2020 Edition 3 (Wrap Edition)

In the Midst of a Pandemic

NEWS

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3| Page 2

Ramaphosa’s Covid-19 Stimulus Package

Pandemic Anxieties Merge with Longstanding Islamophobia in India

The president announces measures to stimulate South Africa’s economy during the Covid-19 crisis

Amidst a worldwide pandemic, Muslims yet again find themselves subjected to Islamophobia.

William Barron

Kyra Nefdt

Source: MSN

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n March 23, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a stimulus package aimed to combat the effects of the national COVID-19 lockdown and the pandemic itself on South Africa’s economy. The stimulus package contains plans to ease the effect of the crisis on small businesses and workers. Included are new functions of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), a debt relief scheme and tax measures.

Payments of social grants are to continue, with steps planned to reduce queues at pay points.

South Africa’s March 27 ‘Junk’ status credit-rating downgrade by Moody’s Investor Services means the economy will be hit particularly hard by the crisis.

The Reserve Bank estimates that 360 000 jobs could be lost in 2020, with the economy shrinking by up to 4%.

“The tourism sector is expected to be hit severely by the crisis.”

Source: Randforecast

Employer/Employee Relief Scheme.

Under this, employers could qualify for compensation for the wages of employees forced to stay home from work due to the lockdown. This is intended to keep workers on the payroll through the crisis.

“360 000 jobs could be lost in 2020.”

Employers could also qualify for a tax subsidy under the Employment Tax Incentive. SARS is to administer tax subsidies for every private sector employee earning under R6500 a month. Also, businesses with an annual turnover of less than R50 million can delay a portion of their employees’ tax liabilities and capital gains taxes over the next six months, without penalty or interest.

Government has also announced a small business Debt Relief Finance Scheme, which businesses that are 100% South African owned can claim from. Self-employed workers and those in the informal sector are not covered by these measures, and steps are being taken to identify them and work out ways to support them.

The tourism sector is expected to be hit severely by the crisis. The From May 1, South African Department of Tourism has put Government Bonds will not be forward a R200 million Tourism Relief listed on the World Government Fund to aid small- and medium-sized Bond index. Funds holding SA tourism enterprises through the crisis. bonds and who follow that index will have to sell them. It will be more To overcome these difficulties, expensive for the government to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni borrow money to cover the national will have to rework the budget he budget deficit. This deficit will grow announced earlier this year. South with the shortfall in revenue due to Africa may also seek assistance from the effect of the crisis on the econ- the International Monetary Fund omy. in the form of a multi-billion Dollar conditional loan. The conditions of

To lessen the impact on this assistance could be dire for our businesses, the UIF has been given economy.

R40 billion for Covid-19 relief. This is as part of the UIF’s specially developed Covid-19 Temporary

I

slamophobia in India has once again reared its head; this time being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not long after the announcement of a national lockdown that thousands of Indians responded to the virus with accusations, discrimination and Islamophobic opinions.

Twitter users began to claim that the outbreak of the virus is being instigated by Muslims. Millions of users started using the hashtags #CoronaJihad and #BioJihad to voice their Islamophobic beliefs. These sentiments were in regard to Muslims ‘intentionally spreading’ COVID-19.

False videos claiming that Muslims are coughing and spitting on people to spread the virus started circulating

Religious tension has led to social media. They had already been the widespread belief that Muslims shared by a multitude of viewers are orchestrating the Coronavirus in before the stories were debunked.

India. Claims that the virus is being used as a bioweapon to target and “Millions of users started using eradicate Hindus have surfaced, the hashtags #CoronaJihad with their sole intent being that of transforming India into an Islamic and #BioJihad to voice their nation. These accusations have Islamophobic beliefs.” sparked a social media frenzy over the past month.

Irrespective of the excessive amount of hate speech derived from “Religious tension has led to the millions of users, the social media platform has yet to remove most widespread belief that Muslims are of the tweets. This inaction can be orchestrating the Coronavirus in linked to the platform’s freedom India.” of speech policies. This is not the first case of social media’s inaction towards hate speech, and fears that A couple of days before violence will occur post-lockdown India declared their national lock- can be confirmed by recent history. down, a Muslim missionary group, In 2017, a genocide by Buddhist Tablighi Jamaat, held their annual nationals against the Rohingya meeting in Delhi early in March. Muslims occurred as a result of hate Authorities in India began linking speech posted on Facebook. cases of the virus to the specific event. However, due to the lack While numerous uncertainties of ticketing, most of the identities surround the future of the virus and whereabouts of the individu- worldwide, many hope the Indian als who attended the meeting are government will address these unknown, resulting in the absence religious divisions and prevent of immediate quarantine of most further stigmatization of India’s of the attendees. The event began Islamic community. to face an excessive amount of criticism. It was not long after this news broke that Islamophobic hashtags had begun to appear on mainstream media, with Twitter being the main platform.

Saving South Africa: Lockdown Extended

NEWS

Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 3

Alleviating Pollution: The Unexpected Result of a Global Pandemic A consistent future requires consistent commitment

On Thursday, April 9 President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a two-week extension to the historic nation-wide lockdown.

Jeremy Simpson

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riginally 21 days, the lockdown implemented by the President was intended to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa. The National Command Council, a ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the nation’s response to the virus, drafted strict regulations limiting people’s movement as well as the sale of non-essential goods and services including alcoholic beverages.

“The National Command Council … drafted strict regulations limiting people’s movement as well as the sale of non-essential goods and services- including alcoholic beverages.”

These restrictions are being enforced by the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the local Metro Police. In addition, the President announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist the police during the lockdown.

Although President Ramaphosa extended the lockdown to the end of April, he acknowledged the decrease in infection rates as an indication that the lockdown has been successful. The rate of daily increases in cases has fallen from 42% at the beginning of the lockdown to 4% on Thursday, April 9. As of Sunday, April 12, 25 people had died of the virus in South Africa with 2173 confirmed cases. Globally, over 1.8 million cases had been recorded with 112 000 deaths.

“Globally, over 1.8 million cases had been recorded with 112 000 deaths.”

UCT students Sizwe Letanta and Jamie Samuel have applauded the President for his actions to contain the virus. “I think that the president is just trying to keep the situation from getting out of hand,” replied Ms Samuel when asked about the new measures to contain the spread.

The announcement of the extension comes after the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, expressed concerns over the efficiency of testing, especially in poorer, workingclass communities where the virus could have devastating effects due to

overcrowding. As a result, the minister aims to increase testing by sending mobile laboratories, operated by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), into these areas.

The most contentious issue so far has been the use of the security forces. While the government has condemmed violation of rights as a result of policing efforts during lockdown, accusations of police brutality have been made. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is currently investigating eight deaths and at least 30 other complaints relating to the first two weeks of lockdown.

These new regulations have been met with some political resistance. In the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde decided that cigarettes could be sold at supermarkets with other essential goods – challenging the definition of essential goods provided in the regulations. However, Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, clarified later that cigarettes did not meet the definition of an essential good and thus cannot be sold in South Africa during the lockdown.

“The rate of daily increases in cases has fallen from 42% at the beginning of the lockdown to 4% on Thursday, April 9.”

On Sunday, April 5, Google released The Community Mobility Report for South Africa which indicated a decline in people’s movement. This report showed a decrease in travel by 76% and 78% for “Retail and Recreation” as well as “Transit” purposes, respectively. This provides South Africa’s public health officials with valuable information about responses to social distancing guidelines. This report shows that South Africans have generally understood the importance of these measures for public health and have been adhering to the social distancing guidelines.

Source: Groundup

Source: CGTNAfrica

Sara Lagardien Abdullah

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ver the past few weeks, the dreaded COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, has spread across the world, with little hope of its pace slowing down in the near future. Amidst sentiments of destruction and despair, COVID-19 has offered a moment for us to critically reflect on the shortfalls of the global status quo. The lockdown that several countries have imposed in response to COVID-19, in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus, has welcomed reduced land, sea and air traffic as well as industrial activity - consequently reducing the overall pollution.

leaving people to believe that human beings are indeed the virus.

