Threestreamsmedia Newspaper

DIA THREE STREAMS M

How much is the NWU spending to keep the lights on for you?

Ruhan

Friedrichs and Ruben Jooste

The three campuses of the NorthWest University (NWU) collectively burn about R1,1 million per day when Eskom implements stage 6 loadshedding, forcing the institution to switch on its 36 ageing diesel generators to provide power during the blackouts which can last, on and off, up to 10 hours per day.

Hendrik Esterhuizen, the Director of Engineering at the NWU’s Facilities Department, said the generators on the Potchefstroom campus were installed in 2008. “At the time they were sufficient, but it is not the case anymore. The generators were installed for power outages, not frequent loadshedding for this many hours a day,” he said.

Due to ongoing loadshedding the NWU has already begun regulating its own power provisinioning, which means during power outages some areas are not supported by the generators.

According to Esterhuizen it costs about R110,000 per hour to keep the lights on. The Potchefstroom campus is the biggest contributor as it burns 2,500 litres of diesel (R60,000) per hour. Mahikeng spends R35,000 per hour and Vanderbijlpark coughs up R15,000 per hour.

From 18-26 February the country was on stage 6 loadshedding, which equates to an estimated R7,7 million spent in a week on diesel to combat the crisis. To put this figure into context, it could have covered 129 students’ tuition fees at an average of R59,500 per student for an entire year. This

Saving the NWU from its own pollution

average was calculated based on the NWU’s financial information for 2023.

According to Esterhuizen the universities’ budget for municipal or Eskom electricity in 2023 is R273 million. However, should it experience stage 2 power cuts for the entire year it would cost an additional R93 million and on stage 4 it will set the university back another R175 million.

Louis Jacobs, the NWU spokesperson, said loadshedding heavily impacts the operating expenses

of the university.

“It might mean that we would have to save costs in other areas, hopefully without compromising quality. We will also have to prioritise [expenditure] to ensure that teaching and learning can continue.” Whereas the university has been able to shield students and staff on campus from loadshedding, which is set to continue in the future, there are concerns.

Esterhuizen said, “The situation is simple, if there is more demand for power than what the generators can supply, we have to lower the demand. To lower the demand, we need to switch parts of campus off. The university will increasingly be forced to implement ‘capacity control [when demand exceeds supply],” he said. Essentially, implementing its own loadshedding.He explained that their focus is to ensure that the university’s core functions can continue as normal. This means that staff can continue with their work and students can study.

Therefore, parts of campus that do not contribute to the core functions (such as sportsgrounds and residences) will be switched off to ensure enough

generation capacity.

Esterhuizen stated that all three campuses have different generation capacities when they are on emergency power. Currently, Vanderbijlpark campus can generate 1.2 megavoltamperes (MVA), while Mahikeng can deliver 4 MVA and Potchefstroom’s capacity is 7 MVA.

Vanderbijlpark and Potchefstroom can usually generate 1.7 MVA and 8 MVA respectively, but they currently have issues with broken generators.

To put these figures into perspective, 1 MVA is enough electricity to power 650 homes and 8 MVA can power approximately 5,200 houses. According to a news release from Eskom in 2014, 8 MVA is also enough to power a small town like Parys (in the Free State province) However, the problem arises when considering the total demand that each campus requires. The Mahikeng campus usually requires 2.8 MVA, but during winter it skyrockets to 5 MVA.

The Potchefstroom campus runs at about 6 MVA, but in the winter it shoots up to 11 MVA. This is 3 MVA more than the generators can deliver,

even at full operational capacity. The Vanderbijlpark campus usually needs about 1.9 MVA but during winter it rises to 2.5 MVA. These figures force capacity control to ensure that the load required is less than what the generators can deliver.

The extended running time and overloading of generators puts extra strain on the emergency power systems and it can cause breakdowns. “We have waited for some parts up to a year before we were able to do the necessary repairs,” he said. Esterhuizen said they are implementing measures to lessen the load during power outages. Through retro-fitting, energyefficient technology will be installed such as LED lights, eco-friendly aircons and other automated systems. “We are prioritising these projects and we aim to have everything completed by 2025,” he said.

To increase the NWU’s generation capacity, adding alternative energy sources are prioritised.

A 350 kilowatt solar project is under construction at Vanderbijlpark campus, with similar projects planned for other campuses.

Student leaders march to NSFAS over grievances

4,000 meals are served at each of NWU Potchefstroom campus’s six dining facilities on a busy day, for which polystyrene packaging is used, none of which is properly disposed of.

Science majors triumph in BUA! Poetry Slam

4 9 11

Students in these programmes made it to the top three in the BUA! Poetry Slam competition’s first prelim.

SRC members from across South Africa marched to the NSFAS head office in Cape Town to demand the resolution of grievances related to the allocation of government bursaries.

A substation on the Potchefstroom campus with eight generators.

Image: Elizmi Fourie

The underground passage connecting parts of the campus is dark due to capacity control. Image: Elizmi Fourie

Editorial Team

To contact us, subscribe or follow us scan the QR-code.

Students celebrate Human Rights Day by saying ‘no’ to GBV during Seshwalk

A group of 38 students celebrated Human Rights Day on 21 March 2023 by marching against gender-based violence (GBV) in Potchefstroom. Students from the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus were joined by former students from the University of South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand and members of the Sisterhood Foundation to participate in Seshwalk South Africa.

Law student Atang Swartbooi started the annual Seshwalk in 2021.

“Sesh” is slang for “session”. Swartbooi said that he wanted the walk to be a session where people could discuss GBV. He came up with the idea to raise awareness about GBV after witnessing his mother being abused by her former partner. “I decided to take a stand against GBV by being a social justice activist who strives to educate young men about gender-based violence so that we can contribute towards the eradication thereof.”

The walk commenced at 10:00 outside of CampusKey student accommodation in Jooste Street. Participants continued the walk to SUPERSPAR on the corner of Albert Luthuli and Steve Biko Street.

Stop meningitis: One prick does the trick

Ruben Jooste and Ruhan Friedrichs

The North-West University (NWU)

Potchefstroom campus is offering students and staff meningitis shots. First-year students who opted for vaccinations received theirs during the registration and orientation period (R&O) and those who missed the opportunity as well as senior students can still visit the health centre in E16.

In 2022 two students in campus residences tested positive for the bacterial infection and fully recovered thanks to the NWU’s protocols.

Dr Emile Kotzé, the campus clinic manager, was happy to share how the NWU’s procedures ensured that no other student was infected.

Once a positive case is identified, it is of utmost importance that the university follows the correct procedures to ensure the safety of its students. Kotzé said that the first step is to immediately trace all close contacts.

“These close contacts, especially those in residences, will then assemble and we will distribute an antibiotic which helps prevent transmission.” Should another infection arise, the university will have no other choice but to close campus. “Closing campus will allow us to isolate the disease and ensure that we are able to contain it,” he said.

Information retrieved from Public Health England and World Health Organisation (WHO).

distancing. Students can also get their vaccinations at a pharmacy, medical doctor or a medical centre.

What is meningococal disease?

medical practitioners are especially cautious when individuals have a fever, headache and a stiff neck. “When it comes to the bacterial meningitis type, death may occur before the person even gets a stiff neck,” he said.

Lucia Thobela, CampusKey’s social responsibility mentor, said that Seshwalk reached out to CampusKey for assistance. “As Campus Key, we are always willing to help with any social and current affairs issues that affect our society.”

While playing music and dancing, participants approached pedestrians to create awareness by sharing information about topics such as emotional abuse, victim blaming, consent, coercion and rape apology.

The walk was cut short when members of the police responded to a complaint and stopped the march outside of SUPERSPAR. The police told participants the walk was causing a disturbance. Thobela said, “I think that the police have more issues to worry about than a walk.”

Xavien Myles, social justice and human rights activist, said being stopped by the police did not come as a surprise to him. “Going against convention will have its backlash. It is just unfortunate that the backlash came from the ones that pledge to serve and protect.”

Seshwalk participants made placards sharing information from the Seshwalk guide to educate people about GBV. Image provided

After the police stopped the walk, participants returned to CampusKey where they were addressed by social justice and human rights activist Boitumelo Thage. Thage said that coming together and walking for this cause is a big part of creating change.

“GBV is a cancer in our society and we cannot continue allowing our communities to be danger zones for women and children… Spreading awareness educates society and allows those who are not aware of their surroundings to become aware.”

Myles spoke about the importance of creating awareness of GBV. “The movement against GBV is not just something you can switch on and off, it is a lifestyle. You do not need to talk in front of hundreds of people [to make a difference]. By calling out a perpetrator or speaking to a survivor, you are doing something.”

Members from the Sisterhood Foundation, a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), also participated in the walk. The founder, Nthila Sello Kalaba, said that attending the walk was the perfect opportunity to make a difference on Human Rights Day.

“We deal with these issues [GBV] most of the time with the NPO, so it was relatable and I saw a perfect chance to change someone’s life,” Kabala said.

A student from one of the residences where a meningitis case was identified, said that it was frightening as they did not know what to expect and whether their friend would survive.

“We were concerned for their health, and ours of course, however the NWU staff reassured us that the necessary preventative measures have been taken.” They believe that the NWU’s swift actions ensured everyone’s safety. They requested to remain anonymous. Kotzé said that 2022 was the first time in a number of years that there was a meningitis case on campus.

“This can be attributed to the fact that the NWU did not have an active vaccination campaign against meningitis in 2021, as there were no students on campus because of the pandemic,” he said. He explained that the 2022 meningitis campaign was also not very popular amongst students due to vaccine hesitancy.

He reiterated that it is important for students to get vaccinated as they have more physical contact with one another. “Just remember, if you are vaccinated, you are protected against meningitis and your chances of infection is reduced by 99%,” he said.

If more people are vaccinated, we will achieve herd immunity within the student community. This decreases the number of people who will become sick from the bacteria. This leads to a greater number of people who are protected against the disease, even those who are unvaccinated.

According to Kotzé, 15-25% of the population carry meningitis bacteria in their nose but do not show any symptoms. The nature of student life often consists of living and socialising in settings where close contact cannot be avoided.

Micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause meningitis. The most common type of meningitis, amongst students at the NWU's Potchefstroom campus, is bacterial meningitis and it is also considered the deadliest. Nico Scheepers, a lecturer who specialises in infectious diseases at the NWU said: “Meningitis causes inflammation in the fluid and membranes (meninges) which surrounds your spinal cord and brain.” Bacterial meningitis is an extremely dangerous illness and it can be fatal in as little as 12 hours.

Dr Emile Kotzé said that meningitis can be considered as an infection and highlighted that when the bacteria enter your bloodstream it can cause infection in the bloodstream known as sepsis. This type of bloodstream infection spreads faster and is even more dangerous. Both diseases can be placed under the umbrella term ‘meningococcal disease’: i.e., meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicemia.

It is often hard to identify a list of definite symptoms because symptoms vary and are quite similar to those of the common flu. According to Kotzé,

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), bacterial meningitis is often accompanied by sepsis and therefore the signs and symptoms cover both conditions.

Bacterial meningitis can be found in all countries across the world, but it is more prevalent in countries falling within the meningitis belt of SubSaharan Africa. South Africa does not fall within this belt, however, as an African country meningitis is much more common here than in other countries.

According to a research report in the Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases, published in 2017, a reliable rule of thumb is that case numbers increase between May and October.

Due to the high mortality rate of meningococcal disease in South Africa, it is recommended that clinicians should encourage students attending university to get vaccinated. Meningococcal disease is known to be prevalent amongst students. This is because meningitis is more likely to spread among people who are in close proximity to one another. Meningitis is transmitted through saliva and spit particles.

Placards contained hashtags so that onlookers could continue the conversation on social media. Image provided

“We don't know why some people get sick from this bacteria and others don't.” It is due to this reality that vaccination against the disease is extremely important. Other forms of prevention include methods similar to the Covid-19 pandemic such as washing hands regularly and social

Tamry Esiri

We cannot continue allowing our communities to be danger zones

Infographic: Ruben Jooste

Our editorial team from left: Editor - Ruhan Friedrichs; Layout Editor - Janlu Fourie; Sub-editor - Keletso Baas.

Zooming in on SA’s past and present

The exhibition 'The Damage Still Remains' at the Botanical Garden Gallery on the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus, showcased some thought-provoking images by renowned photojournalist Len Khumalo. Through his lens, Khumalo offered a glimpse into South Africa's history to draw on how the past affects our experiences today.

Co-curated by Nthabeleng Masudubele and Nkululeko Khumalo, the NWU gallery’s year-long series of legacy artists commenced with this exhibition which was on display from 10 February to 17 March 2023.

