Die Matie - 6 October 2022

Helshoogte Student To Face CDC after urination incident

ANAKIN CURTIS Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers will consider the facts of the case and de cide on the appropriate remedy, which includes suspension from the Univer sity.

In the early hours of the morning on Thursday 22 September, a resident of Helshoogte Men’s Residence entered his room after a night out and urinated on his roommate’s chair and the floor. This is according to a state ment released by the residence on their Instagram.

The house was informed about the incident via in-person floor meetings and residents were given the oppor tunity to ask questions. The two resi dents involved in the incident request ed that they be allowed to focus on their studies. The affected student was moved to another room and received support from Helshoogte leadership.

According to an official statement released by the University, the student had been intoxicated at the time of the incident. The implicated student was immediately suspended from the residence pending the outcome of an investigation by the Office for Student Discipline at SU. SU Rector and Vice-

“The University considers details surrounding the investigation to be confidential but must emphasise its deep concern regarding irresponsi ble use of alcohol on and around its campus, notwithstanding its extensive interventions and latest revised resi dence rules that regulate alcohol use in residences,” states Prof de Villiers.

University management empha sised human dignity as a non-negotia ble value that must be respected and upheld. This stance was echoed in the finding of the disciplinary hearing in volving Theuns du Toit on the 23rd of June 2022.

This incident, as per the finding made by the CDC, was marked by a blatant disregard for the values of hu man dignity and equality due to the inherently racist nature of the trans

gression. It was dealt with accord ingly, resulting in the suspension and subsequent expulsion of Theuns du Toit from SU.

“The University considers details surrounding the investigation to be confidential but must emphasise its deep concern regarding irresponsible use of alcohol on and around its campus, notwithstanding its extensive interventions and latest revised residence rules that regulate alcohol use in residences,” states Prof de Villiers.

“The University takes a zero-tol erance approach to racism, discrimi nation, prejudice and conduct which assails the dignity of another person,” says Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Dep uty Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching following the expulsion.

Although the incident at Helshoogte appears not to have been racially motivated, there remains con cern of the effects of alcohol abuse among residence members across campus. Alcohol abuse poses an exis tential threat to the safety and dignity of students who are affected by the conduct of intoxicated students.

A statement released by the Stu dent Representative Council (SRC) reads as follows, “We challenge all residences to critically reassess their residence cultures through intentional reflections and honest discussions.”

Mental Health is Mental Wealth!

Stellenbosch is gereed vir ‘n Wilde Woordsfees

HELSHOOGTE UNDER SCRUTINY Helshoote placed under the spotlight following the recent incident.

Photo: SHANNON GOODCHILD

Fossil Fuel (For All) Stellenbosch

Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, at your service

FLAVIA DAVIDS impact committee. Nkosi’s passion for social impact is driven by her desire to serve others, a lesson she learned during her childhood.

Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, a third year foundation phase education student at Stellenbosch University (SU),recently made history during the tertiary institution’s annual election season as the very first black woman to be elected vice-primaria of Equité, a private student organisation (PSO) that was established in 2009.

The PSO, which falls under the amaMaties Cluster of SU, is one of the youngest PSOs established at SU and boasts a vast membership of students who live in private accommodation and travelling students who do not necessarily live within the immediate area of Stellenbosch. Nkosi’s election has given her the opportunity to reflect on her leadership journey thus far and on what she hopes to achieve in her leadership term.

Nkosi’s leadership journey at SU started in 2021 when she was elected as a House Committee member at Equite. Among her portfolios, she served as the head of Equite’s social

Before moving to Langebaan on the West Coast, Nkosi and her family were residents of Overcome Heights, an underprivileged community with a high prevalence of poverty, during her childhood. Nkosi looks back on her experience as one that played a formative role in molding her into the person that she is today and teaching her the value of service to your neighbour.

“[Overcome Heights] might have been poor, but it was rich in ubuntu, in kindness, in respect for your elders, your peers and yourself,” said Nkosi.

Her stay in the area helped her discover what she believes to be her life’s purpose: service to others. This is an ideal that helped her decide to pursue a degree in foundation phase education at SU in order to empower young learners and encourage the furthering of their studies.

“I would love to help disadvantaged students to get into university, and to

change their circumstances through education,”said Nkosi.

Nkosi hopes to centre her role as a teacher around teaching learners practical skills to better their financial stability to aid in improving their livelihoods. She also hopes to make

Oekraïne-oorlog: Kollig val op mediavooroordele

BUHLE BAM

Mense skenk veral aandag aan die Oekraïne-oorlog omdat die dit ʼn groot invloed op hulle daaglikse lewens het met die prys van goedere wat by die dag styg. Dit is volgens Refilwe Moloto – onafhanklike strategiese en beleggingsadviseur en aanbieder van Breakfast with Refilwe op Cape Talk, tydens ‘n paneelbespreking op 28 September.

Die paneelbespreking het die gevolge van hoofsaaklik ras- sowel as geslagsvooroordele in joernalistiek bespreek. Daar is ook oor mediavooroordele wat in die dekking van die Oekraïne-oorlog gesien word, gepraat.

Moloto het verder gesê ʼn groot verskil in die manier hoe die Oekraïne-oorlog, in vergelyking met vorige oorloë, gedek word, is die bereidwilligheid van joernaliste om die Oekraïners se stories te vertel. Sy meen dit is in kontras met die slagoffers wat gewoonlik “mees waarskynlik gesigloos [is] terwyl hulle regering oor gepraat word deur hierdie mediavreemdeling in die voorgrond”

Rebecca Davis, skrywer, joernalis vir Daily Maverick en omroeper vir Cape Talk asook een van die paneelsprekers, noem die hoofrede waarom die wêreld soveel aandag aan die Oekraïne-oorlog gee, is omdat dit ‘n ekonomiese uitwerking op wêreldlande het.

service to others a foundational aspect of her term as vice-primaria in the upcoming year. She also hopes that she will be able to represent women of colour on campus.

“The impact I hope to have is that women of colour can see that this platform is made for them and that they belong there. I want to let them know that they have the ability to take up a chair and create their own table,” said Nkosi.

Davis sê joernaliste hou van die oorlog dek omdat dit ʼn “veilige en suiwer tema” is. Sy glo so omdat daar ʼn identifiseerbare vyand en slagoffer is. In die geval van die Oekraïne-oorlog is president Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin die vyand en die slagoffer die president van Oekraïne, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. Sy vergelyk dit met die Sirië-oorlog waar die vyand en slagoffer nie so maklik uitkenbaar is nie. Davis noem ook dat daar strukturele probleme in die mediawêreld is wat na mediavooroordele lei.

Die strukturele probleme waarna sy verwys, is – volgens die paneelsprekers – dat media ʼn vorm van elitekultuur is, die media die samelewing waarvandaan dit kom, weerspieël en dit is ʼn spieëlbeeld van die gehore wat dit lees, kyk of luister.

Die volgende probleem, volgens hulle, is dat lesers nie berigte oor oorloë wat in Afrika plaasvind, wil lees nie. Dit lei daartoe dat joernaliste meer aandag skenk aan stories wat mense gaan lees, soos die Oekraïneoorlog.

Sanusha Naidu, ’n buitelandse beleid- en politieke ontleder, glo dat die groter uitdaging is dat SuidAfrikaanse media “’n sindikaat van Westerse nuus is”. Naidu glo dat SuidAfrika ook nie genoeg hulpbronne om vaardighede in die akademie te ontwikkel, het nie.

Daar is ook volgens die paneelsprekers nie genoeg hulpbronne in die media nie. Deesdae word al hoe meer jong joernaliste aangestel wat nie die ervaring het om stories in nuwe perspektiewe te skryf nie. Daarom word dieselfde narratiewe konstant in binnelandse beriggewing waargeneem.

It’s Giving Day On SU Campus!

On 6 and 7 October, Stellenbosch University (SU) will be hosting its annual Giving Day, and is challenging alumni, students and staff of the university to get involved.

The purpose of Giving Day is “to help Maties students overcome the many obstacles [in] their path to success. All proceeds will go towards Bridge the Gap (BTG), the

University’s Annual Fund,” says Viwe Benxa, SU’s BTG Ambassador.

Furthermore, he said, “The Bridge the Gap annual fund is a means of bridging the constant inequalities that prevent the success of our students. The aim is to provide a safety blanket with the help of different stakeholders and our alumni to make the academic success of the students a bit easier.”

