Varsity News Edition 7 by VARSITY

17 June 2020 | Volume 79 | Edition 7

The Expanding Sino-American Schism

Jeremy Simpson

Source: Politico

Disputes over the coronavirus and Hong Kong’s autonomy in the last few months have led to an even more hostile relationship between the United States and China

he already frigid diplomatic relations between the United States and China have become even more hostile over the last few months, driven by animosity over Hong Kong and the coronavirus. With more sanctions and a potential ban on Chinese graduate students, the Trump administration seems to be preparing to continue its two-year brawl with its chief international foe. “With more sanctions and potentially a ban on Chinese graduate students, the Trump administration seems to be preparing to continue its two-year brawl with its chief international foe.” A recent attempt by Beijing to consolidate power in the region not only inspired disgust from pro-democracy advocates, but also from the United States. The most recent in a long history of past manoeuvres, this attempt aims to put in place far-reaching security measures on Hong Kong. The Chinese Government’s actions have ostensibly catalysed the Trump administration’s decision to end its unique relationship with Hong Kong

– stripping away existing commercial treaties and an extradition treaty. During his announcement on Friday, 29th of May, Trump indicated further sanctions on China could be in the works. In recent years, Chinese encroachment on the autonomy of Hong Kong has become a major discussion point, both on the global stage, and in the region itself. Protestors took to the streets and sieged the Legislative Council Complex last year in response to the Fugitive Offenders Amendment Bill. This Bill, although eventually revoked by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, would allow the extradition to China, something that pro-democracy advocates felt undermined civil liberties. “In recent years, Chinese encroachment on the autonomy of Hong Kong has become a major discussion point both on the global stage and in the region itself.” The US has also found itself in a clash with Chinese authorities over the COVID-19 pandemic, for which President Trump has blamed China. He claims that their mismanagement of the outbreak in its initial stages are the reason why the

United States was caught off guard. Prominent US public health officials, like Dr Anthony Fauci, have indicated that there was “a lot of pushback [in the early months] about shutting things down” from the Trump administration. Furthermore, Mr. Trump has blamed the World Health Organisation (WHO) for not adequately identifying the risks of this disease in early January, a fact numerous experts and governments around the world dispute. Claiming that the WHO is “pro-China”, the Trump administration has also severed its support for the organisation. The US has also found itself in a clash with Chinese authorities over the COVID-19 pandemic, for which President Trump has blamed China”. With the threats of tariffs as well as the possibility that Chinese graduate students will have visas revoked, the new areas of contention between the US and China seem to be the Coronavirus and Hong Kong. This comes after two years of intense animosity between these two countries due to trade disputes, further widening the already evident schism.

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 2

NEWS

Brazil’s indigenous communities face destruction as COVID-19 spreads How COVID-19 is threatening the existence of indigenous communities

Source: Human Rights Watch

Manoa Andriamiharisoa

razil currently ranks second highest in the world in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases, but it is the country’s indigenous communities that are disproportionately affected by this pandemic. The number of deaths recorded by Brazil’s Indigenous People Articulation (APIB) suggest a 12.6% mortality rate relative to a national rate of 6.4%. Fatalities within the indigenous population are most frequent in Amazonas, a state located in the north-west of the country. These communities often do not have access to masks, gloves or hand-sanitiser and they cannot regularly wash their hands. The Brazilian government’s inability to take the adequate hygienic precautions, as well as the lack of infrastructures in these remote regions, render indigenous people even more vulnerable to the virus. On average, the distance between a village and the closest intensive care unit is around 315 kilometres. “Fatalities within the indigenous population are most frequent in Amazonas, a state located in the north-west of the country”. Although many hospitals are overcrowded and are unable to help everyone, there has recently been a relief of pressure on these medical facilities in cities like Manaus and Rio de Janeiro. In light of these challenges, indigenous communities have resolved to isolate themselves further into the surrounding forests and split into smaller groups to combat the virus and avoid extinction, a practice adopted during epidemics in the past.

“The pandemic has also shifted the focus away from illegal mining activities and logging in the area, threatening the homes of many people and species”. The pandemic has also shifted the focus away from illegal mining activities and logging in the area, threatening the homes of many people and species. According to Survival International, an organisation campaigning for the rights of indigenous people, the coronavirus has created an opening for these threats on Brazil’s natural heritage. Mining and logging activities have been on the rise, especially since the beginning of Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency in 2019. The indigenous communities have a strained relationship with the president because of his incentives to use their native land for these commercial purposes. “The Brazilian government no longer provides mortality rates, clearing the existing data from their official website”. Jair Bolsonaro’s response to COVID-19 has been heavily criticized by society and the media. Under his leadership, the Brazilian government no longer provides mortality rates, clearing the existing data from their official website. The new Minister of Health, Nelson Teich, has claimed that the protection of indigenous people is a priority. In mid-May, an emergency plan in favour of the isolation of indigenous people was passed by the Brazilian congress. The plan would provide them with food and water supplies, medical equipment and field hospitals. However, the decision still needs the approval of the Senate and the president to be beneficial for indigenous communities.

NEWS George Floyd’s murder inspires widespread protest

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7| Page 3

Collins Khosa and Police Brutality in Locked Down South Africa Alexandra man allegedly beaten to death while SANDF denies accountability.

Protests in the US are marked by both a highly militarised response and rapid reform.

William Barron

Source: AP

Caitlin MacDonald

ideo evidence of a white police officer kneeling on the neck of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, has ignited widespread protests and calls for radical justice reforms in the United States. “Floyd called for his mother and pleaded with police: “Please, I can’t breathe”. Floyd was arrested on Monday, May 25th, after allegedly buying a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit bill. A bystander video shows Derek Chauvin, an officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, handcuffing Floyd and pinning his neck to the ground with a knee for almost nine minutes. Floyd called for his mother and pleaded with police: “Please, I can’t breathe”. Despite this, Chauvin’s knee remained on his neck even as emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene. Chauvin now faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter and a bail of $1.25 million. Three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting Floyd’s murder. “Protesters argue that George Floyd’s death is emblematic of a deeply racist justice system, with some calling for the abolishment of the police altogether”. Black Lives Matter protests have erupted in the wake of Floyd’s death, beginning locally in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and rapidly growing into an international movement, reaching across borders and proliferating across social media. Protesters argue that George Floyd’s death is emblematic of a deeply racist justice system, with some calling for the abolishment of the police altogether. According to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, black men are nearly three times as likely to be killed by law enforcement than their white counterparts. While President Donald Trump condemned the officers involved in Floyd’s death as

