Edition 9 by VARSITY

2 September 2020 | Volume 79 | Edition 9

Home Affairs inefficiency leaves migrant women vulnerable

Source: Wane

Jeremy Simpson

With bureaucratic barriers and a 68-year backlog, Home Affairs immigration policies and a political conversation with an anti-immigrant flavour often leave migrant women seeking asylum vulnerable. This is the second and final piece in a series about the experiences of migrant women.

mmigration over the last two years has become one of the more hotly contested issues in South Africa. Political parties decried a massive influx of “illegal immigrants”at our borders, blamed irregular migrants for our failing health care systems or even in some instances used them as the sacrificial offering for all our country’s vices. This inflammatory political environment as well as the deluge of bureaucratic cobwebs makes the process of settling down as an asylum seeker particularly challenging and confusing, and even more so for women.

“This will take 68 years to clear without taking new cases, substantiating the AuditorGeneral claim about ‘Regression at Home Affairs.’”

without taking new cases, substantiating the Auditor-General claim about “Regression at Home Affairs.” This inefficiency, which many immigration advocates believe is used to frustrate asylum seekers out of the system, has a disproportionate effect on women. “You have really legitimate people who cannot get any assistance,” Aimée-Noël Mbiyozo, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, remarked, “Some of the women that I have met have some of the most harrowing stories … and they can’t get in. And this is not a proud story for South Africa.”

Moreover, South Africa only has five Refugee Reception Offices (RRO): Musina, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town. These RROs cause even more trouble for those who have While South Africa has an array of progressive already been given refugee status when they immigration laws, their application by must reapply every four years. According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is regulations, refugees must reapply at the same almost non-existent. Instead, in its place RRO where they applied four years earlier. we have a costly and severely backlogged system. According to a 2019 Auditor General “Some of the women that I have met have report, the Standing Committee for Refugee some of the most harrowing stories … and Affairs and the Refugee Appeals Board face they can’t get in. And this is not a proud story a backlog exceeding 40 000 and 147 000 for South Africa.” respectively. This will take 68 years to clear

Nandi Rayner, a researcher in the UCT Refugee Rights Unit, points out that this often imposes an undue burden on female refugees. “They often take the childcare responsibility,” explained Rayner, “and when they have to go and renew their permits […] they face the large cost of having to find someone to look after the kids or having to travel with the whole family to a Refugee Reception Office.” In certain circumstances, files can be transferred to a closer RRO; however, according to Rayner, this seldom happens. Furthermore, the Cape Town office has been closed for seven years, despite a Supreme Court of Appeals ruling mandating DHA to reopen the office by 31 March 2018. The Home Affairs narrative that the asylum system is being overwhelmed by young, able bodied men seeking work also leaves women in a vulnerable position. Both in her 2018 Institute for Security Studies policy brief and in her interview with VARSITY, Mbiyozo argued that the Department overstates this abuse. Around 4% of foreigners who remained in the country in 2015 applied for asylum. Furthermore, government immigration policy demonstrates a significant desire for attracting “high-value migrants” over low-skilled migrants.

NEWS NSFAS to withhold funding from 5000 students

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Fugard Theatre closure is emblematic of a crisis of the performing arts

Source: The Fugard

Source: Constantiaberg Bulletin

Jeremy Simpson After an audit of NSFAS beneficiaries using a SARS household income database, students were excluded from the higher education funding scheme after their household income was identified to be above the

R350 000 threshold.

early 5 000 students were refused NSFAS (National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme) funding for the 2021 year after the organization obtained information from SARS indicating that these students had a total declared household income greater than the R350 000 cut-off. Announcing this decision on Monday, August 17th, the financial aid agency indicated that students would have up to two weeks to appeal this decision.

on CapeTalk, “A lot of these people don’t just earn a salary, they also earn rental income and investment income. We've had reports from different campuses that students are abusing the NSFAS systems and are living lavish lifestyles, which is not the spirit of the funding.” As of Monday, August 20th, it is unclear whether NSFAS will take any legal action against these students to try and recover the fees for the 2020 academic year.

“The university and the SRC have committed to assisting those remaining students who need to reapply to NSFAS for funding.”

“The delays in the procurement of laptops for NSFAS students has caught the attention of Parliament’s portfolio committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology.”

Elijah Moholola, UCT’s spokesperson, has confirmed that less than 80 UCT students had their funding withdrawn. “Most of these students – at least 55 – were found to be eligible for GAP funding and this has been offered to them by UCT.” The university and the SRC have committed to assisting those remaining students who need to reapply to NSFAS for funding. UCT student leaders have decried the decision, with the SRC voicing its condemnation and renewing its calls for the inclusion of the “missing middle” - students who come from households with incomes exceeding the R350 000 threshold for NSFAS funding but are unable to independently fund their education. Dr Randall Carolissen, CEO of NSFAS, claims this approach of validating applications against the SARS database is more reliable and will be part of the application system going forward. Suggesting that people have been taking advantage of the system, Dr Carolissen explained

Student organisations across the country have decried the agency’s decision. The EFF Student Command (EFFSC) have called this a “blatant attack on the poor.” EFFSC National Spokesperson Xola Mehlomakulu said, “It is insensitive … for funding to be withdrawn from students during a health pandemic without the interrogation of their individual circumstances.” SASCO has also expressed anger over the decision. This is not the first hurdle NSFAS has faced over the last month. The delays in the procurement of laptops for NSFAS students has caught the attention of Parliament’s portfolio committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology. Mr. Moholola confirmed that all UCT students who were eligible for laptops received them. Furthermore, the scheme has also faced a R5.5-million cut in recent months, which Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, confirmed was in administrative finances and not on the bursary scheme.

Caitlin MacDonald While performers continue to innovate in times of crisis, COVID-19 has deeply damaged cultural and creative industries.

he Fugard Theatre & Bioscope has announced a temporary closure that will be lifted by late-2021 at the very earliest. Eric Abraham, founder, and benefactor of the Fugard Theatre & Bioscope, cited health risk and financial lack as the root of the decision to retrench the majority of Fugard Theatre staff. For the time being a small team will tend to The Fugard until it is safe and economically viable to re-open.

“An early assessment of COVID-19’s impact on cultural and creative industries conducted by South African Cultural Observatory suggests that the sector shutdown is expected to reduce the country’s GDP by R99,7 billion in 2020.”

This closure is representative of a larger trend in the performing arts. The Fugard joins the Baxter Theatre, South African State Theatre, and Magnet Theatre in their choice to keep their doors closed. Fahiem Stellenboom, marketing manager at the Baxter, has asserted that many theatres simply cannot survive with the 50-person cap on audiences. An early assessment of COVID-19’s impact on cultural and creative industries conducted by South African Cultural Observatory suggests that the sector shutdown is expected to reduce the country’s GDP by R99,7 billion in 2020. Various performing arts companies have attempted to adapt to a virtual space through collaboration. This year, the 46th National Arts Festival was held entirely online and its website remains a space for artists to present their work.

