2018 Edition 5 by VARSITY

15 May 2018 | Volume 77 | Edition 5

fter three years of Fees Must Fall protests beginning in 2015, over a dozen student activists currently attending trial and facing new charges are calling for the decriminalisation of protest activities. In 2016 the University established the Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC), tasked with “[mapping] an inclusive and fair course for the university as it tackles the legacy of the so-called Shackville protests and to focus on the issues that have caused division on our university campus,” per the University website. However, some students still feel that the independent commission is not doing enough. “The point of the IRTC is to clear all these tensions, to give amnesty to students with pending charges, to get rid of all these issues. “The point of the IRTC is to clear all these tensions, to give amnesty to students with pending charges, to get rid of all these issues. But there’s new charges coming up. So how do we explain that we have an Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission whilst we’re still charging students for things?” Seipati Tshabalala, former SRC President and prominent student activist with an ongoing case, asks. Activist and Honours student Masixole Mlandu echoes her sentiment. “It’s very confusing because on the other side, internally in the University we are having restorative talks. But yet the very same University continues to prosecute us outside of the University”, he

says. “There’s no way these charges are not brought by the University, they are brought by the University… You want us to forgive each other but you have a gun on our head,” he adds. Here, Mlandu is critiquing an important distinction to the University. On the 30th of October 2017, the Western Cape High Court granted UCT an interim interdict, forbidding any and all unlawful protest action as a response to disruptions earlier in the semester. Though students that contravene the interdict face criminal charges, the University’s Media Liaison Elijah Moholola says UCT has no jurisdiction over “independent legal proceedings instituted and overseen by the judiciary.” As such he provided no further comment. The legality of protests then is fairly black and white, but the ethics of effectively criminalising the Fees Must Fall movement remain grey. For instance, some students that participated in protests after the interdict was implemented were only recently informed that they would be facing criminal charges. For third-year Commerce student Malusi Ngidi, the news came just before a job interview in late March. “I get to the interview, I greet, they bring me back with small talk, and they say, ‘Wow, you’re such a happy person!’ Then I take out my phone to switch it off so it doesn’t disturb me. I then see the message. It’s a screenshot sent to me by friends that the police are looking for these people. And then I see my name. And I see that it’s violation of the court interdict and whatnot and we should go to court on Monday. And at that moment the mood changed,” he recalls. Ngidi’s

Decriminalising FeesMustFall

By Briana Trujillo

Some student activists might be graduating with both criminal records and UCT degrees after violating the interim interdict during protests in 2017.

case was eventually dropped. He and the four other students charged in his case complain that dealing with the charges takes a toll on their academics.

The legality of protests then is fairly black and white, but the ethics of effectively criminalising the Fees Must Fall movement remain gray. “I was writing exams, having submissions during the time so, my last three weeks were just a horrific experience around the institution because I was just a fugitive,” Khayalethu Maneli says, a second year studying Politics, Philosophy, and Sociology. Some of the protesting students tell similar stories. Tshabalala says that this academic year, she’s been to court twelve times, over a 2017 protest for violating the interdict and malicious damage to property. “It’s very disruptive of my academics. Sometimes I have to go to court twice, three

times a week, for consultation with my lawyer, and then you know, proceedings. And the saddest thing is court doesn’t even start on time. So they’ll say be there at 8:30, we’ll start at 10am, and we’ll just be chilling there, and you know, you have to explain to your tutor,” she says. Lufuno Musetsho, Director of Musetsho & Associated Attorneys is currently representing several students in court. He says, “We cannot fault the University for charging the students, if there is criminal activities going on. But they need to be reasonable in doing these things, because they don’t have to pursue petty cases. Like the example that I’m giving you of Masixole’s case where he’s charged with damaging blinds.” Musetsho’s talking about Mlandu’s outstanding case, in which he is charged with intimidation, public violence, violation of the interdict and malicious damage to property for his role in a protest in which he is accused of attempting to get workers to join the disruption. Musetsho claims that the broken blinds

cost less than R300. To him, the issue is about the University’s desperation to enforce the interdict. When asked how many cases he currently has, he says he’s lost count. In response to these questions of criminalisation, IRTC Chairperson Mosibudi Mangena also makes it a point to separate students facing University disciplinary hearings and students that are being charged by the police for violating the interdict.

“So how do we explain that we have an Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission whilst we’re still charging students for things?” “Our understanding is that there are students who are charged by the police, and not by the University. And in instances where the University was complainant we might be able to deal with that. But in instances where

@VarsityNews |15 May 2018|V77 E5|Page 2

NEWS

Tessa Knight & Louise Van Den Bergh news@varsitynewspaper.co.za

IRTC begins Phase 2 of hearings: Transformation at UCT

After Phase 1’s hearings of reconciliation, the IRTC is now focussing on institutional transformation

Louise van den Bergh and Tessa Knight

Continued from page 1... the University has no hand in the charging of those students because we heard that the charges might relate to the violation of interdicts that were issued by the courts... we might not have a direct role in resolving those issues, but we are prepared to give it a try,” Mangena says. And

instances

where

the

University was complainant we might be able to deal with that

Thus far, he says the commission has also “prioritised students who have been charged and… have gone through the disciplinary process” in granting clemency and even amnesty for their protest activities. But it is unclear how it will address the students currently awaiting trial for violation of the interdict. For now, he reaffirms the commitment of the IRTC to

making peaceful, impartial recommendations to the University and students about how to continue forward. “It is really our desire as this commission to ensure that the campus goes back to normal, and that as a public institution everybody regardless of their background, their race, their religion, the region from which they come from, feel welcome at UCT. This is really what we would like to do,” Mangena says. Still, students standing trial wonder how much longer it will take for the University to act on its stated commitments to Transformation, and how Reconciliation could mean permanent criminal records.

he Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC) i s a n i n dependent body that exists to offer conflict resolution as well as to define a path for transformation at UCT. According to Mosibudi Mangena, chairperson of the IRTC, the Commission does not take the side of the university nor the side of the students. Instead, they look at issues impartially in order to reconcile the university community. During Phase 1, students made submissions requesting amnesty from charges arising from the Shackville protests of 2016. Following the hearings of Phase 1, the IRTC recommended that the UCT Council grant amnesty to 8 of the 13 students who were granted clemency. If granted amnesty, students will still be allowed to graduate. The Commission has apparently not been able to contact all the students granted clemency after the 2016 protests, and has not considered cases in which disciplinary proceedings had not been concluded. The IRTC has recommended that UCT drops charges against students who committed minor offences.

The Commission does not take the side of the university nor the side of the students The IRTC has now entered phase 2 of its work, focusing primarily on transformation. Institutional Transformation is the process of bringing fundamental changes to the core concepts and values on which an institution is founded. According to the IRTC, Phase 2 pertains to institutional

culture, transformation, decolonisation, discrimination, identity, disability, labour relations and any other matters that the university community has raised over the years or may wish to raise in future. In addition to this, the UCT IRTC has identified three other themes that they will also be focusing on, namely gender-based violence, accommodation and security. The deadline for Phase 2 submissions was the 12th of May 2018.

The Commission has apparently not been able to contact all the students granted clemency after the 2016 protests Phase 1 submissions was entirely confidential whereas Phase 2 allows for open hearings unless individuals request otherwise. The hearings continue to take place. For more updates on these processes you can look out for their Twitter and Facebook updates (@UCT_IRTC and @ UCTIRTC, respectively.)

