Welcoming Edition 2023

Drinking Culture

NSFAS CAP SPARKS ACCOMMODATION CRI SIS

Many National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students, across South Africa, are facing an accommodation crisis due to the recently announced R45 000 accommodation funding cap. This cap was confirmed in a media statement on 5 December 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer of Universities South Africa (USAf). Prof Stan du Plessis, Stellenbosch University (SU) Chief Operations Officer, said in an email to the SU community on 14 December 2022, that SU has asked NSFAS for clarity on how students are expected to cover the shortfall between accommodation costs and the accommodation cap.

NSFAS has announced that students can apply for an exemption from the accommodation cap. As per Du Plessis’ statement, the university believes that when considering applications for exemption from the accommodation cap, NSFAS will prioritise university accommodation.

According to Martin Viljoen, SU’s media manager, the university applied for its residences to receive exemption from the funding cap on 25 January and is currently awaiting feedback from NSFAS.

Women's junior residences at SU cost a minimum of R50 340 (for a sharing room) and

R61 100 (for a single room) per annum. Men’s junior residences cost a minimum of R51 430 (for a sharing room) and R62 550 (for a single room) per annum.

Junior co-ed residences cost a minimum of R62 550 per annum.

Senior residences cost between R46 750 and R65 090 per annum. These prices are for the duration of 10 months in residence, and excluding meals. Private accommodation tends to be even pricier. For example, Nooitgedacht A (a NSFAS accredited private accommodation) costs R63 400 per annum for a single room in an eight bedroom apartment. Nooitgedacht A is approximately 1km from campus. CampusKey, which is also accredited, has prices from R52 000 up to R116 000 per annum. CampusKey has various different buildings in Stellenbosch, with the furthest one from campus being approximately a 1km away from campus. These prices are also all excluding meals and for 10 months.

According to the Skills Portal website, NSFAS received 1 587 968 applications for 2023 and as of 31 January 613 909 applicants have been provisionally funded. SU orientation week began on 31 January, thus many students (specifically newcomers) were unable to make plans for their accommodation as they were

uncertain of whether they would be funded or not.

In an e-mail to the SU community on 6 February by Dr Ronel Retief, SU registrar, the university shared information regarding what they are doing to assist affected students during this time. SU has extended the closing date of registration to 3 March as well as waived registration fees until this date. The university is also providing students with the opportunity to apply for temporary SUNLearn access if they experience funding delays. SU has also teamed up with various banks - such as Capitec, Nedbank and Standard Bank - to provide loans to students. The university is in continuous contact with NSFAS to try and get clarity on student’s funding.

The Rectorate and Student Representative Council (SRC) are trying to manage this accommodation crisis that has left many Maties without a place to stay; however, they are facing many logistical issues.

“According to SU's residence placement system, there is not a single available bed in residences at this stage. The Student Accommodation Office is in regular contact with residences to determine if there might be any open spaces as a result of noshows that have not formally been reported,” says Viljoen.

As per SU’s website, the university has approximately 30 residences and other types of housing (such as student houses for senior students), that are able to accommodate 6 500 students altogether. All other students will have to make use of private accommodation. There are more than 30 000 students currently enrolled at SU’s Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campus, as per the university’s website. There is a list of private accommodation that has been accredited for NSFAS by SU available on SU’s website for students seeking accredited accommodation.

Viljoen said external SU donors, who have already been supporting NSFAS funded students, have agreed to cover the shortfall caused by the NSFAS cap, to ensure that the students they have been supporting are able to remain in private accommodation.

Masilo Silokazi, chairperson of the SRC, says that “The registrar has created a committee that [is]working hard to try and figure out how to address the accommodation issue. SRC representatives are also sitting on that committee, so that they can also speak about what they have been seeing on the ground.”

Members of this committee includes the SU registrar as its chair and various representatives from the SRC, Division for Student

Affairs, the Student Accommodation Office, Student Fees Division, and the Development and Alumni Relations Division, according to Viljoen.

Prince Kelebogile Qengqa, the SRC’s portfolio manager for student wellness and student leadership development, says that to date approximately 160 students have contacted the SRC to assist them with accommodation and the number remains rising. Qengqa spearheads the emergency placement accommodation initiative, where students are housed in the university’s backpackers facilities on campus.

According to Qengqa, the backpackers accommodation can be found in the AmaMaties and Wimbledon hubs. 24 beds are available. After collaborating with the university management and Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, the SRC was able to find more spaces to accommodate students. One of these spaces is a guesthouse in Cloetesville.

Silokazi says the SRC is striving to address the accommodation crisis in a manner that preserves the dignity of the affected students.

“Alongside trying to figure out how to deal with the crisis now, trying to find out where we can open more spaces so that we don’t have a crisis that happens like this again”, she says.

Amptelike studentekoerant van die Universiteit Stellenbosch Official student newspaper of Stellenbosch University

Iphephandaba elisemthethweni labafundi beYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch

AURELIA MOUTON & LESEDI MNISI

HOUSING CRISIS FOR NSFAS MATIES Suitcases lined up outside the SRC office. Photo: Aurelia Mouton

This is a developing story. Check out @diematie on instagram for updates.

Social Impact Morning makes a difference

Stellenbosch University

(SU) hosted its annual Social Impact Community Morning on Thursday, 9 February. This event is run by the Division of Social Impact together with the Centre for Student Communities in the Division of Student Affairs at SU. More than 5000 newcomers were able to engage with local communities to ensure a greater awareness of the social and environmental challenges that these communities face.

