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20 August 2013
VOLUME 72 EDITION 9
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UCT students protest the endorsement of Zimbabwe Elections Tendai Madzikanda
O
n Wednesday August 14th, protesters gathered outside the South African Parliament building to voice their concerns over President Jacob Zuma and SADC’s endorsement of the recent elections held in Zimbabwe. Following the announcement of the results, Zuma extended “profound congratulations” to Mugabe and the SADC deemed the election results as “free” and “fair”. These announcements spurred a group of UCT students to organise a protest and present a memorandum to the Speaker of Parliament Max Sisulu outlining 13 breaches to the new constitution and the Electoral Act.
“It’s about having an election that is in conformity with the constitution” Image: Megan Kinnnaird MUGABE’S VICTORY: Various irregularities during Zimbabwe’s voting day sounded many alarm bells about the legitimacy of the entire election process.
Image: Megan Kinnnaird UCT STUDENTS: Gathered outside the South African Parliament building, students protested against President Jacob Zuma and SADC’s endorsement of the Zimbabwean elections.
IN THIS ISSUE
The Zimbabwean elections were held on July 31st and saw incumbent President Robert Mugabe claim victory over main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai by an overwhelming 61% to 34%. The election also saw Mugabe’s ZANUPF party claim 160 of the 210 parliamentary seats, giving them a two-thirds majority in parliament and thus allowing them to change the constitution. The landslide victory coupled with many irregularities, before, during and after the casting of votes has raised many questions about the legitimacy of the entire election process, with many believing that they may have been rigged. Doug Coltart, an organiser of the protest and a UCT law student, did not make any allegations of rigging. Instead, he believes the elections failed to adhere to certain legal requirements set in Zimbabwe’s Electoral Act and new Constitution. “We wanted this protest to be a completely nonpartisan event. It’s not about ZANUPF, it’s not about MDC-T or any other party. It’s about having an election that is in conformity with the constitution and the rule of law,” Coltart said. The alleged legal breaches
included: the failure to allow absent citizens (citizens outside the country) a chance to vote, the failure to provide printed and electronic copies of the voters’ roll to all parties in a timely fashion, an inaccurate voters’ roll containing “improbable numbers” of registered voters over the age of 100 years old, as well as the names of the deceased still appearing on the roll. Various speakers at the protest gave more insight into the legal breaches of the election and, despite the rain, managed to spark the crowd into excitement. Mtho Tshuma, a speaker at the protest and a law student at UCT, acknowledged in his speech that the road to justice will not be a simple one.“I have no illusions that a protest of students will not change the world over night, but it is my belief, a belief I must stand behind, that we are sons and daughters of struggle in one way or another, and that the time to defend injustice is upon us,” said Tshuma. About an hour after the protest began, Sisulu exited Parliament and received the memorandum. Ramabina Mahapa, an organiser of the event and a UCT student, believes that with the South African general election fast approaching it is vital for South Africans to take a stance against injustice. “As South Africans we must stand up and not allow this to happen in any country,” said Mahapa. Justin Fitzsimmons, a 22-yearold American exchange student, found the protest to be a great cultural experience and expressed his satisfaction at the amount of support. “The protest was a surreal experience for me. I didn’t know what to expect, but to see the spirit of the people chanting and singing in the rain was one of my best experiences”, said Fitzsimmons. It is too soon to tell whether or not the memorandum will have any effect. The SADC summit took place on August 17th and 18th where Malawian President, Joyce Banda, and new head of SADC has endorsed the elections in Zimbabwe by extending congratulations to President Mugabe for “conducting peaceful elections”. The MDC-T party also decided on Friday August 16th to withdraw their legal challenge as they feel the courts would not be fair.
Act of phubbing
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Bisi Mtshali
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news
v72 e9 – 20 August 2013
News Bites Egyptian police kill protesters EGYPT – 30 people were killed by Egyptian security forces as they protested for the reinstatement of President Mohammed Morsi. There has been a high level of conflict and tension in the area ever since Morsi was ousted from his position as president on July 3rd. -Reuters News
Israel-Palestine negotiation talks continue ISRAEL, PALESTINE – Negotiators reconvened on Wednesday, August 14th, to further their efforts in resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Israel’s initial step of freeing 26 Palestinian prisoners negotiations took a slight step backwards when Israel wanted to claim more land for Jewish homes that the Palestinians wanted for their future state. -Reuters News
Oil spill in Knysna KNYSNA – There is a leaking cargo ship just off Buffels Bay. The ship ran aground on Wednesday due to mechanical problems coupled with bad weather. The South African Maritime Authority (SAMA) is working on getting the vessel afloat. A plan has been made to remove the oil by air. -News24
COSATU on Vavi’s fate JOHANNESBURG – The labour federation held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 14th, in order to determine the fate of Zwelinzime Vavi. Vavi is facing some serious allegations regarding conduct in the workplace. As a result of his actions, Vavi has been suspended. -SABC News
Oppikoppi Festival LIMPOPO – The 19th music festival was held on Friday, August 9th, in Limpopo and attracted over 20 000 people. The festival featured a lot of local acts as well as some bigger names such as 5FM’s Jon Savage. -TimesLive
Kenya sues Israel for Jesus’ death KENYA – A lawyer in Kenya, Dola Indisis, has taken on the case of acquitting Jesus of the crimes he was found guilty of committing 2 000 years ago. The lawyer is suing Italy and Israel for the premature punishment of Jesus whilst his trial was still ongoing as he believes there was a lack of evidence. -Daily Mail
Aisha Abdool Karim
Students ask, “When will our campus be transformed?” Mwinji Siame
U
CT’s student leaders and organisations came together on Tuesday, August 6th, to answer the question, “When will we know that UCT has transformed?” The town-hall-style meeting was led by Rekgotsofetse Chikane, the SRC’s Vice President Internal (VPI). Chikane noted that the talk was also an opportunity to engage “different people representing different constituencies” on UCT’s Transformation Charter ahead of a meeting with the university’s Institutional Forum (IF). Dialogue began by highlighting the successes and challenges of transformation both on campus and at the various student residences. Clarinus head student Khuliso Ramashia highlighted the need to examine the issue of class and economic inclusivity in residences. Kopano Head Student Tapuwa Mataruka asserted that “residences are doing well considering external factors” and that “transformation at Kopano was also visible at management level in terms of gender and race”. The question of transformation on campus centred largely on transformation in the classroom. Ramashia, a medical student, highlighted that the way we learn depends on your ablity to adapt to that culture. Ramashia and the
Image: Michael Currin rest of the consort also suggested that language remained a barrier to transformation on campus. The question of “academic equality” was also raised alongside UCT’s controversial admissions policy. In light of this discussion, Agang’s Fortune Ntlantla commented on the need for broader structural transformation, including access to education. SRC Transformation Coordinator Marissa Van Rensburg noted the need for economic accessibility and making UCT
“literally accessible” to those with physical challenges. While a large portion of deliberation was spent addressing the transformation issues facing national students, the SRC’s Societies Co-ordinator Chandapiwa Chungu drew attention to some of the challenges that are experienced by international students at UCT. Chungu noted that xenophobia was still a subject that needs to be addressed when looking at “issues of broader integration”. As Leo Marquard Head Student Lungisa
Ntobela explained, “Transformation is when there is no discrimination as to where you are from.” Van Rensburg stressed the possibility of integration across countries and cultures through social activities and common interests. The consort agreed that there remained a need for further integration and transformation of UCT policy. However, as has been evident in discussions on UCT’s race-based admissions policy, the question of what and how remains hotly contested.
BlackBerry goes up for sale Phillip Sithole BlackBerry Ltd has been under pressure since the disappointing debut performance of the BlackBerry 10 line-up. In 2012, BlackBerry released 5 000 of its workers as part of a plan to eliminate close to $1 billion in operating costs. Following the massive layoffs, industry competitors and consumers anticipated an improvement in the financial performance of the Canadian smartphone. However, despite the cost-cutting decisions, BlackBerry lost a further $84 million in 2012 with the majority of the blame pointed towards the poor sales of the BlackBerry Z10.
according to the research firm Gartner. Today, BlackBerry’s share of the market stands at only 3.4%. The company’s recent decision to seek strategic alternatives, including the possibility of a future sale, is being received by investors and the public as a sign that the company is acknowledging its dire position and making a plea for assistance. However, experts have suggested
that the move could be a strategic decision that could foster a comeback for BlackBerry. According to Mike Walkley, an analyst for global investment bank Canaccord Genuity, BlackBerry’s market share continues to lag, along with worsening sales, despite price deductions. City Press newspaper reported that ever since iPhone stepped
Today, BlackBerry’s share of the market stands at only 3.4% According to a Bloomberg report, the Z10 was supposed to be BlackBerry’s turnaround strategy, but turned out to be a disappointing failure. The New York Times reported that four years ago BlackBerry had significant control of the US smartphone market with around 51% in 2009. Over time however, the company failed to respond and adapt quickly to competitors and different changes in the market and its sales soon started to dwindle,
Image: Flickr.com/Sofianeb
onto the stage in 2007, BlackBerry has been playing catch-up. Furthermore, Samsung has created major competition for BlackBerry, slowly eroding the company’s market share over time. In 1999, BlackBerry revolutionised business communications when it pioneered the cellphone-based email facility with the launch of the BlackBerry 850 in Munich, Germany. Despite setting such a high standard in those early years, the company is losing its grip on the market it once dominated. However, if BlackBerry becomes privatised via the sale, this move may bring about a fresh start with new ideas and a new approach, which will ultimately benefit the company in the future. In spite of this, a Nomura Securities analyst, Stuart Jeffrey, was quoted saying that “the company’s statement suggested it no longer had any confidence in its ability to get out of its current predicament”. Jeffrey predicted that BlackBerry would likely re-emerge as a software company.
