Varsity
CELEBRATING
70 YEARS
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
24 April 2012
VOLUME 71: EDITION 5
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Is UCT racist? Students debate Chris van der Westhuyzen & Olivia Wainwright
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Image: Elelwani Netshifhire DEBATE – Students eagerly engaged in contentious race issues at the third annual Conscious Conversations discussion; remarks included a student who admitted to having racist sentiments. #ISUCTRACIST TWEETS it unfair that they are forced to speak a “white” language. They argued that if you don’t speak English well you may be discriminated against by both white and black students, and one student explained that he is often afraid to speak up in lectures and tutorials as his first language is not English. Not only was the issue of racism amongst students discussed, but also the problem of lecturers and tutors favouring white students over black students. UCT teaching staff were also accused of being impatient with black students when they struggled with the English language. A white female lecturer explained that she tries to treat all of her students with respect, but still in her course evaluation a student gave her zero out of five when they were asked if the lecturer treats them with dignity, which she found frustrating. The discussion not only highlighted issues and instances of racism on campus, but also tried
to understand why this issue is still prevelant. Some students argued that UCT, being an institution which was built in a colonial era, has a racist past and this will take time to change. Others said that it is society that puts us into separate boxes, and
“Race is not something we can ignore. We deal with it every day” that the media is partly to blame. Throughout the debate, there appeared to be a divide between those who believe that there is still racism in the UCT community and those who believe divides are purely economic or class-based, saying that UCT is an elitist university. The debate held on Wednesday night was not a one-off discussion. This year has been surrounded by the race debate at UCT, specifically
regarding the admissions policy, and debate and comment continue to take place on Twitter under the hash tag #IsUCTRacist. On April 12th, Marius Fransman, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, spoke out against UCT and racism. Fransman argued that “students in African and coloured townships in the Western Cape have 0.006% chance of getting into UCT.” However, UCT responded that: “While Fransman clearly shares UCT’s commitment to transformation, it is unfortunate that he got many of his facts wrong in the full text of his speech.” UCT did say the the institution only admits a small number of students from surrounding townships, but put this down to poor education in such areas. “Students can only be admitted to UCT if they have demonstrated that they have at least the minimum academic potential to succeed in a university environment.”
“Black people can not be racist, becos no matter how much I hate a white man, it will have no consequences” #IsUCTracist Black female: “White radicals at these events always admit they’re racist. How does that transform into equality?” #IsUCTRacist ‘I don’t think race is real because it’s about skin. I think race is real because race is about history’ – Max Price #isUCTRacist #deep #IsUCTracist because of their admissions policy? Not sure. What I do know is that they are not on twitter to participate in the debate Students will hate on a lecturer for his African accent, but a far less understandable French accent will receive no complaints #IsUCTRacist Quite frankly, #isUCTRacist is the wrong question. We know that through its preservation & reproduction of white privilege UCT is racist. What wee should be asking is #HowIsUCTRacist.
IN THIS ISSUE
motions ran high during an open-floor discussion on the prevalence of racism within UCT, as a diverse assortment of people gathered in Hiddingh Hall on Wednesday, April 18th. Personal views and day-to-day experiences of racism on campus were shared. “Race is not something we can ignore. We deal with it every day, and therefore we have to be honest about it, even if that honesty comes at a price,” said Mpumi Tshabalala, a representative of Conscious Conversations, the group that organised this event as part of the third annual Open Forum. Issues that were raised included the colonial history and controversial admissions policy of UCT, as well as racial prejudices amongst students and staff members. The comments triggered heated responses from members of the audience, who were guaranteed anonymity to allow for an unbiased environment in which people felt comfortable enough to share their honest opinions. Many students felt that all white people were “inherently racist”, and that “even though some of them will deny it”, whites predominantly tend to consider blacks as inferior. These accusations sparked outcries from many white students. Many condemned the generalisation that all whites are racist and instead took the view that the issue was less about race than about class and economic divisions. One student said “class divides us more than race; there are more important issues than the colour of someone’s skin.” However, one white attendee confessed, “As a white female I constantly battle with subconscious notions of racism. Even though it’s something subtle, like a brief thought or a quick glance, I know it’s there, and it’s something I have to come to terms with.” The question of language was also raised, with some students deeming
Health Minister visits
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Da bomb
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Where to eat?
PAGE 8 & 9
Green Week
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Sports Shorts
VARSITY, the official student newspaper since 1942, is committed to the principles of equality and democracy.
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news
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
NEWS BITES Gang-rape shocks South Africa SOWETO – Women’s rights organisations and citizens everywhere are in uproar after footage, recorded March 21st, of the gang-rape of a 17-yearold mentally handicapped girl spread through a number of Gauteng’s schools. Seven youths ranging in age from 14 to 20 are currently on trial for the crime. The case has been postponed until April 25th for further investigations. — Cape Times
Rape near campus CAPE TOWN – A female student reported to Campus Protection Services that she was raped at around 10am on Tuesday, April 17th. Two unknown men reportedly attacked her as she was walking towards a shop. The exact location of the incident is still unclear, but it seems to have occurred in a side street near Main Road in Rondebosch. — uct communications
Zuma marries ... again NKANDLA – President Jacob Zuma married his fourth wife, Bongi Ngema, this weekend. According to presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj, the ceremony was privately funded. Allegations that an additional wife would add to the presidential spousal budget, provided for by taxpayers, were discredited by Maharaj. — Cape Times
India launches first long range missile ODISHA – On Thursday, April 19th, India successfully launched Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile, from India’s East Coast. The missile reached a range of about 5 000km, with some speculating that the weapon was created as a threat to China. Spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, Liu Weimin, denied this, and said, “[China and India] are not competitors, but partners.� The launch of this missile includes India amongst the US, the UK, China and Russia in the nuclear club. — BBC
50 Metre Puff CAPE TOWN – The Department of Health aims to amend the Tobacco Products Control Act to further prevent smoking outdoors. The proposed amendments state that a smoker needs to be at least 50 metres away from other people on the beach. Furthermore, smoking at outdoor restaurants, sports events and childcare facilities, amongst a range of other outdoor places, will be prohibited. The Department urges the public to comment on this proposal by June. — Cape Times
Pasqua Heard
Max Price: Fundraising and networking stateside Olivia Wainwright
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n Saturday March 31st UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price set out on a two-week trip to the United States. The aim of the excursion was to meet with other university leaders, as well as UCT alumni, to secure funding. On April 2nd and 3rd, the Vice Chancellor attended the Global Colloquium of University Presidents in New York. The event was attended by UN Secretary-General Banki Moon and vice chancellors or presidents from 23 international universities. These included representatives from both Yale and Princeton Universities. The event not only aimed to establish links between some of the top universities in the world, but also to discuss the problems higher education is facing globally. The main topic of discussion was the “youth bulge�, that is, the fact that nearly 44% of the world population
is under the age of 25. This has created problems in unemployment, especially in those countries where there are too many graduates. The Colloquium aimed to address this problem and to begin a discussion of the responsibilities educators have in creating employable graduates. In countries such as South Africa, where the economy is expected to grow rapidly over the next ten years, more graduates are needed. Price explained that the Colloquium began “highlighting the problems�, rather than solving them. The Vice-Chancellor met with alumni in both the USA and Canada during his time abroad. Price explained that the aim of these meetings was to “develop an alumni culture and re-establish the connection.� Price also had meetings with some foundations in the USA that currently fund UCT, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and potential funders that including Sysco Computers. The Vice-Chancellor explained
Pro Vice-Chancellor: focused on climate change Emma Hosking
to peak their carbon emissions in 2025, and thereafter decrease this by 4% per year. Developed economies On the evening of April 11th, can peak in 2015, and then produce Professor Mark New gave his no further emissions. This is a goal inaugural lecture as Pro Vice- which, according to the Pro-VC, is Chancellor. virtually impossible due to “social The new Pro VC for Climate and political inertia�. Change at UCT gave a clear and Regarding Africa, New said that interesting lecture entitled “Squaring there are many uncertainties. For the Circle: Climate Change, instance, the warming of the earth Development and Sustainability.� by 2 °C could mean a 3.5 °C warming New has recently been appointed in South Africa. The direction and as the Director of the African magnitude of, for instance, rainfall Climate and Development Initiative change in the country is unknown. (ACDI), a position tasked with Africa will also have additional fostering cross-disciplinary research stress, as it is projected to have the and synergies around the topic of largest population growth of the climate change. A continents in the focus of this is on coming century. low-carbon and It is therefore the warming of the climate-resilient imperative, New earth by 2 °C could development in advocated, that mean a 3.5 °C warming our Africa. adaptation N e w ’ s in South Africa strategies need lecture strongly to be centred on emphasised that robust plans that humans and the environment are are resilient across a range of possible a coupled system, beginning with futures. In this stead, he put forward the statement that environmental that, “We need a global middle class, indexes, beyond all reasonable as it is only a global middle class that doubt, are caused by anthropogenic has the potential to consume within carbon dioxide and that we are the ecological limits.� moving from a natural period into Commenting on students’ roles a man-made one – what he termed in adapting to and opposing climate the “Anthropocene.� “Somewhere in change to VARSITY after the the 70s,� he said, “we started using lecture, New said that for students more than one planet in terms of the challenge is not just to reduce, ecological resources�, and this has a reuse and recycle and to change marked effect on human welfare too. individual ways, but to exercise New is particularly interested in their rights locally and globally. This the thresholds of a safe and just world means voting for a safe, just and for humanity – ideally, countries sustainable world, emphasising the need to pursue a low ecological role that UCT students have in the footprint of under 2 global hectares future of not only South Africa, but per person and a high Human also the Earth. Development Index (HDI) to avoid encroaching the tipping points of these thresholds, which could lead to disaster. New explained that South Africa’s current trajectory is far off the mark, almost no countries find themselves in this quadrant of sustainable development. If we are set on staying below our carbon budget for a +2 °C Earth, New argued, then developing countries would need
that the trip was important as part of the overall fundraising effort, and said, “I spend 20% of my time fundraising for UCT; this trip was about building relationships and doing the groundwork.� UCT’s funding is important both in terms of gaining money for research and to attain bursaries for students who cannot afford UCT’s fees. Price explained that although UCT’s fees are relatively high, they are justified. However, bursaries are needed to ensure that all can have the opportunity to attend the University. Challenges arise when trying to fundraise for the University because potential donors see South Africa as a wealthy country in comparison to the rest of Africa. Price, however, argued that “the future of Africa relies on institutions such as UCT.�
Image: michael.currin.co.za
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PRICE OF SUCCESS – VC Dr Max Price connected with UCT alumni during his trip overseas.
