Brutus July Issue 2019

02 | HOUSE SONG

HOUSE SONG In Stellenbosch staan daar ’n huis op vaste fondament, Waar elke dag ’n vreugde is en almal waarde het.

Nerina is a house of love, where our friendship shows.

We welcome one and all because together we grow.

Ukuhloniphana Siyaphumelela

Umuntu, Ngumuntu, Ngabantu Hier waar ons kan lewe, saam aan ons toekoms bou.

Hier beloof ons nou vir jou, Nerina, ewig trou!

Estea Potgieter neé Human April 2018

EDITORIAL | 03

Editor’s Letter Dear Nerina During the June/July holiday I had the privilege and

opportunity to do a winter school through the university. I went to Australia, stayed in a youth hostel and attended classes about entrepreneurship.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone who has the opportunity. I cannot begin to explain how much I learned about myself, and about other cul-

Table of Contents NERINA EVENTS

tures and their way of doing things. My thoughts

Senior Dance

04

have changed and developed more in three weeks,

A Toast to Nerina

05

than I ever thought was possible.

Picture This …

06

The most important thing I learned, being in anoth-

Nagbreek Steals the Show

08

er country with people from different cultures all around me, is to be myself. Don’t change who you are or what you believe in to fit into other people’s perspectives. BE yourself, but also—CHALLENGE yourself. It’s the only way you’ll grow.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable in situations where you are totally out of your comfort zone. If you don’t like it and can’t see the possible benefit, you don’t have to do it again, but try.

Being the editor of Brutus this year, haven’t always

CRITICAL ISSUES X Marks the Spot Let’s Talk Sunpower Make Mandela Day a Liifestyle

07 10 10 11

RECIPES Butternut Health Soup

11

been easy, but it’s challenged me. And I’m thankful for that. Nerina, thank you for this incredible opportunity.

Love , Meraki

TIPS 21 Twenty First’s

12

ALUMNI Nerina’s British Beauty

13

02 | HOUSE 04 WELCOMING NERINA SONG EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS 29 July - 3 August NERINA WEEK

AUGUST 2 - 3: Rocking Stellies 3: House Dance 4: Quad Market; Krone 6 5: NCC & Head Mentor Caucus 7: Rubix Internationals 8: Spoegwolf (Stellenbosch Town Hall) 9: Totalsports Women’s race (Cape Town) 17: Ladies Breakfast & Women Empowerment Event 18: Mountain Challenge (Helderberg Nature Reserve) 24 - 25: Toybox 30: Staff Party 31 - 1 Sept: Chocolate Festival (Vredenburg) SEPTEMBER 6: End of Term 3 8: Ingwe Tiere Trail Run (Durbanville) 16: Start of Term 4

Senior Dance

A night to remember ...

By Rozaan Müller “Dance first. Think later. It’s the dance, especially the the natural order.” second years, who attended the dance for the first time On Saturday, the 13 April, the this year.

Nerina seniors made this quote of the famous writer Anel van der Vyfer, senior and playwright, Samuel dance project manager, had Beckett, come to life on the the following to say about the dance floor of the annual dance, “… it was very satisfySenior Dance. ing seeing all the hard work pay off and that the Nerina Per usual the dance was held ladies and their dates in Nerina’s esteemed rec hall. thoroughly enjoyed their The evening started off on the evening. The fact that we had front grass, taking some to wait an entire year before lovely photographs.

The we could be part of the dance seniors and their dates then made the evening even more moved to the dining hall special.” Jana Wessels, also a where beautifully set senior dance project and elegant, long “… we had manager, said she tables awaited them. to wait …” thinks the evening A delectable three played out well and that it was course meal was enjoyed and nice to see how much everya group of first years waited one enjoyed the evening. upon the guests. The party then moved upstairs to the For every Nerina who attendrec hall where everyone ed, the night is sure to go danced the night away. down in the varsity history books as one to remember!

Everyone was excited about

NERINA EVENTS | 05

A Toast to Nerina!

