2012: Edition 9

Varsity

70 celebrating

years

The official student newspaper of the university of cape town

21 August 2012

Volume 71: Edition 9

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Obz Square retail remains empty Olivia Wainwright & Stephanie Venter

U

Image: Jessica Breakey GLASS HALF EMPTY – Many Obz Square residents remain in the dark about why the retail space on the ground floor of the new development remains empty more than 6 months after the residence opened. [...] the other possibility, [however] is that all interested parties have thought that we are not their ideal target market,” said another student who did not wish to be named.

“there’s a space downstairs that could benefit us, whether it be a gym or shops.”

Daniel Nambassi, a third-year BSocSc student, told VARSITY that the empty space does not affect him as he was “not sure of the benefits they [stores] would bring”.

The brief from UCT for the retail spaces was “flexible,” said the architects, and UCT set up

a Design Review Committee more than six months before building began. This group was made up of designers, architects and financiers.

UCT has been working closely with their estate agent, Broll, to find the right client for the space. Broll revealed that there are currently two businesses – a gym and a photocopying company – interested in becoming tenants.

When asked why UCT has thus far failed to fill the retail area at Obz Square, Willis explained that “a commonly held view by the letting agency Broll is that it is a difficult time for retail rental. The current economic climate is a high-risk one for the business sector.”

in this issue

CT’s most recently completed building project, Obz Square, has yet to find tenants for its 811m² of retail space. The residence opened on November 15th last year.

The facility cost UCT R415 million to build, with accommodation for 880 students and retail space with a calculated potential monthly income of R97 000 (Broll, the estate agency tasked with letting the space, said that it was asking R120/m², but that that the price also depended on what they were offered). In the months that Obz Square has been open, UCT has thus lost a possible R776 000.

UCT had hoped that this retail space would help pay off the cost of building Obz Square. Grant Willis, Director of Student Housing & Residence Life at UCT, confirmed this to VARSITY, saying, “It is anticipated that the revenue gained from rentals will continue the payment plan for Obz Square.”

Though many have suggested that a supermarket fill the space, it is thought that the design was unuitable for a such a store, mainly because of the lack of a delivery entrance and on-street parking.

However, mlh architects & planners (sic), the firm that designed the building, explained that UCT wanted “about six tenants – from coffee shops, to book shops, to a small SPAR or little deli.” The retail spaces have been designed with two built-in waste pipes and waste oil disposal units to cater for a variety of tenants.

While some student residents at Obz Square remain perplexed by the empty space, others are not overly concerned with the situation. Some, however, said that they would like the convenience of stores downstairs.

Postgraduate student Khanyisile Masango said, “It is frustrating that there’s a space downstairs that could benefit us, whether it be a gym or shops. [...] Possiblities should be a gym or a tuckshop.”

“The idle space could be used for something else – this due to UCT probably charging high rates (sic)

Parliament deluxe?

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Zara comes to CT

page 10

Himalayan summits page 14

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

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news

v71 e9 – 21 august 2012

News Bites Lonmin Mine Massacre Rustenburg – Police and striking mineworkers at the Lonmin Platinum Mines’ Marikana clashed violently on Thursday, August 16th, leaving 34 dead. Police used live ammunition on the crowd, saying that this was a last resort as the workers were armed and dangerous. A further ten people, including police officers, security guards and shop stewards, have been killed since the start of the illegal strike. President Zuma announced an inquiry into the violence this weekend.

—CNN

Assange against USA Ecuador – Julian Assange has called on the international community to stop their “witch-hunt” for those involved in publishing leaked documents on whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks. Assange made the speech from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London over the weekend.

Assange argues that this case will have a great affect on the freedom of speech.

—Guardian.co.uk

Olympians still AWOL London – While thousands of Olympians returned home after the end of the London Games, more than a dozen African competitors are yet to return to their families and have been reported missing.

Under the terms of their visas, Olympians have the legal right to stay in Britain until November; it said not to be uncommon, for athletics from poverty-stricken nations to seek asylum from host countries.

—Sport24

China anti-Japan China – Flags raised by the Japanese on disputed islands have caused protests to break out across China. Japanese cars and restaurants were the targets of much of the violent protests.

Due to the strong presence of police at the protests, it is thought that the Chinese government were previously aware of and in support of the action.

—BBC

Assad out of hiding Damascus – BasharAl-Assad, the President of Libya, made his first public appearance in six weeks on August 19th. Assad has not been seen since fatal attacks last month left four of his colleagues dead. He celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr in Damascus where he attended prayers at a mosque, while across Libya the day was filled with protests against the government at various mosques.

—Guardian.co.uk

Olivia Wainwright & Kabelo Mafiri

Upper Campus Clinic on trial Temi Oketunji

T

he long-awaited Upper Campus Clinic commenced operations on Monday, August 13th, said the Student Representative Council (SRC) in an email to students in recent weeks.

The SRC said that the Upper Campus Clinic is an initiative inspired by the increase in mental and physical health-related incidents towards the end of last year.

Samanthaclaire Ncube, the SRC’s Health and Safety Co-ordinator, said in an interview that an investigation on student wellness and the support system that UCT employs for its students was carried out, and the first and most important finding was understaffing. The investigation also revealed depression and anxiety to be major issues among students at UCT. The study necessitated the expansion of mental health care services at UCT. In light of this, the SRC submitted a proposal to the Department of Student Affairs and Student Wellness, who in turn supported the initiative.

When asked about the challenges faced with Student Wellness services, many students were frustrated with the location of the Student Wellness Centre in Mowbray, as it is situated away from Upper Campus.

Students also raised concerns about the amount of time spent

Image: Uwais Razack MEETING THE DEMAND – Students now have access to basic medical and mental health services on Upper Campus. waiting in long queues, even after making appointments. The new clinic operates on a walk-in basis; most situations do not require appointments to be made.

The investigation also revealed depression and anxiety as major issues among students The predominant response from students to the new clinic has been positive, with many citing the benefit of its accessibility. A few, however, raised concerns that the new facility will be unable to manage the demand for its services created by its accessibilty.

The SRC emphasised that the

clinic was commissioned by the authorities on a three-semester trial basis. Whether or not it will remain in operation thereafter will depend on students’ utilisation of its services.

When asked about the expected benefits of the new clinic, Ncube said that the waiting period will be reduced and students will have access on time.

SRC President Insaaf Isaacs also spoke in favour of the new clinic, saying that, “The deeper value of having a clinic on Upper Campus is to accommodate students holistically, to ensure that when a student is genuinely in need of professional support, that support is not a Jammie Shuttle away, but a walk away.”

The services provided by the clinic, according to a list published

by Nkateko Mnisi, SRC Media and

Communications Co-ordinator, include minor medical conditions like coughs, colds and flu, first aid, vaccination, eye screening, initial dose of basic medication, and referral to other healthcare facilities, among others.

Students on the University’s financial aid program can access any of the facilities available at the clinic free of charge. For all other students, consultation with a nurse or counselling session with the on-site psychologist – 15 to 30 minutes’ worth – is free of charge.

All other services are available at a reasonable fee.

In a closing statement, Ncube asserted the fact that “students realise that they can seek help” and the advantage of this new clinic is that it is on site, making the muchneeded help accessible to all.

24-hour study space to open in time for exams Lucy Wileman

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he SRC, together with UCT management and Executive Director of the Libraries Gwenda Thomas, recently secured a study space in the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library which will remain open to students 24 hours a day.

Immelman 5 will provide 98 study seats for students who wish to study through the night On August 1st, UCT Libraries gave a formal response to the SRC’s request that a comfortable and safe after-hours study space be made available in the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library.

This development is the culmination of a series of discussions that began early last semester, and an idea that has been debated at the University for years.

Set to open for the October/ November exam period, Immelman 5 will provide 98 study seats for students who wish to study through the night. This section, currently known as a silent study space, is accessed via a staircase from the library’s main level and can be seen through the glass enclosing the walkway past the back of the library.

The secure space is the first of two planned 24-hour study venues

Image: michael.currin.co.za HITTING THE BOOKS – Students will soon be able to safely study around the clock. which, upon completion, will house 288 students.

The second venue, on level six of the Library, is presently undergoing renovation. It will house a further 190 seats and is expected to open at the start of the 2013 academic year. It is anticipated that this number of seats will be sufficient to accommodate the students who are likely to utilise the space.

As level six will not be available during the upcoming exam period, Menzies 12 will be used as an overflow venue for students who cannot be accommodated in

Immelman 5.

UCT Libraries has advised management that this area should be upgraded with new and comfortable furniture in the hope that this will bring it up to standard with other study areas provided by the library.

Once open, the 24-hour spaces will be entered through external access-controlled doors, which will come into operation every night after the main library has closed.

Security guards will be positioned to monitor these entrances and to patrol the surrounding areas from 10pm to 8am.

Although the after-hours study areas will be available for use during normal library hours, the separate doors will require that students leave the library at closing time and re-enter through these accesscontrolled doors.

In addition to the 24-hour study spaces, the Library, while maintaining its opening hours, will extend its weekend hours to 8pm over the exam period. These hours come into effect on the weekend starting Saturday, October 27th, and will run until the weekend ending Sunday, November 11th.

Thomas explained that the extension of library hours during the week is incompatible with the present number of staff. Extended weekday hours would encroach on the compulsory 12-hour daily rest period required of employees.

Nevertheless, UCT Libraries has stressed its commitment to meeting students’ needs by partnering with the University in its goal to “improve student throughput and graduation rates by providing the right level of support”.

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news

v71 e9 – 21 august 2012

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Students remain unaware Dragonfire Convention CaiCrime: Nebe U

Image: Olivia Wainwright

Olivia Wainwright

Jo Stolk, ex-UCT CLAWS member, explained why the event was special saying, “A lot UCT’s CLAWs (Cape Legion of of the people who come here Adventurers and Wargamers) were outcasts at school but have annual Dragonfire Convention now found people who are also is a chance for those who have interested in role-playing and an interest in board games, games.”

Warhammer and role-playing to The event also hosted come together under one roof, said local gaming shops that gave convention attendees. demonstrations of new board First held in games.

1989, this year’s A delegate at people coming Dragonfire Conthe event, Brindley to the event from vention ran from Uytenbogaardt, a August 9th to UCT Drama Honas far afield as 12th and has been ours student, said Johannesburg running since that the event 1989, making it enabled players to the longest running role-playing play against competitors that they convention in South Africa. did not usually get to rival.

A number of events make On the Sunday evening the up the Convention, including convention closed with a prize Warhammer doubles, Live-Action giving ceremony and after party.

Role-Playing (LARPs), board Kristen Meyer, the CLAWThing games and collectible card gaming, and head of the society, said, “We catering to a variety of interests. had fantastic prize support offered The event was open to not only to us. The support from American UCT members, but also to the companies was especially exciting; wider gaming community, with we had support from Chaosium, people attending from as far afield Evil Hat and DriveThru RPG.” as Johannesburg.

