65th Birthday Edition A A C T I V A T E RHODES UNIVERSITY INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER EDITION 5 • 29 MAY 2012 • SINCE 1947

GET YOUR COPY AT A www.activateonline.co.za A C T I V A T E RHODES UNIVERSIT Y INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER EDITION 4 • 08 MAY 2012 • SINCE 1947

Grahamstown’s fight against TB New Media: A threat or a tool? Skype Sexy Time SA Men’s hockey to go to London

Edition 5 . 29 May 2012

Page 8: SA’s racist underbelly exposed Editor-in-chief: Lauren Kate Rawlins Page 10: Deputy Editor: Isabelle Anne Abraham Gay rights in Africa – an overview Content Editor: Kayla Roux Page 18: Managing Editor Palesa Mashigo Professor David Fryer on the wage debate Online Editor: Alexander Venturas Chief Media Supervisor: Page 22: Megan Ellis

From Rhodeo to Activate: A history Chief Sub-Editor: Matthew Kynaston Chief Designer Page 21: Simone Loxton Assistant Designer: Journey to rock bottom Mignon van Zyl Chief Pics Editor: Anton Scholtz Page 30: Assistant Pics Editor: Tutus and tiaras: Beginner’s ballet at Rhodes Niamh Walsh-Vorster HIGHLIGHTS Illustrator: Katja Schreiber

News Editor: Sibulele Mabusela Deputy News Editor: Christopher Morris Politics Editor: Marc Davies Deputy Politics Editor: Deane Lindhorst Business Editor: Njabulo Nkosi C&A Editor: Alexa Sedgwick Features Editor: Karlien van der Wielen Features Assistant Editor: Nina McFall Lifestyle Editor: Sarisha Dhaya A & E Editor: Elna Schütz Sports Editor: Bridgette Hall Science & Tech Editor: Brad de Klerk Environment Editor Shirley Erasmus

Advertising Manager Lethukuthula Tembe Advertising Assistants Justine Pearce Adrienne Weidner Advertisement Designer: An old desk in the Activate office which is inscribed with the words “Fuck reform - smash apartheid”. It is unknown when this was written or by which Alex Bernatzky memeber of Rhodeo/Activate staff. Pic: Anton Scholtz Distribution Manager: Bulali Dyakopu From the Editor Community Engagement: Victoria Hlubi elcome to Activate’s 65th Birthday edition. Between these covers because they did not want to be associated with Cecil John Rhodes who has Editorial Consultant: we will be taking you on a journey back through time. The history been a controversial namesake in this university’s history as a known racist, Craig Wynn of this paper documents the history of the student body at the among other accusations. In the editorial of the first Activate, they say that, time.W It reflects the attitudes and causes of the students and shows that history “This newspaper has always been proactive and progressive and the new name, Contacts: really does repeat itself. Going through the archives from the early 40s to Activate, embodies our principles of democracy, non-racism, non-sexism and Editor: today, you pick up common stresses that we are still reporting on today such as non-homophobia.” activate.editor@gmail. complaints about res food, issues of censorship and SRC controversy. This edition is filled with excerpts and short snippets from years gone by. On com Preparing for this edition has been very nostalgic; I have only been a part of page 22 and 23 you can read for yourself the history of the paper. Our photo Activate for the last four years but the paper has been going strong for more feature has a selection of photos from over the years. I am sure you will find Deputy Editor: than three times my lifetime. Looking through old pages makes you feel like some of them quite amusing. activate.deputy@gmail. you are a part of something bigger, as clichéd as that sounds. Activate (then We have gathered content from our archives in the office and from Cory com Rhodeo) has always been a platform through which the students can be heard, Library. Some photos and stories did not come with dates or authors, if you Printed by Paarlcoldset, and a place for student journalists to hone their craft and experiment. This is know whose work it is or if it is yours, please let us know and we will amend it Port Elizabeth evident through the ever-changing design through the decades. I encourage online, contact me at [email protected]. anyone who is interested in what Rhodes used to be like from a student’s perspective to go explore the archives at the Cory Library. Lauren Kate Rawlins Activate was originally called Rhodeo and changed its name to Activate in early 1995 after heavy debate in 1994 about whether or not to change the name Editor-in-Chief and what to change it to. The team at the time had decided to change the name 04 News in Brief[s] Edition 5 News in brief[s] SA celebrates momentous co-win of SKA bid By Marc Davies

Bubbles and confetti strew the streets as demonstrators rally outside the Boeing build- ing whilst leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) came to agreement South Africa has been co-selected with Australia as a host site for the pioneer Square Kilometre Array project. This that the Afghan security forces should take control of Afghanistan once again. May 21, multimillion euro investment in constructing telescopic technology is expected to make a significant contribution to local 2012. Pic: Reuters scientific research, as well as inject direct foreign investment into the country. On Friday, Rhodes proudly announced the appointment of Professor Oleg Smirnov as the SKA Chair in Radio Astronomy and Techniques – a position described as “prestigious” and significant achievement for the university. Smirnov will contribute simultaneously to the SKA Office in Cape Town and Rhodes’ Department of Physics and Electronics. The SKA, on which construction is expected to begin in 2016 and reach completion in 2024, will be the largest and most advanced radio telescope in the southern hemisphere. Rhodes pledges to fight corruption

By Marc Davies

On Thursday, Rhodes became the first South African education institution to sign the pledge against corruption. Hosted by the office of the vice-chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat said pervasive corruption in South Africa has resulted in the looting of public coffers which thwarts democracy, according to civil society organisation Corruption Watch. According to Badat, Rhodes pledged to lead by example in creating ethical leadership. Executive director David Lewis stressed the important role of youth in curbing corruption in South Africa, saying that A student is removed by the military police during a protest in front of asking for a presidential veto to the new Forest Code passed by Brazil’s Congress in Brasilia May there are indicators that “young people are falling into the trap of believing that corruption provides an easy way out of 22, 2012. A Brazilian student is arrested for protesting in front of the Planalto Palace difficult situations.” after requesting that the new Forest Code, which has been cause for concern for many The vice and deputy vice-chancellors, SRC President Matthieu Maralack and a number of other faculty members and environmentalists over the years, be rejected. May 22, 2012. Pic: Reuters. students were there to sign the pledge. Microsoft to go carbon neutral

By Megan Ellis

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that they are committing to achieving carbon neutrality. This policy will be implemented as of 1 July – the start of the company’s new fiscal year. According to Green Biz, the software and technology giant will aim for carbon neutrality for its energy use by improving energy efficiency, a reduction in carbon neutrality and increasing its use of renewable energy. This initiative will be implemented companywide, in over 100 countries where Microsoft offices are located. According to The Guardian, policies will be aimed at making Microsoft’s data centers, software labs, air travel and office building carbon neutral. This promise comes in light of the expiration of Microsoft’s 2009 goal of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The software giant has met its goal and is now aiming for more ambitious efforts. In a blog post on Microsoft’s website, Kevin Turner, the company’s chief operating officer wrote: “Working on the issues of energy use and environmental change provides another opportunity to make a difference in the world. It's the right thing to do. And it's also an opportunity to promote positive change.” While Microsoft is not the first tech company to make a pledge to carbon neutrality, its decision has created hopes that other large corporations will join efforts to help the environment.

The highly successful campus group, the Sheridons, who are in great demand at Grahamstown’s more memorable social events. The mem- bers are, from left to right, Mike Fuller, John Fryer, Rob Jupp and Vic Butler. In the middle is Gerry Paul. 19 May 1966. Excerpt from Activate Archives 05 29 May 2012 News in Brief[s]

An explosion in Cairo left five people injured after an alleged short circuit at an electricity plant in the Al Zombies and obstacles are a part of the game in the Massachusetts “run for your lives” obstacle course. 5 Hussien district. People flee the scene in for safety. May 22, 2012.Pic: Reuturs May, 2012. obstacle Pic: Reuters

As the Chilean President delivers a speech, the people of Chile demonstrate outside the national Congress in The latest street art to make news has been painted on a wall in Cairo, Egypt,. Caricatured portraits of the the city of Valpariso May 21, 2012 Pic: Reuters Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, military ruler Hussein Tantawi and presidential candidates Amr Mussa and Ahmed Shafiq faces are morphed in paint for all to see. Pic: REUTERS 06 News Edition 5 Egyptians vote in historic election By Christopher Morris about as they can still manoeuvre to consolidate their position. gyptians took to the polls in the country’s Although SCAF has not formally backed any first ever presidential election on candidate, it is widely believed that they support Wednesday 23 May. Fifteen months after Ahmed Shafiq, Egypt’s last prime minister before Ethe toppling of Hosni Mubarak’s military regime, Mubarak’s fall. Shafiq, also the Former Minister the election is the latest development in the mass of Aviation, is one of a handful of candidates with revolution against authoritarian rule, known as the links to the Mubarak regime. Arab Spring, in North African and Middle Eastern Others candidates from the fallen President’s states. administration include Amr Moussa, Husam After decades of dictatorship, the country now Khayrallah and Abdallah al-Ashal. A second has to decide which of 13 possible candidates it group of candidates is said to have strong Islamist prefers to run the most populous Arab nation in tendencies, with the Muslim Brotherhood’s the world. Although there is optimism among preferred candidate Mohammad Mursi leading the voters, many are wary of the Supreme Council of conservative charge. the Armed Forces (SCAF). The group of military Young lawyer Khalid Ali has managed to excite leaders, who formally took over the reins of power younger voters with his alternative brand of after Mubarak’s fall and then promised to hand politics and is seen as an outside favourite to win over the country to civilian rule by 1 June, still the election. Whoever does win the elections faces control vast sectors of the country’s economy and many challenges, chief among them the ailing are expected to retain considerable political power economy. Complicating matters in this regard is the after the elections. military’s extensive role in the country’s economy. Egyptians are going to the polls without a formal The military leadership is responsible for managing constitution having been drawn and ratified. approximately 25% of the country’s GDP. With the This means that there is uncertainty about the ever-present and powerful military in the shadows, president’s powers, something numerous critics it remains to be seen whether Egypt’s new president A man stands by graffiti depicting Hosni Mubarak and several of the presidential candidates in have said military leaders are not too concerned will manage to establish himself. Tahrir Square, Cairo. Pic: Reuters RU informed? By Anna Rwelamina and its prevention. Dr De Klerk said that students could purchase pepper spray at their Sixolile Timothy said that forums like Rhodes was organising a task team to deal offices for R25 for their own protection. these helped students to engage with their he Oppidan Committee held a forum last pro-actively with crime. Petty crime has been At forum the R145 Oppidan levy was Committee heads about relevant issues TWednesday, 23 May, for its student body on the rise in various areas in town. Dr De accounted for with a detailed breakdown of that they are dealing with, and also address to hear concerns and discuss changes. Held in Klerk and the Vice Chancellor announced that where it goes and whose salary it pays, as important complaints that they have been the Zoology Major lecture theatre, the panel they were going to approach the Police High some students have been asking why they dealing with. Postgraduate Financial Markets included Dean of Students Dr Vivian de Klerk, Commissioner for a way to tackle this issue. should pay it. student Vuyolwethu Ngqibisa agreed, saying Oppidan Warden Janine Harris, Advocate The Hi-Tech representative pointed out The Oppidan lounge is to be refurbished that the forum allowed students to discuss John McChonachie, a representative from that residents in digs were largely unaware with new couches, because a number of matters that affect Oppidan students, and Hi-Tech Security and SRC president Matthieu they had the use of accessible panic buttons first-year students do make use of the area for added that “since we do not have house Maralack. in their digs, and that very few people used recreational and study purposes. committee whom we can approach everyday The central issue of discussion was crime them. Janine Harris responded by saying that Third-year Oppidan Committee member these forums give us the platform to do so”. Struggling in silence: male rape survivors

By Megan Ellis would think. “At least one study showed that two in five boys This adds to the shame of the experience, with many have experienced sexual violence and/or rape. survivors blaming themselves. Despite this, it is emphasised he country’s horror at the gang rape video which went These figures were based on a report entitled “13,915 reasons that if anyone if forced into sexual intercourse, it is rape, Tviral last month has brought the severity of South Africa’s for equity in sexual offences legislation: A national school- regardless of how their body responds. rape crisis back into focus. based survey in South Africa” by Neil Andersson and Ari MaleSurvivor.org highlights the fact that “premature or South Africa has often been called the rape capital of the Ho-Foster. coerced sex” and to be “used as a sexual object” (as a male or a world, and there are many myths about rape and ignorance Furthermore, the report indicated that 40% of the sexual female) is abusive and damaging. about issues around sexual assault. abuse cases involved rape by women. However, many males do not come forward with their However, one of the myths about rape continues to have a In recent weeks, male rape has made headlines due to several experiences of sexual abuse due to society’s perception of particularly strong foothold in the minds of many: the idea incidents. In the first three weeks of May, a serial rapist was masculinity. This creates the perception that they are not ‘real that men cannot be raped. arrested after a series of incidents. men’ if they have been raped or sexually abused. Aidan Prinsloo, creator of the Masithetheni project, says that Several young boys reported having been raped; a mentally- “From anecdotal evidence, I can tell you most guys refuse the issue of male rape in South Africa is not being handled handicapped teenage boy was raped by two women; a man was to admit that it even happened until years after the fact – if at all. He launched the project to raise awareness about the arrested for the rape of a 15-year-old boy; and a schoolboy ever,” says Prinsloo. problem. “Most don’t even acknowledge male rape as an was sodomised with a broomstick on a rugby tour as part his “They are disbelieved by police and health professionals, and issue,” he says. “Many people believe ‘real’ men don’t get ‘initiation’. by their families and loved ones.” raped, and/or rape only happens to gay guys or to guys in Prinsloo says that much of the ignorance and stigma But those wishing to address the issue of male rape prison.” surrounding male rape is due to a misunderstanding of the emphasise that they do not aim to detract from the issue of He went on to say that in the global community, the male body. female rape. Prinsloo says, “It’s important for me to state situation is not much better. “Aid organisations such as the According to MailSurvivor.org, a website offering support that the aim of Masithetheni is not to undermine or react to UN and WHO think that dealing with it actually detracts to male rape survivors, “males can respond physically to the Silent Protest – they are doing a heroic job and should be from their primary battle against [female-orientated] sexual stimulation (get an erection) even in traumatic or painful praised for that.” violence,” says Prinsloo. “This is farcical because people do sexual situations”. “Masithetheni only aims to shed light on yet another not seem to realise that sexual violence is a complete package This has been likened to a ‘betrayal’ by one’s body, which shadowy aspect of the society in which we live. As it stands – it needs to be combated as a whole.” is also experienced by some female rape survivors who now, Masithetheni’s aim is reached simply by people talking Prinsloo adds that male rape is more prevalent that most experience orgasm during their rape. about male rape earnestly.” 07 29 May 2012 News When does art go too far? By Sibulele Mabusela Lisa van Wyk, of the Mail&Guardian, recently reviewed alternate disputes of art pieces in he recent defacing of a painting depicting South Africa in her article entitled “Fine art and President Jacob Zuma (and more notably fragile egos”. Van Wyk revisited other pieces his penis), more commonly known as that were heavily scrutinised, disapproved of T‘The Spear’, has caused a major uproar from the by politicians, and in some cases removed from ANC and the rest of the country. public view by those in power. These pieces From social networks to top-end newspapers, included a depiction of Mandela’s autopsy by many have commented and voiced opinions on Yiull Damaso in the style of a classic Rembrandt the matter. As controversial as the defacing may piece, photographer Zanele Muholi’s work on have been, it definitely did raise certain issues, black lesbians, and Andries Botha’s painting of questioning yet again whether or not freedom of King Shaka – the herdboy. expression in South Africa is a myth. All of the above-mentioned art pieces raised That this painting by artist Brett Murray controversy in their own right. In each case has attracted so much controversy is not however, it became evident that it was about surprising, as art often does the world over. more than the piece itself but rather about the One such example would be Makode Linde‘s freedom of expression (or in this case, the lack cake art: a cake sculpted in the shape of a thereof) that our constitution promises – it naked black woman supposedly modeled after brings into question whether this freedom is South African artist Brett Murray’s depiction of President Jacob Zuma in his painting ‘The Spear’ has caused a highly controversial reaction from the public.Pic: News24 Sarah Baartman. Initially, the piece was created reality or myth, and just how conditional it can to highlight female genital mutilation, but it be. pieces would probably have gone unnoticed by works of art become dangerous: when freedom attracted rather negative publicity after the Ironically, in each of these cases the uproar the wider public if people had simply let them of expression is questioned in a democratic exhibition. Dialogue arose about the piece being authorities raised about the artworks only served be. society which claims this freedom as enshrined racist and many questioned its rationality. to tickle the public’s interest even further – the It is at this point that the painting and other in its Constitution. Back to Africa Minister to transform access By Christopher Morris

he Department of International Relations and Cooperation, together to higher education Twith the African Union, hosted the first Global African Diaspora Summit on 25 May. The aim was to change global perceptions about By Christopher Morris development of residences. Africa through building and maintaining strong democracies, good Over the next two years the state has allocated R3.8 billion governance and unity of purpose. t’s been one month since Higher Education Minister Blade for universities’ infrastructure development, with nearly The meeting was held at the Sandton Convention Centre and coincided INzimande presented the department’s budget speech at half this amount – R1.6 billion – set aside for previously with Africa Day. It was attended by representatives of 60 nations, Parliament. In charge of what is seen by many to be one of disadvantaged institutions. Nzimande also unveiled plans to including leaders from the Caribbean, Latin America and the United cabinet’s most important portfolios, the Minister announced build two completely new universities in the Northern Cape States. several initiatives that he believes will help improve skills and Mpumalanga, which are the only provinces without On the eve of the conference the Minister of International Relations, development. universities. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said the conference was “Africa’s effort to Importantly for universities, Nzimande announced his Although his proposals have courted controversy, the reach out to its sons and daughters out there in other parts of the world, intention to transform admission policy, including the Minister is adamant that they are necessary if government is to affirm our collective identity and marshal our forces for a better Africa introduction of a central bureau for university and funding to transform the education system in line with the country’s and a better world”. applications. The bureau would be responsible for processing developmental goals. The Minister called on all those who have left the continent to “look all applications and would alleviate the burden of application Citing the ambitious nature of the Minister’s targets coupled back to Africa”. This high-level meeting of leaders saw the adoption of a fees, something many students feel are too high. with the minimal resources at his disposal, critics have set of ‘legacy projects’ which will allow people “of African origin living Hoping to carry out his plans for fee-free universities, questioned the viability of building two new universities by outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality Nzimande has also tasked a departmental committee with 2014 and improving both Science and Humanities graduate and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent investigating the costs involved with such a move. The levels, amongst other pledges. With the uncertainty of and the building of the African Union” to contribute in concrete ways to minister also highlighted the lack of adequate student Nzimande retaining his portfolio at the ANC’s elective the continent’s development. The Minister said that she hoped all efforts accommodation, particularly at historically black institutes, conference in Mangaung this year, many are hoping that the would allow for us to give meaning to the concept of an “African family”. and earmarked R850 million for the improvement and ambition is not too much. 08 Politics Edition 5

