Edition Three 2021 by VARSITY

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Europe Locking Down and Locking Out With the rise of Covid-19, the pandemic has dramatically reshaped the global migration and mobility landscape and has added a layer of complexity facing the governments in West and Northern Africa, as well as across the Mediterranean. By Josh Raynham Staff Writer Source: Renata Brito / AP News

hilst migration has not stopped due to the virus, the number of m i g r a n t s e n te r i n g Europe has decreased by 26.6% compared to the same period in 2019. This is mostly due to the regulations being put in place by European governments. However, the closing of borders and the increased mobility restrictions have seen migrants being forced to use more remote and often hazardous alternative routes. The Canary Islands are one such area which has seen an increase in migrant arrivals since the beginning of the pandemic, with a 520% rise since 2019. This journey over the Atlantic proves to be a perilous one. According to the International Organisation of Migration’s Mis sing Migrants Project, at least 850 people died

in 2020 attempting to reach the Canary Islands, whilst other s ources claim that number could be well into the thousands. However, as restrictions begin to ease off the number of refugees entering Europe across the Mediterranean is predicted to increase once more. As seen in one of the most recent encounters on May 18, 2021, more than 8,000 refugees attempted to cros s over from Morocco into the Spanish-governed e n c l av e o f C e u t a . Climbing over barbed wire fences or swimming across a wild strip of the Mediterranean Sea. The 48-hour siege saw the Spanish authorities overwhelmed by the desperate attempts of refugees seeking a better life. Migration across the Me d ite r rane an has continued, however, c ou nt r ie s s uc h a s

Italy and Malta have declared their ports unsafe - quarantining migrants on boats for long periods of time before returning them to their countries of origin.

“...restrictions have seen migrants being forced to use more remote - and often hazardous alternative routes.” Other countries – such as Spain and Greece – have reduced these return operations, mainly due to the United Nations Network of Migration, which calls for their suspension during the pandemic. This has resulted in the increase of refugee camps along the European coast. Migrants are getting stuck between a rock

and a hard plac e, unable to move further or return to their countries of origin, they end up getting stranded in a foreign place often with a lack of healthcare and with little to no protection against the virus. Calls by the international community to raise funds for these camps, however, fall on deaf ears. COVID19 and migration are transnational in nature and therefore transnational approaches are required. However, this is made difficult by the diversified impacts of the pandemic on national societies and economies. This may lead some European States to diverge from a m ig rant c e ntre d approach to one which prioritises European interests, thus hindering the identification of shared approaches o n m ig ratio n that are currently being

www.varsitynewspaper.co.za

negotiated between the African Union, Economic Community of West African States ( E C O WA S ) , Arab Maghreb Union, and European Union. With all this uncertainty it may see regulations b e i ng put fo r ward which would allow for the tightening of b orders even af ter th e p an de m ic h a s subsided. The impact which this pandemic has had on migrant journeys from Africa and the surrounding states to Europe has taken its toll, and with Covid-19 still very much present, the statistics are bound to fluctuate. However, lo oking towards adopting policies and allowing for a safer flow of migrants coming out of countries riddled in conflict and economic decline can be seen as a step in the right direction.

NEWS

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 2

From Bad to Worse: Tigray Set to Suffer More

E th io p ia s p ar s with itself and the world as famine looms with large military presence in the North Tigray region. By Daniel Rossmeisl News Editor

Source: Ben Curtis / AP

n , May 26, 2021, the United Nations Humanitarian chief, Mark Griffiths, warned the Security Council of a potential famine in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; citing a May 19 2021 report from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network. On Tuesday, June 01, the United Nations repeated this caution – suggesting that as much as 90% of the total population face the risk of famine.

“90% of the total population face the risk of famine.” This potential crisis comes as a result of escalating concerns related to war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed in Tigray

as part of the complex conflict in that region. Famine is but the latest threat to Ethiopian security since last year.

“Famine is but the latest threat to Ethiopian security since last year.” In 2018, Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed took power of the country and won the Nobel Peace Prize for taking steps to stabilise diplomatic tensions with neighbouring Eritrea. His government was also praised for announcing its intention to phase out the ethnic politics rampant in political decision making over the past three decades. The manner in which President Ahmed decided

to do so, however, was rejected by the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The political climate in Ethiopia devolved last year after President Ahmed extended his term of office by delaying the democratic elections planned for 2020 – ostensibly as part of a wider Covid-19 response. In response, the TPLF independently formed its own regional government separate from Addis Ababa – a move which Ahmed has since declared “invalid.” In November 2020, the TPLF laid siege to Sero, an Ethiopian military base. Violent conflict between the TPLF on the one side, and President Ahmed’s forces paired with Eritrean militias on the other have resulted in high civilian casu-

alties and population displacement.