ERRATA On pg 10, Edition 4 of the Opinions Section, there was a mispelling of one of the writer’s name, Simran Charania.

Summary of SRC Student Assembly SRC assigns remaining portfolios and clarifies financial status

by Tessa Knight

n the 3rd of May the SRC held a Student Assembly explaining the state of the council’s funds. At the Assembly, students were also told that every member of the SRC now has an active portfolio.

•

The SRC is allocated R432 000 from the university According to the new Secretary General, Christopher Logan, the SRC is allocated R432 000 from the university. Five months into the year and the account balance is R293 000. While the majority of the fund has apparently been used to support students, R11 000 has been spent on refreshments for events, R14 000 on phone calls and R7000 on photocopying. The six SRC members of DASO-UCT that did not have portfolios after the controversial reshuffle that happened in March have now taken on the remaining SRC portfolios. • • Image by Nuhaa Soeker

Karabo Khakhau – Student Advocacy (previously President) Hannah Margetts – Postgraduate Academic

•

Co-ordinator (previously Vice President) Tami Jackson – Social Responsiveness Co-ordinator (previously Secretary General) Dylan-James Greenstone – Residence and Housing Co-ordinator (previously Deputy Secretary General) Gift Qetu-Yates – Sports and Recreation Co-ordinator (previously Corporate Relations and Fundraising Co-ordinator) Rodney Cameron – Societies and Day Houses Co-ordinator (portfolio unchanged)

Gift Qetu-Yates has also taken on the role of Interim Chairperson of DASO-UCT following Neo Mkwane’s resignation on Wednesday the 9th. Due to Christopher Logan and Mthobisi Mngomezulu’s suspension from DASO-UCT, the DASO-Western Cape Executive Committee intervened in the process.

SHAWCO’s 750km birthday health drive

@VarsityNews 15 May 2018|V77 E5|Page 3

SHAWCO Health travels to provide healthcare services in rural communities Nomcebo Masilela

with the Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town to establish a Women’s Health clinic that caters for refugee and migrant women. Despite the camping inconveniences experienced throughout the journey, the students and volunteers were successful in administering healthcare services to approximately 600 patients.

SHAWCO recently joined forces with the Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town to establish a Women’s Health clinic

o mark their 75th anniversary, 40 students from the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organization (SHAWCO) journeyed to various rural and farming communities in the Western Cape from the 3rd to the 7th of May, o�ering a range of crucial healthcare services in their

mobile clinics. The students alongside volunteer healthcare workers travelled from Clanwilliam farming district to communities identified as suitable beneficiaries for health services: Rawsonville, Swellendam and then finally Zoar.

Image from news.uct.ac.za

With their targeted patients being women and children, James van Duuren, President of SHAWCO’s Health Sector, explained that these groups are particularly vulnerable in our society and have unique care needs. He added that SHAWCO recently joined forces

The volunteers are said to have undergone extensive training before the trip commenced, “students were trained in performing pap smears, Implanon contraceptive implant insertion, giving injections and received training on running health promotion and education seminars”, said James. With regards to the current state of healthcare in these communities, James remarked that distance created barriers to access. Numerous communities struggle with occupational health concerns resulting from intense farm labour. There are also cases of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and lack of screening coverage and HIV testing. According to James, SHAWCO will be running its annual two rural health weeks in Zithulele and the Eden District Municipality over the midyear vacation. SHAWCO also wants to maintain its partnership with the TCOE in the hope of creating a sustainable impact through safe centres.

UCT Engineers Design a Device Which Improves the Lives of Asthma Sufferers Biomedical engineers create an assistive attachment for standard metered dosage inhalers.

Image by Giancarlo Beukes

Tshepang Pooe

team of UCT biomedical engineers have developed a device for low to middle-income children and elderly asthma su�erers. The Easy Squeezy is an a�ordable and re-usable assistive sleeve attachment, for a standard metered dosage inhaler which functions to reduce the force required to push down the canister in an inhaler. The device is the product of a collaborative project initiated in early 2015 after it was identiﬁed that asthma patients struggle to activate their inhalers. The team is composed of Associate Professor Michael Levin, Associate Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, Dr Jason Voorneveld and Giancarlo Beukes, a senior technical o�cer of the UCT Division of Biomedical Engineering.

Annually, South Africa reports an approximate 1.5% rate of mortality among asthma suffers The problem from which the device is originated was identiﬁed by Levin: children and the elderly lack the physical strength required to exert

the downward force on the aerosol canister, in order to relieve themselves in times of emergency. Furthermore, patients are unable to keep a record of remaining dosages and children face stigmas when using their inhalers at school. Annually, South Africa reports an approximate 1.5% rate of mortality among asthma su�ers. The Easy Squeezy can contribute to a reduction in this mortality rate.

According to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults in South Africa suffer from asthma. According to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults in South Africa su�er from asthma. The Easy Squeezy enables children of 5 years of age and above to activate the inhaler unassisted, whereas without this invention only children above the age of 12 years can independently activate their inhalers. The device has an adjustable and resettable dosage counter. Once the dosages in the inhaler are exhausted, the Easy Squeezy is ﬁtted onto the patient’s new inhaler and the dosage counter is reset. In order to address the stigma, interchangeable animated characters are attached to the device to make it seem more appealing. Currently the

characters are designed by Beukes, however, the goal is for the Easy Squeezy to feature famous cartoon characters such as Iron Man and Princess Sophie. After identifying the problem facing asthma patients, Levin presented the idea to Sivarasu. A solution was designed by Voorneveld, and the product was developed by Beukes. The device is currently unavailable for purchase, however, it is projected to have an a�ordable selling price of R120 per unit. Further product development and potential commercialisation are underway by Impulse Biomedical, a company co-founded by Beukes and Gokul Nair. The technology was patented by UCT’s Research and Contracts Innovations (RC&I) O�ce. Participation for clinical re-usability trials commences August 2018 at the earliest, with commercialisation at the latest early 2019. With a passion for people, Impulse Biomedical hopes to deliver an essential medical product in order to save as many lives as possible. Positive feedback has been received from

the product bench test. According to Beukes, the team successfully met design speciﬁcations and product needs of numerous patients. The developmental process has been a rewarding one for the team. Seeing children “so surprised to realise that they can actually activate their own inhalers,” says Beukes, is the reason they are biomedical engineers. Image by Saberi Marais

@VarsityNews | 15 May 2018 | V77 E5 | Page 4

The Collective

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jarita Kassen editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Question Everything.

DEPUTY EDITOR Tamutswa Mahari editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

MANAGING EDITOR Michaela Pillay managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za

COPY EDITOR Ntokozo Mayekiso copyed@varsitynewspaper. co.za

ONLINE EDITOR Kate Southwood online@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Viwe Tafeni creativedirector@ varsitynewspaper.co.za

Jarita Kassen Editor-in-Chief CONTRIBUTORS & SUB-EDITORS Lara Antonopoulos, Aqeelah Bray ,Sasha Broom, Silulundi Coki , Primrose Dumani, Robyn Harry, Thanaa Jassiem, Sitka Lombard, Bethany Long, Minenhle Nkosi, Kelsey Scheffers, Gemma Strohbach

PRINT NEWS Tessa Knight & Louise van den Bergh news@varsitynewspaper. co.za

PRINT OPINIONS Parusha Chetty & Sumona Bose opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Ntokozo Mayekiso

ell, well, well, look what we have here… Exam season is upon us once again brought to us by our absolute fave, UCT. If you’re anything like me, I know how much you must be kicking yourself right now because you actually play yourself every time, at this time of year.

