2012: Edition 8

Varsity

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The official student newspaper of the university of cape town

7 August 2012

Volume 71: Edition 8

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Haffajee regrets removing The Spear Cai Nebe

S

outh African journalist and City Press editor Ferial Haffajee was the guest speaker at the UCT’s annual TB Davie Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, August 1st.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price and Chair of the Academic Freedom Committee, Jacques Rousseau introduced Haffajee as “one of South Africa’s media luminaries” to a packed Beattie Lecture Theatre.

Haffajee’s speech, entitled “Creeping Censorship and the Spearing of Freedom”, revolved largely around her decisions to display the controversial Brett Murray painting The Spear, an image showing President Jacob Zuma with his genitals exposed, on the City Press website next to a review of an art exhibition.

Haffajee had it removed after the ANC called for a boycott of the newspaper and amid threats of violence made against City Press.

Media censorship is becoming increasingly prevalent in South Africa, said Haffajee, citing the boycotting, banning and ostracising of controversial artworks such as the The Spear.

Haffajee said she regretted taking down the artwork.

While stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of expression in the arts and the media, Haffajee described herself as a “freedomof-expression fundamentalist”. She went on to explain that, “reporting has been a quest for freedom for me.”

Haffajee warned about the dangers of corruption affecting the media. She cited the frequent calls for boycotting artworks and the defacing of The Spear, also mentioning then-Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwane’s snub of a government-sponsored women’s art exhibition in 2010, for showing images that were “immoral” and “pornographic”.

Bodies such as the Film and Publication Board use their positions to censor the media actively, “to satisfy political masters,”

Image: Uthman Quick SPEARED – City Press Editor Ferial Haffajee expressed regret at her decision to remove the controversial “The Spear” from the City Press website under pressure from people and organisations who viewed its depiction of President Zuma’s genitals as indecent. added Haffajee. “Achieving freedom took many decades and thousands of lives, but it takes very, very little to kill it.” As a result of this, “I feel my freedom being eviscerated,” said Haffajee.

The editor also spoke of the effect that the transformation of power in South Africa since Apartheid has had on the media and described the country being led by “people who are shadows of the people who led us into freedom”.

“I have changed – I am no longer a child of the Mandela generation and more a fundamentalist for freedom of expression ... I would never have taken it [Murray’s painting] down knowing what I do now,” Haffajee said, saying that it is becoming more

important for freedom of expression not to be undermined.

“We [South Africans] take our democracy extremely seriously...”

At the end of her speech, Haffajee expressed optimism, saying: “We [South Africans] take our democracy extremely seriously and I know people are going to ensure its longevity.” She also played short clips of Mandela’s words of wisdom at his inauguration: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land experiences the

oppression of one by another,” and the national anthem.

Haffajee’s final words, “I have no worries about the state of our freedom 18 years on from apartheid,” drew a standing ovation from the audience.

Palesa Hoye, a first-year PPE student, said it was important to hear how the political aspect of The Spear affected Haffajee’s perspective.

“I think there has definitely been an increase in censorship and she touched on how we as a society and the media are scrutinised. But we should not scrap the good things we have achieved over the last 18 years of democracy just because questions have been asked as to whether our state is becoming more repressive.”

Siphosethu Hote, a first-year Geometrics student, said the talk was insightful. “Before the talk it was easy to judge her. Now I see how she was put in tough space.

I think she made a good decision to save her paper at the expense of removing The Spear. She’s definitely a remarkable woman.”

Hote added that while Haffajee’s talk was well-balanced, she would have liked to have more detail about the story surrounding The Spear.

When asked about student reactions to freedom of expression and censorship on campuses such as UCT’s, Haffajee praised those who “had taken it on and made it their own.”

in this issue

One does not simply

PREDICT THE WEATHER ON UPPER CAMPUS

Error in Stats results

page 3

Memed to death

page 6

Female Firsts

pages 8–9

Gig guide

page 13

Olympics coverage page 14

Varsity, the official student newspaper since 1942, is committed to the principles of equality and democracy.

2

news

v71 e8 – 7 August 2012

News Bites 3 golds, 1 silver for SA LONDON – South African swimming and rowing has done the country proud at this year’s Summer Olympics, securing three gold and one silver medal between them.

Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh won SA’s first 2012 gold, followed by team mate Chad le Clos’ come-from-behind win over Michael Phelps last week. Rowing’s surprise victory brought gold to SA for the first time in the sport in a nail-biting finish. Team SA Rowing said they had been inspired by SA’s earlier wins in swimming.

—Supersport

9 Boeremag-accused convicted of treason PRETORIA – Judge Eben Jordaan has found 9 out of the 20 Boeremag-accused guilty of treason. The group planned to blow up Parliament, the SABC, the SA Reserve Bank headquarters and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on the same day as part of a scheme to “take back the country”. Judgement continues.

—SAPA & News24

Racist attack in Israel 3 hurt TEL AVIV – An attacker stabbed three Eritrean men in a Tel Aviv video store on Tuesday, July 31st, in what police said they were initially treating as a racist attack. An eyewitness told an AFP photographer that the assailant was of Israeli appearance. While not ruling out other motives for the attack, the Israel police are confident that it was a hate crime.

—News24

Drama students win Best Production Chireez Fredericks

D

rama students from the University of Cape Town won the award for Best Student Theatre Production at the 2012 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown for their original piece The Homeless Orchestra.

The award was accompanied by the prestigious Cape Triangular Trophy, designed in honour of the first South African postage stamp.

The winning institution also received a bonus of R5 000 towards their 2013 production at for the National Arts Festival (NAF).

Performer Esthie Hugo said that the “experience was quite interesting,” in particular because it was student produced.

Director Joanna Evens described The Homeless Orchestra as a highly physical play with dark comedy.

The cast of seven tell the tale of a diverse group of misfits who have withdrawn from society in order to live on the streets; the group comes across a fallen hero in a counductor who has lost his orchestra.

“We had to consider our work differently and demand more of ourselves and our work, because we were not performing for the usual UCT audience of lecturers, students, friends and family, but for a wider audience at the Grahamstown

Image: Dean Shamley, YouSeeTV.co.za RAGS TO RICHES – UCT Drama students performing The Homeless Orchestra in Grahamstown. festival,” said Evans of the experience of performing in Grahamstown.

Evans also won the award for Most Promising Student Director, and will receive financial incentives in order to support and debut new work at the 2013 Fringe Festival.

The prize will include transport, accommodation, and supporting budget to create a production.

The NAF serves as an important forum for political and protest theatre, as no censorship or artistic restraints have ever been placed on work presented in at the

Grahamstown Festival.

Serving as a medium for new ideas and an indicator of future trends in the arts, the NAF is significant as it offers an opportunity for artistic experimentation.

Drama Department Administrative Officer Rob Keith said that the festival is a substantial part of the development of students at the University because “students learn to create work and make theatre, instead of waiting for it.’’

The Festival also focuses on strengthening the entrepreneurial

Architecture reaches the community

Malema okay with ‘white’ team LONDON – SA Olympic team members were chosen because they were qualified, said former ANCYL president Julius Malems during an interview on British Sky News on Tuesday, July 31st. “We think that we’re a non-racial country and all South Africans who have qualified to make Team SA should carry the flag proudly, and we support them,” he said.

—News24

Minister fired for racy video SAN JOSÉ – One of Costa Rica’s junior minsters was fired because of a ‘flirtatious’ video.

Costa Rican Deputy Minister for Youth, Karina Bolanos, lost her job after a video showed her in bed, pointing at her breasts and inviting a man she refers to as “little one” to join her. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture and Youth said in a statement on Tuesday July 31st that the video and related legal issues made her position untenable.

—News24

Kabelo Mafiri & Stephanie Venter

skills of the art community by encouraging artists to share skills and knowledge with a new generation of art managers.

It was “rewarding to know they [organisers] made a group effort and worked together to reach a common goal,’’ said performer Dean Kriel.

Little Theatre production manager Luke Ellenbogen suggested that the festival offers a platform for the University in theatre, as well as an opportunity for students to explore and network in order to further their careers.

Image: Michael Louw BUILD IT – UCT students and lecturers worked with the Imizamo Yethu community to build a washing area for residents.

Pasqua Heard A group of second-year Architecture students, lecturers and Imizamo Yethu community members built a washing platform for the informal settlement in Hout Bay in June this year. The project formed part of the second-year Architecture curriculum.

The group will return to Imizamo Yethu once more during the next two weeks to lay the final pavers. The original project was expected to run over two weeks. It was delayed by a week, however, as the City Council was needed to assist in the moving of some ablution facilities.

Students designed washing platforms as part of an informal competition in class, with the idea that the best design would be built in

Imizamo Yethu. In the end, the most practical and cost-effective elements of various students’ designs were collaborated and built. Students then worked on the washing platform from approximately 9am until 5pm every day.

“I think we achieved what we set out to achieve in terms of creating the platform for the community, building skills (of the

local community and the students) and providing some much-needed employment for a few residents,” said Michael Louw, a lecturer at the School of Architecture.

Kenny Tokwe, a community development worker from Imizamo Yethu, said that the washing platform is “excellent; it brings hope and dignity to have a different washing area. It also pressurised the City of

Cape Town to bring more toilets.

“Because of UCT’s intervention, the City added 80 toilets around the community and more washing basins. Before this, there were only four toilets for the community to share.”

