Die Matie - 29 March 2023

Co-ed residences in future for SU

TIAAN BOOYENS

Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, issued a statement on Friday, 17 March addressing concerns on the Stellenbosch campus of SU that certain undergraduate men’s residences could become mixed-gender within the next year.

Dagbreek, Huis Marais, Huis Visser and Helshoogte were mentioned as possible spaces for this change due to their structural adaptability at a meeting between the Director of the Centre for Student Communities, Pieter Kloppers, and the Primaria of undergraduate men’s residences along with their respective Residence Heads (RH) earlier this month. In this meeting, it was communicated to student leaders that SU Rectorate had made a decision that residences should better reflect the University’s 60-40 female-tomale gender demographics. According to the statement made by Ramjugernath, the Rectorate came to “an agreement on the need to engage with relevant stakeholders on ways in which to phase in more places for female students in residences on the Stellenbosch campus”. “No decision has been made... nor have any residences been identified for reconfiguration,” according to the statement. The announcement caused heated reactions from student communities, especially those that were mentioned before the statement. There was frustration at the fact that a decision regarding residences was made without engaging with these communities first. However, despite Rectorate’s

intention to address residence placements according to the 60-40 split, SU has assured that students will be involved in the decision-making process.

Margra Wevell, Chairperson of the Prim Committee explained that to ensure broad consultation in the decisionmaking process, Dr Kelebogile Choice Makheta has assured that students will have the opportunity to engage with the working group through submitting proposals.

“The decision is not for a shift towards co-ed residences but rather an increase in the number of spaces available for female students in undergraduate residences,” said Wevell.

“The working group responsible for considering proposals is exploring all options, including co-ed residences, and will report back to the Student Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) after considering proposals from all students.”

Wevell highlighted that in

the initial communication to student leaders regarding the decision, there was some confusion about the data and motivations for the decision, leading to concerns about procedural fairness.

“Although some Prims were open to the idea, there were reservations expressed about the integration of female students into currently male residences,” said Wevell. “It was emphasised that adequate preparations need to be made in order to ensure that the space is properly equipped for female students.”

Student communities now have the opportunity to engage with SU to ensure that their input is taken into account.

The amended rules for student residences, PSOs and clusters (hereafter residence rules), which was approved by Ramjugernath on 24 October 2022 and came into effect at the start of this year, is another point of frustration for some students. The amendments to these

residence rules were intended to be made via the use of various task teams composed of SU staff and student representatives, but lacked transparent collaboration.

One such a task team was aimed at revising the rules relating to visitors in student communities. The present student representatives said that many students would like to be able to host overnight visitors (i.e. friends or family) in residences - a suggestion that was met with disapproval.

According to the task team revisions, visitors rules “are instituted to regulate visitors to the residence, to protect the rights of all paying residents, to prevent possible squatting, subletting and occupation without payment and to promote safety in the residence”.

“I definitely think that there should be an opportunity for residences to formulate their own rules about it,” said Nina Breytenbach, a student who was part of

the task team. Breytenbach thinks that overnight visitors is something that each community could regulate and not something that should be banned as a whole by SU.

“It also makes it very difficult if there are no overnight visitors allowed because students who are in residence sometimes have people who visit them, and then have nowhere to host their guests. It’s a very rigid rule, and it would be better to relax it,” said Breytenbach.

Four months before these amended residence rules were approved, Die Matie surveyed the Primaria representing each of the undergraduate residences at SU and found that out of the 31 residences, 27 responded that they wanted the option of overnight visitors. These findings were submitted to the task team via email, the same format used for coordinating the rest of the task team’s activities, but were ignored.

A subsequent request for an update on the state of the revisions to the residence rules, two months before they were signed into effect, was also ignored. No further communication was shared with students until the amended residence rules were circulated among student communities at the start of the 2023 academic year.

“I don’t think the task team allowed for enough chance to meaningfully engage to actually make a change to the residence rules. Also just the way that it was handled; the task team’s suggestions were made, but the feeling I got, was that the outcome was already decided on, and that the task team’s concerns were just noted,” said Breytenbach.

Amptelike studentekoerant van die Universiteit Stellenbosch Official student newspaper of Stellenbosch University Iphephandaba elisemthethweni labafundi beYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch Gestig in 1941 Established in 1941 Lisekwe ngowe-1941

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW SU considers turning male residences into co-ed spaces.

Photo: Sebastiaan Whitward

STELLENBOSCH NIGHTLIFE GUIDE pg. 7

MATIES CLIMBING BEGINNERS pg. 11

@STELLIES_STYLES OPINIONS pg. 4

Six

Stay WAQE: The queerest podcast on campus

N17 February Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) held a mass meeting to update students on issues regarding registration, readmission, accommodation and food security.

22 February

The National Student Funding Aid Scheme (NSFAS) released a statement that they were considering reporting those who provide student accommodation to the Competition Courts for possible price gouging and collusion. This is because NSFAS believes that student accommodation providers raised accommodation prices to unaffordable prices and would not lower them to the capped amount.

1 March

Students from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) began protesting against the academic exclusion of students with historical debt as well as those who cannot afford accommodation.

22 February

FOn the same day, NSFAS released a statement urging students whose applications were rejected to appeal to the Independent Appeals Tribunal.

Stellenbosch University (SU) saw the release of the second season of the ‘Stay WAQE’ podcast on 28 February. The podcast was launched in 2022 by the WAQE (Women and Queer Empowerment) portfolio of the Student Representative Council (SRC). It aims to educate students on issues affecting women and queer people, and create a space in which to uplift those groups. The host, Yaadein Padiachy (WAQE Manager; she/ her), and co-host Zybian Anders (WAQE Social Media Coordinator; he/him), both feel strongly about using this podcast as a platform to educate

and uplift their fellow students.

