18 May 2020 Issue 8 Year 82

454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

Tel: 012 362 7180

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre 454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

Hatmed Medical and Dental Centre 454 Hilda Street, Hatfield Tel: 012 362 7180 454 Hilda Street, Hatfield

Tel: 012 362 7180

Tel: 012 362 7180

PDBY

18 May 2020

Year 82 | Issue 8

yourcampusnews.

Pandemic Catching TuksESports P3 UPtv P5 P9 P11 switched psychology up with Die off

Heuwels Fantasties

Photo: Carel Willemse Image: Giovanna Janos

2 | From the Editor

Am I alone in this?

A s the lockdown continues and online classes are well underway, I’d like to talk about mental health. I am probably not alone in feeling like I’m not exactly functioning at optimal levels.

I keep thinking to myself that I should have more time than usual to get all of my work done (considering I usually spend two to three hours a day traveling to and from campus) but I just don’t have enough hours of the day. On campus throughout the week I’d have seminars, meetings, consultation hours, tutorials to give and my job as Editor, all while spending time with friends and colleagues and getting frequent snacks of fries and cups of coffee. How did we do this? Nowadays I have 24 full hours at my disposal and I battle to get the work of three or four hours on campus done. It’s infuriating! In addition to that, I’m drained. I feel exhausted whether I sleep for four hours or ten and I’m mentally drained by almost any task. Even writing this is taking me forever and tiring me out. But, I don’t think I’m alone in this.

In an article by Scott Berinato entitled “Emotional Intelligence: That Discomfort you’re feeling is grief” published in the Harvard Business Review (thanks Prof. Brown and Prof.

Sandwith), Berinato speaks to David Kessler about how what a lot of us are feeling is grief.

They discuss the collective guilt the world is feeling and this resonated with me. It makes sense. The whole world has changed more than ever before in most of the global population’s lifespan and we don’t really know when this will end - or if it even will. A lot of students are facing 2021 when they have to enter the job market after (or in!) a pandemic and many students are having to navigate online learning in difficult home environments or facing economic difficulties. We may have heard this a lot recently but we have to be easy on ourselves.

Whether we are feeling grief, trauma, anger, fear, we are trying to respond to a pandemic. The largest threat our society has collectively faced in a long time. We keep trying to feel normal and act normal and get on with our normal lives but this isn’t always achievable. These aren’t normal circumstances to live in and we can’t expect or force ourselves to behave in a normal way.

I try to understand this when I’m feeling like I can’t cope or I feel overwhelmed by panic or anxiety. I think we need to be gentle with ourselves and each other, and understand that everyone responds to trauma and grief differently. It’s normal to feel worried, anxious, afraid, numb, bored, drained, passive or panicked and we all need to adapt to a changing world in ways that suit us personally. Be patient

18 May 2020

with yourself and do what you need to do to keep going and manage your work, studies, finances and mental health. And as I keep saying, reach out for help if you need it. We are truly in this together and need to support ourselves and one another. So ask for help and offer it when you can.

I am still working on this and I struggle through many days, but just being mindful of our collective grief and our personal responses to this might help us work through our feelings and experiences. How have you experienced this pandemic? How have you been affected? Have you developed helpful management strategies for your work? Let me know for our next edition in 150 words or less at @PDBYMedia or editor@pdby.co.za. Let’s face collective grief together.

This is our final edition of PDBY before the exam period. But we will still be publishing online exclusives and on our social media platforms, so keep in touch with us. We may all be at home and feel disconnected from campus, but student life continues through all of us. And PDBY will continue bringing you your campus news. Until June, Stay safe Kayla

PDBY Media Copy: Ropafadzo Chidemo CJ Barnard Ume Dikio Takunda Marecha Nomzamo Xolly Maluleka Kalen Kroëse Layout: Kelly Anne Kong Kam Wa Duane Kitching Kara Olivier Ngoako Ramokgopa Kirsten Minaar Multimedia: Mashudu Madzhiga Vice Mkansi Promise Zulu Cletus Mulaudi Madhuri Rambaran Sanele Zulu Cassandra Eardely Marchall Potgieter Adorn Ndlovu Kamogelo Mogapi Elma Akob Web: Jonathan Oladeji Zurika Raubenheimer Lucky Griffin Nyabicha Social Media: Jc Steyn Mbali Kunene

Photos: Carel Willemse

Campus is still there, even if we aren’t. Our Editor-in-Chief took these photos and it was comforting to see that even though the world feels crazy, our campus is still there, ready for us to return when it’s safe. I hope they can comfort some of our readers as well.

yourcampusnews.

PDBYMedia, formerly Perdeby, is the official independent student newspaper of the University of Pretoria. We are committed to providing fresh and entertaining news content for UP students, by UP students, about UP issues.

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18 May 2020

News | 3

UPtv African Human Rights Moot Court switched off Competition postponed Susanna Anbu

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project to start an exclusive DSTV channel (UPtv) for the University of Pretoria (UP) as part of the shift towards online learning has been cancelled.

The channel was scheduled to launch on 27 April on Channel 950, however, communication sent out by Professor Norman Duncan, vice principal of academics, cited the inability to produce sufficient material for the channel as reason for the revocation. Initially, deans of faculties were encouraged to mobilise their respective faculties to generate content for UPtv. Staff members who were interested in participating in the project had been directed to fill in a Google form, and were referred to an instruction document that stipulated a guide to follow when creating the videos for the channel. The videos would then have been scheduled to air on the channel seven days subsequent to the uploading of the video on a collective Google drive. Prof. Duncan asserted that “in view of the reputational risk that the university would be exposed to should [the university] proceed with this endeavour without the assurance of a regular supply of suitable material”, the decision to cancel the initiative was formulated.

Nokwanda Kubheka

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ue to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible for the Moot Court to take place in its usual format or on the scheduled dates (3-8 August).

The format of the competition has been adjusted for 2020. The semi-final and final rounds have been rescheduled to take place later in the year in December while the preliminary rounds will be held virtually through video conference in September and October.

The African Human Rights Moot Court is the largest gathering of students, academics, and judges around the theme of human rights in Africa. The event brings together all law faculties in Africa, whose students argue a hypothetical

human rights case as if they were before the African Court on Human and People’s Rights.

170 universities from 50 African countries have taken part. The Moot Court has been a catalyst for the establishment of the leading programmes in the field of human rights teaching and research in Africa, according to the website.

In the preliminary rounds, a team will argue the problem twice: once as applicants, and once as respondents. Previously, teams argued the case four times. Since the preliminary rounds will be held virtually, it would be logistically impossible to have the teams argue four times. The judges in these rounds will be panels consisting of selected legal practitioners and academics.

Previously, preliminary rounds were judged by panels consisting of faculty representatives and coaches.

The Project Coordinator of the African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, Yusuf Sayaad, mentions that, “as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, there would

be limitations by participants to properly prepare for the competitions. Participating teams will have to come up with plans to mitigate such limitations. One of the reasons that prompted us to change the format of the competition was the realisation that most teams would be hampered in their efforts to fundraise for their trips to Dakar, Senegal, and we decided to conduct the preliminary rounds virtually (via videoconferencing)”.

