2011: Edition 7

Varsity THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

UCT Internal Hockey League Leag

26 July 2011

Volume 70: Number 7

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The return of Fedics IN THIS ISSUE

Catering contract renewed with conditions Stephanie Venter

U

CT’s catering contract with Fedics will be renewed ater the company agreed to additional conditions put forward in a meeting of UCT management, Student Representative Council (SRC) delegates, and the Head of Residence Council on hursday 23 June. he decision was reached at the second meeting of the Adjudication Committee (AC) for the Residence Catering Contract, which was mandated by UCT Council to make decisions regarding the catering in residences.

In a statement to VARSITY, Executive Director of the Department of Student Afairs Moonira Khan said that the AC reached this decision because “there was no compelling substantive reason not to engage further with Fedics, [… and] over the term of the existing contract Fedics has co-operated willingly on concerns brought to its attention in inding mutually acceptable solutions.”

SRC Vice President External Jessica Price, who attended the

Conditions Conditions placed on the renewal of the contract include: 1. student concerns being taken into consideration regarding food quality; 2. greater student engagement in matters that impact food quality; 3. implementation of a stronger/ better monitoring of the catering service, inclusive of regular independent student surveys;

Michelle Obama

page 3

Wedded bliss or miss? page 6

Image: michael.currin.co.za EDUCATION FIRST – Equal Education continues to fight for basic education rights hts in schools schools, protesting outside the Educational International conference on the 22nd of July. second and decisive AC meeting, stated that the discussion was lengthy, and the committee’s inclusion of a benchmarking process may potentially achieve long-term change in UCT’s catering system. he benchmarking process will compare UCT’s catering system to that of other higher education institutions; whether these will be local or international institutions remains to be seen, said Price.

Long-term changes – such as the frequently suggested implementation of a pay-per-meal system seen at some other universities – may occur once the results of the benchmarking process are available.

Price said the additional terms “try to address the short-term problems” students have with the current catering, such as poor food quality.

the timing of the meetings was “awkward” for student timetables. his had been brought up with management, conirmed Price. he SRC was told that the meetings could not be delayed to the second semester as contract negotiations may not be complete by 1 January 2012, when the current contract expires.

Delaying of the meetings increased the chance that no company would be in place to cater for residences at the beginning of 2012.

Regarding student sentiment, Samuals said that there was “a general consensus that catering services haven’t been adequate, and that with some of the highest fees in the country, students [felt] they deserve a certain quality”.

Student concerns about catering came to Residence Council through House Committees, said Samuals, who clariied that the recently held

Food Forum and petition circulated on Lower Campus at the end of the irst semester was not SRC- or Residence Council-affiliated. hough the AC had reached a decision, it will “continue to meet until the work on the extended contract is fully concluded,” said Khan. he committee has formed a project working group consisting of UCT management, SRC nominees, operational staf, and Fedics representatives, who together will determine the details of the extended contract. he contract will then be presented to the AC for approval.

According to Price the catering contract will go to tender once the renewed contract expires at the end of 2014, and all future catering contracts will be for a ive-year period, in line with other UCT service contracts.

Dark days for Murdoch pages 13

Varsity National Newspaper Conference page 16

“Awkward” meeting dates 4. representation by the SRC inclusive of Residence Council nominees in the monitoring process; and 5. the institution of a regular benchmarking process by UCT per catering contract cycle to improve the quality of the catering service.

SRC Residences Co-ordinator Khanya Gwaza, who attended the irst meeting of the AC but was out of town for the second, stated that the AC meetings were not conducive to student participation. he irst meeting occurred just prior to examinations, and the second during the vacation period.

Rizaan Samuals, Head of Residence Council, also said that

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news NEWS BITES

Final Take-of for NASA

SRC: glass half empty or half full?

FLORIDA - NASA launched its inal space shuttle from the Kennedy Space Station on 8 July 2011 ater much delay from bad weather. housands of people gathered to witness the four astronauts ly Atlantis into a 12day orbit. NASA’s future plans on sending astronauts into space have been placed on hold for three to ive years.

– The Huffington Post

Drug smuggling at OR Tambo JOHANNESBURG - Six people were arrested for allegedly smuggling over R1 million worth of cocaine into O.R Tambo International Airport on 13 July. he suspects included four Brazilians, two women and two men, as well as a 34-year-old Ghanaian and a 57-year-old man.

All six appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court 48 hours ater the arrest.

– SABC News Online

Cape Town freeway renamed for Madiba CAPE TOWN – Eastern Boulevard in Cape Town was formally renamed by Mayor Patricia de Lille ater Nelson Mandela on 15 July 2011 to commemorate Mandela Day. Mandela turned 93 on 18 July 2011, just three days ater the road being renamed, which served as one of the many tributes to South Africa’s former president.

– News24

Petrol stations empty CAPE TOWN – Petrol stations around South Africa are running dry as workers at petroleum companies continue to strike for wage increases of 10%. Meetings for negotiations were initially planned for 16 July 2011 but had been moved to Monday 18 July. he rescheduling of meetings created more of a delay for motorists illing up.

– News24/ Fin24

Convicts run for Mandela Day PRETORIA – Prisoners from Pretoria Central Prison participated in the Bonitas City2City Ultra-Marathon in celebration of Mandela Day on 21 July 2011 but within prison walls. Twelve prisoners ran 50km with an additional 17km on treadmills to commemorate Mandela’s 67 years of making the world a better place.

– News24/ Sport24

Prison warders accused of torture PRETORIA - Six warders from Pretoria Central Prison were suspected of electrocuting a prisoner when sound clips of the incident were reportedly taken from the prison.

– News24

Alex Nagel

Image: michael.currin.co.za CAPTIVATED - SRC members address students on the issue of the UCT brand during one of their talks entitled “Once an Ikey, Always a Tiger” , part of a series of talks entitled “To Whom does UCT belong?”.

Lyndall Thwaits

W

ith the current Student Representative Council’s (SRC) term in oice drawing to a close, we took to reviewing what the SRC have done for the students so far this year.

Some of the projects the SRC have put into motion over the past year such as “To Whom does UCT belong?”, a series of talks and discussions surrounding UCT’s identity, and the SRC Internship Programme have been well attended, drawing in the UCT community to approach the issues which are engaging to students. he ongoing debate at UCT surrounding the admissions policy remains a concern for the SRC. he Chair of Academics, Insaaf Isaacs, reports that “many hundreds of students have gained access [to UCT] who would not otherwise have been admitted to the institution on the basis of their school leaving results…” without the SRC’s guidance.

Isaacs has also proposed a support system for students who “have unresolved issues and need to be given some support”. It is hoped that this project will be handed over to the university as a permanent project. he ine balance between administration and policy work and the visible leadership that the students require from the SRC remains a concern for its members, many of whom mentioned in reports to VARSITY that both aspects form an equally important part of their roles within the student council.

On the issue of visible student leadership, Isaacs said “students need to realize that despite being student leaders, we are also students as well. We need to be approachable and perceived as such.”

With this in mind the initiative “Comment. Compliment. Criticize.” hopes to make the SRC more approachable to students as a body, and act as a more cohesive unit which can voice the concerns of students over the universities policies.

Fine Art class representative at Hiddingh Campus Elinor Auberbach said, “When I met with the class representatives and the drama student representatives there was positive feedback”, saying that “this year’s SRC is getting far more involved than usual”.

A proposed Hiddingh Student Council is on the cards for this satellite campus; its students

“This year’s SRC is getting far more involved than usual” still feel that an improvement in communication with the SRC is necessary, says Auberbach.

Future plans for the SRC president, Amanda Ngwenya, include a focus on a restructuring of the day house system at UCT. While plans are put forward for this development, a member of the Day House Sub-council said that the

council had not seen or approved the proposal which was presented at the last student assembly and said “it was impractical given UCT’s space and the residence structure”. he SRC will introduce two new portfolios – Chair of Postgraduate Academics and Services and Labour – next year, ater amendments to the constitution were inalised this year. he SRC have a number of projects which they will be working on this semester for students to look forward to. he SRC as a body are not without their own issues, some of which VARSITY commented on throughout the year. Societies Coordinator Alex Spoor told VARSITY that the paper’s criticism of the SRC “ is in large part valid”. he failure of a functional South African Union of Students (SAUS) on student governance “is testimony to a severe lack of coherent leadership and organisation”, said Spoor.

Ngwenya has said that the SRC is working towards turning the SAUS into a functional structure.

UCT Debating team - SA’s best Alex Nagel

U

CT was one of the many universities that participated in the South African National Universities’ Debating Championships held at the University of Pretoria on 9 – 15 July 2011. Two of the ive teams sent made the quarter inals and defeated Tuks on their home-ground. Matthew ButlerAdam and Daniel Kaliski made UCT proud when they achieved the title of National Debating Champions.

UCT accomplished what ButlerAdam described as “the most prestigious award at the competition”.

Butler-Adam and Kaliski were the speakers who conquered the tournament’s inal. Butler-Adam won the Best Speaker Award, making him the best in the country, with Kaliski coming in second and Jessica Price placed fourth. he Best New Speaker Award was won by Tristan von Zhan, with the Best Adjudicator Award achieved by Mark Schoeman.

“Basically UCT dominated the whole

competition,” said Butler-Adam; “it really was a team effort and every member of our delegation should feel very proud.”

James Laird-Smith, a UCT adjudicator at the event, explains the makeup of the six-day competition.

“UCT sent ive teams of two with four adjudicators.” A total of 120 teams entered the competition, with 30 debates taking place until the top teams were narrowed down to the inal rounds. With eight teams in the quarter inals, UCT was able to

UCT debaters have won the Championship twice and now with a third title under their belt maintain four of the spaces. Two of UCT’s teams survived the rounds to the semi-inals which then sent a inal team to the last stage of the tournament; as Butler-Adam called it “the grand inal”. he debaters were up against

institutions from around South Africa such as the University of Stellenbosch, University of KwaZuluNatal, Rhodes University, University of Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria. Approximately 500 people were present at the event with about 400 speakers eager to win the title of ‘best in the country’.

In recent years, the UCT debaters have won the Championship twice, and now with a third title under their belt. he debaters are involved in the Internal League at UCT where events such as the Stellenbosch Derby Day take place. LairdSmith, who is also part of the UCT

Debating Society, explains how ater the Championship, the debaters will continue with the Internal League where the best teams will be speaking at the Internal League inal at the end of the second semester. he teams will return to the Debating Nationals next year and also appear in the Justice Edwin Cameron Invitation Tournament (JECIT), held at the University of Stellenbosch. UCT has created a powerful reputation for itself in the debating world, thanks to the speakers who have achieved both national and personal success.

news 3 Equal and opposite reactions, Oprah tells UFS gathering outside Callie Human Centre to get the best view of the talk show queen’s arrival. he ceremony commenced at 3:20pm and was led

by UFS Chancellor Khotso Mokhele. he Bloemfontein Children’s Choir, Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind, and legendary soul singer Sibongile Khumalo ensured the guests were entertained throughout the ceremony.

anyone is capable of overcoming challenging circumstances with perseverance and education.

