ActivateRhodes University’s

Independent Student Newspaper

Est. 1947

INSIDE

Edition 2, 12 March 2013

LGBTI Awareness Week Programme

Page 2

Shortage of Teachers in Joza

Page 4

Agang - SA’s new hope? Page 5

Gig Guide Page 6

Top 10 SA Companies

Page 14

Your Map to Sport at Rhodes

Page 14

2 12 March 2013

From the EditorThis week is LGBTI Awareness week at Rhodes University and in light of this, Activate has

included the programme of all the events this week so that, if you are so inclined, you

know when, where and what is happening.

Rhodes is known for being a tolerant and liberal university, and yet there is homophobia

in abundance, which I have personally witnessed. What baffles me is that nine ties out of

ten, the person being abused has done nothing other than be attracted to a person of the

same sex, which, at its essence, affects no one but that person and whomever they share

their bed with.

On 30 November 2006 the Civil Union Act became official; despite its title it does

provide for same-sex marriages. Although it allows both same and opposite-sex couples

to contract unions, and allows a couple to choose to call their union either a marriage or

a civil partnership. No matter what they call it, the legal consequences are the same as

those under the Marriage Act (which allows only for opposite-sex marriages).

With that in mind, don’t you think its about time people stop bitching everytime two

people who love each other want to get married?

Besides, getting angry at someone for marrying someone of the same sex because it’s

against your beliefs is like being angry at someone who’s eating a piece of cake because

you’re on a diet.

In the wise words of Jackie Moon - “ELE, Everybody love everybody.”

Xand VenturasEditor-In-Chief

Send your CV and a Motivation to activate.editor@gmail.com

Activate wants YOU!

Editor-in-chief:Xand Venturas

Deputy Editor:Sarisha Dhaya

Chief Copy Editor:Matthew Kynaston

Online Editor-in-chief :Megan Ellis

Webmaster:Brad de Klerk

Online Content Editor:Nina McFall

Chief Media Supervisor:Hancu Louw

Designers:Nkemdilim Oranye

Cindy ArchilliesTinika King Nuen

Chief Pics Editor:Niamh Walsh- Vorster

Assistant Pics. Editor:Sibulele Mabusela

Illustrator:Katja SchreiberNews Editor:

Brenda SekgotaPolitics Editor:

Andrew BlaneBusiness Editor:

Njabulo NkosiFeatures Editor:

Carly Hosford-IsraelA & E Print Editor:

David MannA & E Online Editor:

Leah SolomonLifestyle Editor:Rhea MacDonald

Environmental Editor:Jane Berg

Sports Editor:Bridgette Hall

Online Sports Editor:Ashleigh Morris

Distribution Manager:Fezekile Cokile

Editorial Consultant:Marc Davies

Contacts:Editor:

activate.editor@gmail.comDeputy Editor:

activate.deputy@gmail.com

Cover Illustration:Michelle Avenant

Printed by Paarlcoldset,Port Elizabeth

Activate

Sport EditorChief Sub-Editor

Advertising Representatives

LGBTI Awareness WeekProgrammeSunday 10 MARCHBody Mapping @ 2 pm on Drostdy Lawns

Monday 11 MARCH‘Express Your Pride’ @ 12 pm @ the Library Wall

Tuesday 12 MARCHRacism in the Queer Community: Koffie Kroeg Discussion facilitated by NatalieDonaldson @ 7 pm @ The Union

Wednesday 13 MARCHPhotoshoot @ Journalism Department (AMM) from 12-2 pmAnime Movie: Neko Anime & OUTRhodes @ 6.30 pm @ Zoo Minor

Tuesday 14 MARCHJoin the Pride: SRC Chill Space 9 am - 6 pm @ RA Room in UnionPride March @ 6 pm from Journalism Department (AMM)Vigil @ Drosty Lawns after the march

Friday 15 MARCHSame-Sex Safer-Sex Talk facilitated by David Hessey (ECGLA) @ 6 pm @ the RatBeer Garden

Saturday 16 MARCHOUTRhodes 101 Party @ 8 pm @ MonasteryCheck out facebook event for more details

A

New

s [in b

riefs]By Chanelle Prins

3NEWS12 March 2013

South African sex workers claim their rightsIn celebration of International Sex Worker Rights Day - sex workers in

collaboration with human rights activists, embarked on a march - held on Friday,

March 8 2013 in Johannesburg. They protested against the abuse have endure

as a result of the police authorities.

Their argument is that sex workers should be protected by the laws that

protect every other citizen.

The Sex Workers’ Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) is a

humanitarian, non-profit organisation. It’s main aim is to raise awareness as well

as to seek recognition of sex workers’having their rights protected.

Statistics published in August 2012, by the Women’s League Centre (WLC)

have shown that approximately 70% of women in this specific profession have

reportedly suffered abuse as a result of the action of the police.

Combating violence against women and childrenPresident Jacob Zuma has once again addressed the issue of violence against

women and children. In conjunction to that, he has also made an appeal unto the

nation to unite in confronting this battle.

However, he also pointed out, that although these offences are committed by a

minority of South Africans.

Despite all that has occurred, South Africans are urged neither to become

discouraged nor to lose their confidence in their respective communities- or in

the government as a whole. They are urged to rather divert the negativity into

redressing the imperfections which hinder South Africa. Statistics show that over

the past year, more than 363 life sentences had been secured, with a conviction

rate of 73% for crimes committed against women over the age of 18, as well as for

offences committed against children, below the age of 18. However, the crime

rate against our women and children, remains dangerously high.

Students in Santiago take cover from water that the police are aiming at them. These students were protesting against the government to get them to make changes to the public education system, 7 March 2013. Pic: REUTURS/Ivan Alvar.

Artists entertained crowds at the opening of the Mombasa Jomo Kenyatta beach peace concert to promote peaceful voting, 24 February 2013. This is Kenya’s first election for a President since 2007. Pic: FLICKR/USAID/Siegfried Modoloa

The South African 6 Infantry Battalion marched through the streets on Thursday during the Freedom of the city parade. Mayor Zamuxolo Peter was present to reconfirm the troop’s Freedom of the City and bid those being deployed at the end of the month, farewell. 7 March 2013. Pic: Bridgette Hall.

4 NEWS 12 March 2013

Hi-Tec Security opens satellite office in JozaBy Sinazo Nakupi

Local security company Hi-Tec

recently opened a satellite office

in Joza, located on the premises of

Nombulelo High school, in response to

increased community safety demands

and a non-functioning area police

station.

The area police station is currently

closed due to a staff shortage which

has prompted Hi-Tec to fill the gap in

police coverage. The new office will

aim to reduce response time, improve

community safety and cater to their

growing customer base in Joza. A

Grahamstown police officer, who

has requested to remain anonymous,

says, “The police are understaffed and

that’s why the station had to close. We

cannot serve the community of Joza

effectively.”

Hi-Tec works in partnership

with police to address crime in

Grahamstown. Their security guards are

permitted detain and arrest suspects

and refer them to police for further

action. Armed with pepper spray and

guns, they patrol neighbourhoods in

vehicles and community constantly with

their head office.

“There was a girl whose cell phone

got stolen in Katlehong. We just

shouted at the passing patrol car

and they chased the suspect down

and arrested him. Hi-Tec is really

trustworthy.” says Lindelwa Baliso, a

resident of Joza.

Nombulelo High school also benefits

from this arrangement. Vandalism has

dramatically decreased since Hi-Tec

opened their office on their premises.

“Before people used to break in and

damage our science equipment. The

school used to spend a lot of money

replacing stolen lab equipment. Now

the security is much tighter.” says Anam

Magwala, a matric learner at the school

Shortage of teachers causes chaos in Joza OfficeBy Brenda Sekgota

Since 2001, Mary Waters and other

schools in Grahamstown have suffered

severe teacher shortages. Thousands

of students from Grahamstown schools

broke their silence in recent weeks, taking

to the streets to voice their anger at the

Department of Education.

Mary Waters Secondary School

principal, Samuel Wessels, revealed to

Grocott’s Mail that the school is currently

short of 11 teachers . The school began

the year with only 24 teachers out of the

required 35.

The principal reported that when the

year starts, they have a curriculum to

follow. “It’s very hard to make up for lost

time, no matter what measures you put

into place,” said Wessels.

The challenge faced by Mary Water’s

was reported to the Department of

Education in Grahamstown, in hopes that

the process of filling the 11 vacant posts

would be sped up. The principal was

forced to reshuffle the teachers around

the school to ensure that at least all matric

students have teachers, while students in

lower grades are forced to spend certain

periods without teachers. “It’s a loose,

loose situation,” said Wessels. Due to

this situation certain students formed an

unregistered strike, during which students

took tables outside classrooms, sang,

danced and forced students that were in

class out of their classrooms.

The crisis at Mary Waters has come to

a point where parents and students have

taken matters into their own hands. It was

reported that a certain group of students

in Grade 11 noticed that they were short

of an English Home Language teacher – a

subject that is crucial to their progress

to the following grade – and that they

then formed a group with 6 delegates.

The delegates took it upon themselves

to make an appointment with Education

Development officer, Mr R. Solwandle.

The meeting however was not successful

as the students did not get the answers

they required during the meeting. It has

come to the attention of the students that

the Department of Education is not willing

to work with them and therefore they will

go out of their way to ensure that their get

educators.

The parents of learners at Mary Waters

have formed a crisis committee that has

been working with the students and the

principal. The learners and parents went

on strike on Thursday, 21 February 2013,

hoping that the Department of Education

will recognise the seriousness of their

situation. As part of this project, Mary

Waters formed alliances with schools

around Grahamstown that are facing

similar challenges.

