DieMATIE WOENSDAG 1 FEBRUARIE 2017 | GR ATIS
SES-EN-SEWENTIGSTE JAARGANG | NO 1
LET’S DANCE Maties kicked of the year with a bang at the annual Vensters festival. On the photo Metanoia and Sonop are showing their moves.
Minerva and Huis Visser walks away with crown
Vensters festivities kickstart the year 2017. While the men’s residences Eendrag and Helshoogte chose to follow their own welcoming week program, other residences followed the recommended MAD²-program, which included a short performance by different partnering residences/PSOs repeated throughout the evening.
funded by Eendragters,” said Ben Moolman, prim of Eendrag. Helshoogte prim, JC Meiring, explained their HK and newcomers went on a very successful camp to promote comradery. “Then on the night of Vensters we went to show our newcomers how the productions work and explained exactly why we did not take part. “By not competing, we saved thousands of rands that we can make available to our residents, perhaps in the form of bursaries,” said Meiring.
The rebels Eendrag worked with MAD² and Rietenbosch Primary School in Cloetesville to create a new production rather than to partake in the point system used for Vensters. During intervals their first years also performed. “We transformed our dining hall into a promotional area where we presented all our community projects for the year as well as the residences Omsienfonds, a fund for Eendragters
The traditionals The rest of the residences chose to do a traditional Vensters and provided a grand finale to MAD² week, formerly known as JOOL, with theatre-style productions performed by several residences and PSO’s. Partnerships and rivalries between competing students have been the motivation for excellent productions, making use of professional lighting, music and even fire breathers. Every partnership uses their own
ARLEEN STONE
W
ith a new look and a titillating theme Vensters served up a good start to
Winners 1 Huis Visser & Minerva 2nd Huis ten Bosch & Kerkenberg 3rd Meerhoff & Serruria and Osler & Huis Neethling st
residents to help choreograph their dances, record the voices needed for the characters in the production and to market their performance as the next winner of Vensters. This year the title went to Huis Visser and Minerva (#MVP – Minerva Visser Productions) for their production, “I Hear You”, drawing on the theme for MAD² 2017, “Let’s Talk”. “I Hear You” saw students mimicking an episode from the famous reality show, The Voice, which filled the crowd with laughter. Celebrity look-a-likes of Idols judge, Somizi Mhlongo, DIY queen, Suzelle DIY, and American president,
Donald Trump, graced the stage with convincing performances. The three contestants never stood a chance as Willemiena de Villiers ordered them to pay fees before allowing them into the finals. Vice prim of Huis Visser, Estian Maree, said the best moment of the entire process was when they found out they had won Vensters. “We were all still chilling on the stage when the announcement came through and then everyone started singing ‘We are the champions!’. “Obviously, the Huis Visser guys just had to send voice notes to our friends from Huis Marais to inform them that we beat them,” he said. The two residences claimed that teamwork, fun and good “gees” was the reason for their win. As promised, Vensters touched on several current and concerning topics on the Stellenbosch University campus, giving an enlightened view on how students need to both talk and listen in order to work together towards an inclusive future.
How JOOL became MAD2 In 2012 the traditional JOOL was replaced with MAD2, an acronym which stands for “Making a Decision to Make a Dif ference”. In September 2011 Die Matie reported that af ter debates about JOOL, the prim commit tee decided to adapt the format of JOOL. Elements like building floats, Akkerjol and Trollies fell away. The commit tee felt JOOL became too competitive, the costs was too high and the time spend on building floats was too much and said MAD2 would be more cost ef fective.
2
NUUS FIRST YEARS IN NUMBERS
NEW MATIES
22 000 applications
17 500 complete
10 500 successful
Photo: HENK OETS
#WELCOMEMATIES New Maties at the official welcoming event at the Danie Craven stadium at Coetzenburg.
Only place for 5 000
SMS-OOPS
Faulty admissions leaves a sour taste HAYLEY GRAMMER
S
tudents were left feeling disappointed after Stellenbosch University (SU) erroneously sent out acceptance letters for study in 2017. On Friday 13 January, SU recalled a number of acceptance letters, stating that the letter was sent “without making sure that final matric marks are in our system”. Juantel Perry, a prospective civil engineering student was affected by the university’s error. Channon Perry, Juantel’s sister, posted on Stellies Confessions detailing what happened. “My sister was conditionally accepted for civil engineering in late August last year. Two days after submitting her matric results to the university she received a letter congratulating her
on her results, stating that she has fulfilled the requirements, urging her to register and inviting her to orientation. “However, on Friday 13 January, she received an email apologising for the letter which was sent in error to many prospective students, but received an SMS an hour later again congratulating her,” said Channon. According to both sisters, the university is yet to process Juantel’s results which means her acceptance is still conditional. “We still don’t know what is going to happen. It’s not an easy transition to start a completely new life and the university has made little effort to update us on if we actually made it or not,” said Juantal. Juantel added that a friend of hers, who received the same acceptance letter and subsequent apology, has
OOPS The sms that was sent out. already moved to Stellenbosch from Witbank and is now unsure of whether he will be studying in Stellenbosch this year. According to Juantel, her friend did not wish to talk to Die Matie. When initially approached for comment, university spokesperson Martin Viljoen said that admissions was not aware of any faulty congratulatory e-mails that went out. He added that there are no SMS’s going out to “congratulate” prospec-
tive students, but that he would have to check. After viewing screenshots of both the emails and SMS’s received by Juantel, Viljoen conceded that a temporary error had slipped into the administration system resulting in a limited number of prospective students having received faulty messaging from the university. “In this particular instance, it seems the error only affected applicants who wrote exams other than the National Senior Certificate and it seems only candidates having applied to study in the Faculty of Engineering were affected. “Not only has the university apologised to the affected students, but a task team is constituted to give proper attention to rectifying the problem as soon possible,” said Viljoen.
DAMAGE CONTROL The apology and explanation that followed.
ROBIN PEARCE
Lifelong sentence may wait NICOLE BRUMMER
AFRIFORUM DRAAI KRAANTJIE OOP AfriForum Jeug en Solidariteit Helpende Hand het ’n Matie-alumnistudiefonds gestig om studente aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch met befondsing vir studies te ondersteun. Volgens AfriForum Jeug sal studente wat deur dié fonds gehelp word uitsluitlik op meriete gekeur word. Bernard Pieters, AfriForum se kampuskoördineerder op Maties, sê daar is besluit om die fonds te stig ná daar glo gevalle aangemeld is waar voornemende studente weens ras nie toelating by hoëronderwysinstellings gekry het nie. “Die regering en universiteitsbesture kan nie met ons geld vertrou word nie. Hulle laat studente met die keuringsproses in die steek omdat ander faktore bo meriete in ag geneem word. Die onus rus op ons om sélf in te gryp en sowel huidige as voornemende studente by te staan en te help om die toekoms te hê wat hulle verdien en waarvoor hulle hard gewerk het,” het Pieters gesê. AfriForum Jeug het ’n beroep op US-alumni gedoen om die fonds te ondersteun.
