Edition Five 2021 by VARSITY

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

“I didn’t come here to die, I came here for my education.” On the night of the 22nd of August, a student was mugged near the Varietas residence with CPS supposedly only being mere meters away. This was the catalyst for a protest held at the Graca laws on the 24th of August, which also addressed the exploitation of UCT staff. By Ernst Calitz Staff Writer

he scre e ching of fire alarms filled the Graca lawns and the surrounding area. Students were summoned from their residences by student leadership to join the protest against UCT’s alleged exploitation of staff and its influence on students. Soon after, crowds gathered on the laws and the familiar chants of “Amandla! Aweto!” filled the space. Kumkani Goqoza, the Vice co-chair of the Residence Council and the treasurer of the EFFSC, took center stage as the leading voice of the protests. She lamented: “They don’t give them the right equipment to defend us, despite of what we pay.” She added that some workers are underpaid and must do jobs which they are not paid or equipped to do. “[For instance] If you are here to cook, and there is a blocked toilet, you will have to go and clean it.” “I didn’t come here to die; I came here for my education,” addressed an emotional Guguletu Mnisi. She stated that

stude nts were tired of being “sold plans” by UCT’s management and that immediate action is needed. Adding that the little presence that CPS has remains futile as many security guards are seen being on their phone while patrolling, not taking the job seriously.

She lamented: ‘They don’t give them the right equipment to defend us, despite of what we pay.’”

“

While there was a great deal of students at the protest, Anabelle Stevens - whose name was changed in order to guarantee anonymity - noted that she was disappointed in the number of protestors. Stating that there was only a hand full of students from her residence that attended and that no students from private accommodation were anywere to be seen. She went on to say that: “These are

Source: Ernst Calitz

issues affecting all of us, not just the students who make use of dining halls, but all of us who depend on campus security.” Student leaders from the EFFSC called for a shutdown of all dining halls if UCT’s management did not come up with a sufficient solution within 24 hours. A member of SASCO shared their disapproval for the plan of action at the protest. Sparking a heated debate. SASCO proceeded to release a document to VARSITY disapproving of the protest action, stating that “the governance through anarchy seems to be strategically implemented for election season.” Further adding that the shutdown of dining halls would negatively impact students and staff, without a fruitful outcome. This divided political front did not go unnoticed however, as many students voiced their

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disappointment. “You don’t push it on people, you discuss it with your fellow leaders and talk about it somewhere else, but when you’re there in front of people don’t create a divided front. It makes the protest lose direction and throw students off what actions are needed to be taken,” voiced Maxwell Jenkins. The lack of response from management however did lead to the shutdown of dining halls for several days. This resulted in students being supplied with food vouchers. SASCO continued to voice their disapproval, adding that students are sacrificing their academics to stand in long queues in unforgiving weather to obtain food. Some of the names have been changed in order to guarantee anonymity for sources.

NEWS

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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Antivaxxers picket outside hospital against possible vaccine mandate The recent anti-vax protest held outside Groote Schuur Hospital has demonstrated the fear of some Cape Townians when it comes to the efficacy of the vaccine and a possible vaccine mandate. By Josh Raynham Staff Writer

Source: Gallo Images/ER Lombard

n August 21st, a demonstration was held by a crowd of anti-vaxxers outside Groote Schuur Hospital to protest against mandatory vaccines. The protest came following the release of a video by Dr Susan Vosloo who stated that “the vaccine was not brought in for Covid, but that Covid was brought in for the vaccine”. After these comments led Dr Vosloo to be ridiculed by many medical practitioners, protesters rallied together outside Groote Schuur hospital to show their support for Dr Vosloo and to share their opposition against the Covid19 vaccine becoming mandatory. A strong voice at the protest was that of Kauthar Davids. After contracting Covid Pneumonia in December of 2020, Kauthar has claimed that she “does not believe that the coronavirus exists” and advocated for the use of the controversial drug ivermectin. These words were among many heard throughout the protest, as other protesters were quick to argue the involvement of the Deep State and the vaccine