“Students received training in sustainable community development and through their work in communities learn functional skills that contribute to their development as adults in society,” said Ms Renee Hector-Kannemeyer, Deputy Director of the Division of Social Impact in an SU media release.

“I believe Social Impact Morning is an amazing way for newcomers to see opportunities available to them throughout the year,” said Louisa Naude, Metanoia HK when asked

Prof Baatjes Runs for the Rands

LESEDI MNISI

The Vice Dean of Learning and Teaching at the faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University (SU) is once again running for change.

Professor Karin Baatjes undertook to run 49 kilometres (by 49 days after her 49th birthday) in an attempt to raise R49 000 for the iThemba Bursary fund.

“I feel a deep need to invest in students and also even school learners, so I have done various projects over the years to support education in its various forms.” says Baatjes.

Baatjes acknowledges that “R49 000 is not enough to sponsor a student’s [entire] fees”; however, she hopes the money raised could help fill any small financial gaps students may face.

about why social impact community morning is important for newcomers to engage in during Welcoming week.

Student communities took part in activities ranging from a beach clean-up for Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement to making food packages for Rise Against Hunger.

“Ultimately it’s a valuable part of welcoming [that] newcomers enjoy every year and makes them feel connected to their Stellenbosch community," said Naude.

Ilke Olivier, Social events and affairs Heemstede HK, explained that giving back to the community should be seen as a privilege and that doing it with your residence makes it so much more fun.

“Universities have a social responsibility to develop wellrounded thought leaders who have broadened their horizons and feed what they have learnt and experienced into society,” said Hector-Kannemeyer.

Ligte uit, water af

ANAKIN CURTIS

English version is available at diematie.com

Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit het op 13 Januarie ’n kennisgewing uitgereik om inwoners aan te moedig om watergebruik te verminder, weens die voortdurende effekte van beurtkrag.

Die kennisgewing het genoem dat toilette spoel tydens beurtkrag ’n buitensporige hoeveelheid druk op infrastruktuur sit wat nooit bedoel is om gereeld deur die dag aan-en-af gesit te word nie.

“Vir so lank as wat ESKOM beurtkrag vir verlengde tydperke van Vlak 4 of hoër instel, is dit waarskynlik dat hierdie kwessies sal voortduur,” het Stuart Grobbelaar, kommunikasiebestuurder vir Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit, gesê.

Daar is verskeie gebeurlikheidsmaatreëls in plek gestel, insluitend rugsteunkragopwekkers, en -brandstoftoevoer, kontrolering van belangrike bates, laevlak aanpassing op reservoirs en verhoogde kontrolering deur amptenare. Mislukking van rugsteunkragopwekkers mag egter die kanse van afwisselende watertoevoerkwessies verhoog. “Studente moet meer waterwys word – nie net as gevolg van die waterskaarsheid in ons droë streek nie, maar ook weens die nadelige gevolge van beurtkrag. Die aanneming van ’n ‘droogte-agtige kultuur’ word aanbeveel,” het Grobbelaar bygevoeg.

Studente kan onderbrekings en vermorsing by die munisipaliteit aanmeld deur die Let’s Fix It-hulplyn.

Neelsie boasts new look

“There are many structures within the university that support students [with] bursaries, loans etc, but there’s always every now and again a student that comes to our attention that has a gap that needs to be filled.” she adds.

As of 9 February, Baatjes has raised R35 000, but she is hoping to increase this number. In fact, she may continue running even after she has completed the 49 kilometres.

Baatjes thinks that perhaps after she completes the 49 kilometres - which will probably be on 10 February - she may double the distance. This is because she might want to keep running and raising funds until the campaign officially ends on 21 March.

Stellenbosch University (SU) students returned after the December holidays to a newly upgraded Neelsie Student Centre. The Neelsie had been under construction for renovation during most of the summer holiday. While some of the upgrades are obvious, like the upscaled My Brew and new Neelsie Cinema, there have been more subtle but equally important changes made.

According to Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director of SUNCOM, the commercial services division of SU, the Neelsie makeover includes upgrades to the basement floor area and the furniture in the basement food court with additional seating. The stage, lifts, and steps have also been upgraded and the delivery area has also been upgraded and secured. More convenient payment methods, such as card

payment, is now available to motorists looking to find a parking spot near the Neelsie after the recent update to the Neelsie parking payment system. Improvements have also been made to the security systems like monitoring, new cameras, and connections to the fire panel.

Toast, an addition to the food court, has already opened its doors and on 1 March 4Tea, a specialist tea shop, will welcome students to the new establishment.

Overall, food prices have not been heavily impacted by the upgrades. Popular establishments, Nca Kos and DCM, saw an average of R2 increase across the board with the signature DCM doughnuts now costing a hefty R6.50, up from R5. All the burger prices, except for one, have increased at Jeff’s Place. All things considered, prices at the Neelsie remain fair to the student pocket as well as the student appetite.

SOCIAL IMPACT MORNING Is an important part of Welcoming.

