Edition 4, 30 April 2013

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INSIDE
Page 4 Page 5

Rhodes Universitys Independent Student Newspaper

Est. 1947

How much do we spend on booze?

Student Apathy Confronted

Get Ready to Curl Up and Dye

Page 6

The tolling of the bells: Photo Story

Page 8

O S N E

D E R

Rhodes Street Style

Page 12

Enviro Week Recapped

Page 13

30 April 2013

Rhodes Street Style

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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: Kuvaniah Moodley Cindy Archillies Tinika King Nuen Chief Pics Editor: Niamh Walsh- Vorster Assistant Pics. Editor: Sibulele Mabusela Illustrator: Katja Schreiber News Editor: Brenda Sekgota Politics Editor: Andrew Blane Business Editor: Njabulo Nkosil A & E Print Editor: David Mann A & E Online Editor: Leah Solomon Lifestyle 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.com Deputy Editor: activate.deputy@gmail.com Printed by Paarlcoldset, Port Elizabeth

Bongani Dzeya 3rd Year BA Politics, INS and Organisational Psychology Inspired by the 60s... I love all things vintage, but mostly the 60s period. I also love the liberal hippie fashion and incorporate that into my style. Pic:Carly Hosford-Israel

Anita Ndlovu 1st Year in Journalism and Economics Inspired by anything fresh, vibey, and fashionable Pic:Carly Hosford-Israel

For more Rhodes Street Style turn to page 12

From the Editor

It is a sad time for journalism is South Africa. I think it is incredibly ironic that the country celebrated Freedom Day on Saturday just days after the passing of the Protection of Information Bill (Secrecy Bill). The sad reality is aisdv;ohsgo;hsufgljs ;lh and o;ihsdv;lshva;oilhrbvo;hs to the lakjshfvo;huwars;jbgv.. The bill was voted in by 189 to 74 votes by the National Assembly in Parliament. Many people have spoken out against the bill and calls have been made to refer the bill to the Constitutional Court. Opposition parties and civil society organisations have indicated they intend launching a legal challenge should Zuma sign the contentious bill into law. If the controversial bill is signed into law, it would mean that Newspapers would no longer be able to report on President Jacob Zumas philandering or Deputy President Kgalema Mothlantes month-long vacations, paid for with tax-payers money. The passing of the Secrecy Bill is, in effect, an example of the governments politics of fear approach that prevents the public from holding the leaders of sate accountable for the failing of our country. Mamphela Ramphele, leader of new political party Agang, contended that it is fear of the ANC that prevents citizens, both black and white, from holding the government to account. It is plain to see that there are many issues with the Protection of Information Bill, with objections to the bill coming from every sphere of society. For the good of the right to the freedom of speech, and the journalism profession, I hope that the ConCourt prevents this bill becoming a law.

Xand Venturas Editor-In-Chief

The blacking out of this editorial is not a result of the Protection of Information Bill, but rather a statement on the future of journalism, should the bill be signed into law. The cover page is also a comment on the likeness of the bill to the censorship of the media during the apartheid era.

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Edition 4

NEWS 3

News [in briefs]

Youths Learn to read and play music as part of the Access music project at the newly opened Joza Youth Hub. In partnership with Rhodes University Community Engagement office the youth centre gives youths the opportunity to take part in a number of educational activities. The ABSA Achiever Programme, Ikamva Youth Programme Upstart, Village Scribe and the Access Music Project, have all moved into the building as part of this youth development initiative. The centre is open daily, and in the process of setting up a fully a fitted computer lab with Internet access which will also allow the centre to give computer literacy classes to the community. It took two years of negotiations with the municipality but the youth centre is up and running providing important educational resources to the Joza youth community. Pic: Bridgette Hall.

Despite the rainy weather, there was still the biggest turnout ever for the 1in9 Silent Protest on 19 April. Around 1500 students took part in this years protest which saw all of them standing in solidarity with each other and rape victims around the world. Pic: Julien Fievez

Pics: Bridgette Hall

A burst water pipe spraying into the air in African Street (outside the Rhodes gym) left residents running for cover 17 April. The impromptu fountain was left unattended for the whole day leaving Grahamstonians in dismay after the recent water outages where they were left with no water for almost a week. In a press conference vice chancellor Saleem Badat admitted they came close to closing the university early. Burst water pipes, potholes and leaking sewage are now a daily occurrence in Grahamastown, evidence of the crumbling infrastructure of the City.

Shannon-Leigh Landers of Rosa Parks House, stunned the crowed as she sang her way to victory in the Founders Hall Idols on Saturday 27 April. It was a hard fought victory as the pool of contestants were densely populated with talented performers. The venue of the competition, The Great Hall, was sold out and the packed house were thrilled by the diverse array of talent on display. All proceeds from the ticket sales go towards the Give5 Foundation. Pic: Xand Venturas

4 NEWS

30 April 2013
Did you know that there are 10 bells in the cathedal tower? Find out more in our Photo Story on page 8

Makana builds flats for middleincome earning residents

By Brenda Sekgota As part of the low cost housing scheme, Makana municipality has set aside land to build flats aimed at community members that do not qualify for RDP houses or housing subsidies. This initiative forms part of a national drive to increase housing. Makana municipality currently suffers from a drastic housing backlog and made an application to the Provincial Department of Housing for the flats that will be built under the Community Development Unit (CRU) Programme. The government has established that a number of provinces, including the Eastern Cape, are unable to provide houses to all members of the community. The initiative was thus put into action to benefit middle-income individuals that do not meet the criteria for RPD houses and subsidies. The phase two Mayfield housing project will only provide houses for 2,300 people, while 12,000 people have registered for houses in Makana, said Mncedisi Boma, spokesperson for the municipality. Makana municipality cannot confirm projected plans for the flats, but evidence shows that Makana municipality is not the first municipality to come up with such a programme. Similar projects have been implemented in East London and Port Elizabeth. The proposed flats range in size; two-bedroom flats, bachelor flat and onebedroom flats. The land that was identified by the municipality is situated at corner of Currie and Fitzory Street. The location of the land brought about many arguments as some councillors believe that it should be used as a Multi-Purpose Centre for the community. Buildings on the property have been vandalised and furniture looted in the past, but the area is serviced, providing adequate water and electricity connections. Nomhle Gaga who is in support of the programme told Grocotts Mail that ward qualify for a flat in the proposed development. Boma said that the municipality will inform the community once the application has been approved. According to Boma this is not the only housing scheme the municipality is engaged with at the moment, other projects are being put into place to engage institutions like Rhodes University. Boma said that Rhodes University has a number of employees who do not qualify for RDP houses. The responsibility of the municipality is to apply for infrastructure and institutions such as Rhodes are then required to construct the proposed infrastructure. The flats will be rental flats, said Boma. The money accumulated from these flats will be part of the municipality revenue base. The municipality cannot indicate how much the rent will be, but once the houses are built they will provide a rough rent estimate. There are quite a number of debates that will be raised such as whether Makana has the resources to manage such a programme, said Boma. He went on to say that the community needs to realise that it is all about working together. Housing is an essential service they should provide. He appealed to the community to be patient because they are working on a number of programmes to address the backlog in housing.