being “the work of the devil”. Although these allegations were made, the main issue that the protesters had was against the idea of a mandatory vaccine. “This here (the vaccine) is the stripping of our freedom,” said one protester, “the next thing to come is forced vaccinations.” Some protestors held up signs with slogans like “Forced Vaccinations = Apartheid”. Alhough the vaccines aren’t forced, this message was quickly backed up by a protester arguing that “a medical apartheid is on the way, with vaccinated people being against those who do not want the vaccine.” The Health Sciences Student Council (HSSC) has condemned the actions of these protestors. “As FHS (Faculty of Health Science) students, we have seen first-hand the effects of Covid-19 and how ill it makes people,” said the HSSC in a recent email to students within the Faculty. “We have seen the fight which healthcare professionals have fought

against this pandemic, often losing their lives as a result. We have also seen the effects of vaccination on the morbidity and mortality of patients at GSH (Groote Schuur Hospital) and its effects on hospitalisation rates.” The HSSC has “unequivocally” stated that they are not in support of this protest, especially because it “undermines all the work put in by the healthcare professionals, scientists, and all other staff on the hospital premises who risk their lives on a daily basis to help those who are ill.” In a media statement, the Faculty of Health Sciences has commended Groote Schuur staff ’s “herculean efforts” and noted that the protest “represents a serious challenge to an institution and health facility which has become an icon of collaborative management of a complex health challenge.” According to News24, The Director of Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health, Marika Champion, stated that vaccinations remain voluntary. “The provincial government

“The HSSC has ‘unequivocally’ stated that they are not in support of this protest, especially because it ‘undermines all the work put in by the healthcare professionals, scientists, and all other staff on the hospital premises who risk their lives on a daily basis to help those who are ill.’” has not changed its stance on this. Vaccines are safe and highly effective in preventing the severe Covid-19 illness,” she said. She also added: “Doctors are already noting the positive impact that vaccines are having. We encourage residents to get their information from trusted, reliable sources - if they are unsure, please speak to their local clinic or hospital to get more information about the vaccine.”

NEWS

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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SRC’s Plug Hub garners appreciative and positive feedback from applicants

After noting a financial crisis among UCT students due to COVID19 in early August, the UCT SRC launched a campaign which aims to connect studentrun businesses, NGOs, and projects with other students.

By Ernst Calitz Staff Writer Source: UCT SRC

he UCT SRC has launched an initiative to promote student businesses, NGOs, and projects after observing the financial difficulties that existed among UCT students, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Feedback has been good, students have also been highly appreciative of the platform, although we haven’t received any statistical feedback.” Stated Aslam B e z u i d e n h o u t , th e Deputy Secretary-General of the SRC. Bezuidenhout also added that there are plans to expand and improve the Plug-hub in the coming months “to further ensure that students continue to be connected to students

and other businesses.” The platform, which is mainly hosted on UCT’s official Instagram account, operates through two main mediums. The first is Wednesday Plugday, where the SRC account promotes two student-owned businesses through their stories. This is done to provide ample spotlight on the two selected applicants. According to Bezuidenhout, despite the positive feedback, this aspect of the project has had some struggles in providing the adequate exposure for only two businesses due to the sheer volume of applications. The second arm of the project takes shape as a document that is

available in the SRC’s Instagram account bio, hosting the information of all the businesses, NGOs and projects that have signed up for the initiative. This document is open to the public and to all students who need it.

“Prior to our

business being advertised, we had very few student clients from UCT and since the advertisement, that number has increased significantly.”

GroundZero, a local e-commerce business that allows shoppers to purchase groceries, cosmetics and fashion

at a discounted rate, eels satisfied with the service provided by the SRC. “Prior to our business being advertised, we had very few student clients from UCT and since the advertisement, that number has increased significantly.” They also added that they hope the SRC does adequate background checks on the businesses advertised to ensure that they don’t promote a potential scam, consequ e n t i a l l y p u t t i n g students at risk. “Since a number of businesses are advertised by the SRC at a time, it is very important to do these checks to ensure that the SRC continues to be trusted among students.”

Editorial

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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UCT’s vaccination options the options they have.

