Edition Two 2021 by VARSITY

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Palestinian Solidarity Forum holds vigil with UCT SRC Fo l l ow i n g we e k s o f violence, predominantly in Palestinian Gaza, the Palestinian Solidarity Forum (PSF) held a nighttime vigil alongside the UCT’s Student Representative Council (SRC) to remember those fallen. By Daniel P. Rossmeisl News Editor

n the 15h of May 2021, the UCT SRC announced that it would support the Un ive r s i ty ’s Pale s t i n ian Solidarity Forum (PSF) Vigil on Campus Plaza, Monday 17 May 2021. This is in line with the current SRC’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the President of the SRC, Declan Dyer, said to the gathering on Monday night: “The UCT SRC has been very clear and deliberate on its position.” However, the evening represented more than just the stance of the SRC.

“As the President of the SRC, Declan Dyer, said to the gathering on Monday night: ‘The UCT SRC has been very clear and deliberate on its position.’”

A carefully managed crowd of almost 200 students gathered on the plaza to show

Source: Rabia Parker/ PSF

their support. One student, in a black shirt reading #Smashing the Patriarchy, went from person to person with hand sanitizer and a smile – reminding attendees to socially distance and to wear their masks. “The vigil was held to show the support by UCT students for the Palestinian struggle. However, the steps welcome workers, professors, alumni and leaders from across the city,” she told VARSITY. The event began with a series of speeches. The first to the microphone was the current leader of the University’s chapter of the PSF, Anwar Adams, followed by the SRC President. After the welcoming speeches were complete, the Secretary General of the PSF recited ‘A Letter to Palestine’ and the event took on a more sombre tone. A moment of silence for the

lives lost over the past weeks affected the students deeply. Then the floor was opened to the group for students to speak their mind and “voice support for Palestine”. One student, Connor Sampson, urged all in attendance to speak up regardless of the complexity or threat of disagreement: “I hope that you guys can be braver,” his voice grew in strength, “braver than I was. Stand up for those who cannot!” Another student reminded those present that it is not just the existence of the Israeli government that threatens Palestinian independence: “Remember what the other Arab states have do ne to Pale sti ne ove r th e p a s t ye ar ! ” The organisers surprised the attendees by conducting a live telephone interview with 17-year-old Abdul Majiet and his 3-year-old sister in Gaza.

www.varsitynewspaper.co.za

UCT’s stance on the issue has been criticised by some members of the student populous. On the 18th May, the university released a statement condemning the “atrocities and human r ights v iolatio n s p e r p e trated in Occupied Palestian Territories.” This response has been criticised by members of the PSF for failing to institute a full “academic and cultural boycott” on Israeli institutions. Meanwhile, on May 17th, the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) released their own statement suggesting that the manner in which UCT’s SRC has involved itself is intentionally polarising. The SAUJS statement suggests that language used by the SRC neglects the needs and rights of students within its constituency, and that discourse should include opportunity for peace, mutual respect, and compromise.

NEWS

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 2

Minorities mismanaged - assessments due on Eid Students have come forward after receiving emails from lecturers requesting the name of their Imam and Mosque to be granted a concession for assessments. By Nita Naidoo Branding & Marketing Manager Source: Barry Christianson/ Ground Up News

id-al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims globally, as it marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. On the 13th of May, one day before Eid was set to happen, a UCT second year Statistics course (STA2020F) received an email requesting that Muslim students celebrating Eid send in the name of their Imam and Mosque to be allowed to write a supplementary test the next Monday. Although the lecturer has since apologised, and did not see through the request, he was - reportedly - not the only lecturer to request such information. Past students have also come forward to share similar stories after the emails circulated on social media.

Learners quickly pointed out that to celebrate Christian holidays, the name of a Pastor and Church are never requested by UCT. This

issue was taken up with class representatives, faculty councils, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) prompting a mass response from the SRC calling on all faculties to provide concessions for students celebrating Eid. The disregard for Eid has sparked outrage from past and present students. Others noted that, for some traditionally, females are not required to go to Mosque, and it would be difficult to ‘confirm’ their religion. A number of students, in the commerce and science faculties, questioned by VARSITY felt strongly that the university should have planned better, considering the fact that Eid was happening that week. Another student, interviewed anonymously, affirmed that students should not have to confirm their religion, nor should they be forced to write tests on auspicious days – “it’s a religious day in the

Islamic calendar, a day of celebration; and I don’t think anyone wants to celebrate the end of Ramadan with writing a stats test.”

“‘...it’s a religious day in the Islamic calendar, a day of celebration; and I don’t think anyone wants to celebrate the end of Ramadan with writing a stats test.’” It is not just Muslim students who feel that the University has dealt with this badly. One student told VARSITY, “I’m not Muslim but this seems a little ridiculous!” Another student from UCT’s Muslim community commented, “not only is it problematic […] it is plain offensive.” Other learners took a more humorous approach. A second-year statistics student quipped, “next time they’ll ask us to record ourselves reading

Al-Fatiha.” VARSITY reached out to the lecturer whose request triggered student outcry. In his response, he agreed that the request was “offensive,” stating clearly that “I [the lecturer] recognise how offensive the request is - and I wish to humbly apologise.” The lecturer asserted that the action was in response to a difficulty in organising and conducting online assessments that retain their integrity, but that the proposed solution was inappropriate; “It is UCT policy to not schedule tests on Eid.” The exact date of Eid is based on a specific phase of the moon and is not determined until the very end of Ramadan. However, there is a general understanding of when the holy day will fall. Eid is intended to be a joyful celebration, but for many students the festivity was tainted by the pressure of academic work.

