25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
UCT plays its part in producing scathing review of global climate crisis Several UCT researchers worked on the newly-released IPCC report, which unequivocally blames states for failing to act in the face of the current climate crisis. By Asemahle Ntoyakhe & Daniel P. Rossmeisl Staff Writer & News Editor
O
n
Mo n day
Augus t the
9
2021, Sixth
Climatic Assessment Report authored by the Intergovernmental Pa n e l
on
Climate
Change (IP CC) was releas e d. With the mandate to provide an understanding of emerging patterns that form global climatic systems, as well as to map both natural and hu man - le d c l i mate change, this rep ort distinguishe d its elf from its predecessors by unequivocally charging state governments with failure to act appropriately (or in some cases at all) to an immediate and globally recognised
Source: Reuters
“ ...the IPCC also called out individual state actors for their failure to adhere to or realise agreed upon climate-change-abating measures and goals.”
crisis. Furthermore, and tellingly, the IPCC also called out individual state actors for their failure to adhere to or realise agreed upon climate-change-abating measures and goals. Whereas previously, the report has acknowledged some level of scientific debate surrounding the extent to which climate change possesses a threat, as well as to which changes in
climatic systems are a result of human activity, this time around there is no doubt; humans are responsible for severe climate change and that will have life-threatening consequences for universal ability to sustain human life. The report released evidence showing changes in a range of climate phenomena including heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones. It is alleged by a number of news agencies, including an article published in the Guardian on August 9th, that wildfires across North America and the Mediterranean as well as flooding in Germany earlier this year is likely a tangible consequence of issues
www.varsitynewspaper.co.za
highlighted by the IPCC. Some of the credit for this stronger line adopted by the IPCC may be ascribed to the increasingly diverse pool of researchers from developing countries employed in this report’s construction. The African Media Agency suggested on August 9th that at least 234 scientists from 66 countries were involved in the project. This includes a number of UCT researchers. Professor Harald Winkler and Dr Christopher Trisos who, both associated with the African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI), formed a cohort with 30 authors and nine review editors from around the world to form the core writing team.
NEWS
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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Afghanistan: A new Taliban government not only a possibility but almost a certainty The near-takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, and their attempts at reformation, have left Afghan citizens and international governments skeptical. By Daniel P. Rossmeisl News Editor Source: AP Photo / Zabi Karimi
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n August 15, 2021, Taliban forces entered the outskirts of the Afghani capital of Kabul. This marked the fall of the last bastion of the USA-backed, Afghani government led by President Ashraf Ghani. President Ghani himself fled into exile within hours, leaving civil society as well as other government officials and military leaders to make their own plans in the face of the Taliban advance. On August 17th, First Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, relying on Afghanistan’s alleged democratic constitution, announced that he was assuming power as the Acting President of Afghani government. Despite this claim, factions within the Taliban held a press conference that same day and have since engaged in negotiations with President Ghani and For-
mer-President Hamid Karzai. It appears that Mr Saleh has been largely ignored by prominent international and Taliban parties. For their part, Taliban have made a noticeable effort to distinguish their new position of leadership from that of their rule during the 1990s. The Taliban, roughly translated to “the students” or “the seekers”, were removed from power by military force in 2001 by coalition forces (primarily led by the USA in response to the 9/11 attacks), following their five-year rule of Afghanistan resulting from the preceding Afghan Civil War. As a result of the group’s association with a number of violent attacks, both within the country and abroad, as well as the particularly harsh enforcement of the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law, many international governments designate
the Taliban a terrorist organisation. However, perhaps in an appeal to the international community for recognition, the group is making a concerted effort to minimise violence, project stability, and portray themselves as the legitimate new government of Afghanistan. “For their part, the Taliban have made a noticeable effort to distinguish their new position of leadership from that of their rule during the 1990s. “
Concessions have included the declaration of an alleged “amnesty” for all previous state officials and members of the Afghan military who cooperate with the new government. In addition, the Guardian’s coverage showed the group claiming that they wish to form an “in-
clusive, Islamic government.” The group has even gone so far as to allow themselves to be interviewed by female journalists. This marks a departure from previous attitudes whereby the Taliban refused to recognise any (and at times made threats or even acted violently against) women working outside what the Taliban claimed was their “traditional role.” Nevertheless, many remain skeptical. “Concessions have included the declaration of an alleged ‘amnesty’ for all previous state officials and members of the Afghan military who cooperate with the new government. In addition, the Guardian’s coverage showed the group claiming that they wish to form an ‘inclusive, Islamic government.’”