Question the world, it’s current state, and how we as a society continually perpetuate problematic patterns. Once again, you haven’t kept up with course- wow, congrats sis. You’re frantically gathering notes whilst trying to meet assignment deadlines. You’re contemplating life. Asking yourself questions like: “Do I really need to be here? Like reeeeeaally need to be here?” And “is this degree really worth all of this hallabaloo?” Or my personal favourite, “maybe I could just drop out you know? Bill Gates made it.”(*laughs in my mother would drag me by ear. Yes, even at this big age.*). Anyways, the point is, we’re all feeling pretty exhausted and existential, am I right? Questioning life and whatnot. Well,since we’re all here, we might as well question everything else going on around us. If you’ve been keeping up with pop culture, you’ll know that Donald Glover has dropped arguably thee most important commentary on the state of America at the moment, through his song “This Is America” If you haven’t already, Watch

Tamutswa Mahari Deputy Editor-in-Chief it. Like right now. And if you’ve already watched, watch it once more. On your 75 Th study break for the day? Watch Dear White People S2. Haven’t kept up with the news? Grab a paper or take a scroll online and look at the current social climate in South Africa. If you’ve kept up, you’d know that with regards to femicide, “South Africa has the highest rate of women murdered by their partners in the world…” If I’m coming off lecture-ish, forgive me, but here’s the thing, if you’re going to procrastinate, you might as well make it worthwhile and question. Question the world, it’s current state, and how we as a society continually perpetuate problematic patterns. Some introspection never hurt nobody.

ONLINE LIFESTYLE & FITNESS Carl Osborne onlinesports@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS REPORTERS Catherine Torrington, Sibongile Ralana PRINT IMAGES Aaliyah Ahmed images@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR Arin Barry online@varsitynewspaper. co.za STAFF WRITERS Nolitha Ngamlana, Babalwa Nomtshongwana, Soligah Solomon. Asanda Masoka, Ntombi Khulu, Kelsey Maggott, Thandile Xesi, Zahirah Benjamin, Praise Adejimi, Phophi Tshikovhi ONLINE OPINIONS Raeesa Triegaardt onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper. co.za WEB EDITORS Gerald Balekaki & Mukhethwa Ravele web@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Kate Southwood Online Editor

FINANCE MANAGERS Jessica Mandel & Teboho George finance@varsitynewspaper. co.za

ONLINE CHIEF SUBBER Benita Mwinkeu

OPERATIONS MANAGER Nwabisa Mlandu operations@ varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE FEATURES Caroline Peterson onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za HEAD OF VIDEOGRAPHY Advik Beni & Pauline Shrosbree videographers@ varsitynewspaper.co.za

“South Africa has the highest rate of women murdered by their partners in the world…” On a lighter note, as Copy Editor, I’ve enjoyed reading all your thought-provoking articles and wish you all a fruitful exam season. If you still haven’t started studying, God speed and strength, beloved. I know I definitely need some.

PRINT FEATURES Ishani Lala & Nwabisa Mazana features@ varsitynewspaper.co.za

ONLINE IMAGES Warren onlineimages@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Michaela Pillay Managing Editor

SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENT Malusi Ngidi

HR MANAGERS Beth Dealtry & Annie Ou Yang hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za

ADS MANAGERS Gosiame Tsotetsi & Natalie Speed-Andrews ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za

MARKETING & BRANDING Declan Dyer & Tshepiso Nthlane marketing@varsitynewspaper

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Mpho Mojela & Nuhaa Soeker socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Positions available in VARSITY Collective:

Viwe Tafeni Creative Director

Design Editor Print Deputy Images Editor Print Lifestyle and Fitness Editor Social Media Correspondents News reporters Staffwriters Centrespread Editor

@VarsityNews | 15 May 2018| V77 E5 | Page 5 2.

This Week in Images

1. Kaamil Adams 2. Mishaal Gangaram 3. Mishaal Gangaram 4. Nuhaa Soeker 5. Aaliyah Ahmed 6. Aaliyah Ahmed

@VarsityNews | 15 May 2018| V77 E5|Page 6

OPINIONS

Parusha Chetty & Sumona Bose opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Image courtesy of Kudiwa Natalie Shonhiwa

TRAILBLAZER

Estelle K,

by Kudiwa Natalie Shonhiwa

desire to create. This sense became heightened during the long #Feesmustfall2016 period, and forced me to revisit the passions I had abandoned 3 years ago in pursuit of my law degree. Art to me means seeing beauty in all things and it is the driving force behind my designs. In every fabric, there is a feature that must be celebrated, and that is what I have set out to do in each piece I design and sew for the Estelle K brand.

To any student thinking about starting up a business, my advice is to just do it and to do it at your own pace!

y name is Kudiwa Natalie Shonhiwa and I am a final year Law student at UCT and I am the facebehind the brand Estelle K. I personally design and manufacture clothing for the brand which I currently sell through my Instagram account: @estelle_k__ My pursuit of fashion art stems from my constant

Estelle K is a women’s clothing brand, creating unique, colourful garments with an African flair. The company was formally registered in 2017 in South Africa with the goal of changing the perception of prints from ‘busy’ to unique. Estelle K is also a celebration of the African woman who not only wears African prints, but she juxtaposes prints with

modern designs and neutral fabrics. This woman is multifaceted, and her confidence in her skin and clothing reflect in her attitude. To any student thinking about starting up a business, my advice is to just do it and to do it at your own pace! It is not going to be easy trying to do academics and your other passions. Sometimes you will have to choose and it’s okay. The business is yours. The pace is yours.

Estelle K is a women’s clothing brand ,creating unique , colourful garments with an African flair I cope by prioritizing my school work and time, considering this is my final year and I would like to graduate next year. I take everything one step at a time and I have accepted time’s authority in my life and am just learning to be patient and trust God. With that said, I always squeeze in time to create, design and explore (even if it means staying in on Fridays) as these are my favourite. And to the woman of colour daring enough to make a dent in this man’s world, I say go forth and create! Your perspective and your gifts are unique! There will be many constraints and unfairness ahead and it is definitely hard to be taken seriously in the art industry, but we must no longer remain silent. It’s time we decide what we want to wear. Image from blackentreprise.com

Causa Sui: A Cause of Itself Abdullah Dada

n 2017, UCT experienced its suspected highest suicide-related death rate; with 8 students taking their lives. Most of these fatalities occurred in UCT residences or private student housing. It would be an arduous task to isolate the root cause of student suffering within the institution. It is rather a culmination of several contributory factors, evolving from a broader context.

student angst is a perpetual occurrence within University life. Student angst, for the most part, can be attributed to circumstance. The stress and pressure that students experience differ tremendously according to their lived experiences. A student who may be first in their family to attend University, who is forced to deal with the constant anxiety of obtaining financial assistance, experiences University life in a completely differently way to a student who always has new textbooks, a car, and an apartment on Main Road. Based on the demographics of the students who attend UCT, most students encounter the first scenario in one way or another. This does not imply that those who experience the latter scenario don’t experience the various traumas University life inflicts upon one’s psyche. The possibility of financial or academic exclusion, coupled with the strenuous nature of UCT course loads, often leads to isolation. This is both the solution and the adversary of a student suffering from existential angst. Being comfortable

with solitude is a difficult quality to acquire. It assists in focusing on what is important and in dealing with circumstance. However, it may prove to be problematic in the long run. The social sphere of UCT does not accommodate little student interaction. In fact, UCT in general, focuses their efforts on facilitating spaces for constant interaction between students; both within and without academic spaces.

