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VOLUME 75 | EDITION 7
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E 1942 · THE O NC FF SI I
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26 July 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
Name change
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Standing out
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Image: Je’nine May
UCT Workers insourced Mbalenhle Khuzwayo
On July 1, UCT officially insourced almost 1000 previously outsourced employees. This was following a signed agreement between the NEHAWU Joint Shop Stewards Council and University Management on October 28, last year. The insourced employees are contracted under UCT on a fulltime basis until the year 2019 and belong to the following companies: TurfWorks, G4S, Sibanye, Metro Cleaning Services, Supercare and C3 Food Services. According to a statement released by the UCT Council on November 9, 2015, full-time employees will have access to ‘standard UCT benefits, such as medical aid and provident fund and fee rates, according to standard UCT rules’. Terms are also being negotiated between the UCT Retirement Fund and the pension and provident funds of the companies, to finalise the fund rules, as well as afford staff the option to either withdraw their pension funds from their companies, or transfer their funds to the UCT Retirement Fund. In a statement released on June 21 this year, Vice Chancellor Max Price outlined that the insourcing endeavour shall not disadvantage workers in any way. ‘The process has been guided by Section 197 of
the Labour Relations Act of 1995, which deals with the transfer of employees. In essence, this means that the insourced staff will be employed by UCT on no less favourable terms and conditions of service than before,’ wrote Price. During this process the insourced staff will be under the management of the Properties & Services Department (P&S) and the Department of Student Affairs (DSA). Additionally, management in conjunction with SATAWU and NEHAWU will be consulted with regards to the principles and transferring of staff into insourcing employment. Part of this includes the defining and outlining of job grading and benefits, which amongst other categories, involves improving employment conditions in accordance with UCT standards. The Left Students Forum (LSF), however, alleges that 40 Metro workers who have been on casual and temporary contracts were dismissed by UCT. ‘UCT promised that there would be no workers fired. However, the opposite happened. More than 40 workers are now without jobs,’ the Forum stated on their official Facebook page. Metro workers with support from LSF, held a march to Bremner building on Thursday last week. Management had agreed to
address workers upon their arrival, however it is unclear how the meeting progressed. The Vice Chancellor states that insourcing will put further strain on the universities financial reserves, however UCT has implemented strategies to cushion the blow. ‘There is no doubt that the insourcing project has added to the university’s challenge of financial sustainability. We have budgeted for a once-off capital expenditure of R40 million from our reserves and an annual recurrent operational cost of approximately R68 million.’ The university has also implemented austerity measures to curb expenditure. According to UCT management, ‘the key driver of our current austerity measures has been the declining level of the state subsidy allocation to UCT over the past five years.’ UCT compensated for this by setting the annual student fee increment well above the rate of inflation. Consumer inflation is currently at 6.3%. ‘In addition, the 0% fee increase for 2016 has created further financial challenges,’ wrote the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor highlights that outsourced workers have for a long time felt like illegitimate members of the UCT community. ‘The insourced employees have been an integral part of UCT’s functioning for some time already,
through the long-term services they have provided to UCT for the grounds and gardens, residences, transporting staff and students, and protecting the campus community, facilities and heritage. But they have not been UCT employees, and often expressed the view that they have felt excluded from the UCT family even though they feed our students, clean the intimate spaces we work and live in, protect us, advise visitors who approach them about where to go, and have always felt enormously proud to be working at UCT,’ states Price. UCT’s Human Resources Department is holding information sessions for insourced workers. The first information session was held on June 8. The information sessions will give workers an opportunity to ask questions as well as give in-depth information about the university’s conditions of service and benefits. The #EndOutsourcing campaign which took place in July and August last year, was a joint protest movement involving outsourced campus workers within the security, food service, transport and cleaning sectors; RhodesMustFall, NEHAWU, as well as the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU). The campaign culminated in October last year, when insourcing negotiations began with UCT management.
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26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 2
News Bites Catherine Heron
South Africans Are Being Denied the Right to Know as SABC Censors Protests
The Right2Know Campaign protested outside of Luthuli House against the SABC’s censoring of violent service delivery protests on Friday, July 15. The public broadcaster has been ordered to reverse their decision to ban protest footage by The Independent Communications of South Africa (ICASA). Hlaudi Moetsoneng, COO of the SABC, has heavily criticised the authority of ICASA and stated that an appeal will be made against this ruling. Eyewitness News
Thulsie twins arrested on counts of terrorism
Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie, aged 23, have been charged on three counts of terrorism in Johannesburg. The pair were arrested earlier in July by The Hawks after house raids were initiated in Newclare and Azaadville after preliminary investigations. The provisional charge sheet listed the US Embassy and Jewish institutions as their targets. The identical twins attempted to travel to Syria last year, but were stopped in Mozambique.
News
RECAP:
Following the events that happened before the exam period, VARSITY has published two recap articles in order to keep you updated with what happened while you might have been away/studying. There will be follow up pieces in the upcoming editions which will look at what has happened since these events occured.
UCT Speaks Back Taryn Wilson On Wednesday, May 11, UCT Survivors held an open forum at the Bremner Building to discuss the mismanagement of sexual abuse/ harassment cases and rape culture at UCT. The forum followed a series of protests which took place on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10. The protests involved students standing silently on Jammie Plaza holding placards and t-shirts, with slogans such as ‘UCT Management Fails Survivors’ and ‘End Rape Culture’ emblazoned on them. UCT Survivors began the campaign as an event on Facebook labelled #UCTSpeaksBack, in an attempt to create awareness about rape culture and the mishandling of sexual assault cases at UCT.
UCT Survivors provided a list of demands at the forum, and gave management a week to respond to this. These demands include a correct and proper feedback system and public knowledge thereof, immediate suspension pending investigation (with complete expulsion and flagging of the guilty party), the protection of survivors, improved support services, safe places for victims, and a complete renewal of the review of the Discrimination and Harassment Office (DISCHO) and its policies and procedures. The open forum included a number of speakers from different spheres of UCT, such as the #PatriarchyMustFall Movement, UCT for Disability Justice, the Black Academic Caucus (BAC), and individual students and staff members.
These individuals all shared experiences or concerns about the way UCT treats survivors of sexual abuse/harassment and highlighted how perpetrators are favoured by the system. ‘UCT Survivors only exists because of the institutional silencing and lagging structural response to sexual violence on this campus,’ said Dela Gwala, UCT student and representative of UCT Survivors.
‘UCT Management Fails Survivors’ The forum was held to demand action from UCT Management, after they failed to arrive at a previous
protest on sexual violence and harassment at UCT, #RapeAtUCT. The protest action was also initiated in solidarity with similar protests at other South African institutions such as Wits and the university currently known as Rhodes.
safe places for victims
Vice Chancellor Max Price left the forum shortly after addressing the crowd, and declined to engage with the students in a discussion. ‘Max Price prioritises paintings over the lives of students,’ said a #PMF representative, who wished to remain anonymous, in response to management’s lack of action.
IOL
Pan African Passport Launched at AU Summit
The Pan African passport was symbolically launched at the African Union Summit in Kigali, Rwanda on Sunday, July 17, by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Amongst the first to receive the passport were Chad President Idriss Déby and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Heads of African states will be given this passport in order to promote free movement of Africans on the continent with plans to roll out the passport to every national of an AU member state. This forms part of the continental development strategy in the Abuja Treaty designed to create a more integrated and peaceful Africa. News24
Erdogan Takes Revenge on Failed Coup Plotters
Over 50 000 people have been fired or suspended from their jobs on suspicion of being disloyal to the Erdogan regime in Turkey after a failed military coup on Friday, July 15. The EU has accused the president of Turkey of using it as an opportunity to get revenge on critics. Turkey does not have the death penalty but is considering reinstating it against the European Union’s wishes. BBC
Pokémon Goes To the Top of the Market
Nintendo shares have skyrocketed as Pokémon Go becomes one of the most downloaded games in history after its release on July 6. The company has overtaken Sony as the biggest tech company in Japan with shares soaring by over 14%. Pokeémon Go is set to overtake Snapchat in the coming weeks as the most popular app. The Independent
Image: Facebook.com/UCT Survivors
Five students banned due to interdict violation Safiyya Karim On May 28, a statement was released, via an e-mail correspondence from Vice Chancellor Max Price, that three UCT students, who had violated the interdict against them, were banned from campus. This followed a protest that took place on May 12 against the ban placed on students Alex Hotz, Masixole Mlandu, Chumani Maxwele, Slovo Magida and Zola Shokane. The student protestors had a banner on display over the steps of Jameson Hall, which read ‘Death of a dream’. Several body bags were also laid out on the ground to represent the
students who had been prevented from entering the campus. The interdict arose from the Shackville protests on February 16. A shack was set up on campus to highlight the problem of accommodation for students at UCT – particularly black students. ‘Black students do not have a place to stay,’ said Chumani Maxwele. The cost of accommodation, as well as the limited availability, has proven to be a hindrance to Universitygoers, but this is especially the case for black students. ‘If you go to the housing queue, you will see for yourself, there is no white person there,’ Maxwele added. While speaking to TimesLive, UCT management stated that the five people ‘had been under
temporary interdict until a judgment of the Western Cape High Court determined that they had made themselves guilty of unlawful acts,’ as the reason why the students are prohibited from coming onto the UCT campus. However, this justification put forward by the Vice Chancellor and his management team for the interdict is contentious, as most students feel that it was unduly issued. A second year Bachelor of Social Science student and RMF member, Lindokuhle Patiwe said, ‘The comrades in our opinion are interdicted not to teach them a lesson, but to send a clear message to the rest of us that are left behind so that we know exactly what will happen if we decide to go down the same route.’
When asked about the events which took place and about the methods employed by the University, Patiwe commented, ‘As much as we would like to be surprised at the victimisation of these comrades by the university, the truth is, we are not.’ The academic futures of these three students do not look promising. At the moment, it is unclear as to whether these students will be able to return to their studies. This harsh outcome further highlights what these protesters take issue with. Since no one is yet aware of when they will be allowed back onto the University grounds, there is a general belief among the student body that is likely that they may never be allowed back onto campus.