According to a statement, the rules of the competition have been amended to fit the adjusted form of the competition, and while the organisers regret not being able to organise the competition on the initially scheduled dates, they feel this is a responsible course of action to take under the current circumstances.

The competition continues to provide a platform for law students and academics to learn and exchange ideas.

If prevailing circumstances do not allow for in-person semi-final and final rounds to be in Dakar, these rounds will also take place virtually.

The Premier of the Virtual Model United Nations Nokwanda Kubheka

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n 9 May, the United Nations Association of South Africa University of Pretoria (UNASA UP) hosted the premier of the first virtual Model UN in South Africa.

Organised by the UNASA UP Chairperson, Andrea Yazbek, the topic of discussion at the premier was ‘Multilateralism in Food Security after a Pandemic Shock’. The delegates were representing five countries, namely, the People’s Republic of China, the Argentine Republic, the United Mexico States, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Republic of South Africa. The event was attended by the Secretary General of the UNASA, Mr. Ali Kiyaei.

A Model United Nations (MUN) is a recreation of the working of the principle organs of the United Nations (UN). Students represent one of the countries of the UN framework in one of the work meetings of the General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC, and significantly more. Students debate on the most pressing worldwide issues, and work on normal arrangements that will converge into UN Resolutions. A Virtual Model UN is an altogether advanced occasion utilising current correspondence innovation. The preparation movement is duplicated inside a virtual framework that lets members relate to the recreation works, interface with different students, and work in a group utilising an internet enabled device.

The opening speaker, Dr. Sithembele

Mbete from the University of Pretoria’s department of Political Sciences, brought light to the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic becoming more than a health issue, but a governance problem. Many nations have responded in a nationalistic manner by closing their borders and prioritising citizens over immigrants. The speaker suggested that is may be time to amend the current multilateral system. Multilateralism was a response to the second world war in 1945, and, currently The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted the same response to the pandemic, as many countries are uniting to defeat the pandemic is. From this, it is shown that multilateralism has been a common response to the health crisis, especially from WHO and the African

How have you experienced lockdown and COVID-19?

Tell us about your experience in +/- 150 words on instagram @pdbymedia or email us at news@pdby. co.za *Answers may be published in our next edition*

Union. The call to rethink multilateralism was reiterated by the speaker in order to be protected admidst the crisis, and be able to have food security after this pandemic.

Delegates representing the different countries went on to state their opening statements and debated about the appropriate way going forward about multilateralism in Food Security after a Pandemic Shock.

The winners of the MUN were The United Mexico States for ‘Best Delegate’, and the Republic of South Africa for ‘Best Position Paper’.

The Resolution paper passed at the virtual MUN will be sent to the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) as part of research for the UN75 Agenda and Coronavirus.

4 | News

18 May 2020

Solved for X: Mystery behind x-shaped galaxies Susanna Anbu

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Image: NRAO/AUI/NSF; SARAO; DES

of the x-shape were described as being created “ Thebyarms the pressure of the low-density intergalactic gas. time the MeerKAT telescope was directed to this particular x-shaped galaxy, which allowed them to obtain the vivid images. He explains that the key factor behind making such a good image “being that MeerKAT excels at capturing diffuse structures such as the ones we saw in this source, and the techniques used in analysing the data”.

Furthermore, Dr Thorat ascertained that artificial intelligence was an important data tool used to sift through the wealth of data that MeerKAT provided. Using artificial intelligence, researchers are able to scan through a myriad of data and find unusual sources such as the x-shaped galaxies in the vast expanses of the sky. Dr Thorat describes the process as “a job akin to finding a needle in a haystack”.

Dr Thorat mentions that this study is a pilot that they plan to expand further by surveying more images of vast expanses of the sky to formulate a sizable sample. With this, he explains, the team hopes to “answer the question of how these wonderful sources

are formed”.

Dr Thorat confirmed that the team’s current projects observe astronomical forms that range in unusual morphologies.

Currently, Dr Thorat is working on projects that look at radio sources outside of the Milky Way and study the astrophysics behind them.

Professor Roger Deane, who heads the astronomy research group in the Physics department, was also one of the authors of the research paper and was involved in drafting the proposal concept. Prof.

Deane confirmed that his team is heavily involved in large-scale MeerKAT projects that “aim to better understand galaxies, their supermassive black holes, and the co-evolution of these over cosmic time”.

Prof. Deane explained that researchers could use studies like that of x-shaped galaxies, to cultivate an understanding that can be used to train machine learning algorithms to search for similar structures in the more distant universe, adding that “certain

“

joint collaboration by a team of astronomers from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the University of Pretoria (UP), and Rhodes University have used the MeerKAT telescope to solve the mystery behind the x-shape emanated by certain galaxies. The study observed a galaxy called PKS 2014-55, situated 800 million light years away from Earth, and proposed the reasons for the characteristic x-shape visualised. The results of the study have been accepted for publication in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

MeerKAT is a radio telescope comprising of 64 antennas spanning across the Northern Cape, South Africa, and is a precursor to a much larger telescope initiative. Due to its vast size, MeerKAT is tasked with producing large volumes of data compared to telescopes devised before. This provided the motivation for the use of smart algorithms that could analyse this large volume of data in an efficient way. Dr Kshitij Thorat’s specialisation resides in the use of dataintensive processes that enable the researchers to convert the raw data into pixels that morph into the vivid images of the galaxy released to the public.

The galaxy PKS 2014-55 is one of many so-called radio galaxies that possess a mysterious x-shape. Galaxies in the universe possess a black hole at their centre that sometimes generate two jets of radio waves that move in opposite directions.

Through the course of astronomical research, several hypotheses have been proposed as possible causes of the unusual ‘x’ morphology. One of these hypotheses is that the presence of two black holes at the centre of the galaxy generate a total of four jets of radio waves that cause the shape to appear. Another hypothesis proposes that the jets surrounding the black hole at the centre of the galaxy creates a haphazard shape. However, the last hypothesis that applies to this particular galaxy mentioned in the study suggests that space material that falls back into the galaxy is deflected to create the characteristic x-shape of the galaxy. The observations outlined in this study support the hypothesis of material deflection. The arms of the x-shape were described as being created by the pressure of the low-density intergalactic gas.

Dr Thorat, a post-doctoral researcher at UP’s astronomy division in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural sciences, is the second author of the research paper who has been actively engaging in the field of radio astronomy, with a focus on supermassive black hole jets, since the start of his PhD research.

Dr Thorat has so far co-authored eight publications pertaining to the MeerKAT telescope observations.

Dr Thorat explains that the fine details of the structure in this source (due to how large it appears), gives an indication of which type of “tell-tale structural signatures correspond to which particular formation scenario for the x-shaped sources”. Using this, Dr Thorat indicates that the team will be able to conduct statistical studies of these sources.