By Megan Eksteen Glass; one of the most versatile

whelmed by the heat and inten-

Some of these glasses last

materials known to man.

sity of University-life, just like

forever, bringing colour and joy-

sand is heated and melted down

ful

At first glance, it is easy to over-

look (or look through) the role that glass plays in our lives. The

memories

to

our

lives;

to become a thing “ … uniqueness of others, simply break… of beauty. womanhood…” ending our experiences; but the joy of the experi-

ever present yet subtle and

What could be better than a fan-

unnoticeable material we could-

tastic

n’t do without.

friends. Balancing work and lei-

Often in life, we can compare

sure by ending the week with

ourselves and the people around

your House Dance and a souve-

us with the fragile qualities of

nir to boast of the experience.

the glasses we collect.

years. Starting with the most

An object of pride – often dis-

Relationships may break and our

common of materials; sand... we

played more ceremoniously than

hearts may shatter, but the cer-

have mastered the art of creat-

an athlete would her trophies, a

tainty remains of the never-

ing mesmerizing sculptures and

House Dance glass is the symbol

ending supply of glasses life has

useful artefacts that we couldn’t

of a night well spent.

to offer.

The glass we have grown so used to in our everyday lives has an estimated history of 5000

do without

“ … history of

night

out

with

your

Each glass contains a

ence remains untouched.

So, raise your glass and toast to

5000 years …” special memory, telling a your success; because nothing Just as sand is melted down through intense heat and crafted by skilful manipulation, Nerina ladies undergo the same transformation by being part of

a

family

that

encourages

growth, maturity and every essence essential to the uniqueness of womanhood.

We are often forced into new experiences, just as glass is forced by a mould. We undergo intense stress and feel over-

different story.

remains broken forever.

06 02 | NERINA 04 HOUSE WELCOMING SONG EVENTS

Picture This ...

By Megan van Schalkwyk

Its a normal day of classes.. the weather is kind of chilly, but the sun is still shining. The birds are chirping and you even made it to class on time, with a fabulous outfit and everything - nothing could ruin this idyllic day, right?

Wrong.

You’re sitting in class, laptop at a solid 50%, but its fine, you still have time to charge it before your 4-5 o’clock class, right?

Wrong.

You get a message, on the MatiesWifi (it’s almost the end of the month, so data is a rare luxury) on your Nerinayeargroup chat:

Okay, so this news is slightly upsetting, but it’s probably similar to load shedding, so it should be sorted out soon better conserve on that 45% battery-life.

Wrong.

You make it back to res, after a long day of productive studying. You feel exhausted - it is Thursday already and the week has been hectic. All you want is some food and a cup of warm liquid to make you feel better and to equip you for the evening ahead.

This, however, is not what you find as you come back to an eerily quiet res. You walk past the slightly darker than usual hallways and realise that there is an overwhelming sense of … absolute SILENCE? Your roommate informs you that yes, the power has been out since lunch, and no, she doesn’t know why.

Oh wow, well, that certainly didn’t go as planned!

At exactly 18:23, the following message is seen, but you are short on data and only switch on your phone at a quarter to 7:

So, let me get this straight, THE POWER WILL ONLY COME BACK AT 01:30 AT THE EARLIEST??!! There are rumours

flying around, faster than the rate at which Teekan snacks disappear - the power line has been … CUT? And it was the wrong one? SO WHY WERE THE POWER LINES BEING CUT IN THE FISRT PLACE?! ARGHSHFKJ`GIAEHRGUJAERKGH the suspense is KILLING me!!

Now, picture this; You are going to the Ingenieursbal, the same one you have been looking forward to in eager anticipation since you started this academic year. Only one problem - you can’t dry your hair, you have no light to do any sort of makeup, without risking the chances of looking like Pennywise that got electrocuted in the bathtub - oh wait, there is no electricity... So, what do you do? Well, there isn’t much else to do than to flounder all the way to Irene, carrying half of your res room with you (because, yes die lui man dra homself dood, but you will definitely NOT be die flukse ou wat homself dood stap nie!) to get ready for your dance.

Now picture this; It is 22h00, there is absolutely no power, but you need your laptop for tomorrow's class because you have unlearned the skill to use a pen and paper since high school and – saving the trees! You systematically work your way through your contact list, barely awake, with last night’s Kleinsaterdag-lack-of-sleep catching up on you. ‘Will anybody in this town be willing to wake up 30 mins earlier than usual so that you can come pick up your charged electronics before class? Somebody? Anybody? Nobody.’