CT students have been left in the dark about a spate of armed robberies targeting students in Rondebosch, Mowbray and Claremont.

According to a press release obtained by VARSITY from Campus Protection Services (CPS), “the modus operandi is the same: three men in either a white Mercedes Benz, white Toyota Tazz with a black bonnet or white BMW strike up a conversation with pedestrians and ask for directions.”

The statement continues: “[Pedestrians are] then encouraged to get into the car or forced in at gunpoint before being robbed of their laptop, phone and other valuables. They are driven to an ATM and forced to withdraw cash before being dropped off.”

Campbell Lyons, Acting Executive Director of UCT’s Communications and Marketing Department, said: “The South African Police Service has informed UCT’s Campus Protection Services about armed robberies involving pedestrians in the Mowbray, Claremont and Rondebosch areas in recent weeks.”

CPS and the Groote Schuur Community Improvement District (GSCID) are assisting the police in raising public awareness about the incidents.

UCT had not released a statement

informing students about these incidents, despite the Cape Times and Cape Argus reporting a robbery involving a student and a trio of well-dressed young men on Monday, August 13th.

Upon hearing of the robberies, Kabelo Gcabashe, a first-year Humanities student, said: “How do we not know about this? I didn’t even know this gang existed. I think UCT should inform us, because we need to be more aware. The emails that they broadcast aren’t useful. They need to find another way of informing us students that theft is real within the UCT community.”

“They are driven to an ATM and forced to withdraw cash before being dropped off.”

Samanthaclaire Ncube of the SRC Health, Safety and Environment portfolio said: “We know about the case. We use social networking media such as Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness about the incidents.”

She said the SRC worked with CPS to inform the students of security concerns.

“CPS does not want to alarm the students by causing a big uproar about these incidents. These incidents did not happen on campus,

so CPS handed out flyers along Main Road, targeting students on a oneon-one basis,” Ncube said.

In the same CPS press release, the SAPS asked students to exercise caution when approached by suspicious individuals. They appeal to you not to approach the suspects, but to rather report them to the police or campus security.

SRC Media & Communications Officer Nkateko Mnisi said: “It is true; some students might get panicked about emails describing these incidents, but it is also fair that students know what’s going on.”

Ncube said UCT’s Communication and Marketing Department is ultimately responsible for informing students, but the process was “not happening quickly enough”.

Simone Wills, a first-year student, commented: “I’m surprised UCT hasn’t brought these attacks to the students’ attention, especially those who are living in the vicinity and walk on the public roads to and from campus. I don’t feel safe now that I know of this story – I’m starting to question my safety around campus.”

Ncube said the cap on the number of emails the SRC can send to students resulted in a warning not being sent out by the SRC. She added the SRC was pressuring the CPS to raise awareness and urged students to be vigilant.

Curiosity set to conquer Mars

Life sentence for Facebook Rapist Stephanie Venter Thabo Bester – the man widely known in the media as the “Facebook Rapist” – was convicted again last week of robbery and murder. Passing sentence on Bester, Acting Judge Judith Cloete sentenced Bester to life in prison for the murder of 26-yearold model Nomfundo Tyhulu.

Bester, 23, is thought to have unwanted ties to UCT Bester, 23, is thought to have unwanted ties to UCT, having been suspected by a number of people of being the man responsible for a series of cons on campus in the past few years.

Then-SRC Entertainment and Fundraising Co-ordinator Anton Taylor was approached by a man in 2009 calling himself Tom Kelly.

Kelly was later removed from campus by Campus Protection Services (CPS) after allegedly conning Taylor with forged papers indicating he was employed

by the SABC. Two students were robbed of their laptops and cell phones and left with a host of bills to settle after agreeing to meet with a man named “Kally” regarding a potential job hosting MTV Base. Bester, Kelly and Kally are thought to be the same person.

Tyhulu was found stabbed to death in a bed and breakfast room in Milnerton in September last year.

Bester pled guilty to the charges of murder and aggravated robbery levelled against him, admitting to trying to force Tyhulu’s laptop password out of her before her death, and then telling the owner of the bed and breakfast that Tyhulu was sleeping in before he left the premises.

When entering his plea, Bester said that he did not know why he had murdered Tyhulu, saying she was a “good friend”.

Last week’s conviction is Bester’s second on similar charges; he was sentenced to 50 years in prison in October last year for the murder and rape of two other women.

Bester obtained his notorious pseudonym – the “Facebook Rapist” – after engaging aspiring models on Facebook for suspect purposes even as police monitored his account.

Berndt Hannweg The Curiosity Rover, a mobile laboratory, landed on Mars on the morning of Monday, August 6th, after a journey of 8 months and 563 million km.

The Rover, the result of years of international co-ordination,

design and construction, underwent a carefully plotted and computercontrolled landing sequence necessary to safely reduce its travelling speed from 5.8 km/s to a safe hovering position, after which it was lowered by sky crane.

Owing to the delay in communications between Mars and Earth, scientists and technicians

had to undergo “seven minutes of terror” before finding out whether the Rover successfully landed.

Curiosity’s mission is to analyse Martian geology and climate to determine whether the planet was ever capable of supporting life, and ultimately to prepare the way for human exploration.

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editorial

v71 e9 - 21 august 2012

Editorial

Stephanie Venter

En Pointe

Lyndall Thwaits, Deputy Editor

Into the wild blue yonder

Editor-in-Chief

An Ode to Journalism

here is nothing a South African politician loves more than taking pot shots at “the media”. More and more frequently, I hear people casually stating that “journalism is dying” and that “the media are a problem”.

To a certain extent, they’re right. But before we get any further, I need to emphatically clear up something that has been seriously bugging me for a while now: the media is not one cohesive body.

There is more than one form of media (shock). We live in the 21st century and “media” is no longer used to only describe print, television and radio, but also the internet, blogs, social media, and so, so much more.

What critics often mean to take issue with is journalism, a sphere of media tasked, fundamentally, with providing information.

That journalism is an especially challenging career these days is inarguable.

More and more often, journalists are told to “do more with less”, as their resources are cut but their output is expected to increase. The plethora of platforms through which information can be conveyed is constantly increasing, meaning journalists have to tackle new, unchartered territories more often than potentially any other profession.

Professional journalists now also compete with “citizen

Caterina Aldera Managing Editor

“Never tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”

—Unknown

Newsgathering Tuesday, August 21st, 1pm, LS2C Interested writers, photographers, copy editors and designers should attend.

Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union

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It’s nearly time for my ship to set sail from my undergraduate life.

It the time of year when a future of uncertainty looms and there is an

[Ctrl + C]

once said to me, “There’s no point in worrying about the things you cannot control.” I’d like to think the change we find ourselves facing is all part of the process and at the end of the day, what will be will be.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met over the space of my degree who have found themselves in completely different careers to what they’d thought. So, while some of you find yourself in my position and others have a few years left before this occurs, don’t let the fear of the future override the time you have left now in the present. And remember that there is no wrong path to take.

Rhynhardt Krynauw, Copy Editor

A song of limping and lupus While trying to write this, I listened to an album that, last year, peaked at number 2 on the UK and French Albums chart. It peaked at number 1 on the Argentinian and Austrian Albums chart, and on the US chart.

Now, you’re probably wondering which album this could be. It sold nearly 200 000 copies in the UK and went platinum in three other countries.

join Varsity 2013 Management Team Finance Manager Advertising Manager Human Resources Manager Marketing Manager Operations Manager I.T. Manager

Rihanna? Lady Gaga? Adele?

Mumford & Son? Bruno Mars?

Wrong. Hugh Laurie. Yes, the guy who played House. Some of you may recall him occasionally noodling around on a guitar or piano in House, but I don’t imagine many of you knew he was just an all-round genius. And the highest-paid actor in a TV drama. Ever.

Hugh Laurie is a god. Worship his grumpy greatness.

Section Editorial

News Editor • News Deputy Opinions Editor • Opinions Deputy Features Editor • Features Deputy Sports Editor • Sports Deputy Web Editor (no programming needed) Deputy Web (programming required) Images Editor (photo. experience required) Deputy Images (photo. experience req.)

Design Editor (InDesign experience needed)

Download an application from varsitynewspaper.co.za

Deadline: Friday, August 24th

Queries can be emailed to hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za

The Secrecy Bill

Letters to the editor

Since its controversial vote in the National Assembly in November last year, the Protection of State Information Bill (PoSIB) has been languishing in an ad-hoc committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Now it seems that the Bill is set to be bulldozed through Parliament’s second chamber some time during the week of 27 August with minimal debate and with no further changes to its highly problematic provisions.

Important but limited amendments have been agreed on by all parties, which would allow for the possession of information which

2012 Collective

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journalists” for attention from the public, who more and more are forgetting why there is a fundamental need for a journalism profession.

The commercial interests of any media platform are also heavily under consideration in a world where no value is attached to an endeavour unless profit can be made from it.

Has “the media” got it wrong?

Of course. It would be absolutely astonishing if a profession under as much strain as journalism is did not occasionally bow to certain pressures. Newspapers sensationalise, victimise, and commercialise, mostly to remain viable in the market place.

The juniorisation of newsrooms (google this phrase) is something to be alarmed about, but has received little public attention. But then, would a newspaper discuss the fact that a pattern has emerged in journalism worldwide whereby younger, inexperienced journalists are assigned stories far beyond their present experience? A huge learning curve for them, obviously, but a danger to the professionalism of the industry.

TV’s new sure-to-be-awardwinning drama The Newsroom delightfully tackles the challenges facing journalism as it shows a newsroom trying to get back to basics: providing information to citizens.

Taking this basic statement as a fundamental principle, I strongly argue not only that the profession needs to take strong steps to get back to this principle, but also that citizens need to recognise that that should be journalism’s role in society.

So, the next time you pick up a newspaper or read News24 on your phone and think it’s boring, ask yourself whether you’re reading the news for information, or for entertainment.

Good luck for test week.

S

increasing sense of panic spreading around me.

Work is piled high, the application deadlines creep closer and, in the meantime, we’re all trying to hang on to the familiarity of whatever we know.

In my case, UCT has become a second home, and my academics a comfortable space to play around in.

I’ve never worried about life beyond UCT’s walls before now.

The change from high school to university was easy; the change from university to the world isn’t feeling quite the same. Once again, I quote a wise young man I know who

may reveal illegal activities. However this only addresses one of many concerns with the Bill and does not constitute the widely demanded ‘public interest defence.’

Furthermore these amendments do not extend to information that does not reveal wrongdoing but is in the public’s interest.

The Bill continues to include an overly broad definition of national security, a criminalisation of public domain information (meaning that even if the New York Times were to publish classified information, it would continue to be illegal to receive, possess or publish in South Africa) and far too little protection for whistleblowers. In its current form, PoSIB still poses a very real

threat to South Africa’s hard won democracy.

