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DieMATIE WOENSDAG 19 OKTOBER 2016 | GR ATIS

VYF-EN-SEWENTIGSTE JAARGANG | NO 8

Purpleface report finalised

Blommekrans vir dok Craven en Bliksem

Open Forum asks oom Jan to “step down”

Mental health: Apply psychological 11 first aid

Knockouts at Body Elite fight club

Three interdicted students arrested by SAPS

Three Maties arrested amidst protests

student arrests by the SAPS. “To our knowledge, the students were charged and released on bail hree students from Stellenboswith dates for further court appearch University (SU) have been ances. Charges are linked to conarrested by the South African tinued protest activities specifically Police Service (SAPS). prohibited by the court order, as well The police confirmed that three as charges of assault reported to the students have been arrested on SAPS by individuals. charges of assault. “This is an external legal process The students are part of a group in the hands of the South African of 30 students that were interdicted Police Service and the MagisTrate’s by SU in September. Jodi Williams, a final year student Court,” Viljoen said. He also stated that SU remains in political science, was arrested on Friday 14 October, after she allegedly committed to ensuring that students can complete the academic year violated the university’s interdict safely. against her. “Where lectures have had to be Williams appeared in front of the postponed due to protest action, arStellenbosch Magistrate’s court on rangements have been made for staff Monday, where a bail of R1000 was to electronically given. “Charges are linked to record lectures A hearing for and for them to Williams’ case continued protest activities be made available has been set for 1 specifically prohibited by the for students on the December. court order, as well as charges university’s webAnother of assault reported to the based learning student, a 23 platform, SUNyear old woman, SAPS by individuals. This is Learn. was arrested on an external legal process in “Security Monday, while the hands of the South African arrangements for an 18 year old writing tests and Police Service” male student the upcoming was arrested on exams include security staff present Tuesday. at academic buildings, with access Their identities are being withonly given to students indicated on held because they haven’t appeared the class lists,” said Viljoen. in front of the Stellenbosch magis“The university has instructed trate yet. security service providers to act “Jodi was arrested on the grounds with the maximum restraint despite that she possibly violated the court provocation and difficult operational order and as such she has not been circumstances. found guilty,” said Johan Pienaar “Protesters are only to be engaged from the Protest Alliance group. with as a last resort.” Both Williams and the other According to Viljoen the univerarrested students have already been sity remains committed to ongoing expelled by the university. discussions with students about fees Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for and any other matter. SU, said the university is aware of

EUGENIE GREGAN & JAMES DE VILLIERS

CRIES FOR SUPPORT Pamphlets that were handed out.

Photo: FACEBOOK

Photos: HENK OETS

OUT ON BAIL Jodi Williams during an earlier protest. Williams was released on bail on Monday.

SU in court over inconsistency of suspensions ANINA VISSER

Stellenbosch University (SU) appeared in the Western Cape High Court yesterday after being challenged by suspended students from the #FeesMustFall movement. Students launched an application against the university for not adhering to procedural requirements whilst amending the university’s disciplinary code. This follows after 30 protesting students were interdicted for occupying the RW Wilcocks Building on 20 September, with 12 of these students being suspended from SU. Jacana Joy Redcliffe, one of the interdicted students, said she first noticed her Inetkey, SUNLearn and student e-mail was cut off before she received any notice of suspension. “On the Wednesday people started receiving suspension letters via e-mail, but because my e-mail

was blocked I couldn’t get my suspension letter,” she said. Redcliffe added that it was extremely difficult because SU’s tactics made her feel like a criminal without even telling her what she had done wrong. According to SU’s Corporate Marketing Team the “twelve students have been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary process and they may not attend lectures or participate in any academic activities until the disciplinary process has been concluded.” Johan Pienaar, a representative from Access to Justice, argued that the actions against the students are totally harsh and over the top from a judicial perspective. “I have a student that has been suspended from this university for disrupting a test and stopping the Men In Black (MIB) from closing the roller door on them. “This is while students who have

been accused of rape on fairly strong evidence have not been suspended and still attend class,” he said. According to Pienaar, who is assisting the interdicted students in legal matters, the main reason why this case has been taken to the high court is in order to uplift the effective expulsion. “It is an effective expulsion because if you kick a student out in this point during the academic year and you say ‘you can’t write exams’, it’s not a suspension, it’s an expulsion,” Pienaar explained. “There is a total lack of consistency in how the university is dealing with these legal matters.” Martin Viljoen, spokesperson of the university said, in a formal statement, that the students know why they have been suspended. However, according to Redcliffe, the students don’t know why they have been suspended, only what they have been charged with.

NUUS

NUUSINKORT NEWSINSHORT SRC elections postponed until court ruling In a campus-wide email, the newly appointed university election conveners stated that they will postpone SRC elections until the disqualified AfriForum candidates have exhausted all internal remedies. Student Court has already found that the election convener’s report on AfriForum’s disqualification remains in effect. Reports suggest that AfriForum appealed the judgement at the

university’s appeals court. They will, if unsuccessful, take the matter to the South African High Court. According to election convenor Dylan Swigelaar, a final judgement to continue with elections will be made once the appeals court makes a final ruling. However, even if the AfriForum candidates are reinstated, SRC elections will not be reopened or continued this year.

Student Parliament effectively non-existent Following the disruption and cancellation of a sitting for the selection of a new speaker in March this year, the Student Parliament Committee has been unable to organise another sitting. According to the Student Parliament Facebook Page, the interim speaker Mikhail Hendriks, was en-

couraged by the centre for student governance in April to suspend all activities until a review could take place. The interim speaker resigned in the beginning of the second semester, rendering the structure effectively non existent.

SRC extends term until elections take place

Foto: FACEBOOK

GOUE STEMME Die Universiteitskoor van Stellenbosch onder leiding van André van der Merwe, is die wenners van vanjaar se Varsity Sing. Die koor het ook onlangs na Rusland getoer en was die groot wenner by die Internasionale Koorspele, waar hulle eerste plekke in die afdelings vir á Capella, geestelike liedere en kontemporêre musiek behaal het.

Vehicle break-ins skyrocket ARLEEN STONE

The Student Representative Council (SRC) of 2015/16 has extended their term until a new SRC is elected. The SRC is able to extend their term through a non-fundamental section in the Student Constitution. However, the university statute does not allow for a term to go past the year within which it was supposed

to end. This means that if the SRC elections do not occur within this year, or if Council does not adopt a motion to extend the SRC’s term, the university might be without a SRC at the start of 2017. Five out of the nine elected SRC members of the 2015/16 term have resigned from the interim SRC.

Peaceful #KeepStelliesOpen-event postponed The organisation Keep Stellies Open was denied permission to use university facilities for a planned peaceful march on 11 October. The organisation, in support of keeping the university open, posted on their Facebook page that they decided to postpone because they

“do not want to infringe on anyone’s rights” and will continue to engage with authorities in this regard. The Facebook page, which reached 1400 likes in six days, stated that it is a non-political group and wants to try and avoid conflict and injury.

Equality Unit cannot act against Stellies Rage In a written response obtained by Die Matie, the university’s Equality Unit has indicated that it is unable to act against the popular Facebook page Stellies Rage. The equality unit writes that it requires a student to be identified for a case to be made based on the Student Code of Conduct. It argued that freedom of expres-

sion is guaranteed in the Constitution of South Africa and that the University does not want to “comment on general and/or anonymous posts”. In a press release on 5 May, the SRC of 2015/16 scrutinised Stellies Rage, which has a Facebook following of 15 000 people, for apparent “homophobic” and “discriminatory” posts.

tudents and parents are left feeling distressed after vehicle theft and break-ins skyrocket in Stellenbosch. Captain Vossie Vorster of the Stellenbosch South African Police Service (SAPS) said there are several problem areas in the central town district of Stellenbosch. These include Borcherd Street, Bird Street, Andringa Street, Ryneveldt Street, the parking area next to the taxi rank at the end of Merriman Avenue, the parking area behind Eikestad Mall, Crozier Street and Dorp Street. “The parking areas at residences

and especially outside bars and clubs are prime target areas, and the most break-ins and thefts occur between 18:00 and 03:00,” said Vorster. According to the Stellenbosch SAPS annual statistics, motor vehicles and motorcycle thefts have decreased slightly from 2015 to 2016, supposedly due to new and better security systems installed into the vehicles and security measures implemented by the university and residences. However, it remains one of the most reported crimes in town along with theft of possessions in vehicles. Theft out of motor vehicles has almost doubled since 2015. “Stolen property is rarely found as the perpetrators look for the first place

that they can sell the items. “In the Stellenbosch area it is usually to buy drugs,” said Vorster. Vorster added that it takes some burglars seconds to break into a vehicle and snatch whatever is in sight. He warned that vehicle owners should not just be on the lookout for male perpetrators as there has been an increase in female burglars in the area. “We all know parking is an absolute horror in this town but students should try to leave their vehicles under the surveillance of a parking attendant or someone patrolling. “Otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit, well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide,” he said.

Drowning at Daisies not due to drinking or drugs JAMES DE VILLIERS

Alcohol and drugs did not cause the drowning of a 21-year-old man at Rocking the Daisies. This according to Red Frogs volunteer Grace Bridgeman, who said the drowning was due to poor swimming skills. She consoled the brother of the victim after the incident. Red frogs are a support program for young people from the ages of 15-25. Their mission is to provide a positive peer presence when young people gather in alcohol-fuelled environments.

Bridgeman said that the victim was on his way to start a shift when he decided to go for a swim at the festival’s dam. “The man underestimated the dam’s length and was too far from shore for anybody to get to him when he indicated that he needed help. Being in the middle of the dam made it

really difficult to see exactly where he was.” The dam was closed for two days by festival organisers following the incident. EWN reported that the man was from Zimbabwe and worked for one of the festival’s suppliers. A press release by the festival stated that the man drowned at roughly 10:50 on Friday 7 October. His body was found the next day. “It was a really sad thing that happened and the atmosphere of the festival was definitely changed by the incident,” said Bridgeman.

