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NSFAS Funding Cuts
Leave UP Students in Crisis
Relebogile Manana
Awave of funding withdrawals by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has left numerous students at various institutions, including UP, facing a dire housing crisis. Those living in privately-rented accommodation are particularly vulnerable, with eviction notices reportedly being issued during the June exam period.
Many defunded students, who previously relied on NSFAS to pay both tuition and housing, have either been wrongfully dropped from funding lists or had their allowances halted due to late registration confirmation or budgetary constraints. In some cases, students were only notified of their defunding mid-year, with appeals dragging on for months. These disruptions have forced students into difficult situations, with many going hungry or being forced into unsafe living arrangements.
While the Student Representative Council (SRC) initially issued an open letter in early July calling for support in the student accommodation crisis, questions of students who have received assistance remain unanswered. There are no current updates on whether support commitments materialised or if clarification on outcomes for students who
have received no assistance has been offered.
In response to the mounting concerns, the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) at UP has released a Google Form to gather data on those who need assistance. Students who have had their NSFAS funding withdrawn or who are at risk of eviction or financial exclusion from housing were urged to submit information to assist in institutional intervention efforts. The DSA is attempting to track the scale of the crisis and coordinate assistance where possible.
The challenges at UP mirror broader systemic failures across higher education institutions in South Africa. In May and June, protests erupted at institutions including the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and other universities, demanding urgent action from NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education and Training. Students called for transparency, clearer appeal processes, and reinstatement of defunded students who met eligibility criteria.
With the second semester ongoing and many students facing housing insecurity, urgent action is needed. Students are calling on stakeholders including NSFAS, UP administration, and student leaders to provide swift and meaningful support for those affected.
Reflecting, Remembering, and Reimagining
A Decade Since #FeesMustFall
Relebogile Manana
On 24 July, The Centre for Sexualities, AIDS, and Gender (CSA&G) hosted a powerful screening of a new documentary about the #FeesMustFall movement, reminding attendees that the struggle for accessible and inclusive education in South Africa is far from over.
Described as more than just a screening, the event created a space for the critical reflection of the past, present, and future of student activism. The audience was welcomed by the House Tirisano choir whose moving performance set the tone for the evening. Through music and chants, they helped the audience consider what can be viewed as uncomfortable truths regarding privilege and accountability. Lyrics that can be translated as “When the brother killed the sister, where were you?” brought forward themes of gendered violence, exclusion, and the silencing of marginalised voices.
The documentary, being the main event of the evening, was directed by multidisciplinary artist and founder of Isifiso SakaGogo Performance Theatre Smangaliso Ngwenya, who conceptualised the project alongside Hulisani Khorombi. It revisits the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests through the lens of those often left behind the dominant narratives. “We wanted to capture the voices that were not front and centre, the women, the queer students, the everyday protestors,” Ngwenya explained. Rather than
focusing on the well-documented leaders, the documentary interrogates who was represented in the media, and why.
Rhodes University was a central focus, often overshadowed in public discourse by institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). The documentary delves into how the movement at Rhodes ruptured through “Rhodes Must Fall” and evolved to question systemic violence, patriarchy, rape culture, and the continued colonisation of academic spaces. The movement was not just about fees – it was about who is allowed to thrive in university environments and under what conditions.
“We should not let the conversation die,” said one speaker in the documentary, echoing the theme of the evening. Nearly a decade later, many of the structural barriers continue. NSFAS remains inadequate for many students, while certain institutions appear to be disengaged or hostile towards activism. As one audience member noted, “Some institutions have a protest culture, others a silence culture. But silence doesn’t mean there’s no struggle. It means fear to vocalise that struggle.”
Former student leader and current Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at UP’s Transformation Office Tumelo “Duke” Rasebopye reflected on how the state’s response during #FeesMustFall, especially the violence unleashed on students, set a troubling precedent. “That year rubber-stamped that it was okay to be violent towards students,” he said. “We’ve lost lives. And now, we won’t likely see protests on that scale
again because people are rightfully afraid.”
The documentary also interrogates intersectionality within the movement, painting an image regarding tensions between class and race, gender and leadership. Has the legacy of #FeesMustFall empowered women and queer people in lasting ways? Have institutions truly become more inclusive? Many attendees argued that, while #FeesMustFall opened spaces for new voices, the systemic changes remain largely performative.
Ngwenya emphasised that storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping memory. “A lot of academic work is inaccessible. That’s why this documentary is free; we want students to see themselves, to remember, and to reimagine,” he said. His journalism background shaped the documentary’s critical lens, humanising those who were often reduced to protest images in the media.
As discussions drew to a close, an important question remained: what has truly changed since 2015? Despite fee waivers, many students still have to cover 50% of their costs. “The doors of learning are technically open, but the path is still shut,” Ngwenya said.
The documentary stands as both a memory and a call to action – a reminder that real transformation in higher education demands more than just a symbolic change. It demands sustained effort, inclusive dialogue, and a refusal to be silent or complacent.
Visual: Boikgantsho N. Songo
Visuals: Sourced
UP Students Carry Forward Madiba’s Legacy
Datis du Preez, Stacey Mgijima, and Lutricia Phiri
Mandela Day, which is celebrated on 18 July, is a day that is dedicated to the late president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. On this day, many people in South Africa recall and celebrate the life of Mandela, particularly his dedication to serving others. They emulate his spirit for serving others by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to a good cause. In recent years, this has taken the form of community initiatives, drives, and other forms of charity. The 67 minutes symbolise the years that Madiba spent dedicating his life to fighting for social justice. This inspiring day has captured the hearts of people across South Africa, the world, and the University of Pretoria (UP).
On Mandela Day, student residence Apartments on William (AOW) organised a community service event. UP students from around Brooklyn were invited to actively participate in 67 minutes of service by cleaning the streets of Brooklyn.
This year, UP students played a leading role in giving back to the community through various campaigns aimed at providing relief to those in need. Initiatives included
“Mission Madiba 2025” by M-Powerment and “Mandela Day Activation: 67 Minutes with AOW”. Additionally, UP partnered with the Vodacom Bulls and the Isuzu Daisies to combat student hunger. Other initiatives were launched with the help of the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme (SNAPP). For Mandela Day, SNAPP implemented a food drop-off zone on campus. This turned out to be a huge success, ensuring that SNAPP achieved their goal of not forcing students to “choose between hunger and higher education”. The UP Library team generously assisted with this campaign, boosting the success of the programme.
But the number of drives and donation campaigns in honour of Nelson Mandela beg the question: What does Mandela Day mean to UP students?
Mandela Day Activation: 67 Minutes with AOW
PDBY spoke to Babalwa Mdebuka, finance assistant at AOW, who explained that the vision and purpose behind the Mandela Day event was to honour Madiba’s legacy by fostering social responsibility, unity, and community upliftment through collective action by AOW students and staff. When asked how she felt about giving back to the community, Mdebuka responded, "As a nonprofit foundation owner, I am rooted in serving my community. This activation made me feel proud, fulfilled, and inspired to continue making a difference."
There was a lot to learn from this meaningful act of service. Mdebuka added that the activation helped students engage with the Brooklyn community. By participating in a hands-on clean-up, students were able to connect directly with their surroundings, build a sense of responsibility, and interact positively with residents. This shared effort fostered unity, encouraged empathy, and strengthened the relationship between students and the broader Brooklyn community.
When asked about her biggest takeaway from the activation, she replied, “No act of service is ever too small. The spirit of Mandela Day was very much alive through our teamwork and willingness to serve. It reminded me that giving back is not about the numbers, but about the heart behind it.”
She went further by saying that the activation was a success. “It achieved its goal of honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The initiative also promoted values of social responsibility and active citizenship, making it both impactful and memorable,” she said. Mdebuka said that her biggest takeaway from the event was the realisation that small acts, when done together, can have a big impact on the community.
She concluded by saying, “The spirit of Mandela Day was absolutely kept alive. By stepping out to serve, students and staff lived out Madiba’s values of selflessness, community, and active citizenship showing that each of us can make a difference, even in just 67 minutes.”
PDBY also spoke to AOW student resident Rose Thovhakale, a BCom Human Resources student, who shared her experience. “Only six students participated. As we picked up litter around Brooklyn, some of the residents interacted with us, took photos, and even offered us refreshments. Even though we were a small group, our presence and efforts were noticed and appreciated.”
Mission Madiba 2025: Proudly Brought to You By M-Powerment. Some UP students were so caught up in the spirit of community service that they challenged themselves and others to go beyond 67 minutes and commit a day to serving the City of Tshwane. On 26 July, PDBY caught up with M-Powerment Care, a UP society devoted to serving the surrounding Tshwane community, particularly shelters neglected by the state through drives and donation campaigns. Their 2025 goal was to serve two shelters that had been hard hit by dwindling support from the City of Tshwane and the community in general. PDBY sat down with M-Powerment Care Chairperson Similo Siyenga to hear what drove their Mandela-inspired drive. Siyenga told PDBY that “every South African does something for Mandela Day, but when the M-Powerment Care society met up during a general meeting, one member recalled that Mandela once said, ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’ And that quote really struck the room because it challenged us to live it out’’. Siyenga said that the quote inspired their Mandela-themed drive as it called them to meet the needs of those around them.
This year, they identified two Pretoria-based shelters they could help through responsive action. These were Angels of Hope and Leamogetswe Safety Home.
He further added that they wanted to go beyond the traditional 67-minute commemoration associated with the day, so they mobilised students throughout the July recess in preparation for their first ever Mandela Day drive. They aimed at leaving, as he put it, “a lasting impact and a difference in the lives of those around us”. Siyenga added, “We wanted to fully live out that quote. And it’s not just about the legacy we leave. The need was always there at these shelters, it’s just that this time around, Mandela inspired our response to it.”
believed these are the greatest needs right now. Angels of Hope, for instance, houses 500 people of various ages, and we realised that the city isn’t taking care of that shelter, and somebody must do something about that. Then with Leamogetswe Safety Home, they recently lost funding from some of their partners, and we thought it would be great to relieve some of the pressure they have taking care of the kids.”
Siyenga concluded his interview by encouraging UP students to join them for the next drive. He pointed out to PDBY that they had projects like “Roots & Rise”, a garden initiative in collaboration with UP’s Innovation Africa campus to target student hunger through the supply of fresh produce grown by the students, for the students.
When asked whether he had any additional comments, Siyenga said, “What truly matters, on and beyond Mandela Day, is what difference did you make, and we as M-Powerment Care are trying to make an impact, we are trying to change lives. Because the need is the call to responsive action.”
When PDBY asked why they opted for a drive that focused on donations and engaging with the residents of these shelters by making them lunch and spending time with them, Siyenga said, “[We]
After speaking to these societies, PDBY recalled a saying: “The heart of every African beats with the willingness to make a difference.” And this year’s student-led Mandela Day initiatives proved exactly that. UP students carried forward Mandela’s legacy of public service through their own acts of service, showcasing the true spirit of Ubuntu – shaping and impacting the lives of those around us.
PDBY would like to thank AOW, M-Powerment Care, UP Library Services, and everyone else that was interviewed for this article. For those interested in the Roots & Rise initiative, please contact M-Powerment Care Chairperson Similo Siyenga at similosiyenga@ mpowermentcare.co.za
#LeadUP Podcast: Sumarie Greybe’s Bold Path in Insurance
The first episode in season five of the #LeadUP podcast featured Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of Naked Insurance and UP alumnus. In the episode, host Lennox Wasara sat down with Greybe to explore her reimagining of one of the most traditional (and dreaded) industries in South Africa. Greybe completed a qualification in Actuarial Sciences and had a successful corporate career where she was a director at Ernst & Young (EY). However, she walked away from this position to search for something more meaningful, saying, “To be happy, I always believed it is important that you feel you are making a contribution.”
This desire led to the launch of Naked Insurance in 2016, starting with a mere eight team members. Since then, the team has drastically increased, now employing over 170 members Greybe says that she is “the proudest about the team” they have managed to accumulate, and continued to say, “all of them are South Africans”. She further said that in South Africa, we have “the ability to build something that gives young people the opportunity to enter the job market”. They reflected on how difficult it is for young graduates to get a job, and Greybe recognised this difficulty, saying, “Our [team’s] average age is 25.” She shares that not only do you “have to be smart”, but you also have to be a “good human” to be hired by her company. She determines this in her interviews with potential candidates.
The discussion also turned to the user-friendly app and chatbot called Rose. The app is an
effort to make insurance simple because their customers are “smart enough to make their own decisions”. The idea behind the chatbot is to make “the process as easy, and even enjoyable, as possible”. Although you may recognise Naked Insurance from their big, green billboards using names in a catchy way, this new episode allows you to investigate and gain further insight into the world of UP alumni. To watch this episode and others showcasing different alumni, you can watch the episode on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also visit their website: https://www.up.ac.za/ alumni/podcasts
Hannah Hambly
Visuals:
Javett’s New Exhibition: One and The Many
Hannah Hambly
On 24 July, the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) launched its latest exhibition titled “One and the Many”. The curatorial statement described the event as one that “weaves together narratives that explore relationships between singular entities and the collective, between the ‘self’ and ‘others’”. The event was a vibrant affair, welcoming guests with jazz music and drinks. Guests sat in seats surrounding the state, lulled by the music until the opening speeches commenced, including the speech of Storm Janse van Rensburg, the person who conceived and organised the exhibition in collaboration with the curatorial team at Javett-UP.
“One and the Many” brought six prominent contemporary artists together: Stephané E. Conradie, Goldendean, Ledelle Moe, Abdus Salaam, Igna Somdyala, and Katlego Tlabela. Their artworks were placed among other artworks from three of Javett-UP’s significant collections, these being the “South32 Collection”, the “Javett Family Collection”, and the “Bongi Dhlomo Collection”. It was also segmented into three chapters – chapter one spanned the ground floor and South32 galleries, and considered “themes of spirituality, fractured forms and human-nature relationships”. Chapter two “investigates the politics of image-making, histories, and forms of embrace”, and chapter three “reflects on scale, memory, and temporality”.
Upon entering, the guests were rendered speechless by a deep red, site-specific commission by Igna Somdyala, which “soars from the ground floor through the three-story high atrium”. The work was intended to link the exhibitions’ themes “visually and metaphorically”. In the evocative “Colossal Time” chapter, Abdus Salaam’s “Rivulets”, a video work, “explores the relation of water to the metaphysical”. Guests were also greeted by two large concrete sculptures created by Ledelle Moe, “whose interest in the female form comes to the [forefront]”. The second chapter features Goldendean’s voluptuous golden structure called “Soft Vxnxs”, which explores “the possibilities of soft radicalness” and “societal fascination with flesh,
in particular, the flesh of non-normative queer bodies”.
There was also extreme support for Katlego Tlabela, with shouts of support echoed throughout and fascination with their artwork, which depicts “fictional yet attainable scenes of the Black elite, often also paying tribute to historically prominent Black Artists”. Stephané E. Conradie’s colourful sculptures and wall-based artwork that consisted of a mixed-media assemblage explored “fragility, the safety of home, and making new objects from fragments”.
After viewing the gallery, a comforting spread of warm soups accompanied by fresh bread, as well as tea and coffee, was served. Guests were also welcome to visit the cash bar. Notably, many of the featured artists were present, mingling with the guests and discussing their works.
According to Jackie Rens, CEO of Javett-UP, the gallery strives “to be a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging site of inquiry and learning, and “One and the Many” will be an important contribution to the cultural offerings of UP and the City of Tshwane.” This exhibition is breathtaking and is on display from Tuesday to Saturday, and on the last Sunday of every month, from 10:00 to 17:00. Visit the exhibit and partake in the cultural offerings given to students at the University of Pretoria.
Justice by Algorithm?
Ompha Mudau
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our legal systems. Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) are examining how these changes could affect fairness, privacy, and justice. In ReSEARCH magazine, the Faculty of Law and the Data Science Law Lab highlight concerns about bias, digital exclusion, and the risks of relying on algorithms in sensitive decision-making. Their work explores what might happen if one day, an algorithm decides a bursary appeal, a disciplinary outcome, or even a workplace dispute.
Palesa Mbonde, a research assistant in the Faculty of Law, said that AI systems are often trained on Western data and epistemologies, which results in the marginalisation of African knowledge systems. Mbonde said that this perpetuates epistemic injustice, and urged that ethical frameworks must be inclusive of the South African context. She also pointed out that UP has taken meaningful steps through a range of efforts, such as creating ethical AI usage guides for both students and lecturers, revising policies related to plagiarism and academic honesty, and "the launch of AIpowered tools like the SCU-B chatbot for student wellness".
Debrah Sebothoma, a student in the Faculty of Law, said that she would not necessarily trust AI to make important decisions about herself. “AI acts as an analyst for me. I get to make the decisions for myself,” she said. At the same time, she also spoke
on how students may not understand their digital rights, including herself. Sebothoma also added, “I feel like there is a company that runs the AI you use, which is run by humans. Humans can use your data with malicious intent.”
As AI tools evolve, they are increasingly being used to assist people, not just in law, but in university administration, finance, recruitment, and more. These systems promise faster decisionmaking, but they also risk removing human context from sensitive judgments. In fields like law where outcomes depend on fairness, nuance, and social awareness, such trade-offs can have dire consequences.
The legal community continues to raise concerns about the so-called “black box” problem, where AI systems make decisions that users cannot fully understand or challenge because the whole decision-making process was internal. This lack of transparency complicates accountability and may make it difficult for affected individuals to appeal to the outcomes or understand why a decision was made.
The research emerging from UP serves as a timely reminder that algorithmic tools are not neutral. Their design reflects the values, and blind spots, of those who build them. And when people consider integrating AI into their operations, careful oversight and ethical inspection will be essential to ensure that technology serves them, not the other way around.
Mind Your Money: Financial Literacy Workshop
Mpho Mahlangu
On 22 July, in celebration of Savings Month, STANLIB, in partnership with Tuks Fin’est and the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), hosted a workshop at the University of Pretoria (UP) aimed at empowering students with essential financial literacy skills. The event was designed to provide students with invaluable tips and strategies to secure their financial freedom.
The workshop commenced with an interactive exercise, posing general questions to ease attendees into an engaging and educational conversation. The hosting team distributed comprehensive booklets covering topics such as savings, budgeting, and achieving financial freedom.
The importance of financial literacy among students was the key focus of the event. Research has shown that students often overlook the significance of sensible financial management, frequently spending money without considering the long-term implications or prioritising essential expenditures.
Portia, the CEO of PM Scores House and implementing partner for the STANLIB programme, emphasised the purpose of the event, saying, “We have to undergo financial education because, in the past, there was a disconnect between consumers and financial services. They were doing something wrong; they were selling us policies and giving us products that we do not understand. For example, you find one person having 10 policies, thinking it is an investment,
but the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) said this has to stop. People have to be educated. If you open a bank account, it has to benefit you – the consumer.”The workshop also highlighted the importance of addressing uncomfortable issues centred around money. Julius Ntoba, the main speaker, noted that “background plays a huge role in our relationship with money”, sparking a comprehensive discussion on different types of spenders and their financial behaviours.
By promoting financial literacy and awareness, the workshop aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between consumers and financial services, ultimately empowering students to make informed decisions about their financial futures. His presentation highlighted various points, including creating a budget that helps you keep track of your income and expenses, enabling you to make informed financial decisions and achieve your financial goals. Building an emergency fund is crucial for unexpected expenses or financial setbacks, providing one with a safety net and reducing financial stress. Understanding and managing credit is essential for establishing a good credit score, which can positively impact future loan applications and financial opportunities.
These key things were discussed extensively in the workshop where solutions and strategies were given to help students mind their money and ultimately achieve financial liberation. It was an interactive workshop and many students who attended said that it was a necessary and important event that helped them a lot.
Bundles Love Beyond Checkpoints
Mazviita Pasi
Illan Pappe’s A History of Modern Palestine: One Land, Two Peoples traces the development of the occupation of Palestine. Although this tense and complex history can be traced back to much earlier, the Balfour Declaration is a significant turning point. In it, the British promised Lord Rothschild (an important figure in the British-Jewish community) the creation of a Jewish homeland located in Palestine. It is important to note that this land was already inhabited by Palestinians. To fulfill such a promise would require the removal of Palestinians, leading to the beginnings of the Nakba in 1947. “Nakba” directly translates to “catastrophe” and refers to the forced displacement and violent dispossession of Palestinians in what Pappe refers to as an act of “ethnic cleansing” by the Israeli militia to allow for such a homeland. The next few decades are full of conflict which seeps into Palestinian literature. Authors such as Mahmoud Darwish begin to detail acts of brutality experienced by Palestinians over time. Against this backdrop, the short story Bundles by Mohammed Sulliman emerged. This deeply personal story of a mother’s love for her son pushes back against years of occupation in Palestine, revealing the humaneness and resilience of Palestinians.