By Jeremy Simpson Deputy Editor-in-Chief

t the beginning of the semester, UCT’s Forest Hill vaccination site opened its doors to staff and students, kicking off what seems to be an effort to encourage students to get the jab. How UCT approaches a vaccine policy as we head for a new academic year will have a significant effect on the safety of both students and staff. While we as an editorial board do not know which policy the UCT administration has chosen for the new year, we think it’s important for our readers to understand some of

the vaccination supply sition to the vaccine. questions that remain But firstly, I want to unanswered nor would Whatever policy UCT urge all our readers to go it be affected that much chooses, the univerto your nearest vaccina- by any new variants. sity should encourage tion site and get the jab if students to get the vacciyou haven’t gotten it yet. The second option is nation. The SRC and the The vaccine is our best that we have a vaccine administration should way out of this crisis. With mandate for UCT students work together to create the vaccine, there is a real and staff to be in person a campaign to ensure possibility that we can on campus. This option that students know the return to life on campus would follow in the facts about the COVIDenjoying the subdued footsteps of universities 19 Vaccination and the buzz of an 11am lecture around the world who consequences of getting hall. Though face masks have made vaccinations COVID-19. Furthermore, will certainly be a require- or regular testing a prereq- vaccination sites should ment for any return to uisite for registration. be easily accessible and in-person learning, with- This option, however, well equipped to make out the vaccine the option does face numerous logis- vaccinations less of a time of returning to campus tical challenges. Such a worry for students that are seems unlikely. While in mandate would require frequently buried under person learning is almost a ready supply of test- infinite to-do lists. Beyond certainly out of the ques- ing and vaccination for these policies there are tion for the semester, it’s UCT’s nearly 30 thousand countless more options at an open possibility for the students and 5 thousand the university’s disposal, 2022 academic year. staff members. Whether and so UCT should choose this is available is not yet a science-guided policy The first option is that clear. Other risks are the that ensures students can we are in a hybrid learn- controversy that such a comfortably study withing environment similar move would make. But out the fear of contracting to this year, with more UCT could create a hybrid the virus. The safety of students allowed back model where there would students and staff needs on campus. This option be an online version of to be at the forefront of seems likely since it does the course for those who this evidenced-backed not hinge as much on have legitimate oppo- d e c i s i o n .

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 Managing Editors - Julia Rowley & Micha Cerf Deputy Managing Editor - Sane Mhloma News Editors - Daniel Daniel P. Rossmeisl & Imaan Voterson Features Editors - Amber Williams, Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure & Manoa Andriamihariosa Arts & Culture Editors - Nqabisa Faku & Simbarashe Mawere Opinions Editors Emma Sacco & Maria Ortelee Design Editors - Reabetswe Khutsoane & Meriam Kakuwaezi

Applications are still open for: Human Resources Manager - Advertising Manager - Social Media Manager Sports Editors - Web Editor - Staff Writers and News Reporters Please email hr@varsitynewspaper.co.za if you are interested!

Features

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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From UCT to the working world: the Job Expo UCT’s second year hosting the Job Expo virtually was a success for some students, and a disappointment for others.

By Manoa Andriamiharisoa Deputy Features Editor

Source: UCT Careers Service

CT’s Job Expo is an annual event that serves as an intermediary between potential employers and students. Because of the disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic, 2021 marks the second year that the university has hosted the event virtually for all UCT students. The Job Expo serves to help students familiarise themselves with national and multinational firms, graduate programs, internships, the application process, possible bursaries for university and any other information that may facilitate their entry into the working world.

divided into two events - the first focused on accounting students and their future prospects, and the second targeted students from all other faculties. The Job Expo reserved for accounting students took place on August 11, followed by the main event a week later. “The accounting expo was amazing”, says Gracia, a third year BCom Financial Accounting student. She says that she was able to engage with firms directly and gain a better understanding of how to seize opportunities. The second Job Expo, however, did not seem to satisfy many students. The platform encountered technical difficulties in the morning and students struggled to log on or navigate the virtual The Job Expo was event. “Most people

wanted to go there at a certain time in the m o r n i n g ”, ex p la i n s Gracia.