Rhodes University Language Committee

Celebrating Multilingualism in Higher Education Sibhiyozela ukusetyenziswa kweeLwimi eziNinzi Die Viering van Meertaligheid
The RU Language Committee invites you to the second RU Multilingualism Awareness Colloquium

12,000 people have registered for houses in Makana

councillors should allow such programmes to take place in order to cater for middle-income residents. The municipality stated that they are aware of the need to provide middle-income residents with essential services. Boma said that once the application is approved the municipality will need to work on a beneficiary list; so that once the houses are built the municipality can identify people who

Guest Speaker: Prof Michael Joseph

The Access - Diversity Issue in Multilingual Education: Dichotomy or Dialectic?
Date: 15 May 2013 Time: 18h00-20h00 Venue: Eden Grove Blue
Response to the guest speaker's address and a panel discussion will follow the main address Snacks and drinks will be served afterwards All welcome
The winner of the multiligual short will be announced at the Colloquium. The winner of the multilingual short story story and competition will berecieve There will be a reading of the winning the winner will announced at the Colloquium. The winner R100 prize will reading the winning story and receive a R1000.00 prize.

Gr

ap h W ics b or ds y X by and Sta Ve n ff W tura rit er s

What are South Africans spending on booze?

BEER BEER

R15bn

R74bn
R40.4bn

was the total revenue of SAs alcoholic beverage market in the year end June 2012.

is the growth shown in volume consumed in the ready to drink market SPIN over the past five years, making it the fastest grower in the industry.

23.8%

is the total value of the SA market for spirits.

was the value of the beer market in 2011-2012, or about 55% of the total alcoholic beverage market. Beer has marginally increased its market share, largely due to increases in the premium beer market.

51,2% by value of wines sold in the super premium category were red, 34.6% white and 14.3% ros.

42.9% by value of premium wine was sold in 5l boxes, 21.3% in 3l boxes and 15.8% in bottles.

BEER

35.7m litres

37.1m litres

17.1m litres

78.6%
BEER

of liquor sales by volume is beer, with ready to drink beverages, such as Klippies and Coke, accounting for 9.9% of the volume sold and 13.1% of the value.

R6.5bn worth of whisky was sold in 2011-2012, the second successive year in which it has outsold brandy in terms of value. But marginally more brandy (37.1m litres) was sold. Whisky sold 35.7m litres, while vodka was a distant third with 17.1m litres.

63,5% by value of wines sold in the premium wine category were white, followed by 20.4% ros and 16.1% red.

is the total value of the market for unfortified wine in SA.

R7bn

Edition 4

POLITICS

All aboard for the station of destruction

Upon bringing the issue of the destruction of the train station to SAHRA they said it did not fall under their mandate and said it was The Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Agencys (ECPHRA) responsibility. According to ECPHRA it is the the responsibility of the stations owner to look after it, as they do not have the legal mandate or funding to do so. The historic Grahamstown Train Station now lies decrepid and vandalised. Pic: Bridgette Hall If damage is done to By Bridgette Hall the property, the owners must be contacted. The police must get involved if In a little over two months the old Grahamstown train there is any criminal activity, Lennox Zote, ECPHRAs station has become a shell, with looters and vandals manager said in a telephone interview from King completely destroying the provincial heritage site. Williams Town. Roofing, floor boards, even bricks from a fire place has Chairperson on the ECPHRRA board in Grahamstown left the building in ruins. Raising concern and outrage Jean Burgess gave Grocotts Mail the following by the citizens of Grahamstown but just where does the statement, The complete lack of resources makes the responsibility lie for maintaining what was once a hive functioning of ECPHRA impossible. The Department of activity? of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture has failed in its National Monuments in South Africa previously fell responsibility to ensure ECPHRA has the resources to under the National Monuments Council which was perform its legal mandate. later replaced by the South African Heritage Resources National and provincial monuments were meant to have Agency (SAHRA). On their website they say, SAHRA is been categorised within 5 years of the new Heritage a statutory organisation established under the National Resources Act coming into effect in 1999 but heritage Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999, as the national sites still lie in limbo. administrative body responsible for the protection of The PHRAs throughout the country have never South Africas cultural heritage. functioned effectively and ECPHRA has been particularly ineffective and dysfunctional. The position regarding National Monuments is therefore one of great concern and has been for some time, said Advocate and part time Rhodes lecturer Jock McConnachie. In the meantime a number of arrests have been made by the police with regard to vandalism and theft at the train station and cases of possession of suspected stolen property have been opened for investigation. However SAPS require the owners of the station to lay a charge. The challenge in this instance is that we need to prove who this property belonged to so that we can link the case of possession to that of theft. If the case of possession cannot be proven at court, then the case against the suspect is withdrawn, Captain Mali Govender told Grocotts Mail reporters. The train service, which last ran three years ago, was originally run by Transnet. In line with the transport strategy the state transferred all Transnets assets to PRASA RAIL (passenger railway agency of South Africa) who was mandated to operate both the Main Line Passenger Service (MLPS Shosholoza Meyl city-to-city) train service and suburban commuter train services (Metrorail). The owners of the station now being PRASA then? Not according to Regional Manager of PRASA EC Richard Walker, because the Main Line Passenger Service was withdrawn such a long time ago it is still unclear if this is one of the assets that transferred ownership and they are currently in talks with Transnet to clarify this matter. Yet the station still stands empty. The question remains then why there is no train service to speak of when billions of Rands have been allocated by government to rail infrastructure in South Africa.

The politics of giving

By Hancu Louw I recently agreed to cover the antics of the No Danger Diaries (NDD) crew. The concept behind NDD is having fun while sharing the joy. Essentially it entails four upper middleclass guys going around the country with a list of tasks having fun at the expense of their sponsors. The NDD crew managed to spark corporate interest by adding one charitable act for every two tasks they complete on their list. Thus far their charitable acts have included; taking a homeless man to dinner, taking two women from Grahamstown who have never seen the ocean to Port Alfred and taking chocolates to ladies in a retirement village on Valentines Day. We realised that you dont have to be an NGO to help people or make a difference. So for every two tasks we complete on our list, we do one charitable act, says Travis Stedman one of the crew members. There are many people who do not have the opportunity and resources to lead the lifestyle we do, emphasised Daniel Becker. Our aim with the charitable acts is to acknowledge our privilege, and afford people who do not have the same opportunities, a fun time with us while we complete our tasks. Here we have a group of good Samaritans working according to a mantra of share the joy. But to what extent are they really sharing anything but a small amount of their sponsored budget and a little bit of their time? As with most NGOs and charities around the world there is a tendency to see the givers as everyday heros swooping in to save the day and help people who supposedly cant do anything themselves. The poor, marginalised and underprivileged are seen as passive victims, waiting to be saved by the white man in his big 4x4 doling out sweets and Red Bull while trying to get his tongue around the strange syllables of the victims name. This brings to question, the politics of giving. How does one engage in acts of charity and kindness without being selfish? To a large extent charity is a deeply selfish act, boosting the ego of the helper and degrading the helped to a level of desperate eyes and outstretched hands asking for more. Please dont get me wrong, I am not pointing fingers at NDD and accusing them in particular. The time I spent with them, rolling through Joza, looking for anyone that hasnt seen the ocean before hey bru. Made me realise that we live in a society of misdirected kindness, driven by our egos and a desire to feel fulfilled. The politics of giving is seated in entrenched power relations, which in this country; we will struggle with for many years to come.