The Education Development officer,

Solwandle informed Activate that a plan

has been put into action to ensure that

Mary Waters will have enough teachers

before the end of March 2013. The

process involves transferring teachers

from schools that have surplus teachers

to schools that are in need of teachers.

Solwandle says that the plan has already

been put into action as Mary Waters have

already received three additional teachers.

“As a department we would like the

school and community to understand

the situation, that this is not an isolated

incident, but a provincial-wide crisis.

As the Department of Education, in

Grahamstown we are trying to do all we

can to solve the problem and we ask

parents and learners to be patient,” said

Solwandle .

Mary Water’s high school delegates. Front row- ( L-R): Anesipho Ntleki, Luzuko Magopeni,Siphokazi Myosana. Back row- ( L-R) : Loyiso Gunguluza, Ashley Koesnel. Pic:

WALLACE’SPHARMACY

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Clinic & Beauty Salon Available

Tel - (046)6227320 / (046)6227373

Fax - (046) 622 5836 Email - wallace@intekom.co.za

Hi-Tec is the primary security company in Grahamstown. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

Fables BookshopWe buy and sell all year round!

Rhodes setworks, African, Modern and popular fiction.

Books make great gifts too! Pop in, have a browse and walk out

with a great read.

Like us on

119 High Street, just down from King Pie

5POLITICSEdition 2

Agang – a new hope for South Africa?By Fezekile Cokile

Rumours first emerged that Dr Mamphela

Ramphele was planning on adding her own

political party in the list of South Africa’s

already saturated political arena. Initially she

responded to the speculation according to an

article by Penguin SA published Ramphela’s

book called Conversations with my sons

and daughters: “I have noted press reports

speculating about my intention to form a

political party. I would like to place it on record

that I have been having conversations with

South Africans from all walks of life about the

state of democracy in South Africa, canvassing

their views about ways in which South Africans

can work together to tackle our pressing social,

economic and political challenges.”

A few weeks later she confirmed the rumours

by announcing her new political platform

called Agang. It is a Sesotho word which

means ‘to build’. “I announce that I’m working

with a group of fellow South Africans, to form

a political party that will focus on rekindling

hope that building the country’ of our dreams

is possible,” she said.

At this time Agang is a political platform,

which means that Dr Mamphele has to go

throughout the country and consult with

citizens before competing in the next year’s

election.

Already, the party platform is on a mission

to change South Africa’s electoral system,

which she feels that it denies South Africans

the right to govern. “We should be able to

vote for the person in our own area we want

to represent us in Parliament, so we can hold

them accountable for the electoral promises

they make,” she said according to an article on

BDayonline. “We want an MP for Marikana, an

MP for De Doorns and an MP for Sasolburg,

so if the people are unhappy and the MP is not

responsive enough, they will be voted out at

the next election.”

It is yet to be seen if Agang will be a worthy

opponent to the ANC and DA as the reception

has been mixed amongst political analysts,

including Susan Booyen. When sharing her

views with SABC news Booyen said that she

believed Dr Mamphele “has valid sentiments,

laudable sentiments” but she did not think

“people will swing to that.”

Unemployment up to over 30% in SABy Fezekile Cokile

Last year South Africa’s unemployment rate stood at around 24.9%. This meant that over 12 million South

Africans were without jobs. The picture is not looking any brighter this year.

According to a Fin24 article, “unemployment has now risen to over 30% and to date interventions to

encourage the private sector to hire younger workers have proven inadequate.”

During these tough economic times, government plans to create 3.7 million jobs in the next phase of its

Expanded Public Works Programme and 2 million of these will be full time jobs.

There is also what is termed ‘a youth employment tax incentive’ which will be aimed at encouraging

the private sector to hire the unemployed youth. “It is not a wage subsidy.” said Finance Minister Pravin

Gordhan during his Budget Review. “The tax incentive will be part of a package of measures aimed at

boosting opportunities for young work seekers.” A similar incentive will be made available at a later stage to

all entitled workers, who are from other age brackets within the economic zone.

The burden of unemployment faced by government will no doubt have an impact in next year’s national

election outcome.

By Andrew Blane

On Tuesday the 5th of March, Venezuelan President,

Hugo Chavez passed away after a long fight with cancer.

His death was felt across the country, with the vast

majority of the population in mourning.

Chavez gained popularity mainly from bringing the oil

industry back into the hands of the Venezuelan people.

This brought about the ability to help the poor and

uplift the nation financially. According to News24, Mairis

Briceno (21) who wore a red shirt with the image of

Chavez hugging an elderly women with the words, ‘love

with love pays off’ said that,“We can’t allow everything to

be lost. What he did, giving us education, new homes,

food, he did so much.” Many of the Venezuelans who

crowed the streets of Caracas on Wednesday professed

their love for their deceased president and hero.

However Chavez was not popular among most

Western countries, especially the United States of

America. This is partly because of his friendships or

association with notorious dictators such as Fidel

Castro and Muammar Gaddafi, as well as calling former

president George W. Bush a “devil, donkey, drunk, liar,

coward and murderer.” Chavez admitted to this saying

that he thinks Bush is a donkey, “because he is very

ignorant about things that are actually happening in Latin

America and the world. If that is an excess on my part, I

accept and I might apologize. But who is causing more

harm? Do I cause any harm by calling him a devil? He

burns people, villages and he invades nations.”

Expelled ANC Youth League president, Julius Malema

felt inspired by Chavez, as “he had strengthened the

quality of education in Venezuela, the quality of health.

He redistributed the resources of Venezuela. The

people have taken ownership of their oil.” When eNCA

interviewed Malema comparing him to Chavez, Malema

responed, “either history will absolve us or it will judge

us harshly.”

On his deathbed, Chavez proclaimed his wish for Vice

President Nicolas Maduro to succeed him as President

and urged the people to vote for him. According to

News24 it seems that the general consensus is to trust in

Chavez’s wish as one Aldemar Castro, a bricklayer says,

“It is because he knows that he can do something good

for Venezuela.”

Hugo Chavez leaves a legacy of controversy

Children of the late Venenzualian president Hugo Chavez, stand next to their fathers coffin in Caracas, 6 March 2013. Pic: REUTERS/Miraflores Palace/Handout

Unemployment rates in Southern Africa stands amoungst the highest in the world. Men holding placards offering tempo-rary employment services in Glenvista, south of Johannes-burg, October 7, 2010. Pic: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Dr Mamphela Ramphele has started a new political platform, Agang, she hopes it will be a party which rebuilds South Africa in a way that current parties have been unable to do so. Pic: Sourced

By Marc Davies

“Do you know anyone who could tell you

convincingly why there is so much suffering in

the world? Do you know why people suffer?”

A challenging question, indeed. One that a

pamphlet doing the rounds in Grahamstown

claims it has the answer to. It’s certainly a

pamphlet that is hard to ignore, given its

front-page title, “Will Suffering Ever End?” and

the accompanying clichéd photo of a starving

black child and his ailing father wrapped in

rags.

Karma can’t be the cause of suffering,

says the pamphlet, because it is seemingly

unreasonable to think that, for example, a

poor person is such for no fault of their own.

This pamphlet then, ironically, tells us that it is

“definitely” reasonable to believe that suffering

is really a consequence of some ‘original sin’,

an ongoing ‘payment’ for the disobedience

of humanity across generations that renders

suffering an inherent component of human

existence.

These are surely equally unreasonable on

the grounds that they attempt to explain

physical conditions through a metaphysical

epistemology. This, however, is a question

of religion or faith, in the context of the

pamphlet, which is probably futile to argue for

or against in any case given the nature of the

metaphysical.

The real concern with this pamphlet is not

its appeal to the metaphysical in general, but

rather its claim about the root of HIV and Aids,

and poverty. It states: “There are thousands

of children born with the virus that causes

AIDS. This is certainly not because of anything

bad these children did. No, it is because

they contracted the virus from their infected

mothers. The mother may have become

infected because of living an immoral life, or

she may have been infected by her husband

who lived immorally”.

On a very practical level, people of all

faiths, including those who subscribe

to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witness

advocated in this pamphlet, should reject

this regrettably dominant view. The impact

of such a perspective is that sufferers of HIV

and Aids are coerced to accept that they

are sufferers necessarily as a consequence

of some ‘immoral’ sexual act, either theirs

or their parents’. This view fails to consider

more ‘structural’ causes of the spread of these

diseases, including the absence of adequate

education on the disease, the possibility of

misdiagnosis or total lack thereof, lack of

access to protective measures and so on.

Understanding the multiple socioeconomic

factors at play is arguably pivotal to solving the

issues, not some irrational blame on ‘immoral’

behaviour. The same tainted logic is applied

to the issue of poverty in this article, where the

tenets of capitalism and its reproduction of the

cycle of poverty, as well as apartheid economic

and social structures, are ignored and instead

ascribed to the inherent imperfectness of

humans.

This pamphlet, which may reach the hands of

those with HIV and Aids or living in poverty in

Grahamstown, is surely one that needs revision

to take into account the very real, traceable

causes of poverty and spread of disease to

respect the agency of these individuals and

admit to the long-lasting legacy of (socio)

economic exclusivity in South Africa and

throughout the world.

The Politics of Suffering

6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 12 March 2013

By David Mann and Kate Pinchuck

Ubom! is back again with their new theatre production Betti and

the Yeti. The children’s play, which they call an ‘Ubom!inable

adventure’, will take place from Monday 11 to Friday 15 March.

The show tells the story of a young girl who stumbles upon a

frightening creature in the forest which causes panic amongst

the people from Betti’s idyllic community. With no one daring to

venture out into the woods again, Betti’s town becomes isolated

and lives in fear of the Yeti. Seeing the decline of her home town,

Betti takes matters into her own hands and discovers something

completely unexpected in the form of a beautiful friendship.