Having no phone battery left, you plug it in, hoping that your alarm from this morning is still on and that the power will go on somewhere during the night.

Now picture this; It has been a day in itself - the red river is rushing in a newfound rage and you feel dead. But you can’t because your faculty has decided that this week will be test week whoopee!! You are writing tomorrow, but you wrote yesterday as well, so you have prepared ABSOLUTELY NOTHING thus far. You (stupidly) were bargaining on an all nighter to conquer the absolute mystery that is Law of Succession (“it was easy in class; I understood all the work” - the only death and testament that you are foreseeing at this stage is your own).

But no, it gets worse - you have conquered the ability to clone yourself and multitask, so you can afford to go to

NERINA EVENTS | 07 SUAcapella - you must be at the Conserve at exactly 18:55, or Aidan will have your head.

The time is precisely 18h45; you haven't eaten, and you are going to the bib at 21:00 sharp (give or take over time). So, what do you do? Naturally you run to Enroute and (stupidly) embrace the fact that your gluten and lactose intolerances will just have to wait, and you eat a MOZZARELLA wrap. You scarf down that food like a rabid man and run (in your heels, because you were having a fabulous morning with an outfit to match) all the way to the conserve.

It is now 21:17 (affirmative for the overtime) and you are going to the bib for a solid half an hour to feel slightly better about yourself - “at least I suffered”, “I tried my best”. At this point the bloating has indeed kicked in and you are feeling like an inflated puffer fish, inching to the bib with pained feet (the heels aren’t feeling so fab anymore). You get to the bib, pack out all the clutter to study with, take a deep breath, and - there goes the closing song. “Wow, great job, so proud of all the hard work and effort that you’ve put into this test!”

You walk back to res, and you are suddenly engulfed by the pitch-black chill of night as you turn into De Waal Street. It is so silent that you can hear the gossip all the way from the Metanoia-quad without straining your ears. You feel your way into res, thankful that the backdoor is still functioning (the window really didn’t seem appealing at this stage).

You have no idea at what percentage your laptop battery is, but it’s fine, because you have psyched yourself out of studying in any case at this point. “At least you’ll be well-rested by tomorrow morning when the power turns back on again.”

Succumbing to your normal nightly habits, it is only when you’re already on the way to the shower that you realise that it will not be warm. “It’s fine, I believe in myself, I'll see it as penance to make up for the lack of studying I’ve done.”

Drained, teeth chattering, and icicles forming on your eyelids, you trudge back to your room, open your laptop, expecting to see a 5% warning symbol.

Wrong.

It is at 80%. Feeling like screaming, but not willing to explain to your roomie what you’ve done, you scroll through your notes (quickly, because “I know, with the sufficient amount of pressure, my photographic memory will kick in” - it didn’t). Feeling a little less guilty, you shut eyes and open them to a completely silent room – no fridge, nothing.

With the last 3% remaining of your battery life and the last 5mb data, you manage to open your Nerina group chat:

Well, well, well. Stress consumes you and time flies by in a swirling mess. You find yourself, worn out, and on the verge of tears, sitting wherever you can to just cram every last possible detail into your head.

You are just hoping that the power will be back soon, and you’ve made peace with the fact that you would not be able to survive in a powerless environment - no more fantasizing about post-apocalyptic warriors, it's not gonna happen.

By lunchtime, the following message appears:

So, does that mean that it will only go on tomorrow at lunch then? When will this nightmare end? Needless to say, by 15:20, when you finally scraped up the courage to go back to res before the test, you are torn between solidly bursting into tears of relief or roaring in frustration that nobody told you that the power was back on.

Who knew 24 hours could be that long, or that intense?

06 08 02 | NERINA 04 HOUSE WELCOMING SONG EVENTS

Nagbreek steals the Show

By Ané Havenga

On 26 April Nagbreek performed Die Oudisie: Casino Royal for the yearly Toneelfees at the Drostdy Theater. It was a

huge success.