Giving activities are mostly centered in and around Stellenbosch Neelsie Student Centre, however,

there are opportunities all over South Africa or abroad to contribute to fund.

“SU is raising funds for several initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include: #Move4Food, the Tygerberg Pantry Project, End Period Poverty, #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, #Zim4Zim, #MatiesHaveDrive and Caught in the Middle,” said Benxa.

The Giving Day Activities include a spin-a-thon, Fuel-A-Future, whereby staff, alumni and student communities are encouraged to donate the cost of

Welcome home, alumni

BY CIARA SHAYE SEAMAN

With alumni that includes Thabo Mbeki, Theuns Jordaan, Johann Rupert and many other influential South Afri cans, Homecoming is a special time for both Stellenbosch University (SU) and its alumni. From 8 to 10 September SU hosted some of their 120 000 graduates that all come from four different con tinents, with achievements and stories worth appreciating.

The Alumni Relations Office (ARO) firmly believes that “alumni have lots to offer through sharing skills and knowledge, mentoring, opening up opportunities, and supporting students where there is financial need”.

The platform provided by alumni events, the ARO, allows alums to “net work across generations and contribute positively to the University through providing their time, talent, and treas ure.” The ARO places emphasis on or ganising a variety of events throughout the year to maintain the relationship between graduates and their alma ma ter. These events span from World of Work Week in May, which is aimed at graduates, all the way to Homecoming in September.

Homecoming is known as a time of reunion and reminiscence for these alums. It is also a time for residences to celebrate notable anniversaries. This year, the residences hosting reunions were Huis ten Bosch (85), Eendrag (60), Helderburg (75), Huis Marais (75), Metanoia (15), Heemstede (55), Majuba (55), and Serruria (35).

On Saturday 24 September, Dag breek invited their alumni to fill a time capsule with memories of the past 125 years for their anniversary. The event included speeches from past residents of Dagbreek.

Bernard Buhrmann, the Dagbreek HC for alumni relations, commented that the respect the alumni had for one another was notable and that it was “something that really ex hibited one of [their] house values, mutual respect.” For such reasons, Buhrmann explains that it is vital for residences to honour their alumni be cause he believes their time and ad vice is so valuable.

He continues by saying, “Experi ence cannot be bought, or taught, but a great deal of lessons could come from it.”

Additionally, Nerina hosted their first year reunion on Saturday 10 September, in which Nerina firstyears from each prior decade (2012, 2002, 1992, 1982, 1972) visited the residence. The newly appointed HC took a walk through memory lane with their alums whilst giving them a tour of the renovated residence. They also sang their new song to the alum ni, which was a special experience for both past and present students.

“There is no better way to learn about a place’s history than through someone else’s personal stories,”said Vera Fölscher, the Nerina HC for alumni relations.heading.”

their coffee towards Bridge The Gap.

There will also be a Maties Run, whereby each runner is sponsored, as well as a Movie Marathon in the newly revamped Neelsie Cinema!

“Giving Day is an example of how we can all come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of students in need. Here at Stellenbosch University we believe that no student should be left behind. All gifts, no matter how small, are welcomed and will be greatly appreciated,” says

Benxa.

Furthermore, there would also be a social media prize for the best promo video for Giving Day 2022. Participants are encouraged to show off their creativity and tag BTG on their social media platforms.

Online contributions can be made towards Bridge the Gap at https:// matiesalumni.com/

A WOMAN OF SERVICE Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, the first Black Vice Primaria of the PSO, Equite

“I would love to help disadvantaged students to get into university, and to change their circumstances through education,”said Nkosi.

OEKRAINE-OORLOG Photo: BUHLE BAM

Newly Elected SRC Up, Voter Turnout Down

AMBER APRIL

Stellenbosch University (SU) has recently elected their new Student Representative Council (SRC). The SRC elections took place between 8 and 12 August, whereby 15 candidates availed them selves for leadership. The voter turn out was underwhelming in that out of 29 618 eligible voters, only 8.83% of those students voted for SRC Mem bers. This came after the announce ment of the new SRC on 15 August.

Their mission statement is as fol lows, “We as the SRC seek to achieve sustainable impact and experiential transformation through promoting intentional student servitude under pinned by mindfulness, transparency, and accountability in the spirit of Ubuntu.”

The SRC consists of 10 elected members, and within this number, there are multiple portfolios including treasurer, student wellness and lead ership development as well as social impact and sustainability.

Masilo Silokazi, recently elected SRC chairperson, said, “We believe that trust starts with the small things. Office duty is when students can come to the SRC office and ask for que ries on any issue. We have currently been intentional about helping stu dents with their queries until they are solved,” when questioned about how the SRC will restore confidence within the student body.

She noted that, “Additionally, we have started the tradition of having SRC meetings at residence spaces to increase the visibility of the SRC but more importantly, give students great

er access to the SRC. Our aim in this is to emphasize that outside of the stu dent leadership of residences and PSO -there is a plethora of channels they can approach for assistance.”

With voter turnout being under whelming, the SRC was questioned as to why they believe that the voter turn out was so low. Silokazi said, “His torically there has been a consistent dissonance between different student leadership spaces, SU management, and staff. This dissonance allows for apathy to grow amongst students be cause they believe that assistance can only be found in small isolated pock ets.”

In light of this, she noted that voter turnout may thus seem larger in resi dence or PSO spaces because of the connection in which one feels towards those spaces. Therefore Silokazi said

that the SRC believes that they are being more intentional in ensuring that there is clarity as to how all the leadership spaces are connected, and thus greater voter turnout will be in evitable.

Silokazi said, “Historically there has been a consistent dissonance between different student leadership spaces, SU management, and staff.

To restore trust in the SRC, Si lokazi noted, “We are having termly Student Leadership Indabas to fully bolster the sense of trust within the SRC and within the power that student

Fossil Free (for all) Stellenbosch

TIAAN BOOYENS

Should institutions like Stel lenbosch University (SU) be expected to take more direct climate action? Fossil Free Stellen bosch (FFS), an expanding group of students, alumni and faculty staff at SU calling for its divestment from fos sil fuels, says yes.

According to FFS, the divestment from fossil fuels is a growing global movement where in stakeholders of edu cational institutions, among many other sectors, “[de mand] that insti tutional inves tors decarbonise their investment portfolios to col lectively undermine the market perfor mance of the fossil fuel industry…” to pressure corporations into transitioning to renewable energy. Some notable universities who have pledged to di vest from fossil fuels include Harvard University, Yale University, Cam bridge University and the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Representatives of the FFS cam paign made a list of demands pertain ing to its divestment from fossil fuels to the administration of SU, alterna tively the SU Investment Commit tee, at a panel discussion held at the CoCreate Hub on 20 September. The discussion about the possibilities and obstacles for divestment at SU was hosted in collaboration with Fossil

Free South Africa, EcoMaties Stel lenbosch and the United Nations As sociation of South Africa (UNASA) Stellenbosch Chapter and featured experts in different fields relevant to the conversation around divestment at SU.

The speakers were David Le Page, the founder of Fossil Free South Afri ca, Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operat ing Officer at SU, Prof Guy Midgley, Director of the SU School for Climate Studies, Mel lony Spark, Impact Capital In vestment Officer at Conser vation In ternational, Prof Bob Mash, Head of Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care at SU, as well as Ashley Francis, the former Executive Finance Director of UCT.

The panel discussion offered an informative interdisciplinary per spective on institutional divestment from fossil fuels, and highlighted the contention around SU’s investment into the fossil fuel giant Sasol. An at tendee of the event echoed FFS’s as sertion that it does not align with SU’s responsibilities to its stakeholders to invest the university’s endowment in the fossil fuel industry “[considering] the declining viability of fossil fuels as a sustainable means of providing

energy, and its egregious impact on the environment, biodiversity, and ul timately, human health and safety…” as stated in FFS’s statement.

Prof Du Plessis argued that it could do more harm than good to the institution to lose the benefits of SU’s invest ment into Sasol, ie. study bursaries and infrastructure developments, and posited that there would be no dif ference in the bigger picture of climate action if another company bought SU’s shares.

Le Page countered that it would make a difference since institutional divestment sends a social signal that it is not morally acceptable to profit from the fossil fuel industry. Spark also argued against Prof du Plessis’s comment that individuals are just as

responsible to combat climate change as institutions, by saying that such a statement “ignores the inequity of consumer’s reliance on fossil fuels, and institutions’ ability to be agents of social change.”