Norwegian gunman pleads not guilty Lucy Wileman
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orwegian Anders Breivik, the self-declared ultranationalist who is accused of killing 77 people on July 25th last year, pleaded not guilty as his trial began last Monday. The accused is standing trial for killing eight people with a car bomb in central Oslo, before opening fire on teenagers at a Labour Party youth camp on nearby Utøya Island, killing a further 69 people. Claiming that he had acted out of necessity, Breivik said, “I acknowledge the acts but do not plead guilty,â€? later arguing that that the attacks were an act of defence against the threat of multi-culturalism. Vehemently convinced that Muslim immigrants are taking over Western Europe, Breivik described his bloodbath as the most “spectacular attack by a nationalist militant since World War II.â€? Breivik claims that the Labour Party is destroying Norway by permitting it to become “a dumping ground for the surplus births of the third worldâ€? and by allowing the “Islamification of Europeâ€?. The intention behind the attacks was to save Norway from these multicultural forces and to encourage racial purity, said Breivik. Norway, which prides itself on its liberal democratic values, has vowed to keep the trial as fair as possible and intends to protect the rights of the accused. However, Breivik has questioned this democratic standard, asking whether a country that has opened up its borders without the support of the people can be considered democratic. Breivik was moved to tears when
the court showed his homemade YouTube video manifesto, said, “My film was touching. My country and ethnic group are dying. That’s why I became emotional.� Amid speculation that Breivik would use the televised trial as a platform to spread his ideas, the court decided not to broadcast his 73-minute prepared statement. Breivik had previously argued that the broadcast of his testimony was his human right. CNN reporters later commented that “There is a very big difference between an explanation and propaganda.� Psychiatrists have offered differ-ing evaluations regarding Breivik’s mental health and will form a final conclusion based on his testimony. The accused has said that he would rather die than be placed in a psychiatric ward but would not object to a prison sentence saying, “I am not afraid of prison. I was born in a prison since I cannot express my politics.� He maintains that Norway is a “multicultural hell�. Breivik has requested acquittal and has cited “necessity� as his reason for the attacks. Section 47 of Norway’s penal code states, “No person may be punished for any act that he has committed in order to save someone’s person or property from an otherwise unavoidable danger when the circumstances justified him in regarding this danger as particularly significant in relation to the damage that might be caused by his act.� Breivik has claimed that he was saving Norway from the risk of future civil war caused by multi-cultural confrontation. He asserted that “People will understand me one day and see that multi-culturalism has failed. If I am right, how can what I did be illegal?�
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news
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
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Minister of Health inspires UCT Medics Olivia Wainwright
of South Africans: HIV/AIDS; tuberculosis; a pandemic in poor child and child-bearing women’s health; and non-communicable diseases, violence and injury.
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n Tuesday, April 17th, South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, spoke at UCT’s medical campus. He discussed the challenges facing the South African health care system and the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan. Speaking to VARSITY before the talk, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said, “It’s very important for people to understand what the NHI scheme is.” The Minister then spoke for about an hour, addressing the problems with the current system and how he hopes that these will change under the NHI. Motsoaledi apologised for the unfortunate way the NHI was introduced to the public through leaked documents saying “everyone
“it’s very important for people to understand what the NHI scheme is” Image: Drew Gage thought we were bringing some monster to this country.” He emphasised the importance of adjusting the perception of health care, saying, “If you don’t subscribe to the fact that health is a public good, you will never agree with us.” Motsoaledi went on to argue that the government is currently failing its people, as the Constitution states that “Everyone has the right to
SHAWCO keeps volunteers
have access to health care services, including reproductive health care.” Motsoaledi also admitted to the government’s failure to reach set targets. “The year 2000 came and went and we haven’t attained the highest level of health ... in the past 10 years, even in our country, health got worse.” Motsoaledi highlighted the four main problem areas facing the health
The need for more doctors in the country was another issue raised by Mostoaledi, who stated that “we need to produce 3 600 new doctors.” He explained that the government had reached an agreement with the UK that they would not aggressively recruit doctors from South Africa, and this would hopefully go some way to alleviate the problem. Mostoaledi emphasised that “one
purpose of the NHI is to protect South Africans from catastrophic health care expenditure,” and gave examples of cases where people have been left ruined because of unexpected costs. The Minister ended by warning students, saying: “If you believe health care is a private good, you are in the wrong profession.” The Minister was generally well-received and many at the event agreed that his message was inspiring. Sarvesh Balkaran, a 4th-year medical student, said, “It was refreshing and inspiring to hear the governmental side, especially when we hear so much about the NHI in the Media.” To watch an exclusive interview with Dr Motsoaledi, tune into the latest episode of YouSeeTV, available online.
GCI calls on us to be green Malilimalo Phaswana
Image: SHAWCO
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Krysia Gaweda At the beginning of every year, many UCT students join SHAWCO aiming to give back to the community and help those who are less fortunate. Despite this, many new students who choose to sign up decide to drop out of the SHAWCO program during the first semester. This year, however, fewer students have resigned from the organisation and SHAWCO continues to grow and help children in rural areas. 2012 has seen one of the largest enrolments of first-years in SHAWCO that the organisation has ever had, and it can thus better weather the subsequent drop in numbers. SHAWCO committee member Christy Zinn explained why there have been fewer drop-outs: “Despite wanting to help those less fortunate and gain experience in teaching, being a part of the SHAWCO program also looks good your CV when applying to jobs after university. “It may give you an advantage above others because you have done community service and are helping those who are less fortunate to gain confidence and to hopefully have the opportunity to apply to university themselves one day,” she said. Zinn explained that some students do drop out: “SHAWCO can often be quite disorganised as there are a lot of administration issues. Often buses don’t arrive on time and a lot of time is wasted – time that the students don’t really
have. We have, however, tried to fix the problem by having various meetings but it doesn’t always help and often it comes down to the fact that many don’t actually have the incentive to do their job properly as they aren’t there for the right reasons.” She also said that many firstyears sign up for the programme, but drop out in the second semester or second year due to an escalating workload and time constraints. The committee has also held various raffles and fundraisers throughout the year that have kept students busy and wanting to help. Such fundraisers include a collaboration with the Stormers rugby team: a charity initiative to collect clothes in order to empower small community ventures. Celebrities such as Stormers captain Schalk Burger were involved, encouraging others to show their support and be a part of the solution. SHAWCO is a well-known charity organisation at UCT, which encourages students to be a part of the programme and remain involved. It is primarily a student community-based service that aims to help improve the quality of life of previously disadvantaged individuals in developing communities within the Cape Town metropolitan area. With more members signing up every day, SHAWCO continues to grow, helping those less fortunate, wishing to address inequality and promote responsible citizenship.
CT’s Green Campus Initiative (GCI) held its fifth annual Green Week event from April 16th to 20th. The theme for this year was “Sustainability includes US” and it was aimed at promoting more sustainable ways of living. Green Week is one of the biggest events organised by GCI, according to GCI chairperson Kate Pallet. With 13 major events organised for the week, each day provided informative, fun and motivating activities in which UCT students and staff could participate. Fabio Venturi from the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) spoke at the official opening of Green Week at Fuller Hall on Monday, April 16th. The special guest speaker reassured students and GCI members that they would fully support the youth and their initiatives to achieve these environmentally centered goals. Green Week provided students with many platforms to discuss various issues concerning our ecological footprint and ways to make our lifestyles more sustainable. GCI held three debates, and also teamed up with Lunch with Ted, a weekly screening session, to provide daily screenings from Monday to Wednesday. The 2012 Green Week also marks the launch of a new Residence Sustainability Campaign, which aims to make res students’ lives as green as possible. Many residences had already started preparing for the programme. Tevin Sono, a student from Kopano Residence, says that he is very excited about
Image: Shaskran Yuri Naidoo the campaign, as this gives him the opportunity to practice a greener lifestyle that might have been harder to accomplish at home.
Green Week provided students with many platforms to discuss various issues GCI showed students that it is possible to have tasty vegan food with their Vegilicious Bake Sale. Muriel Gravenor, 2012 Green Week coordinator, said students responded well to the food: “Everything was sold out within three hours.” The proceeds of the Bake Sale will be sent to welfare organisations supported by GCI. GCI secretary Phelokazi Ndodana mentioned that the society wanted to work with other student bodies in UCT as a unit instead of being a stand-alone body. As part of this
initiative, GCI worked with student bodies such as the Black Economic Forum and the UCT Choir. UCT residences also appear to have had a good relationship with GCI, as GraÇa Machel Residence hosted a series of video screenings on last Wednesday evening. This was the first time Green Week was held in the first semester of the year. GCI said they moved the event because students’ workload is less, the weather is better and it gives GCI time to focus on other projects throughout the year. GCI also confirmed that there are already plans to change to fourbin recycling system to a two-bin recycling system later this year. The official Green Week poster shows a student holding a placard saying “IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD.” This was chosen because of the predictions that were made about the world supposedly ending in 2012. GCI planned Green Week to show that the world need not end if everyone worked together.
editorial
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
Stephanie Venter
En Pointe
Lyndall Thwaits, Deputy Editor
Editor-in-Chief
Beauty in simplicity I’m a city girl through and through, but every now and then an escape from the city provides a much needed space to recover, reboot the soul and get back into the game with a changed attitude toward my degree. Having spent the weekend with my anthropology peers, I was reminded of how important it is to look out the window as you drive towards the destination and not just think about the destination’s end – how being challenged (physically or mentally) and overcoming a barrier is so rewarding and how much I value the possibility of new friendships
Knocking on your door
Caterina Aldera Managing Editor
“So many books, so little time.� — Frank Zappa
[Ctrl + C]
Rhynhardt Krynauw, Copy Editor Smells like teen strategy
And another thing: what the hell is the evolutionary advantage of being able to memorise decades and decades worth of song lyrics? Seriously. Was there, at some
point, some charming, musicallyminded cave-person who, at the cost of being able to remeber where he lived, or when his mother’s birthday was, or where he parked his footpowered vehicle, could remember eeevery song he had ever heard? And this guy was allowed to procreate? Of course he was. I was being ironic. Silly. As every red-blooded male has undoubtedly figured out, chicks dig musicians. Why do you think guys all try to learn how to play the guitar at age sixteen? Because they like sitting in their rooms alone trying to play “Hey there Delilah,� with bleeding fingers?
