Vol 4 No 8
September 2014
s u p Cam t go t! n e l ta
s p u e h T t .. r . o s n p S w o d and
FB: NWU Vaal Student 24/7 studentenews@gmail.com eFundi: Student 24/7 Web: www.nwu.ac.za
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Spring! The flowers are blooming, the grass is getting greener, my allergies are waking up! Red itchy eyes, and a blocked stuffy nose. The signs to let me know Spring is here. BUT I love waking up in the morning, knowing that the sun will shine, and the weather will be nice and toasty the whole day! But September also means one month closer to the end of the year... Do you wake up lately wondering, “Where has the time gone?” I am having quite a few of those days; but I guess not as bad a when you are a student... When you look at it; by the end of this month (which is about two weeks away) all students on Campus will be writing their FINAL exams for the year! That feeling of soooo much to do and so little time also starts to slowly build. What to do? What to do? Firstly? BREATHE! Secondly, if you haven’t learnt how to do it by now; the best thing to do is: PRIORITIZE! Here are some tips I learned through my years as a student: • Before you start to worry about
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exams, FIRST remember that you still have a few weeks left of classes. So make sure your work is up-to-date, and hand in those last minute assignments! Check your exam timetables. They are out, so make sure you know when you are writing. This also helps to see if there might be clashes (it can happen) Make notes (proper notes) for each module. A few papers or random words in textbooks is not enough to help you pass. Hard part? This will involve you rereading those books and notes you wrote... BUT this helps, as that way you can get rid of the info that you don’t need, hence making life a little easier. Plan a schedule. Trust me, it doesn’t help to just study a day before.
When writing exams: • Read through everything first. It might seems like a waste of time, but you never know what extra information your lecturer might have written; that in the end will save you a lot of time. • Answer the easier questions first. Don’t waste time trying to think of
what to write on questions you are not sure about first. You might not get to all the easier questions and then you lose out on time and marks. • Write to the best of your ability. Unless you have parrot memory; it might not be possible for you to write everything that was in the textbooks; but don’t give up! Write what you know; and get SOME marks, rather than not writing it down at all. • When you feel that you are done and you have left the exam room: FORGET IT ALL. It doesn’t help you to go and check your notes to see if your answers are correct after you wrote the exam. Wait for the results, have a look where you went wrong, talk to your lecturer; and if push comes to shove, re-write. BUT I have faith in all of you that you will do great the first time around! P.S. I am available for encouraging words and hugs if needed! Well... now that THAt is out of the way... Down to looking back at September... Heritage Month... What a GREAT Culture Day we had this year! I mean... what better way to seperate the coming together of cultures and being united, then inviting our sister Campuses Mafikeng and Potch to our beautiful Campus? And they came roaring to go! The performances from each Campus Choir and the amazing performances from Mafikeng’s other talented students and groups definitely showed me that as a University... we are a force to be reckoned with!
VUVU’S SOAPBOX
Vuvu’s Soapbox... I am perplexed! Quack! September is Heritage Month and I woke up this morning feeling more confused than a chameleon on a box of Smarties! I tried making sense of my family tree yesterday, but found it to be more like a hectare of trees. I tell you, I seem to have more family members than there are leaves on a weeping willow tree – you know those trees with the groundsweeping leaves by the bank of the river. You see, it is not just about my ancestry but the question of life itself that has me baffled... what came first, the goose or the egg? This question is enough to make your head spin right off our neck!
So, in a nutshell (or an eggshell, if you like), two birds that weren’t really geese at all created an egg, and hence we have an answer: the egg came first, and then it hatched a gosling! When it comes to tracing my roots (feathers) on the Campus, the first goose set foot on our beautiful Campus in 1984. So how absolutely cool is this, my great-greatgreat-great-grandfather grew up to the beat of Bruce Springsteen, watched Ghostbusters and shared a birthday with Prince Harry! The Campus Culture Festival was a hoot this year! After my proverbial climb in the family tree, it was great to just waddle around and experience the cultural diversity on display... and boy, the potjiekos competition had me drooling like a hound dog.
Quack! You should hear the amount of hissing and wing flapping that goes on when we feathered folk discuss this (thorny) issue! “The goose, no the egg, no the goose, no the egg...”. My o-so-clever cousin from the learning and research commons reckons it is all a waste of goose-breath since it is like arguing the starting point of a circle...(I think he has lost the plot completely since even I know that a circle has no beginning!).
Congratulations to Faranani for their hard work and effort! Quack!
Quack! According to old Mother Goose, the feathers of our ancestry can be traced to a chicken-like bird that existed many, many moons ago. Science dubbed this bird, “Krulwich” – and poor fellow, he had it really bad. He was a proto-goose - you know he walked like a goose hissed like a goose BUT resembled nothing like a goose. Well, folklore has it that Krulwich – the proto-gander fertilised an egg laid by a proto-goose, but when the genes from ma-and-pa-almost-goose fused, they combined to create a mutation that accidently made the baby different from its parents. If you are thinking that this sounds all too much like a feathered re-run of X-Men, hold on to your seats... the story gets better. Although it would take millennia for the difference to be noticed (because all parents think their offspring is the most beautiful bundle of feathers to ever waddle the earth), the egg was different enough to become the official ancestor of a new species, now known as...geese.
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RECTOR’S OFFICE
Dear Student Representatives of the Campus Management met with representatives from the Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC) on Friday, 02 October 2014, to provide feedback on issues raised regarding the Wheels at the Vaal Motor Show (which was hosted on the Campus on 6 and 7 September 2014). Campus Management would like to make use of this opportunity to also provide the student community with the necessary feedback in this regard. Issues identified by the CSRC: 1. “The contract between the University and the organisers of the ‘Wheels on the Vaal’ event must be reviewed on the basis that proceeds made from the event are not beneficial to the students in any way whatsoever. Secondly, the event does not promote racial diversity as the attendees of the event are predominantly of one racial group”. The income generated from renting out of the facilities for the Wheels at the Vaal Motor Show and provision of specialist services is referred to as Money Stream 3 Income initiative. This money is used in various ways that are directly beneficial to the student community, such as: • Covering the shortfall in tuition fees and subsidy funding; • Meal-a-Day Project and • Maintenance of facilities. 2. “The CSRC condemns the behaviour of management to allow external stakeholders to host events that do not benefit the student populace in any way, but refuses to allow the
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CSRC to host events (e.g. RAG) that will benefit the students in one or another. The hiring of venues to for events is costly to the CSRC whereas those funds could be used to assist students”. The notion that students do not benefit from the hosting of external events was corrected and explained in point number 1. The Campus Management acknowledges the important function of RAG as an intervention to make students aware of the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism. In an effort to ensure the success of an event such as RAG it should be supported by all Campus stakeholders and a well-executed business plan. The CSRC and the Dean of Students will continue to engage one another to come up with a way forward in terms of the RAG. 3. “The CSRC has demanded that the management releases a statement to the students pertaining to the Wheels at the Vaal event and also encapsulating an apology about the public occurrence of a Magic Lawns supervisor being in a physical altercation with another Magic Lawns employee. We cannot have such behaviour during this critical time on our campus”. Both the Campus and Magic Garden Services (PTY) LTD investigated the matter in question and herewith the findings: • Both parties were found to be guilty of losing their tempers and investigators found the incident to be work related and not racially motivated; • There was pushing from both sides and no physical assault took place –
and no charges of assault was laid; • Magic Garden Services (PTY) LTD formally apologise to the staff and students of the Vaal Triangle Campus and gave their assurance that they will do everything possible to prevent similar incidents in the future and • Both parties are to attend compulsory Anger Management and Labour Relations training. I want to reiterate my statement that the safety and wellbeing of all members of the Campus community – be it staff or students, remain a high priority for the Campus Management. I want to furthermore thank the CSRC for their willingness to engage Campus Management in positive and productive dialogue.