TRIBUTE - Oprah received her honorary doctorate in education from the University of the Free State.

Image: : justcurious.co.za

Omogolo Taunyane

A

merican talk show host Oprah Winfrey received an honorary doctorate in education from the University of Free State on Friday 24 June in recognition of her

eforts to promote education globally.

Winfrey has given more than 60 000 children opportunities to attend school through the assistance of her Oprah Winfrey Angel Network.

Guests arrived for the ceremony as early as 11am for the event, scheduled to commence at 3pm,

Addressing UFS students, Winfrey focused on the youth’s contribution in being “pioneers for a new way of thinking in the new South Africa”. he address was followed by a 45minute question-and-answer session between Winfrey and the students.

Winfrey encouraged students to apply their knowledge and skills through activities that bring

Michelle Obama visit inspires learners

INSPIRATIONAL -Michelle Obama speaks to and encourages a group of high school students at UCT during her June visit.

Image: Monday Paper

Olivia Wainwright

O

n Thursday 21 June UCT opened its doors to 50 high school learners from historically disadvantaged areas around Cape Town for an address by visiting US First Lady Michelle Obama. he day consisted of presentations from the various faculties at UCT, a campus tour, Obama’s speech, and, inally, the chance to pose questions to the esteemed First Lady. he day aimed to show learners that no matter where they have come from, gaining a degree from a prestigious institution such as UCT is by no means impossible.

Athi Msutu, a mentor who assisted on the day, echoed this, saying: “Because we were there as

[the learners’] mentors, they were able to see that UCT students are just normal people from all sorts of backgrounds and circumstances, just like them.” he First Lady also spoke of her background: how she had dreamed about going to a top university, but neither she or anyone else believed that would ever become a reality, and how she came to attend Princeton University.

Although Obama only spoke to a small, select group of students, Msutu hopes that her message will go beyond the walls of UCT, and inspire other students around the country. “Mrs Obama’s words have the power to touch everyone who gets to hear or read them thanks to the media and multimedia. And that’s because of how universal her

message is,” she added. he First Lady showed an understanding of the struggles the learners face, and those they may face in the future. Msutu explained, “I got the feeling that she does understand how difficult things are for most South African students, even though she did not speciically talk about our educational challenges.”

joy, passion, and fulilment. She referred to her upbringing by her grandmother in rural Mississippi and her dismissal as an ABC News Anchor as examples that anyone is capable of overcoming challenging circumstances with perseverance and education.

Tears rolled down her face during her address as she said: “never in my dreams did I think I would be celebrated as a black woman in the Free State, just as I never thought I’d be alive to see President Barack Obama inaugurated as America’s irst black president.”

Highlighting the similarities between the American and South African liberation struggles, Winfrey went on to say that “we are more alike than we are diferent,” referring to racial discrimination in both countries.

She attributed her interest in visiting the university to learning about the reconciliatory processes implemented ater the controversial

and notorious video of the Reitz 4, and the racial scandal that ensued.

UFS Rector Professor Jonathan Jansen’s article “Sinking deeper into mediocrity”, which highlights the crisis the South African education system is in, also let a lasting impression on Winfrey.

Winfrey went on to say that the incident and atermath of the Reitz 4 was “nothing short of a miracle”, due to the forgiving spirit of the victims, whom she called “heroes and icons of forgiveness” as she invited them to the stage.

Some UFS students asked questions regarding education, poverty, and development. Winfrey concluded her interactive session by saying she has learned her greatest lessons from Newton’s third law of motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Dr. Winfrey already holds honorary degrees from Princeton University and Duke University, both in the United States.

Constitutional Camp an eye opener Omogolo Taunyane

T

he Constitutional Literacy Awareness Initiative, based in UCT’s Law Faculty, hosted a “Constitutional Camp” on Upper and Middle Campuses from 4–8 July.

Sixty learners from eleven high schools in the Western Cape participated in a week-long workshop, which served as an introduction to South African legal theory and structures.

Meetali Jain along with other senior law students from UCT facilitated the camp, which was the concluding event of months of law workshops held in various schools by the law students. he irst day introduced learners to Moot problems, basic legal writing, the focus groups they would engage in at a later stage and drating focus group constitutions. here were three focus groups: equality, education, language and expression.

Representatives from Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (RAPCAN) and Young in Prison (YIP) organisations engaged the students about the Sexual Ofences Amendment and Child Justice Act and how they relate to children’s rights. he learners’ legal knowledge was tested on the second day of the workshop. Senior law students led the learners in Constitutional workshops in which they were given case studies to assess and apply legal resolutions. he workshops aimed to give

learners an idea of what is required of a legal representative when forming legal arguments in support or opposition of a particular issue. he inal event of the day was a screening of Where Do I Stand?, a documentary examining youth responses to the 2008 xenophobic attacks. he learners had tours of the Cape Town High Court and Parliament with high-proile advocate Geof Budlender; a visit to Homestead, an organisation working with Cape Town’s homeless children and a UCT campus tour.

Learners received certiicates of participation on the inal day of the workshop in the Moot Room on Middle Campus. Six learners, two from each focus group, volunteered to present their Moot Court challenges to demonstrate the legal knowledge gained during the workshop.

Special guest speaker Mary Burton of Black Sash said, “he way [in which] members of civil society can use the law to protect their human rights is remarkable”.

During her address, Burton spoke about the work of Black Sash, which played a prominent role in the struggle for civil rights during apartheid.

Speaking ater the camp, Darryl, a participant, commented, “I had little knowledge of the Constitution ... this week has shown me what the law can do.”

Siphokazi, another participant, said, “I practiced all the theory I knew, which has given me more insight.”

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news

Walmart to hit SA shores Prosecuting public heads Lyndall Thwaits

Image: vview.co.za

Lyndall Thwaits

A

n appeal by three of the government departments to overturn the bid to have the Walmart Corporation turned down occurred in Parliament on the 21st of July. he proposed takeover by the USA giant Walmart on the current Massmart company is due to cost R16.5 billion if given the green light.

Plans to introduce the company have been met with mixed reviews.

While the corporation’s plans to reach South African shores remain a strong target, the proposal will face much criticism and appeal; however, business details behind the venture mean that refusing the takeover is not a simple task. Walmart has a 51% share hold in Massmart, which was inalized this year. While the deal seems to have already been put into motion, business analysts say that South Africa can put pressure on the retail giants to work through

conditions of its approach to the implementation.

Massmart is the third largest retailer in South Africa and is situated in 14 countries across the continent.

Walmart’s overseas control includes the household supermarket chain Asda which they bought in the UK. Among the departments opposed to the merger, the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) put forward an argument at the discussion surrounding the possible and probable loss of employment opportunities should the company take over.

SACCAWU told Parliament that while it supports foreign investment, opportunities such as this need to be responsible and not destructive. he concern of damage to local producers was brought to the table and the company agreed not to cut staf members in the irst two years, pledging R100 million to help local suppliers.

National police commissioner, General Bheki Cele, cancelled his media brieing for the second time this past Wednesday which was due to address the report recently released by Public Protector huli Madonsela.

Cele apologized for any inconvenience caused by the postponement and then cancellation of the event. Reasons for the sudden cancellation were not provided by the national police commissioner

Madonsela called Cele’s actions out of order and a breach of conduct Madonsela has questioned Cele’s involvement in two controversial building leases for the police. In her report ‘Against the Rules Too’. he leases involved property tycoon Roux Shabangu and the lease of the Transnet Building to the police which was set at a price three times the usual property rate.

Madonsela called Cele’s actions out of order and a breach of conduct. he story of Cele’s ‘maladministration’ was brought forward by Madonsela in February this year.

IN HOT WATER - National police comissioner Bheki Cele faces questions from Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

Image: wordpress.integrat.co.za

It is alleged that police tried to intimidate Madonsela by raiding her office for documents as well as releasing a pending investigation into counts of fraud in her department. he Star published an internal SAPS Document with allegations surrounding the public protector’s actions and Madonsela is adamant that the source who leaked the document needs to be investigated.

Madonsela met with Premier Hellen Zille, of the Democratic Alliance, last week hursday to discuss her actions in her position as Public Protector, highlighting the need for justice and accountability.

She was irm in saying that although her report raised many issues, following the report, actions would be taken before the matter was truly seen as inished.

opinions Editorial

Nyasha Kadandara

5

Trust and Believe

Nkosiyati Khumalo, Deputy Editor Do something

Editor-in-Chief

A

t our recent conference, guest speaker Natasha Joseph told a brilliant story of her experience as a student journalist at Rhodes, where she and her team were covering the situation in Zimbabwe. hreats to the Zim students on the team came pouring in – all before the story was ever published. Why would people in Zim care about the goings-on of a small newspaper at a small university, in a small town in the Eastern Cape?

Jaded blues

T

Blacks are thugs and lazy. hese stereotypes are entrenched in my generation’s psyche, but we aren’t colonialists or liberation ighters.

My biggest problem is that even though we know about conirmation bias, which is having a tendency to look for or interpret information in a way that conirms our preconceptions, we do and say stupid things. We pull unwarranted race cards and talk about glass ceilings, when the truth is you were not the best person for the job.

I’ll even admit, when I see white/ european beggars, all I think of is, how did you miss the gravy train? I forget that this person has their own story that is diferent. It turns us into such ugly people, who like to ignore discrimination because it was directed to the girl or guy behind you or make false accusations because “how dare they insinuate that about you, damn (insert demographic)!”

I honestly wonder about my future children. What will they be told at the sandpit? What will you and I tell them about the coloured neighbours we know nothing about?

I hear stereotypes all the time, and in the Varsity oice, we laugh at each others stereotypes. But wouldn’t it be nice if they had the privilege of being able to live unlabeled, and stand on their own merit not judged by preconceptions. Probably not, but it’s a nice thought.

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he first time I discovered I was “black”, I was in nursery school, and someone I considered to be my sandpit playmate suggested we should not play together because I was black. I so confused because I had never used my black wax crayon when asked to draw a picture of my family. I always used the brown crayon for my brother and I and orange for my mother since she was quite fair . When I asked my mother about these allegations, my biggest concern was now that I what does this title “black” mean? his was just the beginning of a series of life events that have suggested what kind of person I ought to be. I hate that the most important information on a form is your gender, nationality, and race.

What you know and who you are inside really does not matter.

Since that day at the sandpit, I have been let so jaded by all the labels that have been attached to me, which I have in turn attached to others. Given my common Shona name, it’s easy to spot I’m a Zimbo, and when asked for conirmation, I nod with apprehension. So what if I am, then what?