The play is directed by famed Rhodes drama graduate, Daniel

Buckland, who has recently returned from performing in Cirque

du Soleil. Buckland invites audience members to actively join in

on the fun and join the energetic and vibrant actors on stage.

“The kids, because they’re kids, just feel willing to engage. It’s

about getting the kids to play on stage, to play in the audience,

to always be part of the games that the actors are playing,” says

Buckland.

The Ubom! cast have been visiting the local Grahamstown

primary schools for the past few weeks to interact with the

children and give them a preview of the show itself. Various

Rhodes drama students dressed up in ridiculous outfits

comprising of comical hats and waistcoats, which the children

found hilarious.

Ubom!’s show has been fostering creativity in these schools by

getting the children to take part in art projects at their schools.

The art projects involve them making their own ‘courage masks’

that they can use if they are scared of the Yeti.

While the play is aimed at kids, Ubom! stresses that the

audiences’ age can range anywhere from seven to 70 years old as

the message of friendship and positivity through your own actions

transcends all age groups.

The shows will take place at 9am and 11am and have a running

time of 45 minutes. Tickets are R10 for students and are available

at the Theatre Café or at the Ubom! offices.

Contact them on 046 603 8966.

By David Mann

Three fourth year students are bringing something

fresh and innovative to the Grahamstown DJ scene,

by hosting their own alternative music events every

Monday night at Olde 65.

The Olde 65 music nights are the creation of Jon

Stein, Daniel Nel and Joseph Coetzee.

They have all played DJ sets at local clubs like

Slipstream and The Monastery, but felt like they

couldn’t really play the music that they wanted to

play and didn’t have the freedom to experiment

behind the decks.

“We’ve all been talking about it for a while and

decided that we really needed a place to just play

what we wanted to play as well as spread different

sounds and types of music that haven’t really been

heard” said an enthusiastic Nel.

They say that the type of music that can usually

be expected at these nights would be SA Hip

Hop, Old School and New School Hip Hop, Glitch

Hop, Dub (not to be confused with Dubstep) and

a genre called Metal Tech which Stein describes as

“stripped down, minimal techno or house music.”

Although Nel, Stein and Coetzee will be resident

DJs at these music nights, they are constantly on

the lookout for new DJs who can bring their own

unique sound and experience to the events and

who also have a passion for exposing the more

alternative side of electronic music.

“We’re always open to DJs who’d like to play

on Mondays,” said Coetzee, “the nights are also

a great platform for aspiring DJs who are keen to

experiment behind the decks and play the type of

stuff that other venues won’t allow them to play.”

Although the nights are still relatively new to

Grahamstown, the team are hoping to garner a

large student crowd over time and keep the event a

regular Monday night occurrence.

They also have big plans for the near future.

“We’re looking to get some DJs from Cape Town

and PE to come and play here, they’re making

some really great stuff over there and we’d love to

have them showcase it to Grahamstown” said Nel.

Other plans for the future included expanding to

different venues and putting on events during the

Grahamstown Arts Festival which will see the usual

Grahamstown crowd as well as people from various

other parts of the country.

The event is free to the public and will start at

7pm every Monday night, making it the perfect

way to end off a long Monday or ensure that you

get the week started with a bang.

Betti and the Yeti. Pic: Ubom!.

Olde 65 music nights. Pic: Daniel Nel.

G

IG G

UID

E

Ubom! Presents:

Betti and the Yeti

Monday 11 to Friday

15 March

Directed by Daniel

Buckland, Betti and

the Yeti engages with a

beloved children’s story

that combines reality

and fiction to show the

audience the power of

their own thoughts and

actions.

Shows are at 9am and

11am and tickets are

available at the UBOM!

office at 046 603 8966.

Olde 65 Electronic

Music Nights

Every Monday Night

Hosted by three fourth-

year student DJs, these

nights aim to provide

students with a more

alternative range of

music including glitch

hop, metaltech and

Dub.

The event, which is

free, starts at 7pm and

is a great cure to a long

Monday.

Olde 65 Live Acoustic

Nights

Every Wednesday

Night

Organised by the Live

Music Society, these

nights offer a relaxed

mid-week event where

students can sit back

with a drink and listen to

some live acoustic tunes

with friends.

The event starts at 9pm.

Entrance is free for LMS

members and R10 for

non-members.

OutRhodes Prep School

Party

Saturday 16 March

The first OutRhodes

party of the year will take

place at Monastery. The

theme is ‘sexy school

uniforms’, so dress up

and enjoy some free

punch and good times.

Entrance is R20 for non-

members and free for

members.

Drifting

Thursday 4 to

Saturday 6 April

Hosted by Rhodes

Drama Department, the

play will function as a

tribute production to the

late theatre legend, Reza

De Wet.

Pre-booked tickets will

be R100 to the public

and R80 to graduates.

Tickets are available at

Rhodes Theatre Café.

Ramfest PE

Friday 15 March

Ramfest will be at Old

Grey in PE this year.

The electronic line up

features headline act

Pendulum, as well as Das

Kapital, Guns ‘N Lazers

and Download Crew.

Tickets are R150 and are

available at the door or

via ticketbreak.co.za.

Shadow Club

Friday 15 March

Shadow Club is back in

town again, this time at

Champs Action Bar. The

event is sure to be as big

as last year’s and will be

a great end to the term.

The show should start at

approximately 8pm.

Betti and the Yeti, a play for all generations

Mondays bring a new take on electronic music

7ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTEdition 2

Local DJ living life loudBy Leah Solomon

The majority of Rhodes students will agree that we’ve got some great musical talent, with many great DJs having passed through Grahamstown.

Some of the best can still be found here. One such performer is Justin Le Roux, better known by his stage name ‘Loud Lungs’.

With his musical background, Justin already had the knack for being a performer.

He used to drum in a band with friends, but the desire to produce his own music fuelled him into becoming a solo artist and shaped the career he is following today.

Justin started “toying around” with DJ software in 2011 as well as practicing on a set of decks with a friend.

This was the turning point for him, where he started to take DJ-ing seriously and began performing at residence parties, and birthday events at The Monastery as part of a duo. 2012 saw Justin recreate himself as he picked up a set of his own decks and began playing solo. Loud Lungs had emerged.

After just a year of performing, Loud Lungs

is a resident DJ at The Monastery, although he is known to play at other popular venues in Grahamstown as well.

“I’ve played shows at Pirates and Cafe Blanca,” Loud Lungs said. “I won’t say that you wouldn’t ever find me at any other venues – I’m open to experimenting with new crowds.”

Whenever you jam to Loud Lungs you can expect a very diverse sound. His sets are all completely live, with hardly any prebuilt sets or preselected tracks. He will always treat you to a number of genres, some of which are still relatively unheard of to some.

“My sets are usually made up of trap, drum and bass, dubstep, electro house, moombahton, midtempo, and drumstep – all members of the somewhat underground bass music family,” he said.

“The social scene is nothing without the people that attend our parties, so to have people ready to be there two, three, even four nights a week is a huge positive,” he said, “Oh, and good luck trying to wake up after one of my shows without a neck ache.”

Loud Lungs will be performing at Ramfest in P.E.

By Sebastian Burger

Looking for a break from the heavy bass or generic pop

and R&B that you hear played at most nightclubs? Look

no further, MyOwnMusic (MYOM) is here to give you

something completely different.

If you haven’t already heard about the event, MYOM

was started in 2010 by Nicci Thackwell and is a

termly event at Slipstream Sports Bar focusing on the

departing from the musical norms of the Grahamstown

nightlife scene and fostering local talents.

Playing non-mainstream music such as rock,

punk, alternative, electro, minimal techno and hip

hop, MYOM aims to give people a break from the

conventional.

BA Honours and current LLB student, Armand Swart

has been heading things up at MYOM for a while and

aims to make each event bigger and better than the

last, “It started off as mainly an indie, pop and minimal

techno event. I partnered up with Nicci in 2011 and we

started placing a greater emphasis on new DJ talent and

a greater variety of music at each party” says Swart.

MYOM is often themed, the first was a traditional

Halloween party which proved to be a blast. Since

then, themes such as “Dress as a song”, “Horror Pop

Disco” and “MYOM’s Bad Fashion Party” have come

and gone with the most recent event being GIRLS with

7 new DJ’s playing, all of them female.

The event’s main resident DJ is Jon Stein who also

heads up the tech and sound aspects of the party

with Daniel Nel & Joseph Coetzee being the longest

standing DJ’s. MYOM puts big emphasis on cultivating

new talent, with a large majority of the DJ’s having now

graduated, newbies are given the chance to step up

and give it a go with Stein recently holding their first DJ

training session for aspiring girls at the GIRLS party.

Swart explains that this year, MYOM is looking to

garner a large first year following, “We had our first

free party during O-week, the idea being that it would

be a similar party to the ‘Freshers’ parties at English

Universities: good music, lots of first years and some

mild ‘seal-clubbing’. The night did not disappoint!”

So if you’re tired of the mainstream music on loop

in the Grahamstown nightlife scene and want a night

filled with fresh tunes, cheap drinks and flamboyantly

dressed people, be sure to attend the next MYOM,

Swart guarantees that “Fest and O-term are going to

kick off with a bang: in a big way.”

MYOM gives you the music you want to hear

Justin Leroux, AKA Loud Lungs, drops the bass for stompers most weekends at Monastry . Pic: Jess Poulos

Megan Wright playing the first MYOM of the year at SlipStream. Pic: Mia van der Merwe

By Hank Gunn

It starts with a nervous rumbling in my belly, it’s

7pm and I‘m heading off – whisky in hand – to pre-

lubricate before the night kicks off.