No, they don’t. They learn how to play insipid songs like that, and “You’re beautiful,â€? and “Grenade,â€? in order to do one thing. Two, if the girl in question is quite liberal. Wait. Three if she has low self-esteem and daddy-issues. This, along with everything else men do, is geared toward getting their loving on. Seriously. Skyscrapers? “Look at what I can do.â€? Fast car? “Look at how fast I drive.â€? Clever, mildly risquĂŠ column in a student newspaper? “Look how smart, yet somewhat dangerous I am.â€? See what I’ve done there? Of course you do: you’re special. Have I shown you my guitars?
is looking for a DEPUTY WEB EDITOR Primary focus: Assistance with maintenance and addition of new features to the VARSITY website.
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Newsgathering
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South Africans shouldn’t have to worry about. What is it that is festering in South African society and manifesting itself in our high number of incidences of rape? Rape is not a crime of poverty, one of South Africa’s great challenges. It is a crime of power, abuse, and cruelty. A rapist has nothing physically to gain (unlike the goods gained in a robbery), except for theoretical power over the victim. Two particular incidences of this crime have made headlines both in the country and abroad recently. Rhodes University student Lelona Fufu was raped and murdered on Thursday, April 12th, en route to her graduation ceremony. Fufu was due to graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Last week, a 17-year-old, mentally handicapped girl was gang-raped by seven men in Soweto, who filmed the attack and made the video available online. News of the story reached international news wires, raising a number of seemingly unanswerable questions. One in three South African men admit to having raped a woman, according to a recent report; this statistic is nothing short of sickening. One third of South African men certainly aren’t imprisoned, meaning these men are still free and in society. Though not fair, I will try to restrict my walks alone along Main Road because, as indignant as I can get about feeling restricted in my own country, I am not naïve in the face of such reports. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, ladies and gentlemen. UCT is a safe place, it is our university and our playground, but this doesn’t mean we should become complacent. See you in two weeks. S
and relationships between people from all walks of life. There are many things which tie us together, but it seems the details aren’t so important when I look at you and me, and we begin to uncover ourselves, the things we share crop up more and more frequently, especially when I’m not making a point of thinking about the differences which lie between us. Be it someone from UCT, a brief encounter with someone en route, or someone you think you know – take a moment to consider the that you and I, in the long run, are really not so far apart.
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female student reported to Campus Protection Services that she had been raped at around 10h00 yesterday [Tuesday, April 17th], by two unknown men who attacked her as she was walking towards a shop. The exact location of the incident is still unclear, but it seems to be in a side street near Main Road in Rondebosch.� In one swift sentence, UCT’s confirmation of the reporting of a student rape just off campus last week brought one of South Africa’s most common crimes to each and every UCT student’s doorstep. How many times have each of us meandered down Main Road, happily laughing and chatting to friends as we head towards Coco Wah-Wah or the ever-buzzing Pick ‘n Pay? Keeping an eye out for predators is the furthest thing from our minds, and of all the places for such an attack to happen, exceedingly busy Main Road seems one of the least likely. And why shouldn’t we feel safe? One of the first things I thought when I read the statement UCT emailed to all students was that Main Road wasn’t safe anymore. During my four years here, I have nonchalantly walked down that road whenever the whim took me, with little thought of such things. But as I tried to envisage the way I could change my routine to avoid walking on Main Road alone, I realised that there is a fundamental problem with South Africa because I have to think like this. To get philosophical on the matter, the South African Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to freedom of movement within the country, something I have largely taken for granted before. Whether imposed by the government (as I am sure the clause in the Constitution intended to prevent) or by oneself in the interest of self-preservation, freedom of movement is something
2012 Collective
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editor-in-chief Stephanie Venter deputy editor Lyndall Thwaits Copy Editor Rhynhardt Krynauw Managing Editor Caterina Aldera news Olivia Wainwright & Muattham Carlie opinions Berndt Hannweg & Nick Corbett features Anade Situma & Alex Odendaal sportS Sajjad Karamsi & Nicole Beale images Uwais Razack & Thabang Serumola Design Nic Botha web Chris Linegar, Alex Nagel & Carla de Klerk advertising Kaede Wildschut Finance Andrew Montandon OPERATIONS Jodi Edmunds marketing Andrzej Ogonowski human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu & Lydia Shilla I.T. Mfundo Mbambo sub-editors Cayley Mitchell & Theresa Scott HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Currin Cartoonist Julian Nkuna photographers Zakiti Bhengu, Drew Gage, Phethagatso Motumi, Shashkran Yuri Naidoo, Elelwani Netshifhire, Samantha Newdigate, Mahita Penke, Uthman Quick, & Siyanda Ralane Design Emma Fernandez, Louis Liss, Julien Speyer & Takura Wekwete Images Assistant Zarmeen Ghoor
opinions
The Mugabe aftermath
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
Burnt Toast
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Berndt Hannweg Opinions Editor
Balancing the (school)books
Image: US Navy/Jesse B. Awalt
Thandeka Mujati
P
resident Robert Mugabe was reportedly fighting for his life earlier this month. The rumour intensified when the President postponed a cabinet meeting. The murmurs were eradicated when he arrived back in Harare looking refreshed from what he called an “Easter holiday in Singapore.� The reports of his failing health left me wondering what is next for a country that has almost been defined by President Mugabe’s rule. Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980. The ululations of liberation turned into cries of despair over the years. Zimbabweans have lived through the disintegration of the “Bread Basket of Africa� while making idle chit-chat in one of the many queues for basic necessities. There are many talks about who will take over the country when Mugabe passes away, and many possible scenarios. Without the staunch, calculating and intelligent ruler that President Mugabe is, a power vacuum will follow. Powerful groups inside and outside the country will have reignited interest in the future of Zimbabwe. One of these primary interests is the vast natural wealth Zimbabwe
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possesses; this could turn out to be a curse for Zimbabweans more than a blessing. Mugabe’s “Look East� policy has led to extensive Chinese investment in the country; the Chinese and other powerful groups will not want their economic interests to be threatened.
Political and economic uncertainty will still linger in the postMugabe era There are two main potential successors in the event of President Mugabe’s demise. Legally, the constitution says the Vice President will take over for 90 days. This would be Joyce Mujuru, who is democratically minded. However, if Zimbabwe’s history has taught us anything, it’s that the law does not necessarily apply to those in ZANU-PF. There are reports of infighting between ZANU-PF and senior party member Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current Minister of Defence. He is rumoured to be next in line for the presidency, and is nicknamed “The Crocodile� for his reputation for ruthlessness. This is not what most hope for in a potential president.
It leads me to wonder whether the worst is not yet to come. The political turmoil Zimbabweans have experienced so far may pale in comparison to the political turbulence that will occur after President Mugabe. There is no clear ray of hope to lead the country forward. The youth have a pivotal role in life after President Mugabe. We complain about the situation, yet most of us have no intention of going back to ease the nation’s transition. Chaos could well ensue when Mugabe is no longer in power. A leadership change will not automatically erase all of Zimbabwe’s problems. Many fear a succession crisis, unrest, chaos and possibly violence. The military has the potential to rebel and reinforce their interests, which will merely inflame any chaos. Economically, the situation may improve if the transition is free and fair; The EU and U.S may lift their extensive sanctions on Zimbabwe. However, immense debt hangs over the country. Political and economic uncertainty will still linger in the post-Mugabe era. Change is long overdue. I am scared for Zimbabwe’s next chapter, post-Mugabe. But I do believe that it is always darkest before the dawn.
parent complaining to the teacher about Little Jimmy’s marks. South Africa spends a whopping one-fifth of its budget on education, but the level of output, both in terms of numbers and quality, continues to fall. So what’s the problem here? The answer is “quality�. Or, if you were to believe the average South African student, “kwalitee�. Or maybe “dunno�. We hire teachers and consultants by the score, but we’re apparently not that gung-ho about ensuring “An investment in education is an that they’re actually turning up to investment in the future� is one of school themselves. SADTU and those trite sayings that politicians its associates have very firm ideas come out with whenever they about the rights of their members, open a new school, or donate among which are that teachers books to a travelling library, but shouldn’t really be fired, even for for all its saccharine sweetness, it is gross incompetence. mostly true. Even the Ministry of Education I say mostly, for it appears that is getting in on the act, with in South Africa an investment Motshekga opposing an order filed in education is much the same against her by the Equal Education as an investment in Bernard L. group to impose standards such Madoff Investment Securities: as making water, electricity and there’s a lot of money going in, sanitation available at all schools. there’s a lot of song and dance Despite the fact that we’ve been about figures and results, but subjected to Outcomes-Based there doesn’t appear to be a lot Education (now to be transformed coming out. into something Whenever our else), we still our “intellectual learners are comface the burden capital� ain’t not pared with their of high dropclassmates abroad, out rates, both going to not be we struggle to in high schools worth squat bring up the rear. and universities. Less than a third of Students can our primary-schoolers can do their toyi-toyi for automatic passes reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. all they want, but it will be the The matric pass rates are inching rare university that actually gives upward, but only at about half the it to them. rate that the standards required to South Africa will inevitably run pass go down. out of gold, and coal and Karoo Our Minister of Education, earthquake-gas, and sooner or later Angie Motshekga, would no doubt the tourists will forsake the Kruger get a nasty shock if today’s students National Park and Cape Town for were subjected to the criteria of more fashionable destinations, so ten years ago. No, Sir, none of this we need to gear ourselves up for a “30% is a pass� nonsense. And just drastic change to the economy. what is Maths Literacy for, anyway? No matter how hard we try, we Besides propping up a report card? can’t compete with China and India Mamphela Ramphele recently for sheer manpower, so we must try caused waves when she went at to follow the Korean and Taiwanese our education statistic hammer model: to be the smartest people in and tongs, calling them deceptive the room; to base our economy on and largely consigned to being a our intellectual capital. political tool. And as the first South However, if our investment in African to become a Managing education continues to perform Director at the World Bank (not as poorly as it is, our “intellectual to mention her doctorate in Social capital� ain’t not going to not be Anthropology), she is no mere worth squat. And that’s a fact.
