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1942 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
8 OCTOBER 2013
VOLUME 72: EDITION 12
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Liesbeeck petition for Warden’s removal Hannah Gauss t the end of September, a petition drafted by the Liesbeeck Gardens Committee and Residence students called for the immediate replacement of the residence’s acting Warden Dr Tiriyanhu Chinyoka. The petition regards allegations made against Dr Chinyoka in which students expressed their concerns regarding the implementation of overly harsh disciplinary decisions, new rules such as the overnight visitors’ application process, the tragic loss of a student, and Dr Chinyoka’s behaviour towards students. Zanthemba Eleni, Safety and Security House Committee member from 2011, explains: “You will have to write a motivation letter why you want to have that visitor. [In the letter you need to state] what you are going to do in your room as visitors, even if it’s family.” “The allegations are very serious, such as the Acting Warden cursing to the students, or in many ways the Acting Warden making dictatorial decisions inside the residences,” states Jarred Devar, SRC Residence Coordinator. Throughout the year, Liesbeeck students and House Committee members forwarded multiple complaints to Devar. “The majority of cases coming in from Liesbeeck were DC [disciplinary court] cases,” Devar explains. The petition was drafted by students protesting the harsh implementation of new rules and disciplinary consequences by Dr Chinyoka. “Those particular [new] rules were implemented particularly harshly, I reflected that in my reports about certain DC cases,” says Devar. “I think in many ways it is the warden’s responsibility to engage with the nature and culture of a residence. That might be where the role of the Acting Warden has fallen a bit short.” “We want him to be replaced. We want a more permanent warden for the residence, someone who will understand the dynamics of students,” says Nonina Maranjana, former head-student of Liesbeeck House Committee. “There must be some kind of accountability for
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Image: flickr.com/dayzeelar LIESBEECK GARDENS: Protests the implementation of new rules and disciplinary conseqeunces by acting Warden Dr Tiriyanhu Chinyoka. anymore,” says Eleni. Liesbeeck Gardens has a negative reputation on campus. “It is the worst self-catering res, you can’t even shower [and] the shops are far away,” explains Damian Smith, Actuarial Science student.
residents feel “infringed and overrun”
For the 2014 residence allocation, several students stated they declined the offer for a residence place in Liesbeeck Gardens. Student Arthur Kyara comments: “I got an offer for Liesbeeck, but I didn’t want to go so I dropped it and changed with someone.”
Additionally, students currently living in Liesbeeck are moving out of the residence. According to Eleni, “Throughout the year students have been moving out, doing res swaps and living on their own, because Liesbeeck has become the place where they can’t take it anymore.” After the petition was granted by the SRC, house members distributed the petition in Liesbeeck in order to gain support. Within days, Dr Chinyako sent an email to all residence members stating: “UCT residence system does not allow door-to-door campaigning of any sort of any reason in the residences unless possibly authorised by the warden.” The mail furthermore contained, “If the violators are SRC candidates then the wardens will naturally have to also report them to the CEO
of the SRC’s IEC [Independent Electoral Commission].” The Acting Executive Director of the Department of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life, as well as Dr Chinyoka refrained from commenting on the situation. Acting Executive Director of the Department of Student Affairs, Dr Ian Mackintosh, explained that students are “welcome to suggest amendments to the rules and policies governing residence life; such an amendment must be passed by Senate to take effect. Residence staff do not have the authority to establish or implement new rules.” He continued, “There is also a system in place for residents to bring their concerns to the attention of the Student Housing office.”
IN THIS ISSUE
wardens, like an evaluation system.” “We were told as House Committee that we could not call meetings with the Acting Warden because we did not have a head student – our head student left in June because she was done with school,” said Maranjana. Students living in the residence expressed a negative change in Liesbeeck. “The first two years it felt like a place you can call home. There was peace and Ubuntu,” says Zanthemba Eleni, former Safety and Security House Committee member in 2011. She says it is now a place where residents feel “infringed and overrun”. Residence students complained about a lack of interaction between residence management and residing students. “They feel that Dr Tiri doesn’t listen to what they say
Biko memorial
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First year spread
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VARSITY, the official student newspaper since 1942, is committed to the principles of equality and democracy.
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news
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS BITES Opposition slams Zuma for signing e-tolls bill JOHANNESBURG – Opposition parties have condemned President Zuma’s decision to sign the transport laws and related matters Amendment Act, paving the way for e-tolling to be passed into law. The DA has labelled the signing of the bill as “an act of cowardice” as Zuma was out of the country the day the presidency announced this news. - iol News
US congress shuts down WASHINGTON – The US government has been shut down since Monday, (September 30th) for the first time in nearly two decades after Congress failed to pass a budget due to the Republican’s standoff over President Obama’s health care law. Around 800 000 government workers are expected to be sent home, whilst millions are to work without receiving payment, until the crisis is resolved. - The New York Times
42 students killed in Nigeria Attack GUJBA, NIGERIA – Last Sunday, September 29th, 42 students were killed sleeping in a hostel at the Yobe State College of Agriculture in Nigeria. The attack was carried out by Boko Haram. The Islamic extremist group aims to impose Sharia law and establish an Islamic state in the North of Nigeria. - Times Live
Poachers poison 91 elephants in Zimbabwe HWANGE – Last week 91 elephants were poisoned with cyanide by poachers in the Hwange National Park in Western Zimbabwe. Cyanide, which is usually used in gold mining, had been spread over the flat salt pans around a remote water hole. The poachers were targeting the elephant’s tusks. - News24
Nepalese man claims to be world’s shortest person KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Master Nau, a 73 year-old Nepalese man, claims to be the world’s shortest person, with a height of only 41cm. His bid to be recognised as the shortest man in the “immoveable category”, as he is confined to a wheelchair, is currently being processed by the Guinness World Record authorities. - ENCA
Stefanie Busch
WhyVote2014 Soapbox: Urging UCT students to vote Stefanie Busch n October 3rd, a mere few months before the 2014 national elections ensue, the UCT SRC, in collaboration with InkuluFreeHeid (IFH), hosted the WhyVote2014 Soapbox event on UCT’s Jammie Plaza. The IFH is a non-partisan youth movement which is hoping to encourage a new era of youth activism with their “Our Vote Our Voice” campaign. The soapbox, labelled IFH, was placed on Jammie Plaza. Serving as a public platform, UCT students and selected speakers were invited to stand up and voice their opinions about voting. Students were urged to engage with the voting process in the coming elections. Speakers included, amongst others, Lorne Hallendorff, Anton Taylor, Jonathan Singh, Chaeli
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“If you don’t vote, you essentially strip yourself of the power that was fought for by so many.” Mycroft and Dan Corder. Lorne Hallendorff, UCT SRC President, sought to remind students that our history is filled with people who have fought for each South African to have a right to vote, “The very least we can do is ensure that
Image: Sofia Gilli
their efforts were not in vain.” After stressing that it is important to vote in order to be able to hold one’s government accountable, Hallendorff concluded by reiterating that “to vote is not only a right, but also a privilege”. Furthermore, Anton Taylor voiced his opinions with regards to
those that criticise the government, yet do not vote come election time. “If you can’t be bothered to stand in a queue to register or vote, you lose your right to complain,” stated Taylor. “If I, the guy who organised 6x7s, can vote, so can you,” said Taylor, going on to encourage the UCT student body to make a change by
voting in the next elections. Lastly, Dan Corder, a member of the IFH, stood on the soapbox to call upon students to register on November 9th and 10th. “If you don’t vote, you essentially strip yourself of the power that was fought for by so many.” Corder concluded.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma on Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance Sandile Tshabalala r Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered the 14th Steve Biko Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, October 2nd, at Jameson Hall. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nhlapho, explained the great significance of UCT and the Steve Biko Foundation collaborating to bring prominent speakers to keep Biko’s legacy of social justice alive. Steve Biko Foundation CEO, Nkosinathi Biko, said that the annual lecture seeks to promote a culture of critical dialogue and active citizenry in South Africa. Dlamini-Zuma opened the memorial lecture by describing how retelling the African story begins with “a decolonisation of the mind” as a key component of the struggle for dignity and freedom. This was inspired by Steve Biko’s notion that “[t]he colonist turned to the past of the oppressed people and distorted, disfigured and destroyed it”. She indicated that for too long Africa has been defined as “the dark continent burdened with poverty, disease and poor governance”. Pan-Africanism saw Africans unite against slavery, colonialism, racial oppression and apartheid, hence African Renaissance aspires to a prosperous and united African society. Africa’s immeasurable ancient civilisation contributed to human endeavour evident in our diverse “belief systems, languages and indigenous knowledge,” highlighted Dlamini-Zuma.
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Image: Khanyisa Pinini Dlamini-Zuma emphasised that, in order to develop peacefully, “Africa must take charge of its own development trajectory and promote regional integration and cooperation.” She added, “The development of our human capital is our precious resource; Africa must have a skills revolution in skilling millions of youth to take charge
of how we use and beneficiate our resources, to build and maintain our infrastructure and deliver quality private and public service.” Dlamini-Zuma advised, “Africa has to do more to unlock her vast potential: mobilisation and taking responsibility for making history will guide us to our destiny.” She also echoed that the creation of a “peaceful, people-centred and
prosperous Africa will be no easy road”. Fadzia Chitiyo, a BSocSci student, asked how South Africa could use its economic growth to benefit other African countries. In response, Dlamini-Zuma stressed that it is vital for South Africa to “integrate and trade within the continent … [and to] match the needs of the continent with the skills it produces”. Dlamini-Zuma concluded with the words of the previous speaker of the lecture, Ben Okri: “There is no such thing as a powerless people. There are only those who have not seen and have not used their power and will. It is only by establishing a common destiny and outlook that we can overcome and prosper.”