I guess it’s hard to see deep into people’s hearts when we could easily adhere to our preconceived notions.

Notions that go past the typical: Indians are stingy, Coloureds are drunks, White people are rich or

Because students can make more of a diference that they may ever realize. As you get back into the swing of things this semester, ask yourself: How am I changing the world? Maybe you carpool with friends to help save the environment. Maybe you volunteer in the disabilities centre. Maybe you join a protest with Equal Education.

Maybe you say “good morning” to a SuperCare employee. No matter if your deed is “big” or “small”: just do something.

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

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email your CV and a letter of motivation to hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEADLINES: 12 August 2011 (Senior Editorial), 26 August 2011 (General)

6 opinions Save the whales - kill a camel Speak Easy

Image: pollsb.com

Berndt Hannweg

A

ustralia’s controversial Carbon Tax is nearing implementation and some of the more wild proposals highlight mankind’s inability to admit wrong-doing.

One of the major sources of greenhouse gases is cattle and other livestock and it is estimated that 14% of these gasses originate from tomorrow’s rump steaks and Big Macs. But it’s not just cows.

All ruminants (animals with four stomachs) rely on bacteria to digest their food, producing methane.

Sheep, goats and, surprisingly, camels, all produce methane.

But one suggestion loating around the Australian Parliament showcases our desire to blame Global Warming on anybody other than ourselves.

Over 1.2 million camels romp through the Outback, devouring

vegetation and happily farting away. It has been proposed that, along with other measures such as taxes on mining corporations, the government begins granting Carbon Credits to hunters who kill camels, thereby saving the planet and all who dwell on her.

Ignoring the animal-rights issue, we must ask ourselves how much emissions we eradicate by whacking camels. And I can report that it is a whopping...1 ton a year. Per camel.

To put that into perspective, the average South African outputs 9.5 tons per year. he average American, 22.9. he average Australian is worth a hypocritical 25.9 camels ever year.

Because the truth is that, while they do contribute a portion of global emissions, that number is just so laughably small compared to what we ourselves manage to burn through in driving a Lamborghini or enjoying a Big Mac. he whole idea of Carbon Credits is, in itself, suspect. he idea that,

having planted a tree or organised a hit on a dromedary camel, you can now guiltlessly pollute the planet a little bit more because, hey, you’re carbon neutral. he problem is that we are already guiltlessly polluting our planet. We don’t need any further encouragement.

Furthermore, the whole science of Carbon Credits is only slightly less warped than that of global warming deniers.

Sure, planting a tree helps because it captures carbon as it grows, but for even one South African to ofset their footprint, you’d need to plant upwards of a hundred trees. Or, as a more appropriate measure, you’d have to shoot 10 camels.

It seems that this ludicrous proposal is going to be laughed out of Australia’s parliament, but the song remains the same. Rather than taxing factory emissions, or making it a legal requirement for people to recycle, or redirecting the billions spent on behalf of the oil industry on lobbying governments towards renewable energy, people would rather point the blame at anyone other than themselves.

If we can’t blame the camels, we can blame developing countries, whose basic infrastructures run on coal and oil. If not them, developed countries and their Hummers and burger chains. And if not them, blame the planet itself and say it’s just another warming/cooling cycle.

But whatever you do, don’t admit guilt, or else you may have to pay for it.

Tiffany Mugo

Deaf to the tone M

usic today is crap and shiesse. And music made

by African-Americans (and those who got lost at the airport and now think they’re American) is especially awful. No I will not “shake my ass like it’s on fire”, I will Before I throw all black music not come around you acting like I out the door let me state that there am dr-u-u-uuuunnkk and you will is still absolute gold out there. not get to me and this booty. And Being in Grahamstown and getting when you say bottoms up...what myself to a jazz performance made exactly are you referring to, the me realise that there is hope yet for Patron in the club our generation. or the girl drunk here were cats looking like a of that liquor? there that were Yes I am a homeless person and so infused with bitter old crone the git of music trying to locate my on the stoop that you felt if inner wordsmith. of the music you could get of yesteryear close enough you shaking my cane at the young could churn out a melody. whipper-snappers in their booty So absorbed in their playing shorts and skinny jeans. that when you heard them you felt Jay Z sums up today’s tunes you had stumbled onto a private when he says: “I dumb down moment. he only fear we have is for my audience and double my that similar to artists such as Nicki dollars.” So the question needs Minaj stumbling onto her sex to be posed – who is to blame for tape… which I have. current state of music? hose who Katt Williams says “make that sell it, or those who buy it? money boo boo”. Do what you have his notion hit me while I was to do and if at the end of the day sitting in a Nairobi cafe looking you get that cheque in the mail then like a homeless person and trying pay your rent, drive your trickedto locate my inner wordsmith. out car and live your life. Bills need he presence of my iPod on the to be paid and entourages will not table was probably the only thing sponge of themselves. Just don’t stopping me being escorted out forget those who came before you. of the café with a Ray Charles, curt “out out you Billy Holiday, damn hobo” and The only fear we have Michael Jackson probably the only is that similar to artists and Louis reason that the Armstrong. Or such as Nicki Minaj waitron (gender those who walk stumbling onto her neutral name for amongst you those who serve) like Simphiwe sex tape… actually gave me Dana, Adele, and my food. So as a collection of handiswa Mazwai started playing, talented young unknown artists the clouds parted and inspiration (shout out to Spha, handi and the filtered down. rest of the music school kids).

My people of colour, I am People who make music and talking to you. Between the auto not tracks, who make melodies and tune and the constant references to not mayhem. Artists as opposed to the amounts you earn, what have entertainers. And when you think we done? We used to own music, of them and can still sleep at night we invented the blues and hip hop – l’chaim to you. music that inluences the masses.

But as long as you’re spinning At least white people are still trying on rims what does the message with actual instruments and some matter right? Wrong. angst-ridden lyrics.

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opinions

7

The dark side of royal weddings Nick Corbett

B

enoni seems to be the place to be these days. We’re not talking about Charlize anymore.

Enter her equally blonde, equally green-eyed, possible neighbour Charlene Wittstock, the now princess of Monaco. While Charlize was preoccupied pushing employees into Sun International’s pools, the latter bagged herself Prince Albert of Monaco in a lavish royal ceremony that, somehow, no one managed to watch.

Now I’m no honours student in Royal Nonsense (partly because UCT hasn’t ofered it yet) but I am fascinated by what is lurking behind every regal do SABC3 has subjected us to this year. We’re all terribly captivated by anything royal. But every fairy-tale has its fair share of villains, adding something dark to an otherwise perfect ending.

Fairytale weddings need an evil-step mother, an ugly stepsister or something generally shadowy enough to spice the story up a bit. here’s no better example than, one of my personal top ten favourite sneaky wenches, the inefable Camilla Parker Bowles. Known especially for her hats, her smoking, and not her dentist, Camilla has spent the past 6 years grinning from ear to ear at

Image: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP

Prince Charles’ side.

Married in 2005, with a porcupine gently snoozing on her head, Camilla sealed the deal with the royals and took Diana’s place as the Duchess of Cornwall ater her tragic 1997 accident in Paris. Police investigators, conspiracy theorists and the “Mysterious French Murders” wing

of the British Secret Intelligence Services have spent years trying to unravel what has become quite a famous enigma of what happened to Princess Di that night.

Now I’ve always been a big fan of Cluedo. When I heard that Diana allegedly blamed Camilla for the breakdown of her marriage to Prince

Charles, I know my irst thought was “motive – check”. I’ve since written to the makers of the board game to please include pieces and cards to allow for “Camilla in Paris with the faulty Mercedes”. I eagerly await a positive response. Also, bear in mind that next time Camilla Parker Bowles ofers you tea and a suspiciously

R E E R A C YOUR RESEARCH EXECUTIVE VARSITY speaks to Chris Luther, a Research Executive from The Nielsen Company - Bachelor of Business Science Degree: Marketing What is your current position and what is the name of your organisation?

I am a Research Executive working at The Nielsen Company. We are one of the top marketing research companies in South Africa and the number one research company in the world.

How did you find your niche in your current area of work?

I have always enjoyed hearing different opinions of people. We are also extremely interested in finding out why they have the opinions which they have. Currently I do marketing research and I focus on qualitative research methods. These methods include focus groups and in-depth interviews. This allows us to have a discussion to respondents surrounding a certain topic and delve into their reasons for their opinions.

Which factors ignited your interest in this position/organisation?

I’ve known about my interest in people and this job allowed me to gain this information without receiving any restraining orders.

I knew from studying at UCT and learning about marketing research, that this field would suit me well. I get to learn about many different types of people from different income brackets and interests. The topics vary from cell phones, cars, heart medication, and television stations just to mention a few.

What other student or communitybased activities did you participate in during your studies?

I was a marketing research tutor for third year students.

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

Most of the day will either surround project management (organising focus groups, ensuring recruitment (of potential respondents) going well and organising finances. Other times I am either working on proposals for potential future studies or I am analysing information from groups which have already been conducted. Evenings are when groups occur so when we are “collecting data” my evenings will be spent at focus groups venue. What is exciting is that groups may occur in different parts of the country which allows me to travel.

What are the key skills that have contributed to your success thus far?

Time management is the number one skill which has contributed to any success which I have achieved. This also goes hand in hand with good team work. Marketing research can be an extremely stressful and highly tense job. A person needs to learn how to work with people in the most stressful conditions to deliver a successful project.

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

I worked at The Customer Equity Company which is also a marketing research firm based in Cape Town. I was contracted to work on a big annual study which tracks brand health for tobacco brands across 20 European countries.

The contract was for four months and was also a great experience. Other than that I worked as a tutor, tutoring marketing research for third year students.

In retrospect, what advice can you give to students?

Make sure that the job you choose is something which you enjoy, otherwise you will not last. I have seen some people who do not enjoy their job and everyday is like torture for them. Pick your job wisely and even in the difficult times, you will find some part that you can enjoy. Learn how to manage time and any job in business , particularly marketing, will require time very good time management.

in fo rm

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Career Talks All talks take place from 13h00 – 13h45.

CVs & Cover Letters 26 July LT1, Hoerikwaggo 3 August LT1, Hoerikwaggo ** Come and pick up a copy of our brand new CVs & COVER LETTERS book!

Preparing for Interviews 27 July LT1, Hoerikwaggo 5 August New Chem Eng Seminar Rm 8 August LT1, Hoerikwaggo Researching Careers: where to begin 28 July New Chem Eng Seminar Rm 10 August LT1, Hoerikwaggo **Download the second semester’s schedule of Career Talks on www.careers.uct.ac.za

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Company Showcase Mezzanine Level, Leslie Social Science

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green scone, it would do one best to politely decline.

Now most people are unaware that Prince Albert and Charlene slept apart on the night of their wedding. Allegedly, because Albert had an early meeting the next day and didn’t want to get stuck in traic.