SU investigates alleged rape Social media policy recommended after inquiry JAMES DE VILLIERS

Stellenbosch University (SU) voiced shock and concern over another alleged rape incident of a student. The incident reportedly took place over the weekend of 24 September. According to university spokesperson Martin Viljoen, the rector’s management team has recommitted itself to a zero tolerance stance toward any form of sexual misconduct. Viljoen indicated that the university’s department for student discipline is busy with an investigation and will not hesitate to take disciplinary steps towards the student involved if found guilty. The Cape Argus reported that the fourth year BSc student involved was released on R1000 bail on Tuesday 12 October. This will be the second case of alleged rape lodged against the student. The earlier charge has been withdrawn but the court heard that it might be re-instated. The court also heard that the victim was heavily intoxicated and una-

ware of what was happening to her. Defence attorney Niel Slabber also handed over medical records that suggested no penetration took place and stated the victim has been regularly sexually active. On 2 April a Heemstede resident was allegedly raped in a car parked between Metanoia and Heemstede. A 32-year old man was charged with the rape and appeared in court but was released on R500 bail. This sparked the #EndRapeCulture campaign which united students, academics and anti-rape activists on campus. Although the movement encouraged people to stand in solidarity against rape, not everyone found the campaign empowering. Constantly having rape brought up in conversations around campus was found to be triggering by certain students who had experienced being raped themselves. The SRC’s Womxn Empowerment Portfolio continues to show its support for survivors of rape and encourages students to come forward about incidents.

JEANINE MALAN

A report examining the aftermath of the Interstellar Space party photo that changed the lives of Christine “Poekie” Briedenhann and Jo-Anne Cloete was released three weeks ago. On 26 September, independent commissioner Renata Williams SC released the findings of her inquiry into the university’s handling of the ‘purple-face’ incident at the residence’s house-warming party in February. “Although there is no doubt that the students painted themselves purple, the colour of one of the photos posted on Instagram is problematic and offensive,” she stated. Witnesses agreed on this point and two house members at the party initially thought the paint was brown. Thabile Mofokeng, who saw the photo on Twitter and was the first to share it on Facebook, said “the implication of that photo on social media gave the impression that they were partaking in blackface”. Briedenhann and Cloete declined to participate in Williams’s inquiry.

PURPLE FACED Poekie Briedehann and Jo-Anne Cloete. The two accused students also didn’t have any input in the reports brought out by the Student Disciplinary (SD) unit and the Equality Unit (EU). “The SD unit’s failure to include their side is unacceptable”, said Williams. She critiqued the various other shortcomings of both the SD and EU as well and mentioned the investigations were too rushed. Williams also reported that the university was indeed required to act and agreed with university spokesperson Martin Viljoen that “every-

one involved in the matter acted in what they perceived to be in the best interests of all concerned, including the university”. The independent commissioner supports the decision made by Pieter Kloppers, head of student affairs, and Sherrill February, head of Heemstede, to suspend Briedenhann and Cloete pending the investigation, as it ensured the safety of the two students as well as the other residents. Williams made several recommendations to the university, which included creating a new social media policy, equipping and increasing support for university officials, resolving disharmony among the staff, improving the communication system among staff members and updating the outdated Disciplinary Code (which is already in progress). Both Briedenhann and Cloete declined Die Matie’s request to comment on the report. “No thanks, I’m not interested in answering questions,” said Briedenhann. The complete report is available on SU’s website.

NUUS

19 Oktober 2016

Men skip voting and land on Serruria HK HAYLEY GRAMMER

erruria residents were left feeling disheartened after two male students were appointed on their House Committee (HK) without being elected. Carla Truter, prim of Serruria, confirmed Clearance Khumalo and Kerwin Noemdo from Huis Neethling are now HK members of Serruria. Serruria is one of 12 female residences, excluding Private Student Organisation’s (PSO’s), on Stellenbosch University’s (SU) main campus. According to Serruria’s house mother, Benita van Zyl, the decision to incorporate men on the HK was in an attempt to initiate conversations so that students could better understand one another. “Men bring a different perspective to situations, which is why we thought it would be a positive move to have them on our HK. “Hopefully this type of integration and diversity will emphasise the importance of consulting both males and females when making decisions on campus.” Van Zyl added that the campus initiative for males to be put on female residences HK’s came from discussions with the Centre for Student

Communities and the half-year conversation from Eendrag. “We discussed inviting students from our Maties cluster to join the HK, not as HK members but as ex officio HK members, in order to promote conversations with the HK. “It was never decided that they were going to be on the HK.” One resident, who decided to remain anonymous, said that the main issue was that students within the residence felt left out of the decision. “The issue isn’t that there are men on the HK, it’s that we weren’t included in the decision. “We literally had our first house meeting with the new HK and they just informed us that there were two new men on the HK. “At first I thought that it was cool because guys bring a new perspective so I didn’t really have a problem, but then as we continued to talk about it, it made less sense because you usually vote for your HK and now all of a sudden we had two new HK that we didn’t even vote for.” She added that it is the belief within residences that by inviting students of the opposite gender onto the HK of single sex residences, it is the first step towards that residence becoming co-ed.

“If they would have informed us that they were looking for two new male HK members and that it probably wasn’t going to be an election but rather a vote of confidence, and had asked if we were okay with that, then we would have been more involved in the conversation. “However, what we feel as a residence is that bringing men onto the HK is obviously a step towards a coed residence. “Co-ed residences is a controversial topic for single sex residences because why do we have to become coed when there are already four other co-ed residences? “Why can’t they become single sex residences? “You choose to be in a single sex

residence for a reason, just like you choose to be in a co-ed residence for a reason, and when you make that decision and someone changes that without communicating with you it can be upsetting.” Another resident, who also chose to remain anonymous, commended Van Zyl on her leadership style but empathised with fellow residents. “Our house mother has a lot of say, which isn’t the case in many of the other residences, and I respect her very much. “She is very transformational which is awesome because we need to be progressive with things but she can sometimes jump and say this is the way it’s going to be because this is the way it ‘should be’. “The previous HK (2015/16) was told before the new term started that this would be happening. They were only given the opportunity to discuss the decision once it had already been put in motion. It was very much a management orientated decision before it filtered through to the HK and then to students. “I think if the HK had kicked up more of a fuss the motion may have been put on hold, which isn’t completely right. “Just because certain people are

alright with something doesn’t mean that everyone is okay with it. “I don’t think it needs to be a complicated situation. “It was honestly as simple as maybe holding off HK elections for a week or two so that we could have discussed the decision to include men on the HK, we could have easily avoided this situation.” She added that Van Zyl discussed becoming co-ed with the house, saying it is the hope that Serruria will become co-ed by 2018. “Well that’s at least how I interpreted it. I know it was never a confirmed thing but I do remember it being spoken about in a ‘we’re aiming for’ kind of way. “The house, as far as I know, has been told that Serruria will most likely become co-ed. Whether it will be in 2018 or not is still to be seen.” When asked about the house becoming co-ed by 2018, Van Zyl said that students tend to assume something is going to happen and then spread it as the truth. “I never said that at all. I can’t decide that on my own anyway. “That will have to be a decision from management, not me, and the students will form part of management,” she said.

#FMF

Timeline of protest actions around campus Wednesday, 5 October Stellenbosch University starts summoning interdicted students to formal diciplinary hearings to be heard October.

Sunday, 9 October Protestors sleep at Die Khaya, Kruiskerk following conversation on the Rooiplein.

Friday, 7 October At 21:00 protestors move between residences ending with a discussion on Rooiplein.

Monday 10 October BA, Commerce and Law faculty close for the day. Teargas is used to disperse protestors at GG Cillie Building.

Monday, 10 October Protestors move between faculties, using fire-extinguishers to chase students out of class. Windows and doors broken.

Wednesday, 12 October Mostly workers gather at Wilcocks building. Protestors removed from R. Botman house by police later that evening.

Tuesday, 11 October Petrol-bomb thrown at Engineering building around 20:00. No damage to building as bomb didn’t go through window.

Friday, 14 October Gathering, with police presence, in front of Admin B by concerned students to discuss way forward.

Thursday, 13 October Large gathering on Rooiplein at 20:00 after moving between residences.

Wednesday, 18 October Jodi Williams released on bail, another student arrested.

INTERDICT

Lecturer support requested JAMES DE VILLIERS

Photo: EAN BARNARD

PRAYER ON THE PLEIN Students from CRC, Shofar, SFc and other churches gather on the Rooiplein on 12 October to pray for peace, unity and hope in Stellenbosch. About 100 people present.

Interim SRC member Farai Mubaiwa asked that university professors pay attention to the voices of black students, calling for solidarity with the #FeesMustFall movement. Published on the popular Bonfire platform, Mubaiwa voiced her frustration with the lack of support from university staff. “You say you continue to lecture to protect the rights of those who want to exercise their rights to education, and yet you fail to recognise that the current inaccessible education denies millions of South Africans of their right to education.” Professor Stan du Plessis, dean of the Economic and Management Faculty, believes that academia has been engaging on the issues of fees but not on the platforms students read, highlighting articles in the Business

Day as an example. However, Du Plessis, who has also recently been appointed as the university’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), does acknowledge that academia has not engaged enough with students directly. Long-time supporter of student activism and lecturer in microeconomics and economics, Dr Debra Shepherd, said that engagement from lecturers is a necessity as it can act as a bridge between students and management. She stated that the general public’s negative perceptions of the movement might have prevented people from actively engaging. “I think that we (the academic staff) could have done more to attend the open mass meetings that took place on the Rooiplein in order to familiarise ourselves with the movement,” she said.