Anders, a second-year BA (Social Work) student, said that the podcast is an “amazing way to start a conversation” and that “if you’re not willing to participate in that conversation, nothing’s going to get done”.

“I just want more students to have access to information that can make you change your mind,” adds Padiachy, who is a fourth-year BA (Social Dynamics) student.

The main theme for the second season, and also for 2023, is ‘Breaking the Binary’. In it, many relevant topics will be discussed. This will also be in tune with national holidays,

like using Women’s Month to discuss issues relating to women. Some topics that can be expected this season include ‘Pride’, ‘Abortion Rights’, and ‘Consent’. As a takeaway message, students are urged by Padiachy to “engage more in transformational issues,” and reminded by Anders that “you are safe, you are seen, you have a space. So if you ever want to reach out, you can.” This podcast appears to be on the right track towards achieving a greater sense of shared humanity on campus and to uplift groups that need their voices to be heard.

The Psychological effects of NSFAS on students

LESEDI MNISI

The names of students have been changed to protect their identities and privacy.

Coming to University can be a challenging process and can take a toll on the mental health of students. This challenge has been exacerbated for many students by the NSFAS accommodation cap (amongst other things) in 2023.

According to Elmarie Kruger, a senior psychologist at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) most students who seek help from the CSCD, generally, present with depression and anxiety as well as adjustment disorders.

8 March

SStrikers from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union joined the Wits fees protest.

8 March

Students from the University of Cape Town (UCT) begin protesting against the eviction of students from temporary residences as well as the financial exclu-

Some issues faced by students since the announcement of the NSFAS accommodation cap are food insecurity, historical debt, accommodation issues and uncertainty regarding NSFAS funding.

A student’s ability to perform academically can be affected by these issues. As per Kruger, this relates to Maslows’s hierarchy of needs, which holds that needs that are at the bottom of the hierarchy must be attended to before a person can attend to those higher up. Food and accommodation are at the bottom of the hierarchy

“If people are [stressed] about not having food and accommodation, it’s difficult for them then to focus on the

rest of their lives, especially academic performance. It definitely depends on the person and their situation and the other support they have available.” Kruger says.

Students have been especially challenged by the uncertainty regarding

studying at one of the best universities in South Africa.” Another problem with accommodation that students have faced is not being accepted into university residence. According to SU’s website there are 29 000 students at the university and the university can only house 6500 students in its residences. Therefore 22 500 SU students live off-campus, like Jane.

Jane said, “I didn’t get accepted for NSFAS as my parents work for the Government… I don’t live on campus because they rejected my application for accommodation and I must travel in [to campus] everyday using public transport via the Taxi.”

funding and inability to afford accommodation due to the NSFAS accommodation cap.

Maria, a NSFAS funded student said, “At any given time I can be kicked out of [residence] and just go home.”

She further added that “It is very stressful for me because I come from a very underprivileged family, and for me, personally, my education is the only good thing I [have] got going for me, it’s the only thing that makes me see the light. I don’t want to fall in the footsteps of my mother and live in poverty.

So coming to this university has been a privilege for me,

She further added that she experiences sexual harassment on such public transport and that causes trauma for her.

“Everything I [have gone] through, it mentally affects me and that’s gonna cause a struggle in my academics,” said Louw.

Kruger also said that it is important to understand that “some of these things are not mental health issues, some of these things are social justice issues and life stresses… not all students that struggle with accommodation and food [have] a mental health issue and some do develop mental health issues.”

ANNA VAN DER WESTHUSIZEN AND JOANNA MAEHLER

major events that have occured since the NSFAS accommadation cap was announced.

Photo: Emma Jane Metcalf

SPhoto: Emma Jane Metcalf

APhoto: Ernst Calitz

Photo: Ernst Calitz

!Photo: Ernst Calitz

Graphic: Freepik.com

TOCO: Can money grow on trees?

the “quality and quantity of the carbon credits held in The Carbon Reserve” on its blockchain register. Each user on the toco network also undergoes identity verification by providing ID and proof of address, eliminating anonymous transactions and differentiating, as well as distancing, itself from other cryptocurrencies and its potential hazards.

“For me, [human rights] means being free as a human being. Being able to do what you want, when you want, without, sort of, anyone judging you.”

Toco (tonnes of carbon) is a new digital currency that emphasises the inherent value of the natural environment as an economic asset through carbon offsetting. A single toco represents one tonne of carbon dioxide that has been credibly removed from the atmosphere, as it aims to generate environmental wealth from economic growth.Toco was founded by Neil Schoeman, Johan Pretorius and Paul Rowett, and launched in Stellenbosch in February of this year.

“[When] I look at the younger generation, something tells me there’s a burning desire to change, to evolve. There’s a frustration with the system they’ve been born into, the system they’ve inherited”, says Rowett, the CEO of Toco, who is also heading up the initiative in Stellenbosch. He further says, “Let’s think about this differently... Capitalism is not going away and we’re not going to find a

system of value that’s going to replace capitalism in the next 40 years, and by then it’s too late. Let’s be pragmatic. Let’s find a solution that fits within capitalism and that values the natural world as an asset within the capitalist construct, so that we can make change quickly.”

The Carbon Reserve, an independent NPO based in Switzerland, centrally holds and owns carbon mitigation assets. These are exchangeable from Rands to tocos, the unit of currency on the toco payment platform app. Carbon mitigation assets refer to credible carbon offset certificates (carbon credits) issued at the verifiable permanent removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Carbon mitigation is done through a variety of methods, such as reforestation, soil sequestration and carbon capture. Thus, a toco functions as a carbon credit, with monetary value. Toco aims to create greater demand for carbon offsetting, thus

expanding the voluntary carbon market and increasing the value of carbon credits.