News
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 3
Renaming Jameson Hall
Image: Jian Yi Song
Ali Findlay
V
ice Chancellor Max Price stated that the Naming of Buildings Committee (NOBC) and the Task Team would be meeting after July 1 to decide how the name of Jameson Hall would change and what this change would be. This announcement came through an e-mail received from the VC Desk on June 23, a mass email from the Vice Chancellor was received by all students, stating that Council had agreed to change the name of Jameson Hall after meeting on June 18. The e-mail also mentioned a meeting that took place on June 17, between the Task Team and the NOBC. During this meeting they concluded that ‘Jameson’s ruthless self-interest manifested in a profound lack of respect for other people.’ This conclusion is a contributing factor towards the decision to change the name of the hall.
The Task Team sent a proposal to the NOBC, naming four clear points arguing for the name change. The proposal stated that a building’s name should reflect what is at the ‘heart’ of a university, namely the ‘pursuit of equality, social justice, reconciliation and human promotion.’ The proposal also pointed out that naming something also means that there needs to be an explanation/educational process around the meaning of that name. Thirdly, the document explained that the focal point of the University itself, as well as its ‘cultural or historical substructure’ should be given thought. Lastly, the proposal stated that there is a risk attached to creative naming. These points led the task team to make a four-point conclusion that was endorsed by the NOBC. As highlighted in the document, some petitioners objected to the name change, arguing that the history and ‘foundational movement’ of the university is reflected in the building names, which should be respected. The counter-argument
was outlined in a relatively simple manner: different generations of students should all be given the opportunity ‘to reflect on the ethos of the institution and inscribe in turn their interpretation in names given to buildings.’ The task team, in the e-mail correspondence, has proposed the following names thus far: Memorial Hall, one of Imbizo, Lekgotla, Pitso, Kgoro, which all mean a meeting or gathering place, as well as others that are still under discussion.
the name of Jameson Hall would change
According to Isaac Ntabankulu from the Special Collections Library, also known as the Jagger library, the name of Jameson Hall has not changed before. He also stated that, according to his own research, there has been no prior movement/campaign to change the name of the hall.
#ThisFlag Movement Robyn Ausmeier
O
n Wednesday, July 6 there was a nationwide shutdown in Zimbabwe, organised by the #ThisFlag movement, with various shops, companies, transport services and schools closed in protest against high unemployment, corruption, poverty and other socio-political and economic problems within the country. Following a week of public unrest and protests, Pastor Evan Mawarire, the man who started the #ThisFlag movement, was taken into police custody for ‘inciting public violence’ and was later accused of subverting a constitutional government. Mawarire’s court hearing took place on Wednesday July 13, with hundreds of people gathered outside the court room in support. The Magistrate ruled that Mawarire’s arrest was
unconstitutional and ordered that he be released from custody. The #ThisFlag movement was initiated in April this year after Mawarire posted a video on social media speaking about the current situation in Zimbabwe, his feelings of both despair and hope for his country and the need for Zimbabwean citizens to take a stand. ‘This flag, every day that it flies, is begging for you to get involved,’ commented Mawarire in the video, while wearing a Zimbabwean flag around his neck.
it was long overdue. I’m not a politician, I’m not an activist... just a citizen #ThisFlag.’ The video received thousands of views and interactions, with Mawarire then encouraging people to post selfies of themselves wearing or holding the Zimbabwean flag, using #ThisFlag to spread the message. Following this, Mawarire called for 25 days of digital activism, from May 1 to May 25, with Zimbabwean citizens airing their grievances and speaking out
Varsity approached several students for comment, but many did not feel comfortable voicing their opinions. Emba, a first year psychology and anthropology student said: ‘I suppose it’s a good thing if we’re trying to move forward as a country and try to unite as a country. Especially because not many of us know what Jameson did so much that a lot of things are named after him at this University. If it is something to unite us and if it is a horrible reminder for people of their oppression and the oppressive times… then we should just [move forward].’ Umpiwe, a business science student, said: ‘I agree [with the name change]… it’s Cape Town and it’s not a private University, it’s a public institution. So the people that were here before the settlers, I think we should pay homage to those guys.’ Chris, another business science student stated: ‘I think from a historical content, there’s still more structural issues that need to be changed, but a name change is a
fairly good starting point to get that process rolling.’
about corruption and government failings, connecting posts with the tag #ThisFlag. Mawarire also uploaded a series of other videos with messages about breaking the silence, holding the government accountable and uniting the voices of Zimbabwean people.
in support of the #ThisFlag movement, highlighting some of the key issues they feel need to be addressed in the country. These issues include high unemployment rates, corruption, abuse of the constitution and media censorship. UCT ZimSoc also encouraged all Zimbabweans to wear black tops every Friday in solidarity with #ThisFlag and to bring flags to campus with them. ‘We would like to call upon the government to listen to the cries of its people and to stop trivializing and politicizing the genuine complaints and pains of the nation,’ commented UCT ZimSoc in their statement.
‘inciting public violence’ In response to the situation in Zimbabwe, the UCT Zimbabwean Students’ Society (ZimSoc) released a statement
abuse of the constitution and media censorship Mawarire posted the video on Facebook on April 20, with the comment ‘If I have crossed the line then I believe
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educational process around the meaning of that name The Hall is currently named after Leander Starr Jameson, a doctor and acquaintance of Cecil John Rhodes. Jameson led the notorious Jameson Raid on the Transvaal in 1895, an act that contributed to the eruption of the Boer War. Jameson was involved in the colonisation of ‘Rhodesia,’ where he was the 2nd Administrator for just under two years. He was Chief Magistrate of the British South Africa Company from September 1891 to October 1893 and played a large role in the First Matabele War of 1893. Jameson was elected as the 10th Prime Minister of the Cape Colony in 1904. After Jameson died in 1917, money was collected in his memory. These funds contributed the building of Jameson Hall.
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Editorial
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 4
2016 Collective EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Aisha Abdool Karim editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
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lot has happened over the last few months while we have all been away from campus, but perhaps the biggest news is, in fact, related to the news. Reports of censorship within the SABC and a refusal to cover violent protest action by the network, as well as several SABC journalists being fired, highlight the power of media. To us, as students and ‘the youth’, it may not seem like a very big deal because we’re not the ones watching television regularly. What does it matter if our state broadcaster
isn’t covering protests? We were all using Twitter and other social media anyway so it doesn’t really impact our news consumption. However, SABC is watched by almost 50% of the population who watch TV, and they have 70% of the radio listenership. This means that the SABC has the power to alter how a large portion of the South African population views our country and the events which take place in it. This is especially important with the upcoming local elections, given that media outlets have the power to alter our positions regarding political parties.
protest action and dissent among the population If the SABC opts for a ‘sunshine journalism’ approach in their coverage, the majority of our population will not be exposed to dissent within the country and opposition to political policies.
From Crown Jewels to Booty Calls A
yanda Mabulu has done it once again. The 35-year-old artist who painted the controversial Spear of the Nation artwork in 2012, depicting our president with his crown jewels on public display, has once again shown JZ in a less than favourable position. In his newest artwork, Zuma is portrayed in the cockpit of an aeroplane engaging in a sexual act with Atul Gupta, a member of the infamous Gupta family. In this painted porno, we see our esteemed leader with his tongue out, unmistakably licking a willing Mr Gupta’s exposed behind. The painting, which is on display at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg, is one of two artworks commenting on state capture. According to Mabulu, the intention of his artwork was to ‘expose the naked truth’ about the corrupt state of our country, in a graphic yet (in my opinion) somewhat humorous manner. Yet our hallowed president, who himself is quite privy to humour, didn’t take too kindly to being the butt of this joke. The Zuma clan felt ‘shocked, disturbed, disrespected
and disgusted,’ and are looking into taking legal action against the outspoken artist. Mabulu also stated that the artwork was aimed at the ‘masters who are controlling our president.’ In other words, it is addressing the cosy relationship which Zuma has with the Gupta family. The Guptas (who own Sahara computers and other companies) hold considerable financial power in South Africa and Zupta as they have now been ‘affectionately’ dubbed, have been, on more than one occasion, questioned about their dealings.
the butt of this joke
Of course, this isn’t the first time Zuma has gotten into bed with a powerful businessman. Remember Schabir Schaik…? I’ll leave it there. In his painting, Mabulu depicts the Zupta plane headed on a collision course with another aircraft. The
Vehicles of Change Although it may seem as though this doesn’t affect us, as students, it is never a good option to underestimate the power that the media can have on the mind-set of a country. Many of us have experienced this first-hand over the last year. We have seen how the media has the ability to misrepresent events and sway the public’s opinion of how events transpired. We have witnessed how the choice of a few words can alter perceptions and how the selection of information can falsely depict reality. This may have been why several students, myself included, now distrust mainstream media and instead choose to seek out alternatives. While many of us are able to choose from a wide range of media outlets and be exposed to multiple sides of the story, as well as track first-hand accounts via social media, this is not the case for everyone. There is a large part of the population with limited to no Internet access, as well as lacking a sense of distrust in mainstream media. These people are either not able to be exposed to multiple
media outlets or choose to only trust one outlet, without confirming the information elsewhere.
‘sunshine journalism’
This is where censorship in the media has the ability to stifle change. If we are not exposed to multiple viewpoints and all sides of the story, if we are not able to see both the good and bad sides, we will not be informed enough to know what needs to change. It is through protest action and dissent among the population that we are able to see which areas need improvement. We have seen it on our campus, with the removal of the Rhodes statue and the recent move by the University to insource workers. We are vehicles of change. However, in order for that change to occur, we need to know what needs to be changed.
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plane represents South Africa and the lewd sexual act represents the extent of apathy which Zuma has towards the country’s crisis. If the Nkandla debacle is anything to go by, Zuma is indeed apathetic. But can you blame the man? Because it seems he gets away with everything. He reportedly spends an insane amount of public funds on upgrading his homestead and gets away with paying back a tiny fraction of those funds, and to top it all off, there wasn’t even an admission of guilt on his behalf. But in all honesty, I have very mixed feelings about the painting. I was initially shocked by the painting, which progressed into hysterical laughter when I noticed Gupta’s facial expression (he was enjoying it a little too much) which progressed into a level of deep disgust. Although I think it’s necessary to shock the public once in a while to get them to engage with critical social and political issues; I consider this painting a gratuitous display of sexuality. This is an attack on Zuma’s dignity (well,
whatever’s left) and although he is a public figure, he still has constitutional rights. For both the Guptas and the Zumas, this sort of imagery can be borderline scarring, especially for the younger members of the families who should never have to see their elders in such a compromising position. So although I’m a strong believer in artistic expression, especially the constitutional right to freedom of expression; this is where I draw the line.