Photo: Emma Hamman

AMBER APRIL & EMMA HAMMAN

ANAKIN CURTIS

BEEHIVE Newcomers spoiled with an entire new Neelsie layout. Photo: Uyanda Tyusha

Dreamwalking down Victoria Street

On Thursday, 2 February, over 5000 newcomers descended upon the Danie Craven stadium for the first full welcoming since 2020. Neatly divided into their respective residences and Private Student Organisations (PSO)s, the new Maties enjoyed singing and chanting as the Dreamwalk program kicked off. The recorate, Stellenbosch University (SU) deans of faculty and student leadership made their formal entrances, accompanied by the SU Symphony Orchestra. Student Representative Council (SRC) Chairperson, Masilo Silokazi, addressed the first years and their parents, welcoming the newcomers to campus. She spoke about her challenges

as a queer woman of colour at SU, and urged listeners to take up the space they occupy and know that SU belongs to all its students. Silokazi invited the students, staff and parents to take a vow against discrimination, racism, sexism and homophobia.

“Inclusivity isn’t about making yourself smaller, but widening the circle,” said Prof Wim De Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU.

As he addressed the crowd in English and Afrikaans, he advised new students to be wary of the differences between high school and tertiary education. Then he encouraged students to enjoy their experience as a Matie with his motto: “do your best, be your best, no regrets.”

Students were also invited to the first ever Dreamville,

an event sponsored by MySpace, a company offering premium apartments. The Rooiplein was a hub of activity, with a silent disco, flame-throwers, and even Chinese dragon performers.

“A big part of [it] for us was that it would be as cost-friendly as possible, because we know that during orientation week not all students have money to be spending. We didn’t want to be selling things outside and we wanted all entertainment, [and] all games to be free of charge,” said AlysaAbby Kekana, head of the Dreamwalk sub-committee.

Kekana explained that the sub-committee aimed for the event to be accessible and sustainable, consulting with the Sustainability division and the Disability Unit at SU.

Vensters 2023 brings the heat

The first full-scale Vensters, and first ever Maties Connect Festival (MC Fest) saw Stellenbosch University (SU) newcomers flood onto the Welgevallen Hockey Field on Saturday, 11 February.

This was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the university to downscale this campus event over the last two years. According to the Maties Connect Instagram page, the theme for this year was “Rainbow Revolution”. The connect committee strived to create an experience which emphasised the values of diversity and inclusion.

Semi-finalists included the following student community partners: IsaHelderbosch, Aristenhoff, Virnerdia, Huis Franstede, Hipporora, Helenica, and Dragrenica.

Aristenhoff were crowned the overall winners of Vensters 2023. Hipporora won best

choreography, Helenica won best script, and Dagrenica won best Backdrop.

Storylines for each of the performances centred around distinct groups and cultures putting aside their differences to come together as one. Edwin Morris, Pieke mentor, said that “Bringing the gees and getting the first years together and letting them get to know each other is definitely the main focus”.

MC Fest took place after the final Vensters performances and included electrifying sets from well-known artists such as Early-B and Neon Dreams.

New Maties were given a proper introduction to summer in Stellenbosch as they eagerly awaited their turn on the stage under the sweltering 37 degree sun. Students were reminded to stay hydrated and could purchase drinks from the stalls lining the side of the festival grounds. Despite the heat,

students were keen to get out and perform.

Jani Barnard, Serruria mentor, said, “It’s been a really good experience, the first years had a lot of gees. They were also very friendly and willing”. She also praised the choreographers and the excellent job they did with teaching the students their dances.

DREAMING Victoria Street illuminated in dazzling lights for the dreamwalk. Photo: AB Jantjies

EMMA-JANE METCALF

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, HOW ABOUT YOU? Irene newcomers struts down victoria street in the highly anticipated, annual Dreamwalk. Photo: AB Jantjies

ANAKIN CURTIS

VENSTERS First years see the return of Vensters post-COVID 19. Photo: Anakin Curtis

5, 6, 7, AND 8 Performances this year were all about celebrating diversity in our student communities.

Photo: Anakin Curtis

1, 2, 3! Some newcomers showing off their smooth moves on the Vensters stage at Welgevallen Hockey Field. Photo: Anakin Curtis

RECTOR WIM DE WILLIERS At the Dreamwalk. Photo: AB Jantjies

STUDENT LIFE

How to avoid an STD in STB

JAIME WATKINS

Upon arriving in Stellenbosch as a new student, newcomers are most likely to have been given advice on a number of topics. Mentors or senior students may provide newcomers with survival tips such as to walk home in groups after a night out. They may also provide newcomers with financial tips like where to get the best drinks specials.

Gosh Beauty Nails It

AURELIA MOUTON

Hailing from Pretoria, Telvina Samuels has always had a knack for business. As a grade 6 learner she was already selling beauty products in her neighbourhood.

By the time she made it to university to study BSc (Molecular Biology), she was a practised entrepreneur and in 2018, at 19 years old, she launched Gosh Nails.

From her residence room in Irene she began doing nails for her friends, and soon her business spread to Sonop and beyond. Her main goal was to provide salon quality, study-friendly nails that fit the student

BACK IN THE BOSCH

Unfortunately, some crucial advice may fall through the cracks of conversation or be avoided altogether. Sexual health is one of these topics. The Stellenbosch University (SU) website states that maintaining one’s sexual health (reproductive health) is an aspect of one’s life that can ensure a “satisfying and safe” sex life. Part of ensuring this is by remaining informed. Being sexually active is not something to be ashamed of. It is important for those who are sexually active to get smart about how to maintain both their and their partner’s safety. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that are typically passed from one person to another through sexual activity. Sexual activity does not just mean penetrative sex – it includes all types of sex ;) - and it’s important to know that STIs can be transmitted simply by having direct skin contact with someone.

