2020 Edition 2 by VARSITY

1 April 2020| Volume 79 | Edition 2

Online Learning at UCT to combat COVID-19 pandemic

Source: Brad Brinkley

Brad Brinkley UCT’s solution to learning in times of social isolation.

n the President’s speech on Sunday, 22 March, he declared that South Africa has been placed on lockdown from midnight, Thursday, 26 March until 16 April. Although UCT had already been on early vacation for a week by that point, it meant that management had to strengthen their commitment to online learning. Lectures, assignments, tests and all of the requisite learning material will be moved to Vula for students to access. Campus will not re-open for classes until the end of semester and students will continue with the academic term from home.

After the President’s speech, however, Phakeng stated that, “all academic activities, including research, will also cease.” This was in conjunction with her final order to vacate residences by 17:00 on Wednesday, 25 March. There are no longer any circumstances under which students are allowed to stay in the residences.

This is just one of the issues being addressed by the Teaching Online Task Team that has recently been created. They are collaborating with Universities South Africa (USAF) and service providers to eliminate data costs for specific UCT online resources to make them more accessible. They also intend to assess the readiness of all students through surveys so that they can provide the necessary services UCT’s Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and infrastructure where needed. provided bus services and cooperated with foreign embassies to expedite the evacuation. “A growing concern has arisen for underprivileged students who lack adequate Immediately, there was a question regarding the status of residences, as many students resources to learn at home.” . “There are no longer any circumstances under needed to stay for financial and logistical reawhich students are allowed to stay in the sons. However, according to Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng, these students were residences.” Lange outlined the key differences that “putting themselves, UCT staff and the wider would arise in online learning. Mainly, there community at risk.” will be no exam period at the end of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Lis Lange published semester, and it will be replaced by continuous a basic timeline for students to utilise in their assessment. All courses will now require duly “putting themselves, UCT staff and the wider preparations for term 2: performed (DP) credits which are earned upon submission of assignments. She also stated community at risk.” 20-24 April – Orientation week for all students that the courses that are taken online will not to get settled and comfortable with online have mark allocations and will only be graded as “PASS” or “FAIL.” Initially, the residences were going to be learning. 27 April Term two officially starts. closed to all except those who applied to Lange noted that online learning will not stay and could indicate their need to do so. This differs from her initial communication expect “the same workload” as face-to-face This was decided after much internal conflict in which she stated that the orientation period learning and that students can watch lectures within the SRC, after the President Akha Tutu would commence on the 4-9 of April and term whenever, allowing for a flexible schedule. instructed all residence students to vacate. two would begin on the 16th of April. Campus will be reopened for students whose The conflict arose when another newsletter It is important to note the initial courses have practical components after was sent out, two hours later, that stated a communication is no longer valid. lockdown ends. firm opposition by the party and retracted the earlier statement from Tutu. They reaffirmed A growing concern has arisen for that students who “have genuine reasons for underprivileged students who lack adequate not being able to move” were not required to resources to learn at home. vacate residences.

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E2| Page 2

NEWS

The Flickering Light of Education in Kenya amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Source: The Guardian Stefan Muriuki

Education is the movement from darkness to light, or so said Allan Bloom. But that light seemed to have turned into darkness for students as shutdowns all over the world take hold. n a precarious educational scenario in Kenya, the students, Isociety mostly in university, are worried about their future in a that values credentials more than the content of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to perform a job.

The anxiety is almost tangible, and uncertainty pervades the country, especially considering that 83% of the country is employed in the informal sector. It further puts the newly introduced curriculum in danger whose effectiveness is yet to be proven.

The university students in Kenya have been suffering through an already interrupted academic term due to protest action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal is to ensure that no child is left behind, indeed Strikes are held by students and lecturers over various no student is left gazing into the abyss of uncertainty.â&#x20AC;? topics, such as social justice. Furthermore, the quality of education in some of the higher institutions of learning is compromised and this prompted the government to review However, the situation is not all doom and gloom. Why? their licenses. This remains a tenuous situation. Because necessity is the mother of invention. Some schools have resorted to using digital classrooms. Nevertheless, not Increasingly, students feel that higher education in Kenya is all students are able to access online learning situations. short-changing them, thus putting their futures and lives in Thus, in response, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum jeopardy. Each year, thousands of students graduate from Development released a radio learning schedule for those the university, most of which have no prospects of finding students who cannot access platforms on the internet where jobs in the local economy. To their credit, many resort to all other learning is taking place. YouTube is an example of other ingenious ways of earning a living. But even so, the such a platform. situation is untenable and unsustainable. The radio education broadcast reaches out from the annals The primary and secondary levels have not escaped these of history into the present; it started airing in the 70s. Other sporadic issues. Amidst already pre-existing educational broadcasting entities have their educational programs vicissitudes, they now have to contend with a situation running. The glaring realities of having to educate 15 million that is not only psychologically tumultuous but is mortally primary and secondary school learners are yet to be fully threatening. This is across the board in all levels of education. seen as it has only been a few weeks since the president directed that all schools should be closed.