Claims such as the viral tweet, propelled by Ecofascists - people who seek to control others and dictate their behavior in the name of the environment – has revealed contesting views of environmental issues. Whilst pollution levels are indeed decreasing globally, this is indicative of a reduction in industrial activity rather than any innate human inclination to destroy the environment.

“The lockdown … has welcomed reduced land, sea and air traffic as well as industrial activity consequently reducing pollution overall.”

While it is easy to lose track of the circumstances that have given rise to the decreased pollution levels, some believe that simply celebrating these environmental victories in isolation is not enough - that it is important people remain in tune with global circumstances and embrace its lessons, instead of catapulting ecofascist sentiments.

China, a country now entering into a post-lockdown milieu, is seeing a return to production resulting in the once decreased pollution levels being on the rise again.

“China … is seeing a return to production resulting in the once decreased pollution levels being on the rise again.”

As noted in an online article

by The Guardian, Delhi, a city home to the world’s highest pollution levels, has welcomed some of the freshest air the city has seen in decades evidence that whilst staying indoors is not always ideal, its effects have been embraced by the environment.

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, has With this kind of evidence, also witnessed clearer waters due to environmentalists around the world decreased boat activity. hope policy-makers will adopt In the early days of the new approaches to protecting the global spread of COVID-19, a environment, in ways that ensure a tweet claiming that humans are consistent commitment to a world the virus and that the Coronavirus less destructive and dependent on is the cure went viral - circulating fossil fuels. across social media platforms and

EDITORIAL

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 4

The Collective EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tiyani Rikhotso editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za

The Pandemonium of Now: Notes on the Wrap Edition

DEPUTY EDITOR Gabriel Vieira editorial@varsitynewspaper.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Tatenda Chibisa managingeditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za COPY EDITOR Brad Brinkley copyed@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE EDITOR Kelsey Maggott online@varsitynewspaper.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Micayla Manthe creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za NEWS EDITOR Savannah Costello news@varsitynewspaper.co.za FEATURES EDITOR Natasha Nkutu features@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Micayla Manthe

T

he crisis of the coronavirus and the ensuing nationwide lockdown has, among many other things, brought the most urgent public matters further into light. Now more than ever, institutionalized inequalities should be the topic of fervent discussion and analysis. The theme of this year’s first Wrap Edition, ‘In the Midst of a Pandemic’, was chosen out of both an obligation to not steer away from the topical importance of the coronavirus, but also to unpack the hefty list of facets that this pandemic has touched.

“It is vital that, as our private lives are influenced by the virus, our vision of the public experience is not lost”

As the economy is affronted by compounding negatives, those that have very little have been affected the most. Homelessness is stark and apparent. Governmental attempts at taking care of the most vulnerable have been rocky and uncompassionate.

It is vital that, as our private lives are influenced by the virus, our vision of the public experience is not lost. It is heart-warming to see that so many seek measures to help the disadvantaged with necessities and aid.

OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Rowley opinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za SPORTS EDITOR James Braham sports@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Further than this though, we should take time to reflect on the prior inequalities and systems of disadvantage that had led up to and enhanced the complex social issues that we are experiencing.

ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Seth Meyer onlinenews@varsitynewspaper.co.za ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Hannah Van Teylingen onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR Laylaa Edross onlinefeatures@varsitynewspaper.co.za

“Find solace in the collective search for comfort in the pandemonium of now”

ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR Temwani Nyama onlineopinions@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Wrap Editions have always been used as a tool to encapsulate the sum of recent events into one thematic piece.

This Wrap Edition, although produced in a very singular time, is no different. Our goal was to include many elements of this particular period of time to provide a broad scope.

ONLINE LIFESTYLE AND SPORT EDITOR Rukaya Mosavel onlinesport@varsitynewspaper.co.za

STAFF WRITERS Sarah Lagardien Abdullah William Barron Lerato Botha Nelisa Khwela Stefan Kirsten Bathandwa Magqaza Ntsako Mlambo Asenathi Ntamo Jack Phillips Jeremy Simpson COLUMNIST Mikhail Manuel columnist@varsitynewspaper.co.za CARTOONIST Xolile Machakela MCHXOL003@myuct.ac.za

I would like to urge all those that read this edition to take their time in adjusting to this complex and at times frustrating socio-economic climate.

Mental illness and anxiety have been shown to have become increasingly prevalent as uncertainty reigns. If you have the means, reach out to those around you. Ease your anxiety by using this time in a way that best suits your needs. Find solace in the collective search for comfort in the pandemonium of now. I wish you compassion, safety and calm.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Salma Noor Mahomed socialmedia@varsitynewspaper.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA CORRESPONDENTS Kendal Davids Zintle Mfaku IMAGES EDITOR Ya’eesh Collins imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY IMAGES EDITOR Phelisa Kosi imageseditor@varsitynewspaper.co.za FINANCE MANAGER Niitembu Augustinus finance@varsitynespaper.co.za ADS MANAGER Ntsako Moavodi ads@varsitynewspaper.co.za HR MANAGER Siphesande Mfaku hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za DEPUTY HR MANAGER Vernita Caeser hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Front page image credits: Andrea Fasani (The Guardian)

Applications are open for 2020!

Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested!

Back page image credits Image 1- The South African Image 2 - Etienne Laurent (The Guardian) Image 3 - Aris Messinis (The Guardian) Image 4 - Financial Times Image 5 - Daily Maverick Image 6 - Micayla Manthe

MARKETING AND BRANDING MANAGER Nita Naidoo marketing@varsitynewspaper.co.za WEB EDITOR Sane Mhloma web@varsitynewspaper.co.za

Brad Brinkley Nelisa Khwela Motsi Macheka

DESIGN Micha Mae Cerf Reabetswe Khutsoane Ntsako Moavodi

Micayla Manthe

Tiyani Rikhotso

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS Send your art, poetry and photographs to: creativedirector@varsitynewspaper.co.za to be featured!

Illustrations by @aashiqahregal

To Dust

By J. Klink

I don’t want to taste the ground Because the good of this world is most pleasing Like the heat of our star’s ray And the comforts that come with our wolf-like wind and our raging rain The natural inspiration for another’s melodious instrument that, in turn, is the art we examine The art we taste The proud moments where we rise above the fray Where we praise to honour And honour because our complexion, our disposition, any of our differences have been left below The moments where life looks all but undesirable.

And then, because there is no sweeter smell Or more swallowing sleep Or more sorrowful soul under His sky when you are gone I don’t want to bite the dust The displeasure of which we are made The displeasure of which you and me are made, and ought to return to Because our good in this world is most pleasing

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 |Page 6

FEATURES

Source: IOL

COVID-19 and the rise of e-commerce in Africa: friend or foe?

As the world adapts to a gloabl pandemic, who is able to sustain their livelihoods and through what measures?

Natasha Nkutu

C

oronavirus has temporarily ‘shut down’ the world.

Millions have been told to stay indoors in order to ‘curb the spread’ or ‘flatten the curve’ of COVID-19.

However, even in this era of uncertainty, life must continue and that means finding alternative ways to access the essential goods and services we need. COVID-19 has ushered in an unprecedented rise in the use of e-commerce in Africa, but is it our saving grace?

Countries in West Africa such as Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone have noted an increase in the demand for online services that deliver groceries. In Uganda, popular restaurants like Café Javas are using their app and delivery services to stay in business and stay connected to their customers.