The possibility of financial exclusion, coupled with the strenuous nature of UCT course loads, often leads to isolation Perhaps such University efforts assists students in fulfilling their social needs and ameliorating the anxiety, and the risk of isolation, which is frequently associated with contemporary student life. Where no plausible solution for suffering exists, the possibility to make the most out of one’s experience remains; as this may alleviate the burden of suffering. Whether the solution is found in isolation, social interaction, hobbies, or academia in general, is entirely up to the individual. An argument could be made that student angst is a perpetual occurrence within University life. If that is the case, then the University should prioritize its efforts around dealing with mental health and accommodate a healthy student mind-set as to not exacerbate the angst that consumes the student population.

Tackling Tinder’s Heteronormativity, writes Bethany Long

inder is one of the most widely known dating apps. If someone says, “I’d swipe right on that” you know exactly what they mean. But, how inclusive is this app for the LGBTQ+ community? The app definitely works for the community hence the number of LGBTQ+ people that use it, but just because an app works, doesn’t mean it has the best intentions. It’s like having an accepting environment for the community, yet donating thousands of dollars to anti-gay hate groups (let’s keep Coachella in mind). These brands’ intentions are not about their care for the community, but rather for the profit they will receive from a wider target market. In reality the only advantages about Tinder is that you are able to select your interest in either men or women or both. This is definitely something that the LGBTQ+ community can be proud of as it is an advancement in inclusivity. Yet, the number of men on Tinder that keep popping up, looking for threesomes or a girl they can ‘turn’, when your preferred partner’s

gender is ‘Women’ is an indication of Tinder’s heteronormative culture. Surely, the last place a queer woman should be objectified for her sexuality is on a dating app ‘friendly’ to gay people. Queer men also have unwanted guests that pop up on their screen, yet Tinder does nothing about it. However, this is a glitch that can be forgiven. Rather, let’s focus on how binary gendered Tinder is. To all our non-conforming gendered folk, this one is quite a blow. Currently, the only options regarding your own gender is the traditional, ‘Man’ or ‘Woman.’ On the sideline, there has been lots of talk about Tinder upgrading and expanding their options for gender, however this doesn’t seem to have come to South Africa yet. So, can Tinder really say for itself that it is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community? Well, that question is left up to them. Let’s hope to see a change in the Tinder app to make it more inclusive of genders and safer for LGBTQ+ folk.

DISCLAIMER

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

@VarsityNews | 15 May 2018 | V77 E5 | Page 7

The Diaries of a Cultural Academic, writes Parusha Chetty Image by Aaliyah Ahmed

ike most things South African, the life and times of a cultural academic are mediated through a challenging nexus between pursuing an individualistic path to success and remaining a part of the cultural community that raised you. However, since western individualism is the polar opposite of cultural collectivism, this nexus is a very contradictory space for a cultural academic as it often requires sacrificing the one for the other.

Ernest Hemmingway may have introduced us to literature, but Chinua Achebe perfected it. Cultural beliefs influence the way we view the world; the value we place on some things and the connotations we place on others. Thus, success in academia or the commercial world, for someone from a non-western cultural

background, may be construed as assimilating into the western world at the expense their community’s longevity. In our country, this issue is compounded by the default vehicle which transports success, the English language. Affluency in the English language is a non-negotiable requirement for success in the West, irrespective of whether it encumbers your mother tongue or distances you from your cultural heritage. Living in a country that has been irrevocably altered by colonialism and its lingering effects, its common cause that most commercial careers originated from the Western cannon. This has widespread implications for cultural academics. In South African universities, it’s inevitable that the discipline you’re pursuing will mould your perspective and values into one which breeds success in that field. In Law, you’ll spend your life learning how to understand the Romans, the Dutch

and the English, you’ll learn that the prosperity of your time is measured by your productive capacity and not the depth of your interactions. If you’ve chosen Humanities, you’ll agonize over memorizing a version of history that frequently elides your cultural heritage and the suffering that birthed your world view. Tertiary institutions will equip you with the tools you need to compete in the Western world. And, logically this makes sense as this mindset originated from first world countries; companies that hold the approval stamp for the international acclaim that South African companies fervently strive toward.

Time is measured by your productive capacity and not the depth of your interactions. However, competing against western natives is a fruitless endeavour. The

Image by Aaliyah Ahmed

Self- preservation triumphs all Nevali Mohan

elf-care is a recently coined buzzword produced from a wave of increasing culture of self-awareness. However, it is more than just a buzzword as it involves the token: ‘love yourself’. In a world where industry is driven by profit, the self-care market has come to premise itself on a ‘trendy’ idea of ‘loving yourself’. The commodification of self-care as in a commercial market translates to the masquerade of self-indulgence. Big brands today are seizing opportunities which capitalise on products that appeal to ‘trendy’ self-care practices. The materialisation of selfcare is also advocated for by other influential actors. For example, beauty vloggers and fitness freaks and models contribute to the curating of self-care in the form of a glamorous Instagram picture set against a monochrome minimalistic comforter. In line with this, a brand like Lush advocates the notion of beauty with the use of their ‘horticulturally’ fragranced products. The marketing techniques used can be associated with sensual undertones as it promotes the idea of one’s body as an instrument of beauty.

odds are in their favour because their mindsets were never shifted, only developed. Thus, the success of a South African academic lies in the cultural heritage that shaped our unique perspectives of the world. Ernest Hemmingway may have introduced us to literature, but Chinua Achebe perfected it. The Romans, the English and the Dutch may have provided us with the basis for our legal system, but the apartheid struggle and the resulting Constitution of the Republic of South Africa enabled our hybrid legal system to reach new heights. Aristotle once said that “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. Our success is still a South African story and our glory lies in the nuanced alterations and enhancements only we can make to these careers.

Today, Lush franchises can be found in over 49 countries around the world and has capitalized on the notion that self-care means: taking care of your body using beauty products. It goes without saying, that there’s an expectation of what self-care entails: the need to fulfil instant sense of gratification. This is where the shift from self-care to selfindulgence occurs. It is easy to be influenced into a trendy culture of increased materialism because we are exposed to it wherever and whenever we engage on social media platforms. It is this kind of pressure that inclines one to think that pampering oneself is a form of self-care. It is important to be aware of such cultural benchmarks as these are idealistic, and society consists of a variety of individuals who value different things. This interpretation by people at their own discretion means that self-care can take a variety of forms. Whilst self-indulgence is driven by an intense desire to “quick fix”, selfcare will not always have an immediate instant gratification. It is rather, balanced in relation to one’s intent of enhancing long term wellbeing. Andre Lorde is a popular American feminist who offers a modern take on the topic by saying: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare”. So, the next time you go shopping, think about whether you are practising selfcare or self-indulgence?