Chris Louw, a student who worked on the project, said: “It’s scary, yet humbling, to see how a simple water source, something we take for granted, can provide so much life in an area like this.”

This project was the third of eight that UCT aims to implement in informal settlements over an eightyear period.

The School of Architecture hopes to get other faculties involved in the initiative in the future. “Other students or staff that could add quite a lot would be Construction Economics and Management, Civil/ Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering (for potential lighting solutions) and fine arts,” said Michael Louw.

It is hoped that more residents from the informal settlement will get involved as well. “This naturally happens over time as one builds relationships and networks,” commented Michael Louw.

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news

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

3

IT store to open on campus

Students avoid academic exclusion

Robyn Thomas

Olivia Wainwright

A

useful addition to the Upper Campus infrastructure will be the opening of an IT store in the next month. The store will be located in the Computer Science Building, next to the ICTS front office. Opening onto Cissie Gool Plaza, the shop will serve as a facility for staff and students to purchase IT equipment and software for their personal use.

The new store will also act as a collection point for purchases through the Student Laptop Initiative. This will enable students to collect and place orders for laptops, as well as get equipment repaired, whether under or outside of warranty.

Prices at the new store are sure to please students, with the merchant acting as an outlet for shop-soiled merchandise or demo models used in other retail stores, and provide a support structure of technical specialists,

offering advice and assisting with purchasing decisions.

ICTS Communications Coordinator Niki McQueen said, “The shop will be run by an outside business, which was selected following a rigorous tender process led by ICTS and the Finance Department.”

highly competitive pricing on all goods sold McQueen emphasised that the shop will offer staff and students highly competitive pricing on all goods sold and leverage the longestablished relationships that ICTS have established with its vendors, however, ICTS will not be profit from the business.

Stocked with a range of products and brands specialising in hardware, software and peripherals, the shop will make demo models of laptops,

tablets and other gadgets available for testing before purchases.

As well as being able to purchase Apple merchandise at standard educational discounts, the store will also offer basic installations of any components purchased and will furthermore source equipment that is in demand if the shop does not stock it.

Students have welcomed the prospect of the new shop opening.

Humanities student Adrian Wilson said: “I think it it’s a good idea; not only will it be convenient, but it will add to what campus already offers, seeing as the IT store will build on the technological assistance already offered to students in terms of wi-fi connectivity for laptops, etc.”

The exact date of the opening has not yet been disclosed, but it has been confirmed that the shop will be running during UCT office hours, from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm and that promotions will be offered at its launch.

Stats students get wrong results

Image: garethsmit.com Image: garethsmit.com

Olivia Wainwright On Thursday July 26th, STA1000F students received notifications on Vula and by email that an error had been made in the results released to them in June this year.

The letter, sent by acting Head of Department Francesca Little, read: “Due to an administrative error, the provisional marks that you received for STA1000F were incorrect.”

In the same message, students received the corrected list of results.

This left many students who believed they had passed realising they had, in fact, failed. Others, who had made plans to change courses due to their apparent failure of the course, found that this was no longer necessary.

The error was found by the Department of Statistical Sciences in the first week of term. The Dean of Science, Anton le Roex, explained that, “They checked the students’ results and found that they did not match the spreadsheet value for the final result for the course. They immediately checked all results and found that the formula in the spreadsheet was incorrect.”

The Department responded to this error as soon as they could.

“We wanted the news out to

students as soon as possible, so on the Thursday we sent out the new marks,” said Little.

STA1000F students were offered support from the Department over the next few days as they came to terms with their new results. The Department extended the period of time that students could change their curriculum. They also informed the UCT Finance Department that there should be no financial implications for those students who changed their course later than the usual deadline.

“This left many students who believed they had passed realising they had, in fact, failed” Students who found that they had failed the course were also able to appeal for supplementary exams, as is always the case if students think there are extenuating circumstances in their case.

Little explains that, although faculty committees deal with supp appeals, when the case gets bought before the Department of Statistical Sciences, they “will be mindful of the fact that some of these students were

put in this position due to an error.”

Little added: “We met with and counselled students individually, especially giving advice on how to adjust to their programmes in light of this.”

Since these errors were found, changes are being made to the way the Department checks exam results. In a meeting on Friday, Little told colleagues that all spot checks should now be signed off, and that staff members should check each other’s Excel formulas.

Little apologised for the Department’s mistake, saying, “We deeply regret that this happened and we don’t underestimate the unhappiness and disappointment this may have caused some students.

In the end, the right mark has to be the one that determines your future.”

If students do find that they have been excluded, they have the right to appeal and have to do Academic exclusion was so by the end of December. The in part a focus of last week’s Readmission Appeal Committee Academic Activism week. The will then meet in early January event, organised by the SRC, ran and look at each individual and from Monday, July 30th to Friday, their academic history. Nearly August 3rd and included talks 50% of students who appeal for students concerned about are readmitted. academic exclusion.

The Deputy Registrar also One of the talks, conducted emphasised that if you are

by Deputy Registrar Karen van excluded, it is not forever. “StudHeerden, was aimed at helping ents do return – sometimes after a those who feared exclusion and few years away – and often, having informing them of their options. overcome the difficulties they In 2011, 618 undergraduate initially experienced, they succeed students, 4% of the UCT undergrad and graduate.” community, were excluded. 1% of Van Heerden used the example those 618 were first-year students. of a man who was excluded The Science Faculty had the from UCT with low grades in highest number of exclusions, engineering; he returned 10 years with 9% of their undergrads being later to study the same course and asked to leave left with a first in their degree his degree. before they had However, Van led to many students completed it.

Heerden admitted Faculties ha- who believed they had that exclusion passed realising they is a “sore, sore ve differing rules for exclusion, experience” and had, in fact, failed” but this infothat where it is rmation can be possible, it is found in the front of faculty best to avoid it. She explains that handbooks. students often think they will be For example, the Humanities able to pull their grades up no faculty handbook states that matter what their situation, but “a full-time student shall be she calls on students to be realistic. excluded from the Faculty If students feel that they may either as a full-time or part-time fail this term, or that they won’t student, if he/she has not passed be able to cope with their courses, the following courses by the it is advisable to take a leave of end of each year of registration: absence. This saves students from (a) First year: at least three a blot on their academic record, semester courses...” and, at this point in the term, 50% The main reason for academic of fees paid can be reimbursed. exclusion is a poor academic Van Heerden said, “There are record, but as Van Heerden some really heart-breaking issues; pointed out, there may be many if you are going through one of reasons for this, for example, them, get out now.” “under-preparedness with inaUCT is developing an “early dequate support, adjustment warning system” which was difficulties, low motivation/ piloted this year among first-years. wrong choice of qualification, The aim of this programme is to health issues.” help identify struggling students.

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Closing date: 15 August 2012.

Forms available online or at Student Housing Admissions, Level 4, Masingene Building, Middle Campus.

4

editorial

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

Editorial

Stephanie Venter

En Pointe

Lyndall Thwaits, Deputy Editor In light of the current state of education...

Editor-in-Chief

in so called “main-stream education”, earning some form of higher degree or diploma.

In terms of its education, South Africa is in a dire state. To list education’s many issues would take me a while (and wouldn’t be that productive) so these are my constructive comments instead...

SA needs to invest more resources into education across the board.

I’m not only talking about our top universities, which make the world rankings, but the sectors which allow for skills development in other fields besides the academic. Colleges which build skills are as important, if not more, for the development of our economy. Lacking in this vital

Born in the RSA

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

—Adlai E. Stevenson,

23rd US Vice President

A

s Chad le Clos took the final plunge towards the finish line, every South African sat on the edge of their seat, not daring to believe that their swimmer could triumph over Michael Phelps, recently confirmed as the “greatest Olympian of all time.”

The final whistle went, and all monitors confirmed Le Clos as the winner of the 200m men’s butterfly. Shocked commentators marvelled at Phelps’ unexpected silver medal, and the camera panned to show Le Clos’ father wiping tears away with a South African flag.

It is hard to find a more prominent display of national pride than the Olympic Games bring about every four years.

Around the world, excitable citizens declare themselves Team [insert country here], and greedily watch the medal count tick upwards.

Someone asked me the other day whether I thought South Africans should be more or less patriotic, and if more national pride would help South Africa as a developing nation.

Generally speaking, I have a big problem with [over-]patriotism.

Not only (and yes, call me a conspiracy theorist, if you like) is it a handy tool for any government to dupe its citizens, it is also something that many people use

as an excuse to be exceedingly stupid. When criticism of one’s country is seen as unpatriotic, I lose patience.

This said, I too teared up when Team SA won gold in rowing, and got annoyed when SuperSport – a local broadcaster – displayed Phelps and a Team USA basketball player on their Olympics home page. Team SA, anyone?

So where is the middle ground, if there is one to be found? It lies not in politics, nor flag-waving or sports-celebrating. It lies in our daily actions, and in the care that we can show one another, and our ability to work together.

What will serve South Africa better than ‘patriotism’ as we know it today, is self-confidence.

Like a bullied child, South Africa as a nation is too quick to believe the worst of itself, never better seen than in our previous Olympic showing – one silver medal – and the peverse glee many took in saying “I knew we’d embarass ourselves.”

South Africa (extend this to the whole of Africa, if you like) needs to know that we can be great if we are to ever be so. Too long has the country not been surprised when the Western world ‘got there first’.

Like all other ‘third-world’ countries, we have a particular advantage that no one appears to recognise: we’re developing.

