Die Matie – 24 March 2021 by Die Matie

DieMATIE WENNER VAN DIE ATKV-MEDIAVEERTJIE VIR BESTE KAMPUSKOER ANT

WOENSDAG 24 MAART 2021

TAGTIGSTE JAARGANG | NO 1

Students address their concerns to the SRC at the special meeting on Tuesday, 16 March. Photo: Queen Majikijela

Stellenbosch students call for registration KARLA VAN DER MERWE

tudents arrived to the Neelsie on 17 March to find it shut down by protests against registration blocks due to historical debt. Protesting students said that they would stay in the Neelsie until they were addressed by Prof Stan du Plessis and their demands to be registered were met. According to a statement released by the SRC on 18 March, their demands entailed “that the block be lifted for all unregistered students” and that a communique be sent out announcing this. A student at the protest mentioned to Die Matie that the group had decided to stay in the Neelsie overnight if that meant being taken seriously. “This Neelsie is not going to operate until every student on this campus is registered,” the student continued, “and we will not surrender, they will not break our spirits.” According to the university’s Facebook page, this group of about 20 students was being monitored by Campus Security and the South African Police Service (SAPS) while staff members and student leaders engaged with them regarding their demands. Later that evening, the university issued a notice informing the protesting students to vacate the building in 10 minutes, indicating that the group was interfering with

operations and trespassing. The students proceeded to stay outside the Neelsie, where they were issued a similar letter at 11:00 the following morning stating: “Your presence in The Neelsie, its entrances and surrounds (the ‘premises’) is in contrary to the purpose the premises are intended for… You are hereby instructed to vacate and leave the premises in an orderly manner within 10 minutes of the delivery of this letter.” The students continued to block doors throughout the day, but allowed access to the Neelsie. One poster from the students read: “We are not here to disturb your right to education; we just want to register!” The protests began shortly after Stellenbosch University (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) held a special meeting on Tuesday 16 March on the Rooiplein to address registration problems that students had due to historical debt. However, a group of students, now identified by SU SRC as the “Minority Poor Black Unregistered Students”, were dissatisfied with the lack of clear answers at the meeting and thus began protesting. The aforementioned meeting was held in response to an announcement from the South African Union of Students (SAUS) which called for a nationwide shutdown of universities to protest the blocking of student registration due to historical debt. This meeting was held to discuss

how SU would react to the call to shut down to protest, among other things, in favour of scrapping historical debt. Xola Njengele, chairperson of the SU SRC, explained at the meeting that the 543 students who still had not registered due to carried over debts would be given access to SUNLearn so that no students would be left behind with academics. Njengele further explained that registration would be extended to 26 March. Students who are receiving help from the #Action4Inclusion initiative would have their debts paid off and thus be able to continue to keep up with work as they waited to be helped by the initiative. The announcement of access to SUNLearn resulted in mixed reactions from attendees of the meeting. Individuals asked for clarification as to whether this would mean that they would be registered, which it did not, resulting in many questions aimed towards Njengele. An individual asked Njengele how the registrar would know which modules to give them access to if they had not registered for the necessary modules. To these questions Njengele had no definitive answer but pledged to go sort things out with management. When asked why SU was not participating in the SAUS Shutdown, Njengele indicated that it was difficult to organise protests for issues in Stellenbosch as they often receive no potential numbers

of participants. “There will not be a shutdown at Stellenbosch,” Njengele then announced. In later communications with the SRC, Eduard Zehrt, the secretary-general of the SRC, explained that he and Njengele attended a meeting with SAUS on 3 March wherein historical student debt blocking registration, among other demands, were discussed. Zehrt explained, “The responses from the executives indicated that most of the demands could not be met, or at least not fully.” “Unfortunately, the meeting was not as productive as it could have been, as the executives’ responses were largely rejected rather than engaged on,” Zehrt continued. Upon the decision by the SRCs of various South African universities to have a national shutdown, Njengele and Zehrt indicated to the SAUS chairperson that Stellenbosch would likely not shut down. “Firstly, our campus buildings are scattered across town, and shutting down the university would necessitate shutting down the whole town. Secondly, the student sentiment at Stellenbosch is usually not conducive to such large mobilisations,” Zehrt said. SU SRC, still committed to representing all students on campus, instead aimed to work with the university to lift blocks on registration and get unregistered students access to food, internet and academic resources, which resulted in

the idea to give all students access to SUNLearn. They also aimed to help students pay off debts where they could. SU SRC has various financial assistance initiatives which they use to gather funds for these matters, including RegisterAll, #Action4Inclusion, and Matie2Matie. In the meantime, hashtags like #SUREGISTERALL, #Stellies_Asinamali and #freeeducation and calls for solidarity have circulated on campus and social media. The aforementioned statement from SU SRC called for calm amongst students while they work to meet the demands. The statement also clarified various concerns from the initial meeting with students, such as how they will get access to the correct modules. “The Minority Poor Black Unregistered Students” , who later referred to themselves as “The 20 students who occupied the Neelsie” also released an open letter to the public on 21 March explaining that they chose to occupy the Neelsie. They also explained their side of the protests in the document and mentioned that they are satisfied with the direction the university has taken in granting them the SU Registration 2021 Bursary. “We would like to thank everyone who supported us. “Whether it was through the provisions of food or by sharing our struggles on social media, thus raising awareness,” the statement concluded.

NEWS

Team talks with Thuli 4Inclusion campaign was created to assist 54 students with financial difficulties, with the belief that

one person “ Ifstands up, it strengthens the spines of others.

“

JUST in time for Human Rights Day, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Social Justice Team kicked off its year with a virtual first Social Justice Café meeting on Microsoft Teams. The atmosphere in the virtual room was jubilant as Prof Thuli Madonsela, the Social Justice chair, informed the participants that the students who were part of the #Action4Inclusion campaign had received debt clearance for the years 2019 and 2020. The café, which took place last Thursday, was facilitated by Madonsela, who also serves as Musa-Plan convener at SU, while Mr Seliki Thlabane, chief director of curriculum enhancement programmes in the Department of Basic Education, served as the keynote speaker of the event. With the belief that, “If one person stands up, it strengthens the spines of others,” According to Madonsela, the #Action-

The café’s panelists were Hlonelwa Luthuli, a final year LLB student, and Kate Roodt, who works at SU’s Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship. Its discussion centred around education and how the coronavirus pandemic worsened the existing inequalities within the education system. The cafés are hosted with the objective of involving the youth in discussions regarding social justice and human rights, and forms part of the Musa-Plan initiative. The initiative is a research-based programme aiming to accelerate social

justice. This is done by collecting data that can assist the state in ending the country’s poverty crisis and to create broader socio-economic inclusion. Various insights were shared by panellists, participants and the keynote speaker. While Roodt mentioned the importance of knowing the context and assisting students where we can, Luthuli noted that, in order for there to be digital inclusion and equal access, “[It is necessary] to acknowledge the disparities among institutions of higher learning that impact students’ access to online learning.” The next Social Justice Café will be held on 21 April this year via Microsoft Teams. For more information, visit the Social Justice Chair’s website https://socialjustice. sun.ac.za/, its Twitter account @CFSJ_MPlan or its Facebook account Social Justice M-Plan. -Flavia Davids

BLY UIT MY HARE UIT Nadat William Sezoe, tweedejaar onderwysstudent aan die US, weggejaag is deur ’n Vredenburgse laerskool-hoof weens sy haarstyl, is die hoof aangekla van wangedrag. Sezoe sê hy is verlig dat daar vordering plaasgevind het en dat mense nou weet dat hy nie gejok het nie. Foto: Julber Coraizin

FVZS celebrates 10 year anniversary T PIERRÉ MÜLLER

he Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (FVZS) celebrates its 10th anniversary with an honorary lecture on political governance in South Africa. The celebration of the anniversary will serve as a tribute to Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, the institutes namesake. Dr Van Zyl Slabbert, a South African politician and analyst, left behind a legacy which inspired the founding of the FVZS institute in 2011. According to FVZS, they wish

to echo his dedication and build upon it by emphasizing the importance of being an agent for change, engaging with social issues and advocating for democracy. FVZS celebrates this anniversary on 29 March 2021 with an opportunity for student leaders, academics, and the broader community to engage critically with South African political and governance issues. This honorary lecture topic will centre around the issue of electoral reform. This year the guest speaker of the honorary lecture is the High Court Judge Dennis Davis who will be in conversation with Prof

Adam Habib. Judge Davis was appointed in 1998 by former South African president Nelson Mandela, and as President of the Competition Appeal Court in 2000. Professor Adam Habib, Director of the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, is an academic, activist, public intellectual and co-founder of the African Research Universities Alliance. The speakers will engage in how democratic responsiveness facilitates responsible governance.

