BRUTUS September 2022 | The Jacaranda Tree

BRUTUS SEPTEMBER 2022 | THE JACARANDA TREE

RESPECT | INTEGRITY | UBUNTU | POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Brutus AUGUST 2022

Our Story Nerina’s name comes from the indigenous South African flower, Nerine Filifolia. This delicate, yet enduring flower brings colour to the open grasslands and humid locations in the Eastern Cape, Transkei, Swaziland, Mpumalanga and the Free State. It takes three years for this bulbous to bloom for the first time during autumn – and likewise most Nerinas are rooted here in our precious home in Stellenbosch for about three years before they need to exit into the world and start to bloom in their respective careers.

Nerina hosted our first residents in 1968.

The residence was only completed in 1972 and for the first four years the residents had to use the back entrance next to the bicycle stands, as the front door was not yet complete.

Mrs Rabie was Nerina’s first residence head. Her dog, Brutus, was a beloved resident of the house and unfortunately passed a tragic death.

He is layed to rest in Nerina’s soil where he still finds peace in the purple shade of our beautiful Jacaranda.

Mrs. Kritzinger joined Nerina as residential head in 1995 and had to bid us farewell in 1999. Tannie Annette du Plessis has been deeply planted in our hearts as residential head and house mother since July 1999.

Although greeting Aunty A after twenty years was a heartfelt and difficult goodbye, we are overjoyed to have Joy Petersen as our current resident head. Her name is true to her joyful spirit and with her honest and practical servant leadership she captured our hearts. Oh, the stories our walls could tell... Stories filled with love, tears, joy and growth. Since 1968 Nerina has been home to many. With every new face that she greets, her face changes as well. While striving to grow and adapt as time goes by, we also know that our firm foundation was laid long before our time and will stand long after we leave. We often say, “Nerina is such a big part of our lives” but in fact, for a little while, we have the privilege of being part of hers.

Today Nerina’s heart blooms with pride for our residence – a progressive and innovative home-away-fromhome in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch. We stand for respect, integrity, Ubuntu and potential development. In this house, true to the roots of our name, Nerinas prosper and flourish.

NERINA RESIDENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BRUTUS EDITORIAL Editor's Note

Anja Steyn

The Brutus Team SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA The Jacaranda Tree The New NCC

Mia Ham

Anja Steyn

PERSONALITIES A Story of Hope

Carla Ferreira

House Mother Joy

Jule Booysen

Nerina's Influencers

Liyabona Mqina

CANDID Musings

Mihl'emihle Mbandezelo

CROSSWORD

LIFESTYLE Staying healthy at university Re(s)cipes

Marise Schoonraad

Now you see me Culture Corner

Elmi Bruwer Anja Steyn

HAPPENINGS Nerina Week

Inge Botes

House Dance

Tianè Lötter

Women's Breakfast

Anja Steyn

Emma Beckley

Zoë Eyberg

letter from the editor Dearest Nerina What a term it has been! After almost two years, all SU students returned to campus. With this change came all of our exciting events: Nerina Week, House Dance, Women's Breakfast and NCC elections. I think it's safe to say that this recess has been well-deserved!

At the end of last year, when I was selected to be the Project Manager for Brutus, I thought long and hard about what I wanted Brutus to encompass. Truly, it is a massive responsibility to present Nerina to the wider university community. I wanted Brutus to be an authentic representation of our residence and highlight its uniqueness. For this reason, every edition of Brutus focused on a specific Nerina symbol: the first edition was centered around our beloved bicycle and the second told the story of the fountain in our quad. This edition, the final edition of my tenure as editor, will focus on the Jacaranda tree.

Our Jacaranda Tree is symbolic of growth, which is a core tenet of Nerina. "In this house we will prosper and flourish" is an iconic Nerina maxim. As the year draws to a close, we are given the opportunity to reflect upon 2022. I find that, looking back, I'm astounded as to the sheer number of things that have happened this year.

The beginning of the year feels like a century ago, yet, it could also have only been yesterday.

Above all else, I believe that when we look back at what has passed, we will find that we have grown.

As someone who was born and bred in Johannesburg, our Jacaranda tree always reminds me of home, where Jacarandas line the streets. It has become, to me, symbolic of my time at Nerina - planted far away from home, in a new environment, yet afforded the opportunity to grow. The tree blooms in October and adorns our quad with its beautiful purple flowers. It truly is a wonderful symbol of Nerina.

Since this is my last editorial letter, I would like to use this opportunity to thank my team.

