Edition Eight 2021 by VARSITY

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

House of Cards: Politics and Personal Attacks Drive Calls for the Incoming Law Students Council to Resign A Possible Procedural Violation of Electoral Rules Triggers Escalating Unpleasantness in the Faculty of Law By Daniel P. Rossmeisl Managing Editor

n September 29th, 2021, the final results fo r the 2 02 1 / 2 02 2 Law Students Council (LSC) election were announced. 12 candidates ran for the 9 available positions. Daniel Hukamdad, Mwaka Mukata, Aimee De Jager, Jessica Chuang, Cami Steele, Joy Magagula, Tadiwa Magadzire, L a u r e n S c h a e f e r, a n d Lithamsanqa Jacobs were all elected to form the incoming LSC. However, interpersonal tension resulting from the newly-formed LSC’s constituting meeting quickly spilt out into the student body. It became apparent that 6 of the 9 members had run their campaigns together under the leadership of LSC Chair Daniel Hukamdad. The apparent side-lining of the remaining three members, two of whom have established experience at UCT unlike the other firstyear leaders, brought greater student-wide attention to the electoral process. Students from the Prelim A and B classes suggested that Mr Hukamdad had, in effect, formed a ‘caucus’ in a bid to secure his position as Chair of the LSC. Mr Hukamdad has not denied such charges. In his resignation letter Mr Humkamdad defends his action: “To my mind, it is both perfectly normal and entirely acceptable – both before and after an election, for prospective candidates to muse on the possibility of holding certain positions on a council in-line with the work and effort that they feel they can bring to it.” It appears that not all students agree.

Unhappy with an apparent ‘lack of transparency’, a number of students from different classes and years in the Law Faculty contested the election results. While the 2020 Approved Electoral Regulations do allow that “candidates may form groups for the purpose of the election”, this provision is afforded with the caveat that “they register their group with the Election Commission in writing.” The alleged caucus did not register as a ‘group’, and some students interpreted this as a deliberate procedural violation of the electoral process. Arguments and discussion around this potential issue on several Law-related, student Whatsapp groups opened the floodgates for more accusations from students both in support and against the alleged caucus and its members. “It’s exam season, things are piling up, and now I have to deal with this? It’s toxic. It’s wrong.”

Allegations of early campaigning and false campaign promises (including whether the alleged caucus had secured sponsorship for the annual final year dance) were levelled against the incoming members of the LSC. Mr Hukamdad and his fellow LSC team responded to these alleged “personal attacks” on the Whatsapp groups – triggering ire that the LSC had been provided access to unofficial

channels of student communication. These tensions came to a head when Ms Steele allegedly muted one of the Whatsapp groups of a class that she was not part of, before allowing Mr Hukamdad to post a voice note in his (and his team’s) defence. Outcry on the group forced Ms Steele to apologise for acting beyond her purview and take full accountability for wrongly using a private Whatsapp group to pursue a political UCT agenda. Complications ensued when the OIC joined Lawrelated, student Whatsapp groups as part of an independent investigation at the behest of members of the alleged caucus. In response to students’ complaints that monitoring private Whatsapp conversations constituted an institutional overreach, Dr Alves defended her wellintentioned action: “the sexual misconduct policy, which was endorsed by SRC and students, ensures that digitally managed environments by UCT can be accessed in order to provide support to survivors who are experiencing harm.” In addition, Dr Alves made it clear that she joined with permission and left when asked to do so. Several students, who

www.varsitynewspaper.co.za

Source: UCT Development Studies

wish to remain anonymous, told VARSITY (independently) that they felt that institutions were being used to intimidate and suppress opposition. However, more than intimidated, the Law Faculty seems fatigued. “I’m just so tired of this,” one student told VARSITY, “It’s exam season, things are piling up, and now I have to deal with this? It’s toxic. It’s wrong.” Complaints regarding the validity of the election were also channelled toward the Dean of Law, Professor Chirwa, and the Electoral Commission. When asked for his position, Prof. Chirwa told VARSITY that “the Dean is not one of the institutions to whom an application to set aside an election can be made.” As of the writing of this article five of the nine LSC members have resigned their position. The most recent resignation is that of the Chair, Mr Hukamdad. Though Mr Hukamdad indicated his willingness to speak to VARSITY, logistics prevented a meeting from taking place before the publishing of this article.