This series aims to promote artists whose work has contributed to the country’s cultural legacy and to offer a space for contemplation on the country’s past and present. As said by Amohelang Mohajane, the curator and collections manager at the NWU Gallery: “This year we hope to build on legacy artists while they are still alive.”

According to Mohajane, “this exhibition should be a conversation.” She pointed out that Len Khumalo’s daughter, Nkululeko Khumalo, cocurated this exhibition, emphasising that it is an intergenerational conversation. Mohajane unapologetically said that she hopes “viewers are triggered” and that ‘”we [the viewers] need to be reminded of what our country went through”.

In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Masudubele and Khumalo explained that the foundations of this exhibition were laid after they went over newspaper archives of the ‘70s and ‘80s. After looking through the archives, they realised “what was happening then, is happening now.”

This exhibition provides an opportunity to experience some of South Africa’s most significant historical moments. But most importantly, these moments also portray personal histories. As Masudubele said, “it is the lives of everyday people that matter within the greater history of South Africa.”

One of the featured images titled “Golden Miles Bhudu with his Prison Inmates”, depicts Miles Bhudu dancing in front of a sea of people, evoking a

sense of hope and defiance.

In contrast, a recent article by the Daily Maverick published on 13 October 2022 titled “As prison overcrowding rate intensifies, Popcru threatens Pollsmoor strike,” affirms the ongoing struggle for prisoner rights.

The first line of the article reads “The national overcrowding rate in South African prisons is now 31.65% …”

Another image “Funeral Bus” captures a sombre yet striking scene of a bus transporting mourners to Chris Hani’s funeral.

The context of this image bleeds into recent events surrounding the release of Chis Hani’s murderer.

An article published by News24 on 30 November 2022 reads: “Blood spills on eve of ANC-led protest against the release of Chris Hani’s killer Janusz Waluś”. The article reports on the stabbing of Janusz Waluś during an ongoing court bid to have his parole repealed. He was released on 7 December 2022.

There is also an image depicting a

This victim was killed because of jealousy and gangsterism due to him being well dressed.

water crisis showcasing a little boy clinging to a fauce during a draught. In recent years other images included journalists protesting for freedom of the press, and another of Miss Evelyn Williams, Miss Africa South in 1974. Only white women were allowed to

compete in the Miss South Africa pageant, therefore black women competed in what they called Miss Africa South. In recent years Williams has called for her place in history books after not being invited to the 60th anniversary of the Miss World pageant.

The most provocative image in this collection is that of a victim of necklacing. Necklacing refers to the act of placing a petrol-soaked tyre around the neck of an individual and setting it alight.

No need to fear an outbreak after student contracts meningitis

The North-West University (NWU) had its first case of meningitis since 2022 after a student at Veritas Mens Residence was admitted to hospital with a bacterial strain of the disease on 5 March 2023. He has since been released from hospital and has fully recovered, Derek van der Merwe, the primarius of Veritas, said on 20 March. According to Louis Jacobs, spokesperson of the NWU Potchefstroom campus, the necessary steps were taken to ensure that the disease did not spread further.

“Directly after the case came to light, all the students in Veritas and the first year of Vergeet-My-Nie, received preventative antibiotics. This also includes students the patient had class with.” Vergeet-MyNie and Veritas are ‘sleep’ [partner]

residences and therefore the first year students have a lot of contact with one another. All positive meningitis cases are directly communicated to the management of the NWU so that they can implement the protocol in order to curb the spread of the disease.

If you are infected with bacterial meningitis, symptoms start showing within the first five days. “No other cases have been reported and students have no reason to fear an outbreak,” Jacobs said.

Meningitis is a highly infectious disease which in some cases might even be fatal. Students are advised to get their meningitis shot at the NWU Healthcare Centre if they show any symptoms related to meningitis, visit the Healthcare Centre in building E16 or your local doctor or pharmacy to get tested.

In 2023 Golden Miles Bhudu is still President of the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR).

Elizmi Fourie

Ruben Jooste and Ruhan Friedrichs

Images: Len Khumalo

“Water Apartheid” is often used to refer to the unequal access to water.

HEIMAT, Kasteel take bold steps to stop polystyrene pollution

Janlu Fourie

An estimated 4,000 meals are served at each of the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus’s six dining facilities on a busy day, for which polystyrene packaging is used. None of which is properly disposed of, said Jaco Pretorius, HEIMAT house committee (HC) member.

“Everyone knows [on-campus pollution] is a problem – even the SS (Klipoog Cafeteria) – but we haven’t had a viable solution,” said Pretorius, the transformation and diversity (TAD) officer with Current Affairs, AKSA, and marketing and recruitment officer. “I feel we have one that we can use now, saving both our environment and money for the NWU.”

Project EcoStyrene was unveiled by HEIMAT Men’s town residence and Kasteel Women’s residence during Value your Environment week, an annual event hosted by the TAD with Current Affairs portfolio from 6-10 March 2023. The initiative would have students bring their own containers to the dining hall or cafeteria to replace the provided polystyrene packaging, in turn earning them points towards free meals.

“The only solution to get rid of polystyrene is to ban it,” said Mhleli Vezi, the NWU environmental sustainability specialist responsible for reducing on-campus dining facilities’ waste.

Alice Maredi, Kasteel HC member, TAD officer with Current Affairs, and language facilitator, said that EcoStyrene will introduce a barcode scanning system which will allow students to accumulate points. The more points a student earns the more rewards they will reap, such as a free drink at 10 points or a free meal at 20 points.

The dining facilities do not play their part in sufficiently disposing of polystyrene, said Maredi, nor of the food that is left over at the end of the

day. Currently, this food is tossed but could serve as reward for students collecting EcoStyrene points. Pretorius urged the NWU to consider the money saved by eliminating the purchase of polystyrene and related waste removal.

“[The NWU] is willing to do everything to make sure the environment is protected,” Vezi said. However, biodegradable containers come at a steep price that could result in an increase in the cost of food items. But the production of nonbiodegradable polystyrene pollutes the air and endangers aquatic life when it inevitably ends up in the ocean.

The extent of the pollution at the NWU is not measured at all, Vezi said. Environmental management is new to the NWU and he considers the lack of statistics one of the greatest problems he wishes to solve. “Before we can minimise waste we must determine the extent thereof, and we have support from the university management”, he said. “They want improvements; we have solutions. If I couldn’t cultivate green initiatives here, I would pack my bags and leave immediately.”

During Value your Environment week, students voted for their favourite

green initiative as presented by the sleep residences. Vezi and the Students’ Campus Council (SCC) will determine a winner, whose project will be funded by the NWU.

Regardless of who wins, Pretorius and Maredi hope to continue with the EcoStyrene project. Vezi said that this project has “huge potential”. “I believe in it, personally”, he said, and that it is one of the projects he would love to see funded. In light of global warming and the steep prices of sourcing biodegradable containers, “it’s not continuous improvement but continual improvement we’re after,” Vezi said. “We are trying to change the world and we are doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint.” He said that influencing the university, as well as the world, and inciting a shift in how we live cannot be done without collaboration.

When initial talks of this project commenced at HEIMAT, Pretorius noticed a first-year student with his lunchbox in the SS. Pretorius believes this to be a testimony to how quickly the word spreads – “Change does not always come from higher-ups, but rather from us at ground level."

Parents are expected at NWU Potchefstroom Open Day 2023

Asanté Goeda

For the first time since 2019, Open Day is back in full contact mode with no Covid-19 regulations and the organisers are running around to get everything ready for the expected 10,000 visitors that will arrive on 27 May 2023. Open Day was presented in hybrid mode in 2022 and only around 2,000 people were hosted on campus, said Piet Steyn, the senior manager of student recruitment.

Steyn explained that this year there is no limit on the number of people who can attend Open Day. The university therefore looks forward to a busy time. Different stalls will be available throughout the day. “[The stalls will be] hosted by culture committees, sports teams, academic student associations and residences,” Steyn said. The day will start with an official gathering in the Amphitheatre. Arrangements have been made to live stream the event from the Sanlam

Auditorium in case space in the Amphitheatre becomes a problem. Following the official gathering, prospective students and their parents will be directed to the faculties, schools and departments where they will receive information about the courses that they are interested in.

School learners will also have the opportunity to apply to study at the North-West University (NWU) online

at the Ferdinand Postma Library.

Steyn emphasised that the university is aware of many learners who will not be able to attend the day due to sports activities. “The event will therefore be live-streamed, [so that] students who are absent can register to watch the Open Day later in order to get a feel of the day,” Steyn said.

Steyn said Open Day will be good opportunity for prospective students.

Meals are about to be served at SS.

Image: Janlu Fourie

The NWU law building on the Potchefstroom campus. Image: Asanté Goeda

Diereliefhebbers omgekrap oor vuurwerke

Waydon Jacobs 2023 tydens die JOOL-konsert op die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) se Potchefstroom kampus het hondeliefhebbers die josie in gemaak. Net na Nuwejaar se vuurwerke het PAWS 80 honde in die dorp opgelaai wat moontlik deur die geraas geaffekteer is en weggehardloop het.

Minstens twee honde het weggehardloop weens vrees toe die vuurwerke tydens JOOL op 24 Maart begin klap het. Een is gevind, maar die ander is dood nadat hy in ‘n gat geval en verdrink het.

Saretha Oberholzer van Mooivalleipark in Potchefstroom is steeds ontsteld oor haar boerboel, Koning. Hy het deur die heining om hul erf gebreek om weg te kom van die lawaai, maar het in ‘n gat vol water geval en verdrink. Sy eienaars het ‘n beloning van R10,000 uitgeloof nadat hy vermis geraak het.

Marilize Adlam het by haar werker gehoor haar Duitse herdershond, Tesla, het weggehardloop tydens die vuurwerke. Hulle woon naby die JOOL-plaas in Mooivalleipark.

Gelukkig het PAWS (Potch Animal Welfare Society) haar gevind. Adlam het Tesla op 27 Maart daar gaan haal. “Sy was gelukkig meestal by PAWS en is goed versorg.”

Kanonskote en vuurwerke tydens universiteitsgeleentheide soos die Varsity Cup-eindstryd en JOOL vermaak wel die toeskouers, maar die geraas tas die vierpotiges in die omgewing erg aan.

Die afskiet van vuurwerke in Maart

Volgens veeartse in Potchefstroom raak honde angsbevange weens die lawaai en hardloop van hul huise af weg. Hulle kan ongelukke veroorsaak as hulle die pad oorsteek en die vuurwerke kan selfs brandwonde veroorsaak.

Volgens mnr. Smangaliso Mabena, ‘n brandweerbeampte van die JB Marks-munisipaliteit se gemeenskapsveiligheidafdeling, mag vuurwerke slegs afgeskiet word op Nuwejaar, Kersfees en spesiale dae. Die polisie se plofstofeenheid moet permitte hiervoor uitreik.

Hoewel dr. Liza-Marie Lombaard van Potch Vet Care nie onlangs baie gevalle behandel het nie, is daar van haar pasiënte wat bang is vir vuurwerke en donderweer. Baie van die eienaars kom voor die geleenthede vra vir kalmeerpille vir hul diere.

Volgens Lombaard is honde baie gehoorsensitief. Dr Maartin Jordaan van Bult Dierekliniek beklemtoon

Gender-based violence: A continuous issue

at higher education institutions

In 2020 Higher Health, an agency which develops and implements gender-based violence (GBV), wellness, mental health and other programmes in the higher education sector, found that 62% of students feel unsafe on campus and feel as if they might fall victim to GBV.

Mercilene Machisa, a specialist scientist at the South African Medical Research Council, said to News24 that there are many resources used to react to GBV but there is not enough attention given to preventing GBV.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Higher Health planned a joint effort to address GBV at universities which launched on 5 May 2023.

“This is not a pandemic like Covid. There is no vaccine to kill it. GBV is a societal issue,” Ramneek Ahluwalia, Higher Health’s chief, said to Research Professional News.

DHET and Higher Health prepared eight protocols that institutions should follow in order to address GBV: Firstly, higher education institutions should have rape protocols in place that state how rape and sexual assault reports should be handled during and outside of office hours, at institutions. Secondly, the protocol looks at

dat kliënte tydens die JOOL-naweek vroeër vanjaar ongelukkig was oor die feit dat hul honde angsaanvalle gekry het. “Bykans alle honde toon ongemak weens die harde klapgeluide wat met die vuurwerke gepaard gaan. Baie honde beseer hulself en party hardloop deur heinings as gevolg van vuurwerke.”