NEWS

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E2 | Page 3

Looking Back on September 2019: The Legacy of GBV Protests at UCT

Source: SaveUighur.org

Gabriel Viera

After the wake of protests against gender-based violence that rocked South Africa in 2019, UCT has put several measures in place to address the issue of sexual offences at the institution.

ast year (2019) saw widespread protests by UCT students against both the governance of the University of Cape Town and the Government and society of South Africa as a whole. This was due to incredibly high rates of gender-based violence in the country and the university space. These protests crystallised in the wake of a spate of particularly well-publicised and horrific cases of gender-based violence around September, 2019. The protests were set off especially after the brutal rape and murder of UCT first-year student Uyinene Mrwetyana. Her death became a rallying point for the protesters. In the wake of these protests many potential changes were put forth with the aim of aiding in the fight against gender-based violence. “At UCT a number of resolutions were made at the time as a result of negotiations between UCT and student leaders in this vein.”

Among these were plans to set up an ad-hoc tribunal for GBV cases in the hopes of expediting cases involving sexual offences as well as overhauling a backlog of such cases. Additionally, there has also been an establishment of a scholarship in Uyinene’s name for female students within the Humanities faculty. “It was recently announced via the DeputyVice Chancellor for Transformation, Loretta Feris’s desk that the ad-hoc tribunal has been in effect and has made considerable progress in addressing backlogged cases.” The Office of Inclusivity and Change have also started offering a number of training initiatives aimed at sensitising both staff and students to issues of gender-based violence and sexual offences. At the time of writing this, Varsity News has not been able to find any information on the state of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship.

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E2 | Page 4

EDITORIAL

The Collective

A Time for Reflection in Light of Change

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tiyani Rikhotso editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY EDITOR Gabriel Vieira editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Tatenda Chibisa managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za COPY EDITOR Brad Brinkley copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE EDITOR Kelsey Maggott online@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Micayla Manthe creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS EDITOR Vacancy news@varsitynewspaper.co.za FEATURES EDITOR Natasha Nkutu features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Gabriel Viera

t is obvious to all and sundry that these are unprecedented times. We have all, around the world, found ourselves in the midst of changes of a nature and scale that have no parallel in most memories. These changes have arisen in an effort on par with a challenge of an equally novel nature. As young people, we will be the ones who feel the effect of the changes most acutely, both the ones that are transient extreme measures and the ones that endure after the immediate threat has passed. Challenging and unsettling as change may be, though, it affords us an opportunity to re-evaluate what is really important and what really needs to be protected. The looming threat of the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of how important social responsibility can be which perhaps runs counter to the individualist trends that tend to prevail in the current culture. It shows us that no man is an island (ironically by increasing the distance between us) and responsibility for the health and welfare of the community is, and should be, should be shared among all of its constituents.

In the midst of a lockdown and severe social distancing, the importance of our loved ones and the degree of comfort that they bring to us is starkly apparent.

OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Rowley opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

The importance of the connections you cherish as compared to the many minutiae that we are often caught up in is clear.

SPORTS EDITOR James Braham sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Seth Meyer onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za

In light of this it is advisable to take stock of the people in your life, perhaps mend bridges if they are there to mended, perhaps shoot that shot you have been nervous about for the longest while. Above all, this panic in particular, reminds us that it is a blessing to have our health. Take this as a reminder to take advantage of it, maintain it, and enjoy it. Try to do some exercising (hard as that is in quarantine), perhaps yoga, or Zumba, just get the blood pumping and use your body. Noursih those other parts of yourself that are also required to be fully healthy.

ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Hannah Van Teylingen onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Laylaa Edross onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR Temwani Nyama onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE LIFESTYLE AND SPORT EDITOR Rukaya Mosavel onlinesport@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Nourish your artistic abilities, dive into some area that interests you, get in touch with whatever spiritual touchstone you prefer, maybe even take care of a plant. Remember, above all, that Life is for Living. Do it to the best of your ability and try to block out the noise and get back to basics every once in a while. From the Varsity Collective we wish you all good health and we firmly believe that we will all get through this!

STAFF WRITERS Sara Lagardien Abdullah William Barron Lerato Botha Nelisa Khwela Stefan Kirsten Bathandwa Magqaza Ntsako Mlambo Asenathi Ntamo COLUMNIST Sebastian Morronell columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.za CARTOONIST Xolile Machakela MCHXOL003@myuct.ac.za SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Salma Noor Mahomed socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENTS Kendal Davids Zintle Mfaku IMAGES EDITOR Yaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;eesh Collins imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY IMAGES EDITOR Phelisa Kosi imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za FINANCE MANAGER Niitembu Augustinus finance@varsitynespaper.co.za

As annoying as they may get in 21 days together, in most cases it is easy to see how blessed you are to share that and for the ones missing their loved ones during this time, doubly so.

ADS MANAGER Ntsako Moavodi ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za HR MANAGER Siphesande Mfaku hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY HR MANAGER Vernita Caeser hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za MARKETING AND BRANDING MANAGER Nita Naidoo marketing@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Interested in joing the collective?

Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za for information on available positions and for our application form.