“The accounting expo was amazing,” says Gracia, a third year BCom Financial Accounting student. She says that she was able to engage with firms directly and gain a better understanding of how to seize opportunities. ” This forced many to reschedule their plans for the day, especially those who also had lectures. The issue eventually got resolved towards midday. Despite the initial setback, students were able to interact with firms such as Proc-

ter & Gamble, Deloitte, D elta Par tne r s and many others through webinars, live Q&As and other forms of interactive sessions. Although many found the event helpful and informative, non-South African students did not have as many doors open to them as their South African peers. The question of employing international students is often a recurring one during UCT’s Job Expo. “It was disheartening to see how few companies employed international students”, expressed a non-South African UCT student. “I am almost never interested in career expos now because I know chances are there will be no opportunities for me. But I can see how useful it is to have an expo like this for most students.”

Features

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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UCT student speaks out about overcoming past family abuse and addictions Fro m an abus ive upbringing to being grateful for her strength, UCT student Monique Tolkien’s story demonstrates that it is possible to rise beyond your circumstances and determine your own future.

By Ilham Choonara Staff Writer

Source: Instagram

onique Tolkien, a second year student in against her parents’ lifestyle, she was able to learn the Faculty of Humanities, has her roots in the important skills of strength and resilience in parental abuse and addiction. Countless any situation. students enrolled at UCT have gone through life threatening circumstances, traumatic experienc- “Monique says that this comfortability comes es that leave years of work to be done, and signifi- from believing in herself, building herself up with cant stressors. In order to shed light on the stories affirmations and the conviction that she doesn’t want the lifestyle that her parents had.” we never hear about, VARSITY spoke to Monique about the challenges she faced growing up and her decision to forge her own path and not follow “At first I was a bit uncomfortable and scared to in her parents’ footsteps. share my story but now that I’m more comfortable with myself and who I am, I don’t really mind my “Nevertheless, Monique has managed to avoid story being known,” she told VARSITY. Monique letting these negative experiences define her says that this comfortability comes from believing and determine her future. In deciding against in herself, building herself up with affirmations her parents’ lifestyle, she was able to learn the and the conviction that she doesn’t want the lifeimportant skills of strength and resilience in any style that her parents had. Horse riding therapy situation.” has also helped calm her from the trauma. This continuous journey takes immense work, time and frustration, but “I guess I would say that it is During childhood, Monique was surrounded by humbling,” said the student. “It makes you realize drug-addicted parents and an emotionally and that you have a lot to be grateful for… I wouldn’t be physically abusive mother. She found herself in who I am today if I hadn’t gone through it.” foster care from the age of 9, but left about three year later. The now-20-year-old says that the supAs encouragement for others in similar situaport she received was in the form of a scholarship tions, individuals are capable of breaking the cyfor her high school career. Growing up, she was cle. You are not your circumstances, and with supa reserved child who found it difficult to trust or port, it is very possible to work through negative love anybody. Nevertheless, Monique has man- past experiences to a point where they no longer aged to avoid letting these negative experiences define the parameters of your existence. define her and determine her future. In deciding

Arts & Culture

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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Joshua Mol: medical student turned budding and talented musician Joshua talks about himself as a musician, the creative process behind his bodies of work, and his insights about the music industry. By Siviwe Cingo VARSITY Contributor

oshua Mol is a 21-year-old medical student studying at the University of Cape Town. He started playing the guitar when he was ten years old and began singing with a “terrible rendition” (his words, not mine!) of Replay by Iyaz at twelve years. Since then, the sky has been the limit. I spoke to Joshua to find out more about his musical career. As a musician, his sense of music is unique. But as an artist, he is inspired by a variety of famous, well-established musicians. So, it is not surprising that he makes good music. He says he is inspired by “Dylan for his storytelling, Ye and Cudi for their candid (and revolutionary) approach to mental illness, Pink Floyd for their experimentation. U2 for their activism, The Black Keys for their “screw it, let’s do it ourselves” attitude, and John Mayer because, well, John Mayer. There’s Clapton, Hendrix, Bon Jovi, The Beatles, The Growlers, The Strokes, The Stones, and the list goes on!” Joshua has recently

released an EP and a debut self-titled fulllength album. Joshua’s music is not composed of his life events; his music carries emotions. He says, “it’s because [I’m] not limited to worldly coherence and logical sentence structure, so I can coat my songs in metaphor and unconventional personificationbecauseit makes emotional sense to me”. He admits that his verity and musical approach have their constraints. For instance, anger. “It’s a great igniter, but a completely unsustainable state of mind”, he says. One of the songs inspired by emotion is “Best Believe I’m Gone” from his self-titled album. “Being inspired by emotion is also a good way to document your subconscious, and music has a way of drawing those suppressed subconscious thoughts to the fore,” he said. When Joshua wrote “Best Believe I’m Gone”, in the beginning, it seemed perfect, but it became a premonition of a tough time that he subconsciously knew would soon come into his life.