COVID COMING FOR SU STUDENTS LIKE Metanoia have recently reported their second COVID-19 case in the residence since the start of the 2021 academic year. Photo: Michaela Budge

"If we review the past 10 years, the impact of the Institute's work within the SU context speaks for itself, or rather through the thousands of youth leaders who have honed their leadership skills through our offerings and who are now actively involved in their communities and society at large," said Heidi October, Deputy Director at the Centre for Student Leadership & Structures. October believes that FVZS also does not feed the traditional leadership pipeline within the formal student leadership structures. She says that they value the importance of student feedback

in conceptualizing new programs and remain conscious of the existing need for students to explore a variety of channels to demonstrate leadership in the 21st century. To sign up for this celebratory lecture, participants can RSVP by following the link on the FVZS Instagram page (@fvzsinstitute) or follow the link; bit.ly/FVZSIcelebration. Although applications for short courses have closed for the first semester, interested students should also keep an eye out for these during the second semester as the short course offers will be repeated.

NUUS

24 Maart 2021

Vensters 2021: A virtual sensation AURELIA MOUTON

THE MASKS WE WEAR Metanoia filming their winning production for Vensters 2021. Photo: Michaela Budge

ensters has been the highlight of Welcoming Week at Stellenbosch University (SU) for many years and Vensters 2021 promised to be no different. This year’s theme, “The Masks We Wear”, hit close to home as we remain in the midst of a global pandemic, enjoying Vensters virtually for the very first time ever. Boasting stunning videography, a thought-provoking script and lively dances, HelderMetaDia, a partnership between Helderberg, Lydia and Metanoia residences, reigned victorious this year. “It has been super stressful be-

ing the first [HK group] to have to execute an online Vensters, but the stress and anxiety paid off and we are proud of the work we created. I genuinely hope every partnership can look back and acknowledge their accomplishments given the unprecedented circumstances”, said Mokgadifela Masipa, Metanoia HK. This annual fundraiser, known for its colourful performances by SU residences and private student organisations (PSO), sees first years engaging with social issues impacting the larger community through song and dance. The pro-

ceeds from this event go towards the funding of social impact projects held throughout the year by each residence and PSO. Hosted by the Connect Committee, the 14 teams had been hard at work practising and recording their shows throughout the welcoming program, hoping to win the favour of the six judges and Maties alike. This year also marks the first time a public vote forms part of each team’s score. “It’s very different to anything that’s been done before, but because there’s been these unfore-

seen challenges in these unprecedented times, we were even more excited. People are obviously going to compare it to an in-person Vensters, but we’ve enjoyed the challenge of creating something completely different,” said Alten du Plessis, chairperson of Connect. “Having it [virtually] creates more opportunity for people to showcase their talents. Where in the past it was only people who [could] dance and act, now if someone is a really good photographer, they can showcase that talent. If they are good at editing, they could showcase that too,” Du Plessis said. “The acting was so much fun and getting to spend time with people from Lydia and Helderberg was a highlight… in the end I couldn’t have asked for a better time with better people’, said Metanoia first year, Saneshan Reddy. The virtual performance premiered at 09:00 on Saturday, 20 March and boasted over 1800 views before ending at 09:00 on Sunday, 21 March. According to Du Plessis, the number of views exceeded the expectations of the Connect Committee. Marciel Hopkins, one of the Vensters judges, said,”I enjoyed the creativity and innovation used by all students to put their Vensters videos together this year. Metanoia, Helderberg and Lydia’s video was exceptionally colourful, gripping and entertaining to watch, yet so relevant to the time we are living in.” Divan du Toit, Aurora PSO’s Vensters HK, explained that there

was a lot more freedom with camera angles and choreography, creating a fun atmosphere for both the HK and first years. “The residences we collaborated with, Majuba and Nerina, were really thoughtful of the fact that we are a PSO and made sure we were finished filming in time for our students to get home,” Du Toit said. David Derman, HK of Eendrag, says their focus for Vensters 2021 was rather the social impact aspect of Connect. In their collaboration with Equité they built bookshelves and collected children’s books for local school, Rietenbosch Primary. Hosting a fun run, they also collected tinned food and raised R 3200 for Feeding In Action, a non-profit organization that provides meals and food supplies to almost 5000 people in the Stellenbosch community. “We don’t need a big production to wow the masses for the Connect project, we are satisfied with what we have achieved”, Derman said. While HelderMetaDia, took the highly sought after first place, second place was awarded to HelSonIwwsa (Helshoogte, Sonop and Isa) with Ariba (Aurora, Majuba and Nerina) coming in third place. Other awards were presented to Sirene Marais (Silene, Irene and Huis Marais) for best script, whilst PiekEricStede (Erica, Heemstede and Pieke) won the award for best videography. Helsonisa and PiekEricStede shared the award for best choreography.

US Taalbeleid tans in die spervuur AURELIA MOUTON

Die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se 2016-Taalbeleid maak opslae na onlangse omstredenheid rondom die gebruik van Afrikaans in US-koshuise. Die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA) het op 22 Maart ’n petisie geloods om moedertaalonderrig, wat deur die universiteit erken is, by die US te beskerm. Volgens Martin Viljoen, die US se woordvoerder, sal “[die US] waar nodig reageer om enige misverstande op te klaar.” Dr Leon Schreiber, DA-LP en kiesafdelingshoof vir Stellenbosch, skryf dat die US se anti-Afrikaanse houding ver der uitgewys word deur “die universiteit se weiering om op te tree ter verdediging van die betrokke studente se grondwetlike reg tot moedertaalonderrig en om hulle eie taal te praat”. Dié opmerking verwys na onlangse gebeure by US koshuise soos reeds deur Die Matie berig. Die DA, onder leiding van John Steenhuisen, het reeds by die Suid-Afrikaanse Menseregtekommissie (SAMRK) ’n klagte teen die US ingedien en beplan om die pe-

AFRIKAANS BLY DA-lede by persverklaring aangaande die US-Taalbeleid. Foto: Ryan Smith

tisie aan die US-Senaat te oorhandig. Schreiber skryf verder dat die petisie ook voorgestelde wysi gings aan die nuwe taalbeleid sal bevat en dat mense wat die peti sie onderteken hulle steun oor die voorgestelde wysigings uitspreek. Alhoewel die petitisie net oor Afrikaans praat, meen ’n vierdejaar-BEd (Grondslagfase)-student wat anoniem wil bly, die volgende: “Nie net word Afrikaans afgeskeep nie, maar Xhosa ook! Die

universiteit sê hulle is toegewyd aan meertaligheid, maar daar is nie regtig bewyse van inklusiwiteit in [daardie] opsig nie.” Die 2016-Taalbeleid was verlede jaar, tot wydverspreide twis onder Afrikaanssprekendes, deur regter Johan Froneman in die Konstitusionele Hof as grondwetlik verklaar. Die voorgestelde hersiene taalbeleid is dus van uiterste belang vir albei student en dosent. Die US nooi studente uit om

hulle mening te lug oor die eerste konsep van die hersiene taalbeleid soos gevind op die amptelike US-webblad. Die hersiening gebruik die huidige taalbeleid, soos geïmplementeer in 2017, as vertrekpunt, en die proses voldoen aan Artikel 10 van die taalbeleid wat voorskryf dat dit “gedurende sy vyfde geldigheidsjaar hersien [moet] word”. Die Taalbeleid-hersieningstaakspan het op 20 Maart die voor

gestelde hersiene taalbeleid vir publieke voorstelle en konsultasie bekendgestel. Die digitale indieningsforum vir kommentaar sal tot 12 April oopbly, maar daarna sal geen publieke insette meer aanvaar word nie. In die Taalbeleid-dokument verskyn die volgende: “Die Beleid beoog om billike toegang tot die US vir alle studente en personeellede uit te brei, meertaligheid te bevorder, en pedagogies verantwoordbare leer en onderrig te fasiliteer.” Die universiteit moedig studente en US-personeel aan om die taalbeleid te lees om dit binne die raamwerk van hulle Visie 2040 en Strategiese Raamwerk 2019-2024 te kan verstaan. Alle kommentaar sal versamel word om ’n insetverslag saam te stel. Dié verslag sal dan deur die Taalbeleid-hersieningstaakspan oorweeg word om ’n tweede konsep op te stel wat teen die tweede semester bekend gemaak sal word vir verdere pu blieke konsultasie. Die US poog om die finale hersiene taalbeleid (2021) op 2 Desember vanjaar aan die universiteitsraad voor te lê vir goedkeuring.