UCT opposition to the Bill has been driven by Students Against Secrecy, a coalition of students and student organisations who are aligned to the Right2Know Campaign. Last year the group brought a series of events under the banner of ‘Stop Secrecy Week’ and earlier this year made a formal submission to Parliament on the Bill that was endorsed by the SRC, VARSITY and numerous societies.

Now the group is calling for students to sign an urgent petition opposing the Bill, that will be delivered to every member of the NCOP before they vote on it.

Students Against Secrecy, UCT

editor-in-chief Stephanie Venter deputy editor Lyndall Thwaits Copy Editor Rhynhardt Krynauw Managing Editor Caterina Aldera news Olivia Wainwright & Mu’Attham Carlie opinions Berndt Hannweg & Nick Corbett features Anade Situma & Aléz Odendaal sportS Sajjad Karamsi & Nicole Beale images Uwais Razack & Thabang Serumola Design Nic Botha web Chris Linegar, Alex Nagel & Carla de Klerk advertising Kaede Wildschut Finance Andrew Montandon OPERATIONS Jodi Edmunds marketing Andrzej Ogonowski human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu & Lydia Shilla I.T. Mfundo Mbambo sub-editors Beverly Ochieng’, Jessica Sapsford, Laurie Scarborough & Theresa Scott HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Currin Cartoonist Julian Nkuna Design assistant Julien Speyer Images Assistant Zarmeen Ghoor

opinions

Rejecting the pink dollar

v71 e9 –21 august 2012

Burnt Toast

5

Berndt Hannweg

Opinions Editor

The Age of “Free” Information by the time you read this), it will not only violate several tenets of international law, but most likely spark a series of embassy invasions across the planet.

Far be it from me to comment on the nature of the allegations against Assange, but the case as it stands is remarkably weak.

Indeed, the Swedish Prosecuting Authority at one point declined to prosecute the case as it had so little evidence. When the prosecution was resumed, it took very little to convince the man in the street that s I write this column, it Sweden had been leant on by its has been announced that Atlantic ally. the Ecuadorian government has When diplomatic immunity decided to grant Julian Assange and refuge has protected despots, political asylum. mass murderers and tyrants in Some short background before the past, why are the powers that we begin. Assange is the face and be so eager to hunt down a man leader of WikiLeaks, a site that acts who is wanted for questioning as a go-between between whistle- in Sweden? blowers and the internet.

Australia has said very little The site came to prominence about a man who is nominally when it released thousands their citizen. None of the countries of classified diplomatic cables opposing the asylum have granted and American military mater- a guarantee that they would not ials, an act for which their extradite Assange stateside, where source, Bradley Manning, is he may face a military trial and currently undergoing trial in possibly the death penalty. All this the USA. for fronting a website he neither Following this started nor runs release, Assange managerially. A was subject to information is slowly true Idi Amin he several threats is not. being strangled (including Sarah I support AssaPalin’s memorable under a growing and nge’s freedom, real conspiracy one, that he even if I find the should be “hunted man himself to down like Bin be slightly odious Laden”), and several high-profile in a I-can’t-put-my-finger-on-it American politicians made calls kind of way. But this entire debacle for Assange to be prosecuted highlights a growing problem in under the Espionage Act. today’s society, world-wide.

This all occurred between 2009 The internet has allowed and 2010. Then, in August 2010, information to achieve almost two Swedish women came forward limitless potential. We have access with allegations of rape, unlawful to petabytes of information and coercion and sexual misconduct. the power to shout anonymously And so, an endless series of at whole populations. trials, appeals and extradition But as much as we take requests began. this power for granted, this Two years on, and Assange information is slowly being continues to oppose returning to strangled under a growing and real Sweden, a country he and many conspiracy between governments others believe will simply hand and corporations. And while all him over to the USA. Ecuador Facebook can do is shut down has offered him refuge, but your page (or spam it with ads), another obstacle to Assange’s it seems now that the Land of the freedom awaits.

Free is backing up its control by Specifically, the British govern- attempting to arrest citizens of ment has threatened to withdraw other countries. the embassy’s diplomatic immIt happened to Kim Dotcom, it unity, for the sole purpose of may happen to Julian Assange, and collecting a man who has fled my friends, it may one day happen bail. If they do (and no doubt to you. they will have done something

A Image: pinkisthenewblog.com

Mitch Prinsloo

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ever before has a fight over chicken sandwiches had so much to do with the state of current sociopolitical affairs. With Mitt Romney’s presidential run – and, subsequently the subject of same-sex marriage – splashed all over international headlines, the purveyors of said sandwich, Chikfil-A (CFA), and their CEO, Dan Cathy, caused mass outrage with recently released statements.

Customers were encouraged to support their local CFA branch on August 1st (former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee dubbed it “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.”) to uphold the institution of ‘biblical’ marriage. They were to be buying chicken as a public show of disdain for homosexual nuptials – which is almost Neolithic in terms of modernity, and quite possibly the worst socially geared idea since enforced segregation.

Understandably, the franchise and its owners were quick to draw much-warranted scorn from general society (especially those on the internet, where Facebook and Twitter protests sprung up immediately) as well as juridical entities. For instance, at least three metropolises,

This week’s poll In light of the Lonmin protest massacre, I think that: • the police require better non-lethal capabilities; • the trade unions need to work out their differences peacefully; or • the government should have intervened sooner.

including San Francisco, were quick (and arguably the better for it) to tell CFA, and its potentially poisonous ideas, to “stay out” of franchising within their city limits.

Cathy was accurately depicted as a bigot and homophobe and rightly dismissed by the liberal media and public. However, he was also supported by marches from the church and consumer mass-spending come the “Appreciation Day”.

They were to be buying chicken as a public show of disdain for homosexual nuptials The last point above calls into question the motive of releasing such a polarising proclamation.

The company has gone on record as being Christian inclined; ostensibly ratifying the viewpoint, but it was also the biggest fast food industry earner per store in the US last year (more than McDonald’s).

CFA is an economic powerhouse, and visibly operates as such.

The politics of the announcement are thus transparent, and likely quite sinister. It produced a clear-cut liberal vs conservative, red vs blue

reaction; far too predictable to be of an organic architecture. After all, usual CEO public releases are put through dozens of filters and PR focus groups, especially for a company as large as CFA. The business becomes an abridged mouthpiece for such high-powered individuals – in this case a mouthpiece that trades in backward controversy for profit.

People like Cathy are able to instil an ethos, but often not a direct message. They know the company is, at the end, purely a financial entity. Opinions are unscrupulously justified to suit important audiences (such as the reactive conservative population in CFA’s native Georgia) so as to brew favour and encourage targeted demographic support. In this case, that notion was certainly justified by CFA’s record single-day earnings on that first day of August.

People have taken much notice of this peculiar Christian-American restaurant chain, its opinions, and its ‘delicious’ chicken sandwiches.

Therein sits the company’s outcome and profit. One man may certainly not represent every individual of the company, but he is certainly the figurehead of its interests, even when those interests manage to controversially polarise global opinion and spark antagonistic social activism.

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6

opinions

v71 e9 –21 august 2012

The blasted blue-light brigade E

arlier this month, a white Mercedes belonging to Sasolburg’s mayor, Brutus Mahluku, was caught speeding along the N1 at a whopping 235km/h. When traffic officers attempted to stop the vehicle, its blue lights were switched on and it continued to speed for another 30km.

In any normal situation, the driver would have been given a huge fine, had his licence suspended for at least a year, and possibly even have been laid off. Fortunately for Elliot Sefatsana, pulling the ‘my boss was late’ excuse got him off with a measly R1 000 bail.

When travelling at double the speed limit, is dismissed as a nonincident, perhaps it is time to call to question the privilege of preference on our roads.

With most blue-light traffic violations falling under the ruse of ‘urgent government business’, it becomes difficult to distinguish those with genuine motive from

those abusing their privilege. After all, how urgent could a meeting concerning the mayor of Sasolburg really be?

It becomes clear that money, power, connections and bribes can buy you not only happiness, but also an entirely new set of rules to live by.

Vigilante activists in Russia, where the situation is comparable, performed bizarre stunts of civil disobedience to protest against bluelight abuse. Following their example, motorists stuck blue buckets on their roofs and refused to make way for ‘unauthorised flashers.’

The ruse of ‘urgent government business’ In the United Kingdom, there are restrictions in place stating that only emergency vehicles may legally be fitted with a blue warning beacon.

Furthermore, in the United States there are steep penalties one has

Image: freeimageslive.com

Katy Scott

to pay for violations including the unlawful use of blue lights as well as the selling of emergency lights to unqualified individuals.

It is arguable that the abuse of the blue light in South Africa can be attributed to status complexes: our leaders need sirens and flashing lights to feel important. Perhaps it is owing to the fact that we are still in the baby stages of our democracy that these politicians feel the need to

act like little boys driving with blue buckets over their heads.

In 2010, the Western Cape provincial traffic legislation banned the use of blue lights unless there is a ‘genuine emergency’, such as a threat of assassination.

Nevertheless, egomaniacal politicians still place themselves above the law by abusing privileges to which they are no longer entitled.

Their insolence towards any

notion of equal citizenship and complete disregard of democratic principles is rather disgraceful.

Blue-bucketing in South African may be a bit of an extreme solution, but perhaps the next time an angry blue flash catches your eye, adopt an African attitude: sit and wait patiently, like you would at Home Affairs, with your radio turned up high in defiance of such arbitrary abuses of power.

When the chips are The best seat in the House down, illness will strike! Nomsa Makgabenyane Rushin Jansen

order to receive medical parole one must be suffering from a medical condition which is It is a remarkable coincidence, terminal, chronic, progressive perhaps constituting divine and has deteriorated permanently intervention (better known in or reached an irreversible state. politics as medical intervention) Shaik must be dead and we’re that, when convicted, a few Top all just seeing his very healthy Brass political figures are plagued ghost. I’m no medical expert with grave life-threatening but it would seem that, since his diseases. release, he has become a picture These illnesses are so grave of health. Either that or his that they are not able to serve terminal illness is a pot-belly. the lengthy sentences for their Perhaps Jackie Salebi receives crimes – which of course they the annual Political Convicts did not commit – and are forced Medical Journal, as he too has to remain in their modest multi- taken ill following his corruption million rand houses under aptly- trial. Terminal illnesses of this named medical parole. variety must be contagious, It would seem despite popthat politicians ularly accepted It seems the ANC tend to dip their medical belief to hands a little the contrary. has a surgeon with too far into the Perhaps there a skill for Imprisoncookie jar, and is a gene that when caught, ment Bypass Surgery makes politithey are struck cians more susdown with the calamity of a ceptible to falling desperately ill tummy ache. at opportune moments.

They have in fact coined a It seems the ANC has unlimted new disease: Politorrhea, where access to a surgeon with a skill for they’ve become so skilled at Imprisonment Bypass Surgery. misappropriating the truth Although, in all fairness to the (and often state funds as well, ANC, this occurrence is not “allegedly”) that their own bodies exclusive to them: dear Shrien begin to believe them.