NEWS

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 3

Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy: a better way forward? “The purpose of this policy is to contribute to a culture of inclusivity and respect at the university in a manner that is fair to students and staff.” By Amber Williams Features Editor

n the 6th of May 2021, a campus announcement informed the UCT community of the university’s newly revised Sexual Misconduct Policy. The new policy, in accordance with the Department of Higher Education and Training policy framework, seeks to address sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) to “encourage and promote the development of an institutional culture free of all forms of sexual offences and sexual harassment, and where everyone respects one another’s integrity and dignity, privacy, and right to equity in the institutional environment.” The revised policy, approved by the university’s Council on the 3rd of December 2020, will shape what will hopefully become a major development in response to sexual and gender-based violence on campus. In one of her last campus announcements sent out as acting Vice Chancellor of the Transformation committee, Professor Loretta Ferris emphasised the objectives of the new Sexual Misconduct Policy and its alignment around a ‘survi-

Source: Brenton Geach/ UCT News

vor-centred process’. But what does this mean and what would it look like in practice? A survivor centred process is a reform of the judicial system that seeks to minimise trauma for the survivor. The survivor is to be protected and their needs put first throughout the judicial process. To implement this process, a Tribunal that is specialised and appropriately trained to deal with sexual malpractice will handle all formal cases of sexual misconduct. The Special Tribunal for Sexual Misconduct, or more simply the Special Tribunal, has been implemented for all disciplinary processes regarding sexual misconduct. Reportedly it is the first of its kind in South Africa.

“The survivor is to be protected and their needs put first throughout the judicial process.”

The Tribunal will only deal with sexual and gender-based violence cases in the hopes that a singular focus on sexual mis-

conduct cases will ensure efficiency and competency. The intention of the Tribunal is to shape a specialised disciplinary process that will ensure a fair, just, and equitable outcome for all those involved. The Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC) has been a major driver of the transformation portfolio and will continue to serve as policy custodian - with the mandate to ensure that the revised policy will be adhered to and upheld. To monitor the implementation of the policy the University intends to anonymously collect statistics and data to judge how the policy is used and whether it is effective or not. This monitoring and evaluation will be conducted by the OIC on a quarterly basis with all cases of sexual misconduct having to report on their compliance with the policy to the OIC. Through this process, the University intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy and make any changes as needed. Training for the Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures for 2021 will

begin in May until June for students and staff, with the first training sessions having already commenced on the 13th of March. As the UCT community is still left reeling from the aftermath of the 2019 #AmINext protests, the university’s revised policy is a delayed response to the ongoing struggle against GBV.

“...the university’s revised policy is a delayed response to the ongoing struggle against GBV.” One student told VARSITY, “I feel that their response was reactive and not proactive. It would have been better to implement the processes they are now in 2019 when the movement was at its height, or any time before then. Many people needed to see that sort of urgency on the university’s part much earlier. However, I also believe that the revised policy and the initiation of the Tribunal marks an important part of South Africa’s role within the global conversation around GBV.”

NEWS

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 4

Mozambique faces mounting security and socio-economic challenges On the 24th of March 2021, the town of Palma in Mozambique was invaded by an insurgent terrorist group leaving hundreds of people dead in the streets. Two months and two days later, VARSITY News takes stock of the aftermath. By Daniel. P Rossmeisl News Editor

ollowing an insurgent attack in March, global media was focused on the violence, levelled by IS-aligned armed forces, against civilians and foreign nationals in the Mozambiquan town of Palma. The country is still working hard to recover from the human, economic, and socio-political trauma. A month after Mozambican authorities announced that the town of Palma had been recaptured, a United Nations Human Rights Commission Report indicated that many districts in the north of the country were still inaccessible due to the continued presence of non-governmental armed militants. Civilian displacement figures support these findings. As of the 14th of May 2021, an estimated total number of 49,600 internally displaced persons have been evacuated or forced to flee the town of Palma. Former residents continue to leave, despite government claims that the area is secure.

“...an estimated total number of 49,600 internally displaced persons have been evacuated or forced to flee the town of Palma.”

Source: Arman Hough/ African News Agency (ANA)

In the meantime, Mozambique’s economic outlook seems bleak. Palma had been the epicenter of economic recovery in Mozambique, after Total (a French-owned oil and gas company) announced a multi-billion-dollar investment into a liquified natural gas (LNG) project in the region. Associated Press reports that these LNG reserves are estimated to be worth $20 billion – among the largest in Africa. However, as of April 26 the company announced a force majeure – Total will put the project on hold for at least the next two years. One spokesperson asserted to Upstream Energy Services that “Total is unable to perform its obligations as a result of the severe deterioration of the security situation.” Upstream now estimates that the project may only begin to produce and export liquid natural gas as late as 2025 or even 2026. International response has seen a lot of rhetoric, but limited action. Last year, Mozambiquan President Nyusi wrote to the EU requesting training support for its armed forces. No help came then, and only now is it even being considered. European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell made a statement on the 6th of May suggesting that “the European Union will consider sending a

military training mission to Mozambique to help the government withstand a growing insurgency.” However, no consensus has been reached.

“No help came then, and only now is it even being considered.”