Dr. Walder Russouw van Centraal Pet Vet het gesê dat die mees algemene beserings wat hul praktyk hanteer, dié is wat honde opdoen wanneer hulle oor palissadeheinings probeer spring om van die vuurwerke af weg te kom.

“Ek het al gevalle gesien van honde wat so bang is weens vuurwerke dat hulle op die teerpad hardloop totdat daar nie meer velle aan hul pote is nie,” het Russouw gesê.

Darren Kruger, voorsitter van PAWS, het gesê dat verlede jaar stil was wat vuurwerkverwante gevalle betref, maar hulle het wel 80 honde opgelaai na 31 Desember 2022 se vuurwerke.

“Die probleem is dat daar vuurwerke verkoop word in die winkelsentrums asook by die taxistaanplekke. Dit word nie gereguleer nie.” Kruger het voorgestel dat mense vuurwerke afskiet op plekke ver van honde, katte, inwoners, hospitale, en motorhuise.

Vuurwerke veroorsaak paniek vir honde. Foto: Unsplash/Jingda Chen

Hy het verduidelik dat een van die struikelblokke waarmee PAWS sukkel, is dat eienaars nie hul honde beskerm wanneer hulle in die feesseisoen met vakansie gaan nie.

Volgens ‘n artikel op Potch Centraal Vet se webblad, moet honde gedesensitiseer word deur klankterapie om te verhoed dat hulle nie ’n fobie ontwikkel vir geweerskote, vuurwerke, en donderstorms nie.

“Maar die kliënte soek ‘n vinnige oplossing, soos pille. Die kombinasie van middels sonder ‘n desensitasie-program is onsuksesvol as behandeling,” het Douw van der Nest geskryf.

Al drie veeartse stel voor dat die inwoners alternatiewe vorms vir vermaak gebruik.

safety in residences. It identified risk factors such as overcrowding and that residences should ensure that there are working locks for all rooms.

The third protocol is to keep private students safe as well.

The fourth protocol states that campus security staff should be vetted and given proper training.

The fifth protocol aims to keep students and staff safe as they move to and from campuses.

The sixth and seventh protocols aim to ensure the safety of whistleblowers and dealing with unequal power being abused between staff and students.

The final protocol aims to make sure that all institutions have implemented a person, committee or office which deals with campaigns in order to curb GBV on campuses.

Although DHET cannot force institutions to implement these protocols. Buti Manamela, deputy minister of higher education and training, strongly urges universities to implement these protocols.

“These protocols will be meaningless if they don’t find themselves in the hands of each and every student, lecturer and academic on campus,” said Manamela to Research Professional News.

Image: Pexels/Alex Green

Koning het in ‘n gat water geval en verdrink toe hy weggehardloop het vir die vuurwerkvertoning. Foto verskaf

GBV is a persistent problem on many campuses.

Amanda Viljoen

UN marks 30th anniversary of Press Freedom Day

Ruben Jooste

With 86 journalists killed in 2022 and 85% of the world experiencing a decline in press freedom it comes as no surprise that an overarching theme of the United Nations (UN) opening ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day was the threats facing the news media industry worldwide.

The opening ceremony was held at the General Assembly Hall in New York on 2 May.

According to the UN’s official website, World Press Freedom Day has been observed on 3 May every year since 1993 to promote the significance of press freedom and remind governments of their responsibility to uphold the right to freedom of expression.

The day also serves as an opportunity

to assess the state of press freedom globally, celebrate the principles of press freedom, and pay homage to journalists who have died while performing their duties.

In a video message at the opening ceremony UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “In every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack”, stressing the importance of press freedom as a fundamental human right crucial for upholding democracy and promoting transparency.

This year, the focus of World Press Freedom Day is on the connection between press freedom and human rights, highlighting the need for greater protection for journalists in the face of growing challenges to their safety and independence.

“This day highlights a basic truth:

all our freedom depends on press freedom. Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power,” Guterres said.

Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO said that 2022 was the “deadliest year” for journalists. According to Azoulay, 86 journalists were killed, mainly outside war zones, and hundreds more were attacked or imprisoned.

According to the 2021/2022 report on freedom of expression and media development by UNESCO, approximately 85% of the world’s population experienced a decline in press freedom in their countries over the past five years. Azoulay also highlighted the challenges that journalists face in the digital era.

The proliferation of disinformation and conspiracy theories on the internet made it difficult for journalists to provide accurate information and engage in informed public debates.

Arthur Sulzberge, chairman and publisher of The New York Times, pointed out that technology has given rise to an abundance of misinformation, propaganda, and sensationalist content that often overrides credible journalism and leads to a decrease in public trust.

According to the UNESCO report there is a global decline in public trust in the news media.

The report quotes Joseph Stiglitz: “Information is a public good … and as a public good, it needs public support.”

A lack of trust in the news media is problematic in that “people who have less trust in traditional news media

NSFAS appeals lead to the termination of registrations

Keletso Baas and Ruben Jooste submitted by a student whose application for funding was rejected, or whose funding was withdrawn, requesting NSFAS to review or reconsider his or her eligibility”.

The NSFAS appeals process has not been concluded but due to the deadline of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for institutions to submit data on the number of registered students, the North-West University (NWU) had to terminate the registration of many conditionally registered students.

“Due to NSFAS’s inability to handle appeals on time, the university, unfortunately, had to make a decision,” said Danie Hefer, the manager of financial support services on the Potchefstroom campus.

According to a NSFAS policy document, “an appeal is a request

The NWU student representative council (SRC) is collaborating with the South African Union of Students (SAUS) to expedite the clearance process. According to Yikumba Andreas, the president of the NWU SRC, at a series of meetings held in March, NSFAS assured attendees that the issue would be resolved before the second quarter commences.

The second quarter is already underway, and the problem has not been resolved. The SRC did follow up

but received no reply.

“We reached out to them and they did not say anything … no communication whatsoever,” Andreas said.

NSFAS said that they will deploy task teams to tertiary institutions to help students resolve the problems, according to Andreas.

The NWU expected the task team to arrive in the first week of May but “they did not show up”.

Although NSFAS has cleared 500 NWU students since the appeal process commenced, many are still waiting for feedback.

It is impossible to determine how many students are affected by the

termination of registration, Hefer said. In a bid to resolve the issue, the NWU paid the minimum registration fees for 122 students. If NSFAS approves the students, the costs can be recovered, Hefer said.

With faculty approval, the NWU will allow identified senior students who can prove that they attended class and are academically up to date, to register – possibly up until the second semester, according to Hefer.

Students who have been approved by NSFAS but received an email or SMS stating that their conditional registration has been deleted, must send enquiries to JudyHeymans@nwu. ac.za. for assistance.

are more likely to turn to alternative sources and to be vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation”. Sulzberger emphasised the relationship between a free press and a healthy democracy. He said that authoritarian regimes have used censorship and attacks on journalists to gain control of information and consolidate power.

Letter from the editor

Just as fall is coming to an end, the semester is as well.

Just as summer has come and gone, so has the graduation season.

As we look back on the past semester and start preparing for the final stretch of assignments and exams, let us take a breath.

It is important to take a stand back and reflect on what the past six months has been.

A simple breath, not to dwell on the past, but to appreciate what you have done and overcome.

As students, we can probably come up with a list of 100 challenges we face each day.

If you are unable to think of a single example, let me enlighten you. Of course, we have issues with the reliability of power supply, having to study without power for 10 hours a day is no childs play.

Students often face connectivity or data issues, luckily it seems like this is becoming less of a problem now with technological advances and easily accessible Wi-Fi.

As if these challenges are not enough, we need to practice selfcontrol and be able to turn friends down when they want to have drinks.

We also need to be disciplined, dedicated and focus on time management.

Oh, the joys of being a student.

If you considered dropping out and telling your parents you have had enough, hang in there and push through. Soon we will be able to look back and be proud of the challenges we have overcome.

If you were looking for motivation or a sign to start studying, this is it.

Press Freedom Day is the celebration of the release of the Declaration of Windhoek in Namibia in 1991. Image provided

The student start-up scene: A growing trend on campus

Keletso Baas

Doughnuts, silk bonnets, lingerie, tailoring services, vibrators, fruit platters, hair braiding, manicures, sweet packets, and African cuisine. These are some of the business ideas that entrepreneurial students on the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus have pursued.

For many, the hardest part of starting a business is having the confidence to turn an idea into an endeavour. For others, it is the time commitment or the need for extra money to get started. Whatever their reasons, there is no universal formula for success.

“There is no secret to becoming a great entrepreneur, yet growth cannot occur without consistency. Thus entrepreneurs must accept that they will fail sometimes but have to pick themselves up and keep trying. Never be scared to invest; even if you lose money, you’ll still learn something.

[In the] best case scenario you might actually win and it will all be worth it,” said Stella Mangwaya, a third-year urban and regional planning student, who has successfully run Stella’s Fashion Accessories since 2021.

She sells products such as lingerie, jewellery, vibrators and shades.

Mangwaya found her motivation to start a business based on her background. “I consider poverty to be a powerful driving force in my life. It was due to poverty that I embarked on starting my own business. Moreover, it is that very same poverty that compels me to juggle the demands of my studies while working on growing my small business. It serves as a constant reminder for me to push myself,” said Mangwaya.

For some of the students who already have well-established businesses and customer bases, the capital to start was the challenge, and using the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowance was not an option.

A profound journey to Constitutional Hill

On 2 May 2023, my classmates, lecturer, and I embarked on a visit to Constitutional Hill. The goal? To gain a deeper understanding of the court system and the history of our country.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for democracy, freedom of speech, and the principles that protect our rights and dignity.

During the visit, I felt a mix of anger and disgust towards the racist individuals who perpetuated injustice.

I questioned the basis of their actions and pondered whether skin colour alone could justify such treatment.

However, I also recognised that there were others who fought against apartheid and the injustices it imposed. This realisation led me to understand that racism is not solely defined by skin colour, but rather stems from personal prejudice. The apartheid system had a devastating impact on black people, and as a black person, I recognise that blaming the current generation of white people for it would only perpetuate the problem.

This visit has compelled me to confront and challenge any prejudices I may have held.

It has shown me the importance of moving beyond the past and avoiding the assignment of blame. By doing so, I appreciate the remarkable individuals of the current generation.

The emotions I felt were not limited to myself; they extended to those who came before us. Their sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of justice resonated within the walls of Constitutional Hill.

I cried as I was confronted with the weight of our nation's history. The haunting question: "How could one group of people treat another in such a manner?"

Although it may seem farfetched, I genuinely believe that we are progressing towards the embodiment of the phrase 'A rainbow nation'. While I maintain my initial viewpoint and have faith in South Africa's advancement, I must acknowledge that progress may not be immediately apparent. Similar to how poverty has been inherited, biases and prejudices are also passed down. Additionally, individualism plays a role, as there are individuals who come from privileged backgrounds but still choose to exhibit racist behaviour. In conclusion, my heart is filled with purpose and optimism. The visit to Constitutional Hill allowed me to witness the pinnacle of justice and the resilience of our democracy.

It encouraged me to confront the painful chapters of our past while envisioning a future where justice prevails.

opportunities,” she said.

Ndlovu also comes from an underprivileged background and did not receive any financial support from her family. “That was the driving force that pushed me to think of ways to make money and start my business so that I wouldn’t have to call my dad each time I needed to pay for my electricity bills, the NSFAS money is just never enough,” said Ndlovu.

The financial injection she received from braiding hair in 2020, enabled her to launch a tye dye T-shirt business as well as become a nail technician under the name Starchild in 2021.

In some instances, students collaborate with their peers to establish businesses, leveraging each other’s strengths and skills to create thriving ventures.

Masungulo Mashele, a fourth-year pharmacy student, exemplifies this collaborative spirit. She entered the business world by taking over the achaar business that was run by her former flatmate in June 2022.

“I saw the need to keep the business going because a lot of people would text me asking for the achaar. I knew I would manage to make it and so I went for it,” she said.

fueled Mashele’s determination to stock up on the achaars and ensure the business thrived.

Motivation and drive manifest in different ways for these young entrepreneurs. Angelina Maphanga, a third-year health sciences student, finds the greatest inspiration in her mother, who is a self-employed chef who owns a catering and decor company.

Maphanga aspires to follow in her mother’s footsteps. In 2022, she launched a venture that sells scones, biscuits, and food platters, constantly generating new ideas by conducting market research and understanding the needs and preferences of fellow students.

Building a successful customer base is a crucial aspect for these entrepreneurs.

They employ various marketing strategies, with social media platforms playing a significant role. Instagram and Facebook have proven effective in reaching different client groups.