“a terrible insult to police and policemen,” he has not joined the chorus of voices declaring that “Black Lives Matter”. The president has historically been a critic of the movement, saying in 2015, “I think they’re looking for trouble.” The US Government’s response to the unrest has been heavily militarised, with over 74 000 National Guard personnel deployed across 28 states; tens of thousands have been arrested. Police forces have been broadly criticised for the firing of projectiles and chemical agents at protesters, with protestors establishing a digital archive of video footage, entitled “George Floyd Protest - police brutality videos on Twitter”, to document instances of police violence. Many US cities have imposed curfews, pointing to the looting that accompanied the protests as justification, a move which has been read by many as an infringement of free speech, a constitutionally protected right. “Police forces have been broadly criticised for the firing of projectiles and chemical agents at protesters”. The protests have prompted a number of rapid reforms. A veto-proof majority of councillors in Minneapolis have vowed to dismantle the police proposing a “transformative new model of public safety”. An analysis of 911 calls made in the area revealed that the majority pertained to mental health services, fire services, and emergency medical services; prompting councillors to prioritise these social services and defund the department. Around the country local governments have readdressed their law enforcement budgets. A portion of the New York Police Department’s $6 billion budget – which eclipses the city’s combined budgets for health, homeless services, youth and community development, and small business services – has been redirected to social services.

he death of Collins Khosa in Alexandra on Friday, April 10, has prompted discussion of the nature of police brutality in South Africa, particularly during lockdown. “A SANDF board of inquiry found that officers could not be held accountable”. Khosa’s family alleges that he was assaulted by a group of SANDF soldiers at his home in Alexandra. Members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) are also alleged to have been present. Khosa was declared dead by responding emergency medics on the scene. A post-mortem found the cause of his death to be blunt force trauma to the head. According to a Khosa family letter of demand – addressed to President Ramaphosa, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the JMPD – a group including female SANDF soldiers, carrying sjamboks, accosted Khosa on Good Friday over a glass of alcohol in his yard. They accused him of breaking lockdown rules. He responded by saying that, even if it was his alcohol, it was within the rules to drink it on his own property. The soldiers reacted to this by choking him, throwing him against a concrete wall, and smacking him.

“A post-mortem found the cause of his death to be blunt force trauma to the head”. A SANDF internal board of inquiry found that soldiers and JMPD officers could not be held accountable for his death, as it claims his death was not related to the actions of the soldiers. The report relied on the evidence of present soldiers and police only, who claimed they left Khosa “con-

Source: Twitter @IAmMzilikazi

scious and healthy”. They claimed the confrontation was due to gender inequality and provocation by Khosa and his brotherin-law. The report says the officers slapped and pushed Khosa only to get him to comply with their orders, and that they left him slightly scratched. The family went to court against the defence forces over the matter. The Gauteng High Court ruled on the case on Friday, May 15, declaring that enforcement of the State of National Disaster had to recognise human rights. The court also ordered that all officers present at the assault of Khosa be suspended. On the same day, the defence department filed an affidavit to comply with the court’s orders. In that affidavit was the report of the SANDF internal board of inquiry into Khosa’s death. Four soldiers were placed on precautionary suspension for their involvement in Khosa’s death. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula, after voicing contradictory claims about whether the SANDF inquiry will be revisited, has handed over investigation of the incident to the military ombud. Khosa’s death is one among numerous claims of police brutality during lockdown. Between Thursday (March 26) and Tuesday (May 5) there were 379 cases against the police directly related to their lockdown activities, according to IPID statistics. These include 18 cases of deaths in police custody and a further 32 of deaths as a direct consequence of police action.

“Khosa’s death is one among numerous claims of police brutality during lockdown.” South Africa was one of 15 countries named by the UN human rights office for rights-violating lockdown policing.

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 4

EDITORIAL

The Collective EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tiyani Rikhotso editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Crying out for change

DEPUTY EDITOR Gabriel Vieira editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Vacant: Apply now! managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za SENIOR COPY EDITOR Brad Brinkley copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Savannah Costello juniorcopyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE EDITOR Kelsey Maggott online@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Micayla Manthe creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS EDITOR Jeremy Simpson DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR Caitlin Macdonald news@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Tiyani Rikhotso

t is not easy to gather words that express the pain, anger and fear that has been invoked through recent events. However, now more than ever, it is important to reflect on and face the ways white supremacy and privilege continue to cause black pain and death. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Dominique Fells and so many others have painfully shed light on the violence, discrimination and oppression that black people in America still face. The death of Collins Khoza was a troubling reminder that this violence and police brutality happens in our own country too while the murder of Tshegofatso Pule and her unborn child calls for radical change in this troubled nation that sees womxn and children violated and assaulted by men every day.

“The death of Collins Khoza was a troubling reminder that this violence and police brutality happens in our own country too”. Though facing this violence was traumatizing and weighed heavy on my heart, seeing how the world came together in a global cry against racial injustice gave me a sense of hope. Though we are going through a pandemic and there was the threat of harsh pushback from law enforcement, many took to the streets to protest for an end to police brutality and in solidarity with those affected by racism. In the midst of online activism and the important work people are doing on the ground, VARSITY is using its pages and social media platforms to highlight police brutality, racial injustice and call for authentic action that can help bring change.

“Seeing how the world came together in a global cry against racial injustice gave me a sense of hope”.

FEATURES EDITOR Natasha Nkutu DEPUTY FEATURES EDITOR Lee-Anne Jacobs features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

However, in addition to the powerful work being done on online to raise awareness and fight for justice, it is important to remember that activism can and must extend beyond the digital realm. Where possible, we should contribute by protesting, donating, supporting black businesses, talking about racism in our personal relationships and engaging educational resources that better equip us to be authentic and effective allies.

OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Rowley opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za SPORTS EDITOR James Braham DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR Sumitra Naidoo sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Seth Meyer onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za

“It is important to remember that activism can and must extend beyond the digital realm”. 2020 is a year that is forcing us to confront all that is wrong in our world. Though it is difficult and met with resistance along the way, rooting out the violence, injustice and discrimination in our communities is vital for creating change. As we reflect on the student protests of 1976, we are reminded that despite retaliation from those in power, the youth have always used their voices to call out injustice. The work young people are currently doing to challenge racism in their schools is a powerful symbol of this spirit of activism. I hope that, like generations that came before, they too can enact change within institutions and lead us through important social shifts.

ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Hannah Van Teylingen 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

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Salma Noor Mahomed socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENTS Kendal Davids Zintle Mfaku

“I hope that you find moments of rest and self-care as you carry out the important work we are being called to do during this time”.

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I hope that you find moments of rest and self-care as you carry out the important work we are being called to do during this time. These moments of ease are especially vital for those of us who carry the trauma of the violence being enacted against our own. In the words of Audrey Lorde, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare”.

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

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This Pandemic is bad. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it worse - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spread false information. Familiarise yourself with these common false beliefs and educate those around you. Always be critical of the information you send and receive. Stay Frosty -Your benevolent Editorial Team Infographic: Brad Brinkley

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 6

FEATURES

Africa Day 2020: A celebration of unity and history during strife This year’s Africa Day took on a new meaning in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Natasha Nkutu

frica Day 2020 found the continent during a very difficult time: a global pandemic. As of June 11th 2020, there are over 209,380 cases of COVID-19 on the continent. But in unity, there is strength. This year, Africa Day was celebrated with a two-hour benefit concert organised by MTV and hosted by Idris Elba to fundraise for the less fortunate during the pandemic. All the proceeds have gone to the World Food Development program and UNICEF. The concert was streamed on MTV Base Africa’s YouTube channel and broadcasted on MTV, BET Africa and Comedy Central.

Source: East Cape Africa

Watching this concert made me truly celebrate and appreciate Africa Day more than I had in the past. It wasn’t just a day where I received a UCT email with the Vice-chancellor’s remarks and moved on with my business. The different sounds that were performed were also highly enjoyable. I listened and danced to music from some of my favourite artists around the continent, and it was also an introduction to different artists and beats that I wasn’t familiar with before.

This concert had so many elements to it but the one that struck me the most was a question that was answered by many people: “When did you “This year, Africa Day was celebrated with a two-hour benefit realise that it was Africa’s time?” For some, it was when South Africa hostconcert organised by MTV and hosted by Idris Elba to fundraise ed the World Cup in 2010. Others realised it was Africa’s time when Liberia elected their first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2006. For for the less fortunate during the pandemic.” me, it was 2018 when Black Panther came out. I know everyone’s tired of hearing Wakanda forever but watching that movie and seeing African The concert featured some of Africa’s biggest artists like Angelique Ki- culture being embraced and celebrated in all of its power, glory, beauty djo, Davido, Sauti Sol, Nasty C, Sho Madjozi and many more as well as and swag made me burst with pride for my continent. celebrities, politicians and athletes from all over Africa as well as the diaspora. It showcased music from all over the continent with short home Africa Day is historically a celebration of the day the Africa Union was founded. Its origins began during the liberation and independence performances from various artists. movements that took place in Africa during the post-World War Two peBut the concert wasn’t all about music. It featured various African and riod, between 1945 and 1965. It all began when Ghana gained indepenblack celebrities from different parts of the world describing what Africa dence on March 6th 1957. Their independence inspired other countries and Africa day means to them. The concert also featured speeches and tostruggle for independence and placed Ghana at the centre of decolstatements from important African figures in history like Kwame Nkru- onisation. mah, Wangari Maathai, Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela. One year later, Ghana, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, conAlthough there has been an increase in representation within the indus- vened for the first conference of Independent African states on April try in recent years as well as activism for better industry standards, the 15th, 1958. The conference was attended by the few countries that had gained independence by that time: Ghana, Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia, Libchanges have been slow and minimal. ya, Morocco and Tunisia. The conference served as an assertion of Africa’s “It featured various African and black celebrities from different parts rejection of colonialism and imperialism and became the first pan-African conference, where different countries came together to fight for of the world describing what Africa and Africa day means to them. ” their freedom. The conference called for Africa Freedom Day on the 15th of April to mark the progress of liberation, determination and freedom The concert was a celebration of not only African voices, but also black from colonialism. voices from all over the world. While the music and overall aesthetic of the concert focused on Africa and African culture, the inclusion of other As more countries gained independence, there came the need for an black voices allows all of those that were birthed by this continent to organisation that would articulate the aspirations of African people and celebrate their ancestral heritage and see the best of Africa. Although their struggles. On May 25th, 1963, the Organisation of African Unity coronavirus has devastated all of us, it has pushed many into finding (OAU) was formed and later replaced by the African Union on May 25th new ways of connecting with each other. Using online platforms and 2001. Africa Freedom Day was then changed from April 15th to May streaming a home concert meant that people from all over the world 25th and became known as Africa Day. This year’s benefit concert truly were considered and actively included, making this year’s Africa Day cel- follows the meaning of Africa Day, with black voices coming together for the common goal of aiding our people during the pandemic. ebration a day that we really celebrated together as a global village.

FEATURES

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 7

Best series to binge watch this winter:

When They See Us

Lindela Malambe

How to Get Away with Murder

This relevant, multi-award winning limited series tells the story of the Central Park jogger case where five young black boys were wrongly convicted of the rape and assault of a white woman only to be exonerated Winter is here and what to watch and where to watch it is on in 2002 after spending more than a decade in prison. As the #BlackLivesMatter movement gains momentum, watch the show to educate yourNetflix and TV lovers’ minds! Here are three suggested TV seself on systematic racism and the injustices suffered by people of colour ries to binge-watch this winter: at the hands of law enforcement. You can find the series on Netflix

Money Heist

This Spanish drama follows a group of eight thieves – codenamed Tokyo, Moscow, Berlin, Nairobi, Rio, Denver, Helsinki and Oslo – led by a criminal mastermind called The Professor. They plan to pull-off the biggest heist in history by robbing the Royal Mint of Spain while not hurting anyone in the process or sharing personal information with each other. Tokyo narrates the story as they take hostages and prepare for a final showdown with the police. This Emmy Award winning series is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat this winter. You can watch all four parts of it on Netflix.

This award winning drama series follows the life of Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a criminal defence lawyer and professor, who takes five aspiring law students under her wing and changes their lives when they get involved in an anomalous murder. This show will send you on an emotional rollercoaster with an intriguing storyline enhanced by heartfelt characters. The series aired its last episode this year on Thursday, 14 May, and promises a stirring season finale. Be sure to have a box of tissues with you as you settle in under your blankets! You can binge watch the five seasons on Netflix as we wait for the final season to drop on the streaming platform.