WASA confronts perception of student apathy

By Marc Davies Discussing the perception of increased student apathy in the post-apartheid university, WASA (Womens Academic Solidarity Association) panelists presented their perspectives on whether current student attitudes towards political inquiry signified the Dea(r)th of Youth Intellectualism at South Africas higher institutions. Rhodes Politics lecturer Siphokazi Magadla chaired the event on 18 April, presenting a panel comprising of Professor Jean Baxten, of Rhodes Education Department, historian and political voice Dr Nomalanga Mhkize, Dr Sally Matthews of the Politics Department, Ms Babalwa Magoqwana, and History lecturer Dr Carla Tsampiras. Professor Baxten argued that education is integral to encouraging South African youths to confront societal challenges and complexities. She also questioned what we value in the pedagogic act that continues to undermine education especially if it perpetuates difference, and produces or reproduces othering and inequity. Insisting on her more robust approach to the topic, Dr Mkhize maintained that intensified political activity at Rhodes in the 1980s was an anomaly, suggesting the student apathy is not a phenomenon particular to the post-apartheid era. However, she said there has since been a growing youth perception that you were either born under white supremacy or in a democracy with seemingly no ground in-between. Mkhize further said, Rhodes must not pretend it has deracialised in a real way, adding that the black middle class at Rhodes behaves like the white kids and that students at elite institutions expect lecturers there to treat us like clients. Mkhize, however, said that the sphere of politics in South Africa is difficult for youth people, including youth marginalization even as a middle class. She pointed out that youths interested in politics often either want to be famous on Twitter or they want to be Floyd Shivambu. Mkhize argued that much of the apathy that is seen is a consequence of blacks not being able to identify with the ANC, as well as DASO (Democratic Alliance Students Organisation) which Mkhize said fits under the banner of bourgeois narcissism. Alternatively, she suggested that to encourage a cultural shift, youth can ditch narcissism, Marx and neo-liberalism and write their own future using a new language. Politics lecturer Dr Sally Matthews, who has taught African Studies and other programmes at Rhodes and previously University of Pretoria, said that we are not sufficiently engaged because we do not recognize continued divisions. However, her perspectives were more nuanced, adding that she has identified a growing shift in her students responses to questions of politics in (South) Africa. She referred to how black students have become increasingly critical of the ANC and white students of western powers and dominance. We need to restrain from saying our students are totally de-politicised students are becoming more diverse, critical and inspired by different things, she said. Babalwa Magoqwana, in a more personal vein, poignantly asked if the classroom has become a more de-politicised space because ideas are often not included in the written and spoken language. She recalled her own experience as an undergraduate at Rhodes where she remained silent during tutorials while others spoke nonsense eloquently. She argued that what is critical going forward is a language and culture of hope. Dr Tsampiras, alternatively, said that history shows us spirals and continuities, pointing to apathy in a new form characterized by students accepting being told it is nice to drink Nestle Water and own a Samsung but that this does not have to be accepted. To confront apathy in its new and old forms, she argued that what is needed is imagination to think and vision the world differently. Days after the event, April 27th signified 19 years since the first post-apartheid, democratic election in South Africa. The ANC and its alliances encouraged South Africans to reflect on the sacrifices of struggle heroes who fought against apartheid. Patrick Craven of COSATU, in a sobering reminder, pointed out that South Africa remains placed in the top ten unequal societies in the world and requires a second phase of radical economic transformation, SAPA reports.

Dr Jean Baxter with a panel of fellow lecturers and speakers at the Born free talk, Wednesday, 17 April, 2013. Pic: Madeleine Chaput

6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

30 April 2013

A Do of Black and White Dye

By Smangaliso Ngwenya It was a volatile, dangerous and exciting time for South Africans and the world. 1989 would mark the last year of captivity of future president Nelson Mandela, the end of Apartheid was palpable but, many feared that it would not end peacefully. These are words spoken by Cassandra Hendricks, director of Sue-Pam Grants Curl Up and Dye, the latest major production showing at the Rhodes Drama Department. The South African play emulates brutal, raw conflict as well as a humorous and detailed depiction of the views and beliefs of five women during 1989 the final year of Mandelas captivity. Curl Up and Dye communicates multiple socio-political standpoints and stereotypes within the confines of a hairdressing salon named, Curl Up and Dye International in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. The play contains five vibrant female characters from different racial backgrounds. Hendricks stated, I wanted to direct a South African text that was fun and that had a cast of mainly women. The characters of Hendricks reproduction of the play stars five women comprising a cast of Rhodes University undergraduates. The characters are Rolene (Angela Harris); a loyal customer Mrs Dubious (Bianca May); a violent, drug-fuelled prostitute; Charmaine (Tatum Naidoo), a domestic worker; Miriam (Phiwokuhle Mbanda), who practically runs the salon; and Dudu (Sibabalwe Makeleni), a sophisticated nurse who is a first-time customer. Hendricks said that Curl Up and Dye will have a significant contemporary influence. I think South Africa is at another point of change. The Marikana massacre, the ever-increasing class differences, horrific gender-based violence are clues to the deep dissatisfaction of the South African nation, said Hendricks. The comedy in this piece is based on familiarity and I think it would be interesting for any audience member to hear what one finds funny in 2013. The play develops a lot of humour between the five women, especially in the stories they share with one another. Yet it does not neglect the brutal events that occurred because of black and white segregation and the vast inequalities between the citizens of South Africa during apartheid. Curl Up and Dye will be showing at the Main Theatre at the Rhodes Drama department on Wednesday 8 May, Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May at 19:00. Tickets are R40 and R20 for students and will be available for purchase at the Rhodes Theatre Caf.

Acoustic Battles with Ryan Olivier on strings. Pic: Sheila David

Battle of the Acoustics

By Bongani Mahlangu Grahamstown has always been a breeding ground for some of the most innovative and original artists and events organised by Rhodents for Rhodents. Battle of the Acoustics, held at Olde 65, was one such event. Sheila David, main organiser of the event, shed some light on the event. It is an acoustic competition that will take place on consecutive Saturdays. The number of events is dependent on the number of people that sign up for the competition. According to David, the top three performers from the preliminary rounds move on to the finals, and the winner is awarded a cash prize. Three judges determine the winner and the competitors play for 30 minutes, performing a minimum of two covers. There are no restrictions on how many people perform in a group. Thats not to say solo acts arent welcome. As David puts it, Solo acts are always interesting to watch. Concerning the events conception, David said that her team decided to capitalise on the established acoustic nights taking place on Wednesdays, as a way not only to entertain, but also to showcase the talent of the participants and test their mettle. David went on to point out that this was the first competitive event her committee had organised a fact she was proud to mention.

Battle of the Acoustic, Matthew and Robert at Oldes 65. Pic: Sheila David

Acoustic Battles evening at Oldes 65, Matthew de Klerk jamming it out on guitar. Pic: Sheila David

The debut event was received well both by performers and the audience. It had a good turnout and the performers were really good, said David. Im excited to see what the turnout will be like for the next event. David hopes that the event will become more regular, but cautions, Were not making any promises, just taking it a step at a time. She stated that her team has confidence in the return of the event once it has ended in its entirety and its results can be evaluated and quantified. So if youre looking to showcase your talents, jam with a few friends or just looking for a good night out, accompanied by some great local music, Battle of the Acoustics is the place to go.

Edition 4

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7

By Bongani.A.K Mahlangu and David Mann The Rhodes Drama Departments production of Innovations seems to have everyone talking. With an incredibly atmospheric and well-attended opening weekend, the play sought to do justice to the drama department, and with its varying acts and performances, it did just that. Running with this years theme of In-between Dreams, the show was comprised of short performances that ranged from humorous and light hearted to beautiful and even macabre scenes, which evoked all-round interest from the crowd. One of the main organisers and directors of the event, Ananda Paver, described just how much time and effort went into the production. We formed the committee in the second week of first term and have been working since then. Its incredible how much goes in to the creation of a single show. Its also really important to give the performers enough time to prepare, said Paver. It certainly seemed as though the performers gave it their all. Whether it was the innovative use of lighting, the sound and provocative imagery, the sheer variety of the performances or the creativity of some of the stories, no one went home un-entertained. The medley gave way to interpretive dance (both opera and hip-hop), some unorthodox but humorous improvised skits, and an interesting, but nervewrecking, magic performance. One act took the form of a hip-hop-esque poetry joust, sustained by its strong narrative and driven dancing. Also worthy of a mention was a unique skit, concerning chemically altered memories and amnesia. And thats just scratching the surface. Paver described how the performances went well with the theme of the production and why they chose it. She said that they pushed for the core elements of creativity and inspiration, The theme came out of a group brainstorm. We were looking for something that would both inspire the performers and create interesting advertising material. We thought about playing with risk, but it came too close to last years fear theme. We thought that dreams would bring in a creative, surreal element that might invite more play from the performers. In the end, we wanted the audience to leave with an idea of the variety of talent and excitement out there, and dreaming seemed the best way to access that. All in all the production was a huge success. There was an incredible turnout on each night, so much so that Paver said that they had to turn people away from the doors, I feel it was highly successful and definitely on a par with previous years.
Obviously its an amateur production but we got some great feedback from staff and audience members. What really made it a success for me was how well everyone worked together; each committee member pulled their weight without complaint and brought so much enthusiasm to the production. Innovations gets everyones stamp of approval this year. If you missed it, looks as though you missed out, but dont worry theres always next year.