Dewani has also taken ill near the Symptoms could include time of his extradition hearing – corruption and fraud, soon to be bedridden with grief, no doubt. followed by terminal illness such What I have taken from this is as cancer, if caught. that if I am ever arrested by the Shabir Shaik, the masterful Hawks for corruption, I’d better health sage, has had to fight off have passed ‘Go’, collected R200 his terminal illness for many years and received my Get-Out-Ofnow with a balanced diet of fine Jail Free Card, courtesy of wellcuisine, nights spent relaxing at connected ANC officials. luxury lodges and, lest we forget, Otherwise I’ll have to find the odd round of golf. a politician to infect me with a It is important to note that in terminal illness.

A

ugust 7th this year marked an important day for the Kenyan nation and a step up from the old into the new, with the completion of the two-year renovation project on the Parliament House. This step up from the old Parliament House, which only housed 150 MPs, includes top-notch audio technology and an iPad for each member of the House. All great for this developing country – a change well-needed.

But much controversy was stirred up by the fact that the seats in this parliament house cost the Kenyan government a gob-smacking 700 million Kenyan shillings – approximately R8.3 million – in total. One cannot help but ask what great need exists for such luxury?

None, if there are bigger problems at hand.

If one considers the role of Parliament – that they are placed in office by the people, for the people – is such comfort necessary in the process of putting in place legislature for the people of the country? One ought not to look past the fact that Kenya is a thirdworld country, plagued by much of the same problems as other thirdworld countries: inequality, payment deficits, poverty and more. Such factors should trump the need to sit

on a seat costing R25 000.

Perhaps the focus must not dwell on the seats. The parliament house as a whole has been revamped into what one could call a ‘technological parliament’; this allows, for the first time in the Kenyan parliament, electronic voting. This could benefit democracy: members of parliament get to vote uninfluenced by potential intimidation by other members.

Such a perspective could make a move to spend so much money on seats seem a lot less ridiculous.

But one also ought to keep asking, with the money spent on one seat, could a low-cost house be put up?

Could sanitation be improved?

The answer to these questions is obviously yes – this money could have gone to better use. Being in Parliament doesn’t entitle one to perks that transform citizens into employees.

Rather, being in Parliament marks one as the employee, there to serve the people, something entirely possible while sitting on an ordinary chair.

This sort of self-centered behaviour must be a result of a certain type of thinking amongst those on the forefront of national decision-making, thinking that doesn’t put transparency and the needs of the rest of nation before theirs.

MPs are meant to consult with their people, especially on how their money is going to be spent.

As a tax-payer, I would like to know exactly where my money is going. It’s unjustifiable that a thirdworld Parliament and its members should spend this much money on chairs. Being able to doesn’t mean they should.

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opinions

7

v71 e9 - 21 august 2012

What does a terrorist look like?

Uthman Quick

network.

South Africa is not immune to this problem either. While most South Africans were still revelling in the success of Hashim Amla (who you have to admit looks like a young Bin Laden), a South African Muslim named Muhammad Kazi was being beaten to death in a restaurant in Magaliesburg simply because he looked Muslim.

Unlike incidents of extremist violence perpetrated by Muslims, these two horrific events have garnered muted media coverage.

With Islamophobia clearly on the rise, why is it that the mainstream media continue to downplay it? And why is it that TIME magazine – and other mainstream media – continue to publish lazy stereotypes and masked racism and trade them off as expert analysis?

Muslims are getting tired of having to explain that their religion is peaceful and, quite frankly, the majority of Muslims have nothing to apologise for. But if popular TV shows and news organisations continue to sow intolerance and ignorance by equating Islam with terror, incidents like the ones in Magaliesburg and Wisconsin will sadly become more frequent.

I

remember, not too long after 9/11, picking up a copy of TIME magazine with a close-up picture of Osama bin Laden on the cover. The article inside featured a full-length shot of Bin Laden and, using arrows, it pointed to all the attributes that hinted at his terrorist nature. His long beard, black turban, short pants and his wrist watch placed on his right wrist rather than the left were all noted.

Terrorism doesn’t have a ‘look’ and it certainly doesn’t have a religion Image: worldpress.com

The article supposed that this style of dress and facial hair were clear indications of his innate evil and lust for the scalps of dead infidels.

For me, the only problem was that I have met tens if not hundreds of people who had beards and dressed in clothes just like Bin Laden’s ‘terrorist uniform’ – a bigger problem still is that one of these people happens to be my father.

Now before I get labelled as a foreign correspondent for ‘The Al-Qaeda Times’, let me assure you that none of these people are or were terrorists or terrorist sympathisers. They are simply Muslim men dressing in a manner which, according to their faith, is praiseworthy and logical.

Imagine TIME magazine running

a piece about how Timothy McVeigh’s clean-cut face, baggy pants and white T-shirt were key indicators of his terrorist inclinations. In that case, millions of Americans – instead of just his mother and ex-wife – would be terrified of Eminem. The point is that terrorism does not have a ‘look,’ and it certainly does not have a religion.

When, just a couple days ago, former US army veteran Wade Michael Page walked into a Sikh temple in the US state of Wisconsin and opened fire, killing six people, you have to wonder who he thought he was taking out: worshippers (who happen to be non-Muslims but wear beards and turbans), or members of a ‘sleeper cell’ of the Al-Qaeda

YOUR CAREER

as an Associate Product Marketing Manager

VARSITY speaks to DIANA MJOJO, Intern at Google.

Describe your current role at Google SA. As the Associate Product Marketing Manager Intern, I work directly under the Head of Marketing for SA. As the go-to person for all things Google+, I am involved in running national and sometimes international marketing campaigns for Google+.

What are your qualifications?

BA (French Language & Literature and Philosophy) (2011). Commenced BA (Hons) African Studies in July 2012.

How did you obtain your current position?

I received an email through the Careers Service’s mailing list saying that Google was recruiting interns in various offices around Africa. After a series of emails and telephone interviews, I was placed at the Google SA office in Johannesburg. During the three-month programme, I worked on various projects in both Marketing and Communications. At the end of that programme, I was asked to stay on in my current position.

Describe a typical working day at Google.

There is no such thing at Google! Most team leads are in various offices around the world, so we have meetings via group video chats on Google+. Last Friday, I was in Soshanguve, a township outside Pretoria.

In conjunction with the South African government and other organisations, we

Careers Calendar august

were empowering entrepreneurial youth by creating free websites under the initiative wozaonline.co.za.

What other student activities did you participate in during your time at UCT? TeachOut, EASOC, Astronomy Club and the Bhakti Yoga society Which skills and personal qualities contribute to your success?

Resourcefulness, flexibility, the ability to take initiative, not being afraid to ask questions, and stamina – attributes that would define an entrepreneurial mindset.

Even though Google has grown considerably since it was founded in 1997, CEO Larry Page encourages us to always work in the spirit of a start-up, seizing any opportunity that comes our way, while learning in the process.

Your most significant projects and contributions?

The project that stands out for me was digitising all of Nelson Mandela’s original images and writing, many of which were rare and/or hadn’t been seen by the public.

Being able to hold the oldest known image of Nelson Mandela in my hands and then seeing it immortalised on the site, archives. nelsonmandela.org, was just mind-blowing.

At the time, I was assisting the

Google Cultural Institute with the launch and communications for that event.

What challenges have you encountered?

There is so much to Google that it’s impossible to get involved in all the exciting undertakings. My challenges have mainly been time management and prioritising correctly.

What advice would you give to current students?

Take full advantage of the resources at the Careers Service. I wouldn’t be where I am, had I not spent time in the Career Information Centre researching opportunities, speaking to Careers Advisors who reviewed my CV and most of all, been on their mailing list.

Then, when you’re on the mailing list, apply for anything that tickles your fancy. You never know if you are just the person they are looking for.

. z a . u c t . a c s r e e r w w w . c a

ces i v r e S s r e e Car p o rt u n it ie a d vi ce • o p in fo rm a ti o n • C

H ig h er Ed en tr e fo r

u c a ti o n D

t ev el o pm en

Career Talks Time: 13h00 – 13h45 Venue: LT2, Hoerikwaggo 23 August

Preparing for Interviews

21 & 22 August

CV and Cover Letters

Opportunities • Consult our online calendar on www.careers. uct.ac.za for a list of employer presentations.

• Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/reg to register events and opportunities.

• Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/careerportal for a list of bursary/scholarship, vacation and graduate opportunities.

ild in g ri kw ag go Bu Le ve l 1, H oe pu s U pp er C am N o rt h La n e, 4 9 7 1 6 5 0 2 ( + 2 7 ) 2 ac.za rvice@uct. careers.se

on our mailing list and receive updates about

Company Showcase Time: 10h00 - 15h00 23 August

Norton Rose

Kramer Quad

10 & 11 September

Eskom

African Gallery

11 September

Bowman Gilfillan

Kramer Quad

HW Pearson Molly Blackburn Memorial Hall

Molly Blackburn (1930 - 1985) was a member of the provincial legislature for the Progressive Federal Party in the 1980s and a fearless stalwart of the Black Sash, a non-violent resistance organisation of white women. The burning spirit with which she fought to defend the rights of South Africans to justice and freedom from discrimination have ensured that her memory will long outlive her remarkable life.

Cissie Gool Mall

Zainunissa “Cissie” Gool (1897 - 1963) was the first black woman to graduate from UCT with a Masters degree. She got into trouble for allowing Nkosi Sikelele to be sung on campus, many years before it became our national anthem. Known as the “Jewel of District Six”, she was a tireless campaigner against social injustice and racism and was also the first black woman to serve in local government.

She died at the age of 66, after three years of being held in solitary confinement.

Botany Building

Snape Civil Engineering Building

Alfred Ernest Snape (1881 - 1946) was another British born son to make waves at UCT. Despite having a Masters degree in Science, Snape was appointed as the Chair of Civil Engineering at UCT in 1910.

His teaching and technical ability laid the foundation for future professional engineering training in South Africa, and he was instrumental in forming UCT’s Architecture degrees too.

Names of buildings on Upper Campus Menzies Engineering Building

PD Hahn Chemistry Building

Steve Biko Students’ Union

Henry Harold Welch Pearson (1870 - 1916), was a British-born South African botanist.

UCT’s Chair of Botany for a period, this man was into flower power of the literal kind.

As a result of his ardent campaigning the Botanical Society of South Africa was formed in 1912 and just a year later he eed the breathtaking and lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. On his death he was buried in Kirstenbosch, his epitaph reading “If ye seek his monument, look around”.

George Hamilton Menzies (1955 - 1975) served for forty-two years as a staff member of UCT. He was part of the university’s first Land Surveying class, and returned as a lecturer after obtaining his degree. Soon enough he worked his way up to the top job, serving four terms as the Dean of Engineering. He was the Warden of Smuts Hall for twenty years, a role he held close to his heart which led to the establishment of George Menzies Prize, his bequest for an annual award to a Smuts Hall man for excellence in academic, sporting or extra-mural achievements.