ONLINE POLL
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I spent the Easter vac: Working! There’s no time for relaxing
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6
opinions
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
Peeling back our layers: the Trayvon Martin case Justin Bellamy
T
he Trayvon Martin story, which recently rose to national attention in America, has re-centred the country’s national discourse on race. The details of the case are tragic: African-American teenager Trayvon Martin lost his life after being shot by a Hispanic neighbourhood watchman who pursued him on grounds that he looked “suspicious” while wearing a hoodie and carrying a bag of Skittles. Images: ebony.com & news.yahoo.com
Following the shooting, the arrest and charge of George Zimmerman did not come swiftly. A widespread and heated debate emerged around
the issue of justice. According to an MSNBC poll, 80% of blacks believe the killing of Martin was racially motivated while only 35% of whites do. This deep chasm between whites and blacks divides the country and here America stands at a pivotal moment, firstly concerning justice for Trayvon and, second, to have
meaningful and candid discussion across racial lines about the still very flawed condition of racial harmony. The race-mongering that has largely coloured discussions about the Trayvon Martin case is a portent of the piercing truth about the present condition of race: that Americans are afraid to unmask their inner and deeply flawed
Patent wars
feelings towards other races such that unfortunate misjudgments like George Zimmerman’s are quelled. America is not going to benefit from a stale debate about whether or not a racial issue is at hand in the killing of Trayvon Martin. Instead of mean-spirited outward-looking assessments of who said what, Americans should think about
Da bomb:
Kishan Chokkappan
A holds a patent, it does not want company B to use the technology. This means that if company B is Instead of wars being fought found guilty of using technology between countries, fights in the for which company A has a patent, 21st century appear to be between they will pay company A large technology companies. Instead of sums of money. This system only bullets, the ammunition used is seems to benefit companies who intellectual property. It has become hold large amounts of patents. This increasingly important for large is why all the major technology technology companies to maintain companies are trying to acquire as and grow their market as well as many patents as they can. maintain competitiveness. Patents As the tech giants scramble to are being used as a strategic tool; obtain what is left of the usable whoever buys the most, wins. patents on earth, new opportunities Facebook recently purchased spring up for smaller technology Instagram, the firms. This is due photo-sharing to the fact that application for should they create Perhaps the world mobile devices, a new, brilliant is entering the for $1 billion. piece of technology patent bubble Although it is not a there will be many patent, Instagram bigger firms who itself holds a will spend millions number of patents that Facebook in order to gain control of that can exploit. The aim of purchasing patent. These smaller technology Instagram was to improve Face- companies become increasingly book users’ photo-sharing expe- valuable because they provide the riences. Facebook usually spends opportunity to remove threats around $100 million when for the larger technology compurchasing patents. panies that purchase their patents. Early in April, Microsoft It is difficult to know how much purchased 800 AOL patents to longer this trend will continue, the value of $1 billion. AOL has but one thing is certain: currently, patents for applications that most in the technology sector, it seems take for granted. For example, that the correct use of intellect patents for email and instant will eventually lead one to be able messaging – basic features in to put a massive price on that many devices. Last year, Google intellect. It seems that it is more purchased the mobile-phone than just purchasing a patent; for manufacturer Motorola Mobility the big technology firms, it is a for $12.5 billion; they themselves purchase of possible future market have over 17 000 patents, the most innovation. Perhaps the world is in the communications sector. entering the patent bubble. In this patent war, if company
Nuclear proliferation Kabelo Mafiri
D
uring World War II, two atomic bombs of massive proportions were dropped on two Japanese cities. The world stood shocked as these cities disappeared in a radioactive flash. Ever since then, the world has tried by all means to avoid the use of nuclear weapons in war. But with the recent nuclear tensions in North Korea and Iran, it makes one wonder whether or not the world has done enough to avoid nuclear catastrophe. Many suggest the solution lies in stricter limitation in the utilisation of nuclear power, while others say that the only workable solution is abandoning nuclear weapons entirely. The fact is that just one nuclear bomb has the capability of destroying a large city, and even though there aren’t yet enough nuclear bombs to kill every human being on Earth, the number of nuclear bombs available in countries which are not recognised as Nuclear Weapon States is alarming. If just one country uses a nuclear weapon to attack another country, it could result in an all-out nuclear war from which scientists believe
the world (and its citizens) would never recover. The devastating power of a nuclear weapon is the most destructive power man has ever made. The impact of the explosion does not stop after the initial blast, as with regular explosives. A cloud of nuclear radiation travels from the epicentre of the explosion, impacting life forms even after the heat waves have ceased.
as long as nuclear power exists, there will always be threats of mutually assured destruction The radiation can cause genetic mutation, radiation poisoning, and death. So why then keep such weapons in the world? Most countries claim to only use nuclear power to help in the advancement of their space programmes and energy needs. Some countries even argue that they only build nuclear weapons as a protective measure in case a war does break out. For this reason, many suggest limiting these countries’
Images: flickr.com/kombizz
80% of blacks believe the killing of Martin was racially motivated while only 35% of whites do
engaging in critical introspection. Seldom do people ask themselves whether they have reached across racial lines to promote understanding so that the tragedy surrounding the Martin family does not happen again. The damage that preconceived notions and stereotypes have on all people in America can no longer be ignored. Racism, white or black, is destructive to the fabric of societies in general, and, in this case, American society. Dialogue should be encouraged as widely as possible, whether in homes, classrooms, churches, mosques, temples, town halls or wherever else there exists the potential for a fruitful discussion. America, as it were, should peel back its layers and re-examine its shortcomings in bringing about a more equal and just nation. Only once the pain and mistakes are uncovered will America be able to move forward on an issue of race that has haunted the country for far too long.
stores of nuclear weapons should be enough to avoid disaster. But in light of recent events, limiting nuclear power for military use looks less likely. North Korea tried to launch a longrange missile a few weeks back, despite international opposition. Fortunately for the world, it was a failure. Although the launch failed, many countries and analysts agree that it was a provocative action that threatens international security. And let’s not forget Iran, a country which, since 2010, has enriched their high-grade uranium to such an extent that it’s regarded as a move towards developing nuclear weapons. Tensions are high, because as long as nuclear weapons exist, there will always be threats of mutually assured destruction. There may be benefits which arise from nuclear power, but these benefits don’t outweigh the very real dangers. The only sensible solution is nuclear disarmament in every single country, whether it be in Iran or the US. As the saying goes “when you play with fire, you will get burned.” Disarming nuclear weapons will simply put out the fire, and avoid getting any country burned.
opinions
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
7
Refugees: living with the door locked Fabienne van Sloten
T
he over 43 million people abandoning their former lives to find safety and stability abroad are often welcomed with the same kind of generous hospitality you would give a cold-blooded criminal. Though the signatory states set out noble and amiable goals in the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, none of them are alltoo-eager when it comes to paying the bill and carrying the economic burden of it all. By closing their doors, however, they end up cutting themselves on the broken windows.
Being noble is left to developing countries Image: Oxfam East Africa
If a person meets the requirements of the convention, he becomes the responsibility of the international community until the circumstances in his country of origin have changed. But often the cause of refugees’ displacement is a deep and fundamental problem that takes years to resolve.
On the run and with limited resources, refugees generally seek safety in a state as close as possible. This is why up to 80% of the world’s refugee population can be found in Africa and the Middle East, who end up footing most of the bill of this “global refugee crisis.�
And so it seems that the honour of being a noble state is “granted� mostly to developing countries. South Africa, for example, annually receives the same number of asylumseekers as the whole of Europe. In developed countries, such as my home country, Belgium, the
government sees a refugee as a rather undesired guest who prolongs his unannounced visit just a tad too long for their liking. Instead of acknowledging our international duty towards refugees, we seem to consider ourselves to be the paragon of generosity when
granting a person refugee status. Despite trying to avoid the destabilising effects of the flood of refugees, we see how our generosity requires more and more from the refugee and the words of the Convention lose their stretch. Even South Africa starts to hide behind the superficial protection of a restrictive interpretation of the Convention. While I recognise the need for a good migration policy, I also sense the dangers of a restrictive policy that denies help to people who are truly in need. Groups of desperate people are left without the assistance they require and end up in the hands of human traffickers and criminal organisations. Therefore, I advocate the long-term solution that exists out of a better division of the international refugee burden. The other approach merely consists of, firstly, pushing the weight to other states that will eventually succumb and, secondly, forcing refugees into the tiny corners of society where they disappear out of the immediate public eye. Closing doors seems like a quick solution, but who wants a house full of glass and bloodstains?
YOUR CAREER
AS A PROJECT MANAGER
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VARSITY speaks to CEILENE MULLER, Project Manager: External Funding, South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). Describe your role at SAHRA. Key responsibilities include the identiďŹ cation, research, co-ordination as well as formulating of policy regarding heritage management of national heritage resources in conjunction with all the relevant stakeholders. Compiling unit budgets and action as well as strategic plans for the organisation. In accordance with the National Heritage Resources Act, ensuring that effective networks exist between various South African stakeholders and SAHRA regarding National Heritage resources for sustainable development and conservation. Also, I am chairperson of the SAHRA Internal Grading and Declarations Review committee reviewing and compiling the conservation management plans and heritage agreements between SAHRA and external stakeholders. Activities involving key stakeholders including contributions as a member of the South African World Heritage Committee, the reviewing of academic content for the Robben Island diploma course as member of the Robben Island Academic Review Committee. As a facilitator for the international capacity-building programme in Mombasa Kenya and then as an editor for the accompanying heritage magazine. Appearing before the parliamentary portfolio committees for tourism, environmental affairs and culture if deemed necessary by the SAHRA executive.