There have been many recorded instances where Israeli officials and supporters have likened Palestinians to animals. For example, Al Jazeera reported that in a televised SkyNews interview, the former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Dan Gillerman referred to Palestinians as “inhumane animals”. The Times of Israel also documented an instance where the former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant identified Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as “human animals”. Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported many human rights law violations that have been enacted against Palestinians over the many years of Israeli occupation.
According to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the West Bank is filled with obstacles that heavily restrict the movement of Palestinians to and from places. Scholar Merav Amir explains how Palestinians can only travel on specific paths, at particular times, and through certain checkpoints. In the story Bundles by Mohammed Sulliman, we see a mother’s journey through these checkpoints to visit her son who has been imprisoned. Sulliman uses deeply emotional and sentimental language as the mother, Salma, reminisces on the last moments she saw her son.
Interviews with Palestinian women, conducted by Mark Griffiths, reveal how they are often subject to humiliating treatment at checkpoints. At times, Palestinian women are forced to remove all of their clothes, including their hair ties. In this way, the diminishing of Palestinians continues as they face such challenges. In Bundles, the universal image of a mother’s love for her son is starkly contrasted with the harsh suspicion she faces at deeply invasive security checks. Sulliman skillfully uses passive language at points in the story to mirror Salma’s helplessness throughout her journey as she is confronted with feelings of embarrassment. And yet, there is an undercurrent of a mother’s intense love and longing. Salma is willing to endure these humiliating checkpoints in order for a chance to get a glimpse of her son. Sulliman also weaves in aspects that emphasise Salma’s physical humanity. The checkpoints not only tire Salma emotionally, but her physical frailty is emphasised as the journey takes a weary toll on her. This is a powerful challenge to the pervasive animal metaphors. In the face of oppression, Bundles powerfully asserts the persisting humanity of Palestinians. This is particularly important today, where this group continues to experience documented violence and dehumanisation. This story serves as a reminder to the reader that Palestinian love and resilience will always prevail in a time of adversity.
Visuals: Sourced
Visual: Sourced
UP Shines in the World of University Rankings
Datis du Preez
The University of Pretoria (UP) has recently shone in various global rankings, outperforming many established international institutions. This comes at a time of rising political tension and influence within the education sector. This begs the question: what are university rankings all about? How are these rankings determined? Are they reliable? What are the differences in rankings? How does politics influence these rankings? Finally, do students take these rankings into consideration when applying for their studies? Let’s explore the interesting world of university rankings. How Rankings are Determined
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is an analytics firm specialising in higher education known for the QS World University Rankings. To publish rankings is a complicated undertaking. In simple terms, it is a collaboration between data analysts and countless higher education institutions. According to their website, 16.4 million academic papers, the views of over 151 000 academics, and 100 000 employers are considered. The methodology consists of various rankings ranging from “Research and Discovery” to “Learning Experience”. “Global Engagement” and “Employability and Outcomes” are other factors that are considered. Each category carries a certain weight and results in the World University Rankings. The methodology and categories are dependent on the location, medium, subject offerings, and degrees of the universities under review. Times Higher Education (THE) follows a similar approach, with a few key differences. Performance indicators are used, consisting of teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook, with each indicator carrying a different weight.
What These Rankings Mean
Rankings should be examined with caution. Prof. Sharon Fonn from the University of the Witwatersrand writes that rankings suffer from a conceptual problem, meaning that it is not sensible to compare
institutions on an equal level. Furthermore, research methods a motivations behind them may be invalid and unclear. She writes that rankings are overvalued and may reinforce inequalities. Rankings should be examined with caution. Professor Sharon Fonn from the University of the Witwatersrand writes that rankings suffer from a conceptual problem, meaning that it is not sensible to compare institutions on an equal level. Further research methods and the motivations behind them may be invalid and unclear. She writes that rankings are overvalued and may reinforce inequalities.
The Political Influence of Rankings
Rankings and politics may have a deeper correlation than what we realise. It raises questions over funding, the freedom to engage in academics, research, and accreditation. Are these rankings truly inclusive of all types of knowledge systems, cultures, and fields? Is it fair to compare universities from a rather subjective point of view? Yes, methodologies seem to cover most aspects of university life. However, it is important to consider the factors that influence the results. These rankings surely have a financial aspect attached to them. Are there hidden motives, perhaps to promote certain institutions, beliefs or ideologies?
UP Recognised as a Frontrunner in Higher Education
According to the university website, UP places among the top 1.9% of global universities. This is backed up by an impressive performance in the QS University Rankings. Out of 1 501 universities, UP claimed the 362nd spot. The university achieved 26th place in the “International Research Network” category along with other notable spots in areas ranging from Sustainability to Academic Reputation. It is no different in terms of subjects, with Veterinary Sciences, Development Studies, and Mineral and Mining Engineering ranking in the top 100 globally – a remarkable feat Countless other subjects rank exceptionally high in local and global
divisions. In another ranking model, the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, UP secured 63rd place globally, while placing 7th for Sustainable Development Goal 17 – partnerships for the goals. Furthermore, UP Law ranks among the best in Africa. Overall, UP ranks second in the country and Africa, showcasing the university’s impressive educational standards. It is easy to go on and on and to provide more detail, but regardless, it is certain that UP has an unquestioned place among the world’s best universities.
Student Opinions on Rankings
A further question that arises is the extent to which rankings influence students’ choice of university. Reilly Shuttleworth, a first year Chemical Engineering student, explains that rankings did not play a major role in his decision to choose UP. He adds that, despite the university being well ranked, he was influenced by word of mouth, recommendations, and the university’s good marketing, rather than mere rankings. “UP has an excellent reputation as a holistic institution with a good culture,” he said. He is of the opinion that rankings should not be trusted blindly: there are too many differences in ranking models, and they are not necessarily a holistic representation of a university. Rankings are largely based on research output and focus on specific aspects that do not result in an accurate representation of the quality of education at a particular university.
Looking Towards the Future
University rankings remain controversial. It is clear that placings must be looked at with caution. They serve as a way for universities to boost their reputation and are, at some level, indicative of the hard work that universities put in to train young minds for the future. UP should be congratulated on its outstanding achievement and commitment to sustainable education and research.
Stars’ Round Table: A Transformation Dialogue
Lutricia Phiri and Mpho Mahlangu
On 23 July, the Theology STARS Mentorship Programme hosted a thoughtprovoking dialogue on transdisciplinary transformation, focusing on self-awareness and its impact on identity, acceptance, and innovation. The event brought together bright academics, researchers, and students to share their experiences, passion, and insights, sparking meaningful conversations that build and develop the community.
Some key takeaways from the dialogue included the power of African youth and open minds in driving transformation, the importance of conversations that foster community development and growth, and the need for transdisciplinary approaches in universities to address pressing issues
One of the speakers, Prof. Lance, highlighted the significance of transdisciplinarity in universities, citing the alarming dropout rate, institutional differences, and the impact of financial aid. By acknowledging these challenges, we can begin to transform and solve problems. The dialogue emphasised the importance of self-awareness, identity, and innovation in driving transformation.
At the event, students were encouraged to discover themselves, explore their passions, and develop their skills. The dialogue said that by empowering this generation, we are automatically building the next generation. We can unlock the power of African youth, open people’s minds, and drive meaningful change and transformation. UP student Rosinah said, “What stood out for me in this event is that, even if we may not agree with people [who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community], that does not permit us to violate their rights as human beings.” She further affirmed, “These types of discussions must be had among us, the youth, because we are the future and the problem solvers.”
PDBY spoke to Rebaone Mafulako, House Committee leader from the Faculty of Theology and Religion, who spoke about her struggles as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She said, “To me, being free in today’s day and age means having the ability to make choices about my life, what I believe, where I go, who I connect with, and how I express myself without fear of oppression or punishment.”
She went on to add, “As a theology student who identifies as [part of the] LGBTQIA+ [community], navigating the tension between my faith and identity has not been easy because the Bible has often been used to condemn homosexuality, but I have come to understand
that interpretation matters.”
She spoke about how she learned to find strength in studying the Bible more deeply and learning from theologians who affirm both faith and queerness. “I believe that God’s message is ultimately about love, justice, and human dignity. Jesus taught compassion, not condemnation. Holding onto that gives me peace,” she expressed. Homosexuality being one of the most pressing topics in South Africa requires open engagement with dialogues opening up a platform of responsible expression. Mafulako shared a few of her struggles with having dealt with discrimination and judgement from her high school. She went on to say that overcoming cultural barriers in rural communities requires both patience and courage. An important step in this process is education. When people understand more about what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are often more open and empathetic. Sharing stories, building relationships, and having honest conversations can slowly change people’s hearts and minds.
When asked what she would say to someone going through what she went through, Mafulako shared, “Seeing [the] humanity in one another. Policies can create boundaries and protections, but true inclusion does not come from rules; it comes from relationships. We have to move beyond tolerance into genuine curiosity, empathy, and connection. That means being willing to ask questions, to listen without judgment, and to unlearn biases we may not even realise we carry.”
context, Msipa noted that while the country is better positioned economically and politically than many of its continental peers, serious challenges remain. She pointed to South Africa’s strong institutions and peaceful transition to democracy as achievements, but warned against complacency. The real task lies in deepening unity and ensuring that justice reaches all corners of society.
Responding to a question she had raised during a previous presentation, Msipa said, “South Africa should reflect a truly inclusive African identity where indigenous languages are prioritised in education and governance, and where cultural diversity is embraced as a strength.” For her, the country’s future lies in reclaiming African identity and rejecting divisions inherited from colonialism. Msipa acknowledged the complexity of practicing Pan-Africanism. “I am Pan-Africanist in conviction,” she said, “but I am still growing into it in practice, confronting my own biases, privileges, and inherited borders.” She emphasised that PanAfricanism is a daily commitment to justice, unity, and the dignity of all Africans.
Msipa’s vision for South Africa is one of genuine unity, where no one is excluded because of their nationality or background. “Unity must not be just a political slogan but a lived reality.” She continued, “I imagine a country where every person, regardless of origin, has equal access to opportunity, dignity, and safety.” Her vision is a South Africa grounded in justice, healing, and shared identity.
limitations of the church in today’s context. “The church should be a tool for unity, but too often, it reflects the divisions of our colonial past,” she said. To her, a relevant church is one that preaches inclusion, lives Ubuntu, and leads the work of reconciliation, not only spiritually, but socially and politically.
She stressed that theology must be reimagined through a decolonial lens, one that affirms African dignity. “Despite public teachings on love and inclusion, some churches remain silent on xenophobia or even reinforce nationalistic sentiment,” she said. “But the church can be a prophetic force for justice, healing, and belonging if it critically engages its past and reclaims its role in the Pan-African project.”
When asked whether Ubuntu could guide Africa to its “cornerstone,” Msipa responded with clarity. “Ubuntu is not just a pathway – it is the cornerstone. It reminds us that healing, justice, and unity are communal. If we live by Ubuntu, we can build a future strong enough to carry a just and inclusive Africa.”
Finally, Msipa directed her message to the youth of today, especially Gen Alpha. “Embrace Pan-Africanism not just as a political idea, but as a daily practice of justice, empathy, and solidarity. Learn your history. Don’t let borders or nationalities divide you. See yourselves as part of a larger African family. Use your voices, talents, and platforms to challenge injustice and promote unity.”
In a thought-provoking conversation on the intersections of theology, identity, and postcolonial realities, the powerful voice of Nomathemba Nontokozo Msipa emerged. As a passionate thinker and advocate for justice, Msipa shared her insights on Pan-Africanism, xenophobia, Ubuntu, and the evolving role of the church, offering a compelling vision of what a united, just, and inclusive South Africa might look like. Msipa defines Pan-Africanism through the legacies of Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Kwame Nkrumah, not only as a political and cultural movement, but also a theological one. “Pan-Africanism,” she explained, “is a movement that advocates for the solidarity of African people worldwide. It’s about self-determination, liberation, and unity, not just in politics, but in faith and community too.”
Reflecting on South Africa’s postcolonial
Msipa spoke passionately about the contradiction between xenophobia and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. “Ubuntu is compromised when fear and scarcity lead us to exclude others,” she said.
“When we harm fellow Africans in the name of protecting what we think is ours, we lose the essence of Ubuntu.” She called on South Africans to move Ubuntu from a beautiful idea into bold, everyday practice, especially in how they respond to migration and poverty. When Msipa spoke of “freeing the demons,” she referred to the unspoken traumas and inherited fears that continue to shape South African society.
“It means creating spaces like this one, where we tell the truth, heal collectively, and use our voices to influence real change,” she said. Healing, for Msipa, is a community project, one rooted in honesty, policy, and justice.
Msipa highlighted both the potential and
Through her deep reflections, Msipa challenges all Africans, young and old, religious and secular, to reimagine their place in the world. Her message is clear – the road to healing and unity begins with truth-telling, bold action, and reclaiming an African identity rooted in Ubuntu, decolonial theology, and Pan-African solidarity. In her words and vision, there is hope for a better South Africa, and a better Africa.
The STARS Mentorship dialogue was more than just a conversation – it was a catalyst for change. Through the voices of students like Rebaone Mafulako and thought leaders such as Nomathemba Nontokozo Msipa, it highlighted the importance of self-awareness, inclusive theology, and Pan-African solidarity in shaping a more just and united society.
By creating space for honest dialogue around identity, faith, and belonging, the event reminded us that transformation begins with empathy, education, and courage. As Msipa said, “The future of Africa depends on your courage to lead with empathy and to act boldly for transformation.” And that future begins with us.
Visual: Thato Duiker
Visual: Sourced
The Sinister Web of Cults
Sivenathi Makhanda
Acult can be described as more than one thing, and the term is often loosely thrown around with little to no regard to its actual meaning or without knowledge of how serious and dangerous cults can be. This is most likely because the actual meaning of the term is somewhat vague and can almost be called “all-encompassing”. In an article titled “Understanding Cults: The Basics” on Psychology Today, Steven Hassan says that what makes a cult is not participation in unorthodox belief systems, but that it is usually an authoritarian and secretive group led by a person or by people who hold near complete control of the people beneath them.
He also names the multiple types of cults that can exist, ranging from political to religious, self-help cults to mini-cults, which include familial or one-on-one cults, multilevel-marketing (MLM) schemes, conspiracy theory cults, commercial cults, and labour/ sex trafficking cults. Despite the different shapes and modes that cults can take, they do have glaring similarities in how they operate, namely how they recruit people.
The University of Texas Permian Basin
article “The Psychology of Cults” speaks of how cults are widespread in the way they look for new members – through social media, community clubs, or social events. They like to search for potential targets in social, nonthreatening settings where people are less likely to be suspicious of them. Recruiters then do their best to learn more about the people they meet so that they can see who would be most likely to fall into the cult's fold.
But what is it that these recruiters search for? They look for people who seem unhappy in their lives, people who are looking for an escape. They not only go after teenage runaways, addicts, the mentally ill, or abuse survivors; they also go after people who have just experienced a death in the family or heartbreak. They target lonely people, those who have no support system, no friends or close family. Be careful – you might be the perfect victim.
Once they have found their targets, what do they do? The cults begin drawing you in. “The Psychology of Cults” article uses the term “lovebombing” to describe some of what cults do. They show their targets love and endearment so that they are more likely to return. Later in the process, once they are sure that they have drawn
you in, they start isolating you: distancing you from your friends and family, making it so they are the only people that you can rely on and are the only ones you feel can love or care for you.
Cults are also great at using peer pressure to get you to do things they want you to do. They create a situation where you have no one to rely on but them so that you are not able to refuse them. Sometimes, they even take your belongings and trap you away from society so that you cannot escape.
How can you avoid being drawn into a cult?
An article by Davenport Psychology titled “Understanding the Manipulative Tactics of Cults” provided an answer. The first step is educating yourself in the tactics they use to recruit their targets. The second step is staying connected to your support system, which is a great way to avoid most abusive relationships. Abusers and anyone who wants to control you will almost always want to distance you from your loved ones so that you have less avenues of escape and less present people you can report their abuse to. So when you have people around you who are there to offer you differing views
and opinions, you are less likely to fall deeply into cults. Lastly, question everything. Do not fall blindly into the belief systems presented to you by the people around you.
There are numerous infamous cults that you may know about, like the Manson Family led by Charles Manson, The Sullivanians, a famous sex cult Nxivm, just to name a few. But those are all American. An article by the Sunday Times titled “Infamous SA cults and other groups accused of shadowy ways” shows that South Africa has had its own fair share of cults or cultlike groups. Mancoba Seven Angels Ministry, Kwasizabantu Mission, and Electus Per Deus are a few South African cults or groups with cult-like characteristics. Now that you know some stuff about cults, have you ever been in one or been in a group that had cult-like characteristics? Or are you in one now?
From Cap and Gown to What Now? Making Peace with Possibility
We have entered the last semester of the academic year – a time thick with questions, uncertainty, and the weight of expectations. For many students, especially those in their final year, this season feels like standing on the edge of something vast and undefined. One chapter is closing, but the next? That part remains blurry. Some are applying for jobs, others for honours or postgraduate studies, and some are still unsure. All of these responses are valid.
In South Africa, this transitional moment has even more layers. High youth unemployment rates and economic instability add weight to already complicated personal decisions. Finishing the year is not just about closing textbooks, it’s about facing the unknown with both hope and caution.
There is a quiet panic that sets in when you see others applying for jobs, getting accepted into honours, or announcing new opportunities on social media. It can feel like you are falling behind, even when you are not. We are often told that success follows a straight path: matric, degree, job, house, security. But for most of us, that path
is not linear. Not being on the dictated path of milestones is not a failure – it reflects reality.
How do we plan when the future feels so uncertain? The answer is to approach it with curiosity, intention, and an awareness that this is your story and not someone else’s, so not every story looks the same.
Here are a few practical ways to think about your next steps, especially for those navigating life after graduation:
1. Start with an Honest Reflection
Think beyond your academic transcript. What did you enjoy? What did you tolerate? What challenged you in ways that felt meaningful? Career choices are more sustainable when they align with your values and energy, not just your qualifications.
2. Visit UP Career Services
(https://www.up.ac.za/career-services)
Located in the Old Chemistry building on Hatfield campus, Career Services aims to assist students with careers after university. Students are invited to come and receive assistance to prepare for their careers. They offer one-on-one employability assistance, virtual employability workshops,
advertisements for job opportunities, and many other things. Check out their website or visit them in-person.
3. Explore Funding and Postgraduate Options
If you are considering studying further, now is the time to explore scholarships (e.g. NRF, HWSETA, or department-specific bursaries) and speak to lecturers about potential honours or masters opportunities. Postgraduate studies can buy you time while also deepening your expertise, but approach it as a decision, not a default.
4. Network, Network and Network Some More Connections often open doors that qualifications alone cannot. Reach out to lecturers, alumni, or professionals on LinkedIn. Ask for informational interviews. Attend talks and webinars. You are not asking for a job; you are building relationships.
It is easy to feel like your degree has not “paid off” right away, but education is never wasted. The skills, discipline, networks, and perspectives you gain at university often show their value over time and not always immediately.
This is why support matters. Speak to the Student Counselling Unit if the pressure feels
too heavy. Tap into alumni mentorships. Explore entrepreneurship hubs if you have a business idea. Look into youth-focused programmes like YES (Youth Employment Service), Harambee, or even UP’s own graduate initiatives.
One of the most powerful things you can do is rewrite the script. Success does not only mean formal employment or a postgraduate degree. It might mean starting a side hustle, taking a year to gain practical experience, contributing to your community, or pursuing a creative calling. You are allowed to want more than survival, but survival is not shameful. Do what you need to do while keeping the long-term vision alive. Many graduates take winding, unconventional paths and still end up deeply fulfilled.
The last semester is not only about endings, it is about transitions. You do not need to rush into the next thing just to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty. Use this time to reflect, rest, connect, and imagine. The truth is that most of us are still figuring things out, even your lecturers or peers who seem miles ahead. So, take the pressure off. Start where you are. Ask for help. Try new things. Make mistakes. Try again.
Your journey does not need to follow one straight line to be meaningful. The path is often winding, but it is yours, and that is more than enough.