Independently, Portugal’s defence minister Joao Cravinho announced on May 10 that Mozambique’s former-colonial state will deploy 60 troops to combat IS-linked insurgency. Representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were invited to (and have since visited) Maputo and Cabo Delgado to assess whether SADC might provide the military support. This marks a change in policy as Mozambique has, historically, turned down regional assistance for fears over sovereignty-related issues. Now, SADC is considering deploying over 2,500 troops. With the increasing strains on the government’s budget arising from Covid-19, and an overwhelming stream of displaced persons with poor job prospects, the question seems to be whether Mozambique’s economy can hold out until support is provided.

NEWS

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 5

Libya’s first female Foreign Minister receives threats to resign weeks after appointment Newly app ointe d Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla El Mangoush, faces threats to her safety after calling for Turkish troops to leave Libya in accordance with a UN-brokered agreement. By Ilhaan Choonara Staff Writer Source: Mahmoud Turkia/AFP

ibya’s Prime Minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh recently faced backlash for falling short on his promise that women will hold 30% of senior government roles within his interim government. The government has been mandated by the UN to unify the divided state of Libya, as well as to guide the country towards fair and peaceful national elections this 24th of December 2021. Mangoush is Libya’s first female Foreign Minister and the fifth woman in the Arab world to hold the position.

“Mangoush is Libya’s first female Foreign Minister and the fifth woman in the Arab world to hold the position.” The new interim government was sworn in on the 15th of March. Seven weeks later, Mangoush as the new foreign minister announced in a conference while standing next to the Turkish Foreign

Minister that “we call on (Turkey) to take steps to implement all the provisions of… the Security Council resolutions and to cooperate together to expel all foreign forces and mercenaries from the Libyan territories.”

“‘...we call on (Turkey) to take steps to implement all the provisions of… the Security Council resolutions and to cooperate together to expel all foreign forces and mercenaries from the Libyan territories.’” Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, responded to Mangoush saying “there are those who equate our legal presence… with the foreign mercenary groups that fight in this country for money”. Turkey has a close relationship with Libya and the presence of the troops is part of a training agreement made with the former adminis-

tration. Çavuşoğlu added that it is “very difficult for Tripoli – because a very large (mercenary) mission is still in central Libya and could help (Haftar) march west again”. Mangoush has also received backlash at home – largely from pro-Turkey Libyans fearing attack from Haftar’s forces – and many of these detractors have adopted the narrative that this incident proves that women should be excluded from Libyan politics. Days after her comment, militia stormed a hotel in Tripoli where Mangoush was supposedly meeting. When they discovered that she was not in the building, her would-be attackers began searching vehicles in the vicinity and could be heard questioning people for Mangoush’s whereabouts. Dbeibeh’s position remains unclear. Turkey has deployed more than 200 000 troops to Libya. This is since the Libyan-American military commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces launched

attacks on Tripoli in 2019. Mercenaries currently in Libya include Turkish, Syrian, Sudanese and Russian forces. The United Nations Security Council’s 15 member nations have agreed that the departure of these foreign fighters would be best for Libya as the country attempts to come together.

Turkey has a close relationship with Libya and the presence of the troops is part of a training agreement made with the former administration. The country holds a wealth of oil and each administration has held its own separate armed groups and foreign governments. In 2011, Libya’s former ruler Muammar Gaddafi - was killed in a civil war sparked by the Arab-spring protests. Since then, Libya has largely been divided between separate administrations in the East and West regions of the country.

NEWS

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 6

Ace plays a desperate hand as NEC upholds suspension In a bid to keep his position as ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule declares his ousting “unconstitutional” and attempts to suspend President Ramaphosa. By Seth Meyer Staff Writer

Source: Boikhusto Ntsoko – Eyewitness News

n the 29th of March 2021, the ANC’s National Executive Committee issued a deadline for Secretary-General Ace Magashule, amongst other criminally charged party members, to resign from his position in the party. The deadline came to an end on May 1st without any response from the Secretary General. A few days grace were given for Magashule to step aside willingly. This did not happen. On May 5th, Magashule was served a notice of suspension by his own deputy, Jessie Duarte.

Mantashe further added that “decisions in the ANC are taken by structures and not individuals.” In response to the now-suspended Magashule’s letter, President Ramaphosa was reportedly “shocked and dismayed”.

Further drama ensued the following Saturday May 8th, when a defiant Magashule attempted to attend a virtual NEC meeting on Zoom in spite of his suspension. He was subsequently ejected from the meeting, with other attendees reportedly claiming In a bizarre and seemingly desperate move, with- that his presence was “not properly constituted”. The out mandate, Magashule issued his own letter to ANC’s ‘Top Six’ had already unanimously resolved on President Cyril Ramaphosa. In this letter, Magashule Friday May 7th, to exclude him from the meeting. announced that he was suspending the President “in accordance with the powers vested in me as the secre- “‘In terms of the ANC constitution, my suspension is tary-general of the ANC”, that his own suspension was thus wholly suspended’” “unconstitutional”, and that Deputy Secretary-General Duarte did not have the authority to issue his suspenThese latest actions of Magashule have been criticised sion. Magashule’s letter has since been panned by as aggravating the rifts and factionalism, already rife party affiliates and political commentators alike. within the ANC. Some NEC members are reportedly calling for the suspended Secretary-General to apologise or “‘decisions in the ANC are taken by structures and be disciplined in line with party rules. Much of the recent not individuals’” news cycle has been dominated with speculation as to whether this could be the beginning of the end for the beleaMagashule went on to declare: “In terms of guered party man and whether his suspension is a greater the ANC constitution, my suspension is thus step forward to more accountability in a South African wholly suspended until my appeal has been political landscape mired by corruption and impunity. heard and its final outcome announced.” This announcement has been roundly scorned by legal experts and prominent party members. ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe confirmed that the Secretary-General’s statement was indeed genuine, despite initial scepticism as to whether the letter had really come from Magashule.

