31 July 2019 | Volume 78 | Edition 6
Eduroam Branches Out! Eduroam internet services are now available at 57 public libraries in the City of Cape Town, making it easier for students to get work done off-campus. By Akhona Matshoba s a result of the joint effort by the City of Cape Town (CoCT) and Tertiary Education and Research Network South Africa (TENET), eduroam internet services will now be more accessible to students and staff from all four public universities in the province, namely, the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Stellenbosch.
“to make access to campus learning materials more accessible to students” According to Guy Halse, Director for Trust and Identity at TENET, the motivation behind this initiative was “to make access to campus learning materials more accessible to students, particularly for those who live long distances
[away] from university campuses or who come from less privileged backgrounds.” This effort is appreciated by Jade Petersen, a final year student at the University of Cape Town who often has to travel from home to campus. “This is going to be a huge relief for me because the library is five minutes away from my home. It will also help me save data [when having] to do my assignments,” she says. Petersen went on further to say that this will help level the playing field between her and her peers who live on campus and have unlimited access to the eduroam Wi-Fi. When asked about any plans to expand the project to the remaining 48 libraries that are without the eduroam services, Luthando Tyhalibongo, the CoCT’s Media Manager explains to us that, “A stable and high-speed data link is required
source: tenet.ac.za
before a Wi-Fi service such as eduroam can be activated at a City Library. The balance of the 48 libraries’ links are currently inadequate for Wi-Fi services and will be upgraded as funds are made available over the next few years.”
“this will level the playing field” Halse adds to this, saying that, although hospitals and clinics are not part of the scope of the project at the moment, he sees
value in expanding this initiative to such locations in the longer term. This would be especially useful as significant numbers of health science students operate in these spaces daily.
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NEWS
Gabriel Vieira & Sophie Fischer news@varsitynewspaper.co.za
By Gabriel Vieira
A new environmentallyconscious Conference Centre has been opened at the UCT Graduate School of Business and will be used to place UCT in the midst of international academia dialogues.
O
n Wednesday July 3rd 2019, the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) unveiled a new, state-of -the -art Conference Centre that has a Green Star rating of 4 stars from the Green Building Council of South Africa. The Green Building Council SA is an internationally recognised body which assesses the environmental friendliness of structures. The structure’s total cost amounted to around R100 million and took two years to complete.
The Conference Centre was constructed with the goal of creating a large environment conducive to hosting both local and international academic and research events. It serves as a move to bring UCT into the midst of international dialogue for the future of academia. UCT Vice Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng said of the new centre, “In our rapidly advancing world we need spaces [where we can] address the frightening growth of populism, poverty and inequality.”
“Various green features have been added to the newly-built venue” Included among the ‘green features’ of the centre are energy efficient LED lights, metered taps, waterless urinals, grey water treatment (the recycling of relatively clean water generated within the structure), motion-sensor activated lighting and, above all, a building management system that will purposefully monitor the effectiveness of internal building services. Another creative feature is that, while lifts are included in the building for those that need them, the central staircase was constructed and placed specifically to encourage their use over that of the lifts.
Source: UCT News
New ‘Green’ Conference Center unveiled at Graduate School of Business The Conference Center will generate revenue from “for hire” events and will also offer naming rights for the Center and specific venues within it. In fact, at its launch, the first naming ceremony took place in which the auditorium was named after the GSB’s sixth director (and it’s only woman director to date), from 1992 to 1998, Kate Jowell.
The venue is remarkably flexible with its many facilities, including acoustic walls in the auditorium and back-of-house and kitchen facilities. Conference venues on the first and ground floors can all seat 150 people and can be split into three smaller venues for whatever might be most needed for a particular event.
“The venue is remarkably flexible with it’s many facilities”
UCT entrepreneurs take part in Enactus’ National Competition By Sinothando Siyolo
The Enactus competition has enabled UCT student entrepreneurs to actualise and be recognised for their ideas that will help create meaningful change in their communities.
F
rom the 6th to the 9th of July, Enactus hosted its South African National Competition in Johannesburg. Enactus is an experiential learning platform dedicated to creating a better world while developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators. It operates internationally across 1,730 university campuses. Among those campuses is the University of Cape Town.
“it is more financially valuable to focus on competitions that offer funding opportunites for our projects”
The purpose of this national competition is for students to showcase their entrepreneurship projects that are changing lives and providing innovative solutions for sustainable impact in their communities. The University of Cape Town Enactus team chose not to take part in the main national competition but rather to build on last year’s success by again competing in the special competitions. “We are a relatively young team,” says Nolitha Mvunelo, UCT Enactus chairperson. She adds that, “it is more financially valuable to focus on competitions that offer funding opportunities for our projects.” The UCT Enactus team participated in special competitions - the Ideation challenge and the MTN ICT challenge, where they took first place in Ideation and were finalists for the MTN ICT challenge. In the MTN foundation’s ICT Challenge their project Nozari was presented: “Nozari is a project working to use artificial intelligence to improve education for disadvantaged communities,” explains Mvunelo. In the Ideation Challenge, the project, Enhle, was presented. Project Enhle is a booking platform for students to get their hair, nails and makeup services from other students on
Source: Paul Makhabane
campus,” Mvunelo says. As a seed fund for these two projects the UCT Enactus team raised R76, 000.
“we will continue to be an incubator for creative ideas, businesses and leaders”
In 2018 the UCT Enactus team brought home multiple awards from the national competition, including The Thematic Award: Entrepreneurial Approach (second place), the Imvotho Project (third place), and the Nedbank Ideation Challenge (second place). The UCT Enactus team has plans of winning the nationals and continuing to thrive. “We will win nationals. The plan is for UCT students to do what UCT does: be the best in Africa. In the meantime, Enactus UCT will continue to be an incubator for creative ideas, businesses and leaders. We will continue to provide resources, opportunities and a community to aspiring social entrepreneurs at UCT.”
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Final UCT IRTC Report Released The Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC) has released its final report findings after three years of investigating the aftermath of the ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests. By Gabriel Vieira
O
n Monday July 22nd 2019, The Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC) released its final report, concluding its work of three years. The Commission was set up in 2016 in order to properly address both the aftermath of the 2016 and 2017 ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests, particularly the ‘Shacksville’ event where student-protesters erected a makeshift shack to protest against the overbooking procedures at UCT which left many students without housing.
Dr. Mabose Langa, and Ms. Yasmin Sooka. These individuals were deemed fit – according to Chair of UCT’s Council, Mr. Sipho Pityana – “to grapple with a very complex set of issues during a very contentious time in the history of the University”.