Work, & Archaeology, UCT (1996), Honours in Archaeology, UCT, Masters in Archaeology, UCT (2001), and Honours in Social Policy and Management, UCT (2009). What other student or community activities did you participate in during your studies? I was a youth leader at the Manenberg People’s Centre in Manenberg while at university.
and conservation) and making submissions to SAHRA. What is your greatest achievement(s) thus far? Establishing international networks for heritage management.
Which skills and personal qualities have contributed to your success? The ability to negotiate and mediate between the different expectations and needs of stakeholders is important. Being tolerant and having effective communication is essential. Describe a typical working day. Administrative tasks, like ďŹ ling contribute a large percentage to my daily activities, while answering telephone and email queries regarding national heritage resource identiďŹ cation and conservation. I also attend internal and external meetings with all stakeholders, and plan and coordinate site inspections and visits. Ensuring that logistics are done and compliance issues are met pertaining to the relevant legislation also forms part of my day. My responsibilities also include reviewing documentation (policy and compliance documentation for heritage management
What challenges have you encountered? Finding my feet in a male-dominated environment has been tough. Establishing a work/life balance has also been difďŹ cult because my job is time consuming and demanding. Over time, I have learned how to take time off for myself and get away from my computer more often.
Forensic Services Division, with different topics
Which positions have you held previously? Researcher and then Education Coordinator for the Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project in the Department of Archaeology, which was based in Clanwilliam.
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*Crime Scene Investigation, Question Documents, Ballistics, Biology and Chemistry. 13h00–13h45 2 May:
LS2B, Leslie
7 May:
LS2C, Leslie
9 May:
LS2C, Leslie
10 May:
LT2, Hoerikwaggo
Career Talks 13h00–13h45
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25 April:
Preparing for Interviews LT1, Hoerikwaggo
2 May:
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will be discussed on each day.
24 April:
What advice would you give to current students? Be relevant and use opportunities that come your way.
What are your academic qualiďŹ cations? BSocSci in Industrial Sociology, Social
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Career Inside Stories A focus on Police Forensics by the SAPS
CVs & Cover Letters LT1, Hoerikwaggo
3 May:
Preparing for Interviews LT1, Hoerikwaggo
Opportunities 25 April
JP Morgan - Presentation
3 May
Unilever – Career Day
8 May
Law Career Fair
9 May
Law Career Fair – Non-corporate
13h00–13h45, LS 2C 10h00–15h00, Leslie Mezzanine 09h00–15h00, Kramer Quad 09h00–15h00, Kramer Quad
Middle Campus Cafeteria ( Rondebosch Caterers Education Kiosk) apparently it’s called
$ VV Location: Kramer Most popular buy: Combos, usually roast chicken & chips, & fried chips Specials: Roast chicken/burger/hotdog + chips/salad @R20 Special diets: Halaal meals kept in separate fridge; vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: Urn outside kiosk available for public use at no cost. Cheapest coffee ever at R5.
Sports Centre
Mac Harry’s
Purple Haze Café
Bananazen
$ V
$ V
Location: Between NSLT & Microbiology No ‘food’ but loads of chocolates, sweets & every kind of imaginable thing to nibble on. Tea, coffee & hot chocolate, too. Most sales come standard with the proprietor’s dry (yet awesome) sense of humour.
Location: On the stairs outside Leslie Social Most popular buy: Chicken mayo rolls @ R19.50 Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
Afriquezeen
Dan’s Health Shop
Location: Centlivres Most popular buy: Chicken mayo sandwiches Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
$ V
Panda Land
By Zarmeen Ghoor, Sajjad Karamsi & Uwais Razack
Java Junction
Mootroom Café
$
Glass House
V
Location: Leslie Social Most popular buy: Smoked chicken, cheese, & avo sandwich Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
$ V Location: Leslie Social Most popular buy: Smoked chicken, cheese, & avo sandwich Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
Varsity Fast Foods
Souper Sandwich
Images: Zakiti Bhengu, Drew Gage, Uthman Quick & Siyanda Ralane
Coffee To Go
$
V $
V
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko) Most popular buy: Chicken curry & rice Specials/Combos: Curries @ R23 & Chicken with rice and a coke @ R30 Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: One of the only places on campus where you get proper plates and (metal) cutlery.
Where to eat on campus
(Abeeda’s Halaal Take-Aways)
Location: Sports Centre Most popular buy: Legendary chicken mayo & masala steak sandwiches Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: Triple-decker sandwiches
$
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko) Most popular buy: Grapes Specials/Combos: Everything! @ R6 per bag Special diets: Very vegetarian-friendly
$ V Location: Menzies Most popular buy: Chicken burgers, doughnuts Specials/Combos: No, but coming soon Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko) Most popular buy: The various coffees (go figure) Specials/Combos: R1 discount on any hot drink when you bring your own cup. Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: Cheapest bottled water on campus @ R5; longest working hours (6.30am–6.30pm); great service with a smile. Annie Kolatis Her place to eat is Panda Land but her favourite meal is the chicken noodles from Rainbow. Higher Cuisine has the best value for money but nothing beats the friendly service of Budget Rolls. She is health conscious and believes that UCT needs more healthier food options.
Kaplan Canteen
Chicken Burger (Man)
V
V Location: Between NSLT & Microbiology Most popular buy: Mexicano sandwiches & subs, chocolate muffins Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly
Budget Rolls
Nwabisa Mda Nwabisa loves anything from Souper Sandwich but opts for Café Quencha when she wants value for money. She thinks Coffee To Go provides the best service but she does not drink coffee. For healthy foods she turns to the ‘Fruit Guy’ and she would really love to see hot wings at UCT.
$ V Location: Graduate School of Humanities Most popular buy: Doughnuts, pastries, croissants Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly
Rainbow Chinese Take-Aways
V
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko), next to the Chicken Burger (Man) Most popular buy: Chicken strips & chips combo; boerewors rolls Specials/Combos: Chicken strips + chips @ R20 Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: They even have a vegetarian boerewors roll.
Café Quencha
$
V
V
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko) Most popular buy: Calamari wraps (who would’ve thought?) Specials/Combo’s: Chicken burger, chips + Jive @ R23, calamari/vienna sub + chips @ R20 Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: Best falafel ever – you could give up meat for it.
Location: Kaplan Centre Most popular buy: Regular falafel @ R34,60 Specials/Combos: Fish cakes + chips @ R33,80 Special diets: Kosher Tidbits: They supply bulk orders or breyani and pasta to offices. An inspector comes by every single day to check that Kosher requirements are abided by.
Dinika Naidoo When her tummy grumbles, Dinika goes to Higher Taste Cuisine. She believes that UCT is missing healthy foods and would love to see some organic foods Her favourite meal is Souper Sandwich’s chicken tikka (sub). She says it tastes like Nandos.
Revelations
Shehzaad Mukaddam For Shezaad, fine food on campus is defined by the Sports Centre’s Abeeda’s Halaal Take-Aways. However, his favourite meal is the Chicken wrap from Varsity Fast Foods. He believes that what UCT is missing is Nandos and McDonald’s.
V
$
Blanché Leukes Blanché turns to Frigo for all her nutritional needs. Purple Haze sandwiches provide the best value for money while Rainbow’s Sweet and sour chicken noodles provide the best taste. She loves the service from Coffee To Go and thinks that UCT needs more healthier options.
Higher Taste Cuisine
Location: Food Court (Steve Biko) Most popular buy: Chicken & avo/mayo rolls @, subs @ Specials/Combos: Roll/burger/pasta + Coke @ R21; muffin + Coke @ R17 Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly
Frigo Café
Ross Africa Ross prefers Higher Taste Cuisine’s offerings over most of the food vendors on campus. His go-to place for a pickme-up is Frigo Cafe and he loves the service he receives from Afriquezeen. Ross would like to see more healthy foods on campus.
V V Location: Between NSLT & Microbiology Most popular buy: Chicken noodle Specials/Combos: Thursday special: Pork cubes in curry sauce with rice/noodles – small @ R20, large @ R24 Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: “One chicken noodle please.”
$ V Location: Leslie Social Most popular buy: Burger & chips combo Specials/Combos: Too many to list here. Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
Valontino & Abilash They enjoy the distinct taste of Afriquezeen’s chicken curry with Jollof rice. Their taste buds miss fine Indian cuisine at UCT. For coffee, they say Souper Sandwich is the best.
V
Vegetarian-friendly Kosher
$
V V Meal vouchers accepted Halaal
We’re told that most of the food outlets on campus (Frigo, Café Quencha, Java Junction, Puple Haze Café, Glass House and Mootroom) are all owned by the same person.
Location: New Economics Building Most popular buy: Sandwiches – all of them Specials/Combos: No Special diets: Halaal & vegetarian-friendly Tidbits: They’re probably the cleanest and shiniest food vendor on any UCT campus.
Location: Outside Kramer & by CPS in Leslie Social Most popular buy: Koftas (deep fried cabbage and chickpea flour) with tomato smoor Specials/Combos: Roti + two stewed vegetables (like lentils) @ R16 Special diets: Strictly vegetarian Tidbits: Samoosas made from wholewheat flour – if you’re into that.
$ V Location: Molly Blackburn Most popular buy: Smoked chicken, cheese, & avo sandwich Specials/Combos: Tall cappuccino @ R8.50 Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly
features
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
How to spread yourself thin this winter Katy Scott
S
ummertime is over and the living ain’t easy. However, do not fear, you can still live life to the full on an empty pocket. Here’s how...
1) Avoid tipping
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Anade Situma ����� Director: Gary Ross Written by: Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray, Gary Ross Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Adapted from the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins Usually I shy away from movies that have hype around them, but with The Hunger Games, I couldn’t resist. For those who don’t know anything about it, The Hunger Games is a science-fiction adventure set in the futuristic world of Panem. What the world today knows as America has now been split up into 12 different
districts, separated by high fences and strange soldiers. The town gathers, all children from the ages of 12–18 dress their best, and they stand in anticipation, silently praying for their names not to be called. Two children from each district are chosen at random and must sacrifice themselves to compete in the televised “pageant�, the 74th Hunger Games. The catch: only one of them can survive. The odds are not in their favour. The Hunger Games is perfect for anyone in the mood for a lot of action, a touch of romance and an escape into a different world. This movie is very unlikely to rake in the Oscar nominations; it’s a bit of a craze: similar to Twilight, but less melodramatic and more worthwhile.
is online
Those precious rands we unceremoniously toss away do add up. Every R2 you sacrifice is a whole cigarette wasted. Avoid eye contact with the fool beckoning you out of your parking bay, (I find big sunglasses help), and go the opposite direction to his gestures. That way you aren’t using his guidance so you don’t need to pay for it. Don’t feel guilty for not tipping him, the majority are just glorified beggars anyway.
