectives included diversifying the idea of transformation on campus to include all issues that marginalise students.

Her main project, Transformation month, was unsuccessful due to resources being shifted away from her cause as a result of the involvement in Rhodes Must Fall. Another objective was to shift custodianship of transformation from UCT management to the students. The formation of various student movements allowed for a natural shift and she feels her objective was fulfilled. Thato was also involved in drafting UCT’s Sexualities Policy, currently in the process of being passed. Despite Thato’s commitment to representing the voices of marginalised students, her involvement in student transformation movements resulted in her neglect her portfolio work.

Towards the end of her term, she reportedly became tired of her portfolio, and her attendance at SRC meetings was infrequent.

-- Uzair Ebrahim, Secretary General -70% 2+

Uzair was the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Chair from April to August this year. From August onwards he occupied the position of Secretary General. Within his HSE portfolio he was able to complete most of his Schedule C duties, but was unable to fulfil all of them, as he received the portfolio without a handover from the previous SRC member. He focused on mental health, creating an inter-faith platform and internal team dynamics. He also took on some of the Secretary General’s responsibilities, due to his role in the Vacation Committee and the Secretary General’s absence. As Secretary General he worked with Art of Living on a de-stress session with the SRC and also sent out weekly updates to each member to ensure everyone was aware of their duties. Despite the changes within the SRC, he was able to fulfil his objectives and continues to work on his HSE.

-- Simeon Brown, Treasurer -65% 2-

As Treasurer, Simeon worked closely with other SRC members and their respective projects. He was responsible for constituting the Finance Committee, but due to disruptions throughout the year and unavailability from some SRC members he had to make most decisions by himself. He was unsuccessful in compiling the SRC budget, which meant that sums of money remained unallocated throughout the year. Difficulties arose due to last minute project planning owing to disruptions on campus, as well as a lack of previous experience dealing with finances. Outside of his Schedule C duties, Simeon was involved and active in other SRC portfolios and assisted with project logistics and the occupation of Bremner building during the Rhodes Must Fall movement. He also assisted with organising accommodation for the SRC, and writing and editing SRC statements until June this year. Overall, he was very involved in the SRC and compiled a functional fees proposal.

12

src Special

-- Jonathan Yankelowitz, Undergraduate Academic Chair -60% 2-

Jonathan fulfilled most of his portfolio duties whilst assuming other responsibilities within the SRC. His colleagues described him as efficient and a good team player. His main vision was to conscientise students to take their academics seriously and be ‘the architects of their own futures’.Jonathan took a policy-based approach by reviewing and modifying various academic structures. He participated in meetings regarding transformation and the restructuring of the curriculum, he made changes to the Readmission Appeals Committee and he reviewed faculty support programs and pushed for the visibility of support structures.

He improved communication within UASC and the sub-council engaged with students on transformation. Jonathan also ensured that a Class Representative document was passed within each faculty and is drafting a tutor document to formalise these roles. Jonathan was criticised for a lack of visibility for the work done in his portfolio and prioritising his academics over the SRC.

-- Ika Rekhviashvili, Day Students Chair -UP

-- John Ramutla, Postgraduate academic chair -45% F

John’s role involved providing postgraduate students with sufficient academic support as well as addressing any pressing issues. John’s objectives included forming an effective postgraduate sub-council, being involved in the organising of the faculty councils’ induction, ensuring that the remaining constitutions of faculty councils are established, providing support for the faculty councils and increasing the number of postgraduate candidates by encouraging undergraduate students to pursue postgraduate studies. John fulfilled most of his objectives although some members of the SRC felt that he had accomplished the bare minimum in his portfolio and did not do enough to make postgraduate opportunities visible.

John missed a number of committee meetings and was largely unavailable due to issues with his email account. Some of his objectives were hindered by issues within the SRC which resulted in a backlog in getting two faculty constitutions approved as well as preventing his plans for a postgraduate Roadshow to provide undergraduate students with information about postgraduate studies. John felt that he could have contributed more to team dynamics.

-- Greg Keal, Fundraising and Corporate Relations -80% 1

Ika has occupied the position of Day Students Chair since the beginning of the second semester.

He was co-opted into the position due to SRC resignations and reshuffling which left the position available. He assisted the Transformation Chair with the Red March against patriarchy, violence and abuse against women. Given his limited time in the SRC, he has been unable to attend meetings with committees or sub-committees within his portfolio. He has not received information regarding projects that were started within the portfolio before his term. He is currently working on projects outlined in the handover compiled last year and is working on organising an interactive space for day students by restructuring the website. At the time of this report card, Ika had not yet been inducted into the SRC. With this induction, he will be officially recognised as an SRC member and receive a formal handover of his requirements.

Greg’s main objectives this year were to raise money for the SRC Assistance fund and to restructure the application forms and processes for the SRC Crisis Fund and SRC Assistance Fund. He was successful in all of these objectives, raising one of the highest amounts of money ever raised for the fund by the SRC, and completely restructuring the application process for the Assistance Fund so that it required a full application form and a cross-check with the Financial Aid department.

Greg hosted a business breakfast which discussed gender transformation in the workplace, and he assembled a student entrepreneur information pack which showcased student businesses. Greg sat on seven committees, and was often available for student consultation. SRC members called Greg hard-working, compassionate, and committed, and he has achieved a lot this year.