Political A youthful continent’s big ambitions perspectives By Deane Lindhorst By Megan Ellis n celebration of ten Iyears of the African Once again Jacob Zuma’s penis was the Union, a panel of experts subject of headlines across the country recently met at Rhodes to – except this time, instead of siring reflect on the milestones another child out of wedlock, it was the reached by the central image in an artwork. organisation and discuss Zuma said that the painting infringed its future endeavors. on his right to dignity. He’s probably The panelists at the Pan- right – but who is he to talk about African Youth Dialogue Deputy Minister of International Relations, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim, former Minister of Local Government, Dr. Sydney denying people their dignity? included Ebrahim Mufamadi and Rhodes Univerity Politics lecturer, Ms Siphokazi Magadla addressing Rhodes students and lecturers on the Thousands sacrifice their dignity Ebrahim, Deputy current challenges that the African Union are faced with. May 17, 2012. Pics: Niamh Walsh-Vorster when crapping in a bucket, which is Minister of International considered a legitimate system of waste Relations and Co-operation; former Minister challenges that the African Union faces. to act as major deterrents to continental goals management. Those who resort to of Provincial and Local Government Dr The success of the African Renaissance, a of sustainability and development. Resource begging sacrifice their dignity because Sydney Mufamadi; and Rhodes Politics lecturer concept for continental renewal developed by management and the task of nation-building their situation feels so hopeless. Siphokazi Magadla, who highlighted the role of former president Thabo Mbeki, was argued were vigorously debated alongside the highly- As a nation, we have lost our dignity the youth in Africa’s future success. to lie in the hands of African youths. These contested issue of foreign intervention in African because our leaders mock us with The discussions saw panelists argue that a sentiments were expressed by the panelists, politics and security – a point driven home by empty promises and insult us with their future in which Africa is to, “claim its place in who spoke confidently of the trend of economic the recent invasion of NATO forces in Libya and flagrant disregard for everything the the international arena” should start with a move development and the spread of democracy across the killing of Muammar Gaddafi which followed. struggle stood for – changing South to empower the youth. Africa is the world’s most the continent. Despite an array of challenges for the Africa for the better and giving freedom youthful continent, with more than half of its According to the panelists, some major continent, the panelists expressed a sense of to everyone. inhabitants under the age of 25. The growth of challenges that threaten the vision of the growing optimism for Africa, arguing that the Instead, our country is being looted an intellectual movement amongst this diverse African Union include limited infrastructure potential successes in Africa’s future will depend by corrupt leaders who seem to think and energetic group of people is one of the many and widespread corruption, which continue on the youth across the continent. that their theft from the public doesn’t come with a body count. The political discourse between our politicians is descending into nothing more than name-calling and finger-pointing, while SA’s ‘racist underbelly’ exposed we are expected to look to them to lead By Gabriella Fregona SA to prosperity. “Dear Mr Peter Mokaba… I wish All White People such as those represented in the media by the likes Then again, now that Malema has been were killed when you sang ‘Kill the Boer’ we wouldn’t of Julius Malema, whilst older generations “who saw tossed aside, the government needs to he ‘born-free’ generation have failed to grasp the be experiencing @JessicaLeandra’s racism right Mandela come to power have worked things out and find some other sensation to distract Tsensitivities of some terms that were used during now” [sic]. These incidents are not as rare as some settled down”. us from the real issues – corruption, apartheid, says Lucy Holborn, the head researcher may think: an unrelated Facebook post from a Cape Sociology Professor Monty J. Roodt suggests an poverty, crime and their inability to of the SA Institute of Race Relations. She was Peninsula University of Technology student, Ken alternative, saying that children generally learn to fulfil the promises which won them the commenting on the social networking uproar caused Sinclair, resulted in the student’s suspension and a be racist from their parents, immediate family and election. by a series of ‘racist’ tweets, beginning with those of pending investigation. He posted that black people are their friends. SA’s experience of hundreds of years Maybe the entire hubbub over this former FHM model Jessica Leandra about “[taking] on “brain-dead monkeys [who] always skinner in their of colonialism and segregation “cannot be wiped out painting is meant to distract the media an arrogant and disrespectful k****r” in a retail store. retarded language”. in one generation,” he says. “Religious, cultural and from the fact that the investigation Holborn said a younger generation of South Africans Khaya Dlanga, a prominent columnist who is educational institutions need to play a more active into corruption charges against Zuma have become more “flippant” in their use of derogatory published by several media organisations, blogged role in… overcoming ethnocentrism and promoting may be re-launched, while at the terms. that an ‘underbelly’ of racism in South Africa has been a deeper understanding of different cultures.” Roodt same time Zuma is interfering with Prominent local columnist Mabine Seabe, however, surfacing. Dlanga said that racism is ‘justified’ by many believes that building a stronger identity as South court appointments. He also has the took much greater objection to Leandra’s comments. South Africans. Africans and creating a collective sense of belonging sheer arrogance to suggest that the Seabe laid a complaint to the Human Rights “Large sections of South Africans still hold racial is also an integral factor in inducing greater social Constitutional Court’s powers should Commission over the model’s racist Twitter rant, and biases hidden behind concerns of crime, when the real cohesion. “Until we eliminate the socio-economic be revised – insulting our intelligence Leandra was also quickly stripped of her FHM 2011 issue is racism,” he said. inequality in South Africa, it is going to be very with claims that it is anything but title for model of the year. Anita Hollis, Director of Take 10 Casting, stated difficult to achieve any of the above as it contributes attempting to protect his own interests. Despite a hastily published apology on her personal that racist attitudes amongst youth could be a result of hugely to the alienation of South Africans from each Then again, the only things the blog, another local model, Tshidi Thamana, tweeted, social and economic conditions or ‘radical’ viewpoints other.” government ever seems to do with any efficiency of late is to protect Zuma’s interests. Malema could spread hate and lies all he wanted, but the moment ‘Writing’ the wrongs of SA print media he slandered our dear president he was By Marc Davies expelled from the party with the same discontinuation of the rule that complainants waive press’ accountability to the public – for instance by speed at which Mbeki was ousted. their right of access to the court, the imposition of giving more seats to citizen representatives on the Zuma can charge a man with assault he year-old Press Freedom Commission recently ‘space fines’ which would oblige newspapers to set Press Council and recommending stronger sanctions for spilling a drink on him and have a Treleased recommendations on the regulatory aside print space for apology notices, monetary fines for offending publications, which will hopefully ensure speedy trial, but a rapist recently got framework of the South African print press, aimed for non-compliance with the rulings of the Press that ‘justice is seen to be done’”. off scot free because our legislation at, “strengthening its independence, enhancing its Ombudsman, and increased protection for children. Wasserman also argued that the press, in moving regarding charges for various types of accessibility, and deepening its credibility”. The South African National Editors Forum forward, could listen more to the public, determine sexual assault is so flawed. The changes were proposed following suggestions subsequently welcomed the submissions, saying it their concerns and decide on how the media could I’m sure Zuma’s dignity will soon be from the ANC that a Media Appeals Tribunal be believe the proposed changes will strengthen South help them practise their citizenship. “The model of restored – but he will never restore the instated as a statutory body to regulate the print press. African journalism and “consolidate the role of a free ‘we know what the public needs and we will give respect so many South Africans have Various media houses and civil society groups have press in our constitutional democracy”. Secretary it to them’ is patronising and elitist. Especially in lost for him. He conned a nation into reacted negatively to the proposal, which was laid General of the ANC, Gwede Mantashe said that a fragmented and unequal country such as South believing he would bring change to the out in the party’s 2010 discussion paper. They have there is a “general appreciation and acceptance of Africa, the imperative is on the media to nurture close party and to our economy. instead presented a proposal that maintains the total the [PFC] outcome within the ANC”. However, he relations with citizens across our various divides so as Instead he brought threats to media independence of media from government. warned against blatantly offensive, lazy or inaccurate to serve them better.” freedom and disgrace to a country A shift from the system of “independent regulation” journalism, according to The Daily News. According to Mantashe, the next step in instituting which fought so hard for the rights to independent co-regulation between the press and Professor Herman Wasserman of the School of the changes is to recommend that the matter be enshrined in the Constitution. public would see significant changes in the way the Journalism and Media Studies said that the PFC’s taken to Parliament where it would be reviewed and media is brought to task. These changes include the recommendations “do go a long way to improve the deliberated on. 09 29 May 2012 Politics A youthful continent’s big ambitions Xenophobic ‘neo-Nazis’ in Greek parliament By Nokukhanya Bonani strength. Immigrants have been labelled by the party as one of the central like Agios Panteleimon. A local aid group leader, Nikitas Kanakis, has causes for increased job losses and diminished social benefits. The party reported a worsening situation for immigrants, adding that members of wenty-one members of Europe’s most far-right nationalist party, has advocated planting landmines along Greece’s borders and driving Golden Dawn “feel more powerful and more accepted by the population”. Chrysi Avgi (or ‘Golden Dawn’), have been elected into Greek immigrants into ‘work camps’. Greek authorities have said that a recent anti-immigration protest led parliament after winning close to half a million votes in recent The party’s slogan, “Greece belongs to Greeks,” reflects the seemingly by supporters of the ultra-right party on 23 May resulted in clashes with elections.T They have been called a neo-Nazi party by the media and rose xenophobic agenda touted by at least 21 parliamentarians in that country. law enforcement officials, after Golden Dawn supporters threw stones to prominence with a strongly nationalist, anti-immigrant agenda, amidst Dr Stella Ladi, a lecturer in Political Sciences at Panteion University in at the police outside an old factory inhabited by immigrants hoping debilitating economic turmoil in Greece. Athens, says that the party’s growth in Greece has come as a surprise to board ferries bound for Italy. The clashes arose following the fatal The Golden Dawn Party had promised supporters during the to some political analysts, seeing as it was initially a small fringe stabbing of a Patras resident, allegedly by illegal Afghan immigrants. parliamentary elections that their stance on immigrants would be organisation that later became a party. A new round of elections in Greece, set for 17 June, is expected to see intensified, and that stricter laws would be put into place to repel TimesLive has reported a spread of Nazi graffiti and active hostility Golden Dawn remain in parliament, albeit in a position of significantly immigrants from the country if they gained sufficient parliamentary towards Muslims and other foreigners in some Athens neighbourhoods less power. #TheYoungandAngry By Tegan Phillips click from the comfort of your own computer. “Social media has changed the entire nature of activism,” says former The his month marks the first anniversary of the 2011 indignado Times reporter Julia Fish. “Take, for example, the KONY 2012 Tprotests in Spain, or, as they have come to be known across movement: it disappeared into obscurity as instantly as it rose the world, the #spanishrevolution. The protests, organised almost to fame. Their ‘Cover the Night’ plan was a disaster, because it entirely via social media networking sites and led mainly by required effort that extended beyond ‘sharing’ or ‘liking’ online. A the Spanish youth, reached their peak just before the Spanish complex, political situation was oversimplified, went viral, and in elections at the end of 2011. They have continued into 2012 as the the end relatively little was changed.” protesters’ demands for economic reform have yet to be met. Rhodes, in a similar fashion, embraced the integration of social Retired Spanish economist Jose Lledó Muñoz suggested that media into its signature protest movement. The annual Silent this is because the protesters have placed unreasonable demands Protest, using the ‘#RUSilent’ hash-tag, was the number one on the government. “A third of our youth is unemployed, and trending topic on Twitter in South Africa when it happened. with new measures being put in place to stabilise the economy, Protest culture at Rhodes has also recently come under scrutiny as unemployment is likely to increase for the next year,” he said. it increasingly becomes the first and only course of action taken “But the government has no other option: they cannot create jobs by students in cases of conflict or perceived injustice. out of thin air.” In the past term alone, a multitude of protests have been held at Muñoz also criticised the decision of the protesters not to vote, Rhodes: ranging from protesting the wearing of fur, to a ‘naked stating that voicing their dissatisfaction is not enough on its own. run’ to a bar, to protests outside a Grahamstown school where a “People need to be coming up with solutions and alternatives,” he teacher accused of raping a student was still working. Students said. He believes that the protests, which are currently directed at joined a ‘Kiss-in’ protest against homophobia, and various forms criticising the government for new health and education budget of ‘protest’ against the possible removal of swot week could be cuts, should take the form of putting pressure on the European found on the Internet carrying the #RUBlackThursday-badge on Union to lower interest rates for international loans to Spain. Twitter and encouraging mass participation in a demonstration at The #spanishrevolution movement was largely influenced Eden Grove. While some people protest for just causes because no by the protests that constituted the Arab Spring, in which other solution could be found, the relevance of other movements massive uprisings two years ago resulted in dramatic changes in has been questioned. government in Middle Eastern and North African countries. In Stuart Lewis, Administration Manager at the Gender Action 2010, students also protested against proposed government policy Project at Rhodes and one of the organisers of the recent ‘Kiss- on studying expenses in London, and in 2011 dissatisfaction in’ protest, stated that he sees protesting as a final measure to be with global economic equality came to the fore in the Occupy taken only “once you have exhausted all the official channels and movement. there are absolutely no other options available.” He issued caution These recent protests have all used social media as a means against the increasing popularity of ‘slacktivism’, criticising not only to organise gatherings but also to gain international students who support causes for protests without being prepared attention, initiating a trend of the use of social media as today’s to supplement this with follow-up measures. most popular platform for protest. While the effectiveness of Despite this, Lewis pointed to the successes of some of the social media to raise instant and widespread awareness cannot recent international protests as proof that slacktivism should not be debated, many critics of the medium have expressed concern become the norm. “Luckily there are still plenty of students who that it encourages a superficial, fleeting engagement with serious are willing to actually get down in the trenches and do some real Excerpt from archives. 18 August 1951 issues, because it often involves nothing more than a simple work,” he said. “It’s those students who really make a difference.”

COACHMAN BUFFET RESTAURANT 123 high street Graham Hotel ~ 046 622 2324 at the 09 29 May 2012 Politics A youthful continent’s big ambitions Xenophobic ‘neo-Nazis’ in Greek parliament By Nokukhanya Bonani strength. Immigrants have been labelled by the party as one of the central like Agios Panteleimon. A local aid group leader, Nikitas Kanakis, has causes for increased job losses and diminished social benefits. The party reported a worsening situation for immigrants, adding that members of wenty-one members of Europe’s most far-right nationalist party, has advocated planting landmines along Greece’s borders and driving Golden Dawn “feel more powerful and more accepted by the population”. Chrysi Avgi (or ‘Golden Dawn’), have been elected into Greek immigrants into ‘work camps’. Greek authorities have said that a recent anti-immigration protest led parliament after winning close to half a million votes in recent The party’s slogan, “Greece belongs to Greeks,” reflects the seemingly by supporters of the ultra-right party on 23 May resulted in clashes with elections.T They have been called a neo-Nazi party by the media and rose xenophobic agenda touted by at least 21 parliamentarians in that country. law enforcement officials, after Golden Dawn supporters threw stones to prominence with a strongly nationalist, anti-immigrant agenda, amidst Dr Stella Ladi, a lecturer in Political Sciences at Panteion University in at the police outside an old factory inhabited by immigrants hoping debilitating economic turmoil in Greece. Athens, says that the party’s growth in Greece has come as a surprise to board ferries bound for Italy. The clashes arose following the fatal The Golden Dawn Party had promised supporters during the to some political analysts, seeing as it was initially a small fringe stabbing of a Patras resident, allegedly by illegal Afghan immigrants. parliamentary elections that their stance on immigrants would be organisation that later became a party. A new round of elections in Greece, set for 17 June, is expected to see intensified, and that stricter laws would be put into place to repel TimesLive has reported a spread of Nazi graffiti and active hostility Golden Dawn remain in parliament, albeit in a position of significantly immigrants from the country if they gained sufficient parliamentary towards Muslims and other foreigners in some Athens neighbourhoods less power. #TheYoungandAngry By Tegan Phillips click from the comfort of your own computer. “Social media has changed the entire nature of activism,” says former The his month marks the first anniversary of the 2011 indignado Times reporter Julia Fish. “Take, for example, the KONY 2012 Tprotests in Spain, or, as they have come to be known across movement: it disappeared into obscurity as instantly as it rose the world, the #spanishrevolution. The protests, organised almost to fame. Their ‘Cover the Night’ plan was a disaster, because it entirely via social media networking sites and led mainly by required effort that extended beyond ‘sharing’ or ‘liking’ online. A the Spanish youth, reached their peak just before the Spanish complex, political situation was oversimplified, went viral, and in elections at the end of 2011. They have continued into 2012 as the the end relatively little was changed.” protesters’ demands for economic reform have yet to be met. Rhodes, in a similar fashion, embraced the integration of social Retired Spanish economist Jose Lledó Muñoz suggested that media into its signature protest movement. The annual Silent this is because the protesters have placed unreasonable demands Protest, using the ‘#RUSilent’ hash-tag, was the number one on the government. “A third of our youth is unemployed, and trending topic on Twitter in South Africa when it happened. with new measures being put in place to stabilise the economy, Protest culture at Rhodes has also recently come under scrutiny as unemployment is likely to increase for the next year,” he said. it increasingly becomes the first and only course of action taken “But the government has no other option: they cannot create jobs by students in cases of conflict or perceived injustice. out of thin air.” In the past term alone, a multitude of protests have been held at Muñoz also criticised the decision of the protesters not to vote, Rhodes: ranging from protesting the wearing of fur, to a ‘naked stating that voicing their dissatisfaction is not enough on its own. run’ to a bar, to protests outside a Grahamstown school where a “People need to be coming up with solutions and alternatives,” he teacher accused of raping a student was still working. Students said. He believes that the protests, which are currently directed at joined a ‘Kiss-in’ protest against homophobia, and various forms criticising the government for new health and education budget of ‘protest’ against the possible removal of swot week could be cuts, should take the form of putting pressure on the European found on the Internet carrying the #RUBlackThursday-badge on Union to lower interest rates for international loans to Spain. Twitter and encouraging mass participation in a demonstration at The #spanishrevolution movement was largely influenced Eden Grove. While some people protest for just causes because no by the protests that constituted the Arab Spring, in which other solution could be found, the relevance of other movements massive uprisings two years ago resulted in dramatic changes in has been questioned. government in Middle Eastern and North African countries. In Stuart Lewis, Administration Manager at the Gender Action 2010, students also protested against proposed government policy Project at Rhodes and one of the organisers of the recent ‘Kiss- on studying expenses in London, and in 2011 dissatisfaction in’ protest, stated that he sees protesting as a final measure to be with global economic equality came to the fore in the Occupy taken only “once you have exhausted all the official channels and movement. there are absolutely no other options available.” He issued caution These recent protests have all used social media as a means against the increasing popularity of ‘slacktivism’, criticising not only to organise gatherings but also to gain international students who support causes for protests without being prepared attention, initiating a trend of the use of social media as today’s to supplement this with follow-up measures. most popular platform for protest. While the effectiveness of Despite this, Lewis pointed to the successes of some of the social media to raise instant and widespread awareness cannot recent international protests as proof that slacktivism should not be debated, many critics of the medium have expressed concern become the norm. “Luckily there are still plenty of students who that it encourages a superficial, fleeting engagement with serious are willing to actually get down in the trenches and do some real Excerpt from archives. 18 August 1951 issues, because it often involves nothing more than a simple work,” he said. “It’s those students who really make a difference.”

