VARSITY Newspaper Edition 11 2020 by VARSITY

30 September 2020 | Volume 79 | Edition 11

Semenya: World Athletics are on “the wrong side of history” Olympic 800-metre champion, Caster Semenya, will be unable to defend her title in Tokyo next year unless she takes hormone suppressants.

Source: The Telegraph

Caitlin MacDonald

n Thursday, September 8, Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court upheld the Court of Arbitration for Sports’ (CAS) defense of World Athletics’ (WA) hormone-regulated eligibility criteria, denying an appeal made by two-time Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya. WA’s criteria bars female athletes with above average testosterone levels from competing in specific events. For athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) this ruling means that they are required to alter their bodies or face exclusion from major sporting events. Following the court’s ruling, Semenya accused the athletics governing body of being on ”the wrong side of history.” “Semenya has been at the nucleus of debates surrounding hormone regulation in sport.” Semenya has been at the nucleus of debates surrounding hormone regulation in sport. Her highly successful arrival on the world stage in 2009 at the age of 18 was marked with controversy, with various athletes and commentators questioning her womanhood and WA administering a sex verification test. Italian runner, Elisa Cusma, who

came sixth in a WA semifinal which Semenya won, said “These kinds of people should not run with us. For me, she is not a woman. She is a man.” Since then, WA has instituted various regulations which limit the amount of testosterone permitted in a competing female athlete’s body. “These kinds of people should not run with us. For me, she is not a woman. She is a man.” WA has asserted that their regulations are necessary for the protection of “the rights of all female athletes to participate on fair and equal terms,” rejecting claims that the requirement for medical intervention or exclusion of athletes with DSD is an infringement upon their rights to dignity and bodily integrity. “[E]xclusion of athletes with DSD is an infringement upon their rights to dignity and bodily integrity.” Sports Scientist, Dr Ross Tucker, refutes this claim, telling Cape Talk that the hormone suppressants DSD athletes are compelled to take “are not innocuous drugs,” citing the

risks of bone health deterioration and cardiovascular complications. In a 2019 press release, Semenya described the medication as making her “feel constantly sick and unable to focus for many years.” In responding to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Semenya firmly rejected the prospect of altering her body, saying “I [...] refuse to let World Athletics drug me or stop me from being who I am.” “Semenya described the medication as making her ‘feel constantly sick and unable to focus for many years.’ ” While Semenya may challenge the Swiss Federal Supreme Court’s ruling in the European Court for Human Rights, this would be costly and time-consuming. For the time being, rights groups such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) have declared that they will petition the United Nations and African Union for intervention. They maintain that the WA’s rules constitute “gross human rights violations.” Semenya has announced her intention to run the 200 meters in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, a division that is not covered by hormone regulations.

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 2

NEWS

City of Cape Town denied clean audit Auditor-General finds R950 million in irregular expenditure on the city’s books.

Source: One Big Photo

William Barron

n July 1, 2020, the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) released its report on municipal audits for the financial year of 2018-2019. The report found that the municipality of the City of Cape Town had been responsible for R950 million in irregular spending. AGSA categorises the spending as “irregular” as it involved “[p]rocurement without following competitive billing procedures.” It means Cape Town was not one of the 13 municipalities in the Western Cape, and 20 in South Africa, to receive a clean audit. It is the third biggest amount of irregular expenditure, after eThekwini Metro and OR Tambo District. “[T]he City of Cape Town had been responsible for R950 million in irregular spending.” AGSA’s audit opinion of Cape Town was, officially, “financially unqualified opinion, with findings.” While the municipality’s records were complete, with no financial information being misstated or obscured, nonetheless they reflected certain financial patterns which broke the law. The specific laws in question pertain to the Municipal Finance Management Act, which requires competitive advertising practices from municipalities. “The irregular spending has to do with contravention of AGSA’s supply chain management (SCM) regulations.”

An Independent Online article quotes Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, who argues that the irregular spending has to do with contravention of AGSA’s supply chain management (SCM) regulations. According to Bredell, the city had been procuring legal services in contravention of the SCM regulations for five years, and these contraventions had been collected retrospectively into one audit. “[F]ailure to manage contracting has led to poor delivery on its housing projects.” AGSA’s report for 2018-2019 states that Cape Town had maintained clean audits for four consecutive years before 2016-2017. At this point, “political instability and a breakdown in preventative controls […] resulted in the stagnation of [its] audit outcomes.” AGSA reports that the City fails to effectively manage its contracting systems according to SCM prescripts. The report also claims that the City’s failure to manage contracting has led to poor delivery on its housing projects, resulting in a capital underspending of R1,3 billion. Furthermore, despite the AGSA reporting on these issues yearly, the report suggests that the problem is getting worse.

NEWS

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 3

Spreading like wildfire: Climate catastrophes continue Wildfires in the US have engulfed over 17 000 kilometres of forest on the West Coast, plundering towns and cities and weighing down the skies with heavy flakes of soot and ash.

Source: New York Times

Jeremy Simpson

mber skies laden thick with blankets of ash covered much of the West Coast of the United States these past few weeks as California, Oregon and Washington faced the start of one of the most ferocious wildfire seasons in recent history. Amidst a string of extreme weather events, scientists believe these are likely a consequence of climate change and global warming.

such extreme fire conditions. The state’s governor, Kate Brown, predicts, “This will not be a one-time event. Unfortunately, it is the bellwether of the future. We’re feeling the acute impacts of climate change.” These fires have relentlessly levelled towns, destroying people’s houses and businesses. Many have been ordered to evacuate, staying in temporary shelters across the state.

“These fires were caused by a mid-August heat wave in the region, which resulted in a series of lightning storms that led to some of the fires. ”

“However, scientists and Democratic politicians have refuted these claims, emphasising that changes in the climate are the primary reason behind the fires.”

Around 17 806 kilometres have been scorched, an area slightly smaller than Gauteng. These fires were caused by a mid-August heat wave in the region, which resulted in a series of lightning storms that led to some of the fires. As of Monday, September 21, California was battling 27 wildfires and Oregon, 11.