Paul Daniel Hahn, a Professor of Chemistry in UCT’s early days, was basically the father of UCT’s Chemistry Department. More significantly though, the man was not a chauvinist: in 1886 he convinced the Council to admit four women into his chemistry class on a trial basis. Owing to the exceptional standard of work by the women students, the College decided to admit women students permanently in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1887.

Societies Centre By far the most well known man on this page, Steve Biko (1946 - 1977) was one of the anti-Apartheid struggle’s most influential and radical student leaders. He founded the Black Consciousness Movement, among other organisations, which went on to play a pivotal role in empowering and mobilizing the urban black population.

He died in police custody at the age of 31, after being detained and brutally tortured by his captors. His funeral was attended by thousands and although the circumstances of his death were repugnantly inhumane, it was an event that sparked an international outcry and changed the course of the struggle.

RW James Physics, Astronomy & Oceanography Building Reginald William James (1891 - 1964) was a born and bred Londoner with a passion for Physics. He surprised his family by moving to Cape Town at the age of 46 when he got the Chair of Physics position at UCT. He was a pioneer X-ray crystallographer of world-wide reputation, but more striking to those who knew him, he was an inspiring and dedicated lecturer whose enthusiasm was infectious.

Posthumously, he achieved a distinction which has come to few scientists anywhere: two of his ex-students from UCT won Nobel Prizes.

Jameson Hall Beattie Humanities John Carruthers Beattie (1866 - 1946) was the man at the very start of UCT’s colourful history – he was the first vice-chancellor (as well as the Chair of Applied Mathematics and Experimental Physics when it was still the South African College) after the university was formally constituted by parliament in 1918. Born in Scotland and educated at a range of universities in his native land as well as Germany, He served as VC until 1938, and it was under his reign that coloured students started to be accepted into the university as a matter of course. Even though Beattie came in for criticism from both the English-speaking community and Afrikaner Nationalists for adopting this policy, he stood firm in his resolve to open the doors of learning. He was knighted in 1920 for his vast contributions to education in SA.

Leander Starr Jameson (1853–1917) was a Scottish-born, English-educated doctor who led an illegal raid in South Africa for which he was subsequently imprisoned in England. He couldn’t seem to stay away from SA though; he returned immediately after his release and in 1904 became Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. He was a close friend and confidant of Cecil John Rhodes and they worked together in support of the then SA College attaining university status.

Otto Beit Student Union Building

Centlivres

Otto John Beit (1865 - 1930) was a British financier, philanthropist and art connoisseur. Which just means he was the money. He contributed generously to UCT’s coffers and in 1924 received an Honorary LLD from UCT. On a side note, he financed the raid that landed Jameson in jail.

Architecture Building

Albert van der Sandt Centlivres (1887 - 1966) was quite a mover in South Africa’s legal system. A born and bred Capetonian, he studied at the then South African College and after receiving the Rhodes Scholarship at New College in Oxford. In 1935 he was appointed a judge of the Cape Provincial Division, and just 4 years later became a Judge of Appeal in the Appellate Division, South Africa’s highest court. He was Chief Justice of SA from 1950 to 1957. The highlight of his CV however is his Chancellorship of UCT which lasted from 1950 until his death.

Leslie Social/Commerce Social Sciences/Commerce Buildings

Smuts Hall John Day Zoology Building

John Day obtained a Ph.D. in Oceanography at Liverpool University and after a brief lecturing stint in England, made his way to UCT in 1937. That didn’t last long, as he resigned to enlist in the RAF at the advent of WW2. He ended up losing a leg and yet returned to the Zoology department, becoming Head of Department in just 2 years. He was slightly OCD about his teaching methods but unwaveringly dedicated to his students. Rumour has it he stood up to police dogs (with one artificial leg!), defending his students who were attending a protest on campus against apartheid education policies. His name has also been rather exhausted on the Zoology department’s Honours Roll.

Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870 - 1950) was one of the most prominent South African statesmen and military leaders, being involved in both World Wars having held various cabinet posts and served as SA’s Prime Minister from 1919 until 1924 and from 1939 until 1948. He also established the League of Nations and helped to create the RAF, as well as holding the distinction of being the only person to have signed the peace treaties ending both World Wars. In 2004 he was named by voters in a SABC poll as one of the 10 greatest South Africans of all time.

Fuller Hall

Robert Leslie (1885-1951) was Chair of Economics at a University in Calcutta when he was headhunted for the same position at UCT. He was active in the founding of the Economic Society of South Africa (of which he was President) and published many articles in its journal (of which he was the editor). He was a revered economic commentator in his time and UCT’S Commerce faculty has him to thank for its inception. He is remembered for his balanced judgement and firm belief that all that economic theory couldn’t displace common sense.

Maria Emmeline Barnard Fuller (1869 -1957) was one of the first four women students to enrol at the then South African College in 1886 for her matric and teacher’s certificate. These were the four students that Prof PD Hahn persuaded the Council to admit. She was instrumental in establishing Arthur’s Seat (a female res) in 1907, and served on the house committee for five years until a warden was appointed. Fuller Hall itself was opened in 1928, but only renamed thus in 1950 in recognition of her contributions to UCT. In the same year she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

10

features

v71 e9 – 21 August 2012

Scoring high on ritalin Katy Scott

T

he trending ingredient for academic success now comes in the form of a 20mg pill – Ritalin. Despite needing a written prescription as well as the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Ritalin is as accessible as coffee or cigarettes on campus at the moment, with many students under the impression that it provides extended concentration for unlimited cramming.

Locating Ritalin on campus is frighteningly easy, as little is done to conceal the illegal dealing Anecdotal evidence suggests that a substantial number of students across departments have dabbled with this drug. “It gives me the kick I need to go for hours” explained one student, but the kick is always followed by the crash.

This kick most likely refers to the ‘revving up’ of the central nervous system one experiences from stimulants. Ritalin has been said to fuel feelings of attentiveness that lie somewhere between those produced by caffeine and cocaine.

Nicknamed ‘kiddie coke’, Ritalin is pharmacologically similar to cocaine, but needs to be snorted, dissolved, or injected intravenously to induce cocain-like feelings of euphoria. Recreational use seems to be less common for the average UCT user, who consider oral ingestion to be a ‘safer’ and more ‘helpful’ alternative.

Locating Ritalin on campus is frighteningly easy, as little is done to conceal the illegal dealing. The

pills are generally sold by those with prescriptions or handed out amongst friends. One girl even found a flyer in the library pointing her in the right direction.

This is not to assume that prescriptions are acquired through honest means. In fact, feigning ADHD symptoms is the simplest way to gain a never-ending supply, and embark on a career as a secondrate drug dealer. Furthermore, in South Africa, general practitioners prescribe more than other specialists, making the process dangerously easy.

Considering there are no blood tests to confirm mental illness, it is practically impossible to distinguish those legitimately suffering from ADHD from those bluffing.

However, the long-term effects the drug can have are most certainly not able to be bluffed away.

“Different people have different susceptibilities depending on their underlying make-up” says UCT Neuropsychology Professor Susan Malcom-Smith; this increases the risk of unfavourable repercussions.

She continues to explain that just because it may have worked for your friends, that is not to say it will be safe for you.

Then there is the question of ethics. With Ritalin banned by the International Olympic Committee owing to its role as a performance enhancer, should university students be allowed a similar advantage over their peers?

Unlike anabolic steroids, stimulants such as Ritalin are not miracle workers. They do not breed intelligence or drastically expand one’s mental horizons. Despite this, numerous students are under the misconception that it is a ‘safe’ alternative. Just because children are given it, does not detract from the fact that it is a drug, through and

Rondebosch Tel: 021-685 4001

Image: www.flickr.com-fgmb.jpg

through. Putting something illegal into your body is dangerous, no matter what packaging it comes in.

The majority of students admitted to using Ritalin sporadically, dependent on their workloads, and mostly during exams. This exposes the average user to be one

resorting to last-minute cramming, and therefore at a disadvantage anyway. After all, a single pill is not going to make up for a semester of fooling around.

Stimulants may initially escalate concentration levels, but will eventually have long-term adverse

effects on your focus, says Professor Malcom-Smith. It is dangerous to overlook the potential risk of taking the drug, and quite frankly, students shouldn’t need pills to assist them in doing what they should be doing anyway.

The shopping daydream Daniёl Geldenhuys

find at least three good items there every season – and you won’t even dent your bank account. Don’t like buying something everyone else is wearing? Never fear when the Project ranges are near. Project is a limited edition range featured at selected Mr Price stores (cue the Claremont Jammie) for guys and girls, designed by the freshest fashion talent in SA.

T

here I was, standing in the Topshop pop-up store in Unknown Union on Kloof Street; emitting a sigh strong enough to create a ripple along the shirt that looks exactly like the one I bought at Jay-Jays a year ago. Then there’s the sweater that looks almost like one from Mr Price, the Markhamesque chinos, and the Cotton On cardigans. Toto, I think we’re in Canal Walk.

You see, I have a daydream that one day my fellow Capetonians and I will be able to walk across Jammie Plaza wearing wonderfully unique garments from the London high street stores. For a minute there, I thought my dream was going to come true when the official Zara news broke and the Topshop rumours started. Today, I am perturbed to report my daydream has promptly turned into a nightmare.

The reality is that Zara opened in Joburg aeons ago – November 2011 – and Durban in March 2012, only to open at the V&A five days ago. Think it’s just a coincidence? Let’s look at another international brand coming to our shores, Topshop. The high street fashion mecca will be opening in Joburg in November, Durban in December and Cape Town… um… well; we have that little two-square-metre pop-up shop, so they’ll save us for the next millennium.

It might be time we call a spade

Image: www.models.com

a spade: the fashion powers that be are giving Cape Town the cold shoulder. The fact is that anyone with access to the internet can see South Africa is not being sent the best stock. Instead of constantly complaining (I’m the first one to admit guilt), perhaps it’s time we take the high road and adopt a more optimistic outlook.

The fashion powers that be are giving Cape Town the cold shoulder So whenever you’re holding a shirt that’s so bland you’re afraid your personality might get infected, repeat the following three Positive Cape Town Shopping Mantras.

1. Mr Price is My Friend Mr Price remains the cheapest and most stylish store in town. You can

2. New Zara Every Two Weeks Did you know Zara receives new stock every fortnight? This prevents the everyone-else-hasmy-pants epidemic and ensures that you’ll (eventually) find something you like. And if you don’t, do ask: if the same request comes from five different global Zara stores, the designers at the Spanish headquarters will make it happen.

3. The Real Thing Will Be Better Let’s be optimistic and say the TopShop pop-up is just testing the waters and they didn’t send us the good stuff. Judging from their campaigns, there really are great items available, and once they open an independent store, we’re sure to get some.