“Whatever the thing is that gives money its value, in terms of the unit of extraction, gets huge demand…[The] underlying asset of CO2 removal is the natural world… It’s a way of creating this asset class, called environmental wealth”, says Rowett, explaining that toco functions much like the gold standard and that their goal is to create a goldrush on the carbon market. Toco works as any other currency, with an exchange rate of about R177 at the time of publication, and is stored on the toco app in a digital wallet. These tocos can be used to pay for goods and services at businesses in and around Stellenbosch that offer the payment option, as well as saving and trading, at a 1% transaction fee. Using blockchain technology, toco aims to be as transparent as possible by making information available on

“We’ve been through all the compliance checks, we’ve been through the government checks. We’re about to become a regular FSP (Financial Service Provider) when the window opens in June. We comply with all traditional finance [regulations]… [Toco] is not a fly-by-night operation”, Rowett explains.

Rowett continues, “We’re not doing this as some sort of profit-seeking initiative. The founders behind this are doing this because of purpose. We’ve given humans, citizens of the world, the opportunity to create an immense impact with not a lot of friction.”

“I’m not philosophical in my beliefs, but I certainly believe degrading the natural world is not the way to go. When this really crystallised for me was when I looked at my [newborn] daughter for the first time, and the weight of the reality of things dropped for me. My purpose is not for me anymore, it’s for her future and the lives of other kids and the world that we leave behind for them”, Rowett shares. Toco can even be used in the Neelsie Student Centre. Jeff’s Place, Jack’s Bagels, Nca’Kos and Toast are all toco merchants. EnRoute and Panda also accept payment in tocos. The list of toco merchants are available on the Toco webpage.

“It’s the significance of how South Africans gained their rights and the control and the autonomy over themselves back in a country that was originally their own and taken away from them.”

“Human rights means equality and free rights to everyone and [anyone], no matter ethnicity or religion.”

“Definitely the right to voice your opinion, 100 percent. From a female perspective as well, because there is a lot of patriarchy that happens. Like, in the sports world, in the corporate world.”

“I really think [Human Rights Day] is a day we can celebrate like a country coming together and people really just being able to freely express themselves.”

The Three Sisters are doing it for themselves

FLAVIA DAVIDS

Just four days before International Women’s Day, the Three Sisters Bursary Fund (TSBF) was launched at Die Stal, Coetzenburg on Saturday 4 March. The bursary fund, lovingly named to refer to the neighbouring Erica, Nemesia and Serruria residences, was made possible by collaboration with the Stellenbosch Women Alumnae Network (SWAN), a networking initiative from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division that has been in operation since August 2020.

The fund’s establishment is the brainchild of the house committee members of the three residences, and the vision behind the fund was to address the financial burdens experienced by financially disadvantaged and academically deserving undergraduate residents of the Three Sisters.

“Every year the residence heads and house committee members become more and more aware of financially disadvantaged students, but [we] unfortunately cannot assist due to limited funding,” explained Sindiswa Jamba,

residence head of Nemesia Residence and alumni co-ordinator at SU’s Development and Alumni Relations Division.

“We know that there is a Residence Fund from the Bursary Office where the residence heads may nominate financially deserving students in their residence annually. However, the funds are not always available and are also limited. We came together and brainstormed on how we can assist in a sustainable manner for future generations to benefit,” said Jamba.

The residences are hope-

ful that, with the donations of alumni and other generous individuals, the fund will be able to shoulder the burden of identified students by granting full-cost bursaries to cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, meals, and study material. While this is the end goal, Jamba is hopeful that, with the assistance of donations, the fund will also be able to assist with ‘the expenses that no-one talks about’, which includes, but is not limited to, the cost of travel during holidays and the struggle to secure necessities, such as bedding,

on arrival at the residences.

Jamba’s optimism at the fund’s establishment is shared by fellow residence head Carla Kroon, who is a data analyst for SU’s Division Information Governance department and serves as residence head of Erica Residence. Kroon is hopeful that the project will inspire similar projects across campus that can assist other students.

“I hope that the bursary provides an opportunity to deserving students within the Three Sisters to make their higher education dreams come true at Stellenbosch University,” said Kroon.

THE TOCO TEAM can be found at their new office on 32 Ryneveld Street. Photo: Aurelia Mouton

AURELIA MOUTON

Ayanda Ntimande

Diyajal Prakash

Michael Lellyett

Ofentse Mphiwa

Kayla Olivier

sober fun

ANICA HATTINGH

Whether it’s embracing your inner foodie or unlocking those creative juices, Stellenbosch is a town that is known for more than just its wine farms and breweries. The idea of spending a Friday evening

STUDENT LIFE

and accessible to all students.

watching movies like they did in the 80s or hiking the Jonkershoek trail on a crisp Saturday morning, is not uncommon. Rather, it is embraced. Some students, who have mainly abstained from drinking alcohol (under any circumstance), suggested some fun alcohol-free alternatives. Many of the events, places and activities on their lists not only embrace the idea of ‘sober fun’, but also the idea of being affordable, nearby

Snapshot opinions on

Stellies style

1. Calling all foodies: It’s no secret that Stellenbosch, and its neighbouring areas, is home to many restaurants, eateries and bakeries. The small Western Cape town lends itself to many different types of foodie hotspots, such as sixcourse meals on one of its fancier wine farmsor the homestyle comfort food of de Vrije Burger. However, if you are looking for an activity that doesn’t just require the simple task of sitting down for a meal, but also requires you to get your hands dirty, then Polkadraai Strawberry Farm is just the place for you. This farm allows visitors a hands-on food experience by having them pick their own strawberries. The farm also offers an authentic farm stall that sells various jams, preserves,

dried fruit and many more farm fresh produce. The farm doesn’t just allow you the chance to pick strawberries, but also offers various other activities such as mini golf, a tractor ride (in which you learn the history of the farm), pedal karting,etc. The prices range from R20 - R25, depending on the activity.

