2016: Edition 2 by VARSITY

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ENT NE W TUD SP LS A IA C

VOLUME 74 | EDITION 2

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8 MARCH 2016

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Sexual Violence at UCT

E 1942 · THE O NC FF SI I

E · THE O FF INC IC RS I PE

IN THIS ISSUE

Protest Updates

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Feminism 101

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Image: Jian Yi Song

Aisha Abdool Karim

Research by Nico Nomyayi, Michaela Findeis and Tanya Magaisa There were four reported cases of sexual violence at Rhodes Memorial from December 11th 2015 to February 4th 2016. Of the four women raped, three were UCT students. These incidents have highlighted the issue of sexual violence on campus, which has been an ongoing problem. As of December 23rd last year, DISCHO had received ten reports of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. The same number of complaints had also been reported to DISCHO as of November 24th in 2014. Of the cases reported in 2015, five happened off-campus. DISCHO had received 14 reports of sexual harassment as of December 23rd last year. As of November 24th in 2014, DISCHO had received 18 reports of sexual harassment. Francois Botha, Director of DISCHO, noted that last year had the second highest number of sexual assault reports since DISCHO’s inception in 2001. He further noted, ‘it means nothing if we start speculating what this means,’ given that there are potentially more sexual assaults that have gone unreported. When dealing with reports relating to incidents of sexual violence, DISCHO offers two forms of assistance, whereby complainants can pursue either the informal route or the formal route. The informal route includes mediation, the issue of an apology, discussions or other informal approaches. The formal route entails taking the matter to

Student Tribunal, if the accused is a student, or Disciplinary Hearing, if the accused is a staff member. In addition to pursuing action through DISCHO, complainants may also pursue criminal charges at the Magistrate’s Court. Of the ten sexual assault reports from last year, two complainants pursued formal disciplinary action taking the matter to Student Tribunal, where the perpetrators were found guilty. One complainant was a student who had been raped in a UCT residence, however she chose not to take any formal action or press criminal charges against the perpetrator. Another two complainants met with the police and decided not to pursue criminal charges.

‘...DISCHO office is failing its students’

Of the rape cases reported to DISCHO, three of these incidents took place in the bushes near the M3. According to Botha, DISCHO recommended that security be increased in this area after the second report had been brought to DISCHO’s attention. However, decisions relating to security on campus are not within DISCHO’s jurisdiction. Properties and Services, tasked with making decisions regarding security on campus, did not respond to DISCHO’s initial request for increased security in the area. In January, the University ‘took steps to place additional security at the bridge over the M3,’ according to a statement released by Kylie

Hatton, Acting Executive Director of the Communication and Marketing Department, on February 5th. Thus far there have been no increases in security relating to incidents of sexual violence at Rhodes Memorial. The University did send out ‘Campus Announcements’ to all students to inform them about the incidents at Rhodes Memorial. In these statements, ‘students and staff are advised to use the Jammie Shuttle, to use the UCT blue route where possible, and to avoid walking alone.’ There is also a link to the Campus Safety page on the UCT website, which contains a brief section on sexual assault and rape, outlining actions that UCT recommends be followed in the event of a sexual assault. The university also has a Sexual and Harassment Policy, which was approved by Council in 2008. This policy provides a basic overview of procedures and guidelines that the Reporting Office must follow when handling a report. The university has opted not to increase security at Rhodes Memorial, despite the reports of sexual violence in the area, as Rhodes Memorial is not a part of university property. The area, therefore, falls into the jurisdiction of the South African Police Services (SAPS). Nigel Patel, a representative of the Patriarchy Must Fall movement, said, ‘that’s not a good enough answer at the end of the day,’ given that students park their cars in that area and it is close to campus. Patel also expressed disappointment at the time it takes the university to respond to incidences of sexual assault, as he feels they address these issues ‘very slowly.’ According to Patel, UCT

needs to address the fact that the cause of these incidents of sexual violence is ‘something systematic, its something that’s indoctrinated within the university.’

18 reports of sexual harassment

In addition to the attitudes adopted within the university, Patel also commented on the structures available to students, such as DISCHO. Many members who belong to Patriarchy Must Fall, as well as other students, have reported having bad experiences when dealing with a case at DISCHO. Patel attributes this to DISCHO not being ‘fully equipped to deal with these situations,’ as well insensitivity in their approach to these cases. Patel feels that the university structures and procedures in place are ineffective and are ‘undermining peoples feelings and questioning their experiences and questioning their pain.’ This lack of faith in the existing structures also stems from the lack of recognition of students experiences by these systems, according to Patel. One example of this, Patel noted, is a sexual assault case that was taken to Student Tribunal, where the perpetrator was found guilty of sexual assault and had to complete 65 hours of community service. Patriarchy Must Fall currently has an online petition where they are asking that the review of DISCHO, which was completed in December of last year, continued on page 3

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Pole Skills

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News

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

NEWS BITES Adam Kleinschmidt

Local government byelections postponed Pretoria – On February 29th, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said they would be filing an appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the postponement of several by-elections across South Africa. Due to discrepancies in the voter roll, by-elections scheduled to take place on Febrary 24th in KwaZuluNatal, Limpopo, the North West and the Western Cape were postponed. NEWS24 National Energy Regulator approves increased electricity rates Johannesburg – On March 1st, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved Eskom’s application for a tariff hike. Tariffs will increase by 9.4% for the 2016/7 year, coming into effect on April 1st. The application was filed in November last year to find a cost-saving measure as an alternative to load shedding. Several public hearings and commissions of inquiry were held before the application was approved, in order to collate a broader idea on South Africa’s needs and usage. MAIL&GUARDIAN Barclays to sell ABSA Cape Town – British banking conglomerate, Barclays Group, declared that they intend to sell their 62.3% stake in Barclays Africa Group, which controls Absa, on March 1st. This prompted a 3.2% drop in their stocks. The process of selling their African assets should take between 2 to 3 years, as there are specific challenges to the ownership and stockholder base. The selloff will ease regulatory and accounting issues within the group. FINANCE24 Royal Mint to make 50p coin with a serious hop London – To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of famed children’s author Beatrix Potter, the Royal Mint intends to mint 50 pence coins emblazoned with a picture of the famous Peter Rabbit, with three more examples of limited edition currency to follow. ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ was first published in October 1902 and is one of the most popular children’s books of all time. THE GUARDIAN

What’s going on at South Africa’s universities? Quincy Yele and Yogi Shoba

n February 22nd, protesting workers and students were beaten by rugby supporters on the University of the Free State (UFS) sports grounds. The violence occurred after a demonstration launched by the protestors temporarily disrupted an ongoing game. The protest aimed to bring awareness to the #ENDOUTSOURCING movement which highlights the underpayment of UFS workers as well the conditions they are forced to operate under. The incident occurred days after the university of Pretoria (UP) announced that Afrikaans as a medium of instruction is currently under review. The announcement was met with, at first, periodic demonstrations against the review and since then, the demonstrations have gathered momentum. These demonstrations, which were initially led by AfriForum Youth, promote the cultural significance of the language and call for the review to be completely abolished. Morne Mostert, the national coordinator of AfriForum Youth, told News24 that the organisation wants everyone to be accommodated in the language policy. ‘We are just asking for mutual recognition and respect of Afrikaans and Sepedi. We want everyone to feel welcome at the university.’ The EFF students command (EFFSC) countered AfriForum Youth’s stance by emphasising that the problem goes beyond the language issue. In a

Image: OFM Radio Station

statement released on their Facebook page the EFFSC said, ‘The university remains a home of the supremacist cultures of Afrikaans.’ Tension has risen since, with the EFF students command addressing various issues that surround the language policy. The EFFSC has also highlighted the underlying racial discrimination of black students on the campus. Kabelo Mahlobongwane, a member of the organisation, told Eye Witness News that ‘black students are still marginalised and oppressed. We’ve agreed that Afrikaans is going to fall.’ There have since been demonstrations from EFF along with other supporting constituencies for the immediate take down of the current language policy and support of the review. Similar protest action which called for the end of outsourcing, the change of language policy and the

addressing of racial discrimination has been seen throughout campuses across the country, including the university of the Witswatersrand which recently had an incident involving a student who appeared before the Human Rights Commission for wearing a t-shirt which read ‘F*** white people.’ The movements collectively

the want for decolonisation speak on the want for decolonization of not only higher education but also the entire country. According to the EFFSC the government has failed to ‘transform universities into spaces

of learning that are representative of the racial demographics of South Africa.’ The University of KwaZulu-Natal also saw disruptions with students protesting to #EndOutsourcing. Both workers and students joined forces to push the institution to employ outsourced workers immediately or to give a plan of action on how that can be achieved. Chaos erupted when a group of workers and students disrupted lectures at the campus. The institution then called the police and security in to diffuse the unrest. The presence of police on campus exacerbated the situation which led to the arrest of several students and workers. The university obtained an interdict against the students but stated in an interview with News24 that they ‘respected the rights of those who wanted to protest lawfully and peacefully.’