NEWS

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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UCT Approves Mandatory Vaccines On the 16th of October, members of the UCT Council approved a proposal for mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for campus access. By Josh Raynham Staff Writer

uring a meeting on the 16th of October, the UCT council concluded that by December 2021 the university executive will be required to produce a diverse constitutional panel to plan and develop the operational details needed to see the mandatory vaccination proposal carried through its various stages. Brought forward by Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, who later told News24 that “it was important to get classrooms

Source: UCT News

and laboratories up and running again,” the proposal sees that from the 1st of January 2022, the University of Cape Town will require all staff as well as students to provide adequate proof of vaccination against the Covid-19 virus in order to be allowed to return to campus. The decision, however, came after many weeks of deliberation and with the help of both UCT staff and students. The UCT senate

voted

overwhelmingly

“...All staff as well as students to provide adequate proof of vaccination against the Covid-19 virus in order to be allowed to return to campus.” in support of mandatory vaccinations, with 83% of respondents voting in favour of it. Outgoing SRC president, Declan Dyer, commented on the

approval of the mandate by stating that while it has been accepted, there still remain concerns around the exclusionary aspect of such a mandate in practice. On Wednesday the 20th of October, ViceChancellor Phakeng sent out an email announcing the induction of the mandate as well as words of encouragement towards students still hesitant to get the vaccination.

Nobel Peace Prize Winning PM Associated With Humanitarian Crisis in Ethiopia’s Civil War Abyi Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia declared war on the East African country’s Tigray region after the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) seized a federal military base in late 2020. The resulting humanitarian crisis has left thousands without food or aid. By Ernst Calitz Staff Writer

joint coalition of Ethiopian and Eritrean forces have invaded parts of Tigray in a desperate attempt to contain the so-called rebellion. These forces have instilled multiple blockades that hinder food and foreign aid from entering the region and helping the civilian population, according to UN reports. At the beginning of the

conflict, many refugees flooded into neighbouring Sudan through the region’s connecting panhandle to the east. This, however, became increasingly impossible as Ethiopian forces seized control of the easternmost part of Tigray. The East African Country’s Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019

Source: DW.com

after ending a decade’s long conflict with Eritrea only to become embroiled in a civil war within the following year. Abiy Ahmed distinguished himself from prior Ethiopian leaders by promising and somewhat successfully achieving peace. However, in an attempt to create a unified Ethiopia - he

seems to be falling into the trend of his warmongering predecessors.Mr Ahmed claims that the government’s response to deploy National security forces is more than justified. However, the people of Tigray accuse these forces of acting like juntas.

NEWS “The country today is extremely polarised. Social divisions are particularly deep and intense. It’s difficult to see how Ethiopians can persuade Tigrayans to continue to pledge allegiance to the Ethiopian state.” Awol Allo, a senior lecturer in Law at Keele University told Vox news while discussing possibilities of reuniting Ethiopia.

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8 The Ethiopian Government expelled multiple senior UN officials towards the end of November on allegations that they were meddling in the government’s affairs. As a result, the officials were given 72 hours to evacuate. Amongst those who were expelled were the heads of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the head of the United Nations

Office, and the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Furthermore, the White House press secretary, Jen Paki, informed the press that the United States heavily condemns the expulsion of UN officials and will not hesitate to sanction all the parties complicit in blocking aid from entering the war-torn region.

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Since the press statement from Jen Paki many countries have come forward fearing that the conflict in Ethiopia could further destabilize the already fragile diplomatic region, as Ethiopia functions as the diplomatic heavyweight.

“Migrants Not Welcome” – Libya Many migrants and refugees camp outside the United Nations centre in Libya seeking help to escape the country after the brutal violence that occurred in detention centres. By Josh Raynham Staff Writer

n Sunday, October 10th, 2021, hundreds of migrants and refugees gathered outside a United Nations (UN) centre in Tripoli to seek help in trying to escape Libya after a violent crackdown saw thousands arrested and several people shot. The plea from refugees trying to escape the country came after the arrests of over 5 000 people, consequently leading to overcrowding in Libya’s detention centres, as well as the killing of six migrants by Libyan guards. Those waiting outside the UN centre slept on pavements with bandages on their heads, legs, and hands from wounds inflicted within the detention centres. Stories of hunger, desperation, and abuse were told by those

Source: Arab News

who had experienced time within these prisons, with many speaking of being beaten and tortured regularly. Those attempting to escape say they have been faced with violence and abuse in a country that has now become a major transit point for those seeking a better life on the shores of Europe. “We are guilty of nothing except emigrating from our country... but we are treated as criminals and not as refugees,” said Mohamed Abdullah, a 25-year-old refugee from Sudan. The migration crisis, which has been brewing in Libya for over a decade, came to be through the instability caused after the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) led the war against Muammar

Gaddafi’s regime. The fall of the regime left a hole in the country. Unstable politics and institutional ruin have paved the way for the emergence of criminal syndicates whose trade in human beings has finally attracted global attention. Human trafficking has since been encouraged following the Libyan government’s rejection of the European Union’s plea to set up reception centres in Libya for African asylum seekers attempting to cross into Europe. The combination of a breakdown in the national government, as well as a rise in the criminal enterprise, have placed Libya and other North African countries at the forefront of this migration crisis.