Inge de Wet, Arts and Culture NCC, coordinated everything from Nerina and played a vital role. The rest of the Nerina ladies that made us proud were Jana Basson, Curtley Christians, Natalia Alexander and Ané Havenga. A few brave men from Dagbreek contributed to our success.

For almost three weeks we practiced at Nerina and Dagbreek. It was great fun… with a few inside jokes

emerging for those deeply involved. The cast became a close-knit family. Performing in the Drostdy theater was an amazing opportunity. A real theatrical experience.

Die Oudisie: Casino Royal is about a lot of wannabe actors auditioning for a role in the latest James Bond blockbuster. The results are incredibly funny. Especially because the director is portrayed as a drunk troubled man with his eye on his … naïve assistant.

Xeno Chavaranis was nominated for Best Supporting

Actor and Jana Basson for Best Supporting actress.

Alles vir die fiets en die Eiffel!

CRITICAL ISSUES | 09

X Marks the Spot

By Embeth du Toit On 8 May 2019 Nerinas, geared The fact is that we have so especially since we are so with umbrellas, gum boots and much to be thankful for. We prone to think of all the negaSouth African pride, took on have so much that is given to tivities that surround us on a the rain and took up our civil us merely because we were daily basis. right to vote. For many (if not born a generation or two later all) it was our very first time – not during the peaks of the In all honesty, not only is it a voting in a national South Afri- women’s suffrage or the huge honour to be able to vote can election. Although some heights of Apartheid when but the experience of being a people might take this im- South African women had to first time voter is incredibly exmense honour for granted, fight for their rights as if it was citing! Not even the long hours of queueing at Coetzenburg most of us recognised the long a luxury request to exist. (hate to burst your bubble but line of history that made it possible for “ … courtesy of But today we are free. the queue at Town Hall was an us to place a vote. Huis Marais …” Thanks to our grand- hour waiting max) could kill our mothers, great- spirits. It also helped to share We realise that the ink dot on grandmothers and theirs… the moment with close friends, our fingernail is drenched in the going for a Meraki-coffee afterIt would shock some of us to blood of so many innocent and wards or even enjoying a dance realise that many women oppressed people. We honour performance courtesy of Huis around the globe still do not the women whose suffrage is Marais (at the Community have the same opportunities as hidden behind the ballot paper Hall). us – some because their counwhere we can make our mark try is still not under democratic I, for one, am so proud to be a and we say thank you to the generations past for making it control and some for “ … behind woman, a South Afripossible for the mere fact that the ballot …” can and a Nerina. We But struggle together, us to proud- they are not men. th ly call our- South Africa is 7 on the United laugh together and keep each selves wom- Nations’ ranking in terms of gen- other strong through the sunny en of South der equality. That is something and rainy (voting) days. that we should never forget, Africa.

Nerinas understand that your X marks the spot where you can lift your voice, where you can act on your civil responsibility and where you as a woman of South Africa can make a difference.

06 10 02||CRITICAL 04 NERINA HOUSE WELCOMING SONG EVENTS ISSUES

Let’s Talk.

By Jessica Nhlapo Are you one of those people who avoid confrontation? Those who run from the problem instead of towards it? Or are you one of those bold people who face the problem but end up making it worse instead of resolving it, spending hours arguing and not getting to the core issue?

Often, we tend to lose friends over minor problems and misunderstandings. Disagreements are usually the main flame to burns strong bonds. Sometimes we tend to bottle up things that affect us because we are afraid to speak up, our actions then become our form of communication, however, frequently misinterpreted. Here are some tips to help you communicate better.

It is you against the problem and not the person.

The main challenge is to realise that it is not about who is right but about what is right. Misunderstandings tend to last for a long period of time because the main mentality people have is not to resolve the issue rather, to win the argument. So instead of focusing on who wins, focus on what solution can help all parties involved.

Listen, listen and listen.

Think before you speak.

People want to know that they are being heard. Really listen to what the other person is saying, instead of formulating your responses.

Ask for clarification to avoid misunderstanding. Make sure you appear reachable. So, have open body language and keep eye contact. That’ll let the other person know you are paying attention.

Take a second to pay close attention to what you say and how you say it. This one habit will allow you to avoid saying destructive words.