-- Zizipho Pae, Chair: Health, Safety and Environment -37% F

-- Sean Woodgate, International Students Chair -35% F

Previously Zizipho was VicePresident External where she worked on improving relations with SRCs of other universities and ensured the SRC didn’t withdraw from the South African Union of Students in 2015. She participated in media relations regarding Rhodes Must Fall (RMF), facilitated SRC involvement in graduation ceremonies, deputised the president and assisted in Orientation programmes. Zizipho received criticism after posting a status on Facebook same-sex marriage. She was suspended and transferred to the health portfolio.

Zizipho felt she could have been more active in the Constitution Committee and the Vacation Committee, however, felt her suspension hindered her ability to perform her duties. She felt she could have done more to repair relationships with her colleagues. Some members commended her work, while others felt that beyond her involvement in RMF she was ineffective and absent. Most SRC members criticised Zizipho for not performing her duties and negatively contributing to team dynamics.

Sean has been International Students Chair since April, following SRC portfolio reshuffling. As part of his Schedule C duties, he chaired the Institutional Forum and International Students SubCouncil, and collaborated with IAPO. His personal objective was to restore international students’ faith in the SRC. He tried to organise an information session on visas, however the speaker did not attend and he hosted an international students’ lunch instead. He also tried coordinating with UWC for students to attend a march against xenophobia. Another objective was working with Fossil-Free UCT, however, after moving into the International Students portfolio, he was no longer involved in the project. Outside his portfolio, he sat on the Conduct Review Committee, but little was achieved within this committee due to disruptions. Sean attended SRC and committee meetings and conducted most of his work at home. He was unable to complete his office hours due to academic demands.

SRC Special

-- Ihsaan Bassier, Labour and Services Chair -UP

Ihsaan took up his position in late August. Ihsaan and his sub-committee have been working on five main proposals related to transparency and labour. Ihsaan’s objectives include: releasing a detailed weekly update email to students, making committee meeting minutes accessible to students, getting the SRC to endorse NEHAWU, and launching the Big Chef campaign, which aims to force the company to better their workers’ situations and to finish a report on the financial viability of insourcing. Ihsaan hopes that at least some of these proposals will become a reality during his remaining weeks in office. Ihsaan sat on one sub-committee, but felt out of his depth.

Although Ihsaan has had limited time to achieve his objectives, he has worked hard and will continue to do so while in office. At the time of our interview, Ihsaan had not been formally inducted into the SRC and had received no formal handover.

-- Thembelihle Ncayiyana,Societies Chair -80% 1

Thembelihle has been a driven and resolute member of the SRC this year and has managed to fulfil her portfolio objectives. Members noted that she put a lot of effort into her role as Societies Chair and has been very active on the ground. She was tasked with monitoring the societies and has been collecting and following up on reports from different societies. She emphasised outreach, organising a clothing drive and selling casual day stickers to raise money for the disability unit.

Thembelihle encouraged collaborations between societies and used the Vula site and email to put societies in contact with each other.

She helped to oversee other portfolios after resignations in the SRC and continued to do so until new members were co-opted. Thembelihle said that she preferred to work independently on tasks and there was room for improvement with task delegation. Overall, she was a highly competent SRC representative.

-- Ridhi Goolabijith, Transformation & Social Responsiveness Chair -UP

Ridhi took up her position as the Transformation & Social Responsiveness Chair on August 25th 2015. Thatho Pule, the present Vice President External, previously held this position.

Due to the limited amount of time Ridhi has had on the SRC, she has not started any projects or sat on any sub-committees.

However, she did play a role in organising the recent RED MARCH that took place on September 14th and succeeded in getting the SRC to endorse this event. Ridhi sought the help of the Day Students Chair and the Vice President Internal to help endorse this march.

She does not have any plans for her remaining weeks in office as she feels the time is too limited for her to accomplish any of her goals.

At the time of our interview, Ridhi had not been inducted into the SRC and had received no formal handover.

13

-- Ndondo Nzama, Chairperson of Residences -78% 1

Ndondo introduced the mentorship category into the Residence Leadership Awards; she established an application process for a Residence Emergency Fund; provided toiletries for Financial Aid students in residences through the Toiletries Project; hosted a Disability Awareness Forum; and advocated for transsexual students to be given preference in co-ed residences. Ndondo did not fulfil her aim to mental health first aid in residences but has outlined steps in her handover for her successor. Ndondo has reportedly worked hard in her position as Chairperson of Residences and committees and sub-councils including: University Student Tribunal; University Student Affairs; Residence Forum; Student Societies and Organizations Committee; Residence Catering Forum; and Residence Council 1 & 2. Ndondo’s colleagues report that she is reliable, has a great work ethic and was the most available for student consultations. She reportedly led the Res-Council with power and dignity although some say she struggled to provide leadership and direction.

-- Avishek Dusoye, Chair of Sports and Recreation -UP

Avishek was reinstated into the SRC at the end of July after resigning in February due to outside constraints and personal reasons. He was initially the Chair of International Students, but took over as Chair of Sports and Recreation in the second semester. In this position, Avishek has done a commendable job and managed to repair relations between the SRC and the Sports Council. Avishek was in charge of organising the Run for Your Heart Campaign to raise awareness around Cardio-Vascular Disease. He admitted that there could have been more momentum around the campaign but due to time constraints this was not achieved. He was also advocating for a more direct approach to problems, asking for sporting complaints to be emailed directly to him. Avishek noted that since he returned to the SRC later in the year he did not have the large network which was available to other members.