We all know he must have snuck out for some funny business, or perhaps something far more sinister.

Perhaps Prince Albert felt the need to sacriice something cute and fuzzy to the moon, to say thanks for letting him bag such a hottie.

Could this be a bad omen for their otherwise happy marriage?

What happens when the omens were right and the magical marriage meets its end? hankfully, royal divorce isn’t the stress it used to be.

Prince William’s great-great uncle, King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, who at the time was still married to her second husband.

Today, divorce is accepted amongst the royals with no risk of being kicked out of the Queen’s and/or Helen Mirren’s last will and testament. Another problem is that of homosexual weddings within the monarchies of the world.

Although yet to arise, we’re keeping our eye on Prince Harry.

You know, just in case.

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ED UC AT IO N R HI GH ER CE NT RE FO

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Presentations 1 August United Nations 17h00 – 18h00 LS3A Please refer to the Careers Service Graduate Recruitment Handbook

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8

opinions

Arab Spring of Hope fades into Summer of Disenchantment Sajjad Karamsi It’s been six months since the “Twitterverse” was awash with mentions of an “Arab Spring” as revolutions raged across the Middle East, protesting against the autocratic rule of the likes of Messieurs Gaddai and Mubarak. he Arab people looded their streets trying to inally get back control of their countries.

Have these revolutions really been successful, or have the crowds been appeased by promises that are unlikely to be fulilled?

Nothing really appears to have changed. Look at post-Mubarak Egypt. he new military junta rules in the same iron-isted manner, gloved in false legitimacy. housands have been arrested and tried in military tribunals with no recourse to legal support. Smaller protests continue in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, as the Egyptian people keep on ighting for freedom. While elections have been planned, the current military rule is as despotic as the previous government, and serious changes have yet to be implemented. his relects what’s happening all across the Middle East. Over the border in Libya, the “Brother Leader” Gaddai still retains control of most of Libya, and human rights atrocities have multiplied. he French, once so eager to get rid of him through military means, are now seeking a truce and “talks”. Again, all’s not lost in Libya. If Gaddai falls, and a proper democratic government is installed, Libya can potentially rise to become a leading African state.

Across the Red Sea, in tiny Bahrain, the situation appears to be even worse. Ater military support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE completely crushed the revolutionary movement, the Bahraini government

UCT Cater-strophe Nicolas Katsapas

Image: levantium.com

went berserk rooting out all those who opposed it. Doctors were arrested and imprisoned for the crime of “treating an injured enemy” Mosques were sacked. No-one dares to speak up against the atrocities and even global media houses such as CNN and Al-Jazeera barely pay attention to what’s happening.

the current military rule is as despotic as the previous government As more revolutions are being crushed in Syria and Yemen, the question arises whether the revolutions are actually worth the torture, death and destitution they’re resulting in. Is it worth waking up in the morning knowing you have to ight the tanks of an oppressive regime to gain your freedom? For

the Arab people, who’ve been living under dictatorial rule, it is worth it. hey don’t just ight for themselves, but ight for their children and women. hey ight for the right to choose who leads them. hey ight for the right to regain control of the resources of their own lands, their oil, away from the elite few who live in opulent palaces. hey ight for the right to live. hese revolutions aren’t dead, but need a huge revival. heir true goal of ighting dictatorial governments and despotic policies cannot be forgotten. he rest of the world can’t just stand back and just observe what’s happening. hey need to take a stance against all wrongdoing. he Arab people must never bow down to oppression. hey can never yield to despondence and give up, because a failed revolution can only mean one thing: “Winter is Coming!”

Yet another semester has lown by with nothing to show of it but hopefully a few more credits toward a meagre qualiication. he start of the second semester brings newfound courage amongst freshers to claim tables in Cissie Gool and to risk carrying more than R50 on a Tin Roof adventure.

What it unfortunately does not bring, is a new caterer for the noble Upper, the rowdy Lower and the unimportant of-campus residences.

Although I owe a tribute to those of the Humanities student body who went out of their way to bestow their praise on me last semester, on this occasion I have chosen to protest against the injustices experienced by the entire UCT residential community.

Another semester of hearing atrocious tales of culinary torture which has reigned since our parents’ time. Another semester of sufering the most dreadful experiences have compelled me to dispel the ink from my pen. here’s only one company to blame and I think it’s about time we put them out of business.

Let’s irst clear the table here for those you who consider this an over-reaction. Because surely you cannot relate to pulling weaves of hair from your mouth ater a bite of spaghetti bol-a-dogfood. Or ater discovering so much oil in your pasta you were unsettled by fears of a NATO invasion.

Lets not forget the sweatshop portions. If Stalin wanted some efective methods of starvation he should have tried contracting them. I mean the closest one comes

to a second helping of chicken is a pigeon in the dinning hall. In fact our caterers actually bear a large resemblance to the USSR. Your complaints go unheard, you’re swamped with rats, roaches and lies and you stand in queues for hours only to ind that they’ve run out of food (food that you later see them eating). And if it’s not food they’ve run out of it’s glasses, cutlery, condiments, serviettes, bread, dessert, you name it. Fedics is faster than Usain Bolt; they run out of everything, 9 seconds lat.

Perhaps I’m being slightly unfair. Perhaps the extremely small portions are part of an undercover diet plan to help some of us on the heavier side shed some unnecessary mass. And the food poisoning incident around exam time was a sly move giving opportunity to MED those subjects where passing was an uncertainty.

Enough complaining. It’s times like these that call for solutions.

It only makes sense that the most efective solution would be immediate implementation of the long awaited swipe system. Where the student has the power of choice.

Where the delivery of a suitable meal is essential for proit. his will save us money and promote just-intime production so that serving us becomes easier and more efficient, with the less wastage.

It’s a new semester and a new semester calls for reform, for change, for protest. Its time we start throwing whatever it is they serve us, back at them. Neither your VC nor you student body representatives have listened. It’s time we strike. Its time we boycott.

It’s time we draw the line. he Fedics monopoly on the catering situation at UCT needs to end.

Hacking scandal Kevin Minofu

E

veryone loves the investigative reporter. hey ight red-tape, faint clues and reluctant editors to pick up the major “scoop”. Everyone hates ethics. hey are cumbersome, boring and frustrating, but we deem them necessary to preserve a thin semblance of order in society. But above and beyond everyone loves a good ol’ scandal.

Nothing whets our appetites more than the fall of a giant, and inding out the sordid details behind that collapse (sorry Tiger). he recent revelation of the phone hacking scandal, that has gripped British society and caught Sky News hitting the “loop” button on their news bulletin, is an example of the perilous mix of investigative reporting, ethics and scandal. he “recent” revelation of the phone hacking together with police bribe scandal perpetuated by the tabloid, the News of the World, could fool someone into thinking that this is at all recent. he allegations that have been made against the News of the World have been levelled at them for the last ten years. hey have

single-handedly raised the children of various lawyers by the amount of legal fees they have settled over the period. hey have even been arrests; their former Royal Editor was imprisoned for hacking into Prince William’s phone back in 2007.

So why has this all blown up almost suddenly? Perhaps the fact is

as the public we place a lesser ethical burden on what newspapers do to celebrities as the public we place a lesser ethical burden on what newspapers do to celebrities. Everyone loves to hear of a politician caught up in an S&M orgy with Nazi overtones or a drunken celebrity spewing their hatred for Jews, black people and homosexuals or a “love-rat” footballer caught on tape with one of their mistresses.

But when it emerged that they may have hacked into the phone of a missing schoolgirl, who in fact had been murdered by a vicious paedophile and then proceeded to delete the messages on her phone to free up the mailbox, the tone changed

dramatically. he ethical standard is suddenly raised and the hope of a scandal takes a violent U-turn and ironically engulfed the scandalhunting tabloid. Further accusations of the hacking of London bombing victims and returning soldiers, has further fuelled the ires around the Media Empire. But everyone knows that the scandal goes beyond the Murdoch media empire but to journalists around the world.

In the 24/7 world of our 21st Century internet-driven society the need for news to come thick and fast is plain to see. We want our news quick but more importantly it must grab our interest. Journalists must go to the ends of the Earth to ind a story and cross various supposedly ethical lines (alas, I got as far as my computer). With that attitude undoubtedly a story would be found but the costs are that people can’t live in a world where they worry what they say over the phone or whether they can’t trust the police because they are being paid by some journalist.

In both the UK and South Africa diferent measures are being taken to rein in the media. What is needed is not lengthy Parliament Acts but

Image: rwpike.blogspot.com

the media to take a long hard look at itself and evaluate what it believes it can and cannot do. Only then

could there be a balance between the investigative reporting, ethics and our love of scandal.

opinions

The inal frontier e c i ot

n r he

l i t n

t r fu

u d se

clo

Image: flickr.com

Berndt Hannweg

W

hen Mankind first walked on the moon thirty years ago, it was the culmination of decades of scientiic experimentation, millions (if not billions) of dollars, and not least of all, dozens of lives on both sides of the Berlin Wall. But, most importantly, it was the most important step any civilization in the universe could have taken.

In the long run, say, a hundred billion years, a single planet is a very short-term investment. On that timescale, even whole stars like our buddy Sol are an ify prospect. So Apollo 11’s historic mission, rooted in political one-upmanship as it was, represented the second step in mankind’s quest for immortality.

Now, thirty or so years later, the American government is discontinuing its space shuttle program, facing mounting costs and domestic debt issues. he onus of

human space travel now passes to the Russians, and hopefully onto a new generation of private companies who look set to expand space travel to sectors long-dreamed of by scienceiction writers and advertising executives everywhere. Not merely satellites, or the top 1% of the richest on Earth, but whole swathes of human beings now blasting into the cosmos. At least, hopefully.

If Mankind truly wishes to be immortal, we need to look beyond this fragile planet of ours Space travel has always been a notoriously expensive and timeconsuming afair. he United States, looking as it is ready to slide into a second economic downturn, can scarcely aford to spend billions maintaining the politically expedient International Space Station. As

such, space travel has always had its opponents, who question whether it is worth the amount of money we pour into it.

Putting aside the wide-range of uses us we have for satellites nowadays, nowad the problems of space travel itself have had a number of beneicial beneic innovations. New plastics, conductors conduc and ceramics such as scratch-resistant scratch lenses, memoryfoam, cordless c tools and even insoles for shoes sho all had their birth in the laboratories laborat of scientists endlessly battling battlin against the twin problems of weight weig limitations and hardiness that space sp travel presents.

Even Eve then, the end justiies the means. means If Mankind truly wishes to be immortal, immor we need to look beyond this fr fragile planet of ours, beyond even this th solar system, and turn our eyes to the stars. Literally. And to do this, w we need to conquer space.