Becoming an ‘L’

hen you’re a person of colour at UCT, failure can be the death knell of your intellectual capacity. Many of us, extended degree programme or not, know the fear that failure is confirmation that you only got here because of affirmative action. Black students, knowing that failure affects the entire university population, are susceptible to this irrational psychological trap. That we must be frauds. That we must be imposters. I am not arguing that this imposter syndrome only affects people of colour. Opening up the extended programme only to people of colour, although well-intentioned, has the risk of confirming the fear in students of colour that they are intellectually less than their white counterparts. When one fails, the judgement is ripe amongst our peers. Students try to act like failure is an ordinary university occurrence. We try to normalise it. We make memes and we shamelessly tell our stories on social media. We want to create an environment of safety and support. But, we all can’t hide that subtle awkward beat in the conversation. That momentary feeling of intellectual superiority.

Tanya Magaisa

We are all to some degree, type “A” personalities. Although we do not compare to those ruthless devils in Kramer, most of us are ambitious, hardworking, cutthroat and ready. So when that one December comes when you have officially been excluded from the crowd of successful students. You start to feel like a loser. You go back to tell your friends, ‘Hey, I’m unpacking my bags and remaking my bed. I’ll see you guys later, but I guess I’m a loser now’. You become a disappointment to your parents and a financial burden. You are drenched in humiliation, self-doubt and disbelief. You can’t see the difference between a bruise and a broken bone. That is all that failure is, a bruise which will heal with no scar and no oddly angled ankle. Failing is the best kind of humility. It builds your character and it teaches you how to persevere. You failed? Well then, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and begin again. Because you are not at the end, and we are all cheering you on!

Cool places to study on Campus

Menzies study/chill area This chill area might not be the best for you if you fall asleep very easily in cozy spots. The Menzies study/chill area is the perfect place to study in full comfort.

Leslie Social seminar rooms If you’re brave enough to enter the maze that is Leslie Social, settle into one of the seminar rooms! From Level 3 to Level 6, there are so many seminar rooms to work in.

Neville Alexander This is truly a hidden treasure. If Leslie is a little too crowded, just cross over to the benches and tables by Neville Alexander. Have a young date with your academics

School of Economics NLT NLT is not only a really cool structure, but it’s also a great study spot. If you’re looking for a place to do group work or chill in between classes, try NLT! P.S. it has bomb Eduroam connection

For all those who have never ventured to Middle Campus, it may be time to consider doing so. The study ares in the School of Economics is super fancy and super warm.

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Let’s ﬂush it down?

he water crisis in Cape Town has left most of us in a state of worry with the e�ects of it lingering around for a bit too long now. Campus has been dehydrated for an ample amount of time and this water crisis has held our bathrooms hostage.

“We have the ability to control and encourage our hygiene and not irresponsibly hold our workers accountable for our mess.’’

Images by Aaliyah Ahmed

The campaign crusade of ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow’ has been the sanitation anthem for the ﬁrst half of the year. However, the ‘yellow’ in bathrooms and toilets on campus has us in more jeopardy and woe. We do appreciate the collective e�orts of the student body towards water conservation in a time of water crises. In the debate of the available mechanisms to sustain the usage of water at the most e�cient levels,

one of the most viable routes was to demobilize the toilets; which were constant sources of water recycle for hygiene and sanitation. But after months of letting the yellow mellow, the pungent odour and the reckless appearance of the splurging ﬂoors have taken a toll on us, and more so for our workers.

‘’She regrets how students don’t flush it even if it’s ‘brown’ or ‘red’ despite the warnings of only letting the ‘yellow mellow’.’’ Doris Tundzi, a female cleaner at UCT recalled her grueling experiences cleaning bathrooms on Campus. She regrets how students ‘don’t flush even if it’s ‘brown’ or ‘red’ despite the warnings of only letting the ‘yellow mellow’. ‘The smell is so bad, it is di�cult to breathe sometimes’, Doris admits. Whether it was due to the influence of the water crisis or the general consensus with regards to the

Sumona Bose drought season, Doris and her team encounter unbearable conditions in UCT bathrooms - which could be rectiﬁed on our part. Doris laments that despite having separate bins for the disposal of used tissue papers, students still resort to throwing their used tissue papers down the toilets, blocking them and building up a pile of sludge; which is unhealthy for all who are in contact with it. Doris concluded with grief that students do not follow instructions despite having passed the severe stage of the water crisis.

The ‘yellow’ in bathrooms and toilets on campus has us in more jeopardy and woe. After speaking to Doris, it was evident how much we can still do to ease their burden of public sanitation. We have the ability to control, and encourage, healthy hygiene habits so that we do not, irresponsibly, hold our workers accountable for our mess. Let’s ﬂush it down.

Image by Aaliyah Ahmed

Golden Arrow, we miss you, writes Jarita Kassen

hese past four weeks without Golden Arrow (GA) have been four long weeks for most of us who take public transport to get to campus. The strike is motivated by valid reasons, but without the GA buses we are forced to take the more interesting mode of transport; taxis. The national bus strike began on the 18th April, where employees from about 67 bus companies embarked on a strike for better working conditions and wages. The demands from the various labour unions were a R8000 minimum wage, with an increment of 8.5% in the next year and a further 9.5% increment in the following year. Now, although the above proves that the strike is completely valid, I cannot deny that it has left me feeling quite upset. This is because

the main alternative to buses are taxis which are more expensive, but despite this, the price is still not the worst thing about the infamous taxi. If you have ever been in a taxi, you will know that the experience is completely unpredictable, unlike the trusty GA bus. Sometimes your taxi ride will start o� with a cheerful “gaatjie” or sliding door operator, if you’re bougie, who is screaming “Mowbrei, Kaap, Mowbrei, Kaap” followed by a honk from the driver. This seems great, until the “gaatjie” will undoubtedly call you (if you’re a womxn) some derogatory name like “baby” or “girlfriend”. This is not advised but I have called them out on this a few times, only to then be called “angry baby”. So now you get into the taxi and if you’re young they’ll make you sit on some form of cushioned plank between

the actual seats or sometimes you will have to stand, sounds impossible, but with taxis almost anything is possible. The driving is the source of most of the stress because taxi drivers cannot be mainstream and use the designated lanes. They need to show o� their “Fast and Furious” prowess by driving over islands, weaving through lanes and driving on the wrong side of the road. And, at this point, you are ready to get out, and to do so, you need to shout “stop” loudly.

They need to show off their “Fast and Furious” prowess One thing to admire about taxis is the relationship between the taxi driver and the “gaatjie”, a dynamic duo of note.

