Varsity
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The official student newspaper of the university of cape town
16 October 2012
Volume 71: Edition 12
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DASO-less SRC in 2013? Jessica Breakey, Krysia Gaweda & Sajjad Karamsi
T
he SRC has disqualified all Democratic Alliance Student Organiation’s (DASO) candidates from the 2013 SRC. This decision overturned the SRC Elections Committee ruling made last Friday regarding the sanctions imposed on DASO after alleged misconduct during the recent SRC elections. All 7 DASO candidates have thus been removed from their seats in the 2013 SRC.
“The decision was politically motivated and procedurally flawed.”
Image: Jessica Breakey POLITICAL SAGA - 2013 SRC body is off to a controversial start. the overspending and harassment allegations. “With the campaign spending, I started realising that there was no transparency within the group between [DASO] management and the candidates, and that people weren’t being completely
honest and open.” “Most of us did ask questions, but they were either brushed off or we were told that everything was fine,” she said. “Our accountability was interrupted by not being able to have access to all the information, and for
not being told of anything.” The SRC has taken the appeal to Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price (or his designate) who has 10 working days to make a final decision on where DASO stands in 2013.
in this issue
The Election Committee’s decision was to fine DASO approximately R7000 for their overspending. This was appealed to the Elections Committee, with the SRC sitting as the appellate body. DASO has appealed the SRC’s decision. DASO Branch Leader, Emma Jones-Phillipson, commented on the matter saying, “SASCO (South African Student Organisation) lost badly, only managing to get three candidates elected. We believe that the SASCO-dominated SRC's decision was nothing more than an attempt to secure SASCO’s continued control of the SRC, even though they lost the election. The decision was politically motivated and procedurally flawed.” The current SRC political breakdown is 7 SASCO, 7 Independents and 3 DASO, which does not give SASCO an absolute majority in the 2013 SRC. However, the composition of the actual sitting that ruled on the appeal is unknown at this moment. Responding to VARSITY’s request for comment, Branch Leader of SASCO, Markus Trengove, said that, “It must be made very clear that this is not a squabble between SASCO and DASO. SASCO is only
involved by virtue of our interest in a democratic and fair UCT.” “In light of this and the gravity of evidence presented against the DASO campaign team; we [SASCO] welcome the decisive nature of the SRC’s actions. It is of the utmost importance to SASCO that the integrity of UCT be preserved and so we commend the SRC for protecting the institution against jeopardizing forces”. Independent candidate, Chanda Chungu, who also made it on to the 2013 SRC said, “The SRC had a difficult decision to make as to an appropriate remedy for the issue, but from their reasoning they wanted to set the right path for candidates in future who did not want to follow the rules they agreed to abide to.” “A decision was made and it has to be respected because we elected this SRC to make decisions that were in our best interests. I do, however, feel sympathetic towards the DASO candidates who generally worked hard and showed dedication to get votes and would have made excellent members of the SRC.” Marissa van Rensburg, the candidate who received the highest votes in the elections, and a SASCO candidate commenting on SASCO’s election campaign policy said that, “We [SRC candidates] all signed a sort of "code of conduct" that stated all the rules, and all candidates were meant to have understood them. In a race, if someone takes performance enhancements that give an unfair advantage, athletes are disqualified. So I think that the judgment is fair in a competitive election.” Van Rensburg explained how a “firmer penalty was definitely called for, I'm glad that the SRC elections committee recognised that.” “I think it's very unfortunate for a few DASO candidates like Alex, who I believe were misled and misinformed by those from DASO who were at the forefront of the contraventions,” she added. Alex Swanepoel is a former DASO candidate, who chose to leave DASO due to her own personal doubts during, and after, voting on
Fees Resolution
page 2
Obama Nation
page 5
Daisy Rocking
page 10
Rowling’s Latest
page 12
UCT Rowing
Varsity, the official student newspaper since 1942, is committed to the principles of equality and democracy.
page 15
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news
v7 e12 – 16 October 2012
News Bites Romney continues to defy the odds WASHINGTON – Republican nominee Mitt Romney has extended his lead over Barack Obama by two percentage points, according to a poll released by Reuters on Thursday. Romney is now leading the Democrats with 49% vs. 47%. - Reuters
Violent protests in the Western Cape CAPE TOWN – For the first time in five years, Western Cape has seen more violent service delivery protests than any other province in South Africa. According to the Multi-level Government Initiative’s Service Delivery Protest Barometer, there were more than 200 protests in South Africa between August and January 2012. The Main reasons for protests were for poor municipal services such as water, electricity, land and housing. - Cape Argus
Most sophisticated doping scam NEW YORK – According to the US Anti-Doping Agency, Lance Armstrong and his team ran the most sophisticated doping programme in the history of sport. The official report filed against the US Postal cycling team, includes sworn testimony of 26 people of whom 15 are riders. “The evidence shows beyond any doubt that the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team ran the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has seen,” US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart said. - Cape Times
Zille offers reward for “police killers” CAPE TOWN – Senior Superintendent, Mpumlelo Hubert Xakekile, was shot dead by two unidentified men while issuing a ticket to a taxi driver in Mew Way, Khayelitsha. The Premiere of the Western Cape, Helen Zille has offered a R50 000 reward for information leading to the crime. Xakekile had been a committed member of the city’s law enforcement agency for 10 years. - Cape Times
Taliban shoots child activists PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN – Fourteen-year-old, Malala Yousufzai, was shot and seriously injured by the Taliban. Yousufzai has won numerous peace prizes and a national award for bravery due to her resistance against the Taliban. Doctors have said she has a 70% chance of survival. - Cape Argus
Saadiq SamodienSoliis
Fees Resolution to hit campus Stephanie Venter
means that students need not actually pay so much.” Other areas of concern are the increase in students attending UCT each year. Despite UCT claiming it has reached its capacity in terms of students, the number increases every year, stated Rose. These additional student fees are not considered in the budget and are thus extra income.
T
he SRC will advocate for a 5–6% fee increase for 2013, according to SRC Treasurer Jeremy Themba Rose, who has been working on the SRC 2013 fee proposal since early this year. UCT’s budget and annual fee increase are decided at a meeting of Council – the highest decisionmaking body at UCT – in October/ November of each year, with ViceChancellor Dr Max Price. Student representatives are allowed to present a proposal at the meeting. Council will then vote on both proposals, accepting one (or a compromise of both) for the following year at UCT. The SRC proposal is in the final stages of completion, and is to be presented at Student Assembly for endorsement on October 18th. As such, the final 5–6% may change slightly in the negotiation process between Student Assembly and UCT management. To garner student support for their proposal, the SRC launched the Fees Resolution campaign last week, something of a continuation of the 2010 Fees Revolution campaign. This year’s campaign is accompanied by a website
“majority of students leave university in debt”
Image: Jessica Breakey (wwwfeesresolution.co.za) where students can learn about the fee and budgeting process. The site acts as a platform for students to provide input for the SRC’s fee proposal. Posters have been put up around campus promoting the site. The primary tenets of the SRC’s proposal this year focused on issues that have been repeatedly raised over the years. Firstly, according to Rose, “UCT budgets conservatively”, with
Zapiro’s magic cartooning Alexandra Nagel
P
olitical cartoonist Jonathon “Zapiro” Shapiro was a guest speaker at a UCT Alumni event on Tuesday, October 10. Despite his court case with President Jacob Zuma set for October 25th, Zapiro presented many of his controversial cartoons to an audience of approximately 400 UCT alumni members.
That is the “magic of cartoons…anything can happen. Zapiro is a former UCT student who initially studied architecture, but later switched to graphic design. “I always wanted to be a cartoonist” but the unfortunate thing is “many don’t see it as a possibility”, he explained. With a variety of his cartoons displayed on the screen in Jameson Hall, Zapiro described the sensation of portraying reality in metaphorical annotations. That is the “magic of cartoons…anything can happen. You are the master of the page and that is what I love about it”. Although Zapiro’s cartoons are not meant to be interpreted literally, there is still the fear of audiences taking offence to societal issues he ridicules. His cartoons have faced numerous criticisms from South African presidents, both past and present. Zapiro’s first cartoon was published during the 1980s, when President Pieter Willem Botha declared a State of Emergency on South Africa.
The cartoon depicted Botha with overly-sized lips and with his finger as a gun.“The violence is from the state’s finger” and so “becomes the smoking gun”, Zapiro explains. Over recent years, President Zuma has laid claims of defamation of character against a number of Zapiro’s cartoons. President Zuma stated that the depictions were ruining his reputation as the Head of State, due to the fact that he was being represented as a rapist with a shower head glued to his head. Zapiro had a confident response to the lawsuit posed against him, stating that President Zuma “is making me into something that I wouldn’t want to be, so let him do it”. In spite of this, Zapiro remains hopeful for South Africa’s future but does feel that the ANC is abusing its majority of seats in parliament. South Africa does have “some strong institutions but parliament is on the back foot”, he explains. When Zapiro ridiculed former president Nelson Mandela in his cartoons, Zapiro argues how Mandela’s response was not one of anger or resentment. Zapiro said that Mandela “understands the need for criticism” and “I wish we could see that in our leadership today”.
the budget surplus often exceeding expectations. For example, UCT expected a surplus of R65 million for 2011, which would be used for strategic initiatives (such as new infrastructure, buildings, etc.). In fact, the year saw a R147.8 million surplus – 44% more than had been expected. “The excessive surplus is a concern”, said Rose, because “it
The net result of high student fees is that the majority of students leave university in debt, said Rose, describing the “masses of student loans that are taken out” by students struggling financially. The SRC’s fee proposal has been successful in recent years. The 2010 SRC successfully negotiated a proposed 10.5% fee increase down to 8.5%. Rose believes that a large part of the success of the 2010 SRC in terms of fees was their support from students and their “solid, well-researched proposal”, which he hopes to build on this year.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month around, Breast Cancer. Having the campaign every Friday, Lerotholi wished to capitalise on Breast Cancer Awareness the connotation of frivolity and Month takes place annually every freedom already associated with October, aiming to increase Fridays, as well as to ensure that awareness around breast cancer. it wasn’t just a once off event but This year, UCT Medical Campus instead an ongoing campaign has taken the opportunity to throughout October encouraging support Breast Cancer Month students to get involved. through Pink Fridays, a weekly “The idea was, if you missed the event encouraging students to first Friday, you noticed the people wear pink every Friday during the wearing pink, enquired about it month of October. and joined the cause Pink Fridays the next week,” she “encouraging were initiated by said. students to get Ntoetse Lerotholi, “It is so easy the Health Wellness to get caught up involved” and Safety Officer on in the academic Medical Campus. The environment that we campaign is aimed at students; tend to be oblivious to all causes helping them to become more that fall outside of our degrees, but aware of breast cancer as well affect our country,” said Lerotholi. as become active, conscious It is through events and campaigns citizens in society. “Pink Fridays such as these, where it is so easy is my brain child, and it came to get involved in, that students from the concept of Breast are encouraged to become, Cancer awareness month already and remain, conscious and being nationally accepted and aware citizens. endorsed by CANSA as October,” Despite the fact that the said Lerotholi. campaign was initiated on Medical Lerotholi continued to explain Campus, all UCT students are that the initiative behind the encouraged to join in and raise campaign is to get as many awareness by wearing pink on students to wear pink every Friday Fridays, or by purchasing pink for the month of October in CANSA ribbons. support of, and to raise awareness
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news
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
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Cai Nebe
R
ainbow UCT’s Pink Week raised questions of identity and current issues facing UCT’s LGBTIQ community. 2013 Chairperson of Rainbow UCT, Shannon Cupido, said that the challenge lay in inspiring public interest in LGBTIQ issues. “There were problems on the organisational side and a general lack of awareness of LGBTIQ issues. Last year Rainbow UCT was more active, events better attended.” Cupido said, “It’s about creating awareness, spreading LGBTIQ’s brand and keeping that awareness.” Associate Professor, Jane Bennett, of UCT’s African Gender Institute spoke on the significance of Pink Week as part of the social justice movement. “UCT is one of the most powerful places to start. Have some activism so you can feel proud of your lives!” she said. Zambian, Chanda Chungu,
an SRC elect for 2013 said, “Homosexuality in my country is not condoned. Pink Week is difficult for international students, particularly those from African countries, because of their customs. But we’re in Cape Town to learn from each other. Whether we pick up the lessons is our choice – to learn about people who are different.” Chungu said Pink Week should, “bring us together,” and not be divisive, “Everyone who feels marginalised needs to come forward. We have an SRC that represents everyone.” Sandile Lawrence Tshabalala, a 1st year BA student stated that, “South Africa is the only African nation that constitutionally supports gay rights. We must embrace this because the constitution represents and defines the identity of South Africans.” “Some students are very naïve about Pink Week issues. I think the participation in Pink Week events were poor, which was disappointing,” said Sandile.