“The rise in e-commerce highlights the digital and economic divide that still exists in Africa”

On the one hand, this increased dependence on apps and delivery services is a good thing because it allows us to get our groceries and medicine in a manner which avoids the risk of contracting the virus. However, this solution does not cater to everyone. The rise in e-commerce highlights the digital and Electronic commerce, or e-commerce is the buying and economic divide that still exists in Africa. Use of these services selling of goods and services using the internet. It also includes requires a smart phone, data bundles and a certain amount of the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions. digital literacy which can be difficult to acquire.

E-commerce can be classified into four groups; business to business – where businesses do business with each other and As of March 2020, only 39.3% of Africa is connected to the there is no consumer involved; business to consumer – where internet. That leaves a majority of 62.9% without the luxury a business sells its goods and services directly to a consumer; and convenience of getting their groceries online. 62.9% consumer to consumer – where consumers are in direct could potentially be harassed when they go out to look for contact with each other, and consumer to business – where a food by the police and army who are meant to enforce the consumer provides goods and services to a company. lockdown. Therefore, other measures must be put in place so that everyone can have a sustainable lockdown period.

Africa is currently seeing a growing rise in business to consumer e-commerce. Lockdowns and social distancing have forced consumers to look online in order to get the goods and services they require.

“Africa is currently seeing a growing rise in business to consumer e-commerce”

FEATURES

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 7

Social distancing in Africa How does social distancing go against our culture of Ubuntu?

Bathandwa Magqaza

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he Coronavirus has permeated approximately all social contexts. It has affected the rich and poor, the black and white, first world countries and third world countries, small local businesses and multinational corporations. Metaphorically, it has asserted its authority in society and has made everyone equal before it. Moreover, it has permeated Africa and our numerous ethnicities, each practising their own different and indigenous cultures. Has anyone thought how difficult the precautions of COVID-19 might be on their civilisation?

Africa is a continent constituted by people with humility, love for mankind and pride for their diverse cultures. Therefore, the word Ubuntu is an amalgamation of all these traits.

To put this into context. It wouldn’t be a sinister charge to classify two thirds of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo as rural.

“Ubuntu philosophy believes in group solidarity; therefore it is about the interconnectedness, common humanity and the responsibility of individuals to each other.”

As a result, it will be difficult for Africans from the rural areas to adhere to the protocols of COVID-19. Simply because these prohibitions hinder them from exuding their characters and also antagonize their civilisation.

This assertion is justified by the lack of industrial development in these areas, how the citizens have retained their ethnicities and also how they exude pride in their culture. Unlike in Gauteng and Western Cape, provinces which can be classified as urban because of how developed their industries are and also Ubuntu is and Nguni word meaning how disparate cultures practised here are, humanity. It can be described as the capacity compared to the rural provinces. to express compassion, reciprocity, dignity, humanity and mutuality in the interests of “As a result, it will be difficult for Africans from the community. Ubuntu philosophy believes the rural areas to adhere to the protocols of in group solidarity; therefore it is about the COVID-19. Simply because these prohibitions interconnectedness, common humanity hinder them from exuding their characters and and the responsibility of individuals to each also antagonize their civilisation” other.

Source: Bloomberg

According to their perception, whoever is reluctant or despises their cultural practices within their ‘rural’ vicinity might be considered as disrespectful, pretentious or brainwashed by the West. Africans with this kind of perspective should not be classified as primitive or archaic! Their perception is a result of the lack of industrialization and technological investments in their areas, which is why they are inadequately informed about world affairs.

This inadequacy is the fundamental reason why it would be difficult for them to adhere to protocols such as social distancing.

Joe Exotic – An ‘Entertaining’ Animal?

Don’t be fooled by the enthralling drama of Netflix’s Tiger King Alinaswe Lusengo The advent of Netflix’s hit documentary Tiger King could not have been more perfectly timed.

It arrived just as the world became increasingly enveloped by COVID-19 and needed some form of escape.

Tiger King was just that. Its by-line promises murder, mayhem and madness, yet somehow this seven-episode documentary seems to deliver much more. It watches as if it is a piece of fiction, transporting us to a wild world where the fight over exotic animals reigns supreme.

Filled with characters who, amongst other things, might be cult leaders, spouse-murderers, drug addicts or even politicians. A world that sounds a bit more fun than one ravaged by a newly-discovered virus.

“It is very easy, and almost desired at this moment, to get lost in the melodrama of the show’s characters”

Throughout the unpredictable narrative, we follow Joe Exotic and his arch-nemesis, Carole Baskin, who seems hell-bent on shutting down Exotic’s morally-questionable zoo.

The premise seems simple but the documentary is surprising in how many avenues it investigates and how progressively dark the series becomes. It is here that much of the controversy surrounding the show is birthed. It is very easy, and almost desired at this moment, to get lost in the melodrama of the show’s characters, especially Exotic himself, who seems to have deepened his cult of personality with the airing of this show. And though Tiger King watches like fiction, it is vital to remember that these are real people who need to be held to the same standards as anyone else.

This means recognizing Exotic as a narcissist who groomed two young men and supported their drug addictions. It means recognizing that he used his business to exploit his workers.

It means recognizing that he incessantly hurled mysoginistic verbal abuse at Carole Baskin and even threatened her life. The purpose of this show and this rivalry seems to have been missed as well – Exotic is a perpetrator of cruelty towards the very animals that gave him the right to his title of ‘King’

“The advent of Netflix’s hit documentary Tiger King could not have been more perfectly timed” The mistake is not interrogating these moral faults in its perceived protagonist, and even in the characters around Exotic, enough.

This lack of ‘deep-diving’ makes heroes out of the wrong people and makes us unsure of what this documentary truly wants to say.

What is certain is that if you need a brief escape from the haunting drama of real life, the spectacle of Tiger King will surely deliver.

Source: Reddit

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FEATURES

Coping with the crisis: an Oxford perspective A collaboration between VARSITY and The Oxford Blue, this piece explores how members of their editorial team are coping through COVID-19 and shares some of the shifts the UK and Oxford University have experiences ‘In the midst of this pandemic’ Lois Heslop Editor-in-Chief The Oxford Blue

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hen Oxford University students returned home at the end of the winter term, we did so slightlyanxiously, hearing rumours of cases of covid-19 in Oxford, but mostly happy and ready for a breakfrom the madness an Oxford term entails. We waved goodbye to friends and lamented the 5 weeks ofvacation before we would all be able to see each other again.

We gathered our books from thelibraries and some possessions, though most of our things were left in the city of dreaming spires,locked away for use next term. Mid April would have marked our return to university for the delightsof our summer term. Summer term is known in Oxford as Trinity term, where students emerge from labs and libraries to promises of English sunshine, white-tie balls and punting on the river. Little didwe know that life as we knew it was about to be turned on its head.

As of the time of writing, the United Kingdom enters its fifth week of nationwide lockdown. All non-essential businesses are closed and citizens are not permitted to leave the house unless for essential tasks. The extension of the initial three-week lockdown was announced by Chancellor Dominic Raab in the press briefing, which is aired on all major news channels at 5pm every day. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is notably absent; he is currently recovering at home, having recently come out of hospital intensive care with a critical case of coronavirus.

The newspaper team is now communicating solely through Messenger group chats, google docs and zoom calls, coordinating times and time zones as we inform our readers through our website and social media channels.

Schools and universities are also closed for the foreseeable future, so Oxford’s Trinity term has been moved entirely online. All first year exams have been cancelled and final exams have been moved online. There has been a huge amount of debate in the student community about the nuances of this decision, especially around equal opportunities, with students having such varying home environments and duties of care. 5462 students submitted responses to a survey conducted by the Student Union on online teaching and learning resources, totalling over 2 million words.

In these strange times, The Oxford Blue newspaper, of which I am the editor-in-chief, gets to work. Over 40% of Oxford’s students are international and our team reflects that: the eight women that compose this term’s senior editorial team are currently scattered across the globe, from Iowa to London to Dubai. The newspaper team is now communicating solely through Messenger group chats, google docs and zoom calls, coordinating times and time zones as we inform our readers through our website and social media channels. Around the world, the student press continues to hold universities to account, even while not physically resident, as well as distract and entertain with culture, arts and lifestyle.