Make sure you understood and do not forget to respect the person you’re talking to.

SUNPOWER

Over time, repeated exposure to UVA and UVB rays breaks down the elastin (that keeps your skin plump) in your

By Rentia Fourie skin, meaning, you age prematurely because your skin can’t help but sucIs your bottle of sunscreen hidden in cumb to wrinkles and fine lines. the back of the closet, jumbled in among the swimsuits and towels, Sunlight has a strange effect on your only to be unearthed for beach days? skin cells — namely mutation (how If so, it’s time to bring it into the light. skin cancer happens). Your cells norSunscreen is an effective protective mally replicate themselves as is. So, if agent against damage from the sun’s those cells are sun-damaged, they’ll powerful rays for all ages, genders, replicate that way too, creating more and skin types. Let’s get away from mutated cells that don’t produce colthe idea that your skin is only dam- lagen and cause oxidants to overproaged by the sun if it’s burned to a duce which also negatively affects crisp. Snow, sand, and water all re- your skin cells. Pigmentation also flect UV rays, which makes them comes out in the form of freckles or more potent when they hit your skin. dark spots, which can make your Even on cloudy days, 80% of ultravio- overall skin tone appear dull. Your let rays can penetrate cloud cover- skin cells are constantly renewing and age. replicating so any bad signals will affect that process from the get-go.

Sun protection factor (SPF): This numerical factor provides information on the level of protection provided. A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended for everyday wear, and 50 for outdoor activities.

To avoid that sticky and sweaty feeling look out for words like “oil-free”, “non-greasy” or “dry touch” on the packaging of sunscreens.

CRITICAL ISSUES | 11

Make Mandela Day a Lifestyle

By Lené Nortje The Mandela day to-do list really made me think. On 18 July I ticked a few things off the list. It only took a few minutes of my time. By giving to other people, I received in abundance. It made me grateful for what I have and inspired me to be a better person every day.

Why must we do these good deeds only one day in a year?

Let’s take it further. Let’s strive to make it a lifestyle and not a once off.

If all of us picked up that piece of litter we walk past, or better yet, throw it away in the first place the world will be a much cleaner and more beautiful place. It doesn’t take a lot of effort if everyone picked up one piece of paper at a time, but it has a massive influence. Do your tiny part and all of us can live in a happier place, where no-one must pick up bags and bags of litter.

If you surround yourself with positivity by reading motivational books, short stories or quotes you will soon develop a positive attitude and will feel enthusiastic about your work and daily activities.

Smiling at the people, you pass, will soon turn into a habit. Your smile can make someone’s day.

Your simple act of friendliness can make them feel special. You’ll never know the value of your smile Time and love are the two biggest and how much it brightens up gifts you can give someone. It someone’s day. costs you nothing but is means so

much to the other person. If you give some of your time to someone, you will get to know that person intimately. You will learn to understand the person and why they do things in a certain way.

Spreading love is free, but its value cannot be measured. The love you give, you’ll receive in spades.

Make a difference wherever you go. Be the difference that you want to see in the world. Make the following year a Mandela year and see how this has a positive influence on you and the people around you.

Recipe Butternut Health Soup Ingredients: 1 medium Butternut, peeled and cubed 1 Onion 1 tsp Ginger 2 cups Vegetable Stock Soya milk (Optional Extra)

Preparation: 1. Simmer butternut and onion in vegetable stock till tender.

2. Add ginger and soya milk for a creamy consistency.

3. Blend all well together in blender.

Serve with a dash of cream.

06 08 12 02||TIPS 04 NERINA MOTIVATIONAL HOUSE WELCOMING SONG EVENTS

21 Twenty First’s

By Larise Ferreira Have you ever seen the movie “27 Dresses”, where Katherine Heigl is the bride’s maid to, well you guessed it, 27 weddings?

Due to hording tendencies, fear of an empty closet or some other sentimental reason, she refuses to get rid of these dresses and continues to collect them in her New York apartment.

Your third year in Stellenbosch is usually marked by 21st celebrations every other weekend, and unlike Katherine, these festivities won’t leave you with an overcrowded closet, but rather an empty bank account.