“a total of eight students punished due to involvment in the protests were granted amnesty “
Some of the key findings of the commission were: security forces outsourced by the University showed excessive force during the protests; mental health facilities in the University exist but are ultimately inadequate; there are telling disparities in the demographics of UCT faculties when it comes to gender and race, especially at senior positions.
The IRTC was created in 2016 to perform various duties, including on deciding on whether or not clemency should be extended to the persons who were punished for their involvement in the protests, recommendations on how to handle such protest action in the future and to give recommendations on causing change in the culture of the UCT institution as a whole. On the note of clemency, a total of eight students punished due to involvement in the protests were granted amnesty by the commission and the commission made it clear that the right to protest must be protected. “all members on the Commission were external”
All members making up the Commission were external from the UCT community and included Dr. Mosibudi Mangena, Judge Zak Yacoob, Dr. Yvette Abrahams,
“some of the key findings were: security forces outsourced showed excessive force”
The IRTC has many recommendations, such as: the creation of an internal UCT Steering Committee; the need to deal with all outstanding disciplinary actions relating to the protests quickly and efficiently; to undertake research in how best to embrace diversity institutionally; to improve the institution’s mental health services and to stop the practice of ‘overbooking’ which left many students without a home in residences on campus.
Source: TimesLIVE
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The Collective
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Soligah Solomons editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Here’s to second semester!
MANAGING EDITOR Teboho George managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za
DEPUTY EDITOR Akhona Matshoba editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
COPY EDITOR Ntombi Khulu copyed@varsitynewspaper. co.za
Soligah Solomons Editor-in-Chief
ONLINE EDITOR Arin Barry online@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tasneem Jacobs creativedirector@ varsitynewspaper.co.za CONTRIBUTORS UCT Careers Service, Kate Southwood, Sumona Bose, Max Uushona, Emily Norris and Aadam Toefy PRINT NEWS Gabriel Vieira & Sophie Fischer news@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Teboho George
W
e’ve had a very hard and trying journey up to this edition but more than anything, I can say it has been very rewarding. For the most part of this journey I was on a leave of Absence and recently returned for second semester. But that didn’t stop the paper from keeping me on my toes. As a corporate and definitely having no intention of joining the media, I can safely say that VARSITY has been a safe space for me to grow. We believe in the importance of contributing to the growth of our society at large, and having you engage with us and our work. As part of this initiative we welcomed second semester with our Annual Media conference and I must say, we are proud of the work that has been done, and grateful for having the Mail and Guardian sponsor the entire event.
the years and how the digital world is taking over. We need to constantly up-skill ourselves and stay relevant with the times. Don’t just be comfortable with your major, there are online short courses available for free, which we can take advantage of to reinvent ourselves and be more desirable in the market. For those who missed the conference, you can look out for some highlights on our social media pages. “at VARSITY we seek members who are willing to learn and grow”
I have seen that it’s very easy to be cheesy in our resumes and interviews, saying things like; I get things done, I’m proactive, time management is my thing… the list goes on. But when it comes to actually demonstrating those qualities we hit a brick wall. “be sure to check out the That’s why at VARSITY highlights of our annual we are not looking for perfection, but for people media conference in who are willing to learn and association with the Mail grow so that by the time you & Guardian on our social go out, you are actually what media pages” you say you are. With that said, applications are open Our theme was, for those who want to be part surviving and thriving in the of this amazing collective… media, where we had guests and up skill themselves. talk to us about the dynamics of navigating life from school Stay updated with into the real world. What I VARSITY News via our learned is that, because social media platforms: the world is evolving, we need to be diverse and Twitter: @varsitynews acquire extra skills and even Instagram: varsitynews more experiences. We can Facebook: VARSITY already see how the media Website: varsitynewspaper. landscape has changed over co.za
PRINT OPINIONS Kelsey Maggott & Zahirah Benjamin opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za PRINT FEATURES Sebastian Moronell & Amber Williams features@varsitynewspaper. co.za
Akhona Matshoba
PRINT LIFESTYLE & FITNESS sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
NEWS REPORTERS Mantwa Mehlape, Sinothando Siyolo & Phophi Tshikovi IMAGES Tao Varty & Lebo Notoane images@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE NEWS Jasmine Jacobs onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE LIFESTYLE & FITNESS Tiyani Rikhotso onlinesports@varsitynewspaper.co.za
ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR Nolitha Ngamlana
STAFF WRITERS Julia Rowley, Shameeka Voyiya, Chandré Cupido, Sara Largardien Abdullah, Stephanie Wild, Brad Brinkley, Anouschka Tollig
Ntombi Khulu Copy Editor
ONLINE OPINIONS Ruhi Ghaza & Salma Noor Mahomed onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za WEB EDITOR Mukhetwa Ravele web@varsitynewspaper.co.za
FINANCE MANAGER Aidan Croy finance@varsitynewspaper. co.za
MARKETING & BRANDING Tshepiso Mokabu marketing@varsitynewspaperco.za
HR & OPERATIONS MANAGER hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za
ACTING ADS MANAGER Teboho George ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za
VIDEOGRAPHY Siyambonga Jubeju videographers@ varsitynewspaper.co.za
Arin Barry
Online Editor ONLINE FEATURES Refentse Malatji & Anna Cocks onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Malusi Ngidi socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za
Positions available in VARSITY Collective:
Tasneem Jacobs Creative Director
Lifestyle & Fitness Editor and Deputy Editor Online News Editor HR and Operations Manager Deputy Finance Manager Social Media Correspondents News reporters Staff Writers Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested!
This Week In Images Tao Varty Lebogang Khotso Notoane
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FEATURES
In Remembrance
Sebastian Monorell & Amber Williams features@varsitynewspaper.co.za
By Sebastian Moronell
A
t the end of last semester, I was investigating the death of Yonela Siwani, formerly a member of UCT’s cleaning staff. I was intrigued by the circumstances surrounding her death: at the beginning of this year she was accidentally hit by a Jammie Shuttle. According to a source, Ronel Koekemoer, it was a particularly gruesome scene - images of the accident were circulated on social media networks such as WhatsApp, showing her leg caught between the tire and the Jammie. The accident was in February, however I only came to know of her death on the 17th of May - the day UCT announced it via email. The email contained the basic details of her life - her age, former occupation, remaining family, the time and date of memorial service, as well as the mention of the ‘accident earlier this year involving a Jammie Shuttle.’ Suspecting a story - an angle - I went to the memorial service. The measured tone of the email did not prepare me for the raw emotion of the service. Speeches and sermons, delivered by friends and preachers alike, were interspersed with
hymns sung by the crowd. On the faces of these individuals, mostly from the UCT cleaning staff or Campus Protection Services (CPS), one could feel a deep sense of loss.