When Wh George Bush Senior proposed sending astronauts to Mars, the technology capable of doing so didn’t exist. It still doesn’t. Ironically, the problem is not adapting to the planet once we get there, or even the distance, but keeping the explorers alive and protected from the deadly solar radiation. And we’ve yet to achieve a practical way of doing so.

But we will one day achieve it.

So it is indeed sad to see the last of these shuttles, so ingrained in the human psyche, go the way of the V-5s and Gemini’s, but they leave the way clear for new and exciting strides, particularly coming out of the private sector and out of developing nations. Ater all, look at how technologically advanced the world has become since companies like Sony, Apple and Microsot came about.

Look to the stars, because someday, probably in our greatgrandchildren’s years, there’ll be humans looking back.

The future of Global Media Ehrard Vermaak

I

n case you have been living under a rock, or cut of from the internet/ BlackBerry/iPhone you might have missed the latest media craze. If you did your Twitterlicious, YouTubular Face(book) is in for a bit of shocking change. Google+ will deinitely make head’s roll. Or that’s what people are saying anyway…

Remember like a million years ago, when everyone had an oh-so trendy MySpace page? Any Tom, Dick or Sally could ind a place to vent and seek their iteen minutes of online fame. his little seedpod started to sprout into the forest that is social networking with sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube and Vimeo to name just a few sharing sites. So why would Google+ be so signiicant then? he basis really lies in the fact that Google+ takes all, or many of these features, and rolls them into in to one pretty package. his “leap” has basically let the two largest social sites with a bit of a predicament. Google+ works like Facebook, and even has the classic layout. Unlike Facebook though, it has the impressive “circles” feature that allows you most importantly to avoid your granny commenting

on what you did last weekend by separating friends into groups.

Secondly this makes the users feel like they have control over their privacy once more.

Bottom line is Facebook and Twitter’s monopoly is running thin As far as Twitter is concerned, Google+ also allows you to add people to your circle, or follow them, without having them follow, or friend, you back. Stalkers rejoice!

Bottom line is Facebook and Twitter’s monopoly is running thin. If I were Mark Zuckerberg, I would take a hint from Tom Anderson. Tom who?

Tom Anderson is the founder,

or co-founder, of MySpace. He and his partner sold the company for a whopping $530 million back in 2005 when Facebook was starting to climb the social networking ladder. he buyer, Newscorp, sold it for a pitiful $35 million earlier this year. Eish!

Inventing an improved social site is all ine, but the greatest drawback for me is having to redesign proile ater proile. Although I know there are apps out there that seamlessly merge the three “big” networks, you are still let at some level, with three proiles. I am also not too excited about leaving my precious memories behind in the form of painstakingly uploaded photos and carefully pondered status updates if Facebook does becomes a virtual graveyard.

Whether Google+ overtakes Facebook is up to posterity to decide, but I think it is a logical step.

A formidable armada of Google products including Gmail, Picasa, Calendar, Docs, Maps, Search, News, Youtube, Chrome Web Browser, Blogger, Translation, Android, and more stands at the ready to assist and join Google+ in the battle for the future of social networking.

Over a billion people use these, so Google+ as a combination of Google products, is just the next logical step and possibly the future of the way we consume media.

9 The students who fell off the cliff

Kishan Chokkappan If you are reading this article I congratulate you on making past the UCT irst semester 2011. For irst year students, making it past the irst semester is most signiicant because the irst years take up most of the space on campus. his leads to heavy congestion on campus and Jammie shuttles and therefore the biggest student loss occurs with the irst years. his is not the true reason of large decrease in the number of irst year students but it is a reason that makes reasonable sagacity.

Imagine getting a degree is like climbing a mountain and reaching the peak is you achieving your degree. Many students who start at the foot of the mountain (irst years) are given the shock of their lives and there are many who aren’t able to climb over the irst semester rock and so there is a loss of students.

Some students discover that they don’t want to climb the mountain because it involves too much work and decide to leave. his again, leads to a loss of students. hen we have the students who really work hard and plan everything with the greatest of care but always seem to come to a dead end no matter how hard they try, which again results in a loss of students. As we ascend the mountain there are some students who discover that they don’t want to climb this commerce mountain and choose to climb engineering mountain instead.

Image: flickr.com

An important point to note is that as we ascend the mountain, the less amount of space that will be available and so the senior students battle each other mentally to gain the precious spot to continue to climb the mountain while the students who lose the mental battle are forced to wait a bit longer.

Blood, sweat and tears are the some of the symptoms that a student can encounter when climbing this mountain.

UCT loses students because of many reasons but students who return to the second semester exchange expressions of acknowledgement and respect, knowing that they have one semester less to acquiring their degree. I’m sure that many irst year students have been humbled by the irst semester and have come to the realisation that UCT is not just a place where you can go to have fun; academics just happens to be an important aspect of the university life.

In the end though, everyone has a right to a tertiary education but that right does not necessarily mean that you automatically get the degree that you are aspiring for. Acquiring the degree that you desire is completely up to you as an individual. he students who fell of the clif will not be making a return in this second semester. However, for the students who have survived the irst semester and begin the second semester, remember, “Even at irst you do succeed, you still have to work hard to stay there” (Richard C Miller).

Have your own opinion? Need to respond? Let your voice be heard.

Send your emails to: opinions@ varsitynewspaper.co.za

We won’t give up!

N Still missing N PLEASE help us

Big Reward offered. No Qs asked.

Steele, our 5 yr old neutered boy, is a much loved pet & we are desperate to get him home. His disappearance has left a gaping hole in our & our other dogs’ lives. If you see a similar looking stray dog pls call us, or take him to a vet for a free ID scan (he is very friendly). Steele could even be with a temporary home, so if you see him with ‘an owner’ pls look twice & ask, this person may be caretaking him.

If seen or found Pls call Di or Gavin: 083-777-8058 or 083-787-9224

Sunset at Blouberg Beach

Image: Remy Ngamije

Cape Town Aquarium

Image: Jazz Christie

IImage: Im maag ge e:: JJazz azz C az azz Ch Christie hri rissttie rist tie ie

Scenes from a

Pringle Bay

Image: Jazz Christie

Image: michael.currin.co.za

Cruising in Long Street

Images: capetownhotspot.com

Images: michael.currin.co.za Mexican Kitchen Ferris Wheel at the Waterfront

Cape Town Architecture

Images: Remy Ngamije

Images: capetownhotspot.com

Cape Town Holiday Images: michael.currin.co.za

City view from Signal Hill

Images: flickr.com

Image: Remy Ngamije

12

features Cape Town Fashion Week by

Nyaha Kadandara Leigh Schubert – One thing I wish designers would learn is that making clothes in one or two colours does not constitute a collection, especially if you pick earthy colours. However for the more conservative fashionistas, her soft sensual patterns will be right up your street.

Tart – Tart embodied the heart of Cape Town.

The mixture of textures, plunging back lines, and figure-hugging cuts are great everyday look for our cosmopolitan city.

Gavin Rajah – Magnificent! Rajah exhibited his Spring/Summer 2012/2013 collection. That’s right, he is so confident in his work that we will still be rocking it two years from now. It was a full wardrobe, from beach wear to wedding couture. His collection was full of contrasting textures, patent leather jackets against chiffon gowns, pebble shaped beading against silk - a good blend of fashion’s best tricks. If you never imagined it, then he designed it.

Danielle Margaux – This was my favourite underdog of CTFW. Many of her pieces have stunning back lines, almost as if one is expected to walk backwards everyone you go to get the ah!-effect.

Michelle Ludek – A vast amount of rouging was involved, for some reason the colours reminded me of Knysna and were reminiscent of a healthy South African outback theme.

Undacova – This

Stefania Morland – In comparison to last year’s CTFW, it was a bit underwhelming. A Midsummer Night’s Dream came to mind, with a show stopper as seen above. It was an enchanting collection, based around our natural elements, soft textures and lots of twigs.

is just proof that what lies beneath is a very important investment.

Practical and sexy - all you need under the covers!

Fabiani – One of the highlights of the show and CTFW was the Madiba model, in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

This season Fabiani sported bold patterned shirts, from tartan to floral print. His collection was jazzed up with subtle contrast such as yellow scarfs, turquoise socks and scarlet shoelaces. It was a hit for the few men that are brave enough to attend CTFW.

Images: Simon Dener afiphotos.com Images: afisa.com

features

CURRENT AFFAIRS

13

South Sudan takes its irst baby steps to freedom Rob Attwell

S

outh Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has taken its irst baby-steps down the road of selfsuiciency. he young state made a landmark oil sale to Chinaoil, the Chinese parastatal. his sale marks South Sudan’s entry into the global market, at the tender age of 10 days.

According to Reuters, the oil shipment departed from Juba earlier this week. It amounted to 1 million barrels, worth about US$ 110 million.

Oil is the crucial ingredient for the economies of both North and South Sudan. Sudan exports most of its oil to Asia. China buys more than half of it. he Chinese government was concerned that the partition of Sudan would disrupt the low of oil into their ever-growing economy. In late June, Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir met with Chinese president Hu Jintao to discuss issues raised by the partition.

Hong Lei, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said, “During President al-Bashir’s visit to China, both sides will discuss how to consolidate the traditional friendship between their two countries under new circumstances.” He went on to inform the Xinhua news agency that “the north-south peace process and the Darfur issue” would also be discussed. he UN criticized China for not arresting al-Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes. Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “here is a duty and a responsibility on the part of every government including

ONE DAY AT A TIME - The world waits with baited breath to see how long South Sudan’s independence will last.

Image: policymic.com China to assist the court in bringing to justice individuals who have been indicted by the court. It’s disappointing when states do not deliver on this responsibility.”

China and Sudan have been trading partners for a long time and relations between Beijing and Khartoum have always been amicable. Al-Bashir assured the Xinhua news agency, China’s stateowned press, that relations would

The young nation is teething and the future remains uncertain. remain friendly despite China’s oily courtship of North Sudan’s younger sibling. he position of the Chinese government on al-Bashir’s indictment

is that it will further destabilize the already complicated relationship between North and South. he birth of South Sudan as an independent state is the end product of the peace process which began in Nairobi in 2005. his peace agreement oicially put an end to several decades of civil war, which claimed the lives of about 2 million people, and made South Sudan a semi-autonomous region.

he civil war was linked to a broader regional conlict, with the governments of various nations arming rebel groups in others. For example, the SPLA received support from Uganda. Meanwhile, Khartoum helped arm the Lord’s Resistance Army and in return the LRA’s crazy leader Joseph Kony would authorize attacks on SPLA bases from time to time. Kony’s other hobbies included the kidnapping and mutilation of children and making claims to divinity.

Unfortunately, independence for the South does not necessarily mean an end to the conlict. Both Sudanese siblings have claimed the oil-rich region around the town of Abyei. his territorial dispute prompted the North Sudanese army to occupy the contested ground in May. Political toys were thrown out of al-Bashir’s proverbial cot. He said that if the South continued to claim Abyei then war between North and South would resume.