Source: Instagram

H i s writing and recording style is fascinating yet very simple. He cannot read music; he records through playing chords on a guitar. From there, words follow. His ear becomes the barometer of whether the song is good or not. During our interview, Joshua explains his creative process: he says, “I record everything myself at home (at our dining room table), which is fun because I’ll have an idea in the morning and have recorded the entire song that night. I love the freedom in it.”

“You begin to crave recognition and attention, and your judgement and creativity become clouded by statistics and popularity.”

Much of his time is not only dedicated to music but also his academics. Balancing these two spheres of his life is a special feat, which gradually and eventually have become habitual. Joshua asserts that he aptly manages his time, although it has rendered him an “atrocious sleep schedule”. Whilst many artists crave fame, glitz and glamour, Joshua is not one for the public scene. He shies away from the limelight and believes that doing so will not spearhead his becoming a musical superstar. His sense of understanding of the music industry has greatly influenced his viewpoint. He says, “I see a lot of artists nowadays chasing record label deals, status,

and this fame ideal. I believe once you start down that path, it’s a very slippery slope because you’ll always want more. You begin to crave recognition and attention, and your judgement and creativity become clouded by statistics and popularity. You become so focused on this idea of “success” that you lose sight of what’s really important. And this applies to everything, not just music.” For as long as Joshua’s creativity and passion for music are sustained, he is optimistic that he will not stray from the kind of music he makes. As long as he is producing music that he loves, anything more that could possibly come from it would simply be a bonus.

Arts & Culture

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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Joshua Mol: Joshua review Joshua Mol’s freshman album Joshua employs heart-melting lyrics, riveting backing guitar, and in some instances, unfortunate genre cliches. By Simbarashe Mawere Arts & Culture Editor

Source: Instagram

oming into the music scene officially with his album, Joshua Mol makes a statement by titling the album after himself. Totalling 36 minutes, the album is just long enough to be distinguished from his earlier extended plays while officially introducing him to the music scene. What’s even more impressive is the fact that, in all their depth, his songs are all written by him which is a quality that is lacking in modern music: the voice of the singer and writer coinciding.

“These guitars and backing melodies are thankfully rightly employed to create a distinct sound for Joshua and what to expect in terms of vision.” Joshua delivers a lineup of ten songs (I dare not call them masterpieces because they are not without their flaws) of professional production quality with hints of choppy laid backing

vocals. Mol quickly clings to the tropes of both genres his music seems to piece together, namely singer-songwriter and rock-pop. These tropes include relatable but cliche storytelling, heavily melodic guitar tracks and echoey reverb on delivery. The album starts off with an intro that is light-hearted in composition and is immediately followed by the song Everblu which continues light-hearted lyrics with a steady tempo, but it is not until the third song of the album that one realises the guitar is there to stay. Joshua Mol definitely has a penchant for guitar-guided melodies and these are all overthe entire album. These guitars and backing melodies are thankfully rightly employed to create a distinct sound for Joshua and what to expect in terms of vision. The songs are very catchy and it is possible to lose oneself to muttering random lyrics like Everblu’s, “I’m an altruistic Captain Cool

with a lust for giving up.”

“As a freshman attempt, Joshua definitely delivers a worthwhile storytelling experience…” As a freshman attempt, Joshua definitely delivers a worthwhile storytelling experience with a backing guitar track, leaving you to choose whether to listen to riveting guitar or take to heart the nearly heart-melting lyrics. However, the album is far from perfect, offering only a few memorable songs like “The Tree of Life”, “Everblu”, and “Better Off, Rosie” while a few of the remaining songs are quite disappointing in terms of cliches to industry standards.