COACHMAN BUFFET RESTAURANT 123 high street Graham Hotel ~ 046 622 2324 at the 10 Politics Edition 5 Behind The Rainbow Mask: Sexuality, identity and equal rights in Africa By Marc Davies and Deane Lindhorst individuals in Africa nevertheless remains a contentious on moral, religious and African traditionalist perspectives. issue. Several African political leaders and large sectors of the Amidst this widespread non-acceptance of LGBTI individuals he acceptance of different sexualities is a “private continental populace vehemently denounce ‘non-heterosexual’ and communities across the continent, numerous civil rights choice, not a cultural, political or legal issue”, people and lifestyles, often resulting in the exclusion, groups – some of which operate from outside the continent – according to Atabong Tamo, a Cameroonian PhD imprisonment, torture or death of those thought to be ‘guilty’ of continue to lobby for the decriminalisation of homosexuality ResearchT Fellow at the Centre for Law and Cosmopolitan homosexual ‘crimes’. and an end to violence, as well as for the recognition of same- Values at the University of Antwerp. Social acceptance of Many of these leaders and members of civil society have sex marriage as an ‘ultimate goal’ for equal rights. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersex (LGBTI) spoken against the ‘condition’ of homosexuality based mostly

Uganda North Africa Female and male homosexuality is illegal in In most countries across the north of Africa and the nearby Middle East, Uganda and is currently punishable by up to 14 homosexuality is a criminal offence and is reinforced as a moral or religious ‘crime’ years imprisonment. Uganda is notorious for by Islamic (Sharia) law. It is punishable by death in Nigeria and Somalia. its widespread hostility towards LGBTI Sodomy laws in countries such as Tunisia criminalise same-sex acts, individuals, a situation exacerbated by the which are punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment. In some proposition of the Anti-Homosexuality cases, it can be as many as ten years. Bill in 2009 which would ultimately impose the death penalty upon Malawi repeat same-sex ‘offenders’. Homosexual sex is illegal in Malawi and is a highly Nevertheless, according to BBC, contentious issue for the chiefly conservative, Christian nation. almost half a million people in Societal violence and discrimination persists in parts of Uganda are gay or lesbian. A local the country. Debate on the issue has been started by newspaper made international events such as the incarceration headlines in 2010 after publishing of two men on charges of ‘public a list of Uganda’s “top homos”, indecency’ for getting engaged, as accompanied with photos and a banner well as the incarceration of Peter that read “hang them”. Sawali in 2012 for holding up a poster in the capital, Blantyre, which read “Gay rights are human rights”. Malawi’s president, Joyce Banda caused controversy after announcing that she will work to overturn that country’s laws that ban homosexual acts. The historic statements, although South Africa year, South Africa’s House of Traditional warmly received by civil rights groups, have been Same-sex marriage was made legal in Leaders requested that parliament suggested as an attempt by Banda to ensure a high South Africa in 2006, and the country has remove the Constitutional clause that inflow of international aid by creating a ‘guise’ been deemed the leader in championing guarantees equal rights of homosexuals. of protection of homosexuals to ‘satisfy’ the LGBTI rights in Africa. Full marital rights ANC lawmaker and traditional leader, West. and protection from legal discrimination Patekile Holomisa, said that the “great are afforded to all South Africans through majority does not want to give promotion the Constitution. South Africa led a and protection to these things,” and Zimbabwe debate on LGBTI rights at the United that homosexuality is a “condition that Spurred by the decades-old anti-gay stance Nations in March, calling for an end to occurred when certain rituals have not and actions of President Robert Mugabe, discriminatory laws and violence against been performed”. hostility towards LGBTI individuals and groups homosexuals. Rhodes University has adopted is prevalent in Zimbabwe where same-sex sexual Discrimination directed at LGBTIs is the philosophy of the South African activity is illegal under sodomy laws, which define these activities as nevertheless still somewhat prominent in Constitution and asserted that no staff an “unnatural offence”. Mugabe has repeatedly used religious rhetoric South Africa. ‘Corrective rape’ of lesbian member or student is to be subject to to justify the “views of Zimbabwe” which define gay and lesbian activities women in a number of South Africa’s intimidation, discrimination and violence as ‘un-African’ and ‘unnatural’, at one point describing homosexual people informal settlements has increased amidst based on sexual orientation, as well as as “worse than pigs and dogs”. A Zimbabwean constitutional draft on the issue is growing hostility towards the ‘un-African’ other factors such as race, gender and currently being debated, with top lawyers attempting to ensure that protection and nation of homosexuality. In May this religious beliefs among others. decriminalisation of homosexuals is withheld from the final document. America in deadlock over gay marriage By Luke Cadden may suffer a significant blow against conservative Republican Fogel went on to say that gay marriage is “one of those opponent Mitt Romney, who advocates ‘traditional American illusionary issues which divert so-called ‘progressives’ from S President Barack Obama has made history by becoming family values’ – which only includes marriage for heterosexual registering any opposition to a war-mongering imperial tool Uthe first incumbent American president to publically couples. Romney recently spoke at Liberty University in of finance capital, who has done more to destroy civil rights express his support for gay marriage and equal marital rights Virginia where he reassured voters that marriage is “only than Bush”. As such, Fogel suspects most of the mild ‘euphoria’ for all citizens. Obama has come under scrutiny as well as praise between one man and one woman”. emanating from Rhodes’ gay community about Obama’s from various political opponents and religious and civil rights Politics Honours student Benjamin Fogel, however, statements has more to do with a “marked ignorance of world groups at home and abroad. However, it has been seen as an act denounced the integrity of Obama’s statements, saying they politics and tendency to view gay rights in isolation from of ‘political suicide’ in terms of his efforts to shift support from may be an attempt to “massage his support base, including political context, instead of as a central part of radical change”. Republican voters by several US analysts. some of his biggest donors who are gay, with some feel-good Same-sex marriage in the US is nevertheless legal in only a Some publically homophobic politicians in the United States empty statements to make up for four years… of imperial few states and banned in the vast majority. The US Presidential have, both before and after Obama’s comments, expressed excursions”. Fogel argued that Obama’s statements are elections are to be held on 6 November this year, in which the ‘disgust’ at the promotion of equal marital rights. Texan essentially meaningless and that his stance has only changed president’s perspectives on the matter are expected to sway governor Rick Perry had incited passionate responses by because “Jesus changed his mind,” following Obama’s some voters away from voting for him. Whether this happens comparing homosexuality to alcoholism. Following his comments that his faith led him to a change of heart on the or not cannot be fully predicted, however, and the issue will statements on gay marital rights, Obama’s re-election campaign matter. certainly develop further as the elections draw closer. 11 29 May 2012 Politics Former president’s comments cause a furore By Cindy Archillies human rights paradigm,” she said. “In many ways the South African Constitution has brought the issue of human rights in ormer South African president FW de Klerk has come this country under the spotlight. Therefore, I think that even if under fire for making controversial statements in which de Klerk’s Nobel Peace prize is taken away, it would be of little he appeared to condone certain elements of the apartheid consequence to us as a nation because we have laid the foundation regime.F De Klerk’s comments came during an interview with for human rights to be respected already.” CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at a summit of Nobel Prize winners More disconcerting to Botha are the implications for the situation in Chicago. in Israel and Palestine, which she believes is very similar to When questioned about the system of apartheid, de Klerk apartheid. “I am disappointed by de Klerk’s statements because asserted that it was morally unacceptable. “Inasmuch as it trampled they undermine the Palestinian cause for true national sovereignty,” human rights it was, and remains, morally indefensible,” he said. she said. “Our fight in this country, at least legally, is over, but the However, he then went on to defend the ‘bantustan’ or ‘homeland’ Palestinians are still fighting every day for a viable nation state and system and initially denied that creating “separate but equal nation they need all the support they can get especially from those who states,” defined along racial lines, was disenfranchising. “They have been part of the process of reconciliation – such as de Klerk.” [black people] were not disenfranchised; they voted,” he said. Dr Joy Owen, a senior lecturer in the Department of “They were not put in homelands; the homelands were historically Anthropology, said that one could argue that de Klerk’s statement is there. If only the developed world would put so much money “inconsiderate of the huge loss of life and the impact of the political into Africa, which is struggling with poverty, as we poured into struggle on black men, women and children’s social and economic those homelands. How many universities were built? How many quality of life”. schools?” Dr Owen suggested that given his social context in the 1980s and Following expansive criticism, de Klerk said that his comments position in the National Party, his comments may not necessarily had been taken out of context and that he has “no residual belief have come as a surprise. De Klerk’s comments and the resulting in, or attachment to, separate development”. The Council for the outcry therefore should, according to Dr Owen, be seen as a “wake- Advancement of the South African Constitution has condemned up call to all South Africans, irrespective of race, class, gender, his comments and demanded he retract them. The National Health age, or sexual orientation that the honeymoon period of the new and Allied Workers’ Union took a more drastic stance, saying that democracy is long over, and that we need to some serious work de Klerk’s Nobel Peace Prize be withdrawn. as individuals to guard against exclusionary politics”. If de Klerk’s Politics Honours student Yolandé Botha believes that removing logic is considered questionable, then South Africans need to de Klerk’s Peace Prize would be immaterial. “I think that we need ensure that “our practical politics, as expressed in our daily lives, do to look at de Klerk’s comments in the context of the contemporary not encourage exclusion”. Illustrator: Katja Schreiber

Far Left: Thabo Mbeki during a speech at Rhodes in 1995. Left: Desmond Tutu. Exceprt from Activate Archives

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Terms & Conditions 144 340 ml SCOTT’S AVE - GRAHAM HOTEL apply Vat incl. TEL: 082 4773689 PER CASE 12 Comment & Analysis Edition 5 Memory lane – Past Rhodeo office 1987 editors share their stories By Alexa Sedgwick the results. We had to get the Vice-Chancellor to come out and publically defend us, and that edition – with a simple cover s Activate marks its 65th birthday, we look back featuring just the Zimbabwean flag – was all you saw on campus to some of the past editors who kept it going over for days afterwards, being read and passed around. We even got the years through its transformation from a little coverage in the provincial papers! Very scary at the time, but newsletterA to a fully-fledged 24-page colour newspaper. Though exciting to think that people were paying attention to a little printing techniques, management styles, size, content and even student newspaper in a small town. our name has changed drastically, the fact remains that Activate I’m currently news editor at City Press, a position I took up has left an apparently lasting impression on those ex-students three or four months ago. Before that, I was the news editor who worked to put it all together during their time at Rhodes. at the Cape Argus. Activate absolutely helped me get to this While some previous editors have come back to the university point in my professional life – it was the most hands-on, as lecturers, others have gone on to become editors of other practical, incredible environment in which to learn more about newspapers or books (like Ray Hartley of the Sunday Times in newspapers, to make very stupid mistakes and to fall even Cape Town), and specialists in different types of communicative further in love with journalism. Best thing I ever did, even if it media (like Karen Thorne, a community TV activist; Steyn meant living on chip rolls from the now-defunct Day Kaif in the Speed, an ANC communication director; and Graham Welsh, Student Union building and spending hours in that office when an SABC executive). We have put together some stories from I should have been working harder at my degree! past editors who have shared their favourite memories from the time that they worked on the student newspaper, as well as how Kate Douglas, Editor 2008-2009 their experiences helped to shape their futures. I cannot point out one best time at Activate. I’d say that every learning curb, every political debate and all the times I got to Paul Maylam, Editor 1969 exercise – and push – my understanding of journalism ethics I was editor of what was then called Rhodeo in 1969 – in that were significant. Those were great moments for me. I currently year we produced 19 eight-page issues. I remember working work as a freelance medical and health journalist. through most of Sunday night with a small team, putting the paper together, literally cutting and pasting with scissors and glue. My main memory is that of producing a special two-page Laura Maggs, Editor 2009-2010 issue devoted to the case of a Theology lecturer Basil Moore, I have quite a few great memories who received an honorary doctorate here in 2011. In the late of my time with Activate. I remember 1960s the Black Consciousness Movement, headed by Steve the evening I was told that I’d been Biko, was becoming prominent. Basil Moore was sympathetic chosen as editor – I was sick with to the movement and to black theology. He was recommended flu and almost didn’t make it to the by a selection committee for a permanent post in the Theology meeting. When they told me, I was Department, but this recommendation was twice overturned so overwhelmed and excited and all by the University’s very conservative council. This gave rise to I wanted to do was go to the Rat for Top: The Activate office during paste-up weekend. a student protest which culminated in a number of students a beer, but I ended up going back Middle: Pampilon and Sheila Hanley (co-editors) are sleeping holding a sit-in in the council chamber – these students were to bed instead (lame). I remember in the office on a Monday morning after a “paste-up” subsequently rusticated for eight weeks. This was the main my first meeting with the executive weekend. They would routinely work for 48 hours non-stop, event during my tenure as editor. team – I like to think I had the best team ever (they really were but then need to hang around the office on Monday in case there were any problems at the printers. Serving as editor gave me good experience, but it is difficult incredible) and I was so nervous speaking to all of them for the Bottom: Simon Pampilon, the editor of Activate in 1987, to say how much it helped my career. I went on to become a first time. I think anyone who has worked for Activate has fond holds onto a drawer of the filing cabinets where the sheets historian, teaching for 17 years at what was the University of memories, particularly of crazy paste-up weekends and the office of Letraset (rub-down transfer lettering which were used for Natal, Durban, and then here at Rhodes since 1991. My own printer running out of ink at the last minute, but for me it’s the headlines) were kept. political awareness had taken off in the previous, momentous inspiring people with whom I was lucky enough to work who form Pics: Nicky Newman year – 1968 – when there were student revolts across the world, the most important part of those memories. especially in France, Germany and the US. Working as editor of At the moment I’m working in Jo’burg for an agency called Rhodeo enhanced this awareness. Flow Communications. We specialise in journalism, design, web time I saw someone reading the paper development, e-marketing and media training. Activate definitely or I saw that big blue ‘A’ anywhere across Natasha Joseph, Editor 2001-2002 shaped who I am today and taught me so much. Most of all, it campus. My favourite memory – not a happy one, but significant - made me more confident and has helped me to remember to Currently, I am teaching English at a high was taking on political bullies who tried to stop Activate from always see the bigger picture. school in South Korea and you could say publishing a feature about the 2002 Zimbabwean elections. Staff that being a part of Activate has helped me members were followed and threatened after people got wind of Tessa Trafford, Editor 2010-2011 as I edit the school’s English newspaper – the fact that we were doing a piece on the elections, focusing on Probably my favourite part of Activate was seeing the paper come not an easy task as all the kids are writing how Zimbabwean Rhodents from all political parties felt about out. It was a feeling of accomplishment and pride every in their second or third language.