Facebook Shops vs Amazon Amazon has a new rival as the latest online shopping platform takes off Source: Reuters

Emma Sacco

acebook has developed a new online shopping platform called Facebook Shops, where people can buy and sell various items easily online. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, many small businesses have been forced to close down and have lost a lot of their usual income because of this. Mark Zuckerberg and his team hope to help these small businesses make a regular income again with this easy and free online platform.

simply browsing through Instagram or Facebook you can have access to various advertisements for different products. Click on the advertisement and it’ll take you to the specific online shop where the item you wish to purchase is available. This new online shopping platform is similar to Amazon. However, while using Facebook Shops is completely free of charge for buyers and sellers, Amazon has a fee of $39,99 (R674,14) per month if you apply for the Professional Plan for your business. Amazon also takes a referral fee on each sale that you make, the price varying depending on which category your product falls under.

Facebook Shops allows users to create an online store and advertise their products on Facebook and Instagram for free. Once you’ve created your online store, Facebook Shops connects you with customers through these social media platforms, where you can easily contact potential buyers on Messenger, Instagram Direct Due to Facebook Shops being easily accessible and WhatsApp. and completely free to all users, Amazon may struggle to hold onto their current customer base. Facebook Shops offers a variety of differ“Facebook Shops allows users to create an ent features that work to help new sellers deonline store and advertise their products on sign their online store, set up a marketing stratFacebook and Instagram for free” egy and reach a target audience. Facebook Shops also makes online shopping for buyers even easier than before, as while

“...Amazon may struggle to hold onto their current customer base.”

While Amazon is well-known and trusted by many, Facebook Shops offers a new range of possibilities when it comes to online shopping. Facebook Shops also proves to be more accessible for developing countries with small businesses, as this platform is offered completely free of charge, meaning that anyone has access to it despite their financial situation. It is available to all countries, unlike Amazon, as anyone with a smartphone has access to Facebook and therefore Facebook Shops. It also reaches a multitude of different social media platforms, meaning that even if you don’t have an Instagram or Facebook account you can still use Facebook Shops to grow your business over WhatsApp.

“While Amazon is well-known and trusted by many, Facebook Shops offers a new range of possibilities when it comes to online shopping” Facebook Shops is the new affordable, easy, mobile way to do your online shopping. Amazon might be in for a shock as this new platform grows in popularity during the economic crisis of Covid-19.

#BLACKLIVESMATTER RESOURCES BOOKS

ARTICLES

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

When Feminism Is White Supremacy in Heels by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color blindness by Michelle Alexander

How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

by Barack Obama

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

George Floyd Could Have Been My Brother by Rita Omakha

How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

I’m Black. My Mom Is White. This Is The Talk We Had To Have About George Floyd’s Killing.

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

by Kimberly J. Miller

13th When They See Us I Am Not Your Negro Fruitvale Station The Hate You Give American Son The Central Park Five Dear White People

WATCH

The Death of George Floyd, in Context by Jelani Cobb

SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

This Instagram post by cnscs_ shares some local black-owned businesses and why, especially now, it’s important to support them financially and invest in black dreams.

COLUMN BLM in USA is not the same as BLM in SA

@VarsityNews |17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 10

Mikhail Manuel

irthed in reaction to police brutality in the USA, Black Lives Matter has found mainstream solidarity. Even solidarity from our own ANC-led National Government. This raised the ire of South Africans. How could the very same government who sanctioned police brutality stand against police brutality? It is the height of hypocrisy. Sound the alarm: Black Lives Matter is being abused for political gain in South Africa.Black lives matter. The cause behind the movement, in the USA and in SA, is entirely justified. Centuries of oppression against non-white people, non-heterosexual people, non-cisgender people, and women has left in it’s wake societies divided, desperate for justice, and with privilege entrenched in our everyday lives. Prejudice has defined so much of our history. Black Lives Matter is known for its fight against police brutality experienced by black people in the USA. But more broadly BLM stands against any form of prejudice and injustice. To this end, BLM fights the cause of black people, transgender people, women, queer people, and young people. It stands against racism, cisgender privilege, patriarchy, heteronormativity, and ageism. The BLM movement is reminding us that for centuries it has been a swear word to be black and we need to reach a point where black lives matter. But the movement is not the saving black knight for whom everyone has been hoping. Police reform is the core issue for BLM in the USA, but it is a drop in the ocean of the issues on which BLM touches in South Africa. Racism is real in our country. Apartheid and bad government entrenched it in so many areas of our society – policing, access, jobs, education, health care, housing, geography etc., and it is subtly present in so many of our small interactions between people. The BLM movement should lead us to introspectively consider our biases. However, we must do so with our ears pricked and our eyes peeled. Political vultures in South Africa are circling over our differences to exploit our strained relations for their own selfish political gain.

“Police reform is the core issue for BLM in the USA, but it is a drop in the ocean of the issues on which BLM touches in South Africa.” The binary optics of the BLM movement plays perfectly into South Africa’s race relations to encourage a deplorable hierarchy of black good, white bad; female good, male bad; transgender good, cisgender bad; queer good, heterosexual bad; and disable-bodied good, able-bodied bad. This hierarchy is an oppression from which we will struggle to break free because we have little to no control over any of these characteristics. The binary optics of the BLM movement links your prejudice to your demographics; subjecting our entire country to a lie that oppresses you and creates the perfect environment for the rise of fascism. Abusing the generations of black people fighting for freedom before it, the EFF will demonise white South Africans for its own power. While preaching ‘we fight the cause of poor black South Africans’, the ANC will subject the very same people to never having the hope of breaking the shackles of generational poverty. They will centralise the economy, create big government, take your pensions, nationalise land, and steal your hope for independence, freedom and any semblance of a prosperous livelihood. All the while stoking the flames in high schools and on university campuses, as young South Africans increasingly call for the demarcation of “safe spaces” free of racism, cisgender privilege, patriarchy, and heteronormativity.

“The binary optics of the BLM movement plays perfectly into South Africa’s race relations to encourage a deplorable hierarchy.” The call for ‘safe spaces’ in response to injustice and strained social relations is cowardly. How are we ever to address racism if the response is to back away into your secluded corner? How are we ever to understand, love, fight for, and protect each other if our response to injustice is to go off to a place restricted for people who look like you or subscribe to the same ideas as you. Paraphrasing the good words of George Orwell, ‘safe spaces’ will be the bubbling, boiling, brewing cauldron of Groupthink. It cannot be. We, the people fighting for collective action by all individuals against prejudice of any kind, cannot allow it. We must fight for the middle.