Dr Thorat mentions that this was the first

morphological information is not easy for traditional approaches to capture, which is the motivation for the AI approach”.

Through this, Prof. Deane articulates that the team will “be able to better identify and understand the cosmic evolution of these and other intriguing galaxies”.

Prof. Deane noted how consistent efforts have been made to build a dynamic young team of astronomers that are able to tackle important scientific questions using cutting edge radio telescopes such as MeerKAT. Prof. Deane commented on how upon his arrival at UP, he had been the only astronomer in the faculty, and, over the course of two years, was able to build a team of 23 people that range from graduate students to post-doctoral researchers.

He asserts that “The rapid growth we’ve seen is both gratifying and encouraging, particularly with the exquisite images the team is making with South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope, a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array”.

Features | 5

18 May 2020

The psychology of pandemics Maryke Steynvaart

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andemics, natural disasters, and wars have historically impacted the psychological well-being of humans. This is no different for students at UP during the first major pandemic in a hundred years. Increased psychological strain and feelings of despair are normal in a time like this, but there are ways to reduce these negative effects on students such as with mutual emotional support.

Research conducted on historically significant pandemics, such as the Spanish flu, or more recent smaller scale epidemics, such as the SARS and MERS outbreaks, have shown a correlation with increased mental health issues. There are various factors that influence the psychological welfare of a population, however, this can be exacerbated by an event such as a pandemic.

The Spanish flu was the most recent pandemic that significantly affected the global community with an estimated 50 million deaths. Dr Linda Eskell-Blokland, Acting HoD of Student Counselling, explains that during the Spanish flu “the psychological and psychiatric impacts were profound at the time although apparently quickly forgotten once the pandemic passed. Anxieties and depressions increased in particular, and mental health deteriorated in general”.

More recent epidemics have also highlighted how the disease and the containment efforts that are implemented impact different groups’ mental health. Professor Tharina Guse, Counselling Psychologist and Head of Department of Psychology, explains that “research showed that people who were quarantined during the SARS outbreak showed depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in the long run”.

Media coverage of these epidemics can also make people feel more anxious, especially if media coverage is in itself contradictory. The coverage of the disease, its conspiracy theories, and related fake news can become destructive. For example American President, Donald Trump’s controversial comment about injesting sanitiser as a cure for COVID-19. Prof. Guse explains that it is not only the type of information but also “too much information from media [that] could undermine mental health. These findings were evident after the outbreak of the 2016 Zika virus in the USA, and [the] 2014 Ebola virus”.

Humans have a need to socialise, and the lockdown measures implemented across the world have increased people’s sense of isolation. Dr Coetzee, from the Department of Psychology explains that “many people who live alone went into lockdown by themselves. This will increase feelings of despair and loneliness. In South Africa specifically, the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reported an increase of calls to their helpline of people suffering from depression and anxiety”. Dr Eskell-Blokland also describes the effects of losing a loved one to COVID-19 because “people have lost loved ones sometimes without being able to be with them once hospitalised. These scenarios have left trauma and grief in their wake”.

Dr Coetzee reports that she has noticed a lot of disbelief

amongst people, and anger towards how governments have responded to the pandemic. In addition, Dr Coetzee reports noticing more self-preserving behaviour that “at times, did not bring out the best in humans because there were several reports on the increase of xenophobic behaviour”.

Some groups have exhibited increased cognitive dissonance, “where for example, students in the USA flooded the beaches of California while professing that they will not become ill since they are young and healthy”.

This is also a time where people have found ways to stand together and support each other in this time of need.

Illustration: Marchall Potgieter Dr Coetzee explains that, “compassion and empathy increased along with a sense of social responsibility. This is evident in the number of outreach projects that were found to distribute food among poor communities and raise money for them”. Dr Eskell-Blokland also points out how this can be seen “in the clapping for health care workers, and others who must continue to provide services at this time. People shopping for others, cooking for others, sending each other messages and connecting with neighbours in the streets, and friends across the globe”.

During this pandemic, Prof. Guse explains that it is common for people to feel stressed and worried during an event of this proportion and that “feelings of helplessness, boredom, loneliness, and depression are also common”. People who were suffering from existing mental health conditions may also become more prone to experiencing intense psychological distress.

Students also face stressors that might be exacerbated by financial insecurity, as well as academic uncertainty. Dr Eskell-Blokland relays that students are mostly worried about “their academic programmes, and the social

isolation from fellow students and campus resources. Many are anxious about being able to complete the academic year, and are uncertain of what kind of support they can expect to receive from the university to aid them in their programmes”. Dr Eskell-Blokland also explains that the switch to online classes has left many students worried about the format of the online classes, and finding themselves in ineffective study environments.

In a non-representative survey PDBY asked students how they are

experiencing the pandemic psychologically. during this lockdown period. Many students reported similar experiences to what has been outlined above. Sally Etsebeth, a third year BA Information design student, expresses that her mental health has been affected negatively. She explains that “psychologically [she’s] been much more fragile as a result of the lockdown, because all the routines that helped ground [her] are suddenly non-existent, and having to adjust to living at home again after being moved out for 3 years feels like a step backwards in [her] life”.

Ash Ludike, a third year BA languages student, relays her experience that, “[she] is an introvert, and the time alone doesn’t bother [her] that much. However, [she has] a few people that keep [her] grounded mentally, and not seeing them for long periods of time really does have its toll on [her] mental health”. Not every student is having a psychologically challenging period as Nicole Da Costa Cunha, a second-year Bcom Accounting Science student, explains that she “[feels] that this time for [her] was needed. After all the emotional distress [she] had been through the past two months, being able to travel back home to [her] family has been a blessing in disguise. This gave [her] the opportunity to catch up on [her] work and got rid of a lot of the anxiety [she] had earlier this year”.

Prof. Guse reminds students that they should “realise that emotional responses such as fear, worry, anxiety, anger, sadness etc. are normal responses to an abnormal situation”. Dr EskellBlokland encourages students to “reach out to the support services at the university [and] to find out what resources are available to assist them”. UP is supporting students in this hard time through making Faculty Student Advisors available to support students with their academic and study challenges. The Student Counselling Services is continuing to operate a virtual clinic, and the Lifeline care line is open 24/7 for students that need support. SADAG also runs Peer Support Groups, webinars, and interactive activities on their Facebook pages.

Prof. Guse encourages students to focus on what they can control such as that “[they] can look after [their] physical health by eating well; [they] can choose to limit social media”. She advises that students also structure their day in such a way that it resembles their on-campus schedule to maintain a sense of continuity, which includes spending time with friends over virtual platforms. Students are also reminded to look for positive stories in this time of crisis, and find ways to be compassionate towards themselves and others. Lastly, students can “seek help if [they] feel overwhelmed. It is a natural reaction, and there are strategies and support in place to help [students] navigate this unusual situation”.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a historic event that has impacted the world economically, socially, and psychologically.