Despite the upheaval, stress and uncertainty that this crisis has caused, in true British form, the country has united and stood together with the beating heart of this country, the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS, Britain’s publicly funded, universal healthcare system, was established in 1948 in the wave of major social reforms that followed the Second World War The British public stand together in this time of crisis to protect the NHS and our other essential workers, to support the most vulnerable.

Opinion editor Oliver Shaw writes: “It’s fair to say that coronavirus has brought about the rebirth of community spirit in the UK. Some have been critical of local authorities’ laissez-faire approach to the crisis: a letter from the council arrived in our post some three

The Oxford Blue editorial team weeks into the UK’s lockdown. But I’d wager that community responses to COVID-19 could represent the best way of confronting this crisis at the most local of levels.

The revival of community spirit in the UK has been a powerful and uplifting phenomenon with important effects.

The group I’m involved in was set up in the middle of March, and brought together a few people who had been distributing leaflets that offered help to elderly and vulnerable neighbours. Now we have an army of over 150 volunteers, and a Facebook group that reaches 1500. Volunteers are working in zone teams – each covering an estate or handful of streets – to collect shopping, pick up prescriptions and offer emotional support to those who do not have access to it.

It’s a shifting, evolving thing – as some families retreat into self-isolation, new volunteers step forward and show inspiring leadership. The job of the leadership team itself isn’t to obsessively micro-manage the whole village response.

Instead, we want to empower our community to develop its own unique strategies for coping with COVID-19, tailored to the needs and requests of our friends and neighbours.

We’re working with the council, the local food bank and agencies supporting vulnerable people to come up with the best possible solutions. The whole thing is conducted via Facebook, WhatsApp and video calls. In this terrifying and unpredictable time, the revival of community spirit in the UK has been a powerful and uplifting phenomenon with important effects.”

‘No society can legitimately call itself civilized if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.’

Every Thursday at 8pm, the entire nation comes together to clap for the NHS, in a show of unity and support. Entire streets bang pots and pans, cheer and clap, and people have conversations with their friends and neighbours across balconies afterwards.

Science & Technology editor Katie Burt writes: “ ‘No society can legitimately call itself civilized if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.’ This defining quotation from Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS, concisely depicts the true purpose and beauty of our National Health Service. The presence of the NHS has impacted the lives of every single one of us, be that directly in aiding us in imminent times of need, or indirectly through the role it has played in advancing social mobility.

We are fortunate that for many of us the NHS is usually an unremarkable aspect of our lives, but the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted its worrying ability to cope with added stress. Had it not been for the consistent under-funding of the NHS for the past decade, we would not be in a position where there is such a lack of resources yet such an abundance of exhausted and under-appreciated NHS workers (although we need more of them too).

With both of my parents working as pharmacists, I see first-hand how hard they work, and I would hope that the current pandemic sheds light on how more money must be invested in order for us to be better prepared in the future and to protect our precious NHS.”

FEATURES

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Sport editor Mitch Marshall writes on “I had the privilege of being able to leave how he has found things to be grateful for the UK before the current lockdown was imduring this crisis. plemented. More than that, I had the privilege of returning to a country which has “My mother has been writing a list of things (so far) chosen not to impose strict isolashe is grateful for every day during lockdown tion measures. Since arriving in Sweden in here in Durham. For the foreseeable future, mid-March, I have been able to go about my shared experiences with me will not be part day-to-day life more or less as normal, even of them; my parents are separated and, in- while a third of the world’s population are evitably, I have had to choose one house- confined to their homes. hold to live in to be in accordance with the United Kingdom Government’s protocols.

COVID-19 will force us to make difficult decisions about who we are and what we Perhaps most of all, I am grateful that our value. government continues to allow us to exercise outdoors. As an avid runner, nothing helps me counteract the stress and uncertainty of lockdown than to pound those deserted The Swedish approach to COVID-19 emphastreets, taking in the blurred beauty of the sizes personal responsibility and is primarily based on recommendations over legal place I am so thankful to call home. restrictions. Through avoiding more severe measures, the Swedish government hopes achieve an approach that can be realisI am, nonetheless, still grateful too. Grate- to tically over a potentially lengthy ful to be financially secure and to have the period sustained of time.

This strategy has proven to means to continue to receive a world-class be controversial, both home and abroad. education, albeit in an online format; grate- Some are hailing it as aatcalm and measured ful that living in a university town devoid of response to the crisis; others condemn it students, supermarket queues are almost as being careless and negligent of those as rare as people on our deserted streets. most at risk. It is impossible to know at this Grateful for the digital companionship of stage which approach will yield better refriends and loved ones. sults in the long-term. And against what should we measure that, anyway? Is Perhaps most of all, I am grateful that our metric protecting citizens from disease now more government continues to allow us to exer- important than protecting them from the cise outdoors. As an avid runner, nothing widespread unemployment, health helps me counteract the stress and uncer- deterioration, and potentially mental undemocratic tainty of lockdown than to pound those de- remnants that are likely to result from proserted streets, taking in the blurred beauty tracted lockdowns? of the place I am so thankful to call home.

Despite it all, it is my privilege – thanks to the monumental sacrifices of innumerable I hope that the government realises that others– to remain grateful for so much.” we are at our strongest when united, across Senior editor Lucy McGehee, at home in borders and language barriers.

Iowa, writes about her experience and what she’s thankful for.

COVID-19 will force us to make difficult deci“Perhaps one of the strangest aspects of sions about who we are and what we value. the coronavirus pandemic is that seeing What is important is that we recognize each my friends in person now depends on the other’s struggles, and that we can remain weather. Facetime serves its purpose, but compassionate enough to see one another there is no denying that it is no replace- through them, however long they may last.” ment for lively conversations face-to-face where there are no wi-fi glitches and frozen Maja’s words echo a collective thought. screens. Once a week or so I meet a friend When we come out of this crisis the way on walking trails wide enough to facilitate a we interact with each other and what we width of 6 feet and we walk for two hours hold important will be changed forever. or sometimes more. I have had a bonfire In a country poised to leave the European with a friend and we talked through smoke Union where free movement is under threat across the firepit from one another trying and coronavirus has hit hard, I hope that to ignore the fact that the temperature was the government realises that we are at our dropping, the signal that she would have to strongest when united, across borders and return back home. I am grateful that I still language barriers. have these limited avenues open to see my friends, but as the rain pours down outside When we emerge from nationwide lockmy window during the rainy month of April, downs, I hope we don’t return to the way the once minor inconvenience becomes a things were before. I hope we realise the stark reminder of the strange, isolating time value of our friends and our neighbours, our we are all living in.” ability to communicate and share information, and the united effort it will take to beat News editor Maja Grahn, writing from Swe- this virus. den, where there is no official lockdown in place, says: Images of an empty Oxford snapped by Kentaro Machida (while on his ‘one permitted daily exercise’ bike ride).

COVID-19: THE IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES AND GAPS IN CURRENT SOLUTIONS With over 5 million micro and small businesses, South Africa’s economy heavily relies on the economic activity and job creation stimulated by this sector. COVID-19 and the measures that have been put in place to curb its spread have forced these businesses to come to a halt. This, coupled with the extension of the lockdown has had devasting impacts on small businesses as they feel the pressure of a reduced cashflow the most.

Phaphama SEDI, an NPO that works closely with entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha and Philippi, surveyed 233 entrepreneurs to find out how COVID-19 is affecting their businesses. Spanning across 17 different industries and from 6 provinces, 95% shared that they can’t pay employees during this time, 50% do not think their businesses will survive this pandemic and 93% solely rely on their business as an income source.