“The combination of a breakdown in the national government, as well as a rise in the criminal enterprise, have placed Libya and other North African countries at the forefront of this migration crisis.” Gambling with death has become a daily struggle for millions of African men, women, and children whilst attempting to cross over to Europe and other parts of the world in search of greener pastures. This quest to escape poverty, hunger, and insecurity has consequently landed many within the borders of Libya and ultimately within a nationwide humanitarian crisis.

Editorial

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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A Year in Review

By Emma Sacco Editor-in-Chief

It is with such honour that I take up the position of Editor-in-Chief for 2022. Working at VARSITY for the past few years has been an experience filled with learning, joy, and camaraderie. This year in particular I have been a close witness to the incredible work of the Senior Editorial, to whom I owe a large amount of my writing, editing, and leadership skills. “Despite these challenges, the Senior Editorial has produced seven editions of the paper with engaging, insightful and important articles covering major events that took place in 2021.”

This year has been one with many difficulties for VARSITY, due to the ongoing pandemic as well as online learning at UCT. Despite these challenges, the Senior Editorial has produced seven editions of the paper with engaging, insightful and important articles covering major events that took place in 2021. Some of the initiatives that the Senior Editorial took this year include the interview with Vice Chancellor Phakeng, where our outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Lerato Botha, was able to connect with the VC and ask her important questions regarding the devastating fire that took place in April, providing students with answers during a time of great uncertainty and worry. A restructuring of VARSITY also took place this year in order to further align the paper with other prestigious student newspapers and to improve efficiency within the production of VARSITY, two goals

that the Senior Editorial art. achieved seamlessly through hard work and effective communication “…we vow to retain with the entire VARSITY the same exceptional standard of the collective. newspaper that this year’s Senior Editorial “As we move towards the has upheld, and beginning of a new year, look forward to new our vision for VARSITY initiatives, new ideas, continues to grow, with and new voices to come new ideas and exciting in 2022.” developments already in the works.” VARSITY has remained an effective and engaging As we move towards the student-run newspaper beginning of a new year, for nearly 80 years, and our vision for VARSITY it is with great pride continues to grow, with that we continue the new ideas and exciting important journalistic developments already work that has taken in the works. VARSITY is place at VARSITY over a newspaper that offers the past eight decades. important and relevant As we end this year and news which specifically reflect on VARSITY’s work pertains to UCT students, throughout 2021, we as well as covers news vow to retain the same events on a larger, exceptional standard of international scale. Next the newspaper that this year, we aim to broaden year’s Senior Editorial has our reach and connect upheld, and look forward more with our audience to new initiatives, new – we want VARSITY to ideas, and new voices to be a safe space where come in 2022. students can express their concerns, their news, their opinions, and their

The Collective Editor-in-Chief - Emma Sacco Dep. Editor-in-Chief - Micha Cerf Publisher - Jeremy Simpson Branding & Marketing Manager - Nita Naidoo Finance Manager - Savannah Goncalves Creative Director - Navan Coetzee News Editors - Daniel Rossmeisl & Imaan Voterson Managing Editors Maria Ortelee & Daniel Rossmeisl Features Editors - Amber Williams, Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure & Manoa Andriamihariosa Arts & Culture Editors - Nqabisa Faku & Simbarashe Mawere Opinions Editors - Emma Sacco & Maria Ortelee Design Editors - Reabetswe Khutsoane & Meriam Kakuwaezi

Applications for 2022 will open soon. Please keep an eye on our social media pages or email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested! Twitter & Instagram: @varsitynews

Website: http://varsitynewspaper.co.za/

VARSITY NEWSPAPER 2021 YEARBOOK

Lerato Botha - Editor-in-Chief Micha Cerf - Managing Editor Nita Naidoo - Branding & Marketing Manager