SRC election controversies continue Stephanie Venter
fined the exceeded amount. In the instance of disagreement with an EC decision, an appeal to This year’s SRC elections have the SRC can be made. The SRC been mired in controversy, as the received numerous complaints recent SRC ruling disqualifying that the penalty levied against all Democratic Alliance Students’ DASO (a fine of approximately R7 Organisation (DASO) candidates, 000) was too light. has reached the Vice-Chancellor To decide on the appeals, the for appeal. SRC formed a Commission of The first controversy occurred Inquiry to make recommendations mid-way through Voting Week on the matter. The Commission, (September 17th to 21st), when chaired by SRC Transformation more than 2 000 Vula votes were Co-ordinator Kwadwo Ofori nullified by the SRC Elections Owusu, recommended harsher Committee (EC) after candidates sanctions. were found to have asked students While the Commission to vote on the candidates’ laptops recommended, “a suspension of or iPads, contrary to voting rules. recognition of DASO over the SRC Strife continued when the election period in 2013 alongside Campaign Spending Report, community service for each released the DASO member following week, elected to SRC showed over2013,” the SRC The SRC received expenditure of found that the more than 100% numerous complaints SRC Constitution that the penalty by DASO. While made provisions allowed to spend levied against DASO for candidates to R6 600, DASO be disqualified. was too light. was found to have The SRC spent R13 745.71 thus decided to in total. disqualify all The only other instance of over- DASO candidates, meaning the spending was Lusani Nemalili seven DASO candidates initially (independent), who exceeded her elected onto the SRC will no limit by 72c. longer be on the council. The report also detailed DASO has announced that they “several complaints against will appeal the disqualification to DASO” received by the EC. Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price, Primary amongst these were who has ten working days to make over-expenditure, non-disclosure a final decision. of campaign plans, and the The most recent incident of above-mentioned use of iPads an SRC election appeal going to and laptops. The campaign plans the Vice-Chancellor’s office was in question include the visits of in 2005, when a candidate had DA leaders Helen Zille, Lindiwe his disqualification over-turned. Mazibuko and Mmusi Maimane The candidate was judged to to campus during Voting Week. have a “moral distance” from his However, the EC stated that it, campaign team. “found itself in the unfortunate The Commission of Inquiry position of having limited and the SRC’s final reports are reasonable sanctions with which available on the SRC 2012 Vula to penalise DASO.” DASO was tab.
Professor Pierre de Vos, Deputy Dean of UCT Law, warned that people denying their homosexuality to be normal were, “missing out on the richness of the homosexual community.” He said the LGBTIQ community had a responsibility to be different. When asked if the LGBTIQ community’s extroverted exhibition of homosexuality divided homosexuals and heterosexuals he replied, “That should only stop if the world stops flaunting heterosexuality all the time in the media. Because heterosexuals are so used to this [norm], they don’t realise it. You cannot escape identity, so use identity to resist oppression.” Thursday, October 11th, Tad Khosa and Mandla Mhinga donned pink, tight fitting shorts and were seen jumping out of the closet. Khosa, a PPA student, said, “We wanted to do something to show support for our gay friends. It is important to be able to express yourself like you want without being
Image: Elewani Netshifhire
Pink Week raises questionsof identity on campus
TAD KHOSA: “Homosexuality is seen as taboo and considered unAfrican especially in my Shangaan culture.” ostracized and socially excluded.” Mhinga, a Media student and Ikeys Trojans rugby player said, “We also did this because it is something out of our comfort zone. Our nation
has passed gay rights… and we have to adapt. It’s about creating awareness, spreading LGBTIQ’s brand and keeping that awareness.”
Does everyone have the right to be born? Zakiyah Ebrahim
‘A
bortion and the right to life’ was the subject of discussion led by Senior lecturer in Anatomy, Dr Chris Warton on Tuesday, October 2nd. Organised by UCT Students for Life, the talk attracted more than 100 students to discuss the issue of mounting debate across South Africa. Dr Warton, an advocate of ethical issues and winner of the 1987 Distinguished Teacher Award, centred the talk on ‘The Right to Life’ and whether the foetus/embryo should be considered a human being. Addressing the controversial topic as having a lot of “side issues and spinoffs,” Warton stressed the need for society to dismiss emotional feelings when dealing with real issues like abortion. Being on the pro-life spectrum of the debate, Warton illustrated the several viewpoints that express different values and beliefs via a profound diagram. He ultimately argued that regardless of how passionate one is about human rights, abortion cannot be taken lightly. Passed in November 1996, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (CTOPA) “extends freedom of choice by affording every woman the right to choose whether to have an early, safe and legal termination of pregnancy according to her individual beliefs.” Concern during the talk was raised about children under the age of 18 who are allowed to receive an abortion without the consent of a parent/guardian. Responding, Warton said: “My own conviction is that to allow somebody who is underage to sign a consent form is always a risky thing.” According to the National Department of Health, 10 508 abortions were carried out in the year 2010 in the Western Cape region
alone. Warton stressed the issue lies in that once society has accepted the notion that doctor’s can take people’s lives, it becomes impossible
10 508 abortions were carried out in the year 2010 in the Western Cape region
to police. “The reality is when things are legal we have the assumption that they’re actually alright,” he said. Warton explained that there is no
compromise position when it comes to discussing abortion, but that he would like a situation on both sides where people can talk and listen to each other. “There’s a group of… basic ideas that we share. I really believe that’s true,” he said. UCT Student’s for Life aims to ‘Promote the Sanctity of Human Life’ and to create awareness around abortion through talks, posters & pamphlets. For more information, visit their Facebook page on www. facebook.com/UctStudentsForLife or contact them on 0826768966.
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editorial
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
Editorial
Alexandra Nagel Editor-in-Chief
V
W
ords words words. I like words and so I say things. Therefore I will take responsibility for them in the first person. In this exact white space with the red border, where I am writing to you right now, glorious words of 67 Editors before me have been inked (but not if I move the editorial column onto the other side of the page, then I shall be the first). As the 68th Editor-in-Chief, as the spokesperson for UCT’s official media house, as a student and a daughter and a sister and a South African woman, I have come to realise that the build up so often let’s me down. I have said so many words without actually saying anything at all. Yes, I should be talking about how UCT student governance is going down the tubes with the possibility of our Vice-Chancellor cleaning up the mess that the kids left behind in the playroom. Yes, I should be going on about how students enjoy the usual rant about the SRC yet won’t bother to vote. Preferring to bathe in pure, eternal ignorance with a loud, whining mouth is why we come to University is it not? Yes, I know our country is rapidly declining into an abyss of nothingness whilst our President is battling a court case with a cartoonist who drew a “naughty” picture of him. Yes to all of this. But is this white space really
about you, the girl sitting outside of Leslie Social wondering how the hell to even enter this fortress of death? Is it really about the guy who gets his wheel clamped for parking in a yellow bay because he commutes to university from Khayelitsha everyday in a beatendown wagon with 3 wheels? Is it really about the Supercare staff members who have rallied on countless occasions this year, trying to make themselves more visible as human beings instead of magical little elves who cast away litter from the castle floor? Is this all worth “wasting” words about? We make promises and then fail to deliver, mimicking what we criticise our government for doing. We are pushed by fancy institutions with mystical ivy leaves that creep up the walls to ask questions about why the world rotoates when we should be asking why we can’t feel it rotate? How do we know if these are the right questions ? How do we know if asking “which questions are the right questions” is the right question to be asking? The reply I so often hear is “no question is a stupid question” (which is a stupid answer). So I asked a question which perhaps deserved a stupid reply. “Where was that piece of paper that I had in my hand yesterday?” as I flung my VARSITY hoodie onto the nearest Section Editor’s desk. “You’re not going to Paris!” Yes, I will become like Meryl Streep if it means that VARSITY will continue to carry an ounce of prestige like Mrs Presely does her Prada handbag. Yes, VARSITY will continue to probe weird, strange, mysterious (and all the other synonyms for the word “uncanny”) and ask questions that go beyond that of receiving stupid answers. Watch me do this whilst holding the VARSITY banner high above my head and the UCT flag wrapped around my eyes. V is for VARSITY and VARSITY is for YOU.