STUDENTELEWE

A year in the life of a pandemic survivor BY FLAVIA DAVIDS

ilowo Njinge, a second-year Theology student at Stellenbosch University (SU), witnessed Stellenbosch’s transition from a vibrant hub into a near ghost town in March last year as a first-year student. Like many 2020 firstyears, she missed out on the full first-year experience owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the university’s subsequent adoption of online learning. “We were all living our best lives, getting into the rhythm of university life and balancing academics with our social lives. Then BOOM! COVID-19 happened,” said Njinge. When SU issued its request that all students vacate SU’s accommodation and only certain students be accommodated in residences, Njinge made the difficult decision to stay in Stellenbosch, while her fellow students made their way home. “When the university announced that we should evacuate and head home, I wasn’t too panicked. I decided to stay in res and wait the pandemic out,” said Njinge. Little did she know that the “wait out” period would not come to an end, even after a year since the evacuation, and she would spend the majority of her first year in university isolated in Serruria Ladies Residence with 19 other

MILOWO NJINGE A second-year student who stayed in Serruria Ladies Residence during lockdown. Photo: Supplied students. Only 20 residents were allowed under the lockdown restrictions. Serruria merged with its sister residence, Erica, which made living conditions easier. As a small group, the newly dubbed “Serrurikans” found ways to keep busy,

which included watching Netflix, exercising and cooking to channel their “inner MasterChefs”. Like other SU students, they too had trouble adjusting to online learning and to isolation. According to Njinge, the dynamics of res life changed drastically following

Sustainability Champions MIA VAN DER MERWE

LIVING SUSTAINABLY means living in a way that does not compromise the resources available to future generations. To be sustainable, you must educate yourself on your carbon footprint and understand the implications of your lifestyle. As a student, there are some questions that might pop up: “How will this benefit me?” “Will this save money?” As luck would have it, the answer is yes! It is possible to lessen the impact of your carbon footprint in a way that is beneficial to your wallet.

IN THE KITCHEN

Throw out your green-and-yellow sponges. Swap them for a dish brush. The microfibers of cleaning sponges are non-biodegradas-

witching to a dish brush, you are not only helping the environment, but you are cutting down costs.

FOOD

Support local farmers' markets. Shopping organically can help reduce the amount of fossil fuels released daily. You get bonus points if you shop with a reusable bag! Eat low on the food chain. Eating more vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans goes a long way in decreasing global greenhouse gas emissions. How is this beneficial to a student? You get more bang for your buck. It is cost-effective. Recent studies have found that interchanging poultry for beef cuts down greenhouse gas emissions by almost half! Poultry is often also the cheaper option.

CLOTHING

Not only is thrifting trendy right now, it is also eco-friendly. Supporting fast fashion contributes to a rise in fossil fuel usage. When you choose to buy second-hand clothing, you can achieve two things. You will likely find a one-of-akind item. You also save money, whilst being environmentally conscious. Washing your clothes in cold water weekly, can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide. If you wash your newly thrifted clothing this way, you get double the points.

CAR

Avoid unnecessarily braking and accelerating. It can save up to 40% of fuel. By driving calmly and consistently you can literally go a bit further.

the evacuation. Strict measures were implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19, which included mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand sanitising, prohibition of interactions with other students, and other measures. Njinge expressed her gratitude to the local community and SU for their thoughtfulness during the thick of lockdown. The residence received food parcels from Shofar Christian Church as well as SU. “Without Tannie B [Erica and Serruria residence head Benita van Zyl], a lot of things wouldn’t have been possible as she is the reason why life during lockdown in res was bearable. She took on the role of being our parent and made res life feel ‘homey’. The support during the pandemic, from friends, family as well as from the University made getting through the lockdown experience much easier,” said Njinge. Only in March this year, after nearly an entire year of online learning, has campus life at SU begun to resemble what it looked like before the pandemic, albeit a few major differences. Although face-to-face lectures are offered, Njinge stresses the importance of attending online lectures rather than meeting in physical venues. “I do most of my lectures virtually – it’s just safer that way. Even though we’re back on campus we need to stay as safe as possible, maintain our distance and wear our masks,” said Njinge.

KAMPUS QUOTES “We did gene testing for Christmas.” – Student explaining why she now knows she shouldn’t drink “Zero critical thinking skills, just vibes.” – Student on the Rooi Plein referring to the digs parties “Just put your phone on vibrate under your pillow so you’ll hear the alarm when you sleep with ear plugs.” – From one sleep deprived student to another “I was rich on Sims once, it’s not as great as it seems on paper.” – Student in the Neelsie complaining about first world problems “At this point, referring to the online classes, university is just a very VERY expensive Netflix.” – Student on WhatsApp group “This is why we can’t have nice things.” – Lecturer during an online Teams lecture commenting on the bad WiFi connection “Which lecture are we on? I just want to check how behind I am.” – Student on an adademic group chat “Shame my English bundle is anyways depleted.” – Tired Afrikaans student

Basic hummus Ingredients • • • • • •

1 can chickpeas 100ml Olive oil 1 tsp Cumin for 40g . 1 tsp Crushed garlic. 1 tbsp Lemon juice. 5g Fresh coriander (optional) To taste Salt and pepper

Equipment Blender

Method

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas. 2. Blend chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, crushed garlic, lemon juice and fresh coriander. 3. Add a tablespoon of water if the consistency is too firm for the blender to work. 4. Add salt and pepper to taste. 5. Freeze leftover hummus to preserve it. 6. When needed again, defrost the hummus overnight by putting it in the refrigerator.

HUNGRY FOR HUMMUS? Photo: Kristie Truter.

– Kristie Truter

STUDENTELEWE

24 Maart 2021

A student’s guide to Bookstagram KERSTIN LEE

he lockdown period brought with it a time of idleness, and many decided to fill that time with reading. However, your passion for books no longer needs to go unnoticed. Enter Bookstagram, a section of Instagram that supports and celebrates all things bookish: from unique book-related merch to author encounters, to expanding your reading community. Bookstagram offers it all! Starting a Bookstagram account is not as daunting as it may seem and need not be expensive. Any booklover can create an account, and by keeping a few simple tips in mind, you too can begin posting your books all over the ‘gram’. Tips on getting started: Although it is not a requirement, choosing a book-related name for your handle allows other bookstagrammers to find you easily and it instantly clarifies what your account is about. An element from your favourite book or even a beloved character’s name is a great place to start.

BOOKSTAGRAM A well-established section of Instagram where booklovers and newbies can share their love of books. Photo: Supplied To keep your feed cohesive and interesting, pick a theme. Most people prefer white back-

grounds (using white bedsheets as a backdrop), but books can also be propped up amidst flowers or

taken in idyllic locations. Also remember, lighting is everything! Have a diverse range of posts

in mind: perhaps a review, a photo of your current read or a “shelfie” (bookshelf selfie). Do not compare yourself to other bookstagrammers. They may have months or even years of experience, but they probably also felt incompetent at the get-go. Staying true to your unique brand and exceeding your expectations is more rewarding than comparing yourself to a seasoned bookstagrammer. Try not to get drawn into the consumerism that Bookstagram sometimes promotes. It is not necessary to purchase a hardcover book if you already own the paperback. Collector’s editions are tempting to buy but being without them will not be the end of your Bookstagram. Feature books that you enjoy by authors you like to read to create a sense of authenticity as a bookstagrammer. Bookstagram is a positive space where like-minded people talk about what they love most and where you can flex both your creativity as well as your writing in a community that values both.