Voter Registration: ‘it’s in your hands.’ Nkosikhulule Xhawulengweni Nyembezi

Image: IEC

he first voter registration for this year’s local government elections took place this weekend under the slogan ‘It’s in your hands.’ The world was out urging South Africans to register their names and addresses on the voters roll so that they are able to vote in the area where they ordinarily live. More than 50 000 officials worked in nearly 22 600 voting stations from 7am to 6pm register voters. According to the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC), the voter registration weekend served as the first step in the countdown to this year’s local government elections. It will mark 22 years of democracy in South Africa. The IEC expects the elections to take place by August. They have confirmed that the date will be proclaimed in the coming weeks by the newly-appointed Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister David van Rooyen. Details of the IEC’s voter registration plan presented to members of Parliament on Friday, February 26th revealed that this year’s elections are expectedto see participation of over 2 million firsttime voters. Most of these new voters were born after April 27th in 1994. The IEC’s chief electoral officer Mosotho Moepya said that between 1999 and 2014 there had been a 40% growth increase in the number of registered voters appearing on

the voters roll. In 2014 the number stood at 25,39 million. However, it now stands at 24,89 million. This is causing concern regarding high levels of apathy as South Africans aged between 18-26 years only account for a small segment of registered voters. He further stated that, ‘The IEC is embarking on a targeted campaign to register over 2 million first time voters, especially the youth and those living in informal settlements.’ In South Africa, where the right to vote by all was achieved only 22 years ago, elections measure

more than they would in a mature democracy. The culture of holding regular elections is still regarded as a crucial practice that has, in part, determined the extent to which the country’s resolve to consolidate democracy is taking place. In these elections registered voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered. This is why it is important for new students or those whose voting district boundaries have changed to re-register. To register as a voter a person must be a South African citizen, be at least 16 years old (you can only vote from age 18),

have a green bar-coded ID book or smartcard ID or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC). To vote in elections, every adult South African must first register as a voter in the area where they ordinarily stay. University students must register in voting stations near their residence and are able to use the address of their residence. Voters can verify their details by contacting IEC offices toll free number 080011-8000 between 8am and 5pm, by SMSing their ID number to 32810 or by visiting the IEC’s website: www. elections.org.za

... continued from page 1 be made available to students. The review will be tabled at the next Council meeting, scheduled to take place later this month, where stakeholders will be able to see the report and make any additional changes. The decision to make the review public cannot be made by DISCHO, but will be made by UCT management. One of the reasons that Patriarchy Must Fall wants the review to be made public, is they feel that the review ‘acknowledges that the DISCHO office is failing its students’ and students have a right to know how DISCHO operates. The transparency of DISCHO operations has always been a contentious issue, as a review of the office was conducted two years ago and never made available to the public. The university has recently established a sexual assault response team (SART), headed up Associate Professor Sinegugu Duma. The team aims ‘to provide survivor-centred, compassionate and comprehensive services on campus,’ according to a statement released by Professor Francis Peterson, Chair of the Special Executive Task Team, on February 25th. The team includes a medical practitioner, counsellors, staff from Student Wellness and representatives from Campus Protection Services. There will also be a prosecutor and representatives from the nearest police station, the Rape Crisis Centre and the Hospital Emergency Room.

News

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

Plan to Address Financial Exclusion Alexandra Swanepoel

istoric debt has resulted in the financial exclusion of many students from UCT. In combination with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), there is now a debt-toloan plan in place which aims to enable students with fee debt extending back to 2013 to proceed with their studies. The plan is funded by both NSFAS and UCT’s own resources and allows for students to convert debt up to R10 000 into a NSFAS loan. According to the UCT Financial Aid page, UCT is ‘committed to providing a broad based financial assistance programme.’ UCT’s financial aid budget is sourced from the university’s general operating budget, annual fees and donors who have contributed specifically to the Student Financial Aid Office. UCT’s financial aid infrastructure is split between the governmentfunded NSFAS of the Department of Higher Education and UCT’s own GAP funding. NSFAS and GAP funding is structured on a loan/bursary basis. This system has many benefits compared to student loans

underwritten by commercial banks. There are no surety requirements, no interest accrues while a student is studying and there is a 40% conversion to a bursary if a student passes all of his/her courses during the year. Interest starts one year after graduation in order to give students time to find employment. The loan is repaid to NSFAS in income contingent repayments, based on a sliding scale of income.

faces fee debt

The split in funding is due to the maximum threshold amount - less than R230 000 gross income per family - needed to qualify for NSFAS being too low. Families of students who qualify for GAP therefore earn approximately R230 000-R550 000 gross income per year. The threshold is calculated using the government national means test, used by every institution across the country. It is revised annually, with the exception of the past year due to there being noincrease in

fees for 2016. Despite revisions to the amounts, there will always be students disadvantaged by being just outside of the qualifying limits. Outliers, for example families with many more dependents, are taken into account by the Office on a caseby-case basis. Each family is expected to make a financial contribution to university fees, known as the estimated family contribution (EFC) starting at R1 100 per year. It is to be paid by the end of the first semester. The NSFAS EFC is higher than that required by UCT. UCT funds the difference. There are two requirements: a student must qualify for entry into UCT and must apply for financial aid on time. The firsttime application for financial aid is made for a student’s entire degree at UCT. There are two added academic requirements for annual renewal. Students must pass at least 50% of their academic courses during the year and their degree may not last longer than two years past their prescribed programme’s stipulated length. NSFAS provides a monthly

allowance for ten months of the year to each financial aid student, something GAP generally does not do. The allowance is calculated on a sliding scale according to the type of accommodation in which the student lives (catering residence, self-catering, private residence or home) and divided between incidentals, food, rent and travel. The amounts are revised every year, according to the economic climate at the time. UCT guarantees any shortfall. Appeals are usually where both staff and students alike encounter the most difficulties. Appeals fall into one of four categories: the student has not paid their contribution and therefore faces fee debt (whether on financial aid or not); wishes to change their programme of study during their degree; has failed to submit the requisite application documents on time or faces changed family circumstances which impacts on their ability to pay their fees or EFC. At any point during the year, if there are exceptional changed family circumstances, the outcome of a previously unsuccessful financial aid application or appeal may be changed (for example, if a bread winner dies).be made available

Black Academic Caucus

Image: Raz Hansrod

Ayanda Nyathi, Tanya Magaisa and Yogi Shoba

n February 24, the Black Academic Caucus (BAC) staged a silent protest during meridian on Jameson plaza. The demonstration was in reaction to the violence which ensued following the #Shackville protest. According to the Black Academic Caucus UCT Facebook page, ‘the silent protest [was] about the different forms of violence that are being silenced on our campuses.’ Members of the caucus stood in silence with their mouths taped shut for an hour on Jameson plaza. They held placards which carried various messages addressing issues of violence, institutional racism and the lack of transformation at UCT. One placard read ‘Why does your response to protest look like

Apartheid policing,’ which according to Dr Shose Kessi, a member of the Caucus and a senior lecturer in the department of psychology at UCT, highlights how UCT’s response to protest action criminalised mainly black students. ‘We are in a polarised institution where black students tend to protest,’ said Kessi. She further explained that the institution’s overwhelming response to #Shackville was silencing other forms of violence on campus. ‘The experiences of material, emotional and symbolic violence endured by black students seem to have vanished,’ said Kessi. Kessi also highlighted that the presence of private security on campus was unwarranted. ‘[The BAC’s] position is that we don’t want private security,’ said Kessi. The university currently has a R2 million contract with a private security company. According to a statement released by Vice Chancellor, Max Price, ‘The

purpose of private security is to supplement the capacity of CPS when necessary, to ensure the safety of all members of the campus community.’ Despite this, the caucus felt that the presence of private security created a hostile environment and worsened rather than diffused incidences of violence. ‘Sometimes when police and private security intervened, it just escalated the

situation,’ explained Kessi. The caucus also felt that private security was threatening towards female students. Kessi stated that ‘The increased securitisation of campus is feeding into a masculinist culture where women tend to get harassed and excluded from the space.’ The protest was also a means for the caucus to display solidarity with students. ‘It was trying to

say to students, “we understand what you’re going through.”’ Mini Dlamini, a second year Law student acknowledged this motion of solidarity, stating, ‘The UCT black academic silent protest was the perfect way to show that it is not only students of the university who feel silenced and displaced in the institution, but the educators too.’

Editorial

V74 E2- 8 MARCH 2016

Facts or feelings

2016 Collective editor-in-chief Aisha Abdool Karim editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za deputy Editor Sandisiwe (Yogi) Shoba editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za managing Editor Tsepo Ngwenyama managingeditor@ varsitynewspaper.co.za Copy Editor Michaela Findeis copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za Online editor Julius Stopforth online@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Contributors Sub-Editors Nicole Campbell, Serena McMahon, michaela pillay, Nqobile msibi news Tanya Magaisa and Nico Nomyayi news@varsitynewspaper.co.za opinions Adam Kleinschmidt opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za features Ali Findlay and Nicole Arends features@varsitynewspaper.co.za sportS Catherine Fulton and Jessie Moore sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za images Megon Venter and Jian Yi Sang images@varsitynewspaper.co.za Social Media Mangers Claire Millward and Robyn Starkey socialmedia@varsitynewspaper. co.za Design Mari Mombers and Razeen Hansrod design@varsitynewspaper.co.za Videographers Amy-Leigh Braff and Amy Rinquest video@varsitynewspaper.co.za Centerspread Editor Ashley Seymour centrespread@varsitynewspaper. co.za Web Editor Nikhil Gilbert and Saajidah Gafoor web@varsitynewspaper.co.za Online Content Editor Zanele Kabane Online Chief Subber Daniela Savoia Online News Correspondent Robyn Ausmeier Online Opinions Correspondent Claudia Harrison Online Features Correspondent Anthea van den Bergh online@varsitynewspaper.co.za

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Aisha Abdool Karim

t’s not always easy separating the facts from your emotions. Some people tend to get very emotionally invested and it’s difficult for them to view the facts as they are. I, on the other hand, seem to have the opposite problem. My default setting is to look at the facts and analyse information. Perhaps it’s due to my background

in news, and focusing intently on ensuring that my articles are objective and unbiased. Or, maybe I just find it easier to write without getting emotional. That’s one of the reasons I struggle with columns – they force me to actually think about how I feel, as opposed to just thinking about facts. This week, for the first time, I struggled with reigning in my emotional reactions to an article. I frequently had to remind myself that I was doing research in an attempt to get a better look at the whole picture. I couldn’t be emotional; else it would compromise how I conducted my interviews or how I looked at the information. In the past, a figure has always just been a figure. It’s a statistic or a number that provides you with context for an article. I have to look at the number ten and remember

that it’s just a number and it doesn’t mean anything. But this ten was different. This ten had a greater meaning that I couldn’t help but feel emotional about. It’s not just a number on a page. It represents the ten students who reported cases of sexual assault to DISCHO as of December last year. It represents ten students who had to go through something I cannot even begin to comprehend. More than that, it represents the other students on campus who have experienced sexual assault, but not reported it. We know the statistics. We know the figures. We know how big of a problem sexual violence is, not just on campus, but everywhere. So maybe it’s time we start putting the facts aside and we start getting emotional. It’s time we think about the people that those numbers represent and start facing the reality of what is going on.

Addicted to Digital A few years ago, if someone had told me that a rehab centre exists for phone addicts I would’ve raucously laughed in their face. Unfortunately, in 2016, some realities aren’t worth chuckling about. It seems our excessive need to Tweet, whatsapp and face-swap is linked to deeper problems buried within us. According to a study conducted at Baylor University in Washington DC, female college students spend, on average, ten hours per day on their cellular devices which is apparently more time than they claim to spend with their friends. Excessive smartphone use can be considered addictive as it releases the same feel-good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin, released in excess when consuming hard drugs. One of the reasonings behind the findings is that individuals with either blatant or underlying psychological difficulties, use technology as a coping mechanism. Challenges such as anxiety, depression and what are deemed socially-challenging personalities (whatever that means) are masked through ‘heads-down-thinking’ and escapism through technology.