The psychological impacts of epidemics or pandemics have historically had a drastic, but often ignored, impact on the mental health due to several factors. Even though this is a time where individuals might feel emotional pressure, it can also be a time of human compassion and support, from people and institutions alike.

Travelling the world from your couch

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his year, the global tourism industry has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when social distancing is encouraged and movement is restricted around the world, travel destinations such as Times Square in New York or the Colosseum in Rome are empty.

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has estimated that due to the pandemic, international tourist arrivals around the world could decline by 20% to 30%, this year. Domestic tourism in South Africa has also been negatively affected.

The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko KubayiNgubane, has predicted that domestic tourism will most likely resume in December.

Due to the severe restrictions on travel around the world, virtual tourism has gained popularity as it enables people to visit destinations around the world from the comfort of their homes. This allows them to immerse themselves in travel destinations, without physically being there.

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is a tour of a destination such as a hotel, business, or place that can be displayed on a computer screen, smart device, or a virtual reality headset. It is essentially a simulation of an existing space or infrastructure. Individuals can explore the place in a digital environment as if they were physically at the location through immersion, interaction, or involvement. By using

visual graphics and sound, participants can access the destinations from their homes to interact with the culture and history of various destinations.

Street View, which is offered by Google Maps, is one of the biggest virtual tour applications in the world.

Google started the 360° filming and photographing of places in 2006.

Today, this software allows individuals to tour famous sites and landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles in France, and the Taj Mahal in India. The use of virtual reality headsets has also gained popularity in virtual tours as they provide a more realistic experience for users. Google Earth VR was released in 2016 to give people

an enhanced virtual tour by using virtual reality headsets to simulate walking or flying around various locations in the world.

According to The Virtual Reality Company, a South African based agency specialising in virtual reality, to create a 360° virtual tour, photographers take a sequence of images in 360° and then stitch the photographs together to create a panorama image. The image is then uploaded into special software that allows a viewer to view the 360° image as if they were actually at the place where the image was taken.

Illustration: Sanele Zulu

Feliciana Nezingu

The limitations of virtual tourism Despite technological advancements, such as

virtual reality headsets, the use of virtual reality in the tourism industry still has a number of limitations for users. For example, virtual reality headsets are costly, making it inaccessible to those who cannot afford the technology. The headsets may also be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Another disadvantage of virtual reality tourism is that it is limited to the senses of sight and sound. The absence of a fully immersive experience which needs to be enhanced by sensations such as smell and taste, cannot be compared to the experience of physically being at the location. Virtual tours, however, help to encourage tourism by giving potential guests a preview of the destination. Individuals are encouraged to get in contact with the destination before deciding to visit.

Virtual tour destinations around the world Today, individuals can take a virtual tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris, and a 3D tour around Rome. Other interesting destinations include the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has also released a virtual tour called Exoplanet Excursions which provides a guided tour through space using virtual reality headsets.

Individuals can also visit game reserves in South Africa. WildEarth is broadcasting an award winning live safari which allows people to visit South African game reserves in real time through their screens, and spot the Big Five if they are lucky. With such a wide selection of destinations available for virtual tours on the internet, this is an interesting time to explore the world from home.

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18 May 2020

18 May 2020

Entertainment | 7

2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist announced Vasalya Moodley

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he Commonwealth Short Story Prize is granted annually to the best unpublished short fiction story, bestowed to authors from Commonwealth countries. 2020 marks the ninth year of the prize. The recipient is given £5000, the regional winner receives £2500, and valuable international writing connections are established. This shortlist has been narrowed down from over 5000 submissions of short fiction, coming from 49 of these countries, to twenty stories from 15 countries.

The prize is awarded by Commonwealth writers, from the Commonwealth Foundation’s cultural organisation. This initiative aims to uplift readers, and unite writers by publishing stories of a personal nature to readers around the world.

The organisation was praised by the regional winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She stated that a space is created amongst a diverse group of creatives to exchange ideas and experiences.

Nii Ayikwei Parkes, the chair of the judges, stated that, amidst the different tones and narratives of the stories, faith, hope, and humanity root them all. No matter the humour or tragedy, the core theme of the multi-faceted human spirit is the common ancestor of all the shortlisted stories. He added that these works are “defiant in the face of politics, bigotry, and injustice”.

Of the twenty stories that made the shortlist, Alboricah Tokologo Rathupetsane, a Limpopo-born writer, is the only author from South Africa. Her story, The Faraway Things, is about a boy named Lesedi who cannot accept a traumatic experience he has suffered, and mentally blocks himself from living through that tragedy. Rathupetsane’s story is among five African submissions in the bid to win this prize.

What makes this batch of writers particularly special, is ML Kejera’s Fatou vs. The Dictator. This story is the first Gambian shortlisted submission for the prize in history.

It narrates the experience of Fatou, a woman who is struggling to decide whether to confront her dictator after she sees him at an airport. This story was inspired by the real-life Gambian dictator that took the country out of the Commonwealth, and Kejera (who is currently working in the United States) was prohibited from entering.

The twenty finalists have all stated how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting them. Many of these authors are separated from their families, and are in countries with strict lock down procedures. In terms of their writing careers, one author stated that many of the magazines he submits articles to have closed, which has detrimental effects for him as a freelance journalist.

Another mentioned how some employees in her place of work had to take unpaid leave while others’ contracts were terminated.

More positively, some of these finalists have found ways to cope with being at home by engaging in activities such as meditating, reading, and baking. Talking to friends and family via social media has also been very helpful. One author mentions how her family has become closer by being confined together, while another author said that she joined online writing workshops to hone her skills and communicate to fellow writers.

The diverse story-telling from this multicultural group of writers is enriching to the literary world. Different voices and experiences are expressed through these stories, each with their own style and uniqueness. It is this array of narratives that have, without a doubt, earned their place in this shortlist. On 2 June, the five regional winners are to be announced, and subsequently the overall winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

Entertainment industry to lose R3bn because of COVID-19 Emily Harrison

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he South African entertainment industry is set to lose approximately R3bn over the next six months. This is according to the projections of Shaun Duvet, the CEO and founder of The Unit Group, as well as the co-owner of Ultra South Africa, who spoke about the loss the industry is about to face in an online discussion with Bandustry, a non-profit organisation that tackles challenges in the SA music industry. In the same online discussion, Duvet talks about his concerns about the fact that the R150m that the South African government has put aside to aid the hospitality, entertainment, and events industry will not be enough. The loss will impact all workers in the industry from musicians to waiters to event planners and co-ordinators, with

2020 Pulitzer Prize

On 4 May, this year's prestigious Pulitzer Prize winners were announced. The prizes recognise outstanding achievement in the fields of journalism, literature, and other forms of arts.

DRAMA

POETRY

A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson

The Tradition by Jericho Brown

Issues of racism, religion, and sexuality are tackled in this transformative play of a black, gay musical theatre writer,

This collection of poetry highlights dark worldly truths that are normalised by society and how humans have overcome them.