2. This one is for the cinephiles, artists and romantics: If painting and working with your hands sounds more like you, then Clay Café (situated on Groot Parys Estate in Paarl) and Ceramic Café (in Stellenbosch) are worth considering. Clay Café, in contrast to Ceramic Café, allows you the opportunity to paint a premade bisque item. There is an array of items to choose from. Anything goes. Some options that they have available are typical household wares such as mugs, plates and bowls, however, if you are feeling a little more daring and want to create something out of the ordinary then their figurines or miscellaneous items are just the things for you! Prices range from R160 -

What do you think of the filming style of the account (filmed without explicit consent?)

Jenna Cross, BA (Visual Communication Design): Oh my hat, they feel like a spy! But I think it’s cool. I do wish I could see more of the outfit though, because sometimes people have great outfits but you don’t see the front because [Stellies Styles] doesn’t want to be caught.

R180, which includes a set studio fee of R45, your paint and the glazing of your item.

3. For the nature lovers and adrenaline junkies: Now, if slow and easy is not your style then this category of ‘sober fun’ activities is brimming with ideas for you to try.

Not only has Stellenbosch been successful in creating a space for the foodies and the artists, but it has also been quite successful in using its surrounding environment to create adrenaline-pumping activities. For those who don’t necessarily enjoy the thrill of ziplining, bungee jumping or kayaking, Stellenbosch and Cape Town have a lot of hiking trails to offer. The most common hiking trails among the Maties students are of course Jonkershoek, Lion’s Head and the Stellenbosch trail behind Coetzenburg stadium. Hiking doesn’t necessarily have to be about physical strength and stamina, but rather the experience can be embraced and adapted to be more fun. Whether it is making pancakes and coffee on the summit or being there to see the sunrise, the possibilities when it comes to hiking these trials are endless.

Which fashion trends do you think are overrepresented or overhyped?

Aiden Gabriels, BA (Language and Culture): I would probably have to say the baggy looks or shorts and plakkies. Maybe also shorts and sandals.

Which faculty do you think has the best fashion

Taking cues from popular Instagram and TikTok accounts that document student fashion in major cities abroad, from New York to Stockholm, a locally run Instagram account @ stellies_styles, curated by a self-proclaimed ‘local fashionista’, has recently

surfaced. The account has been documenting Maties’ fashion since their first post on the 3rd of June 2022 and regularly posts reels and videos with footage of students out and about, often with the camera situated far away from or behind the subject.

Lané De Lange, BA (Language and Culture): Arts and languages? I think it might just be because we are deliberately creative. In that creativity we also try to express that in what we wear and how we present ourselves.

Aiden Gabriels

Callum Wilcox & Chulu Makapela

Jenna Cross

Lané de Lange & Leah Setai

Mental Health on campus

The 2023 academic year is well underway, and with it comes the usual pressures. The strain on students’ mental health has led to an outcry for aid. This is due to the emotional impact of university and the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to be aware of the support available to students who need it, both on and off campus.

Elmarie Kruger is the Senior Counselling Psychologist and Acting Head of the Unit for Psychotherapeutic and Support Services (UPSS), at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD).

Kruger explains that,

“COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns impacted on people emotionally, socially, but also financially [and they] had to manage the uncertainty ofthings,aswellasadjustallthetime to new ways of doing [things].”

Acclimatising to university is never an easy process, regardless of the residual effects of the pandemic compounding upon the ongoing shifts in our environment. Kruger admits, “There has been a well-documented increase in mental health issues in general, globally.” Fortunately, there are resources available for those struggling.

The CSCD is Stellenbosch University’s (SU) frontrunner in the battle against mental health issues. The UPSS has a wide range of services offered to fit the various needs of the student body. This includes individual and group therapy, but they also facilitate courses, workshops, and group meetings.

These are namely, the Mindfulness Course, Peer

Support Group, Skills Workshop:Social Adjustment to Student Life, Grief Support Group, Addictive Behaviour Support Group, LGBTQIA+ Support Group, Neurodiversity Group, and their Mental Health Awareness Series. All these resources are available on their website.

The UPSS is aware of the increase in the demand for mental health assistance on campus. To combat the issue they have a proactive approach that includes numerous methods of assistance (awareness, life skills, counselling, and therapy). These can help a student to better understand themselves, their issues, and their outside influences, alongside developing coping methods. Additionally, they are expanding their revenue to account for more students and their specific needs.

Kruger says, “We have, in the past few years, expanded [our] staff to include registered counsellors, wellness counsellors, in addition to the psychologists and social workers. […] This year we are also collaborating with different academic departments (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Industrial Psychology, Psychology, as well as Theology) to expand [our] service offering to [our] clients.”

Luckily, help does not stop there. Students have a plethora of options available

if they would prefer to seek assistance outside of SU. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is Africa’s largest mental health organisation and they offer resources and aid for people at different stages in life and for a variety of mental illnesses (www.sadag.org).

Families South Africa (FAMSA) Western Cape is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that specialises in relationship counselling. The Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety hotline is also there to provide emotional support for those who are in distress or at risk of suicide (0800 70 80 90). There are a list of hotlines readily available if one is in distress: the South Africa Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567), Rape Crisis (021 447 9762), and more.

Places like the Mental Health Information Centre share information on medical practitioners across the country. The Akeso Crisis Helpline (086 143 5787) also offers information regarding mental health and mental health services in South Africa. The Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline (0800 456 789) even provides free counselling support to people in South Africa who are in distress.

Helene von der Heyden, a first-year

student in BA (Social Work), shares that when she feels stressed, to help her mental health she, “generally likes to exercise”. If she does not have time to exercise, she normally journals as a way of finding clarity.