CAMPUS NEWS
Saying goodbyes to our own Deliwe Msibi Photography: Keleabetswe Narenti
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The Vaal Campus recently lost two souls, Maria Molebatsi and Zimkitha Mlanjeni. In commemoration of these two souls, a joined memorial service was held at the Small Lapa on 1 October. Maria and Zimkitha were both full time students. Maria Molebatsi Maria Molebatsi (37) completed her first degree in BCom Economics and International Trade in 2011 and was awaiting her graduation for her second undergraduate Degree BCom Charted Accounting which was going to be on 17 October this year. Maria lost her life, among other South Africans, when the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building
collapsed on 12 September in Nigeria. The Molebatsi family were touched that the Campus hosted the memorial service and the gesture has helped them release some tears and start with the healing process. Thando Nomaqhiza, MC and Vice Prim of Acacia, quoted Eugene Feygin and said “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal”. In remembering her daughter, Maria’s mother Morwesi Molebatsi said even though they were looking forward to seeing her work as an accountant, something she had always loved. It will be very difficult knowing she worked hard to get her degrees just to leave them behind. Zimkitha Mlanjeni Zimkitha Mlanjeni (21) was a very bubbly girl with one of the biggest personalities on Campus, according to her friends. She was a third year student, who was studying towards her BCom Accounting Degree; with just two months before completing her degree, she passed on.
Zimkitha was a member of the South African Student Congress (SASCO), and two weeks before she passed on, was elected as an executive member of the NWU VTC SASCO branch. She was actively involved in campus politics. Mongezi Seyale, the branch executive chairperson of SASCO said, “we bid her farewell, and hope she gets to meets with other comrades in heaven, the likes of Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela”. Sharing Zimkitha’s memory was Busiwa Mbuda (close friend), who spoke of the happy times, the times when Zimkitha helped her conquer her fear of mingling with other people. She also said “It pains me to see her leave now at a time she was preparing for her exams, determined more than ever because she wanted so bad to finish her degree in record time”. The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North West University might have lost, but heaven surely gained. Farewell to Zimkhitha and Maria, we will miss them dearly.
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CAMPUS NEWS
A Campus of many Cultures
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Haseena Saley & Rabia Moosa On 24 September 2014, our campus hosted its annual Cultural Day in celebration of South Africa’s national Heritage Day. We had students from our sister campuses Potchefstroom and Mafikeng also attending the event; with the day filled with perfect weather that complimented all the different colours of the different cultures. The MCs for the day were Gomolemo and Matt from our campus radio station RiverFM. The judging panel included Prof. Thanyani Mariba, Prof. Susan Coetzee Van Rooy (Faculty of Humanities), Mr. Johannes Mahlasela (School of Languages), Ms Lethiwe Kubheka and Mrs Beata Siejek (our lovely editor’s mother). Needless to say they had a tough job on the day. The day started off with a melodious performance by our very own campus choir “The Voices of the River Choir”. We were then graced with a performance by the talented students from our sister campus, Potchefstroom. There after the judges took to the stalls. Stalls: Residences that participated included: • Acacia – Represented the US culture. They had their very own Minnie Mouse, Statue of Liberty and the very beautiful Marilyn Monroe. Their theme was Texas and Hollywood. They had foods such as sloppy joes and ribs with Pepsi and Lemonade to drink. For dessert they had waffles. • Oryx – Represented the Cuban culture. With their very own Mafia movement, samba/salsa dancers. They had Cuban delicacies like spicy chicken cabaña with couscous, traditional bread pudding and to drink, tasty strawberry peppermint and kiwi mojitos. • Faranani – Represented our very own isiZulu culture. From the traditional clothing wear to the pots that they cooked in. They prepared mugodu(tripe), a traditional stew and phuthu (pap) and traditional African beer. • Thuthuka – Represented the Scottish culture. They had their very own Scottish bar set up, wearing traditional Scottish kilts. They had a wide variety of foods including rice and stew, a roasted chicken stuffed with mince, garlic bread, sausages and egg rolls. They had French whiskey to drink and for dessert they had strawberry muffins, milk tart and pancakes. Departments that participated included: • The Vice Rector’s office – Represented the Indian culture. Dressed in traditional saris, kurtas and kurtees. The Vice Rector’s office had mouth-watering delights for starters such as samosas(chicken, mutton and cheese), sausages, and vegetarian spring rolls. The main course was beef sheen with veggies and Ginger beer to drink. • The School of Accounting Sciences – Represented
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a proudly South African culture. They had a balanced set up, from their debit pot, to their credit. A simple set up because everyone knows, wherever there’s a tree, a braai can start. To eat, the School of Accounting sciences had a beans salad (being bean counters), homemade potbrood, droewors, stew, and for dessert they had Amarula ice cream. • Student Affairs – Represented our very own Setswana culture. Dressed in traditional Setswana attire, student affairs was a knockout with their food. They had ting (cultural/sour pap), mosoko (porridge), morogo (spinach), matsetserepa (chicken feet), scones prepared on the ground, malamogodu(tripe) and to drink, they gemmer as well as bujalwa be sestwana (traditional beer). • Library – The library represented the Sesotho culture. Colourful and well put together. They made foods such as spinach, they had a pooitjie, dumplings, pap and sishebo(gravy/sauce), gemmer and African beer to drink. Once the judging of the stalls was done, it was time for some more performances this time from the choir of the Mafikeng campus. Shortly thereafter the residence performances began. First was Thuthuka, doing a play called “Play in a bar”. This play was about Scottish man, telling his daughter how he’d met her South African mother in a bar during the rugby world cup years ago. They were followed by Oryx who did a bilingual play on the Life and Times of Cuban super star Gloria Estefan. Thereafter the Mafikeng campus students performed a dance number. Followed by Faranani who portrayed a Zulu wedding also in the form of a play. Then a performance by the traditional dancers also of the Mafikeng campus took place. Lastly, Acacia graced the stage with a play depicting the Texas and Vegas culture. Mr Samango handled the vote of thanks and the results were handed out. Results were as follows: DEPARTMENTS: BEST STALL & CREATIVITY: Student Affairs BEST FOOD: Accounting Sciences PRESENTATION: Vice-Rector OVER-ALL WINNERS: Vice-Rector RESIDENCES: BEST STALL : Faranani BEST FOOD: Faranani CREATIVITY: Faranani BEST PERFORMANCE: Thuthuka OVER-ALL WINNERS: Faranani. * To see all the photos of the day don’t forget to visit the NWU Vaal Student 24/7 Facebook page!
CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS
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s l a n i F s t s n e e c l c a u T ge s u h a CAMPUS NEWS
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Rabia Moosa & Haseena Saley
As everyone departed from the festivities of the annual Cultural day, the 24th of September 2014 played host to another event, the annual Talent show finale. This year it went bigger and better. As we waited in anticipation to see the performances, the contestants never disappointed. As the program director for the evening, they had the charming Mr Robert W Bernard who never failed to impress the crowd. On the judging panel was Steven Motloung (Mr NWU Vaal, Mr SA CAMPUS 2014/2015), Waldo Rheeder(Oryx HK) and the beautiful Lemohang Mokoena (Arts & Culture CSRC 2014/2015).
After singing the university the show began. The talents were split into 3 categories, acting and poetry, music and dance. Each category had 4-6 acts.
• Teboho – Rapping • Thando – Singing: Adele, Someone Like You. Dancing • Kolo • Boitumelo • Tshepo • Thabang • Nelisiwe. And the winners were: • Poetry & Acting: Thandolami (Santrust) • Singing: Neo ( Faranani) • Dance: Thabang ( Oryx) • Overall Winner: Thabang (Oryx)
Acting & Poetry • Atlehang – Acting • Refiloe - Poetry: Beauty of a woman • Thandolwami – Acting: Crazy • Nkululeko – Poetry: Zulu Love Letter Music • Hip hop S.E.E – Rap Group: Own Song • Bondo – Singing: Jessie J, Wild • Neo – Singing: Beyonce, Listen • T-Jazz – Rapping: Own Song
Ebukhosini’s Pre-Heritage Day Party!!!