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news
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
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UCT Radio calls on students to help in townships Mathipa Sebetsiwa UCT Radio has launched a social justice cause in association with Edmund Rice Network (ERN) and the St. Michaels Church in Rondebosch. The project was launched on August 3rd at the social welfare home, Sisters of Charity, in Khayelitsha. The home is currently adopted by UCT Radio and takes care of physically and mentally challenged individuals while also being a safe haven for orphans and foster children.
Community radio has a strong community development mandate Those staying at the home are hosted until they can be placed into suitable medical and foster homes by the government. Unfortunately, there is a backlog with intakes,
Image: Jessica Dewhurst STUDENT VOLUNTEERS: build relationships with the residents of Sisters of Charity in Khayelitsha. leaving the majority of those in the home for several months. Although the home receives financial backing by many donors, there is a lack in engagement. Volunteers (from UCT, ERN and St. Michaels) take time out from their schedules to be actively involved in
Students shed light on sex struggles
Image: Jessica Breakey
Tayla-Paige van Sittert A roundtable discussion titled “Men who kNOw” was held in Kopano Residence on Tuesday August 13th and was set to encourage women, and men in particular, to speak up about rape, patriarchy and the attitudes, grey areas, and stigmas that surround those issues. The forum was chaired by the heads of Kopano residence Tapuwe Mataruka and Mphumelelo Msomi with assistance from the SRC Transformation Coordinator Marissa van Rensburg whose portfolio recently launched the “kNOw it’s not OK” campaign centred on gender-based violence earlier this semester.
Rape likely stems from the lack of parental guidance Mphemelelo said the main challenge of the discussion was to provide a platform to enable free expression, particularly amongst male students. “Rape is always focused on women as the victim, but sometimes men are the victims too,” Mphemelelo said. “That’s why we feel it is important to provide a platform for them to express these feelings.” Anthony Muteti, a guest speaker from the People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP) opened the panel with a brief overview of HIV and rape-related issues. Muteti mentioned that after working in poorer communities, four main causes of rape could be derived: cultural diversity, the desire
for control, poverty, and alcohol abuse, which he said goes hand in hand with poverty. Amongst the points raised in the discussion was the assertion in a patriarchal society where masculinity is a dominant force, cases of rape and other gender-based violence fall in an uncomfortable domain. The panel challenged the stigma of unease towards these issues. It also questioned society’s role in driving ideologies of masculinity onto men. It was asserted that masculinity encourages men to rape as they think they have power over women. The occurrence of female-on-male rape was also discussed, and it was agreed that men who had been raped were often too afraid to report it. The panel agreed that rape is also likely to stem from the lack of parental guidance, particularly from the role of the father. “Based on South Africa’s history, there is a trend of missing fathers, which is why we should create an atmosphere where men feel okay to talk,” said Naledi Sibisi, a secondyear BA Media student. “If they can’t talk to the authorities, then they can talk here.” Concerns over the low turnout of male students prompted the panel to wonder why men are generally not interested in topics of gender-based violence and over-sexualisation. The panel expressed a hope that men might soon disregard what others think in order to support the fight against rape and patriarchy. “With all due respect, men need to man up,” said Sihle Ndimba, a third-year International Relations student. “Men should do what they can to access these outlets of expression.”
engaging with those at the home. Some of the activities include pampering the elderly women with manicures and pedicures, music workshops, arts and crafts activities, cutting the lawns and fixing the playground area, to name a few. “The main aim in setting up such
a project was to ensure interaction between volunteers and the males, females and children at the home,” Jessica Dewhurst, Marketing and HR Manager of UCT Radio and Chairperson of ERN, explained. “As UCT radio, we found it important to challenge the misconception that radio is all about partying and decadence and that, in fact, community radio has a strong community development mandate.” While volunteers do their work, they are also building relationships and ensuring a comfortable stay for those at the home. This collaboration also builds relationships between the affiliated organisations, creating an opportunity for the initiation of similar projects as well as having more students getting involved. The aim is to incite social change in order to prosper the marginalised in a society as unequal as South Africa. Dewhurst is very passionate about the project and is looking forward to more students, not just
those affiliated with UCT radio, becoming involved. Explaining her experience at the home, Dewhurst said, “Working in the home has not only been an amazing experience, but also a great honour. To see the smiles on the faces of all those men, women and children is such an amazing gift. People really underestimate the power of simply getting to know another person.” There are four work groups focused on children, adult males, adult females and fixing or upgrading the premises. Sessions run every second Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm. For more details, volunteers can drop by the station. After the first session, a volunteer was quoted saying, “By the end of the session, I realised that it was actually those at the home who were truly the lovely ones for allowing us the honour of spending those few moments with them.” Volunteers are encouraged to sign up at the station across the Food Court on Upper Campus.
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editorial
V72 E8 – 6 AUGUST 2013
Editorial
kNOw what’s not okay?
Alexandra Nagel
Editor-in-Chief
Gym class zeroes enough for the picture to be taken), and after workout photos with a BlackBerry. So where would I fit in in all of this tomfoolery? All I was wearing was the shirt I had slept in the night before (which had a couple of cute dolphins on it) and some navy blue shorts which I’ve had since my high school basketball days. My hair was fluffy and tied back with a green bangle I found on the floor in my flat’s hallway. My face bore no trace of brown cover-up or purple eyeliner, ym: a place for ample leaving my constellation of muscle toning and freckles to shine brighter (and extensive cardio workouts. Or more obvious) than ever. is it? But I didn’t care if I In first year, I joined wasn’t going to fit in with the Virgin Active gym in the plastics or the wannabe Claremont to avoid the jocks (“wannabe” because terminal disfigurement of first- jocks actually play sport year spread. Little did I know and use the gym for its true that it wasn’t simply a gym that purpose) on the first day of I was entering in to, but another gym class. society; a high society. Outside of this world, they As I pushed through the were just insecure tweens silver turnstiles who planned of Virgin Active, their whole I was suddenly gymers weren’t using d a y ’ s transported into ordering the machinery, but a world that a r o u n d oddly reminded simply posing next to it going to gym me of a setting just to coo that I had once at Virgin known three years ago: the high Active’s watering hole aka the school quad. swimming pool. You know, The female gymers weren’t the treadmill can go at a faster using the machinery, but speed than 0.3km an hour or simply posing next to it. Dark maybe you are afraid that if eye shadow tinted their eyelids you break too much of a sweat and the brown base left a ring it might frazzle your hair or around their orange faces. The smudge your make-up and you hair was down and straight, would then waste your R500 a the nails long and sparkly and month on gym fees I guess. the ears glistening with candyAnyways, I pushed past coloured hoop earrings. Let’s the haze of wannabe Addidas not forget how they engaged in models and decided to work infinite chatter like a bunch of the rusted cranks of the banshees about who Courtney treadmill. gave the death stare to at Toiger As I began to bump the Toiger on Thursday night. speed up to 10km per hour The guys weren’t any better, suddenly the whole gym lost let’s just say. The weight-lifting its buzz. Everyone started area was only at its fullest to stare at me as if they were capacity for one reason, and it deranged zombies and I was wasn’t because they wanted to the human Big Mac. They break a sweat. It was because began to slowly approach it was the area of the gym that my machine in packs, a little had the most mirrors. scared at first because they Deep, trombone-like sounds didn’t know the nature of what I of male jeering was all that was doing. could be heard from that “It’s ok”, I panted, “don’t section as they each took turns be afraid, your parents gave in taking pre-workout photos, you the limbs to do this workout photos (this entailed marvellous thing too. It’s called holding a hefty dumbbell long RUN-NING”.