Maties se menings oor die verwelkomingsweek Sibella Swanepoel het vir eerstejaarstudente gevra hoe hulle die verwelkomingsweek ervaar het en hoe dit deur COVID-19 beïnvloed is.

Carmen van Zyl BRek Dit was een van die beste ervarings. Dit is moeilik om dit in woorde op te som. Ek het nie geweet wat om te verwag nie, maar dit het my expectations exceed. Ek het glad nie gedink ons gaan ’n eerste jaar hê nie en in daardie opsig het ek so min verwag, so alles was net amazing.

Abraham Wentzel BSc Biodiversiteit en Ekologie Die ervaring was onverwags. Dit was challenging aan die begin, maar op die ou einde was dit net goeie memories. COVID-19 het dit beperk, maar ten spyte van dit kon ons steeds die meeste van die aktiwiteite met regulasies en aanpassings doen.

Wilfred Sefoor BRek

Phebe la Grange BMus

Tamre Fredericks BA Social Work

Toe ek by die koshuis aangekom het, was ek goed verwelkom en was die HK vriendelik. Die eerstejaars het dadelik gekliek. Die HK het ons goed behandel en hulle het nie respek op ons afgedwing nie; ons het op ons eie respek vir hulle gekry.

Ten spyte van alles wat met die virus en weer na ons kant toe gegooi is, was alles steeds goed georganiseer en het dit goed uitgewerk. Dit was goed deurdink; ’n mens kon sien dat die HK baie moeite gedoen het. Almal het opgesien na maskers dra en dit het ’n bietjie die gees afgeneem.

I really enjoyed the welcoming because the mentors and the leadership made us feel welcome by having personal relationships with us. They made us feel part of them and part of it all. My favourite part was the mentor sessions because we could be open and talk about anything.

DAG & NAG

Dag & Nag Daisy Jones ruk ons reg! Wessel Krige, nagraadse studentaan die Universiteit Stellenbosch, het al ’n paar optredes bygewoon en het die volgende te sê gehad: “Ek stel definitief die Daisy Jones voor aan alle studente wat hou van goeie musiek en ordentlike shows. Die bar het van die beste professionals in die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekbedryf en boonop van die heel beste klank en beligting.” Oor die lekker kos, drank en kief kuierarea, het Krige verder gesê: “Die beste pizza is die house special wat die ‘Daisy Jones’ is en die craft-bier is oppit. Wat baie cool is, is dat daar ’n VIP-area is wat afkyk op die verhoog.” Kaartjies vir vertonings is op Quicket beskikbaar en indien alles nie uitverkoop het nie, is hulle ook by die kroeg se deur te koop. Op dae waarop optredes plaasvind, is die kroeg wel al van af 13:00 oop. Diegene wat nie lus is om na live musiek te luister nie, maar wel in ’n koue biertjie en pizza belangstel, kan voor die voortoning begin, ’n draai maak. Hulle program, pryse, kontakbesonderhede, kliënteterugvoering en spesiale geleenthede is alles op Facebook, Twitter en Instagram te sien. Sien julle by Daisy Jones vir ’n koue een!

LILIAN LEE ESTERHUYSEN

uers val nie meer vir Aandklas nie! As jou ma bel en vra waar jy nou alweer kuier, moet jy op jou voete kan dink. Wat gaan jy vir haar sê? Bohos? Ek dink nie so nie. Fools Gold? Jy is lekker laf. Moenie bekommer nie – die Daisy Jones Bar is die nuwe Happy Oak. Pa sal dolgelukkig wees om te hoor dat jy omring is deur Fleetwood Mac-fanatici, tipies in die vibe van die neëntigers, selfs die tagtigers. Die Daisy Jones Bar is verlede jaar gestig deur dieselfde groep musiekliefhebbers wat Orgasmic Music Gallery (OMG) begin het, naamlik Franco Hamman, Conrad Jamneck en Marcel Bezuidenhout. Dat dit juis dié groep is wat die kroeg oopgemaak het, klink op sigself klaar aanloklik. Daar word amper elke naweek ’n vertoning aangebied, maar daar word ook vir studente die geleentheid gebied om op te tree. Die Daisy Jones Bar het ’n verhoog, kroeg, kombuisfasili teite, ’n onderdakse buite-area wat oor wingerde uitkyk, en ’n groot grasperk wat alles vir spesiale geleenthede gehuur kan word. Die kroeg is slegs agt kilometer buite Stellenbosch op die SummerhillWynplaas geleë en het lekker kos, koue drank en goeie diens. ’n

THE BLACK CAT BONES BY DIE DAISY Local band maak gereed vir hul optrede by The Daisy Jones Bar op 5 Maart 2021. Foto: Nikita Vermeulen Ongelooflike program lê voor en kroegbesoekers kan op 27 Maart ’n Rolling Stones-aand kom ge niet , op 1 April na Prime Circle kom luister en op 2 Mei terugkeer vir die begin van die musiekgroep Neon Dreams se toer deur Suid-Afrika. Spoegwolf het ook op 10 Maart hulle nuutste album, Groen, hier bekendgestel. Oor wat hulle gemotiveer het om die kroeg die “Daisy Jones Bar” te noem, het die eienaars verduidelik dat die naam deur Taylor

Jenkins Reid se boek Daisy Jones and The Six geïnspireer is. “Dit [die boek] gaan oor hoe ’n 1970’s rockgroep en hulle beeldskone hoofsangeres ’n naam maak vir hulleself. “Daar word bespiegel dat die boek oor die ikoniese Stevie Nicks, hoofsangeres van Fleetwood Mac, gaan. Hamman was besig om Reid se boek te lees toe die kroeg nog gebou word. “Dit maak toe sin om die new girl on the block te vernoem na

Spier lights up with light art exhibition WESSEL KRIGE

The Spier Wine Farm is once again lighting up Stellenbosch with the return of its third annual Spier Light Art from 19 March. This experience consists of various exhibits that make use of light, video, as well as sound demonstrations that are spread out across the entire wine farm. Another feature of the exhibition is a new exhibit known as the “We See Change” digital billboard which allows viewers to send messages which will be broadcasted on the billboard. “This innovative public art project aims to promote diverse public engagement by allowing

people to engage with, connect, and prompt dialogue relevant to the topics of our time,” said David Brits, an artist at the light show, about the new exhibit. Brits and his collaborators hoped to inspire change and open dialogue on important topics through the new exhibit. “My collaborators and I have come together as inspired creative studios that want to see more positive, tangible change,” Brits commented. Another exhibit at the event is “The Singing Tree” by The Willow Collective which uses light, sound and technology to project sound based on the participants' position within the tree. This makes it

ossible for viewers to interact p with nature. Georgia Munnik's “How do you mourn?” is a colourful sculpture exhibit that invites viewers to think about the impact of climate change. According to the event coordinators, the best time to visit the exhibition is at dusk, when you can catch both the beautiful sunset and the moment when the lights are switched on. The exhibit is available free of charge and running until 18 April. Visitors just need to reserve a time slot on Dineplan to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and government restrictions.

’n boek wat gaan oor die tyd toe musiek die kultuur gedryf het, aangesien die plek hoofsaaklik oor die musiek gaan en daar is vir die musiek,” verduidelik hulle. Aan studente wat oor die spesiale aanbiedings wonder, het die eienaars die volgende te sê: “Elke show is ’n special, maar vir diegene wat regtig wonder, daar is specials wat vir elke event aangepas word.” Om die kroeg te beskryf, het die trio net een woord gegee: intoxicating.