In response to the circumstances, government as well as NGOs and role players in the private sector have provided solutions to help sustain businesses through this time. These are some of the provisions that are currently available:

However, there are ‘gaps’, as identified by phaphama SEDI, that hinder many of these small businesses from accessing the funding and assistance that is being offered. 86% of respondents shared that they do not know where to go in order to access emergency funding while 87% are unable to afford the luxury of being able to run their business from home. In addition, requirements such as being a registered business, tax and UIF complaint or having access to 6 months of bank statements and financial projections, may prevent business owners from qualifying for funding.

Drawing on models from other countries as well as the need to overcome our own challenges, here are some solutions that can help bridge the gaps and allow for broader access to COVID-19 relief resources.

Other challenges include the waiting period between funding application and approval (that may be too long for businesses that are under severe pressure to survive) as well as the lack of funding for foreign owned small businesses that provide jobs for South Africans.

Small businesses help sustain our economy as well as provide a livelihood for entrepreneurs and those that they employ. It is thus imperative that they are assisted and given the funding, resources and means to continue to keep their businesses alive.

There is a lot of uncertainty as we face COVID-19 and respond in ways that help prevent its spread.

However, one thing we can be certain about is that in order to protect the economy, businesses and households from severe financial distress, we need to provide accessible, effective and immediate aid for small businesses.

@VarsityNews |23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 12

COLUMN

From UCT to President Cyril Ramaphosa Dear Mr President Looting, beating, arson, hunger.

Desperate citizens, draconian ministers.

Irrational regulations, exacerbated inequality.

A pleading President - death is at the door.

Lockdown for just over three weeks, and with the second phase starting, we are being expected as a nation to muster the ability to trust our government. But I am not sure that we can continue to do so in the face of mounting evidence that your government does not respect us.

As citizens, our trust in the national government has been very low for more than a decade. However, since March 2020, our willingness to trust you improved. You acted swiftly and decisively to manage the spread of Covid-19. Thank you.

However, unfortunately, your ministers have failed to follow through. Many of their regulations have been irrational and draconian. It has whittled away at our willingness to trust them.

Then came the unfortunate moments when our national ministers arrogantly disobeyed the lockdown regulations. Mr President, you did not hold them accountable. There were no fines, no arrests, and certainly no beatings when they were caught. The last straw was the 33 percent salary reduction for your cabinet. A slap in the face of our nation’s intelligence.

We have not forgotten the unending allegations of corruption of the last decade. We are owed trillions of rands, not a symbolic R13 million. As a nation, we have willingly put that conversation on hold in the interest of uniting to avert the Covid-19 crisis.

However, more needs to be done to build trust if our willingness to cooperate through phase two of the lockdown is to endure. Trust is earned through promises kept, listening to others, and admitting mistakes. As a nation, we have endured more than a decade of unkept promises. As a result, we don’t trust the national government. We are a hopeful people and we would love to trust our government, but it can only come with promises kept. With the present crisis, our call is for your government to listen to us and to admit where there have been mistakes.

We want to see irrational regulations repealed: cigarettes should be unbanned. I am not a smoker but even I am aware of where cigarettes are being sold on the black market. We want to see the security forces held accountable for their violent abuse of power: the days of verbally condemning police brutality through the media are over. We want to see accountability. We want to see national ministers who have broken the lockdown regulations fined and arrested: Stellagate is a stain on your presidency and Minister Zulu’s video will not be forgotten even if though it has been deleted.

Mr President, as students at UCT, we understand the need for the lockdown and for many of the associated regulations.

But we also understand that you need our cooperation through this time so that our nation does not descend into chaos.

The naysayers abound; predicting the unravelling of our society. We hope that nothing of the sort will happen in our country. But there is a growing trend of looting, beating, arson, hunger. Desperate citizens, draconian ministers. Irrational regulations, exacerbated inequality, and a pleading President. As the students of South Africa, we are concerned.

Take us into your confidence Mr President, hear our calls for rational transparent decision making and accountability which holds all equal before the law.

Yours in good faith, Mikhail Manuel

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

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews |23 April 2020|V79 E3|Page 13

The Troubling Trajectory of Coronavirus Memes during the Pandemic Humour is dispensed in time of crisis, but at what cost?

Chloe Kingdom

Source: Cyberbullying Research Center

S

earching for coping strategies is a healthy response to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

It has upended everyday life with suffering and loss. In this time of social distancing and isolation, we can maintain a connection through the exchange of online content which validates our experiences.

As many of us have experienced, there are psychological and social benefits to sharing memes online. Humour is a coping strategy that moderates environments that threaten our wellbeing. Memes are one such tool which regulates the stress and anxiety of the social media community. “memes targeting Chinese cultural food choices as the virus’s origin reflect Western cultural hypocrisies.”

Jeremy Simpson

Whilst the virus did emerge from the Chinese province of Wuhan, the trafficking of animals such as pangolins and bats for food and medicinal purposes occurs worldwide. Certainly, the exploitation of non-human animals for food is not culturally specific, but a global practice.

“Coronavirus memes reflect humanity’s proclivity for scapegoating in times of crisis” Mocking humour draws on stereotypes of Chinese culture and implicitly attributes blame to their food practices which contributes to mounting antagonism online. One such viral meme compounds racist language and normalised speciesism in one breath-taking sentence: “All this just cuz Ling Ling had to eat a bat.” Increased reports of discrimination against people of Asian ethnicity reflect the harms associated with this Sinophobic dialogue.

Exercising good judgement online is an exemplar of human decency in times of crisis.

Meditations on the absurd nature of our current existence and its resultant behaviours (mocking the current obsession with banana-bread) may seem trivial when compared to the tragic circumstances of others, but are ultimately necessary for us to divert focus away from the tragedy of the times.

“memes should be able to play an important role in alleviating stress in our lives without targeting vulnerable social groups and fuelling hate-filled dialogue.”

When Politicians become the Scientists

T

he coronavirus pandemic has shown us how destructive politics can be when politicians choose not to listen to the experts.

“This response to the pandemic has heightened political polarization in already volatile countries.”

Indeed, some world leaders have led with science in one hand and the public interest in the other; however, the vast majority have been consumed by their own political egos. This response to the pandemic has heightened political polarization in already volatile countries.

The biggest culprit of this behavior has been the United States Government. As this crisis emerged, the Trump Administration attempted to downplay its severity, carefully lining their messaging with antiDemocrat sentiment. President Trump persisted with his usual political playbook, minimizing it as nothing but a bad dose of the flu and claiming it was the Democrats “new hoax”.

Ignoring shrieking sirens within the White House, Mr. Trump did nothing until it was too late. As of Sunday, April 12th, 22 000 Americans have lost their lives.

This mismanagement thwarted the federal response, resulting in a lack of testing kits and personal protective equipment on the frontlines.

Political instability has also affected the response to coronavirus elsewhere, like Italy for instance. The Italian political system is famously volatile, with a coalition government falling apart late last year after just one year in office. This unforgiving political system combined with a global pandemic is hardly conducive to effective disaster management.

Early in January, the Italian government disagreed with a far-right party’s call to quarantine people who had travelled to China, calling it out as xenophobic and anti-immigrant. Even when a well-regarded virologist supported this policy, the government refused to budge – it was a policy covered in nails.

“Democracy needs people to hold the government accountable - yet the cost should not be human lives.”

As Italy went into lockdown, the political players prepared their attacks, causing even more chaos in a time of deep uncertainty – Italians needed to trust the government and the health officials.

While Mr. Trump trivialized and minimized the mushrooming virus, a New York Times report that was published on April 6th explains how numerous aides and health advisors persistently warned of the dire effects the United States could face from the virus.

When South Africa went into lockdown, most of the country recognized the importance of this move. Even the Democratic Alliance (DA) recognized this, albeit for a few days. Soon the DA hopped onto cigarettes like broomsticks, an elegant display of political sorcery.