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Sindiswa Mbatha Ebukhosini hosted their pre-heritage day on Tuesday the 23 September 2014.the event took place on a success with students representing different cultures. The event was a battle of the block than a normal heritage day celebration. Students competed according to blocks with every block representing a specific culture. The presented cultures were TshiVenda, Pantsula and SeSotho. SeSotho culture came in first place, second place was Tshivenda and pantsula came in third place. Mr and Miss ebukhosini seized the day by pleasing the crowd with their last walk on the runaway, also to note, guest performance by Sindiswa koti (poet); Palesa Haji (poet), beauty Rammabo and Masego Selapelo (singer).
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The event started at 18:00 o’clock and ended at 21:00. Overall, attendees seemed entertained and satisfied. The Primarius of Ebukhosini Juliet Shabalala also confirmed this “ I am glad the event was a success” she said. The day was wrapped up with a braai.
CAMPUS NEWS
Students speak out on Human Rights
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Kinga Siejek What do you get when you take the Vaal Campus Law Society, a topic, and one student from each Residence? The theme of the public speaking compeititon was Human Rights, with each student giving not only the facts but also their ideas on what Human Rights mean and what can be done to create a nation of Ubuntu. The event was split into two session, with a break inbetwee. Each residence was given the task to appoint a student to present a 15 minute presentation. Judging was based on their research content, presentation and time (with points being deducted if over or under the allocated time). Here are what our students had to say: Thuthuka • What are Human Rights when we still battle for education, women are raped every eight minutes, and hate speech is still practised? When the Freedom of Expression is used to discriminate against others? • The Freedom of Expression should be a right to all; to express ourselves in any form, but it is not correct to use it to undermine others. • While it is a right, it should be more of a responsibility. Who must be accountable for our rights if we are not responsible personally first? • Freedom of Expression is a given; presented and protected to all. • What are YOU going to do about it? Acacia • Discrimination occurs via hate speech, religion, gender and sexual orientation. • They give you labels and expect you to do only what is allowed in your labels. • Remember, before you are anything else, you are human. • People do not steal because of the colour they happen to be, they steal because they are thieves. Life doesn’t come with a manual; you are born into it and you choose. • Make equality spread in the power in your words. Faranani • A potent weapon fro the oppressed is the oppressors mind. • Issues affect society as a whole, and need to bring it back home, to the Vaal Campus. • We are not immune to homophobia, racism or xenophobia. • Racism - racial segregation is still happening. Such as the recent incident on Campus, such actions are more than just racial actions. It is not just about race, but about the criminal actions as well. • Bullying - We need to change Orientation into Motivation. • The fear of getting to know a person beyong their culture is depriving the right to learning.
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We know more of our rights and less of our responsibilities.
Oryx • The South African Constitution and Human Rights tells us about how we have a right to Dignity, Equality and Freedom. • Before the Right to Equality - we had a shameful history. Such as the Case of an African woman who was not able to inherit anything from her father, because of her gender. • The Right to Dignity - A case of how it should be better implemented - the building of toilets but not having them enclosed. THis is a good example of the infringement of rights. • Remember - the Constitution is a living and breathing document. Santrust • All people should be equal - it is in the Human Charter. • Everyone has a right to be comfortable and accepted in their own skin, sexual preference, and not to be labeled an abomination by their own race. • The problem with Human Rights, is that they dictate our own rights. • An example - Sindiswa - she is seen as being ‘two steps behind’ because of the colour of her skin, and the audacity to be a woman. • We need to constitute a level of humanity. • The Bill of Rights - segregates society rather than bringing society closer together. Ebukhosini • What significance is the colour of a man’s skin? • Racism still cripples us. The sad result is that it infringes on our rights. • We need to destroy this ‘Ebola’ we call racism. • Don’t dwell on situations, but rather find solutions. • Break down the barrier of language. • Re-invest in the bank of humanity. Kumba/Horizon • Culture, Religion and Language - what is the significance? • What is culture? The ideals and characters of people; their cuisine... • We all have a right to life, and a right to education, in the language we want. • Culture Day and Orientation are ways to not just show off but to educate everyone about the diverse cultures we have on Campus. • It all starts here, with respect and Ubuntu. Longfellow • Need to look at Social Inclusion Policy. • We need to identify problems, look at Human rights
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and find solutions. Such as in 1652 - Fort Hare was more Xhosa, and the Western Cape was more Coloured; yet the budgets went more to Whites. The two former didn’t have the opportunities and skills - there was no opportunity. There is still no social cohesion with the residences on Campus. We need to look at the Social Policy - and prioritize the demographics of reseidences.
Vergelegen • Women’s rights are still being violated - Ukutwala is a problem. • Women are being denied their Freedom of choice.
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Antagonists and bullying occurs in many different stages in life: The first is that from birth to Pre-School - Just a simple report and it is conquered. The second is Primary School - It can be conquered, if a report is given on it. Thirdly Emotionall bullying - It takes a simple NO from a woman for a man to become a bully. But again, bullying can be conquered. Fourth is at Institutions of Higher Learning - Bullying comes in all forms, from NSFAS, to exams, to waking up in the morning. Where is the difference between art VS discrimination? Where do we meet each other halfway?
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Jasmyn • First years initiation practices - why a military way? • Block cultures in residences - first year greetings... • Having to run around all day and night singing, then have to go to bed late at night and wake up early. Where is the sense? • We should take first years - motivate them, inspire them, welcome them. We should not let them lose confidence in themselves. • Change will not come if we wait for some other person. Between speeches, students had a chance to ask a question or give comment to those presenting. The new
CSRC Transformation Officer, Sydney Madibo, gave a few words of encouragement. He told the students to learn to accept others, as well as ourselves collectively, and that there is a difference between arguing and discussing. After all presentations were said and done, and all the judging was counted, the winners were announced. The top three would each win a prize. And the winners were: First Place - Santrust - R 2 000 Second Place - Vergelegen - R 1 000 Third Place - Acacia - R 750
CAMPUS NEWS
Power amongst Women
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Kinga Siejek
Celebrating and learning from successful ladies doesn’t need to be only a topic for August (Women’s month). As was proven with the ‘Power of a Woman Seminar” hosted by the Santrust Residence and the Women’s Forum on 12 September 2014, at bulding 9C G01. The theme of the event, “Matla A Mosadi” brought together the lady students on Campus to not only celebrate womanhood, but also gave the students a chance to listen and learn from those with expirience of life as a woman in the social and work environment. The first speaker, the Campuses very own Johanna Ralekgokgo from Academic Development and Support (ADS) spoke of wisdom from her life story to what she sees on a daily basis at the Campus with students. Ralekgokgo used her wisdom to show the ladies that there is always hope for being able to accomplish your dreams, though it may not follow the course of other people. The second speaker of the event, was Thandi Gweba, the Editor of ‘Move” a Woman’s Magazine. From the moment she walked in, with confidence as grace, the ladies were eagerly awaiting her words of wisdom. The moral of her speech was simple; be yourself, follow your dreams, fight what you believe in, but be humble through your journey to greatness. Don’t settle for just anything or anyone, and don’t wait for someone else to give you what you want. If you want to travel to Paris one day, don’t wait for someone to hand you the ticket, but work hard and use your own accomplishments to get you there; the trip will ne so much more worth it that way. Also... never settle for a man who will not be able to help you become who you want to be. Don’t settle for what is
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available, as you are worth so much more. In-between the positive and driving speeches, the ladies were also entertained by our very own ladies and their soulful voices with renditions of songs that allowed many ladies to join in. The crux of the event; to show the ladies that they are worth so much more than anyone can ever tell them, to work hard to accomplish their dreams and to fight all barriers that may stand in their way. No matter what age, or past you may have or be, it is only a stepping stone in your adventure that is life and the greatness that each lady can accomplish. Being a woman is no longer a reason to say “I can’t” but rather a push to say “I can”, and I WILL!