Andrew Montandon
Theresa Scott
Managing Editor
Copy Editor
Available positions: Deputy Editor
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Queries can be emailed to hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Mu’Attham Carlie was not credited in the SRC Report Card in which he played a crucial part (p. 8 &9); Basani Mkhize and Samanthaclaire Ncube’s photos were swapped accidentally (p. 8 & 9); misspelling: Ayrton Sweeney (p. 16)
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ito Volume 71. edition 11: Please accept our apologies for the following errors:
Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union
@varsitynewspaper.co.za 2013 Collective
errata
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VARSITY would like to clarify that the Humanities Student Council initiated the proposal to re-evaluate the Hiddingh and Music School’s constitutions (Volume 71. Edition 11 p. 8)
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Editor’s note
Mitch Prinsloo
editor-in-chief Alexandra Nagel Managing Editor Andrew Montandon Copy Editor Theresa Scott Online chief subber Laurie Scarborough news Krysia Gaweda & Chris van der Westhuyzen opinions Katy Scott & Uthman Quick features Daniël Geldenhuys & Lynne Marie Fraser sportS Rob Byrne & Megan Kinnaird centrespread Zarmeen Ghoor images Tebesethu Nkambule, Elelwani Netshifhire, Siyanda Ralane & Jessica Breakey Design Julien Speyer web Stephen Hulme, Robin Mukanganise & Peter Maluge advertising & Finance Imaad Isaacs & Salman Ghoor OPERATIONS Rollins Mukanganise human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu sub-editors Marike Watson, Beverley Ochieng’ & Bronté Miles HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Currin Cartoonists Julian Nkuna & Subi Bosa photographer Uwais Razack
opinions
Obama Nation
v71 e12 – 16 October 2012
Scotty Does Know
Katy Scott Opinions Editor
I just lost the game startling realisation that I actually had none. After nearly two years in this institution-come-second home, the only thing that I knew for certain was that I was now sitting with a great, big metaphorical mess in my diaper. University had become an endless sequence of mindless ave you ever noticed that absorption and regurgitation. In flustered girl sitting in lapping up every word uttered by the front of the lecture theatre, the figures behind the lecterns, I frantically scribbling down every had become incapable of seeing last syllable that is being spat out further than through the spectacles from the professor’s mouth? That perched halfway down their noses. would be me. Well, at least it used In retrospect, I am ashamed to to be, until I discovered how to admit that I impulsively adopted cheat the system. a ‘stick-it-to-the-system’ type In an awkward sidestep-dance attitude. I will say no more with with uncertainty, society at large regard to this dark period of my has turned to blindly accept and life, but I most definitely do not trust ‘expert opinion’. By way of suggest taking the smart-ass route. instance, instead After quite of questioning the some time it Ignorance is only vast assortment came to me. cute when you’re of pills we pop, Cue epiphany. we are assured by University as we a toothless ball of the person who know it is one big butter told us to take game. A game them, whether it most of us don’t is a doctor, a pharmacist, a drug even know that we are playing. dealer, or good-old-mom. The exam in itself is the highest Yet, just like that dodgy purple level of the game. It tricks and tries painkiller, not everything should you at every turn. No amount of be ingested so readily. Questions, swotting alone will get you your stupid ones especially, need to high score. The key lies in cracking be asked. Real thinking needs the code, and in order to do so, we to be done. As of recent, I have need to get into the heads of the discovered that ignorance is only producers of the game. cute when you’re a toothless ball Take time to understand. the of butter. game-play. Hide your ignorance, I took it upon myself to quit assume an assertive tone, and dribbling and close my mouth distinguish yourself from those to the choo-choo train. No more doing the bare minimum. will I be fed to believe everything I now find myself seated just shoved in my direction. As I sat off-centre, pen clutched tightly in down to ‘critically discuss’ some restraint. I’ve disassociated myself essay or another, in chewing from the frantic front-rowers and over my thoughts, I came to the am plugged in to the game.
H Image: nurulaalam.com
Uthman Quick
A
s a person of mostly African and Native American extraction, I struggled to hold back my tears as I watched Barack Obama give his acceptance speech in 2008. The tears did eventually flow, but not because of some naive belief that a ‘Black’ president would change the United States of America overnight. I, like many others, was not seduced by the ‘Yes We Can’ rhetoric expropriated from Mexican farm workers, knowing that Obama would not fulfil all his pre-election sweet-talk. However, as we approach another US election, President Obama has turned out to be nothing more than a hollow, war-mongering shyster. The epitome of the old saying: ‘never trust a politician’. Since coming into office, Mr Obama has not only reneged on almost all the promises he made during the campaign, but riding the wave of goodwill he received from the left has pushed the political spectrum even further right. From economic issues like repealing Bush tax-cuts for the rich, to human rights issues like the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, Obama failed to deliver.
For Black America, many thought that when Obama publically labelled Kanye West as a jackass, they assumed that he had turned his back on ‘his people’ - I agreed with the president. But when AfricanAmericans really needed him he was conspicuously absent.
President Obama has turned out to be nothing more than a hollow, warmongering shyster As the State of Georgia ‘lynched’ its latest black man, Troy Davis – whom the whole world knew was innocent – Obama was silent. And under his administration, black unemployment has risen to a level even higher than it was under President George Bush. Obama did keep one promise not to torture. Instead, he personally crosses off names on an assassination hit-list which includes American citizens. After assassinating Anwar al-Awlaki without trial or conviction, the Obama administration also felt it necessary to drop a Hellfire missile on Awlaki’s 16-year-old son. An act one might associate with Genghis Khan rather than a 21st century
American president. In a recent Stanford study, researchers describe how American drones ‘terrorise civilians’ in Pakistan. With the expansion of the war in Afghanistan, drone struck the African continent and continued to pose threats against Iran; Alfred Nobel would probably turn in his grave if he knew that his Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the likes of Obama. Nevertheless there is an argument that things would likely get worse if Obama’s opponent (the moneyed clown that is Mitt Romney) were to win. The fact that someone who represents African Americans (a people who have gone through centuries of oppression) should continue to degrade the Palestinians, in order to score points, is a reflection of the state that the US politics is in. Who cares if he is Black, White or mixed; or walks with a ‘swagger’. My tears were not for him. The emotions were connected with a thought that one day I would tell my daughter or son that someone who looked like them was the most powerful person on Earth and that they they should never look in the mirror and question what they see. Unfortunately, a similarity in looks is all I hope they have in common.
A mother’s touch Judith Hibbin
T
o touch yourself is to know yourself. When was the last time that you touched yourself? Not in the way most people will assume I mean (and this assumption goes a long way towards showing us part of the problem with this exercise), but as gently, lovingly, caringly and thoughtfully as you would touch your mother (her aching feet), your child (his face whilst he’s sleeping). To feel your skin - from the tender folds between your fingers, to the expanse of soft downy skin on your belly, to the hard peaks and hollow valleys of your shoulder blades - is one of the most intensely personal things that you can do. I have always had eczema. For those of you who don’t know, it’s a skin condition caused by a seemingly infinite amount of things: allergies, stress, emotional trauma, food sensitivities and the list goes on. It leaves you with very dry and almost unbearably itchy areas of skin which can be limited to a patch on
your thumb or can be spread across your entire body. Because of this, I’ve had to apply moisturiser at least once a day for what is, at least according to memory, my entire life. When I was a child this meant that for a few blissful minutes after our bath every day, I was given special attention from my mom.
giving myself the kind of self-love usually frowned on by society While my brothers were bundled in towels and sent off to their rooms with a pat on the bum to search for their pyjamas, I would be left alone with her in the steamy warm bathroom so that I could have cream rubbed on. It’s this intense caring and focused physical contact which, I believe, formed the basis of my own physical awareness. After I grew
out of having mom do it for me, I took over the twice-daily ritual of applying cream to myself. Whilst most other people I know spend two minutes a day touching themselves (relatively unwillingly as far as I can gather) with a brief scrub in the shower, often relaying the job to a loofa or flannel in an attempt to avoid all direct physical contact with themselves, I would spend 10 to 20 minutes a day giving myself the kind of self-love usually frowned upon by society. Interesting that masturbation is fine, but actually caring for yourself, giving love to yourself, is odd. Apparently it’s self-indulgent, vain and embarrassing… I don’t know. I know and love my body. I trust it. I am as happy naked as I am clothed, and if I do ever take my clothes off outside of the privacy of my home, it’s purely for the liberating and delightful feeling of the breeze or sun on my skin, never for attention from other people. I don’t need it – I get enough from myself!
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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
v71 e12 – 16 october 2012
Books vs Rocks Burma – Apartheid reincarnated Berndt Hannweg
closure of public schools at the slightest provocation is doing irreparable damage not only to n the modern world of a learners’ futures, but the future of global economy and declining South Africa. resources, one thing rings true It’s not simply the teachers. no matter which part of the world Outside parties often harass you hail from: the only way a schools in conjunction with public country can permanently improve infrastructures (perhaps owing its economic prospects is to to the fact that a school makes improve the quality of its citizens’ a public and more newsworthy education. target), while occasionally it is Many countries strike it rich learners and students themselves (literally) by locating massive who decide their time is better resources such as oil or platinum, spent outside the classroom than or by becoming the fashionable in it. travel destination of the year. But An argument can be made for in time those resources will run striking at schools (as was done out, and one day the tourists will in the days of Apartheid against abandon those Bantu education), shores and they’ll but there is no ...universities be back at square cause today that one, with nothing I feel justifies and other places to show for it other disrupting our of education as than a brief period schools. weapons... of prosperity South Africa, and many empty despite being casinos. regarded as one of the leaders South Africa has long been in developing economies has a known for its gold and coal reserves, shocking, nay, abysmal education but we also have vast amounts of system at present. The basics platinum, which has immense such as Mathematics, English and value in both the jewellery and Science are repeatedly ranked as technological industries. At the being amongst the lowest in the moment, we export these raw world, behind such stalwarts as resources and purchase finished Zimbabwe. products. Ideally, we should be Isn’t that a scary thought? manufacturing them ourselves. The paradoxical thinking However, this requires a level of behind shutting down a school expertise which are presently not because it offers poor quality on offer in our country, requiring education is a common refrain. vast improvements in our workers’ Indeed, these issues must be skill levels. addressed, but there are many Providing a good education is a other avenues to go by instead of massive task that takes a variety of vandalising a school. forms and many years to achieve, After all, a poor education is allowing an economy to specialise always better than no education in technology - which never truly at all. goes out of style. Our places of education But one way it is certainly have enough problems without not achieved is utilising schools, constant closures related to strikes. universities and other places of Our schools should be sacrosanct education as weapons in a wage because our learners deserve war. better. No matter how dire your South African strikers’ grievances, there is no excuse for distressing habit of forcing the interfering in anyone’s education.
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Image: michael.currin.co.za
Basheerah Soomar
W
e live in a world that constantly emphasises the importance of human rights. How is it possible then, that there are thousands of people who are denied the basic rights that both you and I take for granted? I’m not talking about the occasional right that is violated; I’m talking about the right to be recognised as a citizen of a country and all that comes with it. Have you ever stopped to think about the extent to which our rights, as citizens, are dictated by our political leaders? Well of course you have, you live in South Africa and are witnessing the aftermath of a terribly unjust government. While we may be in the aftermath, Burma (more recently known as Myanmar) is in the midst of it all. This idea seems pretty incongruous seeing that a human right is considered to be “any basic right or freedom to which all human beings are entitled and in whose exercise a government may not interfere”. Then again, is government
not notorious for sticking its nose in where it shouldn’t? So what exactly is happening in Burma? The Rohingya are an ethnic minority forming one third of the population in the Rakhine State of Western Burma. They are faced with religious and ethnic discrimination by a government that refuses to recognise them as citizens of the country.
We’re too busy to help the 750 000 Burmese begging to be saved The Rohingya have been stripped of their rights to education, health, and marriage (among several others). They have fallen victim to coercive measures such as forced labour and extortion. I just can’t fathom what the Burmese government seeks to gain from this – is it merely sick satisfaction? There are, at present, 135 legally recognised ethnic minority groups in Burma, so why not the Rohingya?
This is not a rhetorical question; it is simply a question that does not have a valid answer. Why? Because how can we justify the exclusion and dehumanisation of people on the basis of ethnicity? We cannot. This alarming situation should hit home as South Africans should be able to empathise with the Rohingya more than any other nation. Granted, as citizens, we may not have the power or influence to put pressure on the Burmese, but surely our government does? With this in mind, we should be aware of what our government is in fact doing about the situation – absolutely nothing. Naturally, we’re too busy to help the 750 000 Burmese begging to be saved. Ironic, is it not? During the apartheid regime, our nation cried out for help from the rest of the world, but now that the tables have turned, we remain silent. Should our government not be taking some sort of action or, at the very least, be voicing their discontent? Essentially, we should want every nation to taste the peace that we have savoured.