“The measured tone of the email did not prepare me for the raw emotion of the service” After the memorial I found out that following the accident Yonela’s leg had to be amputated; but she recovered, and in fact visited her friends and colleagues at UCT. A few weeks after her discharge from the hospital she was back in hospital with a lung infection, shortly after which she passed away. Her line manager, Oswald Qongqo, suggested that the lung infection was caused by her time in the hospital, but no one could really be sure. There was no angle here - only loss.
“I wanted to know what these emails mean; or better, where I could find meaning in them” I was upset - I wasn’t prepared for any of this. The warm formality of the emails could never prepare me for the memorial service. So I decided to ask the Communication and Marketing Department (CMD) at UCT why they write these emails, and why they are written in that unassumingly caring manner. I spoke to someone at CMD on the phone, where they requested I send an email to their department; unsurprisingly, they only respond to queries via email. Perhaps then, it is no coincidence that they still have not responded to my email - a universal, almost theatrical irony was at play here. I wanted to know what these emails mean; or better, where I could find meaning in them. They didn’t seem to offer any. Perhaps that was their function - to erase meaning.
Recognising and accepting the beautiful Queer YOU are
Photo by Robert Nyholm
By Amber Williams
The journey to recognising yourself as a queer individual can be a rocky road to carving a sense of self in a world which has previously relied on heteronormative ideologies to classify individuals.
I
To start the schooling process here are some terms used in the LGBTQIAP+ community you may find yourself identifying with and please, if you do, delve a little deeper. Here’s to breaking out and away: Queer: an umbrella term applied to individuals who do not identify as being straight or cisgender.
would consider myself as queer. This dawned on me recently as I was walking through University Avenue. But what exactly did that mean to me? What’s in a label? How was my sense of self to be viewed from here on out? If anything, recognising and acknowledging that side of myself has been liberating. Coming out of a home and culture where ‘womanly’ habits were ingrained into me from a young age, I am finally breaking away from all of that, and coming to know myself by myself.
Ally: a straight/ cisgender person who actively supports and advocates equal civil rights for the LGBTQIAP+ movement and challenges homophobia, bi-phobia and transphobia.
Many of you may find yourselves in a similar position - questioning where you belong on the gender and sexuality spectrum. Many of us have little information or resources on gender identity and how we identify ourselves in relation to the world and society. Our schools and parents have, for the most part, failed in educating us on these matters. Luckily, university provides the perfect space where you can begin exploring yourself in ways you might not have known existed. It is truly a time of wildness, witchery, wisdom, and reaching new heights and levels within ourselves.
Androgyny: a form of gender expression that has both masculine and feminine elements present.
Aromantic: a person who experiences little to no interest in romantic relationships and its associated behaviours or only experience romantic attraction under certain circumstances.
Cisgender: used to describe a person whose birthassigned sex and current gender identity correspond in the expected way. Can also be shortened to ‘cis’. Cross-Dresser: used to describe a person who dresses in the opposite binary gender expression, usually for fun, sexual gratification or recreational purposes. Gender-Variant: a person who does not conform to
heteronormative societal expectations of gender roles and behaviour either out of choice or by nature. Femme: often used to refer to a feminine-presenting queer woman or person who identifies as being emotionally, physically and mentally feminine. Fluid (ity): a term used to describe an identity that may be susceptible to change over time or within the mix of options available in LGBTQIAP+ terminology. Pansexual: a term used to describe a person who experiences sexual, physical, emotional and/or spiritual attraction for all gender identities/expressions. Can be shortened to ‘pan’. Polyamorous: used to refer to or describe the practice of and desire for having an open, ethical, honest and consensual non-monogamous relationship. Can be shortened to ‘poly’ in everyday street language. Two-Spirit: an umbrella term traditionally used in Native American communities to describe a person who possesses or fulfils both masculine and feminine gender expressions.
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The Final Lap: Surviving and Thriving Throughout the Semester By Chandré Cupido Go into this semester with an open mind. Be open to learning about the semester’s work and learn from others in your class - especially in your tuts. Have a designated friend in class that you trust and can rely on when it comes to work ethic and, as sneaky as this sounds, obtaining information from when you miss class (on occasion). But be warned - it’s all too easy to fall into a codependent trap and what you’re aiming for is to do things for yourself. No one has your back better than you.
Source: Wikipedia
W
elcome back everyone! I trust you have all had a stress-free and relaxing vac. Doing those special things you enjoy doing, allowing to kick back and simply just...relax. Those small things have never been appreciated more. But for some others this hasn’t been the case. Some of us found themselves having had to secure the bag by working. All due respect to the grind. The vac felt quite short and many of us may not feel as rested as we would have liked, or even hoped. But with the new semester on the way all we have to do is stick through and reach the eventual end of this year. So let’s kickstart the process by starting the semester off on a confident note. Starting things off on the right foot will keep you driven throughout the semester. And when you believe in the cause of what you’re doing, you’ll only be more motivated.
“Adjust your schedule to your method of working”
The transition from staying wrapped up in bed to waking up at 6am or earlier to get to class is hard. The cold weather doesn’t make things any easier but do not skip that class. Once you’ve gone down that rabbit hole you’ll only be left feeling more confused than ever. Attend all your lectures. Additionally, some students find themselves having other obligations such as part-time jobs or activities. Remember you do not have to burn yourself out with all your work and admin. Adjust your schedule to your method of working, and if you don’t have a strategic method for working, get
on that ASAP. Work becomes easier when there is a set way to do things. That way you have time to rest and catch a breath without feelings of guilt and anxiety.
“The future from this point on depends solely on what you want” Our student population is too diverse not to acknowledge the few of us who are graduating this year. All that can be said to those few is: do not freak out. The future from this point on depends solely on what you want. Don’t give in to external pressure. Now is a good time to focus in and narrow down on what it is you’re good at. And do just that. Surround yourself with good company, good energy and, combined with a spirit of burning fire, you should find yourself doing just fine.
I Failed a Course
By Aadam Toefy
I
remember orientation day. I remember going on the first day, skipping the rest of the week because I didn’t know better. They told us how fun and great UCT life is, also cautioning us that we might fail now and then. Lately, I have been contemplating over those words. And the promise at the end - “You will fail”. There will be hardships that you will have to endure - that’s just the way of life.
It really only started to make sense to me when I failed the first time, then the second, then the third, eventually fail the course. I can guess that this is not strange to many of us. Sometimes we fail when we’ve been pushed. Sometimes, when hurling ourselves over that wall, we get caught out. Maybe we didn’t take enough of a run-up, or maybe we didn’t try to jump high enough.
“the value of your dream is determined by you and no one else”
Source: UCT Libraries
Although I landed face flat on the ground many times, I never gave up. I watched as my friends passed me by and left me behind. It was tough. In many ways it still is – my failures led me to repeat some courses, thus extending my degree. So I watched those around me move on to writing theses while I was still writing my first year assignments.