HISTORY

MUSIC

Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America by W. Caleb McDaniel

The Central Park Five by Anthony Davis

Henrietta Wood’s story of enslavement and abduction is told against the Civil War background. Her tale ends with her suing her abductor and, after ten years of litigation, miraculously winning her case.

BIOGRAPHY Sontag: Her Life and Work by Benjamin Moser American writer Susan Sontag’s life story showcases her colourful career that spans across all genres of reporting. More so, it sheds light on the person behind the pen with her own struggles, and internal conflicts.

The 1989 trial of five young black men who were wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting a female jogger is revisited in this modern opera of racism in America.

GENERAL NONFICTION The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America by Greg Grandin The definition of frontier is debunked in this exposé of the current Trumpruled America, and the symbol of the border wall.

FICTION

GENERAL NONFICTION

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

The Undying: Pain, Vulnerability, Mortality, Medicine, Art, Time, Dreams, Data, Exhaustion, Cancer, and Care by Anne Boyer

Set in Jim Crow-era Florida, Whitehead tells the story of two young black boys who are sent to The Nickel Academy, a supposedly upstanding institution for delinquent boys. However, the noble façade of the school is stripped away as the boys learn about the horrifying realities lurking within, and how to persevere.

Whitehead joins an exclusive group by becoming the fourth writer to receive a Pulitzer Prize for fiction twice. He is also the first black writer to earn this achievement.

Boyer’s memoir narrates her excruciating struggle with breast cancer, and the digital culture surrounding cancer. She criticises the pharmaceutical industry, ‘pink ribbon culture’, and explores the stories of women fighting their own battles with cancer.

JOURNALISM WINNER HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC SERVICE

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

Anchorage Daily News with contributions from ProPublica

Brian M. Rosenthal of The New York Times

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

EXPLANATORY REPORTING

Staff of The Courier-Journal

Staff of The Washington Post

VISIT WWW.PULITZER.ORG TO SEE MORE WINNER IN THE JOURNALISM CATEGORY

an estimated 10 000 jobs at risk. The loss of revenue comes from event cancellations, loss of ticket sales, and an inability to play gigs. The most immediate loss of money will come from cancelled or postponed events. Over 500 events were cancelled including some of South Africa’s biggest events like the Cape Town Carnival, Afrikaburn, and MTN Bushfire.

There are a lot of ways that people can support musicians and bands during this time. Buying merchandise or CDs from a band or musician is a good way to provide support. Some bands will have specific platforms that you can support them on, like BUSQR, a platform that allows fans to support artists through donations. The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music also recently started their own initiative. The Centre holds a weekly concert that features three artists who each play a 20-minute set. In order to watch the concert, viewers need to pay a minimum of R30, and are then sent a link to watch the concert. All the money from the concerts is given to the artists. Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, also recently called for the support of local artists. Mthethwa called for SABC to play more local content in order to support local talent.

Another part of the industry that needs support are the hourly workers, such as barmen, waiters, and technical crew members.

Local bar Aandklas recently started their own initiative to support their staff by starting a fundraiser in which patrons can buy bar tabs ranging from R250 to R2000.

Another initiative that was started to support hourly workers is the South African Fund 4 Entertainment (SAFE). This non-profit initiative was started by a group of events industry leaders. It raises funds via donations to support the South African entertainment, events, and festival industry SAFE has partnered up with Pick ‘n Pay Feed the Nation to provide food vouchers for these workers.

Infographic: Giovanna Janos

The vouchers can then be used to get a hamper worth R600 that is filled with essentials such as rice and oil. Many names in the industry have started to support SAFE, for example the Dreamstream Festival that was held from 24 April to 26 April brought together 33 of South Africa’s artists for three days. The tickets to the event were free, but viewers were encouraged to donate. All of the money raised (R500 000) went to SAFE. South African indie band, Shortstraw, also decided to raise money for SAFE by having a sale on all of their official merchandise with all profits going to the fund.

The entertainment industry is likely to be one of the last industries to open again, meaning that losses in income and revenue will last the longest. SAFE and other fundraising initiatives are doing what they can to support the industry before it is lost.

Image: Cletus Mulaudi

8 | Entertainment

18 May 2020

PDBY’s Artists to Watch Aidan Martin “Just Like Water” IG: @aidanmartinlive

Aidan Martin is a Pretoria native who is currently based in Cape Town. His music is can be described as a mix of Blues, Rock, Psychedelic and African style.

TRY @Home

Spreading Hope Illustration: Madhuri Rambaran

Weed Dealer “G.T.F.O” IG: @weedxdealerofficial

Weed Dealer is a five piece alternative punk band from Johannesburg. You’ll find them on all major streaming platforms.

TSA “Blessed” IG: @tsanobodyelse

TSA is a Johannesburg rapper and songwriter. His music features “introspective storytelling on beats with live instrumentation, glitchy vocals samples, ear scraping synths and infectious drum patterns”.

The Secret Life of Geeks Aaron Cloete

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he word geek is one that has at times been used to shame or ridicule. People who have had a deep love for some aspect of popular, or unpopular, culture have been made to feel lesser due to that love. This has changed for the better in recent years due to the increased popularity and ubiquity of gaming culture within the popular sphere. The image of what it is to be a geek has evolved, and so the deeper question that should be asked is why people play games in such vast numbers.

What is it about games that attract people?

The first and most obvious aspect of gaming that is attractive is escapism. Like any story-base or interactive media, gaming allows one to experience whole new worlds from the comfort of one’s own home. This helps people who find themselves in difficult positions, and who need to escape from some facet of their everyday lives to exist in a realm where their actions have a clear

PDBY Featured Artist: Isabelle Siaki Kendra Connock

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econd-year Speech and Language Therapy student, Isabelle Siaki, is a polymath. When she’s not busy with her studies, something which she genuinely enjoys due to the diverse range of people she interacts with on a daily basis, Isabelle occupies her time with all things creative.

PDBY conducted an online interview with Isabelle to speak about her YouTube channel and her music.

Isabelle says her YouTube channel (isabellesiaki) was born out of curiosity (and a Image: Provided little bit of boredom) during a period in her life when “YouTubers were like gods”. She looks to social media platforms for ideas from fellow creators and takes direction from people who reach out to her, either personally or in a comment on a video. If all else fails, Isabelle

Kendra Connock ow that we are six weeks into our national lockdown, the novelty of lying on the couch all day has slowly worn off, and, having watched the entire Netflix catalogue, the need has arisen for new activities to occupy one’s free time. Between the three hours of governmentmandated exercise time and the commencement of online classes, there are hours in the day that are unaccounted for hours which can be spent doing something for someone else.

There is something each of us can do to make life a little bit better for someone around us. PDBY has a few suggestions for how you can spread hope to your fellow South Africans as we all face these troubling times together.

In late-April and early-May, the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa ran a campaign called “Spreading Hope”, which called on people to write notes of encouragement to patients and carers in hospice facilities across the country. While the official campaign has ended, it remains a meaningful way to spend some of your free time.