“Violent conflict between the TPLF on the one side, and President Ahmed’s forces paired with Eritrean militias on the other have resulted in high civilian casualties and population displacement.” Bordering Eritrea, Tigray lies in the far North of the country and is home to most of the country’s estimated 7 million ethnic Tigrayans. The ethnic group accounts for about 6% of Ethiopia’s population but has historically wielded a disproportionate influence over national affairs.

NEWS

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 3

HIJACKED! Belarus is back in the headlines Belarusian Dictato r Alek s ande r Lukashenko makes global headlines after placing a fake bomb scare on a foreign flight to secure dissident youth photojournalist. By Ilham Choonara Staff Writer Source: RIA News

n May 23, 2021, a commercial Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania was forced to land in Minsk, Belarus. The dramatic dive-landing followed Minsk ground control alleging a Hamas-designed bomb-threat. However, it has since come out that the unplanned grounding of the flight was the doing of the Belarusian government under Alexander Lukashenko – who also sent an accompanying fighter-jet to land the plane and ensure the arrest of one of the passengers, Roman Protasevich. Twenty-six (26) year-old Protasevich is an independent Belarusian photographer, social media activist, and budding journalist. The journalist is wanted by the Belarusian security authority for his role in broadcasting opposition pro-

tests in Minsk. Passengers spoke about Protasevich’s reaction: “He started panicking, and saying this was because of him.” The flight was held on the ground for eight hours. All passengers and luggage were searched under the pretence of a bomb-scare, while Protasevich and three others were arrested. “‘He started panicking, and saying this was because of him.’”

International leaders have addressed this action as a state hijacking and have since deemed the Belarus airspace unsafe. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg states “this… demonstrates how the regime in Minsk attacks basic democratic rights and cracks down on freedom of expres-

sion and independent media.” The U.S. Press Secretary criticised Lukashenko’s government – arguing that the choice to announce a fake bomb threat, “constitutes a brazen affront to international peace and security by the regime.” Lukashenko has been head of state since 1994. Despite Belarus having held infrequent elections since then, only one of the five elections has been recognised by independent, international groups as “free and fair”. “...a fake bomb threat, ‘constitutes a brazen affront to international peace and security by the regime.’”

In 2020, widespread protests against Lukashenko’s alleged re-election were pre-

ceded by what has become the usual local and international media crackdown. Opposition candidate, and self-described elected President of Belarus, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has campaigned around the world since then in a bid to be recognised as the legitimate leader of Belarus. Despite urgent and large-scale reaction from international leaders, Lukashenko has persisted. He threatened that if sanctions are imposed, drugs and migrants would flood Western Europe: “We have put a stop to drugs and migrants – now you can have them and catch them yourself.” “Despite urgent and large-scale reaction from international leaders, Lukashenko has persisted.”

Editorial

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2

Page 4

A reflection of the semester gone by

By Lerato Botha Editor-in-Chief

rom a delay in the start of the academic year, to protests against academic exclusion, to Campus Fires, the past semester has had its fair share of obstacles that have threatened the academic triumph of UCT students. The UCT student body has been in the middle of ongoing devastating events since the start of the 2020 academic year, and we students, much like the rest of the world, have been forced to find a way to cope with the continuous uncertainty that the events stemming from the previous year have brought us. Online

learning

has

proven to be even tougher than students may have initially thought, with the lack of interaction amongst students, and the lack of student-lecturer engagement putting learners in a position wherein little academic support has been granted to enable us the ability to put our best scholarly foot forward. On the other hand, however, the events of the first semester have also forced students to realise their passions and capabilities, prompting some learners to change their course of study or forgo tertiary education altogether. Noting Vice-Chancellor Phakeng’s mention of an attitude of antifragility in her interview with VARSITY earlier in the year, there has been a mounting expectation that today’s youth should practice the ability to emerge even stronger in the face of difficulty, rather than to simply adapt to it. However, as appealing as that thought may be, it cannot, and has not been

that easy for our youth, especially considering the circumstances surrounding our journeys into adulthood. It is paramount that we acknowledge that we have been through a lot of hardship throughout the past almost year and a half, and are still living under those circumstances that have brought us here, with students still remaining displaced and distraught as a result of the campus fires, and the Covid-19 pandemic having a lasting effect on the way we live, from our studies to our mental health. Hence, there still remains an overwhelming difficulty in our ability to simply overcome.

“It is paramount that

we acknowledge that we have been through a lot of hardship throughout the past almost year and a half, and are still living under those circumstances that have brought us here...”