“true failure lies in accepting defeat” Then I had a moment of thought. Peering over the edge of a breakdown one gets lost in the dreamings of existential thought. Why am I here? What is my purpose? It sounds pretty cliché, but it is true. Throughout these wonderings, I had one
central question: “what do I intend to gain when all this is done?” You see, the value of your dream is determined by you and no one else. It is your will that makes your dreams achievable and the only true failure lies in accepting defeat. None of us live purposelessly - at least I don’t believe that. Hold strong to that purpose because it is what carries you through this crazy world. It doesn’t have to be something that other people agree with. It doesn’t have to sound spectacular. This university is where we have chosen to see our dreams fulfilled. Maybe not this semester, or this year, or even this degree; but it’s a step which we are worthy of taking.
One Year In and Many More to Come July marks our Vice Chancellor’s first inaugural anniversary. VARSITY’s Creative Director, Tasneem Jacobs, chats to Professor Phakeng about her first year in office. Tasneem Jacobs: What has been your biggest accomplishment over the last year?
TJ: What inspires your drive and determination?
Vice Chancellor: It’s such a difficult job that the year felt long - even six months felt long. Every day has got a challenge and you are constantly in a crisis of one kind or another. So I think just finishing the year alive is an accomplishment.
VC: My mother is my huge inspiration. She was a domestic worker; she started in high school. At 58 she got her first degree. She didn’t have to, but she felt she needed to. She was studying with us when we were studying. When she was getting her first degree I was getting my doctorate. She’s just the most generous, resilient person I know.
TJ: What was the biggest challenge you faced in the last year?
TJ: Finally, what are some of your goals as you embark on your second year as Vice Chancellor of UCT?
VC: I think the passing of Professor Mayosi was the biggest hit. And even talking about it now, it’s like it happened yesterday. I don’t think we’ll recover from it. I feel like the university could have done better in terms of how we supported him.
VC: I think we are on a tough journey. Stabilising the university is a priority. I would like for UCT to be a place where everyone feels comfortable to be who they are, and to be the best that they can be; a place where they do not have to assimilate into something whether that something is whiteness, middle-class, or polished. I want people to be who they are because I think our diversity of personality, race, culture, gender, whatever it is, is important for the success of this institution. I would like us all to get to a place of being comfortable in our difference. Transformation can be disruptive, because it doesn’t look like the past we are used to. Transformation has no blueprint, you make one as you go. Without comfort in our diversity, we will never have inclusivity. We should never expect people to sound, be, or think like us, or like the past. That past that we have become so comfortable with is the past that we have actually committed ourselves to transform. It’s going to take a long time, so next year we are continuing to do that. If you start the journey, you should know it is ongoing.
TJ: What, if anything, has most surprised you about the role of Vice Chancellor? VC: It’s the shift in emotions. You have a very busy diary and it’s packed and surprises can happen. One minute you’re dealing with a student who has passed on and the parents are here and you’ve got to deal with it. And the next minute you’re dealing with something that’s jovial, that you have to celebrate. It’s back to back and you are going from one room to the other. You cannot afford to be in a sombre mood. You’ve got to quickly switch on to a jovial mood. I didn’t expect that to be hard, but I’m human and I like connecting to people. TJ: Just under a year ago, I attended your conversation with Professor Phumla Gqola where you said that administration is your job, while academia is your career. What do you feel has been your most notable contribution to academia in this last year? VC: There’s value in having a Vice Chancellor who is also an academic. There is a joy in creating opportunities for people who are on their academic journey and you understand that journey, and what you needed when you were in that position. Every time I travel, students are on the top of my list. This week we launched the joint PhD program with the University of Bristol. My view is that, as an academic, I understand the value of having networks that are international. Having a joint degree programme is one possibility of giving students access to these networks. I have enjoyed creating those kinds of possibilities for students who come from marginalised backgrounds. Being an academic it comes naturally for me to do these things, and to ask myself, “what would make a young academic stay at UCT?”
TJ: You just received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol. Congratulations! What does this kind of international recognition mean to you? VC: I have studied all my degrees at home. I am made in South Africa, academically. So it means a lot, but not just for me. I think it means a lot for young black people in this country, many of whom like me, would not get an opportunity to study overseas. You don’t have to study overseas. Even if you don’t, if you do your work excellently, those universities that you don’t get to study at because your means don’t allow, can still recognise your scholarship. Having a B1 rating as a scientist already told me I have considerable international recognition. I didn’t need anything more to tell me that, personally. But I see this done through me as a message to people who look like me who would love to go overseas but it’s just not possible. It’s actually okay if you can’t. Just be excellent at what you do. We have good education in South Africa and you can still distinguish yourself and you can still get there. And it meant a lot for my mother. This was her first time going out of the country.
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Column
What The Pigeon Heard Give us a Gold Star (for goodness sake!)
By The Anonymous Pigeon columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.za
DISCLAIMER This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression on any topic by the columnist. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor can be sent to:editorial@varsitynewspaper. co.za
Image from engadement.com
Source: NAIS Connect
T
he same rain that swept away the last laughter on campus before term ended now brings back a happy chatter into the space. For some, however, a never-ending doom engulfs them as their degree drags on with no end in sight. How common it is to hear a student droning on about how they’ve “been here for five years and have nothing to show for it”. Well, I have been here for more than five years and this complaint is by far the most popular on everyone’s first day back.
“there is a massive gap in the reward system between secondary education and the job market”
fact, Bucketlist reports that lack of acknowledgement is one of the top reasons for employees leaving, “as many as 66% would leave if they did not feel appreciated — and that number jumps to 76% among millennials.’’ Having listened to the – mostly millennial— students on campus, and from chatting to my mate who lives in a nest above Newlands Primary, it seems that humans have established institutions that are really good at acknowledging progress. However, there is a massive gap in the reward system between secondary education and the job market. This gap is known as tertiary education.
From when we raise our pigeon young, we teach them to differentiate between good and bad behaviour by responding to their actions in a manner that they can understand: they suffer for wrong doings and are rewarded for doing good. Even though pigeon and human brains do develop and mature past the childhood rearing stage, psychology shows that humans are still inherently reliant on praise and reassurance for what they are doing well far into adulthood. Even in Economics and Human Resource Management there are massive ongoing studies being done on human behavior and incentive schemes for employees. In
From pre-grade to Matric, little humans receive certificates of completion for every grade and are clear in terms of their progression status. Society views the progression in years and often when people who leave school seek a job, employers will recognize a grade 9 or 10 status if that is what they are presented with. However, when it comes to university, employers will not recognize first or second status—you either have the degree or you don’t. This is likely because what constitutes each year at university is so broad that it isn’t comparable across South African universities -or even within different faculties at the same university.