Communication between sexual partners, whether long or short-term, is incredibly important. Moreover, to save themselves a lot of pain (both physical and emotional) those who are sexually active should know where to get help if they think they have contracted something. Stellenbosch Campus Health has easily accessible information about the most common STIs available on their website. Furthermore, they offer free HIV testing and STI screening. If Die can offer up one final piece of advice it would be no glove, no love; condomise, don’t compromise. Condoms and lube are both freely available in a number of campus bathrooms for students’ use! They are the simplest line of defense against itchy, painful, and unwanted visitors.

budget. By 2023 Gosh Nails grew to become Gosh Beauty as Samuels expanded the business to include beauty treatments such as waxing (male and female), lash

Gosh Beauty. She hopes to venture into offering her own beauty products for sale soon.

Now a BAcc student, she cites authenticity, sticking to the basics and an appreciation for honest feedback as her most valued business rules.

“Your friends will be able to give you an honest opinion and view regarding [Gosh]. I always wanted that transparency,” says Samuels.

tinting, Environ facials and massages. The Gosh team has four members and two locations; Gosh Nails and

She strives to restore confidence in every woman that comes to the salon and hopes to inspire others to be strong, independent women. Coming from a background

safest area”, losing her mother and having to provide for herself and her sister from a young age, she believes that her past does not determine what her success will be in the future. She paid her own way through university, earning bursaries for tuition while building up her business.

She adds, “Your past shouldn’t define you; it should mould you into a better version of yourself for the future.”

“Oh my Gosh, who did your nails?”

Photo: Aurelia Mouton

Photo: Gosh Nails

Die Matie ’s carefully curated must-knows

Face to face

Dit mag dalk somer wees, maar hiér is dit altyd lente. Die Matie heet aan alle nuwe Maties en wyser kampusgangers ‘n hartlike welkom by die Eikestad. Hierdie onafhanklike studentekoerant het oor die afgelope drie jaar talle artikels oor die pandemie se invloed op studentelewe gepubliseer. Met die volledige terugkeer na klasdraf en kampuslewe in persoon, is Die Matie vreeslik opgewonde om te sien wat die Jaar van die Haas vir Matieland inhou.

Studentelewe moes vinnig by ‘n nuwe normaal aanpas om verskeie tradisies en belangrike institusionele kennis op kampus, en in studentegemeenskappe oor te dra aan generasies wat dit nooit eerstehands beleef het

Noudat ons deur die ergste deel van die storm is, en die Rooiplein weer nuwe gesigte aangesig tot aangesig sien, sien dié redaksioneel uit om al die studentestories van die jaar vas te vang.

It might be summer but here in Stellenbosch it is altyd lente. Die Matie wishes all newcom ers and more matured campus goers a warm welcome to the City of Oaks.

Over the past three years, this independent student newspaper has published countless articles on how the pandemic influ enced student life. With the full return to in-person classes and life on campus, Die Matie tremely excited to see what the Year of the Rabbit has in store for Matieland.

Student life had to quickly adapt to a new normal to pre serve a lot of Matie traditions and important institutional knowledge on campus, and in student communities, for a gen eration of students who have never experienced it firsthand.

Now that we have braved the worst of the storm, and the Rooiplein is face to face with new faces, this team of journalists can’t wait to capture all the student stories, experiences (and campus quotes) that the year will bring.

Compiled and shot by Emma Jane Metcalf & Aurelia Mouton

Retro romcoms

Looking for the perfect movie to watch with your partner this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. Below you will find our Editor’s carfully curated list of the best romcoms out there!

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

For all our enemies-to-lovers fans; this movie has got you covered for a passionate night in. Based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the film follows local bad boy Patrick Verona’s attempts to charm Kat, the older sister of popular girl Bianca. Patrick is paid by Cameron, the new kid, to woo Kat, in an attempt to side-step their

father’s rule that Bianca would only be allowed to date once Kat has. The film is equal parts funny as it is romantic, with its iconic titular poem scene - a love confession from Kat to Patrick. Starring Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger, 10 Things I Hate about You is bound to have you in stitches and tears the whole way through.

“To the girl giving temp tattoos at the Welcoming Fair - wish I had asked your number”

“ek’t ’n crush op my mentor”

“Daar is die meisie op kampus, haar naam is Zoe B. Sy is die mooiste mens wat ek al ooit gesien het.”

Starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, this fantasyadventure romcom is the ideal flick for a night of escapism. After moving into his new apartment David experiences strange, inexplicable events, only to discover that the previous tenant, Elizabeth, had seemingly died and returned as a ghost.

Saving Face (2004)

Closeted Wil falls for Vivian, an openly gay dancer. Wil, a surgeon, meets Vivian at a dinner at Planet China, where she had been set up with the son of one of her mother’s friends. This film navigates the nuances of tradition, sexuality and cultural norms. Still funny, yet poignant,

After a failed exorcism David and Elizabeth become reluctant friends and, in an effort to restore her memories from before her death, they go on an adventure to all her frequent haunts. Just Like Heaven is ridiculously hilarious and stirringly sweet. It’s a must-watch and certainly lends new meaning to the term ‘being ghosted’.