Furthermore, Rachel Corkill, a second-year student who is studying BCom (Industrial Psychology) says she likes to go on walks as it helps to, “Relieve a lot of stress and just give me time to think and process [the] emotions I am feeling”. Perhaps, the way other students deal with stress can help.

There are plenty of resources many students may not know about, from helplines to organisations that can assist with mental health. Mental health should be taken seriously from the first sign of feeling overwhelmed. Talk about your issues, surround yourself with friends, go to the CSCD, or talk to someone on a helpline. Take care and reach out.

PHENYO LEWANIKA AND CIARA SHAYE SEAMAN

An Equality Unit case officer is alerted and assigned to your complaint

Your case officer contacts you for an in-person or online meeting

4 3 5 6 Lodge complaints at www.sun.ac.za/thetha or unfair@sun.ac.za

Your case officer assists you with the online form if your complaint was lodged via e-mail

Your case officer provides you with feedback on the recommendations and a way forward

A preliminary assessment is completed at your first meeting Interviews and information are gathered from respondents/ witnesses Information gathered is referred to advisors who provide recommendations

Your Stellenbosch Nightlife Guide

EMMA HAMMAN

By day, Stellenbosch is a well-known tourist attraction flaunting 19th century Dutch architecture combined with exceptional wine experiences. By night, the students take over. Walking on campus you will meet a group of diverse students hurrying to class. There is then no surprise that this small town provides a very lively nightlife with a space for all. With over 12 clubs and bars all within walking distance from each other, Stellenbosch truly is a bar-hopper’s paradise. A stone’s throw away from campus, Bohemia is famous for its pop-punk meets rock-music vibe. A wide variety of unique people storm to this popular drinking hole all through the day – especially on Thursday evenings for band nights. If bokswyn is your drink of

choice this is the place to be.

The Mystic Boer, known by locals as Mystics, has been serving cold beer since 1997. Today you are guaranteed to have an adventure entering its doors to its graffiti-covered interior.

Dorp is the hub for Sunday night sport watching, where passionate football or Formula One-lovers gather to support their teams. However, once the games are over, it’s gotime on the dancefloor. Their mouth-watering cocktails will keep you there all night.

Just down the road, Julian’s is the pre-drink capital. Popping in for a quick clock-drink before going out and, ironically, losing track of time is a recurring event for most students. Walking past you can hear someone tell their drinking buddy they can’t leave before the clock strikes the next special.

Lit-up colourful bottles, slushies and busy dancefloors put Centraal on the map, but lately the atmosphere is more calm and you are most likely to run into a cheerleader or two after a Varsity Cup game. Comfortable booths for smoking some hookah with good company and groovy music is what you can expect when heading here. From outside Centraal you can hear Penthouse and Nu’bar competing for the loudest music trophy. Students stream to these two for DJ’s and well-priced drinks to keep them on the dance floor. Inge Gerryts, third-year BAcc student, praises Nu’Bar as her favourite bar, “Their music – especially the oldies – is my favourite. I love their vibe and their Gin specials!”

If you’re looking for an Elsenburg student in plakkies,

drinking a brandy and coke, you will find them in De Akker. Tables spread out underneath big oak trees is a favourite amongst Afrikaans students chatting the night away. The tiny interior and wooden bar provide a country feel emphasising that it is indeed the oldest bar in town.

Upstairs from De Akker, Fool’s Gold celebrates groovy music while attracting some of Stellenbosch’s best dressed students in pretty scarves. The big disco ball puts everyone in a good mood and the hand-picked DJ lineup ensures no one sits still.

De Lapa is famous for their robot-drink that represents a traffic light and drinks sold in buckets. With an upstairs and downstairs dancefloor there’s always space to pull out your best dance moves.

Pro tip: De Lapa gives

out a free birthday drink!

Whether you have the voice of an angel or should receive a wooden mic, Aandklas will give you a stage to give karaoke your best shot on a Tuesday night. The same stage hosts live bands rocking and rolling their socks off. The pool table is always occupied and outside fairy lights shimmer above alternative students drinking a cold beer. Van der Stel, looking out on its sports fields, is the perfect place to cheer on the Springboks on rugby days. If you’re in the mood for live Afrikaans music, you’ll find it here. Whether you spent the night at De Akker, Fool’s Gold or Aandklas – Catwalk should be your final stop. The last hours of an evening spent in Stellenbosch should be danced away. Catwalk provides three dancefloors, each with their own vibes.

Centraal, in Andringa street, is well-known among students for their colourful bar area.

PHOTO: Emma Olivier

Kloudink’s (Aand)klas is in session

EBEN LABUSCHAGNE

If you’ve recently found yourself in a bar watching a loud, gaudy, balls-tothe-wall indie act throw down a performance worthy of its own song, then chances are you witnessed Kloudink doing what they do best: knocking the socks off everyone in Aandklas. Their unique production- oriented indie blend of soft pop and rock, incorporating a wide

range of sounds and feels to match their regular show circuit around their origin point of Stellenbosch and the diverse City of Cape Town.

“I love music, man. There’s nothing like it. That’s why we like Aandklas. It’s so fucking loud!” says Theo, lead vocalist and guitarist of the group. Indeed on the 4th of February, Aandklas was shaken to its foundations by Kloudinks searing

power matched only by Theo’s bombastic stage presence.

“I really enjoy jumping around and doing all of those stunts because that’s what my body is telling me to do. It’s the best when [the] music is pulsating through every bone in your body, which Aandklas is really good at doing”, says Theo.

Kloudink chooses their venues with its capacity for their style of performance strongly in mind, giving us a feeling of just how integral their live energy and power is to their music.

