16 October 2018 | Volume 77 | Edition 10
Food vendors sign two-year contracts The Cissy Gool food vendors have signed a two-year contract after weeks of uncertainty By Tessa Knight The Cissy Gool food vendors have signed a new two-year lease with the university. Following weeks of uncertainty, and a continuous lack of communication, the vendors were o�ered two-year leases on Thursday of last week. In previous years the vendors were given five-year leases, which were then shortened to four years. For the last three years, the handful of vendors have been forced to sign contracts that would last just 12 months, with a stipulation that the university would only have to give them two months notice to vacate the premises. Owners of the six cafeteria food stalls contacted VARSITY after rumours circulated claiming that the vendors would be asked to leave campus at the end of November, when students would have gone home. This would give the campus food veterans until January, when there are very few students on campus, to petition for their cause. A document leaked to VARSITY by an anonymous source highlighted the university’s plan to phase out independent food vendors, and replace the Cissy Gool cafeteria with UCT-owned food stalls similar to the new Food & Connect store. The document outlined a two-year plan that would eventually see all food stores taken over by UCT Food Co. Phase 1 involved the removal of Big Chef stalls on campus, replacing them with stalls owned and operated by UCT.
They’re not actually interested in students’ safety One of the points highlighted in the document involves food safety and sanitation. According to the current Cissy Gool food vendors, in the past the university would provide two weeks notice before initiated an unscheduled safety audit. All of the food stalls would be audited and given a grade. Failing could result in a forced
Image by Aaliyah Ahmed
termination. When speaking to the vendors, many of them agreed that this was fair – ensuring that their food is safe and healthy to consume was of high importance to all of the storeowners. However, according to the vendors, UCT has not conducted either of the biannual food safety audits. “They’re not actually interested in students’ safety,” stated one of the vendors when speaking on the topic of food safety audits. “They just want to make money.” VARSITY has recently learned that UCT intends on auditing the vendors towards the end of this month. With the removal of Big Chef earlier this year, it is clear that UCT pushed forward with phase 1 of their plan. However, it is unclear whether the university has simply postponed the
plan to remove the current food vendors for another two years, or whether the plan has been scrapped entirely. VARSITY attempted to communicate with Fawaz Mustapha, the Director of Commercial Development at UCT, on multiple occasions. Mustapha repeatedly ignored and side-stepped VARSITY’s requests for information, communication, and transparency. When VARSITY attempted to phone Mustapha, it was discovered he had gone on holiday during the time he was expected to be in communication with the vendors. He did not respond to VARSITY’s last email communication. While the fact that the current food vendors have been o�ered a new contract is promising, the food vendors hinted that UCT could have handled the matter with more
finesse. When contacting the UCT law department asking for potential legal advice, the vendors were told that they couldn’t be given legal advice as it would be a conflict of interest for the legal department. They were turned away.
There is little recourse available to independent contractors on UCT campuses It seems that there is little recourse available to independent contractors on UCT campuses. While the current situation took a positive turn, the university’s lack of communication leaves much to be desired.
@VarsityNews | 16 October 2018| V77 E10 |Page 2
NEWS
Tessa Knight news@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Rainbow UCT welcomes Inclusivity Policy
VARSITY spoke to Robyn-Lee Tobias, Chairperson of Rainbow UCT, on the adoption of the Inclusivity Policy for Sexual Orientation.
E
By Akhona Matshoba
arly last week UCT adopted the Inclusivity Policy for Sexual Orientation. One of the policy’s main outcomes has been the adoption of a more inclusive approach to titles. The university has made provision for both prospective and current students to choose their preferred title. Students will be allowed to choose from Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Mx, or a blank option if no title is preferred. The university commits to this change being at no financial cost to students.
Students will be allowed to choose from Mrs, Miss, Ms, Mx “It is important that UCT supports its gender diverse students. Allowing gender neutral titles is a great step in the right direction, one of many that needs to be taken to cultivate an inclusive space and community here at UCT,” says Tobias.