Welcome Back, S U

S T U D E N T S

P a y m e n t j o i n

m a d e

v i a

e a s y ,

s t u d e n t

a c c o u n t

@MatiesGymasium

@matiesgymnasium gymsales@sun.ac.za www.matiesgym.co.za 021 808 9133

DAG & NAG

24 Maart 2021

EMERGER comes back around SKYLER HENDRICKS

outh African alt-pop duo EMERGER, comprised of vocalist and pianist Emma de Goede and multi-instrumentalist and producer Gerry Matthee has recently released their new single “Round We Go”. The twosome met in high school and went on to study music together at the University of Cape Town (UCT). EMERGER has garnered a lot of attention with their debut album Bloom which featured on Apple Music South Africa’s New Artist Spotlight. “Round We Go” will be the second single in a string of new releases in anticipation of the duo’s upcoming full-length album which is set to be released later in 2021. After seeing the success of Bloom in 2018, the duo planned to start 2021 off on a high note by releasing their new single. The

a lbum EMERGER plans to release will have strong allusions to 80s synth-pop – this is what the newly released single hints towards. Matthee produced “Round We Go” in the duo’s home studio in Cape Town. “We wrote this song for all the creators out there. ‘Round We Go’ revolves around the artist’s raison d’être, which is to create. The lyrics play with the idea that an artist’s relationship with their art can be similar to the ebb and flow of a romantic relationship. The song chronicles the creative process and all of its intricacies. Everything involved with the creation of a work of art has so many layers of complexities, which we feel a lot of people have taken for granted,” said Matthee. Along with the single “Round We Go”, EMERGER has also released a music video, which is now available on the duo’s website

as well as YouTube. The video was directed by De Goede with clear intention. “Being immersed within a tank of thousands of lights, the video portrays how the creative process can be all-encompassing. We knew from the start we wanted to establish a cinematic experience. Our friend, Goddy Roodt, owner of Polycat animation and visual effects studio, exhibited his Light Tank art installation at the 99 Loop Gallery, which was the perfect setting to shoot the music video for ‘Round We Go’,” said De Goede. Stellenbosch is dear to both Matthee and De Goede seeing as he studied LLB at SU and they formed their first band, Lemolow, together in Stellenbosch. “I was a resident in Helderberg in 2009 and then moved to a flat in Het Begijnhof in 2010. With my previous band, called

EMERGER UNDER LIGHTS Alt-pop band, EMERGER, while filming the music video for their new single, ‘Round We Go’. Photo: Alecia van Aarde Lemolow, in which Emma was also the lead singer, we won the Woordfees Ketel prys in 2009, giving us the opportunity to perform at the Geraas In Die Gat in the Neelsie. We still love going back to

S tellies and EMERGER performed at Aandklas in 2019,” said Matthee. For more information on EMERGER visit emergermusic.com or @emergermusic on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Molassesêr kicks off

LIT MATIE

’n

MABETTE VAN HEERDEN

Liefde

ons

Liefde is onvoorwaardelik diep en absoluut vergewend. En lewe sit binne in gefluisterde stiltes tussen die sonsak horizon en die huisie in die agtergrond. Met jou wat perfek teenoor my bestaan en my donker aande met helder lig bevul. Jy is die rede, en my hart staan virewig stil. Virewig vasgevang in die oomblikke waar die som van alles wat ek was, was joune.

passievol oor poësie?

STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY’s (SU) culture year is officially kicking off with the well-known Molassesêr event. This competi tion, where first years sing and perform all around campus for fellow Maties, begins on 29 March. Molassesêr is being conducted slightly different this year, due to concerns and challenges which were raised by the COVID-19 regulations. Fortunately, the SU SRC Culture Committee (KuKo) has it covered. After months of extensive planning and careful consideration, the committee feels confident that Molassesêr can still be a success. “I’d love to still have something for the first years – for them to be able to look back and know that they participated in Molassesêr,” said Rewaldo Carolus, chairperson of KuKo. Normally during the preliminary rounds of Molassesêr, students buy tickets and attend performances at the different competing residences. This year we will see some adjustments. “Because of the residences’ protocols, and everyone’s safety, KuKo has decided that the prelims would be done via recordings, as was done for Vensters,” said Carolus. In the preliminary rounds, residences will have to provide a space for their group to perform. One executive KuKo member will attend and record the performance – this will be done in a single take. The KuKo judges will watch the recordings to decide which groups qualify for the final. KuKo is leaning towards the possibility of a live final, if the COVID-19 regulations allow it. The committee believes that this could motivate residences and keep them excited. Active and direct communication between KuKo and respective HK members will be essential for the successful implementation of

KUKO CHAIRPERSON Rewaldo Carolus sien uit vir SU se kultuurjaar. Photo: Supplied this new method of participation. After much planning from their side, KuKo expects each residence to support them in realising the event. “By speaking to them without uncertainty and with optimism, and by setting out exactly how the event will be regulated, the KuKo members tried to convey to the residences that we are prepared, keen and excited. They should be too,” said Carolus. “Molassesêr carries the Matie spirit after Vensters and welcoming week. I think it really is this type of event that keeps campus going,” said Kim-Joy Damon, Sonop HK member for culture. If Molassesêr is a success, it can pave the way for many other great culture events this year.” COVID-19 has taken a toll on all of us. Regardless, it remains important to keep perspective and adapt accordingly. SU, together with KuKo, is doing its best to accommodate everyone. To make this year a success, participation from students will be the deciding factor. Molassesêr is no exception.

Platform

waar

gedigte

deur

studente publiseer. Is jy Stuur dan jou gedig na alexanderbrand98@ gmail.com. Dié week se gedig is deur Jethro Buss geskryf.

Bederf sintuie by KAMERS KRISTIE TRUTER

KAMERS/Makers keer vanaf 24 tot 28 Maart terug na Stellenbosch waar dié byeenkoms van plaaslike entrepeneurs by Blaauwklippen gehuisves sal word. Die byeenkoms van innoverende “makers” is ’n viering van alles plaaslik, vanaf handgemaakte dekor, klere, juwele, kos, wyn, kuns en vele meer. “Kamers vol geskenke”, soos dit aanvanklik bekend was, het gespruit uit Amelia van Zyl en Lize-Marie van der Westhuizen se inisiatief en het toe in 2003 in Van der Westhuizen se huis en agterplaas ’n klein begin gehad. “Die idee was eers net om vroue en mans wat kreatiewe handewerk by die huis maak, ’n platform te gee om hulle produkte te verkoop. Daarna was die idee ook om vir hierdie mense blootstelling te gee aan kleinhandelaars wat hulle handewerk in winkels kan verkoop, en so ’n verspreidingsnetwerk op te bou,” sê Van der Westhuizen. Na slegs twee jaar was die geleentheid so gewild dat ’n groter lokaal nodig was. Meer mense moes aangestel word

om te help met die identifisering van nog plaaslike produsente wat unieke produkte kan skep. Die geleentheid is ook herdoop na KAMERS/Makers, soos dit vandag bekendstaan, en word nou regoor die land aangebied. KAMERS bied nie net ’n platform vir plaaslike besighede om met hulle produkte te spog nie, maar motiveer ook volhoubare en omgewingsvriendelike produksie. Die geleentheid kweek waardering vir volhoubare mode eerder as die massaproduksie van items wat gemaak word om vinnig hulle piek te bereik en van korte duur te wees. Anders as dié items, is elke produk wat by KAMERS verkoop word, uniek en handgemaak. Mia du Toit, bemarker van KAMERS, sê: “Ons besef hoe uitdagend dit is om ’n nuwe besigheidseienaar te wees en wil dus graag help waar ons kan. Ons glo die toekoms lê by jong entrepreneurs.” Om juis dan jong entrepreneurs te ondersteun, bied die organiseerders van KAMERS die young entrepreneurs-program aan. Dít sluit afslag op kommissie en ingangsfooi asook ’n mentorskapprogram in. Op die dag kan mense aan verskeie aktiwiteite deelneem; hulle kan tussendeur die stal-

letjies wandel, ’n meesterklas bywoon waar hulle saam met Kokkedoor se sjef Johnny Hamman kan kook, of hulle kan by keldermeester Narina Cloete leer hoe om wyn te meng. Sitting Pretty, Swoon Accessories, LIPÉ Swimwear, Marnella Art du Macaron, Hamm & Uys en Honest Chocolate is maar net ’n paar van die name wat by KAMERS gesien sal word. Dell-Marie Martin, eienaar van Swoon Accessories, sê dat die ondersteuning van die gemeenskap haar verbaas het toe sy eers by KAMERS betrokke geraak het. “Dit het my baie opgewonde gemaak dat KAMERS die t oekoms van plaaslike besighede kan verander. Ek dink funksies soos hierdie is baie belangrik, nie net vir die ondersteuning en groei van ons plaaslike ekonomie nie, maar ook om ons natuurlike hulpbronne te volhou,” sê Martin. Terwyl jy deur die stalletjies wandel, sal die lewendige atmosfeer en vriendelike mense beslis ’n glimlag op jou gesig plaas. Moenie hierdie kans misloop om elkeen van jou sintuie te bederf nie.