This means we can learn from the mistakes of developed nations, and hopefully avoid many pitfalls ourselves.

Why not start building a green economy now, when we’re still building the fundamentals of our economy? Why not instil a sense of the importance of education now, when the government is actively restructuring the education system?

It will require a little bit of hard work – I’m assured South Africans don’t shrink from this – and planning, but with the country having managed a relatively peaceful transition to democracy, I don’t think any mountain is too high to climb.

Game face on, South Africa.

S

Caterina Aldera

Someone once said to me, ‘‘if we were all the same, the world would be a boring place,’’ Why, then, do people look down upon students not

[Ctrl + C]

element leads to us importing skills which we have the potential to build.

Having a university degree behind your name isn’t or shouldn’t (I believe) determine your success.

Focusing on what you’re good at and working with your hands isn’t a lesser qualification than a Masters degree or PhD – we’re just different, better at some things than others.

Unfortunately, SA still lies divided on many fronts, education being one of them. My appeal goes out to the students currently within the system to think about the necessary changes that can realistically be made to ensure we’re not still talking about these problems in 10 or 20 years’ time.

Rhynhardt Krynauw, Copy Editor

wtf ffs gfy foadysf “haha i cant 2nyt iv got a xam 2moro lol hw r u im gud jst tired lol” It’s just wrong. I don’t care about your text-message-related space constraints. 140 characters are enough to write this paragraph; it’s enough to write a message.

Hitching a ride on the educationrelated column above, I feel like this is something that needs to be addressed. It’s not just because I’m bitchy about this kind of thing. You,

the students of today, are the leaders of tomorrow. How will that work if you all write like idiots?

Yes, language evolves. Yes, English is a young language. Yes, a third thing I can’t think of right now.

But for the love of all that is holy, please stop. It hurts my brain.

If you think I’m wrong, you’re welcome to decipher the title of this column. Start with the f ’s.

It applies 2U.

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opinions

v71 e8 – 7 August 2012

Burnt Toast

5

Berndt Hannweg

Opinions Editor

Who wants to live forever? only by about 370 million years.

Last Wednesday, scientists published a study about a fossilised insect hailing from Belgium.

With the hip and catchy name Strudiella devonica, the insect is one of the earliest complete insect fossils ever found, and will go a long way to plugging the gaps in our knowledge regarding the evolutionary chain.

The public will forget this fellow’s name even quicker than that of generous At (can YOU I don’t want to achieve recall what the fossil’s name was?), immortality through my work,” but its legacy will probably outlast said acclaimed comedic director us all. Somewhere, in a vast tome Woody Allen, “I want to achieve it where they record all scientific through not dying.” knowledge, Ol’ Strudy will exist Immortality means many as a small link between earlier life different things to many different and the current mosquito. people, but in our mundane world, The third and final story was short on genies and wish-granting that of the Apollo Moon Missions. fairies as it is, immortality is in Orbital fly-overs have revealed fact, our legacy. It is the drive to that five of the six flags placed leave behind something which on the moon by the Americans will guarantee are still standing, your name a place man’s only real shot surviving as in the history at immortality is to they have solar books forever. radiation and build a legacy that Three news the vagaries of stories the past will stand the test of life on our gray fortnight showcompanion. The time cased what it exception is the really means to be immortal. flag from Apollo 11, which was The first was that of a farmer knocked over when Buzz and Neil from Bloemhof by the name left the moon back in ’69. of At van der Merwe, who was These flags have not only murdered on his farm in April. exceeded expectations, they With no surviving relatives have outlasted the various space (having survived his two sisters), programs that placed them At donated his estate to the there. As Futurama so jokingly Abraham Kriel Children’s Home. predicted, once man gets to the So the fortunate occupants of moon, they will undoubtedly be the Home woke up one day to the enshrined for future generations princely sum of R30 million, which to enjoy. will be put into a trust until such a Until science finds a chemical time that they can determine what way to get our cells to stop to do with their windfall. self-destructing after 70 years, It’s almost certain that by the mankind’s only real shot at time the next issue of VARSITY immortality is to build a legacy comes out, we will all have that will stand the test of time. forgotten At’s name, but I suspect But we should be ever mindful that the beneficiaries of his estate, that nothing in our universe is and all the people the Home helps truly immortal. As the poem in the coming years probably goes… never will. Doubtless, some will “My name is Ozymandias, King pay it forward. of Kings: Look on my works, ye Our second story is somewhat mighty, and despair!” less recent than a July bequest. But Nothing beside remains…

“

Welcome to the Madhouse Hannah MacMillan

W

e are, all of us, mad. As such, we have been housed (some by choice, others by force) in an ‘Institution’. Our particular Madhouse is located on the idyllic slopes of a flat-topped mount fittingly named ‘Table’.

I am a local Fresher. For five years I observed UCT from the windows of my high-school cell. I knew that one day I would ascend the iconic stairs as a new convict and, indeed, in the second month of this year, I made my way up the Stone Stairs of Jameson to be Orientated.

I was received by a manic group of blue-clad OL’s who pranced across the plaza and chanted about blue blood and factory-work.

Mad, obviously. We were escorted to a large theatre-like room, the

“Eneseltee,” where they performed for us. The pigeons had painted the walls, the speakers buzzed. It was too hot, and overcrowded.

There are many kinds of madness and many levels of insanity

I loved the place instantly.

There, we were told everything that we needed to know in order to survive. We were encouraged (and bribed) to join the gangs (or ‘societies’). What I soon realised, however, was that there are many kinds of madness and many levels of insanity. This Madhouse, being the glorious pace it is, accommodates all.

In my first week of lectures I

discovered that I had, until that point, been living a life dulled by an inability to use my mind and senses to their full capacity. The Wardens revealed their names and objectives and tried their utmost to cure our shared mental illness of Ignorance.

Some did not survive the rigorous treatment and mental testing. But they are remembered fondly by those of us who have lived to see the dawn of a new semester.

We are now Madhouse-savvy and ready for part two. We neglect our gang duties, function on fewer than six hours of sleep, avoid the prison food and no longer fear the older inmates. We have mastered our use of both the library and Vula and we have learned to expect the unexpected with regards to climate.

We belong. First six months in the Madhouse? Absolutely insane.

ONLINE POLL Last week’s poll Editor’s Note: As last week’s poll was somewhat undersubscribed, no results will be published. If you would like to see the results of this week’s poll, simply cast your vote.

This week’s poll

The London 2012 Olympic Games were: • overrated and distracting, • great to watch, or • unimportant to me.

Student Travel Fund The Department of Student Affairs invites registered students to apply for the Student Travel Fund.

The purpose of the fund is support subsistence and travel overseas to events that will stimulate intellectual, cultural and sporting development of the student and the University.

The Student Societies and Organisations Committee is requesting applications for events and conferences taking place between November 2012 and June 2013. Students may also apply for retrospective funding for events that have taken place in 2012.

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opinions

v71 e8 – 7 August 2012

Weapons of mass insanity Memed to death Martha Moitsheki

T

people want to safeguard themselves and their loved ones – it’s a Catch-22 situation Other factors that have been conceived by the media and internet are influences from movies, series, music, and the enticement of different cultures, religions and movements, video games and others.

Video games, especially, create a world where a lot of people gain power and control and without any guidance or restrictions from parents, friends and teachers; this

virtual world is brought to life and these bullet-pumping incidents take place.

The streets are becoming a battlefield where people are buying firearms not only for these horrendous actions, but also for protecting themselves. The more these crazed men strike, the more people want to safeguard themselves and their loved ones – it’s a Catch-22 situation.

It was clearly easy for ‘the Joker’ to enter the premises with weapons because there weren’t any security checks in place. Airports and casinos, for example, have more stringent security checks; the same is owed to other public places like cinemas, malls and sports arenas, as these places can be the perfect platforms for these perpetrators to orchestrate their work.

It should be clear to authorities that they should be giving serious thought to Plans B, C and D, because the measures they have put in place for gun control are clearly not working.

Image: timesofnews.com

he world is spinning on the axis of madness as crazed gunmen are letting loose on innocent people.

This brutal reality was recently evinced by the mass shooting at the screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Denver, Colorado.

This event was a walk memory lane back to down the Virginia Tech Campus shooting in 2007 and the massacre at Columbine High School in 1999. Oh, and not forgetting our very own locally-brewed spree killer, Bulelani Vukwana.

These are a few of many incidents that should give us a kick on our behinds and teach us to stop making excuses for these crazies, take a few steps back and find out what we are doing wrong.

Mental illness is usually the first conclusion to which we jump, forgetting that some of these men are well-wired people driven by factors outside the madness spectrum.

There are other causes of this kind of behaviour, such as being

a social outcast or being socially awkward, being bullied, mounting family problems, alcoholism and drug abuse, bruised egos or simply attention-seeking.

The internet has created a huge platform for people to gain access to so many resources, both useful and detrimental, without any supervision or monitoring present.

Qamran Tabo

of Our Generation” West, who has sampled almost 300 songs over the course of his entire The internet has become our career, is a major contributor to generation’s staple source of this epidemic. entertainment, information and It is also interesting to note how human contact. We laugh at the so many of today’s pop stars tend same jokes, know the same pop- to borrow their images from their culture references and share all of predecessors. Lady Gaga is just this on the same social networks. a weirder version of Madonna; But having all this information Nicki Minaj is a pop-culture at the tap of a touch screen has rapping version of Lil’ Kim, and not saved today’s youth from Justin Bieber is a more feminine creative ignorance. version of his predecessor, Justin Many millennials don’t realise Timberlake. that we aren’t as avant garde as Even UCT students’ favourite we’ve always believed ourselves past-time, 9GAG, is guilty to be. The music we listen to, the of fortifying its content with movies we watch and the things copypasta. Unlike its internet we laugh at are exactly the same pop-culture predecessor, 4chan, as those enjoyed by our ‘uncool’ 9GAG is rather restrictive in parents decades ago. the type of humour it promotes.