The Politics of Doing Nothing: Why Rest is Radical
Let’s be real for a second – being tired has started to become a personality trait. Hustle culture is glorified in today’s society and productivity tends to be valued over choosing rest. As students, we have mastered the art of multitasking – juggling part-time jobs, volunteering, all-nighters for tests or assignments, and attending our lectures while somehow trying to keep our personal lives afloat. Rest is often the last option for many of us, and others may feel like it is a waste of time or a sign of weakness. Slowing down in a world that profits from our exhaustion is arguably one of the most radical things we may do.
Glorified Crunch Time
University life and culture often mirrors the social obsession of being “booked and busy”. This notion reinforces the idea that our worth is tied to how packed our schedules may be and how much we either produce or achieve. Many of us were taught that rest is synonymous with being lazy and unable to contribute meaningfully
to society.
How many of you have felt guilty about sleeping in, missing that one lecture, having to take a break while there are assignments due, the shame of doing nothing, and the panic of falling behind and trying to #savethesemester? The concept of rest needing to be earned by cramming our schedules and pushing ourselves several hours a day after bleeding ourselves dry is exhausting.
Rest as an Act of Resistance
Tracy Hersey, the founder of The Nap Ministry, argues that rest is a form of resistance and a pushback against a patriarchal, capitalist system that is built on white supremacy and ableism. Who can afford to rest and who gets to decide that is a question posed to many of the working class, persons of colour, and groups fighting structural inequalities every day, therefore making rest something political. Those from marginalised communities who have been taught to work twice as hard to get half as far are not empowered – they are essentially exploited.
Rest should not be seen as a luxury, but rather as a basic human need. However, with the way society functions, resting is seen as a hindrance to our busy schedules.
Rest is not simply about taking a short nap or giving yourself a five-minute break before you continue studying. It is about reclaiming your body, your worth, and your time in a system that feeds off pressure and burnout, and denies the act of resting. Rest as a form of empowerment is about believing our worth is valuable beyond what we can produce or how much we contribute to society.
Deliberately Choosing Rest
Doing nothing is sometimes exactly what our overworked brains need to breathe and reboot. Taking longer walks, finding warmth and comfort in that cup of tea, binging our comfort shows, taking naps, or simply lying on
the floor and staring at the ceiling allows us to slow down. Saying no to adding more things to your schedule without feeling guilty and without apologising reminds us that we are people and not machines. Sometimes, going with the season teaches us how to pause and honour our body’s limits. The most revolutionary thing for us to do may be doing nothing at all.
Gabriella van Niekerk
Martha Mumba
Visual: Nicole Hagemann
Visual: Sourced
Visual: Nicole Hagemann
Shoot Your Shot
Hello UP student – this is a safe space to shoot your shot at all those cute people you see on campus. Tell those people how you feel about them, hit on your crush, or compliment a person on that outfit they were wearing the other day. Anything positive really. Try to be as descriptive and creative as possible with your description so it makes it easy for the person to identify themselves. If both people agree, PDBY will arrange a meetup. Do you think this is you?
Email: shootyourshot@pdby.co.za
To the short girl from VKK 111, with the purple rimmed, yellow framed glasses and the nose ring, I couldn't help but look at you in every lecture; even the important ones (explains my mark). Your calm demeanor and luscious hair hypnotised me, and don't get me started on your smile. I wish I approached you, but maybe now we have a chance...
Dear Goldie Locks in SWK 122 ,how about we switch our sterrie stumpie out for a coffee date someday. Please don't stumpie on my heart <3.
To one of the three girls that always sit together in MOW 227 (you know who you are), every time you laugh, the laws of thermodynamics break just a little bit — because no system should contain that much energy and grace. I swear your smile has a higher coefficient of attraction than gravity itself. I don't need a free body diagram to know I'm falling — hard. So, if your heart has an opening (unlike our group projects), maybe let me apply. I promise I am statically and emotionally stable. Catch you at the next lecture — unless you catch feelings first.
To Dani the girl in my OBS 220 class. You’re the Sew to my heart, Sew dani every stitch you make pulls me closer, and it’s time you knew a secret admirer’s been falling for you, thread by thread - ZaZa.
Ntando from Ovuwa, I wanna be the note that comes out of your lips. I wanna wake up next to your text everyday and smile to the comfort of your sweet fragrance.
to me, you are perfect
Mr X, I want you. Ever since I saw you in line at Vida, buying a hot chocky with marshmallow, I couldn’t stop thinking about us. You don’t know me, but I know you… a little bit of me makes a lot of love.
To HCT in architecture what's up bbg. I want you to tackle me like you tackle that rugby ball. You make my heart stop everytime you have that durag on. I'd watch those Marula games everyday to see those big blue eyes. Hit me up bbg.
To the guy who came up to me on a freezing cold Wednesday morning as we were walking into our Chemistry lecture, wiped something off my face without saying a word, and then disappeared like he never existed — I’m still looking for you
To the fine babe that keeps making eye contact with me and made my heart skip a beat with your smile. You were wearing a red top with a white skirt and I need you. I think your name was Mikayla but I want you to be MyShayla.
To Michael, the greek guy. Your stalker misses you, if you still have my number please message me back. I seriously miss you...
To Wian in ERS220, with the nice beard. Let me hack your heart and code our future together.
Scan the QR code to shoot your shot
Khutso Manyaka
Voting opens on 20 August 2025 and closes 22 August 2025
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Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC President
I am Khutso Manyaka, a third-year Bachelor of Education student and current SRC Day Students and External Campus Affairs Officer. My leadership is grounded in the EFFSC’s radical call for free, quality, decolonised education and an SRC that works for the people, not the system. I have witnessed how over-reliance on slow and ineffective university processes leaves students hungry, indebted, and excluded. I believe the SRC must be a parallel power of the students with its own fundraising, food security, and debt relief programmes rooted in economic emancipation and self-reliance. My vision is of a militant, accessible SRC that provides immediate solutions, unites all campuses, and fights unapologetically for the dignity, representation, and liberation of every student at UP.
Mosa Motloutse is a passionate and practical student leader committed to creating a nonsexist, non-racial, working-class, and democratic education system. As a SASCO candidate, he champions real solutions to urgent student challenges like financial and academic exclusion, overpriced food, transport woes, and campus safety. Mosa advocates for inclusivity, ensuring that day students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ voices are heard and supported. His leadership is grounded in solidarity, action, and collaboration with university management and external partners. Focused on action, inclusion, and real change, Mosa stands as a voice for the voiceless and a fighter for dignity on campus.
My profile is defined by a hands-on approach to leadership and a strategic mind honed by my legal training. I am not just a candidate with a vision, but a proven advocate who has already navigated the complexity of our university’s governance. My work on student governance structures and my time coaching and participating in award-winning teams built my capacity to fight for student rights and advocate persuasively. My leadership experience proves my ability to manage teams and deliver tangible results for our community, ensuring that I genuinely serve the people and not myself. I am ready to serve with a purpose-driven mindset, turning your concerns into our collective progress.
I am a Bachelor of Political Sciences student; I am a cricket player, in love with sports. I enjoy taking part in online chess games, coding in my free time, and exploring literature. I think of myself as regular, but many like to say I am more than me. Well, I also like sharing what’s more of me with everybody else.
I have served the movement through multiple platforms. As a STARS Mentorship sub-committee member, I advanced academic support in the spirit of student solidarity and collective success. In the Junior Tukkies Community Engagement Committee, I mobilised for community upliftment, reflecting the principle of serving our people beyond campus. Currently, as SRC Day Students and External Campus Affairs Officer, I have fought for visibility and representation of students on all campuses, including historically neglected ones like Onderstepoort. I have collected and escalated issues from the grassroots, reinforcing that student governance must be campus-wide, people-driven, and uncompromising. My activism is not just in meetings—it is on the ground, with the students, where change is born and fought for.
During my time on the committee, I progressed from Sports Officer in the Badmin@Tuks Committee to Vice Chairperson. Under our leadership, we achieved key milestones. Working with the School of Public Management and Administration, we mobilised students and identified strong candidates for postgraduate honours scholarships, secured through external sponsors. We also organised a World of Work Day in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, giving students valuable insights into diplomacy and its functions. To ensure a smooth handover, we formed an ad hoc committee and trained its members thoroughly, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. This experience strengthened my leadership and commitment to student development.
My involvement in UP student structures reflects my readiness to lead as a proven advocate, strategist, and community leader, ready to serve our student body. My legal skills were sharpened through my work on the Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel and as an editor for the Pretoria Student Law Review, giving me a true understanding of university policy and student rights. My participation in our award-winning Moot Society teams built my capacity to advocate strategically and persuasively when it matters the most.
I led from the ground up as Vice-Chairperson of TULIP and UNICEF UP Volunteer, proving my ability to manage complex projects and mobilise people for a shared mission. Lastly, as Class Representative, I learned that effective leadership starts with listening.
During the course of the last three years, through my non-partisan participation in leadership activities, I got to partake in the following committees, events, and activities:
- Speaker of the first-ever National Youth Parliament for the visually impaired in South Africa;
- Community Outreach and Engagement Officer of VITA;
- RAG Sub-Council Member;
- Transformation and Student Success: VITA;
- Holder of the Economic and Empowerment portfolio in the Blind SA Youth Committee;
- Member of the Tourism Professionalisation Steering Committee; and
- Launched Project Sparta, a program through the University of Pretoria, to teach basic coding skills to special needs schools through VITA.
I am a staunch believer in change for good, through which I hope to contribute positively towards your student experience.
STEP
Selecting
I am the best candidate for SRC President because I stand for a radical, pro-student SRC that is fearless, self-reliant, and accountable to the students, not management. My plan is to break the cycle of dependency on slow, ineffective university systems by creating independent SRC programmes for bursaries, debt clearance, and food security, ensuring students receive help without bureaucracy or delay. I will mobilise resources through partnerships with NGOs, progressive movements, alumni, and local businesses to fund our struggle for economic emancipation.
Under my leadership, communication will be militant and people-driven. Mass meetings, state of campus addresses, and on-the-ground engagements will replace the current silence and mere written statements. The SRC will stand alongside students in moments of crisis, not watch from a distance. I will fight relentlessly for a decolonised, inclusive, and representative UP.
I am the best candidate for SRC President because I combine passion with practical solutions that address the real challenges students face every day. I understand the struggles of financial and academic exclusion because I stand with the students—the working-class students who need support, not empty promises.
My leadership focuses on inclusion: ensuring that day students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ members are fully represented and supported. I bring a collaborative approach, ready to work with university management and external partners to unlock opportunities like bursaries, jobs, and safe transport.
I don’t just speak, I deliver. I am committed to turning student concerns into action, fighting for fairness, dignity, and equal access for all. With me, students will get a leader who listens, acts, and unites. Together, we will create real, lasting change on campus.
I am the best candidate for SRC President because I have a proven track record of getting things done. As an LLB student and BCom (Law) graduate, and with my experience in student governance structures, I understand the fine print of university policy and how to use it to advocate for you. My successful participation in both national and international law competitions proves my ability to understand policies and powerfully advocate for your rights.
Through serving as Class Representative and Vice-Chairperson of TULIP, I have learned that real change comes from collaboration and a clear plan. My focus is on turning student frustration into action with a concrete strategy to address the accommodation crisis and the failed NSFAS payment system. I am a leader ready to serve and, in doing so, to stretch and strengthen our institution.
Fellow students, I, Jonas Ndlovu, once again present myself to be subjected to the mercy of your electorate for the SRC candidacy in the Presidency and Transformation. I am courageous, resilient, passionate, determined, and dedicated. As an advocate for equal rights and fair access, I offer my services and commit to being with you on your journey to greater heights and ultimate success. Should I not get your vote, I also commit to holding accountable whoever will assume office.
My passion lies in active citizenry, quite what we lack currently on campus. As students, we have to be active, not passive, participants in shaping what our immediate surroundings look like. That’s the starting point to building Africans who can independently and effectively build a nation. I am here to be the vanguard of all student needs and demands.
Mosa Motloutse
Samkelo Mtshali
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC President(continued)
Profile
It Starts with You is my principle for student leadership because without students the SRC has no meaning or true purpose. So firstly, this campaign is about platforming students as the centre of the university and all its conversations. Secondly, it starts with a team that I will lead to bring about actionable change at an institutional level. It starts with empowering that team and inspiring them to focus on key issues and resolutions that will not only impact students now but for years to come. To have a team that works whether the President is there or not. Then, of course, it starts with me—my knowledge, my ability to guide, and my passion to serve you all as the President.
I am a committed student leader driven by service, academic excellence, and inclusivity. As Teaching and Learning Officer for House Education, tutor for Educational Psychology (OPV 222), and former Class Representative, I have consistently worked to improve the student experience. My roles as Thrive Student Living Brand Ambassador and Student Life Intern for Clubs and Communities have strengthened my skills in advocacy, engagement, and collaboration. I believe leadership is about impact, not titles. As SRC President, I will champion transparent governance, inclusive participation, and strong advocacy on financial aid, accommodation, and academic resources. My vision is for an SRC that is proactive, accountable, and responsive, ensuring every student feels represented, supported, and empowered.
Participation in UP student structures
I have been involved in almost every level of student leadership. I have been a Class Representative for modules such as FRK111, BEM315, OBS370, and currently for my entire Honours class. I was the External Culture Officer for Commercii Faculty House in 2023 and then the Chairperson in 2024. In my two years in Commercii, I was able to put on performances that provided students with great student life experiences and direct a team in its executions. Currently, I serve as the SRC Academics Ex-Officio for student engagement. My nearly four years in these various leadership positions have allowed me to understand UP, student representation, team management, and strategic execution in such a holistic manner.
I have actively participated in multiple UP student structures, contributing to both academic and student life initiatives. As Teaching and Learning Officer for the House Education Committee, I work within the Teaching and Learning Committee to coordinate academic programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. My role as tutor for Educational Psychology (OPV 222) and Class Representative for Mathematics modules (WTW 148 and JMW) has strengthened my engagement with faculty governance and student academic support. As a Student Life Intern for Clubs and Communities, I collaborated with faculty houses, residences, and societies to deliver welfare projects, leadership training, and campus engagement activities. These roles have deepened my understanding of student governance, advocacy, and collaboration across diverse UP structures.
It Starts with You. My journey in student leadership reflects my passion, dedication, and resilience, which has afforded me four years of successful servant leadership. I have gathered skills and understanding that are essential as President to guide an SRC team to best serve, represent, and bring about institutional change that makes students not merely an add-on but the centre of conversation at the University of Pretoria.
I am prepared to use my knowledge and my efforts to serve you. To build a team that in every area is striving to do its best for you. My approach is one of taking initiative, strengthening collaboration, using knowledge, and making focused efforts to resolve student issues. Through your voices, the whole SRC’s efforts, and my leadership we can shape the university so that it reflects the multi-dimensional students it serves.
As a leader, educator-in-training, and active campus contributor, I understand both the policy side and lived realities of students. My leadership roles from Teaching and Learning Officer to Class Representative and Student Life Intern have strengthened my ability to unite diverse student groups and deliver results. My work as a tutor has given me first-hand insight into the academic and financial challenges students face, while my ambassador role sharpened my communication and advocacy skills.
I know the SRC President’s constitutional responsibilities and will ensure transparent decision-making, quarterly progress reporting, and open engagement platforms. I will advocate fiercely for affordable accommodation, improved student life initiatives, and a more inclusive academic environment. I am ready to lead with integrity, vision, and accountability.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Secretary
I am Malibongwe Kunene, a third-year student in the Faculty of Education. I believe leadership is not about titles but about service and teamwork. I bring reliability and accountability, and I am ready to work and make sure the SRC is a reflection of every student’s voice.
I have taken part in the Sub-House of House Education candidacy when it was first introduced last year.
My name is Elovuyo Makohliso, a final-year Political Sciences student. I am deployed by the South African Students Congress. SASCO UP Executive Politics@Tuks UP Xhosa Society
I believe that a strong council needs clear communication, proper coordination, and true student representation. I am here to bring structure, order, and better communication to our SRC. My vision is for an SRC that is not only active during campaigns or elections but consistently present, engaged, and accountable throughout the year. An SRC where students know that we are here, we are listening, we are acting, and we are working for you. I am ready to serve with dedication, reliability, and transparency.
Revolutionary greetings. My name is Thabo Matsimela, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters in good standing. I am a member of the 2025 SRC and the Chair of the Societies SubCouncil, as well as a member of the Senate Council. I also serve as Deputy Secretary of the EFF in Ward 56. I am a third-year Education student.
A member of the 2025 UPSRC. A member of the Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command.
My organisation, the South African Students Congress (SASCO), has instilled discipline and accountability in me and enabled me to advocate for a student-centered approach in the institution. We believe that the office of SRC Secretary needs to be a hub of efficiency and accountability. We understand that communication is power—without it, progress is invisible. I will ensure that every SRC decision is documented, shared within 48 hours, and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. We are ready to mobilise, coordinate, and communicate with precision. With us, every student will be informed, empowered, and connected to the SRC’s work. Together, we will deliver.
I am a dedicated and organised student leader passionate about transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in student governance. I bring extensive administrative and organisational experience from serving as LRC President, Class Representative, Student Life Intern Chairperson and Academic Portfolio Holder at Fountains View, Brand Ambassador, STARS Mentor, Tutor, and SSC Call Centre agent. These roles have sharpened my skills in record-keeping, minute-taking, event coordination, and clear communication, which are all central to the Secretary’s duties. I believe the Secretary portfolio is the backbone of effective governance, ensuring smooth operations, accurate archives, and timely communication to students. My leadership style values accountability, professionalism, and integrity. I am committed to ensuring SRC decisions are well-documented, promptly communicated, and that students are consistently informed and actively engaged in governance processes.
Since my second year, I have served as a Tutor, providing academic support and guidance to fellow students, which strengthened my communication and problemsolving skills. As a Class Representative, I acted as the link between students and lecturers, ensuring that academic concerns were addressed effectively. I also served as a STARS Mentor, assisting first-year students in adapting to university life by offering advice, resources, and encouragement. In addition, my role at the Student Service Centre as a Call Centre agent exposed me to a wide range of student queries, from academic administration to funding, and enhanced my ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism. These experiences have deepened my understanding of student needs and strengthened my commitment to serving them effectively.
I understand the office as the heartbeat of student governance—a role that requires effective communication, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to ensure that student rights, interests, and representation are protected and advanced. My vision is to make the Secretariat a proactive driver of institutional policy change, working closely with relevant officers to address academic, financial, and welfare matters that affect students. I will prioritise transparency, accountability, and follow-ups to ensure that student concerns are not only heard but acted upon. With a strong commitment to ethical leadership, capacity building, and results-based management, I will bridge the gap between management, student leaders, and the broader student body, ensuring that vital information reaches students and that governance truly serves their best interests.
The SRC Secretary is the administrative backbone of student governance, requiring precision, organisation, and clear communication. My experience in the different structures and platforms I have served has equipped me to excel in this role. I have a proven record in record-keeping, meeting coordination, and handling student queries efficiently. I will ensure SRC meetings and mass meetings are well-organised, agendas are distributed in advance, and minutes are promptly recorded, archived, and shared with the student body. I will coordinate student forums to give students a direct platform to raise concerns, hold the SRC accountable, and stay informed. My goal is to maintain accurate archives, strengthen transparency, and ensure every student is aware of decisions made on their behalf, thus building trust through open, consistent, and accessible communication.
Micaela Wathen
Elovuyo Makohliso
Thabo Matsimela
Khanyisile Dhladhla
Profile
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Treasurer
Participation in UP student structures
My name is Khanyisile Zinhle Dhladhla, a secondyear Education student with a deep passion for student empowerment and financial transparency.
I am running for SRC Treasurer because I believe that every rand in our account is a tool for change, growth, and opportunity. Having experienced bursary funding processes and seen the challenges students face when finances are delayed or mismanaged, I’ve learned that transparency isn’t just a principle—it’s a habit. I aim to ensure that student funds are managed responsibly, fairly, and with vision. For me, the Treasurer’s role isn’t about spreadsheets; it’s about ensuring that money serves students first, fuels their dreams, and strengthens trust between the SRC and the student body.
My name is Lesedi Mongau, also known as Luna.
I am a second-year
I have actively helped first-year students apply for their allowances, especially those focused on bursary distribution and resource allocation. My experience includes assisting peers in navigating funding processes and helping them apply for food parcels. I’ve worked closely with fellow students to address unnecessary fees and registration holds, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial barriers. Through these efforts, I have developed a clear understanding of the systems that affect student finances and the changes needed to make them work better for all. My participation has always been driven by one goal: to bridge the gap between financial decisions and the students they impact.