“It comes with experience on the one hand, but [on

the other],it doesn’t always happen. We love playing here [at Aandklas], this is the third year in a row. We don’t play many shows, because we don’t like doing it when it doesn’t feel right. It happens. We try a venue and [if] I don’t feel like losing my shit, we’re not coming back.” says Theo of his regular haunt.

This seemingly unfettered energy does not come without its trials and tribulations however.

“Everyone is doing their own thing and everybody’s seeing what everyone else is doing,” says Seb, Kloudink’s bassist of Cape Town’s ever competitive music scene. “That can easily make you feel lesser than. I think that’s a battle for most artists.”

Kloudink’s sound captures the dreamy and liminal setting of urban Western Cape and student life in Stellenbosch

with the appropriate energy and simultaneous and but simultaneous smooth yet crisp production. that shows in the group’s recording process that places emphasis on the instrumental track.

“Melody and lyrics come after the instrumental. We’ll usually make the instrumental then I put on a mic with a lot of autotune and just let rip,” says Theo of their studio undertakings. Kloudink, especially in their attitude towards performance, set a golden standard for what a night out watching a band in Stellies could be like. Showing an absolute commitment to delivering a show that leaves spectators wanting for more, they have established themselves as a must see act in the Garden Route circuit. Kloudink can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and on Instagram @kloudink.

Woodwater: An integrated sound experience

JAIME WATKINS

On 18 March 2023, Annemie du Plessis, in collaboration with a number of soloists and the Wood and Water chamber orchestra, performed Wood on Water: An integrated Sound Performance. Rooted in Annemie’s history and connection to nature, what can only be described as an otherworldly experience unfolded. Sound and visual elements were combined to create three unique pieces, each of which elicited different emotions and visions.

Sitting in a dimmed auditorium, clicks and claps bounced against the wall,

whilst an operatic voice carried the listeners under the canopy of ancient forests, across desert sands, and through trickling streams. To the right of the audience, a visual artist created a visual picture that mirrored the movement of the music and what one would imagine the landscape would sound like. An audience member, Jacques Vermeulen, commented on the experience, saying that “In a room full of humans, it felt very un-human”. This feeling may have been evoked by the peculiar and unusual use of instruments by the orchestra, with musicians

tapping the wood of the violins and cellos, or the rapid plucking of strings that created a synthetic radio static. Before the pieces were played for a second listening, the conductor, David Wolfswinkel, suggested the audience “listen for texture”. The cocreation between each of the members of the ensemble meant each was forced to push the boundaries of their musical talents, going so far as endeavouring to listen to their instruments differently. The short and inexperienced review of the intriguing experience cannot do this innovative performance justice.

Kloudink performing at Aandklas.

PHOTO: @shutterbug.png

A collection of quiet moments.

PHOTO: Jaime Watkins

Editorial Playlist.

Autumn Edition

1. Smoke ( feat. Lucky Daye) –Victoria Monét

2. Strangers –Roosevelt

3. Cinnamon Girl –Lana Del Ray

4. Under Tongues –James Ivy

5. Halloween –Novo Amor

The Piano’s Neelsie

Iwatch the pianist’s fingers waltz over the keys of black and white: swiftly and elegantly, with a certain adamancy. Through their search for an honest melody, they seem to reveal more about the artist than the music itself. With every note, they paint a picture of a place where the soul could be at peace.

The pianist is Grant Rousseau, fourth year BEd student. In his mastery you can see that music rushes through him. To him this piano is more than just another instrument as he explains,“The piano can be a way of expressing whatever we can’t put into words.”

“If it's classical music, it’s also a great way to connect with the past… it’s a different kind of thinking,” he says, going further to commend the timelessness of the music and the way that it could be used as a means of communication when words fail.

To the left of the piano sits the owner of the Neelsie piano, Freddie Kruger, the man behind the beloved coffee shop MyBrew . To him it is a way of giving back

and bringing people together. He admits that the piano seems somewhat out of sorts where it is.

“It belongs in a house, but it’s in the Neelsie. We took the chance and it’s amazing to see how many people enjoy it. I mean, it creates such a lekker atmosphere,” says Freddie.

Rousseau echoes this incentive, saying “[When] you’re playing, some people come up and either they are also piano players or they are just interested and they strike up conversations like that.

I’ve met a lot of people just from playing the piano here”.

“I was born with only 30% of my vision, and as a result I can’t play sports… so it was part of a case of [having to pick] something, so I picked music.

I started going for lessons when I was seven, but within six months they told me that unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to continue, because you can’t read music. I can’t see the music in front of me, so obviously that means that I can’t play. There aren’t any braille options[available for music] - as it currently stands.

” says Cole Baker, second year BCom Law student, who is also a frequent visitor to the piano. He stopped formally playing, but after itching to play again after four or five he taught himself to play by listening and finding the keys that mimic the sounds.

To him the piano is a way to help others, through positive representation that might be in his situation. Baker continues, “I think that people kind of stigmatize what you can and can’t do when you’re disabled… Other people (that) may struggle with something similar may see me in light of a disabled person and a person who is able to overcome the challenges I have and might be able to do the same thing. It’s just about being present and seen on campus and I think there’s no better place than plonked right in the middle of the Neelsie.”

As seen through Baker’s story, the impact of the piano might even be felt further than just the music that stems from it.

It seems that not just the students of Stellenbosch

6. Special Affair –The Internet

7. True Blue –boygenius

8. Broken –James Bugg

9. Tornado Warnings –Sabrina Carpenter

10. Musta Been a Ghost –Próxima Parada

are being brought together. Lecturers, professionals and maintenance staff are showing off their musical abilities too.

“There’s one specific guy I have in mind that no one knew he could play a piano and not even the faculty or the people that he works for knew that he is such a master behind the piano, and he came here and he sat down and everybody was just gob smacked by the talent

And I feel like everybody and anybody can relate to some sort of music; it’s something that just brings people together.” The piano is a statement piece; a piece that reminds students to slow down, reflect and remember that they are part of the greater melody of life.