Meriam Kakuwaezi - Design Editor

Reabetswe Khutsoane - Design Editor

Imaan Voterson - News Editor

Asemahle Ntoyakhe Staff Writer

Daniel P. Rossmeisl - News Editor

Savannah Goncalves - Finance Manager

Emma Sacco - Opinions Editor

Ernst Calitz - Staff Writer & Photo-journalist

Sane Mhloma Managing Editor

Navan Coetzee - Creative Director

Maria Ortelee - Opinions Editor

Amber Williams - Features Editor

Ilham Choonara - Staff Writer

Deputy

Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure - Features Editor

Joshua Raynham - Staff Writer

Seth Meyer - Staff Writer

Julia Rowley - Managing Editor

Manoa Andriamihariosa Deputy Features Editor

Siviwe Cingo - Staff Writer

Jeremy Simpson - Deputy Editor in Chief

Simbarashe Mawere Arts & Culture Editor

Stefan Kirsten - Staff Writer

Nqabisa Faku - Arts & Culture Editor

Features

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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An Interview with Tebogo Mabusela Behind the scenes with Tebogo: get to know who he is and what has made him stand out. By Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure Features Editor

ARSITY News caught up with Tebogo Mabusela, the SRC independent candidate who garnered the majority vote. Tebogo, however, is more than just “the SRC guy”. Hailing from Mokopane —a small town in Limpopo—, he has been pursuing a degree in Accounting under the Commerce Faculty for the past two years. His friends describe him as “friendly” and “smart”, attributes that are clearly demonstrated in his successful campaign.

“[Tebogo states] ‘in a society where we are constantly bombarded with information, we need expert voices to lead and they don’t necessarily need to belong to a political party to have authority.’” It is clear from Tebogo that one has to be a leader before they actually get an official title. The title is simply a public confirmation of the attributes one has already been working on in their personal growth. To put it succinctly: leadership is a mindset. For Tebogo, leadership is a platform which he uses to learn what is relevant in his community and what is not. In other words, what is currently serving people and how can he take initiative in perpetuating that. To know this, his friendly demeanour has allowed him to learn how to serve people’s needs and interact with them on the same level. He recalls an incident where he was attempting to recruit residence students for StartUp Grind (a society where he’s co-director). “People don’t listen to you, you sound like a salesperson,” is what his director

Source: Tebogo Mabusela

warned him. Heeding this advice, he reinvented his style, or rather, started being himself. The advice which Tebogo offers is to “try and be yourself, have room to experience people so that they can see who you really are”. This advice is evident on his Instagram page. For someone who’s also in the Commerce Student Council (CSC) amongst other leadership roles one would expect his page to be flooded with how he’s “serving the people”. However, he warns how this image can be unsustainable and appear pretentious. Instead, his social media shows how his friendly personality manifests not only in leadership but day-to-day experiences whether it be on a hiking trip, at the beach or at the Clay Café with new friends…and him being a student, naturally. We asked what Tebogo meant in his gratitude letter where he mentioned how one does not need to be in politics to be an effective leader. One of his many beliefs is that one does not need to be aligned to a political party to have an authoritative voice that guides people towards positive change. He believes that if one is properly or well-informed they can still effectively lead people. In a society where we are constantly bombarded with information, we need expert voices to lead and they don’t necessarily need to belong to a political party to have authority. The voices just have to address the current and future needs of the people. This fact exhibited in his unique approach to campaigning. Understanding that his student demo-

graphic who look for expert answers for guidance are also humans who love memes, classic cartoons, WhatsApp stickers and have serious screen fatigue was a keystone in his campaign. Tebogo’s campaign utilised these tools to grab students’ attention. He met them at common ground in order to learn what their needs were on campus and understand how he could assist them. Clearly, Tebogo used his experience as class representative and CSC member to not only understand student needs but to show his understanding of student culture and reciprocating relatable methods self expression (memes, WhatsApp stickers, et cetera) to show how well he understood all the struggles lying behind the jokes and coping mechanisms. This could only be done by someone who is truly engaging and likely empathetic.

“Try and be yourself, have room to experience people so that they can see who you really are.” His effective strategy required intention and deliberation—ideals he tries to live by. When he can, Tebogo tries to exercise regularly. This reminds him of the overall discipline needed in maintaining his passion coupled with a daily habit to pray. Lastly, he offered practical tips for aspiring candidates: “Don’t be afraid to Direct Message fellow students, there are always people willing to help. Your ‘connections’ are actually your friends, let them speak for you.”

Features

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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Reflecting on 2021’s Academic Year As the academic year ends, students often reflect on their experience at UCT and share new insights they have gained throughout the process.