Welcoming this recent development, Tobias expresses hope for the rainbow community at UCT. “Universities are ground zero – it is where many of us find ourselves; it is the place of knowledge and education and I am only hoping that this recent development educates our cis-gendered students who were previously uneducated about pronoun use and titles on the importance of addressing gender diverse students correctly” The policy sets out guidelines to inform and educate members of the university community on making appropriate choices on the use of terminology in teaching practice, communication, health care and administrative services. Tobias expresses concern over the policy implementation process however, feeling that even though we may see progress in inclusivity being made on paper, in terms of UCT recognising ones preferred title. According to Rainbow UCT, it will take a lot more work on the part of the institution to ensure that these policies are recognised and
applied by students and sta� members on the ground.
It’s important that UCT supports its gender diverse students Moving forward, Tobias expresses eagerness to see UCT develop more
Image sourced from@RainbowUCT Instagram
gender-neutral bathrooms, not just in future buildings but in the ones already existing. “How long will that take? How long do our gender diverse students have to wait to have access to a basic human need, to have a bathroom that they feel safe and comfortable in?” Tobias asks.
Standby advisors offer 24 hour support Image by UCT news.co.za
By Sibongile Ralana
The university recently trained 11 staff members to be standby advisors in cases of sexual violence.
U
CT sta� members were recently invited to apply to be standby advisors in cases of sexual violence. The successful applicants were selected based on demonstrable experience or knowledge in counselling, amongst other criteria. The advisors were trained by Dr Rashieda Khan, who is the Stream Leader of Survivor Support at the O�ce for Inclusivity and Change. “It is vitally important that survivors get the necessary medical
assistance as soon as possible” says Khan. Should the advisor be notified of a rape incident that was committed within the 72 hours, the advisor will encourage the survivor to seek medical assistance which includes postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV as well as possible sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Should the survivor opt to get the medical assistance, the advisor will accompany them to Victoria Hospital.
It is vitally important that survivors get the necessary medical assistance as soon as possible Khan states that the university’s policy requires that there be assistance available 24 hours a day, which
includes weekends and public holidays. The role of the standby advisor is to provide assistance after hours. The advisors’ services are available from 4pm to 8am weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays, with Khan available during week days.
Since 2017, UCT had the highest number of reported incidences of rape and sexual assault “Since 2011 to date, we have provided 32 survivors who have reported their cases support and assistance and have also provided support and advice to their friends and family” says Khan. In 2017, UCT had the highest number of reported incidences of
rape and sexual assault, according to Minister for Higher Education and Training Naledi Pandor. Sexual violence continues to be a concern within the university. A “Time’s Up!” discussion was held on Thursday and Friday, 27 and 28 September 2018 on campus, where talks were held to discuss rape culture and how campus can be made safer for womxn. Last year, the university reported nine incidences of rape on campus, a decrease from the year before.
@VarsityNews |16 October 2018|V77 E10|Page 3
Chibale, Professor Keertan Dheda, Professor George Ekama, Professor HansPeter Kunzi, Professor Edward Rybicki, and Professor Heather Zar. P-ratings are given to upcoming researchers, usually below 35 years old, who have held a PhD for less than five years. Such recipients are recognized as future leaders in their specialization. Three scientists received this rating for their pioneering work. Successful recipients were: Dr Sarah Fawcett, Dr Geoffrey Howarth, and Dr Alistair Price. Additionally, special awards were given in recognition of researchers who contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation and dissemination, as noted by UCT news. Dr Mohlopheni Marakalala was celebrated for his outstanding research work on pathological progression of Tuberculosis. According to UCT news, Marakalala’s research will potentially enhance educational opportunities and foster research capacity through training postgraduate students. Furthermore, Associate Professor Edmund February, obtained the Hamilton Naki Award. The merit of this award is based on achieving outstanding research performance amid impossibilities.