-- Members who resigned -William Cahill - EXA Jessica Pollock - EXA Alex Lansdowne - EXA Nicole Mirkin - EXA Alex Hotz - EXA Mmamalema Molepo - EXA Khutso Modiselle - EXA

-- Members dismissed -Sechaba Nkitseng - DPR

14

Features

v74 e11– 29 September 2015

To say “If Only” Anonymous

A

nother night of this might be too much to bear, you think. You lie stretched out on your bed after a long day, too tired to move, too tired to think and even too tired to cry.

This must be what everyone goes through, you think. Everything feels heavy; every emotion is just

Melancholia still creeps over me a bit too sharp, and deep inside something is off. There is an

aching feeling that something is wrong but you cannot seem

Leaving us exposed and unwanted by those around us

to figure out what it is. This despair is very real. This is what depression feels like.

There isn’t, however, just one kind of depression or one level at which one can experience it. Often people are patronised for being “so dramatic” about their experience, but I’ve come to realize that everyone

experiences life differently. I’ve been told that I should just accept that there are things in life that are uncomfortable and that life is not meant to be a happy affair. Isn’t it?

When I look at my life I truly believe it is amazing. All the ingredients are there for a good socioeconomic standing; there is support, there is privilege and there is even love. There is nothing that I can pinpoint as flawed and yet, I am at times severely unhappy.

The first time I really came across someone who experienced life in the same way as I do was earlier this year when I sat down to have a conversation with a mutual friend.

She and I share a passion for the arts (which seems to be often associated with melodrama and depression) and we got to talking about what

inspires us and what often makes us feel low.

This despair is very real

She revealed to me a deep anxiety to be seen, to be heard and to feel loved. We shared our fears about envisioning endless possible futures that would never result in true happiness. Neither of us truly enjoys the paths we’re on but dread the thought of choosing a life where we live out our creativity, only to watch it burn up all too quickly and leave us exposed and unwanted by those around us.

It may sound like these ideas resulted in an even heavier burden but in fact it made me realize that I am not alone. I began to see that I am free to choose who I want to be and where I want to go. Although the melancholia still creeps over me and sometimes renders me helpless, I try to hold on to the beauty of such strong emotions. After all, the pangs of sensation weave together into a

I am free to choose who I want to be and where I want to go wondrous mess of inspiration, loss, and then, however vulnerable, new beginnings.

Moments that have shaped us Lebo Maragelo It is so easy for us to get caught up in our lives and assignments and completely forget about the historical moments that shook and shaped us as a country. Since September is heritage month, this seems like the best time to look back into our past and remind ourselves of all of the historical moments that have shaped our cultural identity as South Africans and as UCT students.

the beauty and tragedy of history 1816 - Zulu Empire is founded Shaka Zulu, the son of Senzangakhona kaJama and Nandi, is still considered to be one the greatest African kings and warriors in history.

In 1816, Shaka founded the prominent Zulu Kingdom and nearly 200 years later, amaZula are amongst the largest ethnic group in South Africa and there is still a reigning monarch - King Goodwill Zwelithini.

1829 - UCT comes alive UCT was founded in 1829. It was initially a boys-only high school known as the South African College, but was later developed into a university. The development project took some time to be completed due to financial and logistical issues but by 1918, UCT was formally established as a university.

1880 - Anglo-Boer War The Anglo-Boer, or South African, War refers to the first war that was fought between the British and Afrikaans for the South African Republic (or Transvaal) and the Orange Free State.

1910 Formation of the Union of South Africa

Image: flickr.com/Celso Flores

Until 1910, South Africa had been a deeply divided country.

The British were in charge of the Cape Colony and KwaZulu Natal while the Afrikaans ruled over the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The two “major powers,” nonetheless, decided to unite South Africa geographically but essentially separated it racially, socially, politically and economically.

shook and shaped us a country

1913

-

Native

Land

Act

The 1913 Land Act was arguably the most destructive act ever to be implemented by the racist government of South Africa, because the effects are still being felt today. The land redistribution remains at the heart of this country’s most pressing problems. This act essentially declared that black people - who were the majority population would only occupy 13% of the land.

1976 Soweto Uprising In 1976, thousands of students went out onto the streets of Soweto to protest against the implementation of a policy that said students would have to learn some of their subjects with Afrikaans as the teaching

medium. The students were met by armed Apartheid officers who fired into the crowd, killing and wounding numerous students.

1994 - First Democratic Election Need I say more? This year remains the most memorable in South Africa’s history. Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president after the country’s first democratic elections.

arguably the most destructive act ever implemented 2013 - A Hero rests in peace

Nelson Mandela - first South African black president, antiapartheid icon and global leader - passes on at the age of 95.

2015 #RhodesFalls After weeks of protest and occupation of UCT’s administrative building - Avenue House - the Rhodes Must Fall Movement as well as other students and staff members succeeded in having the statue of Cecil Rhodes removed from campus.

Now - Where to from here?

You decide! That is, after all, the beauty and tragedy of history - it is constantly being created. So start today, and create the history you want to read about in the years to come.

Features

v74 e11- 29 September 2015

15

Familiar Faces Laura Pirjol

The stories of the people who serve us food on campus

H

ave you ever stopped to think about the lives of the people who work at the places where we grab our coffees and lunches? I decided to put on my proverbial thinking hairnet and interview the people who work behind the counters we scurry to throughout the day. The ladies working at Frigo had a lot to

He feels like a celebrity to students say about working on campus. “You can tell a student is having a bad day when they grab their coffee and don’t even look at you or say thank you,” says Natasha. “All they see is the apron and the hairnet and think we are just here to serve them coffee,” says Gwen. “Some students make me laugh, though. On the coldest day of the year they walk around barefoot wearing the shortest shorts,” says Natasha. “We always have a lot of fun behind the counter.

