25 may 2015 issue 11 year 77
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Perdeby - Independent student newspaper of the University of PretoriaTRANSCRIPT
PerdebyTuks se amptelike studentekoerant / Official Tuks student newspaper / Kuranta ya baithuti ya semmušo ya Tuks
year77issue1125May2015
0861 MIDCITYwww.midcity.co.za
cutting edge student living
MICHAEL BONGANI REINDERS AND MARKO SVICEVIC
The second quarterly Student Forum meeting was held on Thursday 21 May in the Thuto Building. Moving forward from the first Student Forum, which ended abruptly and in chaos, Kirsty Bailey, the deputy chief justice of the Constitutional Tribunal, opened up by clarifying the Student Forum procedure citing constitutional provisions. The rules and regulations were explained to all present and each attendee received a handout explaining the rules.
The meeting began in a calm manner and proceedings started without any issues, however there were very few people in attendance. About 25 minutes into the forum, approximately 35 EFF members entered one by one and sat down making up a large portion of the forum.
At the beginning of the forum, while SRC president Mosibudi “Rassie” Rasethaba was speaking, there was a point of order which raised the issue that the agenda that was being followed and the agenda which was given to the societies differed. Rasethaba began by addressing the eight point strategic goals of the SRC. He said that the issue of the re-registration process for societies was addressed with 127 successfully registered societies. Rasethaba added that 24 societies were not able to register because they
Second Student Forum meeting raises questionsdid not follow proper procedures for re-registration.
On the point of Stuku, Rasethaba said that there was a movement toward the use of “student culture” instead of “studente kultuur” because the university views English as a more inclusive language within UP. He mentioned the UP Arts project as a means to include day students as part of student culture and not only residence students. He also said that the Student Sport Committee ran five successful sporting events. On the issue of transformation, Rasethaba said that all student structures should have a transformation officer in place but that problems may still arise.
Rasethaba moved on to the SRC’s academic success, stating that the SRC had a 70% success rate with academic appeals with 247 appeals being handed in, and that the SRC had spent over R300 000 on assisting students with registration and textbooks.
Rasethaba then spoke about the Work for Study programme of 2014 saying that it is being examined by the UP legal office before it can be implemented. He also mentioned that UP had made R5 million available for student aid.
Rasethaba said that he was committed to ensuring that the Sunnyside and Arcadia buses would be implemented during the upcoming exams. He further stated that the textured pathways had been approved and they are awaiting its roll-out.
He cited the issue of low participation in the anti-xenophobia week which the SRC held. He ended off with the idea of cultivating UP pride by having students wear UP branded clothing on Thursdays.
Marna de Jager, the SRC treasurer, then gave a financial report from January to April. She reported that the SRC had spent R58 149.98 from January to April, adding that the SRC still has R764 000 left for the remainder of the year. De Jager gave a very short report and points were raised as to why it was not a detailed financial report. De Jager replied by saying that it is not practical to present the full financial report but that it was available at her office.
A vote was then taken to answer the new questions that members had due to the apparent change in the agenda and then to answer the questions which were submitted 48 hours before. The questions session took up more time than the presentations and was quite chaotic. Many questions were asked, including one by the EFF who asked what UP had done to address the issue of the Global One workers and their strike. Many people attending the forum raised the issue of Jhua-Nine Wyrley-Birch, the SRC member with the transformation portfolio, and her involvement in the “Dankie Jan” incident. This incident involved Wyrley-Birch being associated with the hashtag #DankieJan which was thanking Jan van Riebeek. The SRC distanced
themselves from the incident through Twitter. Those who raised this issue wanted to know what action had been taken and if anything had been done. In reply to this issue, Wyrley-Birch apologised for the incident.
During the question session deputy director of the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) Dr Willem Jorissen wanted to address the chair, however due to dissatisfaction from forum members the chair did not allow him to speak. This led to discontent among the members and some EFF members, citing the constitution, stated that they wanted Dr Jorissen and Dr Matete Madiba , the director of the DSA, to leave the Student Forum as they are not students of the university.
With the regard to the #TuksSoWhite campaign, Rasethaba stated that the matter was being discussed internally.
The SRC was asked many questions throughout the forum, however they did not answer all of them to the satisfaction of the attendees with many saying that they did not answer their questions sufficiently. Toward the end of the forum, the members of the DSA walked out. Dr Madiba stated that the EFF members had missed the point of the forum because the constitution gives the DSA and their staff the responsibility to oversee the forum. She further said that they walked out so as not to cause further disruptions given that the point about them being there had been focused on unnecessarily.
Golf carts are stronger than they lookLast week a UP staff member accidentally rammed the golf cart they were driving into the entrance of the IT building after leaving a session which they were invigilating. Photo: Marko Svicevic
Serrie gallery - pg. 10
Get to know TheCITY - pg. 8
Born free but still in chains?
- pg. 7 - DA dominates Fort Hare SRC
UP celebrates Africa Day
- pg. 3
PerdebySemester one report
- pg. 4
Statue revamp - pg. 4
2 Editorial | 25 May 2015
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Perdeby Do your best
Exam time is nearly upon us. I know many people find themselves in a constant state of mild panic around this time, and I can’t blame them. This is the time that students realise that they should have probably worked harder during the semester.
I quite enjoy exams, though. The stress is not fun, nor is the fact that they seem to mow the res grass every day while I’m trying to study, but life seems slower and, in a way, easier. It’s okay to take an hour long shower because you have at least another 23 hours in the day to study. I also enjoy spending time with friends I don’t often see in my study breaks. My calmness in this period comes from something my parents have instilled in me.
My junior primary school’s motto was “Do your best”. I still have a clear memory of my dad asking me if I understood what it meant. Over the years, I have learnt to understand it far better than I did in grade one.
It’s important to understand that each person’s best is different. Many are studying in their second language or have unimaginable volumes of work to memorise. Not everyone is naturally an academic or has a knack for practical performance. That’s completely fine. They may be better elsewhere, like in sport or leadership. More than that, your achievement shouldn’t be about comparing yourself to others but rather what you have already achieved. What matters is that we put in the effort needed to achieve what we’re capable of, and then maybe a little bit more.
