2013: EDITION 6

Varsity

CELEBRATING

70 YEARS

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

7 May 2013

VOLUME 72: EDITION 6

varsitynewspaper.co.za

@varsitynews

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Students shunned on admissions policy debate AFRICA MONTH

Chris van der Westhuyzen

W

hile UCT students value their right to be engaged with and deliver input on university matters affecting their constituencies, recent actions by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Max Price, appeared to give short shrift to student opinion on the university’s controversial race-based admissions policy that is currently under revision.

Student leaders were furious following a Senate meeting on March 15th, at which Price motioned members to vote on whether or not to continue using race as a criterion in the admissions policy for 2015. This, in spite of an earlier Council resolution that postponed the vote until September later this year in order to give the Student Representative Council (SRC) sufficient time to consult with students before taking a stance on the matter.

“There is thus a necessity for student engagement in this process.�

AFRICA MONTH: UCT celebrates Africa Month on Jammie Plaza. Continued on page 3... the 2015 admissions process. During the meeting, the SRC argued that March 15th the following year was too soon to vote on the alternative policy, since more time was required to consider students’ opinions before the SRC could take a stance on the motion. Council accepted the SRC’s amendment, and resolved that the debate should continue throughout 2013 and that a final vote should be scheduled for September 2013.

Student Assembly chair Leroy Nyarhi said it was “highly objectionable� that the ViceChancellor disregarded the Council resolution by motioning Senate members on March 15th to vote on the admissions policy prematurely. “UCT management prides itself on cooperative governance with students and claims to promote active citizenship among the student body, yet it seems in this instance the Vice-Chancellor tried to exclude student governance from a key decision on the admissions policymaking process,� Nyarhi said.

According to Hallendorff, the Vice-Chancellor withdrew his motions after Senate members reminded him of the December 2012 Council resolution.

However, at a Student Assembly sitting on April 11th, members, who represent various student constituencies on campus, unanimously agreed to demand that Price apologise for his seemingly unilateral decision-making, and that the Vice-Chancellor recuse himself from all future deliberations on the admissions policy.

Nyarhi said the students’ demand was justified. He said student input on the admissions policy debate was crucial, since its outcome would effectively determine the make-up of the student body in future years. “The policy is essentially a student-centered issue,� said Nyarhi. “There is thus a necessity for student engagement in this process.�

A response from the ViceChancellor was expected by Tuesday morning.

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IN THIS ISSUE

“I was incredibly disappointed in the Vice-Chancellor,� said SRC president Lorne Hallendorff. “Instead of protecting the student opinion, an opinion supported by Council, he was the one leading the charge on motions regarding admissions policy."

The university’s current admissions policy uses race as a proxy measure for disadvantage in order to provide redress by accommodating students whose families were denied education under Apartheid.

Growing calls to scrap race from the admissions criteria prompted UCT to mandate the Admissions Policy Review Task Team to test the feasibility of an alternative non-racial admissions policy, which measures disadvantage by considering the education, home languages and income levels of the applicant’s parents and grandparents.

In December 2012, Council was briefed on the APRTT’s progress and members discussed when Senate and Council should vote on whether or not to accept a non-racial policy for

Image: Khanyisa Pinini

Jammie Strikes

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In my shoes

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The new coach

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Caption

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

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news

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

NEWS BITES DA synonymous with oppression JOHANNESBURG – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of being synonymous with the oppression South Africans suffered during Apartheid at a Congress of the South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Workers’ rally in Sharpeville. He further said that the opposition party was part of the Apartheid regime.

- News 24

Permission was granted for airforce base use PRETORIA – Gupta family’s use of the Waterkloof airforce base to fly in almost 200 wedding guests has caused a stir. Whilst the Gupta family claims it had received full permission, the South African Defence Force (SANDF) denies this.

-ENCA

Secrecy bill passed JOHANNESBURG – The Protection of State Information bill has been passed. Although the Bill has been considerably amended, critics still say it will muzzle the media. The bill is now expected to be signed into law by President Zuma.

- News24

Outrage after publication of Mandela footage JOHANNESBURG – The SABC and the ANC have come under criticism for releasing TV footage of a frail Nelson Mandela.

South Africans have condemned the footage, accusing politicians of parading their 94-year-old hero in front of the cameras for their own gain.

- Telegraph

Bus strikes cause chaos on campus Krysia Gaweda

S

ince April 19th, thousands of commuters in and around Cape Town have had to make alternative plans to travel to work, university and school as bus drivers nationwide are on strike.

Representing the interest of the drivers and the forefront of the strike are the trade unions, South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and Transport and Omnibus Workers Union (TOWU).

They have demanded an annual wage double-digit increase of 18%.

In response Commuter Bus Employers’ Organisation spokesman, Barry Gie said, “One of the stumbling blocks is that unions continue to ask for a double digit increase, which we can simply not afford.”

As a consequence of stagnant negotiations over annual wage increases around the country, the transport system of the country is in a deadlock. Thus, services provided

by Golden Arrow, Translux and MyCiTi have been halted.

The outsourcing of the transport system of UCT, Sibanye, has exposed students and staff to the ill effect of the nationwide bus strike.

SRC Services and Labour Coordinator Lwazi Somya highlights the importance of the participation

Comedian launches political movement CAPE TOWN - South African satirist Pieter Dirk-Uys, also known as his alter ego Evita Bezuidenhout, launched his own political movement on Friday May 3rd. Uys said his movement, South Africa’s National Democratic Alternative, was a concept he wanted citizens to adopt in the run-up to next year’s national elections.

- Sowetan Live

Stefanie Busch

STRIKES: A nationwide strike is causing chaos for many South Africans. of the Jammie Bus drivers, “Our Jammie drivers also form part of that national picture and we need to be careful before we isolate our drivers from the national phenomenon.”

“Our drivers wanted to continue driving our students about, but were threatened by outsiders concerning this matter.”

It seems that this event has majorly affected student life and will continue to, as long as the two parties involved do not come to a

Collapse of Bangladesh factory kills Rae Oliver The collapse of a garment factory building in Bangladesh on Wednesday, April 24th has killed over 400 people, with at least 149 people still believed to be missing.

The eight-storey building, known as the Rana Plaza, contained more than 3000 people when the upper floors collapsed onto those below.

About 2 500 people have been rescued from the wreckage, but hundreds of mostly female workers remain unaccounted for.

Western Black Rhino declared extinct GENEVA – The Western Black Rhino of Africa was declared officially extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This subspecies of the Black Rhino was last seen in Western Africa in 2006.

- CNN

Image: Chandra Mophethe

Bangladesh garment workers…earn as little as $38 a month.

A total of eight people, including factory managers and engineers, have been arrested and accused of negligence in relation to the collapse.

Bangladeshi police say factory officers had ignored official warnings for people to evacuate the building after cracks were found in it during an inspection. The primary owner of the illegally constructed building, fugitive Mohammed Sohel Rana, was captured last Sunday during his attempt to flee India.

Rana’s capture was announced via loudspeaker at the disaster site, drawing cheers and applause from those awaiting the outcome of the search-and-rescue operation for survivors.

In response to the collapse, thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers walked out of their factories on Monday, demanding the death penalty for Rana. Some 20 000

people joined the protest in Dhaka, with other demonstrations taking part in other parts of the capital and country.

This was after managers at all of the country’s 4 500 garment factories had given workers an unscheduled two-day holiday over the weekend in the hope that anger over the disaster would subside. Protesters are demanding the hanging of Rana, as well as better working conditions and safety standards for the garment industry.

The collapse was the third major industrial incident in five months in Bangladesh. Last November a fire at a factory, making clothing for Walmart and other Western labels, left 112 people dead with survivors describing how fire exits were kept locked by site managers.

Bangladesh’s garment industry provides employment to approximately four million people, with the country being the secondlargest clothing exporter in the world.

Bangladesh garment workers, the majority of whom are women, earn as little as $38 a month.

Two Western retailers have promised to pay compensation to victims who had worked in the building in which the retailers’ garments were manufactured.

Britain’s Primark and Canada’s Loblaw announced they were working to ensure immediate and long-term assistance to the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, the European Union said it was considering the appropriate action to encourage improvements in working conditions in Bangladesh factories. It said its actions may include the use of its trade preference system, which gives Bangladesh duty and quota free access to EU markets.

settlement regarding wage increases.

“Many students have been forced to walk to campus, but the services provided by the skeleton staff [Jammie bus drivers] have to be commended even though it is against the spirit of collective bargaining,” Somya continued.

As of yet, the negotiations put in place in hope to reach an agreement have been unsuccessful. The bus strike will only intensify after SATAWU rejected the bargaining

council proposal on April 2nd.

As Vincent Masoga, SATAWU spokesperson, explained, “There are no new developments in the strike; it is still going on and we will intensify our efforts.”

Likewise, Gie was reported stating that there were no talks planned with the unions any time soon.

According to Gie, on Friday April 26th, employers increased their offer from 6.5% to 8%, across the board, for workers earning R23.50 an hour or less, and to 7.5% for those earning more.

He continued to say that the unions reduced their demand from 18% to 13%. However, Masoga said at the time the Union had reverted to its former demands after the talks deadlocked.

Somya, of the SRC, concluded, “I would like to put emphasis to the fact that our drivers were coerced to strike, and would have liked to continue with their duties, but we need to also respect the processes that the Unions are undergoing especially pertaining to such large wage and working condition discrepancies.”

Once again, nationwide strikes have seemed to have had a negative effect on the students and staff at UCT and at present, the opposing forces of the trade unions and employers are in a deadlock.

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news

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

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Art, culture and cuisine – with a touch of Africa Chris van der Westhuyzen

U

CT’s Africa Month kicked off on Thursday, May 2nd with a Plaza Day event that showcased the traditional foods, beverages and artworks of each African country represented on campus.

Hundreds of students strolled across Jammie Plaza to explore the variety of dishes, served with the compliments of the various African societies at UCT, including Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana and the East African society.

May 25th is an internationally recognised event that celebrates African identity Zambian Society president Brian Musonda said Africa Month aimed to unite the continent and its cultures, through providing an opportunity for all students to get to know one another and understand each other better as Africans.

“The event not only brought a piece of Zambia here to UCT, our second home, it was also a chance to

Image: George Ng’ethe AFRICA MONTH: SRC Societies Coordinator Chanda Chungu celebrates Africa month on Plaza. experience what our neighbouring African countries have to offer,” Musonda said.

Among the interesting range of foods that was available for students to taste was the Ghanian dish, known as Eto, which contains boiled egg with mashed yam, semi-ripe plantain and mixed spices.

“Eto is a very sacred dish in Ghana,” said Ernestina Annobea, a member of the Ghanian Society.

“Young people eat it on their

birthdays and during puberty. Also, girls are required to swallow the egg whole, for it is believed that chewing it will bring harm to your children.”

The intriguing snacks attracted students from all over campus. These included the Zimbabwean Society’s freshly prepared Mopane worms, which had curious bystanders queuing to get a taste.

“Don’t think about it as a worm.

Just throw it in your mouth and chew it,” said Farai Midzi, Secretary

General of the Zimbabwean Society, in advice to one of the more hesitant students.

According to Chanda Chungu, SRC’s Societies Coordinator and chief organiser of the event, Africa Day on May 25th is an internationally recognised event that celebrates African identity.

“At UCT we use the entire month of May to celebrate the broader theme of Africa,” Chungu said. “My dream is for UCT’s Africa Month to

become official across the world.”

As part of the Africa Month celebrations, Michaelis School of Fine Art instructed 70 of its firstyear students to design “unibags” that demonstrated their unique interpretation of African identity.