NEWS Women, in particular, are frantically erasing any possible evidence of links to the USA for fear of repercussions. At the time of writing this article, thousands of Afghans have made their way to Kabul’s international airport in a desperate bid to leave the country. Although the situation remains fluid, reports
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4 already show that at least seven Afghans have died in and around the airport. Reports from the Economist and the Guardian indicate that Taliban forces have fired warning shots on the premises, while other news agencies report that remaining USA forces have also fired warning shots in an attempt at crowd
control. Elsewhere in the country, reports are emerging of Taliban violence against women and protesters – despite the assurances of Taliban spokespeople to the contrary. In the meantime, though claiming victory and expressing an attempt to rule, the Taliban has yet to practically
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fill the political vacuum left by President Ghani’s departure. “At the time of writing this article, thousands of Afghans have made their way to Kabul’s international airport in a desperate bid to leave the country.”
Pro-democracy protests rage on in Eswatini amidst rising death toll Pro-democracy protests still continue in Eswatini with an unwavering demand for immediate reform of the country’s current political system. By Ernst Calitz Staff Writer
K
Source: AFP
ing Mswati III, 53, is the last of Africa’s remaining absolute monarchs. However, pro-democracy protests calling for the king’s power to be curtailed have been going on for two months in the kingdom of Eswatini, starting in June of 2021.
that: “On the 24th of June, the government banned the delivery of petitions. That’s when the real protests started.” It was during these protests that violence erupted from both parties involved. Leading to the deaths of dozens of people, and hundreds being injured.
Cebelinhle Mbuyisa, a local journalist in Eswatini, told the Guardian on June 26 2021 that the initial protests started in response to the death of Thabani Nkomonye, who allegedly died at the hands of the police. Thabani was a 25-year-old law student at the University of Eswatini. “They delivered a list of demands, something like a petition. Calling for justice for Thabani among other things. The police fired rubber bullets and threw tear gas.” Lamented Mbuyisa.
Allegedly, businesses which are owned or linked to members of the royal family have been deliberately targeted “It’s state security in Mbanane and Manzini. officers killing people. The protesters erected roThe government is adblocks and set fire to denying everything, the aforementioned busithey’re denying liability, nesses and factories, acthey are denying being cording to Times. involved.”
Mr Mbuyisa further stated
The acting prime minister has claimed that the legitimate protests were “hijacked by criminal elements”. He further justified the deployment of the military, by stating that the authorities had to “protect critical national infrastruc-
ture” and to further enforce “coronavirus rules.” Mbuyisa commented on the response from authorities saying that: “I’ve been on the ground specifically, I’ve spoken to witnesses. It’s state security officers killing people. The government is denying everything, they’re denying liability, they are denying being involved.”
Thokozane Kunene, the secretary general of the ‘Communist Party of Swaziland’ commented on the authorities attempts to mask the rising death toll in the country to the Times of London. Stating that: “The military
is doing all it can to conceal evidence of its brutal murders.” As of July 8th, the Guardian stated that the authorities in Eswatini have promised a “national dialogue” to prevent further unrest after the death of dozens of people. This was greeted by skepticism from opposition leaders, who fear that more violence could break out if substantive reforms of the current political system do not occur. Mlungisi Makhanya, 43, a leading opposition figure, told The Times that protests would continue if no substantive change is seen. Stating that: “We have all grown up in poverty while the king and his family fly round the world in their jets and live in palaces. But we have reached a point of no return.”
NEWS
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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Western Cape taxi violence leads to ceasefire The multi-week dispute, which left many without a way to get to work, school or university, has finally called to a close in the Western Cape taxi hub. By Imaan Voterson News Editor
Source: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency(ANA)
A
severe dispute between two taxi associations – the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) – brought the end of many lives due to the violence that unfolded. Many businesses suffered and left commuters deserted, as well as jobless. CATA and CODETA had disagreed over the authority of the B97 route between Bellville and Paarl. According to News24, neither of the two associations affiliated taxis operated in Bellville, Wynberg, Mitchells Plain, or the Athlone public transport interchange. After weeks of violence and fear among those who rely on public transport as a means to get to work, a ceasefire was called. As of the first week of August, taxi operati-
ons have continued, according to Western Cape Transport Minister, Daylin Mitchell. “A week of relative calm and peaceful operations at the interchange and on routes, it was agreed that all CATA and CODETA affiliated associations would return to service and that operators will conduct their services with due regard to the rule of law and the safety of the public,” Mitchell said. The situation was well observed and the Department of Transport and Public Works are satisfied with the way the taxis are operating and following the agreement. Although taxis began operating as per usual during the first week of August, only a few loading lanes at the Bellville public transport interchange were reopened and the Paarl loading lanes remained closed.