“The call for ‘safe spaces’ in response to injustice and strained social relations is cowardly.” South Africa’s political context means that all South Africans must be very worried that the ANC will stand in solidarity with the BLM movement when police brutality is our reality at their hand. When the EFF kneels in front of the US embassy, we must sound the alarm that political vultures are circling to exploit our differences. When students and high school learners call for ‘safe spaces’, we must instead gather with our differences for calm, rational discussion that eradicates injustice and fights for the middle. It is in light of all of this that BLM in our country is not the same as BLM in the USA.

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

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 11

OPINIONS

Why You Should Be Posting About Black Lives Matter on Social Media, Especially if You’re White civil discontent signals the need for a paradigm

Source: Svenzellner

Emma Sacco

outh Africa has been battling with systematic racism and police brutality for many years. On April 10th, Collins Khosa was killed by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). A similar incident took place on May 25th in America, where George Floyd was murdered by a police officer. In response to this horrific murder, all 50 states of America have engaged in protests and riots for the Black Lives Matter movement.

By using your platform, you will be able to inspire at least one other person to become an involved activist or ally. Even if it is just one - that’s still one more person fighting for the end of the systematic racism and oppression that exists in South Africa. That’s one more person willing to unlearn the mindsets and habits that perpetuate racism, willing to do the work to dismantle their own prejudices and willing to fight for a change in the system.

While there have not been any protests or riots in South Africa to de- “By using your platform, you might be able to inspire at least one other mand justice for Collins Khosa due to the Covid-19 lockdown, many person to become an involved activist or ally.” have taken to social media to spread awareness about the embedded racism that still exists within our political system, our law enforcement Spreading the news and information on the facts of what’s happening is and our society. important, but what is more vital is making space for black voices, black There has been a large amount of debate around whether or not post- stories and black experiences. As white people, it is imperative that our ing on social media is an effective method of protest, and whether or engagement in fighting for justice is founded on listening and learning not it’s actually doing anything to help the Black Lives Matter move- about the racism that we will never have to experience. In order to be an ment. However, the large majority, including myself, believe that it does. ally and an activist we need to hear these stories and these voices, and then use our white privilege to broadcast them to the rest of society. Black people have been fighting for change in our unjust and racist system for centuries, and they should not be fighting alone. As white peo- I realise that posting on social media is not going to cut it in terms of ple, we have a responsibility to educate other white people on the real- ending systematic oppression and racism. Signing petitions, taking ities of the racist system that benefits us so greatly, and this education part in protests and donating whatever money or time you have to this movement is the next step in actively engaging in the Black Lives Matter starts over social media. movement, but the starting point is on social media. ““As white people, we have a responsibility to educate other white people on the realities of the racist system that benefits us so greatly, and this If you have a platform that reaches people outside of your inner circle, use it. I know that I have learned so much and have been led to acknowleducation starts over social media.” edge my own part in systematic racism through the information and voices that have been shared over social media this past week. What you post on social media has the ability to reach people of different races, ages, genders and lifestyles. By posting information about Posting on social media about the Black Lives Matter movement is the the Black Lives Matter movement on your platform you are reaching a least that we, as white people, can do to increase awareness and make multitude of different people and educating them on the injustice that sure that black voices are heard. Social media activism is the starting we have been accepting in our society for far too long. Posting on social point in your journey of becoming an ally, and you should use it to inspire media is the fastest way to reach people and get them to engage with others to do the same. the painful realities of our society that need our attention.

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

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 12

Towards a Non-Punitive Society: Building the Case for Prison Abolition in South Africa CIVIL DISCONTENT SIGNALS THE NEED FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Source: Snopes

Chloe Kingdom

n the past two weeks, waves of peaceful protests and riots have broken out across all 50 states in the US in response to the murder of George Floyd, an African American man, by a white police officer in Minnesota. International solidarity with black liberation, and calls to defund the police and dismantle systemic racism, has been expressed around the world. In many countries, protests and riots have erupted over local cases of police violence against racial minorities and the state’s lack of accountability in these matters. In South Africa, the murder of six people by the South African National Defence Force during lockdown has elicited outcries over the state’s violent enforcement of restrictions in communities with high crime rates and dense populations. Combined with the outbreak of Coronavirus in prisons around the world, where a disproportionately high number of marginalised groups are incarcerated, common critiques of the criminal justice system are being revisited. Social justice activists advocate for sustained social transformation. The abolition of the prison-industrial-complex (the interests of government and industry in the rapid expansion of incarceration institutions for social, economic, and political gain) and the complete overhaul of the current justice system in favour of a more equitable one, are two key aspects of the social revolution that they lobby for. Edition 6 of Varsity News Opinions critiqued the rights violations of incarcerated South Africans during the pandemic. The historical incompetence of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) further prompts an investigation into the current failures of the judicial system for our vulnerable communities because they are at a higher risk of engaging in offending behaviours that leads to incarceration. The prevailing model of justice in our country favours retribution. This model locates the state as the site of transgression—the wronged party—as opposed to the victim who suffered the offence. Serving time as a form of reparation reduces direct interaction between the offender and the victim. The institutionalisation of justice and punishment decreases opportunities for community dialogue and reconciliation. Restorative justice, however, has proven results for its humanist approach to resolving offences. Restorative practices include victim-offender mediation (VOM), where the state organises mediation between the ‘plaintiff’ and the ‘offender,’ with professional mediators and supportive figures also present throughout the process.

Both parties are encouraged to acknowledge the ‘crime event’ and the plaintiff is given a special opportunity to describe the consequences of the offence for themself and for any other parties involved, including community stakeholders. Significantly, the plaintiff is given the opportunity to demand compensation and request for an apology and explanation of why the offence was committed. This restorative practice is implemented with success rates in Scandinavian countries. However, these countries’ racial demographics and social histories are radically different from those of South Africa. A direct comparison between the failures of our judicial system and the successes of theirs cannot produce productive critiques in this regard. Comparatively, the practice of law in South Africa contains an inherent racial and class bias. Black and coloured South Africans are disproportionately represented in the incarceration system in comparison to their white counterparts: According to Wits Journalism and the Wits University Department of Media Studies at the School of Language, Literature, and Media, there were 159 331 incarcerated South Africans by the end 2016. Of this total, 79.6% were black South Africans and 18% were coloured. To put these statistics into perspective, white people made up 1.6% of incarcerated citizens despite being 8.1% of the national population. The racial demographics of South Africa’s incarcerated population are skewed in favour of imprisoning the same percentage of black people, double the percentage of coloured people, and a smaller percentage of white people, relative to their respective national population percentages. This study is an incisive reflection of Apartheid’s colonialist legacy in South Africa, where black and coloured communities have been socially and economically disadvantaged, through egregious separatist land and development policies.