Sianne Abrahams, project officer of the HIV Aids, Inclusivity and Coordination Unit, which partnered with Michealis in the initiative, said students had designed their bags using only recyclable materials while also incorporating in the design a healthcare message relevant to the African continent.

“Each bag brings to light issues like HIV, gender-based violence or alcohol abuse,” Abrahams said. “They demonstrate various unconventional interpretations of African identity, based on things like religion, heritage and ancestry.”

In addition to the large number of students who attended the event, some members of faculty and staff, including Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo, visited Jammie Plaza to join in the festivities.

“The month of May is for everyone at UCT to get in touch with our wonderful continent,” Nhlapo said. “We should embrace this month. Let’s speak Africa, live Africa and breathe Africa.”

Inspiring leadership through service Zime Ntaka Seven UCT students will travel to Washington DC during the mid-year break to participate in the South African-Washington International Program (SAWIP), a youth leadership initiative that aims to prepare emerging South African leaders for a professional career in community development service and related fields.

The SAWIP program, which includes six weeks of work experience in Washington DC, recruits South African citizens and permanent residents with a record for excellence and service from UCT, Stellenbosch and the UWC. Among the seven UCT students selected for the SAWIP program is second-year Politics major Cara Claassen, Masters student in Economics Matt Chennells and Economics major Sibahle Magadla.

Magadla, who was selected for the program after an unsuccessful application in 2011, said, “I applied for SAWIP because I want to be placed out my comfort zone. I want to be challenged and meet people who have different opinions than I do, and learn from them. I want to grow as a leader, broaden my perspectives, and have a more profound understanding of my country and develop as a person so that I can return and give back more than I am currently doing.”

Kim Williams, SAWIP program manager, said the program “aims to recruit and develop individuals who aspire to bring social, political and economic transformation through leadership actions”.

According to Williams, the seven UCT students selected for SAWIP will stay with host families in Washington DC, and gain work experience in places such as Senate, Congress, the World Bank and the Robert F. Kennedy Centre for Justice and Human Rights.

The SAWIP recruitment process, which has very high standards, starts in January.

Following the first stage, the online application process, 60 of the most outstanding applicants are invited for interviews. Next, 30 shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in a three-day selection camp, after which the final 15 students are selected and invited to an orientation camp.

Kwadwo Ofori Awusu, a Postgraduate Law student who participated in the program in 2012, said he really appreciated the political engagements he had in Washinton DC. “I was struck by just how much of a culture of accountability there is there, and how involved people, ordinary people, are in the politics of that city,” Awusu said. “SAWIP has given me an awareness of the possibility to gain experience internationally and to have an impact, and to draw resources from beyond our borders.”

SAWIP encourages all students that have applied and did not make the final team to consider reapplying in the following year.

Students are encouraged to get involved in various initiatives on campus or in their communities to strengthen their applications in future years.

Image: Justin Groep YOUTH LEADERSHIP: A group of UCT students will take part in a leadership program in Washington DC .

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news

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

The hubbly bubbly misconception RideLink: Carpooling towards the future Roxanne Jones

for recreational reasons. "I do [it] because it’s lighter than cigarettes and I usually smoke it when I The 4th Year UCT medical go to night clubs or lounges as it students, in association with the is only R45."

Cancer Association of South Each hookah pipe session is Africa (CANSA), recently longer in duration than cigarette did a research project on smoking and involves exposure hookah smoking. to much larger volumes of smoke The motivation behind the per session. research was to gain a better "I like it [hookah smoking], understanding of the knowledge, it does not give off the smell that attitudes and practices involved cigarettes do," explained Naadirah with hookah pipe smoking. The Deaney, a BSocSci student. research, which was conducted at However, the hookah pipe does the UCT Health contain harmful Science Faculty, substances such was split into smoking hookah may be as nicotine and equivalent to or worse other toxic and two parts.

A c c o r d i n g than cigarette smoking c a r c i n o g e n i c to Nicolina compounds van de Merwe, such as carbon the head of mental health at monoxide, formaldehyde, SHAWCO Health, the first part polyaromatic hydrocarbons, of the research was to investigate arsenic and lead. what constitutes hookah pipe Mishka Kadir, a health science smoking. In the second part of student, explained how she the research the students, along dislikes hookah smoking. “It’s with CANSA, developed a health unhealthy and I don't have access promotion campaign. to a hubbly bubbly."

This took place in the form Research shows that long-term of contributing posters, posting effects of hookah pipe smoking on social networks sites and is a risk factor of a number of hosting an awareness day which tobacco related diseases such as was entitled “The Hubbly Bubbly lung cancer, periodontal diseases, Awareness Day”. cardiovascular disease and Van de Merwe states, adverse pregnancy outcomes.

“The awareness day was very Interestingly, among South successful and over a 100 students Africans and abroad, it is believed participated. We had a smokilyzer that hookah has less nicotine and machine where students could test is less addictive than cigarette their carbon monoxide levels.” smoking, and that the water in The findings of the research the base of the hookah apparatus showed that while hookah pipe filters out the toxins, making it smoking is commonly perceived less harmful. to be safer than cigarette However, through this research smoking, smoking hookah may project, it is evident that a lack be equivalent to or worse than of knowledge is a crucial factor cigarette smoking. in determining misconceptions, Billie-Jean Demas, a Film and beliefs and attitudes regarding Media production stream student hookah pipe smoking and how explained how she smoked hookah harmful it is for ones self.

Image: Jessica Breakey CARPOOLING: RideLink provides students with a platform to easily find carpool partners, share lifts and costs.

Krysia Gaweda

R

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idelink is a Green Week project under Green Campus Initiative (GCI), where UCT students are encouraged to carpool with other students who live close to them.

RideLink offers an online service in which members of the UCT community are able to sign up and are matched to other students according to their routes of travel.

The aim of RideLink is threefold; to reduce UCT's carbon emissions by reducing the amount of cars traveling to campus, to reduce traffic congestion around UCT and lastly, to provide students with a cheaper way to arrive on campus by enabling them to create a carpool and share lifts and costs.

RideLink project leader Joseph Mayson stated, “RideLink provides students with a platform to easily find carpool partners, share lifts and therefore costs, and SAVE MONEY.” “Reducing traffic congestion around UCT will benefit everyone, even those who take Jammies. This will only be noticeable if RideLink really catches on and becomes a mass-movement across the

whole university.”

RideLink uses a South African company's product, FindaLift, which suits the needs of RideLink.

FindaLift is a superior system and is sustainable because students, who graduate and leave and are often seen as less reliable, are no longer in charge of the technical side of the system. FindaLift is also legitimate as it is bound by a contract and has a money incentive to perform their job accordingly.

Reducing traffic congestion around UCT will benefit everyone Members of RideLink are also given certain privileges by being part of the initiative. These include saving money, exclusive parking bays in P4 next to the rugby field, for members with three or more students in one car that swipe their cards upon entry, as well as the fact that the service can be used nationwide.

“RideLink can be used for any journey; not only to UCT. Students

can use it for long trips, trips to festivals, even just a once-off trip to town. Students have the option of searching on the wider FindaLift network as well,” Mayson explained.

RideLink is easy to use; all students are required to do is to log onto the RideLink website and RideLink will match their journey with similar journeys of other students. After this, members are able to contact each other via the website, or by other means, to form a carpool.

“Changing students' routines is a difficult and slow process. There will always be a RideLink project under Green Campus Initiative, with a project leader to run it. However, whether students are more receptive to the idea is dependent on how the project is marketed and economic factors,” Mayson said.

Mayson concluded, “The more people that sign up, the better the system works as there is more choice of people to carpool with and more appropriate or relevant matches can be made.”

For more information, sign up at: http://ridelink.findalift.co.za/

editorial

Kids in a candy store

Alexandra Nagel Editor-in-Chief

Schauen mich

wo years down the line and I still struggle with the exact same feeling I have for exams as I did the first time we encountered one another. Such an intimate relationship we seem to have.

So twisted and full of loathing.

There I am sitting at the desk in Jameson Hall, scribbling harshly around your body of questions with my pen trying to decode what exactly you want from me and you having to just sit there and take it.

We have decided to take a break, you and I, as I am not ready for such a committed relationship with all the distractions of English literature and media essays taking up my time. We shall meet again my bitter love, and engage in the wrath of the two-hour scribbling and ravaging of each other’s minds once again.

I need to get out more, to get you out of my mind. My roommates started to notice my rapid decline into the warped abyss of papers when they heard helpless screams coming from behind my barred bedroom door.

So they took me on an outing, to the place they enjoy most, and to which I myself have adapted to since the first time they took me two years ago. A little event known as Biwak.

I had no idea what it was the first time I encountered it last year, with the beer kegs everywhere and the tree stump that all the male-

Rebecca Dallas Deputy Editor We’re 90s kids. Need to be reminded of what that means?

Gummy Bears, stick-on-earrings, Britney Spears, Pez sweets, phone cards, and most importantly, Pokémon.

To be honest, I find it very hard to fathom why people say, “I wish

Laurie Scarborough

Mitch Prinsloo

Copy Editor

Online Editor

The credits for pages 8 and 9 were excluded. Mention must be made to Zarmeen Ghoor, Julien Speyer, Alexandra Nagel, Stefanie Busch and Rebecca Dallas.

Managing Editor

No week’s notice

“

“

“

I looked up from my chopping, and that’s when I knew… I was going to Hogwarts. Now, I rationalized with myself, I was well over the age of 11, but perhaps Professor McGonagall had wanted to give me a little extra time in the Muggle world, or maybe there had been a terrible, terrible mistake ...”

When you read the word “journalist”, what do you imagine?

Is it an image of a fedora adorned reporter chasing the latest crime story, or is it a picture of a paper strewn office with Thompsonesque figures slamming down typewriter keys in an attempt to meet a deadline that had passed four cigarettes ago...”

A couple of times in the year,

Michaelis art exhibitions seem to suddenly spring onto my events calendar and promise the same old magic. Such events consistently offer surprisingly affordable artworks, free bread and wine for students to gorge themselves on ...”

Columns continued online

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2013 Collective

Volume 72. edition 5: Please accept our apologies for the following error:

Andrew Montandon

Student: Journalist

Facebook!

ERRATA

computer games, and we stuff ourselves with beverages until we’re sick, whereas back in the day it was just sweets.

Being a kid is easy really. Think about it, when you’re next at the doctor grab a sweet from the jar, or maybe write your tuts in wax crayon. Wear a onesie to varsity (a girl did this the other day and I was very impressed) and force yourself to take a nap in the middle of the day. Maybe watch some Tom and Jerry for old time’s sake.

Come now, this is the best time of our lives! We’re young enough to be childish and old enough to do adult stuff. Don’t focus on just the one aspect, eh hipsters? Remember what Dr Seuss said people: “Adults are just obsolete children and the hell with them.”

Magical Me

Like

VARSITY Cubs on

I was a kid again.” Looking at my friends, we really are just a bunch of big children. Every now and then I bump into those gravely studious, varsity-is-my-life-and-Iwill-be-its-slave people, who I find rather distressing.

There are so many hipsters at UCT. These cardigan-clad, fakeglasses wearing individuals have this weird notion that dressing like their grandparents is hunkydory. Whenever they touch their iPhones and use big words (looked up on their iPhone), a little kid dies. But is it too late for these wannabe-grandparent individuals?

No, I promise you there is hope.

If you look around, many aspects of our lives are parallel to our childhood. Students still get an allowance, big people play

nt re sp re ad

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folk sit around and hit nails in to with a hammer. The strangeness astounded me yet reeled me in like a prized fish at the end of a hillbilly’s fishing rod.