Sara Jones, a fourth-year psychology with labour relations student, finds Instagram the most effective marketing tool. It allows her to connect with a larger pool of potential customers.

Mohau Monnane, a fourth-year music student, received his capital injection from his brother, who invested R2,000 into his fast food business, Moh’s Cream and Kotas.

As a final-year student in music, Monnane quickly realised that the entertainment industry is sometimes impenetrable and decided to start his business to finish the year with a steady stream of income until he can cement himself in the music industry. Monnane started his business in February 2023.

Nthabseng Ndlovu, a third-year behavioural sciences student, had a different experience. “With braiding people, I did not need any funds since people bought their own hair and I charged them for my labour, so I started saving up money from the hair business and invested in other business

Recognising the demand for the achaars, Mashele saw an opportunity to continue and expand the business. Mashele’s former housemate, Zodwa Moyo, played a vital role by passing on Mashele’s contact information to her existing customers upon her departure.

This act of support and endorsement

Jones is a photographer who has been running Seh Jones Photography since 2020.

She said in addition to marketing on social media, word-of-mouth recommendations contribute significantly to attracting new clients.

Moses Mhlanga, a second-year communication student, sits at the NWU Potchefstroom campus, selling used textbooks.

That was the driving force that pushed me to think of ways to make money so that I wouldn’t have to call my dad each time I needed funds

The men's bathing area near block four. Image: Unsplash/Keanan Cantor

Examples of Sarah Jones's work. Image provided

Image: Keletso Baas

#RarenessAwareness: Campaign calls for stem cell donations from all races

Keletso Baas

A call has gone out during the recently observed Rare Diseases Day to persuade more donors of colour –Black, Coloured, Indian people – to donate stem cells that could save lives. This was at a campaign hosted by the Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM) on the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University (NWU).

“The more people of all races we have on the [stem cell] registry, the better the chances of us servicing or assisting all patients and saving lives,” said Velicia Hammond, a Donor Recruitment Coordinator for DKMS Africa.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and DKMS, which is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, were part of Rare Diseases Day.

International Rare Diseases Day takes place annually on 28 February unless it is a leap year, in which case it falls on 29 February, which is a rare day.

“We are familiar with the team at Rare Diseases SA and want to show our support for their work. It is also a lot of fun [to share the information] and one of the highlights of the year

for us at the centre,” said Prof. Chris Vorster, Director of the Centre for Human Metabolomics. “The main goal of our drive is to raise awareness of rare diseases,” he said.

“A rare disease is a type of disease that only affects 1 in every 500 births. and 1 in 15 people in South Africa is affected by a rare disease, and there are over 7,000 such diseases identified. It is an inherited disease and because of that it is and can only be genetically diagnosed,” said Dr Maryke Schoonen, a Senior Research Fellow in biochemistry.

In South Africa, there is a need to broaden the knowledge base on rare diseases, because it is well-evaluated in the caucasian populations of America and Europe. However, in the African populations, there is still a vast number of genes to be identified that are disease-causing.

She emphasised the importance of early detection through newborn screening. The results are typically available in the first 24-48 hours after the child’s birth. So, if there is a problem medical practitioners can start immediately with treatment, which will help the child to develop optimally.

“If we can’t cure it, we can alleviate the symptoms and we can help,” she said.

Touching on the notion of race, Hammond stressed the importance of diversity in the donations they receive at DKMS.

“In terms of what we do at DKMS, ethnicity and ancestry play a big role. The chances of you being a donor outside your ethnicity is less than 1%, so the chances of a patient of colour receiving a match are significantly lower because there are fewer donors of that person’s ethnicity on the registry,” she said. DKMS has created a registry, so if a person registers, a match may be found. “If you register you might save somebody’s life. Although some people

may never find a match, it gives them hope,” she said.

“In order for these patients [who have rare diseases] to receive treatment, which typically includes chemotherapy and radiology, and if these treatments do not work, a stem cell transplant is required. In these instances, patients need a donor who is a 100% HLA tissue type match. To find a match the chance is one in a hundred thousand. If they don’t receive a match, chances are they will not survive,” Hammond said.

According to information on the website of the organisation LifeCell, HLA matching/typing is a process to

Image: Keletso Baas match donors and recipients. Finding the best fit requires extensive testing. It needs a 100% match across 8 indicators for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant to be successful. Schoonen said the student participation in the day’s activities was ‘amazing’.

Gomolemo Motshwanedi, a second-year student, said she wanted to contribute. “I don’t have money, food or clothes to donate, but at least by donating my blood, I can make a difference to someone’s quality of life out there.”

NWU students educate their community about vaccines

Asanté Goeda

The role of vaccines to protect a society’s health is the focus of an awareness initiative that will take place in Lovers Lane today. The Students Advocating for Leadership and Transformation initiative, also known as SALT, is inviting students and staff of the North-West University (NWU), as well as the Potchefstroom community, to join the event, aimed at tackling vaccine hesitancy.

SALT has been hosting monthly events during 2023. SALT Chairperson Onthatile Mosweu said: “The whole purpose of the day will be to promote awareness about different vaccines and the importance of them in our lives.”

Mosweu indicated that SALT will address aspects such as routine vaccinations for measles-mumpsrubella, influenza, chicken pox and Covid-19, amongst others.

“We do not want people to be google doctors, so we are sharing information, for free, that will benefit them in times of need. We will have treats in syringes to give to students,” said Mosweu.

Speaking about SALT-organised events already Mosweu said: “In April we arranged a mental health awareness event called ‘Let it go’. Students were invited to come and let go of everything that was bothering them at that moment – academic, personal or dating stress.”

SALT also hosted a campaign that focused on students’ health and wellness. The campaign took place from 18-19 April at Cachet Park.

“Apart from spreading awareness about certain topics, we are also peer educators,” said Mosweu. She explained that it is easier for students to communicate with students about topics that may seem sensitive because they understand each other. “We therefore strive to equip students with all the knowledge that they need”.

SALT works with organisations such as Shout-It-Now, an organisation focusing on sex education, The Aurum Institute, a non-profit organisation who works to advance health science and innovation and the Department of Health.

“The clinic on campus does not really cater for the large student population. We need these organisations to also help us [with the services we offer],” said Mosweu.

“We are not professionals and therefore we need professionals”. They [professional health services] offer services such as pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Covid-19 tests, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and Tuberculosis (TB) screening and scanning for genderbased violence (GBV).

“SALT is a worthy initiative. We want to educate and help students where help is needed,” said Mosweu.

She emphasised that everyone is welcome to attend their campaigns as “there is no criteria” for joining.

Established in 2016, SALT was a peer helper program, and it was called HIV/AIDS Advocates. The program consisted of about 10 members.

According to SALT founder and qualified social worker, Mario Chauque, said this name did not appeal to everyone. After a brainstorming session the members came up with the acronym SALT.

“After sharing it with my advocates, who loved it, they added that they bring taste into student’s life on campus,” said Chaque.

This non-profit initiative strives to incorporate various health-related aspects into their work, including gender-based violence, LGBTQIA+, sexually transmitted infections, mental health substance abuse. SALT will be in Lovers Lane from 9:00 to 13:00.

Sr Sallome Market informs a participant about the procedures involved in donating blood.

Elmarie Davoren (left) and Tania Grobler shared information about rare diseases to support the donation campaign. Image provided

The role of vaccines in public health. Image provided

Student leaders march to NSFAS head office over funding grievances

Ruben Jooste

Members of student representative councils (SRCs) from across South Africa marched to the office of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in Cape Town yesterday (24 May 2023) to demand the resolution of grievances related to the allocation of government bursaries to students who are in financial need.

SRC leaders were leading the protest and a memorandum was handed to a representative of NSFAS.

Yikumba Andreas, president of the North-West University (NWU) SRC, did not attend the protest, but is a signatory of the document.

According to him the memorandum outlines what NSFAS has to do to resolve the issues NSFAS-funded students are facing.

The memorandum “serves as a way for NSFAS to acknowledge the concerns raised and that they will respond to the matter”, Andreas added.

Phiwokuhle Qabaka, SRC secretary general of Stellenbosch University said NSFAS had 48 hours to provide feedback on the memorandum.

“If the response is not satisfactory we will have to decide on a way forward,” she said.

Mandla-Onke Notyawa, SRC president at the University of the Western Cape, said before the march he wanted NSFAS to deal with the issues students are facing – “especially the direct payments that are not going to assist students in any way or form but instead lead to corruption”.

The protest came after a meeting on 17 May 2023 in which “SRC presidents

and secretary-generals [leading student councils] reached a unanimous resolution to rise and unite in defense of students”, according to a joint statement dated 22 May 2023.

The statement says that the main concerns that will be raised in the memorandum include changing direct payment of allowances to students (instead of to universities who then allocate the funds), the potential disadvantages of third-party service providers involved with the NSFAS Bank Account system, the 60-credit requirement which holds that students who need only 60 credits to graduate will only receive learning material allowances and no longer a living or accommodation allowance, and the delay in resolving the funding appeals process.

The delay has caused many students across the country to be deregistered due to a lack of finances.

The South African Union of Students (SAUS) which represents student views in the governance and enhancement of Higher Education and Training in South Africa was traditionally an ally of SRCs. The relationship between SRCs and SAUS has been tense lately.

The joint statement by campus student leaders (SRCs and secretarygenerals) reads: “Our attempts to seek clarity from the SAUS and other key stakeholders have been met with nothing but arrogance and ambiguity, leaving us in a state of disarray. Furthermore, these engagements with SAUS and NSFAS have only served to expose the deeply entrenched systemic failures that perpetuate inequality

and hinder the academic pursuits of deserving students.”

Andreas said, “The South African Union of Students wasn’t attending to the messages and didn’t see it as a matter of emergency … our concerns fell on deaf ears.”

But, following the protest, Asive Dlanjwa, SAUS spokesperson, denied this claim and said the union supports the issues that the SRC leaders raised but does not believe the march was the “most efficient way to handle the issue”. According to Dlanjwa the union sent a letter to Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, in which students’ problems with NSFAS were highlighted.

Various issues have emerged during the last few months. On 16 November 2022 NSFAS issued a statement in which it announced that the distribution of funds will be digitalised. The bank card is currently in its pilot phase and has been implemented at several, but not all, universities, according to a tweet by NSFAS on 10 May 2023.

According to the joint SRC statement, many universities in the country deposit the student allowances directly into their personal bank accounts with no service fees.

“However, NSFAS wants to introduce a system that will charge students service fees for distributing allowances.” The SRCs also questioned whether service providers will be able to ensure due diligence to prevent fraud and corruption. According to the joint statement, third-party service

The best places on the Potch campus to take your graduation pictures

Asanté Goeda

Your graduation ceremony is one of the biggest events in your life and having pictures you can cherish for the rest of your life, is a must.

Choosing a photographer may be easy but deciding on a location on the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University (NWU) can be challenging.

Graduates usually flock to popular spots such as the Calvyn fountain in front of the main building, or line up along Lover’s Lane, but there are several spots that can work just as well.

Robin-Lee Adonis who studied towards a post-graduate certificate in senior-phase education in 2022 recommends making a list of your favourite places where you want to take your graduation photos.

She explains, “If you want to take your photos at a well-known photo spot such as the main building, it is best to go before the graduation ceremony to avoid having other people in your shots.

Taking your photos at your faculty is also a very good choice.”

The main building, home to the Faculty of Law, is associated with graduation photos.

Shannon Ferreira, owner of Soet Photography, said the building’s wooden door is a popular spot. “I enjoy taking photos at the main building, it suits my style.”

Zelmari de Clercq, owner of Die Lens Photography said: “There are usually hundreds of people at the Calvyn fountain and everyone is waiting to get a photo there.”

She suggested considering other spots, which might turn out even more beautiful.

The Amphitheatre is a very good option for graduation photos, “especially if you want to be creative”, Ferreira said.

“My favourite place to take photos is in Lover’s Lane,” said Zeniël de Meyer, photographer at Zenography Photography, who has been capturing graduation moments since 2013. She emphasised that the “long row of trees provides good shade and depth of field”.

In 2016, the Potchefstroom campus unveiled the Pharmacy and Biological Sciences building (G23).

Glen Magoro, owner of Mphoyamudzimu Photography, loves shooting there. He describes the building as “beautiful”.

Adonis said that “taking your photos at your faculty itself is a very good choice”.

De Meyer thinks that the Duikweg, the subway that links the residences to the main campus, is a good location for graduation photos. She described it as “daring”, which can result in interesting photos.