With that said, however, we can only hope that as this semester draws to a close, everything that we have come to learn thus far can be put into action in the semester to come. Having attempted Online learning under semi-normal circumstances for the first semester, UCT has been afforded the opportunity to note what is or is not working for its students and now have the chance to take an effective course of action moving forward. This time has also allowed us, as students, the opportunity to consider what does and does not work for us, whether it be in our routines, how we manage our academic commitments, how we deal with our mental health, or whether or not a tertiary education aligns with our dreams and interests. With these realisations, if handled correctly, the possibilities for the remainder of the year are endless.

The Collective Editor-in-Chief - Lerato Botha Dep. Editor-in-Chief - Jeremy Simpson Branding & Marketing Manager - Nita Naidoo Finance Manager - Savannah Goncalves Creative Director - Navan Coetzee Copy Editor - Julia Rowley News Editor - Daniel Daniel P. Rossmeisl Features Editor - Amber Williams Dep. Features Editor - Manoa Andriamihariosa Opinions Editor - Emma Sacco Design Editors - Kendal Davids, Reabetswe Khutsoane, Meriam Kakuwaezi

Applications are still open for:

ERRATA

Human Resources Manager - Advertising Manager - Social Media Manager Sports Editors - Web Editor - Staff Writers and News Reporters

VARSITY retracts “On to the next: UCT students return to campus after fire,” published in Edition 2, and has published the correct version on page 9. We apologise for any confusion caused.

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

Features

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 5

Zooming into Tigray: power dynamics in an unstable region “Tensions escalated when the regional government of Tigray disregarded the suspension of the elections. They went ahead and held their own to which Abiy Ahmed retaliated by cutting funds to the region.” By Seth Meyer Staff Writer

t the end of 2020, in the months of November and December, tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) escalated when Ethiopian federal troops were sent into Tigray for what was called a military campaign. However, there were reports of violence, murders, and rapes, especially on the part of Ethiopian and Eritrean troops. These reports quickly solidified into what is now called the Tigray War.

Source: The Telegraph

In 2020, he postponed national elections countrywide, citing preventative measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was vehemently opposed by the dominant political party in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, known as the TPLF. Tensions escalated when the regional government of Tigray disregarded the suspension of the elections. They went ahead and held their own to which Abiy Ahmed retaliated by cutting funds to the region.

The African continent is no stranger “Before tensions escalated, Tigray to the brutalities of war and genocide had already been preparing for war, as a result of history, eras of colonial for example, digging trenches in rule and its exposure to tyranny from June, although the official party line dictators and violent extremists. The of the TPLF stated that the trenches massacre of Ethiopian citizens by its were there to provide a COVID-19 own armed forces, allied with the Ercheckpoint.” itrean military can be explained by the clawing for power that takes place beBefore tensions escalated, Tigray tween the most powerful and promihad already been preparing for war, nent figures in Ethiopia. for example, digging trenches in June, although the official party line of the “In the months that followed the TPLF stated that the trenches were attack, both sides were responsible there to provide a COVID-19 checkfor committing war crimes.” point. A number of Ethiopian forces had also been steadily moving into The country is ruled by one man, Eritrea, in preparation for a strike into Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. In 2019, Tigray. The Ethiopian people in the he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his region were caught in between the role in the reconciliation of territorial disagreement of two political powers. disputes between his country and the The anticipated violence ensued in neighbouring Eritrea. November when TPLF forces struck a

military base in Mekelle, Tigray’s capital city. The TPLF, who once ruled Ethiopia after establishing a new government in 1991, then fired missiles into Eritrea after claims were made that Eritrean forces had snuck into the region to assist the Ethiopian army. The TPLF has been an enemy of Eritrea’s President, Isaias Afwerki, for several years now due to territorial disputes between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998. “The African continent is no stranger to the brutalities of war and genocide as a result of history, eras of colonial rule and its exposure to tyranny from dictators and violent extremists.” In the months that followed the attack, both sides were responsible for committing war crimes. Thousands of civilians were hacked to death by machetes; women were raped, children were murdered and cities and towns were bombed. The tensions between the TPLF in Tigray and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister is ongoing. What is happening in Tigray has gone on for several months despite Abiy Ahmed’s claim for victory long since. Despite this, the TPLF has refused to admit defeat, and for the Ethiopians in the region, there does not seem to be a true end in sight.

Features

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 6

Get your pitch on and you can stand a chance to win serious seed capital and business mentorship The Pitch UCT 2021 is offering seed funding of up to R25 000, as well as business mentorship, to a lucky student entrepeneur. By Soligah Solomons Former Editor-in-Chief and VARSITY Contributor

o you have a business idea or existing startup that you would like to take to the next level? Well, look no further because we got you. The Pitch UCT 2021 is a student-led program by the Academic Representatives Council (ARC) in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC), which aims to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their entrepreneurial skills in a world under a pandemic while preparing for a post-pandemic world where these skills will play a critical role towards increasing employment growth.