Despite taxis operating again, many commuters have been left jobless and uneasy at the use of minibus taxis as a mode of transport due to the violence. “Despite taxis operating again, many commuters have been left jobless and uneasy at the use of minibus taxis as a mode of transport due to the violence.” “I am disappointed that the commuter must suffer at the hands of a few,” Mitchell said in a media briefing, according to News24. A commuter who was affected by the taxi wars states: “My boss was not very understanding of my circumstances and the taxi violence. He said that I should have found ano-
ther mode of transport to get to work. I never got paid the days I couldn’t go to work and it was difficult for me because I depended on that pay every day. To use the taxis again makes me feel very uneasy because of the violence and many lives were put in danger.” At the same time that the taxi violence occurred, the Western Cape was coming off its peak of the third wave, according to Western Cape health department head Dr Keith Cloete. Due to this unfortunate timing, there is a possibility that the taxi violence has resulted in a backlog of cases, as some commuters were unable to get to testing centres. “To use the taxis again makes me feel very uneasy because of the violence and many lives were put in danger.”
Editorial
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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And onward we go lectures and tutorials in the little time that remains in the 2021 academic calendar. However, the recent progress that has been made with regards to South Africa’s vaccine rollout efforts By Lerato Botha has seemed to be a confident step in the Editor-in-Chief direction of a potential return to a state of normalcy that had he second semester existed prior to the is upon us, and depandemic. spite the majority of our social and educaWith vaccine admintional experiences as istration now open to they relate to univer- citizens aged 18 and sity still being largely up, the enthusiasm in online, which has influ- South African youth enced an unmotivated to get the jab with the response to academics 18-34 year old populain much of UCT’s stu- tion has shown. We’ve dent body, an air of arrived at vaccine sites hope still remains as in our numbers, and we charge forward this has reignited citiinto the semester. zens’ hope towards an end to the virus that There may not be has plagued us for over much expectation for a year and a half. a return to in-person
T
There are less than three months of the academic year remaining, meaning that the end of what can only be seen as a tumultuous 2021 is nigh. Considering what we as a student body have come to experience over this past year, from debt crises to wildfires, and academic exclusion to academic postponement due to COVID-19 spikes, it is natural that anxiety surrounding what is yet to come in the latter part of the year, may be high.
However, despite this anxiety, I find it of utmost importance to remind our students that we have seen, and overcome, a lot of hardship over the last few months that we may never have imagined we would have to go through. With the reignited sense of hopefulness that has come with the vaccine, we can only ask for more positive outcomes to that effect, and continue to attempt to practice resilience as we inch closer to the year’s end.
“We’ve arrived at vaccine sites in our numbers, and this has reignited citizens’ hope towards an end to the virus that has plagued us for over a year and a half.”
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 Managing Editors - Julia Rowley & Micha Cerf News Editors - Daniel Daniel P. Rossmeisl & Imaan Voterson Features Editors - Amber Williams, Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure & Manoa Andriamihariosa Arts & Culture Editors - Nqabisa Faku & Simbarashe Mawerere Opinions Editors - Emma Sacco & Maria Ortelee Design Editors - 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
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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First recipient of Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship: Luhlanganiso Majebe, a custodian and advocate for gender equality Luhlanganiso Majebe speaks to Varsity News about the importance of being the first recipient of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship. By Ilham Choonara Source: UCT News
A
t Uyinene Mrwetyana’s funeral on September 7, 2019, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng addressed mourners to announce the inception of the UCT Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship for Women in the Faculty of Humanities. This year, the first recipient is Luhlanganiso Majebe. Luhlanganiso is a woman as Uyinene was. She is 19 years old and in her first year of study at UCT. Luhlanganiso is studying Politics and Sociology, with hopes of going into law. Around the time of Uyinene’s murder, she had just been elected head girl for her matric year at Springfield Convent. That week, she organised a demonstration at her school and held an educational assembly on gender-based violence. Luhlanganiso says that this was pivotal for stepping into her advocacy as it helped her determine that this is something she wants to do and helped her express that to other people. “‘I am passionate, assertive, and you can trust that I’ve got this.’” She applied for the scholarship because it seemed to align so well with who she is and who she wants to become. “I’d love to be a human rights lawyer.