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OPINIONS
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 5
View But Where Do You Think You Are? An Adamant Adam Kleinschmidt Opinions Editor
Ayanda Nyathi
G
et your first aid kits ready, a few bruised egos are coming right up! There is something distasteful about empty pride; it is one thing for one to believe that there is something inherently better about oneself and to flaunt this, but it is another to have this attitude founded on shallow perceptions of the self. If it isn’t the president telling displeased citizens ‘not to think like Africans’, it’s prominent socio-political figures like songstress Simphiwe Dana recklessly asking how ‘we benefit from being in solidarity with Africa.’ For many South Africans, shaking off the cultural legacy of Apartheid is still a challenge. This sad reality remains as true now as it was when first spoken about by African author and academic Professor Mahmood Mamandi. Yes folks, South African exceptionalism is a real thing, and it is creating an unnecessary politics of separation, which is against the precepts of decolonisation and is costing us all.
Founded on shallow perceptions of the self Some South Africans are quick to provide Afrophobic arguments
about why anything that is Western is better than anything that is African, and here I am referring to the many South Africans who culturally, politically and psychologically prefer to distinguish and distance themselves from other African nations. These perceptions about blackness, culture and our general sense of self-identity has made South Africa the exception of the continent.
intricately connected to our own wellbeing
(mis)direct their legitimate frustrations about social welfare issues and aim them at innocent fellow African nationals.’ We fail to realise how the wellbeing of all Africans is intricately connected to our own wellbeing. Disappointingly, we even opt to support causes from across the ocean before joining in on the struggles fought on our own backyards. The recent #ZimbabweShutDown movement and the overwhelming amount of apathy it received from ‘woke South Africa’ is a point in question.
standing lonesome at the tip of Africa Even though Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the Kenyan author and theorist, was referring to the whole African continent when he stated that we have chosen to espouse that which we are not, before appreciating that which we are, this statement is truer for South Africans than it is for the rest of the continent. This reality has reinforced the widespread perception amongst other Africans that South Africa is a confused nation, standing lonesome at the tip of Africa as ‘an extension of Europe’. It is from this positionality that our communities become hotbeds of xenophobia and anti-African sentiments. As Frantz Fanon said, ‘South Africans, using their aversion of Africa as a point of departure,
There is a serious need to reflect on how this kind of separation only reinforces the colonial agenda that sought to divide and conquer this continent. Therefore, to echo a point already made in various media and academic discourses, it follows that the full decolonisation project should in part include the reintegration of all to form a diverse yet equal African people. This sometimes requires the ‘holier than thou’ South African to wake up from their delusions, and realise that the self-important perception is costing the entire continent the type of future we all desperately long for.
Community 101 A
s the fledgling future of this nation, our generation has been saddled with more than a few responsibilities. Aside from engaging with the various historical hangovers the preceding generations gave us, we are also expected to make something of our era, much like the ones before us. We are the pioneers of a few short decades, and our time is coming up. This is all very well, but sometimes there is a distinct sense of centralism towards this ideal, specifically looking at how UCT students isolate themselves. Certain ignorance – and, yes, apathy – exists within our little bubble. We feel that we ought not to extend our social webs unless they serve some convenience, be it for business or pleasure. Here, I am looking at how our community shuts itself off and that it is time to change this.
put on your thinking cap
I won’t ignore the fact that UCT played a fundamental role in the RMF and FMF protest actions; we are, after all, one of the major universities in a city where police action was rife during the protests. Any of the plaintiffs who had to sit through court procedure at the Cape Town courts can certainly attest to this. However, it is also an understated fact that these groups are not well considered by our entire community. I will also take into account how our university interacts with others, and within the community as a whole. The waves of Semester Abroad students represents this neatly.
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cut themselves off from their surroundings What I will say, however, is that there is a tendency for students at UCT, despite all the changes, to adopt some kind of hubris when it comes to dealing with other
universities and other microcommunities that are closely linked to the university. This is not universal, but there is a trend where people cut themselves off from their surroundings and become really insular. Sure, student life is hard: we all know that responsibilities like deadlines and extramural commitments are difficult to manage already, but is this really an excuse?
more than a few responsibilities My point is that, essentially, we need to broaden our horizons and look towards broadening our exposure. At the peak of our developmental phase, we need to be speaking to new people and engaging with different spaces. Be it a case of discovering new music, a different way to dress or a novel way to spend a Thursday evening away from Claremont, to meeting and discovering people you never thought you would engage with; breaking your mould will serve to your advantage in more ways than one. How do I know this? Simple: seeing it happen in myself and in others. Being from a variety of micro-communities – employment, UCT media, debating, UCT politics and so forth – I have been exposed to a variety of people from all walks of life. It is inspiring, and certainly great motivation to better myself. There is no excuse for shutting yourself off from the world. Don’t try to defend the odd society meeting you attend, or the one time you helped SHAWCO. No, that is just paying lip service to the multitude of opportunities that UCT and, indeed, the world is offering you. I do concede that there is some hindrance for certain individuals, but despite these obstacles it is still possible – and, indeed, helpful – to find benefit from the outside. So get out there, put on your thinking cap, and truly explore what you have been given by the virtue of being alive and about in 2016.
OPINIONS
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 6
Egalitarian Feminism – Men, We Do Suffer Tanya Magaisa
F
eminism is tricky. Many are so content with the invisible injustice that there’s a negative reaction the moment someone points it out. Some women believe that demanding equality would render them unappealing to the often hyper-masculine heterosexual male. I’m a feminist, and if this makes me unattractive then I’m content dying loveless, because I can’t bear to share my life with someone who will find no injustice in inequality. With this said, I ask you to bear with me as I discuss egalitarian feminism using circumcision in the Xhosa culture and female genital mutilation to show what may make this type of feminism unpopular, even though I consider it meritorious. For when we argue for equality, we mean it for all humanity. Egalitarian feminists are concerned with advancing the interests of both females and males in order to achieve equality between
the sexes. Whether men suffer from sexism, to some, is a moot point. This article does not purport the idea that men do indeed suffer from sexism, but for the sake of argument we will assume that men can and do suffer from sexism.
to be the second sex
Egalitarian feminism can be understood as, in instances where it is applicable, giving equal weight to the suffering of both women and men when advocating for equality between the sexes. The popular criticism against this definition is that women have suffered more, for longer, and have never benefited from sexism. Although there seems to me nothing controversial about this criticism, it does seem at least, prima facie, intuitively unjust to ignore the suffering of one simply on the basis that the other has
suffered more. It is evident that both endure suffering. Circumcision for the Xhosa male is one of many rites of passage into manhood that occur at initiation school, and there are other cultures in the world who may share this tradition, but this is not a passage that all men can relate to. For example, a man of British heritage will not view the presence of foreskin as a hindrance to his status as a man; whereas female genital mutilation has less to do with a rite of passage into womanhood but more with the claim that a man has over a woman’s body. Female genital mutilation is associated with the purity, moral integrity and worthiness of a woman with relation to a man, and these associations are a reality that the majority of women in the world, regardless of culture, background, religion or race, can relate to. Most women, most feminists, know what it means to have their entire humanity linked to their genitals, even in our progressive western democracies where women are at least formally
regarded as equals. Women know what it is to be the second sex.
Advocating for equality between the sexes
In the song ‘Work’ by Rihanna there is a lyric sung by Drake, ‘don’t give that to no-one,’ that every woman understands. While Rihanna asks for mutual respect and understanding, Drake asks that she ensure her vagina remains ‘unused.’ So when feminists fight against female genital mutilation, they fight against not just its physical consequences, but
against the universal concept that men somehow have a claim to a woman’s body. If I am wrong then I am open to correction, but I do not believe that men, when fighting against male circumcision, fight against the universal concept that women somehow relate their lack of foreskin to their manhood. This is not to say that this is the definitive reason that egalitarian feminism seems unfavourable, nor does it mean that egalitarian feminism is unsound, only that maybe we can understand why a woman would prefer to be a partisan feminist — one interested only in the suffering of women — instead of an egalitarian feminist.
Should We Take a Joke?
Walking sunburn
Filipp Stoliarov
A
Christian, a Muslim, a Jew, a Russian, a South African and a chicken enter a bar. The bartender looks up and says, ‘Hang on! What kinda joke is this?’ Cue the drum tap and that, folks, is the crux of most humour. In two lines, a combination of religion, nationalism and alcohol comes together and allows us to laugh, challenge and understand ideas and principles that build the societies and worlds we live in. Humour is so essential and reflective of such vast social, cultural and historical phenomenon that breaking down what defines humour is a daunting task for any number of academics, psychologists and neurologists. Similarly, the poetic and creative value of jokes, and by extension laughter, are so fundamental to the human condition that one might say they have been more powerful than the physical tools of change in societies. So when does humour, language and our perception of its value stop being positive and start being oppressive? Every one of us can relate to a word or joke with racism, sexism or any ‘ism’ attached that made us feel worse after it was spoken. We can't reduce the argument to a question of taste, because that simplifies the fact that social justice and language are intricately linked. By dismissing how far-reaching language’s capabilities are, one undermines the very fabric of communication. Words topple governments, ideas
and self-esteem with equal power, and yet most of us are given free reign to think and speak what we wish in the appropriate circles.
to offend and be offended Subsequently the value of political correctness lies in upholding the aims of social justice. It ensures a dialogue over why certain words and ideas are more harmful than they appear. On the flip side, this becomes hijacked into a social and cultural force that regulates what is thought and said in order to minimise perceived negative fallout. In the latter scenario, we contemplate strangling the very liberty of human existence, expression. Unfortunately, this debate is much like predicting the weather in a months’ time. We might have some ideas now, but ultimately there is no right answer. Political correctness, although for our case it should be rebranded ‘social etiquette’, is equally necessary, as is our responsibility to be offended. Our ability to offend and be offended is what allows us to explore and understand the infinite range of emotions and ideas that define humanity. To censor any branch of thinking is dangerous by its own account. However, on the question of whether we are overly sensitive that we no longer distinguish between social justice and strict censorship, here is my response: yes and no, maybe and who knows.