WEB EDITOR Sane Mhloma web@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Brad Brinkley Nelisa Khwela Motsi Mackeka Tiyani Rikhotso

DESIGN Micha Mae Cerf Reabetswe Khutsoane Ntsako Moavodi

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS Send your art, poetry and photographs to: creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za to be featured!

photographs and poem by Lala Emily

@mr_mahabeer

A teardrop of blood And a sky full of pain The thunder and lighting Cannot be contained The sound of a heart As loud as the rain Met by another To be driven insane The changes are different And strange to them both As far as death is They want it close But no one can alter The way that it goes Lash out in anger Who hurts the most? Screaming and crying With sadness inside Leaving destruction And flowers behind So out of control Yet still confined That’s what it’s like In a suicidal girl’s mind

Shaun Mahabeer The Enlightenment of Shaun Mahabeer 2019 Oil pastel on cardboard

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E1 | Page 6

FEATURES

The Pandemic Guide to Misinformation

source: PBS

The end of end-to-end encryption

source: iStock Jeremy Simpson

s the coronavirus, COVID19, spreads across the globe without bounds, we as South Africans have a hugely important role to play in the battle against this new virus. If we listen to our government and the health experts, we can win it quickly. This might be difficult, though, especially since we have so many conflicting sources of information – some of which aim to intentionally mislead us.

“We have the responsibility to think of the common good and make informed decisions.” What we need to know is how to avoid these. Thinking about information critically is paramount. Our views need to be informed by sources that can be verified by health experts and actual evidence. Despite the urge to make less rational decisions when confronted with uncertainty, we need to think carefully about the consequence of our actions and our beliefs. For example: we need to think about the consequences of ignoring the social distancing regulations because younger people tend to be less at risk. Those around us, both our loved ones and members of our community, could face an increased risk because of our decisions. We have the responsibility to think of the common good and make informed decisions. Perhaps most damaging are the outlandish conspiracy theories that this virus was genetically engineered by Chinese Laboratories or the Bill Gates Foundation.

Manoa Andriamiharisoa These twisted realities are to the truth as right is to left. Easily refuted by scientific literature on the origin of the SAR-CoV-2 virus, these conspiracy theories, if believed, pose a serious threat to the global response that is needed to lessen the effect of the virus. It undermines governments and their responses. Misinformation also brews panic. Many of our WhatsApp chats have been backlogged with long voice notes and messages about imminent food shortages, prompting over-crowded supermarkets – the perfect place for the virus to spread. Not only this, but quack cures to the virus have also started flooding group chats.

“In these trying times, we must remember to act responsibly.” Despite this inundation of misinformation, we can still find out the truth. A great source can be found in governments and news agencies from around the world. However, we need to be cautious. As we saw with Donald Trump’s inaccurate claim that Chloroquine has been authorized to treat COVID-19, sometimes politicians are not the most trustworthy sources on pandemics. Thus, if it is medical, check what WHO, NCID (National Institute for Communicable Diseases) and the Department of Health are saying. In these trying times, we must remember to act responsibly.

ave you ever noticed that conversations on platforms like WhatsApp are encrypted? End-to-end encryption secures the privacy of exchanges between users, restricting third parties from having access to these conversations. While Coronavirus makes headlines worldwide, the United States Congress threatens to end end-to-end encryption by passing the EARN IT bill. “It infringes on civil liberties like free speech and undermines our privacy.”

This new law would grant authorities access to personal messages that were previously limited to the discretion of users. Lawmakers argue that it is in the interest of better security since the government’s approved software can detect child and drug trafficking, sexual abuse and terrorism thus allowing authorities to be more proactive in stopping criminals. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) however emphasises the consequences of the bill on our confidentiality. It infringes on civil liberties like free speech and undermines our privacy. The EFF describes the bill as a way for authorities to spy on the public, arguing that the bill is not the solution that will keep children safe.

The EARN IT bill was first heard on the 12th of March and is now in the process of becoming official. It does not mention the word “encryption” but it does allude to the end of end-to-end encryption. To protect their privacy, current users of iMessage and WhatsApp could find themselves communicating through less mainstream messaging platforms. An online article even suggests using Blockchain to encrypt our messages. This method was actually used by a Chinese journalist, Sarah Zheng, to warn people about the outbreak of Coronavirus through a censored interview with a Wuhan doctor. “It does not mention the word ‘encryption’ but it does allude to the end of end-to-end encryption. The potential end of end-to-end encryption and the possible surveillance of personal messages by authorities seems to draw our reality closer and closer to that George Orwell’s Oceania - a society in which government has absolute control over citizens’ lives.

FEATURES MeToo: A Review of the Movement

@VarsityNews | 1 Arpil 2020 | V79 E1 | Page 7

Megan Pettie-Thomas The movement allowed many to speak out at the time, but when last did you see someone tweet #MeToo? Sexual assaults and rapes continue to be perpetrated, with a staggering 52,420 being reported in South Africa in 2018/19. It shows that a hashtag is not enough to sustain change and the majority of survivors, who do not have the platform to speak out, are Kelly’s relationships with underaged girls the ones who need this change the most. have been known of for over 20 years and the only legal action that he has faced has been civil “There isn’t enough being done” lawsuits in which these women have detailed the emotional pain they have experienced and Kelly The actions that are being taken do has settled these lawsuits with large pay-outs. promise hope, however one could argue that there isn’t enough being done to make So, if these well-known cases are not dealt systematic changes within our society. with or are brushed over then what is happening to the cases of other survivors? The MeToo movement clearly outlines their objectives as ones which expand global conversations, which these high-profile cases have encouraged, and to speak to the needs of a broader spectrum of survivors, which to a large extent it has not achieved. The news is promising however is it enough to say Me Too is achieving all of its goals? Weinstein is in prison for acts committed against 2 women, however, his actions spanned decades and allegations of sexual assault or harassment were made by 95 women and a further 15 women accused him of rape.