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news
Aftermath in Kenya Aisha Abdool Karim n September 21st, the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab attacked the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The Westgate Mall hostage siege ended on September 24th when Kenyan security forces intervened and a fire collapsed three floors in the shopping centre. The country went into national mourning following the four day siege to grieve the deaths of approximately 67 people, 170 injured and 39 missing. Although the exact number of terrorists involved in the attack has yet to be determined, it is believed that five of the attackers were killed when Kenyan security forces intervened. President Uhuru Kenyatta believes that more attackers may be trapped within the rubble of the shopping centre. So far 12 suspects have been arrested. In Kenyatta’s address to the country, he praised the civilian response to the tragedy. He said that six members of the Kenyan security force were among the dead citizens. Kenyan troops entered the mall directly after the attack ended on September 24th and began removing bodies from the wreckage. The Westgate shopping centre has been cordoned off to prevent civilians from entering the area. Amongst dead civilians were 18 foreigners
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from Britain, France, Canada, India, Ghana, South Africa and China. Al-Shabaab, a Somalian militant group, has claimed that the attack on Kenya was an act of retaliation for Kenyan army operations in Southern Somalia. The group had threatened to attack Kenya if the 4 000 troops currently stationed in Southern Somalia were not pulled out. Al-Shabaab is fighting to create an Islamic state in Somalia and has repeatedly been linked to the terrorist group, al-Qaeda. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) were blamed for being unaware of the attack beforehand. On October 1st, however, Al Jazeera reporters uncovered that multiple senior officials, including four cabinet ministers and the Chief of Defence, had received an intelligence file full of warnings regarding the attack. One year ago, a report was received that Westgate shopping centre would be attacked. Politicians are claiming that the NIS failed to issue warnings about the situation and they were unaware of the high threat level. Officials were briefed on the growing risk of attack on both September 13th and September 20th, a mere day before the attack. The implications of this attack could go further than just Kenya and other African countries also face a potential threat. In August this year, South Africa was on the brink of sending troops back into Somalia.
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
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online this week
Images: Khanyisa Pinini GALA EVENT: IkamvaYouth 10th anniversary celebration was held at the Mount Nelson Hotel on October 3rd. Guest speaker Trevor Manuel addressed the attendees on empowerment and the importance of education. Read more online at varsitynewspaper.co.za
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editorial
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
2014 Collective editor-in-chief Laurie Scarborough editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
deputy Editor Katy Scott
Editorial s another VARSITY reign begins, I find myself wondering what I can possibly bring to VARSITY that hasn’t already been brought. After the contributions of the 68 editors before me, what can I say here that will be original, catchy, controversial, interesting or memorable? During the aftermath of the Is love colour-blind? article, many professional journalists publically slated VARSITY. We felt that they weren’t invested in us. They had forgotten what student journalism is. We are learning; we are making mistakes; we are flying a plane while we build it. But we are them, just 20 years behind.
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managing Editor Imaad Isaacs editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
online editor Daniël Geldenhuys online@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Copy Editor Jena Ascough copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Online content editor Katelyn Mostert online@varsitynewspaper.co.za
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University of Culling and Thriving
opinions Parusha Naidoo & Vikash Gajjar opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za
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centrespread Krysia Gaweda centrespread@varsitynewspaper. co.za
images Sofia Gilli & Khanyisa Pinini images@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Design Zona Magadla design@varsitynewspaper.co.za
web Stephen Hulme web@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Marketing Chandra Mophethe
Katy Scott Deputy Editor
Hi, my name is Katy and I am studying an odd assortment of subjects because somewhere along my academic career I confused my passions with percentages. That excellent mark for that obscure subject in high school deluded me into thinking that I had a desire to further my studies in it. That course I did badly
ALT reality
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CONTRIBUTORS sub-editors Flavia Omran & Rhiannon Rees Staff writers Sophie Robertson, Tendai Madzikanda, Tayla-Paige van Sittert, Angela Kirykowicz, Xabiso Nokoyo, Quentin Coetzee, Tyra Overmeyer, Ramabina Mahapa, Ryan Bird, Ryno Nortje, Cassidy Nydahl, Joe Simon, Cai Nebe, Stefanie Busch & Sandile Tshabalala
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Little trouble makers
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news Hannah Gauss & Clare Garrard
Laurie Scarborough
Daniёl Gledenhuys Online Editor
However, recently I sat in a panel discussion and was reminded that professional journalists really do value student journalism. Yes, we may not be pros with years of experience and we will make mistakes, but we do have a voice. And because of VARSITY, we have a microphone. It was made clear that even when you think that what you’re doing and saying now – as a 20-year-old thirdyear student with no degree and almost no Twitter followers – means nothing, it really doesn’t. Everything matters, it’s all relevant. Something that almost every professional journalist who addressed us said was that student journalism has a place in society. We have a power that we may not realise, because we are able (in a way that
professional journalists aren’t) to report unbiasedly on society, while to some extent escaping the wrath of governmental legislation and professional codes of conducts. Why not be a trouble-maker with a purpose? Why not stir the pot? If it’s in the public interest, why not create a platform for discourse? Now is the time. We’re at liberty to say what needs to be heard. Student journalists are future professional journalists, editors, managers and change-makers. Stop wallowing in your apathy and do something. And if you can’t do anything about the problems you see in society, then report on them. Bring them into public light so someone else can do something. We all have a voice, so speak up.
Paramedic for a day
in made me “realise” my interests lay elsewhere. I let my aptitude define who I was and what I wanted to be. Nice to meet me? Nice to meet you too. Without any meaning behind your studies, a bad set of marks can leave you empty. If you were to fail a Maths test at school, the next day you’d be driven back in a fresh uniform with a lunch packed and find yourself in Maths class again dealing with the circumstances. Now, failure (however you choose to define it) sends you so deep into disillusionment that you are unable to deal. With no coping mechanisms or structures in place, academic exclusion or self-harm become “options”. At the University of Culling and Thriving you are no more than a student number. Vula Gradebooks and stroppy tutors measure your worth. As exam time comes around and you’re grafting and grinding and going a little crazy, ask yourself, towards what end? Perhaps you too have lost heart when you made a decision to follow your brain.
By the end of the day, I was a nervous wreck; I had been invited to join my paramedic friends on one of their Friday night shifts and my adrenaline had been pumping all day. When I arrived in Hout Bay that evening, and was being shown the relevant contraptions and what my duties as an observer were, I was in a complete state.
Then it came. Time to get into the ambulance and head off ! Trying, probably very badly, to hide my fear, I got in and buckled up – perhaps a little too tightly. When everyone was in, I asked (as nonchalantly as I could possibly manage) where we were going first. I prepared myself for the worst – a runover pedestrian, a victim of gang violence, a shootout... “We’re going for coffee.” So off we went. In the “ambo”. Me in my sexy lumo orange observer’s vest and them in their blindingly yellow jackets. Going for coffee. We did actually get some proper callouts after that, but thankfully nothing too hectic. I was so impressed with these guys – their efficiency and their professionalism, but most of all, their passion for helping people. Now I see why paramedics are the unsung heroes of the medical community. I would encourage anyone to go on a ridealong – to go behind the scenes and see exactly how much they do in a shift... You know, when they’re not drinking coffee.
Paris Fashion Week along the Spring 2014 runway season wrapped up last week. Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel No.5 robot sculpture and the fountains, carousels and elevators that formed Marc Jacobs’ Louis Vuitton swan song runway got me thinking. Now is the perfect time for a little (procrastination) fiction: what kind of over-the-top runway show would I produce if I were a designer? Here goes. So I’m a hugely influential and respected fashion designer of German descent: my name is Daniël von Geldenhuys. My label, CLUTCH, shows at New York Fashion week because I’m a T-Shirt:
I heart New York. I’m known for my masterful balance of creative prints and minimal design – perfect for the modern Manhattan girl. But what will go down at my Fall 2014 runway show? The Brooklyn Bridge is where the fashion elite gather at twilight to watch my show. This time, Anna Wintour sits with the complete Beckham family, making small talk with Harper about the relevance of sandals. Conversation is interrupted by a loud boom as Lady Gaga descends from the sky in a glass box held up by one of the 20 helicopters hovering above the bridge. The others provide spotlights for the runway. Gaga begins her set list as the first
look makes its way across the bridge. The model is dressed in a brickprint cape and gravel-print ankleskimming trousers. Her sunglasses are directly inspired by nuts and bolts. Her shoes are constructed in such a way that it looks like three thick slabs of concrete have been tied around her feet: too hectic for walking the bridge, you say? Well, the model isn’t walking. She stands on a podium with railing, reminiscent of a cherry picker, and is pulled along by a male model dressed only in pink floral chiffon shorts and a diamond ring. I have inverted the gender roles! The woman represents the builder, the worker – the nuts and bolts of society... (column continued online)
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opinions
Popcorn protests
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
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The lady doth protest
The frequency of public protests has rendered them docile Although most of these demonstrations have been local, they are caused by the plight of the poor. The income gap in South Africa is one of the highest in the world, and in the past decade or so of democracy, it has widened. We are more economically divided as a society than ever before. We would be foolish not to acknowledge the ever present racial divisions among us. These divisions are the first blows to the predicament of the poor in this country. There is very little that can be achieved by a divided society. The second blow comes from the very act of protest in itself.