Rebecca Dallas Deputy Editor
This past week has seen a rush of activity and it has been utterly emotionally and physically exhausting. It is a time of year when I find most of my crucial decisions have to be made. Whether or not I want to apply for certain committees, run for the SRC, and/or focus on academics. Sometimes I want to completely remove myself from the pandemonium and do what most people do – go home, work on some tuts and watch series. Then I chat to people who always seem to be driven and optimistic, so I pull myself together, carry on
and keep doing what I do, trying to keep on top of current affairs, my relationships and topical issues that affect us as students in South Africa. But the majority don’t feel this way. The “kNOw it’s not okay” campaign... The number of people I have heard laughing about the posters and taking the drive so lightly is frightening. At an institution with arguably some of the most intellectual people in the country, attendance at events is down to a minimum. Rape. Oh that? Is that still an issue? Continued online
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editor-in-chief Alexandra Nagel deputy Editor Rebecca Dallas managing Editor Andrew Montandon Copy Editor Laurie Scarborough online editor Mitch Prinsloo Online chief subber Theresa Scott news Krysia Gaweda & Chris van der Westhuyzen opinions Katy Scott & Uthman Quick features Daniël Geldenhuys & Lynne Marie Fraser sportS Rob Byrne & Megan Kinnaird centrespread Zarmeen Ghoor images Tebesethu Nkambule, Elelwani Netshifhire, Siyanda Ralane & Jessica Breakey Design Julien Speyer web Stephen Hulme, Robin Mukanganise & Peter Maluge advertising & Finance Imaad Isaacs & Salman Ghoor human resources Tanyaradzwa Dzumbunu & Kudzai Tabaziba Marketing manager Vikash Gajjar Operations manager Mwinji Siame sub-editors Katelyn Mostert, Jena Ascough, Flavia Orman, Abigail Munroe & Diana Fletcher
Staff writers Ryan Bird, Ryno Nortje, Busang Senne, Cai Nebe, Hannah Gauss, Sandile Tshahabalala, Stefanie Busch & Joe Simon
opinions
v72 e9 – 20 August 2013
Egypt: An obituary to democracy Scotty Does Know w
Uthman Quick While most of the world was focusing on the birth of a child in Westminster, one of the oldest countries in the world suffered yet another deathblow. Democracy as a system has never known a more critical and significant time as this. Egypt’s military Coup d'état, which led to the ousting of its first democratically elected leader, was a quintessential reversal of democracy by a military force under the false pretext of servicing a helpless and oppressed public.
at them once the Brotherhood is banished underground. The question is, why? Leni Riefenstahl (the pioneering German film director who worked with Hitler to produce Nazi propaganda) said that the success of her films was not reliant on the strength of the message from the Nazi leadership, but on the “submissive void” of the German people. When asked if that included
the liberals and the educated, her answer was: “everyone”. The Egyptians who support the Coup and the subsequent massacres have sold their souls cheap. The semblance of stability a mass and yet selfish end – they have traded what little they gained from their hard won revolution for a return to the unchecked autocracy of military dictatorship. All the while claiming democracy as their guide.
The Egyptians who support the Coup and the subsequent massacres have sold their souls cheap. Like the violent over-throw of the democratically elected Patrice Lumumba in the Congo, Manuel Zelaya of Honduras or the eerily similar ousting of the Islamically inclined FIS in Algeria and Hamas in Palestine, the Muslim Brotherhood was not given a real opportunity to govern before they were forced out of office. Morsi’s government made their fair share of mistakes during a short-lived term in office. After half a century of being oppressed the Brotherhood seemed unprepared to govern and was too eager to please the remnants of deposed president Hosni Mubarak’s regime and the military – the so-called deep state. What is truly troubling is that unlike many Coup d'états in the past, Egypt’s anti-democratic revolution was cheered on and even partly engineered by so-called liberals, lefties and progressive youth movements – the very same alliance that brought down Mubarak. However, there is no doubt that the masses of people on the streets of Cairo and in Tahrir Square might have had genuine grievances with the Muslim Brotherhood government. Does this then mean that the military has a democratic mandate to overthrow a democratically elected government? It is a crisis of fundamentals: the preeminence of a perceived majority or of an adherence to system and protocol. I say “perceived” because in Egypt, as in countries that are not facing political upheaval (such as the US), the establishment media has made the idea of a majority barely discernible. Is there a true majority if the choice is between the indistinguishable Obama and Romney or for us here in South Africa Zuma and...Zuma? In Egypt the media played the part of agitator rather than placatory – with the removal of Morsi an unhidden aim from the time he took office. As the massacring of Morsi’s supporters continues to this day, Egypt’s establishment media and “liberal” cheerleaders continue applauding whilst purveying the obviously false accusation that those who seek to protect their vote are terrorists. And yet, there remain a significant number of Egyptians that continue to support the military despite knowing full well that they could soon have the guns pointed
Katy Scott Opinions Editor
Would you like some sex with that? and security guards will also be available for the duration of the working hours (7pm – 5am). When prostitution is legalised and regulated in such a way, prostitutes lose their status as ‘pieces of meat’. They are given the agency as well as employment rights to be liberated from their pimps. By legitimising the profession, governments can clean up the trade and keep it in check by providing health and social care to these tax-paying prostitutes. sex drive-in is set to open in In South Africa especially, Zurich this month allowing such measures would significantly clients to drive by, negotiate a reduce the spread of STD’s as well price with a prozzie and take her as the abuse and maltreatment of to a ‘car-wash style box’ for a little women. roll in the hay. Pulling the practice out from It is structured much like a the underground would diminish McDonalds drive-through with the trafficking, drug-abuse and the addition of a designated area criminalities rife within it. for customers If we can get to devour their Burger King I’m Prostitution is the ‘meal’. Many may sure we could condemn such a world’s oldest profession afford to set up a practice, but I’m sex drive-in too, and it certainly isn’t certainly lovin’ it. and at least this Quite simply, going anywhere soon. time satisfaction prostitution would be fully is nothing more and nothing guaranteed. less than sex between two At the end of the day man is consenting adults. Sexual services nothing more than an animal. are exchanged for a negotiated His organs demand sustenance, payment just as they are for the macronutrients for basic survival. provision of any other services. He needs food, water and oxygen Like a little boy yearns for the to keep going, and he needs wonder that is McDonalds, so men his genitals fondled regularly, in Zurich now have the chance to preferably by another animal. satisfy their carnal desires with Depriving a man of his basic ‘Happy Meals’ made out of real needs will not diminish his desire. meat. He will simply find another way to Customers are sure to be access it. Just like the trade of food getting the full package as Happy and water has been around since Meals now come with a Swiss the beginning of time, so the trade work permit, health insurance of sex is here to stay. and a clean medical bill. Quality Prostitution is the world’s is ensured as they are expected to oldest profession and it certainly obtain a trade license and pay a tax isn’t going anywhere soon. If the of five Swiss franks per night. state was to legalise and regulate The sex-boxes will be fitted with the sex trade, I for one am sure it alarms allowing for prostitutes would be the one sector that our to contact the police if they feel government would not disappoint endangered. Social workers in terms of service delivery.
A
Image: Flickr.com/AlJazeeraEnglish
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Perth, located in Western Australia, is renowned for being a friendly, safe and cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean climate, boasting state-of-the-art educational facilities and high-quality teaching. Come along and meet Edith Cowan University (ECU) representative Mr Athol Smith on Friday 23 August from 12pm to 4pm to discuss your study options. Location details: Conference Centre, Southern Sun Hotel, Newlands Contact: Hanneke Maschke on 076-912-9490 or e-mail hanneke@rutegaeducation.com
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6
opinions
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
The seriousness of phubbing
It’s all in our heads
Siyabonga Nyezi
Emma Jones-Phillipson
You read the title and you are probably wondering what phubbing is. Ever bumped into an ex and thought, “God, why today? I really don’t want to see this annoyance,” (my exes probably feel this way about me); proceeded to whip out your phone and acted like you were having a conversation just to avoid talking to them? If you have done this, then you have phubbed. Phubbing is the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by looking at your phone instead of paying attention.
I’m glad that society is reaching the point where there is vocal opposition to the improper use of designations like “gay” and “rape”. I only ask where those voices against the misuse of designations of mental illness are? Where are those shouting down “I’m having a panic attack over this essay”, “quit being so psycho” or “I’m totes OCD”? The designations of mental illness have become casual, meaningless adjectives in our daily vocabulary and as a result sufferers are losing recognition for their legitimate ailments. I’ve witnessed mental illness first hand and perhaps that enables me to appreciate its severity but many of my peers and colleagues still consider mental illness to be attention seeking, made-up or selfish. The reality is that many sufferers attempt to hide or deny their illnesses because of the stigma attached to it. Mental illness is considered taboo and sufferers can be blamed or judged as there is a perception that it’s not legitimate or that it’s selfcreated. Society finds it acceptable to tell sufferers of mental illness to “get over it” or “shake out of it” but I wonder how they would react if we started saying the same to cancer patients. Sufferers have no more control over their symptoms than a diabetic has control over their insulin levels. Genetic predispositions, hormones and chemical imbalances can be regulated through treatment but
Phubbing is the act of snubbing someone in a social setting Everyone does it; when we are faced with awkward situations we take out our phones and pretend to be having the most serious conversations. The three most common types of phubbing are phone “conversations” with yourself, acting like you are texting, and plugging your headphones in to pretend like you are listening to music. Sometimes it works and sometimes you embarrass yourself and end up looking like a total idiot. I can recall a number of times when my phone actually rang in the middle of a very serious “phone call” and instances when I answered a “call” to
Image: www.flickr.com/tea
avoid small talk at a shuttle stop and talked for so long that I said “Cheers, bro” at the end, forgetting that I had pretended to be talking to my mom at the beginning. So, when do people phub? When asked about phubbing, Commerce student Tshepi Moleko said: “Story of my life! You know when a creepy guy is going to initiate an awkward conversation that will end up in you having to refuse to give him your number? That’s when you pretend to be on your phone”. Awkward, because I get the feeling I may have been a victim of this a number of times on campus. Some people phub to avoid people they owe money to. There’s nothing worse than bumping into someone whose money you have been promising to return. You can act like you are on the phone talking to a potential employer about your future and hope that your friend will understand you are busy and come back for his money later. Phubbing also comes in very
handy when people who want to talk about religion corner you and ask for a “minute” (or 45) of your time. This has been proven to work on many occasions on Main Road. Most guys are more familiar with phubbing than they realise. If you are trying to get lucky in the club then suddenly her phone “vibrates” and she has to go because her friends are looking for her, she’s most probably phubbing you. Seeing that phubbing comes in pretty handy, these few tips should improve your phubbing: Always have your phone on silent. You’ll look like an idiot if it rings while you are phubbing. Get away from the awkward situation before the person you are phubbing notices you are avoiding them. If you are avoiding the same person on numerous occasions, phub them differently each time, so that they don’t catch on. Phubbing is a very serious art form, so best you start perfecting it.