NUUS

RESIDENCES Placement policy changing in 2017 to cater for ‘complex nature of disadvantage’

Residence placement policy being changed HAYLEY GRAMMER

tellenbosch University (SU) is in the process of revising its admissions policy for the 2017 academic year. According to the policy draft, the new admissions policy will promote “access and success for students from diverse communities”. “The aim of this policy is to stipulate principles, provisions and guidelines in respect of admission to undergraduate programmes and, where applicable, to postgraduate programmes at SU. “The policy is mindful of the multifaceted and complex nature of disadvantage in the South African context. “It therefore considers a range of factors in the admission of students in order to enable SU to help eliminate inequalities and discrimination in the higher education system.” Vice rector of learning and teaching, professor Arnold Schoonwinkel,

said that SU is committed to an equitable, transparent and reasonable process for admission. “In South Africa the spotlight has fallen on access to higher education, therefore in revising our current admissions policy, SU gives effect to its obligation arising from the constitutional right of access to higher education, and the legislative duty to ensure that its admissions policy provides appropriate measures for the redress of past inequalities and not unfairly discriminate in any way.” Schoonwinkel added that the fundamental objective for revising the admissions policy is to maintain the university’s culture of academic excellence while at the same time facilitating transformation so that the student body is more representative and inclusive. “After two and a half years of intensive consultation with university stakeholder groups, the SU work group tasked with the revision of the

policy, proposed a draft in which three considerations for the admission of prospective students to SU study programmes are blended: proven academic merit at school level; transforming the racial demography of SU’s student body; and redressing the socio-economic disadvantage of some students. “The dual goals of academic excellence and transformation do not operate in opposition to each other. “The university’s reputation as a centre of excellence also depends on attracting and maintaining a diverse student body, for we believe that it will also enrich our learning environment.” Schoonwinkel also emphasised that SU does not in any manner condone a system of racial classification as it was used under the apartheid regime, or seek to perpetuate the effects of racial classification under that system. “We do, however, recognise that for most applicants who grew up in South Africa, the reality is that one or

both parents are likely to have been racially classified in the past. “Furthermore, the University recognises that past discriminatory practices still generally correlate to present disadvantage, which must be addressed by corrective measures.” The admission requirements in the previous admissions policy (2012) stipulated that all students wanting admission to SU needed to obtain results for the National Benchmarking Test’s (NBT’s) and National Senior Certificate, including Independent Examination Board (IEB), in a ratio of 40:60 respectively, based on their faculties specific mark requirements (with the NBT average counting 40% and matric average counting 60%). There was no previous focus on race or socio-economic status (SES). The new policy draft for admissions reads as follows: “As applications are received, applicants who meet the minimum academic criteria are ranked in descend-

ing order in accordance with their academic results at school and classified according to race and SES”. The policy continues by stating that faculties will admit the highest ranked applicants to fill the places assigned for academic achievement without regard to race or SES. “Thereafter the faculty admits the highest ranked BCI (Black, Coloured and Indian) and SES applicants until the respective targets for each category have been met. “If there are still places remaining, the best performing applicants will be admitted without regard to race or SES status.” According to the policy, after the above procedure is completed, those BCI and SES applicants not admitted to a mainstream program, as well as applicants who did not meet the minimum requirements, may be considered for admission to an Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs). The draft policy is available online.

WILCOCKS

White supremacy ideals appear ‘unsubstantiated’ JAMES DE VILLIERS

Studies of work by professor R.W. Wilcocks found in the J.S. Gericke library showed little evidence to substantiate claims that Wilcocks had ideals of “white supremacy”. This follows after screenshots of a paper circulated on social media claiming that Wilcocks, who the Wilcocks building is named after, conducted work on “racial superiority” and believed that education was “wasted on black people”. While the author of the paper could not be identified, Die Matie was able to find one of the sources the paper used to make these claims. Accessible through the university library website portal, the journal referenced by the paper was written by Clemmont Vontress and Kevin Naiker.

They stated that Wilcocks wrote a report recommending that black workers should not be allowed to compete with white workers for jobs. The journal by Vontress and Naiker referenced the work Wilcocks did for the Carnegie Commission on the “poor white problem” in South Africa. The report by the Carnegie Commission is available in the J.S. Gericke library and accessible for all students to loan. Wilcocks wrote about non-European competition to Europeans and discussed the matter for two pages out of his 168 page submission to the commission. He mentioned that increased competition from non-European workers negatively influenced European workers because non-European workers were cheaper. He also stated that European work-

ers struggled to do certain types of work due to their supremacy beliefs. Contrary to what Vontress and Naiker stated, Wilcocks suggested to the commission that government should remove the barriers that restricted competition. “Indeed it might be argued that we should aim rather at increasing his (the white man) efficiency by subjecting him to unrestricted competition of the non-European worker.” This, Wilcocks said, should take place after a period of transition where the white worker is assisted in gaining the necessary skills. The rest of the report makes little mention of supremacy and suggestions of racial segregation. The other journal referenced by the screenshot article, by Cooper and Nicholas, could not be found.

APPARENT FALSE CLAIMS Info about R.W. Wilcocks spread on social media.

DOK CRAVEN

Rugbylegende en sy brak Bliksem op verjaarsdag vereer getrek het en die rugbyspan wat onder sy hoofskap in wit truie begin speel Dr Danie Craven en sy hond, het en só die “Wit Trein” gedoop is. Bliksem, is op 11 Oktober met ’n Craven is ’n rugbylegende wat blommekrans en medaljes versier onder meer die universiteit se rugom Craven se geboortedag en byspan afgerig het. Hy was ook ’n nalatenskap te herdenk. Springbokspeler, –afrigter en adminDie bekende standbeeld by istrateur. Verder was hy ook die UniCoetzenburg-sportgronde van die versitei Stellenbosch se eerste profesrugbylegende en sy getroue brak kry sor in Menslike Bewegingskunde. elke jaar ’n blommekrans by Maties Dana Snyman, die bekroonde AfRugby se bestuur. Waar die medaljes rikaanse skrywer en joernalis, het dié vandaan kom, is mooi gebaar raak“Kyk ’n mens na wat in die nog ’n raaisel. gesien en geprys. Dit is egter land gebeur, voel dit soms of “ ’n Mens moet nie die enigste jou voorvaders huldeblyke aan ons beste rolmodelle al dood en –moeders eer, Craven op 11 Okveral iemand soos is. Dok Craven is een van tober nie. dok Craven wat so hulle.” Wi l g e n h o f , diep en ryk geleef Craven se alma het en soveel mense se lewens in ’n mater, het ’n tradisie om op dié dag goeie rigting help stuur het. in formele drag by die standbeeld “Kyk ŉ mens na wat in die land gebymekaar te kom. beur, voel dit soms vir my of ons beste Volgens ’n HK-lid van Wilgen- rolmodelle al dood is. Dok Craven is hof, Tinus Loots, word daar dan met een van hulle. Dis goed dat julle jongbier en doughnuts na staaltjies oor es nie van hom vergeet nie. Dis ook Craven geluister. vir my baie cool dat die medaljes om Van die herinneringe wat onder Bliksem se nek gehang word, want meer deur die koshuisinwoners honde het ook siele, glo ek. opgeroep word, is die eerste keer toe “Bliksem is by dok waarookal hy Craven ’n Springboktrui oor sy kop nou is.” ANÉ VAN ZYL

Foto: BEN (JOHNSON) MEYLAHN

HULDE AAN ’N HELD Wilgenhof se tradisionele kuier by Craven.

Foto: ANÉ VAN ZYL

Foto: DANA SNYMAN

’N MAN SE BESTE VRIEND Dok Craven en Bliksem. RAAISEL Medaljes om Bliksem se nek laat mense kopkrap.

NEWS

19 October 2016

BREAST CANCER

Stellenbosch spreads awareness for breast cancer JANA WENTZEL

he Breast Cancer Awareness campaign kicked off on a high note this October with Stellenbosch being one of the communities showing the most support. Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to highlight the importance of detecting breast cancer as early as possible to increase the chances of successfully managing and treating the disease. This campaign started in 1985 and is becoming more successful every year. This year a number of institutions in and around Stellenbosch will be showing their support for the cause. ● Simonsberg #SuitUp According to Chris de Villiers, first year engineering student and member of the IT-and-marketing committee at Simonsberg, the House Committee (HK) decided to #SuitUp for a day in order to show their support for women who suffer from breast cancer. This formed a part of Venustia Ladies PSO’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Week. ● Venustia Ladies PSO: Breast Cancer Awareness Week Venustia hosted their 8th annual Cancer Awareness Week from 3 to 7 October, offering a variety of events that not only raised awareness and collected donations, but also informed the women of Stellenbosch about breast cancer in South Africa. “We started the initiative a few years ago when one of the alumni was diagnosed [with breast cancer] and we wanted to support her by raising awareness,” said Carli Venter, third year BCom law student and 2016/17 vice primaria. On 5 October Venustia hosted a talk on breast cancer with Dr Britta Dedekind, a well-known surgeon from the Netcare Chritiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital.

A Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Shaveathon was held on the Neelsie deck on 6 October with all proceeds going towards fighting cancer. “I think it is important [to show awareness] because at least once in your lifetime you will come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, whether it be a colleague, friend or relative,” Venter added. A total of R6695,50 was raised during the Venustia Breast Cancer Awareness Week and a total of R1980 was raised during the Shaveathon. Venustia has decided to donate the money to reach4recovery, an institution that aims to support women with breast cancer emotionally and financially. “I think it is important that money is donated not only to research, but also to people living with the diagnosis.” ● Stellenbosch Hair Academy Stellenbosch Hair Academy actively participates in Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year. Clip on extensions can be bought at R25 per piece and the academy offers demi-colours that can wash out in about three weeks. Natural hair can also be donated. All money raised by Stellenbosch Hair Academy is donated to CANSA. “I love taking part in the cause, I colour a streak of my own hair pink every year to show my support,” said Francis le Roux, receptionist and office director of the academy. ● STBB 2Keep-a-Breast MTB Challenge and Family Day This year’s STBB 2Keep-a-Breast Mountain bike (MTB) Challenge and Family Day will take place on 22 October at Overgaauw Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The aim of this event is to raise funds to combat breast cancer and all proceeds are donated to CANSA. This event has become known as one of the “must-do” events on the

MTB calendar. “Our routes are enjoyable, challenging and well-marked. “We are told that this is one of the best-organised MTB races in South Africa,” said Hanlie Walker, public relations officer at STBB. Tickets, ranging between R50 and R320, can be bought on Quicket. ● Clintron Pink Polo at Val de Vie Val de Vie Estate will be hosting the 7th annual Cintron Pink Polo on 5 November in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness. This unique food and fashion experience honours cancer survivors and fighters with their “polo with a purpose” campaign. Funds generated by the event will go to a non-profit organisation, which will assist women with practical and medical needs in their fight and recovery from the disease. Some of 2015’s guests included South Africa’s most famous faces with Tanya van Graan, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Jen Su joining in to support this worthy cause. ● Lanzerac Wine Estate Throughout October Lanzerac Wine Estate will be donating R9 to CANSA for every bottle of Lanzerac Rosé purchased directly from their tasting room, which sells for R49 per bottle. ● Supa Quick Stellenbosch Supa Quick Stellenbosch is also asking the community to join the fight by buying pink valve caps for R50 per packet.. ● Pick N Pay Women’s Walk The Pick N Pay Women’s Walk took place on the 6 February earlier this year. This 5km fun walk was also open to men and children. All funds raised in walk went to the breast-cancer awareness organisation, Pink Drive, which provides free breast-cancer screening and education.