“this essentially means that completing any number of years of a degree, without completing the entry degree, is the same as having just completed matric” Due to this lack of consistency, recognizing the completion of a standard first year (or any year) university level is a non-entity. This essentially means that completing any number of years of a degree, without completing the entire degree, is the same as having just completed matric. It is no wonder so many people feel they are being dragged through the mud at their heels—there is no respite or acknowledgement along the road to graduating. There is only the start of university and then the graduation ceremony at the end of a many-year slog.
universities it is the norm. In top companies it is the standard procedure to ensure efforts are acknowledged—even if it’s only at the end of the year function when everyone says their thanks—it’s at least once a year . One of the reasons companies like Google and Microsoft are top notch is because of their acknowledgement of employees’ personal and work achievements. Bucketlist reports that not only does Google’s policy allow for managers to rate, recommend and reward employees but also for employees to reward their peers and give them bonuses. The specific social structure of these top companies instils a corporate culture of acknowledgement and motivation, and is, arguably, at the heart of the businesses’ success.
So whilst pre-grade and formative school years for humans follow patterns of recognition and reward, appreciation policies and incentive schemes seem to fall Granted, the South African by the wayside thereafter. workforce is not perfect— BusinessTech states that South “it is the universitythat takes Africans rate ‘[lack of] Public the cake when it comes to recognition for achievement’ lack of acknowledgement” as one of the top reasons Whilst the working world for unhappiness. Although acknowledgement is at a deficit can be less than perfect at employee here, at least there is a global acknowledging drive to change these policies in performance, at least there has been a rising culture and interest the workplace—but for
in focusing on acknowledging workers. It is the university that takes the cake when it comes to lack of acknowledgement. Excluding the odd dinner (open only to those awarded class medals) and the Golden Key Society, the majority of university students receive a graduation certificate at the end of 3-7 years. Students would likely benefit from getting a gold star on their foreheads more intermittently, or in pigeon speak, allowing the early bird to actually catch the worm before dusk.
@VarsityNews | 31 July 2019 | V78 E6| Page 11
OPINIONS
Kelsey Maggott & Zahirah Benjamin opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za
TRAILBLAZER Merwe. One of the companies taking part in this year’s expo is Deloitte, a multinational professional services network. Talent Manager of Deloitte Western Cape, Taneill BlankfieldSmith, said they will particularly be on the lookout for students in the Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, and Organisational Psychology fields.
Meet recruiters at this year’s Epic Job Expo
By UCT Careers Service
“Deloitte took over more than 100 graduates across undergraduate and postgraduate levels this past year.”
To further support Humanities students, Careers Service hosts a Humanities Career Conversation series during August and September. “At these events Humanities graduates talk about their jobs and you will understand how diverse and exciting your opportunities are, and in what context you can put your skills to use.”
“TED-style talks by industry experts will take place on the hour throughout the day.” Students can bring along their CV for the All-day CV Lab at the Epic Job Expo. Experts will share their knowledge and give CV make-overs on this day. TED-style talks by industry experts will take place on the hour with topics such as “The Future of Work” and “The Power of the Humanities Degree” being presented.
The EPIC JOB EXPO will take place on Wednesday, An opportunity to pimp your CV, get inspired 7 August from 09:00 to 16:00 at the UCT Sports Centre. by TED-style talks and network with potential “These students are encouraged to attend the The expo is made possible by UCT Careers Service, employees of many fields all in one day. Expo and find out more about the exciting Graduate Monocle Solutions, Expro, Deloitte, KPMG and Rio Tinto.
A
s the largest job expo for students hosted by any South African university, the Epic Job Expo promises to be an event not to be missed – not only for job seekers, but also for those seeking internship and graduate programme opportunities.
programmes that we offer across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.” Deloitte took in more than 100 graduates across undergraduate and postgraduate levels this past year. “The graduate programme provides an opportunity for the bright minds of our future to develop a fundamental career foundation,” she added.
Ingrid van der Merwe, Head of the Careers Advisory Services at the UCT Careers Service notes that graduate recruiters do not only look at the subjects that a prospective employee studied at university but rather look for wellrounded graduates that have developed skills in all sorts of activities, mostly outside of academia. “If you have been involved in leadership positions, sport, societies, voluntary or part-time work, you are likely to have the sort of skills graduate recruiters are looking for,’’ states van der
Fourteen of the companies attending are looking to attract students from all faculties. According to van der Merwe, however, there have always been certain sectors that will never recruit at a job expo. “Pharmaceutical firms are a case in point. They tend not to attend expos, but they do recruit UCT graduates. Also, Humanities graduates can do really diverse and unexpected jobs, many of which are not explicitly represented at an expo.”
For more info on the event, go to www.MyCareer.uct.ac.za and look for “Epic Job Expo” under “Events”.
Banning single-use plastic is a single-use movement By Kate Southwood
W
e’ve all got to do our part in saving the earth, right? Yes is the overriding answer. So let’s stop pretending that anything will change unless we all commit to doing our part fully and with better intention. The latest global push to save the environment has been to ban plastic straws. As an easy replacement, most people either opt for reusable straws, or single-use straws made out of recyclable or biodegradable material. While this is a start, it’s not enough to save us from the growing threat we place to the environment. If we look at the bigger picture, plastic straws really aren’t all that big a threat to the environment.
“if you think plastic straws are bad for the environment, wait until you hear about what happens in the seafood and meat industries” Instead, we seem to focus on the small, easy
Source: duke.edu
fixes so that we can continue to live comfortably and kid ourselves that we’re doing our part, that we are in fact doing the best we can.
or recognition we just can’t seem to be bothered. If we want a chance at saving the world, we need to to commit to doing better and doing more.
If people really cared about saving the environment, we would all go vegetarian. Because wow, if you think plastic straws are bad for the environment, wait until you hear about what happens in the seafood and meat industries. If we truly cared about the environment, we would recycle everything, not just paper or plastic. We would support small local businesses rather than the corporate giants we have become accustomed to. But of course, we don’t. People will usually make easy, un-environmentally friendly lifestyle choices, and will only stop using something deemed bad for the environment if there is a cheaper alternative made available. That’s not caring about the environment, that’s caring about being on trend. If it requires effort and we know there will be no external reward
DISCLAIMER
This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression on any topic by members of the UCT community. The opinions within this section are not necessarily those of the VARSITY collective or its advertisers. Letters to the Editor need to be kept at a maximum of 300 words and can be sent to: editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za
@VarsityNews | 31 July 2019 | V78 E6 | Page 12
The South African film industry downfall, who’s to blame? By Sinothando Siyolo
Race under water: The Little Mermaid debate
Source: CNET.com
By Sumona Bose
W
ith the recent flurry of live action Disney adaptations that have been turned into successful blockbusters, we are now constantly rewiring how we perceive ‘global’ characters and their portrayal. Whether it is the lovely Nala voiced by Queen Beyonce or the fiery Naomi Scott’s Jasmine in Aladdin, we have to agree that Disney is changing the plots and the cast! It is important to understand that these casting choices come with their own politics of empowerment - they are meant to diversify the film industry to represent minorities in an industry that has historically excluded them. And it is so important to take back our stories and have a say in who gets to play in them.