Le Page concluded by saying that the current climate change emergency calls for institutions to teach emergen cy climate action, and that SU choos ing to divest from fossil fuels would be a good way to show “intellectual consistency and give moral standing to send that message.”

Anaïs Breytenbach, LLM Law student, newly elected chairperson of EcoMaties and Head of Legal Re search at FFS, delivered the demands to SU at the panel discussion and an nounced a petition that other stake holders of the university could sign in support of the cause.

Spreading the word and tak ing action where pos sible is the best way for individu als to get involved according to Breytenbach.

“We want stu dent participation in the university’s investment policy decision-making to reflect the student community’s de mand for institutional accountability and for SU to actively align its invest ments with its sustainability goals,” said Breytenbach.

Prof Du Plessis said that rep resentative bodies like the Student Representative Council (SRC) are students’ most effective way to en sure that their voices are included in conversations surrounding divestment at SU. Aphiwe Sithole, SRC member of Social Impact and Sustainability, commented that the SRC encourages the university to align with the call for fossil fuel divestment through “nega tive screening”, which gradually shifts new investment away from fossil fuelrelated industries.

“We look forward to initiating a collaborative force with Fossil Free Stellenbosch in readdressing crucial issues such as this campaign and driv ing new projects in order to ensure our institution (SU) aligns with the ethical and sustainable goals in which need to be pursued extensively to [take] Cli mate Action,” said Sithole.

SRC OFFICES The SRC offices, located within the Stellenbosch Neelsie Student Centre. Photo: Uyanda Tyusha

ECOMATIES POSTERS Posters made by Ecomaties to compaign for Climate Action. Photo by Skyla Thornton.

Photo: SKYLA THRONTON

Photo: SKYLA THORNTON

STUDENTE LEWE

Mental health is mental wealth !

By Laura Mutyambizi

In light of mental health day on the 10 October, it is important to shed awareness on the im portance of mental care for mental fitness! September and October are important months for the shar ing of important tools and raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Mental health has become increasingly important due to recent tragedies that have affected the Stellenbosch University (SU) student commu nity, and student mental health is sues on campus.

A former student leader, Mi andra Hayward said she “thinks that it is really unfair to foster the idea that the house committee and mentors are responsible for the mental health of students”.

There is a growing concern amongst student leaders and leaders about the availability of resources on campus. Thus, the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) has increased their engagement with campus residences and Private Student Organisations (PSO) to talk about mental wellness and the services offered by the CSCD. Moreover, to address the increas ing backlog of students that need to use the services of the CSCD, Dr Choice Makhetha, the Sen ior Director of the Division for Student Affairs (DSAF) availed funds to deal with the increasing capacity.

SU management has formed an institutional contingency com mittee on suicidal behavior aimed at addressing this issue at an in stitutional level. This committee is chaired by Professor Deresh Ramjugernath and is also aimed at addressing the short, medium and long term measures to be put in place to support students and their mental health.

In addition, the CSCD has planned various events this month to address the mental needs of students, such as the Creative Ex pressions evening on 18 October, hosted by the drama department at the Adam Small Theatre. Ro byn Wolff, a CSCD consultant will also be facilitating an online

CampusQuotes

“It was only slightly soul-sucking.”- a editor at Die Matie.

“I want to marry your brain, is that romantic or creepy?” “I think it’s rmantic.”-two friends having a deep chat while hiking.

ing at 18h00-19h30 over an eight week period. Furthermore, the Student Representative Council (SRC) is in the process of devel oping a mental health program in collaboration with the CSCD and more information will soon be available on their respective so cial media platforms.

Besides the mental health support from the CSCD, student communities have created safe spaces for students to voice their concerns and stories regarding mental health. Simonsberg Men’s residence recently hosted a posi tive masculinity and mental health panel discussion that was mainly centred around men’s mental health.

Dr Anton Bohmer, a clinical psychologist in Stellenbosch who attended the Simonsberg positive masculinity and mental health panel discussion believes ways in which one could establish a good emotional space includes the abil ity to tap into inner resources to make sense of what we are con fronted with, to find strength in who we are and to talk to people you trust and ask for support when you are need of it.

Therefore, when one builds these strong foundations and abilities it enables one to stand up when you feel neglected by friends, alone or disappointed by academic results or not making a leadership position or when you’re confronted with heartbreak. Thus, he reminds students “to invest in who [they] are, builds confidence. To find the balance when things are rough is valuable in the short term but is also a great reminder of what [they] were able to ac complish the next time [they] are confronted with uncertainty, feel ing low or overwhelmed.”

Lastly, is important that the student community is aware that they can contact suppurtus@sun. ac.za during office hours or con tact 02180084994, when experi encing a psychological crisis that puts them at risk. Moreover, the CSCD in collaboration with ER24 offer after hours services, and can be contacted at 010 205 3032 after 16h00 and before 08h00 through

Ek hou nie van die Neelsie nie...dis nie aes thetic nie.”-student wat oor die Neelsie kla.

“If he really was a team player he would give his position up.”-spectator at a hockey match.

“I’m suprised no one tried to assasinate anyone at the funeral.”-student talking about the queen’s funeral.

“Now, you won’t have to label anything,firstly because it’s 2022, but mainly because you did it in the previous step.”General Linguistics lec turer explaining syntax.

“I am basically buying food to survive so I can keep living in Narga.”hungry,hardworking compSci student.

“If you are a cute guy staying on campus with plenty of COB please pm me.”-a hungry science student on a class group.

“I’m more responsi ble than him, if i do say so myself.He literally phoned me to ask for his banking details.”-student talking about her irre sponsible boyfriend.

“Is he really hot or did you just see him in the bib?”-skeptical friends after studying in the bib.

“He’s giving me Joe Goldberg.”-student de scribing her friend’s fling.

“Are your dreams in Afrikaans?”-student talking to her afrikaans friend. “My dreams very Afrikaans.”-the Afrikaans friend.

“This was an experi ment for your single self... not for my single self.”friends talking to each other on he rooiplein.

“I need to tell you a story when I’m less stressed.”-Editor on die Matie.

EnLIGHTening ways to pass the time during loadshedding

By Hannah Theron

Living in South Africa and being a Matie means that load shedding comes with ‘bib’ sessions, buying candles you don’t want and trips to Moody Blues. With power cuts occurring two to three times per day, students cannot afford to waste time,considering exam sea son is fast approaching.Here are a few tips and tricks to help pass the time by being productive and or having fun during loadshedding.

Studying tips

During these ‘dark times’ planning and preparation are your best friends.When it comes to setting yourself up for a pro ductive loadshedding study session it is important to be aware of when load shedding is scheduled. By download ing the loadshedding app, EskomSePush, students can keep track of the loadshed ding schedule and not be left in the dark. In conclusion, by boiling the kettle and ensur ing electronics are charged it is possible to have a produc tive study session and even make yourself a cup of cof fee.

Places to Study During Load Shedding

Because loadshedding is a daily occurrence that for the time being makes up at least four hours of our day it is important to know where to study. There are many places in Stellenbosch that have gen erators and therefore make great study locations. Study locations can be divided into two categories, namely, cof fee shops or the classic yet student-favourite Stellenbos ch University Library or the Jan Mouton Learning Center. According to second-year BSc (Biodiversity and Ecolo gy) student, Khumo Mgoboli, “the best place to study dur ing load shedding would have to be the library. Even though the plugs don’t work there’s still light and Wifi, and if you sit upstairs you get the best Wifi.” Although the ‘bib’ is a great place to get work

done,a change of scenery is always a good idea. A few of the cozy coffee shops that are great for studying and are open during loadshedding in clude, Schoon, Vida E Cafe, Hygge Hygge, and Legado. The Rupert Museum also has a study area with a café just opposite. Entrance to the mu seum is free.

Alternative things to do during Load Shedding

On the other hand, who says loadshedding should only be a time for work? These four hours offer the perfect time to take a break from studying and instead do something fun. Getting off the couch and going out and about is a great way to pass the time. A few examples of what to do for fun during loadshedding includes, hav ing a stargazing session if it’s night or getting ice cream at McDonalds,watching pre-downloaded series, fi nally start reading that book or catching up with some one you haven’t seen in a while. Being offline is not a bad idea either and creates the perfect opportunity for meditation and relaxation.