DISCLAIMER

While Western Cape Premier Alan Winde may be making an important point about the ambiguity in the regulations, was this in the public interest?

No, this certainly was not. This was a trite way of taking issue with what has largely been an effective national response, compared to that of the US. It is not unreasonable to expect some problems with the regulations and our government has recognized this by revising them as these issues arise. The DA’s play was clearly motivated by political-ends and contrary to the main issue of preventing the extraordinary loss of life that we have seen in other countries.

“The DA’s play was clearly motivated by politicalends and contrary to the main issue of preventing the extraordinary loss of life we have seen in other countries.”

This was an unnecessary politicization of a crisis.

This is not to say that we shouldn’t have dissent in crises. Democracy needs people to hold the government accountable - yet the cost should not be human lives. Perhaps the Norwegian response – where their Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, followed the advice of the scientific community rather than that of the political establishment – is the model we should work from in the future.

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 | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 14

OPINIONS COVID-19 Demands a Response That is Both Social and Economic

SA Lockdown: Hope Today, Humanity Tomorrow

Can the global economic imagination be pushed to consider social welfare as fundamental?

Alinaswe Lusengo

C

OVID-19 seems to have taken siege over the world. If this was not enough, recent research by major nonprofit organisation Oxfam shows that nearly half a

Through exposing societal inequalities, the extended lockdown teaches us to co-imagine a new South African future together Image:IOL

Yuri Behari-Leak

O

n April 9th, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the current national lockdown by two weeks to intensify our resistance to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The now 35-day lockdown is a robust measure against the virus, but it has also exposed our country’s extreme inequality during this tumultuous time.

While prompting strong leadership and collaborative community initiatives, the lockdown and pandemic have significantly taught us the importance of addressing systemic inequality now, for the future.

Strong and decisive leadership from President Ramaphosa and government during this time has been exemplary. Responding early and efficiently, our president has implemented numerous measures to support businesses, health care and the most vulnerable groups during this time. An example of this is the Solidarity Fund to which he, the deputy president and ministers agreed to donate a third of their salaries. We may not all experience the lockdown equally, but we have been united in the collective goal of our social, physical, economic and emotional preservation for now and the future. Everyday citizens are assisting the indigent through many noble feeding schemes and donation drives spearheaded by “We speak of “going back to normal”, but to community leaders and wealthy individuals.

These initiatives are actionable ways to use what “normal” do we want to return?” class privilege meaningfully. But when the lockdown ends, will these initiatives continue?

While COVID-19 can infect anyone, rich or Will the vulnerable remain indigent? poor, black or white, it is no equaliser. South Africa’s inequality originates from apartheid which reserved wealth and prosperity for “Through exposing inequalities, COVID-19 white people over the broader population. has been a poignant watershed moment for us.”

This perpetuated racialised class division means that today certain groups are more economically and socially protected from Feeding schemes and donations are COVID-19 than others. The wealthy few admirable now, but sustained and evolving self-isolate comfortably with WiFi, Netflix, initiatives to reduce inequality post-COVID-19 food and toilet paper stockpiles, and quick is the greater victory. We need to use the access to healthcare while many indigent pandemic to learn from our past and step into people live a crippling reality of financial the future.

We speak of “going back to normal”, woes, food insecurity, poor sanitation, and but to what “normal” do we want to return? inadequate healthcare. Vulnerable groups are most at risk, especially the homeless. Our future cannot replicate an unequal past; it Despite good intentions, an impromptu needs to transform. Everyone is responsible for programme relocating homeless people to co-creating and co-shaping this re-imagined makeshift temporary shelters has been poorly future as we unite and commit to change. and haphazardly implemented. News24 and South Africa’s truly humanitarian future starts CNN reported that some homeless people now. face police maltreatment, overcrowding and under-resourced shelters, jeopardising their health and security. This lockdown is clearly DISCLAIMER more of a hell than a holiday for some but hope still thrives.

“Everyone is responsible for co-creating and co-shaping this re-imagined future as we unite and commit to change.”

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

billion people could be forced into poverty because of the virus. “...nearly half a billion people could be forced into poverty because of the virus.”

This is merely in addition to the pressures that this virus is placing on lower-income households. These result fro a lack of access to affordable healthcare and inability to practice social distancing in order to continue to make ends meet. World leaders should indeed be focusing on economic repair in order to protect their alreadyvulnerable people, but how much of their economic concern is to protect profit?

Donald Trump has a clear preference of economic welfare above social welfare as his previous suggestions to re-open the American economy by Easter have shown – which were most likely influenced by the whispers of the elite classes in his ear. These whispers include the voice of the billionaire founder of Paychex, Tom Golisano, who believes “the damages of keeping the economy closed could be worse than losing a few people.” Though economic concerns surrounding COVID-19 are serious and vast, the attitudes of the wealthy elite distinguish a hierarchy that places the economy at a higher value than human life.

“...the attitudes of the wealthy elite distinguish a hierarchy that places the economy at a higher value than human life.”

However, an economy cannot function with the absence of a labour force, thus economic concern should rather take the form of policies that will protect workers and ensure their present and future welfare.

Oxfam is leading this type of policy-making by proposing an economic plan that would ensure debt relief of $1 trillion for developing countries that are most susceptible to the plight of this virus. The South African government is providing R1.2 billion in relief for smallscale farmers affected by the damage caused by COVID-19.

The response to this virus has to prioritize social welfare but cannot ignore the economic crisis at hand either as the social and the economic are not divorced but rather inextricably linked. “... the social and the economic are not divorced but rather inextricably linked.”

The hyper-capitalism we’ve fallen into is more malleable and vulnerable than ever before. We must use this moment to not only shape an economic response to COVID-19 that focuses on the protection of human life, but to reshape an entire global economy to recognize people above profit.

OPINIONS

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 15

“The human race is doomed to self-destruct, and we deserve it” One of the dumbest things the powerful would have you believe has shown its unfortunate prevalence through the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jack Phillips

I

’ve too often come across people who, in response to some travesty, crisis or wrongdoing, say that they have “lost faith in humanity”. Or those disassociated and flippant characters who say “Ugh, I hate people”. They’re the same kind of dystopian and defeatist person who sits back in smug arrogance whilst saying the disasters and diseases are all some kind of supernatural vengeance.

It’s being taken out on us recalcitrant and destructive human beings for our treatment of… you name it, the earth, each other, animals.

“...sits back in smug arrogance whilst saying the disasters and diseases are all some kind of supernatural vengeance.”

The Coronavirus is the latest disaster to be interpreted as supernatural punishment.

Zimbabwe’s defense minister Oppah Muchinguri claimed that the Coronavirus is god’s punishment for the United States in retaliation for its sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. Pope Francis interpreted the pandemic as “nature (...) throwing a tantrum so that we will take care of her”.

Both these comments adhere to the curious idea that it is the dying old women, orphaned children, quarantined fathers and other everyday men and women who all deserve and warrant this brutal pathogenic and economic fate. As though it is them, and you and me, that must pay.

Source: VoxDev

Surely if nature, or god for that matter, were a conscious entity it would be an intelligent one, and if it were intelligent, why would it go about attacking old Italian men and women? Surely it would attack those who are responsible for climate change?

“Since the religious dogma of “original sin”, this doctrine has played right into the hands of what those in power would like us to believe.”

Since the religious dogma of “original sin,” this doctrine has played right into the hands of what those in power would like us to believe.

That it is not them, nor their policies that drive people or the planet into destruction, but it is the flawed humans themselves. The powerful have perpetuated the idea that we have an innate disposition towards the industrial capitalist model of “progress” and that to avoid planetary destruction is to go against the grain of our nature.

However, our capitalist economy - with its tacit imperative of endless growth, globalization, and wasteful mass production of things no one really needs - are the biggest obstacles to a safe planet.