There is a reason this is of any relevance in a climate where smartphones and social media are hailed as revolutionary tools for instant communication, knowledge-sharing, journalism and for keeping the powersthat-be accountable to their actions. They’re also turning us into sleep-deprived zombies living in a cyber-reality rather than fully experiencing and embracing life. UCT, for example, is flooded with students shuffling along campus with their heads down and smartphones in hand, dodging loose pavement bricks, trees and people. Many a time I have witnessed the tragic (yet somewhat hilarious) moment of a student – with smartphone in hand – bailing on Jameson steps after missing a step or tripping on their own lack of situational awareness. Smartphones are the worst when it comes to navigating the crowded ‘post-lecture’ pavements of upper campus, especially for someone as miniature as myself. People bump you, shove you and step on you without even noticing. I remember finding stray bruises on my shoulders in first-year which I now realise in retrospect were from being shoved around by ‘smartphone bullies.’

These aren’t just random incidents taking place, these aren’t just articles to read or write and then forget. It’s about a much bigger problem that we need to start addressing. It’s about the people who commit these offences and the mind-set they have. It’s about the trauma these victims have to experience. It’s about the endless questions and doubt they have to experience. It’s not about imagining if this could happen to you or your mother or your sister. It’s about the fact that this could happen to anyone and it does happen. We need to take action to address the problems that lead to rape culture and sexual violence. We need to stop laughing at rape jokes and put an end to victim blaming. We need to start getting emotionally invested.

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Yogi Shoba

However, I cannot claim to be innocent. At a point, I realised I was succumbing to the grip of my smartphone when a number of my friends complained that I never acknowledged them greeting me on campus. ‘I wave and you never see me,’ they’d say, and my excuse was always, ‘No, guys I was probably checking my Whatsapp for important messages.’ That response in itself is so problematic. In essence I had just told my friends that they’re less important than my social media messages. It’s the same principle as the classic scene of a child trying to show their parent a special drawing or painting and being told to ‘shove-off ’ because the parent is busy making phone calls. Indeed smartphones can be extremely damaging to our relationships, especially the ones we have with ourselves. Forget the obvious problems you witness of families having dinner and everyone is on their smartphones, or the inability to enjoy a concert because everyone’s smartphones or tablets are in your face (short people problems) but the idea that these devices can be used as coping mechanisms for depression and anxiety means that we’re choosing to hide

Finance Manager Lauren van Haght finance@varsitynewspaper.co.za

from our problems through technology rather than deal with them. Instead of doing life, loving ourselves and dealing with our issues we hide behind Instagram filters and Facebook quotes. We spend less time talking to people who care about us and more time consulting Google to fix our problems. Instead of interacting with reality, we choose to interact with a virtual realm, because it’s safe and we can control it. Smartphones can’t replace the beauty of what’s real and we shouldn’t expect them to. We should be addicted to the little things in life, not the little devices that blind us from reality.

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Opinions

Look Who’s Talking

V74 E2 – 8 MARCH 2016

An Adamant View Opinions Editor

Adam Kleinschmidt

Fine Young Leaders

Kirsten Laurencia

he continued use of Afrikaans as a medium of education at the University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch has sparked passionate protest action resulting in both universities moving towards using English as the primary medium of education. Some may see the eradication of Afrikaans as contrary to the idea of preserving South African languages and cultures. However, the legacy of the Bantu Education Act, coupled with the fact that black South Africans still view Afrikaans as the ‘language of the oppressor’, has overridden the merits of Afrikaans-medium instruction at the tertiary level.

black South Africans still view Afrikaans as the ‘language of the oppressor’ However, the move towards English medium instruction can be viewed as similarly problematic. Frantz Fanon’s statement that ‘every colonised people – in other words, every people in whose soul an inferiority complex has been created by the death and burial of its local and cultural originality – finds itself face to face with the language of the civilising nation’ sheds some light on the contentiousness of this fact, particularly for people of colour in South Africa whose mother-tongue is not English. Adopting the English language,

therefore, can be seen as a renouncement of their blackness. Due to primary education constraints, many students are only educated up to a point in English. UCT’s continued use of only English-medium instruction, despite the diversity and multilingualism of its students, plays a role in keeping our national cultures and heritage buried by holding on to the colonial ideal of English. The benefits of English-medium instruction are as noteworthy as the disadvantages. Primarily, that university graduates who are proficient in English are better able to participate in national and global economies and that universities can only be internationally recognised if the medium of instruction is a language of globalisation. UCT is widely regarded as one of best universities in Africa and many of its students (me included) proudly tout this fact. Is it possible to call ourselves a truly African university if hardly any indigenous languages are taught and none are the medium of instruction? The university cannot be held solely accountable for this lapse. Out of eleven official languages, few are used as the primary medium of instruction and evaluation in our nation’s secondary schools. South African teachers need to be trained to teach indigenous languages, literature and their history at an advanced level. The intellectualisation and curriculum development of South African languages will also assist in challenging the perception that European

languages are better because they are ‘exotic.’

many students are only educated up to a point in English Many students are able to or are encouraged to take second or third language introductory courses in university. It is problematic that European languages like French, Spanish and Italian appear most attractive. As students at a South African university, we should rather be steered towards learning the languages that are indigenous to our country. Perhaps it should be compulsory that we take courses in an official language that we were not exposed to in high school. The recent protests have also brought about a heightened divisiveness along the lines of race and culture. It is in the interest of nation-building to promote multilingual secondary education as the foundation for dual-medium instruction at South African universities because it celebrates the multilingual and multicultural diversity of our country. Although the notion of a united, colour-blind South Africa holding hands and singing ‘Kumbayah’ around a campfire is unlikely to materialise in the near future, celebrating our country’s diversity by creating spaces where all South Africans can study the history and literature of their mother tongue would be a step in the right direction.

Letter to the Editor The article in the first issue of Varsity in 2016 raises some important issues that need to be addressed. Firstly, indeed sport is for everyone. It is important to have a variety of sports available to people, and to be sure that all sport is as open and inclusive as possible. UCT boasts 38 sports, and at the core of these sports is student involvement. Prior to the preceding article being written the Student Sports Union (SSU) had already met with management of Stellenbosch’s wheelchair rugby, and goal ball clubs. From this meeting fixture dates have been proposed and will be announced soon. Further, In 2015 a survey was sent out to sports clubs’ committees asking them about their transformation and development initiatives including if they are both competitive and social, do they have

equipment rental or loan facilities for members that may not be able to afford kit, do they have development activities aimed at engaging with the wider public and attracting potential future members to apply to UCT, and is their club open and accessible to all. From conducting this survey it was decided that each club should have a dedicated Transformation Officer on its committee. Further, it was agreed that transformation workshops should be held with sports clubs to firstly gauge what their current demographics look like and how they feel about them. Secondly, the workshops aimed at sharing experiences, problems and mulling over potential solutions to transformation issues in sport at UCT. We had also already sent out a survey to users of our own Disability Service to ascertain how involved they are in sport and

Muyo Koloko in response to the ‘Sport: It’s for all of us’ article published in Edition 1

if there are any barriers we should address... continued online

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niversity isn’t easy: with the continuous stream of DP requirements and the need to stay up-to-date with readings, lectures, practical lessons and the like, it’s reasonable to believe many students won’t seek other activities unless they include a bit of R&R. However, the rare few that do exert themselves are, very often, the leaders of their generation.

politics is a doubleedged sword

The athletes, with talent and prowess in physical feats, field teams and combat rival teams for glory. The journalists, carefully crafting their words, flock to publications and media outlets for their daily dose. The intellectuals, minds craving for a new edge, debate, contest, and challenge the world around them. In the various societies, sports and other outlets offered to UCT students, holistic, well-rounded leaders are built. There is one group in particular, while not above any other, that receives a lot of the spotlight when student leadership is concerned. Perhaps you’re an influential leader of a student social justice alliance with a great Instagram account, or perhaps a vocal frequenter of a satellite campus with a recognisable face, but in all cases, you’re candidate material for faculty council and SRC elections. At university level, politics is a double-edged sword: while it can be used to great effect – both personally and altruistically – it can also be used against you and cause you untold grief. By being a part of the running of student affairs in some capacity or another, student politicians play a fundamental role in improving student’s lives. Or do they? Is this the myth we’ve been fed by UCT management and our somewhat naive perception that our government is here to serve us? This question centres mainly on the legitimacy of both these structures and the people we elect to fill the offices in power. While I have nothing against the current SRC – who represent some of our university’s best – it is also important to take heed of the six people who’ve resigned since the

election late last year. In all cases, the resignations were prompted by similar distaste for the status quo in university governance. The main qualm was that the SRC didn’t operate to serve the student body, and that the management structure above them didn’t actually function in a way that allowed true change. UCT politics is, at best, a maelstrom of issues that need to be resolved urgently, lest they divide students further. Sexism, racism, ableism and queerphobia are rampant on our campuses and it’s reflected in the rise in student protest and activism. Is this activism only against management? Not if you consider the swathes of the UCT population who aren’t aware, for example, of their privilege or how their behaviour is highly bigoted. I’m not here to attack the SRC:

A stronger response from students and leaders needs to be taken on the contrary, I’m one of those people who believe that student governance is a fundamental part of any student experience. As elected leaders – people who represent the greater population – they’re there to make my university experience better, and in many ways I believe the 2015/6 SRC isn’t doing too badly. The #FundingFutures campaign was well publicised and, I’m sure, managed to raise money for students in need. The Secretariat has been communicating well with students and I look forward to the first sitting of Student Parliament where we can hear the reports from the various SRC members. It all boils down to how student leaders and students themselves engage with the problems we find in our university environment. We cannot take our progressive nature for granted, as there are so many issues left unsolved and ignored. A stronger response from students and leaders needs to be taken and taken soon, before it becomes a greater risk to our wellbeing and the education we’re supposed to gain from UCT.