The frequency of public protests has rendered them docile and less effective in raising public concern and garnering support. The greater majority, particularly those of us unaffected by these thorny issues, has become desensitised to protests. More importantly, the protests are perceived to be innocuous. Like the rants of a bitter loser, they are shrugged off by those who should care. This consequently gives rise to violent protests and acts such as those seen earlier this year when service delivery protesters threw human excrement on the N2 and other public areas. These measures, dubbed “poo politics”, are the demonstrations of a desperate group of people who feel that a peaceful demonstration
is not enough. These “civil actions” cannot by any means be condoned but should be noted with the pertinent questions asked. Have we come to a point where the nature of protests has been so pacified that only extreme measures will grab the desired attention? What do people do when all peaceful and legal avenues of protest have been taken and no resolution has been found? We should be very concerned about the answers to these questions. It may not be “our” dilemma but it will be as much our concern if protests continue to lose their value. I think that civil action is changing. It’s not becoming less of anything, but perhaps becoming more of something we might regret.
Opinions Editor
with fellow artists protesting against the decision of the organisers. The commitment displayed towards those that provide funding for art initiatives seems sensible: it would be unwise to question the hand that gives paint to the artist. This comes at the expense of our artists’ control of their paintbrushes and to what extent they are able to use their work to comment and criticise issues fundamental to South Africa. Unlike “The Spear” that gave rise to the debate of freedom of expression facing barriers of censorship based on political interests and under the guise of African culture, “Yakhal’inkomo” has highlighted a deeper entrenched restriction to freedom of expression – money.
t’s a searing image that seems unlikely to be eliminated from my memory, even a year later, and rightly so. It’s not every day that you see your president with his family jewels exposed in a stance akin to T h e that of communist significance r e v o l u t i o n a r y, freedom of expression of freedom of Vladimir Lenin. expression as a The painting by is a privilege and not a right is lost with right Brett Murray, the stifling of entitled “The artists, writers and Spear”, sparked a widespread public response with both musicians who are the voices of victims approval and condemnation based on of poverty and political upheavals. Furthermore, influence of sponsorship political and cultural sensitivities. More than a year later, the president means freedom of expression is a has once again made an appearance privilege and not a right. The struggle towards achieving on the canvas of a South African artist. This time he is fully clothed and this right for all South Africans is no not alone. Zuma is shown holding the longer a question of race; this has leash of a dog threatening to attack seemingly been achieved. While a miner kneeling before him. He is the debate rages on regarding legal accompanied by a matador holding the censorship, economic circumstances South African flag in the act of stabbing pose the immediate barriers to the the miner. This image is set against the work of those that view their right to backdrop of Queen Elizabeth, Julius express as a responsibility to the public. A year after “The Spear”, Malema and Cyril Ramaphosa while the “Yakhal’inkomo” has shown there is ANC logo drips with blood. The painting by Ayanda Mabulu, no “freedom” in freedom of expression entitled “Yakhal’inkomo – Black if sponsors are able to both directly Man’s Cry” was banned by this year’s and indirectly influence whether organisers of the Joburg Art Fair. The artwork is acceptable to be exhibited. ban was initiated for fear of stepping The right to freedom of expression on the toes of those that sign the cheques becomes immaterial when economic and essentially allow for the event to take circumstances determine what can and place. The removal of Mabulu’s piece cannot be expressed through our pens was short-lived and put back on display, and paintbrushes.
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Image: flickr.com/Meraj Chhaya
Parusha Naidoo
Nothing free about freedom
Xabiso Nokoyo Civil activism has gained much credibility in the past couple of years, reviving the idea that even the most autocratic of governments are subject to their people, and not the other way round. The revolution seen in the mid-21st century period is not the same as those before it but its essence remains intact – the masses shall rise for a cause. The poor in South Africa have been doing just that, and they’ve been doing so rather consistently. It has become as expected as inflation. The cause for these protests has typically been the lack of municipal service delivery, shortage of housing and employee compensation.
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Disclaimer
The VARSITY Opinions section is a vehicle for expression on any topic by members of the university community or other interested parties. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY Collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor need to be kept to a maximum of 300 words and can be sent to:
opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za
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opinions
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
Confessions of my character
Eulogy to humanity
Vikash Gajjar
Deputy Opinions Editor vey Muslim is a terrorist.Since al-Shabaab’s terrorist attack in Kenya, the general populace has ostracised the Muslim community. While the killing of innocent Kenyan citizens in the name of Islam is an atrocity, what remains tragic is the world’s reaction to these killings and, in turn, its perception of those of the Islamic faith. For as long as I can remember, the majority of my friends have been Muslim - attending Friday Jumuah was once the norm. I’ve been a regular around the iftaar table and have annually delighted in the homemade biscuits hand-delivered by my next-door neighbour on Eid. These Muslim friends are
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not terrorists, and neither is my Muslim neighbour. Religion and politics are too often confused. There is little connection between terrorism and Islam. Rather, what terrorist attacks have in common is a secular political goal – either to reclaim what they believe to be their homeland or to gain political power through undemocratic means. Although being a guide and steadfast source of inspiration to many, religion has served extremists with a rudimentary source of so-called reason for terrorist attacks. Religion allows for interpretation, and individual or group interpretation may not always conform to that of the entire faith. Unfortunately, the blasé society that we inhabit shamelessly calls for conformity. Collective stereotypes have coerced us into categorising religion based on stereotypes and not on their actual features. Maintaining that one stereotype applies to every individual of a collective is moronic, yet this is what so many members in our society have done. Today, I bow my head in sheer hope that my faith in humanity will one day be restored.
Stigma of the extended Tk Matsabu
My first existential crisis about my intelligence was sparked by a handful of Extended Degree students leaving the lecture hall to go to a different talk about the framework of the humanities degree, while I stayed put with all the regular mainstream students.
Ignorant of what EDP actually meant, I thought I wasn’t part of the elite group of smart students who would end up getting a better qualification than me. However, this was quickly remedied by a smug remark from a guy sitting behind me saying, “Shame, those are the dumb kids.” The stigma attached to Extended Degrees is mostly founded on the fact that these students did not necessarily attain the required points to get into their degree of choice and are therefore labelled “dumb” compared to other students. The ignorance of mainstream
students across all faculties end up extending their degrees students across all faculties about what these programmes entail plays a critical part in the negative perceptions about the intellectual capacity of these extended degree students. As quoted on the Commerce EDU (Educational Development Unit) website, the programme is aimed at students who have “experienced gaps and disparities in both education and life experiences”. For previously disadvantaged students who went to less than adequate schools, these programmes offer an opportunity for them to achieve a degree of study on equal playing terms as other privileged students.
These educational mechanisms include extra tutorials, programme mentors and spreading out of courses over a one-year extended period, in addition to their degree of choice. This is done to achieve the best results for the student. The aim of the extended degree is clear, but what about students placed in the programme that went to Model C and private schools? Not knowing what it is like to be in the EDP programme, I spoke to an EDP student from a middle class background in the Humanities faculty to gain perspective. He indicated the devastation he felt when being accepted into the Extended Degree Programme and his feelings on the extra assistance provided by the faculty that goes along with it. “I feel like they treat us like we’re mentally disabled or something,” he said. This sentiment, felt by this student and others alike, is linked to the structuring of the programme that EDP students undergo. The special attention given to Extended Degree students like extra workshops on computer literacy and the seemingly remedial courses like “Thinking in the Social Sciences” contributes to the complexities felt by Extended Degree students about their intelligence. These courses carry the notion that they could be easily done by baby monkeys, contributing to the negative perception of EDP students by other mainstreamers and amongst themselves. It’s interesting to note that many mainstream students across all faculties end up extending their degrees by a further year due to failing courses or degree changes. We all know people who are studying a bit longer than expected. So does it really matter whether a student is mainstream or in the extended degree? At the end of the day, we all got accepted to the same institution and are working towards various degrees of study at one of the best universities in Africa.
(Anti)social networking on campus Siyabonga Nyezi UCT Confessions, UCT Exposed, UCT Hook-ups and @UCTSNOB are a just few of the social networking platforms that have made headlines on campus in the past few months. Reactions to these anonymously run accounts have ranged from laughter to shock and disgust. I remember reading the first few posts on UCT Confessions and thinking: “People are so bored.”