A man could face lifelong charges for the murder of Stellenbosch student Robyn Pearce if her killing was premeditated. Wasief Buxbey, a 27-year-old construction worker, confessed to killing Pearce shortly after the alleged murder. He did not want to apply for bail and now faces charges of both robbery and murder. Buxbey, a self-confessed drug addict, has never faced any previous criminal charges despite struggling with a tik addiction for 12 years. Pearce (20), a BA Humanities student from Durban, was found stabbed to death in her mother’s apartment in Sea Point in December. Following their investigation, police also found that several items were missing from the apartment. There were no security breaches and the apartment was locked. Buxbey allegedly gained access through the window and repeatedly stabbed Pearce in the stomach. He was working at the building, together with
his uncle, at the time of the murder. Investigations are still underway to establish whether the murder was premeditated. Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director of student affairs for the University described Pearce’s death as a “tragic loss”. “She was highly valued in the University’s private ward student organization and in the cluster groups. We share the most heartfelt condolences with the family during these most trying times,” said Schreiber. Friends used social media to share their support and condolences for the Pearce family. “To someone who made an impact on absolutely everyone she met, I hope you always know just how special you are! Heaven is gaining one of the most selfless and kind-hearted humans. Rest in Peace with your dad today beautiful Robs. You will forever be missed,” wrote Alexis van Schalkwyk. Jess Leigh Nunes posted on Facebook stating “What a cruel world. RIP Robyn Pearce”. Buxbey will appear in court again on 28 March and will remain in custody until then.
NUUS
1 Febuarie 2017
SRC CIRCUS
3
VENSTERS
Unorganised election process in full swing
SRC nominations reopening ANÉ VAN ZYL
S
RC nominations opened on Monday but it still remains uncertain when campaigning will begin or when voting will take place. Monday was the first time the reopening of elections was publically announced via email. Students have seven days to decide to run, get the necessary documentation in order and hand in their nominations. The rush to appoint a SRC for the 2017/2018 term comes after the highest representative structure for students at Stellenbosch University (SU) is still non-existent due to seven candidates being disqualified last year. The Student Court made the decision to disqualify the candidates due to violation of campaign rules. There is no clarity on whether any of the other candidates that took part in the 2016/2017 elections will run again. Dylan Swiegelaar and Nathan Daniels were appointed as election convenors at the end of last year, but Daniels later withdrew from this position. According to Swiegelaar, nine new members are set to be elected within the coming month, but no dates could be specified.
“A nomination form is available at the SRC offices which outlines all the requirements. The main requirement is obtaining 200 supporting signatures as part of the nomination. “Anyone who has been a student for more than six months may apply and no previous experience on any structure is required. “I hope to have at least 10 nominations so that a normal election can proceed,” said Swiegelaar. However, the student constitution states “in order to qualify on academic grounds [as] a [SRC] candidate, [they] must comply with the minimum residence HEMIS requirements on the basis of his or her academic record of previous years and the June examination results of the year concerned”. Candidates who stand for SRC are allowed to openly advertise their affiliation with political parties. When asked about this Swiegelaar stated that most people who run are not politically affiliated. “While the SRC itself is not politically affiliated, there is nothing preventing people who are politically affiliated from running. “It is important for students to know that they vote for an individual, not for a political party,” said Swiegelaar.
FROM SU
Meanwhile an interim team, composed out of the newly elected ex-officios and a few members from the 2015/2016 SRC, are handling administrative tasks and activities. The ex-officios were elected in September by their respective committees, while three members of the 2015/2016 SRC, Bradley Frolick, Lwazi Pakade and Romek Sadowski remain involved until a new group is appointed. Voting for the 2017/2018 SRC will take place electronically after nominations close on 6 February.
What is the SRC?
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is the highest representative structure for students at Stellenbosch University (SU) as recognised by the SU Statute, governed by the Student Constitution. The SRC consists of 15 elected members.
What is Student Court?
The Student Court is the judicial arm of student governance at SU. It is responsible for the resolution of student disputes, inter-society disputes and SRC constitutional matters. The judges are law students.
Foto: FRANNA LOMBARD
JO(O)LIG Landolph Schutz geniet Vensters gate uit.
TUK-TUK
Your safety starts with you It’s tempting to think of Stellenbosch as an idyllic university town, but the fact is that crime is as rife in Stellenbosch as it is in the rest of the country. “The thousands of mobile phones, computers and vehicles on campus attract criminals. “Therefore it’s important to take precautionary security measures to avoid becoming a victim of crime,” said Viljoen van der Walt, director of Risk and Protection Services. Along with the wonderful freedom of being a student, comes a certain amount of responsibility. “Your safety is your responsibility - be vigilant, be aware and take your personal safety very seriously,” adds van der Walt. Here’s what you need to know about moving around campus in the safest way possible. 1. Get a safety escort at night If you need to move between campus buildings or from a building to your vehicle at night, a security officer escort service can be requested by calling 021 808 2333 or 021 808 4202. You can also send a WhatsApp message to the security office at 082 808 2333 and ask them to contact you. Voice calls are not possible. 2. Use the safest routes Use Victoria and Bosman Street whenever possible. At night, security officers are on duty in the mobile security kiosks around campus. 3. Take the shuttle On week days the shuttle service
runs from 07:00 to 17:30 on a fixed schedule from the periphery to the centre of campus (the schedule is available at www.sun.ac.za/mobilityshuttles). At night it runs on the hour from 18:00 to 02:00 from the parking area at the main entrance to the Neelsie (on the east side). This service is available from Monday to Sunday during class and exam times. Remember to keep your student card with you to make use of this service. Foto: HENK OETS
Tips for staying safe at Stellies:
HOP-OP Tuk-Tuk bied studente ’n unieke rondrits-ervaring. Stoppunte op roetes word gemerk.
• Never walk alone, especially at night. Walk in groups, use the shuttle service or request a security officer to escort you. • Keep your phone and valuables out of sight. • Carry a whistle and pepper spray at all times so that you can attract attention if necessary. • Choose the safest route, even if it is not the shortest. Victoria and Bosman Street should be at the heart of your route. • Avoid isolated areas, especially when exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon. • Be conscious of your environment, as criminals prefer to target someone who is not aware of what is going on around them. • Keep a safe distance if a motorist stops to ask for directions. • Change direction if you suspect that you are being followed. • Be a good friend: don’t let others walk alone. • Lock your belongings away in the boot of your car. Property lying on a car seat is very tempting to prospective thieves.
TukTuk deur die Bos met nuwe vervoeropsie EUGENIE GREGAN
Veilig, bekostigbaar en pret. Dít is wat Stellenbosch se nuwe vervoermiddel aan Maties beloof. Die geel Go-TukTuk-karretjies wat vanjaar in die dorp se strate rondrits is spesifiek op die pad losgelaat om die vervoer- en parkeerprobleme op kampus op te los. Volgens Christo van der Merwe, Go-TukTuk se besigheidsontwikkelaar in Stellenbosch, het die idee in 2015 onstaan toe ’n paar vriende rondom ’n braai oor die veiligheid, veral in die aande, van Stellenbosch gesels het. Naas van der Merwe en Eugene Yntema het toe die mark begin toets en die idee vir ’n betroubare, unieke vervoermiddel in ’n besigheid ontwikkel. Daar is met Stellenbosch Watch saamgespan om passasiers se veiligheid te verseker. Elke Go-TukTuk-bestuurder het ’n tweerigting-radio wat op Stellenbosch Watch se frekwensie ingestel is en dien as “ekstra oë en ore op die pad”.
Pakkette Dag R50 Week R350 Maand R750 Semester R2 700 Jaar R3 600 “Ons tydsbereking en die verhouding wat ons met rolspelers in Stellenbosch het, was deurslaggewend vir ons suksesvolle deurbraak. “Baie tyd is aan die navorsing en ontwikkeling bestee om te bepaal wat die dorp se grootste probleme is,” het Christo verduidelik. Daar is agt roetes met 22 stoppunte regoor die dorp.