I am the best candidate for SRC Treasurer because I combine lived experience with a vision for lasting change. I know what it’s like to wait for allowances, to see unfair food parcel distribution, and to face accommodation struggles. That’s why my goals are clear: ensure earlier allowance distribution, make food parcel allocation fair and transparent, increase affordable accredited housing, remove unfair registration holds, and fight against unnecessary accommodation top-up fees. I bring financial discipline, honesty, and an unwavering studentfirst mindset. For me, money is not just numbers—it’s the heartbeat of campus change. I will manage it with transparency, fairness, and accountability so that every cent benefits the students directly.
Vote for Khanyisile Dhladhla: I don’t just promise change—I am the change.
A member of the South African Students Congress. I am the best candidate because I have walked in the same shoes that many students are walking in. I know what it’s like to come from a marginalised family. I have carried historical debt. I have felt the pain of being rejected by this very university because of it. That pain fuels my mission: to ensure that no academically deserving student is excluded because of finances. This is not just policy for me—it’s personal. I do not bring promises to the table but practical actions.
I’m Lethabo Phahlane, a Faculty of Health Sciences student at the University of Pretoria with a passion for continuous learning, community engagement, and leadership. What drives me is the belief that leadership is about service, transparency, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. My vision is to empower students and communities by ensuring access to resources, fostering a culture of accountability, and advocating for initiatives that have measurable impact.
I’ve served as Community Engagement Officer for Radiorum, a peer mentor for first-year students for the past two years, and a course coordinator for the Tuks Undergraduate Research Forum. I’ve led and contributed to outreach projects that bring health education and resources to underserved communities.
I’m the best candidate because I combine academic excellence, proven leadership, and a track record of real community impact. My leadership roles—from serving as Community Engagement Officer for the Radiorum sub-committee to being a peer mentor and part of the Tuks Undergraduate Research Forum committee—have taught me how to manage resources, work with diverse teams, and deliver results. I’ve successfully led initiatives that addressed real student and community needs, from health outreach programs in underserved areas to essential goods drives for vulnerable groups. I understand how to balance financial accountability with service delivery, ensuring resources are managed transparently and in the best interest of students. Above all, I’m committed to being a voice for all students, translating their needs into action, and ensuring every decision made in office serves the collective good.
My name is Tapala Kelebogile Hellen, a Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase student at the University of Pretoria. I am passionate about leadership, service, and accountability. As a Class Representative, I developed strong skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring that my peers’ concerns were heard and addressed. These experiences taught me resilience, collaboration, and the importance of transparent governance. As Treasurer, I will prioritise responsible financial management, transparency, and accountability. I believe every rand should be used to directly benefit students, whether through fair resource allocation, funding initiatives, or improved financial processes. I am committed to ensuring student money is managed with discipline and integrity, building trust and creating opportunities for all students to thrive.
As a future SRC Treasurer: I will initiate a monthly pad drive. Push for an emergency fund to expand financial support. Support student structures. Expand financial aid.
According to the 2023 Quarterly Report on Student Wellness, no student should have to choose between their education and their basic needs. This is not only a health issue but one of dignity, equality, and access to education for all women, trans, and non-binary students. Supporting student societies builds a stronger campus life, especially those representing students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and cultural minorities. Based on the 2024 SNAP Fund, resources are not enough to cater for all students; therefore, we must initiate supplementary funding for students facing sudden hardship.
“No student left behind, financial support, fairness, and empowerment” is my motto. As a vibrant member of this university, I recognise both the challenges and opportunities we face. Our collective well-being, growth, and success depend on a system that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to all students’ needs. I am committed to working with you, and for you, to build a stronger campus where all students feel empowered, supported, and heard.
My core belief is that whether you are a disabled student, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or someone struggling to make ends meet, this SRC is for you. This manifesto is a call to action. Vote for progress, vote for change—vote for Tapala Kelebogile Hellen as your future SRC Mentor.
My leadership experience spans academic, welfare, and student life roles, including serving as Teaching and Learning Officer for House Education, tutor for Educational Psychology (OPV 222), brand ambassador for Thrive Student Living, Class Representative for Mathematics modules, and Student Life Intern for Clubs and Communities. In these positions, I partnered with faculty houses, residences, and societies to deliver academic initiatives, welfare programmes, and student engagement projects. I have organised study support workshops, mentorship initiatives, and contributed to campus-wide teaching and learning forums. These experiences have shaped my commitment to transparency, fairness, and efficiency in resource management. As Treasurer, I will ensure SRC funds are allocated effectively, reported clearly, and used for initiatives that directly benefit students.
Teaching and Learning Officer – House Education Committee
Tutor – Educational Psychology (OPV 222)
Class Representative – Mathematics modules
Partnered with faculty houses, residences, and societies to deliver academic and welfare initiatives
Engaged in student leadership platforms, academic forums, and campus-wide engagement projects
I am committed to transparent, student-focused financial management. My leadership journey—from Teaching and Learning Officer to Class Representative and Student Life Intern—has built my organisational, budgeting, and accountability skills. I understand the constitutional duties of the SRC Treasurer, from budget allocation to financial reporting, and I am determined to ensure every cent benefits students. I will publish clear quarterly reports, host open budget dialogues, and prioritise funding for welfare initiatives like the Study Aid Fund, SNAPP, and sanitary drives. I will also lead innovative fundraising efforts through the Treasurer’s Sub-Council to supplement operational funds. With my dedication to accountability and resource optimisation, I will ensure SRC finances are transparent, efficient, and impactful for the student body.
SRC Day Students & External Campus Affairs
My name is Boitumelo Serekonyane, and I am a Drama student in my second year (third, including the extended programme). I am running for the Day Student and External Campus Affairs SRC portfolio because my dedication and commitment as a mentor and as an EC member of the Drama Sub-House has led to the realisation that students deserve to have a warm, accommodating, and spirited experience on campus. I am intentional in not only becoming the voice of students but also ensuring safety and reliability for all students. I am, and have been, a Class Representative for two consecutive years. I am a mentor in the STARS Mentorship Programme, and I am currently the ViceChairperson of the Drama Sub-House.
- I am effectively able to communicate the needs of my peers as a Class Representative to lecturers as well as the department.
- I facilitate solutions to academic problems, social, and political issues among my colleagues.
- I am intentional when representing my peers’ concerns regarding matters that could potentially hinder our academic progress.
- As a mentor, I am equipped to put my mentees’ needs first.
- I am well-informed to guide my mentees to the relevant departments if they need assistance of any kind.
- As Vice-Chairperson, I have stepped up and polished my organisational skills.
- I have learned what types of events resonate more with students, which will help with organising social engagement events.
Lesedi Mongau
student in the Faculty of Education, contesting under the banner of the South African Students Congress Organisation.
Lethabo Phahlane
Tapala Kelebogile
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
SRC Day Students & External Campus Affairs(continued)
Terrence Shiri
Profile
I am Terrence Shiri, a passionate advocate for student inclusion and accessibility. As a day student myself, I understand the unique challenges faced by those who commute and study from external campuses. My goal is to bridge the gap between central campus resources and the needs of day students, ensuring equitable access to academic support, social engagement, and university services. I bring a collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and a commitment to making every student feel connected and empowered, regardless of where they study.
My name is Jessica Lebo Towani. I am 20 years old and an Information Science student. As the youngest and only girl of three, I learned that respect, trust, and communication are the cornerstones of meaningful connections. I’m passionate about helping others reach great heights and about creating spaces where every background is respected and every voice heard.
I’m uniquely odd, just like many of you—a theatre kid with a bag of dad jokes, wearing who I am on the outside through my fashion. I believe leadership is about service: being the bridge that connects and supports others to help them cross from where they are to where they dream to be.
Participation in UP student structures
I have actively participated in student-led initiatives aimed at improving access and inclusion for day students. As a member of the Day Students Committee, I helped organise transport forums and feedback sessions to address commuting challenges. I have collaborated with faculty representatives to advocate for extended library hours and remote access to academic resources. My involvement in campus societies has also allowed me to connect with students across external campuses, amplifying their voices in decision-making spaces. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the structural barriers day students face and the drive to dismantle them.
Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of serving as a Class Representative for multiple Information Science modules in both my first and second year, a role that allowed me to advocate for my peers.
I served as a GC in the Student Sport Committee during my first year, as well as Sports Officer for the EBIT Faculty, where I worked to foster a sense of community and well-being.
I am also proud to have ranked among the top six in the public speaking competition hosted by ElevateAfricaUP, demonstrating my commitment to using my voice to engage and uplift my fellow students.
Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio
As a committed day student, I bring firsthand experience and insight into the daily realities of commuting, limited campus access, and the disconnection many external campus students feel. I am driven to create tangible solutions such as improved shuttle services, hybrid event formats, and stronger communication between faculties and off-site students. My leadership style is inclusive and action-oriented, built on listening, collaboration, and delivering meaningful results.
I believe every student deserves to feel part of the UP community, no matter where they study. With proven advocacy, organisational skills, and a passion for equity, I am ready to champion the needs of day students and external campuses with energy and empathy. Together, we can build a more connected, accessible, and supportive campus environment that values and empowers all students equally.
As day students, we know the unique challenges of juggling academics with off-campus life while staying mentally strong. After experiencing a psychological break, I understand the need for someone in your corner. I will listen and act on your concerns, ensuring mental health support and test week challenges won’t stop us from reaching the finish line—whether you’re first-generation or continuing a legacy.
I value societies deeply because they bring connection, growth, and diversity to UP. I will work to empower societies by helping them access resources, secure funding, and create inclusive spaces that unite voices across campus.
Support is not a luxury—it is a necessity for students from all backgrounds. I am committed to being your advocate and friend, ensuring that there is a YOU in UP.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Facilities, Safety & Security
My name is Ntlatleng Koketso, a committed and approachable student leader, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student at the University of Pretoria can learn, live, and thrive in an environment that is safe, accessible, and wellmaintained. I believe that safety and comfort are the foundations of academic success, and I will work tirelessly to address student concerns, improve our facilities, and promote a culture of security and accountability across all UP campuses.
I have actively engaged in UP student structures and contributed to initiatives that promote student welfare and academic success, such as faculty forums to raise student concerns and assisting in residence committees to improve living conditions. All of these opportunities have shaped my experiences and strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with both students and management, while also helping me understand diverse perspectives. My participation has given me firsthand insight into how student structures operate, preparing me to take on the Facilities, Safety, and Security portfolio with dedication and skill.
Revolutionary greetings. My name is Makhado Ramphefa, a third-year Education student. I am a dedicated student leader passionate about creating a more inclusive university community. I plan to ensure that all student concerns about university facilities and safety are addressed and that action is taken. My involvement with different UP student structures has provided me with leadership and problem-solving skills to actively address students’ needs.
As a dedicated Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning student within the EBIT Faculty, I have a strong understanding of urban structure, strategic planning, and community development. My academic background, coupled with leadership and problem-solving skills from serving as an RMC (HC) for TuksVillage and as Vice-Chairperson of the Built Environment Sub-House, equips me to address the core challenges facing our campuses. I am committed to using my expertise to ensure our campuses are functional, safe, and secure environments for all students. My ultimate goal is to reduce the gap between students’ needs and university administration, delivering tangible improvements.
UP Student Sport General Committee Member
2024/2025
Served as EFFSC UP Branch Treasurer
EFFSC UP BSCT Member
I am the best candidate for this portfolio because I have been a follower before, and I know from experience what students, as followers, require from their leaders. I understand the importance of having a leader who listens, acts, and truly represents the people. My journey has taught me what it takes to be a leader who is approachable, relatable, and grounded in the realities students face daily. I am a great listener and a strong team player—qualities that are essential for a portfolio like Facilities, Safety & Security. This role requires someone who works with people, understands their needs, and is present on the ground, engaging with students, hearing their concerns, and turning them into practical solutions. That someone is me.
I am the best candidate for this portfolio because I have the courage and commitment to deliver results that matter. I plan on improving the Green Route and increasing security visibility. I will ensure that study spaces and computer labs are open 24 hours, making sure students have facilities that promote academic excellence. I will address the discontinued provision of buses to final-year Education students during their teaching practicals.
Under my leadership, the Office of Facilities, Safety, and Security will not be a forgotten portfolio. I am here to transform it into a tool for student empowerment.
#Sizofundangenkani
I have actively been involved in student governance, which has honed my leadership and communication skills. From being a Block Guardian and Academics Portfolio Holder as part of my duties as an RMC member, better known as HC, this position has given me hands-on experience in strategic planning, facilities, safety, and security management. Furthermore, I served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Built Environment Sub-House. Student welfare has always been my priority, while incorporating my strengths through the aid of my degree. My involvement has given me a deep understanding of student life and the challenges we face, preparing me to serve the wider student body on the SRC with purpose and clarity.
I am the best candidate because my academic and practical experience directly aligns with the core functions of this role. As a Town and Regional Planning student, I am trained to assess and plan for physical environments, identify and solve infrastructure challenges before they escalate, and ensure that students can positively engage with university facilities. My experience as Vice-Chairperson of the Built Environment Sub-House and my work as an RMC for TuksVillage have given me a proven track record in leadership, advocacy, and direct student support. I am a student with strong professional skills in strategic planning and problem-solving. I will apply my expertise to implement proactive solutions to the problems we face regarding university facilities and to strengthen the safety and security of the student body at large.
Jessica Towani
Makhado Ramphefa
Itumeleng Motaung
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
SRC Facilities, Safety & Security(continued)
I am Itumeleng Motaung, a dedicated student passionate about creating a safe, accessible, and inclusive campus for all. Through personal experience and meaningful conversations with students across campuses, I have identified the daily challenges we face, from unreliable transport and unsafe study spaces to limited inclusive services. I am committed to turning these concerns into practical, high-impact solutions that improve student life. With strong problem-solving skills, a collaborative approach, and a deep understanding of student needs, I aim to advocate for better facilities, reliable transport, enhanced safety, and inclusive policies. My vision is to build a campus environment where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
I am Kamogelo Mothapo, a passionate and driven student leader committed to positive change. I am currently mentoring first-year Engineering students and previously served as a Class Representative, where I gained valuable experience in student advocacy and support. I believe in inclusive leadership, where every student’s voice matters. I am approachable, dependable, and dedicated to building a campus environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the SRC, I aim to promote transformation that is student-centered and practical, while pushing for real solutions that reflect our diverse needs. My leadership is rooted in service, and I am ready to represent you with purpose, integrity, and action.
I am Zinhle Angel Mabona. I am a proud BA Law graduate currently pursuing my LLB. I have a deep passion for leadership and student empowerment. I am ready to be the voice of the students and to advocate for a more inclusive and accountable university that reflects the needs and dreams of its students.
Participation in UP student structures
I have actively contributed to student life through multiple leadership and service roles. I served twice as Class Representative for Radiography, where I represented student concerns, facilitated communication with lecturers, and ensured academic needs were addressed. As Marketing and Communication Executive Committee Member for the UP Consulting Society, I developed and executed campaigns to engage members and promote events. Additionally, I am serving as Project Manager for the Bags of Hope initiative, coordinating resources, managing volunteers, and ensuring timely delivery of support to beneficiary hospitals. These roles have strengthened my skills in leadership, problemsolving, and teamwork, while deepening my commitment to creating a positive and supportive student environment across the University of Pretoria.
I have been actively involved in student leadership and support structures at the University of Pretoria. In 2024, I proudly served as a Class Representative, where I acted as a bridge between students and lecturers, ensuring clear communication and advocating for student concerns. In 2025, I took on the role of mentor for first-year Engineering students, providing guidance, academic support, and motivation to help them adjust to university life. These roles have taught me the value of responsibility, active listening, and building a strong sense of community. I am passionate about student success and committed to making the UP experience more supportive, inclusive, and empowering for all.
I was part of the Moot Court and the Save the Semester campaign, which really helped advance my skills and equipped me with knowledge about legal structures.
Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio
I am the best candidate for the Facilities, Safety & Security portfolio because I combine firsthand student experience with a results-driven mindset. I understand the urgency of issues like late and overcrowded buses, broken facilities, unsafe walkways, and the lack of inclusive spaces, and I have a clear, practical plan to address them. My manifesto is grounded in real student voices and designed for achievable impact—from making late evening bus services available to all far-off campus residences, not only Hillcrest accommodation, to repairing broken streetlights in high-crime areas, expanding accessible 24-hour study areas on all campuses, and ensuring diverse, affordable food options. I am committed to accountability, inclusivity, and safety, and will work constructively with students and university stakeholders to deliver sustainable solutions. I am not just promising change; I am ready to make it happen.
I am deeply committed to creating a campus environment where students feel safe, valued, and able to focus on their studies without unnecessary concerns. Having served as a Class Representative and currently mentoring first-year students, I understand the daily challenges students face, from poorly maintained facilities to unsafe areas on and around campus. I am proactive, approachable, and persistent in ensuring that concerns are not just heard but acted upon.
My leadership experience has equipped me with strong communication and problem-solving skills, allowing me to work effectively with both students and university departments. I will prioritise well-maintained, accessible facilities, improved campus lighting, reliable safety patrols, and responsive reporting systems. With me in this role, students can trust that their safety, comfort, and overall well-being will always come first.
I believe that I am the best candidate for this portfolio because I am a student myself. I see and also experience the challenges that students face, and I believe that real change begins with courageous and committed leadership. I am ready to take on these challenges, and I am ready to be the voice of the students.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Marketing, Media, and Communication
I am Khanyisile Dhladhla, a dedicated University of Pretoria student driven by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. My academic journey and campus experiences have taught me the value of responsible financial management and clear communication. I believe a Treasurer should not only manage funds efficiently but also ensure every financial decision benefits all campuses equally. I am passionate about bridging gaps, whether in information, resources, or opportunities, so that every student, from Hatfield to Mamelodi, feels represented. My leadership style is built on openness, fairness, and a commitment to deliver results that positively impact student life across the board.
I am Mahlodi Mabitsela, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Education in the Foundation Phase student. My interests range from web development to brainstorming children’s books to write. I am most passionate about helping others, which is the foundational motivation that led me to leadership roles, including being a subcommittee member and leader of my previous residence. I uphold the values of honesty, transparency, integrity, and humility. I am a firm believer in discipline and diligence. Reading fiction, non-fiction, and tech-related books is one of my hobbies, along with volunteering. Overall, I am an observant, open-minded, and determined individual.
Tumelo Maloisane is a dedicated and creative leader running for SRC Marketing, Media, and Communication at the University of Pretoria. Passionate about inclusive communication, Tumelo believes every student—whether on campus or online—deserves timely, accessible, and engaging information. With a strong vision for transparency and connection, they aim to ensure students with disabilities, international students, LGBTQIA+ communities, first-generation students, and both residence and day scholars are equally informed and represented. Tumelo plans to revitalise SRC media with student-friendly content, modern digital tools, and open feedback channels. Committed to listening as much as speaking, Tumelo’s mission is simple: to amplify student voices and build a connected UP where no one is left behind.
I have actively engaged in initiatives aimed at making student life more inclusive and informed. My contributions include planning events that reach multiple campuses, advocating for balanced resource distribution, and ensuring students in rural and township areas have access to vital academic and career information. Through collaboration with faculties, I have participated in projects that guide learners in subject and career choices, and I have created accessible content for both online and offline audiences. These experiences have sharpened my organisational, communication, and teamwork skills, all of which are essential for serving effectively in the SRC Treasurer portfolio.
I have also volunteered in the 2025 First-Year Orientation under the Faculty of Education Executive Committee.
I am the best candidate for SRC Treasurer because I combine financial responsibility with a deep understanding of student needs. My vision goes beyond balancing budgets — I want to ensure that SRC funds are allocated fairly, transparently, and for the benefit of all students, regardless of campus or internet access. I will prioritise financial planning that supports inclusive events, meaningful outreach, and student empowerment initiatives. My background in organising multi-campus activities, producing accessible information, and working with diverse student groups has equipped me to manage resources effectively while keeping communication open. I believe that financial accountability must go hand-in-hand with visibility and trust. Electing me means choosing a Treasurer who listens, acts, and ensures that every cent is spent with purpose for the collective good.
I am the ideal candidate for the SRC MMC portfolio because I bring authentic, studentcentric advocacy, strategic leadership, and effective communication. With a deep commitment to student welfare, I will proactively collaborate with stakeholders and fellow portfolio holders to influence decision-making, support peers, and bridge gaps between students and management. I have demonstrated initiative, teamwork, and accountability— qualities essential for impactful event planning, policy engagement, and community empowerment. With fresh perspectives and firm dedication, I will use the SRC MMC role to drive meaningful change and ensure inclusivity for every student.