Mediocrity is far too rife among students. Too often students settle for a mark that is not their best. It really grates my cheese to hear students say they’re content with just passing or getting a supplementary exam. It’s okay if that’s all you’re capable of, but it’s not okay when you could be achieving 10, 20 or 30% higher. What worries me more is that this sentiment far too often comes from students that have been fortunate enough to have quality schooling throughout their life.
Education is a privilege, especially tertiary education. Tons of money is poured into it every year and there are so many people who should be getting an education but simply cannot afford it. The least we can do is honour the privilege we have by aiming to walk away from an exam knowing that we tried our hardest and gave our best. You may not achieve an A, but it’ll still be something to be proud of because you’ll know you worked for it.
This is Perdeby’s last edition for this semester. We’ll be back on 27 July.
Best wishes for exams!
Michal
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25 May 2015 | News
CHAD JOHNSTON
On 19 May the African Union Student Alliance (AUSA) hosted Africa Day in the Plant Sciences auditorium. The theme for Africa Day was “Awakening the senses: political and social expressions through art in Africa” which was showcased through the use of art from various students at the university.
The event was attended by esteemed guests such as Vice-Chancellor Prof. Cheryl de la Rey, the director of the Department of Student Affairs Dr Matete Madiba, the acting dean of the Department of Humanities Prof. Hennie Stander and advocate Mojanku Gumbi, who was the keynote speaker for the evening.
Prof. de la Rey opened up the evening by warning all of the guests about pessimism towards our continent. “If we set aside some immediate issues and take a bit of a longer view, we must come to the
Africa Day 2015: Awakening the senses
general consensus that as an African people we are in a much better position today than we were 50 years ago,” she said. She also urged young Africans to take up their roles as leaders of the future and to drive the continent forward.
After the vice-chancellor delivered her message, the university’s cultural group, Ovuwa, took to the stage and performed a musical piece that tied in with the theme of the event.
Advocate Gumbi then took over and spoke about the country’s “untidy past” and how Africans should not accept stereotypes but rather celebrate who they are. She was adamant that the youth of Africa should keep their curiosity and ask questions all the time. Advocate Gumbi also addressed other challenges facing the continent and problems closer to home, such as xenophobia.
Once advocate Gumbi concluded her speech, there were a few poems read and a debate on student activism
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that was cut short due to time constraints.
AUSA’s president, Sonja Yonehara, said that she viewed the event as a success because of a larger attendance than the previous event. She also said that she was both shocked and delighted that the vice-chancellor was able to attend the event.
Vice-president of AUSA Sandra Gumbo said, “We want to celebrate everything about Africa because it’s a beautiful continent, but we also need to reflect and realise what’s happening on our continent and where we are heading. That’s what we see as important.” Gumbo said that AUSA is using the faculty deans to market them and their events to students across campus. AUSA is a student-led organisation that was founded in 2003. The organisation is affiliated with the African Union (AU) and aims to raise awareness of the AU’s work and values.
Ovuwa performing at Africa day. Photo: Stefan Stander
CAREL WILLEMSE
With the SRC elections around the corner, the annual process for submitting proposed amendments to the Constitution for Student Governance was discussed in a workshop held on Saturday 16 May. The workshop discussed the Student Leadership Forum, the registration of new student committees, and the amendment process.
The SRC, Constitutional Tribunal, Stuku, Rag, Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel (SDAP) and Student Sport attended. Facilitator of the workshop Christina Mosalagae explained that the value of this constitution should be measured firstly on its transcendence or lasting value, and secondly on its legacy, what is passed on to future generations of student governance. The workshop was also attended by the director and deputy director of the Department of Student Affairs, Dr Matete Madiba and Dr Willem Jorissen along with the head of Student Governance Mzikazi Noholoza.
Dr Madiba explained that prior to the current constitution, the political system made students apathetic towards student politics, but unfortunately the rules of engagement of the current constitution are being broken leading to the platform being hijacked by certain groups. Dr Madiba believes that students need to regain a sense of civility in student forums and discussions and that difference isn’t always a point of conflict. She explained that
Constitution for Student Governance amendment workshop
difference is being used to destroy civility. Dr Madiba explained that “Improving the implementation of the student governance constitution is about ensuring that students get the opportunity to grow as individual leaders and as leaders who understand interdependence, collaboration and civility. The Student Leadership Forum is one of the forums where interdependence matters, where different leaders have to interact and elevate their shared vision for a positive change on campus.”
The function of the Student Forum was discussed and a suggestion was made that more platforms should be created for the students’ voice to be heard. Digital discussion platforms as well as more mass meetings were suggested.
Amendments to the constitution may take place if the SRC makes a two-thirds majority decision on the matter. Amendments will, however, only be passed after final approval by the university council. Any registered student can make suggestions for amendments. These suggestions need to be clearly motivated. The form for suggested amendments along with the Constitution for Student Governance can be found on ClickUP.
Noholoza explained that constitutional amendments need to be submitted to the SRC before the end of their term. The SRC will then discuss the proposed amendments and make further recommendations. The amendment process is outlined in section 49 of the Constitution for Student Governance.
3
4 News | 25 May 2015
SHAMMAH BOTERERE
On 16 March the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter (BLASC) hosted a debate on the LLB curriculum. The debate was led by the chairperson of the society, Kgomotso Moteno, a fourth-year LLB student.
The major issue of contention was whether the LLB curriculum was enough to equip graduates with the skills they would need to survive in the corporate world. This has been an ongoing debate nationwide.
The debate was aimed at informing its members, mainly law students, about the realities of the LLB degree and finding out student views on the curriculum itself.
Some universities, like the University of Witwatersrand, have as of this year made it compulsory for students to initially obtain either a BA or BCom degree in law and afterward continue with an LLB degree.
One of the major issues raised during the debate by many members
Black Lawyers Association’s debate over LLB curriculum
was the academic freedom that was allowed by universities regarding the content of the four year LLB curriculum. Moteno said that it would be better if core and necessary subjects where prescribed instead of recommended.
The lack of prescribed standard textbooks across the nation for use by all universities was also raised in the debate. Moteno described it as lecturers capitalising on what can be construed as financial gain by prescribing their own textbooks, causing a major disparity between what different universities teach.
Naledi Ledwaba, the society’s deputy chairperson, said, “We [LLB students] are not quality.” Her argument was based on the lack of practical skills among law graduates. She argued that if there is a need for it, then there should be an additional year to the degree dedicated to practical learning.