Here is how to keep you rsvp’ing YES without having to starve yourself for the remainder of the month:  Lara de Bruijn is a local art

student, who’s putting pen to paper and making quite the name for herself amongst the aesthetically and sentimentally obsessed. Send her the picture you would like to gift and any personalized message, choose between a framed (R250) or unframed (R180) picture and within two weeks your art piece is ready for collection. The only downside to this is that all collections need to be made from Belville. For those without transport this might prove to be a problem. Given enough per-

suasion, you might be able to make alternative arrangements.

Go check out Lara’s Instagram for more information. @infamous_laradebruijn

sells these flasks for only R61, at this price I might get myself another one!! Have it embossed  Lovisa in Eikestad mall always with their initials, at a local has some crazy ‘BUY 5 FOR jeweller, to add an extra personR100’ sale on earrings and other al touch. accessories. If your friends enjoy  Stefani van der Merwe, one dressing up, stock up on a few of the ‘old ladies’ in Victoria, has pairs for gifting. her very own business that spe If you’re anything like me, cializes in making trendy, handyou’ve already started collecting crafted bow ties and men’s tea sets and serviettes for your accessories at a budget friendly own place one day. But for price. Catch her around res or on those of you who are a bit late Instagram @thebowcoza for to the party, now is your time. more information.

Traditionally, 21 is the age where  Save money by going in on a you start collecting ‘trusou’ more expensive group gift like items like wine glasses tickets to their favourite band in (although, dance seasons in concert, a leather wallet or Stellenbosch should have you plane ticket. covered by then), cork screws, cheese plates and everything Whatever you decide on, else a young adult might need remember that thoughtfulness while adulting. At the Clay Café and practicality always trumps in Houtbay, you can even make price! some of these ceramic items on your own, for a more personal, yet budget-friendly gift.  Living in South Africa’s fa-

mous wine valley, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by wine farms and able to buy our favourites for far less than in the shops. A good bottle of local wine is ALWAYS a good gift.  A personalized whiskey flask,

is a unique and classy gift that the birthday boy (or girl) will always remember. Take-A-Lot

ALUMNI | 13

Nerina’s British Beauty

By Ané Havenga Ilse-Lee van Niekerk was in Nerina from 2012 to 2013. She’s a talented actress who grew up on stage. She toured the country, performing in numerous big productions. Ilse-Lee has won a few awards for drama and music.

In 2014 she completed a music certificate at the Stellenbosch Conservatorium in Voice (with Distinction). The following year she graduated her BDramHons (Cum Laude) at the University of Stellenbosch. Since then, she’s carved her way into the South African entertainment industry.

She’s portrayed roles in Thomas, Getroud met Rugby, Sonskyn Beperk and Vuil Wasgoed. She frequently shares funny videos The Sweet Life According to Candy and Kat en Sus, with fellow South African actress Mila Guy. Her 10 000 instagram followers prove that it’s something worth watching. Currently Ilse-Lee resides in the UK and has the amazing opportunity to do an MFA (Master’s in Fine Arts) in Acting at the Guildford School of Acting.

She kindly answered some questions in an interview:

What is the funniest moment from Nerina?

We stole Helshoogte’s chicken and my friend tried What is your favourite section in Nerina and why? to keep it in her room…

Ooh... tough choice. I think Sunset, maybe? Just for How does your future plans look? the views! But I’ll always have a soft spot for Quali- Well, I finish my Masters mid-June and would like ty Street as that was my first section! to travel around Europe after that... I’m not 100% What is your favourite memory of Nerina? sure yet. But I know I’ll figure it out :) I’ve got a mixture of memories where my roommate and I would just be curled up laughing in our room. I also loved everything about ser - the rehearsals, the camaraderie, the performances (and the ‘kuiers’ after).

What is your favourite thing about England ?

The theatre and cultural scene here. I’ve fallen in love with museums and galleries and I do solotheatre outings quite often. Glorious!

06 14 02|| ENTERTAINMENT 04 NERINA HOUSE WELCOMING SONG EVENTS

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All articles were written by girls currently residing in Nerina. Photos were taken by girls on the editiorial team, downloaded from Google or from Curate’s Facebook page.

Cover Photo by Heike Edeling.