Staff writer
rican Human Rights Commission and said. one day, the UN Human Rights Commission,” Luhlanganiso told Varsity She further explained that by creNews. ating this scholarship, the university becomes a physical representation of “...by creating this scholarship, a moral figure when it comes to genthe university becomes a physical der-based violence, and they are held representation of a moral figure when accountable for this responsibility. The it comes to gender-based violence, future impact of such a scholarship is and they are held accountable for this that it allows for discourse and creates responsibility.” a foundation for advocacy within the university space. The scholarship requires that the recipient partake in two weeks of volLuhlanganiso has support from unteer work at an organisation that family and friends who remind her of works against gender-based violence. who she is, as well as her responsibiliTwo weeks during the course of one’s ties. As she firmly said in her interview undergraduate studies is the mini- before receiving the scholarship, “I mum, but Luhlanganiso implores the am passionate, assertive, and you can question – what happens after that? trust that I’ve got this.” Luhlanganiso is working with The Justice Desk, a human rights non-profThe scholarship is open to women it organisation, through the Uyinene who are registered as first years for Mrwetyana Foundation. She wants to an undergraduate degree in the Hube someone who can lead and set the manities faculty. This includes gender tone for what the scholarship standard non-conforming students. The scholis. As the very first recipient, she plans arship is awarded to one individual to help survivors of gender-based vio- who has shown leadership in social lence step into the scholarship. Anoth- justice and activism. er matter of urgency is the need for attention on student culture, particMore information about the scholarularly on the ways in which microag- ship can be found via Bursaries South gressions are propagated through this Africa: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/ space. universities/uct-uyinene-mrwetya-
na-scholarship-for-women-in-hu“When I tell you I think about this manities/ I would love to work in the South Af- every day, I really do,” Luhlanganiso
Features
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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Ex-SRC member accused of sexual assault gets escorted to police station after curfew Crowds gathered on UCT’s Lower Campus to escort an alleged sexual offender, who was a member of the SRC, to Mowbray police station on the 29th of June after curfew. By Ernst Calitz Staff writer
Source: Unslpashed / Michael Fortsch
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n June 29, Main Road and the Lower Campus of the University of Cape Town (UCT) filled up with approximately 200 students chanting and demanding justice. Their actions were motivated after an ex-member of the UCT Student Representative Council (SRC) was accused of sexual assault. The students braved the cold of the night and the dangers that come with breaking curfew to escort the alleged perpetrator from their residence to the Mowbray police station.
harm was to come to him from the crowd as people were becoming aggressive.
“When the group escorting the alleged perpetrator arrived at the Mowbray police station, he was moved towards the front of the crowd and shielded in front of the glass windows at the police station.”
“‘…when it’s somebody who is supposed to be our leader, and who should be looking after the students, and we find out that they hurt students, it hurts us greatly.’”
Other members of the SRC were also seen comforting and protecting the survivor during the entire ordeal, trying to ensure their safety and comfort after the trauma. Rose added: “There were a lot of people standing with the survivor to make sure that she was comforted and that her story would be heard.”
“I was tired, and a lot of other people were tired. Then One student boldly stated: “It’s not only her story, it’s my when you got there, you were filled up with this energy friends who I also know. It’s me, I’ve been affected by Genfrom all the other people,” recalls Rose Wesley*, a member der-Based-Violence (GBV); it’s literally every femme-body at the protest that night. person I know that has a story of GBV. So, when it’s somebody who is supposed to be our leader, and who should be Rose further recalls that the presence of a police van ar- looking after the students, and we find out that they hurt riving on the scene made a great deal of students uncom- students, it hurts us greatly. That’s why a lot of people were fortable. Adding further to the tense and suspenseful at- very involved in the protest.” mosphere of the night, she added that many of the people present were individuals involved in activism and that they “‘There were a lot of people standing with the survivor to were used to dealing with these kinds of circumstances. make sure that she was comforted and that her story would be heard.’” She commented on the behavior of the alleged offender, stating that during the night, they were seen “laughing When asked, many students added that the 2019 and talking to people in a very casual manner”. This was #AmINext GBV protests at UCT and around South Africa upsetting to not only her, but other members present that helped to pave the way for current students to take up acnight as well. tion against alleged perpetrators. They further added that current students are supposed to have a zero-tolerance apWhen the group escorting the alleged perpetrator ar- proach towards GBV and alleged perpetrators. rived at the Mowbray police station, he was moved towards the front of the crowd and shielded in front of the glass *Names were changed to ensure anonymity. windows at the police station. This was to ensure that no
Features
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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Journey to graduation: A rocky but rewarding road
Two soon-to-be-graduates tell their personal stories, offer advice and share words of encouragement to students facing similar struggles.