Rod Amner, Editor 1989 However, on the way home I was fined R500 by some In 1989, the country was still shrouded in a state of overzealous traffic cops outside Komga. R500 was an emergency. We had no idea that the end of apartheid was absolute fortune to a ‘bungie’ in those days, so I failed nigh. In 1989, I drove my battered Golf to Idutywa in the to pay and three months later was stopped, arrested and Transkei with a couple of Rhodeo reporters and Carol locked up in the Grahamstown prison! My mum and dad Paton, then president of the South African Students’ Press bailed me out. Union. We were looking for Epainette Mbeki, whose Since I currently teach Journalism and Media Studies husband Govan had recently been released from Robben at Rhodes, it would be irresponsible and self-defeating to Island, and whose son, Thabo, was negotiating apartheid’s admit that as a student I bunked quite a few lectures and endgame at a discreet location in the UK. We tracked Ma that Activate (née Rhodeo) taught me quite a bit more Mbeki down and secured a delightful interview which was about reporting and writing in the later 1980s than my published in Rhodeo and syndicated in the student press journalism lecturers. But, it would also be true. Ex-Rhodeo editor Rom Amner is fined R500 by traffic police outside Komga in around the country. the Transkei after interviewing Thabo Mbeki’s mother. 1989. (Photographer unknown) 13 29 May 2012 Comment & Analysis

By Wynona Latham Dr Samantha Naidu, English lecturer Risk your I don’t read Activate because I perceive it as a t is a time-honoured and somewhat clichéd Activate: student publication, targeted at mainly a student Itradition that when one reaches a certain age, readership and also because I do not have the time. portfolio some sort of self-evaluation takes place. So, at the age of 65, it’s time to see how far Activate as a newspaper the review Sara Garrun, BJourn 4 By Benjamin Fogel has come and perhaps how far we have to go. What I like about Activate is that as a We combed campus and town, asking students, But there are grammatical errors and typos which photojournalism student it gives me a platform to Student media is the platform for the lecturers and Grahamstown residents what they can irritate people. I must say that I always grab an show my work, which is kiff. Also, they will use future generations which go on to really think of the oldest student newspaper at Activate when I see one. pictures of things we have that don’t just pertain to comprise the fourth estate to cultivate Rhodes. We received a variety of answers! Rhodes and G-town, for example Splashy Fen. It also their talents, or lack thereof. Rhodes, Above all, it was enlightening to hear some very Natasha van Blerk, BSS 2 covers world events, which is nice. It is an example an institution widely recognized for honest comments. We give you: the good, the bad I have only read Activate when my friend has of brilliant student collaboration and training for the its department of Journalism, attracts and the ugly. written an article. Otherwise, I don’t read it – what’s real world. It covers all we find relevant, from world many who dream about going on to the point? events to the potholes on our roads. It gives us a a career in the media. Depending on Jenara Chaura, History Honours place to voice opinions, share info, show photos, and their particular inclination and talents, I think that Activate needs to have more interesting Debra Stein, Grahamstown resident all in all reinforces that sense of community we all the place they start is usually is in the articles. It needs to focus more on student life and I have not really been able to get a hold of it. love so much about this God-awful but also glorious student press, which is comprised of less on the administration. I think maybe there I haven’t seen it in a while but I do love reading town. The Oppidan Press and Activate. should be more celebrity gossip that could possibly the newspaper. I like reading about issues Now maybe I’m deluded and guilty make it more interesting. from the Grahamstown point of view and it is Sandile Mangeanyela, Bjourn 1 of cynicism, but as far as I can see really interesting to see how people think and It’s quite a good newspaper but there is one thing South Africa’s print media is in a Kendal Devey, BSC 2 communicate. a wish it had more of – and that is sport. I don’t like seemingly eternal journalistic crisis. I really enjoy reading it. It has a good variety of the way the sports section is laid out, I think it needs Laziness, conformity, outright racism, articles and topics which I think is very interesting. to be expanded. stenography and mostly utter banality seem to be hegemonic features. The country suffers from a severe lack of critical commentary and reporting By Kate Sedgwick and Kelly Killian do because of their appeal and media impact, but on a wide variety of issues, ranging Feeling should not be treated differently for that. from private sector skullduggery ocial networking sites such as Twitter and corruption to reasons why the and Facebook are often used as an easy Chris Ward, Linguistics 5 majority of South Africans don’t medium to express personal thoughts. But People should be held accountable for what they embrace Helen Zille as their savior theseS may end up being offensive to the beliefs of mis-tweeted? say in any public space, even cyber space. We in a country still beset by structural another social networker, who just happened to all have freedom of speech but at the same time inequality, unemployment and be browsing by. Earlier this month, model Jessica does is to take this informal conversation between we must take responsibility for how we use that poverty. Most of the media remains Leandra dos Santos was attacked on Twitter for close friends and broadcasts it to the whole world. freedom. When it comes to celebrities, I don’t see tripped up in clichéd hostility against posting a racial slur on her page, and the incident So on the one hand, you are speaking intimately why they should be treated differently. Their status the labour movement, resulting in subsequently resulted in her dismissal from FHM, to your friends... and on the other hand, the whole shouldn’t make them untouchable. an open hostility towards organized loss of external sponsoring, and general ostracising world is listening. In that context, it is quite easy labour. from the modelling community. It would seem to blurt out things that one might later regret. The David Williams, BJourn 3 Finally, because I could go on all day that companies, especially those which are sad thing is that the results of this are incredibly Yes, they should be held accountable. Anyone about how messed up the SA media media-orientated, are taking social networking hurtful, insulting and divisive. I guess technology can post anything on a social network but it must is, there is the general unwillingness into account when making decisions about their can be used to bring people together; it can also be responsible and the online user needs to be of the media to challenge any of the current or future employees: the Internet is drive us apart. I think some good can come of the aware of the consequences of posting content power brokers in South Africa who are becoming a real decision-maker in the hiring and recent situation, if people can use the incident as online. I don’t think celebrities should be able to not aligned to or part of the African firing process. a trigger to confront, discuss and hopefully adjust avoid punishment because they are still humans. National Congress. When was the last It is not uncommon to have one’s Facebook our attitudes. time you saw our world class (in terms page scoured by prospective employers, or to Mitchell Haefele, BA English of exploitative practices) banks get be required to have a certain number of Twitter Nina Butler, BA Honours I don’t think people should be punished, as they the same sort of hostile treatment followers, before one’s job applications are There is a distinction between holding someone are simply expressing their opinions – but people reserved for the ruling party? considered. The public can even be taken to court accountable or responsible for an action, and should limit what they say on social networking I think some of the blame for or at the very least risk the wrath of the online claiming the right to punish someone for an sites as certain posts may offend others. this starts at the beginning, in community (which is made up of real people with action. Yes, I feel that we as fully-functioning the student media, in which the whom they interact every day, too) if they step out adults are all accountable and responsible for Shelby Moyes, Bcom 1 overwhelming concern seems to be of line on social networking sites. Is it right to be everything we say and do, in whatever forum. If one voices something on a social networking future employment with one of the held so accountable for one’s personal comments When we sign on to social-networking sites site, it means it is an opinion which they have various awful papers which form the online, or are they to be treated as public? and create a profile through which to mediate made public. Having social networking sites on the vast majority of the print media in Do people who are better-known risk greater our comments and opinions, we are making a Internet means that the opinions which you post this country. This results in a marked punishment than those who are not in the public conscious projection of identity. We are actively on these sites are for all to see. One cannot expect desire not to take risks, instead eye? Activate sought your views. choosing to represent ourselves in a particular to publicly make discriminatory remarks and deciding to cultivate a portfolio of way through images, words, groups, ‘likes’, and not be held liable. Punishment for these actions ‘objective reporting’ on whatever safe Mark De Vos, Language and Linguistics lecturer so on. Therefore, we are fully responsible for should be equal for all people, from politicians and issues can be found to make up space. Twitter is a public forum like any other, and what we say, and this should not be treated as celebrities to the average person like you and I. Student media has the potential for people should be careful about what they say. something separate from other forms of social risk-taking journalism, for a proper However, Twitter is slightly different to a public communication. Alexis de Coning, English lecturer ‘screw you’-attitude to the powers forum in some interesting ways: firstly, it is However, that we are responsible does not mean You should be held accountable. The problem that be and a chance to experiment accessed from your cellphone – SMSs often use we should be punished. Allowing punishment to is that on the Internet you become anonymous, with prose and politics. Now, instead intimate, informal registers, lack politeness be doled out means that some or other source of which is not right: you are not anonymous; of attempting to emulate what you markers, etc. In short, SMSs are a bit like chatting power (most likely state) can observe and regulate you are still a human being. It is very easy to read or don’t read in the media, it’s to your BFF, and there are things that one would such sites, and then have the means to reach us all represent yourself as someone else or to become a chance to form your own style and say that you wouldn’t ever dream of saying to your directly through the site in order to exert ‘order’. very comfortable with making a statement which voice. Enough of the banality, we mother, your lecturer or your boss. Moreover, for Moreover, it entails value judgements over what you wouldn’t make in public, and people need to need more risk and scandal! There many people, what they write on Twitter is fairly is a just projection of identity through opinion realise that what they say does matter and they are enough people in this town to personal and sometimes emotional information. It or comment, and what is an unjust projection of should be aware of other people’s feelings. I don’t target. Cause a stir rather than retreat is well-known that when doing research, observer identity. know how you go about punishing or rectifying into the safe zones of conformity and effects can be obviated when subjects become This would be very difficult to establish and its that kind of behaviour, but when you write regurgitation – it’s vital if we’re going emotional. implementation would most likely violate other something on Facebook, for example, no-one to escape from yet another media Basically, one forgets to monitor what one is human rights and freedoms. Celebrities, as far as knows exactly what your tone is. When you have a cycle of dull prose on Zuma’s dick or a saying and one might be a bit more direct, blunt, I know, are not another species of Homo sapiens. conversation with someone you can pick up if they racist imbecile’s tweets. or politically incorrect than one might be when Why should they be treated differently? They may are being sarcastic or flippant but over the Internet one is watching one’s Ps and Qs. What Twitter hold greater responsibility over what they say and it’s very difficult to read into someone’s comments.

15 29 May 2012 Photo Feature History in focus

1. Matthew Goniwe addressing a rally in Grahamstown’s Joza township, 48 days before his death in June 1985. August 1990. 2. First years beware- if you look like this you’re trying too hard. February 1989 3. The new SRC executive: Mike Carklin, Darryl Lee, Leanne Billett, Emma Durden and SRC presi- dent Rod Amner (now a lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes). October 1990. 4. Unknown.

All are excerpts from Activate Archives 16 Photo Feature Edition 5

1. What is “in” with the girls these days is “pop gear”- miniskirts, pat- terned stockings and boots. These Rhodes girls prove campus dress is in step with the times. From left, they are: Penny Thomas, Colleen Raach, Anne Margolis and Anne Bostock. They are all in Milner. 3 March 1966. 2. Rhodes’ waterpolo team showing that they are just as good under the water as they are above it. The somewhat inflated team in the picture came joint fourth at SAU’s summer tournament in December and also deserves a medal for their underwater photography. October 1990. 3. Bite my sausage. Pic: Nicky New- man 4. Mark, lead vocals and bassist of the band Manhole at the Power Station gig. 5. Unknown. 6. Rhodeo front page. May 1991. 7. 1989. 8. 1960’s. 9. Pigs in digs. Is Rhodes going agrarian with pigs in digs and rats in res? August 1991. 10. Unknown.

All are excerpts from Activate Archives

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9 810 18 Business Edition 5

"Right now, Africa should be very concerned because its economies are The wage debate GBP 13.1821 CPI Inflation now more sensitive to any developments in China. China has become the biggest investor in Africa and the continent's most significant trading part- By David Fryer USD 8.4077 rate: ner, so whatever happens in China matters a lot to Africa." rates: David Fryer is a senior lecturer at the EUR 10.5560 6% - Jeremy Steven, Standard Bank Economist Department of Economics and Economic Exchange History.