Drie karretjies ry op elke roete en stop elke 15 minute by die stoppunte. Die Go-TukTuk’s is van 7:00 die oggend tot 3:00 die oggend op straat en daar is vyf pakkette waaruit studente kan kies (sien kassie). Christo meen daar is baie redes waarom studente Go-TukTuk as opsie kies. “Ons is meer bekostigbaar (as byvoorbeeld Uber), veilig omdat ons saam met Stellenbosch Watch werk, betroubaar, opwindend en ons bied ’n unieke ervaring.” Volgens Christo is die wetlike aspekte sover hulle grootste uitdagings, aangesien lisensies en permitte vir die karretjies gekry moes word. Die karretjies moet ook padwaardig wees. “Behalwe daarvoor is dit belangrik om aan passasiers se verwagtinge te voldoen en die diens te lewer wat ons belowe het,” het hy gesê. Studente kan aanlyn vir GoTuk-Tuk registreer, waarna jy ’n strepieskode sal kry. Dié kode word dan geskandeer voordat jy op die karretjie klim. Besoek go-tuktuk.co.za vir meer.
4
NUUS
CONVOCATION Majority alumni supports court order to set language policy aside
Convocation supports Afrikaans EUGENIE GREGAN
T
he convocation of Stellenbosch University (SU) supports a court order to be heard on 20 March asking for the university’s new language policy to be set aside. The motion supporting the application was put forward by Danie Marais from the Pen Afrikaans organisation at the year meeting which took place on Thursday night. It was accepted by a large majority of the convocation and requests SU to, over and above English lectures, also have a full undergrad offer in Afrikaans. The convocation also accepted a motion tabled by JD Blanckenberg which asks the convocation president, advocate Jan Heunis SC, and the SU management team to debate and create space for all voices to be heard. During the meeting, Blanckenberg tweeted that he tabled the motion because the nature of the first motion is problematic and that there is a lack of transparency. The voting on the motions followed speeches by SU
rector Wim de Villiers and Heunis. Thereafter a robust debate took place. SU rector prof Wim de Villiers delivered a speech highlighting the university’s achievements and challenges. He also said the university should be an inclusive and accessible institution, and factors that may result in the exclusion of students are academic achievement, financial challenges as well as language of instruction. De Villiers called upon members of the convocation to support the university on “our journey to greater inclusivity, innovation and focus on the future”. In response to this, advocate Jan Heunis SC, president of the convocation, quoted the constitution of South Africa that expresses the fundamental human right that everyone has to receive education in the official language/s of their choice in public educational institutions. He went on to say Afrikaans is the home language of 6.8 million people, which makes it the third biggest home language after Zulu and Xhosa.
He also mentioned that Afrikaans is the home language of 49.7% of the residents in the Western Cape, which makes it reasonably practicable to have Afrikaans as language of instruction. “If good men do nothing, the rogues take over. It is time for the good men to stand up and be counted. “To step into the arena of discourse and take a position and claim a voice,” Heunis said. The floor was opened for discussion after the speeches and both Heunis and De Villiers got sharp criticism from convocation members. A member asked De Villiers why her daughter was discriminated against because of race, on which De Villiers chose not to answer. Heunis was also criticised for his participation in the court case, on which he replied that he got the necessary permission from the Bar Association. The court order is being put forward by Gelyke Kanse, a lobby group opposing the eradication of Afrikaans at SU.
THE VERBAL WAR
“I strongly disagree with comments that the 2016 Language Policy undermines the Afrikaans language or Afrikaans culture; that it deprives Afrikaans-speaking students from the opportunity to be taught in Afrikaans, or that it marginalises Afrikaans as language of instruction. For 2017 the projection is that more than 40% of our students in modules will be taught in parallel medium.” - Wim de Villiers, SU rector
“I have yet to hear a remotely coherent and convincing argument supportive of the devaluation of the existing right to tuition in mother-tongue Afrikaans at this university. In fact, the one thing that is clear is that those who propagate and fight for equality for Afrikaans as a primary language of instruction have decisively won the debate and we continue to win it.” - Jan Heunis, president of the SU covocation
CONVO-WHAT?
THE LANGUAGE POLICY
The convocation is a statutory body consisting of all SU graduates, including current postgraduate students who completed their undergraduate studies at SU, all full-time and retired academic staff of the University, and all diplomats after 2010. According to law all South African universities have a convocation that ensures the input of alumni into matters regarding the university and also provides a statutory connection to its former students. The convocation has six representatives on the SU council.
The current language policy was approved by the university council on 22 June 2016 for implementation from 1 January 2017. The policy aims to increase equitable access for all students and staff, and is committed to multilingualism by using the province’s three official languages, namely Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa. Contextual considerations for Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa are stipulated, where English is highlighted as a language that has significant academic, business and international value. The policy can be found at http://www.sun.ac.za/about-us/language and is reviewed during it’s fifth year of operation.
Fees Must Fall costs university millions
#FEESMUSTFALL
SU fees increased with 8% INGRID HEYDENRYCH
On 28 November, Stellenbosch University (SU) announced that student fees for the 2017 academic year would increase. Upon this announcement, they stated that the University Council was reluctant to increase tuition and accommodation fees, but that “it had no other option as its governance and oversight role determines that the long term financial sustainability of the institution is of paramount importance”. This followed the ongoing #FeesMustFall movement that has affected South African universities since 2015. Talks about fee increases and the threat to students’ pockets continued throughout 2016. For example, SU stated on its website during budget planning, that a minimum 8% increase in annual income was needed in order to maintain the current levels of academic quality and financial sustainability. It was however, the announcement by minister of higher education and training Blade Nzimande, which made fee increases a reality. He recommended that fee increases for all universities should not exceed 8%, but said universities should make their own decisions about fee increases in 2017. SU, like many other universities, finally decided on an 8% increase in tuition fees. Students with a household income of R600 000 or more will be affected by this increase, while students with a household income of R600 000 or less will pay tuition fees equal to that
of the past two years. Additionally, all on-campus accommodation, i.e. the university residences, will cost 10% more than last year. Again this increase will not apply to students with a household income of less than R600 000 a year. During the university’s discussions about fee increases, emphasis was placed on the “missing middle”, those students who’s household income is too high to qualify for bursaries such as the NSFAS, but too low to afford the 8% increase. To be considered as part of the missing middle, a student must have a combined household income of between R122 000 and R600 000. It was argued that students with a household income higher than the above mentioned margin would be able to compensate for the increase. In accordance to this, all students who applied for NSFAS funding will be considered for a grant to cover the fee increase, as well as all students who were in quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools in Grade 12. The “missing middle” will thus have to apply for the fee adjustment grant at registration, since they will not automatically be considered. SU previously stated that the chronic underfunding of South African universities for close to two decades could be blamed for the financial crisis in higher education in the country. The university also contended that “initiatives to provide bursaries for the ‘missing middle’ would be jeopardised if the university is not in a position to increase its annual income”.