We joke, laugh and listen to music.

We spend most of our time together, so we make the best of it,” they add.

On my way past Leslie Social, I interviewed Busi, who works at Java Junction. She was approachable and

Image: Kyra Ellis Moore the conversation soon flowed quite easily. With a cheeky smile she told me that her dream is to open up a shebeen in her home in Khayalitsha.

My most eventful visit, however, was to Henry, the owner of the fruit shop in the cafeteria. He approached me with a gleaming smile and we chatted for over half an hour. He says he feels like a celebrity when students greet him by name and give him hugs.

I was overwhelmed by the openness of the people we see every day He is 82 years old but fit as a fiddle, although he smokes ten cigarettes a day. “I’m also a father of seven kids...

I don’t have any favourites but my

What’s a library?

Top 5 Hidden Study Venue Gems

Saara Mowlana Are you tired of the same old, been there done that, study scene of the library? Do you want to switch up your work environment and shake up some

If you need a more peaceful environment, yet want some sort of background noise the Humanities Café is perfect. motivation? Whether you want to study in a hurry or twerk while you work, one of these discreet venues will fit your needs. After strenuous research of possible study areas around campus I’ve strung together a list of five areas that are great for working.

1. An empty lecture hall: As daunting as it may sound to revisit a venue that many of us tend to doze off in or feel stress tense up our note taking fingers, the stillness of a lecture hall fuels productivity while removing the tension felt in the library silence. Often times there are only one or two other students in the lecture hall with you, which is not as daunting as an actual lecture or the library.

This also serves as a better domain for group projects. The tension of a booked study group room or library desk area is lifted and allows for more communication.

2. The Dam/ Braai Area: If you waltz on over towards the North Jammie Stop on Upper Campus you will probably notice a large body of water, also known as the dam. The steps leading down toward the grassy area end at tables set up by the Braai area.

This is a great place to work and study as the surrounding nature creates a soothing atmosphere and relaxes the rattled mind. It’s also a great place for group project preparations as it adds a social atmosphere and encourages communication and conversation.

3. Java Junction/ Molly Blackburn: If you need a slightly busier environment to help you focus,

Are you tired of the same old, been there done that, study scene of the library? then the seating area by Java Junction or Molly Blackburn will work best. The background noise of distant conversations muted by your favourite song buzzing

through earphones soothes the mind and could inspire

Those little tiled outcrop seat like maneuvers you see around the building are great to curl yourself into with your work and notes. your essay or study technique.

4. Humanities Café: If you need a more peaceful environment, yet want some sort of background noise to deter feelings of isolation, then the Humanities Café is perfect. An added bonus is that you are working and studying right by a store that sells possibly the cheapest coffee, which tastes good as well.

5. Last but not least: All the nooks and crannies. Those little tiled outcrop seat like maneuvers you see around the building are great to curl yourself onto with your work and notes (or series) and serves as a private cocoon for you to create some butterfly worthy work. There are many more discreet study and work areas, some perhaps undiscovered, but these I consider my top five. Where do you study or work?

eldest daughter is extra special to me,” he adds, chuckling. My last stop was Panda Land, where Eddy works.

He moved from Tanzania to South Africa a couple of years ago, and his life has changed drastically ever since. “I lived on the streets for two years before I moved from Joburg to Cape Town. Now look where I am.

I’m a radio and TV presenter and I want to open my own business soon.

It’s never too late to start something new.” By the end of my visits, I was overwhelmed by the openness of the people we see every day but never think to talk to. Next time you see the familiar faces of the people that serve you your daily cappuccino, be sure to ask for their story, to-go!

There’s a Voucher for That: How to make your Rands go Further Nkhensani Manabe We all know how it goes: the middle of the month comes around, and suddenly there is no food in the house. At least two weeks of cheap noodles and dry bread lie ahead before you’ ll be able to do your next grocery haul. What’ s worse is that you’ ve run out of toilet paper.

You promise yourself that next month you’ ll spend more wisely, so you won’t end up in this situation again.

For now though, there’ s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

It is a chance for you to virtually shop for free.

The truth is that there are ways to make sure you can afford a few food items and some bathroom essentials, even when you haven’ t received that glorious notification SMS yet. The concept is sometimes referred to as “couponing”, although local retailers mostly use the term “rewards programme”. Whatever you call it, it is a chance for you to virtually shop for free.

Pick ‘ n Pay has the SmartShopper card, which you swipe with every purchase to earn points (1 for each R1). These points can be converted to cash, and used to help pay for emergency supplies whenever your wallet is feeling a little light. Pick ‘ n Pay also has a Brand Match system, in which they compare their prices

of popular items with other leading supermarkets each week. If your trolley would have cost you less elsewhere, you get a cash-off voucher for the difference.

Spar has introduced the My Spar Rewards programme, which works using customers’ cellphone numbers. Each week a selection of products is available on the Spar Rewards list. By entering your cellphone number at the till each time you purchase one of these products, you gain access to a number of discounts. There is a wide range of products to choose from, so the chances of your getting something you really need at a great price are high.

Let us not forget the tried and tested Clicks ClubCard. Swipe this card at the till to earn 1 point for every R5 spent. The points are calculated, and sent back to you in the form of Cash Back Rewards.