CLASSIFIEDS

VARSITY’s new classiﬁeds section is UCT’s one-stop shop for quick ad-hoc adverts. Whether you’re selling your old car, your new textbook or even just looking for a housemate – you can publish an ad for just R50 email ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za for more info

FEATURES Rainbow UCT & Nwabisa Mazana

jango Jane, or as she’s more commonly known, Janelle Monáe, recently announced that she is pansexual. And the internet went wild, stating that pansexuality is just another word for bisexual. This is not only incorrect but could also be harmful towards people who identify as such. With the help of Rainbow UCT, I decided to do a breakdown of the letters in the LGBTIAQP+ initialism. First, we must clarify this: Gender is a social construct used to class people into binaries of either man or woman. Gender identity is the personal feeling and conceptualization of one’s own gender on the spectrum between male and female, or even beyond that spectrum. Sex, is the physical anatomy with which you are born. Sexual orientation is related to the gender to which a person is attracted either romantically or sexually in relation to their own. (L)esbian – This is a womxn whose primary sexual and a�ectionate orientation is

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Ishani Lala & Nwabisa Mazana features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Image courtesy of RainbowUCT

toward someone of the same gender. i.e. other womxn. (G)ay – This is a term used to describe sexual or romantic attraction or a�ection toward people of the same gender. i.e man-man, womxn-womxn, etc. (B)isexual – This is a person whose sexual and a�ectionate orientation is toward people of the same and opposite gender. (T)ransgender – This is often used as an umbrella term and you will often see it being abbreviated to Trans*. Transgender describes a wide range of experiences and identities of people whose gender identity and expression di�ers from societal conditioned expectations based on their assigned sex at birth. It’s also important to note that not all Trans* people will undergo surgical transition or hormone therapy. (I)ntersex – Intersex is also another umbrella term and cannot just be restricted or deﬁned to a single meaning. There are about 20+ di�ering variations of intersex included in the umbrella term. Primarily, intersex is used to describe someone who

is born with primary and/or secondary characteristics that do not ﬁt into society’s binary of male or female. (A)sexual – This sexual orientation is often characterized as someone who does not feel sexual attraction or desire for partnered coitus. There are many diverse ways of being asexual. (Q)ueer – Historically, queer was a derogatory term, but over time it has been reclaimed by the community. It is a radical and often antiassimilationist stance that captures multiple aspects of identities. (P)ansexual – This term is used to describe people who have romantic or sexual attraction and a�ection for people of all sexes and genders. This is someone who is attracted to people regardless of their gender identity. For more information and better understanding, you can use the following sites; https://genderdynamix.org. za/, https://triangle.org.za/, Rainbow UCT (on Facebook and twitter), or email rainbow@ myuct.ac.za

may

A Royal Fairytale

f you’re anything like me then its safe to assume that you’ll be glued to your screens on Saturday the 19th of May. The day that everybody’s favourite bad boy Prince Charming says his “I Do’s” to a glamourous American actress. I mean, it can’t get more 21st century than a blind date, a secret romance and a giant engagement ring. The fairytale story of how Prince Harry met Meghan Markle, and how they literally took everyone by surprise when they announced their engagement, has been everything you’d expect from a modern royal love story. And while the media has come up with their own countdown ranging from scandalous stories of the bride’s past to the names of the horses pulling the carriage, it’s tough to not get caught up in all the hype. So here’s a few more reasons why the best study break you could take would be by watching the 2018 Royal Wedding: The Dress(!): All eyes will be on what- and who- Meghan will be wearing. As with Kate Middleton’s, Meghan’s wedding dress is expected to be the most famous and copied wedding dress worldwide .

The Actual Wedding: No one pulls o� fancy fairytale weddings better than the British Royal Family – everything from the music to the ﬂowers is guarenteed be over the top and outrageously classy. The Guests: Being a real life Prince, Harry is well connected and knows pretty much everyone, from the Obamas to your Hollywood A-list celebs. Add in his glamourous relatives and you’ve got a swoon-worthy guest list. Meghan, on the other hand, as an actress and formidable networker herself, has amassed a circle of notable friends including the likes of Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra. It’s as Disney as it gets: I mean, how often do we get to witness the union of a handsome prince and his beautiful princess? And how many times will that bride be a boundary-breaking, biracial badass who is both smart (Meghan interned at the US embassy in Argentina and has a double major from North Western University) , sexy (Have you looked at her?) and serious about her passions?

Two Weeks Tonight 18-19 May

HARRY POTTER QUIZ NIGHT Two hours to ﬂex your Potter knowledge. Throw in some healthy competition and a chance to dress up in your best Hogwarts’ kits. Get your tickets on Quicket.com. R60p.p. Max 6 people per team. Where: The Beerhouse, Longstreet, CBD

VARSITY MEDIA CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS With a cocktail and networking evening kickstarting the weekend on the Friday, and the Saturday being spent with industry elites leading workshops - This is the perfect weekend to work on your skills and hob nob with the best. If you’ve RSVP’d , the cocktail evening starts at 6pm on the Friday with the workshops starting at 9:30 am on Saturday.

may

AN EVENING WITH SISONKE SIMANG

The Book Lounge is hosting a literary chat evening where this brilliant author speaks about her new book, Always Another Country. The evening starts at 5:30 pm

Ishani Lala

may

JAZZ CONCERT- MLUNGISI GEGANA Enjoy a night out with jazz and great French food. Tickets available at the door for R100. Where: Alliance Francaise du Cap, Loop Street, CBD.

9-27

may

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Wind down to awesome classics in the stage adaptation of this favourite movie. Tickets are from R100 to R500 on Computicket. Where: Artscape

may

THE CAPE TOWN CLEAN UP Do your part in keeping the city clean and beautiful. Gloves and bags will be provided. Tickets are available from thecapetown12.com Where: at Cape Town City Hall

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Profile Piece: The BlackRoots Marimbas

Images courtesy of BlackRoots Marimbas

Nwabisa Mazana BlackRoots Marimbas is a band consisting of UCT students and alumni. Since its formation in 2010, BlackRoots Marimbas has built a name for itself as one of the most successful performing marimba bands in Cape Town. From having annual Marimbas on the Lawn events and performing at University of Cape Town graduations, to a variety of different gigs, BlackRoots has become the talk of the town. It is a women-driven band, born and raised in Gugulethu and around Cape Town. The members are Sibahle Sky Dladla, Ntombekhaya Halam, Duduzile Ndlovu and Lutho Mzongwana. The beginning of it all: Before they were members of the Blackroots Marimba’s, Sky, Ntombekhaya, Duduzile and Lutho had been exposed to marimbas in their early teen years. This was through church and school. However, it wasn’t until Sky Dladla brought this dynamic group of talented people together in 2010 to play together that their love and passion for performance began. The band persevered through two years of jamming, busking and petitioning, all the while juggling their final years of high school and early years of varsity. There was scepticism from their parents, and ridicule from the more experienced young men trying to make it in the industry too. In the end, their hard work paid off, when in 2012 Arm in Arm in Africa (through J.L Zwane Church) sponsored the band with a set of marimbas and this is how BlackRoots Marimbas was formed. Sky states that they found the inspiration to start the band from

embracing their blackroots and the need to heal the world through performance and arts. The Career: The Blackroots Marimbas is slowly building its foundation and is on its way to becoming a globally known band, but for now it is still conquering Africa. A few years ago, they got an amazing opportunity to perform at the Moshito Festival in Johannesburg and got to share the stage with some of their icons such as Indwe and The Soil. They describe this as one of the most amazing points of their career. The band has also been recognized by the Western Cape Government, having been awarded the Promoting Indigenous Music Award in 2013/14. The Future: For now, the band’s main goal is to do the ‘‘Sounds of Mukwa’’ tour in Mozambique this coming August.