The Ferdinand Postma Library is another appropriate venue – especially if you spent many hours there during your studies. Photos can be taken in front of the library or even inside.

Magoro said, “For good quality photos, it is best to go to the Botanical Garden after 16:00.”

It may be a good idea to check the garden’s opening times in advance as well as whether photo shoots are

allowed. De Clercq said, “If your graduation is in the afternoon, the library’s lawn is a good option because the sun shines beautifully over the grass.”

The 2023 graduation ceremonies will start on Wednesday 22 March. In the following 6 weeks, the NWU have an estimated 8,000 students who will attend their graduations. This is a good indication of just how busy campus will be. You can expect a lot of visitors during this time so remember to be courteous and patient.

providers such as eZaga, Noracco, and Tenetch, the distributing partners for the digital transformation, “will reduce the quality of work provided because of corruption”.

The statement also emphasised the role tertiary institutions play in adequately providing allowances.

“As soon as a student deregisters during the year, universities pick that up and discontinue the distribution of allowances. How will these companies be able to pick up such information, or will they continue to pay students’ travel allowances and later charge them for fraud?”

According to a NSFAS policy document, as of 2023 “students who are studying less than 60 credits towards

their qualification, qualify for the learning materials allowances only”.

The joint statement called this rule “another barbaric approach” that hampers the performance of students by excluding them from meal and accommodation allowances.

The delays in finalising the appeals process are also raised in the joint statement.

“Despite the passing of three long and agonising months, countless students are still trapped in a harrowing limbo, devoid of any response or resolution. The root of this crisis lies in the ill-advised decision to entrust NSFAS with the responsibility of overseeing the appeals process.”

Neo Nkhumane, posing at the Faculty of Law building.

Keletso Baas, shows what a Lover’s Lane picture may look like.

Image: Janlu Fourie

Image provided

Image: Janlu Fourie

Students leaders hand over a memorandum of understanding to a NSFAS representative in Cape Town.

Canvas 2023: A colourful comeback

Janlu Fourie, Keletso Baas, and Asanté Goeda

Eskom, Van Gogh’s skull, and the dangers of radiation were some themes which emerged as the annual Canvas, themed “One man’s trash…”, took place in the amphitheatre of the North-West University’s (NWU) Potchefstroom campus on 23-24 February.

The last time the Canvas event could take place without restrictions was just before the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020. It entails artists from residences interpreting the year’s theme in paintings on walls on campus as a tradition dating back several decades.

Marius van Rooyen, the Arts and Culture Officer of the Potchefstroom Student Campus Council and host of the 2023 Canvas, stated that “not finishing the idiom [one’s man’s trash is another man’s treasture] from our side” is integral to this year’s Canvas creations, as it provides the artists with open-ended possibilities and interpretations.

This allows the theme to be pursued as the artists see fit, whilst “still [having] the common theme of trash” to tie it all together.

But some of the painters said the SCC Art Council guidelines appear to be limiting artists from controversial interpretations of the theme.

“The controversy in art pieces gets taken away by rules and regulations,” one artist said. He stated that art reflects what is going on in life and that students should be able to express their creativity freely.

The painting commenced at 6pm in the amphitheatre and continued nonstop for 12 hours.

Dancing group DFB, also known as Dysfunctional Beat, singer duo Piesangskille, and the Serenaders acapella group were part of the line-up until games such as rounds of homemade Noot-vir-Noot (a

music competition and show in which participants guessed the song) and guessing what mystery item lay hidden in a box commenced, pitting the residences against one another and hyping up the whole of the amphitheatre.

As midnight struck, the residences started to support the painters with Karlien Ladies Residence starting off with their residence song. Canvas 2023 was home to “more people than the [previous] years,” said Van Rooyen, adding that many students who have been on campus for many years will be bearing witness to the event for the first time.

Megan Stolze, a private student and canvas painter, is excited to use art as a medium“to just be a part of the vibrant

[NWU] student life, because it’s the first time private students can partake [in Canvas].”

“What does [art] not mean,” said Stolze, “it’s everything you see, everything you touch, what you think… art is life.”

Fellow private student and canvas painter Charne Griessel said, “I am excited to see what everyone creates with their creativity this year,” stating how much joy there is to be found in the multitude of interpretations of the “One man’s trash…” theme.

Griessel is eager to ask her fellow artists, “How the hell did you get here?”, when seeing what they came up with.

The night was an “expression of experiences,” according to Wian

Students’ go-to study spots

Martha Radebe

Students apply different study methods in different study environments. Some students prefer quiet, others prefer noise.

So, where do students on the Potchefstroom campus of the NorthWest University (NWU) prefer to do their academic work?

Dr Mathew Moyo, the chief director of library and information service, said: “Some of the students prefer to study and do assignments in the Ferdinand Postma Library and others prefer the Klipoog Cafeteria, known by all on campus as the SS.”

Maritz, a student who painted for the residences Veritas and Vergeet-My-Nie.

“It is not about the picture, but more about the emotion in the painting,” he said.

Martiz explained the significance of art as a platform of expression, saying that, “it shows what can’t be seen on the inside.”

It was a night of intense painting and Dirk Odendaal, a first-year painter for his residence, described it as “a night of expectations met.”

The winner of Canvas 2023 will be announced at the end of 2023 [during the Varieté Arts Dine], according to Van Rooyen, along with the winner of the campus arts trophy.

Forget your inhibitions and ‘learn the damn anthem’

Janlu Fourie and Keletso Baas

Singing the South African national anthem is a powerful and emotional moment at public events, but behind the soaring melody and uplifting lyrics lies a complex web of cultural and political influences.

When the North-West University (NWU) Eagles secured their place in the Varsity Cup finals on 10 April 2023, the singing of the South African national anthem revealed stark differences in how different cultural and racial groups approach the symbolic song.

White supporters sang the English and especially the Afrikaans parts loudly but were subdued when it came to the isiXhosa and isiZulu in the first stanza, and Sesotho in the second.

The country is no stranger to injustice being done to its national

anthem. While some people belt out the words with passion and gusto, others stand silently or mumble along, highlighting deep-seated inconsistencies in how the anthem is interpreted and embraced in today’s “new” South Africa.

“Language is enormously important to many people. They identify their heritage, they produce and reproduce their ‘culture’ and their identities [through language]. It’s a way that they navigate most of their lives,” said Hannelie Otto, communication lecturer on the NWU Potchefstroom campus with an interest in political communication. “And as much as it is a wonderful tool, it is also still segregating people.

“The [national anthem] could be representative of a lot of baggage,” said Otto.

“Certain languages are associated with hegemony (predominance). There are historical reasons why people still associate or maybe even long for a nostalgic past that does not exist and that should not exist, because it was violent discrimination against groups of people.”

Fourth-year LLB student Micah Kruger believes that it might not necessarily be a white supremacy issue.

“I haven’t really been confronted with inconsistencies when it comes to black South Africans singing the anthem – but when it comes to white South Africans, I’ve heard that for some reason they sing the Afrikaans part loudly. If it was the case [of white supremacy], then the English would be sung loudly as well.”

He said it is not about making a statement, but about being proud of

one’s mother tongue, Kruger said.

Kruger also mentioned how the volume of certain parts is entirely dependent on the event or situation.

For instance, during the Varsity Cup on 10 April 2023 when the Eagles played against Maties, the Afrikaans part was sung more loudly than the other parts because most spectators were white South Africans. Both universities are historically white.

Cultural differences play a pivotal role in the way the South African national anthem is sung. Jane Rayi, a second-year communication student, said, “In most cases, I’ll start singing it slowly and then accentuating the volume because I was taught that the national anthem is like a prayer where we ask God to protect our nation as a whole – so we need to sing it softly and be reserved in doing that so that we are conscious and can feel what we are saying.”

For third-year health sciences with tourism student Michaela Krotz, the way she sings the South African national anthem is a matter of being comfortable.

Kruger believes that there is not a single solution to the problem. “Because at the end of the day, you cannot violate free speech as it is a core and fundamental human right," he said.

Otto said the NWU belongs to all South Africans, and accordingly, it should be representative of its students and their languages.

For some students, the buzz in the cafeteria puts them at ease when dealing with their academic work. For others, it is a matter of convenience because the cafeteria is nearby and students are allowed to eat while studying. However, some students go to the library because it is easier for them to concentrate and be motivated to complete their tasks when it is quiet and when they see other focused students.

According to Moyo, students differ when it comes to studying venues. “Some prefer noisy and busy spaces and others prefer quiet and calm spaces. Mostly it depends on how serious the exam or assignments are,” he said.

Rudolph van Rensburg, a third-year BSc Information Technology student, is one of the students who prefers to study in the cafeteria. Van Rensburg said he cannot study in a quiet place.

“I think some students go to the library to study because it’s quiet, but I prefer to study in a crowded place like

the cafeteria.”

Magdeli Potgieter, a zoology and biochemistry student, agrees. She finds the quiet disturbing. “There is a lot of pressure when you know that you need to be quiet but in the cafeteria it is not a big deal because the noise doesn’t disturb me. All I do is put on my headset, play loud music, and focus on my studies.”

Palesa Maselo, a first-year health and human movement science student, said she stress-eats when studying. “I come to the cafeteria more often to study because I can eat while studying.”

Students apply different skills and techniques when studying. “I prefer to read aloud while studying, which makes it easier for me to understand the context better. It is impossible to do this in the library,” Maselo said.

In the cafeteria, students can communicate freely and openly because they are not concerned about being told to keep the noise down. They can speak up while discussing group assignments, Potgieter said. “In general, doing academic work in the cafeteria is more practical,” Van Rensburg said.

The amphitheatre lights up with colour as residences battle it out with their paintings. Images: Janlu Fourie.

Science majors triumph in the BUA! Poetry Slam on the Potch campus

Martha Radebe and Tamry Esiri

Risk management, mathematics, and behavioural science.

These appear to be the ingredients you need to make a good poet based on the results in a recent poetry slam.

Students in these degree programmes made it into the top three in the BUA! Poetry Slam competition’s first prelim, which took place on the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus.

On 5 April 2023, A group of 20 poets competed for the top three spots in three rounds. Anga Nkhwashu, a first-year BSc in Quantitative Risk Management student, said it was fun having the opportunity to share poetry with people who enjoy it.

Nkhwashu, who won first place, said that he was surprised at how many people showed up at the event.

“I really thought there wasn’t much of a creative scene in Potchefstroom. I saw the posters all over campus.

The biggest pull factor for me was the chance to win a prize.”

He said that he was interested in public speaking from a young age.

“I partook in eisteddfods [public speaking competitions] as often as I could. In grade 9, I came across a show called ‘Russell Simmons presents brave new voices’, and I was hooked,” Nkhwashu said.

Alenoy Molefe, a second-year BSc in Mathematical Science student, said he entered the poetry slam to showcase his talent and express his love for poetry. Molefe, who secured second place, got into poetry in primary school.

“In the 6th grade, I wrote my first poem that was about love,” Molefe said.

Refiloe Motloung, a third-year BA in Behavioural Science student said, “I

have been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone, so I had to use this platform to help me do that.”

Motloung, who came third, said, “Poetry has become my escape from reality, a safe haven.

It is my way of painting my thoughts with no restrictions. Putting my work out there makes me feel like I was able to reach out to someone who wouldn’t want everyone knowing that they are not okay.”

Each round of the slam had strict time limits for the poets reciting their original poems.

Round one had a time limit of one minute, round two, two minutes and the third and final round, three minutes.

Once the time had elapsed, the DJ

played a song to signal that time was up. After every poem, a panel of three judges individually scored the poems out of 10 based on content, craft and delivery.

The winners won student bursaries as prizes.

The first place winner received R1,500, second place received R1,000, and the third place winner, R750. Leading up to the prelims, a hybrid and multilingual poetry slam workshop was held to prepare students for the prelim by introducing them to the art of slam poetry writing and performance.

Poetry slam judge and senior lecturer at NWU, Dr David wa Maahlamela said that the workshop offered all the entrants an opportunity to learn and

sharpen their creative skills. Dr Pieter Odendaal, senior lecturer in creative writing at NWU, said that the BUA! [means speak in Setswana] poetry movement, started last year when he began lecturing at NWU.

“We invited well-known powers to perform and also hosted an open mic for students which was really the start of the BUA! activity.”

Odendaal thinks of the competition as a great way for students to share their work and get feedback from the judges to grow poetry culture on campus.

Wa Maahlamela said, “Apart from the actual prize, the poetry slam holds a platform to launch a career in literature and languages, with exposure to the national and possibly

international slam stages.”