“It is practicing the politics of supremacy and domination at its finest - public humiliation.” Which brings me to the question of our new Ariel from the Little Mermaid remake. Beautiful Halle Bailey has been roped into the protagonist’s shoes, but people aren’t happy; well shall I say the racists are not. So much so that the backlash has filled social media carried by the hashtag #NotMyAriel. This is not only a ridiculous attempt to bar the young actress from acting the chosen role, but it is practicing the politics of supremacy and domination at its finest - public humiliation.
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“a mermaid does not even have a race, so to prove this would be ridiculous.” This not only brings in the question of Disney castings, but it also casts a wider net to the prevalent race question. It is not only about Bailey’s Ariel role, it is the rejection of black faces as global characters. Characters that had been idolised as being distanced from communities of colour for generations. When there has been no significant backlash of the perpetuation of repeated whitewashed roles in Hollywood, it is not relevant to drive towards racist tendencies to this casting. One of the arguments that persist around #NotMyAriel is that the mermaid character is from European descent and therefore Bailey is not a perfect fit. This reflects how certain strands of society have completely internalised white representation to roles that require imagination and fantasy - a mermaid does not even have a race, so to prove this would be ridiculous. It is very important for children, adolescents and adults to know that stories are not centered around supremacy or that culture is hidden for glamour. Halle Bailey is a perfect fit to be Ariel, no matter the unnecessary controversy. In a recent reveal, Harry Styles was roped in to play Prince Eric and we are already gushing over how striking this romance will be, given how popular this Disney tale has been from time immemorial. So, lay back all the rumours and don’t let the hate of colour stop you from watching your childhood fairytale.
September
Not A Musical Let’s get this semester off to a good start, and what better way than attending a classic stand-up comedy show hosted by the well-known Marc Lottering. For more information or to make a booking visit the Baxter Theatre’s website.
August
Student Showcase Jazz Ensembles Keen to jazz your way into the new month? Well, look no further because the South African College of Music (SACM) has you covered. This student showcase presented to you by Amanda Tiffin and Andrew Lilley will take place at the Chris Holm Recital Room at 19h30 and is free of charge for UCT students with a valid student card upon entry.
n all honesty, South African audiences are partly to blame as they don’t support the few South African filmmakers that produce authentic films in our country’s context. Additionally, South African filmmakers are also to blame as they often emulate foreign content, specifically American. They utilise foreign models that mitigate our very efforts to shape our ailing film industry. They have not come to a point where they can create indigenous stories that are uniquely South African. Our narrative is primarily dictated by foreign story-telling models.
“We are a part of a Westernised system that favours and is conditioned to accept the Hollywood filmmaking process as the status quo.” South African filmmakers are overpowered by American filmmakers to a degree that the American filmmakers take South African and African stories in general and own them. This might be because they have the resources and the innovation to do so. To finish it off, they also have the support of foreign and African audiences. And in all honesty, funding in the South African
filmmaking industry is an issue. Investors will not invest in a film that has the potential of not succeeding. In this case, South African films may pose the potential to fail due to lack of support by audiences and other important factors. We are a part of a Westernised system that favours and is conditioned to accept the Hollywood filmmaking process as the status quo. The competition is tough because South African filmmakers have to battle with American filmmakers for the same South African stories and, unfortunately, the American filmmakers mostly tend to win, hence there being many African and South African stories that are written and acted out by international actors and filmmakers. The South African film industry needs to work on their creativity and create a self-supporting framework to nurture an industry that isn’t service-based and that generates enough capital to fund our filmmaking. While economic independence and access to large budgets won’t guarantee the making of exceptional films, a degree of financial freedom opens up the possibility of creating original movies by our filmmakers, for our people.
Two Weeks Tonight 1
August
First Thursday at Station on Bree Ease your way into the new month at Station on Bree Street. Live music, food and drinks specials, free entrance, and Cape Town’s best gin bar awaits you! Where: 207 Bree Street, Cape Town.
3
August
#JustMen is Back Back by popular demand, #JustMen is back at the Baxter Theatre and aims to continue the conversation around accountability and responsibility. Students have the opportunity to watch this show at a discounted price of only R80. For bookings: www.webtickets.co.za
@VarsityNews | 31 July 2019 | V78 E6 | Page 13
Cape Town’s homeless fines: a
reflection of
South Africa’s rampant classism
By Julia Rowley
Source: EWN
The City of Cape Town’s decision to fine the homeless is an unjust action aimed to please the upper classes and punish the vulnerable.
I
n early July, the City of Cape Town began fining the homeless in response to over three thousand complaints from CBD residents. The homeless community are being fined for breaking by-laws, such as obstructing pavements and roads, erecting temporary structures to sleep in and for urinating/defecating in public spaces. These fines commonly sit in the bracket of between R300 and R800, with some even going up to R1 500 for starting a fire in a public space. A common response to the issue of homelessness by the upper classes is that the people on the streets should go and stay in homeless shelters. Unfortunately, shelters are overcrowded and homeless people often cannot be accommodated. If they are lucky enough to be let into the shelter, there are high risks of robbery and sexual assault.
The City’s reasoning behind the fines - that by criminalizing homelessness, people on the streets will join shelters - is completely false and simply marginalises the vulnerable. This decision has made life difficult for the homeless. In some cases, when police have given fines to people on the streets, they take away their possessions, including medication and other personal belongings. Police officers have also taken away their IDs, as well as their clinic and grant cards. Thus preventing the homeless from being able to get medical help (as illnesses such as TB and HIV and AIDS are common within the homeless community) and other forms of aid like money or food.
“What they shouldn’t be doing is implementing a ‘solution’ that is simply an appeasement of the CBD’s upper class.” Criminalizing the homeless is not the answer to Cape Town’s poverty problem. Firstly, the city (as well as the national government) should be targeting the causes of homelessness - a lack of quality public education and healthcare. Having a good education and good healthcare helps break the cycle of poverty that SA has been stuck in for decades since apartheid ended. Furthermore, the city should be focusing on improving efforts to help the homeless, such as partnering with homeless shelters in order to increase their capacity and safety. What they shouldn’t be doing is implementing a “solution” that is simply an appeasement of the CBD’s upper class.