The Instagram page, @scenes_on_ screens, hosts regular livestreams of all manner of performances - from magic tricks to poetry readings - in the spirit of the motto: “the show must go on.” Following the release of Cape Town City Ballet’s (CTCB) filmic collaboration with William Kentridge’s “Why Should I Hesitate” exhibition at The Norval Foundation, CEO of CTCB, Debbie Turner, emphasised the importance of solidarity: “These have been difficult times for everyone in the arts sector and we build strength and continue to inspire creativity by collaborating with like-minded organisations.” However, there are limits to the digital space. In an interview with VARSITY, Jason Atherton, a tenor at Cape Town Opera, said, “Doing virtual concerts is frowned upon by live musicians, especially in the classical music industry,” and cited the importance of spatial acoustics. According to Atherton, uploading online content that can be endlessly rewatched or ignored in favour of a plethora of other available recordings “devalues the musician.” This means that, for the time being, Atherton’s ability to earn a living through opera has been “cut down to zero.”

“Doing virtual concerts is frowned upon by live musicians, especially in the classical music industry.”

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture continues to discuss the employment of stimulus packages with theatres. As of August, a total of R61-million has been paid out to beneficiaries, and 117 applications have yet to be finalised by the government. The next phase of government support of the arts will include the allocation of R77 million for relief purposes.

NEWS Democratic ticket leads the polls Despite President Donald Trump’s preemptive accusations of voter fraud, polls suggest that former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, are poised for victory.

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Belarusian President Lukashenko urges protestors to return to work

Source: Twitter @IAmMzilikazi

Source: Obi News

Caitlin MacDonald

redictions for the United States’s imminent presidential elections favour former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, with a recent YouGov poll placing the Democrats ahead by a 52% to 42% margin among likely voters.

“Within twenty-four hours of the VP announcement, Joe Biden’s campaign raised $26 million.” Kamala Harris’s selection as vice-presidential candidate marked a turning point in Biden’s campaign. The child of South Asian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris is the first woman of colour on a major party ticket and comes flanked with ardent supporters calling themselves the “KHive”. Within twenty-four hours of the VP announcement, Joe Biden’s campaign raised $26 million, demonstrating both the tremendous enthusiasm surrounding the historic pick and the strength of Harris’s ties to Silicon Valley grandees. Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist, told the Washington Post, “I have to guess she will be a quiet ally for [the tech industry] behind the scenes.” Despite styling herself as a “progressive prosecutor” in recent years, some have argued that this is undermined by Harris’s record. This includes blocking payouts to the wrongfully convicted, allowing her office to make a case for keeping non-violent offenders imprisoned as a source of cheap labor, and the denial of gender reassignment surgery to trans inmates. “I love the sister,” philosopher and avid supporter of the Bernie Sanders campaign, Dr. Cornel West demurred, “but I recognize that when it comes to serious class struggles that

are going on [...] she’s not always been on the side of the workers. Neither has Biden.”

“The existential threat of COVID-19 has sharpened the presidential race, with a leading model produced by the University of Washington predicting a death toll surpassing 250,000 by election day.” However, polling data suggests that these misgivings will not come to bear on the Democrats’s lead come November. The existential threat of COVID-19 has sharpened the presidential race, with a leading model produced by the University of Washington predicting a death toll surpassing 250,000 by election day. When accepting the Democratic nomination, Biden chastised Trump for his handling of the virus: “Our current president has failed in his most basic duty to the nation. He’s failed to protect us.”

“The only way we’re going to lose is if the election is rigged.” A nadir in the president’s approval ratings - largely due to his response to the pandemic – as well as recent polling in swing states strongly favouring Biden are obstacles for the Trump campaign. The president cast doubt on the election process, claiming that mail-in voting will lead to widespread voter fraud and assuring supporters that “the only way we’re going to lose is if the election is rigged.”

Daniel P. Rossmeisl As widespread protest and calls for Belarusian President Lukashenko to step down continue into their second week, the increasingly isolated authoritarian leader doubles down speaking to MZKT company workers on Tuesday, August 17th, after failing to secure foreign support.

hen incumbent pig-farmer-president of 26 years, Alexander Lukashenko, sought reelection for a sixth term this month, his victory seemed secure. Despite a reputation for relatively restrained authoritarianism, this stalwart of Soviet-style stability has proven more than willing to use hard power to maintain his position. Now these tactics seem likely to hinder chances of a peaceful retirement for Lukashenko.

ko’s presidency will survive to see this round of protests lose momentum is now in question.

“This stalwart of Soviet-style stability has proven more than willing to use hard power to maintain his position.”

Historically, ties to Russia have served as Lukashenko’s cavalry. The Belarusian economy has been maintained by heavily subsidised Russian oil sold on to Europe for profit. Belarus has not become rich through independence but has avoided descending into civil war, debt, and chaos like many former satellite states. Now, compounding on economic strain, the global effects of the coronavirus and Lukashenko’s habit of stoking Russian tensions with Europe for personal gain has undermined Moscow’s resolve to underwrite the regime. Though President Putin has warned the European Union against getting involved in Belarus’ domestic politics, he has also declined to provide Russian support. The EU, equally cautious, emphasised on Wednesday, August 19, that a solution “must be found in Belarus, not in Brussels or in Moscow.”

The state, a proxy for Lukashenko’s direct control, owns the media, electoral commissions, and law enforcement. Opponents are regularly jailed, often tortured, and sometimes disappear. Like other quasi-democracies, opposition candidates deemed non-threatening are allowed so that the electoral process can claim legitimacy while the power of the authoritarian state remains essentially unchallenged. However, immediately following the announcement of the incumbent’s landslide win, the Belarusian public took to the streets. It seems, eerily reminiscent of his own shocking rise from obscurity, that Mrs Svetlana Tikhanovskaya – thrust from housewife to main opposition candidate – has captured both the public’s imagination and support. Where Lukashenko’s platforms have always emphasised stability and anticorruption, Mrs Tikhanovskaya’s promise is freedom. Though not the first time that Lukashenko’s supposed electoral success has drawn public outcry, it is the largest. Previously, a blend of marginal reforms and fearmongering has sufficed to pacify the crowds. Jailing and torturing those accused of organising resistance as the movement loses momentum discourages lingering threat to his authority. Whether Lukashen-

“Where Lukashenko’s platforms have always emphasised stability and anticorruption, Mrs Tikhanovskaya’s promise is freedom.”

“Whether Lukashenko’s presidency will survive to see this round of protests lose momentum is now in question.” Attempting to reignite geopolitical tension, Lukashenko has alternately accused both Europe and Russian “Wagner-group” mercenaries of actively subverting Belarusian autonomy. However, this tactic is failing to generate support domestically or abroad. International attention may create a platform for pro-democratic voices often overlooked in an all-but-forgotten post-Soviet state, but neither Europe nor Russia is going to go to war over Belarus.