“To the gent who had on a gold earring at Pieke who I saw come out of Huis ten Bosch, hi :)”

“Anna en Abraham de Villiers julle is die mooiste, oulikste en beste <3”

this film is for anyone looking for a heartfelt and sensual night in with their partner. The cast of the film includes Lynn Chen and Michelle Krusiec and is written and directed by Alice Wu - also the producer of Netflix’s The Half of It, another must-see for those queer inclined.

Take it from me: Advice from those that have come before

TIAAN BOOYENS

1. Try Everything Once (except flatcest)

Let’s face it: everyone fortunate enough to be in university is privileged to a certain degree. With this privilege comes the responsibility to make the most of your student life experience. That’s why this is the perfect time to be responsibly irresponsible and try (almost) everything once. Go to digs jols, finish an assignment minutes before the deadline, download - and deletethe dating apps. Take time to figure out what you like and what you want.

2. “A” is for going to Admin A

It takes a lot of students way too long to find out that the answer to all of their questions is waiting behind the helpdesk at Admin A. If you don’t know where to upload printing credits, or how to connect to Eduroam, Admin A can show you the way to both. If you need financial aid, or help with your registration and course-related concerns, just go ask. You’ll find that someone out there is ready to help. Don’t be that person who only finds out after graduation.

3. Find Campus Health ASAP

If you only use Google Maps once throughout your university career, please let it be to locate the Stellenbosch University (SU) Campus Health services. These lovely receptionists and nurses could mean the difference between fever dreams in your residence room, or having a prescription for antibiotics (speaking from personal experience). You can get free HIV testing and access to a range of different health services if you provide your medical aid information.

4. The SRC is free to consult

When you find yourself thinking: “the university should really have someone in charge or sorting that out”, chances are that they already do. Make use of the Student Representative Council (SRC)’s entire umbrella of student representation to ensure your queries don’t go unanswered. From academic and faculty enquiries, to finding your perfect fit in the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), the SRC knows someone that can help you.

“Mariet eloff from serruria’s hk”

Just Like Heaven (2004) Campus Crush Confessions

5. Get out of Stellenbosch

My last bit of advice for any newcomers, is to savour as much of the goodness as you possibly can - and then leave. Some people stick around for three years, and some stay three years longer than their degree requires. However long you stay, you will most likely experience “Stellenbosch Cabin Fever” at least once. The easy solution is to get some perspective. Go to the beach, hike some trails, visit neighbouring tourist traps to cleanse your palette. You’ll be able to come back with fresh eyes and appreciate the town of oaks even more.

Maties drink ’n hond uit die Bosch uit The Bos can’t handle Maties

TIAAN BOOYENS & AURELIA MOUTON

Stellenbosch-studente, selfs dié sonder sente, word oor die algemeen gekenmerk deur hulle houding teenoor alkoholgebruik. Jongmense in die Eikestad skree nie die woorde van Jan Bloukaas se trefferlied sonder rede nie. “Whiskey, vodka, tequila,” is ’n gunsteling onder menigte Maties, maar is alkoholmisbruik die norm of ’n uitsondering?

Onlangse alkoholverwante insidente op die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US)-kampus en binne studentegemeenskappe blyk die eersgenoemde te ondersteun. Die reeks urineringinsidente in manskoshuise, en die tragiese dood van twee studente einde verlede jaar wat na bewering hulle motor onder die invloed betree het, veroorsaak kommer oor studentemenings en -gewoontes rakende alkoholgebruik.

Die Matie het ’n opname gedoen onder ‘n groep van sowat 80 studente en bevind dat ’n twee-derde-meerderheid nie gereeld deelneem aan binge drinking nie. Hierdie klein steekproef is nie omvattend genoeg is om die hele studentebevolking se mening vas te stel nie - veral nie dié tans in nagklubrye nie. Dit weerspreek egter wel ’n maklike aanname: dat alle studente kies om hulle te vergr-

yp aan te veel drank-specials op ’n aand uit in die dorp.

“Alkoholverwante misdaadgevalle is nie ’n probleem nie,” sê Sersant JZ Rhoda van die SAPS Stellenbosch Maatskaplike Misdaadvoorkoming. Daar is “nóg ’n instroming van gevalle, nóg ’n mankragkrisis,” om dié gevalle te hanteer sedert die US se Verwelkomingsprogram.

Brandon Como, kampussekuriteitpersoneellid wat deel is van die US se risikobestuurspan van kampusgeleenthede, sê wel: “In die verlede was die konsentrasie van mense so verspreid dat die polisering baie moeiliker raak. So, om dit in ’n kleiner konsentrasie area te hê, is dit baie makliker”

Dit is wel opmerklik dat die US geleenthede aanbied met drankverkope, soos MC Fest, terwyl alkohol nie binne studentegemeenskappe toegelaat word nie. Die nuwe institusionele alkoholbeleid behels egter dat alkoholgebruik

in studentegemeenskappe jaarliks heronderhandel moet word. Dit is ook volgens Como ’n versoek van die polisiediens om druk op die mankrag in die dorp te verminder.

Daar is duidelik ’n tendens van nuwe en gretige huidige Maties wat jaarliks die akademiese kalender afskop deur om eers hard te speel voordat hulle hard werk. Dié is duidelik ná selfs een aandstappie verby die Eikestad Mall se gunstelingwatergate in die week voor klasse begin. Nuuspublikasies regoor, insluitend Die Matie, sal op die uitkyk wees of alkoholmisbruik onder US-studente werklik net die uitsondering is, of ’n simptoom van ’n blywende, gevaarlike kuierkultuur is.