Recently, the Whereas 4chan Spanish National had no limits (it Research Council We are just laughing helped ruin both conducted a my youth and at the same gags in a sanity), 9GAG’s study that variety of scenarios show-ed that humour mostly pop music has lies within the become louder, confines of a less original and less sophisticated. meme template.

The researchers ran almost half a We are just laughing at the million recordings from all genres same gags in a variety of scenarios of popular music (including hip (like a Leon Schuster movie hop, electronic and metal) from in html format). What I find the period of 1955-2010 through rather disturbing about 9GAG a complex set of algorithms to is that some of its cartoons are analyse three metrics: harmonic lifted from old Reader’s Digest complexity, timbral diversity magazine issues published as far and loudness. back as 1987.

They discovered that the I hope that at some point diversity of chords and melodies Generation Y decides to throw has consistently diminished over the mouldy copypasta out of the last 50 years and that the global the pop-cultural kitchen and loudness level of music recordings bake something new. They has steadily increased over ought to resist the urge to log the years. onto Memegenerator, and strive No songs were mentioned by instead to become the next Tay name, but one does not need a Zonday. If the youth never learns computer programme to notice from the mistakes of our parents the striking similarities between and older siblings, then we will be The Killers’ “Somebody Told doomed to live in a monotonous Me” and Boys Love Girls’ “Love and predicable world.

Drunk.” Even Kanye “The Voice

Is racism worse than religious discrimination?

Aamina Teladia Many of us know of Jessica Leandra Dos Santos, a former FHM model.

We know her through the journalists who reported on the model’s racist tweet in early May. So why is it that a Facebook group named “Allah Sucks” is not covered in the media?

All forms of discrimination are equally reprehensible The group promoted hate speech and discriminated against Muslims, but no newspaper has reported on it. Not only did this not appear in the media, it also took Facebook two weeks to remove the post, even though the site’s terms and conditions prohibit hate speech and affirm that it is a serious violation to

single out individuals based on race or religion.

Why was the group not removed as fast as Jessica’s sponsors removed themselves? Is this because racism is more offensive to us than religious discrimination? Why is that?

Our Bill of Rights clearly states that no person may unfairly discriminate on one or more grounds, including race, belief, and religion. All forms of discrimination are equally reprehensible in the eyes of our Constitution, yet there is a biased attitude from the media and citizens of South Africa.

I understand, as many of you do, that racism is a sensitive topic to most South Africans because of Apartheid. It is sensitive because those oppressed under the old regime were not treated equally, not respected, were not free, and were treated as inferior and different to those in power.

Those who experienced Apartheid and those of us who

were taught about it in school and were told stories by our parents and grandparents consider it a dark and harsh era that harmed innocent people, those who were seen as different.

Discrimination causes us to “other” certain people based on their skin colour, gender, religion or other arbitrary factors. People who are discriminated against usually feel isolated, angry, hurt, and may

even retaliate with violence. The effect of discrimination in any form is the same; it only makes sense for us to object equally to religious discrimination as we do to racism.

We, as proud South Africans, should treat any discrimination as a big deal. Most South Africans condemn racism because it leads to a group of people being treated differently and as inferior. Religious discrimination is the same.

We understand the impact of inequality; therefore, we should condemn all discrimination that allows for one of our fellow South Africans – or any human being, for that matter – to be treated unfairly.

We need to do what we can to stop or prevent discrimination, because we are a nation that should know better, because we are all equal, and because we all deserve to be treated with respect.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Tuesdays, 1pm, Beattie 115 Tuesday, August 14th: Tuesday, August 21st: Basics of Exposure Camera Controls Workshops are open to all students interested in photography.

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7

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

LIBOR Scandal: Bank thieves and the rest of us Steve Arowolo The Libor scandal refers to a series of deceitful activities associated with the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the subsequent investigation and response. The Libor epitomises an average interest rate calculated through submissions of rates by major banks in London.

Libor underpins approximately $500 trillion in derivatives, and it is controlled by the British Bankers’ Association (BBA).

What has occurred in the financial sector in the recent past is due to the fact that reckless and insensitive decisions (resulting from deregulation of the financial sector) have caused a financial crisis that can only be managed by deception.

Civil damages might be paid, but to end the fraud itself would mean the breakdown of the financial system. And when a system can only survive on fraud, it means corruption has become endemic.

History recounts that it was President Clinton’s Treasury Secretary, Robert Rubin who spearheaded the removal of all constraints on financial trickery in the name of “financial deregulation”.

While in that exalted office, Rubin pressed Congress for the annulment of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall was set up in

substantial negative effects on consumers and financial markets globally.

All the major banks involved in the Libor scandal are being managed by intelligent executives with impeccable educational and professional pedigrees. Bob Diamond, Barclays Group Chief Executive, bagged a PhD and MBA from the University of Connecticut.

James Dimon of JP Morgan is a product of Harvard Business School, Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs is from the prestigious Harvard Law School, and Robert Rubin got a Doctorate from the London School of Business.

Whatever happened to education?

I think deregulation of the financial sector should be revisited.

That should include re-examining the role of rating agencies. Some of these fraudulent big financial institutions are triple-A-rated, but the rating system is faulty.

In a situation where these rating agencies are paid by the same banks they are meant to rate, such an arrangement leaves room for fraud. For instance, until the eve of the day Lehman Brothers and AIG were declared effectively dead, their ratings were still in the triple-A category.

The poor are always at the receiving end, even as these culprits move around with impunity.

Image: Tina Sajjanhar

1933 in order to prevent the kind of financial immoderations that produced the ongoing financial crisis. And that was how capitalism won the battle against socialism and communism in the financial sector.

Although Libor is referred to as London Interbank Offered Rate, it is also used in the US derivatives markets. Manipulating

deregulation of financial sector should be revisited, that should include the role of rating agencies

Libor, therefore, is tantamount to an endeavour to manipulate U.S. derivatives markets, and thus a contravention of American law.

Furthermore, mortgages, student loans, financial derivatives and other financial products frequently depend on Libor as a reference; the manipulation of tenders used to calculate those rates can have

YOUR CAREER

as an management consultant

Careers Calendar august

VARSITY speaks to robert schumann, Manager at Analysys Mason.

Describe your role as a Manager at Analysys Mason?

When I started out as a consultant, my responsibilities were with data analysis, research and supporting more senior team members on consulting engagements and bids. I am now more involved with identifying opportunities to bid (by speaking to clients and keeping on top of industry developments), leading teams that deliver projects, speaking at conferences and presenting our work, building our reputation and contacts, while still doing the research and analysis.

What are your qualifications?

BSc (Hons) (UCT) in Applied Mathematics and Physics, MSc (Stellenbosch) in Theoretical Physics, Master of Advanced Study (Cambridge) in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, DPhil (Oxford) in Physics Can you comment on the experience of moving from an academic role to the world of management consulting?

I’m lucky: Analysys Mason has a fairly intellectual atmosphere. A lot of what I do feels similar to academia: people ask us questions which cross over from technical knowledge to policy, to numerical modelling, to economics.

We use previous experience, published research, bespoke data collection and analysis

to answer those questions. A lot of my colleagues have masters and doctoral degrees.

Describe a typical working day.

I haven’t had a typical day for years. I’m often on the phone, since I work a lot with colleagues in other offices; I also write bids, plan projects, read, build spreadsheet models, and write reports and presentations. When out of the office, I aim to meet people to hear about industry developments and identify opportunities for us to help.

Which skills and personal qualities contribute to your success?

The two most critical qualities are numeracy and people skills. Numeracy has always been a fundamental criterion for our recruitment: what we do demands the ability to quickly assimilate numbers and understand quantitative connections, as well as pick up some technical information. Without people skills, however, clients will never trust you to solve their most pressing problems.

What challenges have you encountered?

A “positive” challenge is working on, and sometimes leading, project topics with which I’m unfamiliar. It can be terrifying and exhilarating. The active lifestyle

– working up the energy for early trips and meetings, or leading meetings while tired – can sometimes be more of a challenge.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

The contributions I’m proudest of – although not the most meaningful projects – have involved spotting problems (potentially very costly ones) in a business plan when reviewing it for an investor.

Which positions have you held previously?

Graduate research and teaching positions at various universities, and at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Bell Labs in New Jersey.

What advice do you have for students?

All the good advice sounds corny, I’m afraid. One important lesson I’ve learnt is that there are diverse sources of success in life; don’t sweat it if your first choice isn’t the right one, there are other chances.

. z a . u c t . a c s r e e r w w w . c a

e c i v r e S s r e ie s Care o p p o rt u n it a d vi ce • in fo rm a ti o n • C

H ig h er Ed en tr e fo r

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Career Talks Time: 13h00 – 13h45 Venue: LT2, Hoerikwaggo 7, 15 & 20 August

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CV and Cover Letters

Opportunities • Consult our online calendar on www.careers. uct.ac.za for a list of employer presentations.

• Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/reg to register events and opportunities.