Photo: FACEBOOK

GO PINK Stellenbosch Hair Academy offers clients pink hair extentions for R25. Clients pay a fee for services like blowdries and curls, and the proceeds are donated.

How to do a self-examination Women should do breast self-examination once a month during ovulation (preferably at the same time of day). This helps to spot abnormalities early. In the mirror - In front of a mirror, check for any changes in the normal look and feel of your breasts, such as dimpling, size difference or nipple discharge. - Inspect four ways: arms at sides, arms overhead, firmly pressing hands on hips and bending forward. Lying down - Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand under your head. - With the four fingers of your left hand, make small circular motions.

- Follow an up and down pattern over the entire breast area, under arms and up to the shoulder bone, pressing firmly. - Repeat using right hand on left breast. While bathing - With your right arm raised, check your right breast with a soapy left hand and flat fingers, using the same method as under step 2 (Lying down). Repeat on the other side. ● Or do a breast exam - Campus Health will be offering free clinical breast exams for all female students and staff memebrs from 17 – 31 October. - Those interested need to make an appointment.

BA GOOGLE

The value of BA pointed out by CEO of Google SA ANÉ VAN ZYL

Over reliance on formula thinking and rule based analysis is the biggest problem in the South African business world. This, according to Luke McKend, CEO of Google SA and Stellenbosch University (SU) alumni, who talked about the value of qualifications in social sciences at the first ever Career Café. McKend explained how formula thinking and rule based analysis does not equip you to solve the most important problems. “When I joined Google in the UK, my team, despite spending most of their time using spreadsheets, building presentations and doing analysis, were all arts graduates – every single one of them. “They majored in subjects like English, philosophy and history. They were valuable because they could build a narrative that other people couldn’t do,” he said. Professor Jonathan Jansen, former vice chancellor at the University of the Free-State (UFS), and current fellow at Stanford University, wrote about BA qualifications in his Times Live article “Don’t kid yourself about BA’s”. Like McKend, Jansen argued that it is beneficial in the current SouthAfrican economical sphere to have completed a BA degree from a good university. According to Janssen, a BA degree opens the door to a wide vari-

ety of careers, unlike a “narrow occupational degree” might do. McKend shares this view, explaining that it is important to be able to shift between career paths because of the non-linear nature of careers in today’s day and age. Jansen further explained that courses in BA lay a solid foundation which “educates young minds broadly in ethics, values, reasoning, appreciation, problem solving, argumentation and logic.” McKend also said that critical problem-solving skills are crucial for well-rounded, well-educated students entering the workplace. Another skill McKend considers highly valuable is the ability to learn and adapt, and to build and maintain relationships. These are the skills BA graduates are equipped with, and use in the everchanging business world. “Your reputation is your most important asset. Don’t expect everything to happen overnight. Enjoy your experiences. Be a part of the team. Don’t be scared to follow your dreams!” said Mckend. Statistics about the BA faculty SU statistics for 2016 reveal that BA is the second largest faculty, with a total of 5188 students (not including several waiting on placement), second to Economic and Management Sciences with 8577 students. Statistics about student demographics in the BA faculty indicate that only 30,2% of all BA students are men.

What does ‘BA’ refer to? Undergraduate BA courses General programmes - BA in the Humanities* - BA in Language and Culture* - BA in Social Dynamics*

Photo: HENK OETS

GOOGLE TALK Luke McKend, CEO of Google SA, at Career Café, an initiative by the division of Development & Alumni Relations. He shares advice on how to get a good start in the workplace with students of the BA faculty.

Specialised programmes - BA in Development and the Environment* - BA in Drama and Theatre Studies - BA in Human Resource Management* - BA in International Studies* - BA in Law - B of Music (BMus) - BA in Music (Routes: General and Music Technology) - Diploma in Practical Music - Higher Certificate in Music - BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE) - Programmes with Psychology - B of Social Work* - BA in Socio-Informatics* - BA in Sport Science - BA in Value and Policy Studies - BA in Visual Arts * also available as Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs)

NEWS

OPEN FORUM

Artworks comment on student struggles INGRID HEYDENRYCH

pen Forum is showering Stellenbosch with artworks and performances to get students thinking about the current crisis and past struggles facing higher education institutions. “It’s not an event as such, but a laboratory for ideas,” said Greer Valley, co-curator of Open Forum. According to the Open Forum Facebook page (openforumresidency), this project consists of “curated film screenings, a residency programme, the building of an archive and a mobile exhibition of work produced that will travel to various national and international sites during 2017.” Valley added that Open Forum

comprises of a month of interventions all around Stellenbosch. One of the installations could be seen on the Rooiplein on Monday, 17 October and consisted of steps leading up to the Jan Marais statue, with the words “Do the right thing” written on the sides of the steps. This installation was removed within a few hours and put up outside the art department, as it was not allowed on the Rooiplein. “I’ve been nervous about the general response from the university in terms of them not allowing pieces to stay up,” said Rabia Abba Omar, cocurator of Open Forum. Omar added that she would like people to question the feelings and responses they have towards the interventions and pieces in Open Forum.

“I think people should question art, its meaning and how it can change beliefs and challenge power dynamics and structures. “This is why it’s great that not all the interventions are at a gallery, they are in public spaces.” Omar said that she and Valley want the works, interventions and products to show the process of reflection and introspection on the student protests of 2015 and 2016, highlighting ways to challenge and change hegemonic ideas through various forms of art and interventions. Keeping in line with the theme of the hardships that higher education institutions face, the Open Forum program involves, along with many other things, a public intervention titled “Is

J.H. MARAIS

this a protest?”, an installation called “Chaos in the Pursuit of Peace”, and a writing booth installation with the theme “That’s What She Said”. Some of these installations and performances will be taking place on the Rooiplein, others in town, not too far from campus. Various film nights will be held during the duration of Open Forum, with screenings taking place every Monday night during October at 18:00 at the GUS Gallerey on the corner of Bird and Dorp Street. The remaining two film nights will include a “Black Filmmaker’s Film Festival” and the “Foxy Five Web Series.” Open Forum launched on 30 September and is continuing throughout the month until 30 October.

Open Forum’s projects consists of curated film screenings and a residency programme, among other things.

Installation removed from Rooiplein ANÉ VAN ZYL

Photo: SUPPLIED

Look North - Part two RUAN SCHEEPERS

Beit Bridge, on the best of days, is a right royal stuff up. Disorganised chaos presides over everything. There is absolutely nothing even remotely worth sticking around for. Not that you have a choice. Having had an especially merry evening with the Captain as company, our condition was far from immaculate. We had left Tshipise just after sunrise having pioneered an entirely new dictionary of profanities during the night. The problem was not that there were many mosquitoes but the three or four invincible bliksems that had forcefully entered the rooftop tent at some unholy time of the night had made their point. We thought it best to leave as early as possible to avoid the possibility of a confrontation with the yuppie couple and their one too many children who now had no reason to have the language control on their TV at home

set to PG. Our pleasure. After a remarkably inefficient 3 hours at the border (we had actually done very well) we were into Zim. Now when one thinks of this mostly beautiful country, landmarks such as the Zambezi River, Motopo Hills and Victoria Falls, there is an ounce of romance about travelling through the place. However the first couple of hundred kilometres down south are about as interesting as cow turd. Of which there is much. Travelling at night is a complete no go. Although you might be spared the endless stream of inconceivably frustrating roadblocks. And it’s not your typical blue light brigade test for roadworthiness or blood alcohol levels either. No, what you get are a couple of generally well mannered chaps accompanied by some old oil drums who are ultimately out to extract as many dollars from your person as possible without you thinking that they are robbing your ass blind. The first two encounters went rather smoothly with the usual checks of documents etc. The third however near Masvingo was where the fun began. Admittedly, like two twats, we had forgotten about the white reflectors that must be present on the front of the vehicle. Fortunately the Landy comes with two red reflectors on its arse so that wasn’t an issue. After checking the papers, the presence of reflective jackets, a fire extinguisher, ZA sticker, reflective triangles and the usual driver’s licenses, this uncle was clearly on a mission. Having obviously annoyed him with our scout-like preparedness, he again strolled around to the front of the vehicle and began scribbling something undoubtedly unnecessary on his previously rain soaked pad. He had noticed a particular absence of white stickers on the bullbar. Goddammit...so close.

A sculpture was placed in front of the Jan Marais statue as part of the groupexhibition, Open Forum. The sculpture named Flight, by the artist Nicolene Burger, was placed on the Rooiplein on Monday 17 October around 08:30. University management rejected the installation with a bulletin sent from Prof Wim de Villiers stating “the large wooden staircase was erected despite the Visual Arts student being informed that permission could not be granted for the installation”. According to the bulletin, the wooden structure posed a fire hazard. “In the current climate of student protest, it would be irresponsible to allow any actions that could lead to polarisation and even further clashes.” Through the sculpture Burger aimed to emphasize the current issues surrounding South African monuments and asked the critical questions, “who gets to be a monument?”, “what does it feel like to stand on a pedestal”, “what is the role of public monuments in South Africa considering our vio-

lent past?” and “when is it time to find new spaces for monuments that are no longer relevant, so that they can be read within a specific context and understood as part of that history?”. Originally the sculpture had no writing on it, however when the instillation was put up, other artists started interacting with the sculpture through performance and by writing on it. The words “do the right thing”, written by one of Burger’s colleagues, was aimed at larger authorities that govern the institution. According to Burger, her aim is not to answer questions with her sculpture, instead she sees it as a way of placing a visual question mark next to Jan Marais. She also placed focus on the “violently hierarchical format” this monument takes on. “Jan Marais is the only figure that is commemorated in the form of a monument on our campus and that stands tall above all of the students and university activities.” Burger intended for people to interact with it in any way that they wanted to, since that would’ve added

to the debate and the conversation. “I still want people to add to it, sit on it or interact with it in its current location (outside the Visual Arts Department).” Burger said that it started as an academic inquiry but that she took the initiative to apply for a position in a micro residency program called ‘Open Forum’ and after that got funding and support from them. She did this specific installation herself. “I encourage other artists to add to the work as they see fit.” The installation will be on display outside the Visual Art department for a while, and will also be exhibited alongside the rest of the participants of Open Forum’s work at Gus in 2017.