Magashule’s court date (the reason for his suspension), in the Free State High Court regarding corruption charges levied against him in March, has been postponed to 11th August 2021. He is facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Nevertheless, Magashule will continue to receive his full salary for the duration of his suspension.

Editorial

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 7

For the students, by the students However, with an audience as vast and as profoundly opinionated as we have, it is natural that the articles that we publish will not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, it is of paramount importance that we take the criticisms received from our audiences into consideration when producing accurate and effective news.

By Lerato Botha Editor-in-Chief

mong the overwhelmingly positive response to VARSITY’s first edition for the year of 2021, our publication was also met with valid criticism for an Opinions piece that we published surrounding the Smuts Hall renaming. We as a collective aim to fairly represent the thoughts and opinions of our greatly diverse student body, and are therefore thankful that our newspaper has not only garnered a diverse writing and organisational team, but also a greatly diverse readership that is representative of our large and multifarious group of students in and around the UCT community.

The Opinions piece in question is one of the instances under which it is important for us to acknowledge our error. In our attempts to not sanitize the voice of the writer who composed the piece, we inadvertently perpetuated some troubling sentiments about colonial statesman, Jan Smuts’, character. Being that our Collective consists of a completely new team of both management and writers, we aimed our efforts at producing as much content as possible, in as uncensored a manner as possible. This, however, left much room for negligence of the patience and thoroughness required to produce honest and

reputable journalism, which resulted in us publishing an overtly controversial view without considering the damage that the article may cause. For that, we apologise to our readers and have since been working behind the scenes to ensure that we avoid the same extent of carelessness in the future production of our newspaper. We were also presented with the problem of taking a positioned tone when producing News articles in particular. In reference to the News piece published about Dr. Lushaba’s statements surrounding the Holocaust, a short sentence within the piece seemed to have deemed his statements as not having constituted antisemitism. The criticism against this particular sentence was fair, as it is not the place of anyone in our Collective to decide what does and does not constitute any sort of discrimination - especially not under our News section, where the facts have to be relayed in as

objective a manner as possible. Becoming more careful with the tone presented in our News articles is also a point of adjustment that we have been working on. This being said, we are still continuing to learn what it really means to produce journalism that sparks healthy and effectual debate without invalidating both our readers’ and our writers’ opinions and integrity, and that is quite a hard task to manage. We still aim to share a multitude of opinions in our reporting as we want our readership to be able to engage with an array of perspectives as seen amongst the UCT community. However, we aim to reflect those opinions in a less damaging and more careful manner. We are aware that we will not be able to satisfy everyone. Nonetheless, we are willing to accept our fault and take future criticisms into account as we attempt to establish ourselves as a reputable source of information to the UCT student body.

The Collective Editor-in-Chief - Lerato Botha Dep. Editor-in-Chief - Jeremy Simpson Branding & Marketing Manager - Nita Naidoo Finance Manager - Savannah Goncalves Creative Director - Navan Coetzee Copy Editor - Julia Rowley News Editor - Daniel Daniel P. Rossmeisl Features Editor - Amber Williams Dep. Features Editor - Manoa Andriamihariosa Opinions Editor - Emma Sacco Design Editors - Kendal Davids, Reabetswe Khutsoane, Meriam Kakuwaezi

Applications are still open for: Human Resources Manager - Advertising Manager - Social Media Manager Sports Editors - Web Editor - Staff Writers and News Reporters Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested!

Features

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 8

“Hairy Ecofairy”: Kelsey Maggott and the reclamation of self In the current online climate of social media stars and influencers, Kelsey Maggott is using her platform to spread a message of feminist self-acceptance. By Manoa Andriamiharisoa Dep. Features Editor

Source: @kelseymaggott / Instagram

elsey Maggott, a University of Cape Town (UCT) and VARSITY alumni, is a verified South African TikTok influencer with over 1.3 million followers. Her content aims to inspire womxn to forget about the dominant narratives surrounding body hair and to embrace it instead. VARSITY got the chance to sit down with Kelsey and discuss her journey as a content creator. The content you deliver on social media is both original and empowering. Can you tell us what it means to be the “hairy ecofairy”? How did you know this was the kind of content you wanted to share with your followers? “Hairy eco fairy” briefly sums up what I am passionate about and the content I predominantly share. I am a womxn who embraces body hair, promotes body normativity, and has committed to living my life conscious of the impact I have on my environment (inclusive of people, sentient beings and the planet). My body hair journey has always been a part of my life’s journey, so sharing this part of me came naturally. However, sharing it on the scale that I do now is a result of the global feedback I have received from it. People were intrigued, disgusted and inspired. I took the opportunity to use my so

