I am a 1st year BA student with a passion for destigmatising and creating awareness about mental health. In my free time you'll find me writing poetry and running.
For the first time, Varsity College, Cape Town's School of Humanities and Social Sciences (the SoHSS) has introduced its own student run newsletter. To everyone reading this, welcome to “The Buzz”! I hope everyone reading this newsletter find something in it that they enjoy or find interesting, be it about our School's 'Movers and Shakers' or the Creative Content Competition Lots of effort was put into our first edition, and I believe we have created the start of something unique, fun, and informative. In our first edition, you will find an interview with a mover and shaker of our School, information on the Creative Content Competition, an introduction to the Humanitatis Societas (HS) Committee Heads, and an article or two about some of VC's latest events I hope that everyone enjoys the first edition of “The Buzz” and looks forward to our upcoming editions. We welcome all feedback or suggestions; please send these through to the SoHSS Programme Manager, Dr. Marchant van der Schyff (mvanderschyff@varsitycollege.co.za).
I'm studying a BA General and love reading and watching true crime shows.
I'm a 1st year BA student and plan on becoming a clinical psychologist.
I like reading, writing, baking and other creative interests.
I’m studying a BA General and my hobbies include baking, reading and spending time with friends.
I'm s eral. My e cooking, reading, watching crime shows and conspiracy theories.
Christina Yasini
I’m studying a BSocSci majoring in criminology
My interests are reading and fashion. My hobbies include writing and painting.
I’m a 1st year BA student and an avid believer in continuous effort over strength. You’re likely to catch me lost in a war novel or a documentary from time to time
I'm a 2nd Year student doing a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications. I have a passion for art and love exercising and watching movies.
Out of 700+ applicants, Junaid McKrea was selected for the Communications Internship at Allan Gray in 2022. We sat down with him to hear his story
Christina Yasini: You managed to get an internship at one of South Africa’s top companies. How did you learn about the opportunity and go about the entire process?
Junaid McKrea: Allan Gray is divided into several factions. There is the financial investment company, and then there is the philanthropic, and we work primarily on that side. We have an incubated company called Funda Wande that aims to have children read for meaning by age 10. The goal is to accomplish this with 100 000 children by 2030. This project is implemented by assisting
teachers with learning programmes, while giving special attention to schools that do not have appropriate structures in place. Then, there’s Allan Gray Makers, which focus on the artisans of South Africa plumbers, welders, and electricians. They believe that by improving the skills and education of the business operators in this sector, they will be better equipped to expand their businesses and provide greater employment opportunities
I was seeking a part time position when I came across an internship for Communications and Advocacy at Allan Gray on LinkedIn. My thoughts were “there’s no way I’m getting this” I ignored those thoughts and went ahead with the application process. I met most of the requirements however I was still unsure whether I would be chosen
among the other applicants. A few weeks after submitting my application, I was contacted and asked to do a series of interviews. The first interview I had was before a panel of four people It went well and I enjoyed the interview quite a lot.
On a Friday, I received five assignments that were to be finished by the following Monday. Loadshedding was ongoing and I had to spend most of my time at the internet café.
Thereafter, I had a second interview that was more intense as I now had to present the assignments. I was kept on my toes by the panel's critical questions I did not falter because I was sure of the quality of the work I had done. The number of candidates for the internship decreased to only 3 people. I had a third interview and was successfully chosen in the end.
Christina: How has being at Varsity College helped you grow as a person and in pursuing your career goals in terms of intellectual skills and thinking processes?
Junaid: I don’t use Varsity College to make friends I use it for productivity and getting work done I would also like to mention that the campus lecturers have had the greatest impact on me. More specifically, Dr
Alan Bird. I don’t think he realizes this and I should probably let him know how much of a positive influence he has had on my learning experience. The lecturers at Varsity College have come to form a mentorship without them even knowing it. My ability to navigate the workplace has benefited from their leadership.
Christina: What advice would you give to other Humanities students who are thinking of dipping their toes into the working world or applying for similar internships like yours?