Reach out to a hospice facility or an old-age home near you and enquire if you can send letters to their residents and

carers, or simply write a care-letter to someone who needs it.

Another way to spread some hope is to follow the lead of thousands of people around the world who are placing drawings of rainbows in their windows, as to be seen by passersby. Add your own rainbow to the ever-increasing number across the world - it is a simple and safe way to bring a smile to someone’s face.

It’s pretty easy to feel powerless in times like these, but we each have some skill that could be helpful to someone else. Online activism platform, ForGood, has a wealth of opportunities to volunteer your time and skills to someone who might need them during this lockdown period. From business skills working with digital media, fundraising campaigns, and to helping create lessons for kids who are doing schoolwork online, ForGood gives people the opportunity to help out during this time of crisis, and you don’t even have to leave your house.

Whether you try one of these ideas, or you find your own way to help someone out, PDBY would like to encourage readers to offer a smile to a stranger or a friendly greeting to a supermarket worker. We will get through this together, and hold each other up while we do.

and definite effect. Massive open-world role-playing games such as Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity have become popular, in part, for this exact reason. This idea of escapism could obviously, if taken to the extreme, be a very dangerous thing were it not for the clear benefits that gaming provides.

A 2014 study, by the American Psychological Association titled “The Benefits of Playing Video Image: Kamogelo Mogapi Games”, found that gaming could indeed have major cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social benefits. The study found that shooting games, such as the Halo series, tended to speed up reaction time and cognitive processing and puzzle games, such as Portal, provide boosts to engagement and motivation. Gaming, in general, is a great source of positive emotion, and multiplayer games, like World of Warcraft, improve social skills and promote prosocial behaviour.

Despite the fact that this study was done on children, these same

benefits apply to adults as well. Additionally, in a world where more and more stress is placed on people and where despair is bountiful, games provide hope. For example, Celeste is a game that follows a young girl overcoming a panic disorder, Bastion is about rebuilding oneself and moving past grief, and Stardew Valley encourages community engagement and corporate awareness.

The list goes on and on. Games provide entertainment, of course, but they also provide mechanisms by which people are able to acknowledge problems - whether those problems are in the world around them or to do with their own mental health.

This is no truer than when one takes a look at tabletop roleplaying games. Using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) as an example, there are hundreds of articles talking about how the game has impacted people’s lives. Communities have been built around the game and it has helped many people work through problems, like social anxiety disorder and even depression. Being the hero of one’s own story is massively empowering and engaging, and having others in a safe space where extremely sensitive topics can be dealt with care is quite healing.

Geeks around the world have experienced gaming as something that heals and that adds to rich interpersonal and internal relationships. The simplest way of describing what effect gaming has on people comes from Gary Gygax, co-creator of D&D, who simply says that “games give you a chance to excel”.

relies on her own creativity and intuition by making videos that she would want to watch and that make her laugh. Isabelle’s YouTube channel is equal parts original songs with deeply personal lyrics and feel-good videos that are sure to bring a smile to your face (one of her latest videos shows Isabelle following a Bob Ross tutorial, using her own face as a canvas). While she is completely comfortable doing obscure things in her videos, there are some things Isabelle wouldn’t do - admitting that she’s “pretty embarrassed when it comes to public videos” and that she’s wary of doing anything for YouTube outside of her own house. For Isabelle, it’s never been about the numbers; she creates her content to make people laugh and because she genuinely loves to do so.

Isabelle’s videos give an inside look into the fun-loving and quirky person she is in real life while her music demonstrates how multi-dimensional she is as an artist. The same girl that makes viewers laugh is able to connect emotionally with listeners through her sweet voice and a musical style that is deeply personal. Each song is inspired by personal experience but relates to universal experiences such as love, loss, and confusion. Summed up in three words, Isabelle says her music is “sad, honest, and pretty”. She is always listening to new artists and music to prevent her own style from stagnating and always looking for ways to stretch her creative limits and break out of her comfort zone. Her biggest inspiration comes from fearless female artists, like Lorde and AURORA, who are raw and honest in their music and vocals. A standard question when interviewing a musician is “what’s one song you love that you wish you’d written?”, an artist’s answer to this question can tell a lot about their musical style and lyrical aspirations; Isabelle’s ‘one song’ is Even If It’s a Lie by Matt Maltese, which she says “hurts so good”.

Earlier this year, Isabelle’s EP For You became available on Apple Music and Spotify. The six songs which make up this EP

are a strong start for establishing Isabelle’s sound - vulnerability and emotion grounded in gentle instrumentals. Her clear voice is backed by layers of harmonies, all of which emphasise her mature and clever lyrics. The light instrumentals and the lilt of her voice gives Isabelle’s music a Billie Eilish-esque tone. If she could recommend one of her songs to someone who has never heard her music before, it would be Fade Away (the closing track of the EP), which she describes as a melancholic, nostalgic ‘young love’ ballad. This song sounds like the closing of a chapter, like the post-mortem examination of a relationship gone wrong. The soft refrain of “I know I’ll never be strong enough, You’ll go forget for the both of us” and other cleverly-crafted lyrics in this song, along with the gentle strumming and clarity of Isabelle’s voice, all make it easy to understand why she calls this song her personal favourite. The content of this EP would be right at home alongside artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish, the only difference is that this content is being made here on our shores. Isabelle reminds PDBY that the UP community can support artists like her by watching, listening, subscribing, and sharing.

Isabelle says she gets antsy when she’s not creating something and she loves challenging herself and learning new things; creativity makes her feel fulfilled and helps keep her balanced.

The extra time afforded to her by the national lockdown has only enhanced her creativity, which she says is often hampered by the time constraints of varsity life. Isabelle has been making good use of the lockdown period to experiment in her creativity and make new music, which will be on its way to listeners soon.

For those wishing to embark on the same artistic journey Isabelle is on, her advice is simple: “Have fun with it!

Remember: every like, every comment, every little part of your creative process is special”.

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18 May 2020

Entertainment | 9

Q&A

something. I think it’s quite an enriching experience listening to the whole thing. Some of my friends have told me it’s their favourite Heuwels album. I’m fine with that.

You said that the song, “Ons Moet Leef”, turned out to be a song about reconciliation, togetherness, friendship and being in the here and now”. The inclusion of your fans in the music video truly encapsulated that “togetherness”. What were some of the major similarities you noticed between the videos that were sent in? And do you have a favourite video?

Dani van der Horst

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frikaans alternative pop band Die Heuwels Fantasties, is no stranger to making waves in the South African music scene. 2020 is shaping up to be another big year for this iconic group with the official release date of a new album set for 22 May. PDBY spoke to Hunter Kennedy, guitarist for Die Heuwels Fantasties, just after the release of their latest single “Ons Moet Leef”.

Your next full-length album, 2021, comes out on 22 May. How has the lockdown affected the creative process behind it?