With a campus nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands it’s not difficult to see why Stellenbosch is known for its drinking culture and “klein Saterdag” (little Saturday) Wednesday nights. With ample drink specials and more than its fair share of liquor stores, Stellenbosch is the stereotypical party campus town. This begs the question; is binge drinking the exception or the norm in Stellies?

Recent alcohol-related incidents across the Stellenbosch University (SU) campus seems to support the latter. The series of urination incidents in mens’ residences and the tragic death of two students, who allegedly got behind the wheel under the influence, at the end of last year raises concerns amongst students regarding Stellies drinking culture.

Die Matie surveyed about 80 students and found that two-thirds majority don’t believe

they partake in binge drinking. It must be noted that this survey is not comprehensive enough to determine the stance of all students on binge drinking, especially those lining around the block outside their favourite “kuier plek”. It does, however, contradict the assumption that all students opt to get wasted at every possible opportunity. It is worth noting that alcohol sales are allowed at SU events, such as MC Fest, yet alcohol is prohibited within student communities. The new institutional alcohol policy does allow for yearly renegotiations on alcohol use within student communities.

There is clearly a trend of new and old Maties who are keen to kick off the academic year by partying hard before working hard. The proof of this can be found by simply observing the most frequented watering holes in town. News publications all over, including Die Matie , will be on the lookout to determine whether alcohol abuse amongst SU students is an exception to the rule or the rule itself.

Internet Girl: So much more than a virtual band

Upbeat, punk guitar riffs and intricate hyperpopinspired instrumentals filled Aandklas as Internet Girl took to the stage for their first Stellenbosch performance. The Cape Town based trio played an array of their old, new and unreleased music at the bar on 4 February. The band’s live setup consisted of a DJ deck with two laptops, a synthesiser and a guitar. This unconventional setup, along with the band's electric stage-presence resulted in a surprising, fresh live performance.

Internet Girl was founded around three years ago when a perchance Instagram direct message led childhood best friends Ntstika “TK” Bungane and Matthew “Neese” Burgess to meet James “Griggs” Smith. Initially living in different parts of the country and only being able to make music online, the band’s Brockhampton-esque

come-up story was fulfilled when the band eventually moved in together to make music full-time.

The band released their sophomore EP parasocial interaction on 3 February. The project includes features from the likes of Sophie Cates, Poptropicaslutz! and frequent collaborator Hugo Pooe.

Lead vocalist TK explained

EDITORIAL PLAYLIST

the themes that the concept-EP tries to explore.

“[The project] is about the dissonance between your real life and what your fans view, like the perception they have on the internet… Most of our fanbase is on the internet.”

The band has seen great international success, landing top spots on coveted Spotify playlists such as “Fresh finds”,

“Hyperpop” and “Lorem.” With a majority of their fanbase residing in the United States, the band is still finding their feet among local audiences, explained the band’s producer/ DJ mastermind, Neese.

“Hundreds of thousands of people fuck with us online, but in real life there wasn’t that [same] feeling.”

Griggs, the band’s lead

guitarist explained what type of music listeners can expect from the band in the future.

“I think the attitude that hip hop music sort of has… we want to bring that attitude to the songs that we make in the future rather than a very clean, poppy vibe.”

Not many South African artists are doing it like Internet Girl. With their cuttingedge music production and ability to deliver a stellar live performance, it truly seems as though this local band is on the forefront of the ever-changing music landscape. Follow Internet Girl on Instagram @internetgirlmusic and stream their new EP using the Spotify QR code below.

MOUTON & TIAAN BOOYENS

Hendrik Visser, a fourth year BEng (Mechanical Engineering) student and avid nature lover, doesn’t carry around a smartphone. In fact, he doesn’t have one. Other than answering WhatsApp messages on his laptop occasionally, neither does he have any social media profiles.

“I feel like I want to live a quality life without a smartphone,” said Visser explaining how it can feel more rewarding experiencing life without being dependent on your phone.

“I appreciate it so much more,” he said about navigating life on his own.

Visser, with his “doodgewone Nokia”, forms part of a globally-felt phenomenon where young people are deciding to ditch their phones to be more present. The New York Times recently reported on the Brooklyn based Luddite Club, a group of teens “promoting a lifestyle of self-liberation from social media and technology”. It’s proof that young people, like

Maties students, are growing more aware of, and averse to screen fatigue.

Hours of scrolling, whether it’s on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter or Reddit, has been proven to be not only detrimental to the mental health of social media users, but also impacts their attention span and information retention. Simply put, being chronically online is unnatural and distorts our perception of reality. The vicious virtual cycle begins and ends with “hot takes” stitched to “hot takes” and offensive comments hurled into the abyss of comment sections populated by bots. There’s Bo Burnham’s “That Funny Feeling” to explain this seemingly inescapable brainrot.

Colloquially referred to as “doom scrolling”, which also includes spending hours consuming news content, this modern phenomenon of being plugged in and online

24/7 is certainly a sign of the times. Users online often comment “touch grass” or “go outside” in response to content creators or other users who come across as out of touch, caught in an echo chamber or a false, self-imposed narrative.