REDAKSIONEEL

y alma mater’s high school newspaper closed down two weeks ago. A high school newspaper may seem insignificant during a time when Caxton Publishers closed an entire magazine division in May of 2020 and Media24 withdrew print production of Volksblad, the oldest Afrikaans newspaper in the country. The reasons given for the newspaper being closed was that print publications are becoming “increasingly irrelevant for the students and their readers”, but the school newspaper will choose a “small group that will be allowed

On an ‘increasingly irrelevant medium’ to help with Facebook news”. One might ask, what makes the school newspaper special? As a high school student, the most valuable thing I learned through the newspaper was the ability to develop a crucial sense of how to spot the difference between accuracy and misinformation. It taught me that there are always two sides to a story and you cannot just believe any piece of information placed before you. Last year in particular, I saw the importance of having the ability to identify non-credible sources. During the year of 2020, I was told that the vaccine would make

GORRELKOP

Die kommentaar waarvoor almal bang is en nooit wil sê nie. Gorrel is nie verantwoordelik vir enige ongerief veroorsaak nie. Watse “social distancing”? GORREL was ongelukkig een van die gekose siele wat al met O-week op kampus was en moes koes vir die maroen golf eerstejaars en hul kleurgekoördineerde HK. Wat Gorrel egter nie verstaan nie is dat Oom Cyril vir ons preek van “social distancing”, maar al wat ’n nuwe Matie is, klou soos klitsgras aan mekaar terwyl Gorrel nie eens vir Gorrelina op Valentynsdag kon druk nie.

Klas voor ’n skerm AS Gorrel nog een keer agtuur die oggend agter die rekenaar moet inskuif vir ’n verpligte Teamsklas, net om te hoor die dosent het “connection issues” en die klas is uitgestel, gaan Gorrel die piep kry. Gorrel staan dan kwart-vooragt op om betyds met koffie agter die skerm in te skuif. As dinge só aanhou kan hulle alles op ’n PowerPoint met snaakse prentjies sit. Beurtkrag se kwale GORREL verstaan nie aldag lekker

me sterile and was created by Bill Gates. I was also informed that eating garlic can prevent COVID-19. Of course, there was also a theory that the vaccination programs are a malicious plan from the government to insert a microchip into all citizens in order to control and watch all movements of global populations. The difference between social media and print (or newspapers), is that social media allows any kind of opinion to be released into the world, and there are mostly no consequences for people releasing misinformation on social media. Newspapers, on the other hand,

are mostly controlled by elaborate codes of conduct that keep them and their content accountable to a certain standard. Furthermore, school newspapersare important for e stablishing and developing a sense of critical thinking. Even though I sincerely enjoy the amount of Kurt Darren and cat memes certain Stellenbosch-related pages post with regards to intellectual stimuli - social media leaves a lot to be desired. However, to get to the point. What an incredible privilege for Die Matie to be able to print the newspaper again. To have a space

where we encourage meaningful debate, where we can challenge opinions, and to have a space where we can pursue fair, accurate and unbiased information. I am convinced that both university and school newspapers are not becoming an “increasingly irrelevant” medium. High quality news and respectful meaningful debates will never become irrelevant. Lastly, if you only read the paper to see Gorrel-gossip or campus quotes, we at Die Matie are incredibly privileged to give you the opportunity to break away from social media by indulging in a good old newspaper.

wat die universiteit se planne rakende aanlynleer en die hele beurtkrag-debakel is nie. Dis nou, omdat Gorrel se baksteen van ’n laptop net 10 mi nute hou en die data binne vyf mi nute opraak. Moet ook nie kom met “kry vir jou Wi-Fi” nie, want dit werk ook nie as Eskom die krag knyp nie. Gorrel het regtig nie die geld of geduld om hierdie ding self uit te sorteer nie en dink die u niversiteit kan maar pogings aanwend om Gorrel se mede-Maties ’n bietjie uit te help.

rel bly, want nou kon Gorrel met veiligheid deur die strate loop sonder om deur besope vreemdelinge omhels te word. Dit is seker sodat pappa en mamma ook sekerheid kan kry dat hulle lieflingkind gelukkig nie ’n loopbaan in die uitvoerende kunste gekies het nie. Aan die ander kant verstaan Gorrel nie hoekom mens nou juis moes betaal om die eerstejaars te sien dans en rympies opsê oor die rekenaar as hulle dit die volgende Woensdag in Victoria sommer gratis vir Gorrel sal doen nie.

nuwe Eduroam. Gorrel probeer nou al weke lank daaraan koppel, maar dit is so onbetroubaar soos die Stellenbosch-weer. Gorrel mis nou nogals vir Maties-Wi-Fi en hoop om hulle weer eendag op sy Wi-Fi-lys te sien.

Vensters deur ’n venster HIERDIE jaar se Vensters het heelwat anders gelyk as laasjaar s’n. Aan die een kant was Gor-

Rus in vrede Maties Wi-Fi JINNE, maar Gorrel dink die universiteit het regtig ’n paar tegniese probleempies wat hulle maar kan regruk. Naamlik, die

Gorrel se Dreamwalk GORREL se hart gaan uit na al die oud-Maties wat nie laasjaar oor die verhoog kon stap vir hul graad nie. Dit pla Gorrel dat hulle toe nou besluit het om vir die nuwelinge ’n Dreamwalk te gee, waar baie Maties se eintlike Dreamwalk is om ’n hand op die verhoog te skud, oftewel, te elmboog.

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

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KONTAK ONS / CONTACT US E-POSADRES diematie75@gmail.com POSADRES Langenhoven Studentesentrum; Privaatsak X1; Universiteit Stellenbosch; Matieland; 7602 WEBADRES w w w.diematie.com FACEBOOK w w w.facebook.com/ diematie INSTAGRAM @diematie OPLAAG 4 000 VOLGENDE UITGAWE 08/04/2020 ADVERTENSIE diematieads@gmail. com ARGIEF Vorige uitgawes van Die Matie is in die biblioteek beskikbaar

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OPINIONS

24 Maart 2021

The rise of the rave or pump bottle passion?

TOM LEE

hile the streets of Banghoek and Cluver are well known for being roads that lead to your early 8:00 morning lectures, the atmosphere and purpose of such streets change on certain evenings. Instead of books and penny boards being paraded up and down, pump bottles and boob tubes replace the scene and indicate one thing and one thing only – a digs jol. The “elusive” digs jol is a distinct memory in many a Stellenbosch University (SU) student’s time in town, well, at least what memory can hold out…However, what is it that spurs on these events and what are the consequences in this day and age? The digs jol, that a Stellenbosch local describes, would have a few negative connotations attached to it, and yet, the culture shows every sign of thriving despite the effects of the pandemic. What seems to be the driving force? The feelings of many seem to equate digs jols to an American frat party. Booze, bongs and babes… or is there more? Is there an atmosphere that spurs a creative flare in the arts? Techno, House, Psy-tech and other party sub-cultures of all art forms; but is that what it’s all about? Are Stellenbosch digs jols really encouraging people to be-

come more invested in music? Luke Wessels, a SU student studying for a diploma in Agriculture at Elsenburg, is a DJ and event planner who has found his life revolving around the rave. Music runs his world. When asked what draws people to raves in the winelands, it would seem that it isn’t exactly the music that excites the masses. According to Wessels, the notion of a frat party seems to be accurate, and there isn’t an a ppreciation for music or the party itself. Wessels alludes to three main aspects which negate what a rave is traditionally all about, these being money, diversity, and stemming from the first two, a culture or lack thereof. When asked the simple question of whether there is an honest appreciation for music, Wessels puts it simply, “No, there isn’t. It’s an appreciation for alcohol, popularity and hook-ups”. “As opposed to Stellenbosch, Cape Town has a better rave scene due to decent money being put into the events. The consistency of the crowds and the culture has somewhat of a different vibe. People aren’t partying to merely get wrecked,” said Wessels. Even with recent investments into better rigs and set-ups, Wessels further highlights reasons for