Although loadshedding is a disruptive and inconvenient time these tips and tricks could be used to minimize the effects thereof and keep you on the LIGHTer side of life. Studying tips

US-Studente Vier Internasionale Vertaaldag

Deur Buhle Bam

Op 30 September het die Universiteit Stellenbosch se HonsBA (Vertaling)klas Vertaaldag gevier deur ʼn voorlesing van hulle vertaling van Anne En right se kortverhaal "Night Swim", wat van Engels na Afrikaans vertaal is, aan te bied. Die rede vir Vertaaldag, is om erkenning aan taalkundiges te gee en die belangrike rol wat hulle speel te beklemtoon.

Mia van Heerden, HonsBA (Vertaling)-student, was die ser emoniemeester van die geleentheid. Sy het die dag af geskop deur die gehoor te herinner aan die waarde van vertaling.

“Ek dink dit is ’n groot skok vir mense om te hoor [hoe belangrik vertaling is], en dat dit iets is wat regtig hulle bybly. Ons moet ook dink aan hoe lewe sou lyk sonder vertaling, en dat ons nie sonder dit kan voort bestaan nie,” het Van Heerden ge meen.

Van Heerden het verder ge noem dat vertaling, as een van die oudste beroepe in die wêreld, ’n wêreld sonder grense skep. Van Heerden, as ʼn spreker van sewe tale, ag vertaling as baie waardevol, omdat sy dit as ʼn middeweg tus sen verskillende tale wil gebruik.

“Dit was nog al tyd ’n passie van my om nuwe tale te [aan te leer] en te praat. Ek dink

vertaling is maar net deel van my en dit is deel van ons almal,” het sy gesê.

Die kortverhaal “Night Swim” van Anne Enright wat deur die klas van Engels na Afrikaans vertaal is, handel oor ʼn ma wat haar seun na ʼn vriend se huis toe ry. Op pad na die vriend se huis toe speel die verbeeld ingryke seun en sy ma “Sou jy eerder?” (“Would you rather?”).

Een van die vertaaluitdag ings wat die klas moes aanpak, is die gebruik van die woord "selfoonapp" teenoor die woord "toep". Die kleinste details is van hoë belang aangesien sekere woorde tyd, plek en die formaliteit van ʼn gesprek oordra. Die studente kon nie die woord "toep" in ʼn gesprek tussen ʼn ma en seun verbeel nie.

ʼn Paar van die HonsBA (Vertaling)-studente het hulle ervaring van die kursus asook vertaling in praktyk by die Vertaaldaggeleen

theid

gedeel. Elsabé Grauso, HonsBA (Vertaling)-student en een van die studente wat aan die projek gewerk het, het vertel dat vertal ing ’n uitstekende breinoefening is.

“Dit is regtig heeltemal ’n ander manier van dink [wan neer] jy nie op ʼn aanlyn [woordeboek] kan staat maak nie”, het sy bygevoeg.

Angel Hoffman, nog 'n HonsBA (Vertaling)-student, bev eel dis program sterk aan: “Ek het nie geweet wat ek met net my BA (Taal en Kultuur)-graad gaan doen nie, maar ek het geweet ek is lief vir Afrikaans. Ek is lief daarvoor om mense se op stelle vir hulle reg te maak.”

Opgewonde oor wat haar toekoms in die vertaalbedryf vir haar inhou, het Hoffman bygevoeg: "Jy delf net soveel dieper. Jy weet net soveel meer oor die wêreld.”

Nes vertaling die wêreld ver breed vir die studente wat stu

literature” as per its website. During the pandemic, PEN SA began its highly acclaimed podcast The Empty Chair by PEN SA. The podcast was started to explore and engage in conversations regarding themes of solidarity between writers, freedom of expression and issues of social justice.

PEN(ed) thoughts, shared histories

By Lesedi Mnisi

Regardless of international and political disturbances, literature should continue to be common currency to all people and should have no limitations. This is an affirmation found in the PEN Charter.

PEN International is an organisation of writers who are politically unaligned, and it has over 140 centres in more than 100 countries.

According to Lara Buxbaum, The Empty Chair by PEN SA’s executive producer, “PEN International was born after World War One in a spirit of internationalism. The idea was that literature could be a way to overcome the … nationalism, xenophobia and violence after the war and it could be a way for literature to cross boundaries.”

PEN Africa (SA), one of PEN International’s centres, was founded in 1927 and places itself to be South Africa’s “leading moral voice within the world of

“During the height of the pandemic we all felt a loss of structure of our daily lives and the world experienced a lot of social justice activism. There was a shift towards alternative forms of expression… and people turned towards writing and literature, so these themes were emphasised and talked about.” says Kevala Rungopal, an intern for Rungopal further states that it is important “to continue the conversations on these themes so that real change can occur, so these themes do not be come a passing fad.”

Each episode of the podcast is dedicated to writ ers who have been imprisoned, are imprisoned or have faced any kind of abuse from the State. An example of this is episode five of the podcast which was dedicated to civil society leader, publisher, and human rights defender, Osama Kavala. According to the episode’s description, in April of 2022, Kav ala was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Season five of the podcast began airing on 4 August 2022 and it is titled, The Empty Chair: A Transatlantic Conversation. This new season fea tures interesting guests from South Africa and the United States of America, such as former Justice Albie Sachs, Venita Blackburn, Julie Otsuka and Stellenbosch University (SU)’s Dr Wamuwi Mbao. that the transatlantic nature of the podcast is meant to “give American guests access to South Af rican ideas and South African guests to have access to American ideas.”

The episodes range from 50 minutes to just over an hour. They are filled with interesting information, history and ideas that can spark conversation and thoughts. The podcast has the potential to introduce people to new writers, new ways of thinking and a new perspective on the well-known ideas of social justice, solidarity and freedom of expression. It is a highly recommended listen for all people every where. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor FM and PEN SA’s website (https:// pensouthafrica.co.za/about-us/who-we-are/).

LIGHT IN THE DARK:

Students make use of inverter light bulbs to study during loadshedding PHOTO: Jane Metcalf ying tips

deer om die vertaalbedryf eendag te betree, verbreed dit ook die die verskeidenheid van in

Dag en Nag Stellenbosch is gereed vir ’n wilde Woordfees

MUSIEK

STAND UP-KOMEDIE

Ná

twee en ’n half jaar is die Woordfees terug in Stellen bosch en dié dorpie is meer gereed as ooit om die kreatiwiteit en pret te verwelkom. Hierdie jaar is die Woordfees as “wild” gedoop en die organiseerders verwag ’n fees wat aan alle verwagtinge sal voldoen.

Saartjie Botha, direkteur van die Toyota US Woordfees en Woorde Open Wêrelde (WOW), brei uit oor die tema: “Die 2020 Woordfees is so goed afges luit dat almal groot afwagting vir die volgende ‘wille woordfees’ gehad het. Ná die pandemie se uithongering van die kunste sal die Woordfees 2022beslis wild wees.”

Soos die weer draai en die son al hoe meer skyn word daar al meer buitelugoptredes aangebied. Die Toy ota Musiekfees bied ’n week vol ver maak met van die beste kunstenaars in die land aan. Kunstenaars soos

Vanjaar bring die Woordfees talle gesoute grapjasse na die verhoog om Stellenbosch se maagspiere te toets. Optredes deur komediante Alan Committie en Melt Sieberhagen skop die program af. Alfred Adriaan en

BA (Drama)-student, is vir die eerste keer by die Premierefees 2022 op die planke gesit en wen onder andere die prys vir beste ontwerp, beste onder steunende aktrise en beste teks.

moet veg om die kunste te laat leef. Om jonger mense na teaters te bring, kan soveel help vir ’n kollektiewe groei in ons gemeenskap.”

is hier voorgestel aan style wat hul nooit tevore aan aandag sou gee nie. Iemand besef dalk klassieke musiek is nie so sleg nie of vind belangstelling in die skrywers fees.”

Die Woordfees het in die grendel tydperk na sy liefhebbers se sitkamers verskuif waar verskeie produksies op DSTv uitgesaai is. Gevolglik het kykers nie die kans gekry om die Woordfees ten volle te ervaar nie, maar soos Botha verduidelik het, het dit ook nuwe bel angstellings onder feesgangers geskep.