Source: Chappette

he MeToo movement has existed for numerous years, but in 2018 Hollywood provided the platform for it to develop into the internationally recognised movement we know today. When #MeToo was popularised, allegations were made against many prominent figures in Hollywood, the likes of the infamous Harvey Weinstein. This year, Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for criminal sexual acts in the first degree and third-degree rape, and R Kelly, the artist who has a history of accusations against him dating back to the 1990s, has been indicted and is expected to stand trial in numerous states this year.

“Is it enough to say MeToo is achieving all of its goals?”

“The main goal is for perpetrators to be held accountable” The main goal is for perpetrators to be held accountable in order to sustain long term change. But if 8 out of 9 sexual assaults and rapes in South Africa go unreported, and of the cases that are reported a shocking 92% do not result in a conviction, how can we say that the movement is achieving its goals? Source: ilesformula.com

Kwakhanya Max

Braids: More than a fashion statement.

n today’s society, braids are seen as nothing but a style choice, however, the history of braids tells a deeper story of heritage and necessity, braids are perceived as a fashion statement rather than an essential part of black culture, however it is important to look past the magazines and tabloids that deem braids as the “new, trendy” look. Beyond that lies an abundance of history that tells a different narrative about braids and black people. Black women especially. “Braids acted as culturally symbolic

portrayals of a woman’s place in society.”

Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia approximately 3500BC. As the years progressed it rapidly spread amongst different African regions. Over time, it crossed continents, carrying cultural importance with it. Braids acted as culturally symbolic portrayals of a woman’s place in society.

All over Africa, women wore braids as a form of identification. Women and children would sit together braiding each other’s hair, passing down an integral meme of their tribe from generation to generation. At that point in time, one could gather information about a woman’s age, marital status, wealth, religion, tribe and wealth all via the art form they carried on their heads. While many women today wear braids simply as a convenient style, the black women of then, understood the significance of the braids they wore. For those women it was not an accessory, instead it was a societal accessory they wore with pride and responsibility.

Black women all over the globe carried the hairstyle as a means of cultural perseveration. In the diaspora of African peoples, culture shifted and changed as populations settled in new lands; as a result, the meaning of braids changed too. European beauty standards tried to deem black hair forms (braids, afros, etc.) as grotesque, however, black women rebelled against this notion by wearing their braids as a sign of black power and freedom. In doing this, another layer of cultural significance was added to the relationship between braids and black women.

From 3500BC to the modern 21st century, braids have shifted in purpose but remain “Black women all over the globe culturally pivotal to black and African peoples carried the hairstyle as a means of globally. They act as a symbol of power, resilient black beauty and Africanacity. Braids are way cultural perseveration.” more than a mere hairstyle, they are a cultural As the dispersion of black people meme embedded in African identity. commenced, through slavery, colonization and “A symbol of power, resilient black globalization, braids as a hairstyle followed.

beauty and Africanity.”

• Attempting to maintain your normal routine, as far as possible, is a great method of avoiding compounding anxiety. This will help you to both keep active and busy, but also enable the future transition from lockdown to normal life to be smooth. • It is vital to avoid excessive consumption of social media negative news coverage. By choosing only certain websites, and certain times to access them, will prevent unnecessary obsession and anxiety that the content may cause.

COPING WITH ANXIETY DURING LOCKDOWN

• Try your best to create a clean space around you. A cluttered space can cause a sense of uneasiness and claustrophobia, and contribute to anxiety. Similarly, a messy space can prevent productivity and activity. • If your routine is disrupted, attempt to make a new routine. Making to-do lists and schedules can ease your anxiety by allowing for a sense of structure and routine. • Reach out to your friends and family - frequently and without guilt. Your loved ones and there to comfort you and provide you support, and you should not hesitate in contacting them. This can be done in person with those you live with or, if you can, with technology.

• Include a small form of exercise into your routine. It is vital that this step is adopted not out of guilt or obligation, but as a means of aiding your anxiety, and making yourself feel good. You do not need to exercise because of increased food consumption. This is a stressful time, and exercise should only be a tool to help you, not punish you. • Perform basic but helpful chores like making your bed and, If you have access to hot water, showering and changing your clothes everyday. This will help you to feel productive, and could initiate your daily routine on a positive note. • Take time to relax, stay calm and breathe. You are allowed to spend your day reading or watching television. In this period of time, you do not owe anyone your productivity. If you are feeling anxious, you are allowed to spend your time in a relaxed way. • Use this time to pick up old hobbies or passions. You can ease your anxiety by devoting your time something that you are good at and enjoy. This could range from drawing, practicing an instrument to knitting. • Do not fall into patterns of self-loathing. Your productivity, activity and consumption is not an indicator of your worth. If you are struggling right now, recognize the unstable time we are in, and reassess your expectations for yourself.