Moreover, air quality throughout the West Coast has deteriorated as skies are saturated with smoke, soot and ash. President Trump, on a visit to California, denied the role of climate change in these fires, claiming that, “It’ll start getting cooler.” He has consistently argued that the fires are due to poor forest management by state officials. However, scientists and Democratic politicians have refutSome of the fires, however, were started through human actions. ed these claims, emphasising that changes in the climate are the The El Dorado fire, which has so far destroyed about 89 square primary reason behind the fires. kilometres of land, was started by a pyrotechnic device used in a gender reveal party on Saturday, September 5, forcing nearby res“Joe Biden’s plan isn’t everything, but it’s something” idents to evacuate. One firefighter has lost his life while battling this blaze. As of September 21, the fire is 60% contained. Joe Biden, however, has pushed for a stronger response to climate “These fires have relentlessly levelled towns, destroying people’s change, calling for a US return to the Paris Agreement. Varshihouses and businesses. ” ni Prakash, co-founder and executive director of the progressive Sunrise Movement, says “Joe Biden’s plan isn’t everything, but it’s In Oregon, unusually hot, dry winds combined with timber and something”. Trump, on the other hand, has long appeared to be rugged terrain are fueling fires in a state that usually does not face doing the bidding of the fossil fuel industry.

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 4

NEWS

UCT Transformation over the next decade – Vision 2030 Vision 2030 offers a seemingly robust framework for UCT’s transformation; however, inevitable potholes will roughen this decade-long journey.

Source: Hope College Blog

Jeremy Simpson

he Vision 2030 strategic plan put forward by the current leadership, with Vice-Chancellor (VC) Mamokgethi Phakeng at the helm, seeks to achieve much needed transformation over the next decade. According to Phakeng, speaking on Tuesday, September 15, at a staff engagement session, transformation is at the nucleus of this agenda, along with excellence and sustainability.

with racism and misogyny.

study claimed that black students were less likely to study biological sciences, sparking ”It is hoped that these will develop leaders outrage among many in the UCT communithat can, ’effectively serve the academic ty. The Black Academic Caucus pointed out project.’ “ that they have, “long since learned of the futility of expecting the university to take In order to make this vision a reality, three claims of racism by our white colleagues seprogrammes have been set up: Future Lea- riously.” ders, Futures Scholarship and Inclusive Futures. It is hoped that these will develop “Questions were raised about the university’s leaders that can, “effectively serve the aca- attitude towards racism when a scandal “The principles of transformation outlined demic project.” Many of these programmes ensued involving an article published by in the vision, 'speak to the need to ensure have specific attributes focusing on ideas Economics Professor Nicoli Nattrass.” social justice at the university.” of decolonisation and social justice, as well as environmental sustainability, aiming to Vice-Chancellor Phakeng’s leadership has Professor Loretta Feris, the Deputy redress inequality and, “create a fair and just also been questioned by those who feel she Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, explai- society.” has not done enough to bring about channed that the principles of transformation However, evidence suggests that the actual ges. Moreover, the UCT Ombud, Zetu Maoutlined in the vision, “speak to the need path to transformation and sustainability, as kamandela-Mguqulwa, published a report to ensure social justice at the university.” Fathe 2030 strategic plan describes it, is likely detailing claims of bullying against the VC. cing up to socio-economic redress is one of to be far more complex than UCT’s leaders- Phakeng has denied these allegations. the largest tasks UCT needs to undertake. hip would have hoped. Over the last eight The National Education, Health and Allied This latest strategy for the transformation of months, dissatisfaction has boiled over, rethe university shares much in common with garding what many perceive as a slow pace Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has called for the VC’s removal, citing a perceived silence on its older sibling, Vision 2020 – a strategy of change within the institution. racism and sexism within the institution, for institutional reform influenced largely by the 2015/2016 Rhodes Must Fall move- Questions were raised about the universi- particularly regarding the recent allegatiment. At Vision 2030’s core is the fostering ty’s attitude towards racism when a scandal ons of racism and bullying in the Red Cross of an more inclusive identity for UCT, focu- ensued involving an article published by War Memorial Children’s Hospital, a UCT sing its attention on specific reckonings Economics Professor, Nicoli Nattrass. The training hospital.

EDITORIAL

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 5

The Collective

Make It New!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chloe Kingdom editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY EDITOR Lerato Botha editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Ntsako Moavodi managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za SENIOR COPY EDITOR Julia Rowley copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Jeremy Simpson juniorcopyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE EDITOR Temwani Nyama online@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY ONLINE EDITOR Sanelisiwe Mhloma onlinecontent@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Navan Coetzee creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Chloe Kingdom

nheriting the position of Editor-in-Chief at VARSITY is an honour, given the legacy of this paper and the teams that have run it over the years. This year’s Senior Editorial team are particularly deserving of praise for their commitment to running the paper during such uncertain times. The difficulties of navigating digital publishing and the online work space were considerable, but they rose to the challenge and produced eleven editions of esteemed journalism. “The difficulties of navigating digital publishing and the online work space were considerable, but they rose to the challenge…” Given that their term in office was characterised in broad strokes by the concept of the “unprecedented,” their achievements are highly commendable. Prior to the Coronavirus lockdown, the SE team held a writers workshop and an introduction session for new members to become familiar with their roles and the structure of the VARSITY collective. Throughout the first and second stages of the lockdown period, the team continued to publish editions which maintained the integrity of the paper’s writing and production standards. These editions contained reflective pieces that interrogated the current moment from within our UCT community, and throughout our country and the world.

NEWS EDITOR Jeremy Simpson DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR Caitlin Macdonald news@varsitynewspaper.co.za

sexual and gender-based violence in the country. Reflections on the lack of progress pertaining to proposed policies and laws to protect women and children were noted across various sections of the edition. May this be the last year that the paper has to grapple with these topics, with such scant reform to comment upon. Our vision for the paper in the upcoming year is to consolidate the fine writing that has been sampled throughout the many editions of the paper since its inception in 1942, and to ensure that the design and accessibility of the paper is responsive to the needs of the students and the political youth in the evolving landscape of digital media consumption. The paper originated out of the need to provide a common vehicle of communication, where ideas were shared across racial divides. The paper serves this motive still, but also seeks to cover the multitude of burgeoning social, political, economic and environmental issues that we are contending with, under the conditions of the “new normal.”

FEATURES EDITOR Natasha Nkutu DEPUTY FEATURES EDITOR Lee-Anne Jacobs features@varsitynewspaper.co.za OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Rowley DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR Chloe Kingdom opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za LIFESTYLE AND SPORTS EDITOR James Braham sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Seth Meyer onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Hannah Van Teylingen DEPUTY ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Laylaa Edross onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR Temwani Nyama onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE LIFESTYLE AND SPORT EDITOR Sumitra Naidoo onlinesport@varsitynewspaper.co.za

STAFF WRITERS William Barron Stefan Kirsten Nelisa Khwela Ntsako Mlambo Bathandwa Magqaza Jack Phllips Asenathi Ntamo Emma Sacco COLUMNIST Duwayne Esau columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.za

“Our vision for the paper in the upcoming year is to consolidate the fine writing that has been sampled throughout the many editions of the paper since its inception in 1942.”

