30 AUGUST 2023
Amptelike studentekoerant van die Universiteit Stellenbosch I Official student newspaper of Stellenbosch University I Iphephandaba elisemthethweni labafundi beYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch I Gestig in 1941 I Established in 1941 I Lisekwe ngowe-1941
Swifties are you ready for it? pg. 7
Canola Fields Forever
Lydia v Electorial Commission: Case Closed
pg. 6
pg. 2
2023 Varsity Netball Tournament pg. 11
SRC election process nearing its end FLAVIA DAVIDS
With the start of the second semester came the beginning of election season at Stellenbosch University (SU). The two-stage process for the election of a new Student Representative Council (SRC) for the 2023/2024 term continues. As the highest representative structure recognised by the SU Statute, the SRC is key to the functioning of the SU student body, and its primary purpose is the representation and promotion of student interests during discussions with SU administration, management and executive bodies. In terms of s 18, the university’s Student Constitution provides for the hosting of a free and fair general election process to take place during the third academic term. The election process is governed by the university’s Electoral Commission, headed by chairperson Bridget Massey, a third year LLB student at SU. As relayed to Die Matie in its article published on 16 August, the voter turnout for the 2022 SRC amounted to a mere 8.83% of the student population. The first stage of the election process was kicked off on 24 July with the opening of nominations for candidacy. After the closing of a second round of candidate nominations, which closed 08 August respectively, 21 candidates
SRC caucusses are open to the student community. PHOTO: Emma Cochrane
for the SRC were nominated by the student body. These candidates include outgoing members Phiwokuhle Qabaka, who served as secretary-general & student financial access portfolio holder, Abongile Quthu, who served as manager of the transformation portfolio, as well as Brady Deveroux, who held the sports manager position for the SRC. Mzwakhe Bolotina and Reagan Johnson, who serve as the deputy chairs of administration and media and publicity of the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) respectively, are also in the running for a position on the SRC. The rest of the candidates include Bradley Grovers, Fatima Mahouassa, Xolisa Mdzoyi, Marothi Kgothatso Motshekga, Solomzi Mphambo, Londani Mpharalala, Nokwanda Ncwane, Daisy Ndebele, Nompumelelo Success Sibeko, Khanyisile Sibisi, Siphosihle Silamsi,
Amahle Sityata, Ampitsa Thipa, Ongezwa Qiqa Tshazi, Asanda Vilakazi and Richard Visagie. The second leg of the election process began on 22 August with the beginning of the caucuses. During the caucuses, the candidates were expected to participate and share their thoughts surrounding a variety of issues that affect the campus community, including racial transformation and multiculturalism, gender-based violence and the eradication of academic and financial exclusion at SU. The topic of financial exclusion was especially significant against the backdrop of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS) R45 000 accommodation funding cap crisis and the issues surrounding the scheme’s direct payment system. Sibabalwe Manyifolo, a third year LLB student at SU, expressed her hopes that the newly elected
SRC will serve the interests of SU students, especially surrounding issues such as food insecurity and obstacles in sourcing affordable accommodation. “One thing that I hope for is that the [elected candidates] actively advocate for students when it comes to meeting with management and for student needs. I hope that they involve students in everything, that they are transparent, and that they are open to accountability,” she explained. “I hope that they lead with their hearts and that they tackle student issues.” The final caucus for the 2023 SRC elections is expected to take place on 31 August. The voting period opened on 24 August and will close on 31 August at 23:59. Registered students at SU are encouraged to vote and will be able to select up to 9 candidates using the mySUN voting platform, which can be found under the “Campus” tab.
Tips for when the lights are out EMMA GILES
The electricity crisis is frustrating and can be difficult to manage. It is imperative that Stellenbosch University (SU) students are safe and can continue their studies with as little disruption as possible. With that in mind, here is a guide to some of the dos and don’ts of load shedding. The Electricity Crisis Contingency Committee (ECCC) have warned that the crisis has led to “opportunistic criminal behaviour.” They strongly encourage that during loadshedding at night one should: Use the routes that remain illuminated and always walk around campus or town in groups. Make use of the Campus Security walk-with service by contacting an officer with 021 808 2333 or 021 808 4202 and they will escort you. Remember to charge your devices when you have the opportunity and make use of the charging ports throughout the buildings on campus. Donotlistentomusicwhilewalking during load shedding so you can remain aware of your surroundings. You might be tempted to use your phone light when you are walking in Stellenbosch at night during load shedding. However, exposing your phone is dangerous and could indicate that you are alone. Campus Security suggests the use of a rechargeable flashlight instead of a phone. Following these tips will ensure your safety when managing the electricity crisis. Make sure to spread the information.
EcoMaties raise funds for Cape honey bee AURELIA MOUTON
In collaboration with the SRC Social Impact and Sustainability portfolio manager, Aphiwe Sithole, and the Honeybee Heroes, a Cape honey bee conservation organisation, EcoMaties launched the ‘Bee a HERO: Cape honey bee fundraiser’ on 24 August at Die Stal. EcoMaties co-chairperson, Anaïs Breytenbach, hosted the evening. The fundraiser secured two sponsors, Toco and Buxeros Capital. Those attending the fundraiser could donate towards the ‘Bee A HERO’ cause using Toco.
The event included a rapidfire trivia quiz, in teams, on the Apis mellifera capensis, better known as the Cape honey bee. The Cape honey bee is integral to the maintenance of biodiversity and the flowering of the plant population of the Cape floral kingdom as it one of the primary pollinators of the region. The development of agricultural land and monocropping are depriving the Cape honey bee of its valued fynbos food resources. Members of the winning team received a jar of honey and a
Honeybee Heroes bucket hat each. Representatives from Honeybee Heroes, Tamara du Plessis and Charné Rossouw, as well as representatives from the sponsors were in attendance. Breytenbach said, “While the fundraiser, aimed at funding a number of bee hives in the Overberg area, has a praiseworthy and laudable goal, EcoMaties could likely do more to bring to students’ attention what it is that we should be doing as a society to adopt more bee-friendly practises in our daily activities.”
Anaïs Breytenbach, EcoMaties co-chairperson. PHOTO: Aurelia Mouton