• Visit www.careers.uct.ac.za/careerportal for a list of bursary/scholarship, vacation and graduate opportunities.

Career Fairs Time: 9h00 -15h00 Venue: Jameson Hall 13 August Science, Engineering and

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features

v71 e8 – 7 August 2012

INTERVIEW

Andrew Giliam, FilmSoc chairman Dewey Decimal system by moving books around in the library.

Anade Situma

In a dangerous situation what would your really do, fight or fly?

Without a second thought, I’d fly. I’m not the guy to go wandering through the house at night with a golf club to whack some burglar over the head to stop him stealing a TV. What if he dropped the TV?

V

arsity decided that it is time we all learnt a little more about the enigma that is Andrew Giliam the chairman of Film Society.

What are you studying?

I’m trying to study Law. What shoe size are you?

Funny story that – my left shoe is 11 and my right shoe is 12. Whenever I buy shoes, I smuggle different sizes out of the store without anyone noticing.

If you could be in a music video who would you be: (a) the pimp, (b) the groupie in the background or (c) the video hoe?

I’m not convinced that the characters in all music videos are limited to those options. I’m definitely not the guy mowing the lawn in ‘Call Me Maybe’, though.

If you were a sandwich what flavour would you be?

Anything without cheese on it.

I’d rather not eat past-its-sell-bydate solidified milk, thank you very much!

How much is a meal voucher worth?

I’ve been stealing abandoned

Have you ever copied a tut?

I refuse to answer this question. (I suppose that means yes, doesn’t it?)

What’s the most embarrassing SMS you have sent someone?

I once sent: “This is the lamest party ever! Wanna go home?” to the birthday girl. I meant to send it to my mate. I wasn’t invited to her next party.

Image: Provided by Andrew Giliam meal vouchers for years. Campus now owes me R380.87 worth of food.

Describe the ideal alien?

The ideal alien is made out of chocolate. Then when they invade earth, we could just eat them.

What is the most pointless television series ever made?

Robot Chicken. Without a doubt

#YOVO

IMPORTANT DATES

the biggest load of dribble you will ever witness. On that note, I’m writing my own TV sitcom. Watch this space.

What musician are you ashamed to be a fan of?

I used to have Spice Girl envy.

My older sister had all the Spice Girl toys, books and CDs and I’d go into her room and secretly play with

them while she wasn’t watching. I’m ashamed to say that’s true.

Have you ever committed a crime?

Other than regularly stealing left shoes, I never safely remove my hardware.

What crime have you always wanted to commit?

I’ve always wanted to mess up the

If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it does it make a sound?

Depends how many baby animals are stuck under it. They’d make all the noise.

you about: “When you poke out your eye, don’t come crying to me!” Now that we are older, we can call it fencing and it becomes a gentleman’s game. Grab a few paper towel rolls and some likeminded friends and make a duel of it! (five points for a blow to the chest, and 100 for smacking opponents on the back of the head when they’re not looking).

4. Keg-lifting

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If I broke into your house, what would you not want me to find?

If you break into my house, I’ll come after you with a golf club!

How to feel like an Olympic champ

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Dashalia Singaram

W

ith the Olympics in full swing, it’s time to get behind team South Africa. Let’s be honest, though: the South African line-up is rather small and hours can go by without seeing one of our competitors on the screen. Here are a few games to pass the time between South African events and make the rest of the Olympics a little more entertaining.

1. Drinking games

The list here is endless.

You can start with something conventional, like a beer-pong marathon, or try something new.

The drinking game that swept the country for the President’s 2011 State of the Nation address was hugely popular. An Olympic variation could go along the

lines of “Drink every time Serena Williams grunts”, although we can’t see many people lasting very long with that one.

2. Shoot some hoops

A game that never gets old or boring is Food Dunking (for lack of a better name). We’ve all played it, with popcorn, peanuts or anything else small enough to be thrown into an open mouth. It fits perfectly into any interval, no matter the length, and requires minimum skills; everyone can get involved. True veterans of this game can even dedicate a round to the much anticipated and celebrated return of Rascals.

3. En Garde!

This may all seem a little childish, but your university days are the last chance to fool around without being judged. Much. Swordfighting was one of those games your mother would always warn

Most guys will say that watching the weightlifting events at the Olympics makes you feel like a midget, while most girls will admit that watching ladies’ weightlifting makes you feel like the most oestrogen-filled woman on earth. Try out the student version with a keg, if you have it, or with the heaviest thing you can find. To make it more interesting, raise the stakes a little and make each contest a ‘Slap Bet.’ No one will take that lightly.

5. Bolt for it

Watching Usain Bolt run may make you feel like you’re moving in slow motion, but you too can be a race-winner, even if the winter weight has made itself at home on your love handles. The trick?

Make your own races. If you’re feeling particularly old-school, try a three-legged race. Alternatively, there is the egg-and-spoon race, or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try a sack race. If all these skinny athletes are making you feel guilty, you could always take a Sunday morning run with a few mates, and if you happen to end up at Wimpy, let’s call it fate.

features

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

11

The return of the Boomshaka braids

Image: Siyanda Ralane

Temi Oketunji & Aléz Odendaal

I

t’s been called the “natural is the new fabulous” trend, but I call it the “return of the Boomshaka braids,” and the braids are not alone.

The emergence of all things African has been seen on the catwalks; from Cavalli to Missoni, the world has fallen back in love with prints, colour and khaki.

Now here’s the question: has hair become the new statement of ethnic pride, or is it just another trend, bound to fade in time? Well, the people of UCT have spoken, and we’ve learnt that it’s a little less about ethnicity and a little more about fashion.

“I don’t think it is a statement of my ethnicity; it just goes with my face and makes my hair grow,” said Charmaine, a third-year

Psychology student.

The debate surrounding the origins of the Boomshaka braids stems from the question of whether weaves are a symbol of Western culture’s domination over African culture, in the same way that some women feel pressured by global media to be a certain size. It has been said that the weave represents a desire in African women to be more ‘Western’ or ‘white’.

“I think weaves look nice, but they are not natural, in the sense that ethnic hair is not naturally straight.

So people use it as a way to get straight hair, which society thinks is better,” says second-year Law student Tanaka.

While everyone interviewed had noticed an increase in the appearance of Boomshaka braids and other ‘African’ trends, not everyone related the trend to a need for ‘going back to their roots’ or because of social

pressure from people who think that ‘Western’ trends should not form part of the African identity.

“I don’t have problem with weaves: you don’t lose a sense of who you are. It’s easier to work with; if you haven’t had to deal with long ethnic hair, don’t judge. Hair is not who you are, it’s just feeling a style; judge by intellect, not hair. If you’re

going to hate the weave as a symbol of westernisation, then hate it all – the brands as well.” said Anade, a third-year PPE student.

So it seems that the trend is less cultural-political than one might gather from the braids vs weaves debate. The message is one of style and acceptance and not necessarily a movement away from

Western culture.

“Hair, for me, is not so much a statement of your ethnicity, more like [one of] your personality. If you want to do braids, sure. If you want to do weaves, sure, but don’t judge other people. Also, don’t be a follower: do what makes you comfortable,” says Sinovuyo, a second-year Finance student.

12

features

v71 e8 – 7 August 2012

SA reels in big names with BIG Concerts

Menswear, what?

Daniël Geldenhuys

M

Image: flickr.com/prateek rungta

Nicole Wilcox Linkin Park fans are thrilled at the prospect of being graced with the presence of their rock heroes live in South Africa. The American rock band is set to promote their new album Living Things with a world tour that will bring them to Cape Town Stadium in November.

However, some complain that Linkin Park are several years too late, as it was the group’s success with previous albums Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteora (2002) that catapulted them onto stages around the globe. When they performed over 320 concerts in 2002, why did they not consider South Africa as a destination?

It seems to be a growing trend among international artists to perform in South Africa; Lady Gaga will bring her craziness to our stoeps in December, and Justin Bieber is supposedly planning to bring us his infamous ‘Bieberfever’. Perhaps visiting South Africa puts a tick in the ‘Tour Africa’ box on these artists’ to-do lists. In the case of Linkin Park, however, it is believed that it was just a matter of time. Considering past appearances from 30 Seconds to Mars, Coldplay, Rammstein, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Kings of Leon and U2, it is becoming more and more apparent that South Africa has a big market for rock bands.

Tours target areas with large concentrations of fans, so it appears that the market here calls for more rock. It is no surprise then to hear Lady Gaga’s special guests are British glam rock band The Darkness and rock ‘n roll DJ Lady Starlight. Whatever rocks in South Africa is sure to be on a roll, as Linkin Park Golden Tickets were reportedly sold out within seven minutes of going on sale, at R690 each.

Setting trends aside, the real key players making it all possible are BIG Concerts and Live Nation.

In 2009, the alliance established between the two entertainment and concert giants transformed South Africa into a global concert platform.

According to the CEO of Live Nation, Michael Rapino, “South Africa emerges as an increasingly important touring destination for artists.” Live Nation appeared to be cashing in on South Africa as the 2010 Fifa World Cup neared, but made a great long-term investment overall, providing us with the promotion needed for BIG Concerts to bid for big stars.

Fans are still undeniably ecstatic that Linkin Park will be coming to South Africa, so in the end it does not really matter. As loyal fan Kevin told Channel24.com, “I am elated. I just hope no songs are played from A Thousand Suns.”

Agreed, Kevin, agreed.

en are marginalised in fashion.