Putting the PRO back in procrastination Caterina Aldera
I
n the past few days your Sims family has expanded into four generations and you’ve had coffee with five friends in two days. You’ve spent hours musing about the optimal configuration of your study notes. Then, there was that expedition to the UCT store to get stationery in every possible colour for each section and subsection of each course. Perhaps you’ve pondered why you procrastinate, in an effort to extend your procrastination – about an hour before your 5pm exam? You know you can’t study in res, which is why you’ve dragged yourself up to the library at 7pm on a Friday. Still, what better place than the quiet library to create the ultimate iTunes playlist? A few moments of browsing and you’ll find hoards of internet research linking procrastination with
Image: Jessica Breakey a low sense of self-worth, anxiety and lack of self-confidence. Then, something called ‘student syndrome’ came up, where students only begin to fully apply themselves to a task immediately before a deadline. That sounded more plausible. Let’s be honest – most students are so overloaded with work that if they took all the time they had
procrastination is essential to preventing burn-out to do it, they would have no time to recover from the stress. In this sense, procrastination is essential to
preventing burn-out. We all need another episode of The Good Wife before we get back to work, like the air we breathe. Another way of looking at it is with reference to Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time set aside for its completion. This explains how students who write their conclusion five minutes
before a deadline manage to get the same marks as someone who spent a week deciding between ‘to conclude’ or ‘in conclusion’. It seems that procrastination is an inherent part of being human. Psychologists argue that procrastination was adaptive back when man lived in caves and being chased by sabre-toothed tigers was the daily grind. When there was a lack of food, it made sense to conserve energy, lazing around in the sun and tending the community buchu garden. Ultimately, it’s taken millions of years to ingrain procrastination as a reflex, so don’t try and fight it – it’s your student nature. Just like Elena still loves Stefan even though sucking blood is in his vampire nature. So go ahead and watch that extra episode of Vampire Diaries guilt-free; I’m off to make a cup of tea before I proofread this article again.
opinions
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
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What do you think of the SRC election controversy?
VoX POPS
“Being disqualified is kind of shit, but it’s deserved. The SRC take themselves way more seriously than everyone else takes them.” Motheo Moleko
“Good. DASO candidates have been denied the opportunity to be on the SRC because their campaign teams screwed up.” Ahmed Seedat
“I think it’s insane, I can’t believe they did it.” Alma Truyts
“I don’t think they should be disqualified. I voted for them, they brought the issues and the candy floss. “ Ivan Asem
“It is not democratic that those candidates who did not get the majority vote are automatically part of the SRC” Hlophe Senzo
“I was not particularly perturbed by it. I’m sure the SRC do something important, but it’s so important I don’t know what it is.” Aqeela Imamdin
YOUR CAREER as a Corporate Finance Manager VARSITY speaks to Brendon Versfeld CA(SA) Describe your current role at PKF: I work in the corporate finance department of PKF Cape Town. The role consists of providing business support and advisory services to small businesses and corporate entities, like business valuations, due diligences, financial modelling, business plan documentation etc. What are your qualifications? I studied a Business Science degree at UCT, majoring in Finance and Accounting. Thereafter I completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accounting at UCT, and following the completion of my training contract at PKF (together with my passing qualifying-exams part 1 and 2), I qualified as a Chartered Accountant, or CA(SA). I have also passed level 1 of the CFA examinations. Describe a typical working day: My days tend to vary significantly depending on the client I may be working for. Very often, my days consist of meetings with clients, wherein scope and requirements for the work are discussed. Following this, it is often “knuckle down” time, where we get stuck in and actually perform the work. A large part of my time is also spent on preparing reports to summarise the outcomes of our
work, and presenting those reports to clients. Time spent with clients is a key component in building sustainable relationships which will help both PKF and our clients grow. What student activities did you participate in during your time at UCT? While at UCT, I was actively involved in the poker culture, helping organise poker tournaments. This presented a great networking opportunity, and I met many interesting people. I am also an avid cyclist.
Your most significant projects? Without a doubt one of the most interesting projects I have worked on was when I was part of the team which prepared the business plan for the Cape Town Stadium. I met a number of very influential and highly knowledgeable people, and gained valuable experience in the area of writing business plans.
What skills and personal qualities contribute to your success? I believe that a stoic determination is a crucial factor in success. You will encounter many obstacles along your path, and having the determination and self-belief to persevere when the going gets tough will differentiate you from your peers. Another key factor for success in business is a never-ending thirst for knowledge and constantly striving to improve ways of getting the job done. Finally, delivery of a quality product is critical. Nobody wants to work with someone who doesn’t (or can’t) deliver a quality product.
What advice would you give to current students? Keep working hard, and when opportunities present themselves (and they will if you characterise yourself as a person who always delivers a quality product) go for it! Regret for a big opportunity missed will haunt you for far longer than the pain of an opportunity failed.
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“What has been done is adequate, my only concern is that the people going in now don’t represent themselves as well as others did during campaign week.” Eshaan Vij
“It was wrong for them to overspend when they knew the rules, their punishment was forthcoming.” Jared Silber
Lydia Shilpula ty HR Manager De
and Lydia’s consistently long the up ten gh bri can ils colourful na d ille ch a finds dullest day. She always n, tio ua sit ful way of looking at a stress al sweetie, a rare quality. She’s a tot she and en wh s iou pic but we get sus ati ers ons in Sajjad have secret conv – the office in Swahili.
Andrew Montandon Finance Manager
ss, Even quieter than her bo r ou s ve sol in, Thabang walks She s. ve lea n the d an problems or really loves her music, po her of thing can’t seem to let go offi the in en wh earphones even We . ess sin bu ITY RS VA on official r for he will always remember he ir. ha awesomely bouncy
Chris is probably best described using an equation. Something with algorithms, π, and numbers … lots and lots of numbers. But since the rest of us aren’t die-hard engineers, we will hav e to make do with words. The Keeper of Web Stats and Grand Lord of Varsity Online, Chris is a busy guy: dividing his time between his robot friends, real people and the Managing Ed.
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VARSITY’s resident hipster has waged numerous battles, armed with his mighty balance sheet and his mean dancing skills. Often inseparable from Oggy, he loves his sweaters. He also likes shirts with ruffles. “Ruffles are awesome – they’re like chest hair, but better!”
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Chris Linegar
Lyndall Thwaites
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Stephanie Vente
Deputy Editor
Editor-in-Chief
leader. Wh Oh, Steph. Our fearless m, collec cal ol, began, she was co n ‘the k ee tw be t bu mostly sane – Ray mes last-minute editing and s had m ha her, this young woman hours r he All deal with this year. estio qu us of ny ma the office left ve we Ho . life ial soc d an s prioritie gth en str proved to be a pillar of tion to it all with her fierce devo
Lyndall studies Neuropsychology, which will come in handy when she inevitably explodes from the constant strain of stress she has been under the entire year. Never let her drive your Mercedes Benz, but she’s definitely someone you want around when you’re in a fix – if she can’t talk you through it, she can still give you CPR.
Nic Botha Design Editor
The Dark Lord of InDesign, Nic is the reason Varsity looks as sexy as it does. His eye for detail impresses us every single time, although his rib-tickling spoof headlines will probably get us into trouble one day. His biting sarcasm and wit are perfect tools for expressing his disdain for the silly things undergraduate students do – like the use of Comic Sans.
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ty? Mission Have you heard of Varsi we thought his en wh t Jus accomplished! the way, Oggy’s Polishness would get in manifested amazing marketing skills 5000 followers ing uir itself in VARSITY acq plaza stand with on Twitter and a spunky one of the most cupcakes to boot. He is Collective, intelligent people on the ocks to the kn ss tle despite taking coun y goalkeeper. cke ho as g yin head while pla
Alexandra Nagel Deputy Web Editor
Officially the new boss, Alex exude passion and commitment like Koe emits radiation. She also knows ho dish some serious advice to less-t perfect writers. Tuesdays are impo Mini skirt Tight T-shirt Red lip Distributes more papers than any Collective We know she’s a little threatening to have a baby, but h VARSITY is undeniably infectious.
IT Man
rase: “It’s ICTS’ Mfundo’s catch-ph cks and he ICTS sla job.” Occasionally, rescue. Actually, e has to come to th abuse we visit on e th considering Mfundo to thank our PCs, we have g at all. that they’re runnin
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Julian Nkuna and Subi Bosa
Olivia Wainwright
Michael Currin
As sweet and unassuming as they come, but like any true Englishwoman, this Brit can bite. She’s wickedly funny and has a mean yet lovable streak. Her accen t and crazy laugh can be heard miles aw are overshadowed by he ay, but r amazing voice. If she ever fails at writing (which we seriously doub t) she could effortlessly land a record deal.
Michael Currin pick-up line #23 “You have pretty eyes. Can I tak picture of them?” Besides his eye fetish, Michael also has a tendency for leaving strangely colourful gift bags in the office for weeks on end. Mu like a pacemaker, if you separat Michael from his camera, he ma actually die.
News Editor
Head Photographer
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Uwais Razack
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She’s cool, she’s suave and always makes us feel a little more fashionable. Witty and spunky, Anade’s sharp sense of humour caused many an inappropriate s giggle during interview this year.
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hen she cted and kids’, ssing with much to spent in oning her er, she’s h through the paper.
Ray Krynauw
Copy Editor
Although fondly referred to as our very own Grammar Nazi, Uncle Ray would no doubt believe that that would lack ambition. He’s a Grammar Führer. Known for his sometimes incomprehensible columns, writing columns 5 minutes before going to print, and humour drier than a Savanna. When he’s not at the UCT Pub, his colourful and boundless collection of music thrill and annoy the VARSITY Collective.
Zarmeen Ghoor
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es eberg ow to thanortant days: pstick yone on the e stressed when she starts her excitement for all things .
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Stunning, intelligent, sarcastic and far too modest, Berndt has only one flaw: he fails to see his striking resemblance to She ldon Cooper, something glaringly obvious to the rest of us. He is a board-game connois seur and occasionally snubs VARSITY for CLAWS (UCT’s board games society. Of cou rse UCT has a board-games society!).
ma Anade SitresuEd itor
2012
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Opinions Editor
After a year in office, Uw ais hasn’t realised that if you have a key, yo u do to knock every single tim n’t need e you enter the office. The sweet ph oto-virtuoso and workshop extraord inaire plays with Photoshop like the rest of us play Solitaire. We actually all have crushes on Uwais’ work ability. If yo u are considering beings friends with this guy, inadequate knowledge of ‘depth of field’ might prove detrimental. You’ve been warned.
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Berndt Hannweg
Images Editor
Centrespread Assistan t
The gods are occassiona sending us a beautific an lly kind by gel to design, nay, CREATE our centresp reads. Some think that she’s quiet an d sweet, the better informed masses know that she’s unashamedly sarcastic. Firmly believes that the chocolate river in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the closest description of heaven tha t humans have been exposed to.