‘Labour issues’ are increasingly in the news every day. There has been more Inflation: a true reflection of costs? and more contention about a wide range of issues in this sector, including By Njabulo Nkosi whether public sector unions are too powerful, what to do about labour s of January 2013, South Africa will broking, whether unskilled workers have a consumer price index (CPI) that are paid too much and whether labour more accurately reflects the burden legislation is too restrictive. onA households that result from the rising food, This came to a head with the recent DA electricity, fuel and other costs over the last few march to COSATU house over the issue years. of youth wage subsidies. These debates A greater weighting will be placed on those always involve the same protagonists (the expenditures which will drive inflation upwards. DA and business interests versus COSATU Many consumers are aware of the soaring and left-leaning academics). This article electricity, fuel, food, education and medical briefly highlights three questions: what is insurance costs, and the CPI aims to reflect that the substance of these debates, which side with greater precision. is right, and why are these issues suddenly The CPI is an index of the variation in prices so newsworthy? paid by typical consumers for retail goods and At the core of the debate is the so- other items, and is used to mark periods of called ‘distortionist’ argument (the DA inflation or deflation using a ‘basket’ of commonly Inflation and hyperinflation are currency crises, the photo above shows a Zimbabwe One Hundred and business, contested by COSATU). bought goods. Items included in the CPI basket Dollar note and small gold bars. Pic: Flickr The argument is that firstly, the labour reflect a significant portion of total household market is ‘distorted’ by the interference expenditure, commonly purchased and available was 11.2%, almost double the overall CPI of 6%. fairer reflection of consumers’ expenditure. of government and overly-powerful to the consumer. Goods like cars and washing Electricity and other fuels increased by 17.2% and Some adjustments need to be made before the trade unions, and secondly, that machines are included, but luxury items like fuel by 9.2%. Yearly educational costs increased new introduction of the weighting. “If these new these distortions are a major cause of jewellery and smart phones are excluded. All ahead of the CPI by about 9%, with tertiary weights had to be introduced bluntly into the CPI unemployment. Notice that distortionists goods are weighted according to their importance. education coming in at 9.7%. right now... it would probably rise to 7-8% over claim the moral high ground here: The current CPI is 6%, which many people feel is Solidarity Research Institute senior researcher the next couple of months,” says Danalee Masia, COSATU is presented as taking care of a not a true reflection of their expenditures. Paul Joubert reported that consumers are forced an economist at Deutsche Bank. However, this ‘labour aristocracy’ and as being directly The reason for this is the undervaluing of some to pay out a bulk of their income on “electricity, may still not be a precise reflection of living costs responsible for unemployment.What are very common items in the CPI basket. In 2009 property rates and fuel”. He added that “the of blue collar workers, because they have even the merits of this argument? electricity had an average weighting of 1.68%, weights in the inflation basket have remained higher food and transport weightings in their Although there are problems with the petrol 3.93%, medical insurance 3.68% and static for years and so do not take this shift of ‘baskets’. statistics, most economists would not education 2.19%. Since then, the administered spending patterns into account”. The real improvement resulting from this dispute the main points: South Africa has prices (the actual price of a product when bought) The revised CPI weights will aim to address this revision is that from 2013, the CPI basket will be high unemployment and its wages are of certain goods and services for which consumers problem, and will be revealed in January 2013. reweighted every three years to take into account high compared to countries like China. are forced to pay – electricity and municipal The new weights will be based mainly on Stats people’s changing spending patterns. This revised However, left-oriented economists have services, for example – have been above the rate SA’s 2010/2011 income and expenditure survey. economic measure can better enable consumers to long argued that unemployment is a of inflation. This proposes more weighting for food, electricity, make sound financial decisions regarding saving, ‘structural’ problem with deep historical In March 2012 the administered prices CPI petrol and housing utilities, which would be a investments and budgeting. roots, and that the extremely high living costs faced by the South African poor explain why wages are high. Although business-oriented economists have been Franchising can work for the SA economy blaming unions for unemployment and ignoring counter-arguments since before By Njabulo Nkosi 1994, they have presented no evidence competitive industry like fast food. Grahamstown has its own fair share flexibility in technological processes, either that trade unions and government One of the biggest advantages of franchises. Dulcé on High Street branding and advertising, and many wage minima are the main cause of high ranchising is said to have great of purchasing a franchise is that was owned by -Tinus and Stella owners cite a declining growth unskilled labour or that high wages are a Fpotential for growth in South you have access to an established Swanepoel. However they ended their potential after five years. Meeting major cause of unemployment. Africa. It is also a major employment company’s brand name, meaning franchise agreement and opened Cafe the expectations of the franchiser This is not to say that trade unions are creator: the franchising industry is that you do not need to spend Delizzia. can often be difficult and expensive. blameless or labour market policy is as far larger than most people realise, further resources to get your name They feel that the advantages of a Despite these, franchises can effective as it could be, but it is a start to with an estimated 30 000 branches and product out to customers – they franchise are the training, support, greatly benefit the economy. While unpacking the problem. countrywide which employ close to already support it. strong marketing and business around 80% of non-franchise small Unsurprisingly, the reason for the recent 480 000 people. The total annual turnover of methodology transferred with the businesses run into critical problems, prominence of these debates has nothing A franchise is a type of licence that franchise businesses is in the region franchise. The Swanepoels were able only 20% of franchises experience to do with new evidence or arguments a party – a franchisee – acquires of R300 billion, which includes to run the franchise as their own them in their lifetime, says Morne coming to light. Rather, two opposed to allow them to have access to the fuel sold through franchised filling business and used their business Cronje, FNB head of franchising. interest groups sense that policy is ‘up for franchiser’s proprietary knowledge, stations. At current prices, fuel experience to great effect. Tinus says “We achieve a success rate of about grabs’. The state has signalled that it is technological processes and known sales are R40 billion a year. Despite that while there are many positives 95% with our franchisees,” says willing to move towards a ‘developmental trademarks in order for them to sell these numbers, franchises have to franchises, there are often many Nando’s Marketing Director Quinton state’, but there are also strong indications a product or provide a service under not reached their true potential, struggles as well. One of these is start- Cronje. Consumers want reliability of ‘business as usual’. There are various the business’s name. In exchange according to market participants. “As up funds and sustained financing, and consistency, and with a strong reasons for this uncertainty (stresses within for the profits of the franchise, the a route to becoming an entrepreneur, which can be obtained from banks franchise brand they know what to the ruling elite, the ambiguous ideological franchisee usually pays the franchisor [franchising] has a long way to go in – if you are fortunate enough to be expect. legacy of the crises in Europe and the US: initial start-up and annual licensing SA,” says Famous Brands CEO Kevin in the right position. “It is not ideal With a bulk of the retail, food, fuel on the one hand, the weakening of neo- fees. Hedderwick. This is unfortunate, to approach a bank for financing and health services industry being liberalism; on the other, the dismantling Franchises are a very popular considering that franchises can be a unless you have three-quarters of the franchises, franchising can greatly of welfare states). There is plenty of good method for people to start their good starting base for training and capital,” says Tinus. increase employment, entrepreneurial economic analysis about these issues. business careers, especially for those support for South Africans with an But there are drawbacks to prospects and the economic Unfortunately it is not making the news. who wish to operate in a highly entrepreneurial flair. franchising too: there is a lack of wellbeing of the country. 19 29 May 2012 Features Volunteer tutoring help learners succeed By Nina McFall Geography. Sally Grinham, a second-year BComm student, eneration Active (GenX) is a community- tutors three to four Victoria Girls students who are in based youth organisation for “vulnerable Grade 11. “I tutor Accounting, as it is the subject I am youth in the most under-serviced areas of passionate about, and also on the odd occasion Maths Gour community.” Veronica Moodley, GenX founder Literacy when there are not enough tutors for the and Courtenay-Latimer Hall Warden, explains that subjects or students present.” Learners bring their own since mid-March this year, the programme has material to go through during the tutoring sessions, expanded to include tutoring for local high school and have been bringing old exam papers in the lead- learners by Rhodes students. up to their own examinations. At the start of this year there were three Matric “I have found it truly rewarding,” Grinham said. students in the GenX programme. GenX wanted to “There is nothing better than witnessing visible help the students improve their marks in preparation improvement in all your students. You know that you for their major end-of-year exams. Moodley are a contributing factor to the improvement. I would approached the Courtenay-Latimer Hall students, recommend tutoring any student at Rhodes who has asking them to volunteer to teach literacy, Maths, a passion for a certain subject... There are so many computer skills and swimming. students out there who would love the subject if they The project began in 2009, initially offering had more help. A Rhodent could be that help.” life-skills, leadership and personal development Matric students of Mary Waters High are tutored by second-year student, Elri Moodley appealed to Afrikaans students (especially programmes to the underprivileged youth in Steenkamp. She goes over English poetry and general history with the boys. Sibusiso those studying science or BComm) to assist with Matiwana, Hlonelikhaya Klaas and Luntu Mbonda are a part of a tutorial group that is Grahamstown. tutoring. “The learners need help in Maths, Maths assisted every Tuesday and Thursday. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster “Our vision is to make leaders and role-models of Literacy, Accounting and Life-Sciences mainly,” she our youth from which their family and the rest of the explained. “We are in desperate need of Afrikaans community can benefit,” Moodley said. “Our mission other school students in Grahamstown and now has a total of speaking volunteers to help Matrics at Mary Waters is to bring about transformation in the hearts and minds of our 23 learners who are tutored by eight volunteers on Tuesdays who are struggling.” youth by running life-skills, leadership and personal development and Thursdays for one hour. The students come from local Tutoring takes place on Tuesday (15h00-16h00) and Thursdays [and tutoring] programmes in order to prepare them for a high schools such as Victoria Girls, Nombulelo High School, (15h30-16h30) at Courtenay-Latimer Hall in Beit House and Oriel prosperous future,” she said. Mary Waters and Graeme College. Subjects tutored include House. If you are interested in volunteering for this programme, The GenX programme extended the tutoring invitation to Maths, Maths Literacy, Accounting, Life Sciences, English and you can email Veronica Moodley at v.moodley.ru.ac.za. Friendzoning – what’s the big deal? By Kerstin Hall Youlendree Appasamy, a Journalism student, has experience with being friendzoned, and nce you are in the infamous ‘friendzone’, worse: being completely brushed off. “I had a Othere is no escape – you can buy flowers, little crush on him for three years. chocolates, engagement rings, but at the end of But after I approached him about it, he just the day, the girl or guy you are after will simply ignored me point blank and that was the end refuse to see you romantically. of our friendship.” For readers unfamiliar with the term, She explains the difficulty in forming friendzoning refers to the situation where, friendships across genders. “In any friendship, upon being asked out romantically, a person there is an element of attraction. But rejects the asker because they see them more as sometimes it really doesn’t have to go further a friend than a love interest. than that.” Friendzoning is not unusual but, perhaps In books, movies and television shows, understandably, not necessarily something that there is a general trend where a masculine people are comfortable sharing. After all, it is protagonist, having behaved in a heroic just another form of rejection. manner, is coupled with the woman he desires Perhaps this is the reason why the Rhodes at the end of the story. Counselling Centre has never encountered It is, in fact, quite difficult to think of a the problem. “We deal with relationship issues superhero story where this does not occur. at the Counselling Centre, but no client has Spiderman, Superman, Batman, even the specifically labelled any social phenomenon Hulk: all find women who are amazingly like this,” explains Dr Colleen Vassiliou, the devoted to them. manager of Student Wellness. It begs the question: what kind of precedent This may suggest that there is a certain does this set for men in the real world? amount of shame associated with being Various articles online and in magazines friendzoned, despite a sizable number of offer advice on escaping the friendzone. Most students claiming to have experienced it when of them recommend breaking the “nice guy” asked. So why does this stigma exist? or “sweet girl” stereotype by asserting your Mary Olden, a first-year Rhodes student, own feelings. admits to having friendzoned someone in the These articles range from humorously past. She does not feel guilty about having pedagogic to worryingly chauvinistic. done so. “People must just understand that An article on AskMen.com, for instance, Pic: Flickr if someone doesn’t like them, they don’t like suggests: “When a man likes a woman, he them. naturally wants to express his feelings between not share this sentiment. “Friendzoning really mentality. The individual who asked Olden I think girls sometimes feel that they have to the sheets. This is natural.” sucks, but it’s a part of life. I asked her out, she out accepted her decision and the pair of them reciprocate a guy’s feelings even if they aren’t It goes on to state that men are used by their said she wasn't ready for a relationship, but became friends. Provided that there is no really into him.” female friends without the “fringe benefit didn't want to lose me as a friend.” He says sense of entitlement on the part of the rejected “Typically, I don’t make friends with single of getting laid”. This concept of being nice carpe diem and moves on with his life. party, friendzoning could be seen as a far more guys, in case they see it in a romantic light,” to receive a sexual reward is subject to both “I think it is nicer to friendzone rather than pleasant alternative than being laughed at or says Hazel Mitchley, a Linguistics Honours support and vehement disagreement in the to be rude when rejecting a person. If both openly rejected with a blunt “No”. student. “I think the guys who get friendzoned online community. parties are mature, I think that they can be Perhaps the truly “nice guys” and “sweet girls” are the ones who make subtler moves, where However, not all men think this way. A friends afterwards.” are those who respect the decision of the one girls think he is just being friendly.” first-year male student, Ricki Gonsalves, does It would seem that most guys agree with this who rejected them. 20 Features Edition 5 Little shop, big heart

By Tristan de Robillard to the hospice’s operation. It is a collection of odds and ends. Donated t’s a small building at the bottom of clothes hang from various racks across the Bathurst Street – you might miss it shop. Some brightly-coloured sundresses and if it weren’t for the ornate colonial a couple of nightgowns are displayed on their architectureI and the sign above the door own, while others are grouped together as a reading “Sunflower Hospice Shop”. collection for the shopper’s perusal. At this shop you can buy and donate, and, Along the walls, wooden shelves hold with a bit of spare change, make someone’s life collections of books, with titles ranging from a little easier. Sleepy Head by Tom Thorne to Shakespearean The director of the hospice, David Barker, is classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a friendly, soft-spoken man. Barker has been Most have the familiar crinkle down the spine director of the Hospice for around five years. which shows that they were treasured by their He explains that the Sunflower Hospice Shop previous owners. There are CDs and DVDs, is part of the Grahamstown Hospice, which paintings, board games and even a computer was started 27 years ago. screen available for purchase. These services are given regardless of What’s more, because most of these goods the patient’s ability to pay, making it an are donated, they can be sold much more organisation that relies on many types of cheaply than anything one would find at a alternative funding to operate. regular store. “We as an organisation have a budget of The staff is involved in what they do and around R4 million a year,” Barker says. “Most is eager to help. Whatever your reason, the An array of images of Sunflower Hospice Shop, Bathurst Street, Grahamstown. Pic: grahamstown- of this comes from funds supplied by the Sunflower Hospice Shop is a place worth hospice.org.za Department of Health, the National Lottery visiting. and large corporations, but it has to be used It supports a worthy cause and there’s always the Another unique aspect of the store is its investing in. for specific expenses, and not all of them are incentive of finally owning that one dress, blazer, charitable cause. If you would like to know more about directly useful to us.” set of coasters or John Grisham novel which All it wants is to make a difference in the Grahamstown Hospice or the shop, visit The shop, in contrast, is incredibly important always seemed too expensive at other shops. lives of others, and that is something worth grahamstownhospice.org.za. Increasing opportunities with Sandisa Imbewu

By Wynona Latham tend to enjoy, due to its small size and academic programme have been chosen. offerings,” he said. “Compared to other ‘research’ universities, The Fund will be managed by the Vice-Chancellor’s budget s an academic institute, Rhodes is a place that strives Rhodes has extremely modest free and earmarked reserves, committee. The committee will be guided in making grants Ato promote an environment ‘where leaders learn’. The and its operational income from these reserves is modest.” by the Rhodes Institutional Development Plan. With further opportunities available at Rhodes have now been expanded to The Rhodes council accepted his recommendation on 9 decisions to be made by the Institutional Planning Committee include the Sandisa Imbewu Fund, which is endorsed by the September 2010, and on 21 May the Sandisa Imbewu Fund was and the University’s senate. After it is launched, it will report Board of Governors. launched. This went hand-in-hand with the promise to further annually to the Board of Governors and University council. Sandisa Imbewu means “we are growing our seeds”. With enhance areas of academic excellence at Rhodes, explore other “Out of these nine projects, seven are headed by women,” R12.5 million in the form of a public subsidy pledged for the fields (especially at a postgraduate level) and take advantage said Director of the Research Office Jaine Roberts in her next five years, the fund aims to chase after new strategic of new opportunities that can help increase knowledge closing speech at the launch. Sandiswa Imbewu is a move initiatives that are academic in nature. production and quality. towards achieving one of the major aims of the University. This fund is a result of a motion put forward by Vice- “Thirty proposals were received for consideration,” said “It is our intention to focus on growing the proportion of Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat. “Rhodes does not receive the Zamuxolo Matiwana, Rhodes’ Internal Communication postgraduate students from 27% to 30% in the coming years,” level of public subsidies that other ‘research’ universities Officer. However, of these 30 proposals, only nine projects said Matiwana.

Pic: Jackie Murray Pic: Nicky Newman 21 29 May 2012 Features Journey to rock bottom