“It’s a way of artistically helping build an inclusive society where you can be vocal and address issues that concern you most,” he said.

Most entrants addressed issues such as rape, animal poaching and heartbreak.

“I could sense that many of the poets were speaking from the heart and sharing things they really cared about. It was obvious in the way they used the words and their body language,” second-year LLB student, Refilwe Ntshangase, said.

The winners will compete against the winners from the other campuses in the poetry slam final on the Potchefstroom campus in September 2023.

The Wonder Wall: A student secret on the NWU Potchefstroom campus

On a hidden staircase on campus students write love confessions, poems, and sketches. This ‘Wonder Wall’ on the Potchefstroom campus of NorthWest University (NWU) is rich in colour; an inked landscape of soulbaring.

Where students could reach, they wrote. Sometimes the hands with which they crafted their messages were shaky. Sometimes they were steady. Some pieces are written in beautiful calligraphy. Sometimes all the writer could offer were rough scribbles.

Whether in Spanish, Dutch, English, or Afrikaans – these word artists take the reader on a journey of lines, one poem intertwined with the next, whether the canvas is a wooden door on the second floor or the chipped white wall of the narrow staircase.

It is difficult to count, but there may be about 500 poems.

Drenched in verse, and painted with metaphors, these poems tackle themes of love, sadness, and internal conflict.

“Ek kry nagmerries oor die dag wat ek die liefde van my lewe moet huis toe vat. My ouers gaan my onterf as ek nie met ‘n vrou opdaag nie [I get

nightmares about the day I have to take the love of my life home. My parents are going to disown me if I don’t show up with a wife by my side],” reads one confession.

Exactly when students started writing on the wall is a mystery. Many older poems are fading or are not dated.

The Wonder Wall might be an ode to the beloved Afrikaans poet Theunis Theodorus (TT) Cloete, born on 31 May 1924.

He became a lecturer at the NWU, formerly known as the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE), at the School of Language and Literature in 1953 until 1963 when he went to Oxford and Amsterdam to do research. He returned to the PU for CHE in 1970.

Zané Steyn, a second-year BA in Communication student and published poet, said that she formed part of a community of artists who used to write on the Wonder Wall.

Steyn only writes her own poems on the wall, preferably late afternoons or between classes. “It’s fun to take someone with me, especially my boyfriend because I can tell him the stories behind the poems that I’m

writing.” She said she often bumps into the same people at the Wonder Wall.

The Wonder Wall may be for poets like Steyn, but NWU BUA! Poetry offers something different. They held their first poetry session in August 2022. In 2023, they are hosting an intercampus performance style workshop and slam competition.

Dr Pieter Odendaal, senior lecturer in creative writing at the NWU School of Languages said, “Poetry provides a safe space where you can pour your heart out, where you can simply be who you are. I believe BUA! Poetry can do the same for students.”

Odendaal was one of the presenters at the hybrid event.

Poet and author Dr David Wa Maahlamela of NWU Creative Writing, who presented the first half of the hybrid event, said, “We creatives see things in things”.

Maahlamela teased the students, saying, "Can I kiss your lips?’ – a line from a song by Eminem – is rather unlyrical, but can easily become poetry by subverting expectations and continuing with ‘The ones between your hips?’

Maahlamela quoted poet Robert Frost, “Poetry is when an emotion has

found its thought and the thought has found the words.”

NWU honours graduate and singing guitarist of the band Rooksein, Dian Maritz, said, that poetry and music are forms of art and both make statements.

Spoegwolf’s lead singer Danie du Toit’s poetry collection is their (the band’s)

“songbook”, according to him. Maritz said that if he had the opportunity to write something on the Wonder Wall today, he would write Psalm 8 in the Bible, Praise to the Creator (translated from the 1983 Afrikaans translation).

Mandi Vundla taking part in the BUA! slam poetry event.

Image: Tamry Esiri

Amanda Viljoen and Janlu Fourie

Amidst dust and dirt, on a dimly lit staircase, poems are the only sign of life. Image: Janlu Fourie

Eerstejaarskonsert 2023: Die wag werd

Janlu Fourie and Asanté Goeda

Kultuur, choreografie, en tong-indie-kies-komedie het oorheers tydens vanjaar se eerstejaarskonsert wat deur Minjonet en Patria gewen is. Dié sleepkoshuis het in al die kategorieë van sang tot kostuums en toneelspel gewen.

Vergeet-My-Nie en Veritas het die tweede plek behaal en Wanda en Overde-Voor was algeheel derde.

Dié konsert het vanjaar later

as gewoonlik plaasgevind weens die verlenging van registrasie. Eerstejaarstudente het die geleentheid gekry om van 3-4 Maart in sarsies met hul talente op die verhoog te pronk.

Die gewilde konsert het vanjaar in die Totius-saal op die NoordwesUniversiteit (NWU) Potchefstroomkampus plaasgevind maar die plek is te klein om die skares studente wat gewoonlik opdaag, te huisves.

Die koshuise is in twee groepe

verdeel en het elk twee vertonings op die betrokke aande gelewer.

Vir Elize-Mari Gerber, lid van die kampusstudenteraad (KSR) se bemarkingspan was die mees bepalende kenmerk van hierdie jaar se konsert die feit dat dat dit nie virtueel plaasgevind het soos die vorige jaar nie.

“Ons het ‘n gehoor wat weer ‘live’ vir die eerstejaars kan ‘cheer’ en ondersteun,” het Gerber opgewonde gesê.

Hierdie konsert was (die eenmaal skeptiese) Mop Fourie van Over de Voor, se debuut op die verhoog, maar die ondervinding het hom geleer “dat toneel eintlik nie so sleg is nie.”

Denieke Fourie, ‘n danser van Eikenhof-vrouekoshuis, het gebieg dat sy gespanne was oor die eerste vertoning van die aand. “Jou koshuis, sleepkoshuis, en die seniors kyk almal vir jou, en jy wil hulle trots maak, so die druk was aan.” Sy was geklee in ‘n indrukwekkende skitterblink goue uitrusting en grimering – alles gedoen deur die koshuis se studente.

Maar met die eerste vertoning agter die rug, het sy gesê: “R&O [registrasie en oriëntering] was die beste manier om my lewe as student mee af te skop, en die [eerstejaarskonsert] was die beste manier om R&O mee af te sluit.” Ondanks die moegheid was Fourie ekstaties oor haar vertoning.

“Ons het geweet ons gaan nooit weer die geleentheid [om aan die eerstejaarskonsert deel te neem] kry nie en dit het die aand net soveel meer spesiaal gemaak.”

Mia Küsel, ‘n vierdejaar in

Sterre belyn in die Totius-saal.

Zebraman: New song, sound, and sandwich

Ruben Jooste

Potchefstroom band Zebraman boasts a new sound with the release of their latest single, ‘Hate Love’. The band is as local as it gets – they even have a sandwich named after them.

threestreamsmedia spoke to lead singer and guitarist Johan Viljoen, to learn more about the release of the band’s new single, their new sound, prospects for the future, and to uncover the story behind the local sandwich bearing their name.

‘Hate Love’ was released on 24 March 2023 and offers light-hearted commentary on the phenomenon of romantic encounters that only last one night. Viljoen and the band’s keyboard player, Jan-Meyer Verhoef, wrote the single in December 2022 while sitting on Viljoen’s balcony overlooking a street bustling with student nightlife in Potchefstroom.

According to the band’s press statement on the release date, the duo was inspired to write about the “hook-up culture” in Potchefstroom.

In the song, the band refers to a person looking for a one-night stand as a “sunset lover”.

“Such a person hates love because they are afraid of being vulnerable,” Viljoen said. Viljoen explained that the band focuses on their own experiences when writing new songs.

“One theme the band is exploring is urgency in love and how if you don’t cherish it, it can slip away right before your eyes.”

Another theme the band is delving into is self-deprecation: According to Viljoen, this means that the band is focused on themes surrounding “the fact that it is okay to be vulnerable and that it is okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers”.

The new single sounds quite different from their previous songs, which had a more indie sound. Viljoen said many

people asked whether they are now moving to pop. “As a person evolves, so does their art [music], and we want to be true to who we are.”

According to the band’s press release, the track was an ambitious attempt to redefine and explore elements of their sound. “We wanted to create a more accessible sound, to connect with more people,” Viljoen added.

He also said that through direct messages the band received on social media they can see how — as their sound has evolved with their new single — they have connected with a broader range of people.

The cover for the band’s newest single, ‘Hate Love’. Fans can stream the song here.

For the first time, the band entrusted the production process to someone else. They worked with the legendary Potchefstroom producer Ewald Jansen van Rensburg to produce ‘Hate Love’. Viljoen said how honoured the band was to work with Jansen van Rensburg and explained that not having to worry about production allowed them to focus more on the creative process.

The band is not planning to release a music video for ‘Hate Love’. However, they are focused on a live streamed show that will be released on YouTube.

Fans can look forward to the band’s performance at Snowflake on 20 May 2023.

Klawerhof, het vir die eerste keer die konsert bygewoon sedert sy in haar eerste jaar sélf op die verhoog was.

“My gunsteling deel was om ons koshuis op die verhoog te sien, want ek het hulle gesien repeteer en om die finale produk te sien was net só goed,” het sy gesê.

Die alumni en kunstenaars wat die beoordeelaarspaneel opgemaak het, het gekyk na elke aspek van die toneel, insluitend sangkwaliteit, storielyn, en choreografie.

“Dit was lekker, maar ek is bly dis klaar,” het Skroef Jurgens verlig gesê.

The legend of the sandwich

At the local restaurant and bar, Mystic Boer, there is a sandwich on the menu called the Zebraman. The sandwich’s backstory was first heard from bartender Angelica Josipovic, and later confirmed by Viljoen.

The band was formed during lockdown in 2020. At that time, they rented a house – that used to be a hotel – outside of town, known to them as “Die Stam”. In what used to be the hotel’s dining hall, the band created their own makeshift studio.

According to Viljoen, Mystic Boer has been a “watering hole” to the band for a long time. Just after lockdown, when the band members wanted to order a sandwich, they were told that the Mystic Boer had been robbed and did not have the necessary equipment

to make sandwiches. This led to the band, who was living at “Die Stam” at the time, to donate an extra toaster and their own snackwich maker. In the snackwich maker, the band left a note containing the ingredients of the sandwich that is now known as the Zebraman.

Die NWU se eie ‘Cruella.’ Geen honde is beseer nie… Fotos: Janlu Fourie

Die dansers maak hul koshuis trots.

Zebraman band members from left are Franzua van den Heever, Johan Viljoen and Jan-Meyer Verhoef.

Image: Ruben Jooste

The cover for the band’s newest single, ‘Hate Love’

Image provided

The Zebraman sandwich.

Humanities’ first spelling bee tough and challenging

Tamry Esiri and Martha Radebe A-P-O-T-H-E-O-S-I-S.

This was the most difficult English word given to the Faculty of Humanities students in their first spelling bee competition.

Eighteen spellers took part in the three-round competition on 14 March 2023 on the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus.

Aardklop: Kuns terug waar die hart klop

Asanté Goeda and Waydon Jacobs

“Ons is terug.”

Só het Alexa Strachan, Momentum Beleggings Aardklop se bestuurder, op 14 Maart 2023 bekend gemaak dat die fees van einde vanjaar weer terug is in Potchefstroom.

Aardklop se bestuur het die fees se terugkeer saam met ou en nuwe vriende by The Roots gevier.

Die hutsmerk hierkomons is bekend gestel en Strachan het vertel wat die fees, wat onder meer deur Momentum

Beleggings ondersteun word, gaan behels. Aardklop sal van 3-8 Oktober 2023 in Potchefstroom kuier.

Aardklop is in 1998 die eerste keer gehou en het gou bekend geword vir sy drama, poësie, musiek, kabaret en visuele kunste.

Volgens Strachan het die Covid-19pandemie Aardklop ‘n knou gegee.

“Die kunste is die hardste geslaan van al die bedrywe. Ons het in ‘n baie klein grot gaan sit en letterlik net probeer oorleef. Ons het soveel as moontlik geld ingesamel om vir kunstenaars kos op hul tafels te sit want dit is wat Aardklop doen.”

Dié fees het in 2021 geskuif na Gauteng omdat die meeste van die fees se kaartjieverkope vanaf Gauteng kom. Volgens Wynette Theart, wat die borge en bemarking by Aardklop hanteer, het die fees in 2021 en 2022 in Pretoria

plaasgevind, maar was baie kleiner. In 2022 is die fees ook in Linden (Johannesburg) gehou, maar slegs teater en gesprekke is aangebied.