ARLEEN STONE
Fees Must Fall protests cost Stellenbosch University (SU) over R1 000 000 in damages from 2015 onwards. Damages included broken doors and windows, damage to buildings, equipment and furniture, emptying and theft of fire extinguishers, and the breaking of glass panels to set off fire alarms. “Earlier in 2016 an office was gutted after a petrol bomb was presumably thrown through a window,” said university spokesperson, Martin Viljoen. Viljoen added that the university was unable to comment on the cost of security measures implemented during this time and that legislation states that SU’s own campus security staff are not allowed to get involved in crowd control, forcing the need for private security. “Where necessary, disciplinary steps were taken and security tightened on the campuses to ensure that students can attend class and complete their tests and examinations. “Mention should also be made of the fact that 93% of students who participated in a survey indicated that they wanted to complete the academic year,” Viljoen continued. Fees Must Fall eventually became a movement that not only shook the country but also spread out towards the rest of the world and left a path of destruction in its wake. The Fees Must Fall movement, which started in 2015, was a call to South Africa’s leaders to declare free higher education to all current and prospective students at universities nationwide. However, what started out as a peaceful campaign with its sights set on an ideal goal in an economically
strained country, later became a warzone between students, university management and the general public. After little success by the end of the year all signs pointed to the sudden and sure end of the movement. But in 2016 talks and smaller protests on the Matie campus became increasingly persistent and more students joined the movement, claiming that even though Stellenbosch University promised no fee increases for the year, they still experienced increases in costs for things such as InetKey, washing- and printing quotas. This rallied even greater numbers, leading to the interdiction of 30 students. Twelve of these students who participated in disruptions such as blocking access to academic facilities or committing assault, were suspended by the Rector pending the outcome of a disciplinary process. Three students were also arrested on other charges.
Viljoen said there is provision to appeal the decision to suspend but the students decided not to make use of this. The students, through their attorney of record, did lodge a High Court action against the decision by the Rector, but it was unsuccessful. In October 2016, Die Matie reported on the arrest of Jodi Williams, one of the three students, charged with assault and violation of an interdict. After being amongst the students who occupied the RW Wilcocks building, Jodi and the other two students were expelled from the University. Throughout December, court cases continued in an effort to lift the expulsions and suspensions. The Facebook page #Feesmustfall Stellies 2.0 published a list of these students and those still to appear before the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court in 2017. Since then the disciplinary hearings of the 12 students have been concluded.
Photo: HENK OETS
CLASS INTERRUPTED Students protesting for free eduation last year.
NUUS
1 Februarie 2017
5
PLAASLIEFDE Oud-Matie Jacobu steel harte op Boer Soek ’n Vrou
Boer Hennie kry toe boer Arno se vrou NINA FOUCHÉ
D
ie spontane babbelbek op die negende reeks van Boer Soek ’n Vrou het toe wel ’n boer
gekry. Die onbeplande verhouding tussen en Jacobu Muller en boer Hennie Lötter van Willowmore het die reeks se onsuksesvolste seisoen nóg gered. Die Matie het met Jacobu, ’n oudMatie, oor haar blitsroem gesels.
Hoe het dit gebeur dat jou en Hennie se paaie gekruis en ’n verhouding ontwikkel het? Ons het mekaar tydens die reünie ontmoet toe ek en Arno as vriende gegaan het. Hennie het my gevra om ’n coolbag vir sy nefie in Stellenbosch af te laai. Die Sondag ná die reünie het ek vir hom ’n boodskap op Facebook gestuur nadat ek dit afgelaai het en hy het toe my nommer gevra en gebel om dankie te sê. Ons het begin praat oor WhatsApp en ek het so twee weke daarna by hom gaan kuier op die plaas. Van toe af kan ons net nie mekaar uit los nie.
Wat het jou laat besluit om vir Boer Soek ’n Vrou in te skryf?
Ek het nog altyd met my ma-hulle gespot en gesê ek gaan vir Boer Soek ’n Vrou inskryf. In die Junie-vakansie het ek toe by my suster-hulle gaan kuier en my boekie begin maak en ingestuur. Ek het dit eintlik vir die joke gedoen en glad nie gedink ek sou so ver kom nie, want ek het maar ’n persoonlikheid wat nie algemeen aanvaar word nie.
Ek sê altyd mense hou van ’n koppie tee en ek is meer soos ’n glasie lemoensap.
Het die verfilming van die reeks dit moeilik gemaak om met jou studies by te bly?
Die verfilming was gelukkig ’n tydjie van die Junie-vakansie, maar die plaaskuier en die kuier by my mahulle het gebeur in my proeftydperk. Ek het minder weke gehad om my lesse aan te bied, maar die universiteit het my later toegelaat om in die kantoor te gaan werk vir ekstra ure. Dit help ook om oor die algemeen meer “oppit” te wees, so al het ek nie baie klas geloop nie, was my take altyd klaar. Dit was hectic, maar dis doenbaar.
Jy was baie kykers se gunsteling deelnemer. Het jy verwag dat jy hierdie reaksie sou ontvang? Herken mense jou in die publiek?
Dit is vir my weird as mense vir my sê ek is hulle gunsteling. Ek sê dan maar net: “Dankie, ek is my ma s’n ook!” Dis bietjie awkward, want mens aanvaar nie maklik komplimente nie. Ten minste weet ek dat wie ek was op die televisie, is wie ek is. As jy my handtekening sien sal jy heel moontlik lag, want dis nie iets om oor aan te gaan nie en jy sal definitief nie geld kry daarvoor nie.
Jy het hierdie jaar begin skoolgee by Laerskool De Hoop in Somerset-Wes. Hoe beïnvloed hierdie new found stardom jou beroep as onderwyser?
Ek dink dit maak dit bietjie makliker vir my, want meeste kinders en ouers dink hulle ken my klaar. By die oueraand het ek daar gestaan en almal het my klaar geken. Dis makliker want ek ontmoet dalk nuwe mense, maar die mense voel hulle kan gesprekke aanknoop omdat hulle my reeds “ken”. In daai opsig moet ek maar mooi dink oor wat ek doen en waar ek myself bevind, maar verder steur ek myself nie veel oor die sogenaamde fame nie.
Wat is van jou gunsteling herinneringe aan jou tyd op Stellenbosch? Wat dink jy sal jy die meeste mis?
As ek moet eerlik wees, die feit dat jy kan besluit of jy nou na daai 8 uur klas toe wil gaan of nie. Ek het nie nou die keuse nie. Nee, ek spot sommer. Ek mis Tollies en ek gaan Nubar ook mis in ’n mate. Behalwe vir dit is dit net daai lekker tye waar jy in die klas kan sit, iemand kan vir jou ’n boodskap stuur dat jy hulle in die Neelsie moet kry en jy voel nie eers skuldig dat jy jou volgende klas mis nie, want jy weet jy gaan nou people watching doen saam met iemand. Die hele “vind jouself”-vibe en die mense wat jy ontmoet wat jy weet jy eendag na jou troue toe gaan nooi, dis wat ek die meeste mis.
Hoe het jy en Hennie dit reg gekry om vir so lank julle verhouding ’n geheim te hou? Ek het baie gaan kuier in Willowmore. Ek sou sê ek het in my laaste kwartaal van universiteit net so drie dae klas toe gegaan. Daar is nie baie mense in Willowmore nie, so toe almal van
Foto: VERSKAF
BOER KRY SY VROU Hennie Lötter en Jacobu Muller. hulle weet, was dit gemaklik. Ons kon glad nie foto’s op sosiale media sit nie en as daar mense ons saam gesien het, het ons nou maar mooi vir hulle verduidelik dat ons respek het vir die reeks en ons wil dit nie vir die ander kykers ruïneer nie. Dit was moeilik, want kan jy nou dink jy is só verlief op iemand, maar julle mag nie eers ’n foto saam hê nie en julle moet in die publiek maak asof julle net vriende is. Ek dink wel dit het ons verhouding sterker gemaak.