Thankfully we were done with 99% of the creative work before lockdown. The lockdown has more affected our creativity with regards to the roll out of the album. We have had to adjust quite quickly. I mean usually our launch would’ve coincided with a live event, in fact, we were in the process of producing limited zines and all kinds of elaborate s**t.

The lockdown has taken most of the normality away as you very well know. The first challenge was to shoot a video, so we asked fans and some of our more recognisable friends to contribute to the video for “Ons Moet Leef”‘cause we thought it would get boring if it was just us in our houses, and that turned out quite lekker. Right now, Rave Grohl is busy building an animated visual accompaniment to the whole album. That will premiere on YouTube at the end of May. It will serve as our album launch. Listening-

Catching up with

Image: Provided

Hunter Kennedy from Die Heuwels Fantasties the song’s core message remains the “ same, “ons moet leef, ons moet lewe” party kind of vibe. At the moment, the album is available on our site if you purchase any merch. The items will be produced as soon as possible, but you get the album immediately, which is basically a month before it hits the major platforms. The vibe with the merch is quite exciting, we’re just throwing up designs and checking what people like. So, the COVID crisis has definitely forced us to think out the box a little.

How would you describe the sound of this

Where do you think the South African music industry is headed after lockdown?

I think all the artists will probably be ready to jol, so I think it’s gonna slam! Lots of new skills being learned, and the forced migration to focus everything online will definitely have a long-term impact. It’s interesting.

Up and up. Always on the up and up. Since my introduction to the scene I have never experienced the industry stopping, and it is not about to now.

Your song sends out such a positive message, with that in mind do you have any advice for creatives during this challenging time?

People are bored. Create content.

“

The social landscape from the conception of this song to its release must have changed quite a lot. Yet, the song fits in perfectly to the current position South Africans find themselves in. Do you think the message the song puts out into the world would have been received slightly differently if it were not for the COVID-19 lockdown?

Good question! I would love to say no, but I think the answer is yes. The lockdown has forced everyone’s energy to focus on this one thing. With the effect that everything is being contextualised similarly. That may help people feel the same feeling when they’re listening to the song, but of course, the song was not written with a virus in mind. I do, however, think the song’s core message remains the same, “ons moet leef, ons moet lewe”.

I appreciated the fact that the people were in good spirits and pushed themselves out of their usual domestic comfort zones. In general, everyone was having fun, and that is something that we hoped to achieve. Some of my favourites are the guy surfing in his pool with his suit on, the guy leaf blowing his face, and the girl who does that split in the air!

Amazing stuff. Super stoked with all of the entries, some of the videos didn’t make it, but hopefully we can work them into the viz for our album launch.

new chapter as a band? What can fans look forward to?

To me it actually sounds like it comes from all of our previous albums. I can hear s**t from our first album on here. Like “Mis Oor Die See” sounds a little bit like the synth-pop of the first album, and “Ek Mis Jou” has that stripped-down R&B element of “Koeëlbaai” on the OKAY! album. It’s hard to define the genre, cause there are a few genres, but I think the people can look forward to well-crafted songs that will make them feel

While we unfortunately cannot watch a live performance any time soon, we can reflect on live performances from the past.

Tell us a little about one of your favourite performances?

To be honest I have been digging our last few performances before this vibe. I love it when it’s the whole freaking band. Hiram on sax, Kyle on keytar, Johnny on second guitar.

That only happens at Liefde By Die Dam though, and it is always a f*****g party. The music video for “Mejuffrou Sonneblom” was actually shot there.

What are you most looking forward to after lockdown?

My kid’s face when she sees her best friend again.

Die Heuwels Fantasties: 2021 Dani van der Horst

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ie Heuwels Fantasties are back in full force with their new album, 2021. The album strikes the perfect balance between old and new and stays true to the band’s iconic synth-pop sound. The first single “Jy Stel My Teleur” was released in September 2019, and was followed by the release of “Mejuffrou Sonneblom” and “Doin’ It Right” in December 2019, and finally, “Ons Moet Leef” in April. These singles set the tone for the rest of the album, fusing all of the best parts of electronic-pop and soft rock. The album features artists Jack Parrow, Ampie, and Arno Carstens, among others. It offers the perfect soundtrack to a relaxed weekend, with songs to get you up on your feet, ready to dance, and songs to sip a glass of wine to in the late afternoon.

From the incorporation of the saxophone

in “Mis Oor Die See” to the slow piano in “Kom Na My Toe”, the album moves through an array of emotions. It does not shy away from mixing up genres, something that is not unusual for the group. The overarching feeling of the album is one of nostalgia and reflection. As Hunter Kennedy, guitarist of Die Heuwels Fantasties, says “[the album] actually sounds like it comes from all of [their] previous albums”, giving listeners a well-rounded experience of Die Heuwels Fantasties.

This is an album with a little something for everyone, from fans who have been around since the beginning, to people looking for something new to listen to. 2021 is a great album especially for those who have not listened to Die Heuwels Fantasties before, as it truly explores all of the various styles of their music. Die Heuwels Fantasties are known for their fun stage presence, so their live performance of the new album

is something many are looking forward to. It may still be a while before you can watch the band live, so the next best thing is to join the live stream launch of the album on 30 May. The album will officially be released on 22 May, but if you purchase any merchandise from their website, you will receive a free digital copy of the album. You will also receive a free digital copy of the album if you book your spot for the album launch. You can find more information about this on their website: www. dieheuwels.co.za Image: Provided

10 | Fun and Games

18 May 2020

Pssst...

I exhaled your name, as a wordless gasp.

Your fingers lingering on my lower back.

Slowly you slide your hands, up and down.

While my fingers are buried in your hair.

Alexa Midnight

Winter Affection

Poetry Corner

Gently you trail kisses down the nape of my neck.

Making my whole body quiver, feeling like a beautiful wreck

Hi hi, Pssst... here.

Things were heating up between student structures this week with some "friendly" competition. You may have seen the “Lockdown Showdown” on Instagram. Or maybe you didn’t. Because as far as showdowns go, this was pretty lame. Oops...typo, Pssst... meant tame.

Of course, maybe Pssst... is being too harsh. Pssst... thinks it was cute that everyone tried so hard and worked together.Pssst... didn't miss all those shoutouts to every structure except PDBY. Because we all miss the clique set up from high school, don’t we?

“There was a silent intensity in her eyes, like, unlit fireworks.

Waiting for my spark to ignite them” Silently he smirks, knowing my mind and body alike.

As you kiss me, the fire in your soul burns my lips.

Our bodies were on fire from the heat of the moment, our love lit up.

Another thing Pssst... is sure everyone enjoyed was meeting half of Luminous on WhatsApp last week. Pssst... is sure they even put poor Candela to work campaigning.

If you don’t know who Candela is, Pssst... suggests checking the ad on page 6. You know, the prize Luminous fought so very hard for?

Funny.

We were vulnerable to each other, that made our love like no other.

So as the heat died away and we slowly fell asleep, your whispered “I love you” came as no surprise.