The idea behind social networking is interaction, not abuse I find most of these accounts pointless and simply a tool for people who aren’t excelling socially on campus to express their views, which are sometimes very strange. These pages have become increasingly popular ever since the creation of the UCT Confessions page on Facebook in May. Anonymous confessions range from having sex on campus to cheating in tests. My short-lived visit to the page was enough to show me that anonymity gives people the power to say whatever it is they are thinking. As much as it might be a good platform to get to know what our peers really think, it also opens the door for slander, hate speech and all sorts of hogwash that people post on the Internet behind the guise of anonymity. The problem with these pages is
Image: flickr.com/lonelysandwich that access is not limited to the UCT community, allowing anyone to post a confession. It would be much better if we knew that these were really “UCT” confessions. It’s a way to be open and engage without being judged, but when people use that platform to lie and demean others on the basis of race and class, it becomes a problem. While the comments were usually just LOLs and smiley faces, quite a few of these anonymous posts were distasteful as seemingly bitter people took the opportunity to strike back at those they do not like. The most controversial one was the UCT Exposed blog, where a student’s poor results were posted, others fatshamed and another called racist. This showed the dark side of social networking and how the internet can be used to hurt people. The idea behind social networking is interaction, not abuse. When students use social networks for the latter, it defeats the entire purpose of engaging and connecting. A new page, UCT Hook-ups, has also recently emerged. Here, students
post descriptions of the kind of partner they want. It’s like a campus dating network. Some (myself included) find it disturbing, but I can imagine it is a heaven for people who do not mind meeting on the internet. If it brings people together in a safe way, then it’s a useful tool for interaction. Not all these accounts are mean-spirited and slanderous. Quite often, @UCTSNOB and @WorstUCTStudent pop up on my Twitter feed with hilarious tweets that most students can relate to. The humour is cheeky, and hardly offensive to the overly-sensitive. Accounts like this indicate we still have sensible people who know how to use social networks to engage with others on this campus. All these pages are examples of students using social networks to engage, but the anonymity allows it to be used for sinister purposes. More bad than good has come from these platforms. If people want to engage in an effective manner, they need to think before they post.
A fireproof heritage
Tyra Overmeyer The essence of Christmas has not been lost, even by those who use it as an excuse to exceed their alcohol limit. Although some may frown upon the ways in which others celebrate, judgmental glances shouldn't be given if the reason for celebrating is honourable. Mathole Motshekga claims that Heritage Day has become another Christmas; the manner in which it is celebrated has become commercialised and based on people having "a jolly good time". Motshekga's comparison with Christmas highlights the fear of our heritage being forgotten among the celebrations that take place on Heritage Day. September 24th has transitioned from Shaka Day to Heritage Day to Braai Day. From honouring the life of King Shaka, to filling up mouths that water for braaied meat, this transition may appear to be undermining the importance of embracing our own
Asian descendants. From this brief list, it is clear that South Africa has many historical attributions to embrace, such as the powerful Zulu Warriors and the Cape Coloureds' largest fusion of ancestry in the world. Unfortunately, Heritage Day is only addressed to a select few, causing some citizens to feel that their heritage isn't deservingly acknowledged in South African history. This exclusion creates a deep divide within South Africa. Although Heritage Day rightfully Image: flickr.com/RichardAtUCT embraces diverse culture, it separates individual heritage, as braaing signifies and categorises South Africa's different a collective South African identity. cultures, further deepening the divide People fear that Heritage Day may which is already problematic in digress from a celebration of heritage this nation. A solution to filling the to a celebration of having the day off. gap that distances South Africans from One tweet read: "Braai Day is a slap in each other is to incorporate a common the face of our efforts to regain who trait that we all share: a tradition that we all follow. we are." We all have a right to celebrate Just as the importance of Christmas has not been forgotten, the significance our own culture in ways that we find of Heritage Day will never be lost. suitable. But, why not celebrate our Although culture and tradition cannot diversity in one harmonising way which all South be forced upon African cultures everyone, those who hold their culture Let us rather celebrate and races are familiar with? as a big part of their our differences together Braaing unites identity will not allow over a fire this nation across its value to descend barriers of culture, into an advertisement language and for meat and charcoal. South Africa is a nation that religion. It is a tradition that we all demonstrates cultural pride. It is a agree upon. Next year on September 24th, nation that proudly exudes the diversity of the Zulu citizens, the Ndebele let's not recognise our differences citizens and the Venda citizens. It by separating ourselves from each celebrates the Dutch citizens, the Xhosa other. Let us rather celebrate our citizens, the Portuguese descendants, differences together over a fire, South the Cape Coloured citizens and the African style.
opinions
Why I weep for Biko Ramabina Mahapa s I sit under the Marula Tree pondering the problems of my beloved country, I cannot help but reflect on the passing of Bantu Stephen Biko. It is upon this reflection that I cannot help but weep. My tears are not the result of his passing on, per se – I have already accepted that death is an undeniable fact of life – neither are my tears the result of the fact that he was tortured to the point of a coma. Instead they are the tears for a vision unrealised, a mission not completed and the absence of a successor. When Biko died, he was not alone. The implementation of the Black Consciousness Philosophy (BCP) was still in its infancy and so he died impregnated with a dream unrealised. That is
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They have turned Biko into a political trophy why I weep for Biko. I weep because those he left behind were not competent enough to continue the struggle of our mental emancipation. Individuals such as Barney Pityana and Mamphela Ramphele who
were involved in the development of the Black Consciousness still walk amongst us today; however, they have failed our people by not remaining committed to the implementation of the Black Consciousness in our newly formed democracy. South Africa is on the brink of a moral crisis and the cracks are starting to emerge. It is seen in the Marikana massacre, the brutal rape and murder of Anene Booysen and the death of the defenceless Mozambican taxi driver at the hands of police officers. These cracks are deepened with the rampant increase of teenagers becoming parents before their time and the number of public officials facing charges of corruption. South Africans have not, as of yet, fully dealt with the past and our transition to a democratic society. And most, if not all, of the above mentioned atrocities are the result of past conditioning. Men are disposed to acting violently to their spouses, and we have lost our African pride. No more does a community raise a child, and no more does a child respect his elders. What Biko stood for and died for was in vain, for his philosophy has turned to being something like a book which everybody admires, yet no one wants to open and apply
its contents. Black Consciousness has become a matter of academic analysis. Biko is being quoted across the political spectrum from Ngoako Selamolela, Mamphele Ramphele, Helen Zille, and Jacob Zuma, yet no one wants to bring about what Biko stood for. They have turned Biko into a political trophy. They call his name to arouse the
Those he left behind were not competent enough to continue the struggle sense of loss that we incurred due to his departure which then inevitably makes people such as I weep for Biko. How will posterity judge our generation? Will we be known as xenophobes, rapists and a generation of corrupt leaders? Will we be known as the generation that pursues self-enrichment instead of mental emancipation? Will we be known as a generation that pursues material prosperity coupled with moral poverty? I can only sit under the Marula Tree and weep, for our generation has betrayed its mandate and its people. We need Black Consciousness now more than ever before.
V72 E12 - 8 OCTOBER 2013
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Response to WhyVote2014 address An open letter to Lorne Hallendorff and Anton Taylor I consider you both to be significant on a former colony such as this one. persons among the student body of A claim to the value of participation UCT at present. in such a model is negligent when I heard each of you share your devoid of proper consideration of views on voting at the Soap Box this imposition. dialogue hosted by InkuluFreeHeid In response to Lorne: The message in collaboration with the SRC on that is sent through the boycott is Thursday, October 3rd. I wish to precisely to show the illegitimacy respond to your equally unsettling of the current state – where sentiments by way of this letter. despite voting, large majorities of You both spoke to the kind people remain in squalor. So it is of message which students who a message which speaks to a high refuse to participate in elections degree of concern, not the lack are sending. These sentiments were thereof (as you suggested), that the expressed without boycott sends. a representative In response to The boycott of the of those against Anton: the logic vote is a deliberate whom you lodged that those who your criticism, do not vote are political act while at the same simu lt ane ously time celebrating denied the right the virtues of democracy. If you to express complaint displays a believe in democracy, as you remarkable lack of insight. People have made clear, then it would be participate (and die) in service reasonable for you to allow those delivery protests because their who do not vote the option of human rights are denied – this expressing this personal freedom depravity affects those who vote and through their act of abstinence, those who abstain alike. Are you without making claims on suggesting that those who boycott their behalf. the vote should be deterred from The boycott of the vote is a claiming their humanity? deliberate political act, regardless Another form of democracy is of its passivity, which should be possible; one where people do not just celebrated by the freedom you claim participate in the public spectacle of that democracy ensures. voting and subsequently remain in Secondly, the liberal democracy abject poverty. model which we experience in this country is a construct of Western Ziyana Lategan modernity. The model becomes Student highly problematic when imposed
The Varsity
News Opinions Feature
Edition 12 Est 1942 Alex Nagel
Editor-in-Chief
aka Victoria Nagel/Mother Unicorn ne of the most fierce and driven members on the collective, Alex has fearlessly and courageously led VARSITY to victory this year. Her gutsy yet graceful demeanour has ensured that VARSITY has tackled issues that are prevalent. Always sticking up for what she believes in and a loyal comrade until the end, Alex is a true role model to every aspiring journalist. Her unique love of unicorns and constant referral to the collective as her children, Alex has been an Editor-in-Chief that no one will ever forget and that all are proud to say they worked alongside. All hail Mother Unicorn.