Deploying a hybrid approach, The Pitch UCT 2021 will facilitate student entrepreneurial growth through a series of virtual workshops. Successful applicants will benefit from an online design thinking workshop, semi-finalists will benefit from a rapid launch online workshop and finalists will benefit from business mentorship from the Allan Gray Orbis Founda-

Source: The Pitch UCT

tion (AGOF). The final competition will be a live pitching event in a socially distanced setting, which will allow for a judging panel and a limited audience. Frank Karigambe, Co-creator of the initial Pitch, notes that the learning outcomes of the Pitch plays a significant role in UCT’s Vision 2030, as it aims to ‘unleash human potential’. According to the Governance & Program Support Coordinator in Residence Life, since inception, the programme has been structured to contribute towards the expansion of student entrepreneurship and to create sustainable businesses in the future. “The Pitch was born from the identification of a need for students to begin testing the future they envision for themselves, their community and Afrika (spelt with a k to reclaim ownership)”, says Karigambe. The program is open to all registered UCT students, regardless of the faculty and will offer participants with invaluable entrepreneurial

thinking training from the entrepreneur eco-system made up of key stakeholders such as the OVC, UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) MTN-Solution Space, UCT’s Hasso Plattner School of Design (d-school), UCT Careers Service, Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and the AGOF.

Natural Skincare has been endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty and recently listed on VeganSA.

Jasantha Singh, the Pitch 2019 winner commented that she had no prior experience in pitching ideas or designing a one-minute elevator pitch. “The Pitch has been the best experience ever - all I had to do, was have the courage to just take that step and enter”, according to Singh. The Pitch alumna has since rebranded as Aurora Natural Skincare and have adapted their business to the new COVID-19 reality by creating 70% Isopropyl hand sanitizer in a lab. “I was able to donate close to 10L of sanitizer to Naomi’s Joy Charity Shop - part of Naomi’s Joy House an NPO, based in Fish Hoek who work with abandoned and orphaned babies”, says Singh. Aurora

To stand a chance of winning seed funding of up to R25 000 and business mentorship and coaching from experienced players in the industry, students will have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

“‘The Pitch has been the best experience ever - all I had to do, was have the courage to just take that step and enter’, according to Singh.’”

- The applicant must be a registered UCT student for 2021. - Students can pitch a new idea or existing start-up. - Team can include more than one member and a female lead is strongly encouraged. Applications will close 16 June 2021 and the final Pitch will take place in September 2021. For any questions and queries please contact thepitchuct@uct.ac.za.

Features

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 7

The potential impacts of the Pension Funds Amendment Bill (2020) Source: AP News/ Schalk van Zuydam

The pension funds administration industry is pessimistic about the disruption that the DA-submitted Pension Funds Amendment Bill could cause.

he Pension Funds Amendment Bill was submitted by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in 2020. The draft Bill amends the current Pension Funds Act (Act No. 24 of 1956) to allow pension fund members to obtain a pension-backed loan to alleviate financial pressure during an emergency, such as during the coronavirus pandemic. The Bill proposes that pension fund members be able to obtain any loan instead of just being limited to a home loan as in the current Pension Funds Act. Lastly, according to the Bill, pension fund members would be able to access up to 75% of their share in the value of the fund. The Bill has sparked debate amongst many prominent bodies and organizations across South Africa. The National Treasury did not support the draft Bill and has spoken out about it, stating that allowing members to access their pension savings was counter to the aim of setting up pension funds and encouraging people to save in the first place. It would likely increase the indebtedness of employees. “Pension fund members would be able to access up to 75% of their share in the value of the fund.”

is estimated only about 10% of workers save enough to retire comfortably. Thus many South Africans do not have enough money in their pension accounts to justify taking out loans of up to 75% of these savings. The Treasury argued that any access to savings should not undermine the long-term objectives of pension funds. “The Treasury argued that any access to savings should not undermine the long-term objectives of pension funds.” The pension funds administration industry is pessimistic about the disruption this Bill could cause. The industry is already under pressure trying to adjust to the new annuitisation rules that were passed on Monday, March 1st 2021, and so administrators argue that their systems are not equipped enough to handle complications brought about by another major change. With regards to the economy, it was pointed out that retirement funds invest heavily in infrastructure projects. These funds would have less money to invest in the long-term, as well as in critical infrastructure, due to having to pay out for these loans. On the other hand, Congress of

It was pointed out that South AfSouth African Trade Unions (COrica has a very low rate of saving – it SATU) has spoken in favour of the Bill.