A retrospective Dream

Innovations:

Jamie Evens, Natalie Ehlers , Theo Allonso and Daniel Roberts act at this years Innovations. Taking place at the Rhodes drama department, the ensemble was one of many performances, that showcase students various talents. Pic: Sibulele Mabusela

Pantsula grips Grahamstown

By: Tebo Ramosili Dance is a popular form of expression, and pantsula dance has become the latest form of expression among Joza youth with many residents calling it, traditional kasi dance. This newly popular dance style has evolved beyond its shady past, of gangsters and crime, to a more celebratory era involving style and theatre. The new Grahamstown pantsula dance scene has drawn from other dance styles ranging from krumping to bum jive, all in the name of creating a true Grahamstown dance culture. Ayanda Nondlwana, a member of the Viya Kasi Movers pantsula dance company, proudly explained how pantsula is an urban township necessity, this is our kasi traditional dance, explaining our kasi stories and culture. Made popular by various South African Kwaito musicians, like Trompies and Tkzee. Pantsula deliberately distances itself from American and western dance styles. The Americans go, Yeah, yeah! But I am a pantsula for life, said a Grahamstown performer in an interview with Grocotts Mail. The Grahamstown pantsula dance, which expresses everyday township life, has evolved from dance style to theatrical movement. Were not about gangsters anymore. We promote a pantsula lifestyle of fashion and attitude through theatre, explained Nondlwana, because we want to develop and improve ourselves through this dance. Their daily rehearsals, held in the Rhodes Drama Department, allow the dancers to energetically express their unique Joza kasi lifestyle through an easy and productive way. This is a type of sport that we love and perfect. [Laughing] we even practise the pantsula walk! said Nondlwana.

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Grahamstown Music Society Concert

Thursday 2 May R80 (adults), R60 (pensioners), R40 (tertiary students) The Grahamstown Music Society is hosting an evening of musical appreciation where music lovers from all over Grahamstown can enjoy some great acts. The event will take place in St Andrews College Drill Hall. On stage will be Trio Broz, featuring Barbara (violin), Giada (violin and viola) and Klaus Broz (cello). Tickets will be available at the door. School-goers and GMS members get in for free.

The Locker at Pirates

Friday 3 May House of Pirates is looking to bring a fresh vibe to their venue with the addition of a new feature, The Locker. The debut event will take place below deck in The Locker itself. Various forms of electronica will be played, accompanied by the usual drink specials. Pull through for every mare you have ever wanted, combined into one jaw-dropping new venue.

Curl Up and Dye

Wednesday 8 May R40 (public), R20 (students) Written by Sue Pam-Grant and directed by Cassandra Hendricks, Curl Up and Dye is the story of five women in a hair salon during the final years of apartheid-governed South Africa. The play will take place in the Rhodes Main Theatre on Wednesday 8, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May. Shows start at 7:00pm sharp.

8 PHOTO STORY

30 April 2013

Bet you didnt know there are 10 of them

By Carly Hosford-Israel 63 stairs spiraling to the right, lead up to the bell tower at the Grahamstown Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George. And those are just the ones to the ringing room. It is said that the staircase was built curving to the right to give the British sword fighters the advantage of swinging down with their sword hand when defending the tower against enemies. There are another three stories above the ringing room: a vacant meter-high middle level; the level of the bells; and the top floor that houses the now redundant engine that ran the clock. Now the clock is run electrically. All of these additional levels are only accessible by ladder. The Cathedrals 10 bells rest upright when not in use. Each one weighs more than 288kg, with the heaviest coming in at 1,302kg. On Sunday evenings at 6 pm, and some Sundays during mid-morning, the bells are rung to either call people to service or to mark the celebration of a wedding. Currently the Cathedral has three full time ringers: Richard Tyson, Siya Dyasi and Catherine Letcher. On 22 March 1995 a quarter-peel was rung in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George to honour the Queens visit to the Eastern Cape province. Colin A. Lewis, the Ringing Master at the time, wrote to the Queen to notify her of the special welcome and received a letter back from Simon Gimson expressing gratitude from the Queen herself. The bell tower is filled with similar framed letters, pictures of past bell tower teams, and even a functioning miniature bell tower. The collection illustrates the135-year history of the tower. In the middle of the Ringers floor there is a trap door that allows space for the bells to be transported in and out of the tower if needed. Both the journey into the tower and the tower rooms themselves hold the markings of a well lived-in and seemingly timeless space.

2 3

Edition 4

PHOTO STORY 9

Captions
1. The Grahamstown Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George Bell Tower. 2. Richard Tyson instructs trainee Declan Miller on bell tolling techniques in the Cathedral. 3. Siya Dyasi rings the tenor bell as Richard Tyson ties up unused pulling ropes. 4. Siya Dyasi rings the heaviest 1,302kg tenor bell in the Cathedral. 5. Richard Tyson stands ringing between carpeted ringing ropes. 6. Siya Dyasi demonstrates the bell tolling process to visitors on a miniature bell tower model in the Cathedral. 7. Two of the heaviest bells in the Grahamstown Cathedral sit upright after being rung on 21 April 2013. 8. Bell ropes hang on centrally hung hooks, stored for the next weeks ringing. Pics: Carly Hosford-Israel.

10 BUSINESS
Grahamstown Should Support Business Growth
By Owen Skae You can expect a range of answers if you ask Grahamstown residents the following questions. What is the population of Grahamstown? What is its main economic source? How many people are employed (or unemployed)? Population estimates vary from 30 000 to 200 000 people. The main source of the economy is often said to be Rhodes University and the unemployment rate varies from 50% to 90%. The fact of the matter is, we dont know for sure, even though we live here. What does this mean from a business perspective? Speaking to business people they see Grahamstowns potential to be a place of excellence for education; they mention the legal profession, and they highlight the benefits that are brought from the National Arts Festival, Scifest and Highway Africa. We are also surrounded by game farms that provide much tourist potential as well as beautiful beaches and commercial farming activity. We also have a substantial manufacturer; Makana Brick, a vibrant B&B sector and an increasing level of medical services. The Saturday market is also very popular and offers quite a few bargains if you are prepared to get up early enough. The problem though is that business people like certainty. Whilst they are comfortable taking risks, they want to be sure that they will get a return on their investment. A great deal of Grahamstowns economy is built on transient movements of people. Students come and go. The festivals lead to a great hive of activity (which contributes a lot to the towns coffers), but only for short bursts at a time. And the talk of the High Court moving is always at the back of peoples minds. So, are you going to make a substantial investment, not really knowing the size of the market and whether the mainstay of the economy whatever people take that to be is going to be around for a long time to come? Dont get me wrong, I am not for a moment suggesting that Rhodes is going anywhere. But the recent water problems, surging levels of crime in the city and the increasing strain on the road infrastructure (which is the main topic of conversation) are not conducive to building a sustainable future. So what is the solution? The city has to work together with all of the key institutions and its residents. Business has to speak with one voice (which so far it hasnt done). If we can get this right, Grahamstown can be the service hub in the Eastern Cape for many sectors, including sustainable energy such as wind farms. Personally I am optimistic, but it is going to take a lot of hard work. There are many talented entrepreneurs in this town, more so than people know. But then, that is the enigma of Grahamstown. How many people live here? Where are the business opportunities? Who are the real business leaders? What do we need to do to get the town working? Maybe the sky is the limit!