only if a patient is able to recognise that they are ill and seek medical care. The issue arises when a lack of information about mental illness, or fear of the stigma attached to it, prevents sufferers from getting the help they need. My brother suffered from serious bouts of depression in his first few years of studying that ultimately derailed his degree as he was unable to admit to himself that he needed help, despite there being others in the family who have and are suffering from mental illness. My best friend suffers from severe anxiety but fails to seek help because of family stigma and cost implications for treatment. There is a false perception, even amongst sufferers, that mental illness can always be self-treated and professional care is an unnecessary cost because these conditions manifest in “abstract” behavioural or psychiatric symptoms. We’re an advanced society, yet many are incapable of recognising mental illness as being “real”. We’re cognizant of abstract concepts like faith and democracy, yet still have serious misgivings about acknowledging illnesses we can’t see. A tumour is tangible, depression is not. I challenge the students of UCT to check their language and to check their facts. Mental illnesses are not adjectives and it’s often the perceptions of these conditions that exacerbate the experiences of sufferers.
Technological error of the modern relationship
Tyra Overmeyer
It's recently been revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) is monitoring all emails that leave or enter America in order to spot any suspicious foreign activity. In order to protect America from “outsiders”, citizens' privacy is being invaded. Paranoid individuals in relationships tend to follow a similar pattern. When in a relationship, people are sometimes wary of "external forces" trying to harm their relationship. Similar to the NSA believing that it's their duty to take such extreme measures towards outsiders, some people decide to give themselves the right to invade their partner's privacy. This includes Facebook stalking, checking their phone and reading their emails. In the early stages of a relationship or period of knowing someone, it may seem harmless. It's becoming easier to attract promiscuous, psychopathic, or fixated people, therefore a minor background check is simply a safety precaution. Insecurities may also encourage someone to suss out any competition. NSA would be proud of those who manage to discover that someone else through monitoring their love interest’s wall posts. Due to the high accessibility of personal information on the internet enabling such discoveries to be made, it’s transformation into a surveillance
system was inevitable. Whilst the NSA is using it to enhance security, some people are using it to calm their paranoid thoughts. Both have good intentions; one sustains safety and the other secures relationships. However, they’re both extreme. Citizens and partners are being treated as suspects; their privacy is an area of suspicion. As time goes on and feelings intensify, some people begin to monitor their partner more severely and excessively, including constant phone calls, regularly viewing their social network accounts and seeing every other person as a threat.
Cartoon Corner
NSA fixating on foreigners with extreme measures may seem irrational for us South African outsiders. But, less of us may find it irrational to fixate on our partner's whereabouts. Why are the two seen differently? They both feed a fear, enhancing the hunger of knowing the unknown of people’s private lives. Similarly to the cause of NSA’s fixation, relationship surveillance is caused by an unhealthy anxiety that's fuelled by past experiences and fear. Fear shouldn't be controlling the actions of a girlfriend/ boyfriend; a
person's privacy doesn't necessarily need extensive investigation. If someone wants their privacy respected then it doesn't mean that they have something to hide. Excessive monitoring also causes people's lives to revolve around another person. This is when they start to lose sight of who they are. When there's a break-up we often hear, "Now, I need to find myself." Let's not lose ourselves in the first place. We should make ourselves our own priority. As students, it's especially important to monitor our own movements rather than focus on
someone else's. We should have a life of our own, giving our partner enough space to live theirs. We’ve all heard the saying, "no trust; no relationship". If someone thinks that their relationship doesn't apply to this saying because “it's complicated", they should use their NSA skills to monitor the relationship as a whole and investigate the second person in the relationship - themselves. How healthy can our fixation be if we are monitoring our girlfriend/ boyfriend in the same way that a whole country is being monitored for potential terrorists?
opinions
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
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Carbon taxing – potential problem or a promising solution? On the May 2nd the Carbon tax policy paper was published and released for comment. Stakeholders were given until the August 2nd to make their submissions to Treasury. The primary goal of the tax is to get South Africa to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by the end of the 2025, and thereby meet the commitments made under the Copenhagen Accord. The tax is essentially a marketbased mechanism which, when coupled with regulatory measures, should be effective in achieving the envisaged reduction in GHG. I will not, unfortunately, delve into the merits (if any) or the need to have some or all the factious actions to reduce GHG. Save the environment we must; however, it is highly contentious whether a tax on the use of coal will achieve this. Ideally this price on carbon use should encourage a shift in production patterns of firms towards low-carbon alternatives and create incentives for private R&D into lowcarbon technologies. According to the proposal, businesses are required to incorporate this extra, external cost into their projections. The question in mind for those who have business interests is the effects of this tax on profits. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) echoes the general sentiment among businesses that the tax will
likely impede economic growth and cause job losses. The tax will raise the cost of doing business, alter cost structures across industries, and reduce profits. For South African exporting companies, this is a great concern as it affects their competitiveness in the market. With rising fuel costs and regular increases in energy costs, both producers and consumers will face higher costs for just about everything, and ultimately the average South African will be worse off. Paradoxically, one of the key outcomes promised by the proposal is the creation of employment and overall economic growth (details are sketchy). This is wishful conjecture rather than evidence-based What is apparent is that the government jumped onto the “green economy’” wave of initiatives led by the already industrialized rich countries, who for their decades of carbon footprints pay no regressive tax, without appropriate analysis of the economic effects such policies will have. I must add that with the government’s record of administrative practices, one need not think far to see how some of these tax revenues could somehow find their way into personal pockets. The government needs to halt on its obligations for a greener economy and thoroughly investigate the economic impact of such a proposal. Instead of a solution, this tax looks like just another potential problem in the making.
Angela Kirykowicz
Image: Flickr.com/epSos.de
Image: Flickr. com/CameliaTWU
Image: Flickr.com/Julian Robinson
The impact of man-made climate change was the catalyst which has spurred the current government into creating a carbon tax. There are some stark realities to bear; in all probability, we are looking at a minimum of 20˚C rise in global temperatures. Developing countries, like South Africa, will bear the brunt of this: from sea level rises, to massive species and environmental loss to lower crop yield due to frequent drought. By taxing carbon dioxide pollution, which would affect both industry and consumers, it is hoped that South Africa’s economy will shift from relying on unclean forms of energy to using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and nuclear power. Criticisms seem to be based on the possible laying off of workers in the carbon-based energy sector and energy intensive industries, as well as higher fuel and energy prices. While an economic slump is debatable, considering innovation and job prospects in the renewable energy and nuclear sector, the reality of climate change dictates that the price of doing nothing is far higher than slower economic growth. Another problem stems from the developed world, which grew as a result of burning huge amounts of carbon. Understandably, developing countries want to invest their capital in areas like infrastructure
rather than in costly technologies which permit lower levels of carbon dioxide emission. This results in a paradox; developing countries want to catch up with the rich world yet doing so without heed of the environmental consequences will ultimately result in the developing world paying for the problems. Morally, then, rich countries including America and Britain should subsidise green technologies, as their economies grow at the expense of developing ones. It also speaks of all countries taking part in reducing their carbon emissions, one way or another. It would be great if the carbon tax resulted in fewer emissions of carbon dioxide and greater investment in cleaner forms of energy. By that standard, it should be judged as a success if it achieves this goal. However, there are still other areas that are crying out for our attention. Deforestation, environmental pollution, inadequate marine and terrestrial conservation, and food and water security all need our consideration. I believe that these issues can be addressed by the use and development of technology; by living in more efficient cities, creating and maintaining wildlife reserves, growing genetically modified food to feed the burgeoning numbers of people, and recycling resources. When we are deciding what the best options are for our future, we have to remember that it is not only our own future at stake here.