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Rebecca Dallas Deputy Editor
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espite insisting she is a gangster from the hoods of Plumstead, Rebecca is caring and thoughtful and has provided the collective with many smiles and laughter throughout the year. Described as the Editor’s pillow for always providing Alex with a soft landing, Rebecca has never once been heard raising her voice, frowning or arguing. One of the sweetest and funniest girls you will ever meet, “Rebecky” has her ducks in a row and has even been seen with her textbooks in plastic sleeves just to keep them clean.
Andrew Montandon Managing Editor
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o one can pull off second hand blazers like Andrew can. With his cool persona and mystical air of being the most intelligent person you will ever meet, Andrew has kept the collective second-guessing with his sarcastic (or serious – no one actually knows) remarks throughout the year. Constantly knowing what is happening, Andrew is someone who would always help you out when you were stuck. Along with his red Doc Martens, quirky personality and “fun” hair; the question still remains: is he clever or just really posh?
Mitch Prinsloo Online Editor
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nown for his very eloquent writing style, curly hair and glasses; Mitch’s cheerful disposition will always bring a smile to your face. Described as a “thinking man”, Mitch only opens his mouth after much consideration (or to eat whole slabs of chocolate as he has done on numerous occasions). Mitch has been VARSITY’s cyber trooper. An intelligent and humble young man, Mitch’s thoughtful character and incredible ability to pout like no other will be sorely missed.
Laurie Scarborough Copy Editor
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over of Glee, grammar Nazi, Harry Potter’s biggest fan and our new Mommy, this year Laurie has been the stage light that has shone on every character in the collective, making them gleam with perfection. A little bundle of dynamite, Laurie has the tendency to screech while throwing her arms into the air or burst out into a musical number. Constantly doing things thoroughly and properly, efficiency is an understatement for Laurie. She even has tazers named after her, that’s how famous she is.
Krysia Gaweda News Editor
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esident tennis star and taller than any of the guys on the Collective, Krysia is the sweetest person that you
varsitynewspaper.co.za
2013 VARSIT
will ever have the privilege of meeting. With a name that no one can spell and a smile like no one else, this Polish girl definitely has some serious style. With her love for dubstep and her cat, Oscar, along with her rebellious nature, Krysia can be described as a little crazy. But that is to be expected, after working alongside Chris for the entire year.
Chris van der Westhuyzen Deputy “News Desk Guy”
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espite sporting a mop of shaggy hair and beanie, never be fooled by Chris’ “chilled-out-surfer-dude” look, this guy is as sharp as they come. Known to dance a wonderful coffee jig when pulling all nighters in the VARSITY office, Chris provided a source of entertainment with his nearly-retired-65-year-old-receptionist impressions. He took the liberty of providing the news section with its very own imaginary “News Desk”. Mysteriously, Chris was always seen arriving in the office at the same time as Krysia. Apparently they “live really close” to one another.
Katy Scott
Opinions Editor
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f there was anyone to watch out for in the collective, it was Katy. This French-loving, Xhosa-speaking, in-disguise-ranga ballerina secretly knew everything about everyone on VARSITY. She thus took the liberty of compiling slide shows of embarrassing pictures of collective members to “boost morale”. Besides that, she has managed to deal with multiple stalkers throughout the year like a lady. Her mischievous nature often spilt into her bi-weekly columns creating the naughtiest and best columns to date – a VARSITY must-read.
Uthman Quick
Deputy Opinions Editor
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lways greeted with, “Manny! Long time no see!” Despite his physical absence, Manny’s literary appearance has been present in nearly every VARSITY edition. With the ability to fight his point home and always adding something interesting to the conversation, this “old man” has proved his worth this year. Described as the “crux” of the opinions section, along with his cool and calm persona, great editing skills and writing, Manny has been a large asset to the VARSITY team.
Daniël Geldenhuys
Features and VARSITY Style Editor in Chief
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ith an intense passion for fashion, Daniël is best known for creating VARSITY’s first-ever Style supplement. Witty, creative and extremely hardworking, Danzies could always be found in the corner of the office on the beloved Apple Mac. With an endless source of Mean Girls and Glee quotes, a deep hatred for leggings and love for all hilarious things on the internet, Daniël has a way of even making the most mundane things entertaining. Lighting up the office with his colourful clothing and contagious laugh, Daniël is one of the most talented, professional and dedicated members of the collective.
Lynne Marie Fraser
Deputy Features Editor
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ARSITY’s nature girl, vegetarian and resident blonde. Despite her very incriminating Facebook history and constantly finding herself in weird situations that involve lemons, brooms, tiger onesies, and interesting haired boys, Lynne’s down-to-earth attitude, kind-heart and ability to laugh at herself has been a highlight to
VARSITY 2013: End of term for 2013 Collective. After a year filled with many laughs and pri many in the VARSITY office. Solving all issues with a cup (or ten) of strong black coffee, Lynne’s high-pitched laugh lights up the office as well as those around her. If laughter really is the best medicine, you’ll never be get sick around Lynne.
Rob Byrne
Sports Editor
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ob insists he was born on a little island no one can ever remember
the name of, but we don’t care. He has a British accent and that is all that matters. Rob’s forthright attitude and high standards have often left the rest of the collective in awe (or fear, in some cases). Despite the lack of turnout of sports writers at News Gathering, Rob never failed to describe the Sports section in every possible detail. Known to write almost the entire VARSITY Sports sections and pull girls when wearing his Varsity Football jacket, Rob has to be
the best (looking) writer and editor on the collective.
Megan Kinnaird
Deputy Sports Editor
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im ex-pat, Megan is a very chilledout, fun girl often found scrolling through Google images of cute cats, seductive cats, grumpy cats, flying cats, dressed-up cats or cats in boxes. For Megs, each new day seems to bring a new meme, a new cat or a
y Collective
es Sports Centrespread @varsitynews
Tuesday, October 8th Volume 72
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first female South African president for sure. Always motivating people to do something to transform the world, Jess is a fierce advocate for anything to do with people and rights. With a “rare Gatsby-like” smile that reaches her eyes causing them to twinkle, Jess has a rare ability to make you feel like you are the most beautiful person in the world. And this isn’t even commenting on her brilliant photography skills. Wouldn’t be surprised if we see her face on presidential posters in the near future. Jess for President!
Elelwani Netshifire
Deputy Images Editor
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weet and sincere, Elelwani has by far the most interesting accent on the collective. Although a little quiet, when she does speak she has you in giggles. A creative force to be reckoned with, Elelwani took fantastic pictures and was a great addition to the images team. Style reporter in the making, Elelwani is certainly going places.
Siyanda Ralane
Deputy Images Editor
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ierce and fearless, Siyanda is the girl with sass. Forthright, funny, and an all round stunner. With her mesmerising voice and constant change of brilliant hairs styles, Siyada is a force of nature when unleashed controlling every room that she walks into. Similar to Beyoncé, Siyanda is a true diva.
Stephen Hulme Web Editor
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he Boss of VARSITY’s own IT Crowd. Stephan is the website’s heart and soul and without him we would be lost. Who knew that “Techie Genius” and “Ballroom Dancer” could fit into one sentence? Known for his unfaltering manners and “aweinspiring” website slide shows filled with VARSITY’s favourite things: Pie Charts. Stephen constantly supplied the collective with a tech shoulder to cry on, awesome dedicated web feedback as well as compulsory server watching sign-ups. A man of many talents and sure to be success in the making.
Robin Mukanganise Deputy Web Editor
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ith his strong passion for computers, Robin is the founder and creator of VARSITY’s ever-first App – something we are all proud of. With great ideas and the skills to implement them, Robin’s physical being may not have always been seen within the VARSITY office, but his presence will always remain.
Peter Maluge
Deputy Web Editor
P Image: Sofia Gilli
iceless memories, the time has come to hand in our keys and clean our pigeon holes. new LOL. Constantly hungry and always happy, this multitasker/procrastinator and budding Rugby writer is a cougar inspiration to us all. As they say, she likes her boy’s young and her food rich.
soon realise she has a wicked sense of humour to match. With an amazing passion for journalism, and nocturnal tendencies, Zarmeen has been seen working late into the night singlehandedly crafting each magnificent VARSITY centerspread this year.
Zarmeen Ghoor
Tebesutfu Nkambule
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Centrespread Editor
efinitely the sweetest and most humble member on the collective, although once you get to know her you
Images Editor
ands down, Tebe has the best style on the collective. Armed with her camera and quirky smile, Tebe is a girl
on a mission providing VARSITY with professional and unique images. Despite being very well-spoken, Tebe is known to drop in a little slang every now and then just to keep things real. With her “dope” fashion sense, “dope” photographs and “dope” personality, Tebe has everything going for her.
Jessica Breakey
Images Deputy Editor
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ur resident politician and human rights activist. This girl will be the
eter may have the sweetest face and cutest smile, but he has mean technical skills. Known to be one of the quietest collective members, yet most reliable, and even after an entire year of using the office, Peter always knocks before entering.
Julien Speyer Design Editor
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ur very own design guru. With his constant craving for nicotine and GTA, Julien is much appreciated for his insightful comments about “energies” and original interview questions. With his chilled-out, yet funny and creative persona, Julien is one of the easiest people on the collective to work with. He is known to greet people in numerous languages and caused quite a lot of confusion when signing off emails as both “Julien” and “Julian”.