I have actively engaged in various student structures at the University of Pretoria, contributing to initiatives that promote student welfare, inclusivity, and participation. My involvement has included supporting campaigns for academic support, mental health awareness, and cultural integration, ensuring diverse student voices are represented. I have also worked with peer networks to improve communication between the SRC and the broader student body, particularly through digital platforms. I bring a fresh and creative perspective grounded in honest student engagement. These experiences have equipped me with strong organisational, media, and teamwork skills, which I am ready to apply fully in serving as the SRC Marketing, Media, and Communication representative.
I am the best candidate for the Marketing, Media, and Communication portfolio because I combine creativity, inclusivity, and a results-driven approach. I understand that communication at UP must be clear, accessible, and representative of all students— from those in residences to day scholars, from first-generation students to international students, LGBTQIA+ communities, and students with disabilities. My experience in student engagement has taught me how to use multiple media platforms effectively, ensuring information reaches everyone on time. I am skilled in content creation, social media management, and campaign coordination, with a proven ability to work collaboratively across student structures. My vision is not just to inform but to connect students, amplify their voices, and make the SRC a transparent, responsive, and visible body. With me, no student will be left out of the conversation.
Kamogelo Mothapo
Zinhle Mabona
Mahlodi Mabitsela
Tumelo Maloisane
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
SRC Marketing, Media, and Communication(continued)
Makgoshi Mariri
I am Makgoshi Mariri, a second-year Statistics and Data Science student. As an artist, I see media as my canvas. Serving as Vice-Chair and MMC of UP RAG, I contributed to major initiatives like RAG of Hope Day, Mandela Week, and campus activations, building skills in brand management, event coordination, and community engagement. I believe the SRC’s media must go beyond posting; it should engage, connect, and hold leadership accountable. My goal is to strengthen student engagement, ensure transparent and accessible communication, and use media as a tool for accountability. If elected, I will bring creativity, strategy, and collaboration to the MMC portfolio, because this is not just media—it is a movement.
Participation
I served as a General Committee member of UP RAG, a community engagement and fundraising subcommittee of the SRC, during the 2023/24 term, where I shadowed the Chairperson and MMC. In 2024/25, I was elected Vice-Chairperson and later assumed the role of MMC, overseeing strategic media campaigns, branding, campus awareness initiatives, and subcouncil management. I have led and contributed to flagship events such as RAG of Hope Day and Mandela Week. Alongside my service to the student body, I remain an active member of both my sub-house and faculty house, where I continue to strengthen my leadership, collaboration, and community engagement skills.
I am the best candidate because I bring proven experience, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for the MMC portfolio. I have actively supported key roles, demonstrating my ability to manage tasks efficiently and collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders. For me, MMC is not just about creating content; it is about building community, amplifying student voices, and driving positive change. My vision is rooted in strengthening student engagement, ensuring transparent, accessible, and consistent communication, and using media as a tool to hold leadership accountable. I am dedicated, reliable, and committed to representing students with integrity and creativity. With my all-or-nothing approach, you will gain a leader who listens, acts, and ensures your concerns are represented. UP — I am ready to lead and to serve.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
SRC Postgraduate & International Student Affairs
My name is Gülce, and I am running as an independent candidate for the SRC. I am an international student from Turkey, and I moved to South Africa in 2021. Since then, the University of Pretoria has been more than just a campus; it has been a home. At only 20 years old, I have lived in four different countries, which has given me strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. I have also volunteered with the Tears Foundation, supporting victims of gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and rape. These experiences have shaped me into a candidate who understands student challenges and is ready to serve with dedication.
I have been an active member of student structures, particularly the Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSCUP). I first joined as part of the media and marketing sub-committee, where I worked on promoting our events and campaigns. I was later elected as the Political Officer, facilitating collaborations and coordinating advocacy work. Currently, I serve as the Vice-Chairperson. In this role, I have co-led impactful initiatives, such as collaborating with another society on a bake sale that raised over R8,000 in just a few hours, almost enough to cover one student’s initial registration fees. This experience has shown me how student structures can be powerful tools for change, and I will bring this same drive and organization to the SRC.
I understand the challenges facing both international and postgraduate students because I have lived them — from navigating visa renewals and registration from abroad to learning in a second language and searching for funding. I have practical solutions: creating a dedicated “International and Postgraduate Affairs” tab on ClickUP for deadlines and scholarships, arranging embassy information sessions for students, and expanding private sector partnerships to secure more bursaries. I will also push for on-campus VFS visits to ease visa renewals, simplify extra-time applications for students with language barriers, and establish a dedicated international phone line for those abroad. With my track record of service, fundraising, and advocacy, I am ready to break down barriers and ensure no student is left behind.
Manqoba Kuhlase
With a strong foundation in student activism and advocacy, I am a committed leader aspiring to serve as the Postgraduate and International Student Affairs representative on the University of Pretoria SRC. My experience as a branch coordinator of the uMkhonto weSizwe Students Movement (MKSM) at UP, coupled with my role as Provincial Secretary for MKSM in Gauteng, has equipped me with essential skills in organization, communication, and fighting for student rights and welfare. I bring a passion for unity and inclusivity, inspired by the principle of Unity in Action from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which drives my vision to foster cohesion among postgraduate and international students while promoting their academic, social, cultural, and financial well-being.
I have experience as a branch coordinator of the uMkhonto weSizwe Students Movement (MKSM) at UP, a political organization committed to fighting for and advocating for student rights and welfare. Currently, I serve as the Provincial Secretary for MKSM in Gauteng, an autonomous structure of the MKP. Through these roles, I have developed strong skills in advocacy, activism, and addressing student issues. My background in historical writings also sharpens my ability to communicate effectively and understand the broader context of student struggles and aspirations. These experiences and skills equip me to be a dedicated and effective voice for postgraduate and international students.
I am part of the Student for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) Transformation subcommittee member, South African Student Congress (SASCO)
Students should vote for me because I am deeply committed to championing their unique needs and challenges. I possess the advocacy experience, leadership skills, and genuine passion required to serve as a strong bridge between students and the university administration. By electing me, postgraduate and international students will have a reliable, proactive, and passionate representative who will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
As the deployees of SASCO we believe on Student led government and advocating for student rights and we put students first in all activism we are involved in with our fellow students.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio
Keoagile Maake, BPolSci (Political Studies) student in the Faculty of Humanities.
am a member of the South African Student Congress (SASCO).
In participating in House Humanities 23/24 as the Treasurer, the Faculty House was awarded Faculty House of the Year, Administrative and Governance award and more personal to my portfolio the Treasurer’s award. Proving my capabilities in effective administration and governance.
My activism and volunteering in SASCO through our different campaigns such as the Right to Learn Campaign, #SaveTheSemester has exposed me to the needs of students in the university and broader challenges in society. Through our organisation, we’ve come with practical and sustainable solutions and this needs to be continued within the institution
Profile
Participation in UP student structures
Why I am the best candidate for this portfolio
Gulce Aksoy
Sabelo Mahlangu
Sabelo Mahlangu, a 3rd-year LLB student in the Faculty of Law and BA Law graduate, active member of the South African Student Congress (SASCO).
Lungisani Ngubeni
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Societies(continued)
As a transformative force within the University of Pretoria’s student body, I, Lihle Moncina, embody a revolutionary spirit that ignites potential, fuels innovation, and forges a path toward a more just and inclusive future. With a passion that burns bright, I am driven to empower others to reach their full potential, to serve, and to co-create a campus community that thrives on diversity, equity, and brilliance. Through people-centered leadership, collaborative governance, and a commitment to societal excellence, I am poised to leave a positive, permanent mark on the student experience. This is #EmpoweringThePulseOfCampusLife — a call to action, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the transformative power of collaborative student leadership.
I am Lebogang Tlou, a 3rd year Education student who believes societies are the heart of campus life. I know first-hand how societies can change a student’s university experience; they’re where we meet people, learn new skills, and find a sense of belonging. My vision is to make societies more visible, accessible, and inclusive, so every student can find a space that feels like home. I want to break barriers that stop students from joining societies and ensure events are safe, well-organised, and welcoming to all.
SRC Societies Sub-Council Secretary
House Humanities Netball Team Member
Aid By Youth Chairperson, Ex-Officio Board Member
Student Counselling Unit Peer Volunteer
Nerina Residence Vice Chairperson: Wellbeing, Values and Traditions; Semi-Guardian and Debating; Head of WOKE Committee (Internal Culture, Socials, A Cappella, External Culture, IT Labs, Food Services)
Aid By Youth Educational Projects Coordinator
Psyche Society Member
Nerina STUKU A Cappella Competition: Member & Soloist (2 consecutive years)
STUKU X UPDU Debating Tournament Participant
Nerina Debater
Inklings Member & Cast Member
Spriete Dance Committee
English Department Academic Play Actress
Class Representative – SLK110, OPV222 & 312
1NSYNC First Year Concert Spriete Performer
I currently serve as Transformation Officer on the Royal Melodies Choir executive committee, representing student voices.
With unyielding dedication to transformative leadership, holistic growth, and mental wellness advocacy, I stand as a beacon of innovation and progress. By harnessing a powerful fusion of strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and creative problem-solving, I navigate complexity, drive meaningful results, and forge unbreakable bonds. Through courage, empathy, resilience, and a growth mindset, I foster a culture of trust, openness, and collective brilliance. Possessing strong communication skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, I inspire others to reach their full potential. Anchored by an unwavering work ethic and commitment to service, I strive to elevate the University of Pretoria’s student societies. I am a catalyst for a brighter, more progressive future—fully understanding student dynamics and committed to more.
My name is Jessica Lebo Towani. I am 20 years old and an Information Science student. As the youngest and only girl of three, I learned that respect, trust, and communication are the cornerstones of meaningful connections. I’m passionate about helping others reach great heights and about creating spaces where every background is respected and every voice heard.
I’m uniquely odd, just like many of you—a theatre kid with a bag of dad jokes, wearing who I am on the outside through my fashion. I believe leadership is about service: being the bridge that connects and supports others to help them cross from where they are to where they dream to be.
Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of serving as a Class Representative for multiple Information Science modules in both my first and second year, a role that allowed me to advocate for my peers.
I served as a GC in the Student Sport Committee during my first year, as well as Sports Officer for the EBIT Faculty, where I worked to foster a sense of community and well-being.
I am also proud to have ranked among the top six in the public speaking competition hosted by ElevateAfricaUP, demonstrating my commitment to using my voice to engage and uplift my fellow students.
I’m the best candidate for this portfolio because I understand both the value and the challenges of societies at UP. I’ll work to make it easier for societies to register, get funding, and promote themselves. I’ll push for an annual Society Expo Week so students can discover all the opportunities available to them. I want to help societies thrive, not just exist, and I believe that when societies are strong, the whole student community benefits.
As day students, we know the unique challenges of juggling academics with off-campus life while staying mentally strong. After experiencing a psychological break, I understand the need for someone in your corner. I will listen and act on your concerns, ensuring mental health support and test week challenges won’t stop us from reaching the finish line—whether you’re first-generation or continuing a legacy.
I value societies deeply because they bring connection, growth, and diversity to UP. I will work to empower societies by helping them access resources, secure funding, and create inclusive spaces that unite voices across campus.
Support is not a luxury—it is a necessity for students from all backgrounds. I am committed to being your advocate and friend, ensuring that there is a YOU in UP.
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Study Finance
I am a dedicated, solutions-driven student leader committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not block access to education. I bring experience from roles such as LRC President, Class Representative, STARS Mentor, Tutor, and UP SSC Call Centre agent. These positions have equipped me with a strong understanding of funding systems, student needs, and administrative processes. The Study Finance portfolio demands transparency, efficiency, and compassion, qualities I have consistently demonstrated. I am committed to administering the SRC Study Aid Scheme fairly, advocating for early and timely disbursements, and providing support to students facing funding delays. My vision is to strengthen financial systems so every student can focus on academics without financial stress.
I am Lungisani Ngubeni, a final-year Education student specialising in Senior Phase and FET at the University of Pretoria. I am the current Chairperson of UP RAG and former Treasurer and Fundraising Officer, with extensive experience in mobilising resources, managing budgets, and coordinating impactful projects. My leadership journey has been built on transparency, accountability, and service to students. I am passionate about breaking financial barriers to education, ensuring that no student is left behind due to lack of funding. My focus is on fair, efficient, and transparent administration of the Study Aid Fund, enabling students to access essential textbooks and support throughout the academic year.
Since my second year, I have served as a Tutor, providing academic support and guidance to fellow students. As a Class Representative, I acted as a bridge between students and lecturers, addressing academic concerns effectively. I also served as a STARS Mentor, helping first-year students adjust to university life by offering advice, resources, and encouragement. At the Student Service Centre, I worked as a Call Centre agent, handling student queries on academics and funding while maintaining professionalism under pressure. These roles deepened my understanding of student needs and strengthened my commitment to serving them with dedication and efficiency.
I currently serve as the Chairperson of UP RAG and previously held the roles of Treasurer and Fundraising Officer. These positions involved budget management, sponsorship acquisition, and organising large-scale fundraising events—experience directly aligned with the Study Finance portfolio. I have collaborated with SRC members, faculty houses, and societies to support initiatives that uplift students academically and socially. My time in student structures has sharpened my problem-solving skills, strengthened my financial oversight, and deepened my understanding of student needs. Through these leadership roles, I have consistently championed equitable access to resources, ensuring students receive the necessary support to succeed academically.
The Study Finance portfolio requires urgency, empathy, and effective management of all funding avenues, including Financial Aid Schemes, NSFAS, and private bursaries. I believe the academic year should begin with allowances, not weeks of uncertainty. I will push for early disbursements and ensure the SRC Study Aid Scheme is administered fairly, efficiently, and transparently to support eligible students with initial payments. Where delays or gaps occur, I will coordinate immediate relief, including food parcels. Nationally, I will work with other SRCs to demand that NSFAS finalises funding lists before the academic year, preventing mid-year defunding and revoked offers. I will also expand the A Re Ageng Bokamoso initiative, partnering with companies, government, and stakeholders to support students without funding. My leadership experience equips me to deliver a transparent, student-first Study Finance office that protects access to education.
I am the best candidate for the Study Finance portfolio because I bring proven expertise in fundraising, financial management, and student advocacy. As UP RAG Chairperson and former Treasurer, I have coordinated sponsorship drives, managed significant budgets, and delivered projects that directly benefited students. I understand the urgency of textbook access and the importance of sustaining the SRC Study Aid Fund through consistent fundraising. I am committed to transparent, fair, and efficient administration of financial aid to ensure timely support. I will also engage students on funding policy concerns, advocate for improvements, and ensure their voices shape decisions. My experience, passion, and dedication uniquely position me to make a meaningful impact in this portfolio.
Lihle Moncina
Lebogang Tlou
Gulce Aksoy
Profile
in UP student structures
I am the best candidate for this portfolio
David de Villiers
Candidates for SRC Portfolio SRC Transformation & Student Success
Participation in UP student structures
I am Refilwe Baloyi, a second-year Chemical Engineering student, passionate about transforming challenges into equal opportunities for all students.
Guided by my slogan: Your success is my greatest fight, I am committed to creating a space whereby every student regardless of background, race and sexuality has the tools and support to become the best version of themselves, whilst in this institution. I envision a university where financial, academic and social challenges are met with compassionate solutions. My focus is on fair funding policies, flexible payment plans, improved study areas, mental health awareness, inclusiveness and first year readiness programs. Through my leadership approach, I aim to ensure every student is seen, heard and represented.
I am Onthatile Buthelezi , studying Political Science in the faculty of Humanities and I have been deployed by the South African Students Congress
I am an active member of UP Ovuwa, the university’s official choral ensemble, representing UP in cultural performances that unite, teach, and inspire students. I am also part of Ahitivaneni vaTsonga, a cultural society dedicated to celebrating the Tsonga heritage and promoting diversity on campus. These platforms have given me the opportunity to meet and engage with different people from different backgrounds, understanding the challenges they face. Participation in these structures has deepened my commitment to the Transforming and Student Success portfolio, aligning perfectly with my mission to create a supportive and equitable environment for all students of all kinds.
I am currently a member of a Subcom namely Politics@ tuks , UP Women in Law , International Society of Politics as well as SASCO BEC
I believe that I am the best candidate for Transformation and Student Success portfolio, because I offer both passion and practical solutions to the problems at hand. I address real student challenges - NSFAS defunding, increasing tuition fees, high food prices, limited study spaces and mental health stigma - with concrete achievable actions such as - flexible payment plans, donor funded bursary, repurposed learning spaces, expanded wellness programs and awareness of university food parcel supplies. I believe transformation is not just a policy but a lived experience- No student should be left behind due to circumstances they can’t change. My leadership will be inclusive, action-driven and rooted in empathy, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside lecture rooms, because their success is my greatest fight.
My past work with various structures I am in it has taught me to center your voices in every decision , My plans are costed , evidence-based and rooted in real student needs as well as being a first-generation student from a marginalised background , as SASCO we understand exclusion and we refuse to let it define our futures
I am David de Villiers, a third-year Industrial Engineering student at the University of Pretoria, committed to creating a campus environment where every student is able to succeed. My academic journey has taught me the value of hard work, support, and perseverance. I believe that my SRC portfolio should be a dynamic force that bridges the gap between students and university management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress. My vision is to empower students with resources, opportunities, and support systems that enable both academic excellence and personal growth. I am ready to serve and represent the diverse needs of our student body with passion and commitment making sure all students succeed with their studies.
My name is Andile Mathe, and I am a proud student leader at the University of Pretoria. I am deeply committed to improving student success and driving meaningful transformation within our university community. My leadership is guided by the belief that every student deserves the opportunity, support, and environment needed to achieve their full potential- both academically and personally
As an Engineering student, I understand first-hand the demanding nature of our academic workload, which has limited my ability to formally participate in SRC or society leadership until now. However, this has not stopped me from contributing to the student community in meaningful ways. I have actively assisted fellow students through tutoring, sharing resources, and providing guidance on WhatsApp groups. These experiences have given me insight into the real struggles students face, from academic stress to lack of accessible help. Now that I am stepping forward for SRC, I am ready to channel this informal but impactful student support into structured leadership and advocacy.
“UP EMS Faculty house EC member Severed as Academics and Mentorship officer 2024/25”
I believe I am the best candidate because I have personally struggled with my academics and went through the so called school of hard knocks. My approach is rooted in listening to student concerns, helping them find practical solutions, and ensuring that promises are delivered. I understand the importance of transparent communication between my portfolio and the students, and I will make sure to help students with their concerns to the best of my abilities through accessible channels for questions and feedback. My academic training in Industrial Engineering equips me with problem-solving, planning, and project management skills that are crucial for leading initiatives effectively. I am committed to transforming the university into a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, where students are equipped with the resources needed to excel both academically and personally. With dedication, integrity, and a proactive mindset, I am ready to serve and lead with impact.
I am the best candidate for the Transformation and Student Success Office because of my passion for creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all students. As an extrovert, I thrive in engaging with diverse groups, building strong connections, and fostering open dialogue — skills that are essential for driving transformation and promoting student success. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers many students face, allowing me to approach this portfolio with empathy, authenticity, and a strong commitment to ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
I am a dedicated Political Sciences and International Relations student at the University of Pretoria with a strong commitment to leadership, service, and academic excellence. My studies have equipped me with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, while my involvement in student structures has strengthened my ability to work collaboratively and advocate for student needs. I am passionate about creating inclusive spaces, fostering dialogue, and contributing meaningfully to campus life. My adaptability, organisational skills, and ability to engage with diverse perspectives make me an asset to any team or initiative that strives for positive change.