Tucked away in the mountains and vineyards of Stellenbosch, there lives this magnificent affair every year in a residential home littered with cars that display bright-yellow Namibian number plates staring back at passer-bys.

We enter the house and are greeted by a smiling lady wearing a funny-looking jester’s hat. She says something along the lines of “Guten tag” which now I’ve learnt means “good day” (all I can say is “Ich weiß nicht” which means “I don’t know”, the best reply to everything).

We walk on out past the floor clothed in cardboard, a clever thought in preventing the ripping up of carpet floors during to the events that are soon to follow, and our eyes are met with young Namibians from across the land singing “ein prosit” whilst playing strange games that consist of some dice and a leather cup (Knoffel as it is formally known).

Being one of the few South Africans present, it always baffles me as to how one tinsy nation like Namibia manages to outnumber my own people, here I am the minority yet somehow I don’t mind it so much.

Every person I have met since I had moved to Cape Town has been a Namibian. With all their strange, broken English words, calling gloves “hand-shoes”, drinking beer at 10am, putting toppings on a pizza before the cheese and dressing up in the most bizarre outfits at random times during the year, I have come to love their culture more than my own.

I had soon forgotten about you, my sweet-twisted love. But on my return to my desk from the world of bratwurst and Windhoek lager, I managed to not scribble so hard on your lined body anymore.

5

w eb im ag e de s sig n ad s fin an ce hr

Editorial

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

editor-in-chief Alexandra Nagel deputy Editor Rebecca Dallas managing Editor Andrew Montandon Copy Editor Laurie Scarborough online editor Mitch Prinsloo Online chief subber Theresa Scott news Krysia Gaweda & Chris van der Westhuyzen opinions Katy Scott & Uthman Quick features Daniël Geldenhuys & Lynne Marie Fraser sportS Rob Byrne & Megan Kinnaird centrespread Zarmeen Ghoor images Tebesethu Nkambule, Elelwani Netshifhire, Siyanda Ralane & Jessica Breakey Design Julien Speyer web Stephen Hulme, Robin Mukanganise & Peter Maluge advertising & Finance Imaad Isaacs & Salman Ghoor human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu & Kudzai Tabaziba sub-editors Diana Fletcher, Katelyn Mostert, Rhiannon Rees & Aisha Abdool Karim Staff writers Ryan Bird, Ryno Nortje, Busang Senne, Cai Nebe, Steffanie Busch, Hannah Gauss, Sandile Tshahabalala

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opinions

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

Scotty Does Know

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Katy Scott Opinions Editor

Walk like a man force ourselves into ridiculously uncomfortable clothing to satisfy the opposite sex. Because as we are fannying about, losing sight of our manliness, so women are creeping in and taking over.

“No more shall we be outperformed, outlasted and outlived. No more shall we feel inclined to hold open doors, stand back, and bend over backwards for a pair of batting eyelashes.

“Society once dictated that women should be bearers and raisers of children and that man makes his way through men should be breadwinners. a throng of testosterone and In the 60s, women restored this beer. He clears his throat, belches imbalance by not shaving their and puts his hand up to quieten legs. Today man is overcorrecting the crowd. Not a murmur is heard by shaving his own! as he begins to speak.

“I have no problem with a “It is with deep sadness that woman helping buy the bread, or I have called you here today. We any other starch for that matter, but are in a wretched state and I am I will put my foot down at it being rather perplexed okay for her to by the disorder use my bread We have been tamed and injustice that money to buy a is denigrating and groomed to pander bigger dress to the male race. to their every whinge accommo date Things are for such getting quite out indulgence. of hand, out of our hands. I, for “I call on you all to grow some one, am sick and tired of being fluff on your balls, assert yourself reduced to a pretty face or a bulge and stand your ground. Do not fall in my pants. I am not my penis. for the “distressed damsel” façade.

My name is Peter Smith and I This supposed “weakness” is their am a man!” greatest power over you!

The crowd roars in approval, “Unwrap yourself from beers sloshing as they are the pinkie of the princess. enthusiastically thrust into the air. Use your manhood and find “Since the beginning of your kryptonite to combat the humankind we men have had manipulative scheming that every interest of our women at lies beneath the seduction. heart. We once risked our lives Acknowledge that there is a fighting wild boars and catering motive behind every coy smile, for their every need, fulfilling their every selfless favour. every desire. They would fall at “Study the men they go our feet and we would scoop them weak for, the Chuck Basses back up in our burly arms. and Damon Salvatores of their “How is it that we have let fantasy world. These men are ourselves backtrack from top dogs nothing short of pompous to pathetic puppies in their laps, pricks. I encourage you to follow sitting pretty as we are petted, their lead and embrace the prick cooed at and called a “good boy”? within. Turn on the bravado, sex We have been tamed and groomed appeal and charm. Ooze it, own it, to pander to their every whinge, man up! so much to the extent that we “So brothers, comrades, men, now remove ourselves from their it’s time to put on your big-boy presence to fart, control our every pants and walk like a man! If your urge to perve and jeer in their woman wants to wear them too, company and keep high levels of so be it. But please, for the sake of personal hygiene. I say no more to mankind, take off your panties!” such unnatural behaviour!

The crowd gets caught up in “No more shall we surrender chanting “Off with panties, off our masculinity. No more shall we with panties” as Peter quietly exits use beauty products and razors and and heads home to his cats.

A

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

Money, hoes and clothes Uthman Quick On April 13th, a rapper called Tyga performed for a crowd of adoring young people on the campus of Harvard University. Before commencing, he emphatically declared, “Despite all the haters, we’re here”. “The haters” he was referring to were not tweeters, trolls or some rapper he was “beefing” with, instead his anger was directed at a group of students who were opposed to his performance on their campus.

Garnering over two thousand signatures on change.org, the students were able to create enough controversy around the performance to have the university’s administrators question the invitation to the rapper.

Image: www.flickr.com/ubgteam

Why single out Tyga for his socially unacceptable lyrics?

To me this sounded like the kind of racialised double-standard against African Americans and other minorities that continues to plague much of American society.

Why single out Tyga for his socially unacceptable lyrics while at the same time celebrate Beatle’s songs about LSD or write essays on Joseph Conrad’s racist musings about the Congo. But then I listened to Tyga's music and it is hard to defend.

Rap, like many other forms of art began as a reflection and subversion of society – a social commentary (in their own language) by those who are marginalised from the mainstream.

What possible social comment is Tyga making when he says, “Got your grandma on my dick”? This might be an extreme example, but many of Tyga's Young Money “homies’” lyrics do not amount to much more. One of these colleagues,

Drake, who might have a bigger following in Cape Town than he does in his native Toronto, produces lyrics that, while more sophisticated and linguistically intricate than Tyga’s, are nonetheless riddled with materialism, misogyny and violence.

Of course, rap is not a monolithic art form. And just because you cannot understand what a rapper is saying does not mean they are talking garbage. However, the sad fact is that, while an untalented tag-along like Tyga has 50 million YouTube views on a single video in which he brags about the size of his genitals several times, artists who have something to say like Immortal Technique, Dead Prez or Lowkey can only dream of similar exposure.

No pun intended.

Within a democratic society, Tyga (unfortunately) has the right to call women bitches and hoes – the question is, at what point do we draw the line? When are we going to stop passing it off as harmless “entertainment” and call it what it really is: a misogynistic incitement

to violence or at the very least the glamorisation of stupidity.

From the storied history of the African oral tradition to the “Fight the Power” heydays of the ‘70s and ‘80s - much of rap today has become nothing more than a marketing arm of capitalist materialism and the prison industrial complex.

Commercialised rap and hip-hop are by no means the only culprits in the dumbing down of entertainment.

The misappropriation of sex and violence has become a part of everyday media and certainly did not begin with gangsta rap. Yet one cannot deny the power that rap has in the world today.

So the next time you put your headphones on and listen to Lil Wayne or Rick Ross, pause and think about the forces behind the beats and lyrics. Think about who it is that truly profits off a generation that aspires to nothing more than the thought of a Bentley or shaking their behinds in front of a man with a Bentley.

Excuse me, but I’d like to be engaged Mikhail Manuel Every year we read about how apathetic we are. We are told we don’t care or do enough about the corruption in our government or the crime on our campus. And when SRC elections come around, we get annoyed when our Jammie stairs chill sessions are disrupted by the campaign sing-song that every candidate belts.

But our annoyance and reluctance to engage is not a symptom of apathy, it is a symptom of boredom.

It is a student’s cry for something interesting and new.

If a lecturer is unable to convey information in an interesting way, we find ourselves staring out of the window, sleeping in class or we just stop going. So there should be no surprise or disappointment if the call to engage in political or social issues receives the same reaction.

Don’t point fingers and cry wolf about the plague of apathy. Rather do something different to grab my attention.

When it comes to participating in political or social issues, we want to be engaged; the Christianity talk

by Professor John Lennox and the thousands of students that protested against our national rape crisis are proof of that.

But the question is why are we not engaging in these topics often enough to rid ourselves of our apathetic label? Why are we barely responding to the UCT Student Experience Survey? Why was the first Academic Week discussion about whether University management takes student opinion seriously not attended by droves of students?

It all boils down to the way that our world has changed and the amount of time that we are willing to give to anything in general. With the exponential progress and expansion of technology and social media, our generation has the ability to gain information and to give opinion at a faster rate than ever before. We have become so accustomed to being able to share our lives with the world at this accelerated pace that it has given rise to a generation wanting

to spend as little time as possible on everything it does.

It is true that we spend hours on Facebook and Twitter, the top dogs of social media and high speed communication, but even on these platforms long posts get less attention than short catchy status updates. This is not owing to us retweeting without reading, but rather our inclination to be attracted to messages that grab our attention from the beginning.

The problem is clearly that those who want us to engage around these issues don’t understand that the way our generation communicates, learns and entertains itself has changed. So it is only right to assume that the way we engage in political and social issues should change as well.

So I put a challenge out to student leaders, political activists and UCT surveyors that want us to be engaging with political and social issues: stop hiding behind the guise of student apathy. We agree that your issues are important and we want to share our opinions, but it really is your duty to find an interesting way to engage us.

opinions

So you say no DPR? Imaad Isaacs Anti-Duly Performed advocates often include the lazy students, the occasional smart students that can easily compensate in the final exam for their term-long laziness, or those hardworking ones who figure that the “lazy” students shouldn't be around crowding their tut rooms and using up the excess oxygen. But, UCT's Duly Performed (DP) requirements not only act as a punitive motivator to those “lazy” peeps, but also as a safeguard that is probably in your best interests.

DP requirements vary from department to department. Some departments are stringent, others more flexible, and some only have a DP system on paper, but not in practice.

University is the place to have a great time, meet new people, and just maybe do some learning on the side. It is a known fact that most students who treat their studies in a professional manner by showing up for class timeously and looking

after themselves both physically and emotionally are academically successful. Those are skills thought to be developed and habituated at school, but what if you attended a school where you can come and go and do as you please?

Showing up on time, perhaps doing so because you're forced to due to the fear of being refused a DP, serves as the habituating ritual that could lead to a punctual individual. Arguably, this is coming somewhat late in life. Finding time in our busy schedules to do those pointless 1% tasks required for DP could ultimately give you better time management and planning skills and even keep you up to date with the work. Those “lazy” students who don't have the time to prepare adequately for a tutorial may just learn more in that compulsory tut than a few hours of preparation.

DP doesn't only exist for the lazy students; it systematically provides training skills for students to pace their progress in a course, guided by those who actually know the course content (i.e. your professor).