30 April 2013

SA approves Zim Loan

By Njabulo Nkosi South Africa recently approved a R1 billion loan to Zimbabwe. This loan will serve as an aid to bridge the financial gap, preceding the elections expected in the second half of this year, as noted by Zimbabwe Finance Minister Tendai Biti. After the power sharing agreement in 2008 between President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's economy has been in the mend. However, the after effects of the decade long recession are still reverberating. Biti said that Zimbabwe approached South Africa and oil-rich Angola for R1.36 million due to lack of Western financial backing. This stems from sanctions imposed upon the Mugabe regime, which stands accused of human rights abuses. The Zimbabwe government borrowed R362 million to fund a constitutional referendum. It is self-evident that Treasury has no capacity to fund elections. Were not going to borrow again for elections, noted Biti when he called for R1.1 billion funding. Despite this plea, there are some who oppose the transaction. The government must withdraw its proposed R1 billion loan to Zimbabwe to help fund its upcoming elections, said Anton Alberts, spokesperson for the Freedom Front Plus. In the light of South Africas Constitution... One of South Africas highest exports is gold. The biggest drop in price in 30 years has investors concerned. Pic: FLICKR/ Matthew Pompa the loan to Zimbabwe is unconstitutional. He argued that South Africa has its own economic challenges and this will put more pressure on taxpayers. Zimbabwe has also requested funds from the United Nations but retracted the request after they did not accept the conditions of the loan. It is clear that the Zanu-PF component of the Zimbabwean government is not interested in ensuring true democracy and human rights in that country states Alberts. This will force Zimbabwe to accept the UNs loan with their terms and in this manner also ensure that the chances for a fair election in Zimbabwe improve. These views have been echoed by the Democratic Alliance. Ian Davidson, Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, requested the funding be refused to Zimbabwe unless the country meets strict preconditions. These preconditions include compliance to the Roadmap to Zimbabwes election that includes the necessary electoral and media reforms. The call for media reform is the guarantee that will ensure that necessary measures are in place to secure free and fair elections. Whether the loan will be effective in funding and ensuring a free election will only be confirmed when the election has taken place. This will be no later than 29 October 2013.

Gold price plummeting

By Njabulo Nkosi The gold standard has dropped. The biggest one-day drop in 30 years confirms fears that banks lax monetary policies would increase inflation. Gold prices plummeted 9.4% in April and are at a two-year low at $1,360.60 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. This is a gold price decline of $203 an ounce, the greatest since trading began in the US in 1974. This reversal comes as investors are wrestling with signs of the global economic expansion which began in 2009. If you look at the nature of the selling, its almost as if it was bombed, says Chris Hart, senior economist for Investment Solutions. Im not into conspiracy theories and the like, but youd have to be nave not to think the markets arent being manipulated. The prices of industrial commodities, ranging from copper to crude oil, plummeted following news of softerthan-expected economic growth and industrial output in China. The good news is that most analysts remain positive with regard to gold. While the recent moves in the gold price are unsettling, we remain positive on the fundamentals for gold given that we do not believe that the worlds global economic problems have been solved, said Investec Securities. However, some SA mining firms, which operate in a country where gold is the chief export commodity and has much influence on the economic wellbeing of the country, do not share the same optimism. Three major SA gold mining companies have lost an estimated R100 billion between June 2012 and the present day. They were collectively worth R240 billion in June 2012. When the JSE closed recently, they were worth R137 billion. This woe is shared by other international gold companies, which caused gold experts to explain the R14,200 plummet in two days. This has led to the closure of many South African mines. One company suffering the adverse effects of this is Goldfields. Excluding the strike-afflicted mines, they have spent $1 365 per ounce of gold mined.

We need some serious business training. Our ministers are taking hold of the steering wheel and I am very worried that they do not know what they are doing. They should be kept as far away from business, any business, as possible. Justice Malala, political analyst and founding editor of SAs This Day Newspaper.

Market Indicators:

US dollar 9.26 British Pound 14.11 Euro 12.02 Consumer confidence -7%

Business Round-Up
Arm shares rise 7% after forecast-beating figures, despite Apples woes The Cambridge-based chip designer has beaten profit forecasts due to high demand for smartphones and tablets using its technology. Arm is benefiting from its breadth of customers including Apples competitors, reports The Guardian. In recent years, business has become more connected than ever. Small businesses are in a better position of agility and flexibility to adopt the latest ways of operating than their older, larger and more established brethren. Theres perhaps no better time to take advantage of the opportunities that online technologies offer than today reports, The Guardian. Harare rules out compensation for share-grabsww Business Day reports that Zimbabwe is amending its contentious indigenisation laws to force mining companies to cede 51% of their shareholdings for no monetary compensation.

BP to invest more than R5 billion in South Africa African Business Review reports that BP plans to invest in excess of R5 billion in South Africa and Mozambique over the next five years in new and ongoing infrastructure upgrade projects.

Consumers being overcharged for Petrol News 24 reports that consumers are being overcharged for liquid petroleum gas, according to the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. Many people are overcharged when they hand in their personal gas cylinders which are always completely empty before refilling. On wednesday 1 May the petrol price will be dropping down by 72 cents. Make sure you fill up on Wednesday!

South African firms have weak balance sheets South African companies have far less cash on hand than is thought, according to Ventures Africa. An examination of the SA Reserve Bank deposit data revealed that rather than the total R1.34 trillion held as bank deposits by non-financial companies as of the end of November 2012, non-financial corporate deposits were only R578 billion or 43 % of this total.

Edition 4

11 2013 First Things First HCT campaign kicks off at South African universities
Strictly Halaal
The 2013 First Things First HIV Counselling and Testing campaign at South African universities was successfully launched at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi, Durban last month. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi walked the talk and volunteered for testing in the colourful testing precinct surrounding the tented launch venue. In his address he urged young men to volunteer for testing. Of the 20 million South Africans who have tested for HIV since 2010, only 30 percent were men he said. An evaluation of the 2012 First Things First campaign also found that more females tested than males. Picking up on the theme, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, said South Africas National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB identified young women between the ages of 15 and 24 years among the key populations that are most likely to be exposed to or transmit HIV and/ or TB. There is no doubt that the vulnerability of young women to HIV is a result of unequal gender relations that must be addressed in any response to HIV, the Deputy Minister said. The campaign is being activated at higher education and training institutions across the country, uniting tens of thousands of students and staff to reject HIV stigma and test to know their status. The campaign is led by the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS), a dedicated facility to develop and support the HIV mitigation programmes at South Africas public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). HEAIDS is an initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training and is undertaken by Higher Education South Africa (HESA), the representative body of South Africas 23 public Higher Education Institutions. HEAIDS supports higher education institutions in responding to the pandemic through their core functions of learning and teaching, research and innovation, and community engagement. The programme is rooted in a concept of the responsibility of universities to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic on a human rights basis on at least five fronts: Developing HIV prevention programmes for students and staff and facilities for the treatment, care and support of students and staff living with HIV. Providing a comprehensive workplace HIV/AIDS programme that caters to the needs of staff. Educating and equipping students to make a contribution to the national HIV/AIDS response in their future career fields. Conducting research that will strengthen societys ability to resist and ultimately overcome the pandemic. Providing HIV/AIDS services to related communities through outreach projects and practical training programmes.