Die fees het vroeër jare op die Bult plaasgevind. Strachan het beklemtoon dat die skuif van die Bult na die Fanie du Toit-sportgronde meer sin maak.

“Maklike toegang en veilige parkering is nie op die Bult beskikbaar nie, maar die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) se sportgronde bied dit.”

Sy het verder gesê dat dit Aardklop ‘n “astronomiese bedrag” geld kos om al die sekuriteitswagte aan te stel.

“Strate moes ook toegemaak word en in die verlede was dit ‘n gesukkel om die plek skoon te maak.” Wanneer strate toegemaak word, sukkel Potchefstromers ook dikwels om toegang tot hul eiendomme te kry.

Strachan het gesê dat die fees in 2022 deur die 189 produksies werk geskep het vir tientalle dramaturge, musikante, visuele kunstenaars en tegnici. Altesame 260 tydelike werkers is ook aangestel.

Strachan het verskeie uitdagings geïdentifiseer, soos feeste in die Kaap wat met Aardklop se datums oorvleuel.

“Ons deel definitief die kunstenaars, en dit is nie ‘n ideale situasie nie.”

Dit gaan onderhandeling kos om kunstenaars en tegnici by albei hierdie feeste te hê.

Sy is ook bekommerd oor die huidige ekonomie en die impak daarvan op kaartjieverkope. “Die meeste feesgangers kom van Gauteng af.”

“Ek is ook bekommerd oor beurtkrag.” Strachan beklemtoon dat beurtkrag die produksieskedule gereeld kan onderbreek want daar moet ongeveer 20 minute gewag word voordat noodkrag inskop.

Sy het die NWU bedank vir sy bystand en ondersteuning. Yvette Lombard, die terreinkoördineerder van Aardklop, sê dat hulle altyd ‘n platform sal aanbied vir alle tipe kunste, nie net die kunste.

Sy het bygevoeg dat Aardklop se program gegrond is op die vier V’s: verryk, verras, vermaak en versoen.

“Jy kan nie hier wees en nie weet dit is Aardklop nie. Daar is ‘n gees, atmosfeer, vrye denke en assosiasie, robuuste verskille, opinies, liefde, warmte, en aggressie,” het Strachan gesê.

Die program vir Aardklop 2023 sal op 13 Junie in Potchefstroom bekend gemaak word waarna Potchefstroom se inwoners, Beeld-lesers en Aardklop se hartsvriende van 16 Junie af eerste die geleentheid sal kry om hul kaartjies te bespreek.

Nasionale kaartjieverkope vir die publiek sal volg op 19 Junie.

Mr & Miss Campus share advice ahead of closing date for 2023 entries

Tamry Esiri and Martha Radebe Inspiring people to be better versions of themselves, appreciating the university and keeping smiles on their faces even when things do not go as planned. This is how Atang Swartbooi and Carla Möller have described their experiences as the current Mr & Miss Campus on the North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus.

Swartbooi and Möller also shared their advice with students interested in entering the pageant. Applications opened on 1 March 2023.

Mr & Miss Campus is back for its second year after the Covid-19 lockdown. Janey Lombard, Mr & Miss Campus Portfolio Committee member, says that the pageant searches yearly for true ambassadors of the campus and this year is no different.

Lombard said, “The pageant is all about empowerment and growth of our students.” Mr & Miss Campus does this by supporting university and residence

events, advocating for a cause that they are passionate about, and creating a platform to share the voice of the students.

Registered students at the North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom are encouraged to enter, excluding previous title holders to ensure every student has a fair chance.

The current Miss Campus, Carla Möller, said being a part of the pageant is about showcasing your pride and appreciation for the university.

"Mr and Miss Campus should be able to stand their ground and remain true to themselves, no matter the judgements and challenges they may encounter.”

Möller’s advice to the entrants is: “Make the jump! You have nothing to lose."

If you have ever wondered about your potential, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about yourself and your capabilities. You can

Three participants competed in Setswana, 3 in Afrikaans and 16 in English. Mathlatsi Dambuza, the liaison officer at the Faculty of Humanities, said: “The event aimed to help students improve their spelling, increase vocabulary, enhance confidence and mostly develop correct language usage that will help them in their lives.”

The judging panel consisted of members of the Humanities Student Academic Chapter (SAC). Two pronouncers and four adjudicators sat on the panel to ensure that the competition ran smoothly.

Participants were given two words each in all three rounds. The pronouncers would call out the word and the participant would attempt to spell it out loud.

Participants could ask for the word to be repeated once, request a definition of the word, or request that the pronouncer use the word in a sentence.

Spellers were each given 30 seconds to spell the words correctly in the first two rounds, and 10 seconds in the final round.

English participants had to spell words like pneumonia (a lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection), amalgamate (to combine or unite to form one structure) and conspicuous (very noticeable or attracting attention).

Afrikaans included words like geslagskunde (translates to sexology), intertekstualiteit (intertextuality) and wysbegeerte (desire to show).

Setswana participants had to spell words including mmamasilanoka (a heron), tshwantshanyo (metaphor) and kgangkhutswe (let’s be scared).

Spellers who spelled the words incorrectly were eliminated.

Dambuza said that according to the

spellers, their expectations were met. However, some spellers disagreed. Callum Maloy, the English division winner, said, “It was difficult to hear the adjudicators’ pronunciation of the words which made it difficult to ascertain what word I was expected to spell.”

Several other spellers were disappointed at the poor management which led to the competition going on for longer than expected.

There were also hiccups before the competition started. It was originally scheduled for 13 March 2023, but apparently the SAC was not able to secure a venue and had to postpone the event to the next day.

As a result, only 18 of the 26 spellers who originally registered, showed up. Although the spelling bee did not run as smoothly as anticipated, many spellers enjoyed the event.

Ruhan Friedrichs, a student in journalism and media studies and Afrikaans division winner, said, “I am glad that I participated, I never had the opportunity to enter a spelling bee and have always wanted to for the experience and to test my knowledge.”

Maloy, who entered the competition a few minutes before it started said, “I was surprised [after winning] because after witnessing my final competitor’s performance, I was so sure it was hers for the taking.”

Maloy added that he was glad he entered the bee. “I was mainly unprepared but I entered just before the programme proceeded due to my close friend’s constant encouragement.” Rethabilo Ntshole, communication student and the Setswana division winner, said, ‘’Monnawe (your brother), was the most difficult word in the competition. The competition was really tough and challenging, especially in the final round, but I’m very happy that I won.”

All spelling bee participants received a certificate of participation. Winners received 50% off a public-speaking bootcamp while the runner-up received 25% off.

The bootcamp will be hosted at the Nooitgedacht campsite, which will be facilitated by a six times Distinguished Toastmaster and South African diplomat, Eric Kaila.

Atang Swartbooi Image provided

succeed by being yourself.” Mr Campus 2022/23, Atang Swartbooi agrees. He said that being Mr Campus is about inspiring people to be better versions of themselves.

Entry forms are available at the SCC office.

Alexa Strachan het by The Roots meer vertel oor vanjaar se fees.

Image provided

Spelling bee winners pose with members of the Faculty of Humanities after winning. From left are Ruhan Friedrichs, Rethabilo Ntshole,Callum Maloy, and Mathlatsi Dambuza.

Image: Martha Radebe

Mr & Miss Campus, Carla Möller and

Varsity Cup 2023: NWU & CUT bringing the heat

Ruhan Friedrichs

As the North-West University (NWU) Eagles prepare to face the Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom tonight (20 March 2023), they must contemplate the positive results of their Varsity Cup campaign so far.

The Eagles won three out of their four matches, and are at the top of the log with 17 points. But the team must also think of their closest rivals, the CUT Ixias, who have 15 points ahead of tonight’s match.

The tournament still has various possible outcomes, as any team in the top six can reach the semi-finals.

Stellenbosch University, or Maties, and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) are placed in the top four with 14 points and 13 points respectively.

The University of Cape Town is in fifth place with 11 log points, followed by the University of the Free State with 10 points. The University of Johannesburg is in seventh place while the defending champions, the University of Pretoria (Tuks), are at the bottom of the log.

Burger van der Westhuizen, the Eagles coach, said the match against the Ixias promises to be a big one. “I believe they are the best team in this year’s tournament. They have a great team culture and they play attacking rugby. I have a lot of respect for them.”

As the North-West University (NWU) Eagles prepare to face the Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom tonight (20 March 2023), they must contemplate the positive results of their Varsity Cup campaign so far.

The Eagles won three out of their four matches, and are at the top of the log with 17 points. But the team must also think of their closest rivals, the CUT Ixias, who have 15 points ahead of tonight’s match.

The tournament still has various possible outcomes, as any team in the top six can reach the semi-finals. Stellenbosch University, or Maties, and the University of the Witwatersrand

(Wits) are placed in the top four with 14 points and 13 points respectively.

The University of Cape Town is in fifth place with 11 log points, followed by the University of the Free State with 10 points. The University of Johannesburg is in seventh place while the defending champions, the University of Pretoria (Tuks), are at the bottom of the log.

Genis was replaced by fullback Tino Swanepoel (22). Swanepoel rocked his first game of the tournament against Tuks and was aptly named Player That Rocks. He scored two tries in the match – slicing through the Tuks defence for the first one to score a 75m solo try. He was also an integral part in the Eagles’ defence.

Van der Westhuizen said that Swanepoel is an experienced player. “He had an opportunity and he made good use of it.”

Melusi Mthethwa, the Ixias coach, said that the Eagles are a “quality side” and that they are on a high after their recent performances. “We did prepare to the best of our abilities and I am very excited, especially for the boys to show their skills. They understand what is at stake.”

The Ixias ended last season without claiming a single win; now they are

Want to buy a Varsity Cup ticket? Forget it

A desperate shortage of Varsity Cup tickets for home matches of the Eagles has given rise to frustration, anger and illegal ticket sales.

She said that if people are able to get tickets, they are one of a lucky few. She said that she preferred when physical tickets had to be bought for the games as the process was much easier, because it was a “first come first serve basis”.

competing for a spot on top of the log. Mthethwa said that it remains important for them to stay humble and be grateful. “We need to respect what is happening to our team currently and respect our opponents; this competition is tough.”

In a change of fortunes, defending champions Tuks are yet to claim their first victory of the season. Nico Luus, the Tuks head coach, said that the games they lost were close, “we have made it difficult for ourselves. We have conceded too many unforced errors”.

Tuks now face the possibility of relegation to the Varsity Shield division. The eighth-ranked team will be automatically relegated while the seventh-placed team will face the Shield runner-up in a promotion relegation match.

“We obviously want to avoid relegation, we need to pick up at least 12 log points in our remaining matches,” Luus said. However, there is a daunting task ahead of them as they will travel to Stellenbosch on 20 March 2023 to face the third-placed Maties. “We beat them there last year, hopefully we can pull it off again this year. We have a plan or two in store for them.”

Illegal ticket sales have surfaced on social media with tickets which officially cost only R10 being offered for up to R200 a piece.

The 4,000 tickets that were released by the North-West University’s (NWU) organisers for the match on 6 March between the home team, Eagles, and Maties, the team of Stellenbosch University, were sold out within seconds, according to students who tried to buy tickets.

This was also the experience of fans who tried to purchase tickets for the earlier two home fixtures of the Eagles against the University of Johannesburg as well as against Shimlas, the team of the University of the Free State, during the 16th Varsity Cup tournament.

However, many students have shared their frustrations over the sale of tickets, or rather the lack thereof.

4,000 tickets for Monday’s game against Maties, 6 March, were released 28 February at 3pm and were sold out within seconds. Quicket, the site where the tickets are being sold, had 12 831 visitors during the day. The NWU has an estimated 23 000 contact students on the Potchefstroom campus.

Students and would-be-spectators have taken to social media to express their anger, with some claiming that the tickets were sold out within 30 seconds. One of the users said on the NWU Eagles Facebook page:

“It is impossible to get tickets” and others labelled the ticketing system as “ridiculous”.

Armand Voster, a postgraduate student, said he and his friends refreshed the ticket site and within ten seconds all the tickets were sold out. He said he preferred buying a paper ticket.

Danae Ford, a fifth-year student, said that her experience of buying Varsity Cup tickets was “very stressful, the price of the tickets is never the problem, it’s just the supply and demand of it is ridiculous.”

Christi Cloete, Senior Stakeholder Relations Officer at the NWU, said that they have received a lot of backlash from individuals who were not able to secure their tickets. “It is unfortunate that everyone cannot attend, we would love it, but it is impossible.”

For the first round of Varsity Cup action only 3,500 people were allowed.