They are currently in preparation for the tour as well as performing at the Grahamstown National Arts festival at the end of June 2018. The band would also love to see themselves do collaborations in future with some of their favourite artists. The list includes Msaki, Madosini, Thandisa “King Tha” Mazwai and Simphiwe Dana. The BlackRoots Marimbas have continued to prove themselves as a formidable force of women in a male-dominated industry. With a career spanning over 7 years, it is exciting to see what the future holds for such an amazing and authentic band. For now, you can also keep up with

the BlackRoots and any upcoming performances via their site: http://blackrootsmarimbas.wixsite. com/blackroots or follow them on IG/Facebook: Blackroots Marimbas.

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Too much month at the end of your money? Part time work opportunities to earn extra cash

Phopi Tshikovhi

Image from studentpocketguide.com

s student-life having you? Are you considering selling one of your kidneys to make extra cash? Do you always have more month-end rather than money? Well if you have answered yes to all these questions, then look no further. We have listed a few part-time work opportunities that you can apply for. Not only will you be earning money, you will also be gaining experience that you can put on your CV. 1. Sales assistant at a book shop Many book shops have part time jobs for students who would like to be sales assistants. For example, Exclusive Books and Bargain Books at Cavendish and V/A Waterfront. Your job description would be, but not limited to, maintaining their book collection, assisting customers through the telephone and

in person, performing sale and refund transactions on their point of sale system and unpacking new books. 2. Waiter/Waitress at a restaurant Restaurants usually look for part time waiters/waitresses to work a few shifts during the week, the weekend, public holidays and holidays. Restaurants such as The Wild Fig in Observatory look for students to work either during lunch or in the evening. If you are interested, you can send your CV and a photo of yourself to info@thewildﬁg. co.za. 3. Tutoring high school learners Use your well-honed skills and help a young one out. There are di�erent companies that are looking for people that are willing to tutor high school subjects like Accounting, Mathematics, Science and English.

Applicants usually must have their own transport, be organized and passionate about education. SkillUp’s vacancy closes on the 31 st of July 2018 and Brightsparks is open throughout the year. Please visit their websites for more information. 4. Food delivery service With this job, you get to deliver food to di�erent people and interact with them too. Mr Delivery in Rondebosch is one example. To apply, send your CV to jobs@mrdelivery.com. 5. Call centres Ever fancied yourself as a customer service agent? Customer Care Solutions is one of many contact centres that look for customer service agents. They are situated in Woodstock. To apply, you can call 021 486 4000 or alternatively send your details to desiree@ccs.co.za

or liezyl@ccs.co.za and they will call you back. 6. Au Pair As an au pair, you help with a family’s children for a deﬁned period of time in exchange for a room and money. For more information, you can visit websites such as Handy Helpers and Nanny and Au. These are a few of many part time jobs you can take on as a student. In addition, beware of jobs that seem strange and odd, or even too good to be true. If you do not have a car to transport you to your workplace, ensure that the mode of transport you are using is safe.

Digital learning is the new wave, It’s quite something being quiet writes Hannah Wolpe

igital learning has helped transform the way people nowadays are able to learn new skills and gain qualifications. These di�erent platforms fill the demand for relevant, mobile, selfpaced and personalised content, allowing people to learn comfortably and (relatively) cheaply. There are many di�erent platforms for learning over the internet, but we shall look at 4 popular ones here: Lynda, Coursera, Shaw Academy, and Future Learn. Lynda Launched by the professional social network LinkedIn, Lynda provides personalised training with over 6700 courses. More career-orientated than the other platforms on this list, some of Lynda’s popular courses include Excel, programming and online marketing training. UCT students receive free access. Simply log in with your student username and password at lynda.uct.ac.za. Coursera Coursera is one of the most popular platforms as many of their highquality courses are free of charge. You do, however, have to pay to access graded assessments and certificates, with prices starting at about R600.

Shaw Academy Boasting a range of interactive webinars with industry experts and accredited diplomas, Shaw Academy is one of the popular choices for online learning. Shaw Academy also provides the “building-block” courses you’ll need to fulﬁl a certain career goal. This can be combining diplomas in photography and photoshop to become a professional photographer. You can get a basic membership for R300 per month, which includes a 30-day free trial. Future Learn Probably the least known platform on this list, Future Learn has courses for a broad range of topics. They’re free to join, consisting of prerecorded videos, quizzes, readings and sometimes audio. However, the amount of time you’ll have access to the material is limited. Whether you’re an ambitious student looking to gain an extra qualiﬁcation to help you stand out from the crowd, or simply a curious soul hoping to improve your writing or photography skills, thereis bound to be an online course for you.

Nevali Mohan

Quiet Place recently premiered in cinemas, a mix between a horror and thriller film genre. While the film seeks to spike your adrenaImage from springsadvertiser.com line levels, the manner in which thrill is conveyed is unconventional. Set on post-apocalyptic Earth, a few survivors and aliens now dominate the physical environment. Noise triggers these foreign beings and thus the need to live in silence. The story follows a family who live in the outskirts of the central town. Despite being under siege, the oldest child of the family is deaf. The family uses sign language as a primary form of communication. It is in this way that the family adapts to their surroundings to avoid triggering an attack by the aliens. The prioritisation of sight and sound above the other senses problematises the need for increased awareness of ableism in movie production. With the increasingly noticeable evolution of filmmaking, there still exists the need for facial expressions and gestures to convey messages on-screen. Hollywood exists as a market where talent is valued. It is a trend where abled bodies are often cast to play on-screen characters who have

disabilities. However; this film saw Millicent Simmonds, who is a deaf American actress, play the on-screen deaf character in this film. The opportunities that Hollywood presents are not inclusive to the diversity of actors, especially for people with disabilities. The casting of abled bodies, as disabled, prompts the need for a revised worldview based on what disability is. As it was in Me Before You, able-bodied Sam Clafin played the role of a physically disabled lead, bound to a wheelchair after a sudden accident. However, in A Quiet Place director, co-writer and on-screen lead John Krasinski, pushed for representation by casting Simmonds for her on-screen role. This brought about spill-over e�ects with respect to a greater awareness of disabilities like deafness. In addition to this; it has created a scope as one’s disability should not be a determinant of one’s on-screen role. The film does not stand in stark contrast to products of Hollywood but rather a step in the right direction which promotes inclusivity and representation.

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LIFESTYLE & FITNESS

Stress Relief Exercises amidst exams Simphiwe Sibeko

ver felt the tension in your neck or the heaviness of your legs as you climbed the UCT steps? Well, that is stress, and in a busy environment like UCT, it is hard to avoid it.

Image from thebluediamondgallery.com

From your peers stressing you about the movies you haven’t watched, to exam week. It is exam season and stress levels are high around campus, you might have tried a few ways to eradicate stress, here are a few notes and tools you can include to win the battle.

release? It basically includes the Psoas muscle that holds onto traumatic experiences, like exam stress. Releasing it with the right exercises can help the body release stress, anxiety and everything that comes with it. The exercises include ankle rolls, calf raises, and the rest of the exercises can be found on YouTube, by searching deep psoas trauma release. The ﬁrst video is key to a stress-free exam season. I also recommend you check out the trauma prevention website (traumaprevention.com). The site has good and explanatory information on stress relieving techniques. Take note of how you breathe when you’re stressed and when you’re relaxed. Breathing exercises are the way forward, created to shift you to a stress-free you. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body and the nice thing is there are di�erent types of breathing exercises you can do to see which works best for you. YouTube seems to be the best place for these xercises, otherwise a good-old Google search will su�ce.