By Manoa Andriamiharisoa Features Editor

Source: Gallo Images - Jacques Stander

his year marks the first time since students have had to adjust to some form of blended learning in a pandemic: attending some inperson lectures and practicals or writing tests and exams on campus. For many, 2021 has been challenging, taking a toll on their mental health. When asked about what this year has taught her, Fiqah, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in English and Linguistics and a resident in Tugwell, reflected on the importance of staying on track with work, as difficult as it is. “You have to know yourself academically […] and plan as much as you can […], so when the time comes, you do not put so much pressure on yourself”, says Fiqah. She regrets previously putting aside some of her course content when assignments and final submissions are due. In her opinion, catching up on lectures puts an immense strain on people, and it is hard to focus on something for a long time.

accommodation, it does not help when she isolates herself for several days because of work. “The four walls are daunting, […] get out as much as you can’’, she notes. Fiqah is introverted by nature and does not regularly speak to people inside her campus student accommodation. Although she talks to people on her phone, she knows that this only works to some extent because people have their own lives and busy schedules. “If you do not have someone to talk to in res, you may lose it”, Fiqah says. “In her opinion, catching up on lectures puts a lot of strain on people and it is difficult to focus on something for a long period of time.”

Looking back at everything that has happened so far, she would have liked to practice more self-control in certain situations. It could have helped her plan for circumstances better. When reflecting on what “We do not get the feedback we UCT has done in the learning need to progress.” space this year, Fiqah mentions that faculties have problems. As a student living in campus Although she acknowledges

that it is sometimes difficult to get timely feedback due to the changing environment these last two years, she highlights the importance of getting feedback from lecturers and faculties as a whole, particularly for students who struggle with mental health and stress. “We do not get the feedback we need to progress”, mentions Fiqah. She elaborates further that mistakes constitute the best learning process. To avoid these scenarios from repeating themselves next year, Fiqah urges faculties, lecturers, and tutors to talk to their students and communicate more openly and freely with them. “The four walls are daunting, […] get out as much as you can.”

Features

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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Student Wellness Services and Mental Health Awareness “Your mind is part of everything that you do.” Mental health is a vital part of the well-being of an individual and importance should be placed on what sort of services the University provides for students who are experiencing problems in said area. By Ilham Choonara Staff Writer

Source: Thrive Wellness

ith October being mental health awareness month, it is not only pertinent to increase our daily awareness of mental health in our lives, but also to raise awareness of the services at our disposal for relief to life’s issues and stressors. In an especially stress-inducing context, such as university for young adults, UCT’s Student Wellness Service (SWS) is one of several structures available for students to receive support with challenges they face. In recognition of World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, the SWS organised the Run/Walk 4 Mental Health in which participants ran or walked for 1.5, 3 or 6 kilometres around the UCT Rugby field. Before the start of the event, the SWS executive director spoke on the importance of being mindful of your health. Awareness means not only being aware of mental health existing for others, but also aware of your own emotional and physical state. This emphasizes the known phrase “there is no health without mental health.” An SWS psychiatrist echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are mindful; we are not alone.” The event was attended by 250 participants and appropriate COVID protocols were put in place. UCT’s Student Wellness Service offers health services as well as counselling services.

in related issues. “The SWS expressed the great extent SWS has urged students to make of overload of student requests for use of this especially if they are on the sessions and support in high-demand waiting list for a counselling appointtimes such as university exam ment and require immediate support season.” or guidance. To book a counselling or psychotherapy appointment through The SWS stated that there has been SWS, students can follow the link bean overload of student requests for low (some of the options offered are sessions and support in high-demand charged at a fixed rate per hour): times such as the exam season. These https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ periods of high demand usually ren- calendar/STUDENTWELLNESSSERVIder many students unable to access CEPSYCHOLOGICALSERVICES@msthe services offered due to the sheer cloudtest.uct.ac.za/bookings/ volume of requests. Therefore, the Independent Counselling and Advisory “Awareness means not only being Services (ICAS) On-The-Go Crisis App aware of mental health existing for has recently been created as well as others, but also aware of your own a 24-hour phone counselling service emotional and physical state. This offered to try and reduce accessibility emphasizes the known phrase ‘there problems. The on-the-go app provides is no health without mental health.’” secure and live text messaging with an ICAS professional, or the option to call One in six South Africans are faced a professional for free. These features with mental health challenges. Adare offered in 11 languages and ideal- ditionally, academic stress and emoly at any time. The App also has stress tional distress are experiences which assessments, articles, and short vid- should not be stigmatized and no one eos providing health and wellness aid. should have to suffer alone. Mental UCT students can download this app health awareness and support services on the Google Play Store and Apple are evidently needed in quantities Stores and register using the company larger than those currently catered code: UCT001. for. Awareness of one’s own wellbeing can aid all to live more tolerant of the The South African Depression and many people living with ill mental Anxiety Group’s UCT Student Careline health, and become more compascan be used as an additional measure sionate people in an often stressful to help ease the overload on the SWS world.