Gathered around slumped in threadbare

couches, perched on crates, someone suspended

– already half comatose – in a hammock we indulge

in our poisons. I head into the kitchen through a

cloud of blue grey smoke and find a few people

feverishly stacking bongs. “Come have one, shouts

someone,” I resist the urge and curse as I realise the

ice reserves have long since been depleted.

Steadily the music gets louder, the laughter more

ecstatic. I find myself on the lawn passing around

a long one – by this time my whisky is all gone,

but I’ve managed to sneak a drink off the table. It’s

Friday night and the first Tunnels of the year.

Sitting, already bleary eyed and smoked-up, a

tall oke comes up to me and asks if I need anything

more, “anything man, I’m making a mission soon

and if you need treats you gotta let me know soon,”

he says gesturing wildly. I check my pockets to find

a tightly rolled wad of cash, it’s already less than I

remember so I decline and go looking for another

drink.

By this time things have reached their inevitable

pre-drink peak and the call is made; let’s move

on… I set off with a contingency of about fifteen

guys. The girls have been more responsible and a

designated driver had been assigned. They head

off promising to meet us there.

It’s a long walk, uphill and coordination has long

since left. I stumble; left, right finding balance in

whoever seems to be having the same problem

next to me. Cigarettes are lit, little clicks of lighters

and sudden flashes of light, illuminate bloodshot

eyes, sweaty faces and cold hands. I speed up my

pace a little and look back. They are a mess of arms

and legs, dotted with the red glow of lit smokes.

11:37pm, we finally reach the dirt road, and

suddenly the mood changes, there’s an energy

in the air and I can feel the bodies of my partners

tensing as we hear the faint thud of monstrous bass

blasting through dozens of speakers. “Jissis ouens

tonight is the big one,” someone says as we reach

the gate and present our tickets.

It’s a quick, muddy walk up to the main stage. It’s

a mess of people, a jumbled mass of contorting

bodies swaying, bouncing and generally losing it

to the beat of the electronic music.

I head straight to the bar, and buy two beers.

It’s time to get good and loose before I hit the

dance floor. I stand around, taking huge gulps of

my drink, forcing it down as fast as possible, in

between drags of a cheap cigarette. Beer done,

bones ready I plunge headfirst into the seething

mass.

The décor, designed to enhance and psychedelic

experience tenfold, forms a dome over the crowd.

I stomp, bounce and fall over every now and again,

now a complete slave to the rhythm of the trance

oozing out the speakers. Familiar faces drift in and

out of sight. I drift in and out of consciousness, eyes

half closed I take a swig of a drink offered.

So it progresses steadily, but with no breaks. It

almost becomes a matter of basic survival, driven

by basic instinct and primal urges. The need to

keep going; frequent trips to the bar, speech no

longer a requirement, a simple gesture for another

one. I get handed all manner of things to smoke,

some received gladly others waved off as I head

into the Tunnel.

I come to, it’s 5:45am and the sun is slowly

coming over the hill. Little groups are gathered

around bonfires, haggard. Eyes droopy, body

aching, mind racing I find friendly faces and sit

down. Someone lights up another one and we

watch the madness continue. Lonely individuals

drift about, desperately trying to hold on the

euphoria of the past eight hours.

I sit and chat, all of us trying to recall moments

form the night – flashes of enlightenment, that

spark of recognition in the eyes of a stranger across

the dance floor.

This is Tunnels at its best, to me at least…

Tunnels a Gonzo perspective

8 PHOTO STORY 12 March 2013

Brass Yourselves... By Niamh Walsh-Vorster

There is organised chaos at the Nombulelo Secondary

School sports field as a group of young musicians and

their coaches disperse in three opposite directions.

‘The Grahamstown Field Band’ is separated at the

start of practice into their respective instrumental

ensembles. The sound of brass, percussion and beat

percussion tuning up for practice reverberate into Joza

Township homes surrounding Nombulelo’s field.

The band co-ordinator, Simvile Jamani, uses the

help of assistants to teach learners from Nombulelo

Secondary and George Dickinson every Monday to

Thursday. “It’s teaching life skills through music and

dance”, says Jamani. The newly-introduced social

development programme aims to spark interest and

educate youth in the Joza Township.

Abongile Kondlo, a Field Band Foundation (FBF)

teacher in training and student at Nombulelo, said that

the field band is a means of keeping learners socially

engaged in legal and constructive extracurricular

activities. There is more to the programme than just

learning how to play an instrument. “When you need

something, like uniform or books, you ask the tutors

and they’ll sort something out”, Kondlo explained.

FBF is a nationwide organisation which is

internationally recognised. Sponsored by the National

Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund and PPC Cement, the

programme is able to offer more than instruments and

instructors to participants. These social development

wings assist with social grants, ID applications and

various household and school items for participants

when their needs arise. Additionally, learners can

apply to spend six months on exchange with sister

programs in Norway and the USA.

The convergence of all three FBF ensembles at the

end of The Grahamstown Field Band practice results in

a lively rendition of Micasa’s Heavenly Sent. The bands

next performance will be at the opening of SciFest on

Rhodes University campus on 14 March.

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1.Simvile Jamani directing the musical symphonies on Tuesday afternoon with pupils of Nombulelo Secondary and George Dickinson, 19 February 2013. Jamani has experienced the benefits of the programme and spent time studying in Norway. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

2.Xabiso Mpalala volunteers to train the percussion musicians. Mpalala started playing for the Field Band Foundation during his high school years and later spent time at the Durban Academy to study music. Pic: Carly Hosford-Israel

9PHOTO STORYEdition 2

3.Trumpets, marimbas, steel drums and bass drums are used by The Grahamstown Field Band. Adapted from the idea of marching bands in the States, the band creates music that is of more South African influence. Pics: Carly Hosford-Israel

4.In action, the Grahamstown Field Band sing, dance and play their marimbas outside Eden grove for the Rhodes volunteer and training day, 2 March 2013. Pics: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

5.Students taking a break from the Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) seminars are enter-tained by the musicians and dancers. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

6. The brass group and Simvile tuning their instruments before their performance. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

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10 LIFESTYLE 12 March 2013

By Lwazi Ndima

It starts off with the rich bass synths, followed by a voice shouting “Con los terroristas”. It’s

the latest craze that has hit the Internet not by storm, but shakes. The Harlem shake as it is

called has been on everyone’s lips as of late and has been watched online just as much.

Simply put, it is a group of people who break out in dance to a song aptly named – Harlem

Shake.

Jabu Simelane, a 1st year student at Rhodes has enjoyed the craze. “I think its rad bra, its

completely stupid but its fun to do”. For others who do not necessarily share the same

sentiments,some say the craze is something that doesn’t deserve to be entertained .

Another student, Thobile Kuchu expressed a reasonable amount of sadness because he

didn’t know anything about the Harlem Shake, but when explained, he also thought it

looked “cool” and would be fun to be part of, especially with the workload one is faced

with at RU.

Rhodes University students are among many who have uploaded their interpretation

of the Harlem Shake on the net and have since garnered 38, 902 views on YouTube. It

is interesting to note that the actual Harlem Shake was a dance move created by a man

named Albert Boyce or Al B as he was affectionately known.

The concept is crazy, the outfits are absurd and the dance moves (if we can call it that) are

ridiculous. One could refer to the Harlem Shake as a guilty pleasure. Like all or most guilty

pleasures, there doesn’t have to be a deeper meaning other than bringing absolute joy

into one’s life for a couple of minutes and as most people know, a couple of minutes is all

one needs.

G’Town Shake

By Sarah Beningfield and Heather Cameron

Babies in children’s homes across Durban will be a

little bit warmer this winter thanks to Oh, Beanie!

Oh, Beanie! is a student run business that

specialises in hand-made beanies of a variety of

colors and styles. It puts a portion of its proceeds

towards booties for babies in Durban.

It is headed by Durban based Rebecca Brown

and Rhodes student Niamh Walsh-Vorster, who

hope to add Grahamstown children’s homes to

their list this year.

In 2011, the beanie making started as a fun

pasttime between friends and they were given to

friends and family. At the end of 2012, the girls

decided to start selling their products locally in

both Grahamstown and Durban.

According to the Oh, Beanie! Facebook page,

“Every beanie is hand made by various knitters

(hipster knitters if we want to get specific)”

As of the 4th March, beanies can be bought

from Under the Arch. Although business is slow at

the moment, Walsh-Vorster believes that once the

cold season kicks in, sales will pick up.

Walsh-Vorster says she has, “always wanted

to buy a product and know that the money was

going towards something more than just profit

making.”

This is what brought about the idea of using a

portion of their profits to buy wool that would be

used to knit booties for babies. “The charity is a

nice incentive for people to buy beanies because

they know it will be going towards uplifting the

community in some way,” Walsh-Vorster says.

Grahamstown is notorious for having four

seasons in one day, so stock up on your beanies

now, because it’s never too early to get your hands

on an Oh, Beanie! beanie!

Haters gonna hate, hipsters gonna knit

By Michaela Weiffenbach

Sending sexy pictures has become a part of our

social existence ever since the invention of the

camera phone. 92% of all ladies admit to having sent

what they considered to be “sexy” photographs of

themselves, sometimes partly clothed, and other times

completely nude.

With the rise in celebrity scandals from nude

pictures to sex tapes being leaked, issues of privacy

have been highlighted in the public eye. However,

with increasing breaches of privacy extending to the

average person, there are a few things to consider

before pressing that send button.

Remember: boyfriends, girlfriends, and even your

best friends can come and go. These photos could be

used against you in the future. So be certain you can

trust the receiver. Never go outside your comfort zone

and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into sending

pictures. It’s your body and your choice.

Know that if you are sending naked/suggestive

photos to someone who you don’t know very well,

they might show their friends.