While women can look forward to pre-fall, winter, resort, spring, and couture collections every year, guys just get spring and fall. The fact that Vogue comes out twelve times a year and Vogue Homme (which you probably didn’t know existed) only twice a year is a good indication of how men’s fashion is neglected in the world. But worse still, one has to wonder: Do we (men) even care?

Perhaps that was a little pessimistic. This year, South Africa saw the release of the first GQ Style magazine: a bi-annual style guide for SA guys, by SA guys. So maybe we do care?

The fact remains that men’s fashion is harder to interpret from the runway. If you look at images from the recent Milan Spring fashion week, you’ll probably run screaming back to your jeans and hoodie. That said, there are some tips we can take from the runway that won’t make it look like we’re trying to relive the age of the Greek gods (Google Versace SS13 for a laugh).

The new season takes us on a journey starting at the Kruger National Park… or wherever you like to “safari”. Designer Dries Van Noten is bringing camouflage back. Play it down with neutral whites and navies, or up with a bold orange. Steer clear of anything baggy with this trend, but the relaxed camouflage will contrast well with structured clothes.

The Gucci guys are either stepping on or off their yachts this season. Right now white pants (not in denim!) are very important – they go perfectly with your striped vests and V-necks, giving them a fresh, laid-back feel. Another way to get that by-the-seaside feeling is with a tie-dye shirt. This (as long as there are only two colours) will make you

Image: vogue.it

stand out as the most chilled guy in the room.

For the braver guys out there, it’s time to get a little futuristic with the biggest trend of the menswear season: metallic. Nobody is saying “dress like an alien;” Burberry Prorsum showed a range of very gentlemanly suits, with canary-yellow metallic trousers here and a tinfoil silver shirt there. Keep it formal, keep it manly – it could be the coolest thing you’ve ever worn.

Rule number one in menswear: It’s all in the details. There’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Ask your mom to sew an old strip of camouflage material onto one of

your shirts, or take an old sweater to your dry-cleaners and get them to tie-dye it for you. You could even try and fashion a tie out of tinfoil, but I doubt that’ll work.

I’m sure there are more than a few guys out there who would say that dressing up is bad for whatever reason, but that’s only because they aren’t in on the fashion secret. The secret is that putting a little effort into the way you dress and wearing something you actually like gives you a strong sense of confidence. It’s that attitude that makes you the guy who wins the game, gets the girl, and beats the odds. But don’t tell anyone I told you.

From vac to varsity Kishan Chokkappan

FEATURE-WRITING WORKSHOP Presented by

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Tuesday, August 7th 1pm, Leslie Social 2D Refreshments will be served

For more information, contact editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

“So, how was your vac?” is a question that probably inflitrated every conversation on campus during the first week back at UCT. The first week back, when the sun seems to shine brighter, the melodic sound of birds chirping fills our ears, and people, to put it simply, are cheerful and interested in catching up with their friends.

In the first week back, some may have noticed a bit more space around campus. A possible reason for this is that not all students are able to return to UCT. A moment of silence for the students who could not make it back. A drink should be had in memory of them. This may have already happened during the vac, of course. It is said that, while drinking may make your head hurt the next day, at least you will have created a memory to last you a lifetime.

The first week back is also the week when too many people set out

the goals and objectives that they would like to achieve this semester – for example, working harder or going to the gym – only to be impeded by procrastination, the thief of their time.

The second week of varsity is the week in which we remember why we are really attending UCT, and begin to form a clear idea of what we want and need to achieve.

at least you will have created a memory to last you a lifetime In this week of realisation, students may experience a variety of different emotions. Many may have been humbled by the first semester and now realise what is expected of them. Students graduating at the end of the year may be filled with nervous excitement upon realising that they have one last push before

receiving their degree.

Some of us just have no idea what to feel; perhaps UCT has made us emotionless. Then there are some students who think about what it would have been like had they not returned, which is always a bad thought.

This week, week 3, is the week when we surrender to routine; we attend lectures and sit in the library, and we do it all again the next day and the day after that, and so on.

It is never nice to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll remind you that tests will soon commence, and if procrastination has got the better of you, good luck.

While lectures and tests may not seem exciting, it is important to remember that UCT is an amazing place when you are actually outside the lecture venues and library. While work can become overwhelming at times, attempt to do or see something new. Don’t be someone who regrets what may well have been the best few years of your life.

features

Gig guide

August 7th - 21st Anade Situma

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he term is in full swing, as should be your social life. Why? Simple: by now your brain is fried and the truth is you won’t be taking in any of the information you are pretending to read, so why pretend at all? Accept defeat and join us for a night on the town; pick a gig, launch some friends and lets all have some fun.

Oppikoppi Festival Remember to bring: A disposable camera. Save the tears for when you leave, not when you find a crack on your LCD screen. Besides, finding naked photos of your friend Tom getting personal with a festival prop will always be more fun a week later when the staff at Photoquik have also had a laugh.

Sunblock, blankets, water bottles and your savvy. The weather is a real thing; it doesn’t just exist in awkward elevator chats.

Image: nwprods.com

A good attitude. No one wants to have a bad festival experience.

If making new friends and being exposed to different cultures isn’t your thing, at least try and put on a brave face. It’s only for a weekend, after all.

When: August 9th–11th Where: Oppikoppi Farm, WestNortham, Limpopo Eina: R750, or R600 through Standard Bank (more information available on their website)

êêêêê Starring: Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Stephanie Venter êêêêê Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey Directed by: Steven Soderbergh “Yeah, suuure you watched the movie for the plot.”

This was the first thing a friend said upon hearing I’d watched the much-spoken-about Magic Mike. And, no, I didn’t watch it for the plot. But, looking at it either way, Magic Mike is by-and-large a decent, entertaining film well worth the watch.

The film is the semibiographical story of lead actor Channing Tatum’s life before acting, and the tale of two male strippers – one the star of a show, the other a newcomer to the industry. As newcomer Adam (Alex Pettyfer) gets drawn further into the stripping world, so starof-the-show Mike (a.k.a. “Magic Mike”) (Channing Tatum) is forced to balance his ambitions with his current career and the

limitations it places on him.

Matthew McConaughey gives a sterling performance as Dallas, owner of the strip club where the men work, taking gleeful delight with each outlandish move or costume his role requires. If McConaughey does not consider this his favourite role of his career, I’ll be damned.

Tatum and Pettyfer also put in decent perfomances, with Tatum’s dance skills well suited to the role.

Totally mis-cast and awkward in his role, however, is Matt Bomer (Ken), who spends a significant portion of the film floating around in the background, displaying no real skill in the role.

The dance routines are a great laugh, but the story blends humour and seriousness tactfully, keeping a viewer hooked until the final credits.

Could the narrative have been deeper? Of course. However, the film should be commended for displaying both sides of the world of male stripping: the men behind the scenes, and the show they perform.

More info: facebook.com/ oppikoppifestival

Diplo at Discotheque

What: Diplo, real name Thomas Wesley Pentz, is one of the world’s most respected DJs and is heading to Cape Town.

Though he may not be the most well-known DJ in the world, there is no doubt that he is in high demand. This man has worked with Beyonce, Usher, Snoop Dogg and Die Antwoord, plus he’s produced multiple remixes for artists such as Bloc Party, Peter, Bjorn and John, Sleigh Bells and MGMT. For those of us not interested in suffocating in dust at Oppikoppi, Diplo is also performing for one night in the city.

When: Friday, August 10th, 9pm Where: The Assembly, Harrington Street.

Eina: R100 (buy ahead of time at webtickets.co.za/assembly, or at the door)

Olive Lieberz-Theron Competition for Outstanding Pianism

What: This is a gig for those who enjoy the finer things in life. It’s a competition for solo classical piano.

I plan on going all out and dressing up like I’m part of the British Royal family – gloves, hat and all. It’s almost magical, really, the thought of being able to sit back (dressed to

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the nines) and watch such amazing talent for just R35.

When: Thursday, August 16th Time: 8.15pm Where: Baxter Concert Hall Eina: R35 for students (book at Computicket or buy at the door)

SAMRO UCT Big Concert

What: “Darryl Andrews & the UCT Big Band presents an evening of jazz standards & contemporary popular music.” Darryl Andrews is a selftaught jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and conductor who is now a staff member at the South African Collage of Music. Together with the talented UCT Big Band, they promise you an affordable night of smooth, soulful sounds that will leave you smiling for the rest of the week.

When: Saturday, August 18th Time: 8.15pm Where: Baxter Concert Hall Eina: R35 (Book at Computicket or at the door)

P for Piñata

What: All I am going to say about this event is you stand to win a lifesize, lama-shaped Piñata.

When: Tuesday, August 7th Time: 8.30pm Where: Waiting Room Eina: R25 pre-sold including a free raffle ticket for the Piñata, R35 at the door.

Review The Dark Knight Rises Rémy Ngamije

Review: Magic Mike

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

Christopher Nolan’s final instalment in the Batman series concludes epically with his starstudded offering in The Dark Knight Rises. With the core cast of Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman there is a sense of continuity in the character storylines, and a simultaneous infusion of fresh faces in Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy.

Hardy portrays Bane, Gotham’s bulky, raspy-voiced and eloquent arch-criminal, while Anne Hathaway dons a tight-fitting leather costume to become the third woman to play Selina Kyle since Michelle Pfeiffer premiered the role in Batman Forever (1992) and Halle Berry desecrated the character in Catwoman (2004).