cial media as a platform to champion How do you want your personal conthe humanity of womxn and the many tent to influence content creation as other causes I feel strongly about. a whole? What impact do you want to leave out there? What kind of responses have you The content I share is multidimenreceived from people? Has their feed- sional. I use my platform to champion back influenced the direction your the humanity of womxn. I do this by content is heading towards? challenging two things: the societal exThe responses I have received from pectation that womxn should remove people vary drastically. Responses their hair, and the mass social shamrange from complete disgust and rid- ing and violence against womxn who icule, to absolute support and awe. choose to embrace their body hair. SiHowever, I have been shocked at the multaneously, I share resources and small but loud group of men who have infographics to raise awareness and a fetish for womxn with natural body give people the tools to make different hair. They overtly sexualise me for it. choices in their lives, whether that be My body hair is a way for me to reclaim small eco-conscious changes or repromy humanity from complete objecti- gramming their idea of who they are fication and sexualisation by the male and recognising the magic that they gaze, but now I also have to deal with hold within. Sharing knowledge is key. men who see body hair as a fetish. If a post of mine has a particularly Finally, is content creation a sustainhigh engagement rate, I will keep that able source of income for you? in mind when creating new content. Content creation has not provided It gives me insight into what type of me with a sustainable source of incontent the people who follow me en- come, especially since I am very parjoy or are drawn to. Online bullying or ticular about the brands I consider trolling does not affect what I decide collaborating with. My values around to share or not. sustainability and my belief in the humanity of all people should align with any brand or organisation I work with. “My body hair is a way for me The practices of many mainstream to reclaim my humanity from brands do not align with these ideals complete objectification and so for me, having a main and side hussexualisation by the male gaze.” tle(s) are important!

Features

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 9

UCT launches New African Urban University Project The New African Urban University Project is a collaborative effort between universities in the Global North and South and aims to make cities safer and more inclusive. By Amber Williams Features Editor

Source: UCT News

n the 29th of March 2021, the New African Urban University Project launched with an inception meeting, held virtually between five universities, across Cape Town, Ghana, Sheffield, Bergen, and Bristol. The one-year project is being funded by the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) Research Development Fund and is designed to foster research collaborations between the participating universities. This will be implemented through four engaging workshops throughout the year, with an exclusive focus on agenda setting. Led by Associate Professor Zarina Patel, from the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science in the Faculty of Science, the project’s 23 team members met virtually - making good progress on building partnerships, aligning project goals, situating partners in the project, and implementing measurable plans for the co-production of knowledge through transdisciplinary research.

Ideally, this would be achieved by engaging with African universities to co-produce knowledge on urban systems and transitions, as well as to set the agenda for an inclusive understanding of the system changes needed to address the complexity of urban transitions. Historically, universities have often played an important role in generating and supporting new knowledge systems. As the world’s population continues to grow, and with inequality rates steadily increasing, we need new ways of thinking and planning for urban living with resilient cities that are modern, green, and sustainable; those that are complete with culturally inspiring living conditions. UCT’s involvement in the project is important at a time when global concerns over the future of urban living and change amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is at an unprecedented high.

“As the world’s population continues to grow, and with inequality rates steadily increasing, we need new ways of thinking and planning for urban living with resilient cities that are modern, green, and sustainable.”

The project, in accordance with the United Nations’ eleventh Sustainable Development Goal, has a global focus to make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, and sustainable. The new project aims to strengthen the role of African universities advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The collaborative and transdisciplinary focus of the for sustainable cities. project will help de-centre dominant ideas and approaches to urban living and transition, while establishing UCT’s involvement in the global conversation around “The project, in accordance with the United urban change. Over the next few months, team memNations’ eleventh Sustainable Development bers across the five universities are scheduled to continGoal has a global focus to make cities and human ue co-producing the framing of the project, sharpening settlements more inclusive, safe, and sustainable.” the focus of the objectives and questions, and identifying potential partners and networks.

Features

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 10

In Memoriam: The Jagger Library

The recent Table Mountain fire destroyed the historic Jagger Library and some of its Special Collections. By Asemahle Ntoyakhe Staff Writer

Source: Rodger Bosch

n the 18th of March 2021, a devastating fire spread through the University of Cape Town’s (UCT’s) Upper Campus and the surrounding mountain area, damaging several structures in its wake. Historical landmarks such as the Rhodes Memorial restaurant and the Mostert’s Mill windmill were a few of the structures damaged in the fire. The event also resulted in the hospitalisation of five firefighters. Amongst all the losses, no calamity was - arguably - more significant than the gutting of UCT’s Jagger Reading Room Library. What was once described as a sanctuary, a home away from home and a safe space to many has suffered extensive damage. However, thanks to the salvaging efforts by students and staff, some original works were able to be recovered in the aftermath of the fire. “What was once described as a sanctuary, a home away from home and a safe space to many has suffered extensive damage.” The Jagger Reading Room Library, previously referred to as The JW Jagger Library, was named after John William Jagger. Jagger was an English-born businessman who served as the Minister of Railways during the height of Apartheid. He also served in the cabinet of former Prime Minister Jan Smuts. The building was constructed in the 1930s, and originally served as the Main Library on campus. Later on, it became the Short Loans Centre (SLC) from 2000 to 2011, before ultimately serving as the reading room for the African Studies Library. The building served as a centre point for the university’s Special Collections for many years. Stored from across the continent, the African Studies Special Collection consist-

ed of 70 000 published monographs. The university was also responsible for the safekeeping of a number of highly prestigious imprints from Europe and North America. Many of the materials within the special collections were of high significance, particularly in the fields of gender studies, media studies, and HIV/AIDS and represented the dedication of multiple generations of librarians and archivists, assisted by generous benefactors. The Jagger Reading Room also housed an important collection on Southern African languages, donated to the university in the 1950s, which included dictionaries, textbooks and religious texts. “Stored from across the continent, the African Studies Special Collection consisted of 70 000 published monographs. The university was also responsible for the safekeeping of a number of highly prestigious imprints from Europe and North America.” Nevertheless, damage to the structure provides an opportunity for the reimagining of the space. UCT’s stated approach,with respect to the restoration process, is to implement various methods to ensure that, in future, better protection and sustainability are guaranteed. “Many of the materials within the special collections were of high significance, particularly in the fields of gender studies, media studies and HIV/AIDS and represented the dedication of multiple generations of librarians and archivists, assisted by generous benefactors.”