Without your creativity, none of this would have been possible. I very much appreciate your willingness to be a part of Brutus and to share a part of yourselves.

As test season nears, it is my wish that this edition of Brutus can fill you with a sense of hope - that like the Jacaranda tree, you have been planted here for a reason, and that you have the ability to bloom right where you are.

Anja Steyn

the brutus team the brutus team Anja Steyn | Editor

Talyah Greyling | NCC

Emma Beckley

Jule Booysen

Inge Botes

Elmi Bruwer

Zoë Eyberg

Carla Ferreira

Mihl'emihle Mbandezelo

Liyabona Mqina

Marise Schoonraad

Zara van der Westhuizen

Mia Ham

Siphosethu Nxumalo

Tianè Lötter

Lara Opperman

The Jacaranda Tree Mia Ham Few of us can imagine what the quad would be without our iconic Jacaranda tree.

Whether you saw the tree for the first time on Nerina’s Instagram, or during welcoming, we all associate it with our earliest memories of Nerina.

A Few Facts The scientific name for our beloved tree is Jacaranda mimosifolia and it is known for its long lasting violet coloured flowers.

Jacaranda trees can grow to a height of up to 20 m and their average lifespan stretches 50 years. The name Jacaranda is said to come from the species’ native part of South America; meaning “fragrant” in a local dialect.

A New Beginning Many of us can recall the first moment we saw the tree and stood in awe of its size and majesty. Carmen le Grange says she felt like she was personally being welcomed by it as she walked into Nerina on the first day of welcoming. It made her feel like she was exactly where she needed to be. Wiida Sander remembers taking shelter under the tree with her parents during the first evening of welcoming, when it had suddenly started raining. It was one of her, and many others’ first memories of Nerina.

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

A Home Growth takes time and so does getting used to change. Louise Buhrmann, Nerina’s outgoing prim, says she associates the Jacaranda tree with growth. She explains that many new Nerinas only truly feel at home around the time that the tree blooms in September. In this way, it is as if we are growing and developing with the tree every day.

A Lovely View Sometimes the tree is simply something nice to look at in times of stress. Fina Macuacua, our newly elected prim, says that she knows it is exam season when the tree starts flowering. During this time it brings her joy to look up from her studies and see the beautiful tree. Wiida Sander also associates the Jacaranda with studying, especially late-night study sessions in the rec hall. She says sitting on the tree’s side of the rec hall makes studying a little more bearable.

An Inspiring Message To Fina, the Jacaranda tree signifies regrowth, life and hope. She says that the tree reminds her that, just like it, no matter what she has to face, she will always come out better and more beautiful on the other side. It also helps her understand the importance of shedding and resting. In her own words: “There is no growth without pain. Sometimes when growth needs to take place, one must be able to let go, unlearn, rest and allow nature to take over.”

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

Introducing The NCC Executive Team Anja Steyn Nerina's Community Council for 2022/2023 was selected during the third term. After several late-night caucuses, Nerina finally has a brand new Community Council. We are sure that they will do a fantastic job leading Nerina and wish them all the best!

Fina Macuacua Executive Leader

Cara Jordaan Vice-Executive Leader: Welcoming

Alexi Hugo Vice-Executive Leader: Safety and DIscipline SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

Nerina Community Council 2022/2023

Tia Bruwer

Raeecha Coetzee

Vera Fölscher

Bayanda Gumede

Lameez Hendricks

Nonkululeko Ndaba

Elani Smith

Erin Twigg

Suzanne van Coller

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

Keeping

Healthy

at university Emma Beckley If you’re anything like me, fitness and health can get a bit lost amongst studies and socialising on your priorities list. While being dedicated to your work or friends (or even just to finishing your current Netflix series) is important, finding time to focus on your health and give back to your body is a vital step in maintaining a good and productive lifestyle. With that being said, here are some fitness and healthy eating tips from someone who understands the struggle of balancing a student life and budget.

Personally, a major factor in me not partaking in regular fitness was time.

I was convinced that there weren’t enough hours in the day to fit in classes, tests and assignments, while still being able to maintain a social life; let alone time for exercise. I’m here to tell you that this isn’t true. It’s important to remember that some exercise is better than none. Popping into the gym when you have an hour break between classes is ideal. Because let’s be honest, you probably weren’t going to do anything productive in that time anyway. If gym isn’t for you, take a jog around campus or at Coetzenberg. If you are a part of the small percentage that has the ability to be productive in their period-long breaks, there is also a solution for you.