The complexity of how or what can or cannot offend is both well defined and inherently abstract. Those of us who can laugh at political jokes but draw the line at religious ones fall into the paradox of their own reasoning. Fortunately, and unfortunately, any topic is open season for humour. This will come with offence and trauma, but in the right hands it can equally invoke co-operation, understanding and healing. For all the faults and strengths of social justice, it is essential that we are able to laugh, if not at others, then at ourselves.
Image: Tilak Dutta
OPINIONS
26 July2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 7
Hey, Stranger!
Gabrielle Jacobs
U
Image: Christine Vorster
CT is populated with thousands of faces, some better known than others. Perhaps you get to know them as peers from seminars and tutorials, but what happens beyond the tutorial rooms and lecture theatres? Outside, have your eyes ever met with that girl or guy you squeeze next to in the too-small tutorial room week in and week out, only to be met with living, breathing oblivion? Or worse, some divine fascination as they suddenly look away and admire the detail of centennial architecture as you cross paths on University Avenue? On Facebook I came across an old friend encountering a similar issue and was confused and frustrated. It was a reminder that this social ‘phenomenon’ is not exclusive to UCT and occurs in shopping malls, on a night out and in the shopping aisles at your nearest Pick ‘n Pay. It’s something we’ve been doing for a while. I call this momentary lapse in character and memory ‘casual oblivion,’ and I’m open to exploring the reasons these nonexchanges can be so awkward for the person who is ready to wave or offer up a polite smile. It is
different when someone doesn’t recognise you or is genuinely busy or distracted. I think there is a mutual social understanding around such circumstances and I wouldn’t be offended if I met someone’s eye while they were blowing their nose or, I don’t know, playing Pokémon Go.
‘casual oblivion’
People love to hear stories about random acts of kindness, but what about basic social guidelines for interaction? We also need to decide whether it’s a full-on greeting we want or some small gesture that will affirm the sighting of the other person we are walking past. Generally, your relation to that person will set up the social parameters for your interaction. Of course, it is your prerogative how you choose to conduct yourself in public and with others. What is the value of this practice anyway, and how is it that people can feel slighted by this supposedly nonchalant insult?
It comes down to acknowledgement. Psychologists agree that it is demoralising to feel ignored or rejected, or as though you’re not really there. By responding to the other person, you’re acknowledging that they exist, and that we aren’t all just searching for temperamental Wi-Fi at our respective campuses but share something in the midst of this academic maelstrom. Raise your eyebrows and acknowledge the other person — no awkward stare-offs from across the plaza required! Smile, wave, and say ‘Hey’ with a daring yet casual grace as you cruise by, as if acknowledging someone’s existence is such an affront to your style. After all, what is so cool about being perceived as detached or rude? We don’t need to be besties. I don’t need to invite myself to burger night or that braai at your place, or even tag along with your hipster 2.0 posse at First Thursdays. If the natural course of the day is for us to cross paths, let’s make that meeting a mutually pleasant exchange and then move on with life. It doesn’t cost much in the way of energy to see a person who’s right in front of you.
Maybe We Don’t Care
Aisha Abdool Karim
I
n her speech at the opening of the 2016 International AIDS Conference last week, Charlize Theron said that we have every tool we need in order to beat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She also pinpointed the fact that ‘we don’t want to’ as a possible reason for why we haven’t ended the epidemic yet. As one of the opening speeches, given by a prominent public figure, this set the tone for the opening session and was the takeaway message for a lot of people. However, that is the wrong message to take away when it comes to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. While it is true that we have made huge steps forward in combating the epidemic since it first began, merely endorsing the use of condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not enough. We are continuously working on improving awareness and sexual health education, but these steps alone are not enough. Despite these efforts and interventions there were 2.1 million people who became infected with HIV last year, according to UNAIDS. This may seem like a high number, and it is, but it also shows that the number of new HIV infections has dropped by 6% since
2010. Many of us, as students, are fully aware of how pervasive HIV/ AIDS is within our communities, however we are perhaps not aware of the great strides that have been made. We have gone from a time where getting infected with HIV meant death to a point where AIDSrelated deaths have decreased by 45% since 2005.
we have failed to stop this epidemic We are constantly being inundated with information about how to prevent HIV transmission, but perhaps this is why we have become almost complacent about the risk we are in. There are multiple interventions that exist, many of which are free to access, however these are still failing to be effective on a national, and global, scale. Perhaps then, it is safe to say that even though we are making progress and the science in this field is advancing, as shown by the research presented at the AIDS Conference, there is still more to be done. Biomedical interventions do not happen overnight, scientific studies and trials take years to complete and then even longer before they are implemented. In the scientific
world you don’t just have an idea and then start rolling it out the next day. This is why our progress is so slow in terms of new prevention and treatment options for those who are HIV positive. In addition, it is not fair to assume that ‘we have every tool we need to prevent the spread of HIV.’ We have tools, that much is true. We have ‘condoms, PrEP, PEP, ART, awareness, education,’ as Charlize so kindly listed. But these alone are not enough. These interventions and tools do not work for a reason and it is not simply because we do not want them to work. It is because of the flaws and imbalances that exist within our society. If a women cannot negotiate the use of a condom with her partner, then that intervention is rendered useless. If children are forced to drop out of school because they need to provide for their families, then they have lost their access to education. If we, as a society, continue to perpetuate the idea that people are failing to utilise what is being provided, instead of finding out what interventions are actually needed to suit people’s lifestyles, then we are at fault. The reason we have failed to stop this epidemic is not because we don’t care enough, it is because the nature of the virus and epidemic is complex and constantly changing, thus making it necessary for our interventions and science to constantly fight to keep up.
Should You Go to Your Lectures Today? (A flowchart) the winds, they are a-blowing!
Is it cold?
START HERE
Is your lecture recorded?
Nope
is it an important one?
Yes
Really, how so?
better hide then
Yaaaaaas
it’s snowing
fair enough
What time is it?
you could catch up
I’m trying to be studious
Hot damn, my lecturer is smokin’ You don’t stand a chance
It’s too late now WHat day is it?
Aww hell nah! CLOSE TO 8am
TUesdayTHursday
It’s still dark out, are you Batman?
No
Weekends are too short
STAY INSIDE!
have you ever seen Friends? Yes
it’s been a long week
Nope
Well then, you know what to do! Gasp!
Wow! Yo’re my hero, you deserve a day off!
Thought so, no need to go out in the dark
Prepare for your life to be changed forever!
The views expressed in this centrespread Do not represent of Varsity Newspaper. Please go to class!
You’re a morning person?
Yes
Friday
Monday
By Ashley Seymour
CLOSE TO 12 pm
Max Price has his eye on me
That
FEATURES
26 July2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 10
GOTTA CATCH ‘EM ALL! Daniela Savoia
more social on campus, as strangers huddle together at Pokéstops or share locations of rare Pokémon. The reward system encourages users to walk more, promoting a healthy lifestyle, although some users are complaining how stiff their legs are because they’ve walked so far to get to higher levels. Sometimes you need to travel across the land, searching far and wide to catch them all.
‘
And once you pass Java Junction, go up the stairs and to the right and you’ll see it,’ I overheard as a guy explained, not where she would find Menzies, but rather a Meowth. Between the clumps of students scattered around lures, the cries of ‘It’s an Eevee!’ or ‘not another Zubat’ and the sudden stops and excited reactions to an egg hatching… Pokémon Go has arrived. I always dreamed of the day that Prof Oak would give me my own Pikachu and I’d grab my cap and backpack, say good-bye to Mom in Pallet Town and set off on my adventure to catch ‘em all. Now with Pokémon Go, my dream has come true.
Magikarp squirming pathetically on the ground next to your professor Pokémon Go differs from all previous Pokémon games. In this version, you have to walk around to find Pokémon hiding in your real life surroundings, which you then catch. You can’t trade Pokémon or battle against other trainers (or even duel wild Pokémon before trying to catch them), like in most other versions. The difference with Pokémon Go is that you have to move around a lot to catch Pokémon, meaning trainers actually get exercise! The game is forcing people to get out of the house and explore their surroundings, which is exactly what the creator of Pokémon intended for the game.
Pokémon Go was downloaded more times in one week than Tinder has been downloaded in its four years.
Satoshi Tajiri, a Japanese insect collector and video game designer, began creating Pokémon in the 1990s by trying to combine his childhood hobby of collecting insects with his love for video games. Nintendo’s illustrator, Ken Sugimori drew the original 151 Pokémon himself for the first Pokémon game, released on Game Boy six years later. The famous cartoon series, which greatly increased the game’s popularity, debuted in 1997 and followed the adventures of Ash Ketchum with his loyal Pikachu and the villainous Team Rocket. There have been a number of different Pokémon games and generations of Pokémon created since then, the latest figure sitting at around 718 Pokémon.
Pokémon Go pays homage to Tajiri’s initial idea and the original 151 Pokémon. It uses GPS to track your location and allows you to virtually throw red and white Poké Balls to catch Pokémon just like in Tajiri’s original game. What makes this game even more fun is the Augmented Reality option. This uses your smartphone’s camera and allows Pokémon to appear in your everyday surroundings. Maybe there’s a Weedle in your garden; a Pidgey sitting on your toilet; a Squirtle having a break on Jammie Steps; or a Horsesea getting coffee with you. Perhaps even a Magikarp squirming pathetically on the ground next to your professor as
Image: Sadie Hernandez
they lecture? On Monday, July 11, just a few days after Pokémon Go was released, it was estimated that the app had been downloaded approximately 7.5 million times. It was downloaded more times in one week than Tinder has been downloaded in its four years. Pokémon Go is estimated to be used by 5% of smartphones owners, while Tinder barely scrapes 2%. Looks like most people prefer swiping on these pocket monsters. The nostalgic gaming app is also reportedly helping people with mental health and/or social anxiety issues by encouraging them to spend time outdoors and be more social. Even UCT students have become
BRE-WHAT’S IT?