If the above doesn't help you, arguably, it looks out for your best interests. Consider the challenging subjects like mathematics and physics, both of which have low DP requirements and high examination weightings. The only DP requirement in the case of mathematics is a 30% class record and occasional attendance at tutorials. Chances are that if you obtained less than that 30% for the class record, you're likely to fail the course with an examination that weighs anywhere between 60-80%. This applies to the hardworking student too, in any challenging subject. A DPR (Duly Performed Refused) helps you here, so that you can focus your time on studying for the papers that you're more likely to pass and even pass well.

If you're a hardworking student and DP requirements are stressing you out, go visit Student Wellness.

Inevitably, someday in the workplace, you'll be forced to live with some things you just don't like.

And right now the DP system might just be one of them.

Too hot for business Hannah Simon

T

ake your panelled suit and D&G boots and shove them right up your corporate nostrils.

Nowadays, too much emphasis is placed on how well we’re dressed at work rather than how well we actually work at work. In Iowa, a dental assistant was fired by her (arguably unhinged) boss because he was concerned that he would “try to have an affair with her…if he did not fire her”. You’re not alone in thinking how absolutely bizarre this is.

clothing is often used to mask professional incompetence Dress codes date all the way back to the Middle Ages, when European nobility needed means to dissociate themselves from other classes. Still, in the 21st century, we rely on overpriced, over-indulgent, and overwoven apparel to up our ranks where roles and reputations are concerned.

Unfortunately, corporate fat-cats (thus the rest of the commercial world) have bought into this creed that outlines how people who want to be taken seriously in the workplace ought to dress. However, merely looking sharp does not, in fact, mean business.

Granted, nobody trusts a woman whose bosom is bursting out of her office shirt. But how justified is our mistrust? For all we know, said “she” is fairly capable of delivering the goods, but because she doesn’t look the part, we’re not convinced. He, in Armani, makes a turnover of R10 a day, but his clothing costs more than our cars put together so he’s a top employee. Yes, the aforementioned

Image: www.flickr.com/highclass

STYLE: Appearance sells more than ability in many workplaces. scenarios are absolutely exaggerated, but do they not perhaps suggest that respectable clothing is often used to mask professional incompetence?

Dress codes represent an entire company’s image. Perhaps unknowingly, companies actually depend on deceiving their clients by ensuring their often incapable employees at least look the part. Suit: check, tie: check, but proficiency…

N/A. Why? Because it’s far easier to don a workforce in fashionable gear than it is to take time and energy making sure it takes business-savvy strides. Appearance sells more than ability – it’s the apparently not-sougly truth.

Most women will agree that summer dresses and Chuck Taylors are far more comfortable than shesuits and high-heels. Wasting time undoing suit buttons and tending to blistered feet steal productive time that should be used, well, productively. Do we not work best in what we’re comfortable in anyway? Explore the wardrobes

of Russell Brand, Larry King and Ellen Degeneres – some seriously successful icons who often make unforgivable fashion faux-pas’.

Either way, they are still laughing all the way to the bank – making no pitstops at Barney’s or Bergdorf ’s.

Then there’s the issue of “inappropriate” work-wear, to draw back to the Iowa example.

Men, women: hold your hormones.

Just because a woman (or man, for that matter) dresses seemingly provocatively, this does not mean she or he is making a pass at you.

We express ourselves through what we wear and just because we’re at work does not mean we should be prevented from doing just that.

What we wrap ourselves in rarely plays a role in long-term business prosperity. Good for creating an impression? Maybe.

But where to from there? Patterns fade and material frays yet a good work ethic accompanies us to our graves – along with our unclothed, unimpressive tooshies.

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

7

Down with DPR

Image: Jessica Breakey

Laurie Scarborough

who don’t want to be there won’t attend, which is better for the students who really do want to Duly Performance Refused. be there because you get more Now that’s a scary sight to behold. attention from your tutor. No Imagine scrolling through the DP longer are students who haven’t list and your name has “DPR” done the tut prep and haven’t written next to it. Three months attended lectures asking questions of slogging through readings and that were covered in class the typing up essays until 2am, and day before. now you’re not allowed to write And the students who couldn’t the exam, because you didn’t be bothered to hand in assignments attend seven out simply won’t hand of eight tuts. in assignments, UCT’s DP Lazy people will be lazy. leaving tutors system requires with less marking That’s something that’s to do. It’s a you to submit assignments and clear in any university. win-win. attend a certain The threat of percentage of DPR makes little tutorials, lectures and tests in difference to a lazy or apathetic order to write the final exam. student and instead causes a And it’s not just UCT. Many great deal of unnecessary stress universities in South Africa have to a hardworking and thinlya DPR system. At Stellenbosch stretched student. If we pay R6200 you need to get “pred”, which for a course, we’re paying for the is an aggregate of 40% for your full experience: the lectures, the course work and attendance at tutorials, the assignments and compulsory tests. UWC also has the exam (or at least the right to DP for which, depending on your decide which of those we want faculty, you need 50% for course to experience). work and at Rhodes, depending If the DPR system was put in on the department, you are place to maintain standards at required to attend tests, hand in this fine institution, I’m a little assignments and attend lectures confused. Yes, allowing students and tutorials. to write an exam they were too The big question is why have careless to study for will probably this system at all? I attended a increase the failure rate, but giving university that didn’t have a DPR students a DPR will increase system and upon transferring to the drop-out rate. Now that’s a UCT was a bit perplexed by this lose-lose. whole DP thing. If a student has It shouldn’t be left to the made it to university, they should threat of a DP refusal to motivate be motivating themselves to do students. The problem is not with well (or at least to attend). We the university, it’s with the lazy shouldn’t need the DPR system to student. I agree that if students ensure our success. don’t care enough to attend Lazy people will be lazy. That’s lectures and tutorials, or hand in something that’s clear in any assignments, that they probably university. And a DP system forces do not belong at university. But people who don’t care to make my let’s rather leave it to the students already crowded tut room that to sabotage themselves, than much stuffier. In my experience, give that duty to UCT. Down without a DP system, the students with DPR.

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opinions

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

Industry of volunteers

The future in limbo

Ramabina Mahapa

Parusha Naidoo

U

One word that has the power to make the average 20-something year old run screaming in the opposite direction: the future (okay that’s two words). It has the power to reduce some to tears and panic attacks, while leaving others feeling like a (wo)man on a mission ready to conquer the big bad world and find a cure for every dreaded disease possible.

After the haze of first year with the glory days of students’ Thursday nights in the beloved “Mont” and making friends with pigeons on Jammie steps, things get a little calmer… Or do they?

It’s easy to become consumed by the endless cycle of assignment submissions and cramming for tests while screaming at printers and laptops.

It’s even easier to forget that there is life outside of lecture theatres and tutorial rooms. Many of us are now confronted with the uncertainty of what the future holds and the dreaded question of where you see yourself in the next five years. Gulp...

Giving the honest answer is not advisable. I received looks of horror from family members when my response was a nervous laugh and “Hopefully I’ll be alive in five years.”

Some students don’t even know where they’ll be in five days, let alone

volunteer- work packages that benefit themselves instead of the student volunteer. Furthermore, groups that niversities need to come see the potential prospect of using up with a better system volunteers as unpaid workers may for enriching the experiences of perpetuate the creation of mandatory student volunteers. vacation work programmes.

In recent times, participation in All that I wish to point out is that volunteer work has been an integral making vacation work mandatory part of the varsity experience. In might not be beneficial to students some universities, students are often and measures should be put in place obligated to complete mandatory to ensure maximum benefit. Better vacation work, most often in the regulation would ensure that the fields of Engineering, organisers do Commerce and not exploit Humanities. However, illogical that they are the volunteer it seems that adequate and that the the ones who plan the volunte er ing systems have not been put in place to ensure vacation work packages experience is that both the student truly valuable. and the organiser have W h e n a mutually beneficial experience. one is doing vacation work as part In “Smile Nicely, Make the Tea – of a requirement in a curriculum, But Will I Ever Be taken Seriously? both the student and the organiser Engineering Students’ Experiences should benefit. In the case of the of Vacation Work” it was pointed student, they should learn something out that the employer, rather than constructive with regards to their the department, determines what respective field (and not just serving students do during their vacation tea) and the company should work. More work could be done by also benefit without incurring the Engineering departments of UCT unnecessary costs. Regulation that to assess the vacation work. burdens the organisers should not Considering the fact that be implemented, but should rather companies may not have the resources allow flexibility and productivity for to cater for all the needs of volunteering the organisers. students, it seems illogical that they In short, volunteering should be a are the ones who plan the vacation mutually beneficial experience. work packages. It is arguable that they would be more inclined to create

Image: www.flickr.com/aimeern

five years.

For some the path is clearly planned and they have it figured out down to how many kids they’ll have and their retirement village. Put simply, they know what they want and how to get it. For others it’s a bit hazy and they might prefer to seek solace in the latest pirated episode of Game of Thrones instead of thinking about future prospects.

It’s no doubt that there are many opportunities for students, so why are we complaining?

Commitment phobia is real and there are sufferers amongst us.

It seems impossible to make a decision and stick to it, especially one that will affect you for the rest of your life.

There is a dangerous notion shared among students that it’s acceptable to scrape a pass and not bother attempting to develop in

other areas of life. Simply passing to get a degree is as useful as scribbling your name on a scrap of paper.

Many graduates are unable to enter into postgraduate studies or career paths because of poor results or a lack of extra-curricular activities.

The onus is on us to expose ourselves to possibilities. Uncertainty about the future is inevitable, but it should not translate into fear and leave us paralysed and unable to attempt making decisions about our futures.

It would be helpful to look into a crystal ball to know where the future is heading, but frankly anything crystal is just too expensive on a measly student budget. For now the affordable alternative is taking control of the present so that it counts for something in the future. Becoming the person we see ourselves in five years does not start in five years, it starts now.

The Curious Case of South Africa: Umavula Kuvaliwe Rekgotsofetse Chikane

To get straight to the point, our country is in desperate need of a “Second CODESA”. This is neither an opinion about revolutionary change within the country, about taking money away from the “capitalist whites” and giving it back to the working class nor is it a defence against violent, racially fuelled political rhetoric. No. This is the opinion of a citizen and a member of a generation of people supposedly born free.

At a recent art gallery exhibition called “2 Weeks’ Notice”, I came across a painting of a rather eccentric black man being surrounded by members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

Instead of these KKK enthusiasts

CARTOON CORNER

posturing to lynch this individual (who was soon to be found out to be not as black as it seemed), they were praising him and some even bowing before him. The artwork which was pitched to us by the artist as a social commentary about race relations in the country was titled “Umavula Kuvaliwe”. It was an attempt to make the person witnessing the picture feel uncomfortable in his/her own skin, to pose questions about themselves and about their own racial tensions.

I was told a few weeks ago that we should stop referring to South Africa as a post-Apartheid society and rather a post-1994 society. To describe us as post-Apartheid would be to describe our country as one post-injustice, one in which policies of separation and their effects have

been eradicated and replaced by equality amongst all who live in it. It’s a fallacy that we as a nation have seemingly created and which threatens to heighten not only the racial tensions between us, but the racial tensions within us.

Our need to continuously express our desire to be a diverse and equal nation comes at the risk of us becoming out of touch with the reality on the ground, out of touch with not only the average citizen, but also out of touch with the elite working within a system that works for them and their family.

It’s a dichotomy that we as a nation have fuelled since liberation, but have cloaked with our unwillingness to confront the issue and our embracement of the slogan “The Rainbow Nation”.