As jy en Hennie op dieselfde tyd studente was in Stellenbosch, wat sou jou idee van ’n perfekte date op ’n studentebegroting wees? Ek sou hom vat na ’n rivier of dam toe en ’n piekniek hou. Ons sou net die sterre en mekaar se geselskap waardeer. Op ’n ander dag kon ons weer net op ’n Sondagoggend deur Stellenbosch se strate stap en stop daar waar die koffie die lekkerste ruik.
MCLAREN
Woede oor dieretoertjies in sirkusvertoning ARLEEN STONE
Janie Visser, ’n dieetkundestudent by die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se Tygerberg-kampus, het in Oktober as eerste prinses by die mej. Dowe Suid-Afrikakompetisie weggestap. Sy is ook as mej. Persoonlikheid gekroon. Volgens Visser het ’n onderhoud met die voormalige mej. Dowe Suid-Afrika, Vicki Fourie, haar laat besef watter groot dinge bereik kan word deur harde werk en volharding. Visser het Sense 5 verlede jaar begin, ’n projek wat hoofsaaklik praatjies by laerskole hou om geld vir die Decibel Cochlear Campaign in te samel. Decibel Cochlear Campaign doen kogliêre inplantings vir mense wat dit nie andersins kan beskostig nie. - Elodi Troskie
McLaren-sirkus het Matie-aktiviste vir diereregte laas week die harnas ingejaag. Die sirkus, wat van Donderdag tot Sondag by die Van der Stelsportgronde opgeslaan het, gebruik Bengaalse tiere, leeus, kamele, ponies, perde, bokke, donkies, luislange en poedels in hul vertonings. Die gebruik van dié diere het ’n bekgeveg op Facebook tot gevolg gehad, toe diereliefhebbers en sirkusliefhebbers mekaar aangevat het. McLaren Circus – Free the Animals, Beauty Without Cruelty, Peaceful Protest against McLaren Circus/Animal cruelty en die koopen-verkoop-groep Stellenbosch Second Hand het die sirkus van dieremishandeling beskuldig. Alicia Jooste, administrateur van die Stellenbosch Second Hand, en Duncan McLaren, broer van die sirkuseienaar David McLaren, het ook met mekaar slaags geraak.
Volgens Jooste is sy ’n diereliefhebber en –aktivis en het sy die platform en volgelinge om bewusmaking te skep. “Die diere word nie in hul natuurlike habitat gehuisves nie en is op die pad en in hokke vir meer as 90% van hulle lewens. “Hulle word gekondisioneer en met ongunstige metodes opgelei wat vir hulle traumaties is. Die grootste probleem wat ek hiermee het, is dat Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit toegelaat het dat die geleentheid na Stellenbosch gekom het,” het Jooste verduidelik. Volgens Jooste het sy talle e-posse aan die munisipaliteit gestuur, maar is daar volgehou dat die sirkus al die nodige dokumentasie gehad het en is daarom toegelaat om op te tree. “Die probleem is nie dat hulle die dokumentasie het nie, die probleem is dat die munisipaliteit toelaat dat die sirkus hier optree, wat die gebruik van diere in sirkusse bestendig,” het Jooste gesê.
Volgens David is al die toertjies wat die diere doen binne hulle natuurlike vermoë en dat hulle slegs twee keer per dag vir ’n paar minute optree. Hy meen die persone wat teen die gebruik van diere in sirkusse is, kyk nooit na die vertonings nie en weet nie presies watter toertjies sy diere uitvoer nie. “Ek gebruik positiewe metodes om my diere op te lei. Al my leeus en tiere het hulle naels en kloue. Die dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) besoek my gereeld,” het McLaren gesê. Van der Stel-sportgronde se Suzaan Jones het aktiviste verseker dat die nodige permitte vir die hantering van die diere ontvang is. Stellenbosch Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) en Kaapstad se DBV sou glo ook ’n inspeksie van die terrein en die diere doen. Jessica Perrins, hoof van kommunikasie by die AWSS, het egter ontken dat enige van hulle personeel of Cape of Good Hope DBV se inspekteurs ooit die sirkus geïnspekteer het.
6
STUDENTELEWE
Ken jou kampus: ’n Gids tot giere Dalk is daar iets in die water, maar dit lyk asof studente by mekaar afloer wat modes aanbetref. Soms per toeval, soms opsetlik, pas studente in dieselfde fakulteit by mekaar. Terwyl ons in die Neelsie ’n koffie geniet, probeer ons raai wie aan watter fakulteit behoort. Hier volg ons waarnemings. Deur Elodi Troskie en Carla de Beer.
Tips for new Maties New year, new first years roaming the Stellenbosch campus wearing their matching res - or PSO - attire and staring at a campus map. To make life on campus just that bit easier for the newcomers, we have compiled some advice given by Matie students on social media to ensure that the first years’ know how to handle student life and to prepare them for the rollercoaster that is Stellenbosch University. “Finishing your degree in the allocated amount of years is like leaving the party at 10 pm.”
Lettere & Sosiale Wetenskappe Soms voel dit asof jy vergeet het om volgens die tema van ’n kostuumpartytjie aan te trek wanneer jy jou rondom die BA-gebou bevind. Dié fakulteit se modes kan in een woord opgesom word: eksperimenteel.
Onderwys ’n Onderwysstudent sal aangetrek wees op ’n manier wat nie stresvolle herinneringe aan skooleksamens en LOperiodes oproep nie. Hulle word dikwels met een of ander A2-plakkaat onder die arm gesien.
Geneeskunde & Gesondheidswetenskappe Volgens wat ons kon aflei, bestaan dié studente se uitrustings uit enigiets wat gemaklik is om vir die grootste gedeelte van die dag in ’n klas te sit en werk. (Scrubs is natuurlik die uitsondering.)
Regte Regstudente kan aan hul netjiese ingesteekte hemde, wegneemkoffies en dikgestopte leerboeksakke uitgeken word. Dis belangrik om altyd oogkontak met hulle te maak om jou onskuld te beklemtoon.
? Ekonomiese & Bestuurswetenskappe
BCom-studente het ’n perfek gebalanseerde voorkoms: genoeg moeite is gedoen sonder om te lyk of hulle té hard probeer. As jy verby een van hulle stap, knik beleef en moenie vra hoe dit met FinRek gaan nie.
Natuurwetenskappe BSc-studente sal ’n hele paar ure van hul week in ’n laboratoriumjas en veiligheidsbril deurbring. Andersins kamoefleer dié studente goed, maar kan uitgeken word waar hulle die eikebome in Victoriastraat bestudeer.
Landbou Die landboustudent het sonder twyfel ’n John Deerhoed erens in hul klerekas, selfs al word dit nie elke dag uitgehaal nie. ’n Interessante verskynsel onder hierdie studente is: geen merkbare verskil tussen winter- en somermodes nie.
Ingenieurswese Aangesien dit ’n rare verskynsel is om ’n ingenieurstudent op kampus te gewaar, is dit onmoontlik om met sekerheid te sê wat die modegiere in dié fakulteit is. Indien jy enige inligting het, kontak asseblief Die Matie sodat die gids opgedateer kan word.
– Gershwin Mias
“NuBar is nie ’n aanloopbaan nie. Bêre jou stuk Jetrug en draai vir jou dwars.”
– Stellies Confessions
“Nobody is out of your league anymore. Do not pester, but always give it a go.”
– Stellies Confessions
“Lectures: this is how you pedal. Tutorials: now try without stabilisers. Exam: you have two hours, win the Tour de France.”
- Anonymous
“There’s no such thing as April and September holidays. They’re a week for you to catch up on all the work you didn’t do. 700 tests, 200 projects and 10 online quizzes will be waiting for you. You’re welcome.” – Stellies Rage
“Are you really a Matie if you don’t have a plakkie tan during summer?”