By Chante Sammering VARSITY contributor
T
he start of the second semester calls for some motivation and inspiration to finish the 2021 academic year off strong. Given the challenges we’ve faced over this year with the UCT Mountain Fire in April and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we should all be proud of ourselves and our peers for having made it thus far. The following stories are from two soon-to-be graduates who have overcome various financial, academic, and personal challenges to graduate from their studies and are shared in the hopes that they inspire and uplift those who need to hear them. “Dave* urges others to “accept that difficulty, struggle, and failure is a part of success”. Dave* had just started his degree in mechatronics in the department of engineering in 2019 when he lost both his caregivers. He soon fell into a depressive state and failed his coursework. He was at the brink of being academically excluded when he sought advice from academic staff members at UCT who made him aware of the effects his personal problems could have on his academics. The staff at UCT assisted him with reapplying at the Faculty of Humanities, and he is now passionately pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Environmental and Geographical Science (EGS) and Arabic. “…reaching out for help and taking time off was the best thing that she could have done for herself.” Another student, Kim*, is about to graduate with majors in Psychology, Sociology, and Media & Writing in the Faculty of Humanities. She is in her sixth year of study and describes her academic experience as a “rocky road”.
Source: UCT News
Kim* started off at the top of her class in high school but ended up failing her first semester at UCT. She retracted various majors until she found a cluster of majors which she was truly passionate about. In addition to figuring out the life she wants to live, as any other student, she had financial and mental health problems which affected her ability to excel academically. Kim* was constantly working at her part-time job to fill in the financial gaps and her personal problems took a toll on her mental health. A few months before writing her final exams in her final year Kim* was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with anxiety and failed her exams. Kim* forfeited her financial aid and became homeless soon after and was forced to take a leave of absence. “Given the challenges we’ve faced over this year with the UCT Mountain Fire in April and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we should all be proud of ourselves and our peers for having made it thus far.” Both Dave* and Kim* had to navigate their academic career with more difficulty than most have to deal with, but they have almost made it to the end of their journey. Dave* urges others to “accept that difficulty, struggle, and failure is a part of success”. Kim* is still going and is about to graduate from her sixth year of study and argues that reaching out for help and taking time off was the best thing that she could have done for herself. If they can do it, then so can you! *Names have been changed to protect anonymity.
Features
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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The history of differences in sexual development at the Olympics As the 2021 Olympics ends, the Olympic sex test remains in the public eye. The controversy of testing the sex of female athletes puts Caster Semenya, one of South Africa’s prominent athletic stars, at the centre of the debate.
By Thobile Mahlangu VARSITY contributor Source: Olympics.com
T
hroughout the years, Caster Semenya’s career has been defined by two things: winning races and defending her identity as a female athlete. After her triumphant victory at the Berlin World Championships in 2009, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Athletics Association, formerly known as the International Amateur Athletic Foundation (IAAF), instituted a hyperandrogenism test which set a limit of 10 nanomoles per litre for the amount of testosterone a woman could possess to remain eligible as a competing female athlete. Semenya, who naturally produces higher levels of testosterone, would be excluded from competing. Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women, but there are many ways that the human body can develop beyond “normal” hormone levels and chromosomal categories of XX and XY. People who have differences in their sexual development, or DSD, are intersex, and many people may reach sexual maturity without even being aware of their DSD. Semenya’s story is not the first. Women have been competing and garnering titles in the Olympics since 1900 but by
the 1960s, there was a growing scepticism around their success and whether they were men disguised as women. An early example is Eva Klobukowska, a Polish sprinter who won the bronze medal at the 1964 Olympics for the 100-meter sprint. Following her win, sex testing became mandatory for female athletes. Klobukowska was forced to undergo testing in a “nude parade” where female athletes were examined by a panel of doctors to confirm their sex. Klobukowska passed and was eligible to compete as a female at the 1966 Olympics. However, the next year, officials replaced physical exams with chromosomal testing, resulting in a retest. Klobukowska failed this new testing method and was deemed ineligible to compete. This method was later changed to testosterone testing in 2011.