Follow where giants have led with a postgraduate degree from Wits The world is constantly changing, and with it, so are the demands on graduates entering the workplace. By doing a postgraduate degree you open yourself up to advanced career opportunities as well as a world of high-level thought leadership and personal development. With over 40 groundbreaking
research and training projects, Wits is the undisputed leader in knowledge generation in Africa and therefore the obvious university for your postgraduate degree. Our distinguished academics and alumni greats such as Nelson Mandela, Prof. David Block and Gavin Hood stand testament to the possibilities.
Wits will be hosting an information evening for prospective postgraduate students considering further study in 2014. Also find out more regarding funding opportunities. Please join us. Wed 21 August 2013 at 17h30 for 18h00 – 19h30 Southern Sun Newlands, Main Road, Newlands Guest speaker: Prof. David Block, Professor of Applied Mathematics and Astronomy, 2012/13 NSTF-BHP Billiton Award winner. For more information and RSVP please contact: www.wits.ac.za/furtherstudies Enquiries: Hildegard.chapman@wits.ac.za
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Winter is coming (again) We are now caught in the in-between, where it purs down with rain whilst the sun shines its summer glow. Just when we started looking forward to warmer, sunnier days with summer collections lining store windows, winter strikes back. VARSITY takes a look at how students survive the natural disaster that is UCT winter. Winter fun facts No two snowflakes are alike Snowflakes start as ice crystals that freeze around small pieces of dust in the air. As they fall to the earth, the ice crystals join together to form snowflakes. The shape of each snowflake is determined by temperature, wind, the amount of time it takes to fall to the ground and the amount of water vapour in the air.
Hot water can freeze faster than cold water Sometimes known as the Mpemba effect, this phenomenon was introduced to the modern scientific community in 1969 by a Tanzanian high school pupil named, you guessed it, Mpemba. Many technological advancements and scientific leaps later though, no one can really explain why.
Winter and water The word “winter” comes from a Proto-Germanic word “wintruz,” meaning “time of water”. It may also derive from the Old Dutch word “wintar”. The water reference relates to the snow that takes place during this time of the year in the middle and high latitudes and of course the rain that graces Cape Town.
Winter can scientifically make you depressed The “winter blues” were first diagnosed in 1984 and have recently been named seasonal affective disorder or SAD (seriously). The tendency to feel depressed and moody at certain times of the year is a genetic trait. Images: www.its.caltech.edu, flickr.com, farm3.staticflickr.com
What UCT students are doing and wearing in this prolonged winter Images: Tebesutfu Nkambule, Sarvesh Mootanah & Zarmeen Ghoor
Andi Donald lives along the coast and loves watching the rain fall into the sea. Her go-to remedy when the flu strikes is a hot-toddy – rooibos tea, honey, ginger, two disprins and a shot of brandy.
Shameez Patel wouldn’t get through winter without her eskimo hat and snood. Her favourite rainy day song is (rather appropriately) Mika’s Rain.
Stephane Masamba’s favourite winter pastime is sitting down on a quiet evening with a cigaratte – after cuddling with a girl of course. He says he can’t survive winter without his super-insulating black jacket.
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features
v72 e9 – 20 August 2013
The PartyEveryday shoe Weathering the ‘quarter life crisis’ (QLC)
The evolution from WWII offcut to contemporary style statement.
Georgie Lockwood
thick rubber soles and premium quality have walked their way through World Wars, out of the Society’s obsession with sporting scene and onto the other sneakers – it’s a Cinderella story foot of society. The feminine built for comfort, a lacsidazical Bensimon relaxed tennis sneaker look laced up in a fast-pace lifestyle made from left-over army canvas where folks have to hit the “trend” from World War 2 was a smart way mill running. People used to wear to put recycling in vogue. takkies because they couldn’t The one and only patriotic afford shoes, now the situation has “Chuck Taylor” All Star began as flipped over to quite the opposite the favoured basketball sneaker with the rise of the luxe sneaker. in America – the rest is history on Takkies are no longer your feet. The All Star caters to a synonymous with wide range of feet jeans. Models and can be pulled decked in takkies and into any The more character your on and dresses hit situation without the catwalk in shoes have, the better. looking too tacky. the Prada Resort Vans have been 2014 collection in bouncing off Milan. Fashion and everyday life walls since 1966 and rolling on have united to create a shoe fit for skateboards all over California. any occasion: edgy, dirty, classic This brand is known for comfort, or old; well if the shoe fits… and so you’ll never have to walk it does. them in. Turns out you don’t need Supergas: the people’s shoe of diamonds on the soles of your Italy began in 1911 as a high-class shoes, Mr. Simon, instead you only tennis takkie in fun-loving hues need “$20 dollars in your pocket” that served their way into Italian to purchase yourself a pair of retro hearts. Locally, the Tomy Takkie second-hand sneakers. A possible is a fast growing trend in South reason for this: society loves a Africa, available in colours fit for a good story. The more character Rainbow Nation. your shoes have, the harder you Pimped out sneakers may be “squeaked some takkie” on the a fair-weather fashion trend, but weekend and the less time you a classic takkie from any brand had to clean them (you know you remains the PartyEveryday wouldn’t want to be seen making shoe. This shoe that fits every too much effort), the better. occasion will continue to strut in Iconic takkie brands with their simple style.
Tirelo Mputle
You were accustomed to a mundane existence in which things made sense as you proudly ticked off box after box on your life’s to-do list. Your parents were proud, grades were good and your room was in pristine state, analogous to your state of mind.
Make a decision to actually make decisions. Now all of that seems like a distant memory, perhaps not even your own. It’s as if your rose-tinted sunglasses have been shattered and all of a sudden you see the true nature of yourself and the world around you. You realize you haven’t made your first million yet. You are genuinely concerned about DP. Your room has become a biochemical hazard that only you are immune to. Whatever “plan” you had has derailed and caused a massive pile up, crushing plan B to Z. If you feel knee deep in the above mentioned phenomena then it is likely that, like me, you are going through a quarter life crisis (QLC). These feelings of loneliness, confusion, uncertainty and fear are experienced by many people going through major transitions, like those faced in university. Realising that in a matter of months you could possibly increase the unemployment rates
in this country, that “this isn’t high school” and that your resumé is just not competitive enough can dampen even the most optimistic of spirits. How do you weather the quarter life crisis? You are in it and you feel like crap. Take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. What you are experiencing is more common than you think. Lighten up. Talk to somebody about it, be it a friend or a professional – if it all seems too much. Make a decision to actually make decisions. During this period we are painfully indecisive and it only leads to more frustration and missed
Image: Elelwani Netshifhire
opportunities. One needs to be gutsy here and act. Even in the face of possible failure. Embrace the QLC. We go through this phase as a means of self-identification and development. You can evaluate your life, take a gap year, search for your life’s purpose, redefine yourself and whatever tickles your fancy. Lose preconceived ideals of whom and where you should be at this point and allow yourself to experience the rawness and realness of each present moment. Embrace your QLC and remember – it is through pressure and heat that diamonds are formed.
Lemon Tree: A Week in the Life of a Vegan Lynne Marie Fraser
I decided to turn vegan for a week just for the heck of it. It wasn’t because I cry every time I see a Dairy Bell ad or balk when I walk pass chicken giblets. Ok I admit the latter is almost true, the former – never. I didn’t start it as an act of protest against the grotesque treatment of animals in commercial farming (although I admit I like that as an added benefit, but that is an issue for discussion all on its own). It certainly wasn’t because I’m some dieting-obsessed health freak. I have never dieted before and have no interest in the activity. I made the one week commitment as an experiment on body and mind. How would it feel physically and how hard would it be mentally? And what on earth would I eat besides carrots? So I began this little journey into the world of chickpeas one fine Wednesday. It was on the Monday that I committed my first nonvegan act. Non-vegan referring to the stereotype I had attached to the lentil-lovers, not non-vegan as in sausage rolls. I had always imagined vegans to be serene, peaceful people stopping along garden paths to hug trees and smell flowers. It was hummus and veggie sticks for supper, only I hadn’t bought any lemons – key ingredients to this delicious fusion. It can become quite addictive, if you’re vegan, somewhat like an elixir. I just had to have some.
Driven by my desire to be close to the earth and really organic (or perhaps by the loud demands of my empty tummy) I casually took a broom down into a nearby garden and began to bash the branches of a lemon tree really, really hard until two gorgeous lemons fell out.