“Anders as ’n fees, het die persoon nie hier die vryheid om weg te stap as hul nie van ’n sekere kunsvorm hou nie. Wat op TV is, is wat die persoon moet kyk. Mense is hier voorgestel aan style wat hul nooit tevore aan aandag sou gee nie. Iemand besef dalk klassieke musiek is nie so sleg nie of vind belangstelling in die skrywersfees.” Voeg Botha by.

In 2022 kry studente uiteindelik weer die geleentheid om Stellenbosch as die middelpunt van toneel, dans, skry fkuns, komedie en musiek te sien. Botha meen jongmense moet nie die volgende produksies mis loop nie:

Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Francois van Coke, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Early B en Eet Kreef! Herleef! betree die ver hoog om Stellenbosch met ’n week van top musiek te bederf. The Daisy Jones Bar, ’n populêre kroeg onder studente, is nie vêr agter nie en bied optredes van Bottomless Coffee Band en Net Liggies: Jerome Rex aan.

Angel Campey asook Nik Rabinow itz & Shimmy Isaacs is daarna aan die beurt en Schalk Bezuidenhout en Bennie Fourie sluit die program af.

LEEFSTYL

As jy opsoek is na ’n manier om deel te wees van die Woordfees in die vorm van lekker kuier en ontspan, is die Straatsoiree, die Stellenbosch Wynkroegtoer of die Bier-uur met Beer net vir jou.

“Jongmense moet hierdie produk sie kom kyk om hul post-pandemie depressie te genees. Ná COVID is ons almal net lus om ʼn slag agteroor te sit en lag oor die lewe en al sy dinge. Wat is snaakser as [ʼn] reeks moordenaar wie se slagoffer ontstap terwyl sy aanstaande skoonseun daar kuier?” vertel Fourie. Sy gaan verder deur te verduidelik dat die gehoor van die absolute histerie en chaos wat in die van der Merwe huis plaasvind, deel word, “Dit laat jou bietjie beter voel oor jou eie waansin nige familie.”

Nichola Viviers, tweede jaarBA (Drama)-student, is ’n aktrise in twee produksies by Woordfees 2022, naamlik Afval en Nipped in the Butt. Viviers verduidelik dat Nipped in the Butt intellektuele stimulasie vir jou brein is; dit gaan veroorsaak dat jy die mensdom en jou eie rol in die mensdom bevraagteken “Woordfees is so groot geleentheid. Dis hier in Stellenbosch en dis so bereikbaar.

Ons moet veg om die kunste te laat leef. Om jonger mense na teat ers te bring, kan soveel help vir ’n kollektiewe groei in ons gemeenskap. Dis ’n manier om saam te kom.” Die 2022 Woordfees duur van 10 tot 16 Oktober. Kaartjies is aanlyn op Quicket beskikbaar.

TONEEL

Vir dié wat brand om ’n toneel stuk in die teater te sien, is daar ’n groot verskeidenheid opsies. Produksies soos ’n Gek vir jou, Mut ton Hour en Nipped in the Butt asook Schalk sing sleg, So You Want to Be a Trophy Wife, Tollie Parton en Agteraf is komedies wat vir jong mense perfek is. Die dramatiese produksies Afval en Firefly moet ook nie misgeloop word nie. Afval deur Gita Fourie, finalejaar-

GEREED VIR ‘N FEES Shimmy Isaacs is een van die komediante wat by vanjaar se Woordfees gaan opvoer. Foto: NARDUS ENGELBRECHT

KERKORREL HULDEBLYK Eet kreef! Herleef! Bring nuwe lewe aan

Kerkorrel

ikoniese

STRAAT

Stellen

Bongeziwe Mabandla is paving his own lane

BY KOBUS ERASMUS

BongeziweMabandla’s musical journey is a decade in the making. The Johannesburg-based artist was born in Worcester and raised in the small town of Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. Mabandla explained the important role music played in his life from a young age.

“You know in [small towns] there isn’t much going on and people [are drawn] to things that entertain. And so [music became] sort of an escape.”

When discussing his creative pro cess, Mabandla noted the high stand ards he has for his writing, and the importance of spending a lot of time finding the right lyrics.

“I’m always trying to get the most [out of my lyrics], I’m fascinated by specifics,” he says.

Mabandla has three studio albums under his belt, with 2022 marking ten years since the release of his debut al bum, Umlilo. When listening through his discography, his evolution as an artist becomes clear. His most recent al bum, iimini, takes a more experimental approach than his previous records. By incorporating electronic elements to his established style, Mabandla proves his commitment to constant artistic growth.

“I think my music is evolving and

artists like Frank Ocean, Solange and Blood Orange are big influences for me. Everything I do is measured against how artistic and interesting it is – both for me and my audience,” he says.

“I feel like my life is always propelling me to believe in myself, and to feel like I am worthy. I feel like I grew up not really aware that everything I needed was within,”

Mabandla’s fourth album is cur rently in the works, and much like iimini, will focus on themes of love and loneliness.

“These two albums really are a close look to our human obsession with falling in love… and [why] the aspect of ‘finding the one’ is so im portant [to us] … it seems like some thing that everyone is looking for and so many are not getting right. [The al bum] also focuses on the lack of love, and feeling like you are struggling to find a soulmate.”

In 2020 Mabandla appeared alongside international acts such as Giveon and Glass Animals as part of ColorsxStudios’ HOME/BRED se ries. The series took place during the

international lockdown and aimed to showcase talent from all around the world.

“I’ve always wanted to [be on the show], [so] I was really touched that I was part of it. I recorded it at home with my cousin, it was really really special.”

Mabandla is a man of many tal ents. Other than making music, he is set to play the character of Ezra in the upcoming film, Augure.

When asked about what advice he would give to his younger self, Ma bandla highlighted the importance of self-love and to trust one’s ideas.

“I feel like my life is always pro pelling me to believe in myself, and to feel like I am worthy. I feel like I grew up not really aware that every thing I needed was within,” he ex plained.

With new music on the horizon and a headline performance at the Stellenbosch Woordfees on 14 Oc tober, Bongeziwe Mabandla is on a clear cut-path to the top.

Mabandla is set to perform at the Woordfees on the 14th of October

Silent photos speak volumes

BY JAMIE WATKINS

Stellenbosch University (SU) recent ly hosted a yearly global convening that aimed to explore the theme of “Decriminalising Status and Activ ism”.

The exhibition was opened by SU Chancellor, Former Justice Edwin Cameron. Chancellor Cameron previ ously served as a Justice of the Con stitutional Court of South Africa and is an avid HIV/AIDS and gay-rights activist.

A photo-exhibition titled ‘Residue and Ruin’ saw representatives from over 50 different organisations in 35 countries. All of these organisations are a part of the Campaign to Decrim inalise Poverty and Status. This is an organisation that advocates for the review and repeal of laws that target people based on their social, political, or economic status.

The installation was installed by the university’s Faculty of Law in the Ou Hoofgebou and was open to both students and attendees of the event.

SILENT PHOTOS

The event aimed to bring expo sure to archaic, Victorian laws and the negative impact thatthey still have today.

These laws exist today because of England’s Vagrancy Act of 1824 and criminalise behaviours such as loiter ing, homelessness, or failure to pay debts. According to the website of the event, the motivation behind the need for these laws lies in the desire to reduce crime. However, research conducted by the Campaign for the Decriminalisation of Poverty and Status indicates that the opposite is in fact true.

According to the event website the event aimed to “draw attention to the real human cost of these discrimina tory laws on a global scale.”

PHOTO: FRANCIS BOSEKO

The exhibition was hosted in

Photo: JAMIE WATKINS

BY LIZE BEKKER

John Graayenstein is taking flight

Being a student is quite tricky, but balancing a degree and pur suing a singing career is way trickier. John Graayenstein, a third year BA(Drama and Theatre studies) stu dent at Stellenbosch University, is do ing exactly this.

Graayenstein started singing at the age of five and learned by singing along to classical music playing on the radio and performing in front of his family members. At the age of eight he began vocal lessons and joined “Kaapse Klopse”, the celebrated Malay choir, thereafter. He noted that this is where he learned to express himself through music.

“The Malay Choir taught me to really communicate to an audience through singing,” says Graayenstein.

Graayenstein had his first sold-out concert in Bellville at the Our Lady of Fatima Community Hall. This served as a special and full circle moment be cause he performed in that same hall as a child.