EDITORIAL

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The Collective

Looking back and moving forward

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tiyani Rikhotso editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY EDITOR Gabriel Vieira editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Vacant: Apply now! managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za SENIOR COPY EDITOR Brad Brinkley copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Savannah Costello juniorcopyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE EDITOR Kelsey Maggott online@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY ONLINE EDITOR Mbalenhle Mthembu onlinecontent@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Salma Noor Mahomed creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS EDITOR Jeremy Simpson DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR Caitlin Macdonald news@varsitynewspaper.co.za FEATURES EDITOR Natasha Nkutu features@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY FEATURES EDITOR Lee-Anne Jacobs features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Brad Brinkley

y experience as Copy Editor has been unlike any of my predecessors since this paper first hit the printing press back in 1942. COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we function as a collective, however, some things remain the same. As an editorial team, we have tried our best to maintain the legacy of this liberal newspaper that we have inherited. The newspaper that boldly crossed racial lines and aggrieved the apartheid government during the times of press censorship. We have worked tirelessly to unite, inform, and empower the UCT community. We give every student the chance to be heard and we’re never silent on societal issues. “As an editorial team, we have tried our best to maintain the legacy of this liberal newspaper that we have inherited.” Sadly, we haven’t been able to see the fruits of our efforts on paper this year. With the rapid decline of print media, our print edition usually stands as a bastion of traditional journalism. It feels good, however, to say that I fulfilled my promise from my first editorial. We didn’t let the pandemic derail us and we served the UCT community during this time of need. “We didn’t let the pandemic derail us and we served the UCT community during this time of need.”

Applications are open for 2020!

OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Rowley opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR Chloe Kingdom opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

We have one edition left after this before the new editorial team takes the reigns. Working for Varsity has been an incredibly formative and rewarding experience and I would recommend that anyone interested in joining the collective apply. As this is my last editorial, I think it’s only fitting that I give a special mention to my teams who kept print going. Thanks to the writers, editors, designers and the Junior Copy Editor, Savannah Costello. I’m sorry for boring you with lectures and being strict with deadlines – it comes with the territory. While I haven’t met all of you in person, I think that what we have achieved via countless conference calls and emails has been extraordinary. So well done. “While I haven’t met all of you in person, I think that what we have achieved via countless conference calls and emails has been extraordinary.”

SPORTS EDITOR James Braham sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Seth Meyer onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Hannah Van Teylingen DEPUTY ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Laylaa Edross onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR Temwani Nyama onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE LIFESTYLE AND SPORT EDITOR Sumitra Naidoo onlinesport@varsitynewspaper.co.za

SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENTS Kendal Davids Zintle Mfaku IMAGES EDITOR Ya’eesh Collins imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY IMAGES EDITOR Phelisa Kosi imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za FINANCE MANAGER Niitembu Augustinus finance@varsitynespaper.co.za ADS MANAGER Ntsako Moavodi ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za HR MANAGER Siphesande Mfaku DEPUTY HR MANAGER Vernita Caeser hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Positions available in VARSITY Collective:

MARKETING AND BRANDING MANAGER Nita Naidoo marketing@varsitynewspaper.co.za

(No experience needed)

Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if Social Media Correspondents News reporters you are interested! Staffwriters Centrespread Editor

COLUMNIST Duwayne Esau columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.z SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Salma Noor Mahomed socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za

I would also like to endorse the incoming senior editorial team. Firstly, I hope that you learn from our mistakes. Publishing exposes you to a lot of criticism and it’s necessary to grow. Secondly, enjoy your job – it’s going to take a great deal of your time and energy. I have unashamedly referred to the print edition as my baby because it needs a lot of love (and often costs me sleep). Finally, I hope that you develop the newspaper and abide by the precedent that was set for us by the editors who built it to fight oppression and hatred. Be the voice of UCT students. Make us proud.

Design Editor

STAFF WRITERS William Barron Lerato Botha Nelisa Khwela Stefan Kirsten Bathandwa Magqaza Ntsako Mlambo Asenathi Ntamo Jack Phillips

WEB EDITOR Sane Mhloma web@varsitynewspaper.co.za

DESIGN Brad Brinkley Micha Mae Cerf Nelisa Khwela Reabetswe Khutsoane Motsi Macheka Ntsako Moavodi Tiyani Rikhotso Savannah Costello

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS

Send your art, poetry and photographs to: creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za to be featured!

Lest she should cease to sweat _____ J. Klink

do not ever turn a woman who struggles to balance warm plates of food away to have her retrace her steps is like throwing her sweat to the dogs but the dogs were starving anyway so, you never gave it much thought, did you? but then, when did the greedy learn to scarf with gratitude? or remember to give their sincere compliments to the chef? or perhaps utter even the simplest of thank yous? but you should know that even the dogs sit and wait obediently their heads turn when she speaks and their unblinking eyes fear for her leave and they would cuddle when they're done, if they could, and wag their tails and leave their trace all over her and she would rebuke them, yet permit them still but when she utters her reproof to you let it not fall on deaf ears, lest she should cease to sweat and not even the least of you could permit her stay but you should know to even help her balance warm plates of food and rather carry now her heart away

Caitlin MacDonald

In Our Moments Rico Stephenson ______________________ we sit here in the moment in the now in the high forever we ask Why? we contemplate we deliberate we think we cry we laugh forever we ask Why? we discuss we live we love we die forever together we ask Why?

FEATURES

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The brave womxn of Akashinga

The IAPF’s successful conservation model employs an all-womxn anti-poaching unit which should represent the future of conservation

Source: IAPF

Kendal Davids

he Lower Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe is home to a beautiful and diverse wildlife population, most of “The face of an anti-poaching ranger has traditionally been a male one.” which are under a constant threat from poachers. At the forefront of this conservation battle is the all-womxn anti-poaching unit, ‘The Akashinga,’ who form a part of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). They were Their training program is unique as they are only trained founded with a mission to preserve the threatened wildlife physically once they have proved to be of strong mind and character. “I love my elephants like I love my children, so I by reimagining conservation with an all-womxn team. must protect them as I am protecting my children,” says They present an innovative solution to conservation woes Akashinga ranger, Petronella Chigumbura. These womxn about corruption in poaching and community hostility ex- view their jobs with honour and a strong desire to protect. pressed towards endangered wild animals--problems that According to Damien Mander, founder of the IAPF, this atmale rangers had yet to solve. ‘Akashinga: The Brave Ones’ titude helps root out corruption in poaching, which proves is a new National Geographic short documentary focusing the reliability of womxn in the world of conservation. on the lives of these strong womxn. It follows their journey through the recruitment process until they become Akashin“Due to their own experiences with domestic abuse, they were ga rangers. able to relate to the vulnerability of the animals.” “This conservation model is the first of its kind in Africa and it has revolutionised anti-poaching by showing the world the importance of womxn in conservation.” This conservation model is the first of its kind in Africa and it has revolutionised anti-poaching by showing the world the importance of womxn in conservation. They challenge old perceptions of what a successful ranger looks like. Not only do they use their physical strength, but they have also cleverly involved their community—a strategy that has worked well. By actively involving the members of their community, they can conduct successful raids and stop poachers before they commit the act. This enables local communities to fight back against the poaching problem without armed violence. This community-involved model shows the world that the problem of poaching does not only need to be fought with arms. By training other womxn and educating their communities about conservation, these womxn have made a huge impact in the anti-poaching battle.

He also believes that their success in their positions can be attributed to having come from impoverished and abusive backgrounds. Many were struggling to support their families. Others were forced to head their own households from a young age and joined Akashinga out of a desperate hope for a better life. After joining the program they have been able to provide for their families and transform their personal lives. This strong will to succeed ensured that they gave their utmost and fought hard as rangers. Due to their own experiences with domestic abuse, they were able to relate to the vulnerability of the animals. This model shows that womxn can, and should lead future conservation projects in Africa and around the world. The future of women in conversation is propelled forward by this all-female anti-poaching unit and proves that womxn can succeed in a field previously dominated by men. Their stories of bravery and strength should further inspire the world to see these womxn for who they are: the brave ones.