Abel Maluleka, the secretary of BLASC, repeated Ledwaba’s
MAKHOSAZANA NDLOVU
The last few weeks have been highlighted by numerous discussions on the issue of transformation at UP. On 15 May a seminar discussing the introduction of an African philosophy syllabus to the philosophy department was held.
In this seminar, experts in the field of philosophy were invited to discuss how African philosophy can be introduced as a module or be integrated on equal footing in the current philosophy modules. The acting head of the Department of Philosophy, Prof. Etienne de Villiers, agrees that the introduction of African
philosophy is a movement towards transformation in the institution.
Prof. de Villiers said, “Discussions that have been taking place in the university, part of them being the falling of Rhodes, have brought [the introduction of the African philosophy syllabus] issue up. [...] We are aware of the initiatives and discussions that were held by the Transformation Committee in the faculty, including response to the Rhodes Must Fall [campaign], which has influenced this discussion and they feel that they should give the [African philosophy syllabus] a chance. However, we want to do it right”.
A third-year BA student majoring
African philosophy to be introduced into UP syllabusin psychology and philosophy, Amanda Sabelo said, “As students in an African [institution] we are supposed to learn about [the] history of thought as it forms part of our identity as Africans and initiate[s] Afrocentrism. [...] I do not talk about colonialism and reaction to white supremacy even though they play a role in understanding African philosophy, but we owe it to ourselves to have a school of thought of our own that represents us not only as strugglers but as intellectuals. Two philosophy lecturers have begun integrating African philosophy into second and third-year philosophy modules.”
CHAD JOHNSTON
Statues around the country have recently been the targets of angry protesters who believe that some statues are beacons of oppression. For once there is some good news regarding a statue, specifically a sculpture just outside the drama building on Hatfield campus.
Students were shocked to see the sculpture titled “The Age of Grace” being moved from its usual spot next to the Masker theatre. The man facilitating the process was none other than the sculptor himself, Anton Smit.
sentiments as he also described how the LLB curriculum has a shortfall in practical learning. He spoke of the importance of adding modules that aid every student’s ability to apply the theoretical knowledge in practice. He suggested making the available practical modules compulsory in order to give every student an opportunity to glimpse real legal practice.
One major point against his argument was the input of each individual law student towards their legal studies. A minority of members argued that the LLB curriculum is adequate to produce competent lawyers, however for it to achieve this the students need to work on their own. Therefore the law faculty should not be there to “spoon feed” students but rather to provide a platform where theoretical learning is provided, followed by practical learning in articles or pupilage after the degree.
Campus sculpture gets a makeover
After the sculpture was removed, a brightly painted replica replaced the old version. When asked about the significance of the new sculpture, Smit explained, “It commemorates the Soweto uprising and, with regards to the name, I think we are living in an age of grace, but even so we are messing it up with riots and wars.”
The original “Age of Grace” sculpture was first erected in 2000 and has spent 15 years watching over the drama department. Some of the students were sad to see the statue go while others were excited as the new statue signified new beginnings.
Anton Smit next to the newly painted sculpture. Photo: Nikita Mokgware
Infographic: Michal-Maré Linden and Marko Svicevic
525 May 2015 | Advertorial
6 Features 25 May 2015
CINDY FRIEDMAN
Mars One is a project that aims to send a group of four people from different continents, two men and two women, to build a self-sustaining colony on Mars. Founded by Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp in 2011, this is an expedition with a twist: there is no return trip.
After deciding that governments were too stingy with funding for space exploration, Lansdorp took his idea into his own hands. According to journalist Daniel Engber in the article “Why thousands of people are willing to die on Mars”, Lansdorp devised a plan to fund the trip by selling it as entertainment. Along with Mars One co-founder Arno Wielders, he found that broadcast rights for television shows yield upwards of a billion dollars and that a reality show about the first town on Mars could yield at least six or seven billion dollars, which would be enough to cover all of the costs.
A one way trip to Mars is obviously not for the faint-hearted. Those going will have to come to terms with the fact that although they will be experiencing the wonders of an untouched part of our solar system, they will be experiencing this alone. For some, however, this is exactly why they are taking that risk. They will experience it alone so that others will not have to. This comes at a high price as medical care will be 225 300 000 km away and participants are at high risk of their mental state being adversely affected.
Due to the harsh realities that these explorers will have to face, the selection process is a rigorous one. Since April 2013 Lansdorp’s team has been screening the 202 586 resumes sent in from around the world by anyone who cares to pay the modest application fee. According to an article written by Jan Vermeulen titled “South Africans in the top 100 for a one-way trip to Mars”, the top 100 candidates were announced earlier this year, of which five are South African. Divashen Govender (23), Edwin Samuel
le Grange (19), Kobus Vermeulen (31), Adriana Rose Marais (31) and Alexandra Doyle (29) may just have what it takes to be dubbed the latest 21st century explorers.
Round three of Mars One’s astronaut selection may be aired as a reality TV show around the world. During the next selection rounds teams will be formed and they will have to endure all the hardships of a permanent settlement on Mars. They will also participate in group challenges which will demonstrate their suitability to become one of the first humans on Mars. Those candidates who were not selected to continue will have a chance to reapply in a new round of applications that will open later in 2015.
It seems that any project of this magnitude, especially one that entails space exploration, brings a range of cynics to the surface. After all, there is still an ongoing debate about whether people really did land on the moon or if it was just a big hoax. It will take 210 days to reach Mars and the crew will have just 20 m3 of living space on the journey there. According to an article written by Kelly Dickson for Business Insider, the Mars One expedition is delusional. The budget is too low and it will not be possible to raise the amount of money needed in time, indicating a problem with the timeline. There are also too many unanswered questions surrounding how to sustain life once the crew gets there because it is unknown how humans will react to spending a prolonged period of time in space.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology did an in depth analysis titled “An independent assessment of the technical feasibility of the Mars One mission plan”, in which they look at the technology and architecture being used for the Mars One expedition and whether these technologies will be able to sustain life there. In their conclusion, they stated that many of the systems being used are not reliable and that the costs of completing this mission are exorbitant. They believe that the crew will suffocate within 68 days because the equipment will not be able to balance the oxygen levels. Nasa believes that no trip to Mars will be a success without them, and others believe that the Mars One expedition is a complete money-making scheme.