These are vouchers which you can use towards your next purchase.

Owning a ClubCard gives you access to discounts on various products, as well as personalised special offers on your favourite products. Bonus: Clicks also has partnerships with Musica and Nu Metro, allowing you to swipe your card or redeem your points for entertainment fixes too.

Reward programmes are a convenient way to collect coupons and vouchers to supplement your budget. Swipe your card, earn your points, and enjoy the benefits. It’s that simple.

16

Features

v74 e11 – 29 September2015

Get published Megon Venter

F

or a long time, there has been this idea that it is difficult to get work published, especially if you are a student. You may have also heard the rumours that your humanities degree can only get you so far in life.

Yet, if you are a dedicated writer, read on, because dreams do come true.

In order to get work published, you must have the right tools at your disposal. There are several ways currently available to publish written works. The catch, however, is that with almost everyone being able to publish their work, not everyone can get paid for it.

Ali Findlay This year some talented videographers have joined Team V. Our YouTube channel, ucTVarsity, was launched in the first semester by Amy-Leigh Braaf, Amy Rinquest and Sarah Summers. Since

Innovations from the publishing world

You may ask what the difference is between publishing your book and simply keeping a blog, which you can also do free of charge. The answer

quotes their e-Book Self-Publishing Package at $299, which amounts to around R4000 at the time of the writing of this article.

is not much - except for making a name for yourself in free e-books.

The perks are simply that it will be formatted to your specifications and read like a book on a tablet. If you are interested in this method, apps like

FlipSnack, Wordfaire and ePubBud can help you out.

If working for free is not your thing, there are other options out there. Now comes the reason why not many people opt to self-publish: you have to pay to get paid. The online services that allow you to submit your work for formatting and publication can get pricey. To make profit on your work requires a bulk sum of e-books to be published and bought, but in order to set this in motion, a bulk sum of e-books must be paid for by you. A leading service, bookbaby.com, for selfpublishing (both hard and soft copy)

then, the team have been working hard to create quality content that we are very proud of.

The videos created by the team require a huge amount of time and effort. It’s a lot of work to conceptualise, shoot, produce and edit a short video. Despite this, Amy-

Leigh, Sarah and Amy have managed to create several videos this year. The three senior videographers are all film production students and have worked collaboratively to produce the majority of the videos on the channel. “I think the page is still in the early phases and needs a lot of

work, but I am proud that we have created a new, bigger, enthusiastic team,” says Sarah. Sarah is graduating this year, but she says she knows that the channel will grow in the coming months, something that she is excited about.

The team hopes to create a new

Dreams do come true

Young writers are encouraged to submit their work Lastly, it is also possible to send in your e-book manuscript to a reputable publisher such as the Kindle-Amazon collaboration. If your writing makes the cut then you

may see your work published on a marketed and expansive platform.

Young writers are encouraged to submit their work to as many publishers as possible as they are all looking for different things and yours may not fit with the first publisher you submit to. It is beneficial to have a publisher working on your manuscript as they can professionally edit, format, illustrate and market the final product.

Whatever you decide, the most important element to publishing of any kind is the quality of what is written, so it is essential to get writing.

video every two weeks, falling insync with Varsity’s print production cycle. Six new recruits have been added to the videography team to achieve this goal: Steven Chang, Giorgia Young, Rachel Reynolds, Londeka Masiboku, Annabela Bekker and Micheal Carter. As senior videographers, Amy Lee, Sarah and Amy manage the new videographers and assist them with production. Amy-Leigh says that she is proud of the fresh and innovative approaches that the team has come up with for their videos as well as the way in which they have been experimenting with editing.

“I hope that our team will grow, as well as our platform for creation and insight,” says Amy-Leigh.

fresh and innovative

From news videos such as Rhodes Has Fallen, to event videos such as UCT Green Week 2015, to investigative-type pieces such as The Buzz about Ritalin and comedy videos like Study Stress! and Life without a Fone, ucTVarsity covers a huge variety of topics. Amy Rinquest says she is especially proud of their Rhodes Has Fallen video, which they worked through the night to finish in order to publish in the days following the removal.

We are so excited to have a video component along with our traditional and muchloved newspaper.

Visit https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / c h a n n e l / UCP9K1C098PcPzD8S1xwhyFw or type in ucTVarsity on YouTube to access Varsity videos.

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V74 E11 – 29 SEPTEMBER

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2015

18

Sport

V74 E11 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

Fitness Fanatics:

Ikey Tigers Crowned the Quick n Easy, no-bake energy bars World University Champions From the Bench Catherine Fulton

L

ooking for a healthy alternative to store-bought energy bars?

This edition’s Fitness Fanatics contains a quick and convenient recipe that you can make yourself at home (and the beauty about this one is that it is residence-friendly: no oven is required, only a fridge!).

Unlike many delicious snacks, this one is quite healthy as it is packed with fibre, protein and antioxidants to keep you going through the day.

The recipe has very few ingredients, and can be played around with to suit your needs or taste. For those who have access to whey protein powder, this recipe can be adapted into protein bars by adding the desired amount of whey to the mixture, making them the ideal protein supplement alternatives for the average fitness fanatic .