Ethiopian peacekeepers have now replaced the North Sudanese troops.

In addition to territorial disputes, the UN has documented atrocities taking place in South Kordofan, an area bordering South Sudan. he atrocities have been committed by both the Sudanese army and local militias.

Despite its independence, South Sudan remains dominated by its older sibling and has yet to make its mark in international politics. Domestic politics are dominated by the SPLA, which at its core is a military movement. Just how beneicial this will be for the development of a democratic South Sudan has yet to be seen. he young nation is teething and the future remains uncertain.

Unethical tabloids hack away at Murdoch’s empire Stephanie Venter

J

ournalistic ethics line wastepaper baskets alongside the last edition of Britain’s News of the World tabloid as the newspaper’s phone hacking scandal leaves a path of destruction worldwide.

Parent company News Corporation took the decision to close the paper ater it was revealed that News of the World made widespread use of private detectives to hack into the voicemails of everyone from celebrities to murder victims. With the 200-strong staff of the newspaper collective unemployed, past editors continue denying prior knowledge of voicemail hacking while apologising for their staff ’s use of the practice.

Yet, that no one knew this was happening begs a question that no-one in News Corporation has thought to answer: what were past editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson doing, if not supervising their newsrooms?

How it started he scandal irst broke in 2006 when a private investigator and a News of the World royal reporter were convicted of hacking into Prince William’s voicemail. Despite insisting that he knew nothing of

the practice, then-editor Coulson resigned in the fallout from the scandal.

Allegations of phone hacking reemerged in 2010 when an article in the Guardian claimed that not only was it a more widespread practice at News of the World than had been admitted, but ex-editor Coulson knew about and encouraged it. he article quoted Sean Hoare, a former journalist for News of the World, to conirm this. Hoare has since been found dead in his apartment, though police have stated that his death is unlikely to be suspicious.

Reaching the tipping point he situation reached a climax in July this year when allegations emerged that News of the World had hacked into missing schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s voicemail and deleted messages shortly ater her disappearance in 2002. he timing of the alleged hacking fell under the lame-haired Brooks’ editorship and she has since become the woman most-associated with the scandal.

Calls for Brooks’ resignation – she had since become chief executive of News International – were rife at the height of the scandal, but her offer to resign was rejected by Murdoch.

As the scandal grew and public

opinion soured however, News International eventually accepted Brooks’ resignation.

A sorry state of afairs indeed As the list of alleged victims grows and Rupert Murdoch’s fullpage apologies in competitor newspapers continue to appear, the state of journalism in the twentyirst century cannot help but be examined.

A recent article entitled “Inside Rebekah Brooks’ News of the World” describes the cutthroat atmosphere in the paper’s newsroom and describes Brooks as having come into the editorial position with a mandate to focus more on entertainment and celebrity news. he article also inadvertently touches on a number of issues plaguing the industry today. With social media booming and people turning more and more to platforms such as Twitter for their news, the space for printed news is shrinking.

Was it this desperation that led reporters at News of the World to abandon any sense of morality in their pursuit of something that would sell?

Were Brooks and Coulson too busy examining sales igures to verify the sources in their newspaper’s articles?

Or, like Hoare claims, did they actively encourage such a practice

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE - Is a simple apology enough to save an empire?

Image: veronicahamlett.com

in the hopes of ultimately boosting these sales igures?

Parent company News Corp. has long since been criticised for having a stranglehold on news internationally and the scandal has brought their monopoly into the spotlight. It remains to be seen whether the forcible public backlash that caused Rupert Murdoch to abandon his bid for majority shares in British

broadcaster BSkyB will last, but if it does, a diversity of news sources surely cannot be a bad thing.

As the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) looks into allegations that News of the World hacked into September 11 victims’ voicemails, it seems the scandal – and the issues it raises – extends farther than the shores of the UK.

14

features

REVIEWS

Album Review: Beyoncé - The Year of 4!

Film Review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part II Stephanie Venter 

Nyasha Kadandara 

T

he first time I heard “Run the World (Girls)” I shrieked!

Many parts of me were embarrassed and mortiied. I kept asking myself, “What’s with all the drumming?” I thought we had let feminist rallies in the twentieth century? When the video was released, I started to feel a little bit better.

Beyoncé Knowles is my favourite female modern day artist (ater Aaliyah that is), but ater I am…

Sasha Fierce, her third album, she owed me big time! I like to think of her last album as an experiment and the results better let as inconclusive.

he album, entitled, 4, was released in June. Since then, my neighbours, friends, the Pick ‘n Pay shoppers and my classmates have seriously been questioning my sanity; I’ve been belting her lyrics so much, I oten go to bed with a sore throat. his is a real RnB album, and I think her best work and if you enjoyed her irst two albums, then tune in to 4.

If you liked “Irreplaceable”, then irst track to listen to is “Best hing I Never Had” (wonder how Drake felt about this?). Bouncy (my pet nickname for the madam) prides herself in giving a voice to those who don’t, so when she sings “Start Over”, this does not mean her marriage is headed for the rocks, she’s just giving you the power to take control of a failing relationship. Queen B

doesn’t fail to deliver her ooooooh and yeaaaah note-illed ballads, and when you feel like doing it diva style play “I Care”, “1+1”, ‘I Miss You” and “Rather Die Young”.

My favourite aspect of the album is that it makes you happy, not angry or depressed. Tracks such as “Countdown”, “Love on Top” and “End of Time” are great for embracing romance. For the irst time, Bouncy dabbled in some reggae beat – and that will have you swinging your hips and singing to your man.

A good album is one you can play from beginning to end without skipping a track. It should be luid and take you to diferent places in your life, but remain whole. Bottom line – it’s her best yet, and your days will be better with 4 in background!

Four out of ive is a high rating for a big-budget, popular ilm that is loaded with special efects and has grossed highly at the box office.

Yet, I stand by my rating and here’s why: As a inal battle with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) looms, Harry (Daniel Radclife), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermoine (Emma Watson) are still chasing the Horcruxes they were searching for in the previous ilm. With only a vague idea as to what these may be, the trio encounter unimaginable dangers as they attempt to complete the task the late Albus Dumbledore let to Harry. he eighth and inal Harry Potter ilm is epic, in the true sense of the word. he sets are on a large scale, the cast is highly-rated and the special efects are fantastical. It is clear that screenwriter Steve Kloves

and director David Yates have worked hard to translate the sense of calamity and impending doom that characterises the inal book for the ilm. his is sure to please fans.

Radclife, Grint, and Watson are comfortable in their roles, though as usual Grint shines the brightest.

Alan Rickman has always been brilliant as the malevolent Professor Snape, but taking a more central role in this ilm, Rickman truly embodies the enigmatic character who steals the show in the inal instalment. he ilm is not a standalone feature and relies on the audience having watched past ilms and having read the books. he intricacies of the storyline may be lost on those who haven’t read J. K. Rowling’s original novel, and this is a potential weakness. However it is clear that the ilm was not intended to recruit more Harry Potter fans; it was developed with the current fan base in mind, which seems appropriate for the inal instalment of a series.

Bookmark

by Calvin Scholtz

‘Zoo City’ by Lauren Beukes

‘Sum: Forty Tales of the Afterlife’ by David Eagleman

Zinzi December is a young

woman who lives in a very different Johannesburg to the one we know: one where criminals can be identified by the animal companions they are forced to carry around with them. Through their connection with their animals, they also gain a mashavi, or a magical power: Zinzi’s is finding lost things, but when she is hired to find a missing girl, she uncovers more than her employers wish her to.

This is a gritty South African crime novel with a sciencefiction twist.

This is a collection of forty short stories, each one ofering us a diferent view of what might, or might not, await us ater death. he author, David Eagleman, is a neuroscientist by trade and it shows in his intimate knowledge of the processes of the human mind and body. he stories are all very short, but are so profound that they demand a slow reading in order to fully appreciate their genius. Be swept away by a series of aterlives where there is only a heaven, only a hell, or neither.

features

TRAVEL

15

Israel – far more than a warzone Alex Karp

A

PEACEKEEPING: Israel’s sights and sounds of extend farther than bombs and shelters and transcend into lush garderns.

Images: flickr.com

“schnaaied” this is not the case; Israel is just expensive. We are talking an average of R66 per shot of tequila and an average of R60 per beer. It makes you want to walk home to the Shack or Tin Roof for specials – make like Moses and part the Red Sea. here are, however, many positive things about Israel as well. Safety in Israel is not nearly as big an issue as it is in South Africa. I, a 20-year -old female, was able to walk home in Israel at 5am whilst disregarding the eyes on the back of my head. A pouch with some of my cash spilled out of my handbag onto the street where I was living and was still there two days later.

What is it that makes this country – a region wracked by conlict for years – so safe? Perhaps it is the culture of loyalty and respect. he Israeli army is mandatory for all

Despite the tension, citizens go about their daily errands in peace. citizens upon reaching the age of 18. Being an immigrant who graced upon South African shores in 1998, I am still bound by the mandatory regulation of the Israeli Defence

Force, where I am at some stage or another, meant to serve the Israeli Army for a minimum of 2 years.

I guess no-one is ever really prepared to see an 18-year-old, born and bred into donning a full khaki army kit, accompanied by shady aviators and an M16 strapped to their youthful back, casually paying a visit to their local convenience store. But that is the nature of desensitization.

Israel is a sophisticated society, where most towns have not snifed bombings and terrorist attacks since 2006. Where South Africa struggles daily with their rapes, muggings and hijackings, Israel manages to maintain their prime security.

he nightlife brags bright lights and deep beats, while the community accommodates strangers with open arms. “Chevre” a local term, commonly assuming the meaning of “my people/friends”, is frequently used, annihilating the regular stereotype of Israeli’s as “stingy”. It is by far the most welcoming of nations that I have come across, embracing the new and not forgetting the old.

Besides, who can go wrong with a sexy tan and a saucy accent in a 34°C heat?

DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN VANS000453/E

fter 13 years, I am homeward bound. Destination: Israel – a country for which I thought my love was destroyed by other people’s hate. Crude stereotypes and images of conlict perpetuated by the mainstream media were crushed on my two weeks of transixed travel in my hometown of Haifa.

Situated in the North, bordering Lebanon, Haifa lies on one of the most beautiful coastlines – the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Averaging 28°C, the Mediterranean was overcrowded with unwelcoming jellyish and as a surfer, I was overwhelmed by the unfortunate and uneventful beach break. he majority of the country is populated by the Israeli Jews, Arabs and Russians. he idea of constant conlict amongst the diferent nationalities, while very real, is not as apparent on the ground as many have assumed.

No doubt there will always be tension, but for the most part, citizens go about their daily errands in peace. he lifestyles and living conditions are that of a developed country. his fact is very hard to miss – all you need to do is order a beer at from the nearest pub to ind this out. While it may seem that you are being

Get organised.