FEATURES

OnlyFans – the New and Improved Way to Make Money as a Sex Worker

The online platform OnlyFans continues to increase in popularity and offers a new, independent way for women to make money in the sex industry Emma Sacco

nlyFans is a subscription-based platform where viewers, or “fans”, pay a monthly fee in order to see their favourite celebrities’ or models’ private pictures and videos. While it was launched in 2016, the platform has recently taken off and is now very well-known and popular, with celebrities like Bella Thorne, Tana Mongeau and Cardi B.

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women in the sex industry. The platform allows creators to post explicit pictures and videos whereas more mainstream sites, like Instagram and Twitter, do not. Proving to be greatly beneficial to female sex workers, OnlyFans allows them complete control over what they post and how much they earn and makes them less reliant on creating pornographic movies for websites such as PornHub to earn an income. While women working in the sex industry are notoriously underpaid, this innovative platform allows women to choose a monthly subscription fee for their account and receive 80% of their earnings. “Earning an income from this platform also proves to be remarkably safer than creating porn videos for websites or escorting.”

“Proving to be greatly beneficial to female sex workers, OnlyFans allows them complete control over what they post and how much they earn and makes them less reliant on creating pornographic movies for websites such as PornHub to earn an income.”

Earning an income from this platform also proves to be remarkably safer than creating porn videos for websites or escorting. Women in the sex industry are often threatened with violence or are abused by their producers or clients; with OnlyFans being a purely online based platform where women are completely in charge of who they interact with and what they choose to post, it is immediately a safer way to make money as a sex worker. Having an account also allows women in the sex industry to form personal relationships and bonds with their clients without having to be physically intimate with them, distinguishing OnlyFans from porn. “You can get porn for free…guys don’t want to pay for that. They want the opportunity to get to know somebody they’ve seen in a magazine or on social media,” Dannii Harwood, OnlyFans’ creator, explains. “I’m like their online girlfriend.”

The minimum subscription fee is set at $4,99, around R86, with the maximum limit being $49,99, around R850. OnlyFans “creators” can also charge a fee for private messages, at $5 and upwards. Due to their relaxed policies on content, OnlyFans has become widely used by

This platform has changed the way that women in the sex industry are able to earn a living. This positive step forward in making sex work safer. It ensures that female sex workers receive the majority of their earnings, revolutionising what it is to be women in the sex industry, with the New York Times stating that OnlyFans has “changed sex work forever.”

The founder of OnlyFans, Tim Stokely, created the platform with the intent of it being similar to Instagram or Twitter, but with the added bonus of being able to create a more personal and intimate bond with different influencers.

Meet Jenny Lawson - Crazy, Ridiculous, and an Absolute Gem In times of stress we could all use a good laugh and Jenny Lawson has come to deliver in spades Lee-Anne Jacobs

ying is one of the first skills you learn when you suffer from any type of mental illness. Whatever you have, your first instinct is to always say “I’m fine,” regardless of how much you might be suffering. It’s what most people do long before they can verbalise what is wrong with them. If this sounds even vaguely familiar, I would like to offer you a friend in the form of Jenny Lawson, aka The Bloggess.

on the daily struggles that come with trying to survive both everyday life and your own mind. Her first novel Let’s Pretend This Never Happened; A Mostly True Memoir documents her strange journey through life while unintentionally standing out as the general weirdo; a feeling that many can relate to. However, instead of resenting being the purple thread in a white toga, Lawson takes a sharp left and revels in it, and has inspired millions of people around the Jenny Lawson is an international bestselling world to do the same. author known for being brutally honest about suffering from a variety of mental illnesses that “Jenny Lawson is a much-needed light at the took her years and several doctors to even deend of the dark tunnel that is 2020.” fine. Growing up poor in a small town in rural Texas, Lawson struggled for years with mental Her second book - Furiously Happy: A Funny illnesses that fell under the depressive-anxi- Book About Horrible Things arguably cementety-self-harm umbrella until she was formally ed her as a must-read for anyone struggling diagnosed in her twenties. Using writing as a with mental health. Furiously Happy delves form of therapy, she began to document the deeper into the realities and effects of living ups and downs of her life on her blog (The with mental illness (largely depression) in a Bloggess) and ultimately built a deep connec- way that is not at all preachy and delivers a tion with her readers who helped her realise damn good laugh. that she was not as alone as she’d always believed. Painfully honest, highly informative, and laugh-out-loud funny with books that have her She quickly gained recognition on her unique style of ridiculous joy, Jenny Lawson award-winning blog for her often hilarious take is a much-needed light at the end of the dark

tunnel that is 2020. Go forth and be furiously happy! Jenny Lawson’s books can be ordered online through Loot or Takealot.

Source: UrbanMoms

OPINIONS

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#HandsOffMogoeng Malicious attacks against the chief justice come as no surprise in an increasingly toxic, political climate.

Source: EWN

Catherine Heron

hief Justice Mogoeng recently participated in a webinar for The Jerusalem Post which saw him advocating for South Africa to take a more balanced approach towards the Israeli-Arab conflict. AfricaForPalestine have subsequently called for an investigation into Mogoeng and have labelled his speech as not befitting his office. The question at stake in the Mogoeng debate is not one of religious freedom or the limit thereof, but rather: when did judges become seen as ‘legitimate’ targets for political organisations? Firstly, Mogoeng is correct. Freedom of religion is a guaranteed right in the Constitution. Only section 36, and not your occupation, may limit your rights. This stands only if there is a good reason to limit your rights and this limitation must be reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society which is based on human dignity, equality and freedom, with all of the relevant factors taken into account. “When did it become political to call for peace?” Becoming a judge does not mean that you renounce your constitutional rights. This holds true when one looks at the Judicial Code of Conduct that critics are saying Mogoeng violated. The code balances a caution against political controversy whilst allowing involvement in extrajudicial activities, including those embodied by their rights. Even the head of the judiciary is guaranteed the same protection under the Constitution as ordinary South Africans. None of what Mogoeng said was political: Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people pray for peace every day and call for neighbourly love. When did it become political to call for peace? If anything, it is a call for depoliticisation. So why are Mogoeng’s critics attacking him on this front? The answer: lawfare.

it has been a very powerful strategy bringing about fantastic achievements: LGBTQIA+ marriage has been legalised; HIV status has been recognised as a grounds of discrimination; and access to ARVs have been achieved. These arduous trials relied upon the use of court precedents and the values of the Constitution to achieve their outcome. However, lawfare today is increasingly used for far more insidious purposes. Rather than launching calculated cases and presenting ingenious legal arguments, political players are turning to the bullying and harassment of judges and legal actors. This tactic is intended to achieve a quicker and more favourable outcome by forcing them to step down or settle cases. There is no clearer example of this than the slew of criticisms that the former president has thrown at the judges presiding over the State Capture inquiry, such as labelling it as a “conspiracy.” From levelling serious corruption allegations to comparing judges today to those of Apartheid, attacks have become more personal in nature. “[This] is a thinly veiled attempt to manipulate our judiciary by removing a judge who refuses to heed the popular political line.” Thus, it comes as no surprise to see personal attacks on Mogoeng because of his religion. Neither is it surprising that it comes before the appeal of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ hate speech case involving COSATU, a BDS ally, over which Mogoeng is set to preside. The arguments against Mogoeng are not focused on ensuring separation between Church and State. The Constitution does a fine job of that and Mogoeng has not been criticised in any of his judgments for crossing this line. Instead, it is a thinly veiled attempt to manipulate our judiciary by removing a judge who refuses to heed the popular political line.