Arts & Culture

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

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The San and Khoi Centre in its First Year The San and Khoi Centre, launched just over a year ago, has made tremendous strides in research, activism, and awareness around the First Nations people of South Africa and the importance of acknowledging their place and presence in our current society and culture. By Amber Williams Features Editor

t has been over a year since the University of Cape Town (UCT) launched the San and Khoi Centre in the Centre for African Studies (CAS) Unit. Launched on the 21st of September 2020, the Centre aimed to bring to the foreground, the experiences, languages, rituals and knowledge systems of the indigenous San and Khoi people who have a history as South Africa’s First Nations group, dating as far back as 150 000 years ago, if not more. UCT itself is situated on the historic Huri ǂoaxa (Hoerikwaggo) mountain, translated as ‘the mountain in the sea’, which was dispossessed from the First Nations’ tribes and is of great cultural significance to these tribes who once called the picturesque mountain and surrounding areas home. The San and Khoi people have faced extreme physical and cultural genocide, social exclusion, forced assimilation, geological dispossession, imprisonment, and violence under European settler rule and colonialism from the 1500s onwards. Many of their descendants still live in and around Cape Town today; some as students, staff, and graduates of the university itself.

Source: UCT African Studies

year and has played an important role in the knowledge produced within the Centre, her latest publication being Ausi Told Me: Why Cape Herstoriographies Matter. June’s current research deals mainly with Khoisan identities and their link to social justice in South Africa. Along with leading scholars, feminist activists, community poets, and students, space has been opened up within the Centre for critical debate and reflection around the historiographies of the Khoi and San people and their place in our society and culture today, not only on a local scale but globally as well. The Centre has hosted regular webinars throughout the year, with internationally renowned scholars, poets, activists, and community leaders coming together and sharing their understandings and personal stories of their own heritage and ancestral histories. The Centre will work within the Worldwide Universities Network to contribute to global debate and discussion around indigenous communities with other first nations groups in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few.

“It is important to remember what once was (and still is) so we can move forward with this shared knowledge and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

“The work done within the Centre forms an important part of UCT’s Vision 2030, which aims to tackle themes of transformation, diversity, inclusion and decolonisation within the university.”

Despite being launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the San and Khoi Centre has produced novel work that highlights the importance of preserving and recording the knowledge systems and traditions of the San and Khoi people. Dr June Bam-Hutchison has been appointed interim director of the Centre for the past

With the new constitution set up in 1994, the San and Khoi people have found it difficult to seek validation and expression as a cultural group in South Africa’s Constitution due to a large part of their history being swept away and degraded by centuries of colonial violence. The work done within the Centre

will address this centuries old dissolution of their identities and culture as a people. The Centre recently implemented a foundational Khoekhoegowab language short course (one of the languages of the San and Khoi people) under the leadership of activist Bradley van Sitters, with hopes to have the language implemented as an official course within a degree structure in the next five years. The work done within the Centre forms an important part of UCT’s Vision 2030, which aims to tackle themes of transformation, diversity, inclusion, and decolonisation within the university. This process of decolonisation has aided the university to address its harsh, dark and tumultuous past. Such action has culminated in the renaming of many important structures on campus, most notably the Sarah Baartman Hall, previously referred to as the Jameson Hall. “...the Centre aims to foreground the experiences, languages, rituals and knowledge systems of the indigenous San and Khoi people…” As a historically white university, UCT recognises the launch of the San and Khoi Centre as being crucial to decolonising the university and its associated spaces. With the Rhodes Must Fall movement many students were asking relevant questions concerning the history of the university’s land before Cecil John Rhodes possessed it for his own profit and gain. It is important to remember what once was (and still is) so we can move forward with this shared knowledge and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Arts & Culture

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 Edition 8

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Forced Child Marriages When tradition impacts the freedoms and rights of children, society needs to step up and fight on behalf of the children for those rights.

By Khumbulani Jali Varsity Contributor

Source: Dressember Foundation

very year, around twelve million young girls fall victim to the archaic practice of child marriage. Widespread throughout East and Southern Africa, as well as South Asia, these forced unions are often planned and executed without the girls themselves knowing. Currently there are numerous cases of children in marriages and the conditions they face not only violate their human right to a childhood, but also compromise their health, safety and identity.

with lobola/dowry, a bride price which parents receive from their new in-laws upon the marriage of the child. Effectively this can be viewed as selling off their child into marriage, in the inappropriate case of child marriage.

“A usual consequence [of child marriage on the child] is having to leave school due to the inability to mix marriage life and education.”