In an article written by Ashley Feinburg titled “Mars One is broke, disorganised and sketchy
Mars One mission: hype or hoax?
SAVVA POUROULLIS
Since the turn of the century the world has seen the peak of the age of fossil fuels and a subsequent scramble to find solutions to its never-ending problems. Think tanks, NGOs and government departments have proposed and implemented incredible designs all over the world. Solar power has become a focal point of development for profiteers who have made the technology steadily cheaper and more convenient over the last decade, to the point where it is a primary candidate for a global energy solution. Solar power stations now have the capacity to rival those of fossil fuel plants. This comes at the same time as the introduction of more unique ideas like integrated solar-panel roads that can power cars.
Even in the golden age of renewable energy development, however, solar power accounts for less than 1% of global energy production. Solar power has made relatively small steps in comparison to other energy revolutions. So who would be so bold as to make the giant leap for renewable energy that might end the age of fossil fuels, other than South African-born innovator Elon Musk?
Only four years after the release of Tesla
Motors’ latest electric car, the Model S, Musk announced the release of the company’s latest project, the Tesla Powerwall, an all-inclusive battery unit designed to store energy from solar panels. During his presentation of the Powerwall in Los Angeles, he described a gap between solar technology and a means to store its energy for use when the sun is not around. Musk described current battery storage systems as being unreliable, ugly, and “bad in every way”. Musk commented on how it is difficult to have batteries installed for solar panels because they need to be accompanied with an array of other systems like safety measures, thermal controls and converters, which would have to be individually installed, usually by different contractors. In his Powerwall address he said, “it’s designed to work very well with solar systems, right out of the box. It addresses all of the needs ... You can actually, if you want, go completely off-grid.”
One Powerwall unit has a maximum capacity of ten kilowatt hours (kWh), not including the energy consumed and replaced during the day. According to data adapted from the US Energy Information Administration, the average American household consumes about 30.3 kWh a day. The Powerwall is designed to be stacked with up to 9 units at a cost of $3500 (approximately R40 000) per unit. The most expensive state with regard to energy consumption in the US is Hawaii, where the cost of 1 kWh is $0.33. To use the national grid in Hawaii with current prices every day for a year would cost about $3600, meaning that three years of energy consumption would account for the purchase of 3 Powerwall units. On average, a household in the US pays 12.19 cents per kWh and it would take 9 years to spend the equivalent of 3 Powerwall installations. Installing two or three of them could serve as a powerful solution in a remote area with no access to the electric
grid, while electric grids that are more expensive or unreliable might also carry enough incentive to install a Powerwall.
Demand for the Powerwall and its larger, scaled-up sibling, the Powerpack, has exceeded Musk’s expectations with 38 000 reservations for the Powerwall being made within the first week of its availability. Bearing in mind that some reservations were for more than one unit, that comes to an estimate of 50 000 units or more, according to Tesla’s website. Tesla has also signed a joint deal with Panasonic to build what Musk calls a “gigafactory” in Nevada, USA, where the Powerwall and Powerpack will be mass-produced. Musk said that it will be the first of many gigafactories on US soil.
To demonstrate the scalability of his Powerwall and Powerpack, Musk announced that the entire building in which he was doing his presentation was being powered by sunlight stored in Powerpacks made visible in the back of the hall. He also described a “gigawatt-class” Powerpack installation which could potentially power entire cities. He said that it would take 160 million Powerpack units to replace fossil fuel electricity consumption in the US, and 900 million units to do the same worldwide. To transform all transport, heating and
electricity generation in the world to renewable energy, 2 billion Powerpacks would be needed. Musk described this feat as “within the ability of humanity to actually do.”
Above and beyond its pragmatic perks, the Powerwall’s aesthetic appeal and space efficiency are what make it truly attractive. The battery pack is smooth and curvy, reminiscent of the sleek, futuristic look of the floating robot EVE from the film WALL-E. It can also be mounted on a wall as opposed to having a dedicated room built for storing conventional batteries. What’s more, it comes in whatever colour you want.
Musk strikes again: the Powerwall
Illustration: Faith Honey
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as hell”, Dr Joseph Roche, a professor at Trinity College's School of Education in Dublin with a PhD in physics and astrophysics, highlights some of the questionable means of funding and also spoke about how the selection process applicants had to go through was seemingly lax. What was initially going to be a several day long, in-person interview and testing process eventually got whittled down to a ten-minute Skype call in which no psychological or psychometric testing was done. The TV production company, Endemol, which would have brought in funds of $6 billion, is now completely out of the picture as well.
Scheduled to land on Mars in 2025, only time will tell whether this trip will be a success or whether it really is just a money-making hoax.
725 May 2015 | Features
Image: Michal-Maré Linden
Unemployment holds back the youth
HUVASAN REDDY
As South Africa enters its 21st year of democracy, the post-apartheid generation, categorised as the 27 million people born in or after 1990, represents more than half of the country’s population of 52.98 million.
“Born free but still in chains’, a report on South Africa’s first post-apartheid generation, was released by the Institute of Race Relations on 29 April. The report comprises of statistical data, an analysis of the data, and proposals on how to help the born-frees overcome the challenges they face. According to the report, born-frees will increasingly engage in violent protests due to economic and political alienation.
Unemployment seems to be the most serious issue facing born-frees. According to the statistical data included in the report, South Africa accounts for 1.9% of global youth unemployment. Approximately 1.13 million African born-frees are unemployed. Voters of all races, ages and political preferences regarded unemployment as the single most important issue to be addressed by government in the next five years. The causes of unemployment include factors such as a lack of education and labour regulations. The report shows that only 38% of students admitted to university are likely to obtain their three or four-year degrees within five years, and some 51% are unlikely to graduate at all. Only one third of people who began but did not complete their secondary schooling are able to get jobs. Labour regulations create difficulties for employers in sectors where unions and employers are organised and wage agreements are legally binding, even on those who are not part of the negotiations.
It would seem that unemployment plays a major part in feeding the economic alienation of the youth. However, economic alienation is only one side of the coin. Political alienation is also a factor that contributes to the increase in violent protests.