Arts & Culture

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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Culture and tradition are for celebration, not ridicule! As a nation, we should be more tolerant of our differences and cultures. By Someleze Mbele VARSITY Contributor

ulture is defined as a set of values, beliefs, customs and practices which are learned and shared by a group of people and passed on through generations, whilst tradition is the passing down of cultural elements from generation to generation due to the acts of our own personnel. It is difficult to define tradition as it is forever changing, hence one might say that tradition is relative, as it is stemmed from a time and place and can be incorporated into our daily life or passed down from generation to generation through a process. However, with the societies we live in these days, it doesn’t seem like cultures and traditions are being preserved, protected, tolerated and respected. This can be due to societal norms, stereotypes, racism or politics. The South African Constitution accords culture recognition and protection, and similarly prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of, among other things, “religion, conscience, belief and culture.” Commensurate with that statement is the “freedom to participate in a cultural life of one’s choice”. Sadly, it has been 27 years into our democracy, yet the country is still a ways from universal tolerance for its multitudinous languages, cultures and traditions. In April this year, Thando Mahlangu, a Ndebele cultural activist, went to a Clicks store at Boulders Mall in Midrand dressed in his traditional garb and was asked to leave because he was, according to the branch manager, “dressed inappro-

Source: African Budget Safaris

priately”. Another independent incident involved Gogo Skhotheni who, while performing a traditional ritual was accused of witchcraft by a group of Christian believers who forced her to cease what she was doing and hold a bible. These events not only belittled and ridiculed the victims’ cultures but furthermore infringed on their civil rights.

“More efforts need to be made to destigmatize tradition and educate against colonial mindset, and start appreciating others’ cultures for the wonders they are, for posterity.” Traditional African cultures, regrettably, are not regarded with the same reverence as Western/European rooted cultures due to colonialism and racism. Oftentimes traditional African cultures were (are) associated with barbaric tendencies and other deplorable traits due to the effect of missionaries and occupiers. Many practices like polygamy, divining, wearing traditional garments and traditional healing are legalised but are not immune to ostracisation by the public which is largely intolerant. This behaviour is quite strange as people never take time to learn and explore the inner workings of cultures other than theirs. Many might say that this stems or is the effect of colonial mindset as media tends to paintAfrican cultures as inhumane and not something to be celebrated and practised whilst other European/Western cul-

tures are being glorified and introduced in Africa as a way of eliminating African cultures.

“Sadly, it has been 27 years into our democracy, yet the country is still a ways from universal tolerance for its multitudinous languages, cultures and traditions.” Despite not being the sole player, modern media is a huge mechanism of spreading intolerance towards traditional culture. Due to the spread and normalisation of Western culture in media, the norm in Africa quickly became measured in Western terms of success and Christianity became the major religion; all under the guise of modernisation and“civilisation”. Anything other than that is often viewed with scrutiny, as was the case with Skhotheni and Mahlangu who were accused of witchcraft and indecency for freely practising their culture. Self-evidently, people should respect other cultures whether it be African, Western or anything otherwise, as long as it does not impede on their constitutional freedoms. More efforts need to be made to destigmatize tradition and educate against colonial mindset, and start appreciating others’ cultures for the wonders they are, for posterity. While only wishful thinking, a better stance is needed for a future with peace and tolerance for other people’s beliefs despite our grievances with them.

Opinions

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

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The second pandemic is fake news The threat of misinformation is real, and we should all be doing something about it. By Seth Meyer

e should be very afraid of fake news. By now, in what could be the twilight of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us have drawn our lines in our understanding of the virus that uprooted the daily nature of the world. The vast majority of South Africans wear masks and adhere to social distancing and more and more of us are getting vaccinated every day. The past year and a half has seen a deluge of discourse around the singular topic of Covid-19, fomented through science, anxiety and fear. It is apt to say that by now the majority of us have somewhat mastered this wave of information in our own ways and have found the best approach to ride it out to a collective conclusion, that conclusion being the end of the pandemic. Yet, just as the consecutive waves of Covid-19 pose a danger, as grave is the danger posed by the swamping of misinformation. “Yes, we should be very afraid of fake news. But it will not be defeated by ignoring it.” Just as there are many South Africans eager to get vaccinated (and who have been vaccinated), there are also those passionate anti-vaccine proponents whose deluded bile spilled onto our television screens through SABC’s coverage of their protest at Groote Schuur Hospital on August 21st. Misinformation has been a virulent pandemic of its own during the course of Covid-19 and its affliction was nowhere better seen than in that small example of protestors. We must bear in mind, the passion and beliefs of these people are evidently so well engrained, so fierce, as to motivate them to get up early in the morning in the middle of winter, with the intent to stand outside a working hospital site