Photo: SUPPLIED

Burger interacts with her installation.

Photo: ARLEEN STONE

Photo: SUPPLIED

FLIGHT The installation by Nicolene Burger on Rooiplein. It was later removed by the university.

NEWS

19 October 2016

AFRICA SUMMIT

Summit discusses Africa rising: fiction or non-fiction? ANINA VISSER

iplomats, business leaders, academics and activists from across the continent discussed the rise of Africa at the third annual Towards A Better Africa (TABA) summit on Friday, 7 October. The summit was organised by students from Africa Matters, the Black Management Forum and the African Students Board. Here are some thoughts shared by the panellists on the topic “Is the Africa rising narrative fiction or nonfiction?”: Bathandwa Xhallie, UCT Masters Law Student & Student Activist: “Who came up with the whole theme ‘Africa is rising’? Who sets the standard? If we are the ones who set the standard then I don’t understand why there is pressure for us to be complacent with the ideology that we should follow some Western belief. If we are following a Western narrative of ‘Africa is rising’ then it means we are trying to prove ourselves to the Western community that we are not the sick child with AIDS. So we are trying to prove ourselves, but we’re not trying to better ourselves as Africans” Kojo Parris, Diplomat and Founding CEO of Social Private Equity South Africa:

“I am very suspicious about this ‘African rising’ narrative partly because Africa is so diverse. The reason why Africa has such a heterogeneous population is because Africa has always been great. Africa has always been rising. The important thing is that we must take on our opportunities. So let’s not get into a mindset where we are driven by external narratives. This is our continent and our home.” Bheki Nkomo, Business Development Director of Africa's Leading SAP Solutions Provider “The narrative of ‘Africa rising’ is really a story that is told differently in Kisangani, it is told differently in Kampala, it is told differently in Harare. Africa is too rich to be poor, the ‘Africa rising narrative’ is a reality. The biggest challenge we have today is when you leave here, where do you go and how are you going to contribute to that growth?” Vivian Onano, Youth Advisor to the UN Women Global Civil Society Advisory Group “Africa is rising and we – the young people – are actually the ones rising the continent. The question is: ‘Is it an inclusive rising?’” Hatim El Tayeb, Dean of the African Leadership Academy “This is global and not just on the African continent but, even though

we see GDP rising, we often see the same mechanism driving that type of economic growth also driving inequality. “The reality of life as you see around you is not one that seems like the happiest possible state of human society and maybe what we’re experiencing in terms of student uprising, is the expression of dissatisfaction with this current driver of economic growth.”

AFRICA SUMMIT Leaders discuss ‘Africa rising’ and inclusivity.

Betogings eis tol op studente

PGIO

Two new offices in place of the PGIO SAMUEL MINNAAR

The Postgraduate & International Office (PGIO) has been reorganised into two offices, Stellenbosch University International (SUI) and a Postgraduate Office (PGO), which forms part of the Division for Research Development (DRD). The reorganisation follows the alignment of the postgraduate dimension of the PGIO with the responsibility area of Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies and the appointment of Prof Hester Klopper as Vice-Rector of Strategic Initiatives and International Affairs. According to Robert Kotze, former Senior Director of the PGIO, SUI will be directly aligned with the new portfolio of Internationalisation in the rector’s management team. “This gives SUI the opportunity to solely focus on the internationalisation of activities within the university.” The reorganisation will not affect

individual students and the support they received previously from the PGIO will continue. International postgraduate students will receive support towards their academic administration through the PGO, whilst logistical support in terms of immigration matters, first arrivals and student account administration will continue through the SUI. In terms of joint degree programmes, the PGO and SUI will also continue to collaborate closely in establishing

joint degrees with international partnerships. “Internationalisation of the university remains the vision, but SUI has a new focused approach: rooted in Africa, global in reach,” said Kotze. SUI and the PGO will continue to share the facilities of the former PGIO in the Wilcocks building. Some staff may move to new office spaces within the previous PGIO spaces on the ground and second floor, however, the SUI Services Centre will continue to welcome visitors to both offices. The launch of SUI will happen on Monday, 7 November as part of Africa University Day. Dr Morne Mostert and Dr Rhoda Kadalie will be the speakers. Dr Mostert will talk about “Mind of the African Strategist” and Dr Kadalie will discuss issues related to social innovation. Students are welcome to attend the event and should send an email to Norma Derby (nderby@sun. ac.za) for more information.

RECTOR’S AWARDS

Gala event honours top students JAMES DE VILLIERS

Over 70 students walked away with the coveted Rectors Award at this years gala-evening. The award honours Stellenbosch University (SU) students for achievements in academics, sport, culture, social impact and leadership. The awards, sponsored by Professor Wim de Villiers, were presented at a gala-evening hosted at the Wellenberg Research Centre on Thursday, 13 October. In his opening speech, De Villiers shared his love for Bob Dylan with the audience. Referring to the current wave of student protests, De Villiers quoted the iconic singer and now Nobel

Photos: FRANNA LOMBARD

laureate, saying the “times they are a changing”. De Villiers also expressed his concern over the damaging of university property. The Alumni Award for exceptional achievement by an SU graduate was awarded by this years Student Representative Council (SRC) to Nokwanda “Nox” Malumbete. Malumbete started her own law firm this year, just two years after graduating. Speaking about her business partner Madelé van Niekerk, Malumbete said that people found their partnership surprising. “Being two young, female ebony (black) and ivory (white) partners is a shock to most people’s systems.

“I say this because even my black friends ask me how we get along. “I always tell them that it’s irrelevant. “We get the job done and we respect each other but most importantly, we have a friendship that we both value above anything,” she said. The recipients of the Rectors Award are selected by the Student Achievement Committee which is chaired by the vice-rector for teaching and learning, Professor Arnold Schoonwinkel. Half of the committee is comprised of university staff while the other half is made up of students. Applications for the awards open every year in the second semester and is advertised by the SRC.

NINA FOUCHÉ

Die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se studentkorps is tans baie verdeeld, met studente wat vir teen die #FeesMustFall-beweging is. Die fisiese en emosionele uitwerking van dié beweging word ook deur studente aan beide kante van die spektrum ervaar. Kaylin Reynolds, ’n eerstejaar BScBosb-student en ’n ondersteuner van #FMF, beskryf die voorval op 10 Oktober voor die GG Cillié-gebou, waartydens privaat sekuriteitswagte traangas en skokgranate gebruik het om betogers uiteen te jaag, as ’n toneel uit die 1980’s. “Dit voel of ons lewens op die spel is, want die men in black kan basies doen wat hulle wil.” Volgens Reynolds is dit fisies én emosioneel uitputtend om deel van die beweging te wees. “Jy moet jouself konstant aan die oorgrote, apatiese en onkundige meerderheid verduidelik.” Dié meerderheid waarna sy verwys se grootste motivering vir hul teenstand is die haalbaarheid van die beweging. Reynolds voel dat hierdie studente weens die universiteit se gebrekkige stelsel nie kán besef dat die beweging haalbaar en moreel is nie. Reynolds voer aan dat die streng

veiligheid wat tydens die betogings gehandhaaf word die beweging kriminaliseer. “Met sewe polisievoertuie rondom ’n honderd betogers, sê die universiteit basies dat hierdie studente gevaarlik is en ons moet die res van die studente teen hulle beskerm. “Dié militarisering van die kampus dryf studente net verder weg van die beweging.” Jean-Mari Slabbert, ’n tweedejaarstudent in BA Taal en Kultuur, het ’n aanklag van aanranding teen betogers ingedien wat haar Algemene Taalwetenskap-tutoriaalklas op 20 September ontwrig het. Volgens Slabbert het sy na die voorval gesukkel om te eet of slaap en moes sy berading ontvang. “Ek dink gewelddadige betogings kan mense definitief op die langtermyn traumatiseer.” Slabbert het empatie met die beweegrede agter die #FMF-beweging en was aanvanklik ook ’n ondersteuner daarvan. “Nadat hulle gewelddadig begin raak het en die universiteit se eiendom beskadig het, het ek heeltemal van die beweging onttrek,” het sy gesê. Volgens Slabbert is gratis onderrig ’n ideaal wat wêreldwyd nagestreef moet word, maar een wat nie tans in Suid-Afrika haalbaar is nie.

MEN IN BLACK Private veiligheidswagte blokkeer die inligting na die R.W. Wilcocks-gebou.

STUDENT LIFE

Get your pet fix by volunteering at Animal Welfare NICOLE BRUMMER

nimal-loving students who feel that they want to give back to the community can volunteer at the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) and make a difference. The AWSS are looking for new people to volunteer and it’s as easy as one, two, three. Committed, caring and responsible people are perfect candidates to spend time with the animals. To become a volunteer you can fill out an application form on the AWSS website. Volunteering not only includes walking or petting, but also gives the opportunity to foster a pet, giving them a loving home. Fostering pets has several

advantages, even if you are a full-time student. When fostering or volunteering, you also get that “pet fix” every person needs. Fostering a pet is very rewarding, it not only has mental and emotional benefits, but health benefits too. These benefits include a positive increase in social behaviour, lower blood pressure and mental stress as well as a decrease in the risk of heart attacks. Not only does this benefit a pet owner, but the pets themselves. The pets get a well deserved break from the kennels and have the opportunity to adapt to a loving and caring environment, receive attention and medical care, as well as training and discipline.

Fostering a pet is not a long process and only takes seven to ten weeks, or in extreme circumstances six to eight weeks. The AWSS provides medical care, vaccinations, blankets and food at cost price, making it much easier for students to take care of the pets on a limited budget. Volunteering at the AWSS includes grooming, petting, walking the pets and donating to the society. The AWSS is located at Devon Valley Road and can be contacted on 021 883 9129. The kennels are open every weekday from 10:00 to 16:00 to pet the animals and the clinic is open on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00. Cats are also available for adoption.

Photo: SUPPLIED

PET FIX Volunteering at the AWSS means you get to pet animals.