Opinions

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

The Business of Victim Blaming Tessa Knight

n February 8th, 2009, singer Chris Brown violently assaulted his then-girlfriend and fellow singer, Rihanna. Ten months later he released his third studio album, which went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award. On October 14th, 2014, pop star Kesha filed a lawsuit against her producer, Dr Luke, claiming that he had sexually, physically, emotionally and verbally abused her over the past ten years. More than a year later she has been denied an injunction that would allow her to record music with another label due to a lack of sufficient proof to support her allegations.

Victim blaming is still a stark reality

While the case is more complicated than simply ‘he-said, she-said,’ it still serves to outline how the criminal justice system fails victims of sexual abuse, regardless of their celebrity status. One simply needs to look at the glaring differences between Chris Brown’s and Kesha’s cases to see the disparities between how men and women are treated in the

courtroom, as well as in life. Many have chosen to see Kesha’s case as a plan to extort money and ruin a man’s career, rather than a victim’s plea for permission to stop working for her rapist.

The criminal justice system fails victims of sexual abuse Unfortunately, victim blaming is still a stark reality for any woman or man who is subjected to sexual assault. Ostracism, physical retaliation and vocational backlash are not uncommon consequences associated with accusing someone of abuse, coupled with the invasive medical treatment administered to rape victims. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that the vast majority of perpetrators walk free. But what can we, as the public, do about the ingrained misogyny within our population? Genderbased prejudices and workplace discrimination are not new phenomena; violence against women has not become a problem overnight. What has happened, however, is that these issues are being brought into the public realm via celebrities and social media, and the general population are becoming more and more

aware of the injustices faced by women every day. Small things, such as the outpouring of support for Kesha from notable celebrities and everyday people, are slowly rectifying chauvinistic behaviour and narrow-minded opinions. Prejudices won’t change overnight but the music industry can precipitate transformation by preventing the production of songs that sexualise and belittle women. If Dr Luke stopped letting his artists sing about ‘h**s and b*****s,’ perhaps less people would see women as objects they can

use and abuse. We underestimate the influence that music has on listeners, especially those who are young and impressionable. Moreover, there needs to be stronger criminal sentences for sexual criminals. Of every 100 people who commit rape, 97 of them will not see a single day behind bars. Considering that less than half of victims report abuse, there is a staggering number of criminals amongst us. By not punishing those who inflict sexual abuse the justice system is failing the victims of this heinous crime, as well as publicising to potential rapists that they have a

97% chance of getting away with sexual abuse. Police departments need to properly investigate allegations of rape, as well as keep DNA samples of accused rapists on file. They should make efforts to ensure that survivors feel safe and do not fear reporting their abusers. At the end of the day, the best thing we can do is to teach children not to rape instead of how not to be raped. Governments need to implement better sexual education lessons while simultaneously cracking down on sexual predators; otherwise we will raise another generation that blames women for being assaulted.

Feminism 101

Image: Charlotte Cooper

Image: Skeeze

centring on self-reliance, respect, independence and empowerment. When we cross the road alone, we are feminists. When we climb up the enormously sculpted Jammie stairs on an oven-like heated day,

Apple iPads run smoother than a supposedly-just community

Sumona Bose

he light dawned on 2016 but the world is still in darkness when it comes to the principles of modern feminism. There are still countless conflicting debates that revolve around the foundations of feminism and how the progressive ideals of an equal and pragmatic notion soon drowned in a world of controversy and unintentional gender engineering.

So, the inevitable question still prevails: are we as women the headstrong and independent torchbearers of a generation that is nucleated around oppression and segregation? Or does the world still see us as disenchanted ‘trophies’ with fragmented ideologies too weak to stand by a man’s stature in society? Ideally, feminism is the approach of a society that distributes rights and opportunities equally. However, this may not be a reality, even in

this day and era, where Apple iPads run smoother than a supposedlyjust community. Feminism emphasises the underlying pillar of empowerment and equality that each distinct woman embodies to breathe out and multiply positivity. We may not know it, but there is an element of feminism in our everyday lives. We transfuse the concept daily without even getting to know that we are all feminists in one way or the other. I say this because feminism underpins its basis

determined to reach our lecture or tutorial, we are feminists. When we stand up to an audience larger than the ones we usually encounter, we are feminists. It is our day-to-day events and occurrences and the small things that complete our lives that actually determine whether we really do live by our principles. Ironically, on one hand we speak of feminism being the voice for strength, while on the other we associate weakness to it. Along with the progressive attitude that demands gender equality, we cannot ignore the sensitive issues that concern men as well. From a young age, boys and girls are subconsciously separated and led to think differently. Boys should prefer blue, while girls must like pink. Boys have to work when they grow older while girls have to do what they are assigned by society - stay at home, rear domesticity, and so forth. Why is that men who tend to be expressive and emotional

are accused of being discreetly feminine? Why is it that insecurity and self-awareness is unconsciously connected with women? These are the same trivial matters that have been discussed over and over in generational society that has now culminated into a societal cult and trend. This is something which we cannot deny is harmful for both men and women, and prevents them from truly discovering what they perceive to be worth living for. To be truly free, to feel what needs to be felt and to be strong is what every pillar in gender equality should stand for, not the architectural demands a certain gender role provides and prejudices against. Feminism is not a platform to shove any other gender down or imply feminine superiority. It breaks the barriers of social constructs that

When we cross the road alone, we are feminists

obstructs every person in a way. It asks you not to question a woman’s character by her morals but to applaud her courage and endeavour to remain an individual in an increasingly monotonous world. It is there to let us know that even in sensitivity there is strength. And if you believe that you really support equality, then you too are a feminist.

Opinions

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

Don’t Be Such a Going Down to Your Local

#Hater

Nadia Ghumra

talking people online has become second nature for us. The first chance we get after meeting someone; we call on our detective skills and carefully dig through all of their social media profiles. While trying to avoid accidentally hitting any unsolicited ‘like’ buttons, we take note of every aspect of a person’s life, from their favourite places to hang out to all of the series that they binge-watch.

The actual product may vary from the picture Social media can tell us almost anything we want to know. One can possibly pick up on a person’s personality from the pictures that are uploaded, the language used and the things that are talked about most frequently. However, does it always mean that you can judge an individual from their social media presence, especially if you’re just acquainted with them? For example, we tend to look at what people tweet or put on Instagram, and then label them ‘that person.’ There’s the person that always gives you commentary during any sport event, the person that uses abbreviations for everything, to a point where you don’t actually know what they’re saying, and the person that always lets you know that they are fed, probably by using a hundred hashtags. Does this really mean they’re like that in person, or is it just to keep up appearances

we take note of every aspect of a person’s life in the cyber world? While there are the few that would yell, ‘Hashtag so tired rn,’ in a lecture, not everyone is what they tweet. Some may share academic links on the daily as if they love to keep up with how scientists are trying to make progress with the Zika virus, but how many people actually read the entire article before clicking share? Everyone wants to give some indication that they can keep up with everything. The

Jarita Kassen

fter 22 years since the dawn of our democracy, the political landscape is once again saturated with frustration, anger and protest in echo of the 1970s. The credibility of the ANC is rapidly declining while the Opposition fiercely compete for political pole against our ruling party. Student protests have been characterised by vast

authoritative roles in the private sector and the divides in our society due to race, wealth and abilities. The instability of the government, shown in the ‘hiring and firing’ of the crucial Finance Minister and the fact that our president is facing two criminal actions – both regarding corruption – has resulted in several socio-political issues in our society.

the government illegitimate in your eyes. Protests and boycotts will most likely result in violence which should not be a language that government understands or responds to and would thus undermine the integrity of our democracy. Elections ought to allow voters to hold our government accountable in a language it understands. Given the

Image: Jian Yi Song

need to represent oneself as the trendiest is so explicit that people disconnect their real lives from their online ones. Studies showed that pictures on Facebook are the easiest way to form an opinion of someone, whether the description supports that impression or not. This is why people tend to want to take pictures everywhere they go just to prove to everyone else that they have lives. It’s like they make it a point to go out just to update their Snapchat stories. In these cases, would they really be having as much fun as their online personas say they are? From my end, if you were, you wouldn’t have the time to be posing for so many photos. With online identities, anyone can be who they want to be. They have a blank sheet, or rather screen, to make what they want it to be and no one will be the wiser. Hence, it can’t be fair to form an entire opinion of someone from just their internet identity. You

Social media can tell us almost anything we want to know may learn what their likes and dislikes are but you can’t wholly judge their demeanour. I have scrolled through accounts and cringed at the way people express themselves. Perhaps they still use shorthand and remove vowels from their words, or substitute numbers for letters like we did when we had to pay to text and communicate. To me, that person seems inarticulate because I can no longer imagine what the language represents. This shouldn’t be the case because that same person can come back to me and question my use of emojis since they also represent something foreign. The next time you eye roll while scrolling past yet another emotionally evasive status that is just seeking attention or subconsciously double tap a photo without looking at it just because you’re obliged to, remember that - like in reality - we can’t always epitomise what we say online. The actual product may vary from the picture.

Image: Helen STB swathes of recent political affairs, forcing the greater South African society to challenge their political consciousness. This all begs the question: is the 2016 local election still worth our time?

The political landscape is once again saturated with frustration If this landscape does not complicate the election enough for the voter, let’s add another volatile factor. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has found itself in a legal dilemma, rooted in an issue with the voters’ details on the voter roll in Tlokwe, North West. The Electoral Court has ruled that due to the rerun of voting in municipalities in Tlokwe, the local by-elections in several provinces will be postponed. This postponement is just another manifestation of a lack of consistency in the authoritative powers of our country. The government is failing — this is shown in a declining economy with an estimated economic growth of 0.7% this year, the lowest forecast on record so far. The perpetual presence of inequality in our country is shown in the representation of woman in power, black people in

These issues, coupled with the many allegations of corruption in the government, have reduced the credibility of the government and work to further the divides in our fragile society. Student protests have forced us to think critically about the political state of our country, the role of race in our society and the ignorant acceptance of many government decisions. Movements like #FeesMustFall have pin-pointed the cracks in the South African government. The actions and motivations of these movements force one to question the relevance of voting in the 2016 elections. If only there was a student-led party that we could vote for.