Breaking through this “glass ceiling” cannot be done by solving the problems of the country through racial slurs or ideological rhetoric on a class based struggle that postures for violent revolution. It requires a thorough investigation into the social construct of our country through what I would describe as a “Second CODESA”. One in which I believe the youth of all backgrounds should and will have a central voice.

I believe it’s impossible for anyone to lay sole claim to the destruction of Apartheid, but I do believe we have the ability to lay claim to the future of our country.

Umavula Kuvaliwe showed me that the people of our country opened themselves to a new world post-1994 and subsequently closed it when there was a need for self-

reflection. The artwork, which was later explained to me by the artist, described a former KKK member returning to his clan after a lynching.

The artist drew the KKK member in “blackface” to depict how we are all posturing for social and (dare I say) racial supremacy and using the guise of equality to achieve it. This approach to creating a post-1994 society can only lead to the violent upheaval of a generation of youth who are simply trying to understand their role in this country.

I am part of this generation, and many of you reading this are too. Thus I believe it should be our responsibility to make a call for a renegotiation of the social construct of our society in order for us as a “born free” generation to dictate what it really means to live in a free South Africa.

opinions

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

9

To Res or N

a low-down on UCT’s f

When starting out at university, the prospect of staying in res is sometimes daunting. After getting settled and relatively used to the food, it often becomes one of the best university experiences one can have ... well at UCT at least.

How does the UCT res system work?

UCT has a three-tier residence system that provides diferent services, governance and management. Students generally enter the system in a irst-tier (catering) res, after which they may move to a second-tier (senior catering or self-catering) residence or into third-tier (semi-autonomous self-catering) accommodation.

SMUTS HALL

Location: Upper Campus, directly above UCT rugby ields Year formed: 1928 Type: Male residence Capacity: 230 students Anything interesting? Notable alumni include Mark Shuttleworth, Neville Isdell (Ex-CEO of Coca-Cola International) and Professor Sir Jefrey Jowell QC (hailed by The Times as one of the top 100 most inluential lawyers in the world).

KOPANO

Location: Lower Campus, a little further up from Graça Year formed: 1905 Type: Male residence Capacity: 367 students

VARIETAS

CLARINUS VILLAGE

KILINDIN

Location: Corner of Chapel and Year formed: 1983 Type: Male residence Capacity: 33 students Anything interesting? Our sm res, Kilindini was bought by UC R193 000. It was said to be a res before being converted to a res original owners of the house ha Kilindini.

GRAçA MACHEL Location: Of Rhodes Avenue, near UCT astroturf Year formed: 1975 Type: Co-ed residence Capacity: 146 students

ROCHESTER

Location: Lower Campus Year formed: 2007 Type: Female residence Capacity: 386 students Anything interesting? When it the dining hall, laundry rooms a block were not inished, certain were used as warden’s residence temporary reception areas.

TUGWELL HALL

Location: Top of Anzio Road, by Groote Schuur Hospital Year formed: 1993 Type: Co-ed residence Capacity: 622 students Anything interesting? The Village refers to the two residences Carinus and Clarendon. Notable alumni includes David Kau (comedian) and Zolani Mahola (lead singer of Freshlyground).

Location: Browning Road, close to Clarinus Village Type: Co-ed residence Capacity: 450+ students Anything interesting? Rochester has its own squash courts, computer labs and swimming pool.

Location: Lower Campus Year formed: 1974 Type: Female residence Capacity: 405 students Anything interesting?

Named after Anna Maria Tugwell, the irst warden of Fuller Hall.

She was warden for an astonishing 21 years, and was fondly referred to as ‘Ma Tugwell’.

Not to Res?

first-tier residences

A little more on tiers.

First-tier residences are for undergraduates, who are usually under the age of 21 and provide students with up to three meals a day in a dining hall.

Second-tier residences provide accommodation for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. Catering residences provide up to three meals a day. All rooms in second-tier residences are single.

First and second-tier residences also provide common-room space and self-operating laundries. Many have pool and table tennis facilities, and some also have access to a swimming pool.

Third-tier residences provide accommodation for senior and postgraduate students and is run on a “landlordtenant” basis. There is no warden and no student governance unless a residents’ association is formed.

NI

COLLEGE HOUSE

FULLER HALL Location: Upper Campus, at the foot of Jammie Stairs Year formed: 1918 Type: Female residence Capacity: 229 students Anything interesting? Fuller Hall has been declared a national monument, along with Smuts. Notable alumni include Helen Zille and Pam Golding.

BAXTER HALL d Main Road

allest male T for a mere sidential home sidence. The ad named it

Location: Main Road, Lower Campus (between Kilindini and Glenres) Year formed: 1887 Type: Male residence Capacity: 118 students Anything interesting? College House is the oldest residence at UCT and the oldest male residence in Africa. It’s notorious for its tradition of “borrowing” items to decorate its infamous pub, The Pint. Among the collection is a giant statue of a jaguar, three lions and an eagle.

L HALL

Location: Lower Campus Year formed: 1958 Type: Female residence Capacity: 233 students Anything interesting? At Baxter’s 25-year celebrations the wardens recalled dealing with the mischief of nearby men’s residences – Marquard and Kopano (then called Belsen).

Donkeys in the quad, horses in the foyer and a naked Belsen man in a laundry basket on the lawn – Baxter clearly has seen them all.

UNIVERSITY HOUSE

GLENDOWER (Glenres)

irst opened, nd reception double rooms es and others as

LEO MARQUARD HALL Location: Lower Campus Year formed: 1975 Type: Male residence Capacity: 420 students Anything interesting?

Named after (you guessed it) Leo Marquard, the South African educator, author and founding member of the Liberal Party.

Location: Below Rhodes Drive, near Mostert’s Mill Year formed: 1919 Type: Male residence Capacity: 112 students Anything interesting? University House used to house only senior students, many of whom were returning servicemen from war. During the 1960s, a young black male named Mangosuthu Buthelezi was invited for cofee by the head student at the time.

He would later go on to become the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Location: Main Road Year formed: 1993 Type: Co-ed residence Capacity: 187 students Anything interesting? The res used to be a hotel notorious for debauchery and unsavoury activity. There is also a bit of scandal regarding the still unsolved murder of the hotel owner’s son back in the 1950’s.

Words| Zarmeen Ghoor Images| Tebesutfu Nkambule Sources| uct.ac.za & respective Residence Head Students

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features

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

HOW TO

Survive exams...

tips from team VARSITY

ALWAYS wear a hoodie to your exams.

It doesn't matter what venue you write in or at what time - it is freezing and you will be cold. Nothing is worse than trying to write an exam and all you can think about is how cold you are and how much you are shivering.

Hoodies are just comfy and practical, and ultimately they just make life and therefore exams better.

varsity (and life), some brownies really lighten the mood. Oh, and different colour highlighters. They bring so much joy.

Krysia Gaweda – News Editor

Vikash Gajjar – Marketing Manager

Stock up on calming meds, but make sure they are herbal – you still want to be able to hold your pen during the actual exam – in case you've taken too many. Get enough exercise. If you haven’t had first-year or secondyear spread yet, exam spread is still a strong possibility.

Barbara Fourie – Deputy Editor, Varsity Style I always find that a cup of tea, my home-made rusks, and rain (not raining? Do a raindance - exercise FTW) is the best combo for a good study session. And if all goes haywire and you think you’re going to fail

Rebecca Dallas – Deputy Editor Dressing well not only shows respect to others, but to yourself too.

Look good for the exam, and the exam will look good to you.

Editor-in-Chief’s studying for exams 101: Step 1: sit at your desk. Step 2: open your book. Step 3: read your book.

Step 4: look around whilst making sense of what you’ve read in your book. Step 5: close your book. Step 6: you’re at university; you should know what to do.

Sport Centre, with your heart beating like it wants to jump out of your chest because of too much Red Bull and Turbovite is one I advise you to avoid!

Trust me.

Siyanda Ralane – Deputy Images Editor Get enough sleep the night before an exam. And when in doubt, heed the advice of a high school teacher of mine: even when you feel like there’s no time, there’s always time to wash your hair.

Laurie Scarborough – Copy Editor There are two kinds of people in this world: people who make really good notes (your friends) and people who ask you for really good notes (your financers).

Alexandra Nagel – Editor-inChief

Daniël Geldenhuys – Features Editor

Sleeeeeep, take naps, just get some shut eye. The reality of having been up for more than 24 hours because of a densely packed timetable at the

Sleep until you can't sleep any more, and when you reach that point, keep sleeping. You’ll awake with loads of energy which, teamed with

enough stress, will get you working in no time.

Katy Scott – Opinions Editor Make a cup of coffee before you sit down to create that amazing study timetable. Make a cup of coffee before you eventually sit down to study, having abandoned said study timetable. Stress a bit, but no matter what, make cups of coffee.

Lynne Marie Fraser – Deputy Features Editor If there is one rule that you need to get through exams, the one rule to rule them all, is this one: Study in the early morning; that's when your brain is most alert. People have been telling me this all my life. Four-campus years later I realise it's an absolute fallacy. Studying is like love and war - there are no rules. Do what works for you, no matter how strange other people think it is. Just make sure you eat enough.

Zarmeen Ghoor – Centrespread Editor

Prepare your study timetable as follows: Step 1: Fill in your classes/ obligations. Step 2: Fill in your fun stuffs, exercise etc. Step 3: Use what's left for studying/exam prep – spread this well.

Imaad Isaacs – Finance and Advertising Manager Make a study timetable, but do it early. A study timetable combined with strict discipline is an easy way to guarantee good marks in exams.

However, making a study timetable the day before your first exam is called procrastination. Avoid the latter at all costs.

Stephen Hulme – Web Editor For humanities students: summarise the weekly readings when you read them from one week to the next so that you can use the reader as a doorstop or something during exam-revision week.

Julien Speyer – Design and Layout

style VARSITY STYLE is VARSITY’s free digital style supplement. Browse our edit of the best new-season looks at prices that will suit every suit pocket on campus: cover star Nomzamo Mbatha wears luxe pieces by local designer Kat van Duinen, and models Nqubeko Sithole and Djavan Arrigone wear winter-proof coats for under R200.

Shop the Kloof Street collections for a modern take on the goth, and join the notorious Kloof Nek skater Decio Lourenco for a look at the best jackets to take you from autumn to winter and beyond.

Boss Models are in collaboration with VARSITY STYLE to provide mentoring for the models, photographers, and beauty teams who create the fashion pages. Amanda Leemis, the UCT exchange student from America who was recently souted by the agency is just one of the many Boss contributors.

But it’s not just about the pretty pictures: we introduce you to the 17-year-old fashion designer, show you how to update your home décor style, and VARSITY Sports Editor Rob Byrne takes a style lesson from David Beckham.

Ready to get stylish then? Visit varsitynewspaper.co.za and click on VARSITY STYLE.

Image: flickr.com/dansays

Clockwise from top right: Riaan Giani, Kyusang Lee, Paris Brummer, Michael Currin, Kyusang Lee, Lauren Theunissen. Text: Daniël Geldenhuys.

features

Youth sees cleaner seas

How a teenager’s university idea grew into a plan to preserve our planet

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

13

A quick pick-up

Four ways to turn your day around. Starting now.

Ryno Nortje There has been a lot of media hype over the last few weeks about the big ideas of a 19-year-old Aerospace Engineering student. This might send your imagination rocketing, but no, he is not attempting to send the common man into outer space at the same cost as a domestic Mango flight.

The Dutch teenager, who goes by the name of Boyan Slat, has hit the news for something that is much closer to home – helping to clean up planet Earth by ridding the ocean of its 7.25 million tons of unwelcome plastic, the amount estimated to line our oceans by the year 2020. Some have predicted that it would take 79 000 years to achieve a clean-up like this. But Boyan Slat, has a vision to do it in five.