Cheers to The COVID-19 World Order

But those that make the most money from this mode of production also have the most to lose from its extirpation, and thus would prefer us to blame it on the intangible and ethereal “human nature”.

Obviously we are responsible for our planet: we should all recycle, drive and fly less, eat less meat, stop buying plastic straws and so on. But, we could do all of that and we’d still be nowhere near close enough to avoiding catastrophe. The change required is radical, and that involves changing the way our economies work, changing the power structures that be, and keeping fossil fuels in the ground.

Unfortunately that isn’t what makes the money, but it isn’t what keeps the planet habitable either... some things seem more important than others.

DISCLAIMER This section of the VARSITY is a vehicle for expression, on any topic by members of the UCT community.

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Abiding tolerance to new social norms Nonkululeko Gwangqa

I

n the morning, the radio fills me in on what is happening in the city. The central announcement is for each person to wash their hands. The louder plea pleads to free will. Accordingly, the shift sets in at breakfast after you recognise there is no rush to get anywhere. Fictional writing for a publication I am developing has become a good post-breakfast transition activity. Usually, the challenge is to keep each story to 280 words, so the characters tend to assume familiarity early on.

“I think this is the point to remain positive about during this lockdown: we get our time back.”

After writing, lunch time is extended to a three-hour affair which includes gardening and meditation. Fortunately, our landlord is pro-sustainability. They do not mind my ambitions. This newly-adopted daily ritual reminds me of how my grandmother broke the soil to feed our generation.

“We have to invest in hope to combat any sense of complacency that creeps in when we cannot escape the feeling of fear.”

At our house, afternoon activities include partnered workout sessions. Afterwards, we wash our hands and make dinner while

engaged in conversation. Essentially, we are connected by individual flexible systems we have developed to mark different periods of how we spend our days. For me, I am grateful for the extra time I have been given to write, garden and meditate.

Needless to say, nothing about right now is easy - we are treading new ground. Granted, our governing systems are overwhelmed by how this pandemic has compressed time.

In spite of this, we as a people should be committed to a responsibility to be faithful and to think about how each gesture is communicated, and about how we spend this newly-given time.

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 16

OPINIONS

Checks and balances: dangers of authoritarianism during SA’s lockdown

Source: The Guardian

Duwayne Esau

“Liberties of any kind are never lost all at once” - David Hume

A

s governments around the world are grappling with the COVID-19 crisis, it has become increasingly clear that in order to fight this virus we will have to restrict the rights of citizens for their own safety. Governments have enforced lockdowns and quarantines along with a host of other restrictions which citizens now have to live under. While one can appreciate the need for such drastic measures in drastic times, we should not forget that it is easy to slip into complacency and allow an exception to become a norm. Authoritarianism is characterised by a central government which limits the rights of its citizens and we have already seen how traces of this have begun in South Africa. In the last week of March, President Ramaphosa announced that the country will go into a 21 day lockdown to limit contact between people and to “flatten the curve”.

This past weekend on April 12th it was announced that the 21 days will be extended by two weeks .The lockdown entails the limiting of rights such as freedom of movement among others and it also limits the operating hours of businesses. These are all welcomed measures which we have to take to fight COVID-19, however, the question remains of what happens once the virus has subsided and the crisis is over? Is it back to normal or will our government have grown so comfortable with their newly gained power that it becomes a part of our daily lives?

For those of us that find this difficult to believe: if one looks back at history wherever authoritarianism has found a home, it can be seen that it did not do so overnight.

Authoritarianism tends to creep up on you, much like COVID-19:

One can go about your life with seemingly no ailments at all. It does not show itself immediately and only after it has infested your entire body do you begin to notice that something is awry. On Thursday evening government Ministers announced what the lockdown will entail and it was clear to see that the muscle behind government’s lockdown policy have very different ideas as opposed to the President. The Ministers of Police, Security and Transport are militant in their rhetoric and they very clearly take no prisoners when speaking about the measures being taken to restrict the movement of citizens. The President spoke of cooperation and safety - they spoke of enforcement and security. It is these subtle hints that one has to pay attention to. It is people such as these three Ministers who would make the restriction of movement a part of our daily lives to increase our safety (or so they would claim).

Is this going to become a new way of life for South Africans? Will our every move be monitored and controlled by the government through the security services?

One cannot help but be reminded of the Orwellian state where our every move is strictly monitored by big brother and disobedience is punished.

It is quite clear that in the aforementioned incidents the SAPS overstepped their boundaries and unjustly infringed on the rights of citizens. There seems to be this notion among the security services that a state of emergency and nationwide lockdown gives them carte blanche to do as they please. This is of course not the case. Although the lockdown gives the government certain powers, it does not mean that the Constitution can be thrown out the The ugly side of these restrictions of rights window. has already shown its head. On March 27th, a Weekend Argus reporter, Tracy Adams, attempted to record the heavy-handed treat- The Disaster Management Act gives ment of a man at the hands of the SAPS. A government the power to do exactly what its SAPS officer saw this and then confiscated her name implies: to manage disasters, not to use phone to prevent her from recording. This is it as a means to control the lives of citizens. not the only reporter who gave an account of their equipment being confiscated by officers of the SAPS or South African National Defence We are still very much a constitutional Force (SANDF), and many other journalists democracy and there are still checks and have reported similar incidents. Following balances which they have to adhere to. While this, the South African Editor’s Forum (SANEF) we understand the need for the enforcement released a statement expressing their concern of a lockdown and the need to ensure citizens over the treatment of journalists on the very adhere to the rules of such a lockdown, governfirst day of the lockdown. On March 28th, AFP ments would do well to remember that their reported that SAPS officers opened fire with first and foremost obligation is to protect their rubber bullets on shoppers queuing outside of citizens and not to “skop, skiet en donner” them a Shoprite to purchase groceries. The shoppers into submission. were not breaking the rules of the lockdown in any way - yet the SAPS took unprovoked action against them

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

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 |Page 17

Online learning: Do’s, Don’ts and the Diplomatic Approach Preparing ourselves for term two Stefan Kirsten

D

ue to the paramount effects of COVID19, the second term of the first semester promises to be a term totally taught online. A daunting task no doubt, it should be approached with awareness. As always there are upsides and downsides, like any endeavour. To stick with the positive spirit, we’ll sandwich the down with the up.

Pros & Cons “…the experience you could gain from this situation may prove to be invaluable.”

The most prominent advantage of online learning is the optimisation and resulting flexibility of your time. This means that you will have more time to spend with your family or on yourself. You can use it to learn a new skill or touch upon a neglected one. Skipping Cape Town traffic also frees up a bunch of minutes that contribute towards this end. Academically you will be able to work at your own pace and potentially have a better understanding of the work at hand. You could also fully explore the possibilities of technology and online resources.Therefore, in an increasingly online world, the experience you could gain from this situation may prove to be invaluable.

On the other hand, there will be distractions.

There will be little social interaction and your surroundings will possibly become monotonous. Technological issues will frustrate you and might hamper your understanding of content. Courses may seem more theoretical with no practical element and already straining group work will be made even more challenging.

Although there are both up and downsides to the situation, it will turn out to be what you make of it.

Tips “…it will be the small things that make you cope”

• Get up. Dress up. Show up.

It’s not to say that you should wear anything radical like jeans. Just change into something else than what you sleep in. It shows intent and intent is what we are after.

• Establish a study space

Studying on your bed in your dark, stuffy room won’t bring out your finest work. Consider light, air, posture and ambience when selecting your work area.

• Eliminate distractions

One word: Phone. Use it however you wish, just don’t lie to yourself about how much or how little it distracts you.

“Some [problems] will be surmountable, and others won’t. Bury the hatchet with the latter”

• Stay positive and control what you can

Form positive habits like contacting friends regularly, taking study breaks, eating healthily and doing a bit of exercise. These may seem small and insignificant, but it will be the small things that make you cope and give you a sense of progress.