– Stellies Rage
“We can smell your fear and first year stench, so yes, we know you’re a first year.”
– Stellies Confessions
“You will meet Moksie and you will be scared.” - Kirsty Mae Bruce “Avoid wearing white or open shoes to Terrace. Terrace foot is not a myth.” - Anonymous “You will often find yourself telling repeated lies such as ‘we will only go for one drink’, ‘we just cuddled’ and ‘I will study tomorrow’.” – Kirsty Mae Bruce
“Be content with a 50% pass. It is a pass. If you don’t, you’re going to have a sad life.” - Ntshembo Mshey Nkuna
“If tomorrow isn’t the due date, today isn’t the do date.” Foto: HENK OETS
Tá-Maties! Die koffiewinkel by die ingang aan die Rooiplein se kant van die Neelsie het ’n nuwe baadjie. Die winkel staan na die vakansie nie as Café.G.O. bekend nie, maar heet nou TaMaties. Tydens die vakansie het opknappings plaasgevind en die winkel spog met ‘n nuwe spyskaart. Hulle bied die opsie om jou eie Jaffle of toebroodjie te bou met die vulsel van jou keuse, en die reuk van croissants uit die kombuis laat jou sommer vergeet van al die boeke wat jy in die Neelsie moet gaan koop.
- Gracy Marquard
“If you lose your friends after a jol, you’re almost guaranteed to find them at McDonalds or Caltex with the rest of Stellenbosch at 2am.” – Kirsty Mae Bruce
DAG & NAG
1 Februarie 2017
7
30 January – 17 April Varsity Cup 5 February Jeremy Loops Summer Sunset Concerts, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
5 February Die Wasgoedlyn Backsberg Estate
Coetzenberg Coetzenberg is ’n lekker opsie vir ’n amateur-bergklimmer. Die berg is ook ’n gunsteling vir drawwers en fietsryers. Nie net is Coetzenberg mooi nie, maar daar is ook versteekte juwele soos die dam wat ’n gewilde afkoel-plek is. Daar is ook perdestalle 'n bietjie hoër op teen die berg en as jy op die regte tyd gaan, kan jy dalk net ’n rugbywedstryd verniet kyk.
Julian’s
Geniet ’n Early-Bird-ontbyt hier, elke dag voor 11:00 vir net 23.95.
Brazen’s (Happy Oak) Die kuierplek is enige gekoringde se nagmerrie, met soveel vertrekkies en gangetjies waarin jy kan verdwaal. Ná ’n voorval laas jaar het die gebou opknappings nodig gehad en spog hulle nou met ’n pub ‘n onderdak-kuier-area buite. Woensdae & Sondae kry jy twee etes vir die prys van een. Wenk: ’n Maklike manier om iemand se ouderdom te raai, is die manier waarop daar na dié kuierplek verwys word
Java Bistro & Co Daar heers ’n lekker atmosfeer by Java in die aand en op Woensdae betaal jy net halfprys vir ’n pizza. Geniet daai eerste date onder die sambreeltjies in Kerkstraat.
De Akker
De Akker is die oudste kroeg in Stellenbosch, maar is onlangs deftig. Veral ouer studente hang hier uit... (En spaar maar vir daai vodka, lime en water.)
Botaniese tuine Die universiteit se botaniese tuine is perfek vir as jy net bietjie alleentyd in die natuur nodig het. Daar is ’n kof fiewinkel in die hartjie van die tuine, Die Katjiepiering, wat perfek is vir ’n yskoue ystee tussen klasse op die warm dae in Stellenbosch. As jy gelukkig is sal jy live vermaak sien in die vorm van ’n groep BSc-studente wat paniekbevange raak omdat hulle nie die regte plante kan identifiseer nie.
8 & 22 February Stellenbosch Street Soirees Drostdy Street
10 February FALKE Full Moon Hike Delvera Farm
14 February The Galileo Open Air Foto’s: VERSKAF Cinema Valentine’s Special Nooitgedacht 18 February The Color Run Stellenbosch High
Cures for that MAD hangover NICOLE BRUMMER
Stellenbosch students are all too familiar with waking up on a Thursday morning with a pounding headache that makes opening your eyes near impossible. Some may tell you to grab a greasy Julian’s breakfast, while others might recommend a “groen ambulans”. In the spirit of the new (academic) year, here are a few hangover cures to make your life easier: Alcohol dehydrates the body and while drinking a glass of water after a night out might sound revolting, rehydrating the body will help fight headaches the next morning. Coffee is found to act against alcohol and can actually help you feel better, giving you a much needed
energy boost for the day. Sports drinks like Energade helps restore electrolytes lost when consuming alcohol. An Ibuprofen is also useful. A greasy breakfast helps replace fatty acids that break down the alcohol in your body. Eggs actually contain an ingredient proven to reverse the damage done by alcohol. The potassium levels in bananas are also good for curing a hangover. When choosing something to eat, carbohydrates are recommended because it helps the body soak up the alcohol. Taking a hot shower increases the blood flow in your body and helps speed up the process of getting rid of the alcohol.
2
Get some sleep! Alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, so the more you rest, the better you will feel. While the thought of actually getting out of bed might sound like torture, light exercise might actually help with a hangover. Exercising releases endorphins that lifts your mood and speeds up the metabolism, making alcohol leave the body faster. The best way to not get a hangover is to prevent it. Although many students believe that “eating is cheating”, eating before a night out actually lines the stomach which enables the body to absorb the alcohol better. Mixing types of alcohol also increases the risk of a headache, so it’s best to choose your poison and stick with it throughout the night.
18 February Helderberg Craft Beer Fest Southey’s Vines
Photo: HENK OETS
24 – 26 February Stellenbosch Wine Festival
8
REDAKSIONEEL
editorial/redaksioneel
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME Om vir eerstejaars ’n realistiese prentjie te gee van wat om van die Stellenbosse studentelewe te verwag, het Die Matie in ons argiewe gaan delf – op soek na die moet-weet nuus, die moetsien gebeure en die moet-beleef ervaringe waarmee jy ná drie (of vier, of vyf… of ses?) jaar moet wegstap. Hoe dieper ons egter gedelf het, hoe meer het een ding duidelik geraak: Hoe meer dinge verander, hoe meer bly dit dieselfde. Die SR-verkiesing is steeds ’n
sirkus – vanjaar in die vorm van ’n Wilgenhof-windbuks case comes A worrying topic that also spookstruktuur wat nou inderhaas to mind) or just plain drunken hasn’t changed much, is the soprobeer gevul word met kandidate behaviour (ask Gorrel for more), called rape culture on campus. In wat geen vorige ervaring 1997 Die Matie reported nodig het nie. about protests against “Stellenbosch se studente kán Dit sal interessant wees baklei, en jy kan verseker wees dat rape culture on campus, om te sien wie het die moed an issue we sadly had daai vuur ook in jou sal aansteek. to report on again last om te staan – en tot die Die Matie-geen is immers ’n einde daar te bly staan. year. With sharpened Another thing that has security measures, we dwarstrekker-geen.” stayed the same throughout can only hope that this the years, is residences will indeed change. sensitivity against any form of there is nothing as scared as a Iets wat wel deur die jare criticism. Whether it’s orientation, residence prim under Die Matie dieselfde gebly het, is Maties se shooting dramas (a specific inquiry. veggees. Of dit oor verkragtings,
die taalbeleid, studiegelde of Bohemia se nuwe rookverbod gaan – Stellenbosch se studente kán baklei, en jy kan verseker wees dat daai vuur ook in jou sal aansteek. Die Matie-geen is immers ’n dwarstrekker-geen. So welkom, Maties. Drink wyn op die Rooiplein, soen iemand in die Laan, hoop saam met ons Varsity Cup verloop beter, bestel bokswyn by Bohemia, koop vir jou gumboots en onthou dis ’n loopbaan, nie ’n renbaan nie.