By Rhea MacDonald didn’t have access to more completely devastated her. “I actually could not A shocking glimpse into one first-year’s love affair with crystal meth. get up out of bed at the thought of not Names have been changed. having anything.” She spent the entire weekend in a fitful sleep. Feelings t was a sickeningly warm feeling – the blood. It gushed from of anger and frustration took over her flaming nostril down her face onto her battered lips. her mind. Finally she mustered up The metallic flavour invaded her mouth, but still her need enough motivation to get up and get a Iovercame her. With a forced sniff she sucked as much blood back job – a job to support her habit. A job into her throat as she could to not waste the precious crystal in her so this would never happen again. nose. She gripped the rolled-up bill in her hand, and with a familiar When she was in between thrust shoved it up her nostril. Swift inhale, sharp burn, and sweet paychecks, Jane resorted to selling satisfaction. anything of value she possessed. Her drum kit, three guitars, clothes, The beginning phones, DVD players: nothing was One instant was all it had taken. “I did the line, and the burn was off-limits to support her habit. At one unbelievable, it made my eyes water,” says Jane*, describing her first point, when she had run out of things time using crystal meth. But to her, it was a small price to pay for to sell, Jane spent hours stripping the what she would experience next. rubber off wires to sell the copper to “It was like falling in love, everything was just better,” she a scrap yard for cash. She resorted explains. “I had never played such good pool in my life; I had never to any means she could to get the met so many people – I literally made friends with everyone in the precious crystal. “You’re always bar that night. Then I didn’t want to stop.” chasing that initial high, but you For an entire week, Jane and her friends stayed holed-up in an never actually find it again.” apartment, doing more and more of the drug. Out from under the watchful eyes of her over-protective mother, there was nothing to Spiralling out of control hold her back. When her friends would not give her as much as she Drifting in and out of wanted, she contacted the dealer herself, hurling herself headfirst consciousness, waves of hot and cold into the lifestyle. At the tender age of 19, Jane became a meth invading her shivering body, Jane Pipe used for smoking methamphetamine with crystal meth melted inside. Pic: Wikicommons addict. The next month was a blur of constant buying and using. “It writhed in pain as she slid down the was still fun at that point,” Jane remembers. But it didn’t take long wall of the bathroom floor. The credit card she had been using problem. “I can’t keep doing this to them,” she thought. for things to get out of control. to crush the crystals fell from her fingers onto the cold tiles. Her What Jane went through is a rising trend in South Africa, and clothing sticking to her feverish body, unable to hold her head up, New beginnings especially in Cape Town, where use of the drug runs rampant. she wondered if she was going to die. It had seemed like a good Now a first year student at Rhodes, Jane is making progress. She The Medical Research Council has estimated that the number of idea – “We were dancing, so I was sweating, and if you keep crystal admits that her last line of crystal meth was in the car on the way people using crystal meth in Cape Town could be as high as 200 on you skin it clumps and you can’t really do it. So I remember to Grahamstown, but she had made up her mind that there would 000. Among patients receiving treatment at drug rehabilitation thinking that I would do it all so that I wouldn’t waste any.” She be no more thereafter. New life, new friends, new Jane. She started facilities in the city, 46 % say crystal meth is their primary or snorted about a gram of crystal at once. afresh, free from the tyranny of the drug. The first few weeks were secondary drug of choice. Even more alarmingly, according to the Waking up all alone in a hospital bed with an IV tube connected hard, and she confesses that whenever things got tough she ached South African Community Epidemiology Network, 70 % of those to her forearm and the beep of the heart monitor ringing in her for it, but she resisted. Presently, Jane has been clean for over three in treatment who are under the age of 20 cite crystal meth as their ears, Jane wondered how she had ended up there. Memories of the months. drug of choice. party she had been at the night before slowly came back into her The National Centre on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare in consciousness. All she remembered after being in the bathroom the US says that 50 % of meth addicts will relapse, 36 % within the Hooked was being carried down the stairs by bouncers, not able to even lift first six months. A grim outlook for addicts of crystal meth, and a Jane realized she was addicted to the drug when she ran out of her feet as they dragged beneath her. grim outlook for Jane – but what must be remembered is that for money to buy more. “All I wanted to do was get it.” She had been Lying on the hard hospital bed, Jane realised that something the half who relapse, half do not. snorting crystal meth at all hours of the day and resorting to using had to change. She thought of her boyfriend, her mother – they sleeping pills at night to calm her down. The realisation that she had their suspicions but neither of them knew the extent of her * Name has been changed Putting insomnia to rest By Isabelle Anne Abraham spend a third of our lives in bed, we should invest in ones that give us the best rest. or those who think they have insomnia, it might be time Six to eight hours of sleep within 24 hours is necessary, but Ffor a re-diagnosis. surprisingly Morley says you don’t have to do this in one go. Charlie Morley, a UK-based lucid dreaming teacher and Before the 1800s, people slept in two separate cycles – they Tibetan Buddhist practitioner, says that waking up as many as would go to bed when the sun set and wake up in the early eight times a night is perfectly normal, as is struggling to fall hours of the morning to visit friends, have sex, and even milk asleep and remaining awake for two or three hours. the cow. Later, they would have another short period of sleep. On 25 May in the Department of Psychology, Morley held a When the Industrial Revolution arrived, it brought with it discussion on insomnia, the history of human sleep and the longer working hours, coffee houses, books and light bulbs. reality behind ‘normal’ sleeping patterns. This is how the monophasic sleep cycle began, which spread Transient and short-term insomnia is common, but chronic to the rest of the world. Therefore this eight-hour sleep rule insomnia (lasting longer than a month) is more serious. is questionable and experimental. In many Mediterranean Morley says you’ll have daytime hallucinations, diet and weight countries people sleep biphasically, and Morley says this is fluctuations, and poor memory. preferable. There’s also subjective insomnia, where people feel as though He adds that it’s not necessary to ‘sleep like a log’, as the they have been lying awake all night even though they’ve had old saying goes. Dead wood is not your goal; sleep like a tree Say goodbye to sleepless nights. Pic: WikiCommons enough sleep. instead, with growth and awareness. Mindfulness during the Leading sleep and dream specialist, Dr Rubin Naiman, • An agitated mind night improves your sleep quality and is also important for attributes five causes to sleeplessness: • Inadequate sleep settings lucid dreaming. • Overexposure to light “The bed should be for two things: sleeping and having sex,” Most importantly, he states, don’t let anyone determine your • Excessive energy (exercise can solve this) Morley jokes. In other words, don’t work in your bed, and don’t sleep pattern – only you know how much sleep you need. It’s • High body temperature have electronic devices near you when asleep. Also, since we time to put insomnia to bed and start waking up with a smile. 22 Features Edition 5 From Rhodeo to Activate: a history By Karlien van der Wielen Increasing liberalisation During the 1970s, Rhodeo became decidedly hen you open the Activate archives less proper and conventional in its expression. and glance at stories from 1939, it’s The language and sections in the paper almost as though they were written represented a more radicalised and emotively inW a different language. A section of “We heard it expressive student body, with sections like said” in the 1939 newsletter boasts: “D-gg- is in “BITCH” – a column for “anybody to bitch the news again by virtue of his magic towel. Out about anything they want”. Politics was still at of this towel he produces one baby every night.” the forefront, but things like environmentalism I have no idea who ‘D-gg-’ is, or what kind of and gender issues were increasingly featured. magical fibre his towel consisted of, but what I Complaints arose that the paper had been can say is that Activate has come a long way. highjacked by ‘the left’. The paper, originally calledRhodeo , is dated The 80s continued on this track. Cartoons as officially beginning in 1947, but its history were often featured amid a whacky, truly 80s stretches back to the pre-World War II era. design with bright splashes of neon. Features Even at that point in time, Rhodeo was an were on the shifts in the country’s politics and independent paper. One editorial states, “We more often than not expressed a liberal view. wish to make it clear to everybody that Rhodeo is Articles were both informative and challenging. run solely on student capital and enthusiasm: it is One editorial read: “Don’t look now – here not the mouthpiece of the SRC or the council, it come the spikies. We’ve tried to be nice, to print is the paper of every Rhodian irrespective of age, nice news and stuff, but living in this country language or year status.” good news is hard to find. In this issue we once In this incarnation, Activate was a sort of again have to carry a story on another death newsletter consisting of an editorial, letters to the A South African Students’ Congress (SASCO) demonstration in the Fountain Quad (behind the main admin in detention, another feature on the dreaded editor and assorted knickknack features like “We building). Date unknown. The original caption reads: This photograph demonstrates the predominantly non- poverty here in the Eastern Cape, a hair-raising heard it said”, “Man about Kaif” and “Imaginary white component of the demonstrators. Pic: Justine Provesan journal of the police brutality and political puppet conversations between the siren of learning and a paranoia (no strings attached) and another sad student”. Sports results and features also frequently filled its limited without making reference to the European predicament. Debates tale of the development of underdevelopment.” pages, as well as reports from the various societies at Rhodes. over the different genders’ contribution to war efforts raged (women These earlier forms ofRhodeo can only be described as having At this point the paper did not take itself incredibly seriously. While defending their work in various societies as important to the war teeth. In the climate of the country at that time – mass division, some articles featured important issues like what was happening in too), and such figures as “intelligence agents” were introduced for high racial tensions, dangerous circumstances – the writers and the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) and whether humour. editors of Rhodeo weren’t afraid to push the envelope. No-one was or not male visitors should be allowed up to female bedrooms, the In 1945 Rhodeo transformed from a newsletter into a four page above a witty reproach or serious accusation, backed up with a majority of the newsletters consisted of witty pieces, passionate broadsheet in the popular style of the time (text and ad heavy) well-researched story. Racist practices in the administration were letters, some poetry and reports from societies. under the new editor, Herman Kretzmer. The ‘death’ of “The Man called into question. Accounts of police brutality were unflinchingly about Kaif” – a gossipmonger that featured in the newsletter – was published. celebrated with an obituary, and the paper promised to steer clear of Contributors to Rhodeo include a number of lecturers still with Politically incorrect “pettiness and individual prejudice”. us today. In 1987, now Professor Julian Cobbing wrote an article An article entitled “He-man-cipation of Rhodes”, written about From there Rhodeo would slowly develop into an increasingly entitled “AIDS is deadly serious”. Guy Berger wrote letters to the a debate between the women and men’s debating societies on the politically-inclined publication. A 1950 edition leads with the editor. Simon Pamphilon was a features editor and then editor. emancipation of women, carries a certain bias sting. “Miss M. headline “Rhodes remains liberal: no racial discrimination”. The Among the former editors were the above-mentioned Paul Maylam, Downing broke the ice, but she was horribly logical,” the then-editor article celebrates the decision of Rhodes students and the SRC to but also Rod Amner, Activate’s current Ombusdman. states (it seems his identity was either commonly known or a secret, pass resolutions against proposed segregation at the university. It since the names of the editorial staff do not appear anywhere in the states, “Once again the student body of Rhodes has shown its ability newsletter). to act when necessary by making clear to everyone that no form of The end of apartheid Despite the degree of sexism often expressed by the writers, women suppression will be tolerated. The democratic right of every human Come the end of apartheid, transformation quickly stepped onto featured strongly in the first editions of student news at Rhodes. being, no matter what his race, to equal education and unrestricted the Rhodes scene. In 1994, the editorial team of Rhodeo entered into Many of the letters written to the editor were from female students representation has been adequately defended.” debates about changing its name. Dr Vivien de Klerk, then Head of and a great deal of the reporting focused on the women’s issues and the English Language and Linguistics Department, was quoted as actions. saying “The only people who have the right to change names are the This did not mean, however, that they escaped the common Difficulties arise majority.” conventions of the day. An article entitled “How to catch your man” Rhodeo began to experience some difficulty in the early 1950s. The name change arose mainly from concerns that “Rhodeo” appears in 1941. Many of the issues dealt with by writers revolve Printing costs were going up and advertisers were thin on the was too closely associated to John Cecil Rhodes and his legacy of around interaction between the sexes. Outrage was expressed at the ground. Up to this point, the paper had been run and funded solely colonialism. “Cecil John Rhodes was clearly a racist and a colonialist,” mere notion of allowing male visitors to go beyond the common by the editorial staff and through the support of advertisers. However, one editorial reads. “We feel the need to provide direction, and in room on Sunday evenings. during this period the paper started floundering financially, and the keeping with our principles of non-racialism, non-sexism, non- Reading through these archives makes me think we are much then-SRC had to be approached for help. It was at this point that homophobia and democracy have decided to reject racist and too nice. Between these early pages you will find acerbic wit and Rhodeo became the official paper of Rhodes University. colonial symbols.” a robust sense of righteousness which results in a mix of hilarious and distinguished writing. No-one was above reproach – as seen in the “Editorial Laurel” section, which awarded palms to lecturers for The apartheid years From Rhodeo to Activate their silly or scandalous moments. Fun is constantly poked at gender In the middle of the 1950s, apartheid became an increasingly hot By the next year the editorial team had come to a decision. “This relations, student apathy, the doom of examinations and the fairly topic, with editors and writers speaking out against racial legislation. newspaper has always been proactive and progressive and the new considerate attitudes of the paper’s censors. Discussions around race and education became a recurring feature name, Activate, embodies our principles of democracy.” However, between the fun and sarcasm there is a fair deal of racism in the paper. The history of this paper is long and complex. If one traces its and, as mentioned above, sexism. There are no articles which reflect Rhodeo has been ruffling feathers since 1957, when it was briefly development, one can see the move from the old South Africa into the diversity of the country, and some appeal to “the betterment of banned after an editor failed to submit a copy for censorship. During the new. Activate is, and has been, a paper unafraid to cause a stir. the race” in their arguments. this time any mention of staff in a student publication had to be Although we definitely have many more considerations in terms approved by the staff-members concerned, and a yearly-appointed of political correctness than ever crossed the minds of those early council censored every edition of Rhodeo. editors, Activate content may not have changed as much over the The journalistic turn By the time Professor Paul Maylam became the editor in 1969, years as one may think. Nearing the 40s, the paper started getting serious. One editorial censorship had been lifted.Rhodeo had become fully politicised. For From the 1930s up to the present, students have had the same proclaimed: “It is the hope that this paper will grow to be an the most part, Maylam’s editorials were concerned with protests, concerns, worries, aspirations and issues. Student apathy, res food, indispensable part of College life.” racialism and the politicisation of the student body. The paper saw gender, race and res rules are merely some of the recurring themes The 1941 editor decided to dispense of (most of) the fluff and longer and more frequent political features, while still balancing that dominate the decades of Activate’s existence. promised to cover serious issues that affected the students. During the hard-hitting stories with more frivolous sections like “I was so It’s good to know that the important things have changed, and yet this time World War II was a hot topic, and barely an edition passed embarrassed!” we still stayed the same. 23 29 May 2012 Features The things they used to say

s a part of our birthday edtion, we sat looking through the old that Victoria Cross was the Queen who was not amused.” archives kept safe in the Cory Library. Here are a few excerpts that we found that you may enjoy as well. Statement from the Master (equivalent to today’s VC) to Rhodeo A when they tried to investigate the cost of food in res: “The students at 1938 - 1939: Rhodes are in the same position as people living in hotels. They are “We have censors to contend with,” the 1939 editor announces, after not allowed to enquire into how much the Management is spending asserting that Rhodeo has the right to sub-edit all submissions by on the food, and nor are you.” societies. “We die for the ink who thought that a quick romance was a blisskrieg” Complaints about apathy was rife then too: “We regret to announce that in the recent SRC election, only 1/3 of Men Students voted. In “The war has brought no appreciable or lasting change in the lives the election of the House Committee we are gratified to record that and outlooks of the average Rhodian” 2/3 of the Men Students actually took the trouble to vote” – 1938, Vol 1 Nr. 1. 1950: “Astonished inkettes, unused as yet to the sensations of Rhodes’ “I was about halfway down High Street when I happened to gaze night life, were surprised one morning last week to see a Fiat car across the street. Imagine my horror when I saw none other than, well standing in the centre of the Arts block quad., as if it had been driven er – a House Committee member, and a super senior and neither was down the steps and through the archway by somebody with an wearing a hat!” an anonymous student said in a letter of complaint individual sense of direction.” about house comm double standards. 1956: “Let us imagine Europe in the moon, and Musolini and Hitler very “Each student, during his or her sojourn here, is cast like a toy properly exiled to Mars,” the 1941 editor assured his readership. Rhodeo, 1966 soldier into a single mould/ After a number of years during which the molten lead cools down considerably, the cast is broken off and the “Support our advertisers. And when you do, mention Rhodeo. It product becomes the world’s plaything.” distinguishes you!” 1940 – 1943: “Will Mr. N.A.B. Smith and his fellow porters please set our doubts 1958: Situation vacant: at rest: does LLB signify Loveable Likeable Bachelors, or Local “Check your crime by the Stekel chime. It is now five hops passed “Expert Navigator. Needed to instruct inhabitants of Graham House Luggage Bearers?” the Inkettes’ innocence and Stekel sweats with Inkettes’ laments.” how to find their way home at night by way of starts. Must be patient and persevering. Liquid remuneration. “Rhodeo has passed out of the stage of infancy, it has survived the 1960: Apply Graham. Room 8 or 9.” disturbances of adolescence and the seal was set on its manhood last “Following up alarmed reports that a Beatnik group is about to rear year, when the student body decreed that its representative should its amoral head within the sacred and Victorian precincts of Rhodes Found: attend meetings of the Students’ Representative Council. It is high University, a Rhodeo reporter arranged an interview with a few of the “Between Great Hall and Bots’ Gate: one bath chair, pink shawl, time, then, that it spoke with the voice of maturity.” alleged ‘Beatnicks on the campus’.” parasol, and small lace gloves. We suspect owner to be a super senior. Kindly claim at once, as editor’s study is small. No stigma attached.” “Why contemplate suicide when you can write to Cassandra?” - and 1967: advertisement for the new agony aunt. “Interhall dining, described by some students as “disastrous” “This is a Student venture... Deny thatRhodeo is essential, and you “immoral” and “sex with soup” will be reviewed by the Senior deny that freedom of expression and opinion are essential to the best 1945: Students Committee this week”. and most promising University in South Africa.” “We die for the ink (first years were referred to as inks) who thought

A picture of Professor Paul Maylam as a Excerpt from archives. Date unknown. Excerpt from archives. Date unknown. lecturer for the Rhodes History Department. Maylam was also the editor of Rhodeo in 1969. Edition 5 Music never looked this good Leah Solomon high school, or at least making it bearable? Gigs and drinking. A something beautiful; something that is now monumental. “We lot of gigs and drinking. “We were all very much into punk and all had a vested interest in the DIY music scene,” says Barrios. hey’re cool, they’re crazy and they’re pure Durban. City hardcore music, so the thing that kind of brought us all together “It was during the Mr Smug years that Kurt, Matt, Alistair TBowl Mizers say they are just “regular dudes making noise,” was hanging out together, watching live bands and underage and I were hanging out a lot, so we started messing around but after eight years of dominating the KwaZulu Natal music drinking,” says frontman Marty Barrios. Before the birth of and jamming something different. They asked me to join after scene and beyond, they’re still just as awesome. City Bowl Mizers, some of the band members were involved in hearing that I could somewhat put a melody together.” Like most of the great bands in music history, the story other musical exploits: some played in Filthy Friend, and Matt The Mizers took the music scene by storm, playing “kick ass” of the City Bowl Mizers started in a pit of adolescence and Reardon (on guitar) and Kurt Peinke (on guitar, keys, and vocals) gigs, as Barrios likes to call them. “The people weren’t leaving; raging hormones – in high school in the back room of a family ventured off to start Mr Smug in 2003. they would stay till the end,” he says. “We were so grateful that member’s house. And what goes hand in hand with surviving The Durban music scene back then was flourishing into we could do this and be a part of a scene and a community of like-minded people who were also playing music and just having fun.” The fun didn’t stop there, however. After touring big cities and doing gigs in small towns, from festivals to club shows, they released their first album Lights Out in 2006. Speaking of all the touring they did, Barrios says “It’s the feeling you get when you’re on tour with your friends that makes it all worthwhile, and nothing pumps us up more than going on an adventure with our instruments.” From then on it was a whirlwind of madness. The touring, the gigs, the festivals, the album launches – sheer, fantastic insanity. The Mizers were not alone though. The support their families and friends gave them was and still is instrumental in what they do, and they also support each other wholeheartedly. No silly band politics and rivalry. “Friendship is the cornerstone of our band and our ethos,” explains Barrios. “Friendship always comes first in this band, otherwise there’s no point to being in a band at all.” This year has been just as successful, with the release of their newest album No Big Deal, an amazing follow up to their previous album City Bowl Mizers. They rocked Splashy Fen out of its socks, giving the crowd glimpses of their new album and solidifying the knowledge that 2012 will be another memorable year for the Mizers archive. What else can be said? The Mizers are an influential and crucial role model for up and coming bands in South Africa. Not only are they the epitome of cool, but their humility is impressive. The band and fans say their previous gigs in Grahamstown were amazing: “We’ve been so keen to come back for so long now, so Marty, lead singer of the City Bowl Mizers performs at Splashy Fen Music Fesitval, 5 April 2012. Pic Lauren Rawlins we’ll definitely be making plans to get there soon!”

What’s the story behind the name? What do you all love about the band and making music How would you describe your new album? I think Kurt and Matt came up with the name. They were together? Rock music with a funk groove. surfing with a friend named Wes Kruger, whose nickname was We are all really good mates, so music also gives us another Have you played in Grahamstown before? If so, will you come ‘The Hog’; he had a reputation of hogging everything, including reason to hang out. back? Matt and Kurt’s waves when they went surfing. He hogged too Does being good friends affect your music? We’ve played there like three times, and all of them have been many waves in the Bowl and the name The City Bowl Misers Most definitely! Just think about all the bands that have come really cool shows. One of them was at The Old Gaol and this girl came in with them to the practice room smelling of sea water and gone in the past five years and you’ll see what we mean. They pulled into Matt while we were playing our last song. After we and pissed board shorts. We didn’t know how to spell Misers and definitely didn’t share socks and underwear when the going got jammed everyone was running after this dude who stole a whole we spelt it with a ‘Z’ instead. These were the days before ‘Smart- tough. lot of shit. They closed the doors so he had nowhere to run. It was Phone text correction’ so it stuck for months before we knew it What was it like breaking into the music scene? pretty funny because it felt like we were in some Game of Thrones was wrong. We tried to play it off like we did it on purpose to be It gave us this metaphorical boner that still hasn’t gone down! episode. I’m pretty sure we heard someone yell the ‘Stop, thief!’ gangster (Led Zeppelin, Limp Bizkit, Zlayer etc.). It’s like a permanent road boner. line too. We’ve been so keen to come back for so long now, so we’ll definitely be making plans to get there soon! Freedom of thought and expression with Mahala By David Mann a personal favourite, “Salt of the Middle Class,” Mahala truly becoming aware of, and thinking about, those unspoken issues covers a wide variety of important and challenging matters that that make up a big part of our lives. “If you strive for relevance ahala, the South African music, culture and reality many are not willing to talk about. There’s always something and don’t hold back or water down your opinions, you’re magazine, aims to provide its readers with social and new, with daily updates ranging from photo galleries and crude invariably going to upset some people,” says Davis. “Vociferous political commentary, as well as strong opinions on yet hilarious comic strips to the well-known ‘kif or kak’ section. debate in the comments is probably a good sign that we’re Mtopics and issues which are common in the country. Speaking “Apart from our own fulltime staff, we’ve got a huge network doing our job correctly.” with Andy Davis, the editor of Mahala, I set off to find out of writers, photographers and illustrators around SA who Constantly envisioning and innovating new ideas, Mahala has what this famously controversial alternative magazine was all contribute regularly,” says Davis. recently branched out into hosting events at music venues in about. Mahala welcomes articles, stories, reviews and photographs Cape Town, such as The Assembly, where relatively unknown Since launching its website in April 2009 and its print edition from witty and incisive writers, artists and photographers. They but upcoming artists as well as big names in SA music can in August 2010, Mahala has rapidly become one of the icons provide a brilliant platform for experience as well as exposure showcase their skills. “Events are great; we love music and for South African youth culture. “A lot of the stories I was for aspiring workers in the field. “Beyond publishing them, we it’s cool to curate evenings and offer something different and interested in didn’t have a natural home in the established actively work with all our contributors and provide substantive tangible to our audience. Our aim is to do a lot more of these, media in South Africa,” said Davis. “I have always wanted support and feedback on their work,” says Davis. build some momentum and start putting on bigger gigs with to start a magazine. Add a financial and creative crisis and a If you look at the heated debates and sometimes full-blown international acts,” says Davis. distinct lack of foresight, and Mahala was born.” wars between commenters on the website, you’ll see just how As the name implies, Mahala is free to the public, so do With popular titles such as “Unprofessional Humans”, “Jack controversial and interrogative Mahala’s stories really are. yourself a favour and check them out if you want a raw and Parow and The Nature of Inbreeding”, “Air Borne Aids” and They show that an increasing number of South Africans are accurate look at real South African culture. 25 29 May 2012 Arts & Entertainment To hell and back again. Again.