Budget friendly student holiday destinations Supporting local heritage ELODI TROSKIE

MARIJKE ANDREA TYMBIOS

Tight budgets often prevent students from experincing that dream holiday they’ve always wanted. What people don’t realise is that you don’t need to fly halfway across the world to find the perfect holiday destination. There are a number of ways to have an adventurous holiday despite your lack of funds.

In the ever-expanding and densely populated urban centre of Stellenbosch, one tends to lose track of the incessant arrival and departure of businesses and service providers who try their luck at establishing and maintaining a fruitful existence. My curiosity has lead me on an investigative journey which drove me to meet and chat with the current owner and manager of the Du Toit Skoenwinkel, Jaco Smit. I encountered Smit on a Friday afternoon whilst he was preparing a canvas material for a client. He was framed by a row of shelves crammed with handbags, belts and other leather goods, all awaiting collection from their owners. During our conversation, Smit weaves an intricate tale of the heritage of the Du Toit Skoenwinkel which was established by its namesake, W.C. du Toit in 1926. The original shop was located in Ryneveld Street but then moved to Andringa. In 1947, the owners constructed their own building in Ryneveld Street, opposite the Stellenbosch Town Museum.

Be a local tourist: Have you visited all the tourist attractions in your area? This is the perfect way to explore your hometown and to find a new appreciation for the things you take for granted. Explore Cape Town with the City Sightseeing Tours from R130 per ticket. Visit Beerhouse in Long Street for a selection of micro-brewed beers, varying from R6 to R450. Catch the Earth Fair Market in the St Georges Mall, every Thursday from 11:00 to 15:00, or Market on the Wharf – a dockside marketplace located at the V&A Waterfront. Explore Cape Town’s finest art galleries on the first Thursday of every month, free of charge.

HOLIDAY AT HOME Local tourism spots in and around Cape Town. Take a free hike up Lion’s Head to enjoy the incredible view of the city. Watch a romantic movie under the stars with The Galileo Open Air Cinema at R80 per ticket. Go on a camping trip: A budget-friendly getaway, sharing costs when you get a big group of friends to join you. River Goose, Eureka Farm, Bonnievale: R90 per person per night. Driehoek Farm, Cederberg: R210 per site, maximum four people. Woodbourne Resort, Knysna:

R160 per night for two people. Or make use of family and friends by getting in touch with anyone you know well enough to provide you with cost-free lodging in a destination of your liking. Just try not to take advantage of their hospitality. Book a last-minute cruise: This might need some more planning and saving-up, but will ensure you an unforgettable vacation. Contact a travel agent near you for more details.

In 1978, Smit purchased the shop from André du Toit, moving the business to its current location in the Adam Tas Centre on Borcherd Street in 2000. The great thing about this shop is that customers can request when their repairs need to be done. For instance, if the soles of your favourite shoes decide to break the day before an important event, Smit will try his utmost to accommodate your needs. His co-worker, André Hendricks is in charge of shoe repairs whilst Smit is responsible for handbags. In terms of prices, a sole repair can cost you anything between R25 and R60 for ladies’ shoes. Moreover, the shop specialises in repairing belts, trampolines, canvas camping chairs and ground sheets. The secret I uncovered involved learning about the heritage of Andre Leo, the guitarist amd vocalist from the ‘psych’ band Medicine Boy. His full name is also André du Toit and this heritage is part of his family history. They are the Du Toit’s of the Du Toit Skoenwinkel and as they say in many a small town across the country.

Campus Closet - Summer Edition With sunny weather and festive attitudes, student closets adapt to summer’s radiance and luminosity. The way in which one should adapt one’s outfits raises a challenging question. However, in avoidance of unnecessary brainstorming, Denise Robertson asked the quality fashion experts of Skirt and Love Warrior for some tips on what to wear and

what not to wear this summer. Liza-Marie Fourie, sales rep from the ladies boutique Skirt, claimed that structured clothing is more popular than flowy clothing this summer. “Last year summer entailed a more paisley, flowy and floral vibe, but this year I think it is going to be more structured, edgy and bright,” she said. According to Fourie, examples

of structured clothing would be fitted shorts and box dresses. “The colour that is taking fashion trends by storm is definitely yellow and mustard this season, but ones that need to be avoided are shocking fuchsia and purplish pink.” Ladies are not alone when it comes to keeping the latest fashion trends up to date, men are also eager to dress according

to the season. JR Steenkamp and Thabo Maliti, shop assistants from Love Warrior, explained how guys can look dauntless this summer. “My ideal outfit would be flip flops, cargo shorts and a vest; maybe a snapback cap included,” Steenkamp said. According to Maliti, men’s style can be grunge yet clean. “I would prefer a slim fit cargo

pant with flip flops, a laid back t-shirt and a fedora hat; you can never go wrong with that,” he said. Maliti also gave advice for the more formal lads. “You can’t go wrong with a decent pair of jeans and a plaid shirt, especially the striped or checked ones,” he said. Be vibrant and edgy but clean, – don’t be scared to take risks.

DAG & NAG

19 Oktober 2016

Een dag, 25 brouerye, 120 biere ARLEEN STONE

ie Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival het die afgelope naweek weer ’n rondte gemaak, die keer in die vorm van ’n Octoberfest by die Jan Marais Natuurreservaat. Duisende feesgangers het hul liefde vir bier onder 200 jaar-oue bome gevier. Die fees bied verskeie brouery op klein- en mediumskaal die geleentheid om hulle produkte aan ’n plaaslike mark bekend te stel en verkoop. Van die bitterste brousels tot stroopsoet ciders was by die fees te koop. Die fees se organiseerder, Dawid Fourie, het gesê nagenoeg 3 000 feesgangers het vir die tweede jaar in ’n ry na die reservaat gestroom om die enigste vlytbierfees in Stellenbosch te ondersteun. Die hekke was skaars oop of

feesgangers het die beste plekke op die grasperk gekies, reg vir die dag se aktiwiteite. Kinders is besig gehou met verskeie speletjies en ’n springkasteel, terwyl ouer feesgangers rondgeloop het op soek na die lekkerste kos en bier. “Die doel van die fees is great bier, lekker kos, live musiek en baie aktiwiteite om die kleinspan besig te hou” vertel Fourie. Feesgangers is nie net deur die brouvernuf van plaaslike brouerye vermaak nie, maar ook deur plaaslike en nasionale kunstenaars soos Majozi, Opposite The Other, Ben Dey and The Concrete Lions, The Martin Brothers, Dum-Chang, Manny Walters en Miela. Fourie sê hy is opgewonde oor die volgende byeenkoms en sien uit na die hoogtes wat hierdie fees kan bereik.

RESENSIE

The Girl on the Train EMRIE HUMAN

Dis die fliek waarna baie mense die jaar uitgesien het, en nou is dit uiteindelik hier. The Girl on the Train het op 7 Oktober in fliekteaters begin draai. En wees verseker, dit gaan jou koue rillings gee. Die fliek is op Paula Hawkins se boek gebaseer wat ook in 2015 die New York Times se topverkoper was. Emily Blunt speel die rol van ’n alkoholis, wie se man haar gelos het vir ’n ander vrou omdat sy onder meer nie kan swanger raak nie. Sy ry elke dag per trein na New York om glo te gaan werk, maar in die werklikheid is sy al lankal afgedank. Op die daaglikse treinrit sien sy die huis waar sy en haar eksman gebly het en ’n paar huise verder bly ’n paartjie wat sy elke dag fyn

dophou. Die man en vrou wat sy sien is vir haar die toonbeeld van ’n gelukkige huwelik en sy ontwikkel ’n obsessie met hulle. Dit is hierdie obsessie wat maak dat sy by ’n moordsaak betrek word. Sy beland in ’n situasie waar niemand haar wil glo nie en baie mense haar net eenvoudig verwerp. Baie kykers wat Gone Girl gesien het (en daarvan gehou het) is van mening dat The Girl on the Train ’n afgewaterde weergawe hiervan is. Die tema van die vrou wat swaarkry omdat haar man ’n skurk is en sy wil wraak neem, is ook bietjie overrated. Diegene wat al die boek gelees het sal soos gewoonlik ook ’n paar dinge hê om oor te kla onder meer die feit dat die boek in Engeland afspeel en die film in Amerika. Kenners is van mening dat die atmosfeer ’n groot invloed op die storielyn van die fliek het. As jy nie die boek gelees het nie, maar daarvan hou om na sielkundige flieks te kyk, is die fliek ’n goeie keuse. Die storielyn is boeiend en hou jou aan die raai tot aan die einde. Jy het ook nog nooit vir Emily Blunt so gesien nie. Sy vertolk die hoofrol uitstekend. Is hierdie fliek maar net nog ’n storie van ’n man wat ’n vrou tot haar uiterstes dryf? Dis beslis die moeite werd om uit te vind.

Ouderdomsbeperking: 16 Regisseur: Tate Taylor Genre: Riller

Foto: VERSKAF

CHEERS Feesgangers geniet die Vlytbierfees wat die afgelope naweek in Stellenbosch gehou is.

Enjoy Halloween here INGRID HEŸDENRŸCH

America has been famous for its Halloween celebrations over the years, but recently various other countries, including South Africa, have been joining in on the tradition. Although trick-or-treating hasn’t really caught on in our country, Halloween parties and bashes have become mainstream. If you’re looking for a way to participate in the festivities this Halloween, here are a few suggestions:

Monster Ball Aandklas 21 October

This will be your opportunity to go all out with your Halloween outfit. Prizes will be given to the best dressed individuals and to the best dressed couple. DJ’s from MFM will be playing music throughout the night. Cost: R20, which includes a shot at the door.

Nightmare Before Christmas Mystic Boer 21 October

Another dress up opportunity for the festive fearless. A costume gets you free entry at Mystic Boer and depending on the effort you put into your costume you might get a free tequila at the door. Prizes for best costume are R1 000. Second place wins R500 and third place R250. There will be lots of giveaways and free shots inside during the night. TacTix & Mix n Blend will be providing the entertainment.

Rings Ster-Kinekor 28 October Horror Movie

Starring: Aimee Teegarden, Johnny Galecki and Laura Wiggins. If you’re into getting scared on Halloween, this is the movie for you. Rings follows the events that take place after Julia discovers that her boyfriend has watched a cursed tape. Watching this tape has caused the return of Samara, a curse that will kill Julia in seven days. If you don’t have the budget for a trip to Ster-Kinekor, watching the trailer with the lights off a few times will also creep you out sufficiently.