2) Get more for your fuel A warning is necessary here: these tips are not for the amateur driver. Logically speaking, the less you brake, the less you need to accelerate and the less petrol you waste. Try to slow down gradually and so avoid hitting red lights. Don’t rev like a maniac – especially if you own a trolley on wheels. Accelerate slowly, gear up as quickly as possible, stick below 100km/h (okay, try at least) and put her into neutral when going downhill for a little free-wheeling fun.
and running on time, is a cheap transport alternative with plenty of entertainment on board.
4) Priceless pampering Instead of coughing up to treat yourself, do it the DIY way. Girls, embrace your inner teen and throw a slumber party complete with manicures, pedicures, messing around with make-up and even restyling each others’ hair. Also keep an eye out for budding beauticians who are looking for people to practice on for a fraction of the price. Guys, get friendly with the Physio girls – they need all the practice they can get when it comes to deep tissue massages!
4) Eating is cheating If you want to have a good night and get superbly intoxicated, don’t be a dim-wit and delay the process by lining your stomach before. Avoid carbohydrates, as these slow down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream. Side effects may include alcohol poisoning or excessive vomiting, but hey, you probably won’t realise in your clinically retarded state, and it’s probably better that way.
mobile-friendly varsitynewspaper.co.za
6) Second-hand savings Who needs to shop for clothes these days, when oversized jerseys, cardigans and unflattering jeans can be found in your grandparents’ cupboards? You’ll end up paying double for “vintage� and “hipster� items at quaint little boutiques. Heck, even wearing that vomit-green, knitted reindeer jersey your gran made for you is socially acceptable these days. Cheap is chic this winter, so make sure you hop on board the pleb train before it leaves you stranded at the station, broke and blue.
5) Suck before you swallow No, I’m not encouraging any moonlight meandering for extra cash; get your mind out of the gutter.
3) Step off the gas Why not save yourself the unnecessary frustration of traffic, atrocious driving and fighting for parking bays by hopping on an ultra-cool, old-school bicycle? For doing your bit for the environment you will be blessed with killer carves and a constant sexy flush to your cheeks. For those in poor shape (no, round isn’t a shape) there is always the super-dependable railway service, which, when fully functional
Movie review: Titanic (3D) Ayanda Charlie
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Rather, I’m suggesting you take a tip from the fantastically drunk blonde sipping on her vodka, lime and lemonade through a straw. Don’t ask me why, but drinking alcohol through a straw gets you drunk faster. It just does. Now this is easy enough for girls like blondie but a bit awkward for any macho male. Suck it up, it’s worth it. You can always reassert your male bravado by throwing back shots and downing drinks later.
itsacharmedlifeblog.blogspot.com
Movie review: The Hunger Games
thereelist.com/media
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The general motivation for watching Titanic over and over again is to lose ourselves in this romantic love affair that never makes it to “happily ever after�. A certain kind of person, however, will come back every single time in the hopes that Jack won’t die. If you are one of the latter, then this movie is not for you. Jack still dies. This time, the enjoyment of imposing on the lives of Jack and Rose, comes not only from spectating but also from interacting – this time round, the movie is in 3D. The classic premiered in its new dimension on Thursday, April 5th. A large number of die-hard romantics showed up to pay what could possibly be the last homage to this James Cameron masterpiece with anticipations of an out-ofthis-world experience. They came out, however, feeling let down by the “in-explosiveness� of the three dimensional Titanic. Words like
“so-so�, “okay� and “pointless� were used to describe the 3D element of the movie, with viewers adding that they only liked the “big screen experience�. For those who’ve only ever watched Titanic on the small screen (perhaps because you were too young to watch it when it came out) then this is your chance to see it “big�. Some even argued that their matured eye robbed them of the experience, because they were suddenly able to spot the lack of
chemistry between Di Caprio and Winslet, or the poor quality of the script, which made it much less believable. Nonetheless, they all left the cinema having balled their eyes out, because, “The big screen just made Jack’s death so bleak�, said one of the spectators. If you decide to watch this movie, watch it because it is Titanic on a screen fifty times bigger than your mother’s television. If you don’t, then don’t worry about it – 3D don’t mean no’thang!
features
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
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The allure of running Robert Byrne
T
he recent Two Oceans Marathon got me thinking about my love/hate relationship with running. It’s quite simple, really – I used to hate it, now I love it. The story starts in my final year of school, when that dreaded February day of the Cross-Country race came around. A motley crew of amigos and I conspired to cheat by cutting out the majority of the course. It wasn’t just about avoiding physical exertion – most of the conspirators were reasonable sportsmen and could expect a respectable placing – it was the thrill of planning, conspiring, and challenging the authority of our games masters. But let’s be honest, nobody naturally likes running. It’s something you have to train your body to eventually enjoy when you realise you can do it for a prolonged period of time. Fast-forward a couple of years from the Great Cross Country Debacle of 2007, and I was running for fun. Not just for fun, but as an alternative to other sports that inevitably fall by the wayside when we leave school. For some reason, running felt right. It wasn’t just a punishing half an hour in the freezing cold at school; it was something I could do on my own terms, early in the morning on a balmy summer’s
day or following work after an entire day at a desk. Not only that, it was a great way to stay in shape – I began to lose weight and after a while it became a little addictive. So, on to the competitions, the next natural step. Unfortunately, I did not compete in any of this year’s Two Oceans races due to injury. I have, however, competed previously in marathons and half marathons, and I was drawn to the 2012 race as a spectator. Back in my school days, the thought of watching someone else run was almost as unappealing
A motley crew of amigos and I conspired to cheat by cutting out the majority of the course as doing the deed itself. As with many other sports, I think the physical process of competing gives encourages empathy with athletes and an especially huge admiration for the level of skill and endurance they possess. Everyone runs for different reasons. While they all benefit from the obvious health advantages, there are those who simply relish the challenge, or those who are running for a good cause. Hell, there are even those who may have declared in the
FASHION
pub that they could run a certain race, and followed through to the bitter end. It’s worth differentiating between the half-marathoners and the ultra-marathoners, however. The 21km distance, although quite a challenge, is generally doable at a slow pace with little or no training. There are certainly plenty of younger, generally fit sportsmen who use the event as good fitness training for their respective sports. The ultramarathon runner is a different animal. These guys are dedicated – no half-arsing it here. As someone who thought at the end of a normal marathon he had absolutely nothing left to give, I have nothing but admiration for those who make it those extra 14 kilometres. So, back to 2007 and the Cross Country, you’re probably wondering what happened. I thought I’d gotten away with it – I evaded the stewards, and skipped across the finish line after about five minutes’ jogging and about half an hour’s scurrying between bushes and long grass. It was so easy. I boasted about my exploits the next day at school only to be ratted out to the authorities and subsequently disqualified. Although I look back with your typical private-school-boy, boys-will-beboys nostalgia, the sad thing is I wish I’d been keen on running back then. Who knows, I might even have won. Image: loseweight-safe.com
The winter and the layers
Thapelo Teele
F
rom combat boots to parkas, this year winter has been deemed the season of accessories – not only those that look great but those that are practical in effectively dealing with the elements. There are many people for whom winter deserves a “dislike button”, but for the fashionconscious individual, winter is the best time to prove that you can dress well. The style-minded UCT student can’t stand the unpredictable weather on Upper Campus; I mean, why can’t the mountain just make up its mind? In one day, concerns go from getting wet and taking out your umbrella to fight the wind (in an epic battle you are destined to lose), to carrying the layers the sun has rendered pointless. Then, around 2.30pm, the cycle begins again. Fret not, for if there is a will, there is definitely a way. All one needs to do is prepare. The first necessity with regard to the wet textbook saga is a good waterproof bag, preferably on the inside as well as the out. Next comes the raincoat (a.k.a. the “parka”), in unconventional materials such as recycled plastic and in bubble gum pastels. It is a great replacement for the umbrella, which is more hindrance than aid against the command of Cape Town’s
Images: Phethagatso Motumi
winter winds. The next essential is knitwear. Look into a yard-long scarf: it looks great if wrapped well and the chunky statement knit or Christmas jersey is hot. Then, there is the boot... Boots come in an stunning array of designs, but first and foremost it is mandatory to have knee-length rubber boots, most commonly referred to as “Wellingtons”. Wellington boots can look very stylish, but the sole purpose is to protect your feet; if your feet are wet, you are cold. You could also explore
the world of riding boots, ankle boots and everything beyond.
“I mean, why can’t the mountain just make up its mind?” To protect hair and keep it dry, the knitted beanie is great; try a felt trilby or a classic beret. Both are available in a wide spectrum of colours. To protect the rest of your body,
invest in a trench coat. Developed back in the 1850s, it is a great and timeless look. To add an element of modern chic to the trench, put a belt over it and add leather gloves of an eye-catching colour over the trench’s cuffs. Layering is the trend above all trends this winter, where different layers and textures of clothing put together form ensembles that not only look great, but also are practical and warm. With this trend one can either get it or go horribly wrong: the tip to keep in mind when layering is
to use as many different colours and textures as possible. Winter is already dreary and sombre, so by all means wear your dark colours, but add a splattering of colour – preferably through accessories: a bag, shoes, socks, gloves, hat, belt ande scarf (to mention a few options). Avoid using only one colour in winter, especially if that colour is black. This is not to say that you can’t layer in one colour, just make sure that there are different textures and materials of that colour.