Illustrations by: Giacombo Bagnara (Instagram: @giacomobagnara_)

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E1 | Page 10

COLUMN

Trigger warning: Be bold. Read on. The politicization of trigger warnings in academia is a slap in the face of genuine Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and it is a cowardice that South Africa cannot afford. S

Source: Sunspots

Mikhail Manuel columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.za

ecturers who oppress debate, negate perspectives and dictate truth should be fired. In the previous edition I crested the hill on how cancel culture is destroying the ethos of our university. The debate continues on social media. For this edition, we must address a second demon birthed at the University of Cape Town - the politicization of trigger warnings. Trigger warnings, like cancel culture, create spaces where unpopular ideas will gradually disappear. It is the frog-in-tepid-water situation; seemingly harmless but incredibly dangerous. “Trigger warnings, like cancel culture, create spaces where unpopular ideas will gradually disappear.”

At UCT, there have been reports of trigger warnings being used by Art History and Gender Studies lecturers, especially around art depicting Gender Based Violence. This is good and commendable; an understandable use of trigger warnings. However, the tool is hugely open for abuse. “Trigger warnings cannot be used to guard students against racially insensitive material and ideas that differ with their own.” Colonial and Apartheid symbols that do not depict the popular opinion often rouse up anger amongst students. This ‘anger’ is often described as being ‘triggered’. When in debate on campus, the phrase ‘do not trigger me’ is often used to describe an emotional state. This is colloquially popular amongst students, but it must stop there. It cannot infiltrate our lectures.

Trigger warnings are used to aid people who suffer from PTSD. They are psychological triggers that might cause an extreme and unconscious reaction for people who have lived through traumatic experiences. Events that cause trauma are varied, for example: physical or sexual assault, combat, or natural disasters. A common coping strategy for people with “Emotional reactions from students claiming PTSD is to avoid triggering topics. In cases like traumatic pain from our colonial past that they these it is prudent for our lecturers to be cog- did not live through is a cowardice avoidance of nisant of the mental health challenges that difficult ideas.” many students face. However, it is incredibly difficult to discern what constitutes a ‘trigger’. It could be a unique smell, the sound of fire- Our lecturers must protect academic freedom works, or the name of your assailant, the list is above promoting popular ideas. Lecturers cannot pander to the emotional whims of the endless. student populace. Trigger warnings cannot be used to guard students against racially insen“At UCT, there have been reports of trigger sitive material and ideas that differ with their warnings being used by Art History and own. The Cecil John Rhodes statue was often a Gender Studies lecturers, especially around art trigger for many black-African students; its redepicting Gender Based Violence. This is good moval followed a slue of protests. But where is and commendable; an understandable use of the statue now? The university should change the statue’s position but to remove it entiretrigger warnings.”

ly from campus is to sterilise our intellectual space. Emotional reactions from students claiming traumatic pain from our colonial past that they did not live through is a cowardice avoidance of difficult ideas. PTSD cannot be claimed, and the statue’s removal is not in line with our university ethos. This is where trigger warnings become a dangerous tool at UCT. “Our lecturers cannot create intellectual safe spaces - it suppresses debate, is at odds with our university ethos, and is especially irresponsible given our racially divisive past and strained race relations at present.” Our lecturers cannot create intellectual safe spaces - it suppresses debate, is at odds with our university ethos, and is especially irresponsible given our racially divisive past and strained race relations at present. Lecturers must be bold and use the university space to engage the popular opinion and challenge students to debate difficult ideas so that we can further the development of our nation. Our university must hold lecturers accountable to protect and promote academic freedom in the face of popular ideas. The university must fire the individuals who use trigger warnings to oppress debate, negate perspectives and dictate truth.

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

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews 1 April 2020|V79 E1|Page 11

Source: Christopher Corneschi

Empty Shelves, Empty Hearts? Panic-buying cannot be our first response to Covid-19. Christopher Williamson

he Covid-19 outbreak has left many with feelings of great angst. This angst has seemingly led people to panic buy items such as canned foods, toilet paper and sanitisers. The image is almost post-apocalyptic: empty shelves, trolleys stacked up, and people all fighting to get the items which they seemingly “need” to stock up on. “People are not buying one product at a time. Their trolleys are stacked. We need to ask ourselves the question of who are these people that are creating this culture of stockpiling? Truthfully, one can only buy in bulk if you are in a position of privilege to do so. Many low/middle-income consumers are left with empty shelves. “ In South Africa, we have had a specific call from the government to not stockpile products as this influences the chain of demand. The supply and demand chain relies on consumers buying reasonably, and when people stockpile we find that stores are left without goods and suppliers are pressured to produce more. This results in higher prices for products, all due to the high demand. Yet, we find that this stockpiling phenomenon that has occurred in corona-affected countries such as Australia and the US has hit South Africa too. The question which we ask ourselves is whether or not we are doing the right thing by panic-buying? As I’ve stated before, people are not buying one product at a time. Their trolleys are stacked. We need to ask ourselves the question of who are these people that are creating this culture of stockpiling? Truthfully, one can only buy in bulk if you are in a position of privilege to do so.