Image: Jackie Brown

Tristan Rayner

A

ridding the ocean of its 7.25 million tons of unwelcome plastic It all started in 2011 when Slat, along with his friend Tan Nguyen, was writing the final paper of his tertiary education. The two were researching the possibility of remedying the world’s oceanic garbage patches – the massive piles of garbage that float in the ocean.

The assignment requirements for their final paper suggested 80 hours of research, but Slat and his partner decided that an excess of 500 hours would most likely make for a more interesting reading. And so it did.

Their paper went on to win several final paper prizes including Best Technical Design 2012, awarded by the Delft University of Technology.

Throughout last year Slat continued with research towards development of his concept. He then unveiled his progress at TEDxDelft 2012, which is a selforganised event for the spreading of ideas. As the initiative built up

Image: facebook.com/worldcleanup2013

steam through discussion across the academic community, it was dubbed as “The Ocean Cleanup”. It soon went on to be awarded a second prize from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment at the prestigious “iSea Clash of the Concepts” competition.

In January of this year, the Ocean Cleanup Foundation was established as a non-profit organisation under which Slat and 50 other researchers dedicate many hours to turn this concept into a reality. Their method really seems feasible. It requires vessels of a shape inspired by the Manta Ray, with booms extending from their sides, which are to be propelled by the ocean’s natural currents on their clean-up missions.

The booms are shaped in such a way

so as to push the captured plastic towards the main body of the vessel for collection.

The energy efficiency of these crafts means minimum expenditure.

This and the consequent recycling of the collected plastic are what make the concept stronger than any that have come before it. If implemented, all of the plastic removed from our oceans could be recycled to a total value of 500 million dollars, making the venture a potential for profit in more ways than one.

Current progress sees the concept at one quarter completion. If it does turn out to be the marvel that it is building up towards, perhaps we will lose interest in the potentials for life on Mars and choose instead to focus on a cared-for life on Earth.

How to conquer the imminent outbreak of endemic stalling

Image: flickr.com/ eogez

Hannah MacMillan This is your predicament: exams are around the corner and you’re determined to rock every stinking one of them when you receive a letter from your old buddy, The Thief of Time. He is celebrating his 2013th birthday and has invited you to spend the next couple of weeks with him in his Kingdom of Fruitless Wonder.

At first you’re tempted, but then you

or a complete stranger? Pay them a huge compliment, buy them a tasty snack, offer to drive them lmost everyone has somewhere – it’s up to you. Not heard of the placebo effect only will their day get a whole lot nowadays (I think the pill I have better, but there’s also nothing taken is going to make me feel quite like the warm fuzzy feeling better so it does). Along with other you get from going out of your weird and wonderful pick-me-up way to brighten someone else’s psychological day. And who phenomena, knows, one day the placebo someone else You’ll feel a lot more has become a might return relaxed in those horrible the favour. taunting problem exam weeks for researchers.

Try taking Embarrassed, a walk around they have your house or conceded that the placebo res and finding a spot that is definitely works without having a removed from the hustle and clue as to why it does. bustle of others. Loudly proclaim The question is: how can this it to be your spot and yours alone. help us? It’s not exactly a good Whenever you’re having a bad day, idea to run around giving pills find your spot and give yourself to your friends telling them it’ll a little break. Listen to some of make them feel better (excluding your favourite music, watch some festivals, that is). The good news hilarious cat videos, start reading is that we can apply the placebo the book that is waiting on your principle and a few other tricks bedside table or just lie back and to make our lives just a little watch the clouds. One rule: never bit easier. bring anything you don’t enjoy Do you ever feel flustered in the doing into your perfect spot. manic rush to avoid the Jammie This way your mind will quickly queues or to get that mystical-free start associating your spot with parking spot on Upper Campus? happy thoughts and extinguish Taking a short break of half-an- the bad ones. hour after you’ve finished getting And now for (perhaps) the ready can make the rest of your hardest one: always look on the day better. That little bit of extra bright side. Don’t try to flood personal time lets your brain sort your brain exclusively with happy itself out and prepare for what’s to thoughts – everyone has a few dark come. Wait a second, you might ones they need to let out. All you say, doesn’t that mean I have to have to do is change small things get up earlier? Regrettably, yes, about them: Your crush started but give it a try before you ignore to see someone else? They’re just it in favour of more beauty sleep. that one that got away. Didn’t You’ll feel a lot more relaxed in get the grade you wanted on that those horrible exam weeks that test? You’ll do better next time. are lurking around the corner.

Make sure not to use the positive How about going out and thoughts as an excuse, and you’ll doing something extraordinarily soon start seeing a change in your nice for someone – whether it’s for moods. Expect the best, prepare a friend, a passing acquaintance for the worst.

remember that his last party turned out to be a complete waste of time. You intend to refuse, but you know that he will not be turned down so easily. You need a plan. Here is my advice.

Once you have sent your reply to The Thief, make your way to the Institute of Yours Truly. When you arrive, tell them that I sent you and they’ll direct you to the shared office of Inspector Breathe, Captain Consciousness and Colonel Control – the world’s greatest experts in dealing with Abstract Crime.

First Inspector Breathe will get you to sign a contract subscribing to the Company Code – “By No Means am I to Give Up or Give In”. He will then monitor your stress levels and nervous system as you draw out a battle plan (aka study schedule), dividing up your shared responsibilities into manageable tasks.

You’ll then spend some time with Captain Consciousness. She’ll show you a record of all of your past losses and will remind you that any future damages will be a result of your own

willingness to return to your old union with The Thief. She’ll also show you the Bigger Picture and you’ll be shocked by how soon the mid-year vacation really is. Now is not the time to quit.

Colonel Control and The Captain will then join forces to teach you some self-defense so that even if The Thief tries an alternate approach, you will not be fooled. The core of these selfdefense classes is Outlet Training here you’ll learn how to complement your battle plan with other productive activities. (The key to survival is a

change in gear, not a complete halt.)

Finally, Colonel Control will sit you down and remind you of how much power you really have. After some Affirmation Classes, the trio will send you away with the Golden Rule: Stick to Your Training and Do Not Withdraw. The Institute warns you that Time is one of the few things that does not come with insurance and there is no real way to salvage potential or past losses. In the case of The Thief ’s game of procrastination, prevention is the cure.

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features

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

Is butter really better? The truth behind the food myths Shannon Krausey

W

e’ve all heard them: “If you don’t drink milk, you won’t get any calcium”, “I use brown sugar because it’s healthy – it’s much less processed than white sugar” or my personal favourite, “Margarine is one molecule away from plastic!”

These stories usually come from either our grandmothers or emails.

We believe them simply because everybody else does, but is there actually any truth behind these ridiculous claims?

The answer is no. Science has shown that these “facts” are about as accurate as the once widely accepted theory that the earth is flat. It’s about time we chewed up these myths and spat them out.

Milk is the best source of calcium Of course milk is high in calcium, but there are other foods that are much higher: spinach, cabbage, tofu, almonds, dried herbs. Even bottled water. In fact, most breakfast cereals, including Kellogg’s and Bokomo, contain added calcium,.

So the cereal in your bowl contains more calcium than the milk it’s floating in.

A healthy calcium intake helps prevent you from developing osteoporosis later in life. This is an extremely common disease that weakens your bones and increases

your chance of fractures. Ouch.

Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar People assume that because brown bread and rice are considered healthier than their white varieties, it is the same case for sugar. Wrong.

The difference between the two sugars is in the manufacturing process. When sugar is produced, it is light brown in colour. Some of it is bleached to make white sugar. To get brown sugar, it is sprayed with molasses, which is a sticky brown

substance that occurs as a by-product of the manufacturing process.

So brown sugar is no healthier than white sugar. In fact, according to the Unites States Department of Agriculture, one teaspoon of white sugar contains 16 kilocalories, while one teaspoon of brown sugar contains 17 kilocalories.

All sugars carry the risk of leading to tooth decay, type two diabetes and obesity, so try to cut down on your sugar intake, regardless of colour.

Butter is better for you than

margarine The simple fact is that butter contains saturated fat, while margarine does not. Eating saturated fat can cause arthrosclerosis and cardiovascular disease – so if you want a healthy heart, avoid saturated fat!

Margarine shares no ingredients with plastic. It is not “one molecule away from plastic”. Even if this were true, it wouldn’t mean anything – water and hydrogen peroxide (a chemical that can be used as bleach)

are only one atom different in their chemical composition, but they are vastly different substances.

Consider these myths busted and try to be more sceptical when hearing crazy stories about food.

Also, I am sorry to disappoint, but there is no such thing as negative calories. So put away your celery sticks (digesting celery only burns about 20% of the calories in it).

And potatoes don’t count as part of your daily fruit and veg intake – they’re carbs!

Images: www.flickr.com.derempath

A bite for the brain: Finding the right foods for a faster workflow Cassidy Nydahl It happens to the best of us. You’re sitting down at your desk, pouring over that fascinating article about the collapse of Zaire (or something along those lines) and working out those back-breaking sums that will one day lead to you becoming the world’s next millionaire.

Next thing you know, you have completely demolished the whole packet of Chuckles. Oops. While delighting the taste buds and filling the gap in your boredom, Chuckles are not likely to make you much brighter or better at studying.

Not only will the sugar cause you to reach a manic high and then an all-too-unproductive low, but living off chocolate and chips is not going to give your brain the nutrients it needs to function at its prime. And let’s face it, that is the ultimate student goal.

Carbohydrates are very important while studying So let me revolutionise your study snacking. Firstly, although adamantly avoided, carbohydrates are very important while studying.

Not only do carbs release feel-good serotonin that will make you slightly less on edge and slightly happier about your work, they also release glucose. Glucose keeps your mind sharp and alert, which is a plus when you have that tenth chapter to get through.

Image: Cassidy Nydahl

BRAIN FOOD: try snacking on some healthy food during the exam season.

The quality of the carbohydrate however, is of the utmost importance.

In order to get a steady flow of energy, you need to consume carbs that are slowly absorbed, such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Frozen grapes are a great snack because they take a while to melt in your mouth, release serotonin, and their high fibre content slows down sugar absorption.

Apples or whole grain toast with peanut butter is another great option.

Berries, which are high in

antioxidants and vitamin C, have been found to be fantastic in combating short term memory problems.

Blueberries have an especially high level of antioxidants and a few frozen berries can be eaten just as they are, added to smoothies, yoghurt or to oats and cereals in the morning.

To every chocoholic’s delight, dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa is also a memory-improving antioxidant. You can combine both dark chocolate and blueberries and

add them to your oats in the morning to make an absolutely delicious, antioxidant-packed and good-carb start to your day.

Omega 3 oils help with the development and maintenance of brain tissue. Oily fish, which has the highest levels of Omega 3, is probably not the most appetising snack, but pumpkin seeds and walnuts are also high in Omega 3.

Walnuts have even shown to contain the added benefit of relieving stress.

Avocado is also packed with healthy fats that help keep the mind alert and focused.

Using all of these components, why not try a few of these snack suggestions? They take minutes to put together, and do wonders for that hard-working brain of yours.

For three detailed recipes to make your own delicious study snacks (as seen in image), including sweet potato chips and avocado salsa, visit: varsitynewspaper.co.za.

images

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

WALK A DAY IN MY SHOES

07:30

The daily struggle of being a UCT student

and it begins with the impossible: punctuality

Image: Tebesutfu Nkambule

Jammie Thursday fun

12:30

Midday cool out

Image: Tebesutfu Nkambule

13:00

15

Breakfast

09:30

Images Tebesutfu Nkambule

Image: Khanyisa Pinini

7th period slowdown

15:30

Work hard play harder

18:00

Image: Khanyisa Pinini

Image: Khanyisa Pinini

21:01

If only every night ended on this note

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V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

features

sport

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

17

Shimange steps up to Ikeys role

Joe Simon

VARSITY recently caught up with former Springbok and newlyappointed Ikeys coach Hanyani Shimange, who has taken the reigns for this year’s Super League A campaign following the departure of Kevin Foote.