Mu’Attham Carlie Deputy News Editor
Olivia’s silent henchman, we’re all waiting for the two of them to unleash their Doomsday Device on the world. When not plotting, however, Mu’Attham hangs out in the office and is always willing to ’t help anyone who needs it. Just don (he ball foot his mess with him and has been known to mistake ankles for soccer balls).
Jodi Edmunds Operations Manager
We feel sorry for Jodi, who, while taking down minutes in our meetings, was forced to listen to our idiocy. She sorted out our pizza requirements without any fuss, a great feat considering everybody wants different toppings.
Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor
for Crumbles up paper. Aims s. row Th . lar col his ps the bin. Po Misses. Like a boss. y This little paragraph is wa y tel ua eq ad too tiny to t describe the anomaly tha rp sha his is Sajjad. He buries of ers lay intellect beneath lespolitical incorrectness, mi wide innuendo and oddly pronounced words (“e-cona-mics”). He rocks s like it’s no one’s e. PowerPoint presentation ks general winging-of-lif roc business. In fact, he just
Tanya Dzumbunu HR Manager
Tanya’s maternal instinct and genuine concern for everyone has kept the Collective glued together like toffee sweets left in the sun too long. Except that one time when she bet that if she lost at bowling at the social, she’d quit. She lost. Badly. It was awkward. She’s always game for a hug when you need one though. Just don’t ever tell her that muffins and lattes are bad for her.
Kaede Wildschut
Advertising Manag
er
Smart and funny, Kaede’s efforts ha ve kept the newspaper so lve enthusiasm for so nt this year. Her urcing ads and he r bright red lipstick are the main reason we had money to s print the paper. He r occasional forays into news journalis m revealed an analyt ica sure help her in he l mind, that will r law degree. She loves her Converse .
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features
v71 e12 – 16 october 2012
Your taste of study success sticks, celery... and if you need to clear your mind, getting some exercise is a good idea too.
Hannah MacMillan
Y
ou’ve been studying for fifteen minutes and you’ve got the munchies. You resist the irrational urge, inform your Facebook family tree of your will-power and spend the next half-hour or so passively stalking Freddie Franklin. Studying is about self-discipline. Usually the urge to eat is simply a form of procrastination, an internal sabotage. It’s your body anticipating and resisting the long hours of solitary confinement. Food can, however, be a great help in the study process. Here are some snacks that may help you to get into study-mode.
Technology distracting you? Popcorn.
Doing something with your hands may remedy the need to type: one hand in the popcorn, the other writing up notes. Take comfort in the knowledge that you are not the only one studying and chances are that no one on BBM actually has anything interesting (or new) to say.
Feeling demotivated? Reward yourself.
Let’s be frank, studying is pretty soul-less work. Once you’ve gone over a significant chunk of work eat whatever makes you happy. Smarties, jelly beans, olives… allow yourself the occasional treat. It’s bound to make the mental slog a little more bearable.
Image: Jessica Breakey Need to memorise? Nuts and raisins.
Recite your study material to a rhythm, tossing up and devouring cashews to keep the beat. Given, you may need some practice before this method shows any results.
Falling asleep? Grapefruit and Pineapple wedges.
There’s no way your taste buds will let you forget the traumatic flavours of these fruits any time soon. Hang in there. The end is nigh
and there’ll be plenty of time to sleep when exams are over.
Group-study session? Hot Potato.
If group sessions work for you then this is a way to get the group energy up and the ideas flowing. Microwave a potato, get outside, pick a topic and pass the potato around. This may serve as an assessment of the general understanding of the group before engaging in formal discussion. Please don’t actually eat the potato.
Something about daisies, I suppose. Image: Tarryn Naude
Kaylene Overall
“D
ude? Dude, I need help.” These are not the words anyone wants to hear when at a festival with about 50 000 other people present – especially at 12.45 in the morning. Those were the very words I uttered over the phone to a friend after I had lost my camping companions. I found myself sitting outside the merchandise tent, confused, alone and covered in mud. Somehow, during the course of the KONGOS and ISO sets, I had wandered off in my inebriated state, across the road to the electro tent. The lights were shiny, what can I say? I was standing at the entrance, about to take a step forward when
I felt the pull of gravity and found myself on my back, staring at the stars. I laughed. An Englishman picked me up and handed me another beer. It was at this point that, after meeting his friends, I ran away and curled up outside said mentioned merchandise tent, desperately scrolling down my list of contacts to find a friend that was relatively trustworthy – and sober.
a four day fest of drinking, dancing and numerous other devious activities After a brief call I picked at a little patch of grass, until two feet appeared in front of me. I looked up to see a familiar, slightly bemused face. Somehow, with his help, I found my home tent and tumbled inside (alone – just saying). All this took place only four hours after I had arrived at the Rocking the Daisies festival on the Darling wine estate. If you are unfamiliar with the event, it’s a four day fest of drinking, dancing and numerous other devious activities – oh, and music. It was my first outdoor festival and possibly the
best, and worst, weekend of my life (because, you know, ending up halfnaked and shivering on the banks of the dam with no dry clothing in sight can be challenging). Back to the music; The Dirty Bounce impressed me by having nearly every instrument ever made on stage with them – plus animal costumes. I’m sure that their cover of The Doors’ “People Are Strange” earned them a groupie following of hundreds. Southern Gypsy Queen and Albert Frost gave me that dreamy best-day-of-my-life feeling as I lay under a giant red-and-orange canopy. Later on, jamming to Jeremy Loops resulted in me spilling my Southern Comfort and losing my second can of Black Label. Not cool, Jeremy. The highlight of it all was seeing Bloc Party, the “genesis of British post 2003 indie-rock” as my friend, Mitch, so wonderfully put it. They lived up to their reputation; the performance was simply dazzling. I fell in love as soon as Kele Okereke opened his mouth. I passed out later, feeling very content with life, only realising the next day that I had two glow sticks down my bra. True story, bro.
Too Hot? Frozen grapes.
Despite its sporadic tendencies at present, the weather is going to get hotter. A solution to the heat may be found in nature’s bite-sized pockets of sorbet. Note: the grapes won’t refreeze once they’ve defrosted. Small quantities are best.
Stress eating you? Biltong or Vegetable sticks.
A seemingly strange suggestion, but gnawing on something tasty helps to relieve the tension. Carrot-
Then there are some general points to remember before a study session. The first is that often one mistakes thirst for hunger. It is vital to keep your brain hydrated if you want it to function. The second is that you do yourself no favour by pulling all-nighters. As the saying goes: “early to bed and early to rise makes a (wo)man healthy and wealthy and wise”. This is the final sprint, people. May the Force be with us all.
Book review: The Casual Vacancy
Rowling gets real
Daniël Geldenhuys
One day, reading yet another drugs-followed-by-sex scene, I felt bad for telling a lecturer that n every story you’re sure to the novel wasn’t that bad on the find an event that is slightly subject. That said, none of the unrealistic – one thing that explicit moments bothered me – happens for the sake of and they’re perfectly in context and because of the fact that it is a story. necessary for the story. Real. In real life that character would It’s funny, too. Rowling’s unique never have had that stroke of luck, way of describing people and their that happy accident, that fairytale issues made me chuckle frequently. ending. For the first time I’ve The comic highlight of the novel come across a story where there is the scene I have branded in my are no such events. Things happen head as ‘the best funeral scene ever,’ exactly as I would expect them where the mourners file out of the to in real life, without being dull. church to the beat of Rihanna’s This is from an author who has “Umbrella”. taken millions of readers to a place Frequently switching setting far beyond their and characters, wildest dreams. this novel makes J.K. Rowling has For obvious for a very easy produced a novel that reasons, there read. The book have been a huge is the polar opposite of is dark when it literary hype wants to be, light Harry Potter surrounding when it needs to the Harry Potter be – generally a author’s first adult novel. J.K. wonderful balance of the two. Rowling has produced a novel that The critics have knocked it is the polar opposite of those that for not being a masterpiece, and established her as a writing icon – while I understand what the other it’s called The Casual Vacancy. reviewers are saying, it’s clear that Kicking off with the death of Rowling was not trying to reinvent the most prominent councilman the wheel as she did with Potter. in the small town of Pagford, This is an author who clearly the novel looks at the turbulent doesn’t suffer from what I call events leading up to the election to Fugard syndrome (writing more or replace him, and the life-changing less the same story over and over effects that his successor will have again every few years with just the on the townsfolk. names and places changed). This story does a magnificent Rowling has switched genres, job in showing up the ways in broken out of her comfort zone, which people can manipulate, and produced a thoroughly delude and misunderstand each enjoyable book in the process. We other. The thing that makes this all know she’s a storyteller like no book special (and different from other, and now she’s proved herself the spells, brooms and wands we’re to be a forward-thinking artist. used to seeing from Rowling), is how incredibly real it is.
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v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
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Let’s pretend to rule the world for a weekend Anade Situma
E
very year, as the weekend of Model United Nations approaches, I feel a bitterness that grows into a profound irritation as the conference looms. By the Thursday before MUN, I am complaining to anyone who is unfortunate enough to find themselves within earshot about the prospect of wearing heels and losing two days of my life forever. When that Saturday arrives every year, for the past three years, I have found myself walking down University Avenue at a horrifically early hour. The only sounds passing through the air are of trees rustling in the cold wind and my heels clicking on the paving. Why, why did I not just stay in bed? Simple; behind my bitter, groggy and slightly angry façade there is a deeply rooted love for Model United Nations in any and every form. To the many sceptics who dismiss MUN conferences as something for “those students who fight for every cause and don’t make any progress”. I would like to politely suggest that you check yourself before you wreck yourself. MUNs are conferences that are held in various forms all over the
world. The idea is simple; they are a simulation of the United Nations Committee meetings. Participants are allocated a country and for the duration of the conference it is
a look into a world run by the brightest young minds around their responsibility to forward the political interests of their nations while working towards world peace. Basically students get together and show what would happen if the
world was run by the everyday man and not the politician. MUNs are not particularly revered in South Africa but overseas MUNs are a pretty big thing. The most famous MUN being the National Model United Nations held in New York City as well as the Harvard Model United Nations , both of which started off as simulations of the League of Nations in the 20s. The Harvard MUN being the mecca of all MUN devotees. This conference attracts only the top students from the best universities in the world. It is quite literally a look into a world run by the brightest young minds. Word on
Images: michael.currin.co.za the street is that the actual United Nations frequently looks to this MUN for inspiration and employees. South Africa’s premier MUN is without a doubt the UCT MUN. This year’s MUN took place on the weekend of the 15th of September and was arguably the best MUN that this city has ever seen. It
attracted participants and observers from across the nation, all who left impressed and enriched. Apart from the obvious lack of my personal limo, there is very little I can fault the organisers on, kudos. MUNs offer an experience that is not only great for your CV but also promises to leave you enlightened.