Always make sure that the recipient actually wants

the pictures or video. You don’t want to be facing

harassment charges.

Understand that less is sometimes more, and if you

do feel comfortable sending nude pics, you don’t

have to go all the way, so to speak. Remember, they

don’t call it Victoria’s Secret for nothing.

Be aware that these photos are a direct

representation of you. In the future, when you are

applying for that perfect position at the law firm, you

can be sure that they will Google you.

You can also be sure that if they find sexy photos,

you will be taken less seriously, and may not even be

considered for the job.

If you’re aiming to spice up a long distance

relationship, Skype and sexting may be just the thing

for you. Just remember to be careful that you choose a

time and place you won’t be interrupted.

Always delete pics afterwards – there are few things

more cringe-worthy than your mom stumbling upon

these pics when browsing your phone!

The Internet can be a scary place. If you’re being

pressured to send someone you don’t know a picture,

or to flash on webcam, rather don’t take the risk. The

story of Amanda Todd, who committed suicide after

being harassed and terrorized over a nude photo, and

the “12 Year Old Slut Memes” Facebook page prove

that Internet predators may stop at nothing to shame

young girls.

To receivers of these pics, remember South Africa’s

strict laws on the distribution of pornographic

materials. Sharing is not always caring.

Safe sexting - for your eyes only

By Nonhle Skosana

Every year between March and April,

Rhodes University is covered in purple by

up to 1500 students who stage a protest

against sexual violence in South Africa.

With their mouths taped, they represent

the vast majority of rape victims who have

gone unheard and unjustified.

According to the government, in 2012

alone, there were more than 65000 cases

of sexual assault reported, yet only 6.5%

of these were successfully prosecuted.

A blinding number to the eye, more

awareness of the issue is needed to raise

accountability.

Sandisile Dlangalala, a third year male

student who participated in the protest

last year said, “In numbers we succeed.

I joined the protest because as a child I

grew up in a family dominated by women

who taught me that women are always to

be respected. I get angry at the thought

that something like this could happen to

any of the women in my life or any women

in general, which is why I participated

in the protest. It was devastating to see

people I knew wearing t-shirts written

‘rape survivor’ on them. If more males

could stand up for this cause, a bigger

statement could be made and maybe then

we will see a change.”

This year is no different from last year and

the numbers are expected to rise. On the

19th of April protestors will meet at the

Alec Mullins Hall on African street where

both male and female protestors will start

their day at 06h00am. Three different

t-shirts will be provided for survivors and

supporters. With this, you will take part

in a whole day fast with no water or food

permitted –an act of solidarity. To sign up

you must go to Student Zone; latest news

and just follow the link provided within the

article.

Remember, together we are united.

Together we are strong. Together we can

beat this.

The not so Silent Protest

Students before the Harlem Shake, 23 February 2013. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster

Students at the die-in of the 2012 “Silent Protest”. Pic: Megan Fischer

Originally Handknitted beanies sold in Durban and at Grahamstown’s ‘Under the Arch’ shop . You can like Oh, Beanie! On Facebook for more information. Pic: Supplied.

11FEATURES12 March 2013

By David Mann

In accordance with Human Rights week, Rhodes University was lucky

enough to be able to host a talk on Sunday 3 March by one of the

country’s most inspirational activists for differently abled children, Chaeli

Mycroft.

The Eden Grove Lecture Theatre was filled up with a captivated

audience comprised of various University officials, journalists,

Grahamstown residents and Rhodes students.

Chaeli presses forward on the joystick of her motorised wheelchair and

crosses over to the centre of the room, she brushes the hair from her face

before sorting the notes that lay on a detachable table on her wheelchair

and addresses her audience. “Hello, I’m Chaeli Mycroft and as most of

you now know, I am physically disabled.”

Mycroft was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at only 11 months of

age and has had to overcome various challenges throughout her life.

Now at the age of 19, studying at the University of Cape Town, she has

accomplished more than thousands of others her age and older. With

a list of accomplishments including being the youngest ever finalist in

the Shoprite Checkers / SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award at only 10

years old, winning the International Children’s Peace Prize and most

recently, receiving the Medal for Social Activism at the Nobel Laureate

Peace Summit, it can definitely be said that Mycroft has touched and

helped countless lives in the past 19 years and it all started with The Chaeli

Campaign.

The Chaeli Campaign is a charity organisation founded with the vision to

mobilise the minds and bodies of children with disabilities and to educate

society through advocacy and education programmes and events. The

project was started in August 2004 by Mycroft, her sister Erin and a few

close friends between the ages of six and12 years old, and was intended

to be a fundraiser to help raise enough money to purchase the motorised

wheelchair that Mycroft uses today. Selling hand painted cards and

handcrafted miniature pot plants through their school and community,

the girls managed to raise the required amount of R20 000 in just seven

weeks. It was then that they knew they had to use their influence to help

others like Mycroft.

“It would be selfish of me to stop doing the campaign after I had raised

enough money to help myself,” said Mycroft. “I saw that I could change

people’s perceptions on disabled people and to help other disabled

children and give them the same opportunity that I got.”

Since then, the Chaeli Campaign has gone on to make tremendous

strides towards bettering the lives of countless physically and mentally

disabled children. In May 2007, The Chaeli Campaign was awarded the

Proudly South African Nation-Builder of the Year Award at the Proudly

South African Home-Grown Awards Ceremony. The project provides

various programmes to differently abled children and adults. Zelda

Mycroft, mother to Chaeli and a large part of The Chaeli Campaign

explains that the project provides programmes that include therapy,

assistive devices, inclusive education, vocation and rehabilitation. “We

also help disabled children take part in activities such as horse riding and

ballroom dancing which Chaeli herself has won numerous awards for and

may even join the national circuit soon,” she said.

Ballroom dancing is not the only activity that Mycroft is involved in. This

past weekend she took part in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour with

the help of her friend Grant Kruger who towed her behind his bicycle in

her aptly named buggy ‘Beastie’. Mycroft even spoke of plans to climb

Kilimanjaro in the near future.

Showing us pictures of herself dancing and taking part in cycling events

Mycroft said, “I’ve always done things that most other disabled kids don’t

do and that is doing what able bodied people do. I was raised to believe

that I was not a victim and that I was every bit as able as the next person.

Nobody ever thought I’d be able to dance or cycle, but look, I’ve done it.”

Mycroft’s passion and positivity resonated throughout the lecture

theatre and certainly touched the lives of all those who attended as well

as enlightened them to a completely different view of differently abled

people and their capabilities. “Whether they are able bodied or disabled,

every child has the right to education,” says Mycroft “and we need to

ensure that they have this opportunity and the opportunity to change their

lives significantly.”

Chaeli Conquers Grahamstown

By Hancu Louw

I walk in to find a middle-aged couple feverishly working on their

laptops. Introductions are made and I’m offered a cup of tea and some

rusks.

Enemies of the conservatives, friends of the underground. Myrtle

Clarke and Jules Stobbs, a.k.a. the ‘Dagga Couple’ as they have

become known in the South African media – look like most of my

friends’ parents, bearing no resemblance to the ‘useless stoner’

stereotype.

“People expect us to look like dirty hippies, smoking weed all day

and getting nothing done,” says Stobbs as he casually dunks a rusk

into his tea. “In reality we are squeaky clean individuals, we don’t even

have traffic fines.”

I start asking general questions concerning their campaign and

philosophy, but the conversation spirals off and we end up discussing

the Pistorius controversy.

A general sense of informed ease and confidence resides as the

interview progresses. More tea is made and I settle in, happy to hear

what Clarke and Stobbs have to say.

Fighting the preconceived notions connected to the recreational,

as well as medical use, of marijuana, the ‘Dagga Couple’ have done

extensive work to promote their cause and create awareness and

negate the various stigmas attached to the Cannabis Sativa – ‘dagga’

plant.

The couple started their campaign for the re-legalisation of

marijuana, about two and half years ago. In August 2010, police

raided their property, in search of a drug lab. They were arrested and

detained for five hours for the possession of 105g of dagga. They were

charged with dealing in illicit drugs, but were released on bail.

“Our case is based on extensive medical, legal and historical

research. We are of the opinion that the illegality of the possession,

cultivation and use of dagga in South Africa is in violation of our human

rights as reflected in the Bill of Rights, enshrined in the South African

Constitution,” says Stobbs.

The Couple, currently on an impromptu tour of South Africa, have

made various stops at known dagga “hotspots” around the country.

“We had an amazing time in Knysna, we spent a whole day with the

Rastafarian community and forged strong bonds between us and

a community that has been prosecuted for decades due to their

religious use of dagga,” says Clarke.

“Ultimately we are fighting for cognitive liberty; all people should be

responsible for what they choose to put in their bodies,” says Stobbs.

The Couple argue that, just like consuming alcohol or smoking

cigarettes are the prerogative of the individual, so is the consumption

and use of dagga.

According to Stobbs and Clarke, smoking, possessing and

cultivating dagga is a victimless crime, the punishment of which far

outweighs the supposed felony. “Who are we harming when we

choose to use dagga in the privacy and comfort of our own home?”

asks Clarke.

According to Stobbs, “The enforcement of the prohibition of dagga

costs the South African taxpayer millions every year, resources that

could be utilised more efficiently.” The South African climate is ideal

for the industrial cultivation of Hemp, a non-psychotropic version of

the dagga plant. “An industrial cannabis industry could potentially

create jobs in the agriculture, bio fuel, textile, building and medical

industries,” says Stobbs.

The Couple visited Grahamstown on 20 February at The Monastery

and spoke to a crowd of about a 100 people, mostly students, with

the odd older attendee sneakily lighting up a joint in the back.