Features

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 11

On to the next: UCT students return to campus after fire Although most students haved moved back into their residences and the academic programme has continued, some students are struggling to adjust to life after the fire. By Silulundi Coki VARSITY Contributor Source: University of Cape Town

“

I was asleep when the fire broke out on campus, I only became aware of it when my housemate posted it on her WhatsApp status.” Amalinda, a 23-year-old Masters student residing in postgraduate housing, was preparing to start her day as usual. News about the fire was already starting to circulate on social media. She put on her shoes, and was alerted to the smell of fire. Smoke filled the air and panic settled in after the “fire broke out opposite our home at the Rhodes recreational field.” Residence staff facilitated communication, requesting an immediate evacuation of the building for safety reasons. The fire had started in the early hours of Sunday, April 18th 2021, on the slopes of Table Mountain. It spread through dry, organic material and made its way towards the UCT Upper Campus. Several buildings at UCT have been damaged. In particular, the Jagger Library, the residences on Upper Campus (Fuller Hall and Smuts Hall), as well as Kopano residence on Lower Campus were all affected. Those who stayed in Fuller and Smuts were given temporary accommodation due to a high level of damage in their residences. The majority of students have since returned to their residences after the fire. The academic programme was temporarily postponed, but tests and assignments resumed on Monday, April 26. Despite continuing with the programme, several students have expressed their inability to focus, catch up on missed work, and adjust to the ‘new normal’. Sympathy related to the fire has been left behind, leaving students to chase after deadlines.

fects: “My room smells like fire ever since I came back, it is triggering and brings flashbacks from that day,” says Prince - a second-year student residing in Kopano. He expressed his frustration and the trauma from worrying about his own safety, and the safety of his belongings. “‘My room smells like fire ever since I came back, it is triggering and brings flashbacks from that day’, says Prince, a second-year student from Pretoria residing in Kopano. He expressed his frustration and the trauma from worrying about his own safety and the safety of his belongings.” Prince only managed to grab his phone when he had to evacuate. However, he felt safer when he was assisted by different organisations with food and toiletries at Hiddingh Campus. Overall, many students reported they found it difficult to focus on their studies after the fire, especially when they have to work in their own rooms, given that access to campus is still limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Despite continuing with the programme, several students have expressed their inability to focus, catch up on missed work and adjust to the ‘new normal’…Some of them pointed out the unattended psychological effects of the fire with the provision of a helpline seen as insufficient.”

Historically, summer and autumn in the Western Some point out that the provision of a helpline has Cape are known to be fire seasons. The average tembeen insufficient to quell lingering psychological ef- perature in the area has doubled since 1960.

www.varsitynewspaper.co.za

Opinions

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 12

Bombing the defenceless 27 years after Apartheid South Africa, there should be no two opinions on the current atrocities being committed in Israel.

By Ilham Choonara Staff Writer

he world woke up this month to live footage of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) attacking Palestinians in their homes, beating women in the street, terrorizing children and bombing innocent civilians. People have taken to social media to spread the news and draw attention to Israel’s atrocities, stating that there is no place for controversy in the witnessing of this genocide. Recognizing human rights violations is not dependent on faith or ethnic background, neither is it anti-Semitic. “Recognizing human rights violations is not dependent on faith or ethnic background, neither is it anti-Semitic.” In Western media there have been a number of people, who perhaps mean well but have somewhat missed the mark, using superficial terms when addressing the situation in Palestine such as describing it as a simple ‘conflict’, ‘tension’, or ‘eviction’. This kind of language fails to recognize the reality of settler colonialism, systemic racism, land theft and occupation. The word ‘eviction’ does not recognize the presence of military forces with grenades in neighbourhoods, just as the word ‘conflict’ dismisses the reality of a clear oppressor and oppressed. The Sheikh Jarrah removals are not a new development. Stealing Palestinian homes is a further step in Israel’s proj-

Source: Reuters/Ammar Awad

ect of ethnic cleansing. Palestinians protest their right to their own land by gathering and singing in their streets and praying together. These peaceful protests are met with Israeli police forces who arrive fully armored, attacking the residents with tear gas and a chemically enhanced type of sewerage water. Israeli police forces have stormed Al-Aqsa mosque four times. On May 10th, Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli police, stormed the mosque and trapped worshippers inside, leaving them to suffocate on tear gas. Medics and journalists were restricted from entering. “The word ‘eviction’ does not recognize the presence of military forces with grenades in neighbourhoods, just as the word ‘conflict’ dismisses the reality of a clear oppressor and oppressed. ” On May 15th, more violence ensued as Israel bombed the building that housed media outlets including Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and many others. The road leading to Gaza’s only COVID-19 testing lab was destroyed, along with the Rosary Sisters Christian School in Gaza which was also bombed. In two weeks, 217 Palestinians have been left dead, 61 of whom were children. As university students and academics it is our duty to pay attention and actively protest this genocide. The Palestinian child holding a stone in front of

DISCLAIMER

a military tank has more courage than any of us. Silence, shying away and labelling the situation as ‘too complex’ is cowering in the face of injustice. I owe it to those kids to advocate for them as their families lose their lives stuck under slabs of rubble. Do not let their struggles be buried. South Africa is well aware of what is it like to live a criminalized existence and what an apartheid state looks like, by whichever definition one chooses. The unobscured truth is that there is no equal fight, in nature nor in cause. Palestinians have no army or military defending them. They have only the stones from the ground and makeshift fireworks with which to defend their lives. Palestinians on the ground have called for the world to recognize the power held by Israel. One day, we too will say of this racist state, “Never Again.” “As university students and academics it is our duty to pay attention and actively protest this genocide. The Palestinian child holding a stone in front of a military tank has more courage than any of us. Silence, shying away and labelling the situation as ‘too complex’ is cowering in the face of injustice.”