Of the approximately 2 million 18 to 19-year olds eligible to vote in the 2014 elections,
TIJANA SAKOTA
Daso has won the SRC elections at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape. By securing a majority of 52.5% of votes, Daso takes control from Sasco who secured 37% of the votes. This is despite ANC senior leaders’ efforts to campaign for the ANC to align itself with Sasco. With well-known ANC alumni such as Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, Fort Hare’s change of SRC is particularly significant.
“The outcome is noteworthy after two years of ... Sasco [having] control of the SRC,” says the chairperson of the DA Youth, Yusuf Cassim. In a press release featured on the DA’s official website, Cassim argues that Daso has found “a popular mandate” among the students at the university. He also notes that this historic win shows how the DA has prioritised student issues on the campus. These issues include the absence of meal allowances, neglected and exploitative residences, and “hyper-inflated” fee hikes. Daso shows “commitment to fighting for better student conditions and increased access”, Cassim says. Its purpose is for the DA to “[serve] students in the province” of the Eastern Cape and its vision is that of an “open opportunity learning environment for all”.
In an article published on Times Live titled “The little election that has big implications for SA”, ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane speaks of his disappointment in the defeat. “Fort Hare is our pride. You cannot complete a conversation about the struggle for liberation without mentioning Fort Hare,” says Mabuyane. He goes further to describe the university as a “cradle for continental leadership in progressive politics”. In addressing the students of Fort Hare at the ANC freedom charter forum prior to the election, deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the NSFAS’s failure in activating the meal allowances of
only 31% registered to vote. This, according to the report, is an indicator of ignorance, indifference or alienation. Naturally, voting is not the only form of political participation. Service delivery protests, which are becoming increasingly violent, are composed in part by the 3 million born-frees who are not employed, educated or trained. Protests which have become increasingly violent are an indicator of a lack of faith in the democratic system. According to Dr Indran Naidoo, director of independent evaluation of the United Nations development programme, there has been “much progress over the past two decades for the born-frees, but the structural and socio-economic legacy, informed by decades of apartheid, continue to mire development, and often the gains made.” He added that the study falls short in its analysis as it assumes development is linear, and does not appreciate the complexity of development. Dr Naidoo added that, “The political participation rates of youth indicate high disillusionment with political parties and the drop in the support of the ruling party – and rise in the opposition – reflect that the youth do not view the transition in the positive terms of the older generation. They do not really know the past but have simply been born into a situation which is legally free and theoretically optimal – but practically impossible to transcend due to the issue of geography – most race groups remain in the same apartheid areas – and thus suffer spatial access.” The report is not only a critical analysis of the current situation that the born-frees find themselves in, but also provides proposals intending to help rectify the problem.
Included are proposals suggesting that racial legislation be repealed and racial preferencing policies be abandoned as they impose costs on the economy, thereby reducing its growth rate and its capacity to absorb born-frees. According to Prof. Karin van Marle of the Department of Jurisprudence at UP, the constitutional mandate requires transformation. She continued by saying, “At the head of this is socio-economic upliftment and social justice.” According to Prof. van Marle, as per section 9 of the Constitution,
freedom before the law and freedom from discrimination are guaranteed to the people of South Africa. As such it protects the substantive notion of equality created by racial preferencing legislation. Racial preferencing is within the values of the constitution. The poor are not sufficiently included within the political and economic spectrum, and according to Prof. van Marle, poor black women are the worst affected by this.
Labour law adjustments have been proposed, such as enacting legislation aimed to prevent union officials and minority groups of workers from imposing strike action on other workers. Policing and prosecution of those using violence to enforce strikes must also be more efficient. An economic outlook was presented by Old Mutual Investment Group SA (Omigsa) on Wednesday 13 May. According to Omigsa’s chief economist Rian le Roux, “If labour is not very productive and you have all the work stoppages, plus the wage rates are going up well above inflation‚ you cannot expect a lot of job creation.”
DA dominates Fort Hare SRC
the students. Although this is seen as a shared focus for both ANC-backed Sasco and Daso, the latter identified more with the students and thus received the votes for their majority win.
Heather Thuynsma, a member of the Department of Political Science at UP as well as a specialist election monitor and publisher of electoral strategy articles for the Electoral Institute of South Africa, believes that the implication of the SRC turnover following the win “is significant for the University of Fort Hare’s students”. She describes how students utilised their vote to “register their unhappiness” with the handling of their interests. However, she explains how the fees and government student financial aid scheme are “larger problems” than a SRC is able to solve.
Thuynsma goes further and describes the impact of Fort Hare’s SRC turnover on South African politics at a national level. In order for this turnover to have a national affect, Thuynsma said that students need to “physically vote” in the next election. This, however, may not be guaranteed. She says that the young electorate have “other priorities to manage” and may often feel discouraged about the difference that their vote can make in society. Thuynsma also suggests that this turnover may possibly allow students to realise the importance of their opinions and the importance of voting.
“Students seemed to have voted based on issues more than emotion,” Thuynsma says. If this is the case, she argues that it is indeed a “significant shift” in the voting behaviour of students. It portrays how young voters who physically participate in a election may ask themselves, “Am I better off today than I was five years ago?” If this is the case, Thuynsma speaks of how “political parties should pay attention.” “It is refreshing to see that students can use their vote instead of violence to raise these issues,” Thuynsma says.
South Africa has one of the most advanced constitutions in the world. It is based on the values of democracy, freedom, equality, human dignity and social justice. However, this is only theoretical. In practice there is a wide gap between the law and the fulfilment of its aims due to unemployment which creates a bifurcated society. Thus, the poorer members of society are confined to the prison of economic and political alienation and they are unable to access the rights that have been provided to them.
The words of former president Nelson Mandela encapsulate what needs to be done for the youth to progress: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Violence cannot be used to create progress. Effective economic and political participation is the key to creating opportunities for the born-frees. These interrelated dimensions have to be developed to enable the post-apartheid generation to break free from the legacy of inequality.
Image: Shen Scott
8 Entertainment | 25 May 2015
CHAD JOHNSTON
TheCITY is a Cape Town band who describes their genre as “future Afro” which, according to them, is comprised of electronic beats, sultry melodies and African rhythms. This theme is prevalent throughout the EP and makes their songs very catchy. The songs seem to have a slight 80s ring to them, which is then married with a tinge of African flavour.