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features
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
Gig guide: Culture on the horizon Kimberley Hotel Corner of Buitenkant and Roeland Street, Cape Town May 5th. Shake Some Action! “From rare gems, to dancefloor classics, if it gets your body moving, we’ll spin it!” That’s the promise they’ve made. Kimberley’s just around the corner from The Assembly, so if you really have far too much party for one place, head there after the Scoundrels gig. Cover Charge: R20
Theatre
Image: fotopedia.com/Bjorn Hermans
Anade Situma & Cayley Mitchell
Y
ou, being the studious student you are, have settled in well after the short break and you’re trying your best to cope with all the essays and tests while trying not to think about the impending doom that is the exam period. Well, we’ve put together a little something to keep you from doing a little too well this term. Think of us as your well-intentioned but misguided friend, sitting on your bed, giving you the look. You know the look: “Yeah, okay, dude – we’re going out, get dressed.”
Music Mercury Live 43 De Villiers St, Zonnebloem If you can brave the smoky air and poor lighting, Mercury is once again hosting, along with Counterstrike/ Algorythm’s Animal Chin and 500 Mills, their mind-blowing, ear-bleeding Drum & Bass night featuring SFR, Totem, B-wise and Multicrisis on May 5th. Cover charge: R40 The Assembly 61 Harrington St, Cape Town Indie/Noise-rock band We Set Sail and electronic jazz group Closet
Snare hit Assembly with a very large number of instruments on Saturday, April 28th. Flugelhorn? Seriously? Cover Charge: R50 Also at The Assembly, Saturday, May 5th promises big things. Hunter’s Debut Down South presents UK band Scoundrels, supported by Bicycle Thief and the frankly godlike Mr Cat & The Jackal. The ticket price may seem a bit high, but remember we’re getting a band from the UK. And Mr Cat & The Jackal could probably justify the price on their own. Tickets: R65 presale & before 9PM R75 at the door
This space could be your advert. With a readership of 10 000–14 000 students, VARSITY is the ideal way to reach the UCT student market. Discounted rates are given to UCT students and societies. To enquire or place an advert, contact KAEDE WILDSCHUT on ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za, or phone our office: 021-650 3543. Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union, Upper Campus
The Little Theatre Hiddingh Campus +27 (0) 861 915 8000 Line is New York City’s longest running theatre production with a record of 40 years on stage. The comedy has also been translated into more languages than are spoken by all the Linguistics lecturers at UCT (that’s not an actual fact, okay). “But will it teach me something?” we hear you ask, and we’re going to answer with a “not too sure,” but New York is no joke and if they can make it there… Tickets are between R60-R80 and the show starts at 8.15pm with an afternoon show at 3.15pm on a Saturday. April 18th – 28th. Labia Theatre 68 Orange Street, Gardens 021 424 5927 Despite a slightly embarrassing name and the somewhat vacant stares of its employees, the Labia Theatre is
the best value for money, next to your laptop, for a night filled with cinematic adventure. Tickets are just R30 for students with valid student cards and daily specials make a dinner-and-a-movie date possible for under R200 for two people. Also, you can buy drinks at the bar and take them with you into your movie. It feels like the 90s, doesn’t it?
Food and Drink Tjing Tjing Bar 165 Longmarket Street, CBD 021 422 4290 This bar is happening at the moment, and if you can find it, you’ll meet and mix with some beautiful creative-industry types. Did we mention the free wine-tasting every Wednesday, no booking required? The Dog’s Bollocks 6 Roodehek Street, Gardens 083 440 7843 A relatively new burger joint that has (until now) been a well-kept secret amongst hipsters in the CBD. The restaurant consists of a small, short garage, a few tables, some chairs, the owner and his grill and a menu with the best. most delicious burgers you’ve tasted in a while. All burgers are priced around R50 and you can bring your own drinks or buy wine from the restaurant. Try the Mexican Chilli Cheese burger, but do not under any circumstances go there on a first date – things will get messy. Then awkward. Oh, and hurry – the restaurant opens at 5pm and only serves thirty burgers a night.
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V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
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Campus goes green
Images by: Drew Gage, Michael Currin (michael.currin.co.za), Shashkran Yuri Naidoo, & Zakiti Bhengu
sport
V71 E5 – 24 APRIL 2012
INTERVIEW
From the head tiger’s mouth
Sajjad Karamsi
K
evin Foote, Head Coach of the Ikey Tigers, gave VARSITY a unique insight into the team’s disappointing rugby season. While he is frank about the Tigers’ issues, he maintains an optimistic outlook on the future of the Ikeys.
Tell us a bit about yourself: where you grew up, your playing career and your coaching career. I grew up in Johannesburg and then went to King Edward, where I played for two years in the Craven Week for the Lions. Later on, I went to play for Maties and Western Province U21. My career thrived as I played in the Vodacom Cup for Natal and also in the Springbok 7s.I played Currie Cup for the Eagles and then joined UCT in 2005 and played until 2008. From a coaching point of view, I always coached at schoolboy level during my playing days, and have been coaching at Bishops since 2009. I also started coaching UCT from 2009. Do you think that UCT needs to pump in more money to get better results in sports? At the moment, if we compare ourselves to UPTuks for instance, we don’t receive the same support the sports clubs there receive. Absolutely. We are so far behind the other universities, and it’s a real opportunity for UCT to step up and create a culture of excellence in sport – to go beyond our brilliant academic record. The Ikey Tigers have had a rather
difficult season this year. Why do you think that things didn’t go as planned?
external (non-student) players there were in the Varsity Cup squad this season?
It has been a difficult campaign, and for a number of reasons. We have a very talented squad but lack a bit of experience, and will be a lot better next year, having learnt from this year’s experiences. We also lost some really good players to WP, and have also battled registering some of our players as students. While it has been challenging, it has also been brilliant for character-building, both for coaches and players.
Every University is allowed seven non-students in the match day 23, in the squad we had 12 non-students, but only seven of them could play on match day.
We lost some really good players to WP
There has been some criticism that this season the Ikey Tigers haven’t been as physical as other teams and have been getting scrummed and mauled off the ball. Do you think this is fair criticism? We did battle at times, but UCT has never been known for a massively physical side: our strength lies in our skills and our ability to move the ball around. That not to say we don’t have very physical players. Again, our young team will have learned and be stronger and fitter for next year’s campaign. There was a bit of controversy a few weeks ago with regards to non-students being incorrectly registered as students and playing in the Varsity Cup (for NMMU and Tuks). For the UCT community, could you please tell us how many
Do you think Ikey Tigers would benefit if there was more leeway and we had more external players available? We would definitely benefit if we were allowed to register students as easily as the other universities. The student quota is a real problem for us, as we have so many guys who just miss out on registration, where at other Universities they would easily be registered. We lose a lot of players both at senior and under-20 level, which is very disappointing. What next? What do you feel should be changed for the next Varsity Cup season, as well as the WP League?
Image: Gallo/ Lefty Shivambu
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I think we should be giving the youngsters an opportunity to play at this level, and give them experience. VARSITY thanks Kevin Foote and the UCT Rugby FC for the interview.
Why Nasal Sex?
Jodi Edmunds It’s that time of year again: the hockey season has begun! While most teams would be dusting their boots, shining their sticks and putting on their game faces, the social league hockey team, Nasal Sex Hockey, are downing Black Labels, dressing in bizarre attire and practicing war-cries inspired by their favorite TV series. This group of UCT male students seems to be reforming the social hockey league with their literal interpretation of the word “social”. If arriving at their matches an hour early to have a six-pack of Black Label each before the game and dressing up to hilarious themed outfits for their matches every week (and playing in character) isn’t social
enough, then I don’t know what is. The team even elected their own social representative. Enough said.
they were unable to call their team “F@*# Knows” for obvious reasons Why Nasal Sex, you ask? “F@*# knows” is their reply. The name was changed to NSH (Nasal Sex Hockey) after they were unable to call their team “F@*# Knows” for obvious reasons. And it’s their answer to everything: What are a bunch of guys dressed as bergies doing running around the hockey astroturf? “F#*@ knows!” Not only have they elected a social representative, but they also have their own executive committee,
which was carefully elected by the team’s founders. And it doesn’t stop there. They have even designed a team badge with their motto, “Is your blood baby-blue?” translated into Latin. Champs, the sports pub, has even enquired about sponsoring the team since they are such loyal customers. While they may not seem serious on the field, they’re more committed and dedicated to their team than most of their competitors. One can imagine the looks on the other teams’ faces when they pitch up expecting a casual game of hockey only to find themselves playing a bunch of ninjas. Other internal teams have been influenced by NSH and this season are looking to be as outrageous. Due to popular demand, they’re currently in the process of organising a second NSH team, to be called NSH-Too. The girls of internal hockey have become involved as well, creating a sister team for NSH known as FemSH. Recruitment for this is still underway. Requirements? You must be spotted at Tin Roof at least four times a month, and must be willing to drink. A lot. It is not their goal to win, but instead to have a good time. This attitude ensured that they were the first Internal Hockey team to win the Spirit Cup at the end of the 2010 hockey season.
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SPORTS SHORTS VARSITY’s roundup of action-packed, homegrown sports clubs Nicole Beale
Cape District Football Association league. The first team, playing in the Premier League, ended up 3-1 winners, with Navern Naidoo, Wisy Namaseb and Justin Massimo Alberti scoring for UCT. The men’s second team lost 5-2. The women’s A team, playing against a strong Vasco da Gama team in the CTTFA league won 1-0, but the B team were thrashed 1-6 by the Durbanville women. UCT Football is launching their weekly sessions, known as “Wednesday Night Football”, with games held on the Kopano Astroturf on Wednesdays, starting from April 25th. Spectators can watch the women’s first team at 7pm and the men’s first team at 8:30pm. Students are invited to attend the tournament and come support the Ikey Football Club.
Tai Chi The Tai Chi Society is hosting a fiveday camp in Betty’s Bay from April 27th. With an exciting agenda of intensive Tai Chi practice and hikes, the society guarantees a weekend of fun, action and zen. With the option to attend the full five days or a half package of three days, UCT Tai Chi encourages interested students to join in on their trip. For more information and for package rates, contact ucttaichi@gmail.com.
Aikido The UCT Aikido club has begun emphasising their weekly training sessions in an effort to get students to fold away their rugby shorts and migrate inside in preparation for winter. Aikido, translated as “Way of harmonious spirit,” is a Japanese martial art in which practitioners, known as aikidoka, learn skills that they can use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. The club charges R250 per annum, and training sessions for all levels are held throughout the week with a weapons training session held on Sunday. You do not have to be in exceptional physical shape when you start Aikido, because it is one of the purposes of Aikido to become fit.