“I’d say definitely give it a try, even if it is only for a week,” said Visser when asked if he would suggest going sans smartphone. “Make your own decision, but I would definitely recommend it.”

AURELIA

Griggs, TK and Neese make up Internet Girl PHOTO: Supplied

Griggs

TK

Neese

Back to Black

ESSAY BY KABELO MOROKO & VUSIMUZI KHUMALO

Back to Black! Let me take you back to when Black was Black. When Ubuntu resided in our souls, I swear to God we were blessed. Before the Voshos. Nako tsele tsabo Kofifi dance, what the fans of Kwela-Kwela would give to see Amapiano dead. Yes, reality’s been sad, but at least nako tsela our sorrows were drowned in the sound of soothing jazz. We envied the stares, tapped dance till nightfall because we came prepared. But now we’d rather drown in alcohol instead, then break the bottle to prove that we aren’t scared, get chased in the AMs and find my black ass in a puddle of red. Blood stains, now my white kicks caught the dirt. Ran out of breath, ngashaya itaxa and got my trousers torn by the fence, hid behind the tree as I’m catching a breath. Same time I pray that God comes to my defense, forgetting that He’s the one I disrespected when I was eager to sound woke; got high from the weed then started to question His will. And nama siko sengawa lahla, angisasi faki naso isphandla, poverty goes to the gym, nenhlupheko izi nike amandla Lempilo inamanga, cha mfana mina ngiyala. Ukuthi nginikela ngam? Ngabe umama wayedlala ngenkathi angiyala, but this is the

Rising Stellies Artist:

Stellenbosch University alumnus, LUUKHANYO, recently released the video for his song “Hii Roller”.

The song is a soulful rap banger, switching between upbeat rap verses and a catchy, melodic chorus.

The track’s groovy instrumental is complemented by LUUKHANYO’s smooth vocal performance, reminiscent of soul artist Anderson .Paak.

Follow LUUKHANYO on Instagram @luukhanyoisart and stream “Hii Roller” using the Spotify QR code below.

system I too was born into. A victim to societal issues, like a crosseyed trying to help the blind man tie his shoes, every attempt to help results in regret, getting tangled in the mess. A lesson learnt for the moment. But as soon as the threat is diffused, it’s the uncultured streets that I turn to. A questionable relationship we have, but it’s been a friend when I had no one to turn to. As soon as Dad died and I turned two; it’s like witnessing your own death with no one to save you. Now it’s me against the voices in my head; whenever I try to detach, they tell me, “but we are the ones who came to your rescue”.

Societal norms burden us with loads of expectations. It’s our future they try to jeopardize, but I pray the pressure dies. Cause at the end, it's Me, Myself and I, so miss me with the pressure,guys. They say “if you want to see change, then be the change”. It’s insane, how can we fight the system when we’re already at war with ourselves? We’ve got anxiety, childhood traumas and depression at a tender age, it’s no surprise later in life we turn to aggressive savages, while peace remains a foreign concept. We need a factory reset, we need to go Back to Black, because before that, things will only get worse.

What a world! You’re less likely to die when flexing a 9 than you are carrying a purse. But between you and I, I swear, I feel like my kind was set up to lose from birth. So, looking forward to death is all we know. Knowing at least they keep us in their thoughts now that we’re no more. And although a list of my convictions makes up my eulogy, just know that my actions were reactions to this toxic energy. And even so I loved my brothers, some brothers loved me too, before we were enemies. Breaking bread in half but in their eyes is my half is the only thing they could see. I had to die for you to believe. In death is the only time we clearly see. RIP to Ricky.

The system is tricky, believe me. Politicians stick their fingers in every piece of the pie, even in religion. May the Lord intervene, please! Pastors preach “Jesus is the only way, yekani uku sebenzisa imithi” but then go and consult Izangoma to gain popularity in the ministry. Impilo yamanje stru nasi yilokxion biskop film. And you won’t guess who plays the villain. We even get lost in the midst of self-discovery, so when I say Back to Black, I mean we need to start afresh and find ourselves. It’s no coincidence that there’s ‘intro’ in introspect!

LITMATIE

PHOTO: LUUKHANYO’s Soundcloud

Kabelo “Kulnatic” Moroke

PHOTO: Supplied

Vusimuzi “TKV” Khumalo

PHOTO: Supplied

Victoria Street dust fills the air and the February heat beats down as life stampedes back to the Stellenbosch University campus. The clubs are full and the tennis courts welcomes its new group of stoner occupants. Residence rooms are awkwardly inhabited by strangers getting to know each other and Tinder is populated with familiar faces coming back for round two after their December flings have been fully flung. The year ahead promises to not be like the three years preceding it and 2023 is a blank page. As writers, photographers and designers, Die Matie’s editorial has already begun to fill up the pages. We’ve been scrapbooking

Welcoming Week(s) , as a record that we were here too. Tasked with the duty and opportunity to archive this history from the perspective of the students, we’ve jumped all in. We cheered with the first years as they filled up the Danie Craven with a crowd it hasn’t seen in years. We listened to students lining up outside the SRC office in hopes they’d have a bed to sleep in and we promised to tell their story to the best of our abilities. We also checked that line outside De Lapa. We’ve even braved the heat to see Vensters and we’ve stayed until late to witness the wonders of

KLAGTEPROSEDURE EN FOUTRAPPORTERING / COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND REPORTING ERRORS

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

Dreamville. Write it all down and take an obnoxious amount of photos. Go to events and make friends. Take the good with the bad and study more than you kuier.