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Salma Noor Mahomed socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENTS Kendal Davids Zintle Mfaku

Our vision is inspired by journalistic outlets around Varsity’s participation in the special, “Global Edition: the world which continue to enthrall readers with One Pandemic, Fourteen Stories,” was a foray into innovative coverage on pressing matters. We incollaborative journalism with fourteen universities tend to carry forth the legacy of this paper and to across four continents. Exchanging stories with in- use the words and wisdom of past students as our ternational communities is an essential component guide, but to charge the pages of each edition with of ensuring that our journalism remains relevant a bolt of youthful courage that cries, ‘Make it new!’ and insightful. The political zeitgeist of our moment demands it of us, and we shall deliver. It is a tragic indictment of the failures of both our government and various role-players in South Afri“[We intend] to charge the pages of each edition with ca that, for a second year in a row, Varsity dedicated a bolt of youthful courage that cries, ‘Make it new!’ ” a Womxn’s Wrap edition to the persisting issues of

IMAGES EDITOR Ya’eesh Collins imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY IMAGES EDITOR Phelisa Kosi imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za FINANCE MANAGER Niitembu Augustinus finance@varsitynewspaper.co.za ADS MANAGER Ntsako Moavodi ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za HR MANAGER Siphesande Mfaku DEPUTY HR MANAGER Vernita Caeser hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za MARKETING AND BRANDING MANAGER Nita Naidoo marketing@varsitynewspaper.co.za WEB EDITOR Sanelisiwe Mhloma web@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Applications are open for 2021! Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested!

Julia Rowley Nelisa Khwela Motsi Macheka Tiyani Rikhotso

DESIGN Micha Mae Cerf Reabetswe Khutsoane Ntsako Moavodi Jeremy Simpson

VARSITY NEWSPAPER 2020 YEARBOOK Ntsako Moavodi - Ads Manager

“You can’t move your eyebrows and smile. - Sike. I just wanted you to smile.”

Tiyani Rikhotso - Editor-in-Chief “At the center of your being you know the answer; you know who you are and what you want.” - Lao Tzu Brad Brinkley - Senior Copy Editor “2 metres apart but still close enough to the heart of the student populace.”

Nita Naidoo Marketing Manager “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” - Abraham Lincoln

Kelsey Maggott - Online Editor “Be truthful, gentle and fearless.”

Salma Noor Mahomed - Creative Director & Social Media Manager “Every moment happens twice: inside and outside, and they are two different histories.” - Zadie Smith

Mbali Mthembu Deputy Online Editor “Despite knowing they won’t be here for long, they still choose to Savannah Costello - Junior Copy Editor Sane Mhlkoma - Web Editor live their brightest lives — sun- “The bad news is time flies. The good “Whatever life plants you, news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael bloom with grace.” flowers.” – Rupi Kaur Altshuler Stefan Kirsten - Staff Writer “There’s no money in poetry, but then there’s no poetry in money, either.” - Robert Graves

Phelisa Kosi - Images Editor “Excellence is my presence, never tense, never Julia Evans - Creative Team hesitant.“ - Notorious B.I.G “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” - Joan Didion

Zintle Mfaku - Social Reabetswe Khutsoane Kendal-Ann Davids - Social Media Media - Design Editor “We must be willing to let go of “Accept yourself as you “Change your opinions, keep to your William Barron the life we planned so as to have were designed.” - Rupi principles; change your leaves, keep Staff Writer the life that is waiting for us.” Kaur intact your roots.” - Victor Hugo “r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r” Joseph Campbell - E E Cummings

Lerato Botha - Staff Writer “If journalism has taught me anything, it’s that there is never a shortage of sto- Emma Sacco - Staff Writer “Write hard and clear about ries to be told.” what hurts.” - Hemingway Nelisa Khwela - Staff Writer “No one is you, and that is your power.”

Julia Rowley Opinions Editor “A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.” - Lisa Kleypas Chloe Kingdom Deputy Opinions Editor “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Sumitra Naidoo - Online Sports & Lifestyle Editor “It doesn’t matter where you come from and no matter where you are or who you are, you can still make it.” – Mpho’ Gift Ngoepe

James Braham Sports & Lifestyle Editor “It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die”. – Steve Biko

Caitlin MacDonald Deputy News Editor “I have come to believe over and over again Jeremy Simpson that what is most imLee-Ann Jacobs -DepNews Editor portant to me must be uty Features Editor “Too often we look “Be crazy, be stupid, only for affirmation of spoken, made verbal Natasha Nkutu be silly, be weird. Be our own ideas rather and shared, even at the risk of having it Features Editor whatever, because than opening our“Love yourself, em- life is too short to be selves to the ideas of bruised or misunderbrace who you are anything but happy.” others.” - Marty Baron stood.” — Audre Lorde and shine!”

Temwani Nyama Online Opinions Editor “Rather than convey the routinised violence, look Hannah van Teylingen elsewhere and consider - Online Features Editor those scenes in which ter- “Out beyond ideas of ror can hardly be discerned wrongdoing and rightand be especially sensitive doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” about responding to them Jelaluddin Rumi with care.” - Saidiya Hartman

Laylaa Edross Deputy Online Features Editor “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in restrospect.” - Anaïs Nin

Seth Meyer Online News Editor “Education is the most Ntsako Mlambo powerful weapon Staff Writer which you can use to “Bophelo ke ntwa. You’ve change the world.” got to keep fighting.”

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 8

FEATURES

Mulan 2020: Disney’s newest flop The recent remake of the classic Mulan legend has become highly controversial due to the location in which it was filmed and the choice of the main actress.

Source: Medium

Emma Sacco

ne would have thought that the live action re- had given thanks to eight government entities in Xinjiang. make of the famous Chinese legend and well-known childhood story, Mulan, would have brought with it nos- “While the remaking of Mulan could have been a great opportunity for talgia and happiness. Instead, it has resulted in disappointment Disney to explore Chinese culture, identity and history it has instead and uproar as the film has quickly become very controversial. become entangled in the human rights atrocities taking place in Xinjiang.” Mulan (2020) was released earlier this year and was produced by the famous Walt Disney Pictures. Disney thought that the new production American Senator, Josh Hawley, condemned Disney Chief Executive of Mulan would go down well in China and receive positive reviews, Bob Chapek in a published letter, expressing: “Your decision to put but the criticism of the movie began early on when social media actiprofit over principle, to not just ignore the CCP’s [Chinese Communist vists began criticizing the main actress of the film, Liu Yifei. Party] genocide and other atrocities but to aid and abet them, is an It has been said that the Chinese-American actress openly suppor- affront to American values.” ted the Hong Kong police who were brutalising protesters during a pro-democracy protest in 2019. Once this information hit social media, many people began expressing their upset over Yifei being cast as the brave and noble character of Mulan and started to call for boycotts against the movie in its entirety. The controversy around Mulan only escalated when it was discovered that the movie was filmed in a region in China, Xinjiang, that has allegedly imprisoned one million Muslims in internment camps. This horrific discovery quickly led activists to push forward the #BoycottMulan campaign, and Disney soon began receiving massive amounts of criticism worldwide.