In their presentation, they highlighted the various positive uses

for the plant and active substance found in it, Tetrahydrocannabinol

(THC). They also discussed the medical, economic and social benefits

that an active industrial cannabis industry may have for South Africa.

The couple insist, “People who have never tried cannabis cannot

claim to know anything about it.”

They did however emphasise the importance of knowing one’s

personal limits with regard to the consumption of dagga for

recreational use. “We do not condone excessive use or any peer

pressure on the part of using the plant,” says Clarke. The couple

are of the opinion that one can use cannabis and be a functional,

contributing member of society.

“Dagga is a common denominator between people from all walks

of life, if you saw us on the street you would think we are someone’s

parents,” says Clarke.

Fighting for a bong

The talk was hosted by founder and face of The Chaeli Campaign, Chaeli Mycroft (right). Pic: Sourced

12 BUSINESS 12 March 2013

73% list unemployment as a key concern

A lack of disposable income is the most significant barrier to SA’s investing behaviour.

Market volatility is the next greatest inhibitor.

40%claim their distrust of financial industry significantly influences their appetite for investing.

13% of them are confident their current saving plan will be able to provide a steady income once they stop working.

78% of SA investors are highly concerned about saving enough for retirement.

75,9% of investors value stable and predictable investment returns, with the majority agreeing that stability during volatile times is of utmost importance.

Investment Knowledge in Numbers

SOURCE: FINANCIAL MAIL & COREDATA RESEARCH INVESTOR APPETITE IN SA- BEHAVIOUR, RISK & CONFIDNCE REPORT 2013

(STUDY INVOLVED 1244 RESPONDENTS)

33% think most investments are a pure gamble

78%claim they invest only in products they understand. Alternatively investments are not yet fully understood by the majority of SA investors

82,8%of investors say they lack strong investment knowledge but most people do have clear financial goals

68%of investors claim to have a reasonable understanding of their risk portfolio

As finances are an integral part of the lives of South Africans, investing is of concern

to many. Investing is the act of committing money or capital to an endeavour (a

business, project, real estate, etc.) with the expectation of obtaining an additional

income or profit. Investing also can include the amount of time you put into the study

of a prospective company – after all, time is money.

Here are some statistics that illustrate investmenting in SA.

By Njabulo NkosiGraphics by Xand Venturas

By Njabulo Nkosi

If you are seeking prestigious internships,

your ‘ideal’ employer, or wish to invest in a

solid-performing enterprise, starting with

Financial Mail’s list Top 20 Companies

in South Africa may be worth your while.

1.Famouse Brands: the company with the

vision “to embark boldly on a journey that will

double the size of [their] business by 2013”

and a mission that focuses on growth and

development of ‘best in class’ franchised

leisure brands supported by a business model

which maximises stakeholder value creation-

in December 2012, it recorded highest ever

turnover by several of its biggest brands

including Steers, Debonairs, Wimpy, Mugg &

Bean and Fishaways.

2. Coronation: In an investment market

characterised by nervousness, concern and

generally pedestrian returns, Coronation Fund

Managers stands out as an outperformer. In

the six months leading up to March 2012, it

grew its assets under management by 28% to

R296bn.

3. Kumba Iron Ore: Though Kumba is a

favourite holding among institutional fund

managers, a few negatives continue to hang

over this stock. The valuation (p:e ratio of

just over 10 times) appears stretched at a

time when the global iron ore price is falling.

Also, it is exposed to a degree of legal risk

in its ongoing dispute with government and

ArcelorMittal SA. Only once the court case

has been decided will it be possible to make

a reasoned assessment of its operational

forecast.

4. Mix Telematics: Mix Telematics operates

successfully in the niche market of vehicle

tracking and fleet management solutions.

Its well-known brand from a consumer

perspective is Matrix vehicle tracking. The

group operates in 111 countries, helping

customers to reduce risk. At the time of

writing, it had released a trading statement

for the year ended 31 March 2012, with

headline earnings per share expected to rise

by between 37% and 42%.

5.EOH: If ever there was a classic case of

the old adage that success breeds success, it

is shown in EOH. Between 2003 and 2012,

headline earnings per share have grown from

15,5c to 126,9c. And compound annual

growth rate of 25%. EOH is now coming up

against some of the larger players in the IT

industry.

6.Kagiso Media: In the fiercely competitive

world of the media, this black-owned and

operated company stands out as a lesson

in how to do things right, first time every

time. Though somewhat more subdued than

last year’s interim results, it still managed to

increase revenue by 15% and pretax profit by

13% for the six months to December 2011.

Earlier this year, it made an offer to acquire Juta

& Company, which was accepted, subject to

regulatory approval.

7.Exxaro: Exxaro remains a firm favourite

among local investors. Strong earnings

growth in recent years has resulted in the

share being rated on a very undemanding p:e

ratio of around 10 times. Coal operations are

being expanded and Exxaro’s 20% stake in

Sishen Iron Ore Company provides the group

with stable funding for its expansion. It has

exchanged its mineral sands businesses for a

38,5% stake in Tronox, a pigment producer

based in the US.

8.ARM: Patrice Motsepe’s company does

not disappoint investors and yet ARM doesn’t

appear to have the kind of institutional

following it deserves. Interim results to

December 2011 were ahead of expectations.

The only real negative was at Nkomati, which

produced a loss of R128m in the first six

months of the financial year. ARM believes

implicitly in the longevity of the commodity

supercycle and continues to expand its

commitment to invest in the business.

9.WBHO: WBHO is regarded by many

institutional fund managers as the best firm in

the construction sector. Until recently, it had

an unbroken earnings track record spanning

over 15 years. So for its earnings to decline,

as they did in the year to June 2011, highlights

the parlous state of the local construction

industry.

10.Basil Read: Like its peers in the

construction sector, Basil Read has not

escaped the problems currently afflicting

the industry. For the 12 months to December

2011, revenue rose by 16% to R6,2bn, but

operating profit fell 24% to R281m and

headline earnings per share slumped by

33% to 139,7c. But the order book was

up 65% to R14bn, with the group starting

to see significantly more activity in power

generation, mining and infrastructure.

Financial Mail top 10 companies in SA

“We risk being a failed state. We already have signs of that. Show me a Democracy where you can have a

government that admits 0% of schools are not working. The training system is not working because we have 800,000 vacancies in services industry and 900,000

graduates who can’t get jobs.” – Mamphele Ramphele

Rand/Dollar: 9.13 Rand/Euro: 11.97

Rand/Pound: 13.68Inflation rate:5.47%

Market Indicators:

Business Round-Up

Standard Bank to boost ‘Africanness’ after CEO resigns

Mail & Guardian report that Kruger, who has been with the bank for

28 years, will stay in charge of personal and business banking, and

corporate investment banking.

Business confidence remained under pressure in February. It is

declining because of low economic growth, the SA chamber of

Commerce and Industry recently noted, reports IAfrica.

President Jacob Zuma appeals to land-reform beneficiaries not to sell

Selling land returned through reform process defeats purpose of

changing ownership patterns, President Jacob Zuma tells annual

House of Traditional Leaders meeting.

Adidas make 231m Pound Reebok write-off. Troubled sportswear

division suffered fraud at its Indian unit, lost a major American football

contract and had to endure the professional ice hockey strike, reports

the Guardian.

FIVE business leaders have been nominated by South Africa as its

representatives at the new Business Council for the BRICS group

of emerging economies. The representatives are: Patrice Motsepe

(Chairman), Nomaxabiso Majokweni, Sandile Zungu, Brian Molefe

and Stavros Nicolau.

13ENVIRONMENT12 MARCH 2013

By Jane Berg

Bringing more greenery into Grahamstown is the aim of ‘Tree for

Life’ an initiative of Rhodes University’s Department of Environmental

Science.

The project aims to cultivate an understanding of how trees can

improve the well-being of communities by starting small, or young, in

this case. By planting trees in currently barren schools, the hope is that

students will learn about and develop a long term interest in the natural

world.

“Hopefully if we start fostering a sense of stewardship in children

they can teach their parents and friends,” says Gladman Thondlana,

champion of the project.

‘Tree for Life’ began on Arbour Day last year with the planting of trees

at Ntsika Secondary School. The project has been ongoing since then

and there are now approximately 100 trees growing at Ntsika.

Madeline Schoeman, Principle of Ntsika Secondary School feels that

the project has been a success so far.

“Our learners should be in a more aesthetic environment. We have

a long way to go, but the trees have already changed the ‘feel’ of the

school,” says Madeline, “furthermore its educational; the learners learn

to care for the trees”.

Thondlana recognises that previously there have been a lot of tree

planting projects in Grahamstown which have failed.

This is why it has been important for the department to ensure the

venture is well planned and sustainable.

He considers ‘Tree for Life’ to be unique in that they only intend to

plant in enclosed spaces, to avoid damage by livestock, and so that

students are responsible to care for the trees.

It’s also different in that the organisers are interested in prioritising the

preferences and concerns of the community involved.

“I think that past projects have failed because people do not

understand why trees are important so they do not care about them,”

says Thondlana.

Because sustainability is so essential and due to a lack of funding to

cover the watering of the trees at Ntsika they haven’t expanded to other

schools.

“We want this to be a success story before we start to move on” he

says.

The focus of the project is after all on a long term goal, the prospect

of strong mature trees at Ntsika and a lasting appreciation of the

environment in its graduates.

Tree for Life

By Jane Berg

Organisers of Rhodes’ Green Fun Run

are hoping for 1000 entrants to this year’s

signature environmental event to take place

on Sunday 17 March. Teams compete for

prizes by running a relay of three legs starting

at the Botanical Gardens. Proceeds from the

R10 entrance cost are donated to the Green

Fund which supports environmentally friendly

projects at Rhodes and

promotes sustainability

throughout the town.