Another manifestation of a lack of consistency It can be said that the key to the future of our brittle democracy lies in elections. The question is, is a mere vote still a legitimate and effective way to voice our grievances about the state of our nation? The alternative ways to voice our concerns are protests, boycotting the vote or leaving the country, thus rendering

cumbersome amount of unrest in our society, a combination of protest and election may be needed. Now the problem of who to vote for: it is a known fact that the ‘Democratic Alliance (DA) will always have the Western Cape’ and certain political choices may be made for us, but this does not mean that it needs to remain this way. However, looking at the other opposition parties, the DA seems to be the ‘safe’ choice if you wish to avoid the nationalisation of the beaches or volatile service delivery. In a practical sense, DA seems like a ‘yay’ but in the aspect of transformation, I’m leaning towards a ‘nay.’ Each voter needs to decide which they value more: practicality or transformation. A way to do this is to do a weigh-up. The ANC is in a world of pain and relying on the loyalty of voters to see them through. The DA seems to be progressive in their policies, but their views on transformation are questionable at best. That leaves the last major party, the EFF, who have been able to force a comfortable government into confronting very ‘sticky’ situations, despite a lack of solid policies. The EFF has aired the ANC’s ‘dirty laundry’ and I think that there's more to be disclosed, something that this election will do.

Features

V74 E2 – 8 MARCH 2016

What to do if you get arrested? Daniela Savoia

ere is some useful information and advice on what to do if you are ever arrested. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The police may arrest you if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you have committed a crime. If you are arrested, the police officer arresting you has no obligation to inform you of your charges or why you are being arrested. The police officer is not obligated to read you your rights immediately; and unlike American movies, you are not entitled to a phone call. That is completely up to the discretion of the police officer – so if you’re nice enough, they might let you use your own cell phone to make a call. The best days to get arrested are on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday (because you have a choice when you decide to get arrested, you know). This is because the police are allowed to detain you for 48 hours before taking you to court and this does not include the weekend, as the courts are closed. So basically if you get arrested on a Thursday night, you could be spending your next four days in a holding cell. If you are not charged within 48 hours, the police have no choice but to release you, however, this does not mean that they have to drop the charges and you can be detained and charged at a later stage. WHAT TO CARRY: If there’s a chance that you know that you might be arrested for some

reason, there are three important documents that you should carry with you; your South African ID (or passport with a valid visa); proof of residence in Cape Town; and your student card. These things do not ensure your release, but they will definitely help with the process. BAIL: Using these documents, you can apply for bail at the police station. If you are granted this “police bail” it will be between R300 – R500, depending on the police station you have been taken to. Make sure that you, or someone on standby, has the money available to pay. There is also the possibility of being released on a warning in which case you do not pay a fee. This is up to the discretion of the police and no one is entitled to receive this “free bail”. It is imperative that you get the correct slip once you are granted bail. Your slip should say exactly how much you paid, or that you were released on a warning. This is so you can make sure you have not accidentally bribed a police officer while paying for bail. It is also important to note that if you have any previous charges or pending cases against you, you will not be granted bail (this includes cases that were withdrawn, as they may still be pending on the system). SIGNING FORMS: The police may offer you an Admission of Guilt fine, in which you pay a fine, sign a form and your case is closed! As easy as this sounds, DO NOT do this in your rush to get out of the police station. This convicts you as you have

Image: Section 35 South African Constitution admitted guilt and it will appear on your criminal record. It is distinctly different to bail and it is advisable not to take this offer. You will also be required to sign a form once your rights have

been read to you; only sign this after your rights have been read and remember that anything you say before cannot be used as evidence against you. The police may inform you of your rights at

any point in time within the 48 hour holding period. Remember, it is in your interest to remain polite and be nice to the police officers as they decide what happens to you!

Seven Books to read before you graduate

Gabrielle Jacobs

s a student you’re bound to have journal articles and textbook chapters to wrestle with. More often than not you leave campus feeling mentally drained. You may think that the last thing you have time for is leisure reading — but we’ll make it worth your while. Here are seven books to check out before you don the gown and cap. It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden No, it’s not a Panic! at the Disco song title. This mouthful contains tough lessons and wise anecdotes from everyday experiences. It’s easy reading to squeeze in while on a Jammie and your go-to book when you need a wake-up call. What Colour is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles It’s a guide to Careers 101 and, to quote from the cover, ‘a practical manual for job-hunters and careerchangers.’ There’s so much more to the game than choosing your LinkedIn password or job interview hairstyle. Plus, the book is revised annually so you’ll always know the latest tips and tricks for your next interview. Everyday Greatness by Stephen R.

Image: Rosmarie Voegtli Covey Did she really just go OG selfhelp on me? Yes, yes she did — but you’ll love this. The chapter structure allows for reading at your own pace, and the stories underline key strengths to incorporate every day. One word: inspirational. The Little Prince by Antoine de SaintExupéry Don’t worry about pronouncing his name, this classic appeals to all ages and awakens the young child in

all of us. Throughout your university career, it’s important to reclaim the confidence and wonder of this story’s precocious and perceptive narrator. The story can be deeply meaningful and is told in clever and beautiful prose. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that evokes a strong sense of moral responsiveness, making it exceedingly relevant in 2016. It’s about innocence and the wonder

of childhood having the first bitter taste of impending adolescence, told through the endearingly speculative and quirky voice of ‘Scout’ Finch. Dark Video by Peter Church This is a local read from 2009 about students who become entangled in the dark side of the web. The novel is largely set in Cape Town and the UCT campus and surrounds feature regularly. The dark reality of this storyline will definitely hit home with local students.

Piggy Boy’s Blues by Nakhane Touré The most recently published title on our list (September 2015), this novel is the local musician’s literary début. It’s a beautifully written vignette that gives insight into the turbulent mind of a young South African in a small town. This narrative is introspective and perhaps at the frontier of gender and sexuality discourse in South Africa right now. Whatever your taste, we hope you take full advantage of the library’s packed bookshelves.

Features

V74 E2 – 8 MARCH 2016

There’s an app for that!

The Most Useful Apps for Students Free passes for sexual violence? Ronel Koekemoer

ith increased campus involvement around the issue of sexual violence, will we finally see lasting solutions or do we, as a campus community, need to change our approach? A few weeks ago we had Plaza Week, complete with the barrage of first years signing up to Wine Soc with the hopes of learning something about wine (other than the hard-learned lesson that two bottles is probably a bad idea). It’s also the time that people join organisations for no other reason than to get the free t-shirt, mug or food. The most disappointing freebie I recieved this year was a male condom.

the most disappointing freebie I got was a male condom Now, I used to be a straight A student (and I’m not even that straight) so the freebie didn’t exactly entice me. Another handout that I wasn’t fond of was a supposedly empowering pamphlet telling me how not to be raped. This in no way counts as a freebie. Nor does it count as empowering. Recently, a lot has been done by means of raising awareness about sexual violence. Informative posters have been put up around campus, the Vice Chancellor’s office has set up the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) office with Associate Professor Duma at the helm, and recently the SRC ran the ‘No Excuse’ campaign. People are talking more openly about sexual violence and our collective anger is palpable. But is our horrified outrage furthering the problem by

implying that we are not part of the problem? We are very much a part of the problem. To be clear, GASP does not address sexual violence because sex has anything to do with rape; rather rape has a lot to do with how we are taught about sex and gender.

supposedly empowering pamphlet on how not to be raped In high school we are taught that men do the penetrating and the initiating while the reproductive vessel (that’s supposedly you, ladies) receives this passively. These messages are dangerous because we are not taught how harmful this idea of sex and gender is; as well as the dominant and submissive roles it entrenches in our society. Instead we are taught the importance of celibacy and how to condomise a banana. The problem with this omission is that people begin to think that their toxic sexual practices are natural; simultaneously attending campaigns to shake their heads at the strangers in the dark alleys committing rape, while never turning inward and looking at their own role in the proliferation of sexual violence.

this system of education needs to change This system of education needs to change. You should care about rape not just because it happens to ‘your daughters, sisters and girlfriends.’ You should care about rape because it is being cultivated by your brothers, your fathers and your friends.

Image: Gabriela Camerotti

Image: Megon Venter

Joan Redelinghuys

tudent life can be very overwhelming. Luckily there are hundreds of apps out there to help you stay productive, healthy, and well organised. While we aspire to be productive, we often tumble down the neverending stairs of procrastination. With non-stop notifications, it’s no wonder we reach for our phones almost every time we sit down to study. Forest is the answer! The app allows you to activate a timer that plants a tree. If you open another app during this time, your virtual sapling dies. While it’s not exactly saving the environment, the trees will help you work without getting distracted. The UCT Mobile app is vital for all UCT students. If you want to keep up to date with your courses there’s also Universe (the VULA app). By noting venues and tutorial times, a timetable will keep you organised. My Class Schedule reminds you when and where you

need to be, along with silencing your phone during lectures. If you always find yourself writing ‘to do’ lists, but never completing them, Any.do will help. Every morning you’re notified to plan your day; this should help set you along the path of productivity. For iOS users, iStudiez is highly recommended. It combines a timetable and ‘to do’ list, aiding you in keeping track of all assignments and meetings. Evernote is the almighty ruler of note-taking apps. Whether you want to make lists or lecture notes, this app syncs to all your devices, allowing easy access online or on your phone. Apps can also help you monitor your health. Eating well and focusing on getting the right nutrition is made easy by using MyFitnessPal. This calorie counter will track your daily intake, helping you stick to your eating plan and avoid stress eating. Grocery shopping can be a daunting annoyance when you’re always forgetting to buy certain things. Out of Milk allows you to

Get the international edge study at THE University of Sydney Representatives from the University of Sydney will be in Cape Town to meet and chat with students interested in learning more about studying there and how they can help take your studies to new heights. DATE: 11 March 2016 TIME: 10:00 to17:30 VENUE: Conference Centre of the Southern Sun Waterfront, 1 Lower Buitengracht, Cape Town City For further information call Rutega Education Services at 082 887 0306 or mail: info@rutegaeducation.com Jointly started by Oxford and Cambridge, University of Sydney is the oldest university in Australia and among its most prestigious. It is a comprehensive University and is consistently ranked in the top 50 Universities in the world. In Australia it has received the top ranking for the service it provides to international students.