“The controversy around Mulan only escalated when it was discovered that the movie was filmed in a region in China, Xinjiang, that has allegedly imprisoned one million Muslims in internment camps.”

Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy issued a statement in response to the uproar over Mulan, stating that the majority of the film was actually shot in New Zealand, with only some of it being filmed in Xinjiang. She further stated that it is “common knowledge” in the film industry to thank the national and local governments where a movie was shot for allowing it to be filmed in their country. However, Mulan was not only badly received in China for the choice of the main actress and the location of the filming, but also because many agreed that it was historically inaccurate. It was also stated that the film misrepresented the character of Mulan as a strange fusion of being both westernised as well as conforming to orientalist stereotypes.

While the remaking of Mulan could have been a great opportunity for Disney to explore Chinese culture, identity and history; it has instead become entangled in the human rights atrocities taking place in Xinjiang. It is now widely associated with white-washing and igThe Disney film came under even more fire when the credits rolled af- norance surrounding Chinese culture and has disappointed many vieter the movie finished and spectators saw that the Mulan filmmakers wers in China as well as numerous original Mulan fans.

FEATURES

@VarstyNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 9

Keeping up no more In a surprising move after 14 years, the Kardashian/Jenner family have chosen to say goodbye to the roots of their fame, success, and wealth.

Source: Parade

Lee-Anne Jacobs

ove ‘em or hate ‘em, there is no denying that the Kardashians have left a massive mark on the world of pop culture; the bigger question I constantly find myself thinking is - why? What was it about this largely ordinary family that inspired such a global frenzy? Personally, I believe this all boils down to Paris Hilton. Paris was the first famous-for-simply-being-rich celeb who saw the possibility that reality television could offer. Hilton and Nicole Richie cashed in major bucks and global recognition for playing into the dumb-blonde-celebutart stereotype in their show, “The Simple Life. “ By understanding that all you needed to hold an audience’s attention were good looks and a gimmick, they set the stage for the Kardashians. The Kardashian gimmick encompassed all they needed for an addictive guilty pleasure: beauty and sex in the curvaceous form of Kim, drama wrapped up in Kourtney and Scott, and humour in Khloe. With the basics covered, they set themselves up in ridiculous and clichéd situations: anyone else remember them cringingly trying on lingerie together? Moments like these were perfectly designed to keep people watching, and it worked! “The Kardashian gimmick encompassed all they needed for an addictive guilty pleasure: beauty and sex in the curvaceous form of Kim, drama wrapped up in Kourtney and Scott, and humour in Khloe.”

ing wealth to slowly create a larger-than-life lifestyle. This lifestyle that they created for themselves simply made the show more entertaining to watch, and with a bigger audience came bigger opportunities. The devil works hard, but not as hard as Kris Jenner who grabbed every opportunity to pimp out her family’s growing brand until Kardashian was everywhere you looked, and it was these very opportunities that helped to cement them as pop culture icons. Over the past 14 years, the Kardashians have stamped their brand on every trend that’s cropped up, such as female body positivity, size-inclusive clothing lines, multiple make-up lines, lip plumping, detox teas, and even cultural appropriation with their now infamous phase of “boxer braids”, otherwise known as cornrows to the rest of the world. However, their participation in these trends (both good and bad) all paved the way to one end goal – creating an empire that could outlast their reality TV careers and they did it damn well! Never one to waste an opportunity, the family fully embraced the power of social media to continue pushing products, brands, and themselves. “The Kardashians used their growing wealth to slowly create a larger than-life lifestyle... [that] simply made them more entertaining to watch.”

For a family that nobody cared about 14 years ago, they are As their ratings and fame grew so did their ridiculous situations. retiring their mothership with a billion-dollar empire, multiple From smackdowns between Kim and Khloe in Robert’s tiny apartproduct lines, a social media following that is continuing to ment in season 1, to sarcastic comments over lost diamond eargrow, and industry respect. To that, I say: well-done Kardashians, rings in Bora Bora in season 6, the Kardashians used their growand well played!

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 10

FEATURES

A Thorne in the works A-list celebrity Bella Thorne is believed to have cost sex workers on OnlyFans a large majority of their earnings due to her joining of the site.

Source: PinkNews

Emma Sacco

isney star, Bella Thorne, has been under fire ever since she chose to join the platform OnlyFans. Thorne went live with her OnlyFans profile on August 19 and earned $2 million in the first six days of posting photos. She charged each fan a fee of $20 to subscribe to her page and view her private photos.

had turned out to be a scam requested Thorne’s stunt has caused an uproar from sex workers who use OnlyFans as their pritheir money back immediately. mary base of income, and understandably It was shortly after this incident that Only- so. Such an A-list celebrity joining the site Fans announced a change in their policies: would naturally draw attention away from OnlyFans creators could now only charge other content creators and subsequently a maximum of $50 per person for pay-per- lower their earnings. And if this wasn’t bad view content and would only be able to re- enough, now all OnlyFans creators will lose ceive a maximum of $100 in tips. On top of money because of the new policies put in Thorne first began receiving criticism this, creators would now only be receiving place. when people questioned her motives for their money 30 days after transactions joining OnlyFans: why did this super suc- took place instead of on a weekly basis. “Thorne’s stunt has caused an uproar from cessful movie star, who already has a signisex workers who use OnlyFans as their ficant amount of money in the bank, need After this announcement was made, people began to blame Thorne for OnlyFans’ primary base of income, and understandably to join OnlyFans in the first place? so.” policy changes. They said that it was due “She charged each fan a fee of $20 to to Thorne’s nude photo scam and the subscribe to her page and view her private extremely high amount of money that On August 30, Thorne issued an apology she made in the first week of her account to sex workers that had been affected by photos.” being active that the site was forced to put her joining OnlyFans, stating that she had limits on how much creators could earn joined with the intention of “removing the However, it wasn’t until Thorne advertised from their content. stigma behind sex, sex work, and the nean exclusive pay-for-view nude photo for gativity that surrounds the word SEX itself $200 per person that things started to go by bringing a mainstream face to it …” south - not only for Thorne, but for all other “…it was due to Thorne’s nude photo scam and the extremely high amount of money OnlyFans content creators as well. In the middle of all of this controversy, Onthat she made in the first week of her lyFans issued a statement saying that the As it turned out, the exclusive photo did account being active that the site was forced policy changes had nothing to do with not show Thorne posing naked, but was to put limits on how much creators could Thorne’s joining of the site. However, peinstead a photo of her wearing sexy lingeearn from their content.” ople remain sceptical as to whether this is rie. Naturally, everyone who had paid the the truth or not. whopping $200 to view this photo that