TheCITY is made up of Bonj Mpanza, who delivers powerful vocals loaded with soul, Clement Carr, who provides the electronic sound through the use of a keyboard and a synthesiser, Ryan McArthur as the master of the bass, and Ruby Crowie behind the drums. All of their different skills seem to balance out just right. The whole band has university level musical training under their belts too.
While the band is embracing the wonderful sound of electro music, they have also found a way to blend their own experiences of our beautiful country into their music. The EP was recorded at Hey Papa Legend Studios and Ward Wide Music over two months and was produced by Graham Ward and Ross McDonald. The EP is filled with the theme of love and the songs are upbeat and hard not to like, however you wouldn’t necessarily get up and dance to them. This is not to say that they are too slow, either, but rather that they are meant to be relaxing and to take your mind off of a long day’s hard work.
TheCITY is definitely a band to start taking note of. Their unique sound could create a gap in the market for their style. Only time will tell whether they will be able to take all of their potential to the next level, but it seems that this EP has put them on the right track.
TheCITYTheCITY
Image provided.
SHAUN SPROULE
Superhero movies are becoming ever more popular and companies such as Marvel and DC Comics are rushing to fill this gap in the market. Superhero movies are also no longer damsel-in-distress man-saves-the-day type of movies, but reach further into the world of the superheroes themselves. Perdeby took a look at some of the new or improved heroes that we can expect to see in the near future.Doctor Strange is a Marvel superhero with a live-action film expected to be released in early 2016. Doctor Strange is a former neurosurgeon who takes on the role of the Sorcerer Supreme, the protector of earth against magical and mystical threats. Benedict Cumberbatch is set to take on the role of the iconic doctor.Gambit is a character from Marvel’s X-Men with the ability to mentally create, control and manipulate pure kinetic energy at will. He is also skilled at card throwing, hand-to-hand combat and making use of his powers to create exploding playing cards. There is no doubt that this film will be filled with action when it is released in 2016.Black Panther will appear in the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film and in 2018 this character will have his own film. T’Challa, who is the Black Panther, was the first black superhero in mainstream American comics. Black Panther has an amazing
sense of smell, increased strength, stamina and speed as well as resistance to magic. He is also the king of the fictional Wakandan nation. Chadwick Boseman is set to take on the role of this iconic superhero.Aquaman is one of the few superheroes on offer from DC Comics. Although the king of Atlantis may not seem to be the most likely or useful superhero, with the ability to breathe underwater and communicate with sea life being some of his only abilities, the film has been in the works for some years with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The character will make an appearance in 2016 in the film Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice before a standalone film is due to be released in 2018.Miles Morales is a different sort of Spiderman to Peter Parker, in that he is a black-Hispanic character. Morales instantly won over fans of the Spiderman comic, who praised the fresh approach to the series.Marvel is also considering making a new Thor movie with a female lead. In the original comic series the iconic superhero loses his hammer, Mjölnir, and it is used by an unknown female character who defeats Thor’s enemies using the famous weapon. He later discovers that this woman is in fact Jane Foster, his human love interest. She is able to wield Mjölnir even though it may be slowly killing her, and as she is able to wield it, she too receives the name “Thor”.
The comic revival: taking heroes to new heights
THOMAS MARAIS
TheCITY is a new “future afro” group from Cape Town who recently released their self-titled debut EP. They also performed at the Cape Town Jazz Festival recently. Perdeby spoke to this groundbreaking group of talented musicians about their work.How did you experience performing at the Cape Town Jazz Festival? Ryan and I have been going to the Jazz Festival since high school and we have all performed at the festival with different bands a number of times. [It] was very special for us because it
Cape Town band TheCITY releases debut EPwas something we had set as a goal so it was very satisfying to know that we were invited to such a prestigious event.Future afro is a unique genre that not many people know about. What does the term mean to the group?Firstly, future afro is the style we play. It is a blend of soul, electronica and afrobeats. Secondly, it is the ethos we live by and try to share [through] our music. It is a vision of a new united Africa, an Africa [that is] recognised for its ingenuity, creativity and beautiful people.You just released your debut EP. What can people expect to hear on the release?
Songs about love and aspiration. Hopefully it will inspire you to keep pushing for your dreams. Also lots of groove.What made you decide to blend electronic music and more traditional styles of music?That is part of our future afro ethos. We want to honour our heritage in our music but not be nostalgic. Also, we all like electronica and want to play what we enjoy listening to.What is the group’s next big step?We’re planning a tour to Durban and Jozi [in] September ... [and] we’ve also started working on our full length album which will be out [in the] summer [of] 2016. It’s going to be groovy.
Image provided.
Illustration: Faith Honey.
925 May 2015 | Entertainment
KOJO ESSAH
World-renowned American hip-hop artist Calvin Broadus Jr, better known as Snoop Dogg, has released many albums which are considered to be classics and starred in several movies and TV shows. This time around Snoop teams up with producer Pharrell Williams on his 13th album Bush, a funk and hip-hop album that sounds clever in concept. However, the finished product has a number of flaws that hold this album back from being exceptional.
The album opens with “California roll” featuring Pharrell on the chorus and Stevie Wonder on the harmonica. The song sets the mood for the first half of the album with its simple, relaxing production and catchy chorus. One problem with this song may be the fact that Wonder’s talents are heavily under-utilised.
The next three tracks, “This city,” “R u a freak” and “Awake” carry on the opening track’s slow tempo and mellow atmosphere, but Pharrell’s production falters on these tracks, perhaps hinting at a lack of experience in the funk genre. Snoop’s lyrics, dealing with women and weed, do very little to keep the listener interested.
The second half of the album picks up with the track “So many pros”. Here, Snoop is trying to convince a girl to go out partying for one night. This song excels due to its fun production and groove-along chorus, making it a highlight of the album. The album continues to shine with the tracks “Peaches n cream” and “Edibles”, featuring T.I. The former song sees Snoop comparing the body of a particular female to the famous dessert the song is named after, and the latter deals with different types of food made with weed. Snoop ends off the album with the track “I’m ya dogg”, featuring Rick Ross and Kendrick Lamar, two of hip-hop’s current superstars. The song sees these three artists singing about the different girls that have piqued their interest. Ross and Lamar help bring the album to a satisfying conclusion.