Many low/middle-income consumers are left with empty shelves. Simply put, stockpiling creates more panic than is needed, unfairly distributes resources and shows the greed present in human nature. How does one leave another person without a necessity like toilet paper or sanitary products? The facts is, prevention doesn’t work unless all people commit to sanitisation and social distancing/self-quarantine. Stockpiling here becomes dangerous and leaves others not only without basic necessities but also at risk of contracting Covid-19. For instance, if one stockpiles a necessity such as soap or hand sanitiser, this essentially leads to someone else not having this product. If another person cannot have these products, this puts them at further risk of contracting Covid-19. Furthermore, this also increases your chances of contracting it too due to the rising numbers of people who would not have sufficient resources to prevent contracting it. “How does one leave another person without a necessity like toilet paper or sanitary products?” So, when you are stockpiling, think of those who are less fortunate and don’t have the funds to purchase as much as you do. The rule should be simple: don’t panic buy and prevent others from doing the same. Imagine standing in front of empty shelves with inflated prices and the panic that this would cause. Don’t become the reason for another’s panic - and don’t be the reason why another person should sit without.

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

@VarsityNews | 1 April 2020 | V79 E1 | Page 12

OPINIONS All About Greta:

On luminaries, letches, and the limits of the imagination Caitlin MacDonald

Source: Vice

Can Naming and Shaming End Rape Culture? Rape culture has persisted in our country for decades – is naming and shaming perpetrators the way to a safe and just society?

Emma Sacco

aming and shaming culture entails victims of rape and sexual assault publicly naming their perpetrators in order to seek justice. Naming and shaming was used exclusively throughout the #MeToo movement, and recently Sarah Belgarion used naming and shaming to expose Boss model Reyn Du Preez of groping her whilst she waited on tables at her place of work. We live in a society that has been experiencing rape culture for centuries. Our justice system has attempted to rectify this culture and has failed us, with sex offenders either not being charged at all or being released from prison only to commit the same crimes weeks later. “Perhaps naming and shaming is the only way to prove that enough is enough and that we are not afraid to expose those who continue to rape, sexually assault and harass the womxn and children in our country.” The recent murder of eightyear-old Tazne van Wyk emphasises this very problem, with her alleged murderer walking around as a free man despite having up to 11 previous convictions before being arrested for killing Tazne. Naming and shaming culture appears to be one of the new methods of seeking out justice, and while it is controversial, it gets results. After the naming and shaming of Reyn du Preez his contracts

with two modelling agencies were terminated, and he soon after issued a public apology on his Instagram story. Naming and shaming thus exposes and forces the perpetrator to own up to their actions and take public responsibility for their behaviour. It also forces the perpetrator to see how they have truly affected their victims. Perhaps naming and shaming is the only way to prove that enough is enough and that we are not afraid to expose those who continue to rape, sexually assault and harass the womxn and children in our country. However, there have been cases where naming and shaming has done more harm than good. One can be sued for defamation of character should they name and shame without ‘sufficient’ evidence to back up their claim. “Naming and shaming expose and force the perpetrator to own up to their actions and take public responsibility for their behaviour.”

swallowing, global crisis may at first appear to be happening in another world altogether. In fact, the more monstrous the crisis, the less one person can observe or comprehend it in its entirety. In the climate crisis’s magnitude, in its crawl ever forward, gradual in comparison to the bustle of quotidian human existence, it forever becomes tomorrow’s problem, even as the seams of the world come undone. Natural disasters, poisoned water sources, crumbling ecosystems and burning forests are all evidence of this. “Thunberg has been met simultaneously with great hostility - in violent rejection of a frightening truth - and with adulation” Unfortunately, our understanding of the climate crisis is formed in fear, in the desperate need for comfort, and shaped by media largely invested in the protection of business interests and guarding the status quo. The vast and complicated truth is separated, condensed, or denied altogether. Stuck fast in this web of projections is the teenage activist Greta Thunberg, whose initial school strike for the climate has reverberated around the world, manifesting in the Fridays for Future movement and propelling her into the conference halls of the powerful. Thunberg has been met simultaneously with great hostility - in violent rejection of a frightening truth - and with adulation. By some, she is misread as an ecological messiah, single-handedly changing the world.

As she ages, these representations evolve from fierce head-patting and disgruntled variations of “children must be seen and not heard” to gendered tropes of the Madonna/Whore. In one particularly vile example of the latter, a Canadian oil company released promotional cartoon stickers depicting Thunberg being sexually assaulted. This is emblematic of how the voices of dissenting women and girls are policed - isolated from the chorus to which they belong and debased through the objectification of their bodies. As she ages, these representations evolve from fierce head-patting and disgruntled variations of “children must be seen and not heard” to gendered tropes of the Madonna/Whore. Conversely, Thunberg’s effigy has been churned through the market machine and is used to sell T-shirts and promote events. This has led to Thunberg trademarking her own name and the movements and phrases linked to her. This exit from the market of commoditized images perhaps gestures towards the vital task of imagining climate activism beyond the heroic actions of an individual. The commodification of Thunberg’s image - to both valourise and demonise - is destructive, eclipses indigenous activists at the frontlines of the crisis and disempowers the movement. Both idolising and destroying Thunberg’s image whittles down the force of millions of voices to one lone cry, ignoring Thunberg’s own calls for expansive charge borne of all-encompassing transformation. Source: www.ft.com

With these leaving survivors to weigh up whether or not naming and shaming their abusers is worth the risk, we question whether there is anything truly effective that one can do to seek justice and compensation for their trauma. Naming and shaming seems to be the last resort in spreading awareness around the realities of rape culture and in ensuring that perpetrators know that we will not back down from the fight for justice.