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

Opinions

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 13

Patent lift: the beginning of vaccine equity Lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccinations is the first step in ensuring that all countries are offered a fast rollout of the vaccine to curb the spread of the virus. By Sumona Bose VARSITY Contributor

ith US President Joe Biden’s recent approval to lift vaccine patents, there is a glimmer of hope in this stage of the pandemic. However, this has sparked debate on whether lifting patents will actually create vaccine equity or if it will lead to more gaps in production and distribution despite licensing waivers, especially in the global South. Vaccine patents are important tools that provide legal protection over intellectual property when it comes to medication and vaccine distributions. These patents incentivize manufacturers and innovators to cash in their recipes and exposing them can universalize their designations. India and South Africa have campaigned and petitioned to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to waive patents in order to al-

Source: James Thew

low bulk manufacturing of these life-saving vaccines in other parts of the world. The proposal was met with criticism from pharmaceutical companies and the Global North including countries like the UK and the European Union, their reason being that many resources were invested in research and development, and waiving patents would disrupt this process. Another objection to the waiving proposal is that there would be a significant decrease in revenue and innovation because of it. The dominant argument for the lifting of patents is that it would speed up vaccine production. India, being the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines

and in alliance with COVAX’s global initiative, was delayed by its own catastrophic second wave outbreak through March to present. This has further reiterated the need for vaccine patent waivers, to not only aid in export but to magnify efforts in production and distribution. To fight a global pandemic, there must be a global effort and by lifting patents this would be a step closer to achieving a more successful vaccination drive. “To fight a global pandemic, there must be a global effort and by lifting patents this would be a step closer to achieving a more successful vaccination drive.” The

Covid-19

crisis

DISCLAIMER

has exposed the larger socio-political gaps in our society, particularly in access and distribution. While Western countries have been accused of hoarding vaccination doses, a significant portion of the Global South awaits the first jab. This is gross inequality and must be addressed through active reform. In fact, one can argue that the Global North’s primary access to manufacturing and research has sidelined the global need of life-saving products and patents. Many activists and civil society organizations have welcomed the decision to lift the patent for faster production and distribution, which is the sole need of the hour. The WTO’s willingness to negotiate and waive

intellectual property is being considered to be a monumental turn towards making it the ‘people’s vaccine’. And that is why lifting patents can work to ensure vaccine equality. “While Western countries have been accused of hoarding vaccination doses, a significant portion of the Global South awaits the first jab.” The end to this pandemic may be far away, but we are aware of the current constraints in nation-to-nation leadership and manufacturing sources. The move to waive vaccine patents is significant and important in generating a more equal and sharing mode globally as we work towards ending this pandemic.

Opinions

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 14

The Jewish badge – a symbol of protest or antisemitism? The use of the notorious yellow star in Germany during Covid-19 protests displays the ways in which there is still racism embedded in Germany’s sociopolitical framework.

By Kiera Lander VARSITY Contributor

ovid-19

protesters in Germany have been likening the health restrictions to the human rights violations Jews experienced during the Holocaust. The restrictions include a curfew, travel restrictions, limits on physical contact, mandatory mask wearing and general social distancing. Those that are vaccinated enjoy freedom from the curfew and are able to increase their “contact activity”. Protestors have been using the Jewish badge with the word “ungeimpft”, meaning unvaccinated, in the place of “Jew” on the yellow star. Nazi Germany had many tactics in their attempts to dehumanise, humiliate and

Source: B. Roessler

exploit the Jewish population during the 1940s. One of these tactics included forcing Jews to wear the yellow star as means of identification, specifically to physically discriminate against them. Not only did the Jewish badge make it easy to deport Jews, but it is a symbol of a deep historical division and ignominy. Whatever the motive, rationale, or excuse; the use of the star is a blatant disrespect to the historic massacre of Jewish people. Covid-19 restrictions, whilst frustrating, promotes and protects the public good by preventing the spread of the virus. The Holocaust restricted the move-

ment of Jews with the aim to kill, and not protect. Covid restrictions are nowhere near the inhumane treatment that the Jews received from the Nazis, whose antisemitic goal was to obliterate the Jewish population. Therefore, any symbol that helped Nazis achieve their goals, such as the yellow star, can still be seen as antisemitic regardless of the time or context. “Whatever the motive, rationale, or excuse; the use of the star is a blatant disrespect to the historic massacre of Jewish people.” Ignorance of a history so damaging to the psyche of many Jews cannot be seen

DISCLAIMER

as a justifiable excuse for the stars’ use. The star is a historical symbol of the pain and oppression that Nazi Germany caused the Jewish community. The socio-political comment that the use of the star in these protests is making is that any restriction on movement is comparable to the oppression of the Jewish population. Antisemitic acts have also been steadily increasing since 2018, and the use of an oppressive symbol during the time of a world health crisis proves that racist ideology is still rooted within Germany’s socio-political institutional framework. Using the star to make political com-

mentary against the Covid-19 pandemic is not just historical ignorance, it is a decision to disregard the tragedy of one of the most horrifying events that has ever occurred. “...racist ideology is still rooted in Germany’s socio-political institutional framework.” The star is not just a yellow symbol, it is a physical reminder of how the Nazis exploited the Jews during the Holocaust. A protest against Covid-19 restrictions could occur without the use of the Jewish badge and make the same political statement without hurting others.