These researchers, among others, epitomize South African excellence in academia. Images sourced from UCT News
UCT scientists honoured at Soligah Solomons NRF awards
According to UCT news, Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng endorsed February’s nomination. Despite facing challenges such as poor mathematics education and a lack of funding, he still rose in the academic ranks. “He has produced over 60 publications and graduated 14 MScs and four PhD students,” she told UCT news. These researchers, among others, epitomize South African excellence in academia.
Eleven UCT scientists received awards for excellence by the NRF.
The annual awards ceremony of the National Research Foundation (NRF) took place on the 26th of September in Port Elizabeth. Eleven scientists from the University of Cape Town were honoured at the prestigious event. The NRF Awards, which are accorded to recipients who excel in South African research, are presented in two categories. These categories are based on a peer-reviewed NRF-rating system, in which recipients obtain either an A or P rating.
Such recipients are recognized as future leaders in their specialization. A-ratings were awarded to scientists for their high-quality and meaningful impact in their fields of expertise. These were awarded to: Professor Kelly
Incident of Assault at Leo Marquard Hall.
A Sub-Warden at Leo Marquard has been accused of assault of another student Babalwa Nomtshongwana
An allegation of assault has been lodged against a sub-warden at Leo Marquard Hall. The assault is said to have occurred at the residence itself. Although the sub-warden was not suspended, the person who lodged the allegations claims that the incident was reported to the warden of the residence. According to the person involved, no disciplinary procedure was taken after a complaint was lodged. The complainant has made it clear that there was another incident of alleged assault in a different case, also involving the same sub-warden and another student.
The incident was reported, but the sub-warden was not suspended While the student reported the incident to the warden of Leo Marquard, the warden apparently has no direct influence over
the possible suspension of the sub-warden from the university. Neither can he force the accused to vacate his position. The warden is within his right to refer the complainant to Student Governance Court, the Office for Inclusivity and Change, or even the University Student Disciplinary Tribunal. In the complainant’s own words, SAPS was supposedly involved in the incident as the student wanted to pursue criminal proceedings against the sub-warden. The matter was also reported with the Student Governance Court (SGC), an independent body comprising of five students. It presides over disciplinary matters lodged against student structures and members of student governance who are alleged to have contravened the student governance legislation. They are the highest student run disciplinary body within the university and preside over cases involving
student governance. They essentially ensure the accountability of student leaders and governance within the university. This case however, falls outside of the scope of the SGC as the Court does not preside over matters with real-life legal consequences. The case and the processes involved, if presided over by the Disciplinary Tribunal, can be expedited in order for the case to be resolved sooner. The Disciplinary Tribunal is responsible for prosecution services regarding any alleged breaching of the University Student Code that may result in legal ramification. A guilty finding at the Disciplinary Tribunal could then result in the sub-warden being removed from his position, and even from the residence and, in more serious cases, expulsion from the University. Until a guilty verdict is handed down at the Tribunal, the sub-warden is allowed to remain in his position at Leo Marquard Hall.
The IRTC after the Final Push
Submissions to the IRTC have closed as the commission works on its report. By Sibongile Ralana
T
he Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC) has been hard at work throughout 2018. The Commission has been tasked with conflict resolution between the University of Cape Town and Shackville protest students, as well as member of Fees Must Fall. The IRTC aims to assist the university in working towards transformation as well as reconciliation.
“The Commission is now working towards the completion of the report and hopes to submit it to UCT towards the end of the year “ The IRTC commenced with its first round of hearings on Tuesday, 27 March 2018, nearly two years after Shackville in 2016. Throughout the year the Commission has held hearings and accepted written
submissions from students and staff. The Commission then launched “The Final Push” campaign, shortly before the deadline of Sunday 30 September 2018. This was the last opportunity for those who wished to make submissions. The Commissioners are presently working through the submissions, which will enable them to write their final report. Every submission received by the IRTC will count towards the final report, which will include recommendations for the university in regards to transformation and reconciliation with student protesters. The Chair of the IRTC, former Minister Mosibudi Mangena, says that the Commission is now working towards the completion of the report and hopes to submit it to UCT towards the end of the year.