Awards, consisting of

the symbolic planting of a

tree, are given not only to

the fastest runners but also,

the largest team, and for the best costume,

although most take part in the race purely for

enjoyment.

Thando Maurice from John Kotze Residence

says that she is mostly looking forward to

dressing up and walking the track with her

friends. “With friends the walk should be fun, I

hope it’s pretty,” she said.

Catherine Bower and Gia Sciscio from Amina

Cachalia House also enjoy team effort and are

hoping Amina Cachalia will win the award for

biggest team. “Because we are a new res we

don’t have many traditions so we want to start

some,” says Catherine.“ It’s also an easy way to

contribute to the environment”. She describes

it as easy because the race only takes about an

hour or two, so students can get all their work

done beforehand.

Both Bower and Sciscio, however, feel that

that the advertising goes unnoticed by most

people. “If I wasn’t in res I probably wouldn’t

realise it was happening,” says Scisico. “Half

the battle is won when you

are just made aware.” It’s

the awareness factor rather

than the fundraising they

feel is most useful, they

don’t mind that the cause is

not specific. “Because you

feel like you are just helping, you don’t have to

know anything special about it,” says Bower.

Patrick Wilken, Welfare and Environmental

Rep for the Oppidan Union, also noted that it

is a concrete but completely non-controversial

event. “What’s good is that people are just

mentally and physically involved”.

Teams or Individuals can sign up at a

registration table which will be outside the

Rhodes University Library on Friday 15 March

or on Sunday 17 just before the run is held at

4:30 pm.

Running Green

By Jane Berg

‘Let corporations provide the basic services that

government fails to. They will be more accountable

and more efficient than government’.

This argument resonated at a debate on privatising

service delivery on Wednesday 6 March at Rhodes

during Human Rights Week.

Hosted by Galela Amanzi and the Rhodes

Debating Society, teams debated the efficacy of

privatising local utility services in meeting social

needs. The team in favour of privatisation argued

that if wealthy citizens paid a high price for service

delivery it would give corporations an incentive to

subsidize them for the poor. The team argued the

major obstacle of inefficiency would be eradicated

by competition.

Opposing debaters argued that big businesses

would most likely be highly unwilling to provide

for the poor and that the profit-driven nature of

corporations would make them just as unresponsive,

or worse.

Galela Amanzi chairperson, Manosa Nthunya,

does not think privatising would be viable, but

he does feel it is imperative the provision of basic

services is emphasised.

“The debate is really about raising the question

of how to make government more accountable, to

engage with the issue and see what people’s views

are on the topic of service delivery,” says Nthunya.

Galela Amanzi, ‘pour the water’, is a student society

which attempts to address the challenge of access

to clean drinking water in Grahamstown by installing

water tanks in poorer areas. The usefulness of NGOs

and societies such as Galela Amanzi, he states, is

their role in bridging the gap between what is being

done and what needs to be done. He considers it to

be the most appropriate measure for the time-being.

Debating public utilities

By Staff Writer

Rhodes University is holding its first entirely

environmentally-based film festival from February to April.

The festival will showcase films confronting environmental

concerns and opportunities, from bio-oil and visionary

solutions to climate change to the ‘politics of water’ and the

insidious side of the US’ food industry.

“Each movie covers a certain aspect of the environment,”

says Luke Cadden, SRC Environmental Councillor for 2013

and organiser of the event. “Each has a specific focus that

will be different to the film shown the week before”.Cadden

believes it’s important for students to have a platform for

knowledge and debate around such a crucial subject.

“These environmental problems also relate to Grahamstown

as a whole. Water is a big issue and energy is a national

problem,” he says.

One of the films shown so far has tackled the topic of fuel,

detailing the origins of fossil fuel dependence and the use

of biofuel as a substitute. This film hones in on solutions to

the global fuel ‘addiction’. ‘The 11th Hour’, screened on 5

March, is more well-known than the previous film, possibly

due to its narrator Leonardo DiCaprio, and covers a more

extensive range of issues. Cadden humorously refers to the

film as “a ‘beginner’s guide’ to understanding generally what

is wrong with the world”. The film advocates the plausibility

of consumer consciousness as a solution to these issues.

The festival is structured so there will be a repeat of each

film on the programme, in case students are unable to attend

the first screening. Despite the organiser’s considerations for

convenience, many students still prefer private viewing and

low attendance can be a challenge. According to Gia Sciscio

from Amina Cachalia House, “The problem is the films are

easily accessible, and for us, Eden Grove is practically at the

other end of campus”. Nevertheless, the festival is open to

all students and will continue into April.

FilmFest showcases environmental challenges and opportunities

School chilren relished the opportunity to plant trees. Pic: Sourced

Galela Amanzi’s, Manosa Nthunya, speaks about the role government and NGOs play when addressing is-sues of water and service delivery in Grahamstown, 6 March 2013. Pic: Sibulele Mabusela

14 SPORT MAP 12 March 2013

Rhodes University

Map of Sport Venues

1.Astro and Athletics trackSituated behind sports admin you can find the AstroTurf and futsal court where hockey and 5-aside soccer are played. Hockey offers competitive and social leagues and futsal both men and women’s competitions. You can also find the athletics track and clubhouse, which offers track and field events as well as road running and cross country and triathlon/duathlon. The facility includes changing rooms and Rhodes Sports Bar.

2. Great FieldBehind the Steve Biko student union is the Great Field. These are used for cricket and rugby as well as Archery who practice on the far right hand side of the field. Most large sporting

fixtures are accommodated at this venue.

3. Prospect Fields On the right hand side of Sports Admin you can find Prospect Fields. Boasting two soccer fields and a cricket pitch. There are also changing rooms as well as the Rhodes sports bar is available at this facility.

4. King Field Behind Nelson Mandela Dining Hall you can find the Kings Field. These soccer fields are floodlit and have a clubhouse.

5. Squash CourtsBehind the Rhodes swimming pool you can find three squash courts and

six adjacent to Alec Mullins Hall.

6. Alec Mullins Indoor HallAlec Mullins houses a variety of sporting events. Basketball, volleyball and badminton are played here it also houses a climbing wall. Alec Mullins can be found behind the Rhodes Health Suite.

7. Netball and Tennis CourtsThere are two netball courts behind the tennis courts. There are eight tennis courts and a clubhouse. Situated on the right of Prince Alfred street, past the student union – on the way up the hill.

8. DojoAdjacent to Alec Mullins Hall, Akido

and other Marshal Arts are practiced here. 9. The Hangar At the top of the hill behind the Africa Media Matrix is The Hanger. Karate, DanceSport, and table tennis are all practiced in this venue.

10. Rifle Range Located behind Jan Smuts dining Hall.

11. Rhodes swimming poolIn front of the of the Rhodes Steve Biko student union. The swimming pool is generally used for leisure. Waterpolo practices are held at Kingswood through the aquatics club and access is provided to the DSG

pool.

12. DSG Swimming pool.On African Street, opposite the Barrat parking lot, for the serious swimmer DSG offers an indoor heated Olympic swimming pool 13. The Purple Horse (Pool Club) Downstairs in the Steve Biko Student union. The pool club plays both competitive and social pool.

14. The Health Suite (Gym)At the end of African street (next to the HKE department) the Rhodes Health Suite provides a range of facilities including a fully kitted gym, group fitness and a spinning room.

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15SPORT12 March 2013

By Tebo Ramosili and Stephanie Shumba

2013 promises to be a positive year for both inter-res and Rhodes sport. Sports Admin and Student Sports Council in collaboration with the sports reps from residences have unveiled a new approach to sport at Rhodes this year.

“Though majority of students love sport, not all of them like to compete,” said Mandla Gagayi, head of Rhodes Sports Admin. It is because of this, that this year there are two different approaches to sport, competitive and social methods. After the structural collapse of Inter-res in 2012, Gagayi has guaranteed a successful and fun Inter-res competition for this year.

Created as a means of encouraging

healthy competition while also promoting residential pride and spirit, the success of this year’s Inter-res, rests on the shoulders of the residential sports reps and Sports Admin. “This year we are aiming to bridge the divide between sports reps and Sports Admin,” explains Gagayi. “Lack of communication is what ruined Inter-res last year. So this year has to be different.” As a way of improving the communication between the sports reps and Sports Admin, a newly appointed sub-committee (consisting of one sporting representative from each dinning hall along with a hall warden) has been set-up. The rest of the success is simply a matter of residential initiative.

The newest and most relevant feature to Inter-Res is the ‘social’

and ‘competitive’ aspect. This is a new development after many of the residences expressed their desire to compete, but did not enjoy being competitive. Each residence is allowed to enter two teams, one competitively and one socially. This will cater for those wishing to participate both competitively and socially in the inter-res competion. Points will be awarded to both teams.

Despite the social and competitive aspects, Inter-res is still a competition that encourages students to test their water polo, table tennis and even dancing skills. Although Calata and Wincester are at the top of the table, after faring well at Inter-res aquatics, there are still 14 more events to complete.

Training workshops were also held

for the chairmen and women of each of the sports on offer at Rhodes. Allowing various sporting codes to discuss problems they have had as clubs and brainstorm solutions together. Giving the heads of each of the clubs the opportunity to work out the ‘kinks’ before their seasons got underway.

Sports sign-up was a success this year with many sporting codes pulling large numbers for their club and Sports Admin considering holding another in the second semester. The sports season is already underway, Inter-varisty, USSA and the sports awards dinner are all events that students are encouraged to get involved in. “I am confident that our approach will lead more students especially women to come back to sport,” said Gagayi.