Opinions

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 15

VC Phakeng’s Antifragility In the VC’s recent commentary on the fires, references were made to Antifragility and how it should be adopted by students. Is this a justified stance? By Stefan Kirsten Staff Writer

wo days after the UCT fires, VC Mamokgethi Phakeng mentioned in an interview with VARSITY that “part of being a well-rounded graduate is being antifragile”. The remark was in response to a question about how soon academic activities would resume after the fires and fully implied that she expected students to adopt the attitude of antifragility to overcome adversity. Antifragility is a term coined by the author, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his book of the same name. Taleb argues that Antifragility is a specific ability different to similar concepts such as resilience or robustness. According to Taleb the resilient person overcomes adversity and stays the same, whereas the antifragile person overcomes adversity and gets better. Antifragility is thus the ability to not only survive difficult

circumstances, but to thrive on them. Some thought that the VC’s comments were insensitive, considering the ordeal that students had to go through due to the fires, whilst others praised her, saying that the only way forward was through Antifragility. To be clear, I totally support the idea of Antifragility and I think it is one of the few ways to make sense of this world and its hierarchy of victimhood. The way that the VC delivered the message, however, was a bit strange. The first reason is that she has never actually mentioned it before. Antifragility is a tenyear-old concept and not once during her

Chancellorship, spanning over COVID-19 and the GBV protests, has she been known to be a proponent of Antifragility. So why now suddenly? Looking at the tone of the VC’s emails, a case could even be made that she has been a proponent of fragility. Most of the time her statements offer a commiseration of how terribly tough the times are in which we find ourselves. “Antifragility is a ten-year-old concept and not once during her Chancellorship, spanning over COVID-19 and the GBV protests, has she been known to be a proponent of Antifragility.” Secondly, if she really thinks that Antifra-

DISCLAIMER

gility is so important, where does she expect it to come from? During the interview, the VC says that UCT “trains its graduates to be antifragile graduates” but is this true? In none of my engineering courses, for example, is antifragility officially part of the curriculum and I would be keen to hear if there really is a course that does. The message regarding Antifragility has not been consistent. It possibly explains why plenty of people were upset about the comment, considering that they might have been expecting the commiserating tone of previous statements. Therein also lies the problem. You cannot tell peo

Source: UCT News

-ple one thing most of the time, and then expect to receive the opposite kind of behavior in return. The question is, does VC Phakeng truly want graduates to be Antifragile or does she think that they are not capable of handling reality? I think VC Phakeng would agree Antifragility is undoubtedly a good strategy for self-development, but she would do well to make it clearer in her statements.

“Antifragility is undoubtedly a good strategy for selfdevelopment, and I think VC Phakeng would agree, but she would do well to make it clearer in her statements.”

Opinions

26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 16

The COVID-19 vaccine: yay or nay? Anti-vaxxers are back at it again as they protest against the Covid-19 vaccine, displaying their ignorance and lack of knowledge around the importance of vaccinations. By Josh Raynham Staff Writer

Source: CDC/Unsplash

n 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. It has been over a year now since the outbreak occurred and finally a vaccine has been engineered in order to stem the spread and allow for the herd to be immunized. At the beginning of April, South Africa began the nationwide task of immunizing the population with the newly acquired Johnson and Johnson variant of the vaccine. For a lot of people, this sprouted hopes of finally overcoming this pandemic and returning to a semi-state of normality. For others, however, the rollout of vaccines has been taken rather badly, with anti-vaxxers stating that the vaccine is dangerous and harmful to one’s health. For me, the movement to vaccinate as many people as possible, in order to create herd immunity, is vital. These claims made by the anti-vaxxer community portray qualities of ignorance and pure stubbornness.

argument, is the effects which the vaccine has on one’s health. People have seen short-term side effects within the first two days of getting a dose. This, however, does not mean that the vaccine is harmful; it means it is working. These symptoms are transient and not dangerous. Yes, you are getting a small dose of the Coronavirus, however, it is tiny. The dose is necessary so that your immune system can begin to create antigens, the bodyguards of your system, which help fight any future Covid-19 infections.

However, after careful analysis, it was found that while it is possible to develop VITT, there is only a 1 in a million chance of getting the clot, which also only appears in women aged 18-48. Whilst this is an unlikely occurrence, it is also important to consider that you are far more likely to develop a blood clot from Covid-19 than you are from the vaccine.

For me, the answer is easy. Get the vaccine and protect the people I love. Acquiring herd immunity within a country does not mean everyone has the vaccine but rather a majority receives it thus diminishing the “These claims made by the chances of a spread. Women who anti-vaxxer community portray are pregnant or people who are too qualities of ignorance and pure sick are advised not to get the vacstubbornness.” cine. They depend on the rest of us to help reduce the spread of the viStill, it is a new vaccine, which has rus. If this means having to endure a been developed considerably rapday or two of feeling a bit under the idly. Recently there had to be a halt weather, then I will happily do so. in the distribution of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine when eight “For me, the answer is easy. Get patients developed a rare blood clot the vaccine and protect the people The main fear, which anti-vaxxers known as VITT (Vaccine Induced I love.” have pinpointed as the root of their Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia).

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