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12 LIFESTYLE
Down Shift
2013: Jaw droppers and show stoppers
By Ruan Scheepers I have been reminded countless times how my articles tell you about the latest, greatest creation from the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW are as irrelevant and pointless as Clint Eastwood in skinny jeans. So, I listened and fed you some rubbish about small boring student cars. But now, using the excuse that Im educating the masses, Ive been allowed to give you a glimpse of what should be distracting you a little this year. First up, the new VW Beetle. I was never a fan of the previous reincarnation of the worlds most popular small car. It never did the original justice, especially after the hype of its launch back in 1999 faded. Its taken VW more than a decade to listen and replace it. Good news: I can shut up, because what they have created is absolutely stunning to look at, and to drive, thanks to the classy styling and a range of turbocharged engines. And the best part is that even if you have manly bits, you too can now have a new beetle. Keep watching the VW space for the Golf 7 GTi expected soon. Meanwhile in Japan, Toyota, in a joint venture with Subaru, have created something they call the GT68. The GT86 uses a 2.0 flat four (boxer) engine like that of a Subaru and has thus far stolen the hearts of South African motor enthusiasts for being the reason you need to smile. Its not often that Japan produces anything with a similar effect. The moral of the story here is that simplicity is still key in creating a great drivers car. If a recipe works leave it alone: engine in front, manual gearbox in the middle driving the rear wheels. And for goodness sake lose the electronic gadgets! The Italians, in between the coffee breaks, have realised that the public reaction to a little concept they unveiled was so huge that it now needs to be built. So they are at it and when they feel the time is suited they will present us with the Alfa Romeo 4C. Once again the designers have been on a mission to impress. Something along the lines of a Lotus Exige, the 4C is a mid engined sports car using Alfas famed 1750cc turbo charged engine also found in the Guilietta TBi a little matte red Batmobile thats sure to make even the hardest and beardiest of men quiver with boyish excitement. However, Great Britain steals the show with the new Range Rover. The undisputed king of the off-roaders has yet again re-written the books on what a car should aspire to be. It has always been the car for every man, with performance exceeding that of the best luxury saloons, comfort and luxury that is second to none and of course the best off-roading capability on planet Earth. So what the Range Rover has done is take what is arguably the best car in the world and improve it to the point where it is simply untouchable. The power from the 5.0 Supercharged V8 is near mind blowing at around 380kw (roughly the same as an Audi R8 V10) with a TDV8 diesel and a hybrid option also on the cards.

30 April 2013

Life is only a dream

Lucid dreaming, letting your imagination take you to places you have never been before. Pic: Rhea MacDonald By Tiffany Mac Sherry & Rhea MacDonald Everybody knows what dreams are. You experience them every time you sleep, whether you remember them or not. Thoughts, images and emotions all play into what one experiences, sometimes involving incredibly scary or highly irrational events. But dreams get a little bit crazier when you actually wake up and are conscious . This is what is commonly known as lucid dreaming. Frederik van Eeden was the first to come up with a name for the phenomenon in the early 1900s. Since then there have been scientific studies which can prove that lucid dreams are real and can be tested by instructing the dreamer to perform certain eye movements once they have gained control of the dream. Higher amounts of activity in the pariental lobe indicate that lucid dreams are actually a conscious process. Once you realise you are dreaming, you have the ability to control your dream. You are restricted only by your imagination; laws of everyday life do not apply. With practice, one can use their dream time as an exciting opportunity to do just about anything, whether it is based on real life or not. The benefits of lucid dreaming include getting over fears, solving problems, practicing skills, improving creativity, and becoming more confident. The thing about lucid dreams is they can be whatever you desire them to be. So you can use them to your advantage in many different ways. Interested? Here are some steps to learn how to lucid dream yourself: 1. Keep a dream journal. Have it right next to your bed, so that as soon as you wake up you can jot down everything you remember about the dream you just had. The first step to being in control of your dreams is to understand them. 2. Start doing reality checks in everyday life. Whenever something new happens in real life, think to yourself, am I awake or am I dreaming? Even if it is just something small like your friend coming to visit. Perform your test. If you are constantly doing this in your conscious daily life, it will eventually carry over into your dream life, and you will recognise that you are dreaming. 3. Track your lucid dream potential. Everyone varies, but the best time to experience a lucid dream is the period of time right before you wake up, or after you have been awake for a while and go back to nap. Notice when your lucid dreams are most likely to happen, and work with this. 4. Try the wake back to sleep Method. Sleep for five hours. Set an alarm and wake yourself up when it goes off. Keep yourself awake for an hour focusing on lucidity. Then go back to sleep. This method is highly effective.

Unconventional Living at its finest

By Sara Steiniger Travelling around the world and living the gypsy lifestyle is what many of us dream of doing. At a certain point though, reality hits us and we are sucked into a world of consumerism. Herman and Candelaria Zapp decided not to join the rest of society. They decided that instead of making lots of money, they would make lots of memories by travelling around the world. The couple has travelled across five continents covering roughly 229,000 km. The Zapps started out as just the two of them and have now grown into a family of six. We dont like to buy souvenirs: we make them, said Herman, referring to his children, each of whom was born in a different country. Their eldest son, Pampa, is eight and was born in America. Tehue is five and is from Argentina. Paloma, their only girl, is three and is from Canada. One-year-old Wallaby was born in Australia. The children are road-schooled, according to Candelaria. She said they visit museums and important historical sites that the world has to offer. They get to meet so many interesting people from different cultures, religions and lifestyles. She further explains that the children get to see the world from their own eyes. The distance they have travelled has been accumulated in an 83 year old English Model 1928 Graham Paige car with wooden wheels. Hermans father told him that if he wanted to travel, he had to take it slow. Their car does just that, by going a maximum 40km per hour. The car is equipped with a sleeping tent, portable stove and a large amount of storage space for the childrens toys and books. It all began when Herman and Candelaria went travelling for six months on their honeymoon. Their plan was to come home to start a family. When they arrived back home, however, they could not wait to get back out there and explore the world. They didnt want to compromise one dream for another and decided to continue traveling with their children. Herman and Candelaria met on a farm in Argentina. When giving a talk at a Rotary meeting in Port Elizabeth, Herman said, She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Though Herman was only 10 at the time, he had to get a closer look at her. Both on horseback, he followed her around for a bit and then rode straight up to her and uttered those three simple words, I love you. Candelaria, seven at the time, was a little puzzled by this. However, it worked and they have been together and traveling the world since then. The family members all paint and Herman has written a book called Spark your Dream about their wonderful adventures around the world. They promote and sell the book and paintings in order to pay for their travels. The book, originally called Atrapa tu Sueo which translates to dream chaser, was a best-seller in Argentina in 2005 and is now available in English. The book has reached its fourth edition and they carry on writing as they travel to new and exciting destinations. The family is currently on their way to Cape Town and has been travelling around South Africa enjoying what our country has to offer. They have travelled to over 40 nations and are still exploring this amazing planet that most of us have only caught a glimpse of. The couple said their belief is: The end doesnt existTheres a starting point for everything, but the finish line is just another starting point, and the end another beginning. 1.Thamsanqo Mali. 1st Year BA. Inspired by African Fashion. Pic:Carly Hosford-Israel 2.Kate Solomons . 1st year BFA. Inspired by vibrant, exciting patterns and colours/very into the coral and turquoise. Pic:Carly Hosford-Israel 3. Mikaela Erskog. 3rd year Politics and English. Inspired by eclectic, mix and match, progressive. Pic: Sara Steiniger 4. Micaella Snyders. 1st year BA Law. Inspired from trendy, fitted to your body, collared shirt, high waisted shorts. Pic: Sara Steiniger