EVENTS MANAGEMENT AT UCT? YES! Events Management is a major component in the Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Tourism Management), and one of the fastest growing industries both in South Africa and elsewhere. Conferences, exhibitions, concerts, festivals and other types of events need graduates who have a wide range of key management skills and who can plan strategically. The key elements of business, tourism and events management are taught in this intensive one-year postgraduate management programme, which has been rated the top programme in Africa in its category by best-masters.com, and 11th in the world. Also offered at UCT are Postgraduate Diplomas in Management in Marketing Management, Sport Management and Entrepreneurship. These challenging but rewarding courses prepare students for the world of business and have a reputation for dramatically enhancing career opportunities. A strong theoretical and practical grounding in management disciplines and area of specialisation ensures that graduates can make an immediate and valuable contribution in their chosen careers. To apply for admission, you need only an undergraduate degree in ANY area, a year of your time and the passion to succeed. Applications close end October each year. For more information contact Nashly Langenhoven: Email Nashly.Langenhoven@uct.ac.za Tel 021 650-3777, or visit the School of Management Studies website:
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features
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
Miss Hellene Queen Bierfest Review Candice Land
Rob Byrne
E
very second year the National Association of Hellenic Youth and Student Organisations of South Africa (NAHYSOSA) hosts the ‘Miss Hellene’ beauty pageant at which an ambassador is chosen from 14 outstanding Hellenic beauties to represent the Cypriot and Greek (Hellenic) youth of South Africa. ‘Miss Hellene’ is a beauty pageant and charity event that not only brings together Hellenic girls from all over the country, judged on beauty, grace and confidence, but also raises huge amounts of money for the Hellenic student bursary fund. This year, for the first time since the event’s launch, a Cape Townian has earned the title of Miss Hellene. Thalia Kritzas, a Law student at UCT, won the fourth crown of this prestigious event and currently shines as the representative for the Hellenic youth of South Africa. “I believe that it is an advantage to be from Cape Town as I’m in a community that is ripe for embracing other cultures.” Along with the title, Kritzas has won R100 000 worth of prizes, including a trip for two to Dubai, an iPhone, R10 000 cash and numerous vouchers. “I really didn’t expect to win. But at the same time with the huge amount of effort that I put in beforehand, I would have been slightly disappointed if I didn’t.” Apart from the glamour, Miss Hellene has the important task of preserving and enhancing Hellenism amongst the youth. It is required that she is present at events organised by NAHYSOSA throughout the year as a representative for the youth. Kritza refuses to cover the bare minimum and has set her mind
and lived to tell the tale. They may have got the t-shirt too – there was plenty of memorabilia on sale. eing a resident of Newlands, When I think back on the I felt it was my duty to support ‘Bierfest’ 2012, the term ‘beer the local brewery and venture to beer everywhere but not a drop to the now annual spectacle that is drink’ comes to mind. Why? Well, the ‘Bierfest.’ upon arrival, the biggest challenge Accompanied by a sterling of the evening, rather surprisingly, drinking companion and hardened was to actually acquire a beer. Oktoberfest veteran, I was feeling First of all, we couldn’t find a bar the heat a little bit. Could I keep anywhere in the main tent. Second up with his litre-swigging antics? of all, the table service was far too Would I embrace German culture, scarce and not particularly useful something that as a Brit doesn’t for those who did not book a exactly come naturally to me? seat. It was only after collaring a We made a relatively late, ‘fraulein’ and politely asking for and I’d like to think fashionable, two beers that we could finally sit entrance to the contented, litres of event – clocking Royal Bavaria in upon arrival, the in at around 8pm. hand. biggest challenge, We had hoped The beer was that things would surprisingly, was to good, we chose be in full swing the ‘easy drinking’ acquire a beer by that time of variety with a blend the evening, of Vienna and but I think the majority of our Munich malts. Revellers could also lederhosen-clad friends had choose from the darker Munich peaked considerably earlier in the Dunkel, with a hint of chocolate or day. It was absolute debauchery, caramel, or the Krystall Weiss with but still fun. clove and vanilla notes. By 11pm That evening’s festivities had on Saturday, I don’t know how been sold out, but I was advised fully appreciated the subtleties of that many of those in attendance these flavours were. The shots of had been on an all-dayer, starting Jägermeister, being swiftly sold with the afternoon session and by promotion girls, who were powering through. That sort of constantly being ogled at, were stamina can only be commended, also consumed at a frantic pace. but the effects were all too obvious For those not so easily taken by to see. I imagine the sausage-stalls German beverages, a range of your business picked up significantly normal SAB brands were available, towards the end of the night. although one has to ask why you The dance floor was a hive of would go to a German festival and sweaty, Germanic thigh slapping drink the usual local stuff. and Fraulein arse-pinching. The Waiting time aside, the Bierfest periphery, which we rather gladly was a thoroughly enjoyable found ourselves in, was reserved experience. Any culture that for some of the more seasoned embraces beer, sausage, and beer drinkers, undoubtedly those bucksome maidens is a culture I that had been there, drank 10 litres can get along with.
B
Image: Pure Management to achieveing greater things. Her dreams as Miss Hellene go beyond the duties expected of her and include various innovative ideas, many of which focus through the Hellenic South Africans (HSA) society involved in UCT. The HSA society organises exciting and entertaining events throughout the year to magnifying the strong and unique culture of the Hellenics in South Africa. Other aspirations of Kritza’s include a ‘Spartan Campaign’ where youth are recruited and actively take part in raising funds
for NAHYSOSA. Kritza affirms that her culture is interesting and exhilarating, believing that all of the time, money and energy put into winning the title was well worth it. Whilst raising over R15 000 by herself, Kritza comments, “I am just so excited to have won so that I can start accomplishing my goals for the Hellenic youth in South Africa.” The upcoming year promises to be a lively and successful one for the Hellenic youth all over South Africa with the innovation and involvement of a Miss Hellene like Thalia Kritzas.
The young, the gifted and the courageous Kagiso Zwane
A
s is customary at UCT at this time of year, a new generation of leaders in residences, on councils, sports teams and societies are being sworn in and handed the reins. Our new leaders enter with the hope of building on the success of their predecessors, hoping to make a positive impact. Everybody has a different idea of what a leader is, but most agree there are two essentials to the I’ll-follow-you package: courage and vision.
new leaders enter with the hope of building on the success of their predecessors While most know of the events of last year’s Egyptian Revolution, few are aware of the people behind the original protest on January 25th in Tahrir Square. Asmaa Mahfouz is credited by journalists for helping to spark the protests that ended Hosni Mubarak’s near twenty-year-rule. On January 18th 2011, Mahfouz
Image: wordpress.com by Christina Deubel
posted a video on Facebook calling on Egyptians to claim their human rights and make their disapproval of Hosni Mubarak’s presidency known. The video was soon uploaded onto YouTube and went viral in a matter of days. Internal security forces removing the video didn’t phase her. She uploaded another video on Facebook challenging Egyptians to join her in protest on January the 25th, saying that anyone who doesn’t take a pro-active stand is just as much to blame as the government. The rest is history. Arabian Business ranked her #381 on their list of the World’s 500 Most Influential Arabs. In August 2010 US President Barack Obama hosted a group of over a hundred young leaders from Africa. Together they tackled issues around the future of the
continent and dynamic ways to solve the problems faced by the many communities who live in it. One of the participants was twentythree-year-old Michael Mulunga of Namibia. Mulunga is the third youngest in a family of sixteen and is passionate about youth-development and volunteer-work. His love for leadership was ignited working with the Young Achievers Empowerment
Project, a youth-led group that “inspires and motivates young people to have a sense of vision and mission in life”. The group also has a mission to get 100% of youth into tertiary schooling. The number of programs in which Mulunga has participated over the years are testament to his potential to be a world-class African leader. Not one to forget where he came from, Mulunga says
that he would not have had all the opportunities he has if it wasn’t for the Young Achievers Empowerment Program with which he still works. Michael believes that young people are the most underutilised resource in the world and that current leaders should recognise their ability to create change in their communities. One more thing most people agree on when it comes to leadership is that it must be flexible and fitting to the times. Africa currently needs leaders with a strong vision and the courage and energy to pursue it. As Africans we should take pride and comfort in the knowledge that we have people like Asmaa Mahfouz and Michael Mulungu who, given our support, can propel us forward.
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features
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
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The POINT of Cape Town Summer Lynne Marie Fraser
T
he models who make-up the illustrious Cape Town elite can, in some ways, be likened to brown bears who hibernate during the winter months. Of course, there is actually no other time when this comparison makes any sense at all, so let’s not kid ourselves. Many local and international shoots are prevented by the cold, windpowered rain that marks our winters as something of an embarrassment and sends most of our prized male and female models in search of warmer, dryer places. While thankfully you will never have to face a brown bear, you will certainly and just as thankfully be gazing up at the faces of many beautifully tall, good-looking models before you know it. This summer, you don’t have to wait for a chance and happenstance before a spectacle of near physical perfection appears in front of you; just time the encounter yourself. The ‘you’ that I am addressing might be one of three types when it comes to the admiration of ridiculously attractive people. One is, ‘Oh yes, I know what it feels like
to look that good, I may even pull it off better.’ The second approach goes, ‘I love fashion and the bodies that make it. Bring on the glamour!’ And
...’point’...models from all over the world in the direction of the best that Cape Town has to offer... the third is the inevitable, ‘I am so above this, I have no interest in thin, beautiful people.’ Those in the last category are ironically disillusioned. You do care. In fact this attitude probably requires more effort in order to keep it all painfully under the radar. The truth is we all, in some way or another, want to see and be seen with Cape Town’s elite crowd, at least enough to take a peak while no one is looking. Models, with their hot figures and the even hotter outfits that drape over them, know that their reputations and remarkable lifestyles will be showcased again in the upcoming season, making anyone sweat a little more in Cape Town’s hottest time of year. With summer now edging closer, a new innovation called, “POINT
Models’ Guide,” has been designed to ‘point’ the influx of models from all over the world in the direction of the best that Cape Town has to offer. From places to party, to places to get a wax done, the makers of POINT have thought of it all, with a careful selection of five of the most reputable, elite, and trusted companies to be on the list of every main-board model. The POINT Guide can be found at all modelling agencies in Cape Town, at no charge. Its loyalty card holders will be reaping the benefits with over 30 companies involved in the Guide, providing deals like free cocktails, coffees and percentages off hair and beauty treatments as well as gym memberships. POINT is expected to expand the Models’ Guide to Sydney, Australia in the near future, an exciting prospect for its makers and those with their eyes on the international model scene. But for now, get your sunglasses on against what will surely be a striking glare of beautiful people in the glistening Mother City summer.
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That Shnit was Crazy!
I
With genres ranging from ‘Peeping Shnit’ to ‘Experimental’ you were certain to see at least one film that forced you to fight nature’s call and wriggle in your seat right up to the end. Of course those of us from Mzansi were sure to pay close attention to the ‘Made in South Africa’ category. It was a chance for local filmmakers to display their ‘piece de resistance’ and we were all on the edges of our cinema seats. The category had 14 remarkable films, produced by a wide array of filmmakers – including UCT’s
very own student production Bokser, directed by Mike Charles – competing for the winner-takes-all prize. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday evening with Carl Houston McMillan winning the ‘Made in South Africa’ block with his spectacular short film The Blind Photographer. The film is set in Cape Town, where a young photographer captures unique photographs of unsuspecting homeless people throughout the city, with cameras hidden inside rubbish bins. After a bustling, champagne-loaded gallery opening, the photographer is unwilling to spare a moment for a young homeless boy who is staring through the gallery window, mesmerised by a photo
of himself. The film questions whether or not art really brings about awareness or promotes change. It suggests photographers, no matter their intentions, use the lens to capture a good image – nothing more. Other notable contributions by our local filmmakers were the conceptually brilliant Five Ways to Kill a Man, the riveting supernatural thriller Umkhungo, set in Hillbrough, and the artistically exquisite Bad Man He Comin’. With the colourful festival come and gone, let us all hope that Shnit will return to the Cape next October so that we might once more – or possibly for the first time – be treated to a cultural and creative extravaganza.