CAMPUS NEWS
Planting for the Future
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Keleabetswe Narenti
In support of Arbor week the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal), Green Campus Committee (GCC) planted four indigenous trees on the grounds of the Vaal Campus. Arbor week is between the 1st and 7th of September and the GCC and some of the students took the time to plant trees. Madeline Evert, chair of the GCC, said that they plan to encourage the planting of trees amongst students and staff members throughout the month of September. Planting trees in one of the initiatives the Green Campus Committee is introducing to work towards promoting the green campus initiative on the Vaal Campus (NWU Vaal) The Green Campus Committee planted the following trees: 1. Olea europaea subs. africana Common names: Wild olive, Olienhout (Afr.), Mohlware (NSotho, SSotho), umNquma (Zulu, Xhosa, Swati), Mutlhwari (Venda), Motlhware (Tswana) • Frost Hardy • Vulnerable when • young • 7mx5m • Evergreen Habitat: This tree is found in a variety of habitats, often near water, e.g. on rocky hillsides, on stream banks and in woodland (where it can reach 12 m). It is widespread in Africa, Mascarene Islands, Arabia, India to China. 2. Combretum erythrophyllum Common name: Bushriver Willow • Frost Hardy • Vulnerable when young • 15mx10m • Deciduous Habitat: This is a riverine species, occurring alongside rivers or away from rivers where sufficient groundwater is available. It is found at
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almost all altitudes and can therefore tolerate a fair amount of climatic variation and diverse soils such as heavy black loam, sandy riverine alluvium and granite sand. 3. Rhus lancea Common Names: Karee (English), Karee or Rooikaree (Afrikaans), mokalabata, Monhlohlo, Motshakhutshakhu (Northern Sotho), iNhlangutshane (Siswati), Mosinabele, Mosilabele (South Sotho), Mosabele, Mosilabele (Tswana), Mushakaladza (Venda), umHlakotshane (Xhosa). • Frost Hardy • Vulnerable when young • 7mx7m • Evergreen Habitat: The karee occurs naturally in Acacia woodland and along drainage lines, rivers and streams. It is often found growing on lime rich substrates.
4. Buddleja Auriculata (Weeping wild sage) Common names: Weeping sage, Treursalie (Afr.), Utile (Xhosa) • Frost Hardy • Evergreen • 4mx4m Habitat: This shrub occurs naturally on mountain slopes, in rocky ravines, and on forest margins For more information on these trees go to http://www.plantzafrica.com/
Disability is
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a hindrance
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Deliwe Msibi Pain is pain. Broken is broken. Fear is the biggest disability of all, and will paralyze you more than you being in a wheelchair. This is a quote by Nick Vujicici, a man who was born with no arms and no legs. The Vaal Campus recently held a Disability Day, a Student Affairs initiative, championed by Student Counselling and Development (SCD). The programme, which was directed by Dr Sydney Vos, Coordinator of the Disability Unit of NWU VTC was held on the banks of the majestic Vaal River in the Big Lapa. The VTC students came from all directions to learn more about disability. As well as to listen to what people with disability have to say, to show that we are all one, no matter the physical features. The Dean of Students Mrs Prem Coopoo spoke about the University being a place where all its students should be happy and comfortable. The disabled students are not different people. She said as much as short people leant to live with their heights not allowing them to reach high places without climbing on to something, so do disabled people. As human beings we are built in such a way that we have the ability to adapt to any physical condition. The first guest speaker was Mr James Direro a quadriplegic from the Shangri- La Community Development Project (home for the disabled). While listening to Mr Direro, we got to hear what some able-bodied people think about disabled people. Here are a few things Mr Direro found out and shared with us: • People with disabilities are more comfortable with ‘their own kind’ • All persons who have disabilities are chronically ill or sick • People with disabilities are brave and courageous • People with disabilities always need help • People who have mental illness are violent “Sad as it is, these are the myths said by some and believed by many able bodied people” said Mr Direro. The youngest to speak was Tumi Maloka, who started off by saying, “the second time talking in front of a crowd of people is much easier than the first; I guess it gets better with time. Now, it is safe to say I no longer have
CAMPUS NEWS stage fright”. Tumi is a 9 year old boy, who is an albino and has impaired vision. Tumi explained that albinism is a genetic condition that is characterized by a shortage in the production of melanin and by the partial or complete absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. This shortage of pigment in the eyes causes an impaired vision. For a 9 year old, Tumi is well informed of his condition. He is a positive young soul, and turns a ‘deaf ear’ where necessary. “I used to get annoyed when I go to the townships because each time I’m there, other kids would call me names like ‘day walker’, now it does not bother me anymore I just ignore it” he says. The next guest speaker Mr Hendrik Steyn (visually impaired) who is an Accessibility Technologist at the Disability Unit, graced everyone with a performance before getting to the crux of the event. He spoke to everyone and said he encourages everyone to live their lives to the fullest. He uttered these words of encouragement “start living your life like it is the only one you have. Actually, that is exactly how it is, the only one you have” said Mr Steyn. The beautiful former house committee member from one of our residences Ms Refiloe Ndlela, who has albinism, touched many hearts with her childhood story. In Primary School, Refiloe did not know she was different from other children. “That was very dangerous because for me to accept myself as I am, I needed to know and understand my disability” she says. In High School, things were a bit different but somehow, she did not feel very accepted by the children. She managed to pass matric with University entrance through it all. “My life as an NWU VTC student is a joy ride, I love it” she concluded. Next to speak was Mr. Lehlohonolo Vincent Kutoane, a school principal who taught at Mohlodi and Thuto-lore Secondary School both in Sharpeville and proceeded to Sakhisizwe Secondary School where is currently principal. To conclude was Dr. Saneth Dreyer, a Manager at SCD, she concluded the event by thanking all the guest speakers and participants who took part in the Disability day. After the conclusion of the formal part of the Disability Day, a fun wheelchair race between took place at the parking lot of the Big Lapa. Each student was handed a hot dog and a coke as a token of appreciation. Robert M Hensel, a well-known poet who was born with a birth defect known as spina bifida. A disability that has not stopped him from achieving success in his life says “placing one foot in front of another; I’ve climbed to higher lengths, reaching beyond my own limitations, to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard for this warrior to overcome. I’m just a man on a mission to prove my disability wrong.” This is what many people with disabilities are saying.
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CAMPUS NEWS
en got ts tal en t!
it all. w had g is o h s t talen talkin ane nd this audiences s started Molem a , lo w a o t y ipant t of sh rlly go Malen in fron al- What rea f the partic ne who pe d n a t o o t s y irl r r e g o u e n t o v o the de en wy e rage h o y v u h ll w io s lo ia L c I c g, to e e s .“ It take and judges er 2014, th rch twerking t more sp aid Mbotin It b bu ea g” s ent. people 25 Septem g and Res ow” formed twerkin unting stud us to n h s in a S O n r w t . p ent Lea ho alen Acco l Cam in the the “T . Students w ond year e Vaa h t t brary ns hosted c g a e in e their s o rs W s. ts her Comm the Honou to support ll star our dream a o h w in y 3 one s e r e 1 s v e B o at chie “every ge a : numb otivate th n id o a in z s a coura once came and to m nt Nx is the here it Vince they had oman e s . r w d g a n r e in t ie is fr t is w sw nd ipa partic vent MC a s (School A talent, wha dark place s were e iu e r a h t o h e d t an it to Pre s th ng ke wa dges: Phil o Marobela nts to follow a rica Jo b ju ip e E e . S ic ” t e r , r s ) a h d s t P per- lea ers guage nga. of Lan sihle Nyalu show and Winn to e s g le r e b Sphiw Singin Modukane in num o e N le came ir talents. t and 1s fi Sele he keng gers, d Mole rson Mofo form t n in 2 s t a , cphe oets nce’s ha ere p bed audie ear BA 3rd M ho Khopoc w e b r y p M The o gra ond “our 4th rs wh a sec dance Simelane, iology said hey t oc n. e tentio logy and S g great and is Danc sanani Kolo y o in d h o e c d y m o re Ps t Vuji ants a rtaining. C earches; 1s ip ic t r pa nte ws y the ery e nt sho are v most tale h and enjo g in u found s people la e it mak
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Stu d
a abund Poetry lohlondo M wala g h 1st Le hiwe Masia t e 2nd K sa Hajie le rizes rald p nd 3rd Pa e m E f the y) a ners o nda (poetr in w ll a u Over o Mab ance) hlond Lehlo ani Kolo (D an Vuyis
ALUMNI
Celebrating 10 years with song and laughter
Annette Willemse
W
What happens when a renowned female South African rock singer, guitarist, and song-writer teams up with an Indian-born South African comedian, actor and doctor? Magic! This is according to Alwine Naude, Alumni Coordinator at the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) and organiser of the NWU Vaal Alumni Gala Dinner 2014. This year, alumni and friends of the Campus from across South Africa will be treated to a unique entertainment experience featuring Karen Zoid and Riaad Moosa. The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrate” and the event serves a dual purpose; not only does it serve as a platform from where the Campus can celebrate its alumni community but also the 10th anniversary of the instituting of the North-West University. The NorthWest University (with its three campuses) came into being on 1 January 2004. As part of the transformation of the higher education landscape in South Africa. The institutions that came together to create the NWU were the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE) and the University of North-West (UNIBO). In the case of the Vaal Triangle Campus the staff and students of the Sebokeng Campus of the Vista University were also incorporated. The event will take place at the Quest Conference Estate in Vanderbijlpark on Thursday, 30 October 2014 and the cost amounts to R2 300 per table of ten guests or R250 per person. For more information or bookings, please contact Alwine on 082 802 9299 or send an email to Alwine.naude@nwu.ac.za See you there!