By Rohma Kashif VARSITY Contributor

They stated that South Africans are facing financial hardships due to the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic, and that the proposals in the Bill were urgently needed. Indeed, around two million South Africans lost their jobs due to the national lockdown implemented to combat the spread of the virus. The ability to access some of their savings would provide much-needed respite to unemployed South Africans. It would also allow currently employed South Africans who are in dire financial straits access to their savings without first having to quit their jobs. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) said that the Bill could be worked on to provide further clarity moving forward. COSATU recommends the 75% limit should be lowered to 30% in order to keep from depleting employees’ future pension funds. To counter the rise in indebtedness the Bill may cause, it was also proposed by COSATU that pension fund members should be allowed to either take out a loan or simply make a cash withdrawal from the fund- COSATU has asked the government not to tax these loans. The DA has welcomed submissions to help improve the Bill and it is currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Features

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 8

GBV on the rise: AKA and the death of Anele Tembe With the recent death of Anele Tembe and the rising statistics of violence against women, children and queer folk, genderbased violence (GBV) is once again at the forefront of conversation as abuse allegations mount against rapper AKA.

By Silulundi Coki VARSITY Contributor Source: MSN South Africa

n the early hours of April 11, 2021, Anele Tembe died Even after this intervention from the government, reafter she fell from the tenth floor of the Pepperclub ports that have surfaced on social media as well as formal Hotel in Cape Town. According to a recent sit-down media outlets point to these victims still suffering a great interview with Thembekile Mrototo from Bar Leader deal from emotional and psychological trauma. TV, rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes stated that after a “passionate” disagreement with Anele, she threatened to “‘Statistics from calls to the Gender-Based-Violence jump off the hotel balcony. AKA claims that he then deCommand Centre (GBVCC) indicate that, in the cided to remove himself from the situation by calling the hotel security for assistance. Shortly thereafter, first three weeks of lockdown alone, approximately Anele’s body was found lying on the street below. 120 000 victims were subjected to violence which led them to request emergency assistance.’” Since Anele’s tragic death, AKA has vehemently denied allegations of violence in their relationship even though a video has surfaced showing AKA smashing a hole in a door “The dominant presence of GBV in our society can largeto get to a hiding and visibly distraught Anele a month before her death. This video was published by News24 after ly be attributed to cultural beliefs and societal norms around traditional gender roles,” commented Athule Pikebeing released by an anonymous friend. la, a UCT Masters student. “In heterosexual relationships In a 2019 article written by Mava Lukani for the Parlia- these traditional gender roles contribute to the power imment of South Africa, President Ramaphosa stated that balance between men and women, all too often leading to South Africa is one of the most unsafe places in the world toxic and abusive situations.” to be a woman “with levels of violence that are comparable The list of people who have been brutally murdered and to countries that are at war”. The crisis has not declined although there are organisations and individuals that have raped is continually growing and this collective hurt has brought awareness around the issue through regular pro- left far too many living in fear for their safety and lives. May the many who have fallen victim and paid with their tests and strong social media activism. lives never be forgotten. From 2019-2020 there has been a national increase of femicide due to the strict regulations of Covid-19. Statistics from calls to the Gender-Based-Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) indicate that, in the first three weeks of lockdown alone, approximately 120 000 victims were subjected to violence which led them to request emergency assistance.

“The list of people who have been brutally murdered and raped is continually growing and this collective hurt has left far too many living in fear for their safety and lives.”

Features

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 9

On to the next: UCT students return to campus after fire Although most students haved moved back into their residences and the academic programme has continued, some students are struggling to adjust to life after the fire. By Silulundi Coki VARSITY Contributor Source: University of Cape Town

“

When the fire broke out on campus, I slept in that day... it was only when my housemate posted on her Whatsapp status that I became aware,” says Soligah Solomons, a 23-year-old Masters student residing in postgraduate housing and former Editor-in-Chief of VARSITY. “A fire broke out opposite our home at the Rhodes recreational field, and we were asked to evacuate immediately.”

continuing with the programme, several students have expressed their inability to focus, catch up on missed work, and adjust to the ‘new normal’. Some have expressed concern that sympathy related to the fire has been left behind, and they have been left to chase after deadlines. Some point out that the provision of a helpline has been insufficient to quell lingering psychological effects: “My room smells like fire ever since I came back... it is triggering and brings flashbacks from that day,” says Prince, a second-year student residing in Kopano. He expressed his frustration and the trauma from worrying about his own safety, and the safety of his belongings.