By Campbell Easton Internet connection for gameplay; this means R500 on the game were unable to play it. feeling that the latest instalment is just a bit that if the connection is disrupted even for a These outages have caused the game to be bland. By about halfway through the game the iablo III is finally here. After 11 years of second, players will be disconnected from their poorly received by some critics, but despite continual grind of running from room to room Ddevelopment, Blizzard Entertainment game. the various technical difficulties, the Diablo (or occasionally cave to cave) and killing things released the much awaited game on 15 May Initially South African players were worried franchise appears to be as strong as ever. which die from one hit starts to wear a bit thin. – but it was met with outrage from fans and that our country’s notoriously slow Internet The game is as action-packed as fans have Sure, this is what the Diablo series is all about, critics alike. would interfere with their playtime, but no one come to expect from the franchise, and writing but one can’t help but feel that over the space of Initial demand for Diablo III was colossal, anticipated that problems would come from the and animation are as good as anything that 11 years they could have tried something a little setting the record for the most pre-ordered PC other end. Blizzard produced during its golden years. different. game of all time. Despite the game’s record-breaking demand, The point of Diablo has always been to All criticism aside, Diablo III is an incredibly Even in Grahamstown fans were eagerly Blizzard did not anticipate the sheer number develop your character through repetitive solid game. If you like playing hack-and-slash awaiting its arrival, causing local retailer Musica of players attempting to log in on the first day. combat, during which you acquire new items dungeon crawlers then you will love it, and to sell out of the game within the first day. Blizzard servers were unable to cope and had to and abilities, and Diablo III sticks to that should go out and buy it at once. Right now. Unfortunately, many of these fans would enact periodic shut downs. formula with an admirable devotion. If, however, it doesn’t sound all that soon be disappointed. Diablo III is the first ever This meant that for the first few days after the The game certainly is fun to play – and a great interesting to you, then save your money. You’ll single-player PC game to require a constant release, dedicated fans who had just spent over way to release some stress – but one can’t help need it for the new Call of Duty. Video killed the radio star: YouTube’s finest By Bronwyn Slater than a content viewer.” ne of Rhodes’ favourite procrastination stations: YouTube. Having only been posting O From watching cats do hilarious things to grooving out for a little over 6 months, his to music videos, YouTube can eat up hours of your day. subscription, which currently The people who make money from you watching their videos stands at over 7 000, is certainly aren’t complaining. growing fast – as is his video Making money from YouTube is surprisingly easy, if you viewership. know what you are doing. Caspar’s goal is to make You need to be smart about marketing your videos on other a living off of social media, websites and through social media. which is slowly becoming a With enough views, subscribers to your channel and plenty reality through his growing videos uploaded you can apply for a partnership on YouTube’s Twitter and Facebook Partner Program page. followings. If they accept you as a YouTube partner, you’re in the money. His advice to anyone If not, then you had better pick up your video camera again. who wants to do what he Jenna Mourey is one of these YouTube celebrities, who makes is managing to do? “Don’t her money off our fits of hysterical laughter. upload anything you wouldn’t The blonde 20-something-year-old whom we know as Jenna want your mom to see!” Caspar Lee, South African YouTuber, is on his way to playing the fame game on YouTube. Marbles found fame on YouTube after her video “How to Trick Extremely hard work and People Into Thinking you’re Good Looking” received over 5 support are what he deems million views within its first week. the ingredients to success. Being famous is not what he is “communitychannel”, is the most subscribed-to Australian Her videos, posted every Wednesday, range from crazy concerned about, as he would rather be successful. YouTuber. things her dogs do and what she thinks about guys in clubs to Caspar clarifies: “I see myself as a brand and when I do well, Her videos involve monologues about almost anything, and hilarious imitations of celebrities. my brand is doing well and I can be proud.” she illustrates these with skits she acts out herself. Her in-your-face, take-me-or-leave-me attitude has gained her Philip Franchina, the entertainer we know as Philip DeFranco, After posting her first video in 2006, her channel has grown close to 3 million subscribers and tons of video views. started posting videos on YouTube in 2006. to over 1 million subscribers. South Africa also has emerging YouTube celebrities, such as His main claim to fame is the Philip DeFranco Show on the Keeping the viewers feeling connected to her videos is a Caspar Lee. channel “sxephil”, which gives a funny and opinionated spin on skill Natalie has mastered: by including some of her favourite The 18-year-old who goes by the channel name of “dicasp” current events and pop culture. comments from subscribers at the end of each video, she has been posting videos on YouTube since 2011. Philip also has a video blog and several other shows. He has ensures a constant viewership. “The very first video I uploaded was a video response to one built a whole enterprise and business through YouTube, with She also replies to or comments on them in writing. of the guys I was watching,” says Caspar. fans around the globe checking in daily to see what he has to We all know that regardless of where you are, YouTube can “He saw it and commented, which was amazing to me and I say. make you famous if you have some talent – or none at all! But it was instantly hooked to the website as a content creator rather Natalie Tran, also known as her channel name seems that for the die-hards, it can also be their livelihood.

Larry Strelitz the blues master. (This picture appeared with an article entitled ‘The road to dark city-what is this lecturer up to?’, in which Strelitz, now head of Rhodes Journalism, is referred to as a “musical recluse in Grahamstown” after not having performed in the town for a period of four years. ‘Dark City’ refers to the musical project that Strelitz was working on at the time). October 1990. Photographer unknown.

Address: 70 High Street Phone: (27)46 6223115 Grahamstown 6139 26 Lifestyle Edition 5 Soaking in Songkran By Rhea MacDonald on tables, holding hoses, spraying water into the crowd, little kids unning through the blisteringly hot streets of Chiang drenching anyone in sight, and Mai in Northern Thailand, wielding a massive water people of every age dumping whole gun and drenched from head to toe, I couldn’t help but buckets of water on everyone within laughR in delight at the seemingly unbelievable situation I had reach. It was pure, unrestricted, found myself in. As I spun around in a rush of exhilaration, arms unimaginable fun. reaching to the sky, another spray of water engulfed me. A small The entire day, as the sun’s rays Thai boy ran off, turning long enough for me to see a look of bounced off the dark asphalt of the accomplishment on his face at having hit his target. Adrenaline streets, drinks and hugs were given and Thai rum surged through my body. I had never felt so alive – as freely as smiles – a characteristic this was Songkran. Thai people are well-known for. Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year which takes place Families gathered together, painting every April. The throwing, squirting and spraying of water onto their faces and bodies with white each other is how the Thai people give blessings for the year to chalk, which is believed to bring come. This practice is routed in the Buddhist belief that water good luck and protection from evil brings purity; cleansing the body, mind and spirit and washing spirits. An elderly woman dressed away bad luck. So essentially, for a few days Thailand becomes in a bright-yellow flower lei was one huge water fight. hunched over a group of young In the early morning, dressed in a colourful Hawaiian-style Thai boys, tying simple white flowered shirt that follows the Thai tradition, my friends and I strings around each of their wrists. One of the many celebrations which happen in Thailand to celebrate Thai New Years. Pic: crowded into a three-wheeled tuk-tuk. As we approached our She was murmuring, her smiling Flickr destination, the sounds of five-year-old pop songs blasting in the eyes showing her genuine care for humid air and screams of happiness fluttered to our ears. Little the children. The strings are offered with a short prayer for the the time of their lives, building on each other’s energy: letting go did I know that this would be one of the most amazing days I months to come. They are often used to bring good fortune to of their worries and celebrating the coming year. would ever experience. a person in times of transition such as travel, or in this case, the As the sun sank beneath the horizon and glazed the sky with It was the biggest street party on earth: music blasting from new year. crimson and yellow, the smiling sliver of a moon arose. The eight-foot speakers, a foam machine spewing bubbles into the With a steady influx of water coming from all directions, shopkeepers packed up their tables and mothers rounded up dancing crowd, and whole tables lined with shots and beer. But I began to forget what it felt like to be dry. My clothes were their children, all tuckered out from the days festivities. The the most amazing part of all was the water! Everywhere the eye drenched and stuck to my body; my hair was dripping wet; my streets went back to being just streets, and the rivers of water could see, people were soaking wet. The street was like a river, makeup long gone – but I didn’t care. It was the most carefree poured into the gutters. Songkran came to an end that night, but alive with gushing streams of water. There were women dancing feeling in the world. In every direction, I could see people having the new year was only just beginning in Thailand. Stop telephonin’ me

By Inga Sibiya

ool” written with a smiley face “Csuggests excitement, but coupled with a thumbs up insinuates sarcasm. The Journey of Discovery convoy, which celebrates the production of the 100 000th Land Rover Paired with a sad face it even shows a sort Discovery, saw a team drive from Solihull in England to Beijing in 50 days. Pic: AutoMotor und Sport of dejected tone. According to a number of Rhodes students, “cool”, typed, texted or tweeted without a single emoticon is a cold and naked word. A one-in-a-million Emoticons were initially introduced Are emoticons a sign of the evolution of human language or do they point to its to communicate a certain demeanour deconstructionism?Pic: Supplied – essentially enlightening the reader as journey to the attitude with which the message was sent. It seems, however, that the By Ruan Scheepers expedition from its birthplace at Solihull to misinterpretations and miscommunications It hasn’t always been this way. Since Beijing, following the route driven by a Land that are avoided by using the appropriate the introduction of social media, society ith project ambassadors Bear Grylls and Rover expedition team in 1956. This expedition emoticon aren’t as important as adding the – especially the youth – has decided that WRay Mears on board, the Journey of was undertaken in two Series I Land Rovers, as a emoticon itself. “I’ll type something, read it is not only acceptable to speak in a Discovery convoy made its official departure from combined research effort between the universities it over and if it doesn’t have like a smiley fragmented manner, but in some instances the Geneva Motor show on 29 February. This of Oxford and Cambridge. or whatever I’ll add one because then I just it is actively encouraged. “Before Twitter epic odyssey across the globe saw the 1 000 000th The aim of this expedition is to help raise £1 sound mean,” Journalim student Niamh and Facebook, no-one really said FML but Land Rover Discovery, and another three support 000 000 for the Federation of Red Cross, which Walsh-Voster admitted. “I get so touched,” it’s somehow weaved its way into our lingo vehicles, drive from the Land Rover Factory at will use the funds generated for a critical water agrees Thato Ratune. For her, carefully and it’s kinda cool,” says Lillian Magari. Solihull, England to Beijing, the Chinese capital, in sanitation scheme in Uganda. In doing so, Land choosing a face to send during her cyber It is apparent that this form of jargon is 50 days. Rover also showcases the outstanding capabilities chats is important, as it represents a form of popular and shows no signs of slowing For 23 years the Land Rover Discovery has been of the Discovery by subjecting the vehicles to the endearment. down anytime soon. at the forefront of the off-road segment. From world’s toughest elements during the Journey. For many people, emoticons are the Has our freedom of subversion resulted humble beginnings in 1989, the Discovery has From the ice and snow of Russia, through the closest thing to emotion via text that we in the deconstruction of our language? evolved into what can only be described as the deserts of the Middle East and China, the Landys have. Recently, emoticon characters have Has embracing artistic licence resulted benchmark for all-terrain vehicles today. Featuring transported their crews and cargo without any found their way into verbal conversation, in a colourful language devoid of any leading technology and versatile design elements, hassles across 13 countries to arrive on time in to the dismay of many. “It’s about as dumb intellectual substance? Or is blurring the Discovery has more than 200 awards to its Beijing on the 24th of April. as a hash tag on Facebook,” second-year the boundaries between text talk and name. Although the expedition has reached its end, Drama student Tarryn Gabi laments. conversation society’s way forward? IDK. The 1 000 000th Discovery rolled out of the the fund-raising continues. For more information “Saying ‘dancing face’ in actual conversation G2G. Solihull factory earlier this year. This very vehicle on the expedition and how you could make a is silly. Just frikkin’ get up and dance!” K Chat l8er! would embark on a 13 000km cross-continental contribution visit www.landrover.com/million. 27 29 May 2012 Lifestyle

Heartbreakers: student car icons over the decades By Ruan Scheepers When the 1960s receded into a hazy The 80s saw the age of motorsport When the 90s arrived and the Italians After the turn of the millennium, memory, the South African-built evolve in South Africa. While most were still in the game, Sergio had a the old players are still at it. VW ars are strange entities. Alfa Romeo Alfasud welcomed the had joined the Citi Golf revolution, rant about quality issues in the Fiat now has the brilliant Polo Gti, Opel CInanimate as they are, some 70s. Later in the decade, the Alfasud young car enthusiasts were presented factory one morning and then went to the spectacular Corsa OPC, Alfa the evoke feelings of desire and delight established itself alongside the MkI with a wide variety of baseline models have coffee. In his absence, Giovanni gorgeous Mito and Fiat the ballistic unparallelled by anything else in those Golf Gti as one of the hottest hatches of more expensive cars. These were and Valentino attempted a quality 500 Abarth. These are all cars with who aspire to drive the best. Starting for those slightly more fortunate bean frankly a waste of time to those who makeover, but were soon bored and evident heritage. There is, however, it all off in the 60s was of course the counters and civil engineers. And could afford better. Towards the turned their attention to the Uno. one name which has not been little Hitler mobile – the Volkswagen while the German rival screamed build end of the 1980s, Opel launched the They found a turbo and bolted it onto mentioned: Ford. Ford has been in it Beetle. There is not a single university quality, the little Alfa did nothing Kadett GSi, also known as the Big the 1.4l engine, and the Uno Turbo for decades, and the Escort and Capri campus in South Africa that exists of the sort. The body panels were Boss. The Boss was revolutionary in was born. The engine compartment were icons of their time. The legend without the faint background clatter made from old olive cans and the its road-holding abilities and quickly was now so full of modifications lives on in the ST performance version of a Beetle engine. The iconic car only interior trim that fitted properly earned its legendary name on the that there was no room for an air- of the Fiesta. Huge spoked wheels, an has a cultural background which was the key in the ignition slot. race tracks. Opel’s German origins conditioning system – but the driver engine begging abuse and a “try me” will never be forgotten: in the age of Underneath this disappointing lack of ensured unsurpassed quality and wasn’t the only one made to sweat. It attitude makes the Fiesta ST a worthy flower power and free love, the hand- quality there was, however, a heart of performance. Young spirits, inspired would make an M3 work like a slave representative of the heartbreakers. painted Beetle wrote itself into the gold. Boasting a flat-four (similar in by its racing pedigree, longed after between the traffic lights. It was easy And if the Polo Gti-killing hearts and souls of millions. Few cars design to Subaru engines) and features these machines, and owners were to prejudge this definitive pocket performance wasn’t good enough, you will ever provide the kind of smiles like a five-speed gearbox and inboard envied beyond comprehension. The rocket as a puppy until it ripped you always had the racing stripes. that the Beetle could – you just can’t disc brakes, the Alfasud was way Boss was an affordable, practical car to pieces as the lights turned green. hate it. It was noisy and cramped, ahead of its time and stole the hearts which could outrun most BMWs of but this was only an invitation for of young men and women alike. Most the time. It would also spawn what is students to see how many people they of all, it romanced with the fiery soul still regarded as the ultimate hot hatch could fit into it, or what they could do in a way only an Alfa Romeo can. of the era: the Kadett GSi 16v – the to make it noisier. Super Boss. Hair, long beautiful hair Choosing to By Sarisha Dhaya wear the hijab rahamstown is a second home to many students and each By Samira Suleman one has their own hair and dress sense. Hairstyles and cuts range from natural styling to extremes in the form of neon Gshades, some of which are synonymous with Katy Perry and others recently made the decision to start wearing a hijab, the that borrow from the crazy styles of Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. Itraditional Muslim head covering. I realised the blessings Elron Fouten, a Psychology lecturer, says that the link between it held and the meaning it adds to my identity and my life. It one’s self-confidence and one’s hair, “depends on the value one places serves as a constant reminder to me of how I should conduct on one’s hair.” He thinks that clothes are an extension of one’s self- myself as a Muslim. image, and that one can then say that as people ‘wear’ their hair, this As I get dressed for lectures each morning, I do what any too can be seen as part of a person’s dress. A few students explain ordinary person does: I stare into my closet, wondering what some of their hair choices: to wear. I still wear my jeans, dressy tops and accessories, and then I look for a scarf to match my outfit. I still dress up like I Schoolboy goes rogue used to, but I now try and wear tops that have long sleeves and Michelle Avenant maintains her pink and vibrant hair with the Mitchell Slabbert, a student, explains that he decided to stop cutting help of her mom and hair products. Pic: Michelle Avenant cover my bum. Other than that, it’s just one more accessory to his hair to see what it would look like – now he says that his family my wardrobe with the added advantage that now every hair is used to his long hair. “I have made it a routine after I shower to Colour me pretty day is a good hair day as far as I am concerned! brush my hair and keep it in good condition. It’s no longer a hassle Michelle Sabina Avenant has been asked about her bright pink hair As I walk to lectures, I notice some people staring, while but part of what I do,” says Slabbert. He shampoos and conditions more times than she can remember. She explains the cheerful feeling others don’t seem to care much. I haven’t felt concerned about three times a week. Slabbert says that the image his hair creates is she got when she saw someone trying out a different look that works being judged, although I have been asked about my headscarf. more ‘laid-back surfer’ than before, but that it hasn’t changed the way on them, so she decided to do something too, “mainly because I I don’t consider myself to be any different. I still do the same he sees himself. thought it would look cool,” she said. Avanant started dying her hair things I did before, and I still harbour the same dreams and pink in Grade 8 when she read a book about a girl with pink hair and desires any other young woman has. Beating balding imagined what it would look like. The hijab hasn’t really changed the way my friends behave Hair is important to Noah*, 19, who explains that he felt it was Avenant describes the process as a mission. She had to peroxide towards me. It hasn’t got in the way of how they see me neccessary to undergo an operation as his balding affected his self- all her hair the first time, and brightly-coloured hair dye is never because I am still the same person, and they see this. Many of confidence. “It was never a case of a ‘bad hair day’, it has always been permanent. Her mom re-bleaches her roots for her every two months, them have been very encouraging, which has been great! I also a case of ‘I’m embarrassed most of the time because I look like an old which can be quite damaging. Avenant dyes her hair every two weeks. feel that now, people think of me beyond my appearance and man’,” he confides. Noah says one day when he has children, he will “It’s actually a process finding dyes that are going to last the longest see what’s truly inside. be able to tell them it’s a non-issue for him now. and give you the best results.” She has to wash her hair in cold People seem to have the misconception that women who “The same way a guy may want to grow his hair or get a specific water, which is the painful part - especially in Grahamstown winters. wear headscarves are oppressed. This generalised notion has haircut, is the same way I have just tried to grow some to begin with,” Avenant says that she is not sure how long she will keep her hair become a huge controversy, but look at it from my perspective. he says. While there was support from his family, he has not told brightly dyed. “Perhaps when I’ve gone through all the colours of the At Rhodes, I am away from home in a modern, liberal society many friends, because he still feels self-conscious. The operation was rainbow, I’ll shave it off and grow out my natural colour.” She says free from parental supervision. Yet, I have still decided to a process that transplanted his own hair from the back of his head to her hair might still be bright when she has children and excitedly wear a scarf out of my own free will. There is no oppression the front. adds: “I’ll show them pictures and tell them about it! I’d even be involved here. Everyone has the freedom to be themselves and *Not his real name. stoked if they wanted to do the same.” wear what they like, so why question the headscarf? 28 Science & Technology Edition 5 Samsung Galaxy S III unveiled