“the practice of law in South Africa contains an inherent racial and class bias.” Through these statistics, prison abolition can be viewed as a necessary social intervention. Notably, abolitionists disregard prison reform for being an unethical and ineffective solution because it seeks to maintain the structural oppression that perpetuates crime and punishment in society. The DCS stated in their May ‘Special Coronavirus Parole Dispensation

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@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 13

OPINIONS

include 3006 bed spaces, following five years’ worth of continuous upgrades to current facilities and newly-built infrastructure. These actions are at odds with their aim to “inculcate a restorative justice system.” It is time to critically review who it is that our systems of policing, justice and governance punish and who they privilege. These issues are a matter of life and death for our black and coloured communities in South Africa. Prison abolitionists argue that “imprisonment as a form of punishment is a contingency,” not a long-term solution. As it stands, we are working within a band-aid of a system that is attempting to address gaping social wounds.

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

“we are working within a band-aid of a system that is attempting to address gaping social wounds.”

Places of worship should be a no-go area The government’s decision to reopen places of worship under level three lockdown will only worsen South Africa’s Covid-19 numbers. Asenathi Ntamo

n the recent announcement of easing into level three of the national lockdown, President Ramaphosa made the decision to reopen all places of worship under level three. This means that religious buildings will not only be used for school lessons, quarantine, for screening and testing patients and to house gender-based violence victims, but will also be open for worship services. This is a decision which could increase the already worsening Covid-19 statistics in the country. While there may only be a maximum of 50 people in a place of worship and masks should be worn at all times, people who attend will be in greater danger and their chances of being exposed to the virus will be increased. The Free State should have been a good point of reference for the government when making this decision: the province recorded its first few cases in March because of a church gathering of 600 congregants. Even though there will be less than 50 people in a room at a time, if one person is infected, all the other congregants will be exposed to that individual. The fact that the symptoms are not always clear, and that carriers are sometimes asymptomatic, should also be a cause for concern for congregants and their religious leaders. The South African Council of Churches (SACC) left the responsibility to ensure rules are followed in the hands of local church leaders, saying that it’s up to them to give out punishment accordingly to non-complying churches, mosques, temples and synagogues.

Places of worship are often viewed as a place of leisure - as much as worshipping and praying can be therapeutic for one person, going to dinner dates and braais with friends can be seen as therapeutic for another. It would only be fair to say that if places of worship open, then restaurants might as well open too. Both are bound to create chaos because of the high numbers of people who will interact, socialize and (inevitably) break social distancing rules in these spaces. The church spaces can be used to put people in quarantine, but that’s as far as it should go. Religious leaders can make use of online resources to reach their congregation members until it is safe to officially open up for worshipping. Citizens’ health should be the first point of consideration and concern when decisions of this nature are made. “Places of worship are often viewed as a place of leisure - as much as worshipping and praying can be therapeutic for one person,going to dinner dates and braais with friends can be seen as therapeutic for another.”

During a televised address to the nation on May 26th, President Ramaphosa stated that faith-based organizations have “helped to keep our spirits up” and have “encouraged us to remain focused.” While this may be true in some instances, this still does not mean that individuals need to gather in public places to worship. People can keep their spirits up and remain focused by praying and worshipping from their homes, without putting themselves and their families at risk. “People can keep their spirits up and remain focused by praying and worshipping from their homes, without putting themselves and their families at risk. ” Source: Flickr

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 14

TikTok: The War between Wholesome Content and Unscrupulous Internet Trolls The social media app TikTok, which has risen in popularity amongst young people during the global coronavirus lockdown, has become a haven for both wholesome and malign online content.

Source: Sky News

Stefan Muriuki

Then there is the story of Charli, a sixteen-year-old girl whose rise to TikTok superstardom (over 60 million followers) has been underpinned by her love for dance, craving for societal change, and sheer luck, not to mention a pandemic that saw her gain more than 20 million followers after her #distancedance campaign. Her story came out in the Washington Post, where Charli teamed up with Mike DeWine, the Ohio Governor, Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble, and the ad agency Grey Group to mount a crusade to reach Gen Z. The only demand she had - that the enLike any other social media platform, TikTok can be a force for good or gagement would have a charitable element. And as such, Charli would bad, with positive and negative consequences. TikTok has led to the rise go to encourage her loyal fans to publish videos of themselves repeatof many stars, teenagers, and adults whose fame has been achieved by ing the dance under the banner of #distancedance. Consequently, more a collection of hashtags and an ability to dance. This renown has mostly than ten weeks later, the video had been viewed over 2oo million times, been cultivated by the company itself by favouring authentic and orig- giving birth to nearly 7 million other videos with more than 18 billion inal content, not to mention its incredible editing features to promote combined views. For each video produced, P&G donated a product to personal branding. Much of this content operates as a force of good. Feeding America and Matthew 25: Ministries. Some of the platform’s stars, as well as ordinary TikTokers, have been brave enough to share their experiences with sexual harassment via the app. For example, a TikTok video that went viral showcased a 20-year- “TikTok is a testament to the power of wholesome content, operating old Kaitlyn Murdoch, a Canadian College student, being harassed by a within murky waters that are the hermitage of unavoidable trolls and man during a night out with friends. In the video, a man can be heard countervailing forces. ” asking Kaitlyn if she would “share her warmth” with him and then asking her why she was not being responsive to the lecherous comments he was making. Murdoch told Buzzfeed that her initial reason to film the Unfortunately, the platform has also been used to propel hate, body uncomfortable event was to share what she had gone through and to shaming, and other vices in the name of free speech and self-expression. use it as proof of the sexual harassment she had to endure. After post- While Charli’s fame has brought her unprecedented opportunities and ing it on TikTok, young women came out strongly in support of her. allowed her to be a force for good, it has also subjected her to unscrupuMany of these young women had undergone sexual harassment, and lous trolls and mischievous characters out to body shame her and bring others, abuse. The ability to have a community of strangers who one can down her spirits (this is a greater societal battle that plays out in other become friends with, under a common banner of hope and support is social media platforms as well). always a plus for any social media platform. Stories like Charli’s and Kaitlyn’s are becoming increasingly common on TikTok. However, these stories strike at a balance that is ever so an attri“Like any other social media platform, TikTok can be a force for good bute to social media, but to life itself as well: where good must be met with evil. TikTok is a testament to the power of wholesome content, opor bad, with positive and negative consequences.” erating within murky waters that are the hermitage of unavoidable trolls and countervailing forces. ccording to estimates from Sensor Tower Intelligence, the social media app TikTok from ByteDance has been downloaded more than 2 billion times around the world, whether from the App Store or Google Play. In the first quarter of 2020, there were more than 315 million downloads. This growth has been in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing efforts and has built upon the mass appeal that it had amongst Gen Z before the international quarantine.