LIFESTYLE

At the end of a long day, instead of sitting on your phone or lying on your bed staring at the ceiling while taking a break, go get fit! It doesn’t feel like it initially, but I can guarantee you that by the end of your exercise, your mind will feel clearer and you’ll be ready to tackle those assignments.

Eating healthy on a budget can be tough.

Especially when you’re surrounded by specials and deals making unhealthy food a lot cheaper. Although the convenience of quickly stopping at En Route to get a Birdie burger is tempting, when you’re on your 3rd burger of the week the cost starts to add up. Grocery shopping should be your best friend. Yes, it may be more expensive in the moment buying ingredients for dishes, but in the long run this is a way more financially smart method. Finding time to cook can also be an issue. A fix to this is to meal prep.

Dedicate some time on a Sunday night to prepare meals for the upcoming week.

Apply these few easy changes to your daily routine and you’ll be sure to see some positive change in your lifestyle!

Just a few simple adjustments can make all the difference when it comes to following a healthy lifestyle!

LIFESTYLE

Re(s)cipes Marise Schoonraad Here are some quick and easy recipes to make in res - re(s)cipes!

Breakfast Flapjack Stack You will need: • One flapjack premix • Sunflower/ Canola Oil • 2 Eggs • Milk • Snackwich Maker • Syrup Method: 1. Wisk eggs, oil and milk together 2. Add premix to mixture 3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the snackwicher 4. Spread syrup over your flapjacks and enjoy

Lunch 2 Minute noodles with a twist You will need: ·1 Packet of 2 minute noodles ·Cheese ·(Keep some of the uncooked noodles to sprinkle over your noodles)

Something Sweet Chocolate Mug Cakes You will need: ·One chocolate muffin premix ·Milk ·Sunflower/Canola Oil ·Water

Method: 1.cCook your two minute noodles in the microwave 2. Sprinkle cheese in your noodles and mix it through 3. Sprinkle the dry noodles over your noodles for crunch

Method: 1.cAdd 8 heaped tablespoons of chocolate premix to a mug 2. Add 8 tablespoons of milk 3. Add 2 tablespoons of oil 4. Add 1 tablespoon of water 5. Mix thoroughly 6. Microwave for two minutes

LIFESTYLE

Now that I see you face to face, a new season is upon us. A hopeful season, filled with opportunities to grow, prosper, and flourish.

NOW YOU SEE ME...

ELMI BRUWER

For months we've dreamed of taking off our masks, hugging each other and being relieved of all of the restrictions. Now that we're finally here, it feels as though we are not grasping the opportunities given to us and appreciating what we have.

Now that I can see you face to face and our physical masks are off, I challenge you to remove all of the other masks that Covid burdened us with. Masks of anxiety, worry and uncertainty. Replace these masks with a real and geniune smile on your face, with a hopeful heart and a teachable spirit. We don’t have to hide behind our masks anymore, we have a chance to fully live out our passions and reach our wildest dreams.

Covid-19 has made us all realise how precious life is, and that it goes by in the blink of an eye. If we don't actively choose to live for today, tomorrow may come even faster and we'll miss it.

I want to challenge each and every Nerina to see life after Covid-19 as a second chance. A second chance to go climb that mountain, to drink that cup of coffee with a new friend, to smile more, to live in the moment and to appreciate each other. We should embrace this new season, where we are free again to roam without a mask, without the fear of getting sick.

Now that I can see you face to face, may our laughter in the hallways echo louder, our connections grow stronger and our hearts get warmer. May this season for each Nerina blossom as vibrantly and purple as our beautiful Jacaranda tree.

LIFESTYLE

Culture Corner

Anja Steyn As the long-awaited recess draws near, we have some time to unwind. Here are some recommendations for what to watch, read and listen to.

FILMS Atonement Featuring award-winning performances by Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Saoirse Ronan, Atonement is considered to be director Joe Wright's best film. Based on Ian McEwan's novel of the same name, Atonement is a tale of war, guilt and perspective and features a breathtaking depiction of the Dunkirk evacuation. Truly cinema at its finest.

BOOKS Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut Slaughterhouse-five is Kurt Vonnegut's most popular novel and focuses on the destruction of war. Even though the subject matter is serious, Vonnegut manages to integrate the absurd and unrealistic into his novel to bring us this timeless masterpiece.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic American novel that explores the moral nature of human beings, as well as injustice and the loss of innocence. I would highly recommend reading this novel and appreciating the iconic character of Atticus Finch.

Groundhog Day Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis, is a lighthearted, feel-good film with a valuable lesson. A grumpy weatherman, Phil, relives the same day, and in the process realises the importance of humility and compassion.