His performance gave him the op portunity to show off his captivating stage presence and interesting stage personality, which he believes “comes from his parents, because they are such

lively people.”

He further added, “Our household is so animated and there’s always movement, music and laughing.”

Graayenstein mentioned that his least favourite part about music is the fact that, “there will always be people criticising it.” According to John, the

fact that you can tell your story, be on stage and meet amazing new people makes this all worth it.

Graayenstein’s stated that his big gest influence is Welsh singer Shirley Bassey, who sang the James Bond theme song for Goldfinger. He com poses his own songs, and uses them

Ashwin is on his way

BY FLAVIA DAVIDS

to tell stories of heartbreak and his childhood. He also notes the im portance of being honest and true to yourself as an artist.

“Truthfulness is the most impor tant thing a musician and [their] mu sic must have,” he says.

His new single FLY was released on the 21 September and is available on Youtube. The song starts off as a soft piano ballad, but John’s captivat ing vocal performance truly shines in the latter half of the song. Ultimately, the song is about letting go of hard ships in order to FLY. John Graayen stein has come a long way; from per forming for family to producing his own music and selling out concerts.

After deciding to end his pursuit of a computer science degree at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Cisco Network Academy in 2015, Cape Town-based musician Ashwin Smith was unsure of his next step. He ultimately decided to switch over to a degree in music theory and earned an internship at Katalyst Music Productions learning sound engineering.

Smith, who spent his life playing

guitar on-and-off, decided to dedicate himself to improving his singing and songwriting between 2017 and 2018.

This inspired his decision to pursue a career as a musician. Smith believes that it is a decision that changed the course of his life. Out of his dedication has come two soon-to-drop EP’s, namely “Airchild ‘’ and an untitled work produced in collaboration with Sad Isaac, a musician Smith frequently collaborates with.

His song “On my way” , which was co-created with fellow musician Yung Beathoven, has featured on the 5FM Top 30 list and is currently peaking at the 23rd position. Smith regards the feature of his song on 5FM as one of the highlights of his musical journey thus far.

“It is still surreal to me,” he added.

The song’s creation began after Yung Beathoven sent a beat to Smith that he could only describe as “summer-y and like you’re on your way to a beach party.” The song later evolved into having a more sentimental meaning.

“It’s basically about wanting to spend time with someone very close to you and you’d be willing to do anything to be with them and be on your way no matter what,” explained Smith.

Music has always held a special place in the musician’s life.

“I remember being five or six and playing music to affect my mood. When I was little I used to play ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ by BJ Thomas to cheer me up when I felt sad,” said Smith.

Smith’s foremost influence is multi-genre prodigy Prince, who is famously known for hits such as “Purple Rain”, “1999” and “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.” Smith recognised a common thread between his musical influences, which include indie rock artists such as Dayglow and Tame Impala.

“[They] are all masterful, DIY artists that lean towards creating music done their own way and I think that’s very empowering,” said Smith, who believes that these artists’ influence over him has inspired him to be a better artist. Other than making

music, Smith’s favourite pastimes include listening to lectures on astrophysics and immersing himself in nature while on hikes and hosting his podcast, A Place for Music Heads. Keep an eye out for Smith’s new single ‘Agoraphobia’ which will be released on 21 October. His music can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud and YouTube. His podcast, A Place for Music Heads, is available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

TAKING OFF Graayenstein at a recent live show Photo: INSUS GROBLER

TELLING A STORY Graayenstein giving a captivating performance Photo: INUS GROBLER

Smith’s song ‘ON MY WAY’

Photo: SUPPLIED

DIY ARTISTRY Smith has been making music

Photo: ASHWIN SMITH

“Our household is so animated and there’s always movement, music and laughing.”

“Truthfulness is the most important thing a musician and [their] music must have,”

ON THE COME-UP Smith’s new song, Agoraphobia, will be dropping on the

of October 2022

Photo: SUPPLIED

On the third floor of the Neelsie, somewhere in a maze of dark hallways and society offices, you will find Die Office. It’s nothing fancy, but those four walls (one of which is illegally painted red) contain multitudes. This office houses what I call Die Office 15. Many have had their name printed in the byline or their photo credited on the front page, but very few have experienced Die Office 15. It is both a great honour and a serious responsibility to be a part of Die Office 15.

editorial/redaksioneel

Die Office 15

genius, Jaime Watkins works magic as our Layout editor, and calls out the creative in all of us. Our Photo editor, Emma Jane Metcalf, knows what she wants and usually has a pun or two up her sleeve. Our Afrikaans subeditor, Rentia Meyer, is as sweet as she is diligent. We’re currently reserving a spot for whoever joins us as English sub-editor. We’re excited to meet you! Lesedi Mnisi, longtime member of Die Office 15, is Content editor. Lesedi always has a dry joke or some philosophical (and pretty solid) advice in her back pocket.

Chief, has graciously assumed the role of Managing editor, and basically makes sure the paper exists and has a profound love for the history of Die Matie. Tiaan is both an old soul and a massive flirt!

Editor-in-Chief

Aurelia Mouton

Managing EditorTiaan Booyens Content Editor Lesedi Mnisi Head Reporter Anakin Curtis

Sport Kezia Daniels

Online Tiaan Booyens, Anakin Curtis

HOOFREDAKSIE

Die Office 15 is made up of the members of the Die Matie main editorial. As our News editor we have Amber April, who is passionate about investigative journalism and Shakira songs in equal measure. Serving as our Student Life editor is the lovely and very stylish Jani Roux, who is always sporting a cottage-core worthy jumper. Kobus Erasmus, our incredibly cool Dag & Nag editor, has an eye for the interesting and groovy, for the unexplored angles of a story, a song, a person.

Sport editor, Kezia Daniels, knows how to have a party and is at all times (most likely) on her way to a hockey match, camera in hand. Our dedicated design-

On the logistical side of things, our Ads Manager, Morufa Raji, is bravely manning the phones and sending all the emails to make sure we get clients to advertise with us. Morufa works incredibly hard. Emma Cochrane, our Financial Manager, keeps the paper afloat, makes sense of debtors and creditors, and when she’s not chilling in her special spot in the office, she is on her way to make food before the power goes out! Head Reporter for Die Office 15, Anakin Curtis, quietly mentions little things that turn out to be big things and has great song recommendations. He’s got journalism in his blood! Tiaan Booyens, our former Editor-in-

My name is Aurelia Mouton, and I am the Editor-inChief of Die Matie for the 2022/2023 term. I am addicted to Red Bull, my favourite spot is outside the Geology building and I am wildly in love with writing, photography and journalism. I am the first person of colour to be Editor-in-Chief of Die Matie, and I intend to carve my name amongst the greats who came before me and only add to the Die Matie legacy. Most importantly, I get to be part of an incredible team. No feeling comes close to the accomplishment of putting together the paper with a passionate and genuinely invested team, however difficult and timeconsuming it might be.

To my team, my Office 15; thank you for brannewyn at Bohemia, for long nights in front

of a computer screen fighting drop caps and spelling errors. Thank you for all the campus quotes that come out of office banter. Thank you for always sharing your sweets and your smiles. Thank you for your patience and perseverance, for sticking it out even when we’re all sick and/or sleepy. Thank you for your time and your talent, poured out and splashed across the pages of our very first edition. I am incredibly proud, and in awe of you.

Die Matie and Die Office 15 have changed my life forever.

RAAK BETROKKE / HELP OUT

To get involved as jounralist, reach out to us on any of our social media platforms or send an email to 21801886@sun.ac.za

ARGIEF / ARCHIVE

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

KONTAK ONS / CONTACT US

POSADRES Langenhoven Studentesentrum; Privaatsak X1; Universiteit Stellenbosch; Matieland; 7602

GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP GORRELKOP

Post-huisdans depressie:

GORREL KOP

The gossip behind the news. The truth behind campus politics. Die kommentaar waarvoor almal bang is. Gorrel is nie verantwoordelik vir enige ongerief veroorsaak nie.

from microwaving his leftover Romans pizza and watching 7de Laan before bed.

Gorrel is platsak na dié huisdans seisoen. Die enigste ding erger as die belaglike huisdans pryse, is die feit dat Gorrelina vir die vier-en-twintigste keer met Gorrel opgebreek het. Gorrelina is kwaad vir Gorrel omdat hy glo té dronk geraak het by die predrinks. Blykbaar is dit “sosiaal onaanvaarbaar” om op te gooi in die voorportaal van die koshuis. Gorrelina het in die moeilikheid gekom by haar koshuismoeder en Gorrel is verban om ooit weer voet daar te sit.