Sweat 1000
fortress and away you go. Will you conquer the caverns below the world? Or build a tower, stretching to the sky, and populate almost had it. My dwarves it with trained dragons? were fed, my economy Adventurer mode is a rolebooming, and the goblins told playing game in its simplest form. fearsome horror stories of their You have an adventurer and he futile attempts to sack my fortress. goes exploring. Sounds dull, I was king and my fortress was a but in reality it’s one of the best gleaming jewel of perfection. ways to explore your randomlyThen one of my dwarves lost a generated world. shoe, beginning a spiral of death Finally, Legends mode allows and destruction that left the you to read an encyclopaedia of Abbey of Bears in ruins for future all the happenings in the world. dwarves to explore and maybe one Read about the elf who became day, reclaim. king of the In this day dwarves before it would be more and age, when being cruelly accurate to refer to PC games seem murdered, to focus on or the horrid Dwarf Fortress as a graphics and simulator than a game monster which “wow factor” destroyed game sequences, your last fortress. Dwarf Fortress is something of an Dwarf Fortress’ biggest barrier oddity. It has next-to-no graphics, to enjoyment is its immense with everything on the screen complexity. There are no tutorials represented by ACSII text. There or manuals. Whole internet are no goals, no achievements, and communities have sprung up to no online leagues and ladders. In teach the simple lessons of how to fact, it would be more accurate farm in-game. Those who persist, to refer to Dwarf Fortress as a find a game unlike any other on simulator than a game. the market. Astonishing, given And simulate it does. Almost that it’s free to download. everything in the game is I highly recommend this game. modelled and tracked down even Yes, it may take you a week to to the individual arteries in your learn how to perform the simplest dwarves’ tiny limbs. Weather, tasks, and the graphics take some temperature, crime scenarios, and time to get used to, but soon you’ll relationships are all represented be slaying Legendary Beasts like a with almost fanatical detail. true dwarf. The game, still technically in It can be downloaded at http:// its decade-long alpha stage, offers www.bay12games.com/dwarves/. players two-and-a-half game The curious amongst you may modes, following an intricate wish to read the thrilling saga of world generation process. The the fortress Boatmurdered, found first, and most popular, is Fortress at www. http://lparchive.org/ Mode. You are given seven humble Dwarf-Fortress-Boatmurdered/. dwarves – select a site for their
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he Shnit International Short Film Festival has once again left its mark on Cape Town. And this time, they took it a bit further. The luminous pink presence that is Shnit, showcased short films from around the world, in over ten cities and across four continents in their tenth anniversary. Returning to Cape town for the third time to tantalise audiences with a marathon of over 200 films spanning across four days, Shnit decided to top up our popcorn boxes with a little extra something. Along with their faithful venues, the Labia Theatre on Orange and Rocking the Daisies, the film festival has spread their roots into Stellenbosch for the first time adding Pulp Cinema and Cinemuse to the mix.
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sport
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
T20 Champions come to Cape Town Rob Byrne
W
hile the sixes may have been raining down in UCT Cricket’s 6-a-side competition on Saturday, a slightly more well known limited overs competition has also kicked off in Cape Town. I’m referring of course to the Champions League T20 Competition, which pits the domestic champions and nearly “were’s” from seven different nations against each other in the 20-overs format. A UEFA Champions League for cricket, effectively. This is the first time Champions League T20 Cricket has come to Cape Town. Although the 2010 edition of the tournament was hosted in South Africa, Newlands did not feature as a host stadium. Back then the tournament was won on South African soil by the Chennai Super Kings, who feature in today’s second game at Newlands. Cricket fans in Cape Town are
spoilt for choice, with the luxury of watching some of the world’s finest players in action. Already confirmed alongside the former 2010 Champions are 2012 IPL winners, Kolkata Knight Riders, who kicked-off the first of the local fixtures Monday, 15 October. The much-fancied Sydney Sixers also feature twice in Cape Town, alongside last year’s CLT20 champions, Mumbai Indians. Domestic winners, the Titans and runners up, the Highveld Lions, will also compete in the mother city along with eight other sides from now until Sunday, 21 October. With the initial qualification phase now complete and the Cape Town fixtures finalised, VARSITY has previewed the most talented sides on display in the mother city: Kolkata Knight Riders – the tournament favourites play twice at Newlands, and there will undoubtedly be fireworks with
Yusuf Pathan, Guatham Gambihr and Brendon McCullum, fresh off a blistering 123 in Sri Lanka, leading
Newlands CLT20 Fixtures in October CLT20 Newlands Fixtures 17.30 MON 15th - Auckland v Kolkata Knight Riders 13.30 TUES 16th - Sydney Sixers v Yorkshire 17.30 TUES 16th - Chennai Super Kings v Lions D/N 13.30 THURS 18th - Lions v Sydney Sixers 17.30 THURS 18th - Mumbai Indians v Yorskhire D/N 13.30 SUN 21st - Perth Scorchers v Delhi Daredevils 17.30 SUN 21st - Kolkata Knight Riders v Titans D/N the line. Old heads also come in the form of Wynberg old boy Jacques
Kallis and Australia’s Brett ‘Binga’ Lee - still doing the rounds on the T20 circuit. Dehli Daredevils - most South Africans will no doubt welcome the arrival of another T20 mercenary, good old Kevin Pietersen. Now that the ego has landed, let’s hope he can keep his digits at ease for the duration of tournament and not upset the array of international talent in his side, including SA’s own Morne Morkel, New Zealand T20 Captain Ross Taylor and the brutal David Warner. Perth Scorchers – They’ve really wheeled out the codgers including Cobras own Brad Hogg and T20 specialist, amongst other things, Herschelle Gibbs. The Marsh brothers, Mitchell and Shaun, will need to fire if they are to progress, with the rest of the squad predominantly consisting of Aussie state players. Highveld Lions – last year’s
local runners-up have never really been fancied much. They will need Quinton De Kock and Gulam Bodi to build on a good 2012 with the bat. Wise heads, Alviro Pieterson and Neil Mckenzie, also feature alongside a potentially potent pace attack in the form of overseas pair, Sohail Tanvir and Dirk Nannes.
Cricket fans in Cape Town are spoilt for choice Tickets for the event vary in price from R50 for single games and from R60 for the double-headers that are today, Thursday and Sunday. Don’t miss Sunday’s games which features three of the fancied sides above, plus domestic champions, the Titans. Tickets can be purchased at Newlands Stadium or at ticketpros. co.za.
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Image: Gallo THE FALL GUY - Ajax coach Maarten Stekelenburg bit the bullet
Thabang Letheo At the end of the 2010/2011 PSL season, Ajax Cape Town were only one victory away from collecting their first PSL title. With stars such as: Thulani Serero, Clayton Daniels and Hans Vonk under the leadership of Dutch mentor Foppe De Haan, the Ajax team looked formidable. Unfortunately they fumbled their opportunity and allowed Orlando Pirates to snatch the PSL title away from their grasp. That season Ajax was terrific, with star of the campaign, Thulani Serero, going on to gain major PSL end-ofseason awards, and subsequently a contract to play for Ajax Amsterdam. So what has happened to the formidable Urban Warriors of the 2010/2011, now languishing at the wrong end of the PSL table? Since 2011, the Urban Warriors have become a selling club. Defender Clayton Daniels moved to Mamelodi Sundowns, Sameehg Doutie and George Maluleka went to Supersport United, and recently Ajax’s all-time leading goal scorer, Thembinkosi ‘Terror’ Fanteni, moved north to Bidvest Wits. Architect of Ajax’s 2011/12 success, De Haan, has blamed the club’s recent dip in form on this policy of selling players and exporting their talented youth products overseas and to PSL rivals. CEO, George Comitis, has hit back at these claims. He explained that players often felt the urge for a new challenge or the lure of a
higher salary. It was rumoured that when Clayton Daniels signed for Sundowns, his salary tripled. He also explained that the club will not stand in the way of the dreams of its stars, as was the case of Thulani Serero, who gained his dream move to Ajax Amsterdam, one of the biggest teams in world football. The Urban Warriors have had a horrendous start to their PSL season, languishing at the foot of the table in the 12th position. As a result of their poor start, management decided to offload Maarten Stekelenburg as coach, even though the players blamed themselves for the poor results. The club is now looking to former manager, Foppe De Haan, to reverse its fortunes. With young striker, Bradley Grobler at the frontline, assisted by the impressive youngster Keegan Dolly and Khama Billiat, the team can certainly turn their fortunes around. The policy of selling top players should certainly be reviewed and the team should definitely give a chance to second choice goalkeeper, Sean Roberts. He has not put a foot wrong, opposed to his fellow goalkeeper, Sander Westerveld, whose errors have been capitalised on by opponents on more than one occasion. If these changes can be made, the Cape Town Stadium will certainly turn back into the fortress it was during the 2010/2011 season.
sport Sports Shorts Rob Byrne Canoeing The weekend of October 5th marked the 31st annual Fish River Canoe Marathon, with thousands flocking to the tiny town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape. This year’s race also served as the South African K1 championships. BSocSci student, Stuart MacLaren, performed admirably with an overall 14th place finish, coming 5th in the Under 23 section. MacLaren commented, “The result was not the only thing that made my weekend. Awesome mates on an awesome river. An extremely gees canoe club!” UCT’s success did not end with MacLaren, as they placed third at the Inter-Varsity Championships, co-ordinated by USSA. Chairperson of UCT Canoe Club, Steve Bissett, drew great pride from the club’s endeavours, “It was great to see so many novices make it to Fish this year”. Paddling his personal best time for the 83 km, Bissett’s fifth Fish River race was the perfect way to end his season as 2012 Chairperson and introduce his season as Chairperson for 2013. Other than the broken ankle of novice Glen Du Preez, everybody returned to Cape Town in one piece. The UCT canoe club activity continues as the Summer Surf Ski season begins and enthusiasm levels continue to reign high. Ultimate Frisbee The second biggest Ultimate Frisbee tournament on the national calendar took place over the weekend of September 29th. ‘Rocktober’ in Port
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VARSITY’s round-up of homegrown sports clubs Elizabeth, saw ten of the nation’s best teams competing, amongst them UCT’s best: the Flying Tigers. Having placed sixth at nationals earlier this year, they were eager to reclaim a spot in the top five. As Cape Town residents, the Tigers were optimistic about utilising the windy PE conditions to their advantage, gaining a quick 3-0 lead in their first match against Jo’burg based team, Ultitude. The Tigers relaxed after the good start and before they knew it, were behind 3-7. Despite a fight back, the game reached its end before they could regain the lead, losing 6-7. Up next were 2012 National Champions, Ghost, who showed superb skill and precision in the wind, defeating the Tigers 14-5. Facing possible elimination, the Tigers pushed through and dispatched their next two adversaries convincingly, 15-1 and 11-7, gaining a coveted place in the semi-finals. The next day the Tigers faced long-time Cape Town rivals, Chilli. With the wind dying down, a tight, hard-fought battle ensued, with Chilli scoring three quick points in succession, taking the half-time lead at 8-5. However, the Tigers clawed back the three point deficit up the scores at 10-10. With soft cap announced (15min left to play or until one of the teams reach 12 points), the Tigers quickly took the lead. However, victory was not meant to be, with Chilli keeping calm and collected with the disc, scoring two points to take the victory. UCT may have lost 17-7 in the third-fourth place playoff, but they accomplished their goal of reaching the semis and were
Image: Neill Strydom
FLYING HIGH - UCT’s Flying Tigers in Port Elizabeth awarded the Spirit of the Game prize, for knowledge and fair use of the rules during their games. Overall, the Flying Tigers went home content with their performance. Ju-Jitsu On Saturday September 29th, UCT Ju-Jitsu ran a self- defence workshop at the Forest Hill Wellness Day. Ju-Jitsu is self-defence through leverage in the forms of throws, joint locks and strangulation. Physical strength is not needed to execute the moves, so small or physically weak people can still effectively defend themselves. The Workshop was vibrant and those who attended learnt some basic moves that can help neutralise attack situations.