Imaad Isaacs Finance Manager
and
Advertising
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nce Imaad starts chatting, you either need to leave immediately or accept the fact that you will be late for your class. With his infectious grin and great beard, he is easy to engage with. His organisational and institutional knowledge know no bounds and if you ever need something done, Imaad is your guy. Despite being constantly busy with only-he-knowswhat, Imaad never fails to ask how you are doing. With contacts in high places and fingers in every pie possible – he has mad skills and is probably secretly planning to take over the world.
Salman Ghoor
Deputy Advertising Manager
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amous for being Zarmeen’s younger brother, Salman was once even confused as being related to Imaad, considering how closely he worked with him and how inseperable they were this year. Silent and serious, Salman comes across as extremely cool and collected.
Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu Human Resources Manager
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ommy Tanzies. In charge of the happy office dynamics as well as saving the editor from quitting many times, Tanzies has fulfilled the HR stereotype flawlessly. But as all Mommy’s can be, Tanzies is quite scary too. Often seen threatening to fake fire people to test boundaries, Tanya constantly challenged the collective to go above and beyond what was expected. With her heart of gold and laugh that fills the room, Tanya kept the collective together and must be commended for her passion. And where would Tanzizzle be without some special cakes and Vaseline?
Kudzai Tabaziba
Deputy Human Manager
Resources
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anya’s right-hand girl. Super efficient and go-getter, Kudzai’s warm heart and caring soul makes her one of the most beautiful women around. Described as a teddy bear, Kudzai took the entire collective under her wing constantly being there to support and help us whenever in need.
Mwinji Siame
Operations Manager
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winj has been a feisty member of the VARSITY Collective. Very opinionated but in the best way possible, Mwinji is an independent women with a gorgeous face and figure – otherwise own as the “Office Supermodel”. Her love for pizza and constant contribution to the collective Whatsapp group will never be forgotten. The infamous phrase “Guys please distribute” will forever ring in our ears.
Vikash Gajjar
Marketing Manager
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late addition to the VARSITY family, Vikash quickly made himself at home, winning over our hearts with his friendly and talkative nature. Always dressed to perfection, Vikash has a great love of commas, which, he, loves, to, use, arbitrarily. Vikash always has a sarcastically polite insult ready for any VARSITY haters. However, despite that cute face, do not be deceived by his innocence. “Twitter King” Vikash has been known to get his way, every time. He is also rumoured to star with Daniël in the newest High School Musical. Watch this space.
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features
V72 E12– 8 OCTOBER 2013
Give peas a chance
Oranjezicht City Farm – The first of its kind in South Africa
Lynne Marie Fraser ranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) draws you out of the rows of concrete buildings and into beds of flourishing vegetables. This, South Africa’s first inner-city farm, is a vibrant and welcoming place. Sheryl Ozinsky is one of the leading individuals involved since the beginning of OZCF last year November. Sheryl is also the founder of the Oranjezicht Neighbourhood Watch and was the Head of Cape Town Tourism for many years. Her passion for the farm and its role in the community is clear, “Are we just growing carrots?” she asks. “No. We are kneeling in the soil together and learning to understand the possibilities in that soil. It is more than just farming – it is improving lives.”
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They’re always looking for new people to join in as volunteers OZCF began with the vision to transform an abandoned bowling green, a dilapidated hang-out for vagrants and criminals. Now, the image of neglect and degradation has dissipated completely, with the site’s rich history coming rapidly into focus. This history stretches past the bowling green’s construction in the 1950s all the way back to 1709
Image: Lynne Marie Fraser
when the then Oranje Zigt farm was established. The farm supplied fresh fruit and vegetables to the growing settlement and colony and became the largest farm in the Upper Table Valley, occupied by the Van Breda family for seven generations. The produce was sold in the cobbled yard and weighed on a scale hanging from an oak tree. The original hooks for this scale still hang on the wall of the old barn where present-day locals come to buy fresh produce at the
regular OZCF Saturday market. The market is growing rapidly, and each week new people attend and then return the following week with their friends. And they’re always looking for new people to join in as volunteers or just to enjoy the atmosphere. On Saturday mornings you can be sure to find the regulars at their market stands selling organically grown veggies – many from OZCF itself. Lumai and Portia from Spoons and Spades take
up a position selling raw, sugar-free, gluten-free and wheat-free goodies. You’ll also find Gardener’s Glory Raw Garden Honey, collected from hives around Cape Town, and a delicious range of carob chocolates with almonds and Brazil nuts. “Over time, we have lost important connections to water and food, to nourishment and health,” says Sheryl. Understanding where and how the food we eat is produced is a starting point in conserving
our critical resources and fighting against waste. OZCF is an example to be replicated on the hundreds of other under-utilised public sites with the potential to serve as places that educate, feed and strengthen communities. Some public assets have already been identified in Mowbray, Rosebank, Bokaap and Claremont. Sheryl encourages communities to come forward, insisting that the possibilities are endless.
style
VARSITY STYLE is back! Read our exclusive interview with cover star Jimmy Nevis who wears local label 2Bop, get industry-insider advice for a career in fashion, and prepare your hair for Rihanna. What better way to shop than browsing through our collections story shot on Table Mountain road? We’ve picked the best pieces from your favourite stores including Cotton On, TopShop and The Lot. Our monochrome-meets-denim story shows you how to combine the two biggest trends of the season, and “Just Visiting” edits the most covetable new-season accessories. Boss Models are in collaboration with VARSITY STYLE to provide mentoring for the models, photographers, and beauty teams who create the fashion pages. Sebastian Simons, a UCT postgrad who recently joined the Boss family, mentored VARSITY news staff writer Sophie Robertson in our collections story. It’s not just about the pictures: VARSITY food guru Cassidy Nydahl presents recipes inspired by the runway, Busang Senne and Daniël Geldenhuys decode the best newseason trends, Rob Byrne takes a trip to Wimbledon, and Barbara Fourie shows you how to amp up your living space. Ready to get stylish then? Visit varsitynewspaper.co.za and click on VARSITY STYLE.
Image: flickr.com/dansays
Clockwise from top right: Riaan Giani, Bert Pauw, Riaan Giani, Paris Brummer, Bert Pauw, Michael Goldsmid. Text: Daniël Geldenhuys.
features
The first-year spread The Fresher experience in words Busang Senne omehow, over the course of ten months at VARSITY – from a young apprentice in training to the Deputy Features Editor 2014 – I’ve managed to condense every excursion, experience and naïve piece of wisdom into 400 to 450 words. But this tale, one of debauchery, shaved heads, blowing that last R5 on printing credits and getting lost in Leslie Social more times than I’m willing to admit, can hardly be done justice in less than a page. First year. I had been waiting for this moment since the novelty of high school wore off about halfway through Grade 8. I waited painfully for the day where I could throw the rules and regulations of suburban life to the newly youngadult winds and “talk to people who know lots about lots”. Unlike Jenny from An Education, I took the end of high school to mean shaving my head, getting the septum of my nose pierced and doing anything else that would spite the lukewarm waters of my former adolescent life. I pictured drinking absinthe over pseudointellectual discussions on Jack Kerouac, I imagined bike rides and lying on the lawns without a hint of nostalgia. What I didn’t know was that
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Before you know it you’re under the covers watching New Girl such autonomy costs money and riding a bike from Clarinus to Upper Campus would surely mean suicide. And I read On The Road and hated it. UCT humbled me. As Spock once said to Kirk, “A stallion must first be broken to realise its full potential.” And first year will break you many, many times on your way to degree glory. UCT is not how I imagined it four years ago at the tender age of 15, trailing completely starstruck behind my sister. The novelty does wear off. Three months of tyrannical rain and your tut attendance starts to dwindle, you’re living day to day on meal vouchers and before you know it you’re under the covers in your bedroom watching New Girl and wishing you had taken that gap year. What would I say as I pass the baton of my first year experience to the freshers of 2014? Although I’ve made it sound a bit like boot camp, there are few moments quite as serendipitous as your first year. It’s not often that you get a chance to start again and be whoever you want to be. First year gave me that chance, and hopefully it gave others that chance as well. Like The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy says in those big friendly words on the cover, simply, “Don’t panic”. Wear sunscreen. Meridian tuts are a thing, but
that doesn’t mean you have to do them. Speak to everyone and speak about everything. Leave prejudices at the door. Smile even when it’s raining. Collect these clichéd, Hallmark greeting card expressions in your arsenal, they come in handy when writing articles and impressing people.
And most importantly, there are no such things as neat boxes. There is only running down Long Street screaming at the top of your lungs, watching the sunrise on Jammie stairs with an 8am tut the next morning. But what do I know? I’m only a fresher.