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter) 1/3 cup honey 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped dates 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes 1 teaspoon salt

it is residence-friendly: no oven is required

Stir the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Spread evenly in an 8x8-inch (roughly 20 cm by 20 cm) baking pan. You can use a larger pan for thinner bars. Chill for at least 30 minutes, and then cut the mixture into slices. You can also roll the mixture into balls and chill them for energy bites instead of bars. You can personalise these energy bars by adding other ingredients or toppings to suit your taste, for example: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chopped banana, apricots, vanilla extract, sea salt, flax seed or wheat germ. These bars freeze beautifully, so if you have a hectic week ahead, double the batch to have some ready to go for the weeks to come!

The recipe has very few ingredients

Image: Ikey Tigers

Dean Horwitz The UCT Ikey Tigers travelled to Oxford University last week to compete alongside the University of Oxford, Trinity College, New Zealand universities (collective university team), Waseda University, the University of British Columbia, Stanford University and the Siberian Federal University at the inaugural World University Championships.

UCT were seeded in an extremely tough group which comprised Waseda, Oxford and the New Zealand universities side. Despite three gruelling matches, UCT managed to win 34-14 against Waseda, 28-3 over the New Zealand

universities and 47-5 against Oxford. Having come through their group unbeaten they faced British Columbia in the semi-finals. Despite a tough encounter the Tigers were too strong for British Columbia, running out 24-12 victors.

From their semi-final victory the Tigers moved on to the final of the tournament where they met a very strong Trinity College side. Despite this, UCT were too strong for Trinity and came out victorious with 17-0 as a result of a try from lock James Kilroe and a penalty and a conversion from fullback Paul Cohen. The UCT side were also awarded a penalty try which was successfully converted by Paul Cohen. The Ikey Tigers’ success

My first time riding a motorbike: Jena Ascough I was 2 years old the first time I rode on a motorbike. It was on my dad's Kawasaki and he took me round the block. I've been hooked ever since – gawking at bikes in the traffic and admiring their powerful rumbling (except Harleys, of course). The only problem was that my parents were not willing to support me financially on my bike riding endeavours, and so ensued 20 years of being a bike groupie. This usually entails the aforementioned gawking along with supressed squeals of excitement whenever a friend or family member invites me on a ride-along. Unfortunately, this is the closest I ever came to actually riding a motorbike, until about three months ago.

Dirt Don’t Hurt

Hello, and welcome to edition 11 and our second last edition for the year.

So often in sport we focus on victories, trophies, and the figures, yet we don’t often look at the power of sport for outreach and its ability to make some serious change in the world.

This week we introduce you to a fantastic charity called Educating Athletes, run by UCT Master’s student Chantelle de Abreu. We also take a look at what some of the UCT sports clubs are doing to make the world a better place. In addition, have a read about the Mountain and Ski club’s trek across the Transkei and learn how to make delicious health bars with Catherine. On a final note, we hope that you are enjoying the Rugby World Cup as much as we are. Happy reading!

Over and out Dean Horwitz was spearheaded by their captain, Guy Alexander, and his loose trio partners Michael Botha and Jason Klaasens (all Varsity Cup winners) as well as excellent performances from lock James Kilroe, fly-half Rob Anderson and fullback Paul Cohen.

Image: Byron Coetsee

I came away with bruises on my legs, my hips and my ego.

Recently, I finally earned enough money to buy my own kit. I also have a very patient friend who was willing to lend me his bike and teach me to ride, which, in some beautifully twisted poetry, is also a Kawasaki. A 250cc, 4-stroke, fuel injected KX250 with a quarter throttle. Gorgeous but deadly.

We met up at Zone 7. Helmet, boots and chest protector on, I climbed onto the bike. It was as exhilarating as it was terrifying.

People don't tell you how heavy bikes are – and to make matters worse my feet barely reached the

ground. Time to kick start: after using all of my available strength (and probably using a little too much throttle) I finally get the bike started after about 12 tries.

I try to hear my friend through the pulsing in my ears: click into first gear. Right, now slowly release the clutch. Do not touch the throttle.

Okay now slowly start turning around. Wait! I accidentally twisted the throttle as I took the corner and fell over as the bike rode out from

under me.

Take two: Kick start, clutch control, feet up. This time I managed to hold on a little bit longer before I bit the dust.

The rest of the day was pretty much a repetition of the above – it was exhausting. I came away with bruises on my legs, my hips and my ego. My fantasy of being a motocross prodigy was shattered. I felt angry and frustrated with myself for being so close yet so far.

But I’m not one to give up easily.

I’ve gone back to Zone 7 with my friend almost every weekend since then, dancing the same steps – kick start, clutch control, feet up – adding a new step each time: kick start, clutch control, feet up, accelerate, brake, and turn.

Regardless of my bruises I’ve started to enjoy the process of learning something that does not come naturally to me – leaving my thoughts of my coursework at home

for the day and focusing totally on one thing – staying upright. I read a quote once that said, “You never see a motorbike outside a psychiatrist’s office.” And I believe it – riding is very cathartic.

It may take me a lifetime but I know I’ll get there one day – the day where I’ll rail the berm, scrub the jump and flat whip over the table top. I just hope I won’t still be a ball of purple bruises when that day comes.

Sport

v74 e11 - 29 September 2015

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Charity in Sport at UCT UCT Gymnastics

UCT Cycling

At the UCT Gymnastics club we love exposing people to our sport. One of the ways we do this is to help out at SHAWCO community days, where we teach the children some basic gymnastics skills and show them some of the awesome things we have learnt in the sport. We always take along a few hoola-hoops for games and relay races. Getting these back at the end of the day is a mission as the children are showing us who can hoola-hoop the longest or master some of the cool tricks we taught them. We have a great time and the kids are entertained, engaged and getting active.

The Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy, based in Khayelitsha, promotes cycling to children from the area as a way of creating a positive and supportive environment for them to develop. After a fundraising drive in 2014, the Cycling club focused on continuing and expanding its involvement with Velokhaya. Soon we began to hear of inspiring stories of how the organisation has been helping the children make positive changes in their lives. We started an initiative which allowed our club members to travel to Khayelitsha to interact with the children as mentors.

During our visits we have conducted lessons on study skills and time management. We also visited

Madelein Karsten

Sports Bites Dean Horwitz and Catherine Fulton Western Province Baskteball League

The UCT ladies’ and men’s teams have been participating in the Western Province Basketball League. The men's First Team has three more league games before the playoffs and needs to win one of their remaining games to make the playoffs. So far they've had a good season and have only lost three games. The ladies’ First Team will be playing their quarter final game this week and are currently placed second in the league.

Baseball Legend Yogi Berra dies at 90

The Yogi Berra Museum in Little Falls, New Jersey, announced that the hall of fame catcher has died at the age of 90 on the evening of Tuesday, September 22nd. Known for his humorous quotes, Berra is said to have even inspired the cartoon character Yogi Bear, being one of America’s most beloved sport icons. Berra was a threetime Most Valuable Player and 13-time World Series Champion, and is widely considered the greatest catcher in the sport.

Liam Swanson

during their training sessions to show our support, with the idea to keep the children motivated about the sport and inspired about the possibilities available to them in the future. On Mandela Day we had cycling-related competitions, basic first aid lessons and a Tour de France fun fact session.

We have also made arrangements to help give the children opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had, such as hosting them during the Cape Epic to allow them to see the professional riders in person and in action.

In our effort to make an impact on the children at Velokhaya, we have been impacted by the stories of success and by the children themselves. We are excited to take the partnership further and to see what the future holds

UCT Basketball Gcina Panyana

We do outreach and basketball awareness, by going to communities and playing ball with the kids. Having joined the committee last October, we've joined in on the SHAWCO kids’ sport day. At the beginning of this year, our chosen community was Joe Slovo Park. Over the course of three days, we played games and showed them the basics of basketball. As the community centre did not have a basketball available, at the end of the three days we gave the kids a basketball to play with. There will be a basketball camp at end of the year here at UCT, and we plan to get kids from the communities and schools involved.

Educating Athletes: Helping young sports stars achieve their dreams

Galarza banned from Rugby World Cup

Argentina’s Mariano Galarza was banned from participating in the rest of the Rugby World Cup, which will prevent him from playing for his English club side Gloucester until November 25th. Galarza was banned due to an incident with New Zealand’s’ Brett Retalick. Galarza was found guilty of making contact with the ‘eye area’ of Retallick during the Pumas’ 26-16 defeat by the world champion All Blacks at Wembley on Sunday, September 21st. However, Galarza did not receive the maximum sentence because of his good disciplinary record (up until now).

Image: Chantelle de Abreu

Chantelle de Abreu Tiger Woods side-lined due to surgery

Golf champion Tiger Woods is said to be side-lined until 2016 due to a second back surgery, but is predicted to make a full recovery. According to his website, Woods had claimed that he felt occasional discomfort in his hip and back area for several weeks, and so a decision was made to remove a small cartilage disc fragment that was pinching his nerve. Woods will have to withdraw from USPGA Tour’s Fry.com Open in October, and is said to begin intensive rehabilitation and soft tissue treatment within a week.

Who we are

Educating Athletes is a nonprofit that is interested in seeing holistic development in the youth of South Africa.

Its mission is to provide financial support and holistic character development and to assist young, talented athletes to complete their secondary education while pursing their athletic goals.

The organisation achieves this by linking talented athletes with individuals, families, businesses, or companies who are able to sponsor that athlete’s education.

Every term the athlete’s sponsor receives a report of how the

athlete is progressing in terms of their education, their sporting achievement and their character.

The organisation offers the athletes access to a mental skills program called The Edge: Mental Skills Coaching for Athletes, equipping the athletes with skills necessary both off and on the field, as well as access to counseling. Educating Athletes also offers academic tutoring to the youth they support.

This year so far

Educating Athletes has hosted their first Gala Dinner fundraiser this year, with Good Hope FM DJ Guy McDonald, DJ Asthon Abels & SoulSessions. It was a great evening where our youth

and Educating Athletes family (sponsors, tutors and friends) were able to raise funds while having fun.

They also hosted their community give-back project, which saw the athletes running a soccer clinic and Easter egg share at The Ark. Mandela Day saw them baking goods for the staff at Maitland Children’s Cottage Home. Rootbar teamed up with Educating Athletes in support of our 2015 RUN campaign.

We had many people support us in the Cape Town Marathon by buying our supporters’ packs.

It was inspiring to receive the photos of all of our supporters, in their Educating Athletes running shirts, completing the race. We

are so thankful to everyone who supported us in these various ways.

How you can help

Educating Athletes needs young students and adults to volunteer to assist with the tutoring of these future sport stars and the youth, who will become the leaders in both their communities and our city and country. The tutoring happens at a tutoring space situated on Main Road in Rondebosch. Every hour tutored is an investment and a massive help to a young child.

Through tutoring there is also the potential for a mentorship and friendship to develop. As much as the student athlete learns from the tutor, the tutor learns a lot more about someone else’s journey.