Will equal pay ever become a reality? By Zahirah Benjamin
T
his year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup was definitely different from any other. Winning the World Cup, The United States women’s team was more than just victors; they also became a symbolically powerful group of women fighting for equality. For decades, women have been fighting to be taken seriously in a patriarchal and male-centered society, especially when it comes to the sporting world. At this point in time it’s evident that women are taking ownership of this space by showcasing excellence and strength on the field. Sportswomen such as Alex Morgan (U.S) and Nadine Angerer (Germany) are among the list of talented women who have dominated soccer. The World Cup spoke volumes to the resilience and determination of womens’ teams fighting for equality, specifically in terms of equal pay.
“even today in 2019 women still need to file lawsuits in order to be taken seriously and to be valued.” During the World Cup, everyone’s eyes were on the U.S team and for good reason. The team has achieved tremendous success over the years. However, according to the champions, their compensation never measured up to their hard work and determination. According to Vox, the soccer federation paid the men’s national team roughly $5. 3 million in bonuses (even though they didn’t win the cup). Meanwhile, when the women’s team won in 2015 and took home the cup, they only received $1.7 million. Four years later women are still waiting for equal pay. It saddens me that even today in 2019
Source: prosoccerusa.com
women still need to file lawsuits in order to be taken seriously and to be valued. To all women who are fighting for equal pay: I commend your bravery and strength; however, what saddens me the most is that in reality a huge sum of society continues to support a culture that values men’s sport over women’s.
@VarsityNews | 31 July 2019 | V78 E6 |Page 14
What’s in a dress? Do controversial and sensationalist dresses worn by female celebrities fall into the trap of re-sexualising the women’s body? By Stephanie Wild
A
t this year’s Durban July, both Zodwa Wabantu and Babes Wodumo came under fire for their daring wardrobe choices. With Zodwa sporting a dress made nearly entirely from mesh, she was bound to spark debate. Are these critics just haters or do they have valid concerns for the feminists?
“These daring outfits worn by Zodwa and Babes could then be viewed as a rebellion against this sexist convention.” Society has historically forced women to cover-up. We are told that anything too revealing is either distracting to the men around us or is indicative of promiscuous behaviour. The onus is on us to moderate our sexuality through our wardrobe choices. At the same time, society celebrates any and all manifestations of masculine virility. These daring outfits worn by Zodwa and Babes could then be viewed as a rebellion against this sexist convention.
Whilst this might be seen as a ‘brave stand’ by many, others would qualify their choice of dress by suggesting that these women perpetuate the abusive relationship women, and in particular famous women, have with the media. Advertising and film have used women’s bodies to sell their products or to increase their viewership. Looking back, many films and shows simply relegate the women to the love interest or sometimes even just to the sexual conquest. Things are, however, changing. Taking a look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Marvel has made a conscious effort to place women and people of colour in strong and meaningful roles. This change, however, is recent and limited, thus it cannot change the association of extremely revealing clothing with exploitation and objectification.
themselves in such a hyper-sexualised manner also alters the male expectation of femininity. Men may learn to extend this sexualised interpretation of femininity to all women in society through the media they are exposed to. This could lead to increased male sexual entitlement and more aggressive behaviour towards women. Removing the boundaries imposed on women by a sexist society becomes a complicated process. Trying to predict any and all consequences and implications is a near impossible task. In this case however, it would appear that the hyper-sexualisation of women in power could have some problematic long-term effects for all women.
“this could lead to increased male sexual entitlement and therefore more aggressive behaviour towards women.” Moreover, women in power choosing to represent
Gordon’s Bay residents reject building of Mosque
Source: Voice of the Cape
By Max Uushona
T
he recent community backlash towards the construction of a mosque in Gordon’s Bay presents a crucial lens to reflect on critical forms of social discrimination that still exist. While Gordon’s Bay is a small area outside of Cape Town, what happens there to some extent reflects the contradictions of Cape Town, therefore calling to interrogate existing social dilemmas of diversity. From one perspective, the mosque rejection by the community surfaces ill-intentions of ethnic stratification, which are primarily driven to exclude and discriminate against citizens categorized as “minority groups”. One can conclude that the rejection manifests a form of religious intolerance towards the Muslim community, since it appears that the community lacks strong justifications against the mosque proposed.
“Refusing an action ‘just because’ demonstrates egocentric attitudes, which only weakens community-cohesion.” The lack of profound justifications appears vicious and malicious. Refusing an action “just because” demonstrates egocentric attitudes, which only weakens community-cohesion. The fact that the mosque application had been approved by the city with clearance of any nuisance or noise should have been satisfactory, had noise been the reason behind the rejection.
“The focus should not be ‘who holds a stronger say’, but rather ‘how do we negotiate to co-exist’.”
In all sincerity, the community is neither wrong to reject the mosque, because of its inherent democratic right to refuse any changes deemed ‘non-ideal’ within its surrounding. Nonetheless, critical reflection should be applied to resolve the conflict. The focus should not be ‘who holds a stronger say’, but rather ‘how do we negotiate to co-exist’. This attitude stimulates participation towards a resolution. Radical social transformation in communities emphasises the need to uphold spatial justice, to embrace diversity and master the art of co-existing with others towards building resilient communities. Spatial justice gives fair opportunities to different residents to engage in activities of their choice, given that deliberate infringement on others’ fundamental rights is strongly addressed. The Gordon’s Bay community should therefore sit together and negotiate their future on this subject.
@VarsityNews |31 July 2019 | V78 E6 |Page 15
LIFESTYLE & FITNESS Slow and steady wins the race?
sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za
By Ntombi Khulu
T
he Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON for short) 2019 games saw a steady stream of losses for Bafana Bafana since their first appearance in the games on the 24th of June against Ivory Coast. From Bafana’s first game onwards, spectators witnessed the national team losing to Ivory Coast and then another loss to Morocco after winning their game against Namibia. However, Bafana Bafana shocked the crowd and fans all over the world by beating the host country, Egypt, with 1 – 0. This victory was shortlived, however, as the team’s final match saw Bafana Bafana defeated by Nigeria in the quarter final.
“Bafana Bafana’s performance at the AFCON tournament earned the team 70th place in the official FIFA/Coca-Cola men’s world ranking” Social media poured out GIFs and memes, collectively illustrating South Africa’s frustrations and resignations with their national team’s performance. But even though fans feel some degree of disappointment, there seems to be a silver lining. Bafana Bafana’s performance at the AFCON tournament has earned the team 70th place in the official FIFA/Coca-Cola men’s world ranking moving up two positions from their previous ranking of 72 in June 2019. The team also climbed to 13th place in Africa’s rankings, proving that the their two victories in the AFCON tournament was indeed fruitful. There are still more games to be played in the Africa Nations Championship qualifiers, so Bafana Bafana will have more opportunities to increase their rankings by the time FIFA releases the next rankings in September.