Image: Sofia Gilli
V72 E12 - 8 OCTOBER 2013
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Goodbye, Mr Nigel Bakker
Mr Bakker speaks to VARSITY about his years as a UCT student
Riyadh Karodia Mr Nigel Bakker is a senior lecturer in the School of Education who received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1988 at the University of Cape Town and is a popular personality at UCT. With the end of his time at UCT in sight as the year draws to a close, he reflects on how it began. How did you feel as a first-year student at university? I was absolutely terrified because in those days there was not the slightest support for first-year students. There was nothing like orientation. That was very different, but otherwise it was essentially like today being a student. Did you fit in? I was the personified geek of the period. Everything that is geeky today stems from me. It was so different from school and so liberating. RAG was fun – I did get involved in RAG, although it was a far smaller event than it is today. I sold Sax Appeal as a first-year student. But I would race home by bus or train and sit and work all day and probably all weekend as well. What influenced you to study? My desire from a very early age was to be a school-teacher. When I completed my honours, I did a teacher’s diploma and worked as a junior lecturer in the English department for a year; then I went to school-teaching for seven years, until I decided that I wanted to come back here. And what did you and other students wear in those days? Well, that was the ’70s. Everybody was blazing with colour. I had huge bright red bell-bottoms and floral shirts and long hair. The women would wear long caftan gowns with masses of beads and flowers in their hair. The campus was ablaze with colour. What types of novels and magazines did you read? I must have read hundreds of books, plays and poems. Catch 22
was one of the big novels in the early ’70s. Everybody had read Lord of the Rings. A lot of American literature was very popular at the time. Magazines – they’ve all gone. They were absolutely terrible. What did you watch? There wasn’t any television in those days, but you watched sport. You went to Newlands, which was full, for the Ikeys-Maties rugby match. You watched a lot of cricket and rugby. You went to movies and listened to the radio. Music on the radio was very important. Lourenço Marques, now Maputo, used to have this very popular pop-music radio station that everybody used to tune in to. It was the glitter stuff, and then it became fairly heavy metal. And then there were all those nice squeaky-clean fellows who sang pretty songs for when you fell in love. What do think are the most significant changes between then and now? Students today are far more serious about their work. The quality of the work is far better than I remember from my undergraduate days. It’s also a lot more expensive to be here. There are very many more students. And the great joy is that it is completely non-racial. But I wish they’d wear bright colours. Otherwise in many ways nothing much has changed. The biggest change is definitely electronics. What advice would you give students? I would recommend strongly that students enjoy the social life at UCT. The friends you make at university are the friends you make for life. I think it’s also important to – oh dear, this sounds corny – work as hard as you possibly can! What happens after UCT? When I retire, I am going to stop working. This is going to be a time of leisure and relaxation. I’m going to do all the things I’ve been afraid to do up to now; I’m going to learn to be a lazy, idle bum. People tell me I’ll get bored doing this before long. Clearly, they haven’t tried hard enough. Work is terribly overrated. And I’ve had enough of it.
UCT residence’s outreach campaign Sam Voigt
After the “Enough is Enough” protest earlier this year, Leo Marquard’s Head Student 2013 Lungisa Ntobela says he was inspired to shift the responsibility from the shoulders of just the female residences to include the male residences as well. He believes men should also take a stand against violent crime, specifically against women, as has been the focus at UCT throughout this year. This is why Leo Marquard Hall created the Marquard Cares campaign. It began as an attempt to show solidarity in the fight against gender-based crime. The campaign was geared towards collecting funds and clothes for the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. Ntobela drove the project alongside Sam Voigt, Tokologo Phetla and Khumo Mampuru. The campaign ran from the beginning of August and continued throughout Women’s Month. Originally the aim was just to collect funds for the Saartjie Baartman home, but the Marquad residents soon realised students were more willing and
able to donate clothing and give their time instead. So the campaign adopted a two-phase strategy, with the first phase focused on collecting clothes for the children in the home. The second phase of the campaign saw UCT students from both Leo Marquard Hall and Graça Machel Hall heading out to the Center to begin a re-painting project. Ntobela says he was completely overwhelmed by the support from both residence students and the external companies that were willing to donate towards the campaign, for example, all paint was donated and Turfworks assisted by sending through lawnmowers in an attempt to maintain the premises at the Centre. Those of us involved really enjoyed ourselves and learnt a lot from visiting the Centre and the surrounding community. The hope now is that more sustainable outreach initiatives like this will be built within the residence systems in the future. The potential that lies within the residence system to give back to our community is unlimited and the success of Marquard Cares is just a glimpse of the possibilities of this.
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features
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
Cassidy’s sweet parting gift The Winged Watchmen “Totally healthy!" "Gluten-free!" "Dairy-free!"
Cassidy Nydahl It's all over the place. I usually ignore it with a roll of the eyes and flip of the page to something more buttery and floury. If you're going to bake, why skimp on the good stuff, right? But I have to acknowledge those poor gluten-intolerant souls. I'm lucky to be able to eat flour and dairy and all other evil ingredients. Because they taste good. Fact. I believe that you can't write something off before you try it, though. While pouring over my old Taste magazines I came across a recipe for interesting looking little cookies and my pantry happened to fulfil all the ingredient requirements. The flour is replaced by ground almonds, which I had in abundance due to my HAVEto-conquer-the-macaron phase (In case you were wondering, I did conquer it – although sometimes it conquered me, sigh). I was feeling creative, so to the original recipe I added some chopped up candied ginger. You can get small cubes of candied ginger from good baking stores – I got mine from The Baking Tin in Kenilworth, Cape Town. They make the cookies a little sweeter and add a little spice. All in all, I must admit that gluten-and-dairy-free can be amazingly delicious. Maybe I'll try a few more of these kinds of recipes in the future!
Image: Cassidy Nydahl
Zesty Almond and Ginger Cookies (gluten-free) (Adapted from the Taste magazine) Ingredients: 250g ground almonds 75g light brown sugar 1Tbsp honey 1Tbsp orange/grapefruit zest 1/4 cup egg whites 1/2 cup chopped up candied ginger (entirely optional, but amazing) Icing sugar, for dusting Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix together all the ingredients in a
bowl until it is well mixed and forms a dough (this is easiest done with your hands) Roll a bite-sized piece of dough into a ball, and place on a tray lined with baking paper. Press down with a fork. Bake in oven on middle rack for around 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove from oven and cool on a cooling rack, then dust with icing sugar. (For this and other recipes visit www. servewithtea.wordpress.com)
Image: Sofia Gilli
Diana Fletcher
the UCT Pigeon’s greatest threat (although the Pigeons do hold a vendetta against the UCT student who anonymously confessed to (Please be advised that this killing one with his economics article is best read in David file). Instead, the UCT Pigeons’ Attenborough’s voice). greatest enemy is the Red-winged On the wind-swept pathways starling. No one is entirely sure of the Mountain Campus known where these birds originate from, as the University of Cape Town all that is known is that they are exists a species of bird so strange bigger and faster and live to make and diabolical that you would the UCT Pigeons and students’ think that it might have a more lives a scene from Hitchcock’s eccentric name. I am of course referring to the UCT Pigeon. The Birds. Preferring to hunt The in packs of four, Birdus the starling’s annoyus has inhabited the the UCT student body f a v o u r i t e U n i v e r s i t y ’s of is not the UCT Pigeon’s method grounds since the attack is to divegreatest threat construction of bomb students Jameson Steps in who are eating 1928. While their while walking, population has always been of a causing untold trauma to those prominent size, their formation who must watch the starlings fly of large organised flocks in the off with their Budget Roll and last few years has been attributed depriving the patient, trailing to the increase of bake sales and pigeons of their lunchtime stressed students. meal too. The UCT Pigeon looks This animosity between the remarkably similar to the UCT Pigeon and starling tribes common pigeon, except for has reached such feather-ruffling its eyes. The common pigeon heights that both sides have typically has irises of an orange resorted to guerrilla tactics. hue, but the UCT Pigeon boasts Small parties of Starlings have irises of a striking, demonic red. often been observed launching The UCT Pigeon employs its eyes dive and fly attacks, swooping as part of its hunting technique, into quiet pigeon gatherings and making and holding eye contact stealing the pigeons’ food. The with a student and frightening pigeons in turn have executed that student into handing over his small ambushes on lone and or her food. unsuspecting starlings, much The UCT Pigeon is an to the amusement of the UCT incredibly versatile bird when it students who dislike both species comes to feeding. It does not limit with equal fervour. itself to the pigeon stereotype of But despite their dishevelled nuts, seeds and fruits, but rather appearance, manic eyes and is a culinary virtuoso, dabbling in annoying perseverance, the UCT muffins, sandwiches, chocolates Pigeon is a part of campus life. and even the occasional wrap or They watch over the students and salad. their food from the lofty heights Their preferred hunting of the library building, cleaning grounds are the locally-named up the leftovers and often “Jammie Steps” and “Food Court”. protecting the students from the Despite popular student, belief evil starlings. They are UCT’s the UCT student body is not cooing watchmen.
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v72 e12 – 8 october 2013
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V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
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sport
Netball The UCT Netball ladies took on TUT on Monday, September 30th, in their first home game of the Varsity Netball tournament. The match was extremely close throughout as both teams gave it everything, however, UCT succumbed to defeat at 35-43. Both teams came into the game having lost all of their previous games, and thus both UCT and TUT had nothing to lose. By
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ManU’s Scottish transition
SPORTS SHORTS Ultimate Last weekend the UCT Ultimate Club participated in the second largest mixed Ultimate tournament in South Africa, Rocktober 2013, which was held in Johannesburg this year. The club sent their 1st team squad, the Flying Tigers, and four members who will play in a combined UCT/ Stellenbosch team. The Flying Tigers hoped to continue their fantastic record this year so far, given their second overall placing in the Summer League and their third placement in the National Championships. The team will look to bring the Rocktober trophy home, from their fourth seed placement, based on last year’s Rocktober standings. The team’s progress can be tracked on the Rocktober website.