Left in the dark:

Gorrel is completely gatvol. After for getting to save an essay on the library computer, Gorrel decided that he has personal beef with all of Eskom. Having lost an entire essay is almost as bad as the fact that loadshedding stops Gorrel

Smelly library?

Why does the library stink? Maybe the problem is Gorrel’s best friend, Borrel, who has an apparent fear of showers. Gorrel is considering gift ing a bottle of deodorant to Borrel, in hopes that the subtle hint will sort out his buddy’s hygiene. Whatever the cause of the horrid smell is, Gorrel hopes it gets figured out soon.

Koue klaskamers:

Gorrel weet nooit of sy outfit gepas is nie. Nie oor sy nuwe avant garde modestyl wat hy onlangs uitprobeer nie, maar omdat die temperatuur in die lesingslokale só onvoorspelbaar

is. Waneer dit vir Gorrel voel asof dit ’n warm dag gaan wees en hy lekker koel aantrek, word die lugverkoeling in die negatief gestel! Gorrel is nie gewoond aan hierdie ysige tundraklimaat nie, en besluit om diegene wat die aircons beheer by te voeg op sy lysie van mense waarmee hy per soonlik beef het.

Lente is in die lug:

Lenteblomme is tog te pragtig. Gorrel se aaklige hooikoors is egter nie. Gorrel het eergister probeer om Allergex te koop, maar toe decline sy debietkaart. Nou loop Gorrel rond met ’n loopneus en min sente. Gor rel hoes en nies dat so hard dat hy skaars sy dosente kan hoor in die klas.

WEBADRES www.diematie.co.za FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/diematie INSTAGRAM .diematie.co.za ADVERTENSIES Morufa Raji diematieads@gmail.com

KLAGTEPROSEDURE EN FOUTRAPPORTERING / COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND REPORTING ERRORS

Die Matie is onderhewig aan ’n gedragskode wat by die SR-lid vir Media beskikbaar is.

Alle klagtes word deur ’n regsdosent ondersoek, waarna

Die Matie voor die Mediaraad kan verskyn. Klagtes moet volgens die uiteengesette prosedure binne veertien dae ná publikasie aanhangig gemaak word.

Die Matie subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the code, please contact the Press Ombudsman at 011 788 4837.

You may also lodge an internal complaint or report factual errors by contacting the SRc member for Media and following the procedure explained above.

News Amber April Student Life Jani Roux

Dag & Nag Kobus Erasmus

Photo Editor Emma Jane Metcalf

Layout Editor Jaime Watkins Sub- editor (AFRIKAANS) Rentia Meyer

Ads Manager Morufa Raji Financial Manager Emma Cochrane

Die matie sport - photos of the year

BY JAN-HENDRIK PRETORIUS

Die Matie curated some of the best sports photos taken throughout the year. This year saw the highly anticipated return of spectators and full sporting activity, after a two year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.

DEUR JAIME WATKINS

Op enige gegewe tyd van die dag is daar altyd iemand wat in die strate van Stellenbosch draf of hardloop. Fiksheid blyk ‘n groot deel van die “Stellenbosch-leefstyl” te wees. Baie studente is in ‘n penarie om akademiese verantwoordelikhede, die vinnige veranderende Rooiplein-modetendense, asook as die handhawing van ‘n gesonde leefstyl te balanseer.

Alhoewel baie studente dikwels draf, is daar steeds die kwessie van veiligheid wat baie – veral vroue – in die gesig staar. Hierdie bekommersnis het oor die afgelope paar maande weens voorvalle soos rooftogte en vermeende pogings tot ontvoering, wat op en rondom kampus plaasgevind het, toegeneem.

een van die maklikste en goedkoopste vorms van oefening. Boonop gelukkig vir Universiteit Stellenbosch (US)studente, is daar ʼn aantal drafgroepe met die doel om te verseker dat vroue veilig voel, wat begin opduik. Sommige van hierdie is onder andere die Burnt Studios se hardloopinisiatief, We Run This City, die Versus Run Party asook die Venustia-draf- en stapgroepe.

DRAF IN DIE BOSCH

se Instagram-blad gevind word.

Die Matie het ‘n paar studente ná die Burnt Studios-draf genader en gevra of hulle normaalweg alleen en op vaste tye draf. Jana Strydom, derdejaarBSc (Menslike Lewenswetenskappe)student, het geantwoord: “Meeste van die tyd draf ek alleen, maar dit is gewoonlik op tye wat ek weet ander mense draf of stap ook buite.”

en tussen 2:00 tot 4:00 in die middag omdat dit die tyd is wanneer strate besig is, en sodoende veiliger is.

Die realiteit is dat om alleen te draf, as ‘n vrou, nogal skrikwekkend

is. Burnt Studios se drafinisiatief en ander drafgroepe soos Venustiagroepdrawwe het begin om draf meer veilig en prettig vir alle vroue (en mans) te maak.

Ten spyte van die “doom and gloom”, is alles nie verlore nie.

Op Dinsdagoggend 27 September, het vier Die Matie-redaksielede, en 50 ander gretige drawwers, mekaar buite Burnt Studios ontmoet – almal reg vir ‘n 5km-oggenddraf. Die inisiatief, We Run This City, is vanjaar in April deur Burnt Studios begin, en vind in Johannesburg, Kaapstad en Stellenbosch plaas. Hierdie drafsessies is tweeweekliks, en eindig elke keer op ʼn magiese noot af met ʼn klein gratis koffie van die drawwers se keuse vanaf Vida e Cafe. Meer inligting hieroor kan op Burnt Studios

Thomas Hart, Nagraadse Diploma in Rekeningkunde-student, se antwoord op die vraag was weer: “Die enigste tye wat ek onveilig op my drafsessies voel, is wanneer ek in onbekende areas draf of wanneer daar nie baie lig sigbaarheid is nie.”

Alhoewel om met ‘n groep mense te draf die veiligste opsie is vir drawwers, pas dit dalk nie noodwendig vir almal nie weens die vaste tye. Verder hou sommige mense meer van alleen draf. Vir hierdie mense is die beste tyd vir draf in die middeloggend

Draf is

RUGBY IS IN THE AIR Dagbreek and Eendrag players take each other on in a lineout. Photo: Micah Daiber

AIRBENDING Ultimate Frisbee player defying gravity. Photo: Sebastiaan Whitward

MATIES MADNESS Interesting posters supported by fans. Photo: Aurelia Mouton

VET PRET Res-rugby supporters always supply entertainment throughout the rugby season. Photo: Micah Daiber

BITTERSWEET MOMENT Vernon Matongo was awarded the Player that Rocks. Matongo received the award on his father’s birthday. He passed away a few years ago. Photo: Aurelia Mouton

GEREED

Stellies

draf.

Booyens

GOLD FOR THE MAROON MACHINE AT SEVENS TOURNAMENT

BY FLAVIA DAVIDS

The Maties’ Rugby 7s men’s team recently made Stellen bosch University (SU) proud by obtaining a bronze medal at the Uni versity Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament in Kimberly. The tourna ment took place from 24 to 25 Sep tember and boasted 22 men’s teams participating all over the country. The ultimate winners of the tourna ment were the North West Univer sity (NWU), and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) were runner-up.

The Maties Rugby 7s men’s team’s achievement is further highlighted by the Maties 7’s women’s team’s victory at USSA, who brought home a gold medal and the title of overall winner of the tournament. Mutual excitement about their victory was shared by the men’s 7s team.

“It was just sensational to watch and the boys were all psyched to watch Amber [Meiring, the women’s 7s team’s sweeper] score that matchwinning try,” said Milano Waterboer,

sweeper of the men’s 7s team.

The Maroon Machine played a to tal of six games at the USSA tourna ment. On the first day of the tourna ment the 7s team fashioned a victory with a score of 33 - 7 against IIE Var sity College. They followed up with a win against Gqeberha’s Nelson Man dela University (NMU) and beat the University of Fort Hare (UFH) 19 - 10. The second day of the tournament ce mented their position as bronze med allists with victories against the Uni versity of Witwatersrand (Wits) with a score of 17-12. They secured a mas sive 42 - 7 victory against the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in the 3/4 playoffs, after a loss against UWC in the semi-finals.