Baker

playing the piano in front of the My Brew in the Neelsie.

PHOTO: Charlotte Moss

Abecoming shorter, but somehow feel longer, campus is abuzz with busy students rushing to and fro. The Neelsie is a hive of activity, best avoided around lunch time, and study centres are crowded with zombies trying to remember the difference between determinism and utilitarianism.

With book bags weighing a tonne, they shuffle into Spar to buy their third Red Bull with money they don’t really have. Class numbers are dwindling as fewer and fewer people show up and

more signatures disappear from the register. Good sleep is few and far between as the zzzzzz’s seem just out of reach. The mass malaise is beginning to kick in just as the rain clouds gather and force you back to bed.

The last-minute assignment hand-ins and growing unease of waiting for marks, herald the season of the semester test. A slow season it certainly is not. Like bees, we zoom from one thing to the next, while avoiding the huge raindrops pummeling down suddenly, with the sun still out. Gone are the grass days,

Campus Quotes

“I go to skink a dop, and I find this chick with another oak in MY room!”– Guy in En Route.

“I am not crying over this man. He barely has his NSC!” – A graduate student.

“I’m only finishing this degree for good conversation.” – Heard outside the library.

“Prescribed books are a scam and I’m not putting you through that. You’ll still definitely be charged, but not in the same way.” – Lecturer.

Editorial staff

Editor-in-Chief Aurelia Mouton

Layout Editor Jaime Watkins

Photo Editor Emma Jane Metcalf

News Lesedi Mnisi

Student Life Amber April

Dag & Nag Kobus Erasmus

Sport Kezia Daniels

Sub-editor (English) Alison Hermanus

Sub-editor (Afrikaans) Aldo Horn

Social Media Emma Hamman

Online Jani Roux

Managing Editor Tiaan Booyens

Financial Manager Emma Cochrane

KLAGTEPROSEDURE EN FOUTRAPPORTERING / COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND REPORTING ERRORS

Die Matie is onderhewig aan ’n gedragskode wat by Studenteregering by die Afdeling Studentesake beskikbaar is.

Klagtes oor Die Matie se inhoud moet volgens die uiteengesette prosedure binne veertien dae ná publikasie aanhangig gemaak word. Die Matie subscribes to the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media.

If we do not adhere to this code, please contact the Press Council of South Africa at https://www.presscouncil.org.za/

If we do not adhere to this code, please contact the Press Council of South Africa at https://www.presscouncil.org.za/

and pool days, and doing nothing days. We mourn the loss of a little time on our hands and lament exam dates inching closer. Fear not, though. This too shall pass and hopefully, so will you. Be advised to dodge those suspicious coughs, which in equal probability, is either Covid or vaping, and forge ahead to your study spot of choice with bravery. Drink as much water as coffee and venture out into daylight and fresh air every now and again. Your room shouldn’t feel like a bunker, scattered with paper, twisted blankets and bowls of

2-minute noodles. There is still a world outside your window, and a world beyond your studies. To remind yourself of this, check in with a few friends every day, if only to serve as proof of life.

CONTRIBUTORS

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Photo: Jaime Watkins

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LAYOUT: Helena Reid PROOFREADERS: Abigail de Klerk Simone Christain Theodora Njati

The new belayer on the block: Maties Climbing beginners

BY JANI ROUX

What do you get when you combine a route guide, a group of expectant climbers, ‘Brave Heart’ by Johnny Clegg playing in the background and breathtaking views together? That would be a weekend of climbing with the Maties Climbing Club.

From 10 to 12 March, Maties climbing took their

new members on an outdoor climbing expedition to the heart of climbing country in Montagu to show them what climbing is all about.The weekend’s fun started on Friday evening when the club departed from their climbing wall at Coetzenburg and then traveled to De Bos campsite in Montagu. Two hours later, tents were up and excitement for the following day started to build!

In the world of rock-

climbing there is a lot of lingo to be learned. Two such phrases include, “crag”, the general term for a climbing area, and “crux”,the toughest move or sequence of moves on a climb. So, just like every rose has its thorn, so every crag has its crux. This was something the beginners were going to learn the hard way.

On Saturday, the climbers were divided into two groups led by Tian Nothnagel, third year BEng student, and Ben Louw, BSc (Hons) student. One group made their way to a climbing area known as Bold and Beautiful and another to what’s known as The Steeple. For many, like Genn Echun, second year BEng student, this was their first ever outdoor climb. As a new climber Echun suggested that the golden rule is, “don’t forget to breathe and don’t look down”.

At the different crags the committee members set up climbs, using their trusty route guide (a guidebook to help determine the location of climbing routes at crags). The climbers could test their grip on whichever climb tickled their fancy and also begin to hone their belaying skills taught to them at the safety training held earlier that week.

“[It’s] stunning to climb in an area like this, when I went up I had a little break just to watch the mountains”, Cyrielle Andlauer, a French International postgraduate student, commented on the beauty of Montagu after coming down from a climb.

Saturday afternoon saw the sun hiding behind the mountains, leaving the climbers with a chill. This did not dampen the good vibes or high climbs and everyone was set to go to another beloved crag , Legoland. The name is fitting seeing as there were

at least 10 different climbs set up, making it a climbers’ paradise. Here is where Iben Swarts, third-year BSc student and Maties climbing society committee member, attempted a climb rated 24, which is one of the most difficult climbs in the Montagu area. After about three hours of climbing everyone headed back to camp to have dinner, play boardgames and share stories of their climbs.

The two groups switched locations and one went to Bold and Beautiful and another to Steeples where the climbers had a last opportunity to crack the crux of each climb.