Much like Instagrammers meet up to take photos, there are now Pokémon meets too. Pokémon trainers are meeting up all over to search for and catch Pokémon together. A Pokémon Go Trainer Hunt is scheduled to take place on July 30 in town, so be sure to check out the event on Facebook. ( h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/1761489407463330/) There are already 1.8k people attending the event, so here’s your chance to meet new people and catch loads of new Pokémon. The event will also be filmed for YouTube, so grab your onesie and your backpack filled with supplies for a successful day of hunting. Pokémon are everywhere now, so if you see a phone pointed your way while walking through campus, there’s probably a Pokémon somewhere near you. Go get it! Do you want to be the very best, like no one ever was?
The Impact of Brexit on South Africa Mikhil Valjee for Invest Soc
O
n June 23 the people of Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU). This vote has had farreaching consequences for the whole of Europe and many other countries, including South Africa. The EU is a group of 28 member states that operates as a cohesive economic and political block. As part of the EU, Britain has to follow certain laws and regulations, but they also have access to favourable trade deals that the EU has negotiated with many countries around the world. Once Britain exits the EU, these trade deals will fall away. When there is a global shock, such as the Brexit vote, investors move to the safest asset, which is the US bond. All the money flowing into the US bond market comes from emerging markets, such as South Africa. This phenomenon
is known as ‘capital flight.’ The JSE All Share index, which represents 99% of the full market capitalization of all eligible equities listed on the Main Board of the JSE, fell as much as 5.4% the day after Brexit, before being quoted down 3.4% just near the close. This was the largest oneday fall for the JSE this year. Around $2 trillion was wiped off global stock markets within two days of the vote. This resulted in many South Africans, along with many other people around the world, losing large sums of money.
undermine South Africa’s credit rating
South Africa is particularly vulnerable to outflows because the country has a large current account deficit. In basic terms, more money
is leaving the country than flowing into it. A large current account deficit coupled with negative economic growth means the country may dive into a recession — defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth, which would adversely affect the unemployment rate. According to Capital Economics, a UK-based research consultancy, ‘economies with large external funding requirements — notably, Turkey and South Africa — could be forced to raise interest rates.’ An increase in interest rates means higher home-loan repayments, car-loan repayments and effects anything related to credit that comes from an interest-bearing account. Another channel through which South Africa could feel the Brexit is slower economic growth. A slower global rate of growth will ultimately hit demand for local exports, growth and jobs. On July 7, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut South Africa’s
growth forecast from 0.6% to 0.1%. Slower growth will also undermine South Africa’s credit rating, which is currently at the bottom of the investment-grade scale. Since Brexit, the Pound has fallen nearly 12% against the Rand. This poses a more direct effect to the South African economy. The UK makes up 4% of South Africa’s current exports. These exports will be seen as more expensive to the UK, due to the depreciation of the Pound against the Rand. The same would apply to UK tourists visiting South Africa, who make up 18% of all tourists.
South Africa is particularly vulnerable to outflows South Africa’s new trade deal with the EU, only signed on June 10, will
Image: George Hodan now also exclude the UK. For South Africa, access to the UK market was an important part of the deal. Once the UK invokes article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which starts the negotiation process for a country to leave the EU, they will have two years to exit the EU. During that time, Britain would continue to abide by EU treaties and laws — although it would not take part in any decision making. However, Britain triggering article 50 may not occur any time soon as the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has stated that article 50 would not be triggered until a ‘UK-approach’ has been agreed upon with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Only once Britain has actually exited the EU will people be able to see the true and long-term impact of the Brexit vote on South Africa. For now, with the Pound at it’s lowest level since 1985, it might not be a bad time to visit the UK.
FEATURES
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 11
Campus Coffee Where to get your fix
Jessica Bothma
W
Behind the Scenes Welcome to working in film, the show where everything’s made up by men and your skills don’t matter. Abigail Branford
B
race yourselves, dear womyn. After all the exams, cramming and sweating for those numbers on your transcript, we find a brand new angst in the workplace. Patriarchy doesn’t change course when we get our first real pay check — in some ways, it’s just the beginning. I’ll use my new industry as an example: Film & TV. It’s a magical place where a Bachelor of Arts degree comes alive. It lets you craft engaging stories and important ideas with sight and sound, not just: Dead. Black and white. Static. Text. But it also comes alive because that static text that described antiwomyn practices in your readings becomes very real, very quickly. For instance, linguists have long shown that men dominate conversations in mixed gendergroups, not only talking more, but also frequently interrupting womyn. In the workplace though, this crucially means that your ideas are stifled; that in every meeting you must fight for space, otherwise the project you’re working on will only reflect the men in the group, their ideas, and their worldview. When you do fight for space, there’s backlash. At a recent gathering of womyn in the Film & TV industry in Cape Town, one participant pointed out how quick colleagues were to call her ‘bossy’, even though she was the director. Not only are womyn policed on how they do things, but also on what they do — specifically which roles they fill. Womyn are more likely to find themselves as producers rather than directors behind the camera, just as womyn are more likely to play supporting roles rather than lead roles in front of the camera. Another participant at the gathering mentioned that she was told: ‘Womyn can produce because it’s like organising a party.’
men will disproportionately hire men
It goes much further than the casual stereotyping and belittling many young womyn have already become accustomed to, as patriarchy in the workplace has detrimental effects on womyn’s careers. Often film is very projectbased and, in that way, quite an insecure career. The creators of each project hire a new crew each time and, left to their own devices, men will disproportionately hire men. Project-based work also means it’s much harder to get medical aid, which is extremely problematic for those with disabilities or pregnancies. Even when womyn are hired for projects, it’s amazing that in 2016 ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ isn’t just a throwback, it’s an ache in our self-esteem because we still aren’t compensated at the same level as the oke at the next desk.
our needs aren’t always on the agenda
This all doesn’t only affect us, the storytellers and artists making these moving pictures. In film, you’re in the belly of the beast of representation: what you do day-to-day is co-ordinate the representation of people. Through these choices, you manage how the viewer feels about those people. These career setbacks and the lack of womyn-driven content on film means we’re more likely to keep thinking womyn are not complex and their stories are not really worth telling. As Nigerian writer Myne Whitman puts it: ‘I want to see a woman who is the protagonist in a Nollywood movie, not because she's a one-dimensional sinner or saint, but who's a rounded woman, who with all her flaws, can still triumph at the end.’ I’m not advocating for a return to the old feminist politics that prioritised the concerns of white, middle class, professional women. Instead, what I’m trying to articulate is that all womyn, in different ways and to different extents, are still getting the short end of the stick in the workplace. Often, our needs aren’t on the agenda in politics of work and our ingenuity is not in the creations of work.
ho has not felt the need to grab a hot cup of coffee while sitting somewhere to savour the warmth and flavour coffee offers? Whether you are the type of student that needs to wake up to a cup of coffee in the morning, or the type that drinks a cup of coffee three times a day — below are some of the best tips for the cheapest, nearest and nicest cafés on campus to get your fix. If you’re near the Food Court, you can grab a cup of instant coffee from Campus Coffee To Go for only R6. This is a great place to get your coffee if you like it hot and fast, as the waiting time isn’t too long. You can ask for your coffee with or without milk, as well as request your preferred amount of sugar. This spot is best if you want your coffee really early in the morning, since the other coffee spots on campus only open at 8am. Campus Coffee To Go can serve you coffee from 6:15am!
If you prefer self-service, then you’d be happy to know there are five coffee vending machines on campus. Although the cafés serve great coffee, the coffee vending machines have three advantages: firstly, they make the cheapest coffee relative to size; secondly, they are typically quickest in doing so; and lastly, they operate 24/7. The coffee vending machines charge you R10 for a large cup and give you an option of nine different flavours. These flavours include americano, cappuccino, caffé latte, hot chocolate, mocha and more.
Bring your own mug or flask You can find them in five locations: the Computer Science Building (situated on the side of the Food Court), NSLT, Menzies, the New Engineering Building and lastly, the Kramer Building on Middle Campus. They’re quick and easy to
use and the best time to grab a coffee is just before the end of a lecture period, before the queues pick up. Prefer to get your coffee from traditional baristas? Then there are two other popular coffee cafés you can visit. In Molly Blackburn, Frigo Café is popular for its delicious cappuccinos and caffé lattes. The staff offer them with a smile and they try their best to be quick. If you go around lunch time, be prepared to stand in a really long queue. You can expect to pay about R16.50 for a short coffee and R20.50 for a tall one, but it’s worth it. Do you often find yourself on the far end of campus? Leslie Social’s Java Junction has a range of coffees to select from, with firm favourites being their cappuccinos, americanos and caffé lattes. The prices are the same as those from Frigo Café in Molly Blackburn so it does not matter which one you go to — the quality and enjoyment is the same. Quencha Café across from Java Junction only offers instant coffee, but it’s great if you want to be quick! The coffee industry is one of the fastest growing industries in South Africa and it’s not hard to see why. Extra tip: if you bring your own mug or flask to these coffee shops, you can save some money and the environment too!
Study journalism in Stellenbosch Apply before 31 August 2016
Join one of the top journalism schools in Africa and become a multi-skilled media professional for the digital age Stellenbosch Journalism offers the BAHons (Journalism) a one year, full-time honours programme that empowers you with all the relevant theoretical and practical skills for a career in the media. For more information, visit www.sun.ac.za/journalism. Stellenbosch Joernalistiek bied die HonsBA (Joernalistiek) ’n jaarlange, voltydse honneursprogram wat jou toerus met al die nodige teoretiese en praktiese vaardighede vir ’n loopbaan in die media. Vir meer inligting, besoek www.sun.ac.za/journalism.