COLUMN

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 11

A vote for the ANC – a moral transgression “Evil does not just arise from nothingness, most of the time it is nurtured by society’s failure to activate its moral standards” — Aysha Taryam Duwayne Esau

If one is aware of the crimes committed by an individual or group of individuals and yet you continue to give them your vote, are you morally complicit in their crimes? Yes. If I witness a crime and do not report it, I am just as guilty as the person who committed said crime. Many commentators and analysts have pointed out the moral, legal, and political responsibility of the African National Congress (ANC), but what about those who vote for them? These individuals are no better than those who are taking part in the theft of public funds. Corruption has become so pernicious in the party that it is nearly impossible to think of three ANC politicians who have not been implicated in corrupt dealings in one way or another. Therefore, one has to ask the question of whether or not voters are complicit in the large-scale corruption that has been and is currently deteriorating our country.

The fact that a high-ranking ANC official sees nothing wrong with his family doing business with the state speaks volumes. “If we vote for public representatives who do the opposite of this – who steal, lie, and who are derelict in their duties then we are in fact complicit in their acts and behavior.”

It is our duty as voters to elect into office public representatives who will uphold the constitution rather than undermine it, who will show zero tolerance for corruption, and who govern in the interest of the people. If we vote for public representatives who do the opposite of this – who steal, lie, and who are derelict in their duties - then we are in fact complicit in their acts and behavior. As voters, we give them the power to misuse state funds, employ their friends “Therefore, one has to ask the question of whether or not voters and family, and lead the country down a path to ruin. We are complicit in the large-scale corruption that has been and is ought to vote for leaders who will bring positive change, especially to those who are most vulnerable in society. The currently deteriorating our country.” only change that the ANC brought was a change of tax bracket for those who hold public office – the political-elite The erosion of this once stainless liberation movement has who enjoy a whole host of special privileges afforded to been disheartening to witness. One important issue, which those in executive office. the majority of South Africans either fail to or do not want to comprehend, is that the good old ANC who fought against “The only change that the ANC brought was a change of tax Apartheid is dead. The ANC of Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, bracket for those who hold public office – the political-elite Joe Slovo and Oliver Tambo, among others, is dead. The who enjoy a whole host of special privileges afforded to those once extraordinary liberation movement that was led by in Executive Office.” extraordinary human beings is no more, and the sooner we come to accept that the better off we will be. If voters elect a party that is so clearly corrupt to its core, then they must carry the moral blame for the wrongs of the “One important issue, which the majority of South Africans leaders they elect. This is reminiscent of a quote by Joseph either fail to or do not want to comprehend, is that the good de Maistre: “Every nation gets the government it deserves.” Perhaps we do deserve the government we have if we are old ANC who fought against Apartheid is dead.“ so morally bankrupt as a nation that we cannot see how voting for the ANC is repugnant. History will look back on According to the ANC’s own president, President Cyril us and the part we played in the demise of South Africa Ramaphosa, more than R500 billion was stolen from the under the ANC and they will ask why we did not vote them public purse during the Zuma presidency alone. The out of office. Do we want to be responsible for South Africa President noted this in a speech at the 2019 Financial becoming yet another failed African state, or do we want Times Africa Summit in London, and what this indicates to be the people who liberated the country from an eroded is that corruption has grown to become part of the ethos movement? of the ruling party. In response to questions surrounding his children benefitting from tenders with the state, the Secretary-General of the ANC, Ace Magashule, recently “Perhaps we do deserve the government we have if we are so asked the media: “Tell me of one leader of the ANC, who has morally bankrupt as a nation that we cannot see how voting not done business with government... you are looking at for the ANC is repugnant. “ [just] government; [other] people are working with banks.”

DISCLAIMER This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression on any topic by the columnist. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor can be sent to: editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 12

OPINIONS

#OscarsSTILLSoWhite The Oscars’ new diversity guidelines are a step in the right direction but should not be devoid of criticism.

Source: NewsWhip

Motsi Macheka

t has been five years since the #OscarsSoWhite campaign went dampened (as it is fairly easy to still qualify if there is some diversity viral, criticising the white-male-dominated prestigious motion pic- within the marketing or financing departments of the film) but rather ture award show. However, it seems that The Academy is seeking to what is implied by these guidelines. drastically change for the better and has recently announced its new diversity initiative. “The issue here is not the artistry of filmmaking being dampened but rather what is implied by these guidelines.” These guidelines, which will only take effect from the 96th Academy Awards of 2024 and for the Best Picture award, requires films to meet two out of the four following criteria divided into categories. The first There is a very big difference between actual diversity versus tokenism. category deals with the cast in front of the camera; it requires that a What the Oscars have done is cherry pick individuals of marginalized film would have to have either a lead, a supporting actor or a number groups who tick a certain box as a perfunctory and symbolic effort to of smaller roles be designated to a woman, a disabled person, a person make it seem as if they are actually making real productive strides toof colour or a member of the LGBTQ+ community in order to qualify wards diversity for the future. Nonetheless, the fundamental issues still for a nomination. The same applies to the second category regarding remain. If we consider movies that centrally follow straight, white, male protagonists like 1917 or The Joker, the film would still remain equally those behind the camera and the production team. as white even if they chucked in a couple of token individuals behind the scenes. “[I]t seems that The Academy is seeking to drastically change for the better and has recently announced its new diversity initiative.” “What the Oscars have done is cherry pick individuals of marginalized groups who tick a certain box as a perfunctory and symbolic effort to At face value, these rules seem fair. However, upon closer inspection, make it seem as if they are actually making real productive strides towards various loopholes can be found. The third category details that the diversity for the future.” film’s distributor or financing company must have at least two interns or offer training and work opportunities to members of an underprivileged group while the same applies to the fourth category regarding It seems that despite these measures, the problem of the lack of divermembers of the senior marketing, publicity and distribution execu- sity within the film industry is exacerbated and remains unsolved. The crumbs that The Academy has thrown as an excuse for diversity are like tives. taking five steps forward and ten steps back. We can only hope that This new “woke” initiative has not been met without criticism. Multiple in the future The Academy prioritises, truly and genuinely, the need people have stated that these guidelines put shackles on the creative for the stories of the marginalised to be represented wholly and create process and likening them to telling Picasso what to put on his paint- new initiatives which push legitimate and authentic diversity rather ings. However, the issue here is not the artistry of filmmaking being than cautious tokenism.