The fire started in the early hours of April 18, 2021, from the slopes of Table Mountain. It spread through organic dry material and made its way towards the University of Cape Town (UCT). Historically, fires in the Cape have emerged during summer and autumn, and the average temperature in the area has doubled since 1960. Several buildings at UCT have been damaged, particularly the Jagger library, the residences on Upper Campus “‘My room smells like fire ever since I came back... (Fuller Hall and Smuts Hall), as well as Kopano it is triggering and brings flashbacks from that on Lower Campus. About 90 percent of students day’, says Prince, a second-year student from returned to their residences after the incident. In Pretoria residing in Kopano. He expressed his the aftermath of the fire, Fuller and Smuts had frustration and the trauma from worrying about sustained most of the damages so students who his own safety and the safety of his belongings.” had been living there since the beginning of this year were given temporary accommodation. The Prince only managed to grab his phone when he academic programme had been temporarily post- had to evacuate. However, he felt safer when he poned and only resumed on Monday, April 26 with was assisted by different organisations with food and toiletries at Hiddingh Campus. Overall, many rescheduled tests and assignments. students reported they found it difficult to focus “All in all, it was very difficult to get back into on their studies after the fire, especially when they work mode as we were stressed about if our things have to work in their own rooms, given that access were okay,” says Soligah. This sentiment is felt by to campus is still limited due to COVID-19 restricothers, both during and after the fire. Despite tions.

Opinions

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 10

The sum of all years What are three decades of stolen life worth?

By Seth Meyer

onsider the problem:

what

person entitled to - they that

were

convicted, and

wrongfully imprisoned,

then

exonerated

for a crime they did not commit? How does one pay for a human life wrongfully sequestered in the grim limbo of a penitentiary?

Source: Chuck Liddy / The News & Observer

This question comes up more often than you

the Apartheid state. Man-

Mandela true reparations

at the age of 19 and 15 re-

pute the theoretical idea

might think and in 2021,

dela received a sentence

for the 27 years he spent

spectively? In no way of

that they might have been

in North Carolina, the

that could never be con-

behind bars.

course, in 1983, were two

as rich as Jeff Bezos, or

court settled on an an-

sidered

African

cer-

even become President

swer to such a matter in

South Africa. He was de-

tain to receive a fair trial.

like a certain South Afri-

the case of two half-broth-

prived of contact from

Leon McCollum and Hen-

can convict, if not for the

ers - Henry McCollum and

his family for months on

ry Brown were both inter-

31 years stolen from them.

Leon Brown - wrongfully

end, and was even not

rogated and coerced into

For the terrible sadness of

convicted of rape in 1983:

allowed to attend the fu-

signing confessions with-

it all, Brown and McCo-

a $31m pay-out to each

neral of his own son. As a

out lawyers. They were

llum are owed only one

man, $1m for each year in

political prisoner he was

undoubtedly arrested for

thing with certainty, and

prison, plus $13m in dam-

subject to the scorn and

their racial profile. How

that is sorrow on the part

ages. To put this in South

cruelty of the Apartheid

does one quantify such an

of any thinking, feeling

African terms, that’s the

prison system. How does

So, let us consider Hen-

injustice and the unthink-

human and shame on the

equivalent of an approxi-

one pay back 27 years of

ry McCollum and Leon

able consequences that

part of those who wrought

mate R2 739.00 payment

a life that was wrongfully

Brown. How do you quan-

followed as a result of it?

such injustice upon them.

for every day spent be-

maligned by a malicious

tify 31 years of wrongful

I ask these questions

hind bars, plus an extra

and

govern-

imprisonment, the state

repeatedly because, for

approximate R178 million.

ment? Of course, Madiba

of indignity, desperation,

this opinion piece, I have

That is a lot of money. But

subsequently became the

frustration and terror en-

no answer. A bold philos-

how does it weigh up com-

most powerful man in

dured by those who know

opher or shrewd lawyer

pared to the three-decade

the country and a revered

they are innocent? How

might argue that McCol-

ordeal of injustice that

icon worldwide. But this

do you quantify the time

lum and Brown are owed

Henry and Leon suffered?

was from no great machi-

spent away from family,

the world from the State

nation of a State in regret

birthdays missed and rel-

of North Carolina - these

stranger to the question.

of its past actions, to make

atives growing old in your

two men could have been

Our first democratically

up for crimes committed.

absence?

you

anything in the 31-year

elected president spent

And the long-dead white

quantify the squandered

potential that was stolen

almost the same amount

nationalist

youth of McCollum and

from them.

of time imprisoned by

never

South

Africa

just

tyrannical

today’s

government

actually

offered

“How does one pay back 27 years of a life that was wrongfully maligned by a malicious and tyrannical government?”

How

Brown, who were charged

DISCLAIMER

Americans

“For the terrible sadness of it all, Brown and McCollum are owed only one thing with certainty, and that is sorrow on the part of any thinking, feeling human and shame on the part of those who wrought such injustice upon them.”