The young girls are often told that these marriages are necessary to secure their futures, or to maintain their social honour of the family within the community. However, the marriages threaten their lives in a variety of ways. A usual consequence is having to leave school due to an inability to mix marriage life and education. Other effects include abuse from their “spouses”, and separation and isolation from friends and families. The cruellest possibility is that they are raped by the men they are forced to marry; and with the brides being minors it is statutory rape. In a situation such as this, they are confronted with the increased likelihood of complications during

Child marriages are defined as either a formal or informal union between a child below the age of 18 and an adult, or another child. Often at times, children will be forced into marriages by their parents, usually through culturally sanctioned practices in the areas where this occurs. Poverty, destitution, and limited access to education help foster the conditions that allow for this practice to continue. The idea of marriage is often coupled

“Poverty, destitution, and limited access to education help foster the conditions that allow for this practice to continue.”

pregnancy and childbirth.

ensure that the rights of children are observed and In response to the crisis protected. and to protect the rights of these girls, the United “The continued Nations Population Fund existence of this (UNFPA) and United practice reveals Nations Children’s Fund the persistence (UNICEF) launched the of problematic Global Programme to End gender norms that Child Marriage in 2016. The dehumanise women programme aims to both and girls.” curb new child marriages from occurring and to assist those children already in these forced unions. The The continued existence programme is active in 12 of this practice reveals the countries across Asia and persistence of problematic Africa, providing life skills gender norms that education and economic dehumanise women and empowerment to children, girls. The children that are and improving access to forced into these marriages healthcare, protection, have predetermined futures and education services. to be child bearers and Community engagements housewives for the men they are also carried out, involving are married off to. They lose parents, community the ability to plot the course leaders, religious leaders, of their own lives and, as and schools. This is done such, their individuality in collaboration with and sense of self. Existing grassroots organisers, who gender stereotypes within often include survivors of society are in lockstep with child marriages. Across the the roles these child brides different countries, they will are compelled to assume. respond to news of planned Paramount to current child marriages by meeting realities, it is important for with parents and working to members of society to resist convince them to cancel the these detrimental beliefs unions through education and traditions when they on the ramifications of such contribute to the continued unions on the future of their abuse and marginalisation children. The programme of the girl-children also works to strengthen worldwide. legislative frameworks within these countries and

Arts & Culture

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8 Page 10

Shudufhadzo Musida: Breaking Mental Health Stigma Through Educational Conversations Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida raises awareness and educates South African citizens about mental health in her #MindfulMondays series on Instagram.

By Aphiwe Mhlangulana Varsity contributor

orld statistics estimate that between 12% and 48% of people are living with mental illness. Between 8.4% and 33.6% of those living with mental illness are from low- and middle-income countries. In South Africa, mental health is on the periphery. This has resulted in mental health issues not receiving the necessary attention and those suffering from mental illnesses not getting quality treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already challenged public health care system, and those who suffer from mental illnesses have felt the effects. Reports on the relationship between COVID-19 and mental health state that 45% of South Africans were fearful, while 33% were depressed and 29% felt lonely during the country’s first lockdown. Many South Africans have reported that this period has been a very emotionally and mentally testing period. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already challenged public health care system, and those who suffer from mental illnesses feel the effects.”

Source: Instagram

One of the crucial problems faced about mental health is the stigma often attached to having a mental illness. To help address this, Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss South Africa of 2020, started a series of conversations titled #MindfulMondays on her Instagram account @ shudufhadzomusida in collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). These conversations are held every Monday and focus on questions and myths around mental health, bullying and access to mental health facilities in South Africa. “To help address this, Shudufhadzo started a series of conversations titled #MindfulMondays on her Instagram account @shudufhadzomusida in collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).” In one of her most recent series of #MindfulMondays, she touched on the accessibility of mental health care in South Africa and where individuals can seek assistance. The

Department of Health has listed 53% of the hospitals in the country as providers of 72-hour assessments of psychiatric emergencies. However, SADAG has proclaimed that many of these hospitals often do not have the staff or capacity to meet mental health care needs. In a conversation with Shudufhadzo on #Mindful Mondays, Zamo Mbele, a board member at SADAG, estimated that the current ratio is 1.00 clinical psychologists to 100 000 people. This displays the extreme shortage of healthcare staff and the inaccessibility of these resources for South Africans who need mental health services. It is also worth acknowledging that many South Africans, especially those living in rural areas, cannot access these facilities. Individuals in these areas must travel long distances to access health care. The #MindfulMondays series has become an educational platform for some and presented validation for others. Seeing Black professionals having conversations about how mental health affects the Black

community has helped address some of the myths and the stigma attached to mental illnesses, especially in the Black community. #MindfulMondays is a starting point that can be used to encourage more conversations around mental illnesses and how they affect our communities. “In a conversation with Shudufhadzo on #Mindful Mondays, Zamo Mbele, a board member at SADAG, estimated that the current ratio is 1.00 clinical psychologists to 100 000 people. That proves the extreme shortage of healthcare staff and the inaccessibility of these resources for South Africans who need these services.” While the reign of Shudufhadzo as Miss South Africa has come to an end, I hope that the series will still continue and that more people will gain exposure to these impactful and educational conversations.