“Women have been competing and garnering titles in the Olympics since 1900 but by the 1960s, there was a growing scepticism around their success and whether they were men disguised as women.”
Dutee Chand, an Indian sprinter who was put through this test in 2014, failed and was banned from competing as a female. Chand appealed this decision, stating that World Athletics’ claims linking higher testosterone levels to performance lacked scientific research. The Court of Arbitration for Sport acknowledged Chand’s appeal and lifted the ban, stating the need for evidence linking higher testosterone to increased performance in the contested fields. This decision granted athletes such as Chand and Semenya the opportunity to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Despite World Athletics’ claims that “such discrimination is necessary” for the integrity of female athletics, sex-testing is only administered on women who are deemed “suspicious”…” However, in 2018, World Athletics returned with evidence and a new testosterone limit of five nanomoles per litre. This new evidence stated that female athletes with high testosterone outperformed in
certain events. Despite the backlash and scrutiny from scientific communities and human rights organisations, the new testosterone limit was set solely for the women’s 400-metre, 800-metre and 1500-metre race. Unsurprisingly these were all the events Semenya usually partook in. Following this, in 2019, she lost her appeal, barring her from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. This ban would force athletes such as Semenya, 2016 silver medallist Francine Niyonsaba, and bronze medallist Margaret Wambui, to undergo hormonal therapy in order to compete. Inevitably, such action would have adverse implications on their health. Despite World Athletics’ claims that “such discrimination is necessary” for the integrity of female athletics, sex-testing is only administered on women who are deemed “suspicious”, those who do not fit the physical stereotype of a female athlete, but this “coincidentally” excludes athletes from the Global South such as Chand and Semenya.
Arts & Culture
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
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Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow case: The forced evolution from cinema release to online streaming Page 10
Johansson’s lawsuit sparks controversy over pandemic income. By Sumona Bose VARSITY Contributor
T
he pandemic has shifted many industry paradigms, including that of film sales and distribution. While the megascope of the entertainment industry has adapted to screening their destined blockbusters on streaming sites, some films have stuck to their timely theatrical releases to follow the phased re-opening to normalcy. There have been sensational movie drops and original premiers from streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime that have made digital media and entertainment all the more accessible and remotely enjoyable in times of great grief and uncertainty. Many studios have extended their sales through on-demand streaming services, such as Disney+ and HBO Max. Some have collaborative agreements, like MGM studio’s deal with Amazon. Ultimately, this has broadened the horizon for target audiences, constituting novel avenues for big-budget films to reach audiences. However, with the blockbuster release of Scarlett Johansson’s long-anticipated solo project as the Black Widow, the movie drew criticism from the onset. Firstly, in recent years, Johansson’s growing discomfort over the sexualisation of Natasha Romanoff has fuelled multiple feminist discourse around the commercialisation of female bodies to garner sex appeal for the male gaze. Despite the criticism, this was only the beginning of Johansson’s grievances with mega-corporations.
Source: Marvel
Recently, Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney Studios for breach of contract related to her earnings. The unexpected release of Black Widow on Disney+ prompted Johansson to take the famous film studio to court as a last resort. Although streaming platforms have become crucial to reviving both media corporations and digital companies during the pandemic, Johansson’s bold step in suing Disney highlights how disagreeable methods of distribution can retain income disparity, especially ones that detour from contractual obligations. Actors rely on theatrical releases since they are guaranteed upfront payment, as well as an additional amount determined by box office earnings. As studios are focusing more on digital streaming for viewership, actors may experience large losses in income.