LIFESTYLE

MUSIC For the classical connoiseurs: Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 As a classical music lover, Sergei Rachmaninoff's compositions are very dear to my heart. While his second piano concerto is his most popular, I believe this first concerto is very much underappreciated. I recommend listening to Vladimir Ashkenazy's recording with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Bernard Haitink conducting.

Golden Oldies: The Beatles The Beatles are responsible for some of the greatest hits of all time. "Here Comes the Sun", "Let it Be", "Hey Jude" and "All You Need is Love" are some of their most popular songs. Some of their albums I would recommend listening to are: Rubber Soul, Magical Mystery Tour, The White Album and Abbey Road.

For the Sêr fans: Umlilo by DJ Zinhle Relive Nerina's 2021 a cappella performance by listening to the uplifting song, Umlilo, by DJ Zinhle. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, this song is sure to brighten your day!

LIFESTYLE

Nerina Week

Inge Botes Our flower, Nerine Filifolia, is delicate and enduring. This is the note on which the music of Nerina week started playing. Dr Ronel Retief, a Nerina alumni and the SU Registrar, mentioned this in her speech at the SWAN Alumni event, hosted in our boardroom on Monday, 25 July.

The first day’s formalities quickly came to an end and made way for Tuesday night’s Recyclable Fashion Show. Our inner designers (or models) came out and the section streets of Nerina were colourfully adorned. At the end of the night, the section with the highest Quality outfit, performance and recyclability took the golden medal home. The afterparty was even better than the show itself. We danced the night away, whether it be stepping on each other’s toes sokkie-ing or moving our bodies to the groovy rhythms of Amapiano.

MyBrew's coffee was served on Wednesday (as well as Monday and Friday) morning, to restore the energy spent on the previous night’s dancing. The day ended off with the Live Auction. Bottles of wine, gift vouchers, slippers, plant baskets and jewellery were up for grabs. The eagerness in our Nerina auctioneers’ bidding was a great delight.

After painting the streets of the residence, it was time to give the rest of the Dorp colour. Thursday night complimented the festive atmosphere of the week with some karaoke. Although it was all fun and games, some of us should seriously not quit our daytime jobs. Here I am referring to the singing, and the surprise of what everyone’s plan B outfits were.

HAPPENINGS

The working week ended off with loving handiwork on Friday. At 7am we were buttering breads for the sandwich drive, barely keeping our eyes open. By 7pm we were working in finer detail: the evening’s Paint n Sip was a brilliant destressing agent for the excitement that had passed.

Nevertheless, the most excitement still lay ahead… Nerina’s first House Dance in 2 years was held at Kronenburg Estate in Paarl on Saturday, 30 July. By the time the sun rose on Sunday morning, rumours were spreading around town that our house dance was one of the best ones yet.

Everyone’s countenance was clothed with glimmer and grace – beautifully portraying their individuality.

Dear Nerina, may each of you continue to portray your uniqueness with grace, beyond the confinements of formal events, that your endurance and delicacy may be shown to the world at large.

HAPPENINGS

What Nerina means to me A different scene from what I usually see, Hallways with wonder and laughter, Walls that have memories to share... like the laughter from that one serenade that's talked about and replayed, and stories to tell...

Like how tears shed from thick books and due dates can fill wells.

I walked into this place with dreams to chase and received a warm embrace.

Unusual faces became sisters that could never be replaced.

Such grace to be in a space where I'll create memories so special they can't be erased.

See, these modules and wild schedules may scar my soul Even so...

At least I know in my heart, I get to call Nerina, a work of art, my home.

- Precious Mahlaba

HAPPENINGS

NERINA WEEK 2022

House Dance Tianè Lötter It’s true what they say: “You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone”. Nerina has recently hosted her first house dance in three years. House dance coordinator Margaux le Roux commented, "The entire night was just magical; everyone danced the night away with an incredible DJ and ate until they couldn't anymore. The whole goal of the dance was really to make each Nerina feel seen and worthy.”

The smell of rain hung in the air and a threecourse meal was served by candlelight. Beautiful dresses filled the room but were quickly pulled up as soon as the dancing started. The event was held at Kronenburg Estate, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful sunsets. The residents and their partners departed in busses from Nerina and excitement filled the air and for one night everyone forgot about their burdens.

The Nerinas have remained dormant for far too long but this event served as a catalyst for many upcoming events and a slow re-emergence of life after Covid-19 restrictions. The night became transient and the sunset turned into the night sky filled with glimmering stars. The setting was picturesque and the event will be remembered as one of the biggest moments of the year.