Junaid: There are times when it will get difficult and the love you have for what you do, will be what gets you through those difficult times Think about that before making a career commitment. I also believe that education is an ongoing journey. I recommend investing in courses, even after you’ve completed your degree, to avoid lagging Up skill in relation to the industry you’re interested in. When venturing into the working world, understand that you cannot take credit for everything. It is important to recognize and appreciate the people that contributed to the journey that led to where you are now I’m a religious person and I believe that this opportunity was made possible by God.
Pick up your pen or hit the recording button; it’s time to get creative! The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SoHSS) is offering you the opportunity to express yourself through innovative forms of content. This is your chance to pour your heart and soul into your work, showcasing your imaginative and amazing mind. There are no theme restrictions, so you can get creative.
Written content includes poetry, short stories, flash fiction, narrative non-fiction and scripts (plays, radio or film). While non-written content includes a short play, TikTok video, vlog, podcast or any other form of nonwritten content. By entering the Creative Content Competition, you stand a chance to win fantastic prizes. All you need to do is scan the barcode, fill in the form and click submit. The winners will be announced on 14 November 2022.
I am currently studying a BA in Social Sciences. My interests are in human and community development, music and storytelling. My free time is spent with loved ones, working on projects in different development spaces including my non profit company and volunteering at a local radio station called Radio786
I am currently studying a BA in Social Sciences. I am interested in working with people and knowing why crime is happening in our society. My hobbies include dancing, reading, photography and music.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SoHSS) is an Academic Faculty home to the Higher Certificate in Communication Practices (HCCP), the Bachelor of Arts , Bachelor of Corporate Communications and Bachelor of Social Sciences degrees. The School also boasts two post graduate Honours programmes in Psychology and Communications. With all these programmes and creative minds buzzing about, there is a need for a less formal way of developing a profile for the SoHSS to create a sense of pride, unity and excitement. With this idea in mind, the Humanitatis Societas (HS) Committee was born, and we welcome all students within the SoHSS to join.
The HS Committee is comprised of three sub Committees:
The eNewsletter called “The Buzz”, Headed by Rachel Andrew (BOA Year 1)
The Non Profit Committee, Headed by Rudo Chibudu (BOA Year 1)
The Special Events Project Committee, Headed by Storme Prins (BOA Year 1)
The different Committees and their projects are supported by the acting President, Fatima Hoosain (BSO Year 1) and Deputy president, Mazi Mngxunyeni (BSO Year 1) and the rest of the HS Committee, who without we could not function and are listed below:
Abigail Parkin, Alicia Ncume, Alyssa Matthews, Amy Strydom, Azraa Samodien, Cassandra Wilson Moore, Chloe Jacobs, Christina Yasini, Concilia Kankolongo, Erin Stead, Gretchen Louw, Hannah Skein, Inam Martins, Jade Paul, Kulthoom Du Toit, Lakeesha Smit, Malika Jacobs, Maryke Scholtes, Naasigah McDavids, Roberta Slade, Samantha Mhlungu, Selina Muzambeta, Tandile Ntlatleng, Zahrah Taliep and Zainabo Anzuruni.
My hobbies include writing poetry, running, and playing hockey. I plan to go into counselling psychology and help young individuals with mental health disorders.
What are your goals for the eNewsletter?
Our student run eNewsletter, “The Buzz”, covers everything to do with the Varsity College Cape Town's (VCCT) School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Our goal is to connect with readers through our writing.
In time, we hope this project will evolve and grow alongside the HS Committee and that the eNewsletter provides a platform where the students and staff of Varsity College can connect and learn more about the inner workings of the VCCT School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
What is your definition of ‘student life’? Why do you think it is important for Varsity College to have a student centred newsletter?
To me, ‘student life’ describes a time in an individual’s life that is marked by change, taking on new responsibilities and experimentation. Suddenly, we find ourselves buried under all these responsibilities and expectations, which is why I feel it is essential for the VCCT School of Humanities and Social Sciences to have a student run newsletter. The idea is to provide students with a space to learn about themselves and one another and show what it means to be a Varsity College Cape Town student.