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Source: Groundup

Hey YOU! Where is your Ubuntu?

Refugees come to our country in the pursuit of dreams but are left desolate and desperate. Brothers and sisters of our land continue to suffer, while we protect our economy. Ntsako Mlambo

n October 2018 in Cape Town, great numbers of refugees began to protest outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offices in St George’s Mall. Refugees asked the UNHCR to be removed from South Africa and placed in third-party countries. The protesting refugees were removed by the police, after which they took shelter in the Central Methodist Mission on Greenmarket Square. Unfortunately, the church could not cater to all of them and some began to live outside of the church. Since then the population of refugees has grown in great numbers and has resulted in hundreds of people living on the square. Currently, in 2020, the cries and pleas of the refugees have not been heard. Instead, the refugees were once again evicted by the police with instruction given by The City.

“Some mothers were even separated from their children.” The City’s statement said it could not “allow the situation to carry on unchecked, as it has had a major impact on surrounding businesses, including the traders on Greenmarket Square.” The refugees have now been moved outside the CBD. However, this is not solving the problems that the refugees are faced with. What will happen if they occupy another space and again their population grows in numbers? Will they be moved again, like they are objects? Will the police remove their belongings like they do not hold any worth? Will water cannons be put in place so the refuges ‘behave’ and do not resist?

The issue here is that these people are not safe in our country “Currently, in 2020, the cries and pleas of the refugees have not been heard.” because we fail to treat them correctly - we fail to treat them like humans. They have opted to leave South Africa instead of having to fear for their lives, but again we deny them the opportunity to do so. We have left The way the protesting refugees were removed, both in 2018 and them waiting for a long time, desolate and desperate. The UNHCR’s job 2020, was cruel and forceful. In 2018, the refugees that camped outside is to protect refugees and displaced communities but they have ignored the UNHCR offices to show resistance were removed by a reckless the refugees’ requests. Had the UNHCR not ignored the request of the operation carried out by the police. Police released water cannons, stun refugees back in 2018 then businessmen and traders on Greenmarket grenades and rubber bullets on the masses. Some mothers were even Square would not have been impacted. separated from their children. Then, in 2020, the refugees were kicked out of Greenmarket Square using trucks to remove people’s belongings; one of these trucks even had a crane. Water cannons were put in place in “The issue here is that these people are not safe in our country because we fail to treat them right - we fail to treat them like humans.” case of any resistance by the refugees. The way in which the refugees were dealt with becomes even more The lives of refugees are being made a spectacle because they can be heartless when we consider why they were protesting. They did not want easily moved. So I ask again: where is your Ubuntu? to live in our country anymore because of the immense xenophobic violence they are exposed to each day in South Africa. Additionally, they did not want to be sent back to their home countries either, as they had emigrated away from their countries not by choice but out of fear - fear of war and persecution.

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LIFESTYLE & SPORT

Tuning in to Home-Workouts Yoga: • Yoga with Adriene: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/ user/yogawithadriene • Amelia Pattenden: Instagram- @reduce_girl https://instagram.com/reduce_girl?igshid=1uf9c8apaawog High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bodyweight and Resistance Training: • The Body Coach TV: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/ user/thebodycoach1 (HIIT) Source: New York Times • Angoswede: Instagram: @angoswede https://instagram. com/angoswede?igshid=7ddozkxzqmdz (bodyweight and Shreya Dabideen resistance) t is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time in the world right now. • Natacha Oceane: Instagram- @natacha.oceane https://inAs South Africa begins its 21-day lockdown, the idea of staying at stagram.com/natacha.oceane?igshid=3s2hvtx22p65 (HIIT home may seem daunting to some – especially if you’re someone and bodyweight)

who enjoys keeping active and hitting that daily step count. However, instead of letting this time scare us, why not use it to our advantage? How many of us have used the excuse of not having enough time to exercise? Now there is time. It takes 21 days to build a new habit. Thus, if we have 21 days of lockdown, it is the perfect time to create a new habit! New habits become a lifestyle. Now is the time, we have no excuses. If you’re someone that already keeps active, this is the perfect time to switch up your workout and try something new! From yoga to high intensity interval training, from body weight workouts to Zumba; there are so many ways to keep active in the comfort of your home. Here are some effective health and fitness accounts to help guide you in this new habit-creating journey. From losing weight, building muscle or just keeping fit, these accounts will help you meet your goals.

Pilates: • Sarahs Day: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahsdayvideos Instagram: @sarahsday https://www.instagram.com/sarahs_day/ Zumba/Dance Workout: • STRONG by Zumba: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCQkaczRlyBjl3UKBH59W3XQ • POPSUGAR Fitness: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/ user/popsugartvfit