By Brad de Klerk when the user is looking at the screen and switches the screen off when the user looks away. amsung’s eagerly-awaited Galaxy S III The device will be the official phone of the was recently unveiled at an international London Olympics, with Samsung announcing launch event at London’s Earls Court that there will be “a limited edition showcase arena.S device enabled with Visa’s mobile payment This unveiling came as a further boost to the application, Visa PayWave, and will be available Android OS which, according to The Telegraph, for Samsung and Visa sponsored athletes and already accounts for more than half of the trialists”. world’s smartphones. Samsung reported that According to The Korean Economic Daily, nearly nine million Galaxy S IIIs had been pre- Samsung’s factory is operating at full capacity ordered around the world. and producing five million S III units per The smartphone features a 4.8inch display – month. one of the largest on the market – and also offers The smartphone goes on sale 29 May and a variety of other innovations. Samsung has Samsung is expecting the sales to make a added voice control similar to Apple’s ‘personal substantial contribution to its second-quarter assistant’ Siri, and will offer 50GB of online earnings. storage via a partnership with Dropbox.com. They are hoping that this new device will The Galaxy S III also boasts an innovative surpass the success of its predecessor, the SII, feature called eye-tracking, which monitors which sold 20 million units. The Samsung Glaxy S III Pic: Flickr Anti-HIV pill awaits approval from FDA

By Megan Ellis it decreased the risk of infection for gay and opposed Truvada’s approval, saying that 20 prevention packages. The drug is available in bisexual men by 42% when used along with HIV-positive patients could be treated for the South Africa for R599 per month. S federal advisors have given the go-ahead condoms and counselling. same cost as a single person using the drug as But experts have questioned Truvada’s Uto a drug which has been said to be able More recent findings of a three-year study prevention. effectiveness in women, as they showed to protect healthy individuals from becoming show that Truvada reduced HIV infection in Truvada is said to cost up to R11 200 a year. significantly lower rates of protection in studies. infected with HIV. monogamous heterosexual couples (with one It has also been criticised as possibly creating a It has been emphasised that Truvada does Truvada, which is now awaiting final approval partner being HIV-positive) by 75%. false sense of security which may spur people to not act as a cure, and can only be taken as a from the Food and Drug Association (FDA), However, according to IOL News, the drug engage in unprotected sex. preventative measure when taken every day has been marketed since 2004 as a treatment will not be a viable solution for many HIV- According to IOL News, HIV clinicians in without missing a dosage. for HIV-positive individuals. It began to make positive South Africans due to its cost. South Africa have already started creating The FDA’s final decision regarding the drug headlines in 2010 when a study showed that The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has guidelines for Truvada as part of HIV will have been made by 15 June. International roaming breaks the bank By Brad de Klerk MTN’s roaming rate for North America (R140 per MB) costs much data their phone or laptop’s Internet connection may be the subscriber R143 360 per GB. using. t is no secret that international roaming is expensive, but MTN’s Oceania data roaming rate is even higher: at R160 per Phone applications and laptops often update regularly, and Imany people are still surprised when they return from their MB, it works out to R163 840 per GB. many users are unaware of just how much data is sent and holiday or business trip and see that they have run up cellphone Cell C’s roaming rates in Australia come in at R271.92 per received during this update. bills of thousands of Rands. MB when using the Telstra network. This leads to a figure of Therefore if someone’s laptop’s OS decided that it needed to Many people take their 3G-enabled cell phones and 3G dongles R278 446 per GB. update an 800 MB file using the Cell C network, this would cost when they travel internationally to stay in touch and receive These exponentially high data rates are out of the control of nearly a quarter of a million Rand. regular emails. Unfortunately, they do not realise how costly it our local service providers, as the customer’s bills are simply Thankfully, there are other options when travelling abroad such can be. passed to our service providers from their international roaming as purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local service provider Below are some prices from our local service providers: partners. in that country or using free/paid Wi-Fi connections. Vodacom’s standard ‘Rest of World’ roaming rate (R128 per Customers may often be aware of the exponential charges for You would be wise to take advantage of these if you do not MB) works out to a total of R131 000 per GB. using international roaming, but may not be aware of just how want to receive one of the more expensive bills in your life.

A pair of technology According to Tech Central, European scientists have Italian doctors saved the life Studies have shown that chimpanzees developers has taken their the Taiwanese smartphone developed a new device to of a 16-month-old boy by and orangutans have personalities cue from the movie Inception, manufacturer HTC has promised improve efforts against water implanting the world’s smallest which are similar to those of humans. creating a sleeping mask which to increase the marketing and pollution - a robot ‘fish’ which artificial heart in the baby. According to BBC, scientists used a aims to allow people to have distribution of their products in monitors water quality and hunts According to The Guardian, the statistical technique to remove human controllable lucid dreams. The SA. It is placing special focus on the down contaminants. According artificial heart was used to keep bias which would anthropomorphise Remee, as it is called, looks like HTC One-series range. Jon French, to TimesLive, developers hope the baby alive while doctors the primates rather than prove they a regular sleeping mask but HTC’s vice-president for sales that the device will decrease the waited for a donor transplant have personalities. While common has been described as a special operations in Europe, the Middle time taken to spot pollutants organ. The pump was made of chimpanzees share 98% of human REM sleep-enhancing device. East and Africa, said that “We felt from weeks to seconds. The robot titanium and only weighed 11 genes, there have been no definitive It aims to help sleepers have it was time to establish our own will warn authorities, aquariums grams, but can pump 1.5ℓ of studies regarding their emotional and lucid dreams by making the presence in SA – it’s clear we have and other interested parties blood per minute. The baby, mental similarity to humans. However, brain aware that it is dreaming, put a lot of effort into the One X, the when water quality is jeopardised who has a heart muscle disease this showed that chimpanzees’ allowing customers to have the One S and the One V, and we are without the lengthy process called diluted myocardiopathy, personalities are more similar to dream of their choice. bringing all of those products to SA of gathering and testing water and has been in intensive care humans’ than orangutans’ personalities in the next few weeks.” samples. since the age of one month. are. SciTech round-up SciTech Ellis Megan By 29 29 May 2012 Environment RU Spring warrior By Jane Berg recycling? municipality finally made good on its promise The spring system incorporates a drainage to develop the spring into a sustainable pipe for waste water. Barberton is concerned By Shirley Erasmus ater is our most basic need, but facility. However, in September last year work about the fact that she often finds people filling in Grahamstown, water problems by Africoast Engineers was left incomplete up their containers with this contaminated The lack of recycling stations in and around are rife and locals are cautious of for several months. Progress has recently water, because there is no signage indicating campus is a problem that has concerned Wdrinking from taps. This comes after reports recommenced with the building of a car park that it is not drinkable. Moreover the area is me since I arrived at Rhodes. Although of high levels of aluminium and arsenic have on the north side of the road, as well as a new a constant repository for litter and defecation the topic of recycling is one many feel has been found in the water. pathway and garden created around the spring. – an issue which she thinks is even more been discussed ad nauseum, all it actually One outlet, however, where water is The pioneer for the spring’s preservation problematic than the erosion of the ground. requires is that you take the debris left over from your Kaif lunch and sort it into three guaranteed to be not only clean but is Angela Barberton, who has kept the site She went to say that there is no reason why the separate bins. At a university whose motto wholesome as well, is the Fairview Spring clear of pollution for over a decade. However, area surrounding the spring should be so dirty. is ‘Where Leaders Learn,’ one would hope bordering Coldstream Farm. It is open to the she sees some of the changes by the Makana According to Africoast Engineers, that these future leaders will go into the public at all hours, and has been frequented Greening Project as unnecessary. “I think that development of the spring should be world enforcing necessary habits such as so often that over the years members of the a lot of money was wasted,” she says. “It looks completed by June. Nikki Köhly, chairperson recycling… but this practice seems to have Kowie Catchment Campaign have been beautiful but I’m not sure it’s feasible. Who is of the Kowie Catchment Campaign, said that been abandoned at Rhodes. struggling to protect it against erosion and going to maintain it?” She went on to suggest they are satisfied with the developments so Upon investigation into this matter, I pollution. that the municipality’s interest in the spring far. “Hopefully this will ensure that no road or discovered that the systems already in place Last year, after years of waiting, the may not be permanent. pedestrian accidents occur,” she said. for recycling and waste management on campus are largely ineffective due to various factors. Rafeeq Sait, Supervisor of Refuse and Recycling, explained the confusing refuse bag situation, stating that although Solar energy conference a success students may have been informed that By Gorata Chengeta the blue bags on campus are for domestic Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy at successful outcome of the conference, saying non-recyclable items and the clear bags for Stellenbosch, as well as the chair of the SASEC that some of the corporate attendees found recyclable items, the clear bags are made fter months of anticipation, the first organising committee, Professor Johannes more value in this research-based conference of a stronger micron - so the clear bags are Southern African Solar Energy Conference Van Niekerk, said they started organising the than in other solar energy conferences that had used all around campus, and not the blue A ones. “Communication is not as it should be,” (SASEC) was held last week in Stellenbosch. conference in April last year. previously been held. He was also pleased to explained Sait. The event took place from 21 to 23 May and was Two guest speakers were invited to the event: report a positive contribution from experts from Many departments do not adhere to attended by a collection of engineers, academics Professor Jürgen Verner, Director of the Institute the Southern African region, and said that the the proper procedural guidelines when and postgraduate students. The aim of the event for Photovoltaics at Stuttgart University, and the positive outcome of this conference showed that disposing of their refuse, and they do not was to discuss the research that has been gathered project manager of solar research at the DLR there was a need for more events of this kind. bother to find out what the applicable in the field of solar energy over the last five years. German Aerospace Centre. Of the 140 guests, a According to Professor Van Niekerk, there are recycling system for their waste may be. For The conference was initiated by Stellenbosch significant number came from countries outside already talks of hosting another conference of example, electronic equipment cannot be University’s Centre for Renewable and South Africa. There were attendees from places as this type in 2014. He said that he hoped that disposed of in regular refuse, but should Sustainable Energy Studies in collaboration with far afield as Cameroon, France, the United States, last week’s conference would serve as a platform rather be kept aside until a skip can be requested from Sait. This is an issue which sponsors such as Eskom and the Solar Thermal the Slovak Republic and Kenya. to finally bring solar energy to the collective is partly due to ignorance and partly an Energy Research Group. The director of the Professor Van Niekerk was pleased with the consciousness. apathetic attitude towards the environment, each other, and the various bodies that have to deal with our waste, such as the Masihlule Recycling Project. Greening it up in Rio I was encouraged, however, when I saw a By Isabelle Anne Abraham structure which will hold three bins and hundreds of conference events that occur in in the context of sustainable development effectively create a ‘recycling station’. It mid-June. and poverty eradication, and the institutional is intended for use at the Kiaf, despite protests from the owner of that the new ess than a month away, the Rio+20 Earth More than 130 world leaders will be there, framework for sustainable development. recycling station does not have ‘aesthetic LSummit is sure to mark the beginning of including Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, Heated discussions and negotiations are appeal’. Although the system seems to be a green era. This United Nations Conference the prime minister of India, Manmohan likely to arise, especially concerning the going ahead, there are many hurdles to be marks the 20th anniversary of the 1992 UN Singh, and China’s premier, Wen Jiabao. issue of promoting sustainability without overcome before this will be implemented. conference on Environment and Development. President Obama has not yet confirmed his hindering economic growth. Another debate The university has yet to encourage a Present at the conference (20-22 June) will attendance. is differences in ecological policies between student body that will lead our world into be participants from governments, private The conference aims to strategize on developed and developing nations. a truly sustainable future where recycling sectors, NGOs and several other groups. ‘reducing poverty, advancing social equity, Nonetheless, this event is crucial. With any is no longer a shallow question of aesthetic According to climate-connections.org, up and ensuring environmental protection’. Two luck, the conference will pave the way for an appeal, but rather a practice of vital importance for our future. to 50 000 people are expected to attend the main themes will override: a green economy environmentally-friendly future. 30 Sport Edition 5

On the ball By Bridgette Hall Not the men in tights By Morgan Collins hours. They plan to break this record Manchester City may have won the again this August. English Premier league for the first rchery: made famous by Proving themselves as a sport time in over forty years, but the real Robin Hood and his merry worthy of being noticed goes further fairy tale of the season belongs to men as they paraded than a world record, however. It Chelsea and former midfielder Roberto aroundA a forest in tights and thieved involves proving that they can Di Matteo, who turned Chelsea’s slump their way to justice and glory. In the contend with the very best. Two in form into two trophies for the West real world, however, there is far less archers in particular stand out in this London club. trickery, and tights don’t feature as regard: students Simon Naude and What does it take to secure the top job often as in the old tale. Lance Ho both went to the Summer at this London club? José Mourinho, Rhodes Archery is here to dispel Universaide in Shenzhen, China last the most successful manager in some myths about archery. “It year and shot against top university Chelsea’s history, got the axe after sounds like you should have prior archers from around the world. winning six trophies in three years. knowledge of the sport,” says Rhodes The club also hosted a highly rated Carlo Ancelotti took over in 2009 and Archery Media Representative Nationals event and dominated in became the club’s fourth permanent Ettione Ferreira. “What people don’t very windy conditions at the recent Rhodes Archery- holders of a Guiness World Record but no men in tights. manager in 21 months. Despite realise is that about three of us have Championships, which saw Naude Pic: Ettione Ferreira winning Chelsea’s first domestic done the sport before university.” and Ho shoot their personal bests double, he only lasted a season and a This is surprising, considering the and Naude breaking the Rhodes experience that teaches you patience surrounding archery: Robin Hood half before he was sacked. Later, André club’s achievements. These include a record. “Every person should try and grace.” and his gang have been warned! The Villas-Boas was fired after only eight Guinness world record for shooting archery at least once in their lives,” Rhodes’ Archery Club seems Rhodes archers are taking the forest months in charge and Di Matteo was arrows for more than 36 consecutive said Ferreira. “It really is an awesome intent on shaking off the stereotypes back with less theft and more glory. named the interim coach. Even after winning the UEFA Champions League, a permanent contract has not been offered to the 41-year-old. Is this constant chopping and changing the problem at Chelsea? Tutus and tiaras By Morgan Collins How is any manager meant to build For teacher and founder of the classes Leigh classes were a huge success, with each class being and develop a team, when he is under Raymond, pirouetting and twirling began at the filled to capacity. She has since decided to add it as such overwhelming pressure that one ead down to the Health Suite on a Saturday age of three and has grown to become her biggest an additional class to the timetable. wrong move means he will be left Hafternoon and you’ll find gym members passion. “[It] has always given me something to Raymond is delighted at the thought of adults out in the cold by ‘Abramovich the eager to point, pirouette and plié their afternoon love and look forward to,” she says. So the idea taking the opportunity to step out of their comfort terrible’? Add to that a changeroom away. behind her classes – to “spread the love,” as she puts zones and learn a new skill. “I love seeing everyone worth over £300 million, the older There are no proud moms gazing over their it – is not surprising at all. After having danced coming into the class, looking so excited and eager players having quite a say at the club precious darlings in pink tutus at this ballet class, with the Royal Academy of Dance and continuing to dance!” she says. and an owner constantly undermining however: it’s a beginner’s class exclusively for training to expand her expertise, she approached Health Suite members are now not only getting your decisions, and this makes the adults, and forms the newest addition, along with the Health Suite with the idea of adding to their exercise, learning some rhythm and improving manager’s task at Chelsea near Pilates and Yoga, to the expanding variety of classes already-growing number of group classes. their posture, but are being allowed an opportunity impossible. What Chelsea need is that the Health Suite has added to their Group After deciding on a trial period, Group Fitness to indulge in their forgotten childhood dreams of some stability for the