Edition 4

ENVIRONMENT 13

Environmental week reminding us to think ahead

By Youlendree Appasamy Environmental Week, which ran from 22 to 27 April, was packed with events aimed to raise interest about ecological issues in a fun way. The week started with screening of Thin Ice on Monday, a film which gives a face to climate science by documenting climate scientists experiences. On Tuesday Belgian renewable energy specialist Jef De Schutter delivered a talk on solar power as a viable source of renewable energy, in the midst of growing human-caused environmental pressures. Shell estimates by 2060 the sun will be the most used energy source [] we need more reliable grids and we must also look into super grids, which are able to transport energy over large distances said Schutter. Wednesday marked the third annual Allen Webb Earth Hour (AWEH), held at the Makana Botanical Gardens students had an electricity free evening. The Botanical Gardens were lit up by bonfires and the electrical usage was kept at a bare minimum. Students were strongly encouraged to turn off their lights before they came here, said Chardon May, Environmental Representative for Canterbury Annexe commenting on the success of the Hall and the event. Wednesday also saw Professor Fred Ellery giving his inaugural lecture entitled, The landscape holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask. Prof Ellery described the intricate relationship between nature and humanity, The landscape has a voice and it holds answers. Asking questions of the landscape can help one to gather a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are. Prof Ellery presented examples of his previous research and his personal development as an academic. As a young man he was dissatisfied with the obvious cause and effect theories of academics in the field of wetland studies and wanted to investigate the underlying causes further. This led him to do research in the Okavango delta and later to search for the causes of the floods in St Francis Bay. Prof Ellery emphasised that all of us interact with the landscape in a substantial way, but natural processes can be as central as human activity. Debate raged on Thursday over the practicalities and viability of Green Capitalism. Professor Philip Machanick and the Rhodes University Debating Society jointly discussed, argued and deliberated issues around free markets and the balance between environmental and societal health. The week came to a close with the SRC Tree Planting ceremony on the Kaif Lawns and the film, Thirst. As water will become the most valuable commodity of the 21st century Thirst asks whether it should be viewed as a human right or as a commodity. From science, energy, electricity, to water, now that so many questions have been raised its a good thing we have a year to think them over.

Water tank outside of Atherstone Residence Pic: Sara Steiniger

Orange and green are the new black

By Jane Berg The Grounds and Gardens department is piloting a new three bin recycling system at the Day Kaif. If successful, the system will be used extensively on campus. The bins, installed on 11 April, will be monitored for four weeks. The orange bins are for glass, green for recyclable paper, card, tin and plastic and black for disposable waste. Initially dividing waste allows for a far more efficient recycling process. Although Rhodes University has been recycling since 1997, excluding residences and the library, this will be the first system put in place for two years. We used to have recycling points all along the yellow route, but students were just throwing anything in so we had to remove them, said Rafeeq Sait, Supervisor for Transport, Refuse and Recycling at Grounds and Gardens. Sait calculates that last year alone their refuse truck moved 1,500 tons of waste to the dump. At present they collect 1,200 large bin bags of rubbish a week. All of this, in one way or another, is recyclable, said Mark Hazell, Manager of Grounds and Gardens. But we are also aware that its a huge logistical issue. 25 years ago we had about 2,500 students, now there are about 7,700 students and we have the same staff as we did then, one driver and two assistants. So weve been hesitant to make changes, said Hazell. Recycling is not the first priority when it comes to budgeting either, the additional expense has made it difficult to implement. Because of the financial and organisational challenges Grounds and Gardens feel its important to start small and ensure the plans are sustainable. Were trying to make sure we do it as well as we can. You dont want to implement a system widely if it is not going to work, so weve chosen a high profile site and if that goes well well move to another area, said Hazell. He is also eager to add that environmental measures which only focus on waste are in danger of missing the important fact that production is also a problem, and that there should be more awareness about how the goods we consume are packaged. So far the system seems to be working, with the Kaif waste finding its way to the appropriate bins. Students can help recycling return en force to Rhodes by continuing to think before they throw.

Roof top garden with recycled bottles as pots at the Dingemans residence. Pic: Sourced

The hanging gardens of Dingemans

By Jane Berg Dingemans, the only residence on campus with a flat roof, will soon become the only residence with a roof garden. The Dingemans Environmental Committee has come up with an innovative way to use the empty space. The project involves recycling 2 litre cool-drink bottles to use as plant pots and then hanging them horizontally to create a pleasant tableau. Its a really great roof but, it lacks that specialness that only plants can provide, said Kat Painter a member of the committee, For now we plan to grow hardy succulents on the roof as the conditions up there arent so accommodating. We are also going to look into growing vegetables, and generally green it up a bit. The garden is still in its early stages and Painter said there is a lot of work still to be done. The team started planting just before the end of last term, but work has been slowed down by financial challenges. The environmental representative of the house does not get a budget so the committee has to source all of its resources with no capital. Another gardening project on campus is run by Lillian Ngoyi Hall which started in 2009. Members of the Halls four residences, Ruth First, Joe Slovo, Victoria Mxenge, and Centenary take turns to work in the garden. The produce is donated to charities in the Grahamstown area, such as Home of Joy in Joza.
According to Nkanyiso Gumede, Community Engagement Rep for Joe Slovo, student gardening is a great cause but, the challenges are finding time and volunteers, dealing with Grahamstowns unpredictable weather and the fact that gardens go untended when students leave during the holidays. The vacation in December and January happens to be over the prime growing season a challenge which Common Ground, a society which helps students to grow their own food, is hoping to solve. We want to expand more into pot plant gardening, which is ideal for students as they can take their gardens with them when they go home, said Christopher Harris, a Committee member of Common Ground. Common Ground has a vegetable plot at Grounds and Gardens which works on an allotment system. Each member cultivates their own individual patch, although they do work collectively on some issues. For Harris gardening makes a great hobby. Its a nice social and outdoors thing to do. Every garden here is different but, there is also a sense of group effort. Some have a more radical agenda. Ruth Kruger, chairperson of RUGreen, describes it as guerrilla gardening. She said

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that it is an innovative tool to raise awareness about environmental issues by seizing green areas and making them productive. RU Green is planning to make use of this technique to encourage students to be active in green issues. Despite the challenges, Painter and the Committee at Dingemans are confident that student gardens can be viable. We should try and grow as much of our own food as we can, said Painter, because if youve grown something, the food miles are zero and you know exactly what has gone into the final product.