Take not of how you breathe when you’re stressed and when you’re relaxed. One useful thing to do is make time for yourself outside of your studies, that can be, going out alone to the beach or nearby restaurant. It creates a space for you to be with your thoughts and engage in introspection. Reading or listening to music also does wonders. Changing the orientation of your room, moving things around, can burn calories, release endorphins, and help you blow o� steam. Ever heard of deep psoas trauma

Ntokozo Mayekiso

e all know how difficult it can be to remain motivated in this trying exam period. Long nights in the library, with readings and lecture notes that don’t end, paired with gloomy Cape Town weather, don’t exactly make up the most favourable conditions to reach your fitness goals, whatever they may be. However, there’s hope! Out there on the interwebs, lies womxn who spread positivity and remind us all that we’re all more than capable to achieve our goals in the name of fitspiration! 1. Nadia Jaftha Whether it be her hilarious skits on Instagram, or entertaining vlogs on YouTube, with Nadia, there’s always a reason to smile and have a chuckle or two. She not only o�ers advice on dating and relationships, but more importantly, fitness. Nadia doesn’t shy away from telling us about her fitness journey. She admitted that she never thought she’d be capable

of completing challenging physical tasks like running marathons or long distance, but she ultimately, was able to prove herself wrong; “I always kinda looked at those people and thought that they were something special, or that they had something that I didn’t have but when I finally finished my first marathon, it was a feeling that nobody could take away from me…” Instagram: @nadiajaftha 2. Sbahle Mpisane Known as the “fitness bunny”, influencer and fitness enthusiast Sbahle Mpisane serves as a source of inspiration for voluptuous womxn all over South Africa. Her Instagram feed is made up of tons of exercises that can be done almost everywhere! From the gym, to the beach, and the comfort of your own home. Sbahle is also involved in a fitness initiative called Fit Night Out, and travels to different parts of Africa spreading positivity through this platform. You can also find

Image from ﬂickr.com

Fitﬂuencers

Sbahle as one of the current participants in Survivor South Africa. A reality game show known to push contestants to their ﬁtness limits through gruelling physical tasks. Instagram:@sbahle_mpisane

3. Unathi Msengana You might know Unathi through her music, or as a judge on Idols South Africa, but I can assure you she is much more than that. Unathi, through her platform, has been open with regards to her ﬁtness journey; admitting that her post pregnancy body left her feeling insecure and that she “just wanted to feel good about [her] body” on Real Talk with Anele. Her advice to those that want to start their ﬁtness journey? “Just start”. Instagram: @unathi.com 4. Khabonina Though Khabonina has been the centre of Twitter banter through her rather creative lyrics, she simply cannot be reduced to that. The actress

and choreographer has been leading a life of fitness for many years now, with YouTube fitness tutorials that inspire all South Africans to get fit, despite societal status. Through her videos, she shows us how something as simple as a 2L Coke bottle can serve the same purpose as a dumbbell at the gym. Khabonina has also run initiatives such as “Fitness eKasi” which aim at inspiring a culture of fitness in South African townships as she felt that “people need more information” on alternative ways to get fit without a gym membership fee. Instagram: @khabonina_q 5. Celeste Ntuli Actress and comedian, Celeste Ntuli is known to cause a roar of laughter amongst South African crowds, but did you know that she’s also embarked on her personal fitness journey? Amidst Celeste’s instafeed of comedy shows and acting gigs, you will find gems of inspiration through

her fitness posts which she often captions “#StepByStep”, “#OneStepAtATime”, reminding us all that fitness is a journey, not a destination. Instagram: @celestentuli 6. Nkateko “Takkies” Maswanganye Nkateko “Takkies” Maswanganye is a South African choreographer who through her fitness program; Rocking in Heels has encouraged fitness through dance. Takkies proves that there are indeed no excuses for lazing about as she continued leading these classes all over South Africa up until the third trimester of her pregnancy. The now mother of one, also gives mothers convenient ways in which they can perform quick and e�ective 5-minute exercises that fit their busy schedules. Instagram: @takkies7

THE BACK PAGE

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In this Issue

IRTC begins Phase 2 of hearings: Transformation at UCT

8-9

UCT Engineers Design a Device Which Improves the Lives of Asthma Sufferers

The Diaries of a Cultural Academic

Very Berry

1 whole frozen banana (thickener and sweetener) • 1 cup frozen berries (I use raspberries and blueberries) • 1 handful frozen spinach (literally just for the health benefits, doesn’t taste great I’ll be honest) • 1/2 cups raw almonds • 2 tablespoons seed mix (chia, flax, sunflower) • 2 tablespoons dried goji berries • 2 dates (sweetener) • 2 sprigs of mint, if I have • 1/2 cup almond milk • 1 cup water • 2 ice cubes This seems like a long list, I know, but every ingredient adds a different dimension to the smoothie, it’s creamy, rich, filling and moreish – particularly delicious in summer.

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1 banana

3 heaped tablespoons of sugar free peanut butter (or any other nut butter) 4 dates 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 tablespoons goji berries 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oats 1 tablespoon Wazoogles vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup almond milk 1 cup water 2 ice cubes image from pixabay.com

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Let’s flush it down?

3. Peanut Butter delight:

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image from pixabay.com

All of these ingredients may seem daunting at first, but if you read through them, you’ll see that there a lot of common items to all three recipes. You can build up a collection of things over time to make your smoothies more interesting. If you want take your smoothies to the next level, you could use the above ingredients, but make a smoothie bowl instead of a smoothie by adding some delicious toppings – my favourites are cacao nibs, goji berries, sugar free granola and fresh fruit.

Marimbas

Smoothie Recipes Jessica Mandel

moothies are healthy, convenient and a great option when university gets ridiculously busy (so, always) and for those nights when you’re just feeling lazy (so, definitely always). I started making smoothies in first year as a breakfast option. I usually make a smoothie the night before, and keep it in the fridge for the next morning (because I’m somehow always running late in the morning). When I started, I just threw together whatever I had in my fridge, so as you can imagine I ended up with

2. Caffeine Cacao • •

1 banana 1/4 avocado (adds to the rich and creamy texture) 2x heaped tablespoons of cacao powder (honestly, the more the better) 2 tablespoons of chia seeds 4 dates 2.5 tablespoons goji berries 1 tablespoon Wazoogles chocolate/ coffee protein powder Coffee! I usually mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in about 60ml

• some weird combinations. Thankfully, the trial and error eventually led to a few • delicious smoothie recipes. I • got a Nutribullet as a present • when I started at UCT, and it • has become my most trusted tool in the kitchen. I use it • for all my smoothies, soups and nut butters. They’re of water currently R1759 on Takealot, • 1/2 cup almondmilk but keep an eye out because • 1 cup water they usually offer 20-30% • 2 ice cubes discounts on them every 2/ 3 months. Without further This is such a great winter pick-me-up ado, here are three of my and cures any sneaky chocolate cravings. absolute favourite smoothie recipes, tried and tested many times by yours truly:

image from pixabay.com