When a call for peace is labelled as “unbecoming” for the position that ‘Lawfare’ has caught the attention of many activists and academics as of oversees the very system which restores peace and justice in South Afrilate, as high profile court cases dominate headlines. It is no coincidence ca, we should all be concerned; not just for the sanctity of the judiciary that it sounds like ‘warfare’. Lawfare is the strategic use and exploitation but the increasingly toxic political climate of our country. of the legal system in order to fight one’s opponents. In South Africa,

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

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 9

Private schools should not be punished because of the socio-economic conditions of our country The inequality in education is worsening under the global pandemic - but private schools should not have to close just because public schools cannot open safely.

Source: Stocksy

Reabetswe Khutsoane

he Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted several inequalities in our country, and the education sector has not been spared. The sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, which included a number of students and teachers who had returned to schools in June, contributed to the government’s decision to close schools for a month. The return of students to school was phased in, with Matrics only closing for a week. While the President’s announcement may have come as a relief to those who were concerned that teachers and students were vulnerable to infection, outrage broke out about the closure only being applicable to public schools. This meant that pupils in the private sector would have more time in class, and would spend more time covering and grasping content. This essentially sets them up for a better chance at academic success, while pupils in the public sector were missing out on time that they could have used to recover the months lost under the hard lockdown. “It is true that the closure was unfair to students in the public sector,who were losing time which their peers in the private sector were utilising. However, the reclosure only added to a multitude of existing inequalities.”

access at home. In the rural areas, this was reduced to 1,7%. Thus, because of these restrictions to accessing online learning material, public school children have lower levels of engagement with their content. The additional time and devices that pupils in the private sector have allows them to further engage with material or spend more time on revision to fully grasp the content. Pupils in the public sector would need to cover the same content in a shorter period. Additionally, another inequality lies in the infrastructure at public schools. Some schools in the public sector are still in need of adequate water and sanitation, with the National Education Infrastructure Management System’s 2019 Standard Report showing that over 6000 schools nationwide still use pit latrines. Given the preventative measures against Covid-19, pupils in the public sector were at greater risk of contracting the virus. This allowed for private schools to remain open as they were somewhat better prepared for students to maintain necessary hygiene practices while at school. “Children at private schools should not have their education hindered because of the inequality in our country. This is an issue that only our government can be punished for.”

It is true that the closure was unfair to students in the public sector, who were losing time which their peers in the private sector were utilising. However, the reclosure only added to a multitude of existing inequalities. Pupils in private schools had already continued learning for some time, as some of them began online learning earlier in lockdown whilst schools were still closed.

Private schools have greater access to resources that allow them to continue offering their services to their pupils safely. Based on this, it is fair for private schools to remain open, provided that they comply with safety regulations. Unfortunately, pupils in the public sector find themselves at a disadvantage that is beyond their control. These are matters which have only been highlighted by the Covid-19 outbreak, and need to be addressed urgently by the department of Basic Education in order to The reason for this cannot be blamed on private schools. Because of try and bridge the alarming gap in our education system. Children at the socio-economic conditions that South Africa faces, many pupils in private schools should not have their education hindered because of the public sector face challenges with internet connectivity or having the inequality in our country. This is an issue that only our government the devices required for online learning. According to a 2018 study con- can be punished for. ducted by StatsSA, only 10,4% of South African households had internet

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@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 10

Femme rappers: An unholy matrimony

Source: Caldronpool.com

Source: Vulture

Chloe Kingdom The controversy surrounding “WAP” is a product of society’s misogynistic double standards for femme artists in entertainment compared to their male counterparts.

ardi B and Megan Thee Stallion most likely knew that they would receive a tide of backlash for the release of their latest song, ‘WAP’ (bowdlerised as ‘Wet and Gushy’). The lyrics and music video detail their sexual fantasies with men. This, in and of itself, should not garner much controversy—after all, explicit sexual language is the bread and butter of commercial rap music. Society’s real problem is with the artists’ emboldened performances of femme sexuality and desire.

What is more alarming is their internalised state of misogyny which has evolved to the point where they are policing other femmes about their sexual desires. Femme rappers will continue to occupy a culturally untenable position in entertainment until society progresses to the point where womxn are granted the right to own their bodies and speak their minds. “They are sending a message that they will grant themselves the freedom to behave as they please, and profit off men’s desires in the process”

“This, in and of itself, should not garner much controversy—after all, explicit sexual language is the bread and butter of commercial rap music.”

The progressive views that Cardi and Megan espouse have also sparked the age-old feminist debate about sex work. Cardi boasts, “I don’t cook, I don’t clean/ But let me tell you how I got this ring.” These provocaIn a patriarchal culture like ours, it is normalised for cisgender hetero- tions shock the sensibilities of those who deem womxn to be vulgar for sexual men to express their sexual fantasies, however wild they may run. flaunting their wealth, especially when gained through sexual favours. And it is often the most debauched ones which receive headlines in Hol- Munroe Bergdof, a feminist activist, responded to the WAP controversy lywood. In 2016, Kanye West’s music video for his song ‘Famous’ depict- by saying that, “Society has a big issue with women who find ways to ed his fantasy of being in bed with (mainly) nude femme celebrities. It monetise men’s desires. Yet male dominated industries have been atwas a perfect metaphor for the culture of black male rappers who assert taching a price tag to women’s bodies and sex appeal for centuries.” their dominance by performing their sexual virility. This song was one of the exceptions which produced a healthy amount of criticism, but for the most part, most rap songs objectifying womxn go unchallenged on “Male dominated industries have been attaching a price tag to women’s social media. bodies and sex appeal for centuries.” It boggles the mind then that feminists have become some of the most ardent critics of a song celebrating femme sexuality. Concerns about the consumption of lyrics like, “Let’s role play, I’ll wear a disguise,” are only valid in communities where consent and sex-positive education is absent. Traditional feminists’ primary objection is against, what they perceive to be, womxn encouraging the fulfilment of men’s sexual fantasies. Condescending in its assumption, feminists of this ilk fall prey to the regressive mindset that smart, independent-minded femmes are unable to discern when and how they are being ‘exploited’.

Cardi and Megan choosing to shake their assets at the camera is not evidence of the male gaze looming over their art. They are sending a message that they will grant themselves the freedom to behave as they please, and profit off men’s desires in the process, a strategy that makes them businesswomxn. However, any issues with empowered womxn can be taken up with the Bureau of Double Standards in Entertainment.

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

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 11

Donald’s disregard for democracy Donald Trump’s attempts to interfere with the November election should cause serious concern amongst American citizens who value living in a democratic country.