a lack of elation for pure party culture, “There is a whole mishmash of individuals that make up Stellenbosch, from all over the country. There isn’t an appreciation because a culture can’t be formed, its difficult to build a culture when every four years there is whole new cycle of people. Cape Town is different in that people remain and invest in making their night about the music and the setting.” Perhaps, the drinking culture has merely travelled from the hallowed halls of Tollies and De Lapa to the streets of Banghoek and the like? A sort of institutionalised drinking culture which runs throughout. Wessels makes reference to such and identifies a fault in the system, a cheap brand of nightlife which has forever ensued. “De Lapa, upstairs De Lapa, and with places a like, the atmosphere and the means are problematic. The types of alcohol that are sold just create a cheap brand, a brand which I am not entirely up for. It was a good time, but it isn’t sustainable to rave culture… It isn’t underground.” Further questions have been asked as to how these parties are still occurring during the pandemic, and how people conduct them-

Tom Lee is a 4th year LLB student who has a passion for the untold. selves in the situation. According to Brigette Bester, a second-year SU student, no adherence to COVID-19 protocols takes place. Instead, we see what seems to be a recipe for disaster in the coming months. “In the last two or three weeks, it’s been quite a lot. At least 100 attend. Everyone on top of each other to get in, there’s no masks, no social distancing, no one really cares it feels like a normal digs jol once you’re in. Most people wear their masks when they go in and as soon as they get in then everyone takes their masks off,” said Bester. Moreover, what is questionable in these scenarios is that law

enforcement, the same law enforcement that gave you a fine for swimming in the Eerste River a few months ago, now do not seem to be phased with the on-goings. According to Wessels, when questioned about previous raves, police have just approached the occupants of digs with mere noise complaints and excessive noise levels after hours. “The police were trying to take us for a ride one evening. They tried to issue a warning for excessive noise and running of a load sound system, but nothing regarding covid protocol.” No comment was given by SAPS Stellenbosch.

SAUS makes utter unrealistic demands TIVAN LEAK

Tivan Leak is currently doing his Masters of Commerce. The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has vowed to shut down campuses across South Africa (SA) until government bows to their list of fifteen demands. Most notable among these demands is the clearing of historical debt for all students and the provision of free quality education for the poor and the missing middle. When students demand “free” education, they are asking for two things. First, that the government reallocates funds that were appropriated from taxpayers to the students themselves – thus not free education, just education paid for by someone else. Second, that the government increases spending on tertiary education instead of other competing needs such as social grants, basic education, and healthcare.

Reallocation from taxpayers Reallocating funds from taxpayers to pay for students’ higher education is not as simple as taking from the rich and giving to the needy. SA has one of the most redistributive fiscal regimes in the world, meaning that its taxes are progressive, and its spending is disproportionately allocated to the poor. The rich in SA are already paying a large portion of their income to tax. At some point, increasing the tax rate will cause the economy to slow down to such an extent that tax revenue will decline. In its most recent budget speech, the government announced that certain tax rates would be decreased; this may indicate that the government believes that we have reached that point.

Competing expenditure items Competition between expenditure items in the government’s budget has increased with the rapid accumulation of public debt. The government has, since 2008, embarked on a debt accumulation frenzy. The gross debt to GDP ratio for the 2020/21 financial year is projected to be 80.3%, which is up from around 27% in 2008. These high debt levels cause greater competition amongst expenditure items because debt servicing costs crowd out the rest of the budget. Debt servicing is the third largest expenditure item estimated to be 19.8% of revenue; meaning that for every R100 in taxes the government collects, it spends about R20 just to service its debt. These servicing costs will continue to increase. Therefore, the government cannot fund the higher education needs of students by accumulating more debt and must thus consider cutting back on other expenditure items. Furthermore, minister Mboweni announced a decrease in the real grant payments, a budget item that the poorest in the country rely on to purchase necessities. This means that grant payments increased by less than inflation. If we consider that inflation for the poor, who spend most of their money on food, is much higher than the CPI headline inflation used by the SA Reserve Bank to measure inflation, then this real decrease in grant payments becomes even more substantial. If expenditure is cut, should it

not be allocated towards increasing grants, improving basic education, restoring the forensic and administrative capabilities of the police service, improving public healthcare, or paying off debt rather than funding university students? Whichever way you look at it; funding students’ higher education is not obviously more important than other budgetary items. The Dilemma There is something inherently unfair about structuring access to higher education according to the material welfare of one’s parents. If there is any criterium according to which access should be structured, it should be academic deservedness. In an ideal world, financial markets would be complete enough to grant students access to credit which they could start repaying once they are employed. Unfortunately, financial markets are incomplete and therefore require collateral (fixed assets like residential property) to secure debt. Many students applying for funding and their family members do not have sufficient collateral to successfully apply for loans. This greatly stifles social mobility. What is the solution? It is not that academically deserving students should not be subsidised, it is rather that the ANC has governed the country and public institutions so poorly that we are constrained to a situation in which it is not a top p riority. An alternative and perhaps

more realistic short-term arrangement might be for government to guarantee student loans to allow access to credit to fund students’ studies which they can start repaying once they enter the labour market. Longer term, we must realise that the governments we elect have a direct link to our material outcomes. The state has increasingly become incapable because of the deployment of party loyal cadres as opposed to capable professionals; increasingly become poorer due to financial mismanagement and corruption; and increasingly become dangerous due to widespread dependency on the state. If you want a more capable state with less financial mismanagement and corruption, look at the evidence from municipal and provincial governments, court cases, the Zondo Commissions of Inquiry, the multitude of journalistic exposés, and the minutes of NEC meetings. It becomes obvious that the ANC government is rotten and fares far worse than DA run municipalities and provinces on measures of financial accountability, effective service delivery and corruption. Politicians make and enforce the rules; by extent they determine the incentives people face and the economic outcomes we achieve. If you want access to higher education to be structured along academic deservedness, then vote for the party best situated to achieve that goal. Hint: it is not the ANC.

SPORT

Veelsydigheid op die kolfblad en kampus FRANCU KRÜGER

hanya Dilima is onlangs beloon met sy eerste smaak van eersteklas krieket nadat hy in die Boland-seniorspan opgeneem is. Dié prestasie is ná talle ure se harde werk op en van die veld af met sterk vertonings vir albei Maties en die Boland Akademie. Dilima het dadelik tuis gelyk op die hoër vlak van speel. Met sy debuut neem hy drie paaltjies vir die Boland-seniorspan teen SuidWes Distrik en in die volgende wedstryd ’n verdere vyf paaltjies teen Border. Hy glo dat alhoewel hy as ’n boulende veelsydige speler gesien word, hy in die toekoms ook met die kolf kan presteer. Rakende die aanpassing na eersteklas krieket, vertel Dilima: “Die intensiteit van Maties Krieket se oefeninge het my goed voorberei vir die volgende vlak, maar hier moet jy nie net goed wees nie – jy moet dit ook kan bewys. Die spelers op dié vlak ken hulle eie spel baie goed, wat lei tot moeiliker kompetisise omdat jou teenstanders weet hoe om druk te hanteer.” Krieket is egter nie Dilima se enigste tydverdryf nie. Tussen oefensessies en wedstryde werk hy aan sy honneurs in interna-

MATIES FIXTURES

KRIEKET MAL Khanya Dilima in aksie op die krieketveld, besig om een van die vele dinge te doen waaroor hy passievol is. Foto: Verskaf sionale studies en is hy boonop Huis Neethling se prim vir die 2020/2021 termyn. Hy verduidelik dat dit veeleisend was om akademiese verpligtinge ook nog te moes nakom ná lang oefensessies en wedstryde terwyl hy in die isolasieborrel moes bly.