I had watched strangers eating burgers at Grape Day Out and said no to free muffins While I bashed, attempting to find a medium between actually getting the lemons to snap off and remaining unnoticed, I thought of my fix of hummus. But I also realised that I had been dying to have lemons out of this tree for months and hadn’t had the confidence to do so until opening a packet a lemon creams instead wasn’t an option anymore. It had been the weekend. The weekend was the hardest. By the time it was over I had watched strangers eating burgers at Grape Day Out and said no to free muffins. I had had a torturous experience watching my best friend eat an entire pizza, fresh out of the oven, steam whisping away from its crisp base and chewy, cheesy surface and drifting up passed her smiling face as she devoured every last piece right before my eyes. I had been to the wonderful Blaauwklippen market and walked straight past trays of meringue and chocolate brownie tasters, doing my best to achieve
some sort of satisfaction using only my eyes and nose. It turns out those senses are weak when it comes to food. Those celebrity chefs who say it’s more about presentation and feeding the eye are wrong; it’s about bloody biting into it. The end result: me and my broom and that poor lemon tree. Unfortunately I also started having these strong desires to smoke cigarettes, a naughty indulgence I usually only experience after a glass of wine and certainly never in Jammie lines or in the food court. Alas, the sense of rebellion that is biting into a chocolate muffin or some really unhealthy, creamy thing needed to be found some way or another. It’s that sort of twisted battle one has with oneself and there is probably a Freudian explanation for it, for the feeling we call a guilty pleasure or a naughty indulgence. You say to yourself, “I know I shouldn’t consume this right now, but I am going to anyway so ha!” And it is the loss of that that is the one and only downfall to the vegan diet, the rest is really great. You should try it!
Image: Flickr.com/Nick Harris1
features
GISHWHES: The coolest event of the year Aisha Abdool Karim
Image: blog.lib.umn.edu
Last year, GISHWHES broke two Guinness World records spend the day walking around in an outfit made entirely of cheese. The main idea behind this is to have fun and spread a bit of joy around. The event is partnered with the Random Acts of Kindness Organisation, so aside from all the weird stuff there are also some really great tasks like giving a homeless person a meal. There’s really no way to prepare for the madness that GISHWHES brings. You just sit and stare at your computer until the list gets posted, then run around wildly trying to accomplish all the tasks and wondering how on earth some of them are even possible (like taking a
picture with an Oscar winner whilst wearing a bald cap). Last year, GISHWHES broke two Guinness World records, this year they’re aiming for three. Over 14 000 people in 94 countries are involved in this spectacular event this year and we’re all aiming to get some amazing things done. Overall, it’s going to be really fun – I’m looking forward to making these things happen. Next year you should all take part in the madness and let loose for one week. If you want to see the results of this scavenger hunt check out gishwhes.com to witness all the stupid things we did.
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Free the music
There are two sides to this (illegal) download story.
Ryno Nortje
GISHWHES? What is that? Allow me to enlighten you about what is going to be the craziest week of my life. From August 11th to August 18th I will be participating in The Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen (also known as GISHWHES). What this insanely long title means is that you are in for a week of crazy tasks and making a fool out of yourself in public.
I can’t really talk about the tasks this year because the rule is no one speaks about GISHWHES until it is over. But last year had some pretty insane things you needed to get done. It’s not your traditional scavenger hunt where items are hidden all over the place and you have to hunt them down. Oh no, GISHWHES is far more complicated than that. Misha Collins, founder of GISHWHES and an actor on the TV show Supernatural, has compiled a list of 155 items which you, with your team of 15, have to somehow make happen. One such task was to
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
airwaves, people are downloading your music wherever they can but they’re not buying your album. So your song should be playing The key theme from the previous on every commercial radio station sentence is that people are listening in the country but you don’t have to your music: that should be a record deal. This is where the a reward in itself. If that’s not culture of free online music is your enough then you should consider friend. You have more avenues the circulation that your music than you can even begin to is finding. Circulation is what is imagine at your disposal: YouTube, putting you into the mainstream. SoundCloud, Once you’re in M e e M i x , the mainstream M a e s t r o . f m , people are listening to people are going Last.fm, pandora to want to buy and Worldsings your music: That should tickets to your be reward in itself to name a few. gigs. That is where Think of you find the true these sites as the reward – when Facebook of music. In the same you’ve moved from performing way you upload and share your around the bonfire with family and photos with users you are able friends to performing in front of to upload and share your music. thousands of fans. Hearing your This is an excellent way to get your music sung back to you by complete music into mainstream circulation, strangers is true appreciation. though this might be a point of If you’re in it for the money then contention for the Hipsters out you’re in for all the wrong reasons. there. I can virtually hear them You must have heard the term saying, “My music is more Indie “starving artist”. Take that literally. you know. Putting my art out to the When people appreciate your art world is so mainstream.” so much that they replicate; that is Still, you’re not going to get very when you benefit, but probably not far unless you hit the mainstream, financially. Don’t fret about your which is the flipside to this story. music being consumed vigorously So you’re Jeremy Loops. without remuneration for we will Your music is playing on all the all get our just desserts.
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v72 e9 – 20 August 2013
Ladies who lunch: Med School Busang Senne
Campus was at the beginning of the year as two spring chickens in the blood bath of trying to get student cards. Tugwell and Upper Campus were closed and a wise second year told us how to cheat the system and get our cards on a campus that wasn’t our own. We took the chance. This time around we took the chance to go and eat some lunch. Where were all those medical students that we never see? Apart from those we did see, hunched over MacBooks reviewing slides on pendulous tumours and brainstems, we assumed the rest are off carving up cadavers and taking temperatures. Mystery solved. So what can you expect from a luncheon at Barnard Fuller Building? Java Junction. As in the same Java Junction in Leslie Social that has started putting a ridiculous amount of icing on their bran muffins. Call me crazy but I take that to mean there’s a glitch in The Matrix. So we opted for the safe option of cheese and ham (minus the ham for Anita. Vegetarians…). Still not sure what to expect? Firstly, you went to med campus with expectations. You should probably leave those at home. You can prepare yourself for croissants,
“
This feels like a place of multiple murders; like you go to the bathroom and the next thing you know you’re getting stabbed with Etorphine and sent straight to the mortuary.” We can only be at Med Campus, where such a statement doesn’t raise any eyebrows or usher any hushed whispers. If any campus survives the zombie/nuclear/rat apocalypse it will be this unassuming structure tucked onto the end of Anzio Road. (I’m convinced if rats had thumbs they would take over the world. Anita thinks it would be the pigeons but we agree to disagree.)
hunched over MacBooks reviewing slides on pendulous tumours It would take the rest of you ages to get there, but thankfully for Anita and I, who are honorary members of Clarinus Village - Land of The Forgotten People, it only took a five-minute walk. The last time Anita and I found ourselves on Med
Happy place on Belvedere A mid-week market just outside your hood may be just the escape you need.
Monique Rodgers Starlings Café is a lovely little haven of happiness that I happened to stumble upon on in Belvedere Rd, Claremont (a little out of the student hub, but worth the car pool). It’s this slightly hidden hub that has a friendly staff family, a happy atmosphere and a delicious Urban Farmers Market every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. They have a fairly limited menu, but be assured that what they do, they do oh so very well.
In winter there’s a vintage fireplace roaring which makes the coziness of the place fit the mismatched furniture and the interesting souls that pass through the doors. Note that it is far from what you are familiar with if you are a Biscuit Mill frequenter, and a lot more intimate. Expect to find delicious fresh fruits and veggies, farm fresh chicken, chai, homemade bread, handmade yoghurt, fresh cured meat and homemade honey. Hungry yet? It’s a treat for your taste buds – and the particularly good-looking staff is a welcome bonus.
sandwiches, muffins, caffeinated goods and talk of Paracetamol poisoning and obesity. The pros? There are no lines (because it’s virtually a desert land), the Coke is 50c cheaper, the cafeteria has foosball and a pool table and, most importantly, a television. Sweet deal, right? I thought so too until Anita pointed out that they have about 13 years of textbooks and exams left. I guess there are some things not even a TV can make up for.
Like Baba Jukwa
The dark knight of Zimbabwe has a large Facebook following. Megan Kinnaird
Jukwa (a pseudonym) has emerged as a large thorn in the side of both President Mugabe and his party ZANU-PF. He describes himself as a “concerned father, fighting nepotism and directly linking community with their leaders, governments, MPs and ministers”. He appears to be a relatively important former or current member of ZANU-PF who has since begun to criticise and publicly out other members of the party, as well as government officials, revealing countless incidents of corruption on a national scale. The Facebook page was created in March this year, and has since gained over 350 000 likes. This is a significant figure given that only 35% of the country (4.5 million people) have access to the internet, according to the Postal and Telecommunications
During the recent Zimbabwe elections, Baba Jukwa released regular results as and when they were posted at the various voting stations across the country. He used his Facebook page to encourage voters to send in pictures of the results when they were posted outside the various voting stations across the country. He also used the page to give voters safety and efficiency tips for the voting period. He even went as far as to claim an overall 78% win for Tsvangirai before the “official” results were released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. He posted, “Zimbabwe I urge you all out there to be prepared to defend that 78% vote you cast overwhelmingly for a new country with your lives.”
Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The Baba Jukwa page, being the first of its kind in relation to social media, reveals both the limitations and potential that lies in this level of internet penetration. 35% of the population still means that 65% of the country are unable to reap the benefits of this kind of social change, and are unable to make their voices heard. Especially in rural areas, which count for the majority of the country’s population, the likes of Baba Jukwa have relatively no impact and are likely to dampen the overall effect of the movement. Regardless, the effect of Baba Jukwa has been undoubtedly significant. Two months before the elections, the State Security Minister publicly announced that “Zimbabwe is under cyberattack”. According to an interview
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Images: Busang Senne by the WikiLeaks Forum with Baba Jukwa, President Mugabe has a price of $300 000 on his head, as his anonymity continues to be sustained. Before the elections, Jukwa used his page to reveal fraudulent plans for election rigging, names and cellphone numbers of corrupt CIO operatives and police members. Most noteworthy, however, was his disclosure of a plan to assassinate Edward Chindori-Chininga, a former Minister of Mines and Mining Development, who personally led an inquiry into the management of diamonds at the Marange diamond fields. Chindori-Chininga died in a car accident shortly after the post, which both spurred further suspicion, and to validate his claims. Not only has Jukwa emerged as a fearless hero among many in the
country, but he has also come to represent an emerging force within what has until now been silent – social media activism. A bottom-up approach to challenging existing power structures, the power of social media is only just beginning to show face in Zimbabwe. Baba Jukwa’s page has created a forum for many Zimbabweans to voice their concerns against an oppressive regime. Every day, hundreds of people comment on his posts, using his page to converse with both him and other Facebook users. His page reveals the unexplored potential that lies in the increasing internet usage for everyday Zimbabweans. While access to internet limits participation in such civic action, there is no doubt that social media activism is on the rise, and a force to be reckoned with.
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features
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
13
14
sport
v72 e9 – 20 August 2013
Sports Bites Bikini bonus Dutch football club NEC Nijmegen have come up with a novel way of motivating their players: ditching the traditional bottle of champagne for their man-of-the-match, and opting instead to reward their players with a bikini car wash. The side has hired three young blonde ladies to give the selected player’s car a good rub down. The first recipient of the prize was Icelandic under-21 International, Victor Palsson, who went to Twitter to express his gratitude: “Thanks @NEC_Nijmegen for this MOTM prize. The car has never been cleaner.” - Metro.co.uk
Bartoli shock
Marion Bartoli shocked the world this last week by announcing her retirement from tennis, just weeks after winning Wimbledon. The French star, who was infamously once quoted as saying “I have no sponsors because I am not blond, tall and slim enough”, proved that you don’t have to look like a supermodel to make it in tennis, although it does help. - Supersport.com
Dentist trip for Ronnie
It’s an image that still haunts many an English football fan, Ronaldinho’s huge grin after he scored to help knock England out of the 2002 World Cup. But despite previously saying he prized his trademark wonky smile, it seems the Brazilian star has had a change of heart, or possibly girlfriend, and undergone surgery to have his teeth straightened and realigned. - foxsports.com.au
Jackson, Lennon and Gandhi team up
Staying in Brazil, Series B side, Atletico Goianiense, has been particularly active in the transfer market of late linking up three big household names. They recently signed a forward known as Michael Jackson to play alongside John Lennon and Mahatma Gandhi. Carlos Adriano, the director of football at the club signed Jackson to team up with John Lennon - full name John Lennon Silva Santos - and Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name is Mahatma Gandhi Heber Pio. - Metro.co.uk
Willow worth it?
A bat used by Australian great Donald Bradman was sold for a staggering R650 000 this week. Bradman used the Sykes bat to score his final first-class innings of 115 in Australia, 65 years ago. The bat was also signed by the 1948 ‘invincible’ Australian team, who are still the only Australian side to go unbeaten in an ashes series, something Michael Clarke’s current crop could only dream of. - TimesofIndia.com
Rob Byrne & Kabelo Mafiri
Mtshali keeps the faith
Mathipa Sebitsiwa & Rob Byrne
D
espite recent losses in the Varsity Cup against NMMU, WITS and TUKS, team captain Bisi Mtshali remains hopeful for the rest of the tournament. VARSITY met up with the Joburgbred EGS and Politics student shortly before his departure to Pretoria for last week’s clash against TUKS. As we prepare for the interview he comes across as very composed; not entirely unsurprising given the demands of captaining the university in a historic first season in the Varsity Cup. Despite the team’s recent losses, one has to consider that, for most of the squad, playing at this level is a first. Compared to other teams in the Varsity Cup, UCT is quite the underdog. Last year was the first time in seven years that the team made it to the USSA Nationals, where they did remarkably well, managing to win most of their games in the plate competition after being knocked out of a really competitive group. Bisi reassures me that they are looking for a definite qualifier for this year’s nationals, to be hosted in Pretoria. “We’ve come a long way in the past year and a half,” he mentions with pride. When asked about their prospects regarding the upcoming matches he mentions, “Going into the tournament we were aiming for fifth, we’ve had to readjust our goals with the recent poor results.” However, he said this does not mean the players have thrown in
Image: Perdeby, Oan de Waal.
Image: Perdeby, Oan de Waal.
OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN: Bisi Mtshali in action for UCT in Pretoria the towel: “[The] group of players are mostly the same as last year. They are used to dealing with adversity; mostly with the way football used to be set up [...], it’s not difficult to bounce back if you have a good technical team and
bunch of boys.” This is clearly evident, as the side managed to recently attain a great win in their away game against Stellenbosch in the USSA Western Cape league. On his role as the captain, Bisi
Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)
International is well suited to Paolo Di Canio’s high pressing style of play. A real team player.
acknowledges that he could not have come this far without the support of his teammates, coach Monwabisi Raragala, UCT FC management and some of the coaches he has previously had at other clubs, like the WITS Academy, where he played during his time at the university prior to his arrival in Cape Town. Being captain certainly comes with its challenges too, “the buck, when it comes to players, will always stop with me. We can perform badly but I will always look at myself and see what [I] could have changed as the captain, as the leader of the team, what [I] could have done differently. And I always try to push myself, not only to lead verbally but […] always to lead through my actions as well. I want to be the last person to stop running, I want to push myself harder, I won’t go off injured.” That said, UCT fans still hope to see better performances from the captain and his side in the remaining games against TUT (last night in Tshwane), NWU and UWC. But with Mtshali and his fighting attitude at the helm, there is definitely hope for UCT football. As Bisi says, “we have nothing to lose and are desperate for a win.”
Barclays Premier League: Ten to watch
Joe Simon
With the 2013/14 season of the Barclays Premier League upon us and no real “world-class” talent being brought to English shores, a jaundiced eye may assume that this transfer window has been one of the duller ones. VARSITY has delved a bit deeper to uncover ten of the lesser-known imports that could set the league alight this season.
Leroy Fer (Norwich City)
This guy is a beast. The Dutch midfielder is a powerhouse and a real threat from set pieces, as his two headed goals at the Under 21 European Championship showed. He was on the verge of signing for Everton in January but that move fell through. There is a touch of crazy about Fer, perhaps highlighted by his decision to buy his girlfriend a horse, only to find out she couldn’t keep it as she lived in a London apartment.
Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur)
The quintessential box-to-box midfielder, Spurs will feel they pulled off a major coup when they signed the Brazilian dynamo from Sao Paolo for around 17 million pounds. Strong, energetic and good in the air, Paulinho is equally adept in the holding midfield role or roaming further forward.
Billed as “The New Drogba”, the Ivorian is similar in stature and will be a perfect foil for the enigmatic Michu. Bony comes with a stellar goal-scoring record in the Dutch League and his all-action style of play is perfectly suited to the Premier League.
Victor Wanyama (Southampton)
Another midfield dynamo, Wanyama shot to fame following his goal against Barcelona in the Champions League which secured Celtic a 2-1 win.
Gerard Deulofeu (Everton)
Signed on loan from Barcelona, Deulofeu is sure to dazzle Premier League defenders with his speed and agility. Expect to see a lot more of him as the season wears on.
Stefan Jovetic (Man City)
Jovetic’s game has come in leaps and bounds since he ripped Liverpool to shreds in the 2009 Champions League. Able to play anywhere across the forward line, Jovetic’s exceptional technical ability allied with a penchant for aggressive tackling is perfectly suited to the Premier League.
Emmanuele Giacherini (Sunderland)
Versatile and energetic, the Italian
Gary Medel (Cardiff City)
The quintessential terrier, Medel is able to play as a holding midfielder or as a centre back. Tough in the tackle and relentless in pursuit of attackers, Medel will be a nightmare to play against.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Norwich City)
A genuine goal-poacher with a
wonderful name, Van Wolfswinkel is likely to have the Norwich fans buzzing with excitement. Another great bit of business from the Canaries.