MAIN

Editor-in-Chief

Aurelia Mouton

Managing Editor Tiaan

Booyens

Content Editor Lesedi Mnisi

Head Reporter Anakin Curtis

News Amber April

Student Life Jani Roux

Dag & Nag Kobus Erasmus

Sport Kezia Daniels

Online Emma Hamman

Photo Editor Emma Jane

Metcalf

Layout Editor Jaime Watkins

Sub-editor (Afrikaans)

Rentia Meyer

Ads Manager Morufa Raji

Financial Manager Emma Cochrane

Make the most of the time you spend in this chaotic, beautiful town. Make new friends and keep up with your friends from highschool. Don’t sleep with anyone in any of your classes and always be polite to your lecturers. Go to Varsity Cup and take part in your res events, no matter how silly it seems. Be willing to be an involved member of the student community and leave more behind than you take. The best advice I could give you as a veteran student? Take notes.. For memories’ sake.

RAAK BETROKKE / HELP OUT

ARGIEF / ARCHIVE

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

KONTAK ONS / CONTACT US

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Matieland;

AURELIA MOUTON

OBITUARY OF

OSHWIN ANDRIES

Date of birth:

24 February 2003

Date of death:

4 February 2023

Resided: Cloetesville, Stellenbosch

The ambitious Oshwin Andries (19) passed away in the arms of his mother on 4 February 2023 due to a stabbing incident that

took place on 29 January 2023, at a get-together in Klapmuts.

He is survived by his mother Natasha Andries, and his older brother, Leeirwin Andries.

At the age of 18, Andries made his professional debut at Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) after graduating from the Stellenbosch FC

VARSITY CUP SCHEDULE

Maties VS UCT

20 Feb | 19:00

Danie Craven Stadium

Maties VS CUT Ixias

27 Feb | 19:00

Danie Craven Stadium

Maties VS NWU

6 Mar | 19:00

Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground

Maties VS WITS

13 Mar | 19:00

WITS Rugby Stadium

Maties VS TUKS 20 Mar | 19:00

Danie Craven Stadium

Maties VS UJ 27 Mar | 19:00

UJ Stadium

Maties VS UFS

3 Apr | 19:00

Danie Craven Stadium

academy. His memorial took place on 7 February 2023, and the funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

Andries was a rising football star with a promising career ahead of him. At just the age of 18 he was the club’s (Stellenbosch FC) youngest goal scorer. The

club described him as a “gifted footballer” and his brother, Lee-irwin Andries, described him as “the best’’. Die Matie expresses their condolences to Oshwin’s family, friends and community during this time.

2023 TICKET PRICES AND PACKAGES

Game Day Tickets

R60 - R140

Supporters Club Packages:

•Pokkel Supporters Club Package (openstand)

R500

•Maroon Supporters Club Package (grandstand block B)

R950

•Maties Supporters Club Package (grandstand block C) R2490

•Premium Supporters Club Package R9500

Photo:FrancoisLombard

Photo: Stellenbosch FC Instagram (@stellenbosch_fc)

SPORT

Matt Proudfoot kicks off at Maties Rugby

Matthew Proudfoot has entered the consultant head coach position at Maties Rugby following the departure of Norman Jordaan to the Western Province. The former Scotland prop led the Springboks alongside Rassie Erasmus on their historic 2019 Rugby World Cup title campaign. He also served alongside Eddie Jones for England national rugby team in a formidable tenure as forwards coach from 2020 to 2023.

When asked about how he will carry over these experiences to his coaching philosophy for this year’s Varsity Cup tournament, Proudfoot

explained, “In professional franchise rugby the focus is on week-toweek results and not so much the player. In varsity Cup Rugby our responsibility is the experience of the player and their development, and what it means to be a Matie.”

Proudfoot stepped into the role of consultant head coach with the aim of instilling the values of consistent hard work and improvement as well as high standards of coaching. Hard work, both on and off the field, will be a focus for the team as they seek to reclaim the Varsity Cup after two years without a championship title.

With Proudfoot’s experience of working closely alongside legendary

figures such as Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermeulen, he will surely rev up the engine room of the Maroon Machine.

In a close second to the Webb Ellis World Cup, lifting the Varsity Cup Trophy remains one of the most prestigious achievements in South African rugby.

When asked what winning this year would mean to him, Proudfoot said “I think it’s important for Maties to win, and that’s my responsibility towards the University, the alumni and to all the rugby players that have played at Stellenbosch.”

He added that it would provide

him with a fresh start as a head coach.

“I want to move on with my career and go back into head coaching. I’ve specialised as an assistant coach for the last 14 years, so I want to take the step over and try to implement what I’ve learnt into head coaching.” said Proudfoot.

Proudfoot believes that there is a better way to coach. His personal ambition is to merge the influences of the coaches he’s worked with into a new cohesive and groundbreaking approach to coaching. With that mindset, Maties should become a daunting opposition in this year’s Varsity Cup season.

ANAKIN CURTIS

COACH MATTHEW PROUDFOOT Maties on the up-and-up, in line to win Varsity Cup. Photo: Emma-Jane Metcalf

Coach Proudfoot Varsity Cup victories ahead. Photo: Emma Jane Metcalf