Dilima verduidelik hoe hy ’n balans vind en produktief bly: “Probeer om dinge een dag op ’n slag te neem en moenie te veel dink aan probleme wat nie dadelik jou aandag verg nie. Hou dit eenvoudig en kry elke dag soveel as moontlik gedoen.”

MATIES VARSITY CUP FIXTURES 2021

Round 1

5 April 2021 19:00

Round 2 8 April 2021 14:00

FNB UCT Ikeys

FNB Maties

FNB UWC

FNB Maties

FNB Wits

FNB UP Tuks

FNB Maties

FNB NWU Eagles

Round 3 11 April 2021 17:00

Round 4 22 April 2021 19:00

Round 5 27 April 2021 19:00

Na ’n maand propvol akademiese verpligtinge, sy rol as prim gedurende die verwelkoming van Huis Neethling se nuwelinge, en oefeninge en wedstryde saam met die Boland-krieketspan, kan Dilima ’n welverdiende ruskans neem.

Hy beplan egter nie om vir lank stil te sit nie en sê: “Ek sien wel uit om daarna te begin werk om myself te vestig as ’n staatmaker in die beste liga. Ek weet daar is nog eindelose harde werk wat wag, maar ek kan net my beste gee en kyk wat gebeur.”

He is determined to thrive despite certain obstacles ALTHOUGH he was named the fastest boy in the Western Cape after breaking the 100m sprinting record in 2018, life has not always been a clear path for Maties sprinter and second year theology student, Mukendi Makolo (Kendi). Makolo was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is the eldest of four children. As a sports star, meeting challenges is inevitable. “Being a foreigner in South Africa, I was unable to compete provincially, because my documentation did not allow me to represent the province,” said Makolo. Another challenge facing Makolo is a lack of financial aid. Both of his parents are working two jobs in order to provide for the Makolo family and thus he does not always have access to the necessary tools to help him succeed. Last year, an injury put Makolo on the sidelines for almost seven months. According to Makolo, his mental health deteriorated during these months, but he embarked on a spiritual journey to help him work through his fear

of never being able to compete again. After President Ramaphosa announced the national lockdown, Makolo was unable to see a physiotherapist for six months, which greatly discouraged him. Finally, when Makolo did find medical help, no possible treatment could be found for his injury. This almost made Makolo lose hope – he thought he had reached the end of his sports career. According to Makolo, he had a strong support system, which was made up of friends and family, that encouraged and motivated him during those tough times. Motivation is a key factor in Makolo’s career as an athlete. His goal is to inspire others who come from disadvantaged communities to strive towards their dreams. Right now, Makolo’s focus is on academics and his healing process. Once he has fully healed, he hopes to continue competing and making history. – Queen Majikijela

SPORT

24 Maart 2021

Soccer is back with the ‘new normal’ EMMANUEL EKENE OKERE

ave you ever wondered what the new normal will be like for sports and life in general, after months of lockdown regulations? It is exciting to say that the university soccer team has resumed with training at their usual grounds – Goldfields. Die Matie had a chat with the team’s coach, Desmond Crowie, and a few players, to hear how they feel about being back on the field. Training officially started on 15 February this year, in preparation for the Old South African Breweries (SAB) league (third division). Their first game takes place on 10 April and although it will be challenging as they will be placed into a tough group, they are looking forward to it as they believe it will test their strength as a team. They will have a training camp in July and September, and a twoweek camp in November just before University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament, which is scheduled for the first week of December. Crowie expressed how excited they are to be back on the field while being vigilant of all COVID-19 protocols. He continued to say

BOOTS BACK ON Afternoon practice at the Lentelus fields. Photo: Queen Majikijela that “Team sports allow you to be part of something and that is what Maties Sports is all about, and we are happy to be back.” Crowie tells us what this “new normal” entails for them. He says that players are advised to do their health checks online every morning and send them to their group before going to the field for training.

If any of the players present any COVID-19 symptoms, they are advised to isolate. Social distancing is something that is greatly emphasised in the team, in order to reduce the exposure to the virus as many of them go home to different families and do not want to infect their families. As masks are not worn when training, sanitising is very important.

The men’s team trains three times a week, while the women’s team trains twice a week. Training takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lentelus sports ground while league matches are scheduled for Saturdays. The time for these meetings is 17:00. Crowie explained how things work for new students at Stellen-

bosch University (SU) that want to be part of the team. Trials are held over a period of 4 weeks and the first trial date for this academic year is set to take place on 24 March. Other trial dates are 31 March, 7 April and 14 April. There are 6 to 7 spots left in the high-performance squad. Soccer loving students are encouraged to go to these sessions and try out with the team. When asked about his advice to students in general, Crowie says that students should strive to have a balanced life. This goes hand in hand with his belief that since many of the team’s players are students their main objective should be academics with soccer being a lesser priority. “Once a student has a balanced life, where you have your studies (which is primary) and sport (doesn’t have to be soccer, any sport), such student will thrive better. Sport helps to release the tension and stress built up due to your academics. It also serves as a social vehicle for change,” says Crowie. “You get to meet students who are ahead and behind you academically and have been through something you are going through and can assist you,” the coach adds.

TOUCH, PAUSE, REWIND What some #MVF’s (most valued fans) said about watching Varsity Cup on TV to Karla van Rensburg

SIMONÉ SEESINK

COLE VAN TONDER

INGE DE WET

LARA BEUKES

RIAAN CALITZ

WE’LL definitely be watching at Gino’s with beer and pizza. Or maybe Julian’s.

I will most likely go to a restaurant or a pub to watch with friends.

I’LL probably watch the semi’s and the finals, if we’re in it, but not the pool games.

WE won’t turn off the TV if it happens to be on Varsity Cup.

WE are a house of big Varsity Cup fans. When we get the dates, we will go.

WOENSDAG 24 MAART 2021| GR ATIS

ROCK SOLID New kids on the block here to show you the ropes. Photo: Petrie Frick

Stellenbosch University welcomes official ‘Maties Tug-of-War club’ SKYLER HENDRICKS

tellenbosch University (SU) has announced a new official sport and sport club, tug-of-war. This amateur university sport club will aim to promote tugof-war as a national sport by actively taking part in the South African tug-of-war district, provincial and national competitions. All SU tug-of-war participants will be registered to the South African Tug-of-War Federation (SATF). Applications to join Maties Tugof-War are officially open for 2021, with the first official practices commencing on 29 March.

SU students had expressed an interest in the sport and this inspired the university to make tug-of-war an official Maties sport. “Being a Matie myself, I know that wanting to do tug-of-war while studying [is] a big obstacle, seeing as there is only one club near Stellenbosch, which complicates practice times. Opening up a club at Maties gives students the opportunity to participate at a club at home base,” says Corné de Villiers, secretary of Maties Tug-of-War. COVID-19 had a massive impact on the process of officiating this club, however, after a long fight to get Maties Tug-of-War established, the management team has announced that the sport will

commence for the year 2021. Tug-of-war at SU is open to any registered student. A perk of joining this sports club is a substantial discount at the Maties gym, the only requirement for this discount is attending practices which will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 17:30 until 18:30. The practices will take place behind the Coetzenburg hockey fields. “The sports club will go about recruiting members by hosting recruitment drives at the Stellenbosch University open days as well as connecting with university residences by hosting tug-of-war days,” says Hugo Coetzee, the clubs chairperson.

Students who are interested in joining Maties Tug-of-War, but have not competed on a national level, will unfortunately not be able to take part in the South African Tug-of-War Championships. There is, however, a ‘President Section’ at the same competition that these team members will be permitted to compete in. “Our goal is to get other universities to start tug-of-war and then start an inter-university competition such as Varsity Cup,” says Petrie Frick, head coach of Maties Tug-of-War. In order to be officially registered with SATF, participants must pay a membership fee ranging between R350 and R500.

Being registered with SATF will enable team members to participate in the scheduled competitions. Apart from the scheduled competitions, there will also be an inter-residential tug-of-war league – this will allow talent, in their respective weight categories, to be scouted and considered for the national team. For more information about Maties Tug-of-War, one can visit their Instagram page @maties_ tug_of_war. Alternatively, De Villiers, the secretary of Maties Tug-of-War, can be contacted via email 22038779@ sun.c.za or via WhatsApp 083 610 1698.