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16

features

Varsity National Newspaper Conference Stephanie Venter FRIDAY, 8 JULY 2011

V

ARSITY’S first annual National Newspaper Conference began with an air of excitement.

Ater months of detailed planning, the irst delegates arrived wide-eyed at Smuts Hall without incidence.

Remarking on the historicism of the residence, representatives from the University of Pretoria’s Perdeby seemed excited to be in Cape Town and quickly settled into their rooms for the weekend. Arriving just before the opening dinner – held in Fuller Hall’s Upper Common Room – the University of Johannesburg’s UJ Observer delegates quickly readied

SATURDAY, 9 JULY 2011

A

N EARLY start to the day was a shock to the system for many

themselves for a weekend at UCT with a brief tour of the campus.

Dinner proved to be exciting for delegates – which included UCT’s Cape Town Globalist and VARSITY staf writers – as guest speaker and news editor for the Cape Argus, Natasha Joseph, shared stories of her newsroom that were all-toofamiliar to the newsroom-inhabiting students. Stories of discussions about commas, and ights between editorial and design over the length of headlines drew laughter from the audience as Joseph’s skill with crowds worked its magic on the room. he entertaining and thoughtprovoking evening proved to be the perfect start to the irst conference on student journalism in South Africa.

of the student representatives at VARSITY’s irst annual National Newspaper Conference.

With breakfast served at 8am and the

PRINT DEMISE - Media24’s Johan van Tonder delves into the future of print media, encouraging that we embrace the digital age!

SALUTE - Invited guests and delegates relished the feast layed before them like newspaper royalty.

irst workshop at 8:30am, delegates ambled out of bed bleary-eyed, and made their way to the Smuts dining hall for a hearty meal. he irst workshop of the day – photography, hosted by wellknown Independent Newspapers photographer Matthew Jordaan – gave the audience of largely wordbased journalists an understanding of the complexities of photojournalism.

Showing a collection of his own photographs, Jordaan kept the audience’s attention, despite the early hour, with photographs that were – quite literally in some cases – awardwinning.

A talk by Brian Currin on social media and its role in newspapers provided the staf of the various student newspapers with guidance on bettering their social media presence to strengthen the recognition of their various papers. An expert webmarketer, Currin talked his audience

through the intricacies of social media, providing a sound knowledge base that undoubtedly inspired the audience.

Up next was a tour of Paarl Cape Media, a printing plant responsible for the majority of “glossy” print in the country. he plant – which is normally closed to the public – was made available for delegates of the conference to tour as a means of providing insight into the step between the digital creation of a publication and the inal version hard copy that is widely distributed. he tour was insightful and entertaining, and, as one delegate commented delightfully, reminiscent of an episode of How It’s Made.

Further demonstrating her love of student journalism, Natasha Joseph made another appearance at a panel discussion on the balance between the media’s role as a watchdog and its obligation to advertisers. Along with

Dr Musawenkosi Ndlovu of UCT’s Centre for Film and Media Studies, Joseph provided practical insight into the news-making process and gave advice to the delegates on managing many tricky situations that commonly arise. Dr Ndlovu’s views on the mainstream newspapers as catering for an elite market let an impression on the audience, some of whom discussed the topic at dinner that night.

James Archibald’s hope for a student newswire gained traction in the inal seminar of the day, as he presented the audience with a basic version of a news-sharing network he had created speciically for student newspapers. Archibald asked the audience for suggestions and criticisms of his ive-year, parttime project, in the hopes of tailoring the project to suit the contributing newspapers.

Images: michaelcurrin.co.za

SUNDAY, 10 JULY 2011

T

HE THIRD and inal day of VARSITY’s irst annual National Newspaper Conference began with workshops on newspaper design and copyediting presented by VARSITY alumnus Bianca Packham and current deputy editor Nkosiyati Khumalo respectively.

Packham drew on her freelance career in the media as she examined VARSITY

and Perdeby from a design perspective, giving each newspaper advice on bettering their design, while still keeping their essence intact.

Khumalo’s copyediting workshop proved popular, with many attendees commending the humour and entertainment he brought to the workshop. he future of print media is a bleak one, the following guest speaker Johan van Tonder from Media24,

JAMMING - Jasper Dick and Robert Scott entertain at the Cocktail party.

told delegates as he presented an argument for a fundamental change in the concept of news reporting.

Displaying alarming statistics on the falling sales of newspapers in South Africa, van Tonder admitted that he did not have an alternative to the current media model; solutions would be realised by this generation’s children, as they have grown up with social media. he Right2Know campaign’s Murray Hunter – also a VARSITY alumnus – spoke about the Protection of Information Bill (PoI) and media freedom in South Africa, while mentioning his experience as an editor of VARSITY during his student years.

Encouraging the audience to re-examine power relations in society, Hunter also explained that the PoI Bill was not a direct attack on media freedom, but could instead curb many civil freedoms too. Access to information for any citizen would be severely dampened, said Hunter.

Ater lunch in Smuts Hall, the delegates returned to Arts Block for a discussion amongst themselves about the future relationship between student newspapers in South Africa.

With no guest speaker present, the forum was free to discuss how James Archibald’s newswire for student

ENTHRALLED - Special guest speaker Natasha Joseph is honoured for her insightful words on the role of student media. newspapers would work, and whether or not an intercampus news report was possible for all student newspapers. he inal guest speaker of the conference was Alide Dasnois, current editor of the Cape Times.

Speaking on tabloidisation and sensationalism in the media, Dasnois showed the audience past front pages of the Cape Times that had come under ire for ‘sensationalism’.

Drawing on past experiences with

their own papers, delegates asked Dasnois’s opinion on issues they themselves had come under ire for.

VARSITY’s National Newspaper Conference closed with a cocktail mixer held in the James Luyt Room on Upper Campus. Delegates, guest speakers, UCT staf involved in organising the conference and past VARSITY alumni mingled as they cemented relationships between student journalists around the country.

TJDR/48551

sports

17

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18

sports

Asian domination Nicole Beale

T

he Japanese women’s soccer team claimed their irst ever title of world champions in a thrilling inal against USA last Sunday in Germany. he Asian winners were resilient as they beat the US 3-1 in penalty shootouts. hroughout the irst half, USA were dominant with countless opportunities to score with Abby Wambach and Lauren Cheney in full force. USA inally netted a goal when substitute, Alex Morgan, scored in the 69th minute. It seemed the American side were headed for victory until Japan’s Aya Miyama equalised nine minutes before the inal whistle, forcing the game into extra time.

USA appeared to be the stronger team in extra time, especially when Abby Wambach secured a goal with a straight-forward, unmarked header in the 104th minute. he US’ lead did not last long, as Homare Sawe equalised with her ith goal of the tournament. he scoreboard remained even ater Japan’s Azusa Iwashimizu destroyed Alex Morgan’s chance of a second goal as she brought Morgan down on the edge of the box, resulting in a straight red card.

As penalty shootouts began, USA seemed conident, as they had never lost with penalties in the World Cup. However, Japanese goalkeeper

Image: blogs. reuters.com

Ayumi Kaihori saved two out of three kicks with the US only scoring one goal.

Japan’s irst win was realised ater Saki Kumagai scored the winning penalty, as they become the irst Asian country to win a FIFA World

Cup. With the team’s well-organised defense and undying determination, Japan managed to defeat titleholders, Germany, Sweden and inally the USA. he team, fondly known as Nadeshiko, meaning “pink flower,”

lived up to its symbolism by acting as tenacious and determined women amid diicult situations.

“We’re so happy about the title, now we’re number one,” cried Japanese captain Homare Sawa, who won the Golden Boot for top scorer.

“I kept ighting until the end… Ater ive tries, I am inally going home to Japan with a gold medal.”

Ater one of the most devastating years in Japanese history, this win is certainly a symbol of hope for the despondent nation.

UCT Internal Hockey Richard Brotherton Many moons ago, in the time before our fathers’ fathers, the UCT Internal Hockey League was conceptualised. he vision was to create a platform for beginner, social and seasoned hockey players alike to spend Sundays otherwise spent watching impressively unimaginative reruns of

the blasphemously named “Chuck’” or losing internal football matches to Idiot FC. Years later and the legacy lives on with teams of varying ability, vibe and colour - continuing to vie for the coveted title.

Apart from the res teams, which drit in and out of existence, the honour of the oldest team in the league falls upon the defending champions, Average Joes. hey are

currently captained by Andrew “Grunter” Grant and play in black and yellow (black and yellow) and ranked as UCT 4th team that recently took down the Stellenbosch 3rd XI. Identifying themselves as challengers to the currently unbeaten Joes’ throne are the Mavericks. he Mavericks’ run includes the prize scalp of 26:8 and were last year’s semi-inalists with Smuts House.

Image: Caterina Aldera BOOM - Ikhaya Men’s hot on the attack.

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In the League of Dolls, Ayoba! led the way with an unbeaten start including a 5-3 win over defending champions Tartans. Ayoba! was formed by current captain Donne Brotherton, who incidentally holds the highly esteemed honour of two Mavericks caps to her name and the ability to hit harder than most male contemporaries. he fact that Ayoba! top the standings despite falling out of the top 4 last year comes as no surprise with their talented Mavericks squad including Brett “Hottest Dummie 2010” Snyders, Jason “Cosmo” Trautmann and Beki “Midnight” Ngulube, seems to be rubbing of on them. “Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing” – just ask any Lions’ fan. he Internal League has split into two leagues in both the Men’s and Ladies’ section in a move toward

a strength vs strength format. he much awaited inals day will take place this quarter, the men’s inal being preceded by what is arguably the highlight of the UCT sporting calendar (closely followed by he Varsity Cup Final): Bushpigs vs Quaggas. he Quaggas are two social but serious external sides playing in the Western Province League against all odds and cheating oicials. he opening goal of last year’s derby was scored by Andrew Smith – while this year’s warm-up match was settled by a iercely contested game of “open gates” during the half-time interval.

No doubt a must-see!

For lack of a quirky phrase to end of the piece, I’ll do so with a quote from Mets pitcher Tug McGraw, in 1974 when asked if he preferred grass or astro: “I don’t know, I’ve never smoked astroturf ”.

sports The man behind UCT’s new rugby stadium

19

Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang Calvin Frees

F Image: Morgan Morris

Nicole Beale

Company for 43 years. he successful businessman studied a BA in Social Sciences during his Earlier this year UCT was sent time at UCT. abuzz with the news that not only Students and rugby players had we won the Varsity Cup, but are looking forward to the brand we were also to gain a new stadium, new stadium, which would enable with the help of a generous the university to host inals of contribution from a university important tournaments. alumnus. Although many students According to John Critien, know about the new stadium, few a member of the Project know about the man behind this Implementation Committee, (PIC) donation. the stadium will not only host Neville Isdell, the retired rugby, but act as a multi-functional chairman and CEO of he Coca- sporting facility and will also beneit Cola Company, other university announced his sports. “the time that I spent donation of US$1 Although the million (around announcement of here at varsity was R7 million) ater the stadium took absolutely pivotal [...] the Varsity Cup place in March, The most meaningful match between the PIC is still in UCT and part of that was actually the investigation Stellenbosch. phase and has playing rugby” His decision for not yet decided the donation was on a location and due to his time as a rugby player details such as seating, lighting and at UCT. which sports the stadium will host.