Forest Night Run Muratie Winery 29 October

This is a fun-run through the forests and vineyards at Muratie Wine Estate. Runners can choose between a 10km or 5km route. Participants can also look forward to ghost spotting during their run. The top three women and men will win prizes. Everyone that finishes the run will receive a Halloween surprise and a soft drink. Cost: Pre-entries (closes 25 October) – R90 for 5km route and R120 for the 10km route. Late entries (taken on the day) – R140 for the 5km route and R170 for the 10km route.

REDAKSIONEEL

editorial/redaksioneel

YOU CAN’T JUST DECOLONISE WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE IT

A video published on social media this week saw a “fallist” from the University of Cape Town (UCT) asking the science faculty to consider scrapping science entirely. The video reached over 550 000 views on YouTube, and was also mentioned on the very popular 9GAG page, where students from other countries ripped the intellect of South African students apart. In her response to the question of decolonising science, the student said “science as a whole is a product

of Western modernity and the whole thing should be scratched off. “Especially in Africa.” It’s nice to finally get some clarity on what students mean when they ask for the “decolonisation” of the curriculum. However, to ask for immediate decolonisation is impossible. The current curriculum is built on years of research and knowledge, which will take even longer to replace with new research and knowledge that doesn’t even exist yet.

Constructing the curriculum to have a wider African perspective is definitely something that holds merit

“If you are really that serious about d ‘ ecolonising’ and starting over, you have to decolonise your whole life.” and should be considered, but you can’t place an African influence on something that is inherently universal.

Science is the same everywhere. It’s not Western. Or colonised. It is a study built and organised on knowledge, knowledge that is based on testable explanations. If students are really that serious about “decolonising” and starting over, they have to decolonise their whole life. You can’t only be pro-colonisation when it suits you. This means for instance no cellphones, no electricity and, more importantly, no medicine.

The decolonisation movement should be rethought, and if continued, practical solutions should be given to explain exactly why, how and what should be changed. Because not all the Western knowledge we have is bad. Maybe the “science fallist” will only realise this when they are in desperate need of Western medicine. Until then, we will enjoy the irony about someone wanting science to “fall”, when they don’t even believe in Newton’s explanation of gravity.

HOOFREDAKSIE HOOFREDAKTEUR Eugenie Gregan

Open letter to the churches of Stellenbosch

BEDRYFSREDAKTEUR

Taariq F. Tayob

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ I write to you as a mat ter of urgency and importance, as the year comes to a close and yet we are still divided as a body of Christ. I am disappointed that af ter our last meeting, where I raised the issue of unity and the creation of a plat form to discuss student issues in smaller groups outside of the pulpit, you went public and brought your own agendas into the fray. Still we see no at tempt from moving away from teaching Western ideals and principles, towards a more inclusive message that is sensitive to the diversity we have within the church. Sit ting in church we still hear terms such as: “we the West”; or scripture being used out of contex t to justif y the churches own inadequacies. The church is still working towards protecting the privileged classism of its people at the expense of true engagement and healing of the community. The church in Stellenbosch, 22 years into our democracy, is still racially divided and not welcoming to African students. You think that you may be achieving transformation by filling up your numbers with more African students, but you treat transformation as only skin deep. African students continue to feel excluded through such practices as being called by their slave names and not their real names. African students are treated as projects and statistics, whereas there is a need of building real relationships and learning to respect each other for who we are. The time for prejudice has passed and we need to look forward to being the example of true love within the community. The church preaches love and now it is the time we live that out completely. It’s time to stop let ting doctrine get in the way of uniting together as the body of Christ. South Africa and Stellenbosch cannot af ford to have racially divided churches any longer! Our country needs healing and it starts with us healing within ourselves and beginning to work together to a shared goal and vision. This let ter is a call to unity. I hope we can meet again to strategise for the year ahead, so that we can begin the change that our communities, country, and continent needs. Kind Regards

INHOUDSREDAKTEUR Cathelynne Walker NUUS Arleen Stone STUDENTELEWE Gizellede Götz DAG & NAG Ingrid Klückow SPORT André Huisamen ONLINE Ingrid Heÿdenrÿch FOTO’S Henk Oets UITLEG Ané van Zyl SUB-EDITOR Hayley Grammer TEKSREDIGEERDER Suzanne Koen

MEDEWERKERS UITLEG Carla de Beer SKETSE Tristan Night, Jana Slabber, Janeke Zandberg DRUKWERK PaarlMedia

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ARGIEF / ARCHIVE Die Matie is digitalised from 2003 onwards. The rest of Die Matie’s previous content can be found at the JS Gericke Library archive

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- A xolile Qina (previously known by the slave name “Diamond”)

The battle to understand our rector

JAMES DE VILLIERS

I’ve never liked science. I vividly remember how I used to stare at the ceiling of Mr Muller’s science-class, imaging the colours I’d paint the walls while the minutes decreased to the next high school break. And I can still recall the release I experienced the day I left the dreadful subject to conquer others, disregarding its importance simply because I failed to understand it’s heart. To me, life’s importance lied in the stories we are able to share: painting the blank canvas of destiny with the rich colours of human experience. And rarely, whenever an individual crossed my path that was unable to communicate their stories and hence entice my imagination, I would simply retreat and mistrust their intentions. How can one connect with a human soul without creating a narrative for that connection to occur? As I settled beside our rector last Thursday evening at the annual rector’s awards, I was reminded once more that here sits a man whose story I was unable to understand. Here sits a man whose human nature is science while mine was that of human tales and as a result we were at odds with each other.

But, as I told our new Student Dean two weeks ago, I have no sense of anger towards our rector, but rather a sense of sincere sympathy that he was chosen to lead in a time when grand narratives of race and oppression, not science, was carving out South Africa’s future. This was my mental position as the rector proceeded to entice the audience of staff and students with personal anecdotes. On Thursday a new persona appeared as the rector addressed the crowd with the lyrics of Bob Dylan and a sincere care for what’s happening. “The times they are a changing” de Villiers shared as the audience crept into the palm of his hand. Moments later, I asked the rector how he deals with the continued me-

dia warfare against him this past year. He smiled as he began to explain how he was able to compartmentalise his life; however, I didn’t believe him. In a glimpse I could see how he’s human and how the enemy arrows left wounds on his heart. In that moment I saw how on this Thursday evening the rector went out of his comfort zone to try and intertwine with the students around him. And shamefully I thought of how I was unable to do the same: how I was unable to go out of my comfort zone and try to connect with the rector beside me. Not much has changed since that Thursday. I still strongly dislike science for the way it boxes me in and curbs my imagination but somehow today I try to appreciate it a bit more. Instead of breathing easily when freed from it, I am now acutely aware of how science is required to create the space for creativity to thrive. And like a boy jumping out of a tree into the arms of a faithful father, I walk forward on the journey ahead – trusting the prof ‘slim’ Wim that paves the way. James was the vice-chairperson of the Student Representative Council.

SEEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FORUM

19 October 2016

Mental Health Awareness Month

Become a psychological first aid worker An ongoing study amongst Matie students shows that “mental health problems may be very prevalent among South African students” and that “self-medication” – alcohol and drugs – may put many students at risk. With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, this year with the theme of “psychological first aid”, it might be the best time to support a friend in psychological distress – maybe even yourself.

ata from the first results from the ongoing study at Stellenbosch University (SU) show that mental health problems may be “very prevalent” among South African students. The longitudinal study, conducted among SU first year students by the Mental Health Information Centre (MHIC), based at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Tygerberg, shows the importance of breaking the silence. The study is part of the World Health Organisation’s World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project (WMH-ICS). Focusing on first years and their wellness, 686 students participated. Altogether 38.4% reported “lifetime psychopathology”, which included depression, bipolar disorder and several anxiety disorders such as social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alcohol is seemingly a “go-to” self-medication, as 34.1% respondents reported having an alcoholic beverage 1-2 days a week, with 29.4% indicating that they have five or more drinks on a typical “drinking day”, which indicates bingedrinking. According to the preliminary report this may have an effect on academic performance as well as career options – and that is why increased awareness and accurate knowledge of mental health issues are so important. The report states that “understanding the association between mental status and academic

performance may assist university administration, health services and students themselves in preventing and addressing symptoms before their academic performance is compromised”. According to the report few students have sought help for mental health problems in the past. Some of the reasons for this were that they wanted to handle the problem independently (55.5%), preferring to discuss matters with friends or relatives (43%), financial constraints (39.7%), and being too embarrassed (33.3%). The transition from late-adolescence to adulthood is an extremely sensitive period for the onset of emotional problems and mental disorders. Nearly half of these conditions appear before the age of 15, and approximately 75% of all lifetime mental disorders have their onset prior to the age of 24. This period is also associated with a significant increase in risky behaviour, such as excessive alcohol and cannabis use. According to the MHIC, previous findings have also highlighted that many students who need help or treatment for a mental health condition do not seek help, or receive the treatment they need. And that is where you have an important role to play: Become a psychological aid-worker. This does not mean that you can replace professional help, but it can mean

that you recognise symptoms so that support can be sought earlier. A mental health disorder such as depression is an illness, not a weakness. Mental health is the foundation of a healthy society. Add that to the fact that we live in traumatising times, especially as campus communities, and it is clear just how important it is to break the stigma and the silence surrounding mental health. Truth is, we experience a psychological emergency and we need to acknowledge that it is sometimes impossible to cope. But reaching for a drink or a “lifestyle drug” is not the answer – that will simply worsen your situation, because you then have to deal with a health issue as well as a substance abuse condition. According to the WHO, depression will be the world’s second biggest disease by 2020 – that is in only four years’ time. By 2030 it is estimated to be the biggest global disease. However, each of us can make a difference in the meantime by becoming a “psychological aid worker” – indeed, an ambassador of hope. Compiled by Lizette Rabe, chair of the Department of Journalism and founder of the Ithemba Foundation which raises awareness of depression as a clinical disease. Ithemba means hope in isiXhosa. The Ithemba Foundation supports the MHIC’s Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project.