HOOFREDAKSIE HOOFREDAKTEUR Eugenie Gregan
BEDRYFSREDAKTEUR
Taariq F. Tayob NUUS Arleen Stone STUDENTELEWE Gizellede Götz DAG & NAG Ingrid Klückow SPORT André Huisamen ONLINE Ingrid Heÿdenrÿch FOTO’S Henk Oets UITLEG Ané van Zyl SUB-EDITOR Hayley Grammer
MEDEWERKERS SPOTPRENT Jana Slabber TEKSREDIGERING Suzanne Koen DRUKWERK PaarlMedia
RAAK BETROKKE / HELP OUT Indien jy as joernalis, rubriekskrywer, taalversorger, grafiese ontwerper, fotograaf of videograaf betrokke wil raak, stuur ’n e-pos na diematie75@ gmail.com. Kommentaar, kritiek of wenke is welkom.
ARGIEF / ARCHIVE Die Matie is digitalised from 2003 onwards. The rest of Die Matie’s previous content can be found at the JS Gericke Library archive
KONTAK ONS / CONTACT US POSADRES Langenhoven Studentesentrum; Privaatsak X1; Universiteit Stellenbosch; Matieland; 7602 WEBADRES w w w.diematie.com FACEBOOK w w w.facebook.com/diematie OPLAAG 8 000 VOLGENDE UITGAWE 15/01/2017 SPERDATUM 10/01/2017 ADVERTENSIES Suzaan Potgieter (suzaan.potgieter7@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.
GORRELKOP WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY Gorrel sees that 2017 brought a fresh wave of disrespectful students who think they can do as they please just because they hold a position of authority on campus. It is perplexing for Gorrel that university structures seem to be so careless when appointing a body of people who are there to set an example for younger students and be the leaders of the future. Worrying stuff. As if being loud and obnoxious isn’t enough after consuming copious amounts of wine (and Gorrel says copious because the number of bottles on the table was extreme) breaking property that doesn’t belong to you and proceeding to use money as a justification for your behaviour because “daddy’s paying” is rather sickening. Or maybe the fact that the rest of the table laughed when this happened was the most sickening, it’s hard to decide. Gorrel thinks especially Pieke have really outdone themselves in terms of starting 2017 off with a bang. Not only are they rude, there seems to be no internal repercussions for such behaviour. Not to mention the fact that the ones in charge, who are supposed to be supervising everything, are uncooperative and use intimidation to ensure their reputation stays intact. In addition to all this, the manager of the wine farm where this took place also gave Gorrel some
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.
less than desirable input about this unruly bunch. Apparently the “gentlemen of campus” have been causing trouble for her for the past two weeks. Gorrel believes that leaders and those in position of authority need to take responsibility for their actions. You don’t lead with words, you lead with actions, and breaking property on purpose no matter how sober or drunk you are sends a very strong message to those below you: we can do as we please as long as we have the means to clear it up afterwards. People make mistakes and none of us are perfect, but the fact that nothing has been done to show other students that behaving like this is unacceptable is unacceptable in itself. (PS. Deleting comments doesn’t mean all is forgotten). Perhaps a new strategy for Pieke could be asking whether their parents would be proud or disappointed in them if they knew what their pride and joy were up to. Maybe then it would hit home. WHAT SRC? Gorrel couldn’t help but notice that Hoenderdag seems more organized than this year’s SRC elections. (Helshoogte at least has a set date.) One would think that after the disaster surrounding last year’s elections, someone would’ve stepped up for this supposed important structure. The nomination process will be interesting (you mos don’t need expereince to stand now) and considering half the people on campus are first years,
most likely don’t have a clue what an SRC is. As far as Gorrel knows, the university hasn’t made an effort to make new students aware of the structure’s existence (the university’s guide for newcomers doesn’t even mention them), but the newcomers will be allowed to vote. The nominations opened on Monday, but Gorrel hasn’t seen any adverts for students to apply. Gorrel doesn’t understand how students are supposed to apply if they weren’t even properly informed that nominations re-opened. Instead of advertising on social media that nominations are reopening, the SRC continually make posts about food vouchers they have available. If the elections should be completed within a month from now, it means three weeks for the entire process to be finalized. One week for nominations, one week for campaigning and caucuses, one week for voting. The SRC also expects applicants to get 200 signatures supporting them in their nomination. Surely getting all the required documentation in place will take more than a week. Gorrel finds it fishy that no dates but the opening dates were announced. It seems the SRC is opening the nominations and hoping for the best. We can only hope for their part, they are not heading full steam for disaster.
FORUM
1 February 2017
9
forum
Watch out for these stressors
PROF LIZETTE RABE
First-year students need to watch out for typical stressors when adapting from school to campus, from home life to being independent, and especially to learn in a totally new way. Prof Lizette Rabe, in her capacity as chair of the Ithemba Foundation, gave this message to first-years during Cluster Day in the Orientation period.
Y
ou are embarking on a new phase in your life that will shape the rest of your future in the most profound way – not only because you are actually preparing for that part of your life that will form your career and on which you will build your future, but because you are also preparing yourselves for what and whom you will be in life. Therefore, it is of immeasurable importance to ensure you give yourself the best opportunity possible while you use this phase in your lives as a solid foundation for being a student – and a highly successful student. Of course there are going to be challenges. For the first time you are an independent individual without a parental home or school structure where you used to be looked after. Now you are on your own. Free at last, you might say. Yes, free at last, but also free to make sure you make the right
choices. Be aware of the immense social pressure you are going to experience. Remain true to yourself and your principles, which will be true to what you want to become once you leave this beautiful campus. You are unbelievably privileged to be the architect of your own future. Ensure you make the right decisions to build a structure that will protect you, that will give you shelter, and that will be the place from where you can embark on every new journey in every phase of your life. In other words, care for your own wellness, not only in a physical way by looking after your body in terms of what you put into it and how you exercise your body, but especially how you treat your mind – your mental wellness. This is something you need to realise: There is no health without mental health. I know we live in a culture where we are immediately off-guard when
we talk about mental health. After all, that is not something people talk about in public. We can talk about physical wellness, but the moment we talk about mental wellness, we are uncomfortable. But you need to break that silence. We need to look after both our physical and psychological wellness, and just because the one is above the neck, we do not have to be embarrassed about it. Back to this being the first year of a wonderful new phase in your lives: yes, it is going to be a stressful year. You have to adapt to a whole new lifestyle with its own responsibilities. The first thing to empower yourself with is knowledge. Be aware of what the symptoms of the most common mental health illnesses are, and empower yourself to recognise them in yourself, or in friends. And then, when you recognise them, act, because the symptoms will not disappear if you ignore them. In fact, they will become worse – like any other disease.
Break the stigma and the silence around mental health diseases. Also remember: as any other illness, mental health illnesses can be treated. And importantly, if you recognise them earlier, it is so much easier to treat and contain mental illnesses. If you recognise the symptoms in yourself, or a roommate or classmate, act. They will not go away if you ignore them. In the meanwhile: Have fun, in every possible way – including discovering a whole new world while preparing for your career. While discovering that whole new universe with a whole new constellation of friends, remember you are on a journey of discovery to your very own self – the most important journey of all. *The Ithemba Foundation – www. ithembafoundation.org.za – hosts the Hope Hike and Hope Bike in October – World Mental Health Awareness Month – to raise awareness around depression and mental health.