These mantras have certainly made my mid-lecture fashion daydreams a lot better. Fashion won’t always be exactly what we want it to be – and there’s nothing wrong with that. The fact that it’s not the way you thought it was going to be doesn’t make it any less wonderful.

features

How to do the Jammie Shuffle Dashalia Singaram

E

veryone has their own Jammie horror stories, but, after years at UCT, we still haven’t figured out how to survive those dreaded rides from hell. Now, by “survive,” we don’t mean what to do when the engine catches alight – which, for those of you who haven’t been around very long, is a real threat.

These are the most common and awkward Jammie situations in which you will find yourself, and how to avoid and/or deal with them.

1. Beware of the Schumi-wannabes Not all Jammie drivers are bad: some are nice and will wait for you as you run, waving behind the shuttle that is already pulling away. Then there are the ones who change gears and brake so violently that you find yourself unwillingly dry-humping the leg of the person standing in front of you. Like a dog. In heat.

This is sometimes combined with the need to take corners at full speed, which, if you are standing, seems to rip your arms from their sockets and, if you are sitting, plants you either on the floor or pressed up against the person next to you like it’s Jug Night at Springboks.

2. Location, location, location If you, like most of the UCT population, are forced to take shuttles at peak times, you are probably used to them being packed like Jammie

stairs during Thursday Meridians.

Unfortunately, apart from skipping morning lectures, which is only allowed in so-cold-you-can’t-feelyour-face weather, there’s not much you can do to miss the morning cram session.

You can, however, lessen the pain.

No matter how cold it is outside the shuttle, once you’re inside and sharing air that smells like it’s been around longer than you have, it will get stuffy. Find a spot near a window; it will save you starting off your day with the smell of pits lingering in your nose.

3. Riding the slow bus Now it’s hard enough to catch a shuttle that comes on time, and get

a spot in it, and survive the ride.

But there is nothing worse than being stuck in traffic in a shuttle.

Okay, there’s genocide and stuff, but you know what I mean. It means knowing that you will not make it to the lecture for wich you summoned all your strength to get out of bed, and not being able to do a single thing about it.

Sadly, even if you are a mere 10-minute walk from campus, you can’t be let off the shuttle, although it hasn’t moved in 10 minutes and you are more likely to die of suffocation on the shuttle than be hit by a car getting off it. This rule is followed to the letter by the Jammie driver, who is so busy texting that he hasn’t noticed the bus rolling backwards into the petrified Prius behind you...

v71 e9 – 21 August 2012

11

I feel it in my digits Sam Newdigate

W

ith so much buttonmashing on Google Doodle’s Olympic interactive edition, I too feel ready for the Olympics, just as they finish. Here are a few events for which I would get gold at the Digit Olympics.

Button-pressing would be my favourite event. With Google Doodle’s expert training, I am better now than ever before at pressing buttons. I am able to go to friends’ houses and ring the doorbell.

I even feel more confident on escalators, because I can now press the large red button if someone uses the escalator barefooted (have mercy!) to stop them being sucked under the grills at the bottom by their exposed toes.

The Sistine Challenge would also be super easy: Adam’s weak style when reaching out to God’s fingertips in Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” lacks the focus needed in obtaining gold in this event. His poor push to the finish would have made Phelps proud.

My Two-Fingered “Peace” pose would probably result in World Peace.

You think I’m joking about the world peace thing, but really, the division in my fingers as well as my vertical-finger-holding style is

of extremely high quality.

The Uncle Sam endurance test would be more challenging.

You would need to be able to stand absolutely still and point towards a single person with such intensity that they feel obliged to sign up to fight in the next war that comes along.

To be able to hold such a determined pose for so long a period of time would be physically as well as emotionally draining. That is why the Uncle Sam that we see on posters is so serious all the time.

With extensive training in both my right AND left button click fingers, as well as the space bar thumb, I hope that I can point my way to success.

And the ultimate challenge: Opening Ceremony. Unlike the real Olympics, the Digit Olympics would close with the Opening Ceremony, with participants passing along a can of Coca-Cola and finally opening it when it reaches our Grand Opener. This would be a real “opening” ceremony.

I hope that, by the next time the Olympics comes around, I’ll be able to compete in their Digit Olympics, thanks to Google Doodle.

Fingers crossed.

12

features

v71 e9 – 21 August 2012

Flea markets in Cape Town Anya Hollands

F

LEA markets needn’t only be for the pram-pushing, leathersandal-wearing families of Cape Town. Although it is true that places like the Old Biscuit Mill may drain your funds and leave you feeling frumpy, there are over thirty other markets in Cape Town from which to choose.

Whether you’re a purveyor of fine food or just looking to stock up on vegetables for your digs, these markets are a refreshing alternative to smelly Pick n Pay queues and Biscuit Mill blues.

Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay Where: Centre of the Hout Bay harbour, Harbour Road Cape Town.

When: Fridays, 5–10pm in the summer, Saturdays 9am–5pm and on Sundays 10am–4pm.

What’s the dealio? The food stalls are extensive and not too pricey and there are well-stocked bars, which makes this market a splendid place for supper with friends on Friday nights. This is a large market and offers virtually everything, from organic lemonade and vegetarian burgers to locally produced clothing and homeware.

Why you should go: There’s always some fun live music on the go and the old fish factory, where the market is held, is teeming with jovial market-goers.

Need more info: www.bayharbour. co.za or search for ‘Bay Harbour Market’ on Facebook.

Milnerton Market Where: Situated off the R27 West Coast road, in Paarden Island.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, 7am–4pm (get there early) What’s the dealio? The Milnerton Market is pretty much an array of junk being sold out of people’s car boots in a great big dusty lot.

Why you should go: The seabreeze wafting over the stacks of tasteful treasures and the potential for impressive bargains. It’s especially worth the drive and dust if you’re looking for a specific prop for a shoot or project, because the selection of bizarre objects is endless and very cheap.

Need more info: www.milnerton fleamarket.co.za Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market Where: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg.

When: Fridays from 4–10pm the market focuses mainly on homemade food and confectionary, and on Sundays from 11am–3pm, the warehouse transforms into a vintage and collectibles market.

What’s the dealio? It’s a small mecca of delicious treats, handcrafted jewellery and vintage clothing in a cosy old warehouse and unlike the Biscuit Mill, no one will judge you for hovering around the ‘testers’ table.

Why you should go: For the largest and most inspiring slice of red velvet cake you’ll ever eat.

Need more info: bluebirdgarage.

Restaurant Review

Image: freshfooddesigncpt.blogpot.com

blogspot.com or search for ‘Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market’ on Facebook.

Porter Estate Market Where: 7025 Tokai Road, Tokai Forest.

When: Saturday, 9am–1pm What’s the dealio: You’ll be surrounded by wholesome families munching on wholesome goods and the aroma of forest air mingled with sizzling bacon and brewing coffee –

Breakfasting bad

Rob Byrne

The Baxter Food and Goods Market Where: Baxter Theater Gardens,

Blog Name: RetardLove in a Pinus Web address: rlpinus.blogspot. com First post: January 17th, 2011

Image:flickr.com/Tobias Lofgren

rocket and cherry tomatoes. Sensing a somewhat unfulfilled stomach I went for an outlandish combination of muesli, croissant and coffee. The coffee was good. But as we gazed longingly across the street we knew it didn’t quite live up to its neighbour, Beleza. Some shadow to live under.

The muesli was, well, muesli.

I don’t care how camp and smiley the waiter is, that just won’t do Can’t really bugger that one up.

The croissant was light and crisp, but I was slightly concerned by the lack of butter and jam. I asked our begrudging waiter for some jam, assuming that where jam comes butter will surely follow. I should have been more specific.

Upon being presented with a

fruity little apricot number (no butter in sight) I was ever so politely informed that it would be at the extra cost of five rand. The cheek! I don’t care how camp and smiley the waiter is, that just won’t do.

Things had been going okay before then – we had paid a bit more for an over the top for breakfast (about 60 rand with two coffees) and were admittedly still a little hungry, but the place was nice enough.

Breakfast, or any meal of the day, for that matter, should be sociable. The host should make you feel welcome and it’s often the little things – like complimentary bread, olives, and yes, butter and jam – that authenticate the dining experience.

At this unnamed little cafe in Kloof Nek Road, perhaps not worthy of a name, things seem to have gone disastrously wrong.

[Editor’s note: The restaurant is The Power and the Glory.]

Main Road, Rondebosch.

When: Sundays, 10.30am–4pm What’s the dealio? It’s the least impressive of the markets mentioned, but there are gems to be found in the form of vintage blouses (if that’s your thing), handmade jewellery and, of course, cakey delights.

Why you should go: It is a mere roll out of bed for any student in residence at UCT. Need more info: www.baxter theatre.blogspot.com

Blog review: RetardLove in a Pinus Hussain Karodia

I

t was with great expectations that committed breakfasters and I set out to enjoy the finer things one can find in the city bowl. I’m not referring to the many dens of iniquity, but rather the humble breakfast.

Breakfast itself is rarely a cherished event. Those that miss it are not only skipping the most important meal of the day, but they are missing out on the best.

Those that do take breakfast often reduce it to a quick annihilation of a bowl of sugary crap, or a piece of toast slammed into the mouth whilst hastily running out of the kitchen.

Unfortunately, time management seems to have gone out of fashion, as have early nights.

One of the best breakfasts in town can undoubtedly be found at the friendly Beleza, in Tamboerskloof.

Unfortunately it was closed the day we went. Instead, we ventured across the road to a kind of cafe for the nouveau riche, situated under Rafikis. I still to this day have no idea what the place is called. That’s not going to stop me reviewing it though. The words rustic, bohemian and, let’s be honest, pretentious came to mind when I recalled my breakfast there.

Startled by the lack of choice, my friends went for some sort of bacon and egg concoction on toast with

guaranteed happiness.

Why you should go: This market is best known for its unique selection of organically grown food and is the perfect place for artisanal breads, homemade chocolate, pestos and extraordinary farm-style coffee.

Need more info: www.outdoor market.co.za

You’re probably wondering what the heck RetardLove in a Pinus means – well, according to Wiktionary, a Pinus is defined as “a taxonomic genius within the family Pinaceae – the pines” (basically a pine tree) and as for RetardLove, get reading and you’ll find out.

This relatively new blog is written by a young woman known simply as Dash. Her posts range from personal experiences to local and international political issues, as well as criticism on movies, music, novels and even gene patenting. And much more.

If you’re someone looking for something to read just to get your mind off the books you should be reading for class, or if you simply want to know what’s going on around the world, you should visit “the Pinus” – the name by which Dash’s blog is affectionately known – and you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.

Dash’s blog makes for easy reading and there is something about it that makes you want to get to know the author and read more.

It’s almost like a friendship online: comment on a post, and she will almost definitely respond.

Some posts are real gems that come in the form of Fortune Cookies. My particular favourite goes like this: “Fortune Cookie says: Change is like Pi. After a certain point, we never know what number is coming next (well, us normal nerds, not the hardcore geeks).”