Bush is not a perfect album and it’s not Snoop’s best. The album suffers from lack of diversity in lyrical content and stumbles intermittently in terms of the production, but it is a fun album to listen and sing along to if you’re looking for a relaxing and cheerful break from the rush of everyday life.
Bush Snoop Dogg
KOJO ESSAH
Mad Max: Fury Road is the fourth film in, and a reboot of, the Mad Max movie series directed by George Miller. The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by vast deserts, where water is a scarce and extremely valuable resource. Max Rockatansky, a survivor, is caught up in a conflict between Immortan Joe, the ruthless leader of a gang called the War Boys, and Imperator Furiosa, a tough woman seeking redemption for her actions. Miller has created an intriguing film that is visually stunning, full of action and well-acted characters.
The film uses its expansive setting and lore to create a simple and easy-to-follow plot that sees the unlikeliest of characters working together to achieve their own goals. The script might be
Mad Max: Fury Road George Miller
Image: SonyMusic.nl
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25-30 May: Springbok Bar birthday week – Springbok Bar
31 May: Flavours of Tshwane – Pretoria Country Club
13 June: Capital Craft Beer Festival – Voortrekker Monument
20 June: South African Metal Music Awards – Rumours Lounge
4 July: GeekFest – Huddle Park Golf & Recreation
18 July: Blood Brothers – Carnival City
seen by some as bare and minimalistic, but the main focal point of this movie is its action, which it has in spades. The entire film is a nearly two-hour action sequence, with spectacular action set pieces involving vehicular and hand-to-hand combat, with the focus being the vehicles the inhabitants of this wasteland have managed to create with what resources they could find.
Another main aspect of the film is its characters. The world of Fury Road is filled with characters ranging from normal to downright bizarre, and it is the phenomenal acting that brings these characters to life. Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky and Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa bring a sense of desperation and ferocity to the film by doing whatever they deem necessary to survive. Other characters, notably Nicholas Hoult as Nux, add a little humanity to the story to balance out the cast. One drawback is that there is no character development, which leads to some one-dimensional characters. However, this is overshadowed by the brilliant performances of the main and supporting cast, as well as the fairly large roster of characters. Fury Road’s soundtrack, created by Junkie XL, is a wonderful score that brings every facet of the movie to life, from the action sequences to the more emotional scenes.
Miller’s latest film is a true action movie and delivers nothing but spectacular, non-stop, brutal, thrilling combat. Elements found in most movies, such as character development and a fully developed script, may be absent from this film, but for what it is and the genre it represents, Mad Max: Fury Road is extraordinary.
Image: Imdb.com
WILLIAM ALDRIDGE
On Sunday 17 May, the 26th edition of Boosh, a concert tour that featured local indie rockers Shortstraw and other supporting acts, took place at Marks Park sports complex in Johannesburg.
Boosh started a number of years ago at a small bar in Greenside called Mama’s Shebeen, which can only take about 60 people. This year, Boosh 26 drew in nearly 2000 people. The event has had such success in Johannesburg that the organisers have started a Cape Town edition of the concert.
With the stage situated in an empty 25 meter swimming pool and the bar area set up in the splash pool just behind, Boosh 26 was arguably one of the best ones yet.
Joshua Kempen and Gil Hockman kicked off proceedings by entertaining the early arrivals with their soothing folk music, setting the tone for an easy-going Sunday. Hockman, who played at the very first Boosh, played his last show in South Africa before returning to Germany.
Bass player for Desmond and the Tutus Nic Dinnie is also the front man for a band called Float Parade, a talented group of musicians who brought their groovy, indie-blues sounds to Boosh. Their long instrumental songs were remarkable and they even covered songs by pop icons Rihanna and Daft Punk.
Next up was Crystal Park, a slower, country-blues band. A surprising addition to the Boosh line-up was Fuzigish. The energetic punk rockers drew a substantial crowd, nearly filling the entire swimming pool. Their set had people jumping around right from the very first song which unsurprisingly led to a wild mosh pit, leaving a number of sweaty, exhausted individuals in its wake.
Shortstraw closed off the show as the sun went down and the swimming pool crowd ebbed and flowed to the familiar sounds of the established indie rockers who never seem to disappoint.
From its humble beginnings in Greenside to the Zoo Lake bowls club and now a swimming pool, Boosh has grown into a hugely successful event and will certainly be a regular occurrence in the future.
Boosh 26: from filling bars to filling swimming poolsImage: Boosh 26 Facebook page.
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10 Entertainment | 25 May 2015
Boekenhout. Photos: Kaylyn O’Brien
Taaibos. Magrietjie.
Mopanie. Katjiepiering.
Olienhout. Curlitzia.
Olympus. Vividus Ladies.
Zinnia.
1125 May 2015 | Fun and Games
Sud
oku
Pssst...Pssst… is, admittedly, a little sad. Mostly because the end of Serrie means that exam time is near, which also means that reses will be a little too quiet for Pssst…’s liking. Pssst… isn’t quite ready to let Serrie go yet, though, seeing as some reses are just dying for Pssst… to scrutinise them.
The only reses who still seem to be riding the Serrie wave are Magrietjie and Taaibos, who can’t seem to shut up about their respective wins, much to the irritation of those around them. Taaibos, Magrietjie, Pssst… has some advice for you: nobody likes a sore winner.
Apparently the ladies from Katjiepiering
are convinced that they are now the official inspiration to underdogs everywhere. Pssst… hates to break it to you, Katte, but you actually have to achieve something a little more notable than second place before you can inspire anyone.
Pssst… was a little disappointed to see so few jottirs on campus this week. Pssst… wonders if Madelief have decided to go into hiding after their Serrie embarrassment? Or maybe the Knolle have finally realised that their atrocious hats provide just cause for calling in the fashion police. Then again, so did their Serrie outfits.
Pssst… sees that Kollege have taken to setting up home-made traps on their front lawn. Have
you decided to take the “rats in res” problem into your own hands, Kollege? While you’re at it, maybe you can bait some Boekenhout first-years, seeing as Pssst… hears their manners have been a little ratty lately.