It obviously came as a shock to hear about Kevin Foote’s departure to the Western Force. Was it a sudden decision? How did the players and coaching staff react to the news?

I think it was a surprise for everyone. Footy’s [Kevin Foote] been rewarded for the great work that he’s done and UCT was lucky to have a guy like him. For the players it’s always tough. You build a relationship with your coach and he’s known some of these guys from their high school days whilst coaching at Bishops. He still messages us saying he misses the Green Mile all the way from Australia, but you move on, these things happen. Rugby players often leave, as do coaches.

How have you found the transition going from being part of the background coaching staff to taking over the head role?

It’s a lot more pressure. Footy did a lot of good things and he put a lot of good structures into place so the transition has been easy.

I’ve known a lot of these guys from last year so it’s been a matter of carrying on what Footy did with a few tweaks here and there.

It is no secret of your previous involvement in UCT Rugby. Has that experience and exposure to Ikeys Rugby helped to ease the pressure on yourself as a coach?

Having been involved in the setup, you understand the culture.

The one thing about the team is that the guys are very like-minded.

We do celebrate individualism and encourage players to express themselves, but at the same time we do try to encourage the UCT experience. We guarantee a fun experience, that’s why guys keep

coming back long after they’ve graduated. We’ve had Stormers players come to watch us and on a Wednesday night in Durbanville some of the Province guys were there to watch us. It’s not all about the rugby, it’s about the friends you come back and have a couple beers with.

The Ikeys didn’t enjoy the greatest of Varsity Cup’s this year. Where do you think the team fell short and what are your goals for the remainder of the Super League season?

UCT is one of the hardest universities to get into so recruiting has been a problem. I don’t think the guys did badly, I think they did well considering that it’s a young team. But there are a lot of good players here and I’m convinced they will get better. This year, after winning it, we went through a bit of a dip but this team is on the up.

What did you make of the scandal involving Tuks’ use of ineligible players? Did it have an effect on the camp?

No it didn’t have an effect on

USSA learning curve for UCT’s athletes

U

CT were content with a medal-less fourth place finish in the B pool of the USSA Athletics Championships in Durban, last weekend.

Overall, the University ranked 20th out of 30 institutions competing, demonstrating that they are some way off the top athletics institutions in the country.

Nevertheless, the performances were an improvement on last year’s showing and a step in the right direction, according to Club Chairperson Matthew Henshall.

He was particularly pleased with the performances in the 21.1km event, which saw UCT’s strongest four finishers muster a competitive team time, falling just short of a medal and being placed fourth after five of their runners clocked sub 80 minute times.

The top performer amongst the eight runners was the only female, Jessica Pollock, who finished eighth in the women’s race with an 87 minute effort on a hot Durban morning.

Amongst the male competitors, World Student Games hopeful Solomon Mthombeni finished in 14th place with a time of 73 minutes.

To give an indication of the strength of the field, winner Gladwin Mzazi of TUT ran a scintillating 65 minutes, a USSA record which automatically guaranteed his place in the World Championships team.

Further down in the field and just behind UCT’s Mthombeni was Mike Loseby, one of UCT’s four runners that got personal bests in Durban. He ran a 74.09, coming in 19th place off the back of a strong showing in last month’s Two

Oceans Half Marathon where he ran 76 minutes.

Third placed amongst UCT’s male athletes and 32nd overall was German semester-abroad student Robin Dechant, who ran 78.19, significantly short of his personal best, but impressive nonetheless in unusually warm conditions for the big German.

Image: James Evans

Rob Byrne

200M ACTION: UCT’s Ashleigh Tennier

Ten seconds behind him was Tom Niven, followed by Richard Burman, who clocked his first sub 80 minute half marathon on his 20th attempt.

Overall, the club had four finishers in the top 33, indicative of the strength and depth amongst the road running contingent at UCT. “As a team we’re very stoked, five guys ran sub 80. It’s a step forward for UCT Athletics,” said Henshall.

“It’s the pinnacle for the half guys, it’s the end of the season and the fact that they’ve got personal bests shows that they’ve been training hard.”

“We can only hope we have enough points to get into Varsity Sports and sub 80s and track guys beating their [personal bests] can only help.”

On the track, UCT recorded 17 personal bests out of a total 27 performances however, they were only able to achieve qualification from three heats.

Once again UCT’s female athletes came to the forefront, with Julia McGregor and Ashleigh Tennier recording personal bests in the 200m heats and in the process ranking as the number one and two performances by UCT athletes respectively during the weekend.

UCT’s sole decathlete Michael Light, who was nursing an ankle injury for the weekend, did well to battle through all ten events and earn a personal best, and subsequently five times more points for the University than any other athlete, boosting UCT up the rankings significantly.

All six of UCT’s 400m athletes (Paballo Neer, Nolan Steele, Ashleigh Tennier, Julia McGregor, Michael Light, and Rowan Nicholls) recorded personal bests in the event, including Paballo Neer who broke his 400m record twice in one day.

Special mention should also go to Michael McLaggan, who took almost eight seconds off his previous 1 500m best, whilst also placing 12th in what was undoubtedly the race of the weekend – the 5000m event which saw the USSA record being beaten by three athletes, including Elroy Gelant, who recorded the fifth fastest time ever by a South African at the distance.

That was indicative of the level of competition UCT faced during the weekend, with many top athletes belonging to the University of Pretoria, who narrowly edged out NWU-PUKKE by two medals to claim top place in the medal count with 34 in total.

Image: Rob Byrne WINNING START: New Ikeys coach Shimange after the Intervarsity victory.

the camp. In the greater scheme of things, we have to decide what the Varsity Cup is about. Being a student [at UCT] is different to being a student in Pretoria and the academic requirements are different. The central question is: does it make it a fair competition when it is harder to get into certain universities than others? This means these universities have access to more players. We’ve got full time students here, full-time students playing rugby.

What are the strengths that you bring as a coach?

Probably my experience as a player. I’ve played for some of the best teams at Springbok and Super Rugby level. I’ve also played for

some of the worst teams so you sort of learn what makes a team tick. I’m not scared to bring people in to help. As a coach you can’t take yourself too seriously and you’ve got to be honest with your players.

UCT Rugby are said to be looking at candidates for the head coaching role full-time, do you think you’ll throw your name into the hat?

I’m thinking about it strongly.

Obviously there are a couple of things I need to sort out first.

For myself it’s something I would love doing, but there are just a few things I need to put into place before I make up my mind.

But I’m sure there won’t be a lack of candidates.

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sport

V72 E6 – 7 MAY 2013

SPORTS BITES Lessons in style for Pakistan quicks After this summer’s comprehensive test whitewash, South Africans may be forgiven for thinking it’s the Pakistani batting order that’s in need of some serious tweaking.

However, former Pakistan legend Wasim Amkram, has other ideas. He’s recently headed up a ten day camp aimed at raising the standard of fast bowling, where amongst other things the players were lectured by top Pakistani stylist Nabila Ahmed on how to look good off the field. “As a person you need to look presentable, which I feel has been missing in some of our players,” said Akram. Along with talent, application, bottle?

-foxsports.com.au

Pundit wishes he could just eat words French football pundit and former Marseille full-back Eric Di Meco is regretting a rather bold claim he made on air. He said he would “eat a rat on air” if former Marseille fullback Cesar Azpilicueta, now of Chelsea, would earn a single cap for the Spanish national side.

The pundit was recently forced to eat his words after Azpilicueta featured for La Roja in February, after becoming a consistent performer at right-back for Chelsea under compatriot Rafa Benitez.

- Metro.co.uk

Brazil throws down the vuvuzela gauntlett Brazil President Dlima Rousseff has claimed victory in the battle of world cup instruments, as she unveiled the “caxirola”, a yellow and green percussion instrument set to supplant the distinctive drone of the vuvuzela at Brazil 2014. “I am convinced that the caxirola is not only compatible with football, but it is also a symbol of our country’s huge capacity to offer a much better instrument than the vuvuzela,” she said.

Made of recycled plastic and designed by Brazilian star musician and songwriter Carlinhos Brown, the caxirola is said to produce a harmonious rattling sound when shaken.

- foxsports.com.au

The cauliflower ear trophy Many sportsmen dream of having their name immortalised in form of a trophy, however, Edinburgh Rugby club have gone a step further in honouring retiring prop Allan “Chunk” Jacobsen. Not only will his name be associated with the “most dedicated” player trophy, but it will actually be moulded in the shape of one of the prop’s infamous cauliflower ears. “It’s nice to think that the players down the line that have shown the most commitment to the jersey will get recognition from the fans – even if it is a mould of my ear!” said Jacobsen.

- Metro.co.uk

Rob Byrne

INTERVARSITY WEEKEND

Intervarsity 2013 Round-up

Hockey UCT men’s and women’s hockey teams battled it out against their Maties counterparts over the Intervarsity weekend. On Friday evening, the third women’s team from UCT beat the fourth women’s team from Stellenbosch 2-1. The remaining teams from UCT did not fare as well, unable to overcome Maties overall and secure the winning two points. In the women’s third team game Stellenbosch beat UCT’s 1-0, taking the lead early in the first half. Despite a few more strikes later in the game, the UCT girls held them off thanks to some good build-up play. Kirsten Weir, UCT thirds captain said her teammates were very excited to compete in Intervarsity after the event’s disappearance from the sports calendar. “Stellies is part of our regular fixture, but the vibe at the club was awesome with everyone else competing at the same time,” she said. The loss against Maties was merely a “minor setback” and the plan was to keep moving forward with their season and come out fighting in the next fixture. “Hopefully we will get a chance later in our season to face the Maties team again and next time, come off with a win,” Weir said.

Cricket It was a clean sweep for Stellenbosch at the UCT Cricket Oval this weekend as both their first and second teams headed home with narrow victories. In the 1st XI tie, it was Jarrod Walsh who lit up UCT’s first innings, contributing 40 in tough batting conditions. He was assisted by Richard Tissiman

GOING FOR A SLASH: UCT’s skipper Grant Edmeades attempts to hit through the off-side in UCT’s unsuccessful T20 encounter.

(19) towards the end of the innings and a useful final over which went for 10 runs, propelling UCT to a total of 117/7. Maties bowlers did well to restrict UCT to the lowish total, the pick of the bowlers being Rubenheimer, who bowled a miserly four overs for just nine runs, picking up two wickets in two balls in the process. Maties innings stuttered to begin with thanks to the pace bowling of Jordan Leppan, who claimed three wickets from his four overs. Despite further wickets falling Maties kept the run rate ticking over thanks largely to Dewald Botha (29), needing less than a run a ball for the final two overs. Some tight bowling from UCT meant that Maties would eventually get over the line with three balls to spare, six wickets down. Skipper Edmeades was disappointed, but happy with the spirited performance. “For

Image:Plate Pictures

TOUGH DAY OUT: Maties claimed an overall win in the Image: Sofia Gilli various Hockey matches played over the weekend. the side we scraped together, we gave them a good run for their money...despite Maties having a very strong side, most of them are provincial players.” Earlier in the day, UCT 2nd XI also lost out in a tight encounter. Inserted on a tricky wicket UCT did well to make 119 after Maties opening bowlers left them reeling at 30/5. Saviour came in the form of a valuable partnership between Rowan Le Veux (56*) and lloyd Thane (30*).