Visit rutegaeducation.com or like "Study Down Under for Africa" on Facebook

list all the things you need. The great thing about this app is that you don’t need to re-create your lists, simply select the things you need more of. Duolingo is for all aspiring polyglots, or those who just want to learn a language in their spare time. This app is fun and user-friendly! If you ever find yourself in a place where Jammies don’t roam, try Uber. This driving service allows you to organise a ride home with a few simple taps. No cash needed, as Uber can link to your card for quick and easy transactions. Takealot.com offers you the best prices on textbooks, appliances and more. Shopping online may be convenient; but delivery costs are not. If you order using the Takealot app, your delivery is free! Still concerned about your budget? Level and Mint make handling your finances a lot easier. Our phones are an integral part of our lives. Break the stigma that your phone is detrimental to your productivity by trying out a few of these apps.

‘Become an Insta-Celeb: you too can be the next DJ Khaled or Kylie Jenner’ by Ntombi Khulu We are all a part of the world of social media; be it Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr etc. In the society we live in, the ultimate goal for teenagers and young adults is getting at least 11 likes on an Instagram post so that names change to... continued online

‘Get Out! Things to Explore in Cape Town: some must-do activities in Cape Town before summer’s up’ by Emma Rodseth

The countdown to the end of summer has officially begun. If you feel like you haven’t fully indulged in all that Cape Town’s summer has to offer; this is your chance to get out there before it’s too late. Of course the list of things to do in the Mother City is endless, so here are select few ‘must-do’s’ this summer: 1. Hike up the Elephant’s Eye trail in... continued online

Features

V74 E2 – 8 MARCH 2016

UCT on a Budget! Making your bank account great again Catherine Heron hitting up the cappuccinos daily. If you’re not about caffeine and all about that #fitfam life, you can grab a 750ml ice cold water from MacHarry’s for R9. Afterwards, make your way along to the Kaplan Centre for the 2 for 1 pumpkin fritter Friday special. Not only can you see it being made it front of you but it is absolutely divine.

ou make the dreaded call, ‘Mom, please put money into my account. I spent it all on textbooks.’ By textbooks, of course, you mean shots, beers and Woolworths ready-meals, right? If you’re one of these people, we’re here to help. From discounted coffee to unbelievable sales, learn how to make your budget work for you. Firstly, get a Pick ‘n Pay smart shopper card. This card is more important than your driver’s license, passport and ID. Why? Because it saves you money. Every time you swipe your card at Pick ‘n Pay you receive points which you can cash in at any time. Another perk is the in-store discounts that cardholders are offered on a variety of products. While a Woolworths W Rewards card isn’t quite as popular, they have great savings everyday which are available on their website for you to check out.

learn how to make your budget work for you

‘Mom, I spent it all on textbooks’ Although the prices of food are soaring, there are some great places on campus to eat healthily for less. With a delicious roast butternut and feta salad for only R25 and fruit salad yoghurt muesli at R20, Pandaland is your first port of call. Attention

Image: Catherine Heron to res students: your meal voucher counts for R30 here instead of the usual R24.50! Arguably the cheapest and tastiest wrap on the whole of upper campus is the chicken wrap

found at Varsity Fast Foods for just R22. It doesn’t stop there — you can even get R20 burgers! Take advantage of the secret saving tricks UCT offers. Did you

know that if you bring your own mug to any coffee store on campus you will get a discount? Frigo Café will usually give you R1 off which we all know adds up when you’re

When it comes to shopping, Mr Price is a fantastic choice because not only are their clothes incredibly affordable and durable, they are always in line with trends happening across the world. Who needs Yeezys when you can have a grey hoodie for just R129? Student specials are also your best friend. Look to stores like Topshop who offer 20% off on Wednesdays (yaaaas). For those with Ikeys Vibe cards, why are you even worried? Check out ikeysvibe.co.za to see their amazing deals like 20% off at Factorie from Monday to Wednesday! There’s no need for a small loan of a million rand when you know how to stretch your student budget. Happy saving!

BEFORE YOUR TAN LINES FADE Logan Croeser

Cape Town’s Best, Affordable Swims

he inevitable end of summer is looming. Before you pack away your bathing costume, say goodbye to your summer body and start sending out applications for your future cuddle buddy; take advantage of the last few warm days that Mother Nature will provide for us.

Eden on Big Bay The thought of swimming in the Atlantic Ocean may make your gonads ache and conjure up memories of Jack clinging onto that big door in Titanic, but these waters have no plans to become icebergs. Eden on the Bay has a variety of restaurants and lawns to chill on while watching the sun set and drinking a cocktail. Should the heat become too unbearable, you are always able to take a dip in the water.

Danger Beach The name may make you want to avoid it at all costs, but don’t be put off. This secluded, small strip of sand is great for lounging around and being lazy or practicing your surfing skills (or just watching from afar). Take a train ride to St. James and visit a few of the surrounding beaches like Kalk Bay and Muizenberg too.

It isn’t too late to make the most of summers perks, whether it is getting the last use of those shorts you just bought or maintaining your summer glow. I know putting away those flip flops and never seeing that hot lifeguard again won’t be easy; but the day is fast approaching. So gather your crew for one last swim and start thinking about those summer hashtags.

Sea Point Pavilion Swimming Pool

Image: Ben Amstutz

If you would like to avoid sand in your mouth and potential stinging blue bottles, why not visit a public swimming pool? Sea Point Pavilion Pool overlooks the ocean and makes for a beautiful view of the sunset. Sea Point is also the home to many trendy restaurants and other activities so make a day of it. The entrance fee for adults is R21.00 and R10.50 for children.

Tweede Tol and the Krom River Trail

Swimming alongside a beautiful waterfall is a great experience that you will find at both of these locations. With hiking trails available, it’s also a great way to stay fit. Grab your family and friends and head out into the trails. The landscape is an Instagrammer’s dream so don’t forget your camera. Tip: Go early as there can be limits on the amount of people allowed entrance. Permits may be required at R30 p/p for both spots.

Features

V74 E2 – 8 MARCH 2016

S E T I S T E N R OPULAR INTE

P T S O M E H HISTORY OF T Kungela Mzuku

Image: Megon Venter

hether it be in a classroom, the workplace or just chilling on the couch, technology has become an essential part of the way we learn, work and relax. The internet is a fairly new addition to the world, but with just over 3.3 billion users it is rapidly taking over. We spend hours every week checking our favourite websites… but do you know their humble beginnings?

pictures and categorise them. In the beginning the site was exclusive and users could only access it by invitation. They then changed their policy and users could send in an email request to gain access to the site. Today the site is publicly available to anyone who wants to join. Pinterest is currently valued at $200 million with a total visit of 717.9 million people recorded in January 2016, of which 79% are women.

9gag

Founded in December 2009 by Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra and Evan Sharp, Pinterest is an online pin board that allows users to store

Founded in April 2008 by Ray Chan in Hong Kong, 9gag was created as an alternative to e-mails. Chan says the inspiration came from

wanting a simpler way of sharing funny photos and videos online. In January 2016, 9gag had a total of 296.7 million visitors and it was noted that most traffic came from schools and workplaces.

Reddit had a total of 1.1 billion visits in January 2016. Founded in June 2005 by roommates, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Reddit is an online community which operates like a bulletin board wherein users vote and comment on content. The company was valued at $500 million by investors (including Snoop Dogg himself).

Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed had 278.5 million people visit their site in January 2016. Founded in November 2006 by Jonah Peretti, John S. Johnson and Kenneth Lere, Buzzfeed is an internet media company. It started off as a news entity which shared content that was viral at the time. Now it is a recognized platform for socialmedia news and entertainment, which publishes under a number of domains worldwide.

Soundcloud

Founded in August 2007 in Stockholm, Sweden, and later established in Berlin, Germany,

Soundcloud was founded by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss who both wanted a way for semiprofessional artists to grow within their communities without going through record labels. Soundcloud enables users to upload, record, promote and share their own music on the platform. The site experienced a total of 377.4 million visitors in January 2016. The internet has provided a platform for exploration and creation among today’s generation. Many start-ups were created by ordinary people who wanted a simpler way of doing things. The power of a great idea should never be underestimated.

Dear First Years... Jessica Fish

o you’ve headed out into the ‘real world.’ You’ve finally left home, you’re out on your own and you may be in for a surprise. Without mom and dad to run after you, coping on your own is a whole new experience. For me, a girl from a small town in Zululand, moving to the Mother City came as quite a shock. A whole barrage of experiences confronted me; here’s what I learnt.

‘First-year-five’ is real

Every student staying in res soon becomes acquainted with the

dreaded first-year-five. Those awful 5 kilograms you (supposedly) put on in first year because res food is too starchy and homesickness leads to hunger and comfort eating.

Tiger Tiger is not a zoo…

Rather innocently I discovered that Tiger Tiger is not an animal sanctuary, but rather a raucous night club where the dimly lit dance floors mask a multitude of sins. ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ involved scandalous escapades in Claremont that left most unable to make that 8am lecture on Friday mornings.

Nobody cares!

Forget nurturing environments with teachers who love and care for you. At university there is no one running around telling you what to do, and in classes of 500 no one notices if you skip a lecture… or fall off the face of the earth. You’re on your own from here on out.

The importance of learning to do laundry

Throughout last year I watched countless girls shrink, stretch or ruin their clothes because they didn’t know the importance of separating

colours and choosing the correct water temperature. Mom’s not here to look after you anymore. Learn how to do your laundry! Some people just stared at the machine not even knowing how to turn it on. You’re big kids now, and laundry is part of adult-ing.

The true meaning of ‘student budget’

Without mom and dad paying for things, money can be tight. At times I found myself asking the question, ‘Do I really need to do laundry this week, or do I want money to buy food?’ Don’t be like me, learn how

to budget quickly to avoid eating dry crackers for three days! Despite all of this, I somehow survived. I could give you tips and tell you to study hard, steer clear of the party scene or be responsible… but the mistakes are what first year is all about. Learning to cope all on your own, discovering new things about yourself and then looking back and laughing at all the silly things you did is a rite of passage. I can laugh at my mistakes — they got me to where I am today. So don’t take yourself too seriously, and good luck in the real world!

An Economic Analysis: Barclays Africa

Devarshna Govender

‘I

t wasn’t you, it was us’ essentially, this was the message that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barclays Group, Jes Staley, tried to convey to us on Tuesday last week. This came with his announcement that the Group would sell off its controlling interest of approximately 62.3% in Barclays Africa over the next two to three years. He stated that although it was a ‘very difficult decision to make’ to sell the approximately £6 billion worth of shares, it was a choice that would be best for the Group’s shareholders in the long run as it would help increase their returns. According to Staley, the Group plans on streamlining and simplifying its main business offering by focusing on its operations in the UK and the US. In addition, he added that the Barclays

Group could remain a shareholder in Barclays Africa as long as they were no longer the controlling party. This ensures that the two companies’ financial statements would not have to be consolidated.