waving a cardboard sign advocating their point of view, which I shall needlessly note, have been thoroughly and repeatedly debunked and rebuffed. For those still doubtful of the damage that a few harmless protestors might cause, the dangers and detriments of misinformation do not get any clearer. These are lucid moments where the symptoms shine through, precursors to events like the January 6th 2020 Capitol attack in the United States resulted in severe pain and destruction. The one positive factor of those dark days was their visibility. They were broadcast live on TV, confronting everyone with the ugly truth, the nature of fake news and its consequences. Much like the Covid-19 virus itself, the spread of misinformation and its destructive power can be invisible, baring itself in stories like those of Anena Burger’s, a Netwerk24 and Volksblad journalist in the Northern Cape Province, whose mother died of Covid-19 after refusing to get the vaccine based on an anti-vax WhatsApp voice note shared by a friend. “…the people behind the cardboard signs and Facebook posts are by and large, not monsters.” These are the direst implications of fake news, culminating in ignorance and in the most tragic cases, death and suffering which could rightfully be avoided. In South Africa, the dissemination or creation of fake news surrounding Covid-19 is a prosecutable offense. This is an appropriate measure, but only one of many curbs that needs to happen in various sectors in order to stem the spread of misinformation. Whether or not one could implement stricter controls is a region that begins to approach the questions of free speech and Consti-

DISCLAIMER

tutional rights, of which I am no expert. But there is something that we can all do in our own personal capacity, and that is to acknowledge and confront the damage caused by falsehoods. While many of us might have given up hope of stemming the tide of misinformation, of convincing the opponents of vaccines to listen, let me be clear: the people behind the cardboard signs and Facebook posts are by and large, not monsters. Having met a few anti-vaxxers myself, I can confirm, despite what we might see on TV, that they are undeniably human like the rest of us, and they can think like the rest of us. Despite their reproachable beliefs, it is in our best interest to take them seriously, because they are symptoms of the danger that lies and misinformation promote. “Misinformation has been a virulent pandemic of its own during the course of Covid-19 and its affliction was nowhere better seen than in that small example of protestors.” We have heard it said many times these last two years: “we’re all in the same boat” and for better or worse, it’s true. These people are us, and though it might be nonsensical, what these people believe matters, and we cannot easily dismiss those beliefs because they affect us all. We should be very afraid of fake news. But this should not be a reason to cower or turn away. There must be a resolute acknowledgement of the reality that we face and a confrontation of its ugliest sides. Yes, we should be very afraid of fake news. But it will not be defeated by ignoring it.

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

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

Page 11

Higher learning amidst a global pandemic There is a need for new innovative and adjusted methods of online teaching and learning at UCT, and this is where we can start. By Siyabonga Robert

Source: Good School Hunting

he students and the university are caught between the proverbial rock and the hard place. It is like choosing between two evils: either you defer your education, losing a lot of time in the process, or accept the prevailing reality that being taught online will never be the same as face-to-face or in-person learning. UCT also dreads being labelled a “degree factory”, which would greatly undermine its reputation as a leading university in Africa.

“...it goes without saying that lecturers who are not putting enough effort towards providing proper facilitation of students deserve some level of reprimand.”

Lecturers do not have to put in as much effort with postgraduate students as they need to with teaching undergraduate students. However, whether postgraduate, or undergraduate, it goes without saying that lecturers who are not putting enough effort towards providing proper teaching of students deserve some level of reprimand. It is of paramount importance to also investigate the impact of support provided by the Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) unit. It is questionable whether ICTS has been providing enough technical support to lecturers during these difficult months of online learning.