There is nothing to dis-

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

Opinions

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 11

The price of genocide Germany’s recent acknowledgement of the Herero-Namaqua genocide, and their pledge of €1.1 billion in aid, is an insult to the lives lost and cruelty suffered. By Julia Rowley

n May 28, 2021, G e r m a n y announced an official recognition of the genocide that it committed in Namibia - formerly known as South-West Africa under German colonial rule - during the early twentieth century. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stated that Germany’s colonial past should be discussed “without sparing or glossing over” and pledged over €1.1 billion in aid that is to be paid over a thirty-year period. It seems that the Minister has not realised the irony of his words for this is exactly what this reconciliation agreement has done. Although Germany has accepted moral blame, it has refused to acknowledge any legal responsibility under the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide. This convention states that, should a state commit such an atrocity, they would be in contravention of international law and be susceptible to harsh punishment and legal compensation. How-

Source: European Pressphoto Agency

ever, Germany is of the position that since the genocide occurred between 1904 and 1908, the agreements of the convention cannot be applied retrospectively. It is clear why this is their stance: by assuming legal responsibility, not only would they be opening themselves up to punishment, but they could also be asked to pay reparations to both Namibia and other former colonies. It is precisely this word - “reparations” that demonstrates Germany’s cowardice and has caused an uproar among Herero and Namaqua descendants and activist groups. The country has refused to officially offer reparations to Namibia. Instead, they have referred to their aid as a “gesture of recognition of the immeasurable suffering” that they have caused. A gesture of their inability to accept full responsibility, perhaps. But it is certainly not a gesture of full and just recognition of Germany’s colonial past.

Reparations are typically paid to victims and survivors of extreme cruelty at the hand of a state - for example, Germany has rightly distributed (and continues to distribute) over €77.8 billion in compensating Jewish and non-Jewish victims and countries affected by the Holocaust. By rejecting the term in this case - in order to avoid legally defining its actions as genocide, and thus avoiding punishment or further payments - Germany is not treating the Herero-Namaquan genocide with the severity it deserves. Between 1904 and 1908, 75% of the Herero population and 50% of the Namaquan population were massacred. Treated like chattel, some Herero and Namaqua people were imprisoned in concentration camps and forced to perform labour that resulted in half of the prisoners dying within one year. Why is Germany refusing to fully acknowledge the torture, trauma and terror that was enacted by their colonial leaders in

DISCLAIMER

its total and terrible capacity? Is it because the victims were African? Historians have linked the actions of the colonial government in Namibia to the eugenic extermination practices employed by the Nazi regime. It is thus reprehensible that Germany has not treated this genocide with the gravity it should by offering full reparations to the Herero and Namaqua people.

“ It is thus reprehensible that Germany has not treated this genocide with the gravity it should...” Many Namibian activists and descendants of the victims of the genocide have forcefully rejected the agreement reached between their government and Germany. Although the negotiation process did include some Herero and Namaqua people, the discussions were mostly dominated by Germans and government officials. In a joint statement on the 16th

of May 2021, the Ovaherero Traditional Authorities and the Nama Traditional Leaders Association rejected the “meaningless and sell-out agreement” with “the contempt it deserves.” They understandably proclaim that it is a “monumental shame” and a “shocking betrayal of trust” that a reconciliation agreement, and not a reparation agreement, was reached. Their calls for land redistribution efforts were also ignored. Negotiating a reconciliation agreement, while refusing to acknowledge the needs of those with whom you wish to reconcile, is ridiculous and borderline neo-colonial. It feels deplorable to attach a monetary value to the generational trauma and suffering of an entire group of people. However, that is the nature of reparations. So, what is the just price to pay for genocide? Although I do not pretend to know the answer, I will offer this - it is certainly not a farcical €1.1 billion reconciliation agreement.

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.

Opinions

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 12

An important sacrifice Until genderbased violence is no longer an issue for South Africa, restrictions on alcohol consumption should be implemented permanently. By Emma Sacco

ith the number of Covid-19 infections rising as we move towards the ominous “third wave”, there have been many discussions around whether or not more restrictions on alcohol should be put into place as they have been in past lockdowns. While I am a student who enjoys a glass of wine with the girls on a Saturday night, I also have a rather unpopular opinion when it comes to alcohol consumption in our country: not only should restrictions be placed on alcohol while we battle Covid-19, but permanently. “Not only should restrictions be placed on alcohol while we battle Covid-19, but permanently.” Current statistics reflect that South Africa has the highest ranking of alcohol abuse in the world,