“I look back on my life and my Critien assures VARSITY that career, and certainly the time that I once the Committee has decided spent here at varsity was absolutely on a site, they will determine more pivotal in terms of the person that details such as costing and timing I became… he most meaningful of the construction. part of that was actually playing Although the prospect and rugby,” said Isdell ater he made his promise of a new stadium is huge award known. exciting, it may still be a while Isdell, originally from Ireland, until UCT is able to host a Varsity worked with he Coca-Cola Cup inal.

or most South Africans, the Winter Olympics will come and go without even a realisation that they were taking place, unless one were to become bored and switch to Supersport 7 or catch two and a half minutes worth of highlights on the Blitz channel. his is not because the Winter Olympics are not a major sporting event, but more to do with the general lack of snow and winter related sports in South Africa. his July, however, the winter sports world’s eyes were placed irmly on sunny Durban and for the awarding of the 2018 games to Pyeongchang in South Korea. his was certainly a momentous occasion for the South Koreans, who had two previous bids to host the Winter Games narrowly fail and had to ight off strong competition from both Munich and Annecy for these rights. he city’s sporting facilities were upgraded signiicantly in order to improve their bid, and the appeal of the Games being among the most compact in history would surely have added to the appeal. Pyeongchang won the vote quite convincingly and the games represent a signiicant chance to grow winter sports within Asia, where the IOC believes there could be a large market.

All this is very good and well for winter sports enthusiasts, who can look forward to an event boasting world class facilities and some spectacular mountain scenery, but what does this mean for South Africa?

Only two of our athletes competed in the last winter games, with little success. Even if this number is signiicantly increased, the average South African is unlikely to have

NEW HORIZONS - Can South Korea replicate the success of Seoul in the 1988 Olympics?

Image: Ilja Mašík/Fotolia partaken in these types of sports, so spectator interest would be minimal.

South Africa is also not likely to be hosting the Winter Olympics in the near future, with a lack of snow and facilities. herefore, the awarding of the Winter Olympics should mean very little to South Africa, but this year, because it was awarded in Durban, it could have.

Durban was singled out to be a candidate to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, and on the back of a highly successful hosting 2010 FIFA World Cup seemed a very strong contender. he hosting of this IOC Session which would determine the hosting of the Winter Olympics in Durban, would certainly have boosted their chance of hosting the following summer games.

Unfortunately, the government

elected to withdraw Durban’s bid, and instead focus on building on the success of the FIFA World Cup by boosting the economy and ighting poverty. his is perhaps a wise move, but a little disappointing for a sports crazy nation.

IOC President, Jacques Rogge, hinted that the continent who won the hosting of the winter games, could well be the continent to host the 2020 Summer games, which would come as good news to the likes of Delhi and Tokyo, bidding to host those games. But with Durban sadly out the picture, this means very little to South Africans. Perhaps South Africans could back the bids of other African nations, such as Cairo’s bid for the 2020 Olympics, to bring the Olympic games a little closer to home.

Currie Cup preview: how do the teams stack up?

Seamus Levin

he Bulls, as always, should be a challenge to overcome.

W

ith the upcoming Rugby World Cup and the new improved Super XV, the 2011 Currie Cup sadly shrinks into the shadows, especially considering its pedigree as the world’s oldest provincial rugby tournament. Due to a new relegation system, and the absence of a large Springbok contingent, this year’s tournament should provide an opportunity for young upcoming players to showcase their talents.

So how do the teams stack up?

Western Province, under the watchful eye of Alistair Coetzee, are of particular interest to the UCT family due to the number of past and present Ikeys involved there. heir game against the Griquas featured no less than 8 Ikeys. Players to look out for are talented centres Johann Sadie and Tim Whitehead, 8th man Nick Koster and newly appointed captain Deon Fourie.

Griquas With a large number of the Blue Bulls squad (16 of them), on Springbok duty, there are young and promising prospects to look out for including fullback Jurgen Visser, centre Stefan Watermeyer and lyhalf Francois Brummer, led by more experienced campaigners such as Gary Botha and Dewald Potgieter.

Always one of the hardest teams to play, especially in Kimberley, this season expect the Griquas to challenge the bigger unions once again. he likes of big-booted fullback Riaan Viljoen and try scoring machine Sarel Pretorius add great irepower. UCT boys Martin Muller and Matt Roslee should also

feature this season. For all the Earl Rose fans that are wondering where he has disappeared to, you can ind him warming the bench; watching, waiting, commiserating...

he Sharks, who also have 16 players out on international duty, will have their depth tested, but have plenty of youngsters to be excited about. Watch out for young Michaelhouse scrumhalf Ross Cronje who impressed crowds and critics alike, and Craig Burden who adds pace and physicality to the front row. he experience of captain Keegan Daniels and Frederic Michalak should see some enterprising rugby from the KZN boys.

win every now and then against the bigger teams. A new coach has been brought in and with centres such as Joubert Engelbreght and Charl Weideman, we may see a new and improved Leopards team this year.

he Cheetahs also ended the Super XV on a high note and can boast of beating the mighty Crusaders. he Ebersohn twins have started to match the huge expectations everybody has for them and may just be the catalyst for success. Young 8th man, Boom Prinsloo is another promising player who makes his way from the Shimlas ater impressing in the Varsity Cup.

Pumas Leopards he Leopards only just survived relegation last season and are contenders for the drop down this season. Always the underdog, they however do manage to snatch a

he Pumas will battle to stay out of the relegation zone this season but can boast four Springbok 7s and a huge front row that can push most teams off the ball. Players to look out for are winger Ashwin Scott and MJ

Mentz, younger brother to former Sharks winger Henno.

he Lions started to show some promise during the inal stages of the Super XV and hopefully this will continue into the Currie Cup. With Elton Jantjies and Butch James out with the Springboks, it will require a big effort from the likes of Burton Francis to get the backline going forward. Others to watch are big Josh Strauss and Derick Minnie as well as inspirational captain Doppies La Grange.

Judging by the opening rounds, this year’s season should prove to be an entertaining one. Last year’s winners, the Sharks, have set the tone early on with a convincing win against the Blue Bulls. Western Province are still inding their feet but will undoubtedly begin to entertain as in previous seasons. Currie Cup 2011 promises to be like a scene from Inception... Unpredictable!

Sport VARSITY

FIXTURES UCT Internal Soccer League

UCT Internal Soccer League

29 JULY 2011, 7:30pm

29 JULY 2011, 8:30pm

Forest Hill vs Spuku United Fat & Slow & Happy As vs Jollaz FC Die Antwoord vs The Refugees

Afhgan FC vs Allstars FC Team Evil vs Good News FC IFC vs Varietas

UCT Fencing dominate

SPORTS BITES

Record medal haul at University Sports South Africa Championships

CYCLING – Cadel Evans’s Tour de France victory marked Australia’s arrival as a major player in world cycling.

SOCCER – Forlan and Suarez clinch the Copa America, with a 3-0 win for Uruguay against Paraguay on Sunday.

Image: Raees Abdoola BLADES OF GLORY – UCT Fencers the best in the land? The winning team, consisting of Skye Pym-Siljuer, left, and Jacques Viljoen, right, shake hands after their duel at UCT Fencing’s Cape Open earlier in February this year. The pair along with Giselle Vicatos are currently representing South Africa at the African Championships in Cairo Egypt.

Sajjad Karamsi

U

CT took 7 out of a possible 12 gold medals in a superb win at the USSA Fencing Championships held at Wits between the 11th and 16th July. Led by SA Number 1 and UCT Fencing Chairperson Jacques Viljoen, the team won a total of 17 medals, leading them to yet another consecutive tournament win. he individual awards, given to the best overall fencers, also went to UCT competitors, with SA Women’s Number 1 Giselle Vicatos winning the Mistress of Arms award, and Jacques Viljoen and CPUT’s Jarryd New sharing the Master of Arms title. UCT’s Michael Malahe, Alison Maclachlan, Jamie Francis and Skye Pym-Siljuer also made notable contributions, helping add to the impressive medal haul.

Fencing is a sport split into three weapon disciplines, with fencers competing in foil, épée or

sabre. Fencers score points based on the number of ‘touches’ they’ve made. Having featured in every Olympic Games, the sport enjoys an illustrious history, but has a relatively small following in South Africa. It does enjoy a burgeoning popularity, however, at the university championships - this year’s tournament had a record turnout, with eight universities and 50 fencers participating. Competitors take part in both individual and team events.

UCT has an extremely strong fencing squad, including some of the highest ranked fencers in the country, some well into the qualiication process for the 2012 London Olympics. he HigePerformance Centre for foil and épée is also based here. Several of the team are currently representing South Africa at the African Championships. he club system does support beginners as well, and has a well-established coaching setup. For more information about UCT Fencing, visit www.uctfencing.co.za

MOTORSPORT – Lewis Hamilton revels in victory at the German Grand Prix on Sunday.

Selected USSA Results Fencing

UCT - 1st Mistress of Arms –Giselle Vicatos Master of Arms – Jacques Viljoen

Basketball

UCT Women‘s – 5th

Squash UCT - 6th

Cycling

UCT Men’s – 2nd UCT Women’s – 2nd Best Overall Individual Rider Edward Greene Mountain Bike event –1st Greig Knox (UCT), 2nd Bruce Hughes (UCT)

Volleyball

UCT Men’s - 9th UCT Women’s - 4th

Hockey

UCT Men’s - 3rd

Surfing

UCT Men’s - 2nd UCT Women’s - 1st

Indoor Rock Climbing

Overall: UCT - 1st Benjamin De Charmoy (UCT) won the Men’s Bouldering and Sports Climbing events, Robbie Fraser (2nd in Bouldering, 3rd in Sports Climbing) Clara Grant (3rd in Women’s Bouldering and Sports Climbing)

RUGBY – The weekend saw a battered and bruised Boks slump into sixth theirTri-nations loss.

Gymnastics Tumbling Level 1: Women’s 8th - Camille Koker, Men’s 4th - Jason Miller Level 2: Women’s 1st - Kate Hawkridge

Karate

UCT Overall - 5th Place Jonique Osche – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, Itumelang Mangwed – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze, Ross Watt – 1 Bronze

CRICKET – India and England battle it out at Lord’s during this weekend’s day test match.

Images: lickr.com