DISCLAIMER

This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression, on any topic by members of the UCT community. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor need to be kept at a maximum of 300 words and can be sent to: editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 13

Curtain close for gender reveal parties? The disastrous impact of the latest gender reveal party mishap has spotlighted the harmful role the custom plays in maintaining traditional views on sex and gender.

Source: BBC

Chloe Kingdom

s unlikely as it may seem, I do not actually want or need to know the status of your baby’s genitals. When this perspective is offered to the eager supporter of gender reveal parties, their response is usually one of disgust — and rightfully so. Why, then, has Western culture birthed a new trend that invites strangers to lean into their screens and guess as to who your child will be, even before they have had the chance to enter the world and decide for themselves?

As society makes bold strides towards understanding the constructed and fluid nature of gender, cisgender parents need to reconsider the manner in which they bring their child into the world. Regardless of their own feelings on the matter, parents do not have the right to determine who their child will become. However, gender reveals have become a place where the child is inculcated into a specific set of expectations around who they are to be; they are the first act of anti-queerness and transphobia through which the unborn child is inducted into the Gender reveal parties have been scrutinised world. in the media in recent weeks for the harm that they pose to the environment. An ex- “[Gender reveals] are the first act of antipecting couple in the United States joined in queerness and transphobia through which the custom to celebrate their unborn child the unborn child is inducted into the world.” by announcing their gender in a “reveal” to their friends and family. The event took an unexpected turn when a smoke-generat- For many transgender people, it can be trauing pyrotechnic device —used to announce matic to see gender reveals trend on social the gender of the baby by setting off a co- media. These ceremonies celebrate a child’s lour-coded smoke signal — malfunctioned life based on their biological sex, but parents’ and caused a fire to spread through the dry expectations are premised on their child’s grass of El Dorado Ranch Park. Their intention neat alignment with arbitrary categories: may have been to introduce their child to the Pink or blue; ballet or basketball? The strict world with a bang, but the unintended result adherence to the gender binary is reinforced was an inferno that has ravaged over 21 000 in symbolism everywhere at these parties, with colour-coded decorations and games acres of land on the West Coast. Casualties that allow attendees to cast their vote based of the fire include uncounted numbers of on their prediction for a “boy” or a “girl”. All of free-roaming animals, injured civilians, and these rituals contribute towards the perforthe tragic death of a firefighter. mative aspect of the parties. The hyped-up

DISCLAIMER

reactions of parents as they anticipate the “reveal” of their child’s gender are exploited for views and likes. It is these behaviours which compound feelings of anxiety for transgender or gender non-conforming people — where are they represented in these moments? “The celebration of a person’s life should not be contingent upon their gender and the expectations that their parents and society have for that person before they have even been born.” Society’s compulsion to gender the body is inordinately harmful. However, there is a collective shift towards freedom from the rigid structures stifling unbounded existence in the world. Twitter user Akilah Green astutely noted that society desperately needs, “A gender reveal party where [we] reveal all the harmful things [we] learned about gender roles and norms and vow not to pass them onto the next generation.” The celebration of a person’s life should not be contingent upon their gender, and the expectations that their parents and society have for that person before they have even been born. This person’s life is as yet untold, and they are the only ones who should determine who they are, and how they want to introduce themselves to the world.

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 14

OPINIONS

#BringKatazaBack: Finding facts amidst the fury “The epitaph of these baboons will read: ‘Met an untimely end because activists could not face reality’.” – Dr Shirley Strum (Primate Expert, University of California)

Martyn McGrath

he decision to relocate Kataza, a Southern Peninsula baboon, from his Slangkop troop to Tokai has been met with outrage. It was taken based on worrying trends in Kataza’s recent activity, including leading a splinter troop to raid bins for food in residential areas. Activists opine that the methods of baboon management, including the use of paintballs and the recent relocation of Kataza, are inhumane. However, primate management experts and the City of Cape Town (CoCT) defend their methods. I tend to concur with the latter party—in order to explore the issue, I will examine two points raised by the activists in question.

Source: ENCA

The CoCT hired HWS in 2008 at which point they—with the approval of the NSPCA (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)—began implementing the current management tactics. Since this point, the percentage of baboon deaths linked to humans has dropped from 52% to 14% and the baboon population has grown at 4% per-annum. I am not offering a blanket justification for the CoCT or HWS – there have been controversial decisions in the past that justify public scrutiny. Nor am I advocating for animal cruelty, causing suffering in animals with no justification is clearly immoral. It is important to note that this move has been supported by the SPCA, an organisation specifically set up to prevent cruelty to animals. The pain aversion techniques being used by the CoCT are supported by scientific consensus. UCT’s own Professor Justin O’Riain, an ecologist and member of a research unit that has been observing Kataza’s troop, has pointed out that the use of paintball guns is the most effective method for ensuring that their livelihood is preserved by keeping them out of urban areas.

The first point is deeply complex: Why is it okay to treat baboons in a way that would be abhorrent, should this be applied to humans? To those who sincerely hold the belief that there is fundamentally no difference in value between human life and animal life, it will be self-evident that the techniques of baboon management being used are reprehensible—there can be no argument. It is impossible to find common ground without debating this premise in detail. At this point, we would need to shake hands and agree to disagree, as I operate from the premise that humans are endowed with a fundamental value that is not present in the rest of the animal kingdom. This argument “The pain aversion techniques being used by the CoCT are supported requires detailed philosophical discussion, not a paragraph in an Opinby scientific consensus.” ions piece. Let this serve, then, as a disclaimer of my premise moving forward and an acknowledgment of the complexities it invites, rather The relocation of Kataza should pave the way to require less pain — than as a key argument. aversion tactics in the future. This is evident in the decreased number of excursions made by his former troop into residential areas since his “Why is it okay to treat baboons in a way that would be abhorrent, relocation, which has also led to a reduction in human-baboon conshould this be applied to humans?” tact. The current methods being employed have courted their share of controversy and, as I have pointed out, there are additional measures The second objection is that many alternative techniques could prove that can and should be taken to improve the management. However, equally as effective, if not more so, in managing baboon populations. the current techniques are working and provide a safe, humane and Primatologist Bob Venter pointed out the urgent need for metal bins, effective method for ensuring the livelihoods of both baboons and huwhich are the only baboon-proof bins. Many of these methods are mans on the Southern Peninsula. logical and theoretically sound, although they do not eradicate the DISCLAIMER need for the current techniques. However, they may well be an effective supplement to the current techniques, and would likely reduce This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression, on any the need for the use of pain-aversion tactics, as currently utilised by topic by members of the UCT community. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) —the current contract holder for advertisers. Letters to the Editor need to be kept at a maximum of baboon management in Cape Town. To rescind current techniques 300 words and can be sent to: editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za would, however, be short-sighted and ignore the available research.