FEATURES
26 July2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 12
A Long Walk to Fashion
The genius and magic that is SA Menswear Week Nicole Arends
R
ight now everyone is buzzing about the Kim Kardashian vs. Taylor Swift drama and Pokémon Go, but during the week of July 6, 2016, all eyes were on SA Menswear Week. The fourth instalment of SA Menswear Week was held at the Cape Town Stadium and debuted the 2016/2017 Spring and Summer collections. The event drew everyone from young fashionistas to creative veterans to see what South Africa’s best designers had to offer. If the FOMO is kicking in at this point, fear not — below are the highlights of the biggest trends sported on the runway. One local designer that undoubtedly grabbed attention was Lukhanyo Mdingi, who teamed up with the Japanese shoe company Onitsuka Tiger to deliver a collection which can best be described as ‘sport-chic.’ Bringing the phrase, ‘teamwork makes the dream work’
to life, the pair delivered a collection of dreamy, soft silks and warm colours, which seemed to seamlessly (excuse the pun) draw inspiration from Japanese structures while still remaining uniquely African. You can bring this collection to life on your own personal runway by pairing sportswear pieces with softer fabrics and flowy pieces. It’s time to dust that martial arts piece off and get some major fashion #gains. Another designer that has everyone talking is Neo Serati, who has long been known to push boundaries. To quote Serati himself: ‘In our ever increasingly interconnected world, the binaries that delineate gender, age and race are being eroded and erased leaving space for new expressions and experiences of identities.’ He creates this space through androgynous looks and draws from feminine lines and cuts. His line showed splashes of metallic, along with exaggerated sleeves and flared lines. If you’re all about challenging fashion norms,
Image: Douglas Scott
you can take a page out of his look-book and flip the norms of gendered fashion. Guys can opt for traditionally soft ‘feminine’ cuts while ladies can play with structured suits and menswear looks to replicate this designer’s vision. Of course, metallic is all the rage — the flashier the better. Moving from flowy fabrics to structured suits, the next spotlight shines on Cape Town designer, Ruald Rheeder. If his name sounds familiar, it may be that you’ve seen his ever-popular collections donning the shelves of the fashion retail store, YDE. For the SS17 edition of SA Menswear Week, he brought new meaning to tailored perfection, with classic and timeless pieces that channelled Jay Gatsby, without the ostentatious gaudiness. For this collection he stuck with neutral tones of brown and white completely, proving that you don’t always have to wear bright colours to avoid being boring. Steal this style by keeping your wardrobe palette in shades of brown and white, perfect for a formal occasion or everyday wear. Accessories can do a lot for this look — waistcoats, tops hats, trench coats, and vintage glasses can all keep you looking grand this season. Edition 4 of SA Menswear Week proved, once again, that we have incredible talent on our shores that can stand tall on platforms all over the world. These are but a few of the countless amazing designers who shone in creative excellence, tripled by the fact they didn’t try to duplicate, but kept things uniquely African and South African. As diverse as these collections are, there is one recurring narrative: authenticity is the most attractive garment you can ever wear.
Your Budgeting Flight Plan How to save your way across the world.
Megon Venter
P
eople say the best time to travel is in your youth, while you still have the energy to explore and enjoy all the world has to offer. But what is often left out of this idyllic idea is that in order to travel, you need to have the funds. If you use the resources and advice compiled for you here, you will see it is possible to go places and truly make the most of your adventures without spending all of your hard-earned money. Destinations Many countries on the tourism radar get overrun during their summer months, which also gives them an excuse to overcharge on everything. A smart option would be to research places that are a bit out of the way and that are more accessible in terms of the exchange rate. Some examples are Indonesia, Vietnam or Morocco. Flights The first aspect of travelling is booking a flight. The cost of this may have already shocked you from the travel agency window, but this is where you win as a student. Visiting STA Travel, Cheapflights.
com or Student Flights will help you find deals that correlate with your vacation times and price range. Accommodation A popular option nowadays is an online company called Airbnb. This site allows you to rent a shared space, a private room or an entire place. The cost of this is substantially less than a night at a hotel and can be nicer in terms of assimilating with local culture. Something similar to this is couch-surfing, which relies on the kindness of strangers to lend you their couch (or spare room) for the night. Otherwise, a hostel is also a sound option. Many people cringe at the thought of dirty, overcrowded spaces, but in many countries you will find that this is not the case. Hostels like Wombats in Europe, for example, are almost exactly like hotels. There are rooms of two to eight people sharing, there is clean linen and an en-suite bathroom. Spending Money Once everything is booked and paid for, you may think you’re out of the woods with costs, but sadly the cost of living is very high in some holiday destinations, such as New Zealand or Europe.
Most of your money will go towards food. Find out how much the average meal costs in that particular country and budget for the total number of meal times on your trip. If there is a breakfast buffet, take some fruit with you for your backpack. Instead of eating out for every meal, rather buy some food from the supermarket for half the price and enjoy it whilst you’re out sight-seeing. Small things like take-away coffee don’t seem like a big deal at first, but it all adds up.
Afro blues? Thando Ndita
Hair care tips for growing out your ‘fro.
For those of us with gravity-defying hair, finding a hair care regimen that works can be an arduous and downright frustrating project. Because hair care tips in mainstream media are mostly geared towards straighter hair textures, sourcing information for afro hair invariably involves sorting through a horde of information from ‘natural hair’ blogs or simply relying on hearsay. The trouble with this is that if you are not wellacquainted with terms such as ‘pre-poo’, ‘co-wash’, ‘wash-n- go’s’ and ‘TWA’s’, reading blogs can feel like studying a completely foreign language. Also, given the wide variations within afro-textured hair, particularly when one uses the famous Andre Walker hair typing system, simply adopting someone else’s regimen can be problematic because what works on their hair may not work on yours. Therefore, I have compiled a DO’s and DON’T’s list to help you get your ‘fro to unimaginable heights. DO moisturise. All day, every day. Seriously. This is the cardinal rule for effective maintenance of afros. Given the extreme coils of type 4 hair, the hair’s natural oils don’t travel as easily down the hair shaft, thus leaving the strands vulnerable to breakage.An effective way of keeping your hair moisturised is via the LOC method: L = liquid. I personally just use water but it can be any leave-in- conditioner. When deciding, however, take care to pick one that has water (‘Aqua’) listed as its first ingredient. O = oil. The oil helps to seal in the moisture of the liquid so it doesn’t evaporate. Take note that oils do not actually moisturise your hair, so skipping the first step will lead to greasy but dry hair. C = Cream. Adding a moisturising cream acts as a second sealant for maximum moisture retention. This step may not be necessary if your hair is thin since adding the cream may lead to product build-up which can leave your hair feeling limp. DO eat a healthy and balanced diet. Simply put, what goes into your body will affect the overall health of your hair. DO Co-wash at least once a week. Co-washing just means washing your hair with conditioner as opposed to traditional shampoos, which are often imbued with moisture-stripping sulphates. Also, when choosing products, remember to focus on INGREDIENTS rather than brand. Guys, you are not limited to ‘Dark and Lovely’ products. Experiment and find
what works for your hair. That being said… DON’T be a product junkie. Not only is this expensive, but it can also compromise the overall health of your hair. DO protective styling. If your hair has any chance of getting from a TWA (teeny weeny afro) to a Jackson-5- worthy length, protective styling, which simply means wearing styles in which the ends of your hair are tucked away, should form a large part of your hair care routine. Braids, buns, and twists are all examples of this. Protective styling also means manipulating your hair as infrequently as possible. Dreadlocks, the ultimate protective style, are a testament to the lengths afro hair can reach when treated the way in needs to be treated. Basically, LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE. DO limit your use of direct heat. Because afro hair can ‘shrink’ by up to 80%, thereby hiding its full length, it is incredibly tempting to heat straighten it in order to showcase this length. I also understand the desire to have hair that ‘blows in the wind’ so to speak, but remember that heat damage is a real thing. So whatever you do, please prioritise the health of your hair over any aesthetic factors. If you absolutely want to use heat, however, always apply a heat protectant to freshly deep-conditioned hair. DO trim your hair on a regular basis. There is no point in holding on to split ends because they will eventually lead to more breakage later on. DO find a hair sibling on YouTube or some other social media platform. Not only will finding someone with a similar texture inspire you, it will also be a hugely educational experience. And for the most important tip… DO be gentle with your hair. If you do not do this, it won’t matter how much you moisturise or protective style. IF IT HURTS WHEN YOU ARE HANDLING YOUR HAIR, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG. Afro hair is extremely fragile and prone to breakage, so handling it roughly is a guarantee that you will not retain any length. Use wide-tooth combs, or even better, eschew combs completely and simply finger detangle (I understand that this is too radical for most people). It helps to section your hair when washing it so it doesn’t tangle and lead to breakage later on. Also, always comb slowly from the tips and down to the roots. Lastly, do not under any circumstances ever trust anyone who wants to run their fingers through your hair. It is just too painful and potentially damaging to ever be romantic.
Research places that are a bit out of the way Make a list of free attractions before you go to avoid being surprised by expensive museum entrance fees. Souvenirs seem like a good idea at the time, but buying something that is specific to the local culture (such as lavender oil from Croatia) is more special. Once your budget is taken care of, you can enjoy all the wonders of travelling with one less worry. Just remember to do your research!
wikicommons/Avery Scott
FEATURES
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 13
The Peripheral
A short story exploring depression and mental illness.
Trigger warning: Depression, self-harm
Kirsty Macnab
S
cratches. Cut. Fat. Unloved. No hair. Runaway. Die. These are the knives that itch and scratch at the surface of her skin. Each scratch digs deeper and deeper, until it is no longer just a surface cut but rather a bloody gash that infects her body every day. I look at these dark and dangerous words, all written on brightly coloured cardboard, that have haphazardly been stuck on the walls of her bedroom.
Each scratch digs deeper and deeper
I cannot stare at her for long, as I feel she will disintegrate before my eyes. She is a mere shadow of her former self. Instead, I turn my head and look outside. It’s spring, and the leaves have new hope as they stretch towards the ever unreachable sun,
begging for a morsel of sustenance. I pull myself back into the dungeon of her darkest thoughts and my eyes fall on the red cardboard disrupted with the words: no hope. She places yet another over-sized, baggy item of clothing and a pair of white socks in her bag. This same time tomorrow, we are taking her to the psychiatric clinic in Kenilworth. Her psychologist told me yesterday that she cannot be trusted not to hurt herself. She has internalised the words written on the colourful pieces of cardboard that surround me. Until now, she has shown no evidence of this mayhem. The only energy she has left is used to put up a façade, so people may not climb the walls of her soul and see into the dark and twisted furrows below. Just outside her dungeon of thoughts is a beautiful, reckless and lovely life, but her peripheral vision has been blurred and narrowed. I thought she had surrendered to the war that she was fighting in her head by agreeing to go to the clinic. But now, as she mechanically packs her clothes, I see
that it is not surrendering but rather giving in.