Maties batsmen went about chasing the total steadily, losing only three wickets and eventually reaching the it with three balls to spare, thanks largely to the efforts of Kotze (47).

Water polo Held at the SACS swimming pool on a rather cold and misty Friday night, this year’s Intervarsity Water Polo matches were an intense thriller, both for the supporters and the players. Despite a win for UCT in the men’s first team event, Maties prevailed after victories in the women’s 1sts, men’s 3rds, and 2nds matches. Both Maties and UCT women’s first teams played with fairness and vigour, which resulted in a nail-biting final few minutes of the last chukka as Maties and UCT scored one after each other. Both teams had an equally strong defence, which lead to the crowd sitting on the edges of their seats before UCT nudged its way to a victory of 7-6, seconds before the final whistle blew. In the men’s first team game, UCT took not only Maties by surprise, but the crowd, too - as they scored two goals in the first five minutes. With a robust attack and resilient defence, a third

ball made its way to the back of the net before ten minutes were up. It appeared that UCT’s early lead had ruffled Maties and their attempts at scoring become more vicious.

By the end of the first chukka, the scoreboard read 5-1 to UCT. An exceptionally powerful and fastpaced match, the final score was 12-8 to UCT.

Football For the second year in a row Maties footballers prevailed over UCT’s on the Kopano AstroTurf.

Both the men’s and women’s seconds sides played out 1-1 draws ahead of the main event under lights. Controversy surrounded the women’s first team game, with UCT lodging a complaint that Stellenbosch had fielded a side featuring non-students. With a bit of added spice to the fixture UCT could not, however, overcome Maties, losing out 4-2. Stellenbosch extended their lead in the second half, sparking a five minute goal rush that saw UCT hit back almost immediately through Jess Johnson, her second of the night.

Any thought of a comeback for the Ikeys was thwarted as a long range effort from a Maties boot rolled its way into Sandra Mkandawire’s net, making it 4-2. Captain Hayley Hazell summed up with, “We’re disappointed because they didn’t bring their Varsity team, but we showed a lot of cool and did the best under the circumstances.” The men’s first teams faced each other in another hotly contested match, with Maties ending up the victors 3-1.

After Maties taking an early lead in the men’s first game, on 35 minutes

sport

V72 E6 - 7 MAY 2013

White line fever Hash in the Cape

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Rob Byrne Sports Editor

W THE OTHER GUYS: CPUT had the best performing team in the 10km athletics event.

Image: Rob Byrne

SPIKEY TIGERS: UCT struggle to overcome Stellenbosch in the volleyball on Friday night. Image:Plate Pictures UCT’s Jolly Kamatuka burst through the middle of the Maties defence only to be brought down by the onrushing Maties goalkeeper in what looked like a penalty and red card offence. Neither were given, but Kamatuka promptly slotted the free-kick into the bottom right corner to level the scores. Maties then added twice to their lead, Alan Smit getting his second to make it 3-1.

Basketball Despite a slow start, UCT’s Tigers were able to comfortably dismantle the Maties in the men’s basketball playoff. The first quarter painted a rather inaccurate picture of the skill levels of the two teams as they traded field-goals and fouls shots to end the quarter with UCT leading by only four points. It was clear that UCT were a cut above their Stellenbosch rivals in skill and fitness, yet sloppy turn overs and a lack of defensive concentration allowed the Maties to not only stay in the game but also

to take a brief lead in the second quarter. Toward the end of the first period the Tigers’ class started to shine through, with rookie forward Simba Ovanya scoring on the break and excellent outside shooting from the bench. The second half was a non-contest, with Tigers coach Sergeri Paley sending his boys out to press the ball high up the court and strangle whatever offensive the Maties were able to muster. In the end, Tigers fans can be happy with an excellent defensive display in the second period and great shooting numbers off the bench. However, with a Maties team as poor as the one on show at this year’s intervarsity one has to ask why the margin of victory was not greater.

Fencing Cries of “En garde, prĂŞt, aller!â€? rang through the Sports Centre on Saturday as UCT’s fencing team faced their counterparts from Stellenbosch in an Intervarsity

Image: Sello Makgakga

team match-up. UCT’s historical dominance continued as the fouryears running university champions showed both good consistency and individual flair to post a clear score advantage in the early foil rounds, which continued almost unabated for the rest of the day’s matches. After five gruelling hours of attacking, parrying and riposting UCT turned out victorious, taking all all three of the men’s disciplines. They took the foil with a score of 45-38, the epÊe 45-32 and the sabre 45-42. The UCT women’s team managed to win the foil event 45-22, while their Maties opponents took the epÊe and sabre events 33-45 and 44-45 the sabre with an incredibly close score of 44-45.

For write-ups on volleyball, netball, tennis, table-tennis, squash and athletics please see varsity.co.za/ With contributions from: Rob Byrne, Uthman Quick, Vikash Gajjar, Chris van der Westhuyzen & Mitch Prinsloo

hen I take a stroll from leafy Newlands and ascend the gentle slopes towards UCT on a weekday morning, I frequently remind myself how lucky I am to live in Cape Town which is arguably the most desirable place don’t feature regularly in the to live in the country. domestic set-up. This, surely, And with eight Cricket South lessens the impact of so many Africa contracted players now talented cricketers occupying the plying their trade with the Cape same space.

Cobras, including Hashim Amla The Cobras Sunfoil Series – who’s just switched from the winning side never regularly Dolphins, you’d have to say that featured any of these players and the nation’s top cricketers are in I can only recall once seeing Dale agreement.

Steyn steaming in at Newlands in To suggest that many have the One Day Momentum Cup. moved to Cape Town purely for The RamSlam T20, in which the laid back lifestyle and beautiful the Cobras performed dismally scenery may despite being well be doing a at the tail-end Is it good for sport...to of the season, disservice to the Cobras franchise. have its national talent was dominated RamSlam T20 clustered in such a small by domestic campaign aside, stalwarts and area? the Paul Adams players on the led side had a fringes of the fantastic season which saw them national side. comfortably gain the Sunfoil fourWith the international schedule day title with a game to spare, and being as packed as ever you can bet share the spoils of the Momentum that the window of opportunity One-Day Cup with the Highveld for centrally contracted players Lions after the final was to feature for their sides will once washed out. again be tiny next year.

The question remains, however, Despite this, having the likes that while Cape Town will always of Amla, Kallis and Steyn in one attract sportsmen and women place is an issue – the influence within South Africa, is it good that these professionals impart on for sport, and more specifically their colleagues will be centred cricket, to have its national talent here and not equitably among clustered in such a small area? the provinces. Top players lead by On a personal, selfish level, I example: they train hard, they give think it’s great that I can wander advice and they act as role models along to Newlands and watch to those around them. While their the likes of Kallis, Steyn and playing duties may be limited Phillander in action. The thing to the odd final or early season is, it's precisely because they appearance, we should be wary are centrally contracted and in of a talent silo building up in the such high demand that they Western Cape.

VIEWPOINTS: Intervarsity Weekend “Intervarsity has been such an incredible success with all the sports codes showing why they prefer being Ikeys.� @UCTStudent rocks the boat.

UCT 1sts, 2nds & 3rds beat Maties. What an amazing achievement & an amazing rugby club!� @Anton_Taylor was just one of many jubilant fans after the Ikey’s Intervarsity win.

“An intervarsity win is not good for your health, memory or bank account!� @Andre_Coetzer sheds some light into the messy reality of Intervarsity success.

“Great weekend of #intervarsity2013 action‌ all coming down to the surfers at the end, who would have thought!â€?

VARSITY’s own @ ByrnseyGsy displays some of that anxious anticipation of the final score.

“This weekend, for the 1st time in recent memory, the

! " #$" %#&" ' ( ) * + COMPETITION WITH A KICK: Karate was just one of the many sports on demonstration over the course of the Intervarsity weekend.

! , - * ( ./0 .. 11 1 ) , 2 3 & %

Sport

FIXTURES

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Super League A Rugby

USSA Western Cape Football

Thursday, May 9th, 7.45pm.

Tuesday, May 14th, 7.30pm

STEPHAN B FIELD

KOPANO ASTROTURF

Hamiltons A vs UCT A

UCT vs TSIBA College

UCT Wins 2013 Intervarsity Image: Rob Byrne

Image: Plate Pictures

VICTORIOUS AT LAST: After a tough season, the Ikey Tigers were crowned Intervarsity champions.

BRINGING IN THE GEES: UCT’s woman’s basketball team narrowly lost out to Stellenbosch in their Intervarsity match.

Rob Byrne & Megan Kinnaird

U

CT edged out Maties in a tightly contested Intervarsity bout this weekend. At the time of writing, the provisional results indicate that UCT came out 23-21 victors after more than 20 sporting codes battled it out over three days of intense sporting rivalry.

The tight margin of victory meant that a result was not possible until the Sunday morning of the competition, with UCT’s athletics team, golfers and surfers all competing with the trophy still in the balance.

The closeness of the final day was testament to the ebb and flow of fortunes throughout the weekend.

There was little separating the two

Image: Plate Pictures

Universities on a rather gloomy Friday evening as Maties claimed a narrow lead after victories in netball, water polo, swimming, volleyball and table tennis, while UCT triumphed

“Given the mix of events I always thought it was going to be close. It kept us watching until the last moment.” in the squash, rowing and chess.

UCT turned up the heat on a sunny Saturday morning to take a 12-8 lead in the competition thanks to victories in cycling, yachting, rowing, ultimate, while the fencers and men’s basketball sides took the honours in the afternoon.

The highlight for many, however,

STRETCHING FOR VICTORY: UCT’s squash players overcame Maties.

Image: Rob Byrne EN GARDE: UCT’s historical dominance continued as they were clear winners throughout the day’s duels.

came on the Green Mile on Saturday afternoon where UCT 1st XV won a hard fought 21-13 victory against Stellenbosch, and in the process the Intervarsity Trophy for Rugby.

After a disappointing Varsity Cup season, Ikeys fans were served up a memorable performance, with the side looking determined, cohesive and disciplined, something fans have only seen in glimpses this season.

Within a mere six minutes the home-side was the first to score, with centre Andrew Norton picking up a skilful chip-forward and crashing over the line. A few minutes later fullback Ross Jones Davies made it 8-0 when his penalty kick from right in front of the posts went over cleanly.

Stellenbosch then proceeded to reply with a hard-won, and

then converted try just after the first quarter.

Penalties against both teams shortly after one another resulted in an 11-10 lead for the home-side going into half time.

By the third quarter Maties had narrowed UCT’s lead to one point at 14-13. The game then took a spectacular turn as Dillyn Leyds spun out a tackle and made a 30m diagonal dash for the line, bounding over before Jones Davies landed the tricky conversion to make it 21-13.

There the score would remain as the Tigers held off repeated attacks from the Maties.

The victory sparked scene of jubilation as Mike Botha lifted the rugby trophy in front of a boisterous home crowd.

This left the points table

delicately poised going into the Sunday events, with UCT holding a narrow two point advantage.

That morning it came down to UCT’s surfers to see the Ikeys over the line, after the athletics team earned a draw in the 10km event while Maties triumphed in the golf at Westlake.

The weekend was an undeniable, and nail-biting, success according to Head of UCT Sport and Recreation Jonathan Stones. “Given the mix of events I always thought it was going to be close. It kept us watching until the last moment,” he said. “I was pleased with the number of codes that competed – I think the students got a lot out of it.”

“That was my aim – to give everybody the opportunity to participate.”