The Dark Knight Rises picks up Batman’s tale eight years after the events of The Dark Knight and immediately plunges the audience in the thick of the action.

Nolan wastes no time in showing that The Dark Knight Rises is just as tense and dark as its predecessor.

However, using storylines from the preceding films, Nolan weaves a cohesive narrative that comes full circle, successfully concluding a franchise that has not only developed a cult-following, but also returned Batman to the apex of the superhero pyramid.

The question on everybody’s lips prior to the release of The Dark Knight Rises was whether the film could eclipse the monolithic reputation that was cast by The Dark Knight and its signature character, The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger. From the onset, it is clear that this film does not try to compete with its predecessor—it offers a fresh story, and a new villain with his own unique backstory.

Gordon-Levitt and Cotillard, who also worked with Nolan on Inception, put in an admirable shift throughout the film and provide a valuable creative outlet for the franchise as the film concludes.

Brownie points have to go to Tom Hardy though, who steals 2 hours and 48 minutes of your life with his

demonic eyes, deep Sean-Connerystuck-in-a-well voice and bulging muscles. Nolan does not disappoint in delivering yet another villain that will test Batman and excite cinemagoers.

The Dark Knight Rises is a successful conclusion to the Nolan/ Bale chapter of the Batman series, epic in its scope and brilliant in its execution. Any plot holes that might be discovered in a first screening are dispelled after the second viewing.

The third immortalises it. The fourth confirms what we have always known: Nolan has held the world hostage with his talent.

The fifth screening? Well, that’s just me trying to memorise all of Bane’s lines.

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sport

v7 e8 – 7 August 2012

The sexy Olympians of London Town Robert Byrne

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he Olympics have kicked off in an unusually sun-drenched London and will certainly have got some of the spectators hot and bothered. If, like me, you tend to watch most Olympic sports on account of how attractive the participants are, you won’t be let down.

Things were looking worrying heading into the tournament, with a recent rule change meaning that beach volleyball, the sport that saves men a sweaty trip to the beach, would allow women to wear shorts and sleeved tops. However, in the opening round, duos from Spain and the Netherlands donned bikinis in front of a somewhat raucous crowd, who had been worked into a frenzy earlier by some suggestive cheerleading. Needless to say, Elsa Baquerizo and Liliana Fernandez of Spain were well supported.

One enthusiastic spectator commented, "There's alcohol, there are ladies – it's all good. My wife was

supposed to come but unfortunately she's had to go to a hen-do, so I've brought my friend along and he's quite pleased."

It seems that some sports are almost certain to have aesthetically pleasing competitors. Science tells us that every sport requires athletes of a certain body shape. There is the ectomorph – the Peter Crouches of this world who are better suited to marathon running, triathlons, rhythmic gymnastics and basketball.

Then you have the endomorph – heavier-set athletes who suit wrestling, discus, the hammerthrow and shot-put. Somewhere in the middle is the mesomorph, those lucky individuals who are naturally muscular with low body fat, who are suited to weightlifting, boxing, cycling, sprint events and artistic gymnastics.

But it’s worth remembering that these are not hard and fast divisions.

Consider Usain Bolt. He would probably be somewhere between an ectomorph (standing at 1.96m) and a mesomorph, given his muscular physique. Too tall to be a sprinter?

Obviously not.

Generally speaking, Olympians have trained their bodies to the absolute physical peak. For an ectomorph this is rarely ever easy on the viewer’s eye. Paula Radcliffe is a case in point, even when she’s not squatting over a pavement.

So, where can you find the cream of the crop? According to scientists, the fittest athletes overall are gymnasts. Females are typically small, slim and have a high strengthto-muscle ratio. Their body must also be supple and narrow to allow for bends and moves. I like the Italians.

Perhaps the most eye-catching performers so far have been the female Argentinian hockey team.

Not only are they incredibly quick and nimble (as the South African side will attest to after a 7–1 thrashing), but they are also pretty easy on the eye. ‘Las Leonas’, as they are known, are led by the very tidy (both on and off the field) Luciana Aymar, or ‘El Diego’ on account of her incredible dribbling skills. I’ll leave the Google search to you.

Image: flickr.com/Tezza#

Olympic authorities’ firm stance Temi Oketunji

of the Games. Her comment, by virtue of contractual agreements signed by all Olympic team An Uzbek athlete, Luiza members, warranted expulsion Galiulina, became one of the from the Games. most recent athletes to be Also expelled from the expelled from the 2012 Olympic Olympics for making racist Games on account of positive comments was Swiss soccer tests for doping. Following a player Michel Morganella, after provisional ban, the Uzbek female he tweeted that the South Koreans gymnast was expelled formally “can go burn” and referred to them on July 31st after her second as a “bunch of mongoloids”. This urine sample tested positive for followed a 2–1 loss to the South traces of furosemide, a known Korean team. masking agent for performanceBoth athletes have since released enhancing drugs. formal statements apologising This follows the expulsion of for their actions. Papachristou 19-year-old Albanian weightlifter states in her apology that the Hysen Pulaku, who was the first statement was a joke in bad taste, athlete to test positive for doping while Morganella attributes his during the 2012 Olympic Games. outburst to provocative messages Pulaku was supposed to compete sent to his twitter account after the for his team in the 77-kg weight- conclusion of the match. lifting category, Adding to but doubts arose the list of exathletes have been when his team pelled athletes, expelled on account of four dropped him due female to suspicions of racist comments made badminton paidoping. rs have been via Twitter The World disqualified follAnti-Doping owing a disciAgency stated that 107 athletes plinary hearing. They were were tested and found to be positive found guilty of intentionally prior to the start of the games and losing their matches on Tuesday, thus banned from participating. 5 July 31st, in order to have 000 doping tests were scheduled their future matches against to take place during the Games weaker opponents. following the International Among them are the world’s Olympics Committee’s assertion number one pair, Wang Xiaoli of their firm stance against doping and Yu Yang of China, who at the Olympics. So far, over a repeatedly made uncharacteristic thousand of these tests have been errors in their match against the conducted.

South Korean pair Jung KyunAmidst expulsions for doping, eun and Kim Ha-na in an attempt other athletes have been expelled to lose and avoid China’s second on account of racist comments pair before the final. The hearing made via twitter. The first to be followed numerous warnings expelled was Greek athlete Voula from referees and disappointment Papachristou, after tweeting as expressed by the viewing public. follows: “With so many Africans The Chinese Olympic in Greece, at least the West Committee released a statement Nile mosquitoes will eat home expressing their opposition of the made food!!!” actions taken by the disqualified The tweet led to her being players and their intent to carry criticised by Olympic authorities out further investigation into for not upholding the basic values the matter.

sport

v71 e8 - 7 August 2012

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Sports Shorts VARSITY’s round-up of action-packed, homegrown sports clubs Sajjad Karamsi Cycling This year’s USSA event was hosted in Wellington, familiar territory for the UCT cyclists. In the cross-country mountain bike race, Emily Clarke (the only female UCT competitor) finished 2nd after a gruelling race.

In the men’s race, Dave Morison managed to win the bronze medal after crashing on the finish line.

In an exciting manoeuvre, he managed to quickly pick up his bike and step over the line. Defending champion Greig Know finished 5th, after deciding to concentrate on longer races.

Emily Clarke continued her excellent performances, striving towards the ‘King of the Mountain’ title. She ended up 2nd in the road event, and 3rd in the bunch sprint after breaking away from the peloton. She finished 3rd overall in the girls road division and won the prestigious ‘King of the Mountain’ jersey, the first time a UCT cyclist has achieved this distinction.

Netball The USSA tournament this year took place at the University of

Stellenbosch between June 28th and July 2nd. UCT were seeded in the intermediate B league. Losing two senior players to injury quite early in the tournament. UCT’s first game was against Tshwane University of Technology, and despite a fighting performance, they lost by a single goal.

The next game was against CPUT, ranked first in the league, and having in their ranks several provincial and national players. Despite outrageous moments of individual skill from UCT, CPUT walked away with an easy win. Up next was the Durban University of Technology, whose extremely physical style of play was discomfiting to the UCT girls.

They managed to hold on and win, and this run of form inspired some excellent performances that carried UCT to the semifinals where they lost to Vaal University of Technology, finishing 4th overall in the league.

Fencing UCT Fencing continued their dominance as the best university fencing club in the country after winning the USSA Fencing competition for the fourth consecutive year. Held at the University of Stellenbosch, this

year’s win was arguably the most difficult for the UCT team, having gone in with a very inexperienced team after several of last year’s fine crop graduated, including Jacques Viljoen, one of South Africa’s highest ranked fencers.

Led by coach Landon McClure and captains Alison Maclachlan and Skye-Pym Siljeur, UCT couldn’t even enter a full women’s team this year, yet still managed to retain their title. Being defending champions wasn’t easy, with women’s captain and club chairperson MacLachlan commenting “Going into the competition, there was a lot of expectation to win again. The pressure was on.”

The woman’s team won the sabre gold, with the men’s team winning the team gold and bronze in the épée.

Andrew Hochfelden, who won the most medals in the team, was named “Master of Arms” for being the best male fencer in the tournament. UCT finished with 130 points, managing to just squeeze past rivals Tuks and take first place.

With contributions from Kabelo Mafiri, Asanga Mehana and Brendon van Niekerk.