I am Kamogelo Mothapo, a passionate and driven student leader committed to positive change. I am currently mentoring first-year Engineering students and previously served as a Class Representative, where I gained valuable experience in student advocacy and support. I believe in inclusive leadership, where every student’s voice matters. I am approachable, dependable, and dedicated to building a campus environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the SRC, I aim to promote transformation that is student-centered and practical, while pushing for real solutions that reflect our diverse needs. My leadership is rooted in service, and I’m ready to represent you with purpose, integrity, and action
I have actively participated in various student initiatives at the University of Pretoria, including volunteering as a Student Life Intern, contesting for the Politics@Tuks SubHouse Executive Committee, House Humanities SubExecutive Committee, and engaging with other student societies. My involvement has extended to faculty forums, student leadership workshops, and discussions on student welfare and academic development. I have collaborated with peers on projects that promote inclusivity and improve the student experience. These opportunities have strengthened my networks, deepened my understanding of institutional processes, and sharpened my interpersonal and organisational skills. Through these roles, I have been able to effectively represent fellow students’ interests and work within diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
I have actively participated in student leadership and support structures at the University of Pretoria. In 2024, I proudly served as a Class Representative, acting as a bridge between students and professors, ensuring clear communication and advocating for student concerns. In 2025, I became a mentor for first-year Engineering students, offering guidance, academic support, and motivation to help them adjust to university life. These roles have taught me the value of responsibility, active listening, and building a strong sense of community. I am passionate about student success and committed to making the UP experience more supportive, inclusive, and empowering for all.
I, Paddy Sechaba Mawela, contest for the Transformation and Student Success portfolio because I combine academic insight with proven leadership and collaborative skills. My background in Political Sciences and International Relations equips me to champion actiondriven transformation and inclusion. If elected, I will focus on:
1.Academic Support – Strengthen mentorship, tutoring, and orientation; advocate for faster access to materials and advising.
2.Holistic Success – Promote mental health awareness, expand wellness funding, and introduce skill-building programs.
3.Diversity & Transformation – Ensure representation in staffing, curriculum, and leadership while fostering safe, culturally rich spaces.
4.Accountability – Drive transparency, regular reporting, and open feedback channels.
I represent all students. My experience as a volunteering Student Life Intern has proven the power of inclusive leadership. I stand for shared success—together our voices make lasting impact. Power to students!
I am the best candidate for this role because I understand the real challenges students face — from academic pressure to feeling excluded or unsupported. As a former Class Representative and current mentor for first-year Engineering students, I have firsthand experience helping students navigate these difficulties. I am passionate about creating a more inclusive campus where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. I believe transformation goes beyond policy — it’s about creating a culture of belonging and breaking down barriers to success. I will advocate for fair opportunities, better access to support systems, and inclusive initiatives that truly reflect the diversity of our student body. I am ready to work hard, listen actively, and be a reliable voice for those who feel left out.
Onthatile Buthelezi
Andile Mathe
Paddy Mawela
Kamogelo Mothapo
SRC Transformation & Student Success(continued)
Participation in UP student structures
Ndlovu
I am a Bachelor of Political Sciences student; I am a cricket player, in love with sports. I enjoy taking part in online chess games, coding in my free time, and exploring literature. I think of myself as regular, but many like to say I am more than me. Well, I also like sharing what’s more of me with everybody else.
During the course of the last three years, through my non-partisan participation in leadership activities, I got to partake in the following committees, events, and activities:
- Speaker of the first-ever National Youth Parliament for the visually impaired in South Africa;
- Community Outreach and Engagement Officer of VITA;
- RAG Sub-Council Member;
- Transformation and Student Success: VITA;
- Holder of the Economic and Empowerment portfolio in the Blind SA Youth Committee;
- Member of the Tourism Professionalisation Steering Committee; and
- Launched Project Sparta, a program through the University of Pretoria, to teach basic coding skills to special needs schools through VITA.
I am a staunch believer in change for good, through which I hope to contribute positively towards your student experience.
As a dedicated student leader, I am passionate about empowering my peers and driving positive change on campus. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, I am excited to contest for the Student Success and Transformation position. My vision is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and community engagement. Through active listening, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, I aim to address the diverse needs of students and promote transformative experiences that prepare them for future success. With enthusiasm, integrity, and a student-centered approach, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the betterment of our campus community.
My name is Ntlatleng Koketso, and I believe in a university of Pretoria where every student feels seen, heard and supported regardless of their background, identity or challenges. Transformation is not just about policies it is about creating a living culture of inclusivity, a culture where diversity is celebrated, equality is ensured and supported systems are in place for all students to succeed
“•Golden Key International Honour Society recognized among the top 15% of students globally.
•Vice Chairperson BAdmin@Tuks
•UNASA UP
•Pan-African Student Vanguard
•Luminos Society
• UPI Society
•SAIIA Member
•Class representative in 2nd year for Public Administration module.
•Politics@Tuks Member
•Acting executive youth ministry in second year
•Part of Build One South Africa [BOSA] Youth organisation on campus
•Representing the Economics and Management Sciences Faculty and the School of Public Administration on SABC News most Sundays.”
I have actively participated in the House Education debate, where I demonstrated my ability to speak persuasively, clearly, and objectively on important student matters. Through this platform, I have engaged with diverse perspectives, listened attentively, and contributed meaningfully to constructive discussions. My involvement has sharpened my public speaking skills and deepened my understanding of the needs and aspirations of fellow students. These experiences have prepared me to represent student voices confidently, ensuring they are heard and addressed in decision-making processes.
I am Lebogang Tlou, a 3rd year Education student who believes transformation should be more than just a word in policy; it should be something students can feel everyday on campus. Growing up in a rural area taught me resilience, empathy, and how much a supportive environment matters. I’m deeply committed to make sure no student feels left out or unsafe, no matter their background, gender, language or ability. My focus is on creating safe spaces that are accessible, fair, and uplifting for everyone, including students with disabilities, those facing academic or personal challenges. I believe in listening first, then acting with purpose, and I am ready to work hard to protect, support, and uplift every student at UP.
I currently serve as the transformation officer for one the UP societies called Royal Melodies Choir. In this role, I work to make our events and activities inclusive, accessible, and representative of our diverse student body. This experience has taught me how to connect with students, understand their concerns, and work with others to make change happen. It has also shown me that leadership is about serving, listening, and making sure every student feels seen.
Fellow students, I, Jonas Ndlovu, once again present myself to be subjected to the mercy of your electorate for the SRC candidacy in the Presidency and Transformation. I am courageous, resilient, passionate, determined, and dedicated. As an advocate for equal rights and fair access, I offer my services and commit to being with you on your journey to greater heights and ultimate success. Should I not get your vote, I also commit to holding accountable whoever will assume office.
My passion lies in active citizenry, quite what we lack currently on campus. As students, we have to be active, not passive, participants in shaping what our immediate surroundings look like. That’s the starting point to building Africans who can independently and effectively build a nation. I am here to be the vanguard of all student needs and demands.
As a dedicated student leader, I am the best candidate for the Student Success and Transformation portfolio because of my unwavering passion for serving students. I believe that every student deserves an exceptional experience, and I am committed to delivering support, resources, and opportunities that cater to their diverse needs. With a studentcentered approach, I will work tirelessly to foster academic excellence, promote personal growth, and encourage community engagement. My leadership style is built on empathy, active listening, and collaboration, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. I am driven by a genuine love for service and a desire to make a positive impact on students’ lives. I am confident that my dedication, work ethic, and passion for student success make me an ideal candidate for this portfolio.
I am a committed, passionate and enthusiastic person who loves to lead, guide and assist with honesty and resilience. I am running for the position of Transformation and Student Success because I have strong communication skills as I have been involved in the House Education debate, I can speak persuasively, clearly and objectively. I have empathy, understanding and sensitive towards diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. I have strategic thinking skills and a pursuer of goals and visions I set. As a student, I have been a follower before, and being a follower has given me a clear understanding of what student need from their leaders. As a committed team player and someone who values people’s diverse experiences. I’m running to make sure that UP is a place where no student is left behind, where transformation is real and student success is not determined by privilege but by potential.
I’m the best candidate for Transformation and Student Success because I understand student struggles from personal experience. I know what it’s like to feel lost, excluded, or unsupported; and I don’t want anyone else to go through that alone. I’ll fight for proper support for students with disabilities, stronger mental health services, and real action against bullying, harassment, and GBV. I believe transformation should happen where it matters most; in lecture halls, residences, and everyday campus life. My approach is simple: listen to students, take their concerns seriously, and work with them to find solutions. I’m ready to be the kind of representative who stands for every student’s right to succeed.
Bophelo Nengobela
William Nicolson
Lebogang Tlou
VOTE
20 - 22 August 2025
Social Media handles
The Elections Management and Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the UP SRC elections. Their responsibilities typically include:
Overseeing the Nomination Process: EMCA ensures that all candidates comply with the nomination requirements and deadlines, addressing any discrepancies or issues that arise.
Monitoring Campaign Activities: The agency supervises the campaign activities of candidates to ensure they adhere to the established rules and guidelines, preventing any unfair practices.
Conducting the Election: EMCA organizes and manages the voting process, ensuring that it is conducted smoothly and transparently.
Addressing Complaints and Disputes: The agency handles any complaints or disputes that may arise during the election process, providing resolutions in a fair and impartial manner.
Promoting Voter Education: EMCA plays a role in educating students about the election process, encouraging informed participation, and promoting voter turnout.
Certifying Election Results: After the election, EMCA verifies and certifies the results, ensuring their accuracy before announcing the winners.
These roles help maintain the credibility and legitimacy of the UP SRC elections, fostering a democratic and fair environment for all participants.
Contact the IEC at UPSRC2025@emca.co.za
Imagine a future where you are the change you want to see at UP. A future where you have the power to shape the policies and decisions that affect your education, your wellbeing, your opportunities, and your dreams. A future where you are not only a student, but a leader, a visionary, a catalyst.
You have a choice. A choice to be a spectator or a participant. A choice to be a follower or a leader. A choice to be a student or a citizen. Make the right choice. Make the brave choice. Make the choice that changes everything
HOW TO VOTE
STEP 1: Login details
At the start of the voting period, you will receive login details in your @tuks. co.za Gmail account
STEP 2: Accessing the voter portal
Log into the voter portal using the provided login details
STEP 3: Viewing the candidates
Once successfully logged into the voter portal you will have access to the SRC election ballots. Click on the details tab to view candidates manifestos.
STEP 4: Selecting the candidates
On each ballot vote for your preferred candidate, and click submit after you have reviewed your choices
STEP 5: Receipt
Once you have submitted, you can download a copy of your receipt
Across
2. Instinctive understanding
4. Animal known for being slow and lazy
8. Number of seasons many Netflix shows have
11. Time when coffee and stress levels peak
12. Your close crew or ride-or-die group
13. What you always want to spill
14. Spy X Family and One Piece, for example
15. Slang for effortless charm or flirt game
Riddle:
16. Bad mood caused by hunger
17. Main character in The Summer I Turned Pretty
What question can you never answer yes to?
Fun facts:
1. A group of owls is called a parliament.
2. Allodoxaphobia is fear of other people’s opinions.
3. Competitive art used to be an Olympic sport.
Down
1. Traffic light
3. Addams Family character played by Jenna Ortega
5. Music festival happening in spring
6. Series where losing a game could cost you your life
7. What ruins a series finale before you watch it
9. Chronic inability to sleep
10. What the E in EQ stands for
Delulu is the Solulu Why We’re Living in Our Own Fantasy Worlds
Mashapa Ramokofi
You know the feeling. You are walking across campus with your headphones in, the wind hits just right, the trees sway dramatically, and boom – you are in the opening scene of your own movie. You imagine the camera slowly zooming in as your theme song crescendoes. You are not just walking to class –you are striding into your destiny.
Welcome to Main Character Syndrome (MCS) – a phrase that has exploded across TikTok, Twitter, and late-night group chats. It has become the unofficial label for people who romanticise their lives to the point of believing (or acting like) they are the protagonist of the universe. But is that really such a bad thing?
What is Main Character Syndrome?
Main Character Syndrome is not an actual psychological diagnosis, but it has become a cultural shorthand for people who put their own experiences at the centre of everything, sometimes excessively. Just think: filming yourself dramatically crying in the rain, feeling slighted when your friends make plans without you, or turning every mundane moment into a cinematic event.
The internet gave it a name, but the idea has been around for a while. Remember when you used to journal like you were writing your autobiography in real time? Or when you posted cryptic WhatsApp statuses thinking someone –anyone – was watching? Yeah. That was MCS in its baby form.
character era” can feel radical.
But Wait – Can It Go Too Far?
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Yes, but it’s complicated.
When Main Character Syndrome crosses into delusion, it can affect your relationships. If you start treating other people like they are supporting cast members (only there to cheer for you, serve your narrative, and never have plots of their own) you have gone
The Pros: Romanticising Life = Survival Tactic?
Let’s be real – living in the 2020s is a lot. From climate anxiety to career confusion and cost-of-living chaos, the vibes are… not always vibing. So, if imagining yourself as the main character makes your 7am bus ride feel like a scene from Euphoria, where is the harm?
Romanticising life can be a form of self-preservation. It can help us find beauty in the ordinary, build confidence, and inject excitement into our routines. TikToker @tayspilled said it best: “If I do not act like the main character, who will?”
In a world where people constantly downplay their accomplishments and shrink themselves, stepping into your “main
This is where narcissism creeps in, often wrapped in a cute Pinterest aesthetic. Some red flags include constantly making everything about you (even your friend's breakup), needing to be perceived a certain way 24/7, and viewing conflict or criticism as “bad writing” in your story. Main character energy can disconnect you from empathy, especially when you are too focused on your “arc” to care about someone else’s.
So... How Do We Strike a Balance?
Here is the plot twist: you can be the main character without acting like the only one.
Be the main character, but not the only character. Romanticise your life, dress up for lectures, journal like you are writing a memoir, but also ask your friends about their scenes. Celebrate their character development too. Take accountability when your story takes a messy turn. Not every plot twist is “growth”. Sometimes, it’s just you being wrong, and that’s okay. All of the best characters learn. Take a step off-screen sometimes. Not everything has to be documented, performed, or aesthetic. Sometimes, the best moments happen without an audience.
Final Scene
Main Character Syndrome is not inherently toxic. It can be a form of empowerment, escapism, or even mindfulness, helping us notice the little things. The problem arises when the performance of being a main character starts to erode authenticity and empathy. So go ahead – cue your theme song, wear that dramatic coat, and stare pensively out of windows. Just remember that while you are the main character in your story, everyone else is the main character in theirs too. And honestly? That is what makes life interesting.
Everybody is so creative!
Creativity, originality, authenticity. These are three concepts that are the epitomy of art. Miriam Simons wrote a piece on David Bohm, a famous physicist, who claimed that creativity, though impossible to define in words, involves an idea of something previously unknown. This brings in the point of originality and the implication that there is no creativity without originality stands. Furthermore, there is no originality without authenticity – a sense of uniqueness. Now that we have drawn relations to these three concepts, an important question still stands – what does it mean to be a true creative?
From Da Vinci to Maya Angelou, all historical artists have added something to their art to set them apart from everyone else. Whether it be the experiences of their time or a sole factor that makes them who they are, time and effort was put into the development of the creative process of their dealings. Over time, the meaning of art has evolved and coincided with the generations. For Gen Z, expressions of creativity can be found on social media platforms and have mostly included elements of progressive technology. This brings in our favourite online friend: AI. Zoe Mckenna
from Synthetica references how AI was used to mimic the voices of famous musicians to make songs. Besides the scary fact that AI is powerful enough to replicate voices so accurately, the artists were completely unaware of their forced association to this expression of art. It completely removed their choice of involvement, and ultimately ripped the authenticity away from the art. It appears that this is what art is becoming: a fabricated lie from the technological progression of the world. Although AI has proven to be positive for human development in ways such as faster information delivery, has it taken away from the sense of human touch?
Social media has done wonders for the spreading of creativity. From TikTok dances and skits to the display of amazing editing skills, we are witnessing an abundance of creative forms, and it is truly a beautiful thing to be a part of. We also witness a back-andforth of what is called “stealing content”. This usually happens when a trend is set by one creator and another creator follows the same concept without crediting the original creator. This is where we get lost in the “social” aspect of social media and don’t appreciate the creativity and originality of the media. We get caught up in the likes and views, and are quick to forget that a person came up with an interesting concept that was true to who they are.
What is a new thing if not the evolution of something that already exists? Art transcends time, and so does the creative process. Taking something that is already within you and expressing it in the most true-to-self way possible is the process that has been used since the beginning of time, and that should not change.
The Chinashop Bull
The chinashop bull held itself still
Pretending to be as light as a crossbill Unwilling to break and bring upon the voice of shopkeeper, screaming and shrill.
The chinashop bull held itself quiet Making sure to act as the politest client Which was in itself a sight to see, quite But still, one could tell, something about it, defiant.
The chinshop bull held itself high
Head raised, practically looking to fly
As though it wore wealth in black-tie With red silk bow-tie And pride, yes you could see it in the eye
A bull it might look but very clearly, this was a rich guy.
The chinashop bull held itself with patience
Waiting and waiting, unwilling to break
For the shame of such a thing would so deeply ache And so, for all bullkind sake It held itself still, unwilling to break
Colours
Chase Meyer
What do you think about becoming green?
Not your skin tone–the colour, The concept. Would you be free Swaying, unbound, in the breeze Or would you be trapped?
Stitched into a military cap.
I imagine it would feel like black. Who knows what would come of that?
I wonder if I would just be In all things
Like all things Would be in me.
Have you ever imagined yourself as red? Just red. Burnt. Fractured.
Streaked across your teeth
As you struggle to leave. Drowning. Helpless. Can’t breathe.
I hope none of them feel like white
Neither halo
Nor blight
Maybe I would become like your kin. Lounging across your dinner table
As you feel the blue seep in.
How do you know you’re not a colour?
How do you see yourself
In the eyes of another?
Promise Erero
Visuals: Nicole Hagemann
Visual: Nicole Hagemann
Visual: Nicole Hagemann
Streaming Killed the Late Night Star
Melissa Aitchison
Television as we know it is dying, especially the late night genre. The last couple of years have seen shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden and After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson completely cancelled by their networks. The latest show on the chopping block is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which seems to have been the catalyst for most people that late night is dying. However, one could argue that the genre has suffered a slow death over the past decade, and that is, in part, due to streaming and social media.
In 1949, the first late-night television talk show was The Faye Emerson Show, hosted by actress Faye Emerson. In the 76 years since then, the genre has exploded with over 20 shows that have come and gone. These shows were all very popular at one point in time as most people tuned in to learn about world events and celebrity news from these shows. Today, if something happens, most people would have found out from TikTok or Instagram. The need for late night television has lessened due to the rise of social media and streaming sites.
Late night television from 2014 to 2019 was a new era – many shows had just gotten new hosts, and they were committed to bringing in a younger audience with their fresh ideas. James Corden had “Carpool Karaoke”, Jimmy Fallon had “5-Second Summaries”, and Jimmy Kimmel had “Wheel of Impressions”. These games made the show more interesting to watch than previous iterations but were also targeted to go “viral” on YouTube and bring viewers to the show. At this time, YouTube was the place to ingest short form video content, and television companies used it as a space to market their shows. This strategy worked for a while as traditional television still had a lot of relevance in society and Netflix was the only major streaming site. This is no longer the case.
Today, a quick doomscroll can give you a whirlwind tour of current events about everything happening around us, from the latest Love Island drama to the viral Coldplay scandal, and everything on Donald Trump. You don’t have to wait for late night television to inform you; it is an
instant influx of information now. Human nature also causes us to want to know everything about a situation or person, and the short interviews on late night television barely skim the surface. This leads to more people tuning into tell-all podcasts, the longer format allowing for more information to come out. Streaming sites have also killed traditional television. If one has access to television shows and movies on demand, why would they tune into cable TV?
Shows are pulling in a fraction of the audiences they once had, and, as such, are starting to make less and less financial sense for the larger corporations that fund them. The reason for Stephen Colbert’s show being cancelled seemed to come out of left-field because he currently has the highest viewership of all the late night shows with an average of 2.42 million viewers this season. So why cancel the top performer and not a show like Watch What Happens Live that has only brought in 343 000 viewers this season? Many have argued that it could be politically based as Colbert has spoken against Donald Trump before, and the show’s parent company Paramount has only just settled a lawsuit Trump filed over a 2024 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Trump claimed that the interview was edited to mislead voters, and while Paramount claimed the lawsuit had no merit to it, they still paid up. This brings about a different conversation about government censorship of media if true. All in all, traditional television and late night TV has been a pillar of popular culture for the last 75 years, but the format no longer seems to work today. The cancellation of Night Show with Stephen Colbert seems to be the tipping point, but realistically late night has been on its way out for a while. Without late night, traditional television seems doomed.