My hobbies include sports, art and playing an active role in the community. I plan to become a humanitarian.
Growing up I found comfort in helping others even the less privileged and it just continued to grow as I got exposed to the different ways I could help people, and that made me want to be the voice to the voiceless
When I heard about human trafficking it made me realise how freedom is taken for granted, which is something everyone should have. Knowing that there are men, women and children being trafficked makes me want to fight for their freedom because everyone deserves to be free.
Having NGO initiatives at Varsity College creates a strategic partnership with charities in South Africa which can lead to job opportunities for students who may want to venture into different humanitarian sectors. It enhances the College's profile and reduces the pressure on administrators when planning community activities, thereby increasing student engagement.
From this, students gain more exposure as well as an appreciation of life that will make them see things from a different perspective. The development of their career skills such as communication, planning, and participation will help them in life.
My hobbies are playing soccer, creative activities, and lending a helping hand. I plan to become a high school teacher specialising in Life Orientation and Geography.
of Varsity College hosting social events are to ere for the students. The idea of these events can be seen to create bonds and new relationships among students. Social events are there for students to see a different side of tertiary education and bring students out of their comfort zones
The HS recently participated in the Heritage Day market and what contributed to the success is the hard work, organization, and commitment of my wonderful team. This includes the whole of Humanitias Societas and our Liaison Dr. Mrachant. The lectures and students of VC played a massive role in our Heritage Day stall's success.
The best tip I can give first year students is to attend social events that VC organizes. The reason is that you get to meet many people and get out of your comfort zone. These events will expose you to different people and make you feel more relaxed and comfortable being in a new stage of your life.
The Humanitatis Societas’ NGO Project is joining forces with A21, a non profit organisation. They aim to abolish slavery everywhere and forever by raising awareness, preventing future trafficking, taking legal action and providing rehabilitation services to survivors.
So, come join us in the canteen area from the 10th to the 14th of October 2022 and learn how you can help put an end to modern day slavery.
On the 21st of September 2022, Varsity College Cape Town held their annual Student Awards, where they celebrated the academic achievements of honourees who were kindly gifted with lapel pins and gift vouchers. In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, students: Milena Sophia Alexandra Hundt (Bachelor of Arts Year 2), Lauren Joan Gracie (Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication Year 2), Junaid Mckrea (Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication Year 1), and Zara Khan (Bachelor of Arts Year 1) received merit awards in recognition of their excellence within their programme
The importance of attending lectures is often overlooked,
and small things such as this can significantly impact a student’s academic success. Outside the lecture rooms, a decision lies with each student regarding the amount of effort they are willing to put into their studies to reach their goals. The students mentioned above exemplify how hard work can pay off. All students begin their tertiary education as a stepping stone into their future. The hope for IIE Varsity College is that the awards given to the students mentioned above will further motivate and benefit their paths into their careers As one once said, “Good things come to people who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them” Anonymous.
From Left to Right: Dr. Marchant van der Schyff, Programme Manager: School of Humanities and Social Sciences; Milena Hundt, Bachelor of Arts (Final Year), Mr. Saleem Jackson, Campus Head; Zara Khan, Bachelor of Arts (Second Year); and Lauren Gracie, Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication (Final Year) Image by: Doulette Braak
By Abigail Parkin
The Humanitatis Societas Committee hosted their first ever event on the 23rd of September 2022 in celebration of Heritage Day Led by Storme Prins, the head of the Special Events Project, the HS Committee members braaied up a storm and served delicious boerie rolls. Marketgoers were also given a chance to get their beautiful henna done. It is safe to say that the day was filled with fabulous food, beautiful traditional dress, lekker music and dancing Then, to top it all off, the incredible djembe drummers gave an outstanding performance, ending the afternoon in true South African style. All in all, the event was a massive success and a great way to introduce the Humanitatis Societas to VCCT campus. The funds raised by our Heritage Day stall will be donated to UpSwingSA and