2013 sport, looking ahead

Chips and Coke win the groceries in the Oppi-lympics

By Brad Dennett

West Ham United 2 - Tottenham Hotspurs 3

Tottenham, with the help of a 89th minute

screamer from Gareth Bale, secured a

potentially vital win over their East London

rivals and jumped above Chelski into third

place in the league.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger retorted that

“apparently evolution wasn’t part of the

process journey”, they had a bit of a scuffle

and Bale went bananas.

Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 3

Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa

del Rey final by beating their fierce rivals

Barcelona 3-1 at the Nou Camp.

Ronaldo was seen after the match talking to

detectives, “I honestly don’t know where

he is, seriously, one match he was there and

the next – nothing.” Ronaldo is still being

questioned for the disappearance of Lionel

Messi. Detectives have asked the public to

keep an eye out for the part Argentine, part

Hobbit, as his Brazilian Supermodel girlfriend

can’t find his wallet.

Wigan 0 - Liverpool 4

Liverpool eased past a hapless Wigan side 4-0

at the DW Stadium. Luis Suarez scored a hat-

trick with Stuart Downing grabbing the other.

Suarez has continued his running trend of

scoring and subsequently staying spread-

eagled on the ground. Gerrard has apparently

been instructed by the Liverpool hierarchy to

remind him that this is only a necessity when

in the following situations: he has the ball 4cm

away from his foot, when the opposition have

the ball, when someone sneezes near him,

when someone is mean to him, if anything

happens which isn’t pro-Aryan, if there’s an

eclipse and/or when he’s actually scored.

Brendan Rodgers came out after the game,

boldly stating “We have sent out a clear

message to the two Manchester Clubs”;

however as Liverpool are so far behind

them it’s believed that they’ll only receive it

sometime next August.

Tottenham 2 - Arsenal 1

Tottenham defeated their North London rivals

2-1 at White Hart Lane to move themselves

back into third position, a point ahead of

Chelsea and 7 in front of Arsenal.

At his post-match press conference Wenger

was in a positive mood. “Come on, it was

one good game! I mean did you see that one

moment when Wilshere passed to Arteta,

Arteta who had that little spark in his eye

then passed to Ramsey who then passed to

Jenkinson, who ran a bit, passed to Walcott

who then played a one-two with Cazorla and

then passed to Giroud who passed back

to Arteta, who looked up and passed to

Mertesacker who smiled a little and passed

back to Szszesny??? I mean WOW those were

some good passes!”

Brad Dennett is a writer for White Line Fever.

For the full article, visit http://wlfever.co.za/

About last week: Bale, Barcelona &

Brothers

By Ashleigh Morris

Music drifted across the field and the

smell of braai smoke was carried on

the gentle morning breeze. Various

obstacles dotted the Great Field,

including a paint ball arena and gladiator

slides. Slowly students could be spotted

casually making their way across the field

in various outfits, ranging from bright

afro wigs to slightly more casual, colour

coordinated t-shirts.

The morning got under way with

twenty teams of Oppidan students all

competing in six challenges. Teams

got down and dirty for the gladiator

challenge as they bobbed for apples

and then got their faces covered in flour

before they made their way over three

gladiator slides.

Other tasks challenged the team both

mentally and physically, as they needed

to co-ordinate their left and right legs

while walking on planks before reaching

puzzles which they had to assemble.

The doughnut eating required some

mouth action as three team members

guided a blind folded member through

tractor tyres to the doughnut hanging

from a string, which they then had to eat

without using their hands. Other events

included Minute to Win It, trolley racing

and paintball.

Paintball was new to some students

who had never done before. A

traumatised third-year psychology

student came out saying it had been the

scariest thing she had done in her life. “It

felt like I was in the army doing training,”

she said. She added that she even

pretended she had been shot just to get

out of the game.

Kent Lisher, owner of Gungho Bikes

and Paintball, has worked with the

Oppidan Commitee on this event on

numerous occasions. He explains that

people do get scared, but it always turns

out to be a fun time.

As the day continued, many teams

finished well before the scheduled

ending time of 4 pm. Students sat

around eating lunch and mingling. The

music continued and teams relaxed,

waiting for the end when the winning

team would be announced. A trolley

filled with groceries to the value of R1000

waited for them at the end of the event.

A small quiz acted as the prelude to the

prize giving. Teams were presented with

questions and riddles, which resulted in

spot prizes from various sponsors. There

were also prizes for best dressed, which

went to The Zoo and The Shoes. The

best spirit award required teams to come

up with a song in a couple of minutes,

which the crowd would then vote on.

Three teams competed for this but in the

end The Church Digs got the crowds

vote. Chips and Coke wheeled away

the first prize with Fortress and Ginger

and the Ninja’s taking second and third

respectively.

Results & Fixtures

Join the coversation onlineactivateonline.co.za @ActivateOnline facebook.com/ActivateOnline

2013 Sport,

Looking Ahead

Page 15

English Premier League

Saturday 16 March

Everton v Man CityAston Villa v QPR

Southampton v LiverpoolStoke v West BromSwansea v ArsenalMan Utd v Reading

Sunday 17 March

Sunderland v NorwichTottenham v FulhamChelsea v West HamWigan v Newcastle

Super Rugby

Friday 8 March

Rebels 13 - 23 RedsHurricanes 29 - 28 Crusaders

Saturday 9 March

Blues 21 - 28 Bulls Southern Kings 12 – 21 Sharks

Stormers 36 – 34 ChiefsBrumbies 35 – 6 Waratahs

Highlanders 19 - 36 Cheetahs

Cricket

South Africa vs Pakistan

1st ODI: 10 March2nd ODI: 15 March3rd ODI: 17 March4th ODI: 21 March5th ODI: 24 March

Edition 2, 12 March 2013

University of Pretoria were winners of the FNB 2012 Varisty Cup. Pic: Perdeby/Brad Donald

By Nandi Pape

Screaming, chanting and hoarse voices pierced

the usually peaceful Monday nights at the start of

this year. War cries and cheers of encouragement

resonated from the various university stadiums across

the country as spirit and emotions, both on and off

the field, ran high. Once again, the FNB Varsity Cup

Championships had arrived..

Since 4 March, the top rugby teams from various

universities have been playing their hearts out

almost every Monday night in hopes of winning

the title. The opening game of round one between

Stellenbosch University (Maties) and the University

of Johannesburg (UJ) proved to be a strong opening

for the 2013 season, ending in a 29-8 victory for

Maties, boosting them almost immediately to the top

of the log. That same night saw reigning champions,

the University of Pretoria (Tuks) take on North West

University (NWU Pukke) in what proved to be a nail-

biter, with the defending champions just managing

to beat the challengers (26-23). The University of

Witwatersrand (Wits) took on the University of the

Free State (Shimlas) with the Shimlas coming out on

top (7-61) and the University of Cape Town (Ikeys)

against Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

(NMMU) ending in a five-all tie.

The age-old rivalry between Maties and Ikeys

resulted in a thrilling game of rugby once again on

the 4 March; drawing a large crowd of students and

spectators alike to the UCT Rugby Fields. Maties

came out on top with a 15-37 victory despite trailing

15-13 at half-time. The Ikeys played a brilliant match,

hoping to end their six- year losing streak to Maties.

It was looking as though they might just do it until

a late intercept by Maties reserve wing, JP Lewis,

infiltrated the try line and rekindled Maties’ drive and

simultaneously crushing the Ikeys dreams.

Other memorable moments of the night include the

last few minutes of the match between the Shimlas

and the NWU Pukke. This saw one last attempt by the

Pukke to try and lessen the gap after the final hooter

had gone. The game ended with a 20, rather than

30, point difference (38-18). Another memorable

match was Tuks against Wits, which ended in a

resounding loss for Wits with the final score being

52-0.

Since the start of their season, the Maties have yet

to lose a game, which places them at the top of the

log with 23 points after five games played. Sharing

second place are Tuks and UJ, with 16 points each.

Close behind is NMMU with 15 points, followed by

NWU Pukke (14) and the Shimlas (12). The Ikeys are

currently seventh on the log with five points after one

draw and four losses. Wits are currently in last place,

with only one point and no wins and five losses since

the start of the season.

For more news, results, fixtures and more, visit

http://varsitycup.co.za/

By Ashleigh Morris

Carmen David, who works as a translator, decided

to start giving swimming lessons after she noticed

there was a lack of African swimmers at International

events.

She explains that she realised that this was due to

the lack of facilities and people willing to teach them.

Ten years ago, she and Marian Walwyn, a part time

education lecturer, started working together to offer

free swimming lessons at various facilities such as St

Andrews, Kingswood, DSG and now Winchester

House.

Up until now, David has mostly taught children. The

group she is teaching now are her first adult pupils.

Although only two pupils arrived for the lesson, the

classes are full at the moment, with six people taking

part. Both David and Walwyn stress the importance

of keeping the classes small for safety reasons.

“Swimming is a special dimension where you can

rest, move around with no gravity, exercise, have fun

and refresh,” said David. “It’s a pity when one does

not know how to safely engage with it, as water also

holds danger, so it’s better to know how to control it.

The look of amazement on pupils’ faces when they

realise that they can overcome their fears and swim is

fantastic.”

The lesson consisted of basic swimming skills.

Both the pupils who were taking part that day were

learning to go underwater and were asked to retrieve

objects from the bottom of the pool. After a couple

of attempts and a little help from David, both girls

managed to do this.

Khanyisa Stuurman, who is a PGCE foundation

student, explains how that although she feels her

progress is slow, she is positive about the lessons.

“The whole swimming exercise is a challenge for

me,” she says. “I’m not taking it for granted at all, but

am positive about it. My biggest achievement so

far is the ability to go back to lessons again I never

thought I would last this long but here I am.”

Discovering the joy of swimming

Varisty cup in full swing