Hosts win thrilling Cricket World Cup final on technicality By Emily Norris
Source: SportsClub Magazine
Oftentimes we’re quick to critique our national football team on their performances and outright bash them for being unable to qualify for previous World Cups. While the latter may be deserved, it’s worth noting the slow strides the team is making to redeem themselves and put the country back on the football map.
T
he ICC Cricket World Cup final was either one of the best cricket-matches ever to be shown on live TV or it was the most painful and controversial it all depends on how you look at it. England was crowned the champions, even though they didn’t technically win the final match. The final lived up to the quality of cricket played throughout the tournament, which saw superhuman catches, 22 441 runs scored, and 674 wickets taken.
“a controversial overthrow half way through the last over of the England innings is what helped them get to 241 runs”
had faced their 50 overs (NZ, 241-8 and Eng 241 all out). However, a controversial overthrow half way through the last over of the England innings is what helped them get to 241 runs. Ben Stokes, arguably England’s last recognised batsman, was on strike facing New Zealand’s Trent Boult when he hit the ball into the outfield. It was here that Martin Guptill (one of the core batsmen and stand-out fielders for New Zealand over the years) fielded and aimed a throw directly at the stumps for a run out. The ball didn’t hit the stumps, but ricocheted off Ben Stokes’ bat instead, running to the boundary for four. The umpires awarded six runs. However, according to the laws of cricket, the second run should not have been given due to the fielder in the deep releasing the ball before the batsmen had even crossed for the second run. If the umpires had only given 5 runs, Ben Stokes would not have been next on strike, and it would perhaps have been more difficult for the lower order batsman to score the runs. This could have changed the result of the match entirely.
“The ICC should consider changing the laws” New Zealand battled England in the final, neither country of which had previously won a World Cup. This relatively low-scoring game ebbed and flowed until eventually ending in a tie after each team
With the scores level, a super over was needed to decide the winner. England scored 15 runs batting first, leaving New Zealand to be crowned the World Champions. If they had tied the Super Over, England would have been World Cup winners as they had hit more boundaries in their innings. New Zealand ended on 15 runs, which handed England the win. After 46 days and 48 matches, this may not be the best way to decide a winner - especially in a final. The ICC should consider changing the laws. If a match is tied at the end of the allocated overs, and the super over is tied, either the trophy is shared, or the team which has more wickets in hand, wins. This ensures that each team is treated fairly and that the result of the game isn’t decided on a technicality of who hits more boundaries, - which could be lucky shots. The win should rather be based on who puts in a better bowling performance.
Source: The Hindu
THE BACK PAGE
@VarsityNews | 31 July 2019 | V78 E6 | Page 16
In this Issue
Eduroam branches out!
1
3
New ‘Green’ Conference Center unveiled at GSB
7
In Remembrance
One Year In and Many More to Come
8-9
Give us a Gold Star (for goodness sake!)
12
Race under waterThe Little Mermaid debate
Caster Semenya vs IAAF
10 13
Cape Town’s homeless fines: a reflection of SA’s rampant classism
By Arin Barry
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
C
aster Semenya is no stranger when it comes to the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). Semenya had her first run in with the IAAF in 2009, when she was asked to take a sex verification test to determine whether she was indeed female. Since then, Semenya has been fighting an ongoing battle with the IAAF.
“Does the IAAF have the legitimacy to define the sex of somebody, to question that person’s civil state?”
“according to the IAAF, DSD athletes, have an advantage in all events as their levels of testosterone are in the male range”
This issue raises various questions regarding gender classification in sports as a whole. Semenya was raised as a woman, identifies as a woman and as such, races as a woman. But according to the IAAF, differences of sexual development (DSD) athletes, such as Semenya, have an advantage in all events as their levels of testosterone are in the male range.
Semenya has been allowed to compete (with no restrictions) after Switzerland’s federal supreme court suspended an IAAF ruling that would have forced Semenya to take testosterone reducing medication. This means Semenya could continue to compete pending a final judgement, but the IAAF announced on its official website that it has submitted a response to the Swiss Federal Tribunal. At the moment, both parties are awaiting a ruling from Switzerland’s supreme court.
“Does the IAAF have the legitimacy to define the sex of someone and to question that person’s civil state?” asks anthropologist Philippe Liotard, an expert in discrimination in sport. “This ruling is judging the identity of that person.” Only time will tell if Semenya will be triumphant against the IAAF, but this case will forever go down in history as one that changed the way people view gender in sport.
6-2 6-2 and the longest match to date
By Lebo Khotso Notoane
to say, the fact that Williams could still make it to the final after a year’s break is not enough of a testament to the level of competitive edge she brings to the tennis world.
Source: Daily Express
S
“Halep made a mere 3-unforced errors, 23 less than Serena,”
imona Halep, the 27 year-old Romanian tennis player, beat Serena Williams in the title run for the Wimbledon Grand-Slam title with a 6-2 straight game defeat, leaving Halep winning her second major championship. Leaving 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, with her second consecutive loss.
Williams has yet to win a tournament since winning the Australian Open while pregnant, after which she took a years leave. Since returning, she’s had to address injuries but she seems set to focus on each game as it comes. Halep made a mere three unforced errors, 23 less than Serena, showing that her long and hard work has indeed paid off at last.
Halep, after 56 minutes, added the Wimbledon title to her collection along with the French Open from 2018. She commented that it had been her mothers’ dream since she was a young girl to see her daughter compete on such a level. This is one of Halep’s first Wimbledon titles denying Serena Williams with straight sets. Halep’s victory gave Williams her third defeat in a grand slam final in 12 months. Needless
Before this win Halep hadn’t broken past a Wimbledon semi-finals match-up and yet here she is, grabbing her first membership in the All England Club. Who knows what more to expect from this Romanian super-star and the first of her nationality to win a title as well? Only time will be able to tell.
On the other side of the gender fence, Novak Djokovich beat Roger Federer in Wimbledon’s longest men’s singles final. From a tight first set of 7-6 to a final set of 13-12, the entire series has been one of the most nail-biting play-offs to date.
“Novak shared that what helped him win was ensuring he maintained mental stability and visualisation throughout the game” In the Wimbledon press conference Novak shared that what helped him win was ensuring he maintained his mental stability and visualisation throughout the game. Practising visualisation techniques also helped him to achieve his end goal throughout the duration of the playoff. The Serbian tennis player did well to break tie-breaks and get ahead in the game. A match lasting more than 5 hours demands a high level of vigour throughout in order to finish on the right side of victory and that is exactly what Novak put forward.