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ALUMNI
SA & INTERNATIONAL NEWS
History of Heritage Day
O
Sam Mothopeng Heritage Day was previously known as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the Zulu King, Shaka before 1995. Shaka was the famous and legendary Zulu king who played an essential role in uniting different Zulu clans into a cohesive nation. Every year people would gather at King Shaka’s grave to honor him on 24 September Heritage Day (24 September) was not originally intended to be an official South African public holiday. The Public Holiday Bill offered to the Parliament at the time did not have 24 September included on the list of proposed public holidays. The Inkathata Freedom Party (IFP), a political party with a large Zulu membership, refused to sign the Public Holiday Bill because it omitted the inclusion of Shaka Day. King Shaka was involved in uniting Zulu clans into a unified nation. Heritage Day, (appointed in place of King Shaka Day) encourages all South Africans to come to-
gether to celebrate the rich culture and the diversity of our rainbow nation. South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that makes up the population of South Africa. It is a day when every South African citizen takes an effort to learn more about other cultures and to contribute in enhancing the unity of different cultures in our country. A media company wanted to re-brand the holiday as National Braai Day, in appreciation to the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais. Most South Africans nowadays unite at various events around the country celebrating South Africa’s unique heritage. They build bridges to overcome its painful past by chucking a wors on the fire, all thanks to Jan Baai for coming up with the National Braai Day initiative. “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has profound power to help build our new nation.” –Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
In loving memory Joan Rivers 1933 - 2014 Vukosi Nwaila
While most people remember her as the old obnoxious woman on Fashion Police, we remember her as a beautiful soul that has changed lives and left us in tears by her sarcasm and ill idea of humour. Joan’s career set off back in the 50s and she has since changed the face of comedy with her sense of style in humour terms. Joan Rivers passed on on 4 September 2014 at the age of 81. As reported by NBC news,on 28 August, Rivers experienced serious complications and stopped breathing during a surgical procedure on her vocal cords at a clinic in Yorkville, Manhattan. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she was put into a medically induced coma after suffering cardiac arrest. On 30 August, she was put on life support and later moved to a private room on 3 September, still without a prognosis . The following day, Rivers died at 13:17 . Joan Rivers was born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in Brooklyn , New York on 8 June 1933. Her style of humour was one of a kind and she did what she loved until her passing. Rest in peace Joan. You will forever be in our hearts.
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As a tribute to one of the greatest comedians, a few quotes by Joan Rivers. • “I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.” • “I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer’s, I might tell my best joke and never know it.” • “A study says owning a dog makes you 10 years younger. My first thought was to rescue 2 more, but I don’t want to go through menopause again.” • Start of “grandma week” is just like my wedding night....I’m being ignored!
Voices of
Keleabetswe Narenti “When a choir sings, many hearts beat as one” said Mr Jafta Motsokoane, Choir Master. Humble beginnings The past three years have been a winding road for the Vaal Campus Choir, Voices of the River. The choir, formed in September 2011, was known as the Vaal Campus Choir until Management came up with the concept Voices of the River. Mr Motsokoane says that the choir was just a clap and clap kind of choir before. The choir recruits new members in the beginning of every academic year on the Vaal Campus by hosting auditions, but these are only preliminary auditions because of new students coming in and some members completing their studies. Mr Motsokoane says because of the choir’s number it is not divided into groups, but rather performs as one mixed with male and female performers. The choir usually performs at Campus events such as the Graduation Ceremonies. The choir recently took part in the 2014 National Choir Festival (NCF) on 21 September held at the University of Johannesburg and come in 4th position with the Western piece and 8th position with the Afri-
PROFILE
the
can piece. “The choir is still being groomed and developed into a choral/classical choir for it to better represent the Campus and be more competitive.” Says Mr Motsokoane. The master behind the Voices The choir is led by Mr Motsokoane, loving husband to Lydia Motsokoane and father to two girls, Tshepang (17) and Botle (13) “family, church, my passion for choral music and turning talent into careers are very important to me”, he said. Besides being a choir instructor, Mr Jafta Motsokoane is a music teacher and a minor composer, some of his songs can be accessed on the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) website, Mr Motsokoane is an administrator and building manager at the Koinonia Bible Church. He also runs a music school for conductors at a nearby primary school in Sebokeng Zone 14. He says that one of his students took part in the provincial level at the SASCE as a conductor and came in 1st place; Mr Motsokoane currently has four students in his school. “I am very passionate about harvesting people’s talent for music whether its through conducting or singing; my
River
joy comes from seeing them improve and excel in the field of music.” He says. He is a member of the Choral Body of the Vaal, member and deputy chairperson of the Sedibeng Choral Music Association, Gauteng Choral Music Association. He is currently pursuing his studies in music with the Potchefstroom Campus. Future flows/ future melodies Jafta says that the choir is growing but the inconsistency of members are a problem, however with every year it gets exciting with fresh talent and great things are yet to come. The choir rehearses every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Mr Jafta says that what makes the choir stand out is that it is willing to try new things to develop. “One event we are working towards it to have a sort of festival whereby the Voices of the River will the main performance. I would also like to raise the standards of the choir to be like the other NWU Campuses.” He said He says that the Voices of the River plays a vital role in the lives of the students who are involved in it as some students take part in different sporting activities the other students have the choir.