Peripheral vision has been blurred and narrowed We sign ourselves in and step into the cramped garden outside an old Victorian house. Her parents and I surround her as if we are trying to shield her fragile body from any further harm. As we walk through the doors of the aged Victorian home, the clinical nature overwhelms the character the house has. It is a cold and heartless clinic with duck egg blue walls and the smell of freshly scrubbed floors. A mechanical chill seeps into our bodies and all our eyes meet as her mom encouragingly says: ‘This place is just lovely.’ Directly in front of us, a foreboding force imposes on the space of the reception — a staircase. Her eyes stare at the first step. She can no longer contain the emotion
swirling around inside her head and I see, in her eyes, a tremor of fear. The tick tock of the clock echoes our footsteps into the coffee shop. I imagine the sound of the clock to echo that of her heartbeat. But I then remember that her heart cannot possibly beat that steadily, with the lack of food and suicidal thoughts. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that her heartbeat resembles the train that runs past the clinic and rumbles along the tracks. All is still, until the thundering force of the train flies past and disrupts the quiet with the bah bah, bah bah, bah bah of the wheels trampling the tracks — her heart fighting for life. Without her peripheral vision, all she sees are the knives and the brightly coloured pieces of cardboard that hinder her everyday: pain, no food, depression. As we sit, I see in her eyes, as I saw earlier that she cannot keep her mask on anymore. Her eyes are fixated on the stairs. Stairs are supposed to be a symbol of progression towards a higher place, but for her, the stairs are a symbol of a lonely, never-ending journey
towards the unknown. She must take the first few steps towards the unknown, alone. A chirpy nurse comes in and says it is time for our goodbyes. Feeling a bit flustered, I stand up and give her my hot water bottle. It is a trivial token but as I give it to her I say: ‘Keep it. When you no longer need something external to make you feel warm inside then you can give it back to me.’ Tears stream down her gaunt cheeks and she collapses into my embrace, her fingertips grinding into my back. I hear the distant rattle of the train trampling the tracks: bah bah, bah bah, bah bah.
I feel she will disintegrate before my eyes We watch her tentatively step up the imposing stairs. When we next come back to visit, we will be coming back to visit a patient. It will not be her.
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 14
GREETINGS
from the bench Catherine Fulton
G
reetings from the bench, or rather, from behind a desk. I don’t know about you all, but I already feel like I need another holiday. It’s safe to say that John Snow was right about winter, and now that it’s so cold, our beds seem to beckon us more than ever before. So I would like to dedicate this little column to helping those that are in for a bit of training (or who just need help getting out of bed these days). Here are a few tips I learnt myself when trying to train during the chilly season: If you have to wake up early, but the cold is making it harder than usual, put your alarm out of reach so that you physically have to get up to turn it off. Once you have done that, put your change of clothes into your bed immediately and put the covers over them to warm them up slightly before you change. Another game-changer for me is to dress warmly, but not too warmly, when exercising (as dressing up in too many layers can cause dehydration and dizziness if you heat up too fast). Lastly, set your gym clothes or bag out the night before, and make sure it is in sight from your bed so that when you wake up, you are more tempted to go, as it is all set and ready waiting for you (or the sheer guilt of it staring at you will help). So there you have it — a few tips on how to stay motivated this winter. So long, and happy reading!
SPORT
UCT Inter-Res Sports Festival 2016 Tulisa Kopele Inter-residence Sports council Chairperson 2016
M
any of us will have some memory attached to a sports-related event — whether it involves us personally, like hearing the sound of your own heartbeat, while waiting for the gunshot signalling the beginning of a race; or the spirit of teamwork, where you rejoice with your mates after scoring an all important goal; or mourn the devastation of losing with them, after a match where you poured your blood, sweat and tears onto the field. Sport has the amazing ability to evoke intense emotions, while at the same time teaching great life lessons - in mere minutes - that can lead to unwavering personal growth.
a family with our team
Bearing all of this in mind, together with the intention to forage new partnerships between the residences at UCT, an idea was born to bring all of UCT’s residences together in a weekend-long battle of different sports, in order to crown one
residence the victor of the new Inter-Residence Shield… The idea: This is not a completely new venture to the UCT residence community — but the Residence Sports Council of 2016 (which is comprised of the sports and recreation representatives from all the 1st and 2nd tier Residence House Committees at UCT: 19 residences therefore 19 members in total) thought it was time to bring it back. The Inter-Residence Sports Festival was once an annual part of residence life, and took place for many years. It was one which the students looked forward to and enjoyed, as it afforded a platform where rivalries were put to rest, battles won and some lost — all in the spirit of true sportsmanship. Unfortunately, this ethos was forgotten somewhere along the line. But, recognising the capacity for sport to transcend barriers, and the capability of such an event to bring students together within the residence (and the university), it is the hope of the 2016 InterResidence Sports Council to sow this seed once again. The goals: To revive the annual InterResidence Sports Festival To increase residence involvement in events, by including a warden team and by encouraging spectator involvement To build a strong partnership between the residents of each res,
and decreasing student apathy To form long-standing relationships between the different residences To build a working and lasting relationship between the Department of Student Housing and Residence Life, UCT Sports Administration
a weekend long battle
and the UCT residences To create a platform for social development by affording an opportunity to external parties and businesses (through the festival) to interact with students via donations, advertising and sponsorship The Inter-Residence Sporting Festival is an opportunity for the lives of individuals in the residences to be enriched. It offers a massive opportunity to strengthen relationships both within each residence and between the residences. If ever there was an event that could offer multiple advantages at the personal, residential and UCT community level, it would have to be this one. ‘People do not only play sport because it is fun, sometimes we hate it, but we cannot imagine our lives without it. It is part of who we are, as both lovers and haters of the
Image: Tulisa Kopele
relationship. We live for it. We live for the practices, parties, cheers, long bus rides, friendly faces, countless pairs of shoes, the water, energy drinks and the coaches — we sometimes hate but appreciate. We live for the way it feels when we beat another team and knowing those two extra sprints we ran during practice were worth it. We live for the way we become a family with our team, the countless songs we sing in our heads while training all those hours. We live for competition, for the friends, practices, the memories, the pain- it is who we are!’
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Anne Fulton
F
ancy a form of yoga that happens while you’re in a silk hammock being suspended off the ground? It is amazing what people can think of nowadays. Aerial Yoga, or AntiGravity yoga, is a new kind of aerial workout invented by Christopher Harrison, a former gymnast and choreographer. Although it originated in the United States, it is now spreading across the world like wildfire — which means, yes, there is one in Cape Town!
Image: Serrano AG Antigravity Yoga is becoming popular for its unique way of destressing while offering a total body workout! It is also widely known for relieving back pain by decompression. It must be hard to picture such an exercise, but it is really quite simple. An aerial hammock is suspended from two points, creating a ‘U’ shape. It is designed to carry your body weight so you can lean on it, rest in it and swing in it. With the reinforcement of steel links, carabiners and adjustment ropes, you can fly without the fear of falling.
Now that sounds like something new to try. But what to wear? You should wear form-fitting clothes (like general yoga or fitness clothes) that cover your underarms and knees, as they may chafe without proper protection! Leggings should do the trick, and no shoes are needed. Anything that can snag on the hammock should be removed (like jewellery, belts, buttons, etc). Instead of your usual ‘downward dog’ poses, this new form of yoga comes with new poses. One would have to learn poses like the ‘aerial
lunge,’ the ‘aerial half-boat pose,’ the ‘reclining angle pose’ and even the ‘aerial one-legged king pidgeon pose.’ Classes cater for everyone from beginners — with easy poses — to experienced, with more difficult poses that may require more strength and flexibility. Imagine it as a trapeze with a lot of support! You will probably end up trying some things that you never thought you could — knowing that the hammock will be there to hold you! You are also much closer to the ground than if you were on a trapeze (phew!).
Aerial Yoga not only tones your muscle, but also improves flexibility, strength, balance, digestion and memory. It is also very psychologically beneficial, with most participants leaving after their first lesson feeling refreshed and ready for more. There is no excuse not to try it! Go forth and stretch your mind and body. Aerial yoga is for anyone and everyone, and South Africa has its own Aerial Yoga studio and website: http://aerialyoga.co.za/contactaerial-yoga
SPORT SPORT BITES
Transforming Sport
Catherine Fulton
Donnovan Paine
Demba Ba suffered from potential career-ending injury
T
Former Premier League striker, Demba Ba, has suffered a broken leg while playing in the Chinese Super League. The 31-year-old stumbled during a challenge with an opponent, his left leg collapsing as he fell down. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 17 while playing for Shanghai Shenhua in the derby against Shanghai SIPG.
Yasir Shah rises to the top of the Test bowling rankings The 30-year-old player from Pakistan, Yasir Shah, has climbed his way up the ranks following a 10-wicket haul in the first cricket Test against England. Shah, who overtook England’s James Anderson, has become the first leg-spinner to head the rankings since Australia’s Shane Warne in 2005. Shah is also the first bowler from Pakistan to top the ladder since previous legspinner Mushtag Ahmed in 1996. He has taken more wickets (86) in his first 13 matches than anyone else in history — an admirable entrance to Test cricket.
Kyle Edmund takes Great Britain into the Davis Cup semi-finals On July 17, Edmund won 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-5) to give Britain, who were without their tennis hero Andy Murray, an unassailable 3-1 lead. Edmund, making only his second Davis Cup appearance, achieved victory over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in Belgrade, leading Britain into the Davis Cup semi-finals. Britain aims to defend their title won in Belgium last year, and is to play Argentina at home in September. After Murray chose to sit out the tie following his Wimbledon win, 21-year-old Edmund was playing as Britain’s top-ranked singles player, marking the first time Britain won a World Group match in the Davis Cup without their number one player.