Source: Independent

Julia Rowley

s we enter into the final months of a seemingly unending fouryear term, most rational news-consumers have come to shrug off (and perhaps roll their eyes at) Donald Trump and his ridiculous comments. Belittling journalist Megyn Kelly with misogynistic attacks? Threatening nuclear war over a heated Twitter exchange with Kim Jong-un? Believing that climate change is a myth created by the Chinese government? It’s all in a day’s work at the White House! As a man with no political education or experience whatsoever, it does not come as a shock that his term has been littered with questionable leadership decisions. However, this does not mean that his time as the US’ 45th president should not be looked at with concern. Many of the attitudes held by Trump directly contradict democratic principles that one would expect to be upheld in the most powerful country in the world. A clear example of this is his recent decision to decline federal funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS). “Although it may seem laughable that Trump has admitted to purposefully interfering with mail-in voting,it should also be a cause for concern that he is so blatant about interfering with an essential tenet of democracy.” Louis DeJoy was appointed by Trump as Postmaster General in midJune. Since then, the service has undergone several changes. Initially implemented to save the financially-precarious post service, DeJoy has made several cost-cutting decisions which have resulted in a significant delay in mail deliveries. Although this may seem insignificant, in the time of a global pandemic where millions will rely on mail-in voting ballots in the November election, this has caused concerns that ballots will not be counted on time. Additionally, Trump has blocked federal funding for the USPS. This would not seem so suspect if it wasn’t for the comments the president has recently made in an interview with Fox Business.There is apparently, “tremendous evidence of fraud whenever you have mail-in ballots” (there is not) and the USPS, “need that money... so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots.” If the USPS does not receive the federal funding that it needs, it “means you can’t have universal mail-in voting.” Although it may seem laughable that Trump has admitted to purposefully interfering with mail-in voting, it

should also be a cause for concern that he is so blatant about interfering with an essential tenet of democracy. Unfortunately, Trump’s disregard for democracy doesn’t end there. As many know, throughout his term in the White House he has subjected any critical journalist or news publication to the cries of “fake news media.” However, his intolerance of an independent, honest and objective press runs much deeper. It is no secret that Trump holds animosity towards Amazon. It may seem surprising that the businessman-turned-president hasn’t cosied up to one of the most successful corporations in America. However, Trump has verbally attacked “Jeff Bozo” and his company several times. He has repeatedly made claims that Amazon pays less delivery for its packages to the USPS than what it should, and in 2018 the president met with the Postmaster General to encourage the postal service to double Amazon’s fees. One can imagine the reason for this bombardment - Bezos owns The Washington Post, a publication that is highly critical of Trump and his leadership. Additionally, in 2019 the Trump-supporting Justice Department attempted to block a merger between AT&T and Time Warner. Although the Department claimed that this was not a politically-motivated decision, they said that if the companies wanted to merge, Time Warner would have to sell CNN. Yes, the same CNN that has condemned Trump in countless news broadcasts. Donald Trump’s manipulation of his presidential powers is painfully obvious, and his flagrant interference with mail-in ballots may seem humorous to those who recognise that he hasn’t even attempted to hide his behaviour. However, these actions need to be examined with grave apprehension. Trump’s attempts to obstruct fundamental principles of democracy sets up a dangerous precedent for what his supporters will accept - and how far he is willing to push the American public into an autocratic state. “Trump’s attempts to obstruct fundamental principles of democracy sets up a dangerous precedent for what his supporters will accept-and how far he is willing to push the American public into an autocratic state.”

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OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 12

Kamala Harris and the identity of progress The Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate has been slammed from the right for radicalism, scorned by the left as a regressive corporatist, and upheld by the centre and much US media as progress embodied.

Source: CNN

William Baron

t seems to be an American thing – that whatever the politics of a Democrat are, the Democrat is a communist as far as the Republicans are concerned. Finally! You might be relieved to see Trump campaign ads claiming Joe Biden is a puppet of the Left, on the strings of shadowy Stalinist Bernie Sanders, or secret worshipper at the shrine of AOC. He will crumble totheirresistibleforceoftheprogressiveGreenNewDeal;Medicare will be for All! Ditto Joe’s running mate, California’s Kamala Harris.

to the calls for defunding police and prisons which sound around the #BLM protests. The “progressive language” of her DNC speech involved the putative coinage of “There is no vaccine for racism” and the use of the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, two victims of police murder and icons of the #BLM movement and proponents of police defunding.

A Trump Retweet from August 12th puts up a litany of allegations of radicalism: that she supports Sanders’s “socialist healthcare scheme”, and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s and Ed Markey’s “socialist Green New Deal”. Similarly, if obviously oppositely, bits of opinion in mainstream media hold Harris up as “progressive”. Do a quick Google of her August 19 Democratic National Convention speech: you might see a Guardian article titled “Kamala Harris’s DNC speech claimed a new moment for progressive Democrats”.

“Her record shows a history of regressive practices in the prosecution of drug laws.”

Her “language” grates profoundly with her record. Obviously, “progressive language” isn’t a thing unless it discusses progressive policies. Which she doesn’t do. In 2017 she supported Sanders’s Medicare for All – winning progressive plaudits. But she dropped this position during her 2019 presidential run, proposing a plan where private insurance could thrive. “The image of Harris as a progressive benchmark relies on a few flimsy Joe Biden said in March that if he got the nomination, he would pick a interpretations of her record.” woman as his VP. This, he said, is how he would address problems which affect women specifically. He picked a VP who brought an anti-truancy law to California which punished the parents of repeat-truants. Two The image of Harris as a progressive benchmark – described almost al- mothers were imprisoned under the law. ready as a feature for posterity, a ‘historical’ role as the first African American woman on a major party presidential ticket – relies on a few flimsy So what? So, the point is that a vote for Harris and Biden can be held interpretations of some of her record in roles as San Francisco’s District up as a crucial input for the future of the planet without tolerating the Attorney, California’s Attorney General, and junior Senator for Califor- lazy idea that they will be a temporal postcard from the Right Side of nia. It relies more obviously – and uncritically – on the shallow idea that History. They are worth voting for chiefly in the negative: they are not her minority and female identity are progressive in themselves, and that the 2020 iteration of Donald Trump’s Republicans. But the critiques of this makes her a progressive politician. Harris which come from the left are valid and need to be heard. The left must not be fobbed off with the image of progress in Harris’s identity They do not. And her record shows a history of regressive practices in progressive politics still have work to do. the prosecution of drug offences in California (she laughed at the idea of legalising weed); the defence of the state’s three-strike punishment policy; reticence in prosecuting banks in the wake of the 2008 financial crash over mortgage offences; and being “smart” on crime by funding prisons. This last position is particularly unfashionable right now, due

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#EnoughIsEnough Images from Anti GBV protests that took place in

Cape Town on Saturday 29 August 2020 Trevor Geohegan

Courtney Savage

Kyra Fourie

Resource from @antigbv_su Courtney Savage Kelsey Maggott

COLUMN

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 |Page 14

How do democracies die? “Democracy is never a thing done. Democracy is always something that a nation must be doing.” - Archibald MacLeish Duwayne Esau

How do democracies die? When asked this question most of us think of violent coups involving the military or other armed forces. We think of an overnight shift of the way in which a country works. This is often not the case. Democracies do not die in a heartbeat, instead they deteriorate slowly. The very institutions which are meant to protect democracies, the rule of law, the judiciary, due process, and tolerance, are turned against it. Democracies die when those elected into public office use the powers given to them by a constitution to undermine that very constitution. This is what is happening in South Africa, and it has been happening since the election of Jacob Zuma as President.