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! s s e c
PROFILE
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t Firs d n his xa Ory took ure r nt M 2014 de s urre Vaal “I ma the c e , h. U is th r NW beac erfect ring o sibi h M p e M he an w ce h as s, t iwe to t Prin riend thing w flower e wom said Del f r ing girl every n, the ll for th arjori gethe old h t M g o a i , a by t s th mpa ood; hen lives onger isse in the a W k m r h . i r t C ad cing , the the said gs n ehe ts and e” he tarted growin For ds, da ise gif ling; s v d r I lo , they d are han , surp d cud rs like n s a n ye ne, rain ics, a g love great e till o t s n e s four n . o r a a y a e a pic t you n tw d ey or y cr e he the lls? hat th wait f . wha o. Wh t, the e 09, ure b d t 0 e o e t g i t 2 d e a r c n t i r fig t n a to ds m g. I s for “ nning edd the f y wan et ma e wan be r n e n i i W l k l i t o g e t m ic. Bar w ode finalis fter w pus ue nts, th they first; w nd to are g e m a D n m e a A e n m i e e r Dua interv er i of the year”. at ca and tud befo come eams, ing w g s h t g i i s s . e s s r i b 14 n nt w e n le ear demic our dr y know arjor ay r on a g love re s o of th try tit ryx 20 he we 14 y d a l M f w i a s a ly a l 20 ean r O oun al; utte del ng “Ac ding o happ ” says y ndi rjori P ese y Not on ther, mo e pag as M U Va ss Vaa cé. e d n e e l v e i a p l r b h n i h w S f e de Ma sta gm ve. at t som l, suc Mr NW nd M iful fia 2014 e to no tog oin in lea ther, a t e abl ncially d and wed th uine lo uture issio he e r v u s c s a e u t le Prin M e in y m f t ed his be 2 Aug alists r ’s njo hey ar el tog ofina sho re gen ing a on a ts of SRC. r t e s e t s 1 e t a n d l n n h n n b o a , t e e o p h e e fi i r a sh plan re als stud in th nd her w ned o both this y the cou gethe hey m , and th eac a n y e i e a o g t e e i i t h r g e e r it s e T gs to er, th they ng th bein le is e w agre tog y aud hey a comin h eth Mis p i t e thin toget g tog ing tim them ly e but esent us by e cou r and , b h p r f T in s now ing to al. ship hopp spend oth of solute one o d rep l Cam that, th ing M late t to a n n u V a t b s n B m e a a i s f s a u r go ly lov nds. Va top o beco do ther i lation rn the r d Mis ong aking roud o c e t i e o o e n t r t n a s r f e a p lu O g . , ri rm pu r ’s abl each their you le . Mr nin arjo lt man ast am ane fo e than o on s the eing t h C t M o e u i run l 2014 w l r r o u o a w e t b fl tb he Du mo u. G Vaa iffic nd l es tha rything ings a t is w ther ’s Vaa he ri and e are ind yo pos very d ith, a re an e T a h o o e t r h o w t h a w h p rj ev best ne hav m a eal Ma finals; are be ud. eac use You the beca ed to Dua ow I a sy to d rfect. ri. You dore r e e s th ay w us p o s n lling selve s e ship get u “I k not ea not pe Marjo truly a y d y o to s make a em m I /s M ard th ane s ‘a and d I’m ll I am oman I am. art of make v u ip ’ an ll rsh m reg but D to ca oman of a zing w e as pest p ant to rry e d e m a a e Lea of th aders, e likes of a w a am epted he de and w ou m e the h y t t r s u c l l o a l a c o i B with he at h ype n e a from love y ver, w hese heart d bor is wh dent t to be ne. S the u s T o n I e ne. i a y a ’s an for Dua e of pen rjor jori ee ng. Ma s inde real m says of on , and bei mine d Dua d Mar ne kn . f a e ” e mis kes a e that e Prim Acaci eral o you ” ask melte n on o his lif a f ? that n k t c s w i i o e e l r t p e o e “i m ds an mer V idenc tary g ts Re nt d e love ark m r e B o r o y e n s w r r o h w ef w ne ne ec car ude s re to t Dua s th ampu puty s us St know the i , Dua osed 4 f p e c p 201 off the d (Cam cil). “I ber o strong pro ary n m u w a C u e n o o am a n CSR my I am 1J eC the ntativ ties as y, but lp from ers, On b e res out du ot eas the he mem d the n n C h g a t i R is in t, RC and w er CS emen rm the S C an oth nag y te d. womcé, the s Ma rve m ori sai u j e n r fia Camp will s ” Ma s the the ents I here i r of ne of us e d ay t c u o t p ffi s tw ts o e has n cam s r e o b o H p y s . a 15 ties ver e is 14/20 sonali ost e mpus. n a r 0 e n alm n ca Du C 2 i o st p R ven CS crazie ipates place but e , the partic takes rship e t and nt tha n lead i e ev is big 22 - Student 24/7 He
Spring has Sprung! Marilyn Ndlovu Goodbye winter and hello spring; the chills have melted away, pretty flowers begin to bloom. No other season is as beautiful and bloomy as this time of the year. Spring is here, flowers bloom, the trees go greener, birds sing and chip everywhere and they make new nests. As new life comes to being, the thoughts of you and every other student is in full bloom. This is a season to rejoice, to put smiles on our faces and dress up. As beautiful as it is, surely spring must be celebrated.
Away with dull and grey clothes, and in with bright colours. The season has said it’s greetings on the first of spring, better known as spring day. Students have been seen roaming around campus in clothing that says “spring is here”. Girls in bright summer dresses and sandals, guys in shorts and vests; what other way to dress than to show our legs and shoulders. We all celebrate spring differently, but the whole point is having fun. Whether its chilling with family on weekends, partying or making craft
INSPIRATION or planting flowers and trees, let it all be done for the goodness of spring, for winter is one light year away. If you don’t know what to do this spring you could: • Have a braai with friends or family • Party it up. (after semester week of course) • Boat riding or fishing (we are right next to the Vaal River) • Have a picnic anywhere on campus • Take long walks on the campus woods • Cook your favourite meal (more especially salads) • Go shopping and dress up (after all we need new clothes) • Put a smile on someone’s face • Create something (we all have the potential to do some thing with our hands) • Socialise (good company helps beat the blues) • Spend time with nature and yourself (we find peace in the unnoticeable things). • Attend events • Go swimming. • And last but not least, study smart; exams are a month away This spring remember: one sunset may gives us one day less to live but every sunrise gives us one more day to hope, so hope for the best. All the best this semester week. “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting what we don’t have, but rather of recognising and appreciating what we do have.”
Keep Calm Spring is Here!
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INSPIRATION
Staying Trending Keleabetswe Narenti Feeling good in what you are wearing is the best feeling in the world and trending fashion items make it easy for us to play around with different styles and materials to make them suit each and every day and mood. After basking in the summer trends 2014 and realizing how expressive and challenging they are to one style. It’s almost time to bid farewell to the bright flip-flops and breezy cotton dresses and welcome the spring summer 2014-2015 trends. The trends Denim rocks “Leggings are not pants and yes denim still exists.” This summer we see a lot of denim vintage styles; you can pull of this style by blending in any items of denim together to make up an outfit adding a canvass boot or sneaker will give you a more classic street look. Flirting with Prints We seeing a lot of bold African and tribal prints from skirts, tops and head scarfs, these prints can be worn with materials like denim and cotton. Nicely done head raps complete a simple outfit. Ladies are rocking long
22 - Student 24/7
maxi skirts with tribal prints and coordinating them with white, yellow and light brown tops. Floral or tribal prints are making rounds this summer. Lace n’ leather The leather look has been revolutionised by celebrities and designers like David Tlale and Gert Johan Coetzee, by mixing you leathers with a bit of lace and soft materials like cotton, lace and polyester gives it a soft look and take away the edgy rock star look. The leather and lace gives it a more feminine and soft touch. The colours Colour block is still trending but with more warm settle and warm tones of colours For a more colour you can go for colours like lime, canary (yellow) tangerine (orange), orchard, bubblegum blue and pink and anything coral For a more neutral look you can go for colours like your khaki, ivory, honey, cocoa, rust and grey. Adding colour does not always have to be loud you can tone down by always adding some black or whites to your outfit. Accessories Tribal scarfs used as head raps Beaded jewellery Huge cuff bangles Sandals Handbags, can never go wrong with one
STUDENT 911
Hanging over the deathrope of Academics Mildred Monageng
If you look back to when you first came to university, the excitement, joy and intrinsic feelings that were so powerful you could not resist. Remember how you could not stop imagining yourself walking around campus with a group of friends having a laugh over an issue. The sleepless nights you used to have when you visited the campus in your dreams during the December holidays, a month away from when you were to register. How you repeatedly reminded yourself of how you will behave and the kind of friends you want to make. The dedicated student you would be who handed everything in on time and was always up to date academically. Then it came, you got to university, you made friends most of which are not even close to those you wanted to have. Yes, you missed a few deadlines or even started studying for a test the morning before. You got to class late for which the first few times were as if the world was ending. Eventually you got the hang of it; it did not come as a concern if you reported late for class. You did it so well that you even mastered the grand entrance and enjoyed all the eyes that focused on you for those few minutes. Yes, this is still you the same person who wanted to do everything right. The same person who planned and viewed things in a positive way, but now your actions are contradictory. Skipping class is not that difficult of a decision but one that you make when you feel you are too lazy to even open your eyes in the morning. Oh well, none the less you still made it. You made it through your first, your second and your third year. But now you are in your final year, do you think you will still make it? The sad reality is; no. It might not work out for you this time around. Do you want to be the victim of these words “I am hanging over the death rope of academics”. Do you wish to sit and cry over the years and time that you wasted watching movies when you should be preparing for your classes of the following day? Is it necessary though for you to have regrets while your peers will be celebrating victory? NO, there is no such thing as an academic death rope, because if it were there universities in the country wouldn’t be admitting thousands of students each year.