Nadoes and Cobras continue dominance

Image: michael.currin.co.za

Gareth Stevens & Sajjad Karamsi

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he second half of the internal rugby season kicked off on Wednesday, July 25th, on a crisp, chilly evening conducive to running rugby. While the crowds were sparse, England Sevens star and former UCT wing Matt Turner was among the supporters who tried to generate an engaging atmosphere on the Green Mile.

The format of the league has transformed this year in order to allow for a more even playing field.

In previous seasons, the teams were randomly placed into groups, with the top eight qualifiers progressing to the quarter-finals. This year, the top eight qualifiers from last season make up the A-League. They play a round-robin scenario with the top four sides qualifying for the semifinals. The B-League is made up of the remaining eight teams playing in a similar format.

There were a few fixtures which stood out at the beginning of this semester. In the B-League, the Shebeen Boys attracted the largest crowd for the 5.30pm game. A little rusty after the break, they managed to concede their first try of the entire season, but still managed to win comfortably. They are streets ahead of the other teams and should be competing in the A Section next year.

The adjacent rugby field saw an A-League fixture taking place between the Wildboys and Ubumbo.

This game was a far more competitive match, with more than a drop of blood being spilt. The Wildboys showed some real fight, playing the majority of the game a man short (this prevented them from substituting players, as they didn’t have enough able bodies, and really tested their conditioning.) They still managed to win the encounter 19-12. Fly-half Carl Jensen was too exhausted to answer any questions in his post-match interview, indicating

the intensity of the game.

The evening’s 6.30pm game was a much-anticipated clash between the two perennial power-houses of the internal league, Nadoes and Cobras.

This game promised a sneak preview of the final at the end of the season.

The two sides displayed great professionalism, with a remarkable focus on defence. The only try of the match, scored by the Cobras, was the result of an interception 80 metres out. The tussle ended 16-3 to the Cobras, who, as defending champions, are trying to retain their title.

The next round of games, on August 1st, saw the Cobras win against MOB 15-0, pushing them to second in the table, three points behind Nadoes, who have a game in hand. Panthers and Ikhaya prop up the A-League, having both lost all their games. Shebeen Boys remain unbeaten in the B-League, with Leo Marquard on course for the wooden spoon after dismal performances this season.

Image: Alison MacLachlan

Driven past Point

Sajjad Karamsi Sports Editor

Plans underway to reinstate Intervarsity

U

CT vs Stellenbosch remains the ultimate fan experience.

The rivalry is so intense it generates reams of online vitriol every year as students from either institution try and outdo each other in their shows of manliness.

And it’s now going to be even bigger and better with the return of Intervarsity. An annual event dating back to 1911, the competition was stopped in recent years due to scheduling issues, as well as due to crowd trouble. The rugby games were so big they would often be played at Newlands.

Pitting UCT and Stellenbosch against each other in almost every sport, Intervarsity is an intense weekend that culminates in the first team rugby match. This year, it’s expected to be held on Friday, August 31st and Saturday, September 1st.

This year’s programme is a pilot, testing whether the competition is suitable for reintegration into the university calendar. While the

rivalry in the past has been intense, the competition provides the opportunity to forge friendships and a spirit of camaraderie between the two universities. It uses sport to build fraternal ties, and instil a spirit of friendship between students from these two historic institutions.

Traditionally, Intervarsity events include inter-res and interfaculty fixtures, as well as those between the different sports clubs.

It’s always great fun to destroy those pesky Maties on the sports field, but off the field, let’s have a great time together. *** Usain Bolt! Enough said.

Sport VARSITY

FIXTURES USSA Soccer

WP Rugby

Wednesday, 8th August

Friday, 10th August

UCT vs Northlink College

UCT First XV vs Durbanville

KOPANO ASTRO

8pm

Green MILE

9pm

New manager for UCT Sports Sajjad Karamsi

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ARSITY caught up with Jonathan Stones, who was appointed as the new manager of UCT Sports & Recreation in March.

Formerly the Managing Director at SA Rugby, he brings a wealth of experience to the position. He tells us a bit about himself and about his vision for sports at the University.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in South Africa, but I grew up in Harare and went to school there. After studying Chemical Engineering at Wits, I worked for Sasol for a few years, after which I went back to university to study Mining Engineering. I then worked for GenCor, and was part of the group that created Engen, buying out Mobil assets. I’ve also worked for Goodyear.

Most recently, I was Managing Director for SA Rugby during the period when they won the 2007 World Cup, and I was responsible for getting Peter de Villiers hired as the Springbok Coach.

Why UCT? I’m a sports freak, so a position in management with a sporting facet was perfect. The job also has a strong developmental aspect. UCT is a different challenge, having to work in an environment with such a focus on academics. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

What are the three greatest

challenges UCT Sports faces?

We are quite constrained by our facilities. I was speaking to a couple of people who have been around since the 80s, when we had approximately 10,000 students but more physical facilities than today.

Our second challenge is transformation and development.

We need to provide more opportunities to those who haven’t had access to sports and sporting facilities in the past, and ensure that monetary constraints aren’t holding them back.

Finally, the lack of funding can be quite biting.

Let’s talk more about funding at UCT. UCT Sports’ entire budget is probably smaller than the rugby budgets at NWU and UP. We could definitely do with more funding. Sport is a great vehicle for development for students, and improves leadership and teambuilding skills, and creates longlasting relationships. In countries like the US, a great amount of alumni funding is generated by links to sports teams.

Doesn’t rugby get more funding at UCT than other sports?

Yes, it does. But rugby also provides significant positive exposure about UCT. It’s been estimated that buying similar exposure would otherwise cost R10 million annually. The last few years, the VC has been providing additional funding for the Rugby

Image: Uwais Razack Club through his strategic fund.

We can’t fund each club equally, but we do fund them equitably. Clubs who participate in higher levels of competition receive more funding.

This said, we have created a transformation fund, which focuses on providing facilities and equipment to sportsmen and sportswomen who cannot access these easily, especially due financial constraints. We are planning academies, and there is a huge movement towards increasing student participation.

Are there any planned upgrades in sports facilities? What’s happening

Close finish expected in Internal Soccer Robert Byrne Players in UCT’s Internal Soccer League have been chomping at the bit to return to action this semester, as “squeaky bum time’’ looms.

It is particularly tight at the top across all four leagues. In the Super League, the top three teams all have 25 points, with Patriots FC, Jakoet XI and Clarinus FC A only separated on goal difference.

Afghan FC and UH Dynamites are also still in contention for the title, a handful of points away from the leaders.

Last year’s champions, Rondebosch United, will be disappointed to find themselves in mid-table territory, currently lying sixth in the ranks. However, a late charge to reclaim their title is not beyond the realms of possibility, given the eightpoint deficit.

At the other end of the table lowly College House have managed to secure only one point so far this season, while shipping

a staggering 42 goals in 11 games, the highest number conceded across all four divisions.

Sandenburgh Residence top the Premier League with 25 points, but hot on their heels are: Three Hammers, St Peter’s Square Residence and Nolands Umbala FC who are one win off the top of the table.

While things may be tight in the middle of the table, propping up the ranks is Kopano B, who have not managed to secure a single point from their nine matches so far.

Joining them in the exclusive club of 0-pointers across the four leagues are Obz Square and Kilindini Killaz FC, who are at the bottom of the pile in the Second Division.

The Friendly Uncles top the Premier Division, the third tier of the UCT leagues, but Amabhuto FC trail only on goal difference with a game in hand. There is a five-point cushion between the two sides and their nearest challengers, Broken Wings. A relegation dogfight could be on the cards, with the bottom four sides all within five points of each other.

The much-fancied UCT Fourths could even find themselves being dragged into the relegation battle after a disappointing first half of the season. As Peter Buckton, Manager of the leagues on behalf of UCT Sport Recreation commented at the start of the season, it’s difficult to predict the likely outcome of the Super League. At the halfway stage, very little stands between the top sides. With varying academic commitments, inclement weather and a new influx of semester-abroad students, things may quickly change.

The ever popular knock-out cup competition returns this semester, with the usual prospect of giant-killings and penalty shoot-outs. High flying Premier League outfit Sandenburgh Residence will fancy their chances against Super League unit Liesbeeck Gardens in what looks to be the tie of the round.

Games are played on the Kopano Astro or at the Rhodes Recreational Fields

with the $1million Neville Isdell grant?

The grant is specifically for the Rugby Club and for the development of the rugby facilities. However, there are plans to spruce up the Sports Centre facilities.

In addition to this, the University is in discussions with the City of Cape Town and other strategic partners to create additional facilities for UCT Sports, including additional soccer and hockey fields, an athletics track, better netball facilities and an aquatics centre. We envisage a second sporting centre of gravity.

This is quite expensive, though.

The sporting culture at UCT isn’t as vibrant compared to other universities. What do you feel can be done to improve this?

We’re looking for more inclusivity, and to increase and improve student participation. For 2013, we plan to revitalise recreational sport. Social

leagues are great fun, and we want increased participation in inter-res and inter-faculty leagues.

UCT Sports has also revamped the coaching programme, which is now more structured, with coaches having to have a 3-year development plan. We also want to have a uniform UCT look and feel, with standardised sporting colours and uniforms across all codes.

What are the greatest things about sports at UCT? Our sports ethos is very studentcentric, which means students are involved in every stage of planning and administration, as well as participating in the sports. The time and effort put in by students is incredible. This approach is quite unique to UCT. In addition to this, sports clubs engage quite a lot with the community and do a lot of outreach work. This is quite impressive.

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