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Edition 4

SPORT 15

On the Ball
By Bridgette Hall Now that 2010 football hangover has worn off and we look towards Brazil 2014 for more football mania, South African Soccer is making headlines again but this time for all the wrong reasons. A long list of allegations included match-fixing, inappropriate use and disbursement of the Fifa legacy trust funds, and corruption, highlighted in an anonymous document dropped off at Sascocs office in Johannesburg, reported Independent Online. If the current match-fixing scandal is not resolved according to Fifas guidelines South Africa faces a possible ban from International football. The sport ministry and SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) released a joint statement stating that Safa had been on a downward spiral since the world cup, Safa has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, they said. Footballloving South Africans have been exposed to diatribes and serious allegations. South Africa is a country that loves its sport and once again our sporting administration bodies have let us down. Safa have been riding the World Cup high and in fairness did a very good job organising it. But since then has failed to show any leadership in really improving soccer at grass roots in the country and in fact gone backwards to not only become mediocre but incompetent. Which Fifa has made quite clear with its intervention. South Africa has the stadiums, it has the fans, it certainly has the talent and it should have the infrastructure to put together a world class team. Yet we continue to languish in the world rankings at 62 and not even making the top ten in Africa. South Africa are unable to even qualify for the African cup of Nations, (we only competed this year as hosts). Thus the problem lies surely in the administration by people who claim to be passionate about the game. Safa lay out the following in their mission statement; creating an image of being a stable, progressive and innovative institution, ironic to say the least as they fail to meet their mandate on every front. There is nothing worse than feeling cheated as a football fan whether it is an unjust read card or disallowed a goal and safa has certainley left me feeling cheated. The 2010 world cup was one of the proudest moments as a South African. Siphiwe Tshabalalas opeing goal etched in our memmories forever not only because it was superb display of football but sent every South African into a kind of dizzy eurphoria for the next month. The World didnt think we could do it, we didnt think we could do it but we did and we hosted an incredible world cup. For allegations of match-fixing and corruption to surface two years later is like being punched in the stomach. South Africa went down in history as the first African country to host the Soccer World cup, had record attendance at all the matches and really set a new standard for what was a world class tournament. What a pity it has been soiled by match-fixing, corruption and incompetent administration.

Packing quite a punch

By Tebo Ramosilli The Eastern Cape has always had a strong boxing tradition and Grahamstown is no exception boasting five boxing clubs for boxing enthusiasts to choose from. Masibambane Boxing Club in Joza, the oldest of the five was founded in 1987. Bulelani Ndwayana, is one of the co-founders of the club and now runs and coaches young boxers in including his son Mzoxolo. Boxing has always been a part of Ndwayanas life whose father was also a boxer. Ndwayana trains both female and male boxers at the club for four hours every day. Boxing requires dedication and discipline, which is what I demand of all my boxers, said Ndwayana. The Eastern Cape boasts more national boxing champions than any other province in South Africa. Ndwayana aims at restoring boxing to its former glory in Grahamstown. Its been 15 years since the boxing [in Grahamstown] has been at this peak, said Ndwayana. Despite the boxing clubs popularity in the Joza township, Ndwayana expressed his desire in involving more Rhodes students in their boxing program. We would like to launch a boxing club on the Rhodes campus, Ndwayana explained, so as to involve the whole of Grahamstown, and have one unified team of the Grahamstown students. The Masibambane Boxing Club is just one of four popular and respected boxing clubs in the Makana municipality. All the clubs travelled to Kirkwood to participate in an inter-municipal boxing tournament, facing competitors from municipalities all over the Eastern Cape. See Activate Online for results

Boxers from Masiambane Boxing club train for three hours every day at the indoor sports centre in Joza. Masiambane is open to males and femals between the ages of 10 and 35. It cots R50 for adults to join the club and R10 for under 16s after a month trial period. Pic: Bridgette Hall

By Kendra Dykman Natalie Ross, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Masters student, has been steadily making her way to the top of the athletic elite. She definitely stands out as one of Rhodes individual sporting greats, with many achievements behind her name, and clear goals for the future. In 2009 Ross joined the Rhodes Athletics Club. Upon suggestion by the president of the club, Ross began training for and participating in Triathlons, which makes this her fourth year of competing in them. Ross feels that her greatest achievement since having started triathlons would be the silver medal she won at the World Duathlon Champs in 2011. In January, Ross, along with Sean Swanepoel, an Old Rhodian, was selected for the Eastern Province Triathlon Team. She has also broken a number of records this year, including the 15km and 21km record, which she previously held herself. It is the enjoyment of beating her personal bests that motivates Ross when racing and training. She also loves competing, which makes her enjoy participating in Triathlons that much more. Last year saw Ross being selected for the National team at the SA Triathlon Champs in Port Elizabeth, alongside Darryn van Huyssteen. She was awarded Honours for

this achievement. Ross also competes in single-code events. Over the April vac, she completed her fourth Two Oceans Half Marathon in a time of 1:27:28. This was a personal best for her and she says that she is very happy with this time because she has been working for a while to get her time below 90 minutes. She says that it is a tough race but I enjoyed it. While she doesnt follow a strict dietary regimen, Ross says that she tries to maintain a balanced diet. She trains twice a day, six-times a week, and as a triathlete, this involves cross-training; training for all three disciplines of running, swimming and cycling. She also says that having a rest day is important. I am currently focusing my training on world tri champs which will be held in London later this year. I try find a balance between my work, social life and training, said Ross. As a Masters student, as well as being a tutor, one can imagine that finding this balance is fairly tough, but Ross keeps going from strength to strength. Ross defended her title at the Iron Girl challenge in Port Elizabeth on 12 April, making it her second win in a row of this 10km challenge, which she completed in a time of 00:32:42, an eight minute improvement on her time last year.

Breaking all the records

Pic: Sean Swanepoel

Grahamstown packing a punch

Page 15
Edition 4, 30 April 2013

Results & Fixtures

Rhodes Internal league Soccer Fixtures: 1 May (prospect fields)
Abu Dhabi vs Mandela FC

18:00
Joe Slovo vs Micah 6:8

18:00
Fantastic 11 vs Cory Matthews

19:15
Goldfields vs Motley Crue

19:15
Phoenix Knights vs MSA

20:30
Retief Renegades vs De Beers FC

8:30

Rhodes Rugby starts on a high note

PEs Crusaders go head to head with Rhodes Universitys U21 rugby team at the Great Field on Rhodes campus, Wednesday, 24 April, 2013. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster By Siyavuya Makubalo The Rhodes rugby U21A side bagged their second straight win of the season on Wednesday 24 April, in a hard-fought match against the Crusaders from Port Elizabeth. If the first two games are anything to go by, this year promises to be a great one for the guys in purple and white. The Rhodes U21A side took to the field for their first home game this week after they displayed a solid performance away from home and beat Gardens in the first match of the season. Rhodes was the first team to put some points on the board when they took a 3-0 lead after the Crusaders were penalised for being offside. One may have expected both teams to be a little rusty as the season had just begun, but they displayed some excellent play. Rhodes U21A coach Mike Pretorius would have been pleased with how his boys played in the first half, competing for and winning balls in the breakdown area as well as linking nicely to one another. The Crusaders absorbed pressure for most of the half, often benefitting from the knock-ons Rhodes made, resulting in some tries going a-begging. Rhodes continued to apply pressure on the Crusaders and much to the delight of the crowd, were rewarded with a tri before the half-time whistle. Rhodes took a halftime lead of 11-0. The second half saw the Crusaders claw their way back into the match as they secured 3 points shortly after the start of the second half. Rhodes continued to display some good rugby, but were unfortunately let down by numerous handling errors. The Crusaders capitalised on this and scored their first try of the match. The second half was scrappier than the first with both teams often knocking-on and being penalised for being offside. There was also a considerable amount of foul play and chirping by players, resulting in referee Sindile Ngcese calling on the everyone to calm down. Both teams had the potential to play good rugby, but they concentrated too much on the chirping, said Ngcese after the match. Ngcese finally blew the whistle to signal the end of a game. The full time score saw the Rhodes U21A side victorious with a 19 -16 win: a fair score for the rugby that was played. Pretorious commended his players on their second win of the season to make it two out of two for the U21A side. He believed that the game went well and was pleased with what he saw, due to the fact that the players do not know each other well. The team now looks forwards to their next match and continues to build as a team to be at the place Pretorius believes Rhodes rugby should be.

Inter-res Basketball 10 May Women

17:30 (social) 19:00 (competitive)

11 May Men
09:00 (social) 11:00 (competitive)

UEFA Champions league 30 April

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

(20:45)
Barcelona vs Bayen Munich

1 May

(20:45)