Image sourced from UCT News
@VarsityNews | 16 October 2018 | V77 E10 | Page 4
EDITORIAL
The new 2019 collective
A whole new editorial
The Collective EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Soligah Solomons editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
DEPUTY EDITOR Caroline Petersen editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
MANAGING EDITOR Teboho George managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Caroline Petersen Deputy Editor in Chief
COPY EDITOR Nomcebo Masilela copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za
ONLINE EDITOR Arin Barry online@varsitynewspaper.co.za
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tasneem Jacobs creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za CONTRIBUTORS & SUB-EDITORS Stefanie Simon, Robyn Harry, Cayla Clement, Lara Antonopoulos, Bethany Long, Gemma Strohah, Shakeela Ishmail, Dasma Maharaj, Minenhle Nkosi, Anesu Musabayna, Sasha Broom
PRINT OPINIONS Parusha Chetty & Sumona Bose opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Arin Barry Online Editor
Soligah Solomons As the incoming Editor-in-Chief, this transitional period evokes bittersweet feelings. On the one hand, we bid farewell to the phenomenal former senior editorial, and on the other hand we welcome a brand new senior editorial team on board. Personally, I’m quite excited about this #GRLPWR squad for 2019.
Personally, I’m quite excited about this #GRLPWR squad for 2019. Nonetheless, I am super excited to embark on this journey with my team. As my Deputy Editor, Caroline, would say, “May it be bright; may it be bold...may it be colour coordinated and in neatly labeled folders”. We look forward to building on that which our predecessors have established, and to serve the UCT community e�ectively. Now, we have reached the final stretch of our academic year. We would
like to wish everyone all the best with finishing o� final projects and the upcoming examinations. Additionally, we also want to extend gratitude to everyone who contributed meaningfully this year. Be sure to check out pages 8 to 10 - this is our final goodbye and thank you to our hardworking collective this year. From myself, and the Collective, we hope you have a good summer break!
Stay updated by following us on Twitter @VarsityNews Facebook @VarsityNewspaper, And don’t forget to visit our website varsitynewspaper.co.za.
Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested in applying or would like more info.
PRINT FEATURES Ishani Lala & Nwabisa Mazana features@varsitynewspaper.co.za
PRINT LIFESTYLE & FITNESS Simba Mariwande sport@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS REPORTERS Sibongile Ralana, Nomcebo Masilela PRINT IMAGES Aaliyah Ahmed & Mishaal Gangaram images@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS Catherine Torrington onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za
ONLINE LIFESTYLE & FITNESS Carl Osborne onlinesports@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE FEATURES Caroline Petersen onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE OPINIONS Raeesa Triegaardt onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Teboho George Managing Editor
STAFF WRITERS Nolitha Ngamlana, Babalwa Nomtshongwana, Asanda Masoka, Ntombi Khulu, Kelsey Maggott, Thandile Xesi, Zahirah Benjamin, Soligah Solomons, Tsepang Pooe ONLINE IMAGES Warren Modukwe onlineimages@varsitynewspaper.co.za FINANCE MANAGERS Jessica Mandel & Teboho George finance@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE CHIEF SUBBER Benita Mwinkeu OPERATIONS MANAGER Nwabisa Mlandu operations@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Nomcebo Masilela Copy Editor
Applications for VARSITY General Collective are open: We’re looking for students who are passionate about writing, journalism, and media. We are broadly looking for: • Section editors • Social media correspondents • News reporters • Staff writers
PRINT NEWS Tessa Knight news@varsitynewspaper.co.za
WEB EDITORS Gerald Balekaki & Mukhethwa Ravele web@varsitynewspaper.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENT Malusi Ngidi HR MANAGERS Beth Dealtry & Annie Ou Yang hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za MARKETING & BRANDING Declan Dyer & Tshepiso Nthlane marketing@varsitynewspaper.co.za ADS MANAGERS Gosiame Tsotetsi & Natalie Speed-Andrews ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Tasneem Jacobs Creative Director
HEAD OF VIDEOGRAPHY Advik Beni & Pauline Shrosbree videographers@varsitynewspaper.co.za