Dash occasionally follows up on topics that she has previously blogged about, so it would be good to start reading from the first post.

You won’t, however, be lost if you don’t, as her writing is always clear and easy to follow.

Dash’s RetardLove in a Pinus is a literary work of art – an exceptional insight into life and all of its domains – the true story of what goes on in the mind of a young student like you, and the emotions of a fellow human being, spelt out in Java (or whatever programming language bloggers use).

The only down-side to this blog is that sometimes the bugs catch it – as is so with many blogs on blogspot.com – but if you refresh the page, it almost always regains its form.

I leave you with the Pinus’ tagline: “Look out of every window (You never know when you’ll see a Hippogriff!)”.

features

Gig guide

August 21st - September 8th Anade Situma

O

nce again the VARSITY staff takes time to guide you to the best gigs in the city. The next two weeks are going to be particularly detrimental for the pursuit of further education.

What: The students studying choreography at the UCT Dance School are showcasing their new pieces and we are all invited. Apart from professional dancing just being inherently cool, this event promises something youthfully edgy yet refined. It will be like a scene from Honey without the bad script.

Where: Baxter Hall When: 22 August Time: 19:00 Eina: R45, tickets sold at the door What: The Institute of Humanities in Africa is hosting a talk by Steven Robins, the topic: Slow activism in fast times: Revisiting the politics

v71 e9 - 21 august 2012

of the spectacle and the everyday after apartheid. If the topic doesn’t provide enough of an incentive to attend, nothing I can say will.

Where: HUMA Seminar Room, 4th Floor, Humanities Building When: 23 August Time: 13:00 – 14:30 Eina: FREE What: Earth Fair Food Market at Noordhoek Village. We all know how markets work. So what makes this market special? The Earth Fair market is all about reconnecting the common man with the artisan food producers and their goods.

The intention is to create a sense of community and an appreciating of simple living.

Where: Noordhoek Farm Village, Corner of Village lane and Main Rd, Noordhoek When: 23 August Time: 16:00 until 20:30 Eina: Depends on how much you eat, but entrance is free.

What: An art exhibition of Emulate featuring BANKSY; two of the most famous graffiti artists in the world have an exhibition showing in Woodstock. This event should be mandatory for anybody with a love for design, urban living and culture. These artists specialise in

unconventional street art that is both clever and deep. The fact that this exhibition is in our backyard is mind-blowing.

Where: 34 FineArt, Buchanan Square, 160 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock When: 28 August – 8 September Time: Tuesday – Friday at 10:30 – 16:30, Saturday at 10:30 – 13:30 Eina: FREE What: A night at the Theatre anyone? The Mechanicals, a diverse collection of theatre actors, directors and designers from Cape Town are putting on a production of Murderer

by Anthony Shaffer. Anthony Shaffer is the same playwright that brought the world the Tony Award winning play. The Mechanicals are an award winning group in the own right.

Last year they won the Fleur Du Cap’s People’s Choice award for their production, COSI. What could possibly go wrong?

Where: Intimate Theatre, 37 Orange St, Gardens When: 22 August - 8 September Time: 19:30 Eina: R 70 - R 100

Revamping Res Candice Land

L

iving in residence at UCT can influence your life in a number of ways. It extends your family by a few hundred, improves your patience and decreases your nutrition.

I have lived in Tugwell for the past two years. This means I spend 7 months of the year in the ladies Tampon Tower with 406 other girls and my room is my only space.

It is my sanctuary after a hectic day on campus, it is my private haven where not even stress is allowed to enter and, most importantly, it is my space to decorate and make my own.

So with this in mind, here are a few ideas on how to revamp your room and decorate it to reflect your personality and not your poverty.

Photos: Not only do they add colour to the bare egg coloured walls but they evoke fond memories and can entertain guests for hours.

Paintings: If you have more of an artistic flare then having a few paintings might suit you better than photos. Whether you did them yourself or not, a little bit of artistic expression always adds diversity. Prop them up on shelves, hang them from your walls or lean them against your (minimalistic) furniture.

Recycle: One of the most annoying things about staying in res is having to move in and out

after each semester. Use the boxes and crates to your advantage by covering them with a sarong or scarf and rest your coffee cups on them.

Adopt: If you are one that has home-sick tendencies then borrow your colour schemes from your room back home. Decorate with scarves, bed-spreads and towels that are the same colour so that you walk into a familiar little nest each day.

Collectables: Books on their

own can make a shelf look a little boring so turn your room into a giant scrap-book and collect little mementos and souvenirs from your adventures in this glorious town: Little shells, post cards, stolen bottles and signs. You’ll find yourself smiling to yourself as you fall asleep while reliving your experiences.

Furniture: Most importantly is your furniture. Even if you don’t like excess decorations, the necessities still reflect your character. So choose your favourite bed spread and accompany it with a scattering of comfy cushions.

While you’re at it why not switch your curtains for something more festive, add a plant, lay down a rug.

It is the simple things that become the foundation of a good day.

Ultimately, when you move into residence, you move into an empty hole and create your own world. Put in the effort, make your room a heavenly haven, make it a reflection of you.

13

anotHer route to Becoming a cHartereD accountant Reintroducing the one year graduate conversion course

Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Accounting Conversion Course) The ideal candidate will be a graduate who has achieved above average grades in their undergraduate degree and is able to demonstrate a high level of numerical ability. Graduates who have previously registered for a SAICA accredited programme are not eligible for this course.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2011

For more details, please visit www.commerce.uct.ac.za/accounting/programs

Department of accountin g fa c u lt y o f c o m m e r c e www.commerce.uct.ac.za

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sport

v71 e9 – 21 august 2012

UCT Mountain & Ski Club Himalayan Expedition For the month of June, six UCT Mountain and Ski Club members undertook a climbing expedition to the Indian Himalayas. The objectives were two as-yet-unclimbed 6 000m peaks in the remote Tharang valley of Northern India. The climb was to be unsupported, and the team spent two weeks constructing and stocking the high camps for the eventual summit attempt. The first attempt on Tharang I was on July 3rd.

Unfortunately, the team was stopped 100 vertical meters short of what would have been a spectacular summit. This was due to dangerous snow and rock conditions. A second attempt was then made on the same peak on July 5th, but the team was again stopped short of the summit due to fear of a critical snow bridge falling down. While the overall goal of the expedition was not reached, an incredible learning experience was had and the platform has been laid for further expeditions to remote areas.

The team would like to thank its sponsors, Drifters Extreme Sport, First Ascent, Black Diamond, La Sportiva and MSR. Generous financial contributions were also received from the Mountain Club of South Africa, the UCT Mountain and Ski Club, the UCT Travel Fund and the Austrian Alpine Club. Without this help, the expedition would have remained a dream.

Images provided by Jonathan Glover

Exciting end to Internal League Hockey Andrzej Ogonowski

T

his weekend sees the conclusion of the UCT Internal League hockey competition. The League is one of the more popular internal leagues at UCT, with approximately 380 players regularly turning up on Sunday afternoons for matches at the UCT and Hartleyvale Astroturf fields.

Although the leagues are typically dominated by teams with large numbers of players who play for various league sides, a Monday test, inclement weather or a big Saturday night out can often leave teams short of numbers, thus instantly leveling the playing field and often leading to some surprise results.

The Men’s A-division consists of 8 teams, with Average Joes (17pts) remaining undefeated to book a semi-final place alongside Leo Marquard (15pts), Smuts (15pts) and KnOBS (10pts). One of the bigger surprises of the season was at the other end of the table, where the traditionally strong Mavericks (5pts) had one of their worst seasons in recent memory.

Nevertheless, the defending

internal champions managed to avoid finishing bottom by 2pts, leaving Ikhaya (3pts) to take the wooden spoon – despite having beaten Mavericks 5–4 when the teams played in early August.

In the B-division, Mongooses (12pts) look to be the favourites to gain promotion after finishing ahead of Rochester (11 pts), although both NSH Too (9pts) or Res Inc. Guys (7pts) could still beat them in the play-off rounds.

The Women’s League consists of 16 teams competing in a single division with 2 pools. In Pool 1, Crackers (21pts) didn’t drop a point on their way to claiming top spot ahead of Hot Shots (13pts), with defending champions Ayoba (13 pts) narrowly missing out of the semifinals on goal difference.

In Pool 2, Panthers (19pts) and Wombats (16pts) finished comfortably ahead of nearest rivals Res Inc. and Stripped Kittens (both 10pts) to also qualify for the semis.

At the other end of the table, FemSH (0pts) took home the wooden spoon, losing all their games and accumulating a mammoth goal difference of –52 in 7 games.

Results aside, the matches are also an opportunity for teams to show off their creative talents. The NSH and iKhaya men’s teams are renowned for

their dress codes, with ‘Pyjamas’, ‘Hipster Trance Party’ and ‘Black Label Transformers’ being some of the more imaginative themes on display throughout the season.

Fitting in with UCT’s culture of innovation and research, certain matches are also used as a testing ground for several experimental law variations. One example is NSH’s innovative ‘rolling’ substitution rule, where exiting players have to physically roll over the sideline before a substitute is allowed on the field.

The top teams from the divisions will now play each other in the semi-final rounds, with the finals being hosted on Saturday, August 25th at the UCT Hockey Club. The event is hosted in conjunction with FilmSoc, and is one of the more popular events on the UCT student calendar.

The evening starts off with the ladies final at 6pm, followed by the traditional Bushies–Kwags clash – a game in which hockey sticks are replaced with brooms, rakes, vacuum cleaners and other household items. The men’s final then ends the evening’s match schedule, followed by postmatch celebrations in the UCT Hockey clubhouse.

sport

v71 e9 – 21 august 2012

15

Sports Shorts VARSITY’s round-up of action-packed, homegrown sports clubs Sajjad Karamsi Yatching

The UCT Yacht Club is currently taking part in the 2012 Lipton Cup Challenge, the most prestigious keelboat regatta in Africa. The regatta lasts six days, from Saturday August 18th to Friday August 24th, and comprises individual races lasting up to 3 hours as teams battle the cold Cape Town winter out at sea.

The UCT Yacht Club team this year is composed of Oliver Hobson, Neil Malan, Chris Gough, Angie Haig, Brevan Thompson, Ryan Black, with Sebastian Thompson as manager. They are the only university team that takes part in the intense sailing regatta, sailing the club’s yacht, the L26 UCT Maverick.

The team has had to restore the boat, after major damages incurred in a road accident while transporting the yacht last year led to deterioration in racing times. New sponsorship from Southern Charter Investment Management has led to new sails, and the current outstanding form of the club leads to high expectations for the club in the competition.

Gymnastics

The UCT Gymnastics Club exceeded expectations and turned in sterling performances at the USSA Gymnastics Competition at the University of Stellenbosch last month. The team of nine participated in the tumbling, trampoline and mini-trampoline events, as well as the artistic all-round event.