“As studios are focusing more on digital streaming for viewership, actors may experience large losses in income”
Johansson is not the only star who has opposed a studio regarding distribution. Previously, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Margot Robbie and Will Smith rallied to scramble up leftover deals with Warner Bros. after announcing their strategy to transition into online streaming. Even prominent directors like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve of the upcoming film Dune have expressed their disagreement with this new strategy. Warner Bros. managed to re-negotiate settlements with stars over creative adjustments, but there are still rumours of unhappy A-List stars over the precedent switch to digital streaming. Johansson’s character, Natasha Romanoff, has been in the hands of throttling sexism for years. The latest lawsuit over the movie release has eclipsed a legendary superheroine whose legacy ought to outshine the narrative the character has endured. It also highlights the multiplicity of talent displayed during the pandemic where economic success is in direct battle with accountability for its stars. Only time will tell how the situation will unfold, but we might have just witnessed a real-life superheroine in Scarlett Johansson, inspiring others to follow suit and demand their dues.
Arts & Culture
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4 | Page 11
An “age-old” dichotomy: Team Marvel or DC Comics? The Age of Superheroes transcends onto the big screen.
By Simbarashe Mawerere Arts and Culture Editor
“
People said the Age of Heroes would never come…” (Justice League, 2017) is a sentiment comic book fans shared amongst themselves in the past when their passion never made it to mainstream media or the limelight of film. The cultural shift began with Iron Man, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. The Incredible Hulk is still questionable despite other comic book adaptations into film and television media like Sam Raimi’s Spider-man trilogy. Today, the ubiquity of comic book culture is almost undeniable as the media begins to promote more and more content inspired by the inked pages of comic books. In modern-day mainstream culture, if you are under 30-years-old and have a decent coverage of the media that floods the internet (American-based television, music and film), then you have probably encountered an MCU movie, and that is no accident. Disney’s investments over many decades
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
helped Marvel to develop a long-standing film franchise that has penetrated the market and turned into one of the greatest cultural phenomena of the 2010s. With the pre-planned Infinity Saga franchise, Marvel managed to sway viewers of comic-bookadapted media towards their half of the dichotomy. Their long-standing rival, DC Comics, arrived at the scene a bit later, trying to insert their own poorly developed film franchise into the mix despite critical results. While Marvel took ten years to build up their characters, DC attempted to continue the age-old rivalry between the two by creating their own cinematic universe, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which lacked all the elements of a successful franchise: mainly investments in character and
story development. The DCEU falters in comparison to the love that the general audience has for MCU movies, but the tides have begun to shift, restoring a certain balance to the existing rivalry. With the recent DCEU releases like Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Shazam! and The Suicide Squad being critically acclaimed as well as grossing huge figures at the box office, the DCEU has managed to stay afloat in the race against Marvel. The Suicide Squad has strengthened the DCEU’s fanbase, being highly rated among critics for its very imaginative and compelling story. It does not fall short of genuine comedy and running gags to enjoy throughout the movie, with enough development from Peacemaker who was brilliantly portrayed by John Cena.
The remaining cast members also deliver in the performance of returning characters like Viola Davis and Margot Robbie as Waller and Harley Quinn respectively, and a new assortment of wacky superheroes portrayed by the likes of Idris Elba, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior and Sylvester Stallone who deliver very stunning first performances for the DCEU. Without revealing much of the film’s content, one can only recommend this movie to comic book fans and film watchers in general as a productive two hours filled with good laughs. Not to say that this might be a discussion of overstated importance, but the world of comicbook adapted media has changed how modern viewers regard the comic book culture. Regardless of how much DC and Marvel
duke it out for control of the market share and public opinion, the bottom line stands: as non-partisan profit-uninterested viewers, like me, will keep enjoying this newly developed enthusiasm for unnatural fictional beings who fight physical battles that reflect our moral and emotional struggles in real life. And as if not enough, this battle of the titans has given rise to the popularity of adapting content from comic books into the limelight of animated media with the likes of new unrelated content such as the recent Invincible and The Umbrella Academy television series. As the adage goes, a little competition never hurt anyone. In our case, it has provided us with an abundance of content to enjoy from a neutral standpoint.
Opinions
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
Page 12
“Transwomen are transwomen” and other things Adichie said How “The Danger of a Single Story” relates to cancel culture.
By Seth Meyer
T
he single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story…” quotes renowned author, and feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her, now famous, TED talk: The danger of a single story. This quote first came to my mind when Adichie’s name once again appeared on my radar, this time as the latest person to attract the ire of UCT’s Student Representative Council (SRC). The story was familiar. The UCT SRC demanded that the author’s lecture be cancelled due to a certain controversial remark Adichie had made in a previous interview.