Speaking of bad manners, Pssst… would like to know what on earth has been going on at Mopanie recently. First they make poor attempts to start drama at Serrie finals, and now Pssst… hears that a few Peppies have been defacing mascots on the Proefplaas. Why all the anger, Mopanie? Are you trying to compensate for the fact that the Magrietjie ladies are no longer interested in you? Don’t worry, Pssst… hears Inca will spend time with almost anyone.
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CARLI-ANN FURNO
The second round of the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League, held over the past weekend, left the Jaguars with heavy hearts as they lost both of their games. After their winning performance last weekend, the Jaguars stepped onto court on Friday night against the Southern Stings with a completely new lineup.
Having lost five of their players to the Protea team who left for Ireland to compete in the European championship, pressure was placed on the shoulders of the younger squad. The Southern Stings, who were also missing three of their players due to the tournament in Ireland, showed no mercy for the weakened Jaguars as they held on to their lead in the first three quarters of the game.
The Jaguars did not leave the court without
TAY LETHLOE AND MICHAL-MARÉ LINDEN
Jacques HornHaving been active in cycling for the last eight years, this will be the third time that Horn will be representing Tuks at the championships. Last year Horn finished ninth in the event. Horn will be the team captain for the 2015 men’s team.Elmari de WetElmari de Wet is currently studying engineering and has been sponsored by Demacon for two years. Elmari has represented Tuks at the USSA National Student championships once before where she finished 4th overall. Elmari will be the team captain for the 2015 USSA National Student Championships ladies’ team. Elmari has high hopes for a podium position at the 2015 championships.Christoff DamesDames is a third-year LLB student. He is currently cycling for Select Cycling and this will be the second time Dames represents Tuks at the championships. Dames will add great value to the team on the flat roads and his experience will help the team achieve their goals.William MokgopoMokgopo is studying BSc Sport Science. This 23-year-old has been racing professionally for two years for the Kargo Pro Mountain team and has represented South Africa on four occasions. This will be the first time that Mokgopo will represent Tuks at the championship road event. In 2014 Mokgopo achieved a top ten finish in the USSA National Mountain Bike event.Jessica SmithJessica Smith began cycling in 2011. This will be the third time that Smith represents Tuks at the USSA National Student Championships. Smith will bring a lot of experience to the ladies’ team.Edwill O’NeillO’Neill began mountain biking at the age of 16. He was part of the ASG PY-Cycling Academy during 2013 and 2014, competing in the MTN National Mountain Bike series and the Nissan Mountain Bike series. He has also participated in the Gauteng North Cross Country series and SA Cross Country series. This will be O’Neill’s first time participating at the championships. He will be vital to the team when it comes to the big climbs.Hein BadenhorstBadenhorst is a 23-year-old biokinetics honours student and currently rides for the Tuks USSA team and the Europcar Academy. This will be the third time that Badenhorst will represent Tuks at the championships. He will bring a great amount of experience to the team.
Determined Jaguars fall short
a fight and got the crowd to their feet as they gained a slight lead with six minutes remaining in the final quarter. This was short-lived, however, as the Stings grabbed a 47-45 victory in the dying moments of the game.
The defeat left the Jaguars slightly shaken as they stepped back onto the court on Saturday night to face the North West Flames, who had been undefeated so far in the Premier League.
At half time, with a greater goal percentage and turnover statistic than the Jaguars, the Flames established a lead of 28-17. Despite an attempt to break through a line of solid defence by changing players on the court every quarter, the Jaguars fell further behind and gave many balls away with three-second calls. The final whistle blew with a 36-55 defeat for the Jaguars.
Jaguars coach Jenny van Dyk said she was disappointed by the results but had not lost
hope in her younger squad, adding, “The only way you learn to cope with pressure is to be put under pressure. With experience, these players will rise and become the influential players of the future.”
With the return of the Protea players in the Premier League rounds to follow, van Dyk anticipates an exciting comeback, saying, “There is always hope. The Jaguars will make a comeback and will make it to the playoffs and finals. This team might have [fewer] brilliant moments, but they have a culture of hard work and dedication. They will fight back and they will never give up, that I know.”
The Jaguars, who represent Gauteng with 15 UP students, will once again face the Southern Stings and Golden Fireballs in the third round of the league this weekend.
Image: Saspa
Fun and fast flying frisbeesDANIËL BASSON
Ultimate frisbee is a relatively new and unknown sport but has become increasingly popular among youngsters, especially students. This year, UP has a competitive club dedicated to the sport. Perdeby spoke to Pearce Jackson and Daniel Ferreira, two members of the Tuks Ultimate team (also known as the Labradors) to find out more about the sport.
Ultimate frisbee can be described as a mixture
between netball and American football. The field of play is set up similar to that of a football field, with end zones on either side of the pitch that act as scoring zones. The rules are similar to netball rules. For instance, when a player catches the frisbee (or disc), they have to stop within a couple of steps and pass the disc on from a stationary position. It is important to note that ultimate frisbee is, for the most part, a mixed gender sport with teams consisting of three ladies and four men.
Pretoria has had an ultimate frisbee team, the Pretoria Labradors, for about four years, but this year the team merged with UP to form Tuks Ultimate. The new team recently competed at nationals and were placed eighth, the highest of all the teams in Gauteng. “That was our objective. Heading into the competition we wanted to be placed in the top ten, and were happy to break through to top eight,” they said when asked about how they feel about their accomplishment. The team is now hoping to boost their numbers, as they will need to field a bigger squad in order to compete at higher levels. A few tournaments lie ahead in the year and Tuks Ultimate wants to carry on growing and achieving greater accolades. The team trains three times a week, with a social training on Friday nights where anyone is welcome to join and learn more about the sport.
Ultimate frisbee is a fast-growing sport in South Africa with over 20 active competing teams, and it is slowly developing into more than an enjoyable pastime. There are many active leagues around the world, most notably in the US and Japan, where the sport has become professional and players are making careers through the sport.
Perdeby asked the team members how they would convince people to take up the sport, and they confidently responded, “Ultimate frisbee is a spirited game. Because it is mixed gender, it offers something for everyone. The game is dictated by the players (there are no referees). It is very competitive on the field, but off the field all competitors are friends and post-game socialising is definitely not frowned upon.”
Image: Labradors’ Facebook page
USSA National Student Cycling Championships: meet the cyclists from Tuks
Illustration: Faith Honey
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