“In other words, the NCCC is not a legitimate body with functions and powers given to it by the Constitution.”

This is still happening today, only now it is much less oblique than in the Zuma years. All around us the institutions and laws meant to protect our young democracy are being used against it. The most controversial of these is the recently formed National Coronavirus Command Council or NCCC. While the attempt by the government to manage this pandemic should be applauded, the means by which they do so should still be interrogated. The NCCC by government’s own admission has been making decisions on how we manage this pandemic. However, the Disaster Management Act (DMA) and by extension the Constitution does “Democracies do not die in a heartbeat, instead they deteriorate slowly.” not recognize any such council. In other words, the NCCC is not a legitimate body with functions and powers given to it by the In December 2007 at the African National Congress’ (ANC) Constitution. Currently the NCCC is taking over the functions of National Conference in Polokwane, Jacob Zuma was elected the the executive by making decisions as to how the country is run President of the party. He was subsequently elected President of without any oversight, which should be done by parliament. the country in the 2009 National Election. This was to be a turning point in the history of our country. What followed was 10 years of undoing nearly all of the work former Presidents Thabo Mbeki “It is often in times of crisis that government overreach occurs and the laws and Nelson Mandela had done. The Zuma years were plagued by limiting their powers are bent ever so slightly.” scandal after scandal and what has now come to be known as State Capture. Jacob Zuma and his ANC comrades flouted every rule that was meant to protect our democracy, and they did so Furthermore, the lockdown regulations of level 5 and 4 specifically with impunity. Members of the ANC, from cabinet ministers to place a huge limit on some of the fundamental rights of citizens. ward councilors, followed their leader secure in the knowledge The regulations which dictated what times one may exercise that they would be protected from prosecution. They used every outside your home, what you may and may not purchase at institution meant to hold them to account as protection from stores, the forced closure of certain businesses, and the curfew the law. have been particularly draconian. The highlight of these laws are the means by which they were enforced, through the heavy hands of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South “Democracies die when those elected into public office use the powers African National Defense Force (SANDF). given to them by a constitution to undermine that very constitution.”

The notorious capturing of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is a clear example of this. Zuma and his cronies used the NPA and the State Attorney to guarantee postponement upon postponement of the legal action against them. Similarly, parliament was also turned on its head and used as a tool to protect Zuma & co. Parliament normally has an oversight role with regards to the Executive, but in this instance, parliament was used to give the charade an overcoat of legitimacy. While the then President ignored every law meant to govern his own conduct and the conduct of his cabinet, parliament was dragged along, and the opposition parties could only watch in disbelief. The ruling party used their majority to defend their comrades in the Executive with zeal. One could only dream of how our country would look today had they used that same zeal to hold their comrades to account.

“This is how democracies die: not by violent revolutions but by the erosion of the laws and institutions meant to protect it.”

We must not allow our government to desensitize us to their overreaches to the point where we no longer notice them when they occur. The defenders of democracy are not those who get elected into public office, the defenders of democracy are the everyday person who holds their leaders accountable. It is often in times of crisis that government overreach occurs and the laws limiting their powers are bent ever so slightly. This is done under the guise of “protecting” citizens from emergencies and disasters whilst suspending the law of the land. This is how democracies die: not by violent revolutions but by the erosion of the laws and institutions meant to protect it.

DISCLAIMER This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression on any topic by the columnist. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor can be sent to: editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 |Page 15

Celebrating Success: The 4th Annual UCT Women in Sport Talk James Braham

n Saturday, August 8th, UCT Parasports hosted the 4th Annual UCT Women in Sport Talk Event via Zoom. The event is aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the women that have prospered in their various channels. It also creates an awareness of the parasport community by having these women give voice to the incredible journeys that they have undertaken to reach their desired goals. I interviewed Muya Koloko about his involvement in the Women in Sport Talk. Koloko is a part-time lecturer, tutorial convenor and teaching assistant in the Psychology Department at UCT. He is also an instructor in the UCT Ju-Jitsu Club and the South African Ju-Jitsu Association, and a founding member of UCT Parasport. The talk was co-organised with Jess Worsely. When asked about the event’s history, Koloko stated that it had originally been organised by himself and the transformation officer at the UCT Students Sports Union (SSU), but UCT Parasport have taken it over since becoming an official club.

“Koloko said that when you look at all three stories combined, the speakers spoke on the theme of the road less travelled into sport, and life after sport.” The online event was hosted by Rebecca Cullum from UCT Radio and consisted of three guest speakers: Mel Awu (UCT Sports Administrator), Kathy Lee (founder of The Pole Project pole dancing studio), and Princess Schroeder (a South African visually impaired bowler and Commonwealth medallist). Each speaker shared their unique story and were welcomed to a 15-minute Q&A session at the end.

“Apart from exposing staff and students to new sports, the talk provides a platform to celebrate excellence.Having a celebration of women in sport can be a stepping-stone to building a greater fandom and hopefully encourage more support for women’s sport.” Wondering what each speaker spoke about? Well, Mel Awu discussed her journey into sports management and how her career as a player was hampered by a lack of funding. Kathy Lee discussed her journey into pole dancing; the roots of the sport; and breaking the preconceived bias some may have against it.

Lastly, Princess Schroeder discussed her incredible venture as a bowls player. Koloko said that when you look at all three stories combined, the speakers spoke on the theme of the road less travelled into sport, and life after sport.

“If even one guest feels inspired to get involved in sport as a player, official or fan, then the success of the talk is multiplied 10-fold.” Looking at an event such as this, why are they so vital to have in a community? Koloko’s response was the following: “Apart from exposing staff and students to new sports, the talk provides a platform to celebrate excellence. Having a celebration of women in sport can be a stepping-stone to building a greater fandom and hopefully encourage more support for women’s sport—more support can lead to more career options for women in sport. A positive is also to remind everyone that sport is for all, and all can be involved. If even one guest feels inspired to get involved in sport as a player, official or fan, then the success of the talk is multiplied 10-fold”. Interestingly enough, Rebecca Cullum was the first woman to host the event. She is one of the hosts of the Talk at 12 show on UCT Radio and was the winner of the 2019 Liberty Radio Award for best news bulletin reader. Koloko quotes her as an, “avid sports fan” with a great opportunity to carry the event, benefiting all those involved.

“Even with Covid-19 regulatory effects weighing in on the community, the event served as a celebration in the face of adversity—a deserved celebration of three incredible women.” The platform of being online with Zoom, although different to previous years, was doable. Even with Covid-19 regulatory effects weighing in on the community, the event served as a celebration in the face of adversity—a deserved celebration of three incredible women.

The Munich Machine Bayern Munich win Champions League title and become the first team to go unbeaten in the tournament. Sumitra Naidoo

he completion of the 2019/2020 Champions league season was in questionable doubt a couple of months ago when the tournament had to be postponed due to COVID-19. However, once the restart commenced, Bayern Munich were at it again showing the world exactly why they were the deserving champions. In 11 games, the team managed to score 43 goals – ten of them coming from the two meetings with Tottenham, seven against Chelsea and an unforgettable eight against Barcelona.