Managing director of Oxford City Football Club found dead at the team’s ground. Discovered by a member of the public on Sunday morning, July 17, the body of Colin Taylor was discovered at about 09:20am at the Marsh Lane site in Marston in England. The Thames Valley Police claimed that his death was not thought to be suspicious, and the coroner was to receive a file shortly. Among those at the scene, a police spokeswoman stated: ‘At this stage there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.’ A player from the National League South team, Scott Davies, said he was in ‘absolute shock,’ even though he had only known Taylor for a short period of time. All bites sourced from: Sports24
he need for transformation has given rise to multiple movements here at UCT. Among other things, these movements deal with gender, racial and social issues, as well as with the institution in itself. Transformation is essential to the growth and development of any institution, and UCT is definitely no exception — and neither is its sports department. UCT has a large variety of sports clubs to choose from (as everyone learns during plaza week), catering to a variety of preferences. However, the sports options at UCT, while being very expansive and sporting a large number of club members, aren’t necessarily all inclusive, as there are still unbalanced gender distributions within some sports, and unequal sports opportunities for differently abled people. However, projects and exhibitions have been proposed to not only address some of these issues, but to also utilise the skills developed in sport societies to empower individuals across campus. One such initiative is the ‘goal ball’ workshop that took place last semester. Goal ball is a game wherein participants try to get a ball covered in bells into the opponent’s nets… with the catch being that the entirety of both teams are blindfolded. Therefore, participants have to navigate the courts by the sound of the ball alone. This is an example of an extremely fun and competitive sport, which is inclusive of visually impaired people at the same time. A wheelchair rugby workshop recently commenced at UCT as well. Wheelchair rugby consists of two teams, seated in wheel chairs, with
the goal being to carry a ball over each other’s goal line to score a point. The game is played on a court with a hard surface, with four players per team on the court at a time. Now, while these workshops do allow students and other individuals to take note of more inclusive sports, having a broader range of such sports may give them a greater popularity because there is more choice. However, more marketing of the existing events could also result in a greater awareness and spectatorship. This year, the SRC contacted the various UCT martial arts clubs to set up self-defense classes as a response to the rape and assault crisis that happened at the beginning of this year. This further illustrates that skills learned in sports societies can be beneficial in real-life situations. If this is the case, then the sports events at UCT should be better publicised to the student populace. There have already been some initiatives and programs set in place for that — currently, if one looks around campus on notice boards and the like, posters with pictures of sportsmen can be seen. On them there are paragraphs reading what sports means to them. This ties in to a competition that is coming up, called the ‘What Sport Means to Me Competition,’ with more details to be released soon. It is clear that there are many initiatives that have started in the name of transformation in UCT sport. However, there is still a long way to go before the campus can be said to have a completely inclusive sports society. Even though UCT is primarily an academic institution, the benefits of sports cannot be over-emphasised!
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7 | Page 15 ATTENTION UCT STUDENTS:
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Fitness Fanatics: Roll it! Catherine Fulton
I
t’s one of those days. You twist around in your chair and already you can feel your back twinge from that heavy workout. Your friend or significant other isn’t around, and you desperately need a massage. Or, you might find that you’re feeling like you’ve (literally) hit rock bottom, because your butt muscles are cramping so much from climbing those endless Jammie stairs that you would rather not have your friend massage you. So how do you ease those muscles yourself? Well, that is where the foam roller comes in!
improves oxygen delivery As your personal masseuse, the foam roller is a compact, cylindrical piece of foam used for easing tight muscles and reducing strain. A device used for ‘self-myofascial’ release, it is essentially the equivalent of a handson deep tissue therapy, without the
need of a physiotherapist! Not only does it help ease your muscles, but it can also be used as an exercise tool for warm-ups, cool-downs, and muscle lengthening and strengthening. Fitness model and coach Kayla Itsines uses the foam roller to reduce mild muscle tension, but also found that it was one of the most effective tools in aiding flexibility - especially for people who struggle with suppleness. Kayla describes a number of ways in which the foam-roller can be of benefit: 1) The increased blood flow to your muscles caused by foam rolling improves oxygen delivery, and therefore speeds up postworkout recovery. This is especially helpful when you are feeling tired or stressed, as the increased blood flow will leave you feeling refreshed and awake. 2) You are in control, and can, therefore, determine how much pressure to apply to the relevant area. This means that you can focus on areas that you feel need extra attention (which is perfect for dealing with those nasty knots). 3) Foam rolling also lengthens your muscles in helping them to stretch, which can increase your
Image: Roger Mommaerts range of motion. This in turn helps you to get more out of your workout! Stiff muscles can inhibit joint movement, so this benefit is a huge plus for people who battle with stiffness. 4) It can help reduce the appearance of cellulite(!) as the increased blood flow can help with the removal of toxins from the muscles. 5) In the long run, it prevents injury, as it speeds up recovery while allowing for better movement — which equals to more training time! Overall, it will even speed up your
gym progress and your results will come quicker. Foam rollers come in a variety of types, with some designed for massage and others specifically for exercises, such as core training and balance. For example, half-round foam rollers are good for those who battle with core strength or balance. Furthermore, they often come in different sizes and vary in firmness and texture — so there is something for everyone out there. I can personally vouch for one of these as I have recently purchased one, and I must say; I am on a roll!
Did you know? Skateboarding originated in California, as the waves were too weak for surfing — so people created a surfboard with wheels The first commercial skateboard — the ‘Roller Derby’ — was manufactured in 1959, and its wheels were made of clay Florida bought the first outdoor skate-park in 1976 Skateboarding is predominantly portrayed as a male-dominated sport. The first female professional skateboarder in history was Patti McGee Alan Gelfand invented the ‘Ollie’ (a famous skateboarding trick) and is even credited for its invention in the Oxford English Dictionary. The highest ‘Ollie’ that has ever been recorded was 45 inches high! (114.3 cm)
SPORT
Rise and Grind!
26 July 2016 | V75 E 7
Shelby Labuschagne
Y
ou’re probably wondering where this article is headed, given its title. So I’ll tell you right off the bat - ‘rise and grind’ refers to one of many skateboarding tricks; wherein a skater slides along an object just narrow enough to fit in between the wheels of the board (which are also known as the trucks). Skateboarding, which originated in the late 1940s to early 1950s, can be performed solo or as part of a team. The main purpose of skateboarding is for entertainment (or for some lucky people, it’s a form of employment), but for some — as is often seen on upper campus — it is a healthy, both for themselves and the environment, mode of transportation!
Top African skaters to flourish on global platform In South Africa, skateboarding has recently risen significantly in popularity, with the Kimberly Diamond Cup being founded in 2015. It has been running for less than a year, but already has gained much attention in holding The African Street Skateboarding Championships (ASSC), an initiative
Fixtures Saturday 30 July
Supersport 1 (channel 201) 15:30 - 16:00 Vodacom Super Rugby H\L SF2 16:00 - 19:30 Vodacom Super Rugby SF2 Supersport 4 (channel 204) 23:30-01:30 Football The Carling Black Label Cup Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates Sunday 31 July Supersport 2 (channel 202) 16:15 - 16:45 WI Cricket - Test Series H\L West Indies v India 2nd Test Day 1 16:45 - 01:30 WI Cricket – (live) Test Series West Indies v India 2nd Test Day 2 Supersport 5 (Channel 205) 17:30 - 19:30 F1: German GP Main Race 19:30 - 23:30 (live) NASCAR Sprint Cup Pennsylvania 400
Image: Adam J.W.C that was sanctioned by the World Skateboarding Grand Prix. The reason the ASSC was developed was to increase the standard of skating on the African Continent, and it has allowed the top African skaters (on the continent and the outlying islands) to flourish on a global platform – an opportunity that wasn’t previously available to them. The skaters compete for various cash prizes, as well as for the grand title of ‘African Skateboarding Champion’. If you thought that the Kimberley Diamond Cup wasn’t giving back,
think again. In 2011, they started Skateboards For Hope (SFH), a community outreach initiative, which hosts youth outreach events all through the winter. The SFH initiative comprises of positive messages given at various skateboarding clinics, along with giveaways and a skateboarding contest. The contest gives the winner an entry into the TopGrom Championships, and to the South African Street Championships at the Kimberley Diamond Cup. The skateboard has paved the way for many other boards that have come
after it, such as the boosted board and the J board. For those who are not keeping up with the latest (and greatest) inventions, the boosted board is an electric skateboard with a motor that can propel the rider at various speeds, whil the J board is a board with two sections — with a wheel on each — that are joined by a cylinder. The J board is propelled forward by ‘wobbling’ the back half of the board. So there you have it — the skateboard is on the rise, so look out for the next Kimberley Cup coming up this Spring!
A True UCT Legend and a rising club to back him Brandon Tattam
A
fter making his debut for the UCT Cricket Club in 2011, Tendai Chitongo has been a committed and extremely focused cricket player for the UCT 1st Team over the five years he has been with us. Through all his hard work and dedication, he has finally been awarded the privileged opportunity to experience cricket in a different culture. He has performed consistently for the club week in and week out in the Cape Town 2nd and 1st division league. The UCT Cricket Club would like to congratulate Chitongo on his selection and confirmed contact, for the upcoming winter season, with the Hermes Cricket Club in the Netherlands. Chitongo has accomplished
packed with action and good times some unbelievable bowling figures, taking an 8 fer in his last season. Furthermore, he is the second highest wicket taker for the club overall. Even with the bat in hand, he
doesn’t seem to escape the spotlight. He has scored many runs for 1st side and displayed his talent through some rather inspiring performances. He is an extremely talented player who will flourish in the years to come no matter where he lands. Chitongo is without a doubt one of the most valuable players in the 1st team and we are honoured and proud to see him progress. This is a huge opportunity for him and we, as the cricket club and students, wish him all the best on his journey. Keep up the hard work, Teddy. While we anxiously await the return of Chitongo to South Africa full of new wisdom to add to the setup, the first and second sides are beginning their preparations for the upcoming season. First team captain and Cobras amateur player Taariq Chiecktey will look to lead his side to the top this year in both the Western Province league, as well as in the USSA and Varsity Cup tournaments. With a team consisting of a good balance of experience and first-year talent, it is set up to be another UCT success to add to our rich cricketing history. On a more social front, the newly formed UCT 4th side is hopefully going to look to spend as many hours on the field as they will in the clubhouse this season. This is
a brand new team which mainly consists of guys looking to enjoy the social aspect of the game, as well as still play the shorter 35 over format.
committed and extremely focused Still on a social front, the cricket club is awaiting its annual 6’s tournament, which takes place at the Hockey Astro on September 18, which always promises loads of entertainment and a throbbing headache. We also eagerly await the return of the UCT 10’s internal league which is definitely going to bring some action to the UCT Oval and Clubhouse nightlife — while giving people with a hectic schedule the chance to have a couple of overs after a long day of lectures. The second semester promises to be one packed with action and good times at the Cricket Club and we are excited to see all our players both succeed and enjoy the game they play. For any information regarding the club please feel free to contact us on either of the following numbers: Don Paterson — 072 519 3834 Dean Fahn — 072 707 7226