’It wasn’t you, it was us’

Emphasis was placed by Staley and the CEO of Barclays Africa, Maria Ramos, on the fact that the Barclays Group’s move to sell was not due to a negative outlook on South Africa arising from political turmoil. Instead, it would seem that universal regulations implemented after the financial crisis in banking catapulted the move. As it stands, the Barclays Group is legally required to maintain

100% of the capital requirements of Barclays Africa as the parent company, while only receiving 62.3% of Barclays Africa’s returns. I can see how this would be a difficult pill to swallow, but other reasons behind the choice to sell still remain unclear to me. Considering the fact that Barclays Africa was more profitable than certain divisions overseas, it is confusing as to why they would sell one of the best performing subsidiaries and keep others that didn’t do as well. The group also announced their 2015 results which showed a before-tax profit of £2.1 billion, which is a drastic 8% lower than that of the previous year. Investors were also warned that dividends would decline over the next few years to facilitate the change in business structure. Considering that people who invest usually do so to earn a return, this isn’t promising.

I’m sure many of you are wondering how this will affect you and whether Barclays Africa (of which ABSA is a part of) will still operate or see growth in the near future. The answers to these questions are unknown, but Ramos did say that Barclays Africa will go ahead with its plan of expanding into Africa and maintaining its enormous presence, although some assumed that expansion plans for the years ahead would be deterred by the recent happenings.

many of you are wondering how this will affect you Many saw the group’s decision to sell as a negative occurence that may spur other big investors to leave the country as well. With South

Africa’s rating only one above noninvestment grade on Standard and Poor’s index, this may become a reality in the near future. If larger capital firms are forced to leave the country, it will have a drastic impact on our growth, causing GDP levels to decrease and the Rand to potentially depreciate further. With the loss of a significant parent such as the Barclays Group, students and others alike may see an increase in the overall cost of borrowing, as ABSA will lose the benefit on its perceived credit risk that belonging to the Group gave them. On a more positive note, it seems that the only way in which Barclays Africa intends to deviate from their plan over the next two to three years, is a change in the holders of 62.3% of its shareholding that Barclays Group will sell off. So those of us who hold accounts with, or shares in ABSA or Barclays Africa, shouldn’t be too dejected.

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

GREETINGS

from the bench Catherine Fulton This edition’s variety of articles promise to provide something of interest for everyone. Take a look at our Sport bites section for some ‘tidbits’ of interesting news from around the globe, and our ‘what to watch’ will give you a glimpse of the live events happening this weekend. This edition is full of content fresh from the freshers of 2016, so do stop to see what they have in store for you; from the surprisingly strenuous pole dancing article, to an all-round guide on preparing for the Two Ocean’s marathon. Because we are still fresh into the new year, there is still time for you to join a society, such as the UCT MSC and Cricket Club. Both clubs have given us a little insight into what their clubs are like and why you should join (especially for all the Study Abroad learners looking to make new friends). For those staying in residences, now is the chance to get to know who your sport reps are, and what sports are on offer for you. Don’t forget to see our online section for other interesting articles, where you can find more from Fitness Fanatics, as well as an article on our own Ikey Tigers. So long and happy reading!

Sport

Get To Know Your 2016 Residence Sports Reps T

he Residence Sports Council consists of seventeen representatives from the respective house committees of UCT first and second tier residences. They play an essential role in facilitating, organising and encouraging sporting activities (as well as camaraderie) internally and among the residences. Get to know a bit more about your sports representative, as well as the sports that they have on offer for you.

Vuyiswa Sithole

Lucky Mgweya Leo Marquard Hall Degree: Majoring in Politics and Public Administration Sports on Offer: Soccer, Basketball and Rugby ‘A humble sweet guy from Khayelitsha, a person who always has a smile on his face and willing to help where he can. A great passion for sports, especially soccer.’

Savannah Bennett

Tshepi Nthlane

Tugwell Hall Sports on Offer: Netball, Hockey, Chess, Swimming, Jogging, Insanity Fitness Degree: BComm Actuarial Science (AD) ‘I've got maaaad cup-song skills and - despite what my friends and family may tell you - I'm a phenomenal singer ;)’

Graça Machel Hall Degree: BA Law and Media & Writing Sports on Offer: Netball, Hockey, Soccer, Yoga, Chess, Social Running and Swimming. ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.’ – Psalm 37:23-24.

Tyler Pillay

Glendower residence Degree: Actuarial Science Sports on Offer: Netball and Soccer (both go by the name ‘Glenknights’ ) ‘I love art, I’ll probably retire an artist, not an actuary lol.’

College House Degree: Bcom Accounting (Chartered Accountant stream) Sports on Offer: Soccer, Rugby, Hockey and Basketball. ‘Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.’

Woolsack Residence Degree: Bsc(Eng) in Mechatronics Engineering Sports on Offer: Netball; Girls’ and Guys’ Soccer. ‘Laughter is my best medicine, let’s overdose together.’

Clarinus Village Degree: Bsc Audiology Sports on Offer: Basketball, Soccer, Netball, Girls Hockey, Boys Hockey, Chess, Pool and Tag-Rugby ‘You don't manifest dreams without taking chances.’

University House Sports on Offer: Soccer, Rugby and Hockey Degree: BSc. Eng. Electrical & Computer Engineering ‘Improve everyday.’

Kei Palahniuk Sinoxolo Qeqe

Darryon Layne Adendorff

Jessie Moore

Obz Square 2nd tier Degree: MBChB (Medicine) 5th year Sports on Offer: Soccer, Hockey, Netball, Basketball, Chess, Pool and Jogging Club ‘Life is easier when going through it with a laugh and a smile.’

Kopano residence Degree: Bcomm PPE Sports of Offer: Rugby, Football, Hockey and Basketball ‘What's the point of living if you don't at least try to achieve something remarkable.’

Senamile Simelane

Qhayiya Nongogo

Varietas Degree: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Sports on Offer: Hockey, Soccer, Chess and Netball. ‘I can't go a week without some form of physical activity, I love reading and eating (often simultaneously) and The 1975. I enjoy playing soccer, but not watching it.’

Tulisa Kopele

Rochester house Degree: MBChB Sports on offer: Basketball, Squash, Tennis, Soccer, Hockey and Netball ‘If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be’ - Maya Angelou

Stuart Bulterman

Mukundi Matidze

Fuller Hall Degree: BSc Phys Sports on Offer: Netball, Girls SocClub and Chess ‘Champions aren’t made in the gym, they are made from something deep inside them, goal, a vision’- Muhammad Ali

Kilindini Residence Degree: 2nd year Mechanical Engineering Sports on Offer: Soccer and chess (yes it's a sport), however all sports are catered for. ‘It's pronounced 'palanick.’

Forest Hill Degree: Final Year B.com Economics and Finance Sports on Offer: Soccer, Netball, Basketball and Chess ‘To dare is to do.’

Thembeka Shongwe

Napo Mochekoane

Namhla Mabombo

Liesbeeck Gardens Degree: Civil Engineering Sports on Offer: Chess, Soccer, Netball, Pool/Snooker abd Basketball ‘Physical Health is your first Wealth.’

Baxter Hall Degree: BSc in Marine Biology, Genetics and Applied Biology Sports on Offer: Netball, Hockey, Swimming and Athletics The Lord says: Don't be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.’ - 2 Chronicles 20:15

Sport SPORTS BITES

Gaye reappointed head coach of Senegal women's national team THE country’s basketball Federation (FSBB) has confirmed that Moustapha Gaye has been re-appointed as the head coach of  Senegal's women's national team. Last year in Yaounde, Cameroon, Gaye had guided his country to the title at AfroBasket Women 2015, and as a result qualified for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Gaye stated, ‘The Federation asked me to prepare our national team to win the AfroBasket Women 2017, and this is one of the main goals. I know it won’t be easy to win the African title again because teams such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola, Mali and Cameroon have become really competitive.’

Female Boxer Christina McMahon landed world title fight IRELAND’S only professional female boxer, Christina McMahon, has landed a WBC Super Flyweight World Title Fight, and now has the chance to compete at her preferred weight against World Super Flyweight Champion, Zulina Munoz, in Mexico, on March 12. McMahon is anxiously asking the Irish public to help fund her training and travel, as she cannot compete on that stage without support. She has launched a crowdfunding campaign on PledgeSports.org in the hope that Ireland will get behind her for this historic event next month. The Monaghan boxer said: ‘I’ve now finally got the opportunity to fight for a World Title at my preferred weight (115 lb, 52.2 kg) and will face a tough challenge against the Number 1 ranked female Super Flyweight in the World, Zulina Munoz, who has successfully defended the title seven times since she won it in 2012. Munoz has a record of 45 wins, one loss and two draws, with 27 of her wins coming by way of knockout.’

Fans angry at new Boks Jersey FANS have expressed their anger at the latest Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey, which has gone on sale ahead of the tournament set to happen in England later this year. Unimpressed with the marketing, fans have complained that the advertisement logos of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, ASICS and Proteas have left the Springbok logo no space but the left sleeve of the jersey. The South African Rugby Union (SARU) were  quick to remind fans that the placement of the Springbok logo on the team’s Rugby World Cup jersey was only temporary, and had to be done to conform to the contractual requirements of the tournament organisers.

Cheeky Watson allegedly digging into his own pockets to remain as president of the EP Rugby Union UNDER Watson as president, the EP Rugby Union plunged into a financial crisis last year, with the union unable to pay players’ salaries. The HeraldLIVE website reported on Wednesday that 31 clubs claimed to have had no confidence in him, and that the number of anti-Watson clubs has since risen to more than 50% of the 119 clubs. Only 20% of them (about 23 clubs) are needed to have a vote of no confidence tabled, according to the EPRU constitution. The rugby specialist website's source also confirmed that Watson has offered some clubs up to R30 000 to distance themselves from the motion.

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

Pole Dancing: A sport for good reason Tessa Knight

used to waitress at the same time every weekend, and at 9am every Sunday, an old woman would come in and order the same thing like clockwork. We struck up a strange patron-server relationship, so it wasn’t unexpected when she surreptitiously enquired about my home life, while casually glancing at the bruises that littered my arms and legs. What was unexpected was her reaction when I told her that I had started pole dancing. She didn’t sit in my section again.