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Important tips from the MHIC on managing your mental health: 1. Acknowledge your feelings and keep an informal journal where you can keep notes and thoughts. 2. Prioritise and tackle the easiest things first. This makes the list shorter. 3. Use a daily planner. Break tasks down into pieces. Set realistic and manageable goals. 4. Breathe, deeply. Controlled breathing can lessen your body’s “fight or flight” response that increases anxiety. 5. Take a break and focus on something else for a while. Spend some time outside. 6. Do something that you enjoy – draw, write a letter, cook, or call a friend. 7. Workout – go for a run, a walk, or take an exercise class. Working out for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week can improve sleep, and good sleep hygiene helps to combat anxiety. Exercise is the most effective naturally-occurring antidepressant. 8. Meditate – just 3-5 minutes can help change your perspective. Think positive, reframe the negative. Visualise a place where you feel calm. 9. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Taking drugs or drinking may briefly release your anxieties, but it doesn’t last. Alcohol can inhibit deep, productive sleep. Avoid caffeine and alcohol 3-4 hours before bedtime. 10. Sleep hygiene. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day – even weekends – to get control of your circadian rhythms. Make sure your sleep environment is dark, quiet, cool and comfortable. (Source: http://cpmh.org.za/wmhd/mental-health-first-aid-for-students/)

#FEESMUSTFALL

The goverment has the power

Why we fight fire with fire

DANELLE JANSEN VAN RENSBURG A 0% fee increase for 2016 was one of the main demands of the 2015 #FeesMustFall movement, with a long-term vision of free higher education for the poor. At the end of the 2015 movement, the topic of free higher education became a part of the dialogue in parliament. Although various task teams were set up to investigate whether free higher education is feasible in South Africa, the question was left unanswered, which is why the 2016 #FeesMustFall movement once again spread across universities. On 19 September 2016, Minister Blade Nzimande blatantly shifted responsibility to universities by recommending a fee increase of no more than 8%. The questions around free education remained. I believe free higher education for the poor is not only a worthy cause, but also achievable. Attending university is increasingly getting more expensive and this means that poor (mostly Black, Coloured and Indian) students are at a big disadvantage. There are, however, two aspects surrounding the 2016 #FeesMustFall which I find problematic. Firstly, although I fully support the vision and goal of free higher education for the poor, I believe that this should be a long term vision. Improving our basic education system should be our first step in the direction towards a more equal society. A 2008 study found that, for every 100 children that started school, only

about 37 passed matric and only about 12 attend university. When looking at these statistics, shouldn’t free and higher quality basic education be our first priority? South Africans are being failed by our school system and left unequipped to break free from the cycle of poverty. In South Africa, the average child’s priority is not to attend university, but to pass matric. And not only is the average child failing, those who do pass are still not left with a quality qualification. Secondly, the question surrounding free education can only be answered by the government. Only government can make the decision to subsidize universities and make free higher education for the poor possible, no rector or university has real power in this regard. It is an unquestionable fact that South Africa has the necessary resources to provide free education, but with the current “trend” of corruption and misappropriation of funds spread throughout our government, this vision will never be realized. The main aim of the movement should thus be to force government, and not universities, to engage with this issue and those issues preventing the realisation of free education so that fulfilment of the promise regarding free, quality education for all will finally be possible. Jansen van Rensburg is a final year law student and SAWIP 2016 alumni.

KERWIN JACOBS

“South Africans are being failed by our school system and left unequipped to break free from the cycle of poverty” “A common misconception about protesting students is that they are just a bunch of irrational, racist hooligans”

A quick Google search reveals that a movement is “a group of people working together to advance their shared political, social or artistic ideas”. At the heart of #FeesMustFall lives the shared social idea that for hundreds of years the majority in our country has been excluded from something which promises to change its future immeasurably, education. The cause is born out of an understanding that all did not change after 1994. The idealistic-sounding call for free education for all is derived from the reality that many within the movement live. It’s a reality that South Africans are all too aware of but choose to remain ignorant of because admitting that people of colour still remain largely disadvantaged 450+ years after their subjugation upsets the idea that postapartheid South Africa is equal, that we can just move on from apartheid, and that everyone can achieve what they want if they work hard enough. A leading criticism of the movement is its approach to protest and this is one of the main areas where the heart of the movement has been lost. A common misconception about protesting students is that they are just a bunch of irrational, racist hooligans, who are not passing their degrees and who have not thought out the economic implications of gaining free education. This is simply not true. In fact, the question that those de-

livering dissent should be asking is: why are students who are studying, a number of whom are post-graduate students, foregoing disruptive approaches to protest in favour of more violent ones? In your answering of that question, I ask that you factor in the role of anger and frustration caused by being ignored (by both government and university management) on a legitimate demand, and the violent responses to more peaceful/disruptive approaches to protest that have been used. While it is not rational to fight fire with fire, is it not one of our instinctive responses to feeling threatened? Let the cause not be lost due to the actions of very few rogue members. Research shows that there are multiple ways that free education can be made possible in South Africa. Let’s unite behind that and get the government to provide the necessary political will to make it happen, instead of fighting against each other. We (both those within the movement, and outside) need to be more sensitised to views which may conflict with our own, we need to be open to engaging these views, and we can only do this if both “sides” meet to talk, knowing it will be uncomfortable but necessary. A luta continua!

Jacobs is a first year BA social dynamics student. He was also an SRC candidate and is one of the 13 expelled students.

WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBERS 2016 | FREE Photo: HENK OETS

FIGHT NIGHT Hugo Wasserfall and Theuns Nel in action at the annual white-collar boxing night held at Body Elite fitness and boxing gym.

Summary of this Positive outcome for Maties Netball year’s sport stars

ANDRÉ HUISAMEN

uring 2016 Maties Sport reached some incredible heights with athletes and teams performing not only on local levels but also internationally. Die Matie covered almost every step of these athletes’ journies throughout the year and thought why not pick the top five best performing stars of 2016.

Justine Palframan Justine, who turns 23 in November, represented South Africa at the Olympic Games in Rio and it comes as no surprise why such an achievement ranked her as our number one sport athlete of 2016. Apart from her inclusion in Team South Africa for the Olympics, 2016 has been a special year for the determined sprinter. She finished fourth in the event at the Africa Games, held in Durban, but was also part of the women’s 4×400m relay team that won gold at the event. She competed in the 200m and 400m at the Olympics and ranked 43rd and 51st in the heats respectively.

Juline Rossouw Rossouw has had a memorable 2016 and has been a stalwart in the Maties netball side for some time now. After captaining her side to the Varsity Netball final in 2015, Rossouw continued to impress and inspire in 2016 and was rewarded for all her hard work by being selected in the Proteas Netball team for the International Diamond Challenge in Durban earlier this month, where they won Gold by beating Zimbabwe in their final match.

Kobus van Dyk What started out as just another season at Maties Rugby Club turned out to be a remarkable year for Maties loose forward, Kobus van Dyk.

NICOLE BRUMMER

Apart from setting the Varsity Cup competition alight, where Van Dyk and his Maties side made it to the final, Van Dyk drafted into the Stormers team where he played a couple of Super Rugby matches, before playing almost the whole of the Currie Cup season for Western Province, where they made it to the semi-finals this past weekend. Van Dyk was named Steinhoff Maties Senior Rugby Player of the Year for 2016 at the annual Steinhoff Maties Rugby Awards dinner. Dylan Swanepoel In his last season at Maties Hockey, Captain Dylan Swanepoel said goodbye in ways that define him as one great sportsman. Swanepoel, who has been playing for Maties since 2011 when he was still in matric, has represented the club more than a 100 times, captained Maties to their 4th consecutive WPGC title, as well as the USSA title, which was the first time since 2009 that Maties won both competitions in the same year. He was named MVP for 2016, Player’s Player of the Year and Coach’s Player of the Year at the Maties Hockey Awards Dinner. He also received the President Cup as Men’s Club Player of the Year. Anruné Liebenberg On 14 September, Anruné won a silver medal in the 400m under the T45-4647 classification (upper limb impairment) at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, her second participation at this major event. Not once, but twice has she gone under the knife this year for knee operations and five months ago she didn’t even know if there was a place reserved for her in Rio. Her hard work and dedication proved evident and her motivation was shown to the world in 2016.

The Varsity Netball League reached the bitter end on Monday when UP Tuks and NWU Pukke faced each other in the finals. Maties, who finished second in 2015, failed to reach the finals, losing against Pukke in the semi finals despite a third quarter comeback. The team scored first but Pukke managed to lead 6-4 early in the game and increased the gap from there onwards. Pukke used power play in the second quarter to build a solid lead of 31-20 and had a reply to every goal Maties scored during the game. The score line read 61-50 when the final whistle blew. Maties ended the season in third place with five wins out of seven matches before the playoffs. This includes an away victory against NMMU and victories on home soil against UJ, UCT and VUT. “I have mixed emotions over our

performance in the Varsity Natball League,” said Juline Rossouw, captain of the Maties Netball team. “On the one hand I know that we had the potential to play in the finals and I am sad that the opportunity was there for us, but we unfortunately could not pull through against Pukke. On the other hand I feel that we grew as a team and I can say that we played better and better with each game and that I am proud of!” The Maties Netball team did not fail in their performance throughout the 2016 season. Although they had a slow start in the competition, Maties still managed to obtain maximum points against NMMU Madibaz, UCT Ikeys, UJ and VUT. The team lost against defending champions NWU Pukke, the score line reading 32-41 in round one and against TUKS in round two with a score of 48-65. For the first time since 2005, Maties managed to defeat UFS Kovsies

Netball, also knocking out the twotime champions with their victory of 54-38 in round 7. The win against Kovsies marked a five straight match winning streak in the league. Rossouw was the first player chosen to represent the senior national team since 2007. Rossouw played her fourth and final season and is known for her exceptional intercepts in the game. Rossouw, along with Charmaine Baard, was chosen to represent South Africa in the Fast 5 team in 2016. Another player that shone was Jo Prins who received her first Player of the Match award in round 6, after three years of playing in the league. Maties will look to build on this year’s success in the 2017 netball season. “This was my last year as a player for the Maties team. “The girls are going to enjoy time off and start the pre-season in November; then the whole process starts over again!” said Rossouw.

GOUE BELT

Foto: FACEBOOK

Photo: PIA NÄNNY

IPPON Maties Judo is die wenners van vanjaar se USSA kampioenskappe.