Sport VARSITY

What to Watch Thursday, Oct 1st – RWC Wales vs Fiji 4.45pm Saturday, October 3rd – RWC Samoa vs Japan 2.30pm Saturday, October 3rd – RWC SA vs Scotland 4.45pm Saturday, October 3rd – EFC 44 Van Zyl vs Asker 8.30pm (Supersport)

The Mountain and Ski Club Trek Through the Transkei Conor Eastment

T

he Mountain and Ski Club (MSC), has consistently been one of the largest societies at UCT. Formed and run by a bunch of outdoor adrenaline enthusiasts, we tend to enjoy exploring areas rarely frequented. Almost every week we have the opportunity to send people out onto the mountains, crags, and slacklines, and while bad weather doesn’t normally stop us, there is the option of an indoor session at the climbing wall on Lower Campus – a little closer to home.

the person with the coolest expidition idea gets money All this hard work normally culminates during the vacs when our members have more time to gallivant around our pristine natural environment. Some of the things the MSC likes to get up to include ice climbing in the Drakensberg, chainsaws and alien vegetation in the Cape Fold Belt Mountains and chasing low-pressure systems to catch some snow on the slopes of Waaihoek.

run by a bunch of outdoor adrenaline enthusiasts However, there is further opportunity within the club for those who like their gallivanting to be slightly more progressive and

Image: Conor Eastment adventurous. The club currently has an annual expedition fund available for members to apply to. Basically, the person with the coolest expedition idea gets money for their wanderlust. In the past, this has sent expeditions to the Himalayas, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, Patagonia and many more amazing destinations.

This year, the fund supported slightly different style expeditions – replacing crampons, down jackets and climbing chalk with spearfishing guns, bucket hats and spaza shops. For approximately one month, a group of stoked

hikers set out to trek the distance of the Transkei.

we have the opportunity to send people out into the mountains Starting on the border of the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal in the sleepy town of Port Edward, the 280-kilometer route wound south along the grasslands and cliffs of the Wild Coast, ending on the banks of the Great Kei River mouth.

It is not the first time that people have trekked this route. In fact, there used to be a formal path with hiking huts and set routes for each day. However, the maintenance of the route quickly deteriorated, leaving the full route predominantly untouched, apart from a few small sections, such as the one between Port St. Johns and Coffee Bay. As a result, the MSC group executed the full route with no assistance. They relied on the large size of their backpacks and the reduced capacity of their stomachs.

They also utilised the natural resources surrounding them in an

effort to become part of a select group of adventurers to have witnessed the true magic of the Transkei, its majestic landscape, and hospitable people.

If you manage to bump into one of the blessed few who participated in this expedition you’ll probably struggle to get them to stop talking about how amazing the experience was. There is real adventure and unique beauty within our country; you’ve just got to get up and go find it. Apply to MSC’s expedition fund next year and maybe you could get some support to go and find out for yourself.

Which Sports Really Matter at UCT? Jess Moore I’m sure we can all remember the moment when the Ikey Tigers pounced into our lives for the first time. At the onset of O-week, the cheerleading squad, with bright blue pom-poms, catchy war cries and a giant feline mascot captured the hearts of innumerable freshers, irrespective of whether they were sports fans or not. Within a few days, many were magnetised to the festive atmosphere of the Green Mile... or as most like to call it: the ‘Ikeys Vibe’.

UCT is merely a microcosm of South Africa

Rugby is an integral component of sport at UCT. From the most spirited of Varsity Cup IkeysMaties derbies, to the interresidence and under 21 clashes, rugby is undeniably one of the most (if not the most) played sport at UCT, often receiving the best turn out of spectators. If it’s not for the rugby itself, you’d definitely find something that tickles your fancy among the face paint, flags, food and drinks that add to the much-loved festive atmosphere.

However, upon further inspection, it is apt to note that very few other sports receive this kind of funding and spectatorship at UCT. Tennis and swimming, for instance, receive a mere fraction of the financial and facilitative sponsorship that rugby does. This is often due to practical reasons,

such as the accessibility of facilities.

With rugby being a fast-paced team sport, it is generally more exciting to watch and in turn receives more support.

Rugby is an integral component of sport at UCT. Yet, if you think about it, UCT is merely a microcosm of South Africa at large. Firstly, rugby in South Africa continues to serve a pertinent role, not only in the everyday lives of South Africans, but in the country as a whole. In the turbulence of the post-apartheid era, the Rugby World Cup was the first major sporting event to take

place in South Africa, and the first World Cup in which South Africa was allowed to compete. When Joel Stransky scored a drop goal to win the match, (in turn winning the whole tournament), South Africans far and wide celebrated this incredible sporting and, ultimately, political victory.

Let’s face it; sport has the ability to unite. Just think about the stereotypical scene of families and friends coming together around a braai or packet of biltong to watch the Bokke play rugby. It’s generally quite a festive affair... unless we’re losing to Japan, of course.

Lastly, we must not forget the fact that we live in a patriarchal society, essentially reinforced by how we tend to view rugby as a predominantly male-dominated sport. South Africa does in fact

have a women’s rugby team, but it does not receive nearly as much publicity or support as the men’s side does.

Sport has the ability to unite

The same is true of the multifarious gender-based teams within UCT, such as the rugby team compared to the women’s football team. At the end of the day, the more money available to be pumped into a sport, the more drive and possibilities there are for it to flourish. This will continue to be true for as long as we perpetuate this cycle.