5 ways to naturally boost your immune system Tiyani Rikhotso

upporting our immune function is one of the important measures we should be taking (alongside practising social distancing and strict hygiene habits) as we try and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It can be very easy to give in to panic and helplessness during this time, but it is important to remember that we have the power to make decisions that can help preserve and protect our health. As we stay indoors for the sake of our health and the health of others, here are a few things you can do to feel your best and support your immune system: 1.) Take it easy – The burden stress places on our bodies is one of the fastest ways to bring the immune system out of balance. When we are under stress, our body switches into flight or fight mode and this shifts our bodies resources away from its immune functions. The most effective thing you can do is get to the root of your stress and manage your responsibilities, relationships, as well as the environments and content you’re exposed to. You can also turn to stress management tools such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga and a daily gratitude practice. 2.) Rest – Building on the importance of minimising stress, supporting your body through adequate amounts of rest is also a vital part of healthy immune

function. When you stay up late, you keep your adrenal cycle active which depresses your immune system. Give your body the rest it needs (6-8 hours) and build a supportive night routine that helps your body wind down and prepare for the healing and replenishment that takes place when we sleep. 3.) Nourish your body with healthy food – Focus on a balanced diet free of processed foods. It’s important to minimise foods that are highly refined, fried or high in sugar as these cause inflammation and trigger a negative immune response. Build your meals around fresh fruits and vegetables and ensure that you get enough protein, carbohydrates and fats. There’s no need to obsess over certain micronutrients or cut out major food groups. Just ensure that you are eating enough and that your plate mainly consists of natural and whole foods. 4.) Get moving – Whether it’s morning yoga, weight training or a cardio session; exercise is key to supporting your immune system as it gets your lymphatic system pumping, brings oxygen to your muscles and releases mood and energy boosting endorphins. Working out also supports your immune system as it improves your sleep and helps reduce inflammation and stress. However, it’s important not overwork your body as this will trigger its stress responses.

Source: freshfruitportal.com

5.) Supplements that support – Vitamin C is one of the supplements that people have been clearing off the shelves in search of ways to protect their health in the midst of this virus. As an essential vitamin, this powerful antioxidant isn’t produced by our bodies, thus we may need to turn to supplements for its immune-boosting benefits. If you can’t get your hands on the supplements then focus on incorporating vitamin c rich foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers and dark leafy greens. Other immune boosters are Echinacea, which is a herbal remedy effective in treating and preventing upper respiratory infections as well as probiotics, which help balance the intestinal flora in our guts and strengthen its ability to fight harmful bacteria. Yoghurt and fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi are easy alternatives to probiotic supplements.

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

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NBA Tests Positive

Source: Mario Tama/Getty

Players and staff of the NBA come face to face with the turbulent effects of COVID-19 James Braham

It is not the Center which is at fault; the arena took the necessary precautions which were he National basketball Association given to each team by the league, in terms of (NBA) and its players have had to dealing with the virus at that moment in time. have a hard look at themselves as the They positioned 120 hand-sanitizing stations global pandemic, known as Coronavirus around the arena, additionally buying stocks (COVID-19), continues to escalate and of disinfectant and new equipment – all in the players continue to test positive. hope of preventing a further outbreak. However, it is not so much the amount of sanitary There is much debate as to whether the product that was available but rather how teams of the NBA took the right precautions many people were still going to be interactin monitoring COVID-19. According to Senior ing with each other (especially the players). Vice President of the league, David Weiss, he had already cautioned the league at the end of January about the respiratory disease – “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and “In light of the global reach of the NBA and quarantine. We’re going to get through this.” frequent travel of teams and staff, we are closely monitoring the spread of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus both Hence, it is of little surprise that there is conin the United States and internationally”. troversy surrounding the week before the league was suspended on March 11th. There were 3 games in four days leading up to the “In light of the global reach of the NBA and suspension, the most notable is that of the frequent travel of teams and staff, we are Lakers versus the Brooklyn Nets. Between closely monitoring the spread of a respiratory the two teams, at least 8 athletes have been illness caused by a novel coronavirus both in diagnosed with COVID-19 since the fixture. As it stands, out of the 13 known cases that the United States and internationally.” have tested positive by players, the most notable is that of 10-time NBA All Star legend Thus, it is interesting that the league cur- – Kevin Durant. Promoting caution during rently finds themselves with 13 positive this uncertain period, Durant stated: “Evcases for their star athletes. According to eryone be careful, take care of yourself and the Los Angeles Times, the iconic Staples quarantine. We’re going to get through this”. Center is at the heart of the matter. Home of the LA Lakers, LA Clippers and LA Kings; A crucial proposal by a molecular diagnosStaples Center encountered an influx of tics company named Cepheid has been apevents that came in the form of basketball proved. They are based in California and have and ice-hockey games, music awards such been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Food as the Grammy’s, as well as the memorial and Drug Administration to run diagnostic of former LA Lakers Legend – Kobe Bryant. tests which determine if a person is infected with COVID-19. ‘Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2’ is

the name of the test, which is allocated a total testing time of just 45 minutes. The importance of this discovery could be monumental for COVID-19’s discourse as it is conducted on the spot and no samples are required to be sent to labs for further analysis. This platform of testing is capable of improving public health and saving lives by clarifying who are the infected at a much faster rate; formulating positive and effective actions for quarantine. This could be a game changer in determining how sporting codes will be run for the remainder of the season. Only time will tell. The launch of the ‘NBA Together’ campaign could further unification and clarification about the current circumstances. According to the NBA it is a “global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic”. Through digital techniques, it will allow communities to be able to communicate and connect with each other in terms of coping with the pandemic. It [NBA Together] is a “global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic.” The future of the NBA season is uncertain at this moment in time. The measures were supposedly in place, teams were warned; yet the league and the rest of the world find themselves in what can only be understood as a challenging period for humanity.