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@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 15

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

Colin Kaepernick is Fighting the Same Fight He Started 4 Years Ago: Racial Injustice and the Naivety of the NFL “When Civility Leads to death, Revolting is the Only Logical Reaction” James Braham

nce again, former NFL quarterback (QB) Colin Kaepernick (32) has voiced his opinion about racial injustice and police brutality in America. This comes as a direct response to the global outcry over the brutal death of George Floyd who was killed by police officers in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25th. During the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick, who played for the San Francisco 49ers at the time, knelt before games during the US national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’. He was joined in kneeling at times by former teammates such as Eli Harold, Eric Reid and many more from other teams in the league, such as Kenny Stills. It was an action taken in response to the racial injustice and brutality that African-Americans were experiencing at the hands of police officers. When asked why, Kaepernick responded with the following, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour”. What was the response to this form of silent protest by the most ‘powerful’ men in the league? Certain owners joined in at first, as did players and coaches. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stood in front of the cameras supporting the players who were actively kneeling during the anthem. But this support was brief as, after media attention settled down, he quickly resorted back to telling them to stand up.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour” The NFL and the President reacted precariously. US President, Donald Trump, was quoted at a rally in Alabama saying that players who knelt during the anthem are “sons of bitches” and should be fired. Additionally, in 2018 the NFL (under Commissioner Roger Goodell) and the team owners, approved a new policy which would require every player to stand for the anthem or be in the locker room when it played. However, this policy order, although approved, was never put into effect as the players association pushed back, eventually dismantling it.

“US President, Donald Trump, was quoted at a rally in Alabama saying that players who knelt during the anthem are “sons of bitches” and should be fired.” What were the consequences for Kaepernick? The QB was told by the 49ers that he would be released if he continued to ‘take a knee’. So, Kaepernick became a free agent for the 2017 season, no club would take him on due to the NFL’s stance on the matter. Teams such as the Seattle Seahawks were approached by Kaepernick with the possibility of signing that season, but they opted out. In 2018, the Seahawks once again contacted the QB, but they decided not to attend his workout session after he said that he would not disclose whether or not he would continue to kneel. Kaepernick sued the NFL organisation for collusion after alleging he was being blackballed, reaching a settlement of $10 million in 2019. He has not played in the league to this day since he was released by the 49ers – 4 years ago.

Source: FTW

“He has not played in the league to this day since he was released by the 49ers – 4 years ago.” On Monday, May 25th, a 46-year-old African-American male by the name of George Floyd was brutally murdered by a Minneapolis Police officer for allegedly using a fraudulent check. Police officer, Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes whilst he said he couldn’t breathe, has been charged with second-degree murder. As a result of the incident, protests have broken out across America and have shifted to other nations with the BlackLivesMatter campaign taking full force. Kaepernick has been recognized by many people for his protest actions in 2016; as they signify the ongoing systemic issues within the criminal justice system in America – which can be seen in the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmad Aubrey. On social media he has released a statement in response to the ongoing protests, “When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction”.

“Kaepernick has been recognized by many people for his protest actions in 2016; as they signify the ongoing systemic issues within the criminal justice system in America.” The NFL has shown some support for the recent protest. In a statement, the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodall, said, “The NFL family is greatly saddened by the tragic events across our country… We embrace that (as an influential organisation) responsibility and are committed to continuing the important work to address these systemic issues together with our players, clubs and partners.” However, many within the NFL have taken issue with the commissioner’s words. Since the league released their statement, players have called the organisation out through solidarity videos, taking to social media to asking the NFL to take a proper stance on the matter. Texans wide-receiver Kenny Stills, replying to the NFL statement, tweeted “Save the bullshit”. Pete Carroll, the Seahawks coach, has come out in support of Kaepernick, saying that Kaepernick is “a starter in this league” and that he thinks “there was a moment in time that a young man was captured.” “Colin Kaepernick has as much chance of playing quarterback again in

the NFL as a police officer would of being convicted of killing a black man” Brandon Marshall, a former University Nevada teammate who knelt in 2016 whilst at the Denver Broncos, has highlighted the work Kaepernick is doing by arranging legal assistance for protestors. He believes that people are caring about the conversation regarding race and systematic oppression of African -Americans in the NFL now more than ever. This is a conversation that was missing four years ago when Kaepernick first expressed his views by kneeling. It is fitting that The Undefeated published an article in 2017 stating, “Colin Kaepernick has as much chance of playing quarterback again in the NFL as a police officer would of being convicted of killing a black man.” Three years on since this statement, civil unrest ensues as the American police are once again in the spotlight for racialized police brutality.

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 | Page 16

COVID Conflicts: Sports in lockdown level 3

Image: SaRugby

Tiyani Rikhotso

outh Africa moved into lockdown level 3 on Monday, June 1st, and saw several shifts such as the full reopening of the retail sector, the return of grade 7 and 12 learners to school as well the resumption of church gatherings. Though these activities look different, as we still have to ensure that citizens are best protecting themselves from COVID-19, aspects of our daily life are slowly returning. Since level 3 has brought some relief for various sectors and industries, what does this mean for sport? In an address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa dampened the hope of many as he asserted that all sports and mass exercise venues will remain closed and sporting activities will still be prohibited during lockdown level 3.

“All sports and mass exercise venues will remain closed and sporting activities will still be prohibited during lockdown level 3.”

“To ensure that we maintain social distancing, certain high-risk economic activities will remain prohibited,” Ramaphosa emphasized – with sporting activities falling inside this category alongside the patronisation of restaurants, bars, accommodation, conferences and entertainment events. This decision received a lot of pushback from sporting federations and raised many questions; specifically surrounding non-contact sports where the risk of spreading the virus is low.