South Africa’s wind-water sports: development windsurfing. The UCT Yacht Club Development Windsurfing Programme, which was founded in 2008 by Steven Rhodes, has been granted sponsorship from the National Lottery Development Trust Fund (NLDTF), allowing the club to improve the standard of instruction offered to the learners that form part of the programme, all of whom come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds (attending high school in Khayelitsha) and form part of a larger sports club managed by Nceda George. Once a month, 11 learners are provided with transport to UCT Yacht Club at Zeekoevlei. Once there, learners are met by four UCTYC instructors and are taken through the day’s lessons. Each session is advertised to club members and volunteers get involved by preparing food and distributing life-jackets and wetsuits. The most recent activities have been held in light winds, giving learners time to gain confidence in the water and the wind. Some have shown great promise, and it will be exciting to see their progress in windier conditions. By next year UCT Yacht Club aims to see the best performing learners participating in local competitions and a milestone would be representation at the Langebaan Downwind Dash. The coming months will be eventful and exciting as learners improve their skills and the club looks forward to growth of the programme. To get involved, contact the club by emailing movenstone@gmail.com.
Soccer The UCT Football Club began it’s season with both men’s teams playing against Glendene in the
Yachting UCT Yacht Club has started the new year with a bang, and continues to lead the way into another arena of
With conributions from Jodi Edmunds, Aditi Hunma, Samantha Newdigate, and Michael Ovenstone.
Hockey The Internal Hockey League started the season off smoothly with more teams taking part this year than the last. About 30 teams altogether (roughly 16 women’s teams and 14 men’s teams) are participating. With more spectators than ever, it seems all the teams are going for the win this season. Current men’s champions, The Mavericks, drew with the Claredon Cobras, while the Average Joes, last year’s runners up, won 8–2 against Ikhaya. On the women’s side, title holders Ayoba! won 9–0 against FemSH. Mark Leshnick, the Head of the Internal Hockey League Committee, states that “the goal is to continue to expand, attracting more and more participation, not just from the players but from the spectators on the side.” An Internal Inter-Varsity League game between UCT and Stellenbosch will be played by the best men’s and women’s internal teams later in the year.
Nama-STAY fit with yoga Nicole Beale
W
ith the dark cloud of exams looming over UCT, it may be time to get in touch with your inner yogi. An array of yoga studios are spread around Cape Town, giving students opportunities to improve not only their flexibility and strength, but also their ability to relax. First-time yoga students may not be aware of the various styles of the practice, such as Bikram, Vinyasa and Iyengar. Some forms are held in a heated room of about 40˚C (like Bikram), which is an excellent way to detoxify and become supple. Nonheated forms like Hatha and Vinyasa help improve one’s stamina and circulation, while Iyengar makes use of props for stretching and support. It may be overwhelming to choose which form is best for you, but it is important to try out different types of yoga to get used to the practice and determine your preference. Yoga studios often offer introductory specials to help students decide which studio is best for them. Students with transportation can try Yoga Zone in town, Yoga Life in Green Point or Yoga Spirit in Constantia.
Image: flickr.com/porampornN
Yo Yoga, which is located behind Cavendish in Claremont, offers a student-friendly environment with a range of class times to suit different schedules. Generally, these studios offer discounted student rates (ranging from about R400 – R500 per month), which can still put pressure on some budgets. Various studios, like Yoga Zone and Yoga Life give free beginner’s classes once a week, allowing everyone to try the practice.
For a more affordable option, UCT’s Bhakti Yoga Society hosts regular classes on campus in the Martial Arts Room in the Sports Centre. During stressful times, yoga is the perfect way to de-stress: studios provide a calming sanctuary for individuals to unwind while keeping healthy. It is an excellent way to keep your mind and body in sync to prevent illness or burning out from university pressures.
Image: Samantha Newdigate HEE-YAH! – UCT Aikidoka practice at the Sports Centre during one of their weekly training sessions.
Driven past Point
Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor
The Bahrain Grand Prix: a human rights abomination Formula One travelled to Bahrain last week, amid much clamour against the human rights abuses committed by the Bahraini monarchy while trying to suppress the revolution that began last year during the so-called Arab Spring. By letting the race go on, Formula One has implicitly endorsed the actions of the AlKhalifa government, whose brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protestors has been condemned worldwide. 17 British MPs signed a motion calling for the cancellation of the race. According to MP George Galloway, “There is blood on the tracks and anyone who drives over them will never be forgiven.” While the MPs may have been trying to get some political mileage through the motion, the facts remain undeniable. There are human rights violations being committed by the government in Bahrain, and these need to stop. Letting the F1 continue only lends further legitimacy to the monarchy’s brutality. F1 head honcho Bernie Ecclestone tried to justify the race going on by claiming that the race allows the Bahraini people to talk to the world about democracy and their freedom of expression. This portrait is in sharp contrast to the
actual situation where protestors are being tear-gassed and beaten, with one protestor killed in clashes against the regime forces on Saturday. Most teams have agreed to continue racing after assurances that they will be granted high levels of security, but in doing so have tacitly allowed these very security forces to assault any protestors that they come across. Sportsmen and administrators have the moral obligation to use their wide media presence and fame to stand against any form of wrongdoing. There have been instances in the past when this fame has been used to communicate an incredibly powerful message. Andy Flower and Henry Olonga’s defiance against the Zimbabwean government led to their ban from cricket in Zimbabwe, but they managed to remind the world that all was not well in Zimbabwe. By choosing to continue racing, F1 have chosen to legitimise oppression and tyranny.
Sport
FIXTURES USSA Soccer Tournament
VARSITY
UCT 10km Memorial Run
Wednesday, April 25th
Sunday, May 6th
KOPANO ASTRO
KRAMER LAW BUILDING
UCT vs CPUT
UCT Athletics Club
Women’s team: 7pm Men’s team: 8.30pm
7am
UCT TENNIS REACHES OUT
Images: Mahita Penke
Game, set, match UCT Tennis Club hosted 120 children from St Mary’s Primary, Cape Town High School and Zonnebloem Estate last Friday, April 20th. A part of the UCT/Growing Tennis Lotto Development outreach programme, the event took place during the morning at the UCT Tennis Courts on Upper Campus.
Vintage summer for UCT Cricket Robert Byrne
T
he 2011–12 season proved to be extremely successful for UCT Cricket, with the club claiming four titles across their three sides. Most crucially, the club regained its status in the province’s top-flight club league, the 1A division. A poor season saw the first team relegated in 2010–11, but the side bounced back in emphatic fashion, remaining unbeaten for the entire season and winning the title. Success was not limited to the top side; the second team also had an outstanding season, winning both the OneDay and Two-Day leagues in their respective divisions. Promotion to the Reserve A awaits in 2012–13, while the 3rd team also gained their respective One-Day title and put in a spirited effort to finish third in their Reserve E division, narrowly missing out on promotion. The 1st team faced stiff competition from Glamorgan and Cape Town Cricket Club, with the title race going right down to the wire in controversial circumstances. Title hopes seemed dashed
when 3rd-placed UCT drew with 1st-placed Glamorgan CC in the final game of the season, only for Glamorgan to be docked points for contravening rules, which delayed the game. While the title may have been clinched in controversial circumstances, there can be no doubt that the team’s success was built on some excellent performances, with skipper Adeeb Joseph leading from the front. Joseph finished as the top run-scorer for the side, hitting three 50s and a fine 107 against Ottoman CC, adding up to an impressive season. Opening partner and playercoach Ryan Maron also had an impressive season with the willow, averaging the highest across all formats and also being on hand to provide invaluable support to Joseph on field. Significant batting contributions also came from Jack Newby, who averaged just over 40 and scored three 50s, while all-rounder Dewald Keulder proved a valuable addition to the side as the second highest wicket-taker within the club, with 38 across both formats of the game. Opening bowler Wes Bell led
from the front with the new ball, taking 37 wickets in 13 matches, but it was often the work of the spinners that built crucial pressure that led to wickets tumbling. Tendai Chitongo spearheaded the bowling, taking a staggering 66 wickets in the season at an average of 17. Chitongo, a leg-spinning Zimbabwe under-19 player, is registered as an external player and was awarded the Ryan Maron Dedication to UCT CC Award.
won four titles across their three sides their three sides
When asked to identify this season’s top performers, playercoach Maron complimented his side’s fantastic team effort. “The entire team played well as a unit – on the bowling front, the spinners were key to building pressure.” Statistics back up Maron’s assertion: the regular first-team bowlers all bowled at an average of less than four runs an over.
Maron singled out skipper Adeeb Joseph for praise in batting, but again emphasised the fantastic team effort made with “all the guys contributing when needed to.” Maron’s influence was not only felt in playing capacity: he has been instrumental in re-engineering UCT cricket during his short stint as Head Coach of the club. He stresses the importance of involving other senior professionals to advise the current squad on a range of cricket-related matters: “We needed to get the right structure in place – I was keen to get other people involved in the club. We looked to Brian MacMillan and Denys Hobson, as the players needed some seniority.” This, along with a much more professional and focused attitude, has been key in turning around the fortunes of the club. While the environment created was undoubtedly one of greater focus, Maron is not one to neglect the social element of the game: “We aimed to make it a fun environment, getting the team together for braais and teambuilding exercises.” The raucous cheering that could be heard across Rhodes fields on the evening of the club’s end of season bash is
testament to this team spirit. First-team players will be looking over their shoulder after some fantastic performances in the allconquering second team. The Double winners were led by bowler Steve Wormald, with notable performances coming from Anthony Puggia (who notched up two centuries) and Anthony Hobson (who hit a remarkable 162 off 67 balls during the season). Club chairperson Graeme Beghin was quick to praise the 2nd team for “contributing to the depth of the club, and creating a healthy environment.” This, along with the one-day success of the 3rd team, means that UCT Cricket is in excellent shape heading into the 2012–13 Season. The future is bright, according to Beghin, who has a busy off-season ahead of him with fundraising for facility upgrades and working with the Amy Biehl foundation to promote development cricket. “We aim to continue with the winning formula and keep on playing the exciting and attacking brand of cricket that has allowed future Proteas to develop,” said Beghin.