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 15

EFF, Clicks and the dubious perception of radical socialism To any vigilant citizen, it is painfully obvious that the radicalism of the Economic Freedom Fighters is a front that is used to hide long-standing discrimination and corruption.

Source: SABCNews

Julia Rowley

or the unsuspecting South African who is unfortunate enough to fall down the rabbit hole that is political Twitter, this scandal was hard to miss. Early in September, Clicks published a racist TRESemmé advert that labelled black women’s hair as “damaged” and “dull,” while calling white women’s hair “fine” and “normal.” Much of the South African public was justifiably outraged. However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took this anger one step further: Julius Malema called on his Twitter army — his “fellow fighters and ground forces” — to “ATTACK!!!”

invasive or harmful”; they were “merely touching” her. Despite Ndlozi’s subsequent apology, it is incredibly concerning that he thought—even for a moment—that a group of men pushing and shoving a woman was an action that deserved justification. This behaviour has been mirrored in the case of Karima Brown, a journalist that had her cell phone number released by Julius Malema as a response to her criticising the party. She received death and rape threats and was called an “Indian whore and bitch” by EFF supporters. Pauli van Wyk, a journalist for the Daily Maverick, was also made a target of EFF bullying and harassment—she has been called a “stratcom journalist” because of her Afrikaner heritage and has received misogynistic online harassment from party supporters. Why, you may ask? van Wyk has done extensive reporting into the VBS corruption scandal.

Several Clicks stores across the country were blockaded by EFF members and supporters. Although the majority of the demonstrations were peaceful, one store was petrol-bombed and another was set alight and attacked by ‘fighters’ with hammers. Malema then tweeted further to say that, “If they want war give it to them... if it means death so be it. We are ready for the ultimate sacrifice in defence of black people.” This militaristic, revolutionary attitude held by Malema and his followers is one of the reasons why the popularist political party has continued to grow— This scandal is further proof that the party does not adhere to the values particularly in a country like South Africa that still has not effectively re- it claims to embody. In 2018, news reports announced that VBS Bank, originally started by the Venda homeland government, was looted of medied the effects of apartheid. R1.5 billion and that customers had lost all of their savings—the majoriHowever, how genuine are the party’s beliefs? Does their radical Marxist ty of whom were elderly, poor, and black South Africans. Scorpio, the inideology line up with their actions? Any vigilant citizen would say that vestigative journalism team for Daily Maverick, has linked Julius Malema this is not so. True revolutionaries should be committed to reducing all and Floyd Shivambu to the scandal (however, their involvement has yet forms of inequality. For the EFF, this is not the case. to be proven in a court of law). “True revolutionaries should be committed to reducing all forms of inequality. For the EFF, this is not the case.” Their treatment of dissident female journalists is misogynistic, rotten and (unfortunately) wide-spread. This has been made clear on numerous occasions, with the most recent incident happening outside a Clicks store during the protests. When eNCA journalist Nobesuthu Hejana refused to be shooed away from EFF protesters, they shoved her away. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a prominent EFF Parliament member, tweeted that the incident was not harassment because they were not “violent,

If this does prove to be the case —bearing in mind that the Daily Maverick is the same publication that investigated and reported the #GuptaLeaks scandal—then this should cause serious concern for the EFF and its supporters. A party that claims to be working for the people cannot be stealing from the people. One has to wonder whether their political agenda is a true reflection of the beliefs held by the party. Although the EFF might say and do all the right things to seem “revolutionary”, misogyny, assault, and corruption sound like tales as old as time. “A party that claims to be working for the people cannot be stealing from the people.”

DISCLAIMER

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 16

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

Lewis Hamilton proves his dominance at Tuscan Grand Prix amongst ‘frenzy’ of accidents

Mercedes dominates on Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix milestone at Mugello circuit. Nelisa Khwela Source: Wheels24

fter missing out on his 90th win in Round 8 at the Italian Grand Prix (GP) due to receiving a 10-second time penalty for entering a closed pit lane, Hamilton was a man on a mission at Mugello for Round 9 of the championship. Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix milestone was overshadowed by Mercedes’ first and second-place finish and Red Bull’s Alex Albon’s first podium, as well as crashes that led to two red flags and 8 drivers not finishing the race. “Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix milestone was overshadowed by Mercedes’ first and second-place finish and Red Bull’s Alex Albon’s first podium, as well as crashes that led to two red flags and 8 drivers not finishing the race.”

Going into the first corner, a crash saw Max Verstappen and Round 8 winner, Pierre Gasly, out of the race and former world-champions Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel’s cars in need of repair. This crash was followed by six laps behind the safety car. After the safety car laps ended, race leader Valtteri Bottas attempted to put some temperature into his tyres by weaving slowly before resuming racing. Drivers at the back of the grid expected Bottas to take off much faster than he did, which saw the drivers accelerate into each other which led to the second multi-car crash between Carlos Sainz, Antonio Giovinazzi, Kevin

Magnussen, Nicholas Latifi, and Esteban Ocon. The crash led to a red flag and a steward’s investigation. A second red flag was raised after Racing Point’s Lance Stroll crashed due to a suspected mechanical failure. The race resumed after 40 minutes and smoke appeared to be coming from Hamilton’s brakes, however, as soon as it was lights out, he emerged from the smoke to overtake his teammate to claim first place for the rest of the race. Before and after the race, Hamilton was seen wearing a t-shirt calling for justice for the murder of Breonna Taylor. Later on Instagram, he stated that he would not stop using his platform to fight injustice. As the only black driver in F1, he has been heavily involved in anti-racism and diversity campaigns to bring more inclusivity into motorsport. Hamilton’s victory at Mugello places him within one GP win away from reaching Michael Schumacher’s record of most GP wins. He is also one world championship win away from equaling Schumacher’s all-time record of 7 championship wins. Should he continue his dominance into the 2021 season, he could make history by setting a new record in the sport.

US soccer star Alex Morgan signs with Tottenham Women Two-time World Cup winner joins North London team for 2020/21 season. Nelisa Khwela

S soccer star, Alex Morgan, is headed to North London Source: CBS Sports as part of a short-term deal with Tottenham Women. The deal will see Morgan join the English FA Women’s This is a noteworthy signing for Tottenham Women as Morgan is a highly accomplished player. In her 169 appearances for the US naSuper League (WSL) until the end of the season in May 2021. tional team, she has netted 107 goals. She was also awarded the silver boot as a joint top goal-scorer in the 2019 Women’s World “The deal will see Morgan join the English FA Women’s Super League (WSL) Cup. until the end of the season in May 2021.”