Not even a single person in the country would consider study. Positive attitude, dedication, commitment and determination are drives that should keep your engine running. It doesn’t matter when you will complete your degree or after how long. What really matters is attaining it at the end of the day. Giving up is a very weak action, which degrades self-esteem. Choose not to give up, use the FOCUS principle (Focus on One Course Until Success). Fight for what you rightfully deserve as there is no violence in fighting for your education and success. Do not end up saying:” I am hanging over the death rope of education”, for the only death rope you will be hanging over is actually self-doubt, low self-esteem and lack of drive and motivation. Now that you will be leaving soon, the very same feelings of excitement and joy that you couldn’t retain should grow in you again. As you look forward to the world of work, have sleepless nights dreaming of being in your office and working your brains out. It all starts somewhere, because you are here does not mean you won’t get to the top. To all the final years, you’ve pushed until this far it wouldn’t hurt to push harder until you knock down the finish line belt. Nothing is impossible for the word IMPOSSIBLE itself says “I’m Possible”
Student 24/7 - 25
STUDENT 911
Job hunting? Have a look here! Keleabetswe Narenti Are you looking for a learning or work opportunity? This is a question you ask yourself whenever you are looking to find experience; finding a dream job can be a hustle for most of us. In the final year of study we are faced with a lot of unanswered questions about employment and unemployment. Well the Department of Labour has launched a website to help you find your dream job! The service is called Employment
Services of South Africa (ESSA), ESSA is a service available to all South African citizens. All you have to do is register as a job seeker on the Public Employment Services (PES) system on the Department of Labour website.
Enquiries via email to PES@labour. gov.za Good Luck!!
Once you have registered and logged in to ESSA, you will be able to capture/ edit your CV, search their database for opportunities and apply online for opportunities at no cost. Through your registered CV, the department also helps to match you to potential employers.
Keep calm! It’s almost EXAM MONTH! Vukosi Nwaila A few weeks till exams and once again everyone is under what I’d like to refer to as the “Natural selection week”. Charles Darwin is well known for his natural selection theory which implies only the fit survive; survival of the fittest can be likened to students and exams. After you realize you qualify for all your papers, congratulations... keep reading. If you don’t qualify for all, here’s a little motivation for you. Not qualifying for an exam There comes a time in everyones life where you feel like “oh I’ve had enough, maybe I should give up”. At that particular moment nothing matters. I’d like to refer to that as a pit moment. Pits may differ in depths, but all-in-all they are dark holes. That is not the time to blame yourself or friends, or even feel miserable, but an opportunity to reassess your life. Life will not always be sunshine and rainbows. Perceive not qualifying for a module as a challenge to test your courage... life will beat you to your knees permanently if you let it. It may seem too hard to accept but you need to focus on the other papers. Success Success is personal, the implication here is; whether or not you make it depends on you, not your friends or lecturers but you, it is your choice. A low self-confidence is quite draining but when you put in effort you will make it. No amount of external motivation can boost your confi-
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dence, the only person who can motivate you to study is basically yourself... motivation stems from within. As students, it’s normal to be under pressure, so take pleasure in knowing you are not alone. When the pressure gets too intense, giving up becomes an option but I would like to remind you that nobody has it easy. We look up to people of different proffessions who have made it out there and think they had it easy. Truth is they didn’t. At the end of it all, the endless tests and trials... there is light . All you need to do is persevere. Be of good courage, set up study time tables or form study groups if you need to, whatever works for you . Realise that you are in it alone; put all your focus on your studies and try not to procrastinate. A few years from now you will realise how saying no to procrastination paid off; and what beats spending the December holidays knowing you gave your papers your best and you can now look forward to another great year? You are awesome and smart, and grades do not necessarily determine your level of intelligence. Do not reflect on your past, for instance... failing a test doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll fail an exam... getting 50% in almost all yor tests doesn’t mean you cant get a PhD one day.Stand tall, be positive and believe you can achieve anything. Best wishes fof your exams
The good, the bad and the glamour
H
ow did it get late so soon? Well, your guess is as good as mine. One of my lectures always warns us about the value of time. She would often say “time flies when you are in a coma”, well if I may ask, what kind of a coma are in? Frivolity aside, indeed we have approached that time where one feels like the world is coming to an end, perhaps I may be a bit hyperbolic in trying to explain the semester tests series. It is during this period one becomes irritable and agitated as the work-load continues to pile up and concurrently still being expected to work on projects and assignments.
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Only good preparation can help you overcome your sloppiness and nervousness. Making notes in class is a very good gesture but if you wish to attain high marks, a comprehensive research is essential. After all, that is the rationale behind being given too much work with limited time. Yes, the combined stress and tension may be unbearable but one day, some day you will reflect on your hardships and laugh about them. It’s high time we students get our act together. The majority of us haven’t got much left and it is crucial to get our priorities in order. Complaining about something won’t miraculously solve it which is why most of us need to start taking full responsibility of our actions and behavior.
At the end of the day, that largely depends on the individual person. Often at time, the passion and the determination of an individual is the driving force that pushes goals and ambitions to fruition. On a lighter note, once again spring recess is upon us. When the challenges and difficulties of life take its toll, recess appears to be the best option to keep active. Since the male football team failed to book its place in the USSA Championships, it’s down to the wires for Coach Sello’s team. Their poor away record was the contributing factor in their failure to qualify but all is not lost. Hard luck boys. Lastly, the cricket season has just started and once again our team seems to be heading for yet another exciting and new era of competitive cricket. I also managed to grab a one on one chat with the team skipper, Dwayne Pocock, about the team’s preparation for the upcoming season. “From a captain’s perspective, we are very excited and rejuvenated about the upcoming season and so far the preparations have gone smoothly. We started pre-season earlier than our counterparts and going forward I think we have assembled the best crop of players capable of competing with the best in the country. I hope to lead by honour and defend the NWU Vaal’s flag with pride. This year we will be challenging for honours, the Gauteng Premier League is our number one priority and we are quite confident we can win it, no doubt about that”, concluded Pocock. Yours in Sports Mangaliso Maduna
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Since March this year, the University Sports South Africa USSA Gauteng Football League (USSA GFL) has been the provider of the best of campus football. Now, the end of the league is looming and it is time almost time for the champions to be crowned. The pulsating league ends with both North-West University Vaal Men’s and Women’s teams finishing in mid-table. The NWU Vaal Men’s team, with a game to spare, have collected a total of 13 points from their eight matches played to secure the fifth position in the league. Vaal Pukke men were victorious four times in the league, collecting maximum points against Monash University, Midrand Graduate Institute and the University of Johannesburg. NWU Vaal men settled for the share of spoils against the USSA GFL Powerhouses University of Witwatersrand and cross-town rivals Vaal University of Technology. Despite being goal-shy, the NWU Vaal men have been consistent in the back, conceding only three times in eight matches, the less umber of goals conceded by a single team throughout the league.
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Pulsating USSA Football League approaches the end
The solid performance earned NWU Vaal men 13 points, seven points behind the log leaders University of Pretoria. UP top the log standings with a superior goal difference, sharing 20 points with second placed VUT (who were in control since the start of the league) and the third placed TUT Pretoria. Winless Monash University occupy the last spot with one point, while Medunsa and MGI fill in the 8th and 9th positions respectively. In the USSA GFL Women’s league, it was a goal rush as more than 120 goals were scored throughout the league. Both UJ and VUT netted over 40 times in their matches. With a game to play, NWU Vaal Women scored only 12 goals and are on the sixth position on the log standings with seven points. The seven points were collected from wins against Medunsa and
Johannes Masiteng
MGI and a stalemate against Wits. Starting with a 6-0 drubbing by University of Pretoria, NWU Vaal women redeemed themselves and started to collect vital points which see them finish on the 6th position. TUT Pretoria top the women’s log standings with 24 points, 2 points clear of second placed UP. Medunsa is on the last spot with no points. They will look to console themselves with a point or a win when they playTUT Soshanguve. Both NWU Vaal men and women’s teams will play TUT Soshanguve in their last 2014 USSA GFL encounter.