On 22 February Cloete was able to increase the Fanie du Toit sports grounds spectator capacity to 4,500.

The number of spectators allowed at the ‘Fanie’, as the facility is known in Potch, is determined and enforced through the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act. However, Cloete said, “We cannot sell 4,500 tickets, we are only able to sell 4,000 tickets. The 4,500 capacity is for the venue in total, the remaining 500 ‘spaces’ we need to set out for players, coaches, referees, ER24, staff and media.”

Cloete confirmed the ticket sales were further scrutinised when people started reselling their tickets. This created the idea that people are buying hundreds of tickets at a time. “That is simply not true, the tickets are limited to five tickets per person to prevent this. We have unfortunately experienced students reselling their tickets for a profit, but this is illegal.” She said the organisers have come across resellers and their tickets were cancelled and put back into the system. Cloete said that they use Quicket because it is a reputable organisation and it has a proven track record.

Furthermore, the capacity of the stadium has been questioned, especially when considering there are an estimated 23,000 contact students registered at the Potchefstroom campus. She said that upgrading the capacity of the stadium is not a feasible option. “It only reaches capacity with three or four games a year, it would not make sense spending millions to upgrade the facility.”

The Eagles and Shimlas line up for the national anthem at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in the second round of the Varsity Cup on 27 February 2023.

Image: Ruhan Friedrichs

Amanda Viljoen and Ruhan Friedrichs

The Fanie du Toit stadium during the Eagles' match against University of Johannesburg. Image provided

Varsity Cup 2023: Eagles plays host to Ikeys in grand final at the Fanie

The University of Cape Town or Ikeys is hopeful to build on its ongoing improvements during the last few matches as it gears up for its clash with the North-West University Eagles in the FNB Varsity Cup final at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom tonight.

The Ikeys want to secure its third title while the Eagles are determined to secure its second win. However, it will not be easy for the visitors as the men from Potchefstroom have been in scintillating form. The Eagles has lost only one match in the tournament.

But, Tom Dawson-Squibb, the Ikeys coach, says this might count against them.

“In 2021 we were undefeated and finished on top of the log, but we fell short in the final. Our loss against the Eagles earlier this year has taught us a lesson. We now know what to expect and how physical they are.”

He believes that his team has gained a lot of confidence after their semi-final victory over the Shimlas (University of the Free State). Ikeys scored 9 tries to claim a 65-30 victory.

“We are excited to play. We feel like we are finding our feet and establishing our identity now. After each game we feel that we can do even better. It is nice to go into a final this way. However, we are the underdogs. We have lost three matches and ended third on the log. We prefer it this way, it takes a lot of pressure off us.”

Burger van der Westhuizen, the Eagles coach, says that Ikeys has been a good team since the first round of the tournament. “We had to go to war to win our semi-final. Ikeys ran rampant against the Shimlas. Which one is better leading up to the final? We do not know.”

The Eagles beat Maties 19-10 in the

semi-final to book its place in the final.

In the sixth round (27 March 2023) the Eagles travelled to Cape Town for the team’s fixture against the Ikeys at the Green Mile. The NWU beat the Capetonians, 42-26, after going into the halftime break with a four point deficit.

Van der Westhuizen said that the team is not dwelling on the outcome of the prior clash. “We are only focusing on our preparation and we have worked hard this week,” he said.

In the Eagles’ victory over Maties, it was especially the Eagles fullback, Tino Swanepoel, who proved to be too hot to handle. He scored two tries, one of which was a memorable solo-try. He received the ball from a Maties-kick and sliced through the Maroon Machine’s defence to score a try without as much as a touch from the opponents.

Dawson-Squibb says that his side will not be too bothered by these counter attack threats. “I bet Eddie Jones thought his side had Cheslin Kolbe covered in the 2019 World Cup Final, but a special player remains special.”

Before the final kicks off, the Central

University of Technology (Ixias) will defend its place in the Varsity Cup. The side finished 7th on the log and now has to beat the Nelson Mandela University (Madibaz) to ensure it is not relegated to the Varsity Shield. The Madibaz has the chance to be promoted to the Cup division after it finished 2nd on the Shield log. Should the Ixias lose, the team will join the University of Pretoria (Tuks) in the Varsity Shield. Tuks was relegated as it ended at the bottom of the log without being able to secure a single win. Tuks has been replaced by the University of Western Cape, which finished top of its log and won the Shield final against the Cape Peninsula University of Technology on 13 April 2023.

The Eagles Young Guns will also play in a match ahead of the final as it tackles the Wits Young Guns in a semi-final.

Fixtures for the day:

- Eagles Young Guns vs. Wits Young Guns (13:00)

- Ixias vs. Madibaz (15:30)

- Eagles vs. Ikeys (19:00)

Watch the VC final at Potch fanzones

The thousands of rugby fans who missed out on tickets for the Varsity Cup final on 17 April 2023, do not have to miss out on the action. Students can watch the North-West University Eagles take on Ikeys (the University of Cape Town) on big screens at seven places close to campus – and take advantage of specials on meals and drinks.

And after the final whistle, the music will be blasting at the official after-party at Impala, no matter the outcome.

At the Drakenstein Restaurant (known as the Draak), a NWU Potchefstroom campus favourite, the game can be watched on 16 TV screens and the big screen, NWU spokesperson Louis Jacobs said. Food and drink specials will be offered to add to the celebrations.

On the Bult, fans can pick and choose between six fan parks to experience game day: Bourbon Street, Music Cafe, MVG, Oukraal, and Texas Bar – all offering specials on food or drinks.

At Oukraal it is “everything purple”, according to manager Ruan

Pansegrouw. Fans can watch the match on the projector screen inside or two TV screens outside.

“Bourbons”, has recently expanded and features large projector screens on both floors, owner Albert Bothma said.

With thirteen TV screens, Texas Bar is another spot where students can have a great view of the action.

according to manager Shaun Taljaard.

An alternative for family and friends is Cachet Park (ATKV grounds on the Bult) in collaboration with the NWU office of the deputy vice-chancellors (DVC) and Student Life and the Cachet Park City Improvement District (CID). Festivities will start at 18:30 and the game will be streamed on a projector screen. Entrance and parking will be free of charge.

According to Johan Naude, the chief executive officer of Cachet Park CID, there will be five food and drink stalls, and fans are allowed to bring blankets and camping chairs. No alcohol is allowed.

If the stars align in the favour of

“They can watch the game on either the main, deck, or sports bar, or the man cave,” the front-of-house manager, Wijëon Mostert, said. Fans can also watch the final at Musics. Reandré Keyser, a manager at Musics said that they are showing the game on nine television screens to ensure that fans do not miss out. At MVG, supporters can watch on the projector screen,

the NWU and the Eagles emerge triumphant, then it will surely be time to crank up the music everywhere in Potchefstroom. And even if the ball does not bounce our way, the show will go on at Impala, Tertius Esterhuizen, owner, said.

For those who want to view the match nearest to the post-match celebration, the match will also be screened at Potties Bar. “We expect this to be the big one, seeing that it is the final,” Esterhuizen said.

Ruhan Friedrichs

The Eagles and Ikeys have it all to play for. The Eagles have won the Varsity Cup only once, while the Ikeys will look to claim their third. Image provided

Throughout the Varsity Cup season tickets have sold out in no time for home matches for the Eagles. Image: Facebook/NWU-Pukke

Ruben Jooste and Waydon Jacobs

‛ Students can watch the game at Texas bar, on the main deck, at the sports bar or man cave. We have 13 screens showing the game

The Eagles and Ikeys sides’ road to the final. The Capetonians have scored more points, while the Eagles have conceded less. Can the Eagles defence hold the Ikeys attack out? Image: Facebook/Varsity Cup

The NWU-Pukke (as they were known before the move to Eagles) won the Varsity Cup in 2016 against Maties in Stellenbosch. The final score was 7-6 and Jonathan Mokuena was the coach. Image: Facebook/Varsity Cup

Eagles ready to soar to new heights after winning the 2023 Varsity Cup

Ruhan Friedrichs

The North-West University’s rugby seeds have germinated, the roots are anchored and they aim to have many more fruitful seasons. Burger van der Westhuizen, head coach of the Eagles, is already looking to build on the systems set during the 2023 Varsity Cup season.

The Eagles won this year’s FNB Varsity Cup for the second time. Their first win was in 2016.

The Eagles put the University of Cape Town’s Ikeys to the sword in the final, beating them 27-25 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on 17 April 2023. Winning the Varsity Cup was already impressive, but a week later the youngsters also came to the party as they won the Young Guns division.

The NWU Young Guns beat Stellenbosch’s team 27-26 at the Danie Craven Stadium, Maties’ hometown. For the young men it was a case of third time lucky. They were in the final of the Young Guns division in 2019 and 2022 but could not clinch the title. However, this time they were clearly the better team as they managed to score five tries while Maties could only score two.

The Eagles have been in high spirits during the course of the season as they only lost one match. The Young Guns lost two. Van der Westhuizen said the experienced players his team was able to retain after last year partly

contributed to their success this season.

“We had a few experienced players in the camp; they have been in our system and had a clear idea of what we want to achieve.” Van der Westhuizen has high praises for the Varsity Cup competition. He said the tournament serves as a breeding ground for the next generation of players in the professional game. “We will, of course, lose players now, but that is the nature of the Varsity Cup. It will be difficult to replace these players, but our systems are in place.”

He especially looks forward to next year’s tournament knowing that the Young Guns did well in 2023. The Eagles fans will also be excited to hear that Van der Westhuizen will most likely stay on as the head coach, after winning the cup in his first season.

“I am still contracted by the NWU and I am very happy here, but the management would have to decide about my role next year.”

The 2023 Varsity Cup has been described as the perfect season with drama throughout. Francois Pienaar, former Springbok captain and World Cup winner, is the founder and CEO of Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) who manages the Varsity Cup. He labelled it as the perfect season, according to Netwerk24.

“Each game was unpredictable. It is exactly what we want for this product, it should not be the same two sides in a

final each time. In fact, what happened this year was incredible,” Pienaar said. The drama Pienaar referred to is that the log was so tightly contested that teams were competing for spots in the semi-finals, while also avoiding relegation games. In the end, Tuks was relegated to the Shield division

while the University of the Western Cape was promoted after winning the Shield. The Ixias (Central University of Technology) retained their place in the Varsity Cup after they beat the Madibaz (Nelson Mandela University) 91-10 in the promotion/relegation match.

A summary of the winners are:

Varsity Cup winner: NWU Eagles

Varsity Shield winner: UWC Udubz

Young Guns winner: NWU Eagles

Promoted to Cup: UWC Udubz Relegated to Shield: UP Tuks

Not enough loos Varsity Cup supporters’ biggest challenge

Amanda Viljoen

Three porta potties for women, three for men and five loos in each bathroom: this will be the real challenge when the NWU Eagles tackle Cape Town’s Ikeys in the FNB Varsity Cup final at the North-West University’s Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on 17 April 2023.

If you get stuck in the loo line, you will miss part of the game. And from experience these lines can cause

greater frustration among supporters than what might be going wrong on the field. Around 4,000 spectators are expected at the final, according to Christi Cloete, senior stakeholder relations officer at the North-West University (NWU).

Palesa Maretlwa, a communication student, avoids the bathrooms during the game because everyone complains about the lines. “You have to wait 20-30 minutes just to get in. If you go, you’ll

basically listen to the game and not watch it.”

Chane Lombaard, an education student, said that the lines are terrible and it takes a lot of time to get to the bathrooms. “We need more porta potties. It will assist with the (bathroom) traffic and you can get back to the game quicker.”

Maretlwa said the stadium should consider getting five porta potties for men and women. “Everyone can not

possibly use only the few available.”

According to engineering student Danae Ford, “The female bathroom lines are always insanely busy. They always go past the queues where they scan your [game] tickets in. You already know that if you have to go to the bathroom, you will miss half the game.” She said that the bathrooms are not a problem at all, as they are quite clean. However, the porta potties are disgusting. “It smells like something

died in there. I don’t think there are enough porta potties considering there are thousands and thousands of seats.”

Louis Jacobs, the director of corporate communication at the NWU, said that additional amenities have been brought in for the final match. Varsity Cup management did not want to comment on the issue.

Tino Swanepoel, fullback, was a thorn in Ikey's side, scoring two tries. Image: Facebook/ Varsity Cup The NWU Young Guns beat Maties to claim their first title. Image: Facebook/ Varsity Cup

The Eagles won their second Varsity Cup, the last being in 2016. They won 27-25. Image: Facebook/ Varsity Cup