Source: Cape Talk

along with the highest number of occurrences of domestic abuse and gender-based violence. In November of 2020, the Commission for Gender Equality conducted a webinar in which they stated that there are clear links between genderbased violence and alcohol consumption, as alcohol abuse “heightens patriarchal ideologies, thus arousing dominant toxic masculinities that often lead to violence by men towards women.” During the harder levels of lockdown that we endured last year, restrictions were placed on alcohol consumption in order to ease the amount of people needing hospital assistance, opening up space and hospital beds for more Covid-re-

lated cases. When this restriction was lifted as the lockdown eased, hospitals and emergency rooms reported a huge increase in domestic and genderbased violence cases that one can assume were directly related to increased levels of alcohol consumption. It is clear that South Africa has a massive drinking problem. Along with this alcohol abuse, South Africa is also commonly referred to as the rape capital of the world. Women in South Africa are not safe, and the high consumption of alcohol is only exacerbating this gender-based violence epidemic that has plagued us for years. Until our government is able to effectively prevent these atrocities

DISCLAIMER

from being committed against women, they should be finding alternative ways to lower the chances of domestic violence and violence towards women from occurring; this can be done through placing permanent restrictions on alcohol consumption. “It is clear that South Africa has a massive drinking problem. Along with this alcohol abuse, South Africa is also commonly referred to as the rape capital of the world.” While I am aware that not everyone who enjoys a beer on a Sunday evening is an abuser, I believe that it is necessary for us all to suffer the consequences of limited alcohol

consumption until gender-based violence is no longer an issue in our country. It may not be fair, but when I think about all the women that have been victims and survivors of gender-based violence I am compelled to do absolutely anything to stop anymore of my friends, peers, fellow students, and family members from possibly being next, especially if all I would have to sacrifice was the occasional glass of wine.

“I am compelled to do absolutely anything to stop anymore of my friends, peers, fellow students, and family members from possibly being next...”

Opinions

9 June 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 3

Page 13

Let me take a puff of my CBD cigarette CBD is making moves within the South African market, and I could not be happier. By Josh Raynham

or many years cannabis has been the bane of households around the world, with parents fearing that their kids will race from puffing reefer to becoming full blown heroin junkies. However, with growing research on the benefits of CBD (the component in weed which calms you down) more companies around the world are beginning to find ways to bypass laws and introduce the masses to safer methods of reaping the beneficial properties of this plant. One such company, Ace & Axle, are an American business bringing out what they call “premium hemp pre-rolls”. These pre-rolled cigarettes contain no tobacco, no nicotine, and no additives. Rather, they utilize the industrial hemp bud, which contains high levels of CBD, whilst cutting out the THC – the cig contains only about .3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Now, I know what you must be thinking,

Source: Ace & Axel

“smoking is smoking, it’s still bad for you,” and yes - I’m sure the effects of elongated smoking will slowly take a toll on anyone, but the fact of the matter is that smoking CBD is far better than smoking a pack of Marlboro Golds. Studies have also found that smokers who inhale CBD, smoked less in general than they would have usually and often stopped craving nicotine. “Studies have also found that smokers who inhale CBD, smoked less in general than they would have usually and often stopped craving nicotine.” The problem I have with Ace & Axle, however, is the way that they market their brand. They romanticise CBD, optimizing good-look-

ing people in their ads in order to epitomise the trendsetters, pack leaders and everyday mavericks of today’s bustling egotistical world. The problem with romanticizing such a product is the addictive trap one can fall into. Like most addictions, one seeks a state caused by a psychoneurological high, whether it be from exercise or drugs. Ace & Axle advertise this product as one which helps with “calming you down”. Now that seems like bliss in a world where we all are faced with constant anxieties. However, the problem arises when one begins to solely rely on these cigarettes in order to live in what I like to call an illusory state of altered bliss. But don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a new plant-based product

DISCLAIMER

hitting the shelves of the South African market. CBD IS good for you. It helps with chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, migraines and many other ailments which hit us when we least expect. CBD oil has been around for a while and the good it has done exceeds that of many Western medicines. However, caution must always be taken. Having the product interact with your system whilst there are other supplements or drugs in it can be problematic and may lead to undesired side effects, and then obviously smoking a CBD cigarette whilst totally hammered is just not a good idea at any stage. The introduction of CBD products is not new ground for SA. However, with changing laws the market looks shaky. I love the idea that more nat-

ural medicinal products are making moves within our country, but the laws which govern us are so up in the air I can’t say for sure what direction we are going. CBD contains so many health benefits that to not see it as good is misguided. To romanticise it in order to sell a product, however, just completely destroys the point. Tell it for what it is and sell it to the people who need it most.

“CBD contains so many health benefits that to not see it as good is misguided. To romanticise it in order to sell a product, however, just completely destroys the point. Tell it for what it is and sell it to the people who need it most.”