At the postgraduate level of university, it appears as though the quality of teaching has not been affected in the same way it has at undergraduate level. One can attribute this to the fact that postgraduate classes tend to be quite small, and the students tend to be more experienced, matured and prepared enough to work independently.

I believe that there are ways in which the difficulties of online learning can be aided. In most courses at UCT, students are expected to complete an electronic course evaluation form at the end of a semester. I think it would be greatly beneficial if instead, UCT had students completing a continuous weekly or bi-weekly course evaluation form. These

forms should entail assessment of the course content, the organisation of the lecturer and accessibility of the lecturer. The end of a semester or year is usually too late to remedy any situation experienced by students during their studies, which is why course evaluations should occur throughout the semester. Furthermore, for undergraduate studies the number of teaching assistants and tutors should be revisited, and more tutors should be hired if necessary.

“I think it would be greatly beneficial if instead, UCT had students completing a continuous weekly or biweekly course evaluation form.” The teaching assistant’s work should constantly be monitored and evaluated. The SRC could also work to help students who are studying online by establishing a committee that would be designated to review the input obtained from the course evaluations completed by students. The SRC and the management of

DISCLAIMER

the university should also establish a committee that will meet with the SRC committee weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Lecturers who are found to not be pulling their weight should be given the option of appointing more assistants/ tutors. However, if a decision is reached by the SRC committee and the management committee that a lecturer has enough assistants, a certain percentage of extra tutors’ salaries should be paid by the lecturer. This pandemic has brought calamities that were unforeseen. Harsh punishment of lecturers could have devastating effects for the entire university. Let us be prudent when it comes to which evil we choose. Let us consider all factors that may negatively affect the performance of lecturers. One lecturer’s poor performance might be a microcosm of what is happening in the entire university. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure that we do not treat the symptoms of the problem, but the root cause.

Opinions

8 September 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 5

Page 12

This Country Needs You! to get the vaccine Posters have been popping up all over South Africa urging people to get vaccinated. These new forms of “propaganda” have been wrongfuly compared to those of decades past.

By Josh Raynham

ith the vaccine rollout in full swing, the number of anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists are on the rise. This has led the Department of Health to undertake a nationwide approach to spur citizens toward getting the jab - including by placing posters around cities with words of encouragement and reassurance on the safety and urgency of the vaccine. Some sceptics, however, have labelled this new method as propaganda, mirroring that of World War Two. But is this comparison valid? Propaganda is defined as the dissemination of information in order to influence public opinion, often coming from a biased or misleading standpoint. Looking back, by the time World War Two came along the world was still recovering from the “war to end all wars” only a few decades before. No one was ready for it and governments around the world were forced into fighting yet another deadly war. America was a prime example of utilizing propaganda to ensure men enlisted to fight this new war. Coupled with Nazi Germany’s anti-Semitic posters used to turn

Source: Lord Kitchener / Exquisite Artz

friends into enemies, the world developed further into a cesspool of hate and violence. The language used by World War Two recruitment posters and vaccine posters is starkly similar: cooperate in order to maintain the lifestyle you’re used to and save your country. Therefore, it is understandable for some to be sceptical of these new posters. However, it is vital to understand the motive behind these efforts - curbing the Coronavirus and ensuring herd immunity for the nation. The world is currently in turmoil, with wealthier countries having hoarded vaccines, leading to poorer countries being unable to receive any. Whilst we are not at war today, this pandemic has led to so many shifts within our global society: lockdowns and curfews are our new normal. The government’s efforts at

DISCLAIMER

“Maybe the best time to be a sheep is now.” promoting the vaccine mimic war propaganda in many ways, making it hard to deny that our government is trying to persuade citizens to get vaccinated. However, the propaganda efforts during wartime are miles apart from what is being encouraged today. The current posters have allowed an insight into the lengths governments will go to in order to ensure the safety of its population, as opposed to past propaganda that has come with a message to encourage violence. The term ‘propaganda’ scares people, but in this instance, the state’s efforts are necessary to encourage people to follow a path for the greater good. People are dying, but the vaccine is helping curb that maybe the best time to be a sheep is now.