Source: UCT News
UCT refused to do so. So, in response, the UCT SRC organised a boycott of the event, hosting an opposing lecture during that of Adichie and featuring an alternative speaker, Dr Anastacia Tomson. This pattern of actions and events has become widely recognised and broadly attributed to the concept of ‘cancel culture’, with various permutations of the same scenario playing out all throughout the human diaspora in a world that has grown increasingly more aware of its histories, peoples and experiences. The meanings and intent behind this “cancel culture” while, most times,
noble can also be misguided. This was the case with respect to Adichie. “When we insulate ourselves from criticism, skepticism, difference in ideas, the idea of justice that ‘cancel culture’ often seeks to secure, is already defeated.” Some readers may have, understandably, anticipated that this opinion will revolve around something like “the toxicity of cancel culture” or “is it justified to boycott Adichie because of what she said?” Those arguments and their counter-arguments have already been written by others
DISCLAIMER
or are playing out right now, possibly between students who attended Adichie’s and Tomson’s respective lectures in spite of one another. Instead, this opinion is concerned with stories and the sharing of stories. When Adichie said what she said, the lynchpin three words “transwomen are transwomen” at the centre of this particular story, she received both criticism and support in face of that criticism. She tapped into a deeply divisive issue and subsequently apologised, seeking to clarify her meaning. Those three words became the face of
the SRC’s boycott campaign against her. In consequence those three words also omit the entire context of who Adichie is and what she has done. This is not a sustainable way to promote a discourse of any kind, be it for or against. When we insulate ourselves from criticism, skepticism, difference in ideas, the idea of justice that “cancel culture” often seeks to secure, is already defeated. It is better that Adichie received a clapback from the trans community and sought to apologize and to clarify, rather than become a pariah.
“We would all do well to
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
25 August 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 4
Page 13
No vaccine, no entry? Vaccinerestricted access to restaurants and bars is not an option in South Africa. By Reabetswe Khutsoane
O
nFebruary 1, 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the following: “But I want to be clear. Nobody will be forced to take this vaccine. Nobody will be forbidden from travelling, from enrolling at school, or from taking part in any public activity if they have not been vaccinated.” Accepting the ultimate reservation of right of admission provided to restaurants and bars, should these businesses restrict entry to their establishments to non-vaccinated persons? The immediate responses are twofold: yes and no. The argument for turning down unvaccinated, would-be patrons can be simplified and given as follows. Establishments want to keep their staff
Source: CBS News
and customers safe, and reduce their risk of shutting down due to association with a case of Covid-19. Additionally, this requirement could increase the number of people choosing to get vaccinated, should they want to enter these establishments. However, the latter case begs the question: was this a choice the now-vaccinated patron made of their own free will, or a choice they were somewhat forced to make? A vaccine requirement to enter restaurants and bars has only been implemented in the USA and several countries and cities across Europe. Most of these have over 50% of their adults vaccinated, with the UK having over 80%. These vastly contrast to South Africa, now approaching
the 20% mark. Following setbacks in some of the earlier stages of the vaccine rollout and looking at the current rate of vaccinations, it is clear that South Africa will not reach the target of 40 million vaccinated adults by the end of 2021. If we maintain the current rate of vaccinations, it will take over a year to reach that target. This makes it impractical for establishments to be restricting access to their spaces for non-vaccinated persons. “ At the end of the day, I believe that people should be able to choose to get the vaccination of their own free will, not because they have to if they want to go out.” The joint efforts of the government and
the private sector have made vaccines available to most of the country, which allows for almost anyone who wants to get vaccinated to get their jabs. With everyone above the age of 18 being eligible to get the vaccine from the 1st of September, we can expect to see an increase in the rate at which people get vaccinated. Many people in this group are eager to get the vaccine if it means that life can return to normal as soon as possible, but we can’t ignore the number of people who choose to not get vaccinated. At the current rate of vaccinations, it would be unprofitable for restaurants and bars to restrict their access to vaccinated persons. Following the effects of the lockdowns, reducing their access to only 20%
of the population is a financial limitation that these establishments certainly do not need. Perhaps this is a conversation that can be brought back to the table in a few months’ time, if not a year from now. As for right now, restaurants, bars and the economy as a whole cannot afford to prohibit non-vaccinated persons from these establishments. At the end of the day, I believe that people should be able to choose to get the vaccination of their own free will, not because they have to if they want to go out. After all, as much as the vaccine reduces both chances of catching and transmitting covid, it does not guarantee either of these, so the risk of covid remains.
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