V72 E12 – 8 OCTOBER 2013
Image: Rob Byrne ULTIMATELY EXALTANT: UCT Ultimate looked to claim victory in Johannesburg over the weekend. the end of the first half, TUT had a significant lead as the scoreboard read 13-21. The game gained momentum, however, in the third quarter with UCT coming back onto the court in full force. The home-side doubled their efforts and managed to catch up with the TUT team, ending off the third quarter with a 28-29 score, TUT barely maintaining their lead. The fourth quarter kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as it seemed the game was close to a draw. Unfortunately, in the last three minutes the UCT team lost momentum and TUT took advantage of their lag in energy. The final score
read 35-43, with TUT winning the game. After the game, captain Asanga Mehana told VARSITY, “It was disappointing to have lost on home territory, however, our spirits will still remain high – we will encounter TUT again and we will walk away knowing our faults and knowing what to do next time. We have three tough games ahead and that is our focus now. Thank you to all for the support from people who came through to watch the game. It was spectacular and, honestly, a humbling experience.”
Contributions: Eleanor Shadwell, Aisha Abdool Karim, Megan Kinnaird
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Image: flickr.com/minquangle87 ROCKY START: Ferguson's disappointments early on in his time at United give hope for Moyes yet. and fans alike were expecting his “voluntary” resignation; preparing themselves for yet another "From the moment I got to managerial casualty. However, unlike today's often Manchester United, I thought of only one thing: building a football fickle football hierarchy, the United club. I wanted to build right from board made the decision to stick the bottom. The first thought by their man, believing that he of 99% of newly appointed was the one to lead the club. managers is to make sure they win In that same season, Sir Alex Ferguson picked up – to survive." Sound familiar? It should. his first piece of silverware for These are the words of one of the club in the form of the FA the most successful managers in cup, followed by a league title the the history of British football: Sir following year. Building the foundation of any Alex Ferguson. Given United’s recent 4-1 football club is no easy feat. It loss to local rivals Manchester requires patience, understanding City and their 2-1 loss against and faith in the individual West Bromwich Albion, many entrusted with the position. supporters are beginning to doubt Moyes himself received a sterling the appointment of Ferguson’s recommendation from Ferguson for the position, current successor, on a long term David Moyes. What many Building the foundation contract no less. In a recent may not know is of any football club is US television that Ferguson, no easy feat i n t e r v i e w like Moyes, also following the had a few tough successive losses, years after taking the reins at United in 1986. Ferguson was quoted as saying, During the 1989/1990 season, “[h]e was my choice to succeed the side was performing poorly me and I’m still absolutely in all competitions. Matters really behind him 100 percent […] [T]he started to heat up after a run of club will also give their full support six defeats and two draws in eight and he will be just fine. United [is] games. Sounding awfully familiar in good hands.” And given the side’s to United’s recent misfortunes, 1-1 draw to Shakhtar Donestsk in one of these came in the the UEFA Champions League last form of a 5-1 thrashing week, not all hope has been lost for by Manchester City in the new manager. United may be sitting in an September 1989. It wasn't too long after this that unattractive position in the United supporters were calling for Premier league log but, as is his head on a silver platter, with a usual with silver linings, Moyes, particularly memorable banner with time and patience, may still declaring: “Three years of excuses be the man to continue Sir Alex and it's still crap...ta-ra Fergie." Ferguson's impressive legacy Unsurprisingly, many journalists at the club.
Quaid Tatchell
Sport
FIXTURES AMA 20/20 SATURDAY OCTOBER 12th, 2PM WPCC FIELD B
1A-RO3 vs WWC
VARSITY NETBALL TOURNAMENT MONDAY OCTOBER 14th, 6PM UCT SPORTS CENTRE
UCT vs TUKS
Mehana: UCT has nothing to lose Mark Nandi
eet Asanga Mehana, fulltime student and captain of the UCT Netball team. VARSITY recently caught up with the prolific captain to find out about her experience thus far in the sport, as well as UCT’s participation in the Varsity Netball Tournament. Mehana, who is in her final year studying BSc Hons in Geomatics, joined UCT from Hudson Park High School. She has been instrumental to the team, adding vast amounts of experience gained from playing in the SA U-19 squad in 2006 and representing Western Province on the netball front.
M
When did you start playing netball? In grade 1: I was watching the older U-9 girls play at school. They were missing a Goal Shooter (GS) during their practice and they asked me to fill in. I played a match with them the next day and I’ve never looked back. Did you ever see yourself captaining a varsity squad? I honestly did not but I am not surprised as I have always had leadership roles growing up. I captained most of my sport teams both locally and provincially while in high school. However, I am humbled by the fact that people see me as a leader outside of my home town and feel extremely honoured to have captained the UCT 1st team for the years that I have. Can you give some insight to your first ever netball match? I was 7 and when my time finally came I felt more than ready. I remember running around dressed in my sister’s oversized netball kit with new white Tommy takkies, wanting to catch every second ball. Varsity Netball; how significant was the invite for UCT? HUGE! We were ranked tenth at USSA games and only the top eight teams qualified to participate. Two teams could not participate, however, and when our Sports Coordinator Jonathan Stones asked me whether we would like to, we duly agreed! This is exactly what the team and the club needed. The exposure has been amazing and the support from UCT has been tremendous. Having won the Western Province league this year, the opportunity couldn’t come at a better time than this when our 1st team players have matured in
Image:s Lloyd Kammies FIGHTING ON: UCT's Netball ladies are determined to give it all they've got week after week. the game. How is UCT coping with the tournament so far? So far we’ve travelled to Port Elizabeth for three games, and played once at home. Yes, we’ve lost all of our games, but boy have we put up a fight! We’ve been improving with every game and that has been our goal. Our game vs NMMU was our toughest, mentally and physically, however, I do believe that this will help is in the tougher games vs UP, Pukke and Kovsies. We have nothing to lose and we know it, which makes us more excited to play and hopefully cause an upset. You play for Western Province as well, how is the competitive level there? Extremely competitive. You not only have to beat the other team but you have to fight to stay in the team. There is no room for complacency whatsoever. 100% effort is required ALL the time, whether its practice or during a game. How did you feel when you were called up to play for Western Province? I was injured for six weeks this year and that set me back quite a bit as I missed the second and final round of trials. I obviously went in there hoping to be in the best team but instead I was “reserved” a spot in the C-side. I was disheartened at first but I embraced my plight. My team was awesome; we
did the best out of all the WP teams at nationals, losing only one game and coming fourth overall. I eventually captained the team and was moved to play Wing Defence (WD) - completely out of my comfort zone as Goal Attack, but I felt confident and satisfied with how I played at the end. Do you have any ambitions to play netball on a professional level? YES! I have recently been selected to play for the Ladies A-side Super League Action netball team this year. Hopefully I will try out for WP there and launch my professional [netball] career. Who or what motivates you before you play a match? I would say my team mates and myself. My team mates are such awesome people and I am like their older sister hence I make sure I don’t disappoint them. Would you say the balance between varsity and netball is hard to maintain? Definitely. To be successful at both requires a lot of discipline, time management and frankly motivation. There aren’t any shortcuts and the two, at UCT, do clash quite often. Tests run into practice time, practice time runs into study time. With less study time we’d have more game time and hence be a top netball university. However, at the end of the day it is totally worth the effort plus I do enjoy the best of both worlds.
TEAM PLAYER: Asanga Mehana is a vital player in UCT's team for the Varsity Netball tournament.
Who will dominate this year’s Sports Awards? Megan Kinnaird On Friday October 11th, the UCT Sports Council will be holding their annual Sports Awards Dinner at the Kelvin Grove Sports Club. The awards ceremony will kick-off at 7pm and promises to be as exciting as ever, with various sporting teams and players vying for coveted accolades in this prestigious event. The Sports Person of the Year award sees Nicholas Groom nominated for his performance in the Stormers and Western Province rugby teams; Alexandra Fuller nominated for her performance in the final of the SA Women’s National Squash Championship; South African water skier, Tyron Stroberg; and finally, UCT’s “golden boy” in the swimming pool, Ayrton Sweeny, nominated for his performance in the Senior All African Championships and
Western Province Championships early this year. Sweeney has also been nominated in the Performance of the Year category along with the surf team, men’s 1st team waterpolo and women’s 1st VIII rowing team, all for their winning performances in the USSA tournament earlier this year. The Team of the Year category sees the ladies’ chess team, women’s 1st VIII rowing team and the men’s 1st team waterpolo nominated. In the Best First Year category, Fortuna Bakula has been nominated for netball; Mohamed Bhawoodien has been nominated for chess; Kyle Jacobs has been nominated for badminton, and Ladon McClure has been nominated for fencing. Praising the developmental aspect of sports clubs at UCT the Transformation/Development Trophy sees Paula Tully recommended for hockey, Sarah Bishop recommended for Rowing and the Mountain and Ski club also recommended for their performance.