Andreas Cornelius (Cardiff City)
At 6 ft 4 the 20-year-old appears to have the required physical attributes to lead the line in the robust world of top flight English football. Cornelius netted 17 goals in his debut season in the Danish League. Definitely one to watch out for.
sport SPORTS SHORTS Hockey
The Internal League hockey finals on Thursday, August 8th, at the UCT Hockey Club was a night of thrilling entertainment on and off the field. With the crowds filtering in, the beers flowing and some great “gees” being displayed, the night was set in motion. The evening kicked off with the Women’s final in which Panthers emerged victorious after a thrilling encounter with Team Supreme, topping off their brilliant season in this year’s league. This was followed by the infamous epic derby between Bushies and Kwaggas. The stage was now set for the two dominant sides in this year’s league, Mavericks and The MOB, to take center stage in the Men’s final for a chance to claim the coveted title of Internal League Champions. After a thrilling encounter with chances coming at both ends the game would have to be settled on “1 vs 1” showdowns. Mavericks kept their composure seeing off the Mob to claim the title of Men’s Internal League champions for 2013. Congratulations to all the teams on a great season.
Swimming UCT’s
“golden
boy”,
Ayrton
Sweeney, has been busy in the pool, notching up three gold medals and one bronze for South Africa in the Senior All African Championships in Kenya. Sweeny is about to begin heavy training again after winning six gold medals at South African Universities Championships, then competing at the World Student Games held in Kazan, Russia, where he achieved three records and set a Provincial best in the 200m Breaststroke with a time of 2:17.10. Locally, he achieved eight gold medals at Western Province Championships, again excelling in the 200m Breaststroke. Off the back of these impressive results, Sweeney is eyeing up qualification for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
progressed through the rounds by being selected by the most number of judges. The winners were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. The last performances were the team dance (consisting of a relay medley) and the formation dances with UCT’s formation routine set to music from the 1920s and featuring flashy
Image: Michael Fouche
White line fever
15
Rob Byrne Sports Editor
The “Saffer” in the team
M
Ballroom dancing
A triumphant UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society brought the Overall Intervarsity Trophy back to Cape Town earlier in the month. It was the 16th time UCT took the honours, also grabbing the Formation Trophy. Ninety dancers of all levels left for Port Elizabeth to compete in the 22nd National Student Ballroom and LatinAmerican Dancing Championships against Stellenbosch, TUKS, Rhodes and NMMU. The competition day began with seven heats of open boogie, after which dancers
V72 E9 – 20 AUGUST 2013
costumes to match. Liesbeth Gouws, UCT committee member and Intervarsity participant, commented after the event. “Intervarsity was fantastic. Such a great bonding experience. Every year I feel even closer to the wonderful members of UCT Ballroom.” With contributions from Scott Drew, Stephen Hulme, Daron Golden and Nicholas Walker.
y local club cricket side received a notable distinction this week. We were crowned champions of the Guernsey Lancaster Trustees Division Three Evening League. Quite a mouthful. In other words, we were the suspect, but having ten years on all best amongst the third tier of social the opponents means he’s effective cricketers on an island numbering enough. The only one who can bowl 65 000, in the English Channel. above 100 km/h, clear the ropes, and While I don’t think it will quite make is without a “ball and chain”. Often the Wisden Almanack, I thought seen in heroic terms by the elder it would be nice to give it some statesmen who probe him on recent column inches. nightclub encounters. The feat meant a lot to the eclectic And then there is always, without mix of individuals who gave up fail, the “Saffer”. their nights this summer, putting Most likely recruited at a barbecue, leather to willow in an often violent he was the one who took control of manner, and the tongs and told with a technique host to stick Most likely recruited at a the Geoffrey a can of beer up Boycott would barbecue, he was the one the chicken’s arse. certainly not who took control of the Pure lunacy. approve of. When asked tongs... The side if he wanted to c ont ai ns play, the “Saffer” the usual characters that, despite is often a little confused on account being continents apart, I’m sure of the weather, believing that it is any amateur Capetonian cricketer still winter. would recognise. He is reluctant at first, telling There’s the skipper. He likes to the skipper that he only played “up keep statistics, conduct in-depth to matric”. But having tossed him analyses via email and shuffle himself the ball, and seeing an over of pace, around the order so he bats when the bounce, and choice words in some pie bowlers are on. undecipherable language, the skipper The Old boy. He probably played presumes “matric” to be a littlewith W.G. Grace back in the day, known province of South Africa. although that would imply he once Promoted up the batting order had any ability before his body and bludgeoning quick runs, the rest failed him. A permanent fixture in of the team marvel at his total lack of every sense; in the batting order, respect for the opposition bowlers, at one end of the wicket because and his muscular frame. They quickly deduce that quick singles are a no-no and in the it’s the result of his “outdoor” slips, of course. The TFC (thanks for coming). lifestyle (sometimes he doesn’t Doesn’t bat, doesn’t bowl. Seems to wear any shoes) and high biltong revel in “sweeping” on the boundary consumption. It’s a cliché I know, but many – his most important contribution, and therefore one he takes very South Africans, often the ones who seriously. Also, the biggest drinker have received sport-intensive private schooling, meet the above stereotype. and suspected simpleton. There are probably thousands of The Maverick. Everything about this guy says he shouldn’t be a them, like the “Saffers” in my side, cricketer. His technique is atrocious, who despite being average at home, probably on account of him going come into their own against middleto the wrong type of school. No-one aged, puny Englishmen. My message to you, as UCT really knows where he’s from or what he does, but he’s often overheard students, and possible future “Saffers” wheeling and dealing on the phone, is not to underestimate your sporting ability, in the grand scheme of things, cigarette in hand. The young gun. Technique is also you might be better than you think.
VIEWPOINTS: SARU’s Vodacom Cup Quota “SARU should be praised for taking the Vodacom Cup back to its roots, which is development. The word ‘quota’ is what is causing the fuss.” Cape Town Rugby writer @ Stephen Nell praises the move. “SARU’s new quota system is not a bad move, but [because] it’s only applicable to Vodacom Cup rugby its still not enough.” @TimothyQumbu thinks more should still be done. “SA rugby and the Vodacom Cup get the #topahole award for their quota system.” @Day13a is one of many
dissenters to SARU’s move on Twitter. “The quota system for the Vodacom Cup is one way to ensure supporters spend more quality time with their families and keeping stadiums empty.” @KakkieSteenkamp thinks the move will have a negative effect. “Why don’t #SARU implement a quota at provincial U21 level? Would be more effective than Vodacom Cup. Stars are groomed at junior level.” Author of The Jake White Story @Craigray11 wades in.
Sport VARSITY
FIXTURES SADC University Football
Western Province Super League A
TODAY, 8pm
Wednesday 21st, 9pm
KOPANO ASTROTURF
DANIE CRAVEN STADIUM
UCT vs University of Mauritius
FNB UCT 1st XV vs Maties 1st XV
Football with an international flavour Megan Kinnaird & Rob Byrne
U
CT’s footballers face a foreign test this week with the launch of the inaugural SADC University Sports Initiative. The University will come up against a somewhat unknown entity in the form of the University of Mauritius (UoM) and Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN). The two sides are in the Cape as part of the SRC organised tournament, which sees both men’s and women’s sides from the SADC region competing against each other. UCT and local rivals CPUT make up the Mother City contingent. The tournament kicked off on August 8th, at the Kopano AstroTurf with CPUT’s men taking on the Mauritians.
Brookbanks has great hopes for the tournament becoming an annual fixture It’s expected that the home side will use the tournament to give opportunities to squad and second team players, with one eye on their continuing Varsity Football commitments. Given the recent run of poor form in the competition, expect to see a side eager to impress both coaches and spectators in this onceoff event. The tournament will also see a ladies side from PoN play both UCT and CPUT before a final on Friday July 23rd, while UCT’s men will face both touring sides on Tuesday and Thursday and will hope to make the final, following the ladies’ encounter at 8pm on Friday. According to SRC Sports Coordinator Darren Brookbanks,
the aim of the tournament is to facilitate regional cohesion between students, players and coaches. Bringing students together from throughout the region was not without its challenges. “[It] was never going to be easy and will become more of a challenge the more SADC University Sports expands throughout the region… [but] if one is passionate enough about the regionalisation of Sports and Recreation, the costs are offset by the benefits,” he said. The student-led initiative began when individuals from both UoM and PoN wrote to the SRC, proposing the establishment of a “Sports Exchange” with UCT’s football teams. Brookbanks has great hopes for the tournament becoming an annual fixture on UCT’s sporting calendar, and that more universities will come to participate from within the SADC region, earmarking the University of Botswana, National University of Lesotho, University of Malawi, University of Seychelles and University of Zimbabwe. Taking advantage of the regional encounter are UCT’s Namibian and Mauritian Students’ Societies, who set up cultural stalls around the AstroTurf on Lower Campus on Thursday nand Friday evening. The cultural exchange is an important aspect of the tournament according to Brookbanks. He highlighted such activities “as a means of extending cultural traditions, customs and social interactions between all SADC universities in attendance.” It is hoped that UCT students will embrace the international flavour of the event, particularly UCT’s large contingent of international students from within the SADC region. VARSITY will be providing up-to-date coverage of a number of matches taking place this week via @varsitynews and online at varsitynewspaper.co.za/sport.
Images: Ben Scholtz & Sofia Gilli
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AN ANNUAL TRADITION: UCT’s “Kwaggas” and “Bushies” battled it out on Thursday August 8th, as part of the finale to the Internal League Hockey season