Opinions

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

Page 11

A Voice to Conscientize or a Voice to Reiterate Harm? Giving a voice to sexual offenders can open wounds and trigger traumatic memories. [due to the violent and triggering nature of the subject matter of this topic, VARSITY would like to issue a content warning for this piece] By Siviwe Cingo

he world we live in harbours sexual perpetrators. Some sexual offenders exist within our society, and some have been sent to correctional services. There have been remedial recommendations on how to reform sexual offenders, concerning effective and safe treatment, and the duty of reforming sexual offenders has demanded intervention from judicial, mental health and policing services. In dealing with the scourge of sexual offences committed by sexual perpetrators, The Avon and Somerset police (a police force in England) institute’s strategy have been two-fold: 1. to rehabilitate the sexual offenders through remedial treatment

Source: hobowithalaptop

and 2. to conscientize society through a controversial campaign.

“I believe that at the forefront of sexual crime prevention should be the offenders, who can be used as a prime example of what heinous and illegal sexual antics can do to a person’s life…” The Avon and Somerset police force, during their crime prevention campaigns, decided to give a voice to sexual offenders so that they could tell their stories of committing sexual crimes and advise others to not make the same mistake. This campaign is part of a larger scope of work that focuses on victims

of crime. However, according to the police force, “It is important for us to show that we are provocatively working to prevent these crimes and stop people from causing harm in the first place”. The call to give sexual offenders a voice has been met with criticism from members of the public. Some people cite their grievances based on how the voices of these offenders trigger traumatic memories and undermine and devalue the pain felt by victims of such atrocities. Further, they purport that these platforms that give sexual perpetrators a voice are made for them to draw sympathy rather than show remorse. Conversely, I believe that at the forefront

DISCLAIMER

of sexual crime prevention should be the offenders, who can be used as a prime example of what heinous and illegal sexual crimes can do to a person’s life - the life of the victim as well as the life of the perpetrator. What better way to do that than to hear it first-hand from the criminals themselves? Sexual offenders should be given a voice to warn society about sex crimes as well as to help prevent others with pedophilic thoughts to seek help instead of commit a crime that will land them in jail and scar someone else for life.

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

Opinions

30 October 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 8

Page 12

Voting is a Choice, Not a Duty Voting is not an obligation - the right to vote has always been about the right to choose.

By Seth Meyer

lection season has arrived in South Africa. Along with the usual manifesto launches, promises to make everything better, and endless array of campaign posters festooning the streets, the well-worn debate of whom to vote for has been making the rounds in conversations and on social media. The arguments vary, much like the options. Well over 300 parties are contesting in this year’s election, which means that even the most diligent of voters would be hard pressed to form an opinion on every single one of them. Some of us find that such an effort is pointless anyway. “Voter apathy is strong in local elections, especially amongst young people.”

Source: OfficeHolidays

Voter apathy is strong in local elections, especially amongst young people. In my own circles, I’ve heard the same concerns or dismissals, mostly a mix of “I don’t know who to vote for” and “I don’t really care”. In a followup to this question, of whom to vote for or why, is the dilemma of whether one is obliged to do so because of the nature of our history as an electorate. The right to vote, while undeniably a right, is still in some ways a privilege afforded to the generation of “born-frees”, like myself, who have now grown up into an inheritance of the role of the voter. For the majority of South African citizens, this right was never a given. It was denied for generations, and hardwon over generations. So, are we undermining

our young democracy when we don’t bother to exercise a right that lies at the basic premise of that democracy, a right that so many did not enjoy? “The right to vote has always been about the right to choose.” Here’s a strong but perhaps not uncommon opinion: there aren’t really any good choices, in terms of political parties. They will all disappoint abysmally, in some way or another. But, are we supposed to, despite our aversions, pinch our nose and choose between the shiniest of two turds? … Actually, no. The right to vote has always been about the right to choose. It is doubly a choice to participate and a choice in who we vote for. The onus of

DISCLAIMER

direction rests on us as a younger generation. Many of our parents and grandparents had no say before 1994 in any direction whatsoever. Today, we do. So, if you are passionate about exercising that hard-won right, if you believe in a path that leads towards something better (and please, let the rest of us know, because things can seem pretty bleak these days), then go out on the 1st of November and make a mark for what you think is best. Or you could just sleep in. It’s your right to choose.