What lies ahead is going to be difficult. You are going to encounter many difficulties: academ• Structure your day It doesn’t matter at what unseemly hours you ic, technical and social. Some will be surmountwork if you do it consistently, it is fine. Get up able, and others won’t. Bury the hatchet with at the same time, eat at the same time, work at the latter. the same time.

Spirit-lifting Playlist

Source: Kerch Francke

Music as a release

Nonkululeko Gwangqa

W

hen my editor asked me to compile an uplifting playlist to listen to during isolation, I knew I needed to whip up a sketch that makes a robust statement about these challenging times. For too many of us, COVID-19’s social isolating protocols expose our softest alienations. For some of us, hope grips our minds when our President addresses eligibility for assistance and relief funds. The rest of us rely on our fellow citizens opening themselves up to acts of service. I suppose this is my version of acting in service.

“Each song had to earn its place” Although I’m a writer, like every writer I have ever enjoyed; I fancy myself a comedian. The playlist could never be a one-dimensional cute collection of song titles. Each song had to earn its place. Like a good novel, there had to be a narrative arc, conflict, a climax and a denouncement.

Much like the world’s billionaires, I fancy myself a specialist in interpreting ‘angsty’ global narratives, thus, each track will embody this on the playlist.

Brace yourselves, some might want to think of the musicians on this playlist as a bit on the nose with their politics. However, we then encounter Lucky Dube as he serves us grace with The Way It Is, the titled single from his 1999 alK’naan’s song featuring Kirk Hammett inspires bum. hope for co-existence through mutual recog“With quiet eloquence and shouldering outrage, nition. Yes, K’naan is that 2010 World Cup guy, Tracy Chapman’s ‘New Beginning’ is regarded as both songs are on Troubadour Champion Edition. an ode to 80’s world politics” Every artist on the playlist is available for live Hang tight, the playlist opens with Tracy Chap- steam on iTunes; Soundcloud and Youtube. man. With quiet eloquence and shouldering The playlist was compiled and is shared outrage, Tracy Chapman’s ‘New Beginning’ is through Apple iTunes. regarded as an ode to 80’s world politics. AKA’s Fela In Versace is not just a remarkable feel- Isolation (Tape 1) Tracy Chapman - New Beginning good song, it’s a track which represents the 1.

2.

Prince – Purple Rain power of creativity; when protest meets colK’naan – If Rap Gets Jealous laboration and happens to have a hint of flair 3.

4.

Rihanna (Ft Future) – Loveeeeee about it.

5.

Justin Bieber (Ft Quavo) – Intentions Jhene Aiko – Born Tired You may catch yourself feeling ‘gnarly’ about 6.

7.

Xabiso Mankayi – Solitude the collection of genres. Remember, we are Lucky Dube – The Way It Is not to be complacent about the dismissal of 8.

9.

TKZee – We Love This Place human experience.

10.

AKA – Fela In Versace

@VarsityNews | 23 April 2020 | V79 E3 | Page 18

LIFESTYLE & SPORT

“Immune Boosting” Foods: Fact or Fiction?

Image: Standard Media

Tokyo 2020 No More Image: FitMeCook

What we should be eating to boost our immune system Chloe Kingdom

I

n a global pandemic, safeguarding our health is a priority for everyone.

Underlying health conditions and older age increase the risk of being infected with the Coronavirus. However, healthy young adults are also susceptible to infection. Thankfully, you can prevent spreading it to other people in your community by maintaining a strong immune system.

“You can protect your immune system by eating enough calories and including healthy sources of protein in every meal” Contrary to popular belief, scientific data does not attribute “immune boosting” properties to any food, diet, or supplement. Aside from vaccinations, a nutritious and balanced diet is the only proven prevention against a viral infection. You can protect your immune system by eating enough calories and including healthy sources of protein in every meal, such as vegetables and grains. You can do this by eating these five foods which are available in the produce sections of local grocery stores: - Carrots have a high fibre content which make them a beneficial addition to any meal.

- Garlic packs a punch with its high trace amounts of vitamin C and vitamin B6.

- Lentils are popular for its concentrated source of good quality protein, with 24 grams of protein per 100g serving.

- Red-bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

- Spinach is a good choice of leafy vegetable for its high traces of iron and potassium.

As winter draws near, this lentil bolognese will satisfy your cravings for a delicious, one-pot meal on a budget.

“It is a healthy, plant-based meal which can be eaten on its own or paired with a side of spaghetti or couscous” It is a healthy, plant-based meal which can be eaten on its own or paired with a side of spaghetti or couscous. It can even be prepared cold on breakfast toast or frozen in bulk as a part of your meal prep. Its biggest plus? It contains all five of the nutritious foods mentioned above. Go forth and cook with joy!

Lentil Bolognese • • •

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves 4

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

x1 medium-sized onion x2 garlic cloves x2 handfuls of spinach x2 red bell peppers x4 medium-sized carrots x1 tinned tomatoes salt and pepper thyme and oregano x2 tbsp. chutney sauce

Instructions

1.

Cook lentils in a pot of boiling water on high for 15 minutes until soft.

2.

Drain lentils and set aside.

3.

Heat oil in a pot.

4.

Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until the onion turns translucent.

5.

Add the prepared vegetables with spices, tinned tomatoes, and chutney and cook for 15 minutes until flavours combine and vegetables soften.

6.

Season with salt and pepper throughout.

The 2020 Summer Olympics Postponed to 2021 Nelisa Khwela

M

ega sports events bring so much excitement – the arrival of star athletes, increased investment in infrastructure and the promise of economic prosperity.

No one could have anticipated that COVID-19 could have put the world at a stand-still, with Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic Games having to be rescheduled into the 2021 calendar year. .

With travel bans, quarantines and lockdowns, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) backs were against the wall. Suddenly, it no longer made sense to have hundreds of people packed into venues. Japan had to cancel the 2020 games and hope that 2021 will be their year instead. “…continuing to train with all the Coronavirus restrictions was challenging and also a threat to the athletes’ health”

The decision to postpone such an important event was not an easy one. Naturally, the IOC and organisers in Japan were reluctant to postpone the games. However, the decision was made due to pressure from other countries such as Brazil, Australia, Germany, Canada and the USA. The reasons stated were that continuing to train with all the Coronavirus restrictions was challenging and also a threat to the athletes’ health. “…the postponement creates uncertainty as to whether those athletes will be physically fit enough to compete in 2021”

In the USA, the postponement could mean a devastating halt in the funding that athletes receive as a living stipend due to the lack of revenue they would receive as part of broadcasting rights.

Certain athletes face circumstances and plans that made this year their last chance to compete for an Olympic medal. Others had considered the 2020 games to be their last before retiring, however, the postponement creates uncertainty as to whether those athletes will be physically fit enough to compete in 2021.

One athlete expressed that “being a year older” would impact his body.

One can imagine the effort that it has taken to be in shape for Tokyo, only to have to do it all over again for next year. Additionally, athletes are now tasked with finding various ways to continue training amidst the Coronavirus restrictions in their respective countries.

“A postponement would recovery of some of the costs”

allow

A complete cancellation would have a significant economic impact as Japan would not be able to recover the estimated USD$ 10 billion that has already been spent. However, a postponement would allow recovery of some of the costs. The people who will be affected the most are the local businesses such as restaurants and accommodation providers who were anticipating an influx of tourists.

They also have the economic and administrative burden of dealing with cancellations. Their predicament will only worsen as the pandemic drives down domestic consumer spending.

An article by The Guardian has stated that, given the uncertainty of when we can expect the pandemic to be under control, there is no guarantee that the Games will be held in 2021 either. We don’t know what the future holds. The only thing that we can do right now is to have faith and continue to campaign for global unity – something that the five Olympic rings best represent.