HAPPENINGS

Highlights First-year resident, Lucy Clegg, said her highlight of the event was the double rainbow that stretched across the horizon before sunset and she enjoyed the koeksisters.

Elmi Bruwer added that the coffee bar was a nice touch and she was a big fan of the free selection of coffee and tea.

Suzanne van Coller highlighted that the event was magical and helped her experience the Nerina community and the unity that comes along with it. She also enjoyed getting ready and adds that everyone’s dresses looked enchanting Emma Beckley enjoyed dancing the night away with the sunset hanging in the background and says she was especially fond of singing the house song.

Nerina is a house of love and we are grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

HAPPENINGS

Women's Breakfast Anja Steyn Nerina's annual Women's Breakfast was held on the 13th of August in honour of the important women in our lives. This year, the event was held at Nerina, and the theme was ubuntu and inclusivity.

Suzanne van Coller, project manager for this year's Women's Breakfast, did a superb job of hosting a cheerful and uplifting event. The dining hall was completely transformed by beautiful flowers and colourful adornments. The pastel dress code also added to a certain sense of lightness.

As is customary for a Nerina Women's Breakfast, Nerinas could invite a special woman in their life as a guest. Seeing Nerinas with the women who helped to shape them once again emphasised the idea of ubuntu - "I am because you are". Without our mothers, sisters, cousins or guardians, we would not be who we are today.

May the women we encounter in Nerina also shape us into individuals who embody the values of ubuntu, respect and integrity .

HAPPENINGS

A Story of Hope bring it to the light

Carla Ferreira There are so many stories lurking around the dark corners of our souls, tangling around our hearts, pulling tighter around our vocal chords and keeping us silent. There are so many inspiring stories in Nerina - about how we came here, what we had to do to stay here and what we are facing daily.

These stories are waiting to be told - waiting to power another Nerina through hard circumstances.

A day before I came to university, a fight between my parents broke out at home and we were instructed to pack and leave. We packed everything into plastic bags as quickly as we could and spent the last night in the house before we left in the morning. I was headed to Stellenbosch and my mother had to find a place to stay. She couldn't be with me as I left. I still had a bruised arm from the fight, a little gift to remind me of where I came from. No one from my family could be there to see me leave but fortunately I had my 2nd family who ensured that my journey was safe. When I arrived at Nerina, I instantly loved the warmth of the residence. I walked through the front door, looking for a "reception" to tell someone I was supposed to move in. My wellness mentor was called and the warmth, joy and energy I received took my mind off from what had happened. I was here, and I wouldn't be turning back.

This is the story of one of my section sisters who chose to remain anonymous. When I asked her how it felt sharing this traumatic experience, she admitted that speaking these words out loud sparked a feeling of weights being lifted off of her shoulders. Each time she spoke, she became lighter and more buoyant. The words started losing their power over her.

Don’t let your story strangle your vocal chords. There is power in sharing our traumas. There is inspiration in being vulnerable. There is freedom in bringing it into the light.

PERSONALITIES

in conversation with

House Mother Joy

Jule Booysen I have had the privilege of sitting down with our house mother, Joy Peterson, and finding out more about her journey to Nerina and her vision for Nerina’s future.

How did you become Nerina’s house mother?

I applied for the position when Anette du Plessis retired and got the job!

Was being Nerina’s house mother always “part of the plan”?

No! And I still don’t know if I am a house mother? I think the label has not changed but the role over the years has certainly evolved. I consider myself a residential educator, referring to the role I play in delivering an out-of-class learning experience for those I am in close contact with, whilst still being available and accessible to the entire residence population.

What are some of the challenges you experience as Nerina’s house mother?

I think the challenges are mostly personal and that is related to finding the right balance between my primary and secondary jobs here at SU. I also find it quite a challenge to remember all the students, their names, courses of study, etc.

It feels like whenever we are together there is a new face I haven’t seen or engaged with yet. Also, a great difficulty for me is seeing the first years with multiple challenges of adjustment and academics and how sometimes our university system does not give sufficient time for students to adapt to these life-altering transitions.

PERSONALITIES

What are some of your favourite memories of your time at Nerina?

There are many, but the stand-out memories for now is the time I spent with the students during the COVID-19 lockdown and pandemic. That period has forever changed my life and I am thankful to the brave, courageous students who decided to remain at residence during this time. I think we were able to forge life-long friendships and relationships.