As a highly marketable athlete with a significant amount of endorsements to her name, it is said that her signing will create a The 31-year-old forward has been co-captain of the United States positive buzz and promote not only Tottenham Women, but the national women’s soccer team and a two-time World Cup winner English FA Women’s Super League as a whole. (2015 and 2019). She is one of five US players who made up the 2019 World Cup-winning squad who have been signed to the “Her signing will create a positive buzz and promote not only Tottenham English FA WSL for the 2020/21 season. Morgan’s signing was a Women, but the English FA Women’s Super League as a whole.” surprise to the women’s soccer community as the deal was kept under wraps right up until the transfer deadline day.

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 17

Naomi Osaka won the U.S. Open and used her platform while doing it 22-year-old Osaka claims 2nd U.S. Open title and 3rd Grand Slam title after beating Victoria Azarenka in a three-set comeback.

Source: Sky Sports

Sumitra Naidoo

n Sunday, September 13th, Naomi Osaka claimed her 2nd U.S. Open title in a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback against Victoria Azarenka in New York City. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was held behind closed doors but what stood out in this year’s tournament was how the 22-year-old player used her platform to take a stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. “What stood out in this year’s tournament was how the 22-year-old player used her platform to take a stance on the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Osaka wore 7 protective masks in each of her appearances with the names of victims who lost their lives to the police or racist violence in the U.S. These included Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile, and Tamir Rice. In her post-match interview, she said that, “the point of wearing these masks was to make people start talking” [about racial injustices and oppressions]. “Osaka wore 7 protective masks in each of her appearances with the names of victims who lost their lives to the police or racist violence in the U.S.”

This gesture saw her gaining some criticism with so-called ‘naysayers’ telling her to “keep politics out of sport.” Osaka then responded via Twitter saying that those who were opposed to her speaking out motivated her to win. By using her platform to make a difference, Osaka received so much praise it overpowered the hate. Celebrities including LeBron James, Rod Laver, Lewis Hamilton, Wanda Sykes, and even Michelle Obama congratulated the 22-year-old on her achievements. Osaka made it clear that she would be a tennis player and an activist and shared a picture of herself with her trophy, with the caption reading: “You already know I had to bring out the headwrap for this one.” “Those who were opposed to her speaking out motivated her to win.”

With this win, Osaka is now fourth in the list of most Grand Slams won by an active player. Serena Williams (23), Venus Williams (7), and Kim Clijsters (4) are the first three spots. Osaka is tied for fourth with Germany’s Angelique Kerber. Unfortunately, due to injury Osaka had to withdraw from the French Open and is unlikely to play in the Italian Open but when she returns, she is bound to break more records and use her platform to speak out against injustice.

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 18

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

Maximising your Sunday’s What a university student can do during the ongoing lockdown.

Source: CountryLiving

Thandiwe Makwenda

niversity students are faced with the constant slow-paced Sunday allows us the time to really put an ef-

struggle of being unable to get their ducks in a fort into eating; to nourish ourselves. row and really get productive, especially during the weekend. However, Sundays can be one of the best Doing An Activity You Love days to really tap into our most focused side, in a bid to This is the last day before a full week of classes and conget organised juices flowing to take on the new week. trolled schedules and so a great way to savour this would Productivity is not something you can narrow down to just be to spend some time in your happy place. This could be schoolwork. You can encompass many different activities practising your form of worship for those who are religious, as long as at the end of the day you can feel like you have going on a hike or having a beach day with friends for thoaccomplished something - be it house chores, exercising, se surrounded by nature, or even just having a spa day with or having an active self-care day. That pampering does not your roommates or family. I could go on forever with this do itself. Although this is not exhaustive, a productive Sun- list but in essence, the idea is to enjoy the bulk of your day day for you may look something like this: and relax. “Productivity is not something you can narrow down to just schoolwork. “

“In essence, the idea is to enjoy the bulk of your day and relax.”

Spend Your Evening Preparing for the Week Ahead Waking Up When Your Body Says So When we sleep, we do so in cycles of deep sleep phases, which range from 90 to 150 minutes each. So, in order to be refreshed and ready for the day you could wake up without the blaring of an alarm clock – to ensure that you complete your sleep cycles and wake up feeling like a new-born.

Having Hearty Meals

After having recharged and fuelled up during the day, a great way to unwind while being productive is to slowly get your life together for the new week. This could be lighting a candle, making some tea and putting on your most chilled playlist to set the mood. Then fill out your planner for the week and even prepare your outfit for Monday. If you have outstanding work, now would be the time to finish it off and start afresh the next day.

During the week most of us are too busy to pay much at- To end your Sunday, I would advise you to turn in early and tention to what we eat, as long as it does the job. Hence, a dream away the upcoming Monday blues.

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 30 September 2020 | V79 E11 | Page 19

5 Pods to get you into podcasts At a time when podcasting is gaining in popularity, there’s a pod out there for everyone. Make sure you give this diverse list a look-over to find your next listen!

Source: Getty

Vidal Thaver

don’t know about you, but the world of podcasts can be very daunting when you’re getting started. It can feel as if you don’t know how to navigate it or where to begin looking for something to listen to. Hopefully, this short list will provide you with a starting point, and if you’re a seasoned podcast listener, you can find one or two to add to your library.

1. Jumping in an Elevator Created by YouTuber Mike of Mike’s Mic, the podcast answers “the questions that you want to know the answer to but can’t be bothered searching yourself.” The podcast discusses pop culture and random topics relating to science, technology, and other things you may have never thought about before, but once you start thinking of them, you can’t stop. Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

name, Nature delves into the scientific world and discusses findings from astronomy to zoology and everything in between. “We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature’s journalists and editors.” Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts

4. Tiny Meat Gang Comedic YouTubers and friends – Cody Ko and Noel Miller – discuss social media, online personalities, and other weird phenomena. The name of the podcast itself, is indicative of Cody and Noel’s jokester personas. A lot of their content revolves around parodies and comedic criticism on contemporary society. Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 5. The Clueless 20s

Twenty-something, Koketso, navigates adulthood through her podcast, The Clueless 20s. She discusses her past experiences, Selective Society is a social commentary podcast by Robyn Ja- gives her take on some current issues, and music. If you are loocobs. “I am trying to create a place where we can discuss… [un- king for a more personable and relatable take on podcast listecomfortable] issues… without judgement.” She discusses poli- ning, this one may be for you. tics and social issues, primarily from a law student perspective. Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts

2. Selective Society

There are so many podcasts to choose from and this list could be pages long, but these feel-good podcasts are a springboard Based on the findings from the scientific journal of the same into the vast world of pods.

3. Nature Podcast