Bruises littered my arms and legs I presume she thought I had started stripping in my spare time, and didn’t want to be associated with someone who she imagined working at a place like Mavericks or Crew. Like many, she assumed that only

Image: Usien exotic dancers know how to shimmy up a pole, and couldn’t fathom that I might do so for fun or exercise. She didn’t know that pole dancing did not, in fact, originate in strip clubs, but actually began as a sport in India over 800 years ago. It then migrated across Asia and into China, finally making its way into the Western world in the early 1900s as a circus act. If she had walked into a strip club before the 1980s, she wouldn’t have even seen half-naked women dancing around metal poles (although I doubt she would have been open to a cheeky lap dance back in her day). Regardless of what people may think of it, pole dancing is considered a sport, and for good reason. Have you ever tried pulling your body weight up a metal pole, flipping upside-down, and then pulling some skin off of your thighs so that you can swing to the ground (hands-free) without falling on your face? It’s not as easy as we make it look. The core work alone left me feeling like I’d done 100 sit-ups after my first few classes.

You definitely do not have to be fit or have any sort of muscle mass before starting classes, because you build it up pretty quickly. Proficient pole dancers are often very flexible, in excellent shape, and have enough upper body strength to put any gym bunny to shame.

Began as a sport in india

Health benefits aside, pole dancing is an incredible exercise in confidence boosting. I can’t speak for the other studios in Cape Town, but I can speak for the Scar-Lit Box; it is a safe-haven for women (and the occasional man) who wants to get fit and feel more confident in their skin. Whether you take classes in 8-inch heels or barefoot, you’ll feel sexy either way, and you’ll certainly sweat off the glitter from any burlesque classes that you’ll probably end up taking.

Three reasons why every study abroad student Alex Riesterer should join MSC REASON 1: Make New Friends One of the greatest opportunities that the Mountain and Ski Club (MSC) can bring is the chance to meet new people. As an international student, I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to meet nonstudy abroad students. Everything changed when I finally went to the

Such welcoming individuals first Thursday climbing session at the bouldering wall. When I walked in, at least three people introduced

themselves to me right away. Afterwards, they even invited me to go climbing again that weekend at Hang Time. I was also invited to go on a weekend hiking trip in the Zuurberg Mountains with four wonderful South Africans. It was so refreshing to be around such welcoming individuals. REASON 2: Learn New Skills Often times we forget how simple it is to learn a new skill. The first time I went to the bouldering wall, Johnathan Whitaker taught me how to position my body, and also taught me the importance of using my toes when climbing. Simon De Wet taught me how to ‘belay,’ and Andy Court taught me the basics of ‘trad’ climbing. When you join MSC, everyone is willing to help you. They

don’t judge you based on your ability, but genuinely want to show you the ‘ins and outs’ of their sport. When I first started climbing, I was terrible.

Everyone is willing to help you By the end of the semester I was climbing properly and challenging myself on harder routes at the bouldering wall. REASON 3: Discover Yourself One of the greatest advantages of living in Cape Town is the outdoors. When you meet local students in MSC, you get the opportunity

to explore wonderful places like Wally’s Cave. They also provide the equipment for a weekend hiking trip in the Zuurberg Mountains, as well as the climbing gear that you need to conquer Lakeside Pinnacle. I believe that time in nature, whether it be in the mountains or on a beach, can help us discover ourselves. Albert Einstein once said ‘look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.’ I learned more about myself when I was camping out in the middle of a mountain range, miles away from any city than I would learn doing anything else. Join MSC and make some new friends, learn some new skills, and surround yourself in the beauty of Cape Town. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

The Gentlemen’s Game Don Paterson

ur varsity cricket sides are once again embarking on their quest for Cape Town glory as they regain their battle for the top spots in their respective leagues. The club has been reinforced with a large intake of skilled new players looking to add their bit, not only on the field but also to the social aspect of the club. The Club has a side for everyone and anyone, no matter what your weekly schedule may look like. The First and Second sides are the more serious sides with the first side representing UCT at both the 20/20 Varsity Cricket Tournament and USSA Tournaments. The Thirds and Fourths are the more casual sides,

but don't be deceived. It seems the more beer consumed by the Thirds the better they seem to perform, being the best performing side in the 2015 season. So don't let a busy schedule pull you away from playing ‘The Gentlemen’s Game.’ There's no better way to spend a Saturday than hearing the sound of leather on willow, followed by some cheeky ones in the Clubhouse afterwards. So please feel free to join the lads for a practice on The Oval on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, 16h00-18h00, otherwise feel free to contact: Jordan Lappan: 0836584957 Kerr Rogers: 021 650 3558

Image: Don Paterson

Sport

V74 E2 - 8 MARCH 2016

Jess Worsley

ne of the biggest events for athletes worldwide, the Olympic Games, will take place in Rio de Janeiro in August this year. So far, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has chosen 95 of its top athletes in ten sports to represent South Africa at the Games. These include renowned athletes such as Bridgitte Hartley, who received a bronze medal in 2012 for women’s kayaking, and Caster Semenya, who won a silver in the women’s 800m, as well as new hopefuls such as long distance runner, Dominique Scott, and sprinter, Justine Palframan. South Africa will also be sending its women’s football team Banyana Banyana after a victory against Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in October last year, thanks to a last minute strike from midfielder, Jermaine Seoposenwe.

FIXTURES

Carrying the Flag

FRIDAY Supersport 1 (201) 21:40-23:35 Rugby Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 16 - Harlequins v Bath Supersport 4 (204) 18:00-19:00 Football Super Diski: NFD H\L Show Ep 26 SATURDAY Supersport 2 (202) 20:50-7:30 TennisATP World Tour 1000 BNP Paribas Open Day 3 Supersport 7 (207) 20:00-01:00 Golf PGA Tour Valspar Championship Day 3 SUNDAY Supersport 2 (202) 15:30-20:00 cricket ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh v Oman Supersport 4 (204) 15:00-18:00 Football Super Diski - ABSA Premiership Bloemfontein Celtic v Free State Stars

to Rio

One of the best women’s soccer players Jermaine, now a sophomore at Samford, Alabama, is considered one of the best women’s soccer players the university has seen. Born and raised in Cape Town, Jermaine began her soccer career at a young age surrounded by a culture that she says marginalised women in the sport. She played with the boys, using whatever materials they could find as makeshift goals, and continued to play on boys’ teams until high school. In interviews, she recalls the experience to be a major factor in her competitiveness and drive, ‘The boys were pretty tough on me. . .they didn’t go light on the tackles when we played games. I think that’s why I’m so competitive. They really made me a good player.’

‘Fitness Fanatics: how to prevent common sport injuries’ When she reached high school, where sports were segregated, she found no challenge in playing in women’s events, and so quit for months until being persuaded into joining a professional women’s team associated with Santos, F.C. There, her love for soccer was rekindled as she met fellow female players who she could call her equals. Her family remains her most loyal fans, and have supported her throughout her entire career. Even in a community where a high school diploma was anything

but a given, Jermaine’s father in particular was adamant that his children would attend university. He encouraged his daughter to extend her horizons past the University of the Western Cape, where she studied for a year, and apply to American universities. In doing so, she found the Division 1 School, where she continues to excel in NCAA women's soccer, as well as a group of teammates that she now views as sisters. Roommate and teammate, Kelly, describes Jermaine as having

exceptional passes as well as an instinctive understanding of the game that puts her ahead of her opponents. Jermaine remains humble; after scoring the winning goal in the qualifiers, she praised Banyana Banyana, saying that excellent teamwork was the deciding factor in the victory. ‘We are not individuals; we work as a team – when we lose, we lose together and in victory we are also together.’ This is a player we’re excited to see own the field with her team in the Rio Olympics.

by Patience Mpofu Are you one of those athletes that are frequently set back because of sport injuries? Have injuries led you to give up completely? If this is the case, now is the time to bounce back and do what you love again. Sports injuries seem inevitable and beyond our control; yet contrary to popular belief, sports injuries... continued online

How to Move Your Legs Rather Fast Adam Kleinschmidt

n March 26th, several thousand active folk will huff, puff and grunt their way around the Southern Suburbs in the annual Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM). With 11000 running the Ultra (56 kilometres) and 16000 running the Half (21km), OMTOM is one of the biggest races in Africa.

Suitably difficult for a popular race

This year will mark my fourth half marathon, and I cannot truly describe the excitement I have for it. Year after year, the race challenges me to push myself harder through a course that is suitably difficult for a popular race. By this, I’m referring to the hills that hit you. Barely three kilometres into the race, and you’re faced with Edinburgh Drive, one of the main roads to cut over Wynberg Hill. It is here that the race first

divides between the real runners and those who are only in it for the thrills. Now, how do you train for OMTOM? Like anything on earth, practice makes perfect. If you can manage a run at least three times a week that is longer than 6km, you’re already on your way, especially if you’re a novice runner. For more experienced runners, look to hitting 10km five times a week. The second key component is, of course, stretching: if you fail to stretch your muscles properly, you’ll feel like hell by the fifth kilometre. At the same time, don’t just look at your legs. The rest of your body is working hard and needs to be attended to. Be consistent; stretch every time you exercise, even if the muscles don’t hurt.

How do you train for OMTOM? Then there’s what you put in your face during the pre-race weeks. While a beer or a chocolate bar is enticing in the evenings after a long day, they won’t help you on March

26th. A little treat here and there is all very well, but consistently imbibing on Sauvignon Blanc or jelly babies will slow you down and cause you discomfort. Look more to eating more fresh fruit, lean meats and low GI foodstuffs, and never forget water. It’s basically your new best friend. In the days leading up to the race, look at getting more sleep and prepping your body for the race. It’s

an early rise, and it is best not to fight an early morning race after a week of going to Claremont. Make sure your number is on your running top, your kit is ready to go and your transport plans are sorted. The race ends at the Green Mile, so it shouldn’t be hard to imagine an exit plan when the crowds get too much. Just remember, as you puff along the long asphalt strips, that

you’re in this for yourself. Selfimprovement is key, and will get you far if you realise your potential. Everyone out there can run, and by doing the OMTOM, you’re taking literal and figurative steps forward to a better you. So get out there and enjoy yourself! There’s no better thing than a post-race selfie with your brand new medal.