SYMPTOMS You probably have depression if you feel sad, anxious or “empty” for longer than two weeks; when you have difficulty concentrating or to remember; when you are indecisive; when you feel tired and without energy, worthless, hopeless, negative and desperate; if you cannot sleep, or sleep badly, or sleep too much; feel irritated and restless; when nothing is interesting anymore and you eat too much or too little. You may even experience involuntary thoughts about suicide. Make an appointment with campus support immediately.
Uit ons
ARGIEwe
Woensdag 25 Maart 1998
If you have reason to celebrate, to meet, to launch or simply to get together in stunning surroundings, the perfect venue is waiting to welcome you and your guests – at the University Museum. Each of our five flexible spaces offers an affordable, highcharacter alternative to other commercial offerings in and around Stellenbosch. The historic front foyer with its double-volume ceiling and dramatic woodwork accommodates 150 guests in comfort and style. It is the ideal function room for a book launch, new product release or important media briefing. Seating can be arranged to suit the function and number of guests. The Lecture Theatre seats 40 attendees in classic lecture room style, with fixed desks and upright chairs, a podium, a lectern, a retractable projection screen and a data projector. The room is wired for stereo sound and cable microphone at the lectern. Internet is also available for clients from within the university. The Museum Courtyard is a novel venue idea. Perfect for al fresco functions such as a cocktail event, a traditional braai or a wine tasting. Can host up to 200 guests. The back Foyer is a functional, elongated space, highly recommended as a food preparation space or serving area for functions taking place in one of the other venues. It could also be put to great use as a mini-exhibition room.
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All of the venues offer a choice of audio-visual equipment, tables, chairs, podium and sound. The University Museum does not offer catering but recommends catering companies contracted to the University.
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SPORT
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Photo: FRANNA LOMBARD
VOLLEYING The Flying Fish Beach Volleyball took place in Stellenbosch last week.
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DIE HOOPVOLLES Maties se krieketspan wat hoop om vanjaar met die Varsity Krieket-titel weg te stap.
Krieketspan hoop op sukses JÉAN DE WET
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arsity Krieket het dalk weens aanhoudende reën bietjie stadig afgeskop, maar Maties se krieketspan is steeds oorgehaal om te vergoed vir hulle vorige mislukte veldtogte. Dié reeks vind reeds drie jaar plaas en Tuks het nog elke keer koning gekraai. Vanjaar se reeks word weer in Potchefstroom en het Maandag begin. Die reeks word in ’n T20-formaat begin en strek oor ses dae.
Die onderskeie universiteite sal elk een keer teen mekaar te staan kom, waarna die vier spanne met die meeste punte tot die halfeindstryde sal deurdring. Hoewel Tuks weer as ’n gunsteling beskou word, moet Maties nie onderskat word nie. Die jong spelers is oorgehaal om vir sukses van hul sleutelspelers sluit in Niel Botha, wat onlangs baie goed gevaar het vir die Boland amateurspan; Justin Dill, wat SuidAfrika op o.19-vlak verteenwoordig het en die kaptein, Gerhard Erasmus,
wat vir Namibië speel. “Dat daar ’n T20-formaat gespeel word, beteken dit dat ons elke wedstryd op ons beste sal moet wees en dat enige span op die dag kan wen,” het Erasmus gesê. “Ons beskou steeds Tuks en Pukke as ons moeilikste opponente.” Volgens Erasmus het Maties ’n jong span, maar is hul naatboulers veral ’n sterkpunt. “Ons span is vanjaar jonger en heelwat anders as in die verlede. Dit kan egter beteken dat van ons opponente onverwags betrap kan word.”
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RES SPORTS
Summer League Hockey kicks off NIEL ROODE
Excitement fills the air as students prepare for another Steinhoff Hockey Summer League which takes place this week. With loads of skill on display, as well as an unmissable social environment next to the pitch, 2017 promises a build up to the finals on Friday 10 March, where the Maties Hockey Club will host one of the major social events of the 1st semester.
Libertas is looking towards making three trophies in a row after winning consecutively in 2015 and 2016. Although Helderberg, Eendrag and Wilgenhof have made it into the top two over the past five years, Dagbreek will have a good chance of becoming victors with the squad they have on paper. “The first years will bring a strong dimension to their squad and that they are in it to win it,” said Matt de Sousa, Dagbreek and SA u/21 player.
Young talent has proven to be a vital aspect and ingredient to success for the sides competing in the Summer League. The competition has also become a lot tougher over the years and this year will yet again be a valid test of the talent that exists within the Stellenbosch hockey circles. Make your way down to the Astro on weeknights as much as you can over this period of time as you will not want to miss a second of all the action.
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Slow start for Maties
Photo: SASPA
IN VAIN Maties tries to stop Tuks in their first match on Monday.
Maties hope for a fourth title despite opening loss ANDRÉ HUISAMEN
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aties started their season on a low note, losing to Tuks by 9-13. The game was a rainy affair making the chances of an exciting high scoring game very low. “We knew it was going to be difficult to play Tuks away as our first game and the conditions weren’t what we were hoping for,” said team manager Fredri Gunter. Despite their disappointing start, Maties are still setting their sights on first place for this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, hoping to make this year their fourth win. Maties last won the tournament back in 2010 and have since come up short in two finals; one in 2013 against UP Tuks and last year’s extraordinary final against NWU-Pukke at Danie Craven Stadium. Varsity Cup, in association with FNB and Steinhoff International, is celebrating ten years of existence and is aiming for a memorable competition, hopefully one without any protest disruptions. Maties won the inauguration competition back in 2008 when they defeated rivals UCT in the final. They followed with two more
consecutive tournament wins, against Pukke in the 2009 final and UCT again in the 2010 final. In total, Danie Craven has hosted five finals, while Maties have qualified seven times for the qualification round. Maties will once again be captained by Beyers de Villiers, who will most likely feature in his last Varsity Cup competition. De Villiers has been part of the Maties team for several years now and has no shortage of experience when it comes to Varsity Cup rugby. Winger, Edwill van der Merwe, is an exciting prospect for the Maties team. After excelling in last year’s competition, Van der Merwe played for the Junior Springboks in last year’s Junior World Cup in England, before representing the Western Province u/21 side in the Currie Cup. Maties fans will be hoping the see more of the same from him this year as his momentum is only likely to grow. Hawies Fourie is at the reign of the team again, taking over from Chris Rossouw as first team coach at the end of 2015. He made an immediate impact when Maties made it to last year’s Varsity Cup final, without any major scares, but the loss against Pukke is a
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Varsity Cup fixtures 30 January, 18:30 Maties vc UP Tuks Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
disappointing memory. Maties will face the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) on Monday on home turf, before they will play defending champions Pukke.
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6 February, 18:30 Maties vs Wits Stellenbosch 13 February, 19:00 (TV) Maties vs NWU Pukke Stellenbosch 20 February, 18:30 Maties vs NMMU Madibaz Stellenbosch 27 February, 16:45 (TV) Maties vs UCT Green Mile, Cape Town 6 March, 19:00 (TV) Maties vs Shimlas Bloemfontein 13 March - BYE 20 March, 18:30 Maties vs CUT Bloemfontein 27 March, 19:00 (TV) Maties vs UJ Stellenbosch
Photo: SASPA
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