“This decision received a lot of pushback from sporting federations and raised many questions; specifically surrounding non-contact sports where the risk of spreading the virus is low.”

It was then announced by Minister of Cooperative and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, that non-contact professional sport will be allowed to resume under lockdown level 3 “behind closed doors.” This left it expected that rugby and soccer would remain suspended. However, Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa followed up in an address set to provide more clarity, sharing that the PSL and Super Rugby teams will be able to start non-contact training in lockdown level 3. He asserted that games would only be able to resume in level 1 and reiterated Dlamini-Zuma’s announcement sharing that recreational sports would not be included.

“PSL and Super Rugby teams will be able to start non-contact training in lockdown level 3.” This was good news for sports such as cricket, as the Proteas plan to host India in three T20s in a highly anticipated series in August. However, it is disappointing for other (recreational) non-contact sports as the low percentage of professional players and athletes means that the majority of their activity will still remain suspended. “Organised amateur sport is the lifeblood of the sporting Industry in South Africa,” shared Craig Ray in a Daily Maverick article that explores how level 3 regulations have edged SA sports federations to the brink. Recognising this, most federations including swimming, surfing, golf, gymnastics and tennis had been lobbying the government to consider their return for weeks. However, following the Sports Minister’s address (where they had assumed they would’ve been better accommodated for), nine federations banded together and issued a joint statement appealing to the government to reconsider the regulations. They added that the economic impact of restricting organised sport further should be considered.

“Organised amateur sport is the lifeblood of the sporting Industry in South Africa.” Combined, 72 000 jobs are generated through golf, swimming, gymnastics and tennis in South Africa – many of which are in the amateur areas of these sports. As sporting activities have been suspended since early March, the industry at large is facing great economic strain and many federations won’t be able to stay afloat much longer.

“Nine federations banded together and issued a joint statement appealing to the government to reconsider the regulations.” As the risk of spreading the infection is low and that there are many

COVID-19 compliant health and safety guidelines that can be enforced to further protect players; all non-contact sport should be able to resume under level 3. An announcement that welcomes various sporting body’s’ engagement with the government is anticipated during this week. Many are hopeful that non-professional non-contact sports will be able to resume as well.

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 |Page 17

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

Three essential skin care products you need this winter

Source: Healthline

Sumitra Naidoo

inter is rough on skin — from our hands that get those cuticle skin peels to winter lips which causes a lot of irritation. But your winter skin problems can be fixed with nourishing products that won’t be too harsh on your pockets.

1. Vaseline Aloe Fresh Vaseline has a huge range of products that are beneficial for winter; I would highly recommend the lip therapy Aloe Fresh for the mere fact that it is infused with aloe extract. During the winter months chapped lips are common, especially if you spend most of your day outside in the cold. The Aloe Vera promotes rapid recovery of skin abrasions and can double as a cuticle healer. Simply apply the Vaseline to your peeling cuticles before bed to soothe dryness. The original Vaseline jelly is a reliable alternative that will provide similar benefits. Vaseline Lip Therapy Aloe Fresh, available at Clicks R25.95.

2. Ingram’s Camphor Cream

Switching your relatively lightweight lotions to a thicker cream during winter is something which is commonly overlooked. The skin’s barrier is easily broken down during the winter months. Camphor Cream restores and repairs dry skin. I recommend using this at night as it can start feeling heavy on your skin during the day, especially if you’re used to using a lightweight lotion. Ingram’s brand is relatively cheap and also dermatologically approved. Ingram’s Camphor Cream 150ml available at Dischem R19.95

3. SPF30 Sunscreen Many people mistakenly think sunscreen is associated with summer, but, even on cloudy days, you are exposed to UVA rays which contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. Wearing sunscreen during winter is important, even if it seems counterintuitive. You want to aim for at least an SPF30 sunscreen during winter. Sunscreens are quite expensive, especially if you are on a student budget. Opting for reputable off-brand ones are just as effective such as the Dis-Chem sunscreen, 50ml for R47.95.

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 17 June 2020 | V79 E7 |Page 18

Mouth-watering winter meals

Here are some great meals during the winter period which ought to leave you wanting more! Nomcebo Masilela Makes 4 sandwiches Most Expensive Item: Mince (±R40) Instructions • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan on high. Add the mince and fry until it’s brown. • Add a cup of brown onion soup. Mix it well with the mince then add salt. • After 5 minutes, turn off the heat. • Heat a clean frying pan, fry the buttered side of a slice of bread. • Place a slice of cheese in it, then add a generous portion of mince and close the sandwich with another slice of bread. • ‘Grill’ both sides of the sandwich in the pan until they are crispy and golden brown. • Carefully slice the sandwich diagonally/ in half and serve warm.

Orange & Turmeric Smoothie (10 minutes) Image: Stock

4-Ingredient Mac ’n Cheese (30 minutes) This sticky delight leaves no room for regrets. Ingredients: 1. 3 cups of grated Cheddar cheese 2. 1 cup of milk 3. 38g Knorr Creamy Cheese Sauce 4. 2 ½ cups Macaroni 5. Salt to taste

Its ability to boost your immunity is just what the doctor would order. This smoothie uses the pulp from the oranges. This recipe makes two 300ml smoothies. Ingredients 1. 2 oranges (peeled) 2. 6 tbsp vanilla yoghurt 3. ¼ tsp turmeric 4. ½ cup of milk Instructions • Add the milk, yogurt, and the oranges in the blender and blend until smooth. • Add the turmeric and blend again.

Makes 3 servings Most Expensive Item: Cheddar cheese (±R35 for 250g) Instructions: • Boil 4-5 cups of water in a pot for approximately 25 minutes. Pour in the macaroni and stir periodically to prevent it from sticking together. • In a frying pan, simmer the milk until it starts to steam and add the contents of the Knorr Creamy Cheese Sauce sachet. Stir the sauce well with a whisk until it becomes thick in consistency. • Drain the pasta water. • Add the sauce to the macaroni then mix in the grated cheese until it melts. Be sure to combine the ingredients over low heat.

Sloppy Joe Grilled-Cheese Sandwiches (40 minutes) Filled with savoury mince, this sandwich is a winner.

Ingredients: 1. 500g beef mince 2. 4 slices of Parmalat sweet cheese 3. 1 cup of brown onion soup or spaghetti bolognese sauce 4. 1 tsp salt 5. 2 tbsp olive oil 6. 8 slices of white bread (buttered on one side)

Image: Unsplash