“In 11 games, the team managed to score 43 goals. ”

Source: Getty

The winning margin against PSG may have only been one goal, but their superiority is clear. Bayern Munich are the first team with the current tournament format to win every game they have played. Now a club legend, Robert Lewandowski (or as his teammates refer to him, “LewanGOALski”) joins Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal record of scoring 15 goals in a season. The Polish international has had an outstanding season both within the Bundesliga and other tournaments, and would definitely have been a contender for the Ballon d’Or had it not been cancelled.

“Bayern Munich are the first team with the current tournament format to win every game they have played.”

Bayern Munich have won the Champions League six times in theirhistory and have now completed thetreble. This team is a force to be reckoned with and it will be no surprise if we see them dominate in all their future campaigns.

“This team is a force to be reckoned with and it will be no surprise if we see them dominate in all their future campaigns.”

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 16

LIFESTYLE&SPORT

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 17

“You Can’t Stop Us”: The Power of Sport for Unification

Source: Nike

Chloe Kingdom

Nike’s latest advert showcases the unifying power of sport in a montage of inspiring moments

he global athletic brand has signalled their support for social justice campaigns with the recent release of their “You Can’t Stop Us” advertisement. It features a host of young athletes who are gaining prominence in their respective sports, alongside those who are at the top of their game, including Serena Williams, Sue Bird and LeBron James. Nike is renowned for its execution of innovative adverts. They leave the viewer feeling invigorated by displays of gruelling performances and remarkable talent. This one does something a bit different—it inspires a sense of community within sports. Nike’s advertising partner, Wieden+Kennedy Portland, tactically chose Megan Rapinoe to narrate the advert. They capitalised on her global recognition as a star soccer player and a social justice advocate to highlight the campaign’s call to unite for change through sport.

“Nike is renowned for its execution of innovative adverts. They leave the viewer feeling invigorated by displays of gruelling performances and remarkable talent.”

The advert opens with a split-screen, showing footage of two femme athletes as they prepare for the start of their races. Throughout the advert, athletes from a variety of sports ranging from swimming to soccer are pictured side-by-side, with their actions fluidly mirroring one another, or producing a continuation of kinetic movement across the screen. The voiceover reiterates that our common ambitions in sport means that, “We are never alone, and that is our strength.”

“The voiceover reiterates that our common ambitions in sport means that, “We are never alone, and that is our strength.””

The painstaking production of the advert included the combing through of over 4000 clips of footage. A selection of 53 athletes from 24 sports made the final cut to be featured swinging, jumping, and dunking in unison. In addition, some scenes were filmed in various locations around the world to reflect the new reality that the Coronavirus pandemic has wrought upon the sporting community. The eeriness of empty arenas was overshadowed by the optimism of everyday athletes who found creative ways to stay active indoors and seasoned pros were shown smiling through their masks as they competed under new and uncertain conditions.

“The painstaking production of the advert included the combing through of over 4000 clips of footage. ”

Marginalised athletes have worked hard in recent decades to receive the support and recognition that they deserve. Nike’s inclusion of these athletes shows that they stand by the sentiment, “If we don’t fit the sport, then we’ll change the sport.” Included in the campaign are athletes with disabilities competing in the Paralympics—an event that proves that the industry’s attitude has evolved beyond its fixation on challenges that only abled bodies can overcome. Other notable inclusions were queer femme athletes in sporting leagues such as the NWSL and the WNBA, who have fought to gain respect from the world’s audiences because of their gender and sexuality; and athletes who face discrimination in their professional and personal lives because of their race or ethnicity, like Serena Williams and Simone Biles.

“Marginalised athletes have worked hard in recent decades to receive the support and recognition that they deserve.”

Nike’s commitment to stand behind their athletes is notable in the case of shunned athletes like Colin Kaepernick. The campaign demonstrated that, “When things aren’t fair, we’ll come together for change,” as footage of Kaepernick’s protests are followed by influential players like LeBron and Rapinoe. The two are featured standing side-by-side as they deliver speeches that firmly denounce racism in society and demand greatness of us in our quest for transformation. The cumulative effect of their outspokenness has shifted the culture in sports and placed it onto a more progressive track. What the campaign leaves us with is a strong sense of the learning curve that is built into shared pain. When we share our failures, we can learn from each other and build a better future. Importantly, sport teaches us that we must work hard to succeed. In 90 seconds, we are reminded that we can unite a changing world through sport, and that we are—and have always been—unstoppable, together.

“In 90 seconds, we are reminded that we can unite a changing world through sport, and that we are—and have always been—unstoppable, together.”

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 2 September 2020 | V79 E9 | Page 18

Chickpea and vegetable coconut curry Tiyani Rikhotso

A warm and flavour-filled recipe that will comfort you throughout a bad day.

eeking comfort in food doesn’t have to look like overindulging on treats or restricting in order to gain a sense of control. Food can be a great source of joy and comfort when approached with a balanced mindset which also makes room for satisfying your cravings and enjoying the social and celebratory aspects of meals.

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This coconut curry is the perfect warm and comforting meal that will fuel you throughout a rough day. Preparing it can also bring about some peace of mind as it allows you to take your mind off of things and release tension through the process. Featuring whole foods, aromatic spices and a creamy sauce, it will nourish both your body and soul while the delicious taste will have your spirits lifted in no time. It should take just under an hour to prepare and is a simple recipe to follow (especially if you have all the components measured and prepped beforehand). You will need • ¼ cup of olive oil • 1 brown onion, finely chopped • 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or grated • 2 tablespoons of ginger, finely chopped or grated • 2 tablespoons of mild curry powder • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 cup of diced sweet potato • 1 cup of diced carrots • 1 cup of diced baby marrow or broccoli • 2 cups of water • 1 can of coconut milk • ½ can of diced tomatoes • 2 cups of cooked rice, prepared as per the instructions for your chosen rice (basmati and jasmine work well with this recipe) Where to shop and prices The ingredients for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store. You are likely to have the basics - such as rice, oil, onion, spices, and vegetables - on hand already. Below are prices for the ingredients you may have to shop for (using Pick ‘n Pay and Woolworths as references). • • •

Tinned coconut milk: R26,99/ R29,99 Tinned chopped tomatoes: R18,99/ R19,99 Tinned chickpeas: R19,99/ R21,99

As an alternative to sourcing and prepping the vegetables separately, PnP sells a 400g pack of cauliflower, broccoli and carrot for R26,99 and Woolworths sells a 400g pack of mixed vegetables for R29,99. You can use these vegetable mixes as a substitute to the carrots and green veggies that the recipe calls for. Method 1. Sauté the onion in olive oil until lightly browned. 2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes. 3. Add the curry powder and cumin, stirring to distribute and cook the spices evenly. 4. Add the chickpeas and sweet potato, stir to coat evenly in the spices. 5. Pour in two cups of water, close the pot and simmer for 10 minutes. 6. Prepare the rice as per the instructions of your chosen type. 7. Add the vegetables, diced tomato and coconut milk, stir and cover the pot. Simmer for a further 15 minutes.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste and cook for another 5-10 minutes (until the vegetables have softened). 9. At this stage your rice should be finished cooking, serve the meal in your bowl of choice and enjoy!