Forever the memory of that night, I’ll keep Poetry submitted by UP students to PDBY. You can submit your poetry to editor@ pdby.co.za if you would like to be featured in the PDBY Poetry Corner.

Health House when they... what was it DSA? “Fell slightly short?”

Speaking of falling short, Pssst... would like to offer a round of applause to the other runner ups, the SRC. Pssst... is glad they didn't take the prize or Pssst...would have to bare with another page of empty promises.

Before Pssst... goes, a quick Latin lesson to shed some light for Luminous (ironic, Pssst... knows).

But T E N E B R I S. Did you get that Luminous? And mascot. One T. Pssst... may sound judgey. But don't worry, one of Pssst...’s best traits is OPEN-MINDEDNESS. Anyway, Pssst… has eavesdropping to do, information to trade and lockdown showdowns to lose.

Pssst… says adieu and stay safe.

Pssst... even felt a little bad for

UPBingo See if you can cross out a whole row or column of blocks (bonus points if you can cross out every square).

Post your completed Bingo card and tag us on instagram @pdbymedia.

Went to campus at night

Stuck in a turnstyle

Cried before Been in the Bokkie dam or after a test

Got a Steri Stumpie for free

Stole a residence hat

Watched series in a lecture

Skipped 07:30 lectures

Gone to career day for free stuff

Only studied the day of a test/exam

Attended a VarsityCup game

Read a PDBY newspaper

Studied in Merensky

Been kicked out of a lecture

Lost your student card

Slept in a Lecture hall

Bought UP merch

Visited Varsity Bakery after 00:00

Had a drink at Oom Gert (RIP)

Had a coffee date at Tribeca

Been left alone at The Strip

Gone to a lecture still drunk

Went to Springday/ Lentedag

Gone to the wrong lecture

Had a “Fokof Lager” at “Fokofbar”

Been on the roof of Centerary

Been sent to main gate

Bought notes

Listened to TuksFM

Had the HB elevator open on floor 5

Thought ClickUP was a building

Recieved a Had “a drink” parking ticket in a lecture

Went to Acapella

Participated in/ Attended Step-it-up

Sport TuksESports Boitumelo Kokwe

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Photo : Madhuri Rambaran

uksESports is the Esport club at the University of Pretoria. The club’s main objective is to promote Esport through the various leagues and tournaments that the club has. The competitions held by the club help prepare individuals who would like to compete in the provincial and national tournaments. The club is open to anyone who is a competitive gamer living in Pretoria, or surrounding neighbourhoods. Esports involves players competing in different electronic games.

The two popular electronic games offered by TuksESports are; League of Legends and Call of Duty. Other games include: Dota Two, StarCraft Two and Counterstrike. TuksESports also participates in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Esports Tournament.

In 2019, the USSA had its first annual Esports Tournament, held at Stellenbosch University (SU). In which eleven universities took part. Namely, SU; Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Central University of Technology; Durban University of Technology; Mangosuthu University of Technology; North-West University; Sol Plaatje University; Tshwane University of Technology; University of Cape Town; University of Witwatersrand, and University of Western Cape.

Diekmann’s rowing still going strong Chrizaan Pretorius

M

aike Diekmann, originally from Namibia, joined TuksRowing in 2018 after starting her rowing career back in 2015. At the age of 25, she has managed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and won her first medal in Italy last year.

PDBY spoke to Diekmann about her passion for this sport.

Diekmann told PDBY that her love for rowing derives out of its potential to build character, and it constantly challenges one on a physical, and mental level. In addition, Diekmann stated that in order to excel professionally, you must always give a hundred percent, and use a setback only as a tool for a stronger comeback. She states that practicing humility, accepting criticism, and asking for help are some of the bravest things that athletes have to do. While her training for the Olympics Games was going strong, she was disappointed when the Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed. However, she takes it day by day, and she feels thankful for the extra preparation time.

Diekmann exercises three or more hours, daily. From rowing to yoga, her exercises are a combination of strength and conditioning exercises. Diekmann added that Tuks has been a great help with excellent facilities, and support to enable her to perform on her highest level of potential.

Diekmann is currently being trained by coach Grant Dodds, and she still has hopes of placing in the top 12 of the Tokyo Olympic games. Diekmann stated that, “I love being able to represent my small country on the world stage, it makes me feel very proud. I have a responsibility and love being able to inspire others especially young sportswoman to chase their dreams. Being a role model to someone out there is something that pushes me to be the best I can be”.

In the long run, she hopes to help Namibia in the developmental process of rowing, so that more of their youth can participate in this sport. Altogether, Diekmann is still

going strong with her vision set on the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, and knows that the sporting platform holds big potential for athletes to impact their community in various ways.

The winners were Maties Esports from SU. In 2020, TuksESports will be participating at the USSA ESports Tournament for the first time. The first E-sport competition, the ‘Space Invaders Championship’ was held in 1980. Other international video game tournaments include the World Cyber Games, The International, and The Final Match.

COVID-19 has led to traditional sport games being postponed - one competition being the Olympic Games. The postponement of traditional sports has led to an increase in the popularity of Esports. An article by The Guardian titled “Esports ride crest of a wave as figures rocket”, showed an increase of Esports popularity by 75 percent since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the article, “TuksESports: Tuks director says eSports popularity can’t be ignored” the Acting Director for TuksSport, Toby Sutcliffe, said “there is no getting away from the fact that Esports is going to become more popular”.

He also mentioned the increase in the profit made by ESport world-wide. He said, “[the] global revenues from esports, or professional video game competitions, have come close to 1.1 billion [dollars] in 2019. It is 27 percent more than in 2018”.

More information about joining TuksESports is given on its official website at https://www.up.ac.za/tuksesports.

UP hosts chess online

Photo : Madhuri Rambaran

Boitumelo Makaepea

S

taying at home has become the new norm amid COVID-19.

Encouraging people to stay at home has been widely used as one of the measures to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Students were sent home to prevent them from getting, and spreading the virus. This meant that daily interactions had to be put on hold, sporting activities included.

In light of everything, UP Student Sport, in partnership with TuksChess, hosted an online chess competition on 24 April.

Interested students had to sign in online at the UP Student Sport Chess Tourney Arena. The tournament was held in an effort to create an environment where students can interact and have fun while staying at home.

The following are the results of the tournament with the top three: Coldzin took first place with 22 games played, win rate

77%, Berserk rate at 36%, performance at 2049 with 56 1 atpoints.

Image : Bruce Viaene

2

BraCee came out in second place with 23 games played, win rate at 61%, Berserk rate at 52%, performance at 1822 with 46 points.

3

Al_Sorna came out in third place with 16 games played, win rate at 81%, Berserk rate at 0%, performance at 2081 with 44 points.

Overall, 438 Games were played, 27 437 moves were made, White wins at 50%, Black wins at 48%, Draws at 2%, Berserk rate at 12%, Average rating at 1460.

For more information on the tournament, click on this link https://lichess.org/tournament/dvK0jJOO.

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