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First Annual NWU Basketball Tournament Dikgang Makhafola The NWU Vaal basketball team have yet again garnered themselves a solid amount of attention. The team for the first time will be hosting a basketball tournament. The tournament will take place on the 25 and 26 of October at the Harry Gwala Sport Complex in Zamdela. Everyone is invited to enter this exhilarating competition, including females. The tournament will be divided in to two categories, U/18 and Senior; this will allow the players to fairly compete against each another. Cool prizes will be up for grabs. In the senior category, the wining team for the tournament will receive R10 000 cash, a trophy plus gold medals. The runners up will receive R5 000 cash plus silvers medals and the team in 3rd place will receive R2 500 cash plus bronze medals. In the
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U/18 category, the wining team will receive R5 000 cash, a trophy and gold medals. The runners up will receive R2 000 plus silver medals and the team in 3rd place will receive R1 000 plus bronze medals. There will also be individual prizes for players that showcase individual brilliance throughout the competition. Also there will be a prize for the best coach of the tournament. This tournament could have never been possible without the support of Sasol and Coca Cola, which sponsored the tournament and the tournament prizes. The Zamdela community will surely benefit from this event especially the youth because, just like in any other region of the world, girls and boys from disadvantaged communities face complex problems in South Africa.
skills making it difficult for them to find employment. They are exposed to health risks, alcoholism and drugs. Girls and young women especially face violence and crime, more than a few are discriminated and excluded from social life. We hope this tournament becomes a great success and continues to grow bigger and stronger every year. Big ups to the NWU Vaal Basketball Team.
They often come from difficult social backgrounds with many families living below the poverty threshold. Due to poor education, many youths lack
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TUT strike hampers NWU’s USSA aspirations Dikgang Makhafola
The NWU Vaal male football team suffered another setback in their USSA Championships aspirations. This setback occurred after their clash with TUT was postponed due to the on-going strikes. This was NWU Vaal’s away game and the encounter was set to be played at the UJ sports ground. After cruising past UJ in their last encounter, NWU Vaal was in a flamboyant mood as they looked to build onto their momentum and redeem back the glory days. Student 24/7 had an interview with the NWU Vaal football teams media liaison officer, Moroke Bojosi for more information on the game that should have been, and what the next step is. Hey Moroke, can you tell us why the USSA League game against TUT was postponed? A: The game was a USSA League game, which we are affiliated to as a university. Due to the current unrest at all TUT campuses via their strike, they couldn’t organise their team. As much as they are football players they are firstly students and were affected by the strike, hence our game was postponed. How was the team’s reaction when they heard about the postponement of the clash? Was there any disappointment? A: No doubt, it was disappointing, the boys trained hard, as it was the last game and again, with us not qualifying the mood was low, but we have an undying spirit. Such things bring us closer together. Would you say the previous win against UJ gave the boys some leverage in terms of preparing for the TUT game? A: Yes, we definitely were more confident. We were looking forward to finishing on a high and I have no doubt that we would have taken the momentum to the TUT game, the spirit was high after the UJ game. Do you think, If the game against TUT had not been postponed things would have gone differently for the team, in terms of qualifying for the National Championships? A: Sadly we still would have not qualified, Wits were number 4, we number 5 on the log standings, Wits had to lose against Medunsa, but because of Medunsa’s strike, their game was not played meaning Wits went ahead as the top 4, qualify for the National Championships. How is the team feeling as we are approaching the
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end of the competition, can we expect any surprises in 2015. A: We are disappointed, but not down. Despite not qualifying, we had good highlights, Six of our players were selected for the USSA Provincial team which part took in the SAB league. Three were selected for the USSA National team which represented SA in the CUCSA games in Zambia and our women’s team has vastly improved. In terms of expecting any surprises , maybe there will be a few in terms of players, as next year first year students will bring something fresh & add to our current ensemble, just watch the space. Is there anything you would like to say to your loyal fans? A: On behalf of the team, we wish to thank all the supporters who attended our games, from the start of the season to its climax, we promise big things and NWU Vaal Forever we remain. There hasn’t been any confirmation about when the postponed match will be played due to the strikes. Also as we’re approaching semester week I’d say the team is done for the year in terms of the USSA Championship.
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Sports Dinner: A Night of Champions Mangaliso Maduna
Photography: William George NWU Vaal sport together with the CSRC hosted the first ever sports dinner on August the 28th. The event was a unique one, one of its own kinds and amongst other things it looked to celebrate and honour sporting excellence more especially at inter-residence competitions. Well, it is said that “Boys have swag, men have style and gentlemen have class”, well that proved to be the case as everyone looked classy and neatly dressed. Among the special dignitaries was the head of campus sport Mr. Seun MCcallagan who gave one of the most resounding speeches ever. Although the progress of our campus sport has been fluctuant of late, however, this did not prevent the sports department to reward individuals who have showed leadership, character and brilliance throughout the entire season. In line with the univer-
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sity’s ten year celebration, this gala event also celebrated social cohesion displayed in all sports portfolios. All participants were later awarded with certificates for their efforts and participation in each of their respective sports. When asked about his sentiments regarding the event and if ever prophecy of “achieving the next level” is finally coming into fruition, Mr. MCcallagan gave a confident response.
“I think the sports dinner was a great way to finish a great inter-residence league for 2014. It is important to reward good participation and support and therefore this kind of event will continue to get recognition. Well, achieving the next level is the ultimate dream of the NWU Vaal sport unit, and yes we have to judge all the sport activities, results and achievements for 2014, and lastly we are certainly moving towards achieving the next level”, concluded Seun.
Is it arrogance or confidence?
Mangaliso Maduna
In a world where ignorance and societal misconceptions are the norm, confidence is sometimes mistaken for arrogance. However, a bit of information and perspective can help. There is a thin line between the two. Just like a magnet with positive and negative poles, arrogance and confidence can be perceived from the same respect. One person who has been the subject of a widespread fan criticism for his constant tantrums and his outspoken personality is none other than Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pits Mosimane. Since taking over from Dutch legend Johan Neeskens, Mosimane has shown a great deal of humility and allowed his players to fully express
themselves. Mosimane is one of the few coaches who keep fans glued to their screens in anticipation of his post-match comments. The latter has been labeled as arrogant, egotistical and narcissist. There has also been a diving opinion between those who perceive him as passionate and those that see him as a big mouth incapable of accepting a defeat with dignity. To succeed in modern football one needs a bit of arrogance combined with few elements of confidence. Modern football requires brave managers with bold personalities. It needs game-changers. It needs managers with the right attitude, right experi-
SPORT ence, right passion and ambition. Although Mosimane’s confidence can be distasteful to others, it is an inescapable fact that it also reflects his infinite passion for the game. Mosimane could be likened to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. Notoriously known for his rather bizarre comments on players and match officials, the Portuguese, is one of the most misunderstood yet controversial managers in world football. Who can forget his impressive inaugural season in the Premier League when he proclaimed himself as “the Special One�. The fact of the matter is that both Mosimane and Mourinho are winners. Outspokenness is sometimes a sign of passion and self-confidence. If not for their professional arrogance football would be boring, trivial and ordinary. In all fairness, a coach is to be judged by results; and if that is the case Mosimane would certainly have the edge over his detractors. Winning the league title was the biggest highlight of his career. Despite his unsuccessful stint with the national team, he still had the courage and aspirations to search for another worthy challenge. Least and certainly not the last, Pitso is confident not arrogant. Winning takes many ways. It is not about who can be the best player or manager in the world, but it is about those individuals who have the capacity to withstand all trials and adversity directed at them and still stand firm and without a shadow of doubt Pitso is amongst those.
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