20 Questions WW3 Edition Reality Check
For roughly 130 years, films have provided us with carefully crafted stories portrayed by idyllic actors. Drama, comedy, romance, and fantasy worlds allowed us to briefly escape our reality for a few hours. Fictional worlds allowed people to take a break from the political and social issues surrounding them. The first ever TV show The Queen’s Messenger aired in 1928, shortly after World War I, and it captivated people. Suddenly, not everything that was being broadcasted was negative and frightening, and since then, we have been spoiled with the art of film and show making. But there has been a noticeable shift within the entertainment industry. People have become drawn to unscripted television. Raw, emotional, and authentic reality TV. This shift has not only changed the writing side of the television industry, but also the definition of a celebrity itself. A-list celebrities now share the red carpet with reality TV influencers and athletes.
Reality TV is by no means new. Shows such as Big Brother and Survivor have been around for more than two decades, but younger generations gave reality TV a new wind. With social media, the rise of influencer celebrities and a craving for authentic reality TV shows arose. From closely following a family of billionaire women to watching strangers fall in love, there are very few boundaries when it comes to the content these shows are providing to viewers. Budget and time wise, these shows are also proving to be tremendously more effective when it comes to making money. Contestants are not being paid nearly as much as an actor of a scripted piece would have been paid, nor are the sets and locations as expensive as movie and TV shows are. No writers are needed as the contestants produce addictive narratives all on their own.
But irrespective of its economical advantages, people are watching reality TV for its realness. There has been less interest in scripted perfection because we are craving genuineness. We either want to relate to someone or judge them for everything they are. Shows like Vanderpump Rules, The Kardashians, Love Island, and Selling Sunset invite us into the messy lives of everyone on screen. We experience their joy, heartbreak, and every bit of drama in-between. We feel close to these people because there is no veil to hide who they are. These reality TV stars also feel more relatable than celebrities. They interact with fans on social media, share every intimate update of their lives on
platforms like TikTok, and allow people to befriend them without knowing them.
The sporting world has also recently become part of this unscripted TV universe. Shows like Chasing the Sun, Drive to Survive, and Full Swing have taken the reality TV industry by storm. Sport
lovers can now get to know their favourite athletes up close and personal. The Guardian has reported that ever since the rise of these shows, these sports have gained millions of viewers. People want to understand what is happening behind the curtains – the strategies, the personal relationships, the drama. These shows have also given athletes a new celebrity status that used to only be achieved by outliers of the sport.
But the dark side of reality TV should not be ignored. We live in an era of “cancel culture”. A person makes one mistake on reality TV, and we cannot blame the writer. There are rarely opportunities to recover from their slipups. We demand apologies and acts of accountability. Even athletes are now scrutinised for what they do in their personal lives and not only their performances in their fields. We “like” hate videos and death threats, and flock together in comment sections when we do not agree with a person’s actions. Because the person’s fame is built on their actual identity and not a character’s, we feel justified in our judgement of them. But what does this say about us as viewers? On one hand, we want genuineness and authenticity, but on the other, we demand perfection. The shift from scripted to unscripted television emphasises our need for realness, but exposes our dark obsession with watching people rise and crumble.
Maybe that is what makes reality television so powerful –the script has been thrown away. We actively participate in the outcome of the show. We comment, vote, and raise our voices, and the production teams listen. The drama unfolds in front of our eyes like a social experiment gone wrong. And we love every bit of it.
Not Entertaining Enough: The Truth About Being Real
Viewers of reality television are accustomed to drama and conflict in the shows they consume. The jabs and the overstated spectacle feel necessary to the audience for it to be enjoyable. I mean, it’s not reality TV if a drink isn’t thrown at least once. It is no secret that reality TV doesn’t always portray the true reality of every situation, yet audiences hold on to these edited realities as gospel truth. No one wants to go beneath the surface of what they are watching and acknowledge the human feelings and emotions of the people on their screens. The cast of a reality show seem almost immune in some way from receiving our compassion as they appear to be like characters playing a part and not actually real people.
When watching The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the only thought going through my mind was “there is no way people actually act like this in real life”, and in some ways, it is not. It is real life, but with mapped-out storylines and conflict to capture the audience's attention. The show about a group of TikTok influencers known as "MomTok" explores real world issues and problems, but it is a dramatised portrayal of these women's lives for entertainment purposes. The aim is for the audience to be invested and not always present a completely accurate or balanced view of the lives of its subjects.
The same is not entirely true for docuseries. There are multiple episodes presenting information about a specific subject or event, and while it is edited, it is not as staged as reality TV. It aims to engage the audience with real life stories rather than blown out drama. The similarity with reality TV is that they are both still controlled by a director and a company that wants to put out a specific story. Nothing is ever completely true to life. The difference then between a reality show and a docuseries is not just the editing – it’s the empathy.
The best example of this is with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. From 2006 to 2021, the organisation was the subject of a reality TV show called Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. For sixteen years, the show followed the team through their lengthy audition process with makeovers, interviews, and learning over forty dances in eight weeks. It functioned the same as a show like Idols, where hopefuls would try out and week-byweek, more and more contestants would be eliminated to
get their squad of 36 dancers. The high-stress environment was interesting for audiences to watch and see who would be the next to go. The audition process was shown brutally with judges and coaches criticising the girls’ dancing, weight, and looks night after night in search of perfection.
When Netflix announced the docuseries America’s Sweethearts in 2024, audiences thought it would be a reboot of the old show. However, it was focused more on the personal lives of the cheerleaders and their Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) journeys. The show was no longer about the drama of becoming a cheerleader, but rather how the organisation has developed in the last 60 years, as well as what it means to be a DCC. The docuseries showcased conversations about the toll the team has on the dancers’ bodies, as well as their pay and working environments. For fans of the original show, the two seasons of America’s Sweethearts were completely different to what they had expected and many called it “boring”. They wanted more dancing and less testimony. This rejected the documentary’s invitation to see the cheerleaders as three-dimensional people with stories and histories. They wanted to see the spectacle of reality television, not necessarily the look behind the pom-poms the show offered.
Society’s attention span has decreased significantly, and the demand for something to entertain us 24/7 takes away from the humanity a documentary can offer. We would rather be entertained than be moved. Society’s lack of empathy for hearing about hardships and suffering comes from our refusal to just pay attention, which comes from our fear of being moved. The audience of the DCC reality show wanted to see the girls beaten down for the sake of entertainment rather than hear their actual stories.
The divide between reality television and documentary storytelling reveals more about us than it does about the people on screen. When we dismiss stories like America’s Sweethearts as “boring”, we are rejecting the uncomfortable truth that real life does not always come with cliffhangers and confessionals. We crave polished chaos because it asks nothing of us but to watch. But when a show challenges us to care, to empathise, or to sit with someone else’s experience, we often change the channel. Maybe the issue isn’t that these stories aren’t entertaining enough, but that being real asks more than we are used to giving.
Milan Govender
Politically, sometimes South Africans are not so much on the same page as the rest of the world. We’re a diverse nation – a member of BRICS, trading with Germany, the UK, and the US. We have a medley of PanAfricanists, Afrikaner nationalists, traditionalists, radicals, environmentalists, and feminists. But what would be the most successful mode of unification in today’s day and age? A trek to the trenches. A cute, little conscription. A devious draft letter. Going to war. With rumours circulating the globe and the media about World War III, the question of “are we going to the frontlines” comes quite brightly into light. So, obviously, we would have a couple questions:
1. Can we be grouped with our choms?
2. Can I take my choef?
3. Can we take photos in the trenches? Do a front-line photo dump? It would be such an interesting instagram post.
4. Are we getting paid? I really need to fund this student life that I want to be living. Student life is the real trenches.
5. Does UberEats reach us? Or at least Checkers Sixty60?
6. What are the language restrictions? Are we allowed to swear at the opposition? I’m sure we can disarm them with a couple of verbal grenades.
7. Can someone bring their iPad, and on that note, is there wifi? We can stream Premier League, Love Island, and the final season of Stranger Things Whoever is still alive can choose. Does anyone have a Disney+ account we can share?
8. Is there a spaza shop down there? Surely a cranberrycherry Switch will improve our performance as soldiers? And if there is, are there spots available to work there?
9. Who's bringing the bluetooth speaker? Imagine a slo-mo walk onto the battlefield to Sister Bethina “In the meantime! Oh? Shoot!”
10. Is this a strictly-airpods situation? Maybe we have to be quiet? Mannequin Challenge returns to 2025. Also, I call dibs on the aux in the battle tank.
11. Can I wear my glasses or is the government going to provide me with contact lens solution?
12. Does my Master ranking in Call of Duty get me a promotion? Maybe a lieutenant or general? I’ve got an average of 58 kills per game. I’m just saying, maybe that should count for something?
13. Can I style my military uniform? I can work with camo. How are we accessorising? Bandanas? Boots? Messy eyeliner? Somebody must bring gel for our slickback buns. What’s the plan if I break a nail on the trigger?
14. How does registration work? What do I do if they stole my ID on Burnett?
15. Do we get weekends off? Maybe there can be a mutual agreement between both sides because we all know weekends are for jols, jokes, and those you love. Do we get a day off for Lentedag?
16. Will they send the loadshedding schedule, because obviously we have to bring the airfryer?
17. Are there car guards by the airfields? Is the government providing us with those R5s?
18. Can we scan our student discount and our veterans discount on one purchase? Maybe they can add an option on Varsity Vibe? That iced coffee at Vida is starting to look like it's within my budget.
19. Will Sunlight liquid be provided?
20. Again, can I take my choef?
Melissa Aitchison
Kyra Erwee
Visual: Nicole Hagemann
Visual: Maliyha Naidoo
End the Apocalypse of Black and White Aesthetics
Katlego Malema
Spring is yet to bear flowers blooming with pink and yellow petals. Landscapes will be colour-blocking the outdoors, so you might as well get a head start. Here is all you need to know about adding colour to your wardrobe through the use of the colour wheel theory.
1. Create space for new gems
The most important thing of all is to declutter your wardrobe. Getting rid of the pieces you no longer want or use as much makes for a clearer vision of what new items you could introduce to your wardrobe if you're feeling adventurous. Don’t get rid of everything, of course, especially those whimsical scarves you have never worn because “what would I pair them with” echoed in your mind once upon a time. But what you should be getting rid of are those white, grey, beige (neutral) and black (dark) clothes that bring no fun to the function.
2. Become acquainted with the colour wheel theory
Perhaps we all do love colour, but definitely not when it just doesn’t work. The secret is learning about the relationship between hues, tones, tints, and shades to create colour schemes that are in harmony with each other, just like musical notes would be. Here is how it all works:
Monochromatic schemes
“Less is more” they say, and a monochromatic colour scheme is exactly that. This scheme features colours from the same family on the colour wheel, which includes their hues, tints, tones, and shades. For example, in the family colour of red, pink is a tint resulting from red being mixed with white, dusty rose is a tone resulting from red being mixed with grey, and burgundy is a shade resulting from red being mixed with black. One could create an outfit that uses red as the dominating colour and features pink, dusty rose, and burgundy as accents.
Complementary schemes
This colour scheme includes colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel. This is usually a mix of warm and cool colours that can bring a sense of liveliness to an outfit. Some complimentary colours are blue and orange, purple and yellow, and red and green.
Triadic schemes
The scheme utilises three colours that are 120° apart on the colour wheel. This combination creates a well-balanced outfit that is still vibrant and interesting. Some examples include:
1. Yellow-green (chartreuse), blue-violet (indigo), and red-orange (coral)
2. Green, orange, and purple
3. Red, yellow, and blue
Split complementary schemes
This scheme also uses three colours, but in this case, you would pick a base colour and pair it with the two colours that lie adjacent to it on the colour wheel. With the example of blue as a base colour, you would pair it with the colours on either side of orange because it is blue’s complement. These colours would be yellow-orange and red-orange, ending up with a split complementary scheme of blue, yellow-orange (amber), and red-orange (coral). This scheme adds a bit more variety to your colours when you need a break from solid primary colours.
Analogous schemes
This scheme is perfect if you are going for a specific mood and energy as it uses three or more colours of the same temperature on the colour wheel. If you want to conjure up a joyful, warm energy, you could create your own colour combinations by using red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, yellow, yellow-green, and green. This is a richer version of the monochromatic scheme.
Double complementary schemes
This is similar to the complementary scheme, but instead of using one colour and its complement, this scheme includes two colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel and their opposites to create a visually striking combination. An example would be a complementary pair of purple and yellow with another complementary pair of red-purple (crimson) and yellow-green (chartreuse).
3. Nature as inspiration
If the colour wheel theory seems a bit too complicated, perhaps look to nature for inspiration. A little tip – the birds and flowers know best. The peacock boasts bright blue-green and yellow feathers and never ceases to appear majestic.
PDBY got some tips from some people on campus to help you work some colour into your daily life. Domonique Bennetts, a third-year BA student,
suggests: “Be as bold as you possibly can, because a lot of people are worried that things are too colourful, or that this colour is not going to suit them, or that this colour is not going to go with that colour. When you're looking for certain colours, don't even go [in] with a specific colour in mind, just get bold colours. Get as many colours as you can and then let the things just work for themselves. You'll find the more you have, the more works together. You can mix and match. You can put colours together that you wouldn't necessarily think would go together, but they just do. Go in with an open mind, be as bold as possible, and don’t be afraid of what you think people are going to say. People tend to think that you need to stick with your neutral colours, but you really don't need to do that. As soon as you know that and you know that you are comfortable within yourself wearing whatever you want to, the rest is easy peasy. You just need to mix and match and go wild! Basically, don't go with a set plan, don't go looking for something specific. Just go and see what there is and work with what you get or what you can find. Literally, just have fun!”
Another student, Sharma Kleinbooi, a second-year BPolSci student, shared her advice, saying that you can start by incorporating your favourite colours gradually. “Making use of your favourites will allow you to ease into the transition. Secondly, you need to get colours that will complement each other. [You] can’t be all over the place unless you’re going for a more eccentric style. In my opinion, colour in the wardrobe shouldn’t be clothing items that look like a clown vomited on it. It must be colourful with simplicity like your accessories from jewellery to sunnies.”
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is something we admire, and we need people like you in our lives. But you need to protect yourself sometimes or else you might end up getting hurt.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
You may have noticed that your recent interactions have been a bit dramatic and potentially disappointing. Remember that not everything goes according to plan, and you need to learn how to adjust to life’s disappointments.
Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
New changes are afoot, and it’s time to embrace them. Stop hiding in your shell and allow yourself to be seen by those around you. It’s your time to shine, but don’t let it go to your head.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
You’ve been sweeping way too many things under the rug for a long time now. At some point, it’ll become unavoidable and you’ll need to do some serious crisis negotiation. Put the broom away and deal with it!
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
You’re struggling to find balance within yourself and your busy life. Take a step back, lose a few commitments if need be, and take time to reconnect with yourself. At the end of the day, you are the one person you’ll have for the rest of your life.
Gemini (May 22 – Jun 21)
A second-year Masters in Creative Writing student Karla van Dyk shared, “Don't be afraid to play with different colours. Sometimes it might flop (epically), but other times, colours you never imagined could work together just fit. And what works for one person might not work for another, so explore your own style.” Whether you prefer a polychromatic or a monochromatic look, there are plenty of colour schemes to pick from. So, why play it safe with an achromatic wardrobe when you can colour block and match the sun's energy. Nature is already doing it, so why can't you? At the end of the day, it's all about customising your avatar, so channel your inner multicoloured human disco ball however you prefer.
This is a time of self-doubt and constant criticism. While reflecting is an important part of growth and self-discovery, remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace.
Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
Life is full of many experiences and memories. Reliving those memories can be good for the soul every once in a while, but some things are better left in the past. Keep your focus on the present.
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
As we go into the second half of the year, it’s time to take stock of your life and everything in it. It’s okay to let things go and embrace new beginnings. Some things aren’t made to last forever.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
We know that alone time is important to you, and we respect that. Just be careful that you aren’t building your walls up too high. You need to have other people around you to be your best self.
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Stop comparing yourself to those around you. Take some time to evaluate what you have, and put some distance between the idea of what people have and what you think you need.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Your biggest flaw is that you’re your own worst enemy. Stop living in your own head and experience the world around you. You never know what or who is waiting around the corner.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You are someone who flourishes when they’re busy. If you spread yourself too thin, you might lose sight of who you are. This is a warning: a friend to all is a friend to none, and if you chase two things, you may lose the one.
Visual: Boikgantsho N. Songo
From Valorant to Rocket League Tuks' Journey in the Varsity e-Sports Tournament
Cayden Coetzer
On 27 July, the adrenaline-fueled world of competitive gaming came to life as the Varsity e-Sports Split 1 Finals kicked off in Sandton. Among the contenders were the Tuks e-Sports Valorant and Rocket League teams, proudly representing the University of Pretoria on one of the biggest university gaming stages in the country.
With over fifteen universities in attendance and major sponsors like FNB, Doritos, Adidas, DStv Stream, Red Bull, and Jacaranda FM backing the event, the finals were not just a tournament – they were a celebration of the fastgrowing e-sports culture in South Africa. The event combined the thrill of high-level gameplay with the kind of school spirit usually reserved for rugby stadiums and athletics fields.
For Fabio Spazzoli, the controller player on the Tuks Valorant team, the tournament was a blend of excitement, pressure, and purpose. "The atmosphere was cool and nerve-wracking," he recalled. “The lights were low, the venue had this ominous feel. It added to the tension but also made it feel like something big was about to happen.”
Tuks e-Sports prepared diligently for the finals, practicing in person on the UP Sports Campus in an old computer lab – a rare luxury
in a scene where players are often scattered across provinces. “It helped build a real sense of community between us,” said Spazzoli. “Being in the same room changed the dynamic.”
Both Tuks teams made it to the semi-finals
of their respective tournaments, a testament to their skill and commitment. But the challenge did not stop with the opposing team. “The setup was totally different from what we’re used to,” Spazzoli explained. “Desk height,
Are Sport Stars RealLife Superheroes
When you think of the most prestigious professions in the world, what comes to mind?
Perhaps a judge, a doctor, a CEO, or even a professor.
Author Mark Gimenez once wrote, “Success on a football field is different from success in the courtroom or boardroom or operating room.” Now, of course, we are referring to the cream of the crop here, the crème de la crème if you will. The generational, once-ina-lifetime talents you would tell your grandchildren about when they ask “what was it like to witness them at their best”. We need to ask ourselves: are these sports icons real-life superheroes?
Let’s take a look at LeBron James. In 2002, the 16 year-old star was featured on the Sports Illustrated cover as “The Chosen One”. He was the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft, and he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers. At the ripe age of 18, he was the face of an entire multi-million dollar franchise.
One could also look at Michael Jordan who is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He had a whole “Be like Mike” campaign that resulted in a cultural phenomenon. He was a real influencer before the phrase even became popular in modern day language. Jordan also played a significant role in elevating the Nike brand into what it is today.
In football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the game for over 15 years. These two icons were idolised by young and old alike all over the world. Whether it was cellphone or bedroom wallpapers, their reach was endless. Football fans around the globe would flock to buy the boots that these two living legends wore so that they could unlock a new level on the field, or simply feel as cool as their hero.
In India, the most popular sport is none other than cricket. In a nation of almost 1.5 billion people, the Indian cricket captain is (loosely) held in
the same esteem as the president. Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian team for nine years, held the responsibility of leading his team into battle. A massive responsibility which he embraced and succeeded in, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.
As a result, the possibility of a “normal” life is thrown out the window. The freedom to simply walk down the street without being mobbed becomes nonexistent. This crown has its perks in terms of fame, money, and adoration. However, its possible side effects include intense scrutiny, an inflated ego, and the responsibility of being a role model that is thrust on you whether you like it or not. This takes its toll on an individual and what started out as a game can become a dreaded profession.
All the icons mentioned above, along with many more, share an ability to inspire millions. To perform jawdropping feats that make everybody want to “Be Like Mike”, they all possess divine abilities that 99% of the population could only dream of possessing while being superb showmen and women. They inspire others to be just as dedicated and persistent in their own respective crafts. However, is this healthy for any human to inherit? Is the pedestal these select few individuals acquire even beneficial to them? This level of intense adoration, scrutiny, and at times hate is not the way forward. This can often lead to these elite athletes falling into depression, substance abuse, and out of love with the game. The late Diego Maradona, Michael Phelps, and Naomi Osaka are just a few.
Of course, we should celebrate these masters of their crafts for their inspiring accomplishments. Sports are wonderful activities to take part in and enjoy on the screen. However, when society allows these icons to become larger than life, that is the root of the problem. At the end of the day, it is just a game that is meant to produce fun moments and memories to last a lifetime.
chairs, and having 100 people watching, plus your opponents right across from you. It was intense.”