This then concluded the Maties climbing beginners weekend. There will be another beginners climbing weekend next semester,as well as Easter Highline fest in Rocklands for more experienced climbers to anticipate.

Maties Esports logs onto the new year with a brand-new gaming centre

After a long wait and years of talk, Stellenbosch Univrsity's (SU) Esports Society has finally opened their

very own gaming centre on the third floor of the Neelsie. Getting their own gaming centre was an ongoing discussion within the community; however, the demand increased as they

ILKE KRESFELDER aimed to provide more access to members of the club. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to gaming to stay connected with their friends and to pass time.

The gaming centre has “four Play Station 5’s and three Xbox consoles, but that’s just the start because [they] are aiming for world class,” said Mikael Pretorius, a third-year BCom (Information Systems) student. There are multiple tournaments taking place every year, including monthly res-

leagues where the esports club competes against other universities. The streaming link will be available on the Maties esports Instagram.

The society encourages people to join regardless of their level or skill. If competitive gaming sounds intimidating, a large percentage of members also participate in recreational gaming. There is a tier system used which determines the benefits and privileges of each member, consisting of bronze, silver and gold. There is also training offered for people looking to learn how to play new games.

Anja Hartogh, first-year BEd (Intermediate Phase) stu-

dent and one of the few female members, mentions how female members are used to gaming being male dominated and offers these words of encouragement:

“I see it as a safe space now, whenever I need to get out of my headspace, whenever I’m bored or when I’m thinking about things. To get my mind clear I will go play a video game… It’s some way to get out your anger or distract you. So, I’d say girls should really give it a try, because I never thought I would like it or would fall into the habit of playing every day, but now I game every day and it's pretty fun,” says Hartogh, who is a gold-tier member.

STEEP CALM AND CARRY ON Maties Climber on the rocks.

Photo: Leri Swart

ROCK YOUR WORLD Tian Nothnagel in his element. Photo: Milena Krohn

GOAL! Maties gamers trying out the new Esports Centre

Photo: CHARLOTTE MOSS

Follow @matiesclimbing on Instagram

SPORT

Maties Rugby conquers Tuks on home field

BY KRIS BENCE

Achill in the air sets the scene at Danie Craven stadium as Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Maties and University of Pretoria's (UP) Tuks set foot on the field. Maties were back on home turf and ready to deliver a quality game of rugby to their supporters. Maties started off very strong with their first try two minutes into the match. This try was scored by inside center, Waqar Solaan, which was converted to a 7 – 0 lead by flyhalf Jurie Matthee. This early breakthrough set the pace for

the rest of the first-half, and by half-time the score was 31 – 7. Maties were sitting atop a lead that would have made any opposing team panic. This meant that Tuks would have to play with all that they had to pull off a comeback.

During halftime Die Matie asked students in the crowd their thoughts on the first half.

“It's been an awesome and electrifying match so far. A healthy lead on Tuks at home is what I expected, can’t wait for the second half,” said Wesley Hendricks, a BA (Sports Science) student.

Two French exchange students, Amoury Saint Olive

and Louis Pantinx, studying via the Skema Business school exchange program at SU, pointed out that creating a song dedicated to the Maroon Machine would be a great way to support the team. They said, "During the game we should sing the team song, it will be good for the team, and the supporters, and the spirit.” Upon their return to the field Maties were still riding high as it did not take long for them to add to their lead. Jacques Rousseau broke through Tuks defence and scored a try bringing the score to 36 – 7. At this moment Tuks realised it was time to change their

gameplan, because thereafter the try-line was crossed by the visitors three consecutive times, making the far-fetched idea of a comeback sound possible.

This turn of events had Maties supporters on the edges of their seats, because surely a game that was practically already won could not be lost.. A penalty kick from Matthee and a late game try by Simon Millers set Maties supporters' nerves to rest as Tuks were not able to make up the difference in score, even with their last try in the remaining forty seconds of the match

“I think our performance is improving week by week,

You’ve been served!

and Stellenbosch alumni.

On Friday 18 March, a volleyball tournament was hosted on the grass of the engineering faculty. The day was dampened by a light drizzle but spirits remained high amongst the players. Although the annual event was previously reserved for engineering students, recent years have seen it opened up to other students

“For me, I just saw the volleyball day as just an opportunity for students to relax before the upcoming A1s.” said Marcel Lusheshe, a third-year BEng (Civil) student and event coordinator, in explaining why the event had occurred three months earlier. There were also teams that represented the various campus residences and PSOs,

as well as teams with a mix of people from different faculties.

The mish-mash of teams saw no shortage of supporters.

“We’re very excited about today, I’m rooting for Sets on the Beach,” said Meshai Ranchord, final-year BEng (Civil) student, who took a break from studying to support one of the teams.

The highlight of the day was the final game between Sets on the Beach and Technicalities.

there were still instances in the game where we conceded a lot of points… but for sixty-one minutes of the game we were exceptional,” said Matthew Proudfoot, Maties coach.

FNB’s Player That Rocks was awarded to Matie’s Grant de Jager who, in the first half, intercepted a pass to sprint 70m to the try-line, contributing to the lead held over the Tuks.

With a final score of 46 –35, the Maroon Machine got their revenge after losing to Tuks in 2022’s finals. They proved to their supporters that they are more than able to dominate in the remaining rounds of Varsity Cup 2023.

There were three sets, the first of which Technicalities won. Sets on the Beach, won the second round. “Before the game, we definitely knew we were up against a very strong team. […] We definitely knew it wasn’t going to be an easy final, but during the third set our mentality changed,” said Daniel Seidler, PGDip (Accounting) student, who was on the winning team.

ALISON HERMANUS

TANGLED DON'T DROP THE BALL! Photo: Kris Bence

AIR TIME students getting into it. Photo: Emma Cochrane