UCT Rowers grab silver in Russia Jonathan Van Rensburg
S
eptember 9th marked the end of a nine-month training program for Ikeys Rowers as they competed in the finals of the 2012 Student Worlds Championships in Kazan, Russia. UCT qualified boats in the Men’s Heavyweight Pairs and the Men’s Lightweight Fours divisions to represent the university and South Africa. Both boats managed admirable results with the Heavyweight pair scooping silver and the Lightweight Four producing an impressive fourth place finish. The Men’s Heavyweight Pair of Jozef Muller (BScQS) in front and Leo Davis (BScMechEng) following, have been training alongside the Four all season. Muller, who was in the South African Heavyweight Four, has had an outstanding season, setting the 5km South African record at 16:06 on the ergometer and achieving the award for being the best UCT Men’s Rower of the Year for the second consecutive season. Davis proved to be a more than capable partner, achieving his student South African full colours for two years running. Kazan saw the pair finish second in their opening heat, behind the favourites France which meant a further round of qualification was necessary in order to make the final. Muller and Davis won their second
v71 e12 - 16 October 2012
Image: Jonathan van Rensburg
Stroking for silver - Jozef Muller and Leo Davis round convincingly and secured their spot in the A Final. Competition was tight amongst finalists. The pair finished the gruelling race just behind the Italians and snatched the silver from the French, who had held a convincing lead going into the last 500m.
Competition was tight amongst finalists. The Lightweight Four, consisting of Matthew Shaw (BScMechEng), Cameron Hoey (BScChemEng), Marcus Crowther (BBusSci) and Chas Hyde (BScMechEng Hons) have been hard at work since January honing their technique and fitness while trying to maintain the 72kg lightweight cut-off in a 16-sessionsa-week program. Under the guidance
of highly acclaimed coach Brendan Gliddon, they saw themselves through the national qualification criteria. On the national stage, the Lightweight Four showed their dominance at every student regatta they raced in, finishing only behind the Olympic Champions at senior regatta level. The A final saw the Lightweight Four pitted against the U23 World Championship medallists from France taking gold in a closely contested race. Italy took silver and hosts Russia took bronze, having just beaten the South Africans to the finish. The Student Games are around the corner, and these six men are already eager to get the next season under way. This commitment, coupled with the solid coaching and equipment structure provided by UCT, perhaps a party in Rio is only a short few years away.
White line fever
Rob Byrne Sports Editor
Medinah magic
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’ve seen some great sporting comebacks in my time, but the ‘Miracle at Medinah’, Europe’s last gasp comeback against America in the Ryder Cup, was undoubtedly the best. On that fateful Sunday night, it was me keeping the neighbours up for a change. Not only was I blurting the usual profanities, but I even stretched to the odd ‘Ole, ole, ole.’ And yes, I got a little tearyeyed. It was no mean feat for an occasional golf-watcher. I think it’s the only time when I, a Brit, can feel truly ‘European’; I mean when else do you see a mixing of traditional European sporting foes? (All rallying around an EU flag, I might add). So what was it that made the comeback one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time? In sporting terms, at least, there is one country that everyone loves to hate. Not Australia, although I think they run a pretty close second, but America. To win on their patch was no mean feat – it had only been done on three occasions since the tournament’s inception in 1927. It looked as if things would run true to form with the Americans taking a 10-6 lead. The crowds were boisterous as ever, standing behind their heroes, with some plonker without fail shouting “get in the hole” as an American teed off on a par-five. American golf fans seem to have no shame in boisterously getting behind their stars, and more frequently, under the skin of their opponents. That’s why, when Martin Kaymer sank the winning putt, the silence of the largely American gallery was priceless. It was punctuated only by a few bobbing, “ole, ole, ole’s” amongst the incredulous European fans.
What I like to call the ‘Seve factor’ also made the European victory incredibly special. It was the first Ryder Cup since the golfing legend passed away, and his long-time playing partner and fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal was also at the helm. Ballesteros was a huge influence on everyone in European golf, something Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia were quick to acknowledge. The US, on the other hand, had a motivational speech from George W. Bush (And they wonder why they lost). The Ryder Cup also offers something unique: It’s a team event in a sport essentially all about individuals. The camaraderie amongst players that compete year-round against each other for millions of dollars is remarkable. So much so, Ian Poulter jokingly commented, “I’m officially taking two years off, and I’ll see you at the next one.” You could understand it if he did. With a four-point-deficit heading into the final day, Europe was 33-1 to retain the competition. They clinched half of their victories on the 18th hole, and it came down to the out-of-form Martin Kaymer and Francesco Molinari to get them across the line. European, American or South African - it doesn’t matter, if you saw the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ you’ll remember it for the rest of your life. I saw Liverpool come back in Istanbul in 2005 and Sergio Aguero clinch the title for City last season. And you know what? They didn’t even come close.
Sport VARSITY
FIXTURES UCT 1st XI Vs Victoria
Women’s Soccer
Saturday, October 20th
December 3th – 7th
WPCA 1A Division
USSA National Tournament
Chukker Road Sports Complex
UWC
Canoe Club tackle mighty Fish Candice Land
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team of over 40 paddlers and seconders from UCT tackled the surging rapids and muddy camp sites (showing real ‘gees’) on the weekend of October 5th at the 31st annual Fish River Canoe Marathon. BSocSci student Stuart MacLaren, performed admirably with an overall 14th place finish, coming 5th in the under-23 section. “The result was not the only thing that made my weekend. Awesome mates on an awesome river. An extremely ‘gees’ canoe club,” MacLaren said. UCT’s success did not end there, as they placed 3rd in the overall Intervarsity Championships which was co-ordinated by USSA. The Chairperson of UCT Canoe Club Steve Bissett, drew great pride from the club’s endeavours saying, “It was great to see so many novices make it to Fish this year”. The week proved a memorable one and even novice Glen Du Preez’s broken ankle could not dampen the spirit. Despite a bout of ‘post-Fish depression’, club members are looking forward to next year’s trip. It will hopefully be bringing more new and eager novice paddlers. The UCT canoe club activity continues with the Summer Surf Ski season and enthusiasm levels continue to reign high.
Image: Mike Schilperoort
NO FISH OUT OF WATER - Daniel Schilperoort successfully lands Craddock Weir, one of the toughest challenges UCT paddlers faced on day two of their Fish River Canoe Marathon.
Foote looks to the future Megan Kinnaird
Megan Kinnaird
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his was a tumultuous year for the Ikey Tigers, with a poor Varsity Cup performance and a worse-than-expected fourth place finish in the Western Province Super League. Despite the team placing second-to-last in the Varsity Cup and winning just one out of their seven matches, signs of progress were evident towards the end of the season. The Ikeys picked themselves up and went on to win ten of their 18 games in the Super League. The final three games of the season were a big boost to team moral as they won 30-14 against SK Walmers, 5835 against Belhar, and rounded off the season with a 47-7 rout against the already-relegated Villagers. VARSITY caught up with the Ikeys’ coach Kevin Foote to get his comments on the 2012 season and to find out what’s to come in 2013. Despite losing players to Western Province during the Super League, Foote was pleased with the overall performance his team put in. “The guys who played league were unlucky in a couple of close games, and they represented UCT with massive pride,” he said.
Sports Awards 2012
Image: michael.currin.co.za
“Although experience will be a challenge, hunger and energy will be a strength.” Not only did he express excitement about their end-ofyear performances, but he seemed extremely optimistic for 2013. Hoping to continue with this forward momentum, the team will begin training again on the November the
12th for about a month before the end-of-year break. Foote, having previously coached the Ikey Tigers to Varsity Cup victory in 2011, admitted that the 2012 performances were hard to stomach.“The Monte Taljiard Trophy means a lot to us, and it’s the first time we haven’t retained the trophy. It’s never nice losing to your main rival, and Maties had our number this year. We ended on a high, so we’re all hopeful for a great 2013,” he said. When asked about the up-and-
n Friday October 19th, the UCT Sports Council will be holding their annual Sports Awards Dinner at the Cape Sun. Amongst the many categories, the awards will recognise some of UCT’s most exciting athletes’ individual performances in 2012, the endeavours of club administrators and any notable team achievements. Nominated for Sports Person of the Year are Grant Robertson for hockey, Joe Mohle for climbing, Benjamin De Charmoy for bouldering, Dillyn Leyds for rugby and Giselle Vicatos for fencing.
coming squad, he enthusiastically stated, “although experience will be a challenge, hunger and energy will be a strength. We have already met as a squad and there is a brilliant energy amongst the class of 2013, I really hope we can channel that into a positive campaign.” The 2013 Varsity Cup kicks off on February 4th with the Ikeys’ opening match, at home, against the Madibaz from NMMU. The Ikeys won’t have to wait long to meet up with the reigning champions either, as that match takes place at the Tuks
Nominations for Performance of the Year have been given to the Mountain and Ski Club for their Himalayan expedition, Leo Davis and Jozef Muller for their silver medal performance at the Student Rowing World Championships, the Men’s Waterpolo 1st team for their performance at the USSA games and the Yacht Club’s Lipton Crew for their third place finish. Nominations for Team of the Year go to the U20 Rugby Team, the Rowing Club’s USSA Team, and the Men’s 1st Waterpolo side. If you would like to attend, please contact Lydia Hall at Sports & Recreation on lydia.hall@uct.ac.za.
Rugby Stadium the following week. Another home game to look forward to is the grudge match against Maties on March 4th. UCT did not win a single game against their fiercest rivals in 2012, so they have a lot to prove next season. All in all, it looks like the forthcoming 2013 Varsity Cup season will be as exciting as ever. After a strong end to the season, and with Foote and his Ikeys due to begin training for their 2013 campaign shortly, a come-back may well be on the cards for 2013.