Le Roux Kloppers, the prop for the Maties 7s team, explained why the team’s victory against CPUT was important for the team’s dynamic. “It was the last match of USSA and we owed ourselves and our coach a better performance than the one we put up against UWC in the semi-final,” said Kloppers.

walking on thin air

BY SKYLA THORNTON

“We took a lot of energy into the match knowing that if we took our chances early, we’d be able to bury them as they are a team that thrives on momentum. Luckily, we were able to do that and the result was in our fa vour, ” he continued.

The men’s 7s team will be head ing to the Varsity 7s tournament which will be taking place from 7-9 October in Pretoria. The tournament will be hosted by the University of Pretoria (UP) Kloppers hopes that the team will take what they learned at the

USSA tournament and make the nec essary improvements to their play in the upcoming tournament.

“We now know what to work on before Varsity Sports and hopefully we’ll come back with the gold!”, said Kloppers.

CHECK WE’RE NOT MATES

BY KEZIA DANIELS

E

very Tuesday afternoon, a group of adrenaline-seeking students rigs slacklines on the Coetzenburg field. Like tightrope walking, slacklining is similar, only it uses webbing instead of a static piece of wire. This adds an extra dynamic to the skill, having to rely on one’s weight to shift the centre of gravity to avoid falling and to essentially walk on air.

Slacklining is a sport consisting of a line (similar to a tow rope) anchored between two points –trees or cliffs for example– at various heights, for an individual to walk across with no support. The next level would be highlining, where in the community’s vernacular, “the line is rigged” several metres above the ground, and the “highliner” is supported by a harness connected by a leash to the line they are walking on, for safety.

“Slacklining is relatively a new ‘sport’ (having had its first world championship ever in Switzerland a few weeks ago), but I think there has always been a small community in Stellies,” said Sean Chater, a BScHons (Geoinformatics) student.

“It is basically just a bunch of student kids playing around and having a good time. People should join the sessions because it’s frikken lekker!” said Nina Woithe, secondyear, BSc (Earth Sciences) student.

According to Chater, the fear and adrenaline that comes with highlining is a part of the fun.

“Highlining is one of the safest sports (when it is rigged correctly by experienced people) as you are not falling onto the ground like slacklining, but basically end up doing a little rope swing. The worst thing that can happen is that you kak your pants from the exposure of being so high up!”

in Stellenbosch grows, so does the potential for it to be included in Maties Sport.

“If the community grows enough, a slacklining club would be really awesome, although it is really cool where we are at now. It’s such a niche sport, getting backing [by means of financial support] from the university might be tough although it could definitely become a part of the Maties

In recent news, Magnus Carlsen, the World Chess Championship winner, has accused Hans Niemann of cheating after losing a match and withdrawing from the Sinquefield Cup. Die Matie asked a few Maties Chess players about their thoughts on the situation.

“I think Hans Niemann is a cheat er. Although there is not enough evidence to suggest that he cheated against Magnus Carlsen specifi cally, there are some videos high lighting suspicious games of his during tournaments that lead to him getting his Grandmaster title,” said van Zyl. “He has been caught cheating online before so there will always be doubts about his morals and in some interviews af ter a chess game, he doesn’t seem

MICHAEL VAN ZYL THIRD YEAR, BSC MATHS (COMPUTER SCIENCES)

Daniël van der Merwe, an MSc (Engineering Management) graduate commended the slacklining community for being welcoming.

“I think my favowurite part is the people, it is a great activity to do with a bunch of friends and everyone can try it no matter the skill level,” said van der Merwe.

As the slacklining community

Climbing Club” said Chater.

The group meets for a session every Tuesday at 5 pm on the Coetzenburg field near the Danie Craven statue, or on the grass in front of Heemstede. As the sport gains popularity, it serves as an opportunity for Stellenbosch students to try something outside of their comfort zone and challenge the norm.

REBECCA SELKIRK THIRD YEAR PHD, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

“While cheating has frequently been a concern in online chess, it’s generally been thought that overthe-board (OTB) chess is safer, since you can see your opponent sitting across from you, and sus picious behaviour is more obvi ous,” said Selkirk. “It is therefore shocking to see concerns raised at the top level, and with regards to the accusations made by Magnus Carlsen against Hans Niemann, it is impossible for us to know whether the situation has been han dled well or not, and we’ll never know if it’s true until Niemann

“My take on this situation is that zero concrete evidence has been shown by Magnus Carlsen of Hans Niemann cheating and I also do not believe that Niemann cheated against Carlsen in the Sinquefield Cup game,” said Barrish. “Mag nus played poorly (relative to his usual level) and Hans played re ally well, but not exceptionally well,”

(COMPUTER

SEVENS HEAVEN The Maties men’s sevens team. Photo: Supplied by Maties 7s

TOUCHING SKIES Daniël van der Merwe crosses the first Stellies Highline, rigged in Bo Dalsig by Chater and van der Merwe. Photo: Nina Woithe

WITH ELEGANCE Nina Nina Woithe transverses the line. Photo: Skyla Thornton

ESports putting Maties on the (digital) map

BY NINA-MARIE ANKER

Gaming or e-sports (Esports) at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been picking up players, determination and fame in 2022. Al though the year started off slow, with only a new Instagram page and a dedi cated committee to show for it, they have already come a long way and put SU on the (digital) map.

Maties Esports, under the guidance of Yaseen Gangat, the club manager of Maties Esports also held a successful “3 days of Esports fun” in the Neel sie from the 15th to 17th September.

This ‘activation’ event was organised in partnership with the African Com petitive Gaming League (ACGL). The main goal of this ‘activation’ event was to seek out and choose the best players to join Rocket League in rep resenting SU at future competitions, such as the University Sport South Africa (USSA) student Games the first weekend of October.

Even though it still is difficult to become a professional Esports play er, especially in South Africa, where the ‘scene’ is not as established as it is overseas, events like this creates a promising outlook for the future of university- and national Esports.

“I never saw myself as a gamer, I especially never dreamt of playing for

Maties, but I am very excited to have represented SU at a big event like USSA Student Games.” said Christian Kotze, a newly recruited player for the Maties Clash Royale team who com peted at the USSA Student Games.

“I believe there is loads of potential still left to uncover and I can only imagine that the club [will] continue to grow as we go into 2023”, said Esports Chairperson, Stanley Shikwambi, a second-year BSc Computer Science student.

Term 3 and 4 has been quite the busy and exciting season for Maties’ Esports players. The Rocket League A and B teams (one out of the 3 main sports currently being played com petitively on campus) specifically par ticipated in several tournaments and friendly matches and came out on top!

“Stellenbosch’s best game has to be Rocket League right now just based on results, but Fifa is not too far away.”

says Gerben Visser, second-year Engineering student and captain of the Rocket League A team.

The highlight of the second season, which took place over the second se mester, has been SU’s success in the ACGL Rocket League competition.

Maties A-team made it to the finals in September and won against the Uni versity of Cape Town (UCT) in a “best out of 5” match. They were awarded a

League A, are proud Simonsberg resi dents namely Bluck74/Gerben Visser (captain), Daayzed/Mikael Pretorius and Appelsous/Dian van Rooyen.

Although it can be difficult to im agine the hard work that goes into a non-spectator or mindsport sport like gaming, the hard work and long hours of practice are worth mentioning. Ac cording to the Rocket League A team, playing for an SU E-sports team is more about cumulative practice than about hours per week.

3000+ hours in Rocket League (in to tal). Training weekly is important too, however, and I feel like you should try to put in at least 8+hours a week if you want to stay on top.”, says Gerben Visser. There are various challenges within the Esports community which includes lack of equipment, female representation and reliable, fast fibre in order to play online. In response to these challenges, manager Yaseen Gangat says, “Maties Sport is deter mined to set the standard and lead the way by overcoming those hurdles and

Photo: Yaseen Gangat sons to join Maties Esports”.

provide an inclusive diverse Es port programme.”

As Maties Esports is growing and gaining experience, they have made it a mission to include more eager and determined gamers into their community. Mikael Preto rius, second year Bcom student and the face of Maties Esports on social media says that, “The com munity you meet, the comradery between teammates and the recog nition for all those hours you put into your game are all great rea

Rocket League A team. Photo: Supplied by Maties ESports

WHATS UP GAMERS Trials for US teams to play at USSA Student Games.