Despite the pressure, the team showed grit and determination, with standout moments of teamwork and leadership. “Ronald Wheeldon is definitely the glue,” Spazzoli said about his fellow teammate. “He sees the bigger picture and makes the calls, and even when we’re unsure, we trust him.”
e-Sports at a university level is about more than just wins and losses. For players like Spazzoli, it is about finding a place to belong. “It’s a great escape from reality. It gives you a chance to make friends, learn about yourself, and grow,” he said.
With the Tuks e-Sports club currently comprising around 15 to 20 players, there are hopes to grow the community even more. Events like Varsity e-Sports are a step in that direction, legitimising gaming in the eyes of the public and providing students with opportunities for self-expression, strategy, and even scholarship. “People still think gaming is childish,” Spazzoli added. “But events like these change that.”
As the team looks ahead to future tournaments, one thing is clear: the digital battlefield is alive and thriving at the University of Pretoria, and it is only the beginning.
Long Live Test Cricket
Hlomla Henna
Test cricket is like a chess match. The longest form of the game, fondly known as the "Ultimate Test”, can last up to five days with two nations battling it out for glory. Both sides bat and bowl twice, and at the end of it all, there is only one winner, or a draw. However, even draws are exciting as this means that the two nations pushed each other to the very edge. There is a certain novelty and tradition to it, there are no colourful kits, just plain white to contrast the green outfield. It is the only format to be played with a red ball and not a white ball like ODIs and T20s. It is a mental game of endurance, patience, and technique. As a batter, you need to be able to concentrate for hours on end throughout the three sessions of play in a day. As a bowler, your side can bowl up to 90 overs in a day if your team cannot manage to bowl the opposition out sooner. This requires strategic, well-executed plans to succeed on the field. This is then repeated in the second innings, as each nation aims to take 20 wickets in order to secure victory. There are 12 full-member nations who form part of the International Cricket Council. The “Big 3”, England, Australia, and India, dominate off the field in terms of revenue and the amount of matches they are allocated. They tend to dominate on the field too.
The longest format is definitely slow-paced, and for extended periods of time, it may seem like nothing much is happening. However, when all of a sudden a wicket is taken or a batsman steps on the accelerator, the game sparks into action. It ebbs and flows in a fascinating manner like no other, and it is quite brilliant.
This format has been the stage for great showmen such as the late Shane Warne, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, Stuart Broad, and Ben Stokes to name a few. All these players shared an unbelievable ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, get the crowd off their seats, and win matches for their countries, almost singlehandedly at times.
Since both teams get two chances to bat and bowl, the game always gives you a chance at redemption. All it takes is one moment to turn things around, and these men understand that more than most. The 50-over format, known as One Day Internationals (ODI), and the shortest format, the 20-
over game (T20), are important. Integral even, as this is where youngsters and inexperienced players often get their first taste of international cricket. These formats also host the highly anticipated and appreciated World Cups. With society being as fast-paced as ever and people's attention spans at an all-time low, test cricket has come under threat of extinction. In steps the World Test Championship – a biennial championship between nine of the full member nations where the top two sides face off in the final for the Mace (which is the trophy awarded to the winner, previously held by the number one test team in the world). New Zealand won the first edition of the championship in 2021 while Australia claimed the second in 2023. The winner of the third edition in 2025 was a nation who had recently lost the 2024 T20 World Cup Final and had been perennial second-best semifinalists: South Africa.
The Proteas arrived in England to face Australia as the tournament’s underdogs. Most of, if not all, the international media were downplaying their route to the final, simply because they had not played any of the “Big 3”. The general consensus was doubt over their batting lineup’s ability to score centuries and runs in general. Aiden Markram scored a beautiful 136 runs off 207 deliveries, while captain Temba Bavuma made 66 runs in the first innings and 36 runs in the second, doing all of this while fighting a hamstring injury. We cannot fail to mention Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets in the game, once again leading the Proteas' fierce bowling attack. Bavuma would go on to lift the Mace for South Africa for the first time since Graeme Smith did in 2012. The Proteas and South Africans alike will be hoping that this is only the beginning of many things to come for them in ICC finals, having held the title of “chokers” for decades on end.
The latest test series between England and India is further proof of the game being in a healthy position. England held a 2-1 lead going into the fourth test of this drama-filled encounter – a beautiful battle between bat and bowl where the quality and competitiveness have left cricket lovers well fed. The World Test Championship and the current England vs India series are a further testament to how the purest form of the game is here to stay. Long live test cricket!
Hlomla Henna
Visual: Sourced
Cuma Mancotywa
Scottie Scheffler has added some variety into his Major trophy cabinet. Third Career Major. In his last 30 starts, he has had 11 wins and 0 cuts missed. The reigning world number one showed no surprises at the 153rd Open Championship that was hosted at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
Rory McIlroy began this year’s Masters run by showcasing class at Augusta National Golf Club to earn himself hosting rights to the 2026 Masters Champion Dinner – a career-long awaited feat. He has reminded us across all four of this year’s Majors that he has some fine shots in him, but all in all, he has been enjoying the green jacket. Scottie Scheffler lifted his third career Major trophy at this year's PGA Championship, which further cemented his elite status. Scheffler set himself up for a 2025 that had the chance of seeing him secure a career grand slam because he held the Masters and the PGA Tournament titles. His eyes were set on the US Open and The Open. JJ Spaun was not who people were paying attention to when the US Open dates crept up on the calendar. With Scottie Scheffler having just won the British Open and Rory McIlroy having completed his career grand slam, a tussle was anticipated. JJ Spaun tidied up the first
day with a lead where he gathered 66 shots on the day. Scheffler was the hot favourite for this tournament, and the bookies had faith in Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, and Sepp Straka. Spaun displayed composure, perseverance, and clutch play to win when it mattered. This saw him earn his first golf Major trophy, and buzzing favourite Scheffler had to wait another year for the chance at a grand slam.
The Open has now concluded. Scottie Scheffler has become the second world number one to lift the Claret Jug after Tiger Woods. Are you all not tired of the Tiger comparison yet? It must be a privilege to play so consistently well to be compared to the likes of him. Perhaps Scheffler has settled very well into the routine of being a father, and this win showed us a man who is not just winning in golf, but seemingly winning at family too.
Faith, family, and humility are the ingredients that Scheffler praised for having kept his mind locked in. He has statistically dominated and showed presence across all four Major competitions. He has a combined score of -32 across all four, which is 21 strokes ahead of McIlroy who sits in second place. This is a perfect set up for a generational run of an honest man in formidable form.
The Last Dance on the Links When Third Place Is Better Than First
Cara Heymans
Usually when you watch sports, you are rooting for someone to win – your favourite team, player, athlete, or organisation. Some sports, however, are unique in that a victory does not always mean first place. Milestones are measured in more than just crossing the line ahead of everyone else. They could mean the furthest an individual has progressed in a tournament or the first time a team has scored points in a competition. It could even be the termination of a streak no one wants to have – the longest time in the sport without a top three (or podium) finish.
The stage is set. It’s the 2025 Formula One Silverstone Grand Prix. Will Lewis Hamilton maintain his streak of not finishing below P3 with his new constructor, Ferrari? Will one of the other British drivers win their home race for the first time? As many fans of the sport know, everything changes in the rain. Drivers are made or broken under wet weather conditions, and strategy calls based on unpredictable rainfall massively affect the outcome of a race.
That’s exactly what happens. Drivers higher up on the grid choose to change their tires before the race begins, sacrificing their starting positions. We see numerous collisions and yellow flags in the opening laps of the grand prix due to the torrential conditions, which sees Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg in fifth place. He originally started in 19th. Then Max Verstappen spins on the wet tarmac, attempting to avoid race leader Oscar Piastri, knocking him down the order and allowing Hülkenberg to move up to fourth. Now all that stands between him and his first podium finish is Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin.
Nico Hülkenberg has been in the sport since 2010, making his debut with Williams Racing. He’s since bounced from team to team, including Force India (now Aston Martin Aramco), Sauber (the same one he drives for now), Renault (now Alpine), and Haas. He’s managed to secure multiple P4 finishes and
has had numerous races that should have ended in a podium finish but didn’t due to a variety of factors. He has been without a seat twice, from 2011–2012 and from 2020–2023. Until Silverstone, he had 238 race starts, the longest time in Formula One history without a podium. He sees an opportunity and moves to the inside of Stroll, overtaking him on a corner and gaining third place. Close behind, however, is the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton who is looking to maintain his streak at Silverstone of never achieving less than a podium finish. With 17 laps to go, Hamilton passes Stroll in his pursuit of Hülkenberg. Up ahead, the McLarens are engaged in a heated battle with Piastri attempting to retake the lead he lost from Norris after a tensecond penalty, but no one cares. All eyes are on the fluorescent green of the Stake and the scarlet car on its tail.
Drivers are spinning off left, right, and centre. The conditions are still unpredictable and success becomes largely dependent on tire strategies. Hülkenberg is on a medium compound tyre, which is more durable than the softs Hamilton is relying on for speed. The seconds between them tick down, but it’s not enough. Despite having the better tire, Hamilton cannot find the pace and for the first time in his career, he finishes P4 at his home race. Hülkenberg takes third, and ends his no-podium streak.
This is more than a momentous occasion for Hülkenberg alone, marking the first podium finish for Stake Sauber since 2012. The entire paddock, constructors and fans alike, celebrated this unexpected but welcome “win”. Fellow teams such as Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Aston Martin delivered bottles of champagne to the Sauber garage, correctly guessing that they would not have enough on
Lando Norris may have won his home grand prix for the first time, but all eyes were on a third place fifteen years in the making. Surrounded by friends such as rivalturned-teammate Kevin Magnussen and the team that took him to a career best, Hülkenberg shared his elation with the world who in turn agreed that third place was better than first.
Racing Through Time: The Belgian Grand Prix and Its Iconic Circuit
Cayden Coetzer
The Belgian Grand Prix that took place on 27 July at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a celebration of speed, history, and the unique challenges that this iconic track presents. Let’s delve into the rich legacy of the Belgian Grand Prix, tracing its origins and highlighting its significance in the world of Formula One.
A Historical Overview
The Belgian Grand Prix began in 1925, marking its place in motorsport history as one of the oldest races in the world. From its inception, the event has transformed into a key fixture in the Formula One World Championship calendar, showcasing the best drivers and teams. The race has seen legendary victories, including Juan Manuel Fangio's triumph in 1950, which remains a highlight in the archives of racing history.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
At 7.004 kilometres long, Spa is known for its elevation changes and nerve-wracking corners, particularly the famous Eau RougeRaidillon sequence. The circuit has undergone resurfacing, smoothing out bumps but altering grip levels, which is a focal point during practice sessions. Drivers face a unique blend of low drag and downforce requirements,
making every lap a test of skill and strategy.
Weather: The Unpredictable Factor Spa's weather is notoriously unpredictable, with rain potentially affecting different sections of the track simultaneously. Teams must be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, making real-time weather monitoring crucial for race strategy. The unpredictable nature of the weather adds an element of excitement for fans and bettors alike, as strategies can shift dramatically in seconds.
The Legacy of Spa Spa is revered by drivers for its challenging layout and breathtaking scenery, nestled in the Ardennes forest. The circuit has been a part of Formula One since its inception, making it a beloved venue for both drivers and fans. Eau Rouge remains a highlight, testing the mettle of even the most skilled drivers, and is a mustwatch during the race.
As the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix concluded, the excitement that was built was not only for the race itself, but for the rich history and tradition that Spa represents in the world of motorsport. With its unique challenges and unpredictable weather, the Belgian Grand Prix promises to always be a thrilling spectacle for fans and drivers alike.
From Pretoria to Germany TuksSport Takes On the World
Cayden Coetzer and Ompha Mudau
The University of Pretoria (UP) continues to cement its status as a breeding ground for elite athletes, with TuksSport making an unforgettable impact at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. Representing South Africa with pride, more than 30 athletes, coaches, and team managers from UP joined over 8 500 competitors from around the globe for what is widely considered one of the world’s premier multi-sport events for university athletes. The Games, held from 6 to 27 July, saw a powerful showing from Tuks athletes across multiple disciplines, including swimming, rowing, athletics, basketball, and more.
Leading the charge in the pool was star swimmer Pieter Coetze who walked away with more than one medal, as well as completing the 100m backstroke in 51.99 seconds – a new record, breaking the previous one from 2017.
In rowing, the formidable duo of Katherine Williams and Courtney Westley powered their way to a silver medal with a time of 7:43.97, showcasing exceptional teamwork and endurance in the water.
Tuks also impressed on the track and field. Eckhart Potgieter and Hannah van Niekerk both delivered podium finishes, adding to South Africa’s medal count with their commanding performances. In the field events, Colette Uys took home a bronze medal in shot put with an impressive throw of 17.34 metres.
These are just a few highlights from a larger team of Tuks athletes who competed across disciplines such as athletics, swimming, rowing, basketball, archery, and tennis. Their collective efforts not only brought pride to UP, but also contributed meaningfully to South Africa’s standing at the Games.
Before their departure, TuksSport Director Steven Ball reminded the athletes that the badge they wear is more than just a logo – it is a promise to represent South Africa with honour, humility, and heart. That spirit was clearly evident in Germany where the athletes embodied
determination, resilience, and a deep sense of school pride.
In addition to the athletes, a dedicated team of support staff, coaches, and medical personnel from TuksSport played a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring optimal preparation and well-being for each competitor. Their presence reinforces the university’s commitment to holistic athlete development both on and off the field. Their strong performance builds on past success such as the 2023 edition of the Games where Tuks athletes brought home 11 of South Africa’s 20 medals. The 2025 team’s achievements continue that proud legacy, serving as an inspiration for the broader UP community.
As the curtain draws on the 2025 Games, Tuks athletes return home not just with medals, but with memories, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. They have shown the world what it means to be #TuksProud, and the future of South African university sport looks brighter than ever.
Visuals: Sourced
Background visual: Sourced
Sport
Varsity Football 2025: Can Tuks Take It?
Emmanuel Radingwana
As the 2025 Varsity Football season approaches, all eyes are once again on the TuksFootball’s men’s team as they prepare to compete for a chance to add another coveted star to their jersey. After a disappointing 2024 season where they were knocked out in the playoff rounds, the Stripe Generation is eager to rewrite their story and bring silverware back to Hatfield.
The team recently wrapped up a challenging season in the National First Division (NFD) where they faced a string of defeats that hindered their hopes of promotion back into the Betway Premiership after finishing tenth in the
standings. Their current position has also led to them missing out on qualification for prestigious cup tournaments, namely the Nedbank Cup.
Throughout the season, Tuks managed only nine wins, ten losses, and eleven draws. This performance has left supporters questioning whether the team is ready to take on a challenging Varsity Football season and if they have what it takes to go all the way.
The last time Tuks lifted the Varsity Football trophy was in 2017 when they defeated Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in a heated final, sealing victory with two goals after an impressive season. With promotion hopes dashed and cup dreams
postponed, the team has had time to regroup, reflect, and recover. Their much-needed reset may be the key as they enter the 2025 Varsity Football season with renewed energy and a point to prove. Tuks are set to open their campaign at home against the University of Free State (UFS), a match that fans believe could set the tone for the rest of the season. A home victory would not only boost morale, but also signal a fresh and promising start for a team hungry for redemption.
As anticipation builds, one question remains: do the boys from Pretoria have what it takes to reclaim their place at the top and be crowned Varsity Football champions once again? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the mission for glory has officially begun.
Baby Boks Back with a Bang!
Cuma Mancotywa
The South African u/20 rugby team, also known as the Baby Boks, achieved a spectacle that has only ever occurred once for South Africa in that age group. In true Springbok style, this has given a lot of us yet another reason to believe in our rugby project.
Handré Pollard, André Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Steven Kitshoff, Jan Serfontein, and Duhan van der Merwe are the senior national players that ran out in u/20 Springbok jerseys on a wet night in Newlands Stadium against old rivals New Zealand in 2012. Handré Pollard, still a schoolboy at that point, commanded the forwards around the park, set up his backline for amazing runs, and slotted a lead-extending drop goal with a head as calm as ever. That night, South Africa witnessed the arrival of a generation that was keen to take the baton from legends Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger, Percy Montgomery, Frans Steyn, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, and Bakkies Botha – the senior Springbok household names at that point. That same gaze is now cast upon these laaities that have shown a fine South African spirit in Italy, ending a 13-year drought.
The Baby Boks led the match from the beginning with an early try converted by Vusi
Betty Molefe
It is official! The exciting partnership between TuksSport and Mamelodi Sundowns has been renewed.
This restored cooperation provides a brighter future for student-athletes at the University of Pretoria. With this partnership, talented students who aspire to play professionally have a better chance of starting their careers in the Betway Premiership. This agreement stands as an example of how education and sport can work together.
The partnership was first established four years ago, just before Patrice Motsepe resigned as the
Moyo. He maintained the precision with his boots to extend the Baby Boks into a 13-5 lead at half-time. A red card for New Zealand saw the team having to run out for the second half with 14 men. The Baby Boks showed hunger, powerful scrums, and near-excellent hands exchanging the ball at a dazzling pace. The backline attack fired with venom and looked avalanche-like, while the boys organised a defense tighter than your wheel lock nut. Moyo was as dependable as ever, and at
Déjà vu? I think not. That wet night in Newlands all those years ago carries a similar energy in a different font. There are some standout repeats that SA Rugby Magazine put together. The two starting scrumhalves of 2012 and 2025 were both contracted with the Lions at the time of winning the Championship. The two loosehead props that played for South Africa in the final match attended Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. The two u/20 fullbacks Dillen Leyds and Gilermo Mentoe attended Bishops Dioceasan College in Cape Town. The two captains in Xola Nyali for 2025 and Wiaan Liebenberg of 2012 both won the Varsity Cup and u/20 Championship, and they both wore the number 6 jersey against the All Blacks in the final. So did Siya Kolisi and Francois Pienaar.
Congratulations to the Baby Boks for a fine collective display of rugby class. This is an achievement that will forever look golden on all your career CVs. South Africa, tomorrow's rugby is in safe hands. Standout performances extend to the skipper Riley Norton for an exemplary 24 tackles, Vusi Moyo for a disciplined boot, Bathobele Hlekani for textbook collisions, and ball carrying from Siphosethu Mnebelele that taught the Junior All Blacks a lesson and rock solid defense.
TuksSport: The Legacy Continues!
club president and passed the leadership onto his son Tlhopie Motsepe. Today, the collaboration continues to grow. Kenneth Neluvhalani, CEO of AmaTuks, indicates that the partnership consists
of major parts such as player development, coaching education, and bursaries.
With this renewed partnership, studentathletes will have greater opportunities to combine their exposure to professional sports with academic success. Furthermore, this collaboration gives students studying Sports Science, Media, Physiotherapy, and Sports Management access to the professional sports world beyond football.
Prepare yourself, UP student-athletes –the future of football has never been more promising!
TuksBasketball Players Fall in Final but Their Spirit Stays Winning
Betty Molefe
The TuksBasketball men’s team gave their all in the Varsity Basketball Tournament final against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in what was an intense and electrifying match. Both teams brought their A-game, but in the end, UJ narrowly defeated Tuks with a final score of 18-21.
PDBY had the opportunity to speak with Thuto Mogotsi, one of the players who made a significant impact throughout the tournament. “I played positions three, four, and five,” he said. “And yes, we did have expectations. We wanted to win.”
Like many student-athletes, Mogotsi balances academics and athletics off the court – a balance that requires discipline. “You stay committed, and your time management needs to be proper. It starts with discipline,” he explained.
When asked what keeps the team motivated, he said, “It is each other. Having a common goal makes it easier to hold each other accountable. You don’t do it alone.”
Mogotsi also left a powerful message for his teammates and fans after the tough loss: “I am only working hard so we can succeed. If everyone is moving forward together, success takes care of itself. Deep in your heart, I want you to know we tried our best, and you must be okay with it. Unlearn, but only if you know you did everything you could: the extra hours, the extra reps. Our physiotherapist once said, ‘Personality, attitude, and sportsmanship will always be above talented medals.’ It is a lesson to learn from. A win, or not, we go again.”
The TuksBasketball team’s journey to the final was a story of tenacity, teamwork, and studentathlete pride. Even though they may have not walked away with the trophy, they left with something just as valuable: an unshakable spirit and the determination to return even stronger.
Visual: Sourced
Visual: Boikgantsho N Songo Mamelodi Sundowns x
Visual: Velile Mnyandu