Despite being outnumbered by the other teams, who also had considerably more experience and coaching, the UCT team managed to take bronze in the team event.

Individual medallists from UCT included Justin Blanchard (1 gold), Kate Hawkridge (2 silvers), Camilla Koker, Steven Peyton (1 silver and 1 bronze each) and Jarred de Beer (1 silver).

Golf

Last month, UCT Golf participated in the annual Quaich tournament, hosted Andrews in Scotland, the

Club Boyd at St home

of golf. Universities from around the world are invited to send two golfers to compete, and UCT was represented by Tom Main and Pascal Werzstein in the four-round tournament. Main started well on the Old Course, finishing 2nd after the first round with a one-under 71, but the challenging New Course in the second round gave him a few problems. He finished in 10th, with 76. After scoring a fairly respectable 77 and 74 on the 3rd and 4th rounds respectively, Main finished an impressive 17th in the tournament.

When asked about his experience, he had this to say: “It was a great experience playing St. Andrews and meeting students from around the world. I hope to be privileged enough to represent Ikeys Golf in the tournament in 2013.”

Water Polo

The third-term winter league is well underway, with both men’s teams winning their previous matches easily against Varsity College and UWC. This follows a relatively successful summer season where the men’s teams (both in the First Division) finished 2nd and 5th respectively. The women’s team reached the semi-finals in the first winter league.

In addition to their competition commitments, the Water Polo Club is participating in a charity fundraiser for Operation Smile SA, who perform life-changing cleft-lip and cleft-palate surgery on children throughout Southern Africa. They aim to create “a tasteful semi-nude calendar featuring UCT students in all the various aspects of university life.” They are also looking at coaching underprivileged players at the Blue Downs swimming pool.

Soccer

UCT’s last match against Northlink College on Wednesday, August 8th was marred by unpleasant scenes, as the game got called off. Several questionable refereeing decisions enraged the crowd, who became restless and boisterous. Despite UCT leading 1-0 at the 80-minute mark, the match officials called off the game, citing crowd intimidation.

The Soccer Club coaching staff have confirmed that they will lodge a formal complaint to University Sports South Africa (USSA), who administer the league, and provide their view of events.

Later in the week, the men’s team faced off against an in-form CPUT coming off a win against the Maties. In a game of few chances, UCT were far from convincing, with their opponents dominating play.

Nevertheless, the resolute defending was excellent, repelling the waves of attacking thrusts. Goalkeeper Bevan Adonis pulled off some brilliant saves, playing a significant role in ensuring the game finished goalless.

The men’s team remain unbeaten in their division.

The women’s team lost 1-0 in both their games against CPUT and Northlink despite coming off a good run of form that took them to joint first at the top of log.

Ballroom

The UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society recently competed in the South African National Student Ballroom and LatinAmerican Dance Competition hosted by the University of Pretoria (Tuks) this year. Despite the stiff competition from Stellenbosch, Tuks, Rhodes, NMMU, NWU and Wits, the UCT team, composed of 70 dancers of various skill levels, showed extraordinary dedication and commitment to retain their title as the best dancing university in the country (having now won 15 out of 21 competitions).

After burning up the dance floor and competing in 23 sections, from Beginners’ Ballroom and Latin to Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz and even a formation group dance, UCT won 21 medals – 9 Gold, 7 Silver and 5 Bronze. UCT also danced away with the Team Dance Shield, Spirit Trophy and the Overall Trophy, beating rivals Maties by 40 points.

UCT Ballroom is primarily a social dancing society which offers classes for beginner dancers and beyond.

Rugby

UCT suffered their second consecutive loss in the Western

¡AY CARAMBA! – The UCT Ballrom and Latin Dance Society dominated at the recent national championships.

Image provided by: Kathryn Luyt

Image provided by: Jason Miller GYMNASTS SHINE AT USSA – The UCT Gymnastics Club (above) put in sterling performances at the recently concluded USSA tournament.

Province Rugby Super League A, going down 13–36 to Durbell in an encounter on the Green Mile on Women’s Day. Durbell, currently league leaders, dominated play, establishing a 19-3 lead at the break.

A try by UCT scrumhalf Dylan Frylinck after half-time initiated a resurgence, but this was quickly snuffed out by the visitors, who retaliated with two quick tries of their own.

The defeat followed a shocking defeat to rivals Hamilton the

previous week, where UCT lost 17– 18 despite leading 17–6 at the break, after UCT flyhalf Ross Jones-Davies scored all of the points for his team, with one try and four penalties.

The losses leave UCT in 6th place in the league, and retaining their league title is impossible.

With contributions from Marc Harris, Kate Hawkridge, Kathryn Luyt, Jason Miller, Jonah Ssenyange, Sebastian Thompson & Nicholas Walker.

Driven past Point

Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor

Is local sport still lekker?

W

hatever happened to going to watch your favourite South African club play on the weekend at the stadium?

Yes, at the bigger Super Rugby games and the Soweto Derby, the stadium will always be packed, but what about the rest of the year? How many of you go watch the Cape Cobras play their 50 over games?

How often have you been in a res TV room and seen it brimming with fans watching Moroka Swallows face off against Mamelodi Sundowns? Once?

Twice? Closer to never, isn’t it?

Now go check that same TV room when Tottenham are playing Manchester United.

You’ll probably have to get in ten minutes early just to get a decent spot or risk watching it from outside the glass doors.

The management and administration of South African clubs is miles ahead of the rest of Africa.

The sporting infrastructure we possess is superb (at a professional level at least). Almost all our club games are televised, with extensive web coverage also provided. Local fan merchandise and paraphernalia isn’t available as easily as that ubiquitous Manchester United jersey, but is still available nonetheless.

The problem is equally bad at UCT, where we pitch up in threes

and fives (mainly siblings and girlfriends of the players) to watch our teams play. Often, sports clubs win the provincial or even national competition to the sound of no applause.

So what is the root of the problem? It’s us, the fans. We get attracted to shiny things quite easily, and forget where our loyalties lie. We crash Computicket, queuing for tickets for the Manchester United vs. Ajax game in Cape Town, and then turn up in hordes to support the visitors. Proudly South African?

Mzansi fo sho? What’s wrong with us? *** As the first round of student elections begin, I can’t wait to see the campaign posters. Poorly shot photos grabbed off Facebook, spelling and grammar mistakes consistently embellishing the posters, and outrageous campaign promises have been a staple of previous years. I really can’t take you seriously if your poster looks like the front page of a Grade 8 school project.

Sport VARSITY

FIXTURES Soccer

Rugby

Friday, 31st August

Saturday, 1st September

UCT vs Stellenbosch

UCT vs Stellenbosch

KOPANO ASTRO

8pm

GREEN MILE

4pm

The return of Intervarsity Robert Byrne

O

nly the crustiest professors will remember the last time the Ikeys contested a multi-sport bout against their Maties rivals, almost two decades ago in 1993.

It’s a whole new world today, but the rivalry between UCT and their neighbours from Stellenbosch is as intense as ever. Ahead of the sporting theatre that is due to unfold between August 30th and September 1st, we take a look back at the history of the event and what’s in store for 2012.

Things kicked off between the then South African College (UCT) and Victoria College (US) in 1911, with UCT’s ancestors comfortably achieving 9–0 and 10–0 wins on the rugby field. The entire weekend would be devoted to practically every other sport played at the institution including hockey, tennis, tabletennis, boxing, wrestling, women’s hockey and netball. A weekend tradition had been created.

In 1918, the name of the fixture was changed to its present format, and the competition continued with great success until it was thwarted from 1943–44 on account of the Second World War, and again between 1973–76.

Then, UCT stood firm against a governmentpressured Stellenbosch University, who refused permission for nonwhite students and academics to take part in the competition, leading to a three-year hiatus.

Fast-forward to the 1980s and the rivalry was back in full swing, so much so that notoriously riotous spectators had to be monitored by a dedicated Intervarsity committee.

Safety concerns, coupled with fixture congestion, meant that by 1992 the event had fizzled out and the individual codes were left to organise their own fixtures.

Kerr Rogers, Sports Coordinator and an integral figure in the revamped 2012 competition, cited the busy schedule many sports have as one of the prevailing factors that prevented an earlier re-launch.

However, he added, trying to explain a feasible solution: “In years to come, we hope that league fixtures will become Intervarsity fixtures. This year, the rugby event is also the league event.”

While acknowledging the logistical challenges of getting over 20 sports competing on the same weekend, he relished the task, saying: “The driving force has come from the students; they approached Lorne [Hallendorff] at the Students Sports Union meeting.

“The fact that it’s come from the sports clubs is great. If the students didn’t want to bring this back, it wouldn’t happen,” he added.

The other main driving force in the project, SRC Sports Co-ordinator

Lorne Hallendorff, was also looking forward to seeing the Intervarsity rivalry re-ignited. Hallendorff was keen to emphasise the diversity in the 20-plus number of sports being showcased and the opportunity such an event can have in lifting their status.

“Sport will be the winner in 2012” UCT can fancy its chances in a number of disciplines including fencing, in which they recently claimed the USSA Championship for an impressive fourth year running.

Hallendorff was quick to back his USSA winning chommies in the pool to edge out the Maties in water polo, while the Ultimate (frisbee) team look strong given their national contingent.

Rogers gave his backing to the squash team, who recently beat Maties in a clash at the beginning of the year. On the water, Rogers added, “UCT has been the top yachting university in country for the last ten years.” Expect a strong showing then.

The event kicks off with netball at the Sports Centre at 6pm on Thursday, August 30th, and finishes with the traditional rugby contest at 4pm on Saturday, September 1st.

Although this year’s event is an exciting return to an old tradition,

those involved in the planning were keen to stress that 2012 is merely a trial run for a much larger, highprofile event in 2013. The success of this year’s event, however, is crucial to the long-term sustainability of the project.

Hallendorf was excited about the role the event could play in developing sport at UCT. “From a historical point of view, reestablishing an old tradition that UCT alumni can associate with will be a huge positive. We’re hoping that it will become a big event on the Cape Town calendar that people will be aware of and attend. It’s very important to have Intervarsity because we can leverage off the popularity of rugby to give support to other clubs. In the future, maybe we can make other sports the primary spectacle.”

Including fellow provincial universities is also part of the plan.

2012 sees UWC competing in the pool, and it is hoped CPUT will also compete in a fully-fledged version in 2013.

No overall winner will be announced this year, as the exact algorithms for points calculations are still to be decided.

Hallendorff added, however: “This is a pilot year, but there is definitely going to be an overall winner’s cup for 2013. Sport will be the winner in 2012.”

For more information, visit intervarsity.co.za.

RETURN FROM THE DEAD – (pictured above) A UCT vs Stellenbosch Intervarsity rugby match in 1988. The annual UCT vs Stellenbosch Intervarsity Weekend returns after almost two decades, with more than 20 sports, including rugby, being played.

Image: From the archives of the Cape Argus

Rondebosch Tel: 021-685 4001