If you could describe Nerina in three words, what would those words be?

House of Belonging If you had to describe Nerina to an outsider looking in or a prospective newcomer coming in, what would you say to them?

Come prepared to be challenged, take risks, be yourself, believe in yourself and others, and partake in the reciprocal process of belonging.

What is your vision for Nerina?

Honestly, I want a home where everyone is seen and heard for who they are: bold, brilliant, and beautiful!

What do you wish to achieve during your time here?

I wish for every student that enters our door and becomes part of our community to leave with a degree, a voice and will pay forward that which was bestowed on them.

Honestly, I want a home where everyone is seen and heard for who they are: bold, brilliant, and beautiful!

PERSONALITIES

A Nerina

Influencer

Liyabona Mqina Get to know Chich Chich Nyama, a Nerina in her third year, is a digital creator who has her own YouTube channel. She created this channel at the end of 2019, even though it was never a part of her plan. Chich has always wanted to be a reality television star and be in the spotlight. She did not wait for the opportunity to come to her and created a YouTube channel to document her life.

Managing a YouTube channel and keeping up with studies can be quite difficult. As much as academics are important, Chich has to be keep her channel active. When asked about how she balances her studies and YouTube channel, Chich said, “There are quite a few things that I am busy with. I am a student, I have a job and I am also trying to start a business. However, when it comes to my channel, I do not feel a lot of pressure because everything I am doing there is for myself, but whenever I record, I record in bulk (maybe four episodes a day) then I know I have content for the whole month. So, I am able to manage my time because I have a day that is dedicated to content and then other days I know I am busy with other commitments.”

PERSONALITIES

Chich says that she believes that everything she does on her channel is done with good intentions. She is a strong believer of ‘own what you do’, so that you can grow and become a better person.

Chich acknowledges when she is wrong but does not pay much attention to negativity.

One of the challenges she speaks about is that when she is filming, some people do not want to be filmed, which can mean that some memories are not captured.

The type of content you can expect from Chich's channel is a lot of vlogs because she says she is trying to be more realistic about her life so that people can have a clear picture of who she is and not make assumptions. These vlogs will include things like, spend a week with me on campus, birthdays, etc. Most importantly, she mentions that she wants to do a lot of videos about mental health as it is something that she has been struggling with this year. Chich also shared that the channel has helped her grow into herself and has given her the opportunity to portray the fun side of herself.

Chich currently has 457 subcribers on YouTube and would like to have at least 500 subscribers by the end of the year.

Have a look at her channel here: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfHAnzE NbqncHj3oZwRCnPQ/videos

PERSONALITIES

MUSINGS Mihl'emihle shares snapshots of her experience of the third term, as well as reflections on life as a student at Stellenbosch University.

Mihl'emihle Mbandezelo THOUGHTS ON A NEW SEMESTER Here’s to a new semester, another chance to make improvements from last semester and an opportunity to try out a new routine that will help you accomplish your goals. It makes sense to start something new now, even if it’s just working on your sleeping schedule, which is what I always struggle with. Basically, cheers to growth and self -improvement!

STELLENBOSCH'S WEATHER I’m sure that I am not the only who has had problems with choosing outfits. At the beginning of this semester, a friend of mine told me to wear an outfit that bests accommodates all four seasons as Stellenbosch's weather is usually sporadic.

Sporadic is an understatement!

A REFLECTION ON COFFEE I cannot think of any better way to start a day in preparation for all the classes on campus than with My Brew's coffee. I suggest that one passes by My Brew for a cup of coffee once in a while to calm the nerves, manage the anxiety of academics and kickstart the day. A bad day with coffee surely is better than a bad day without it.

A SUGAR FIX Do you know where the danger is?

MOODY BLUES in the Neelsie. I am aware of all the other new restaurants that recently opened up, but this one takes the cake. Their ice cream and waffles taste amazing. The 24 hour service is also a bonus.

CANDID

Crossword

Zoë Eyberg

ACROSS 6. The last house value in our house song 7. Nerina's yearbook 9. Former sisters 10. A house value that means inclusivity

Answers 1. Bicycle 2. Fountain 3. Nerina 4. Jacaranda 5. Joy 6. Potential Development 7. Senorina 8. Brutus 9. Alumni 10. Ubuntu

DOWN 1. We will do anything for this item.

2. Our saving grace on a hot summer's day 3. Our home 4. The beautiful tree in the middle of our quad 5. Nerina's tower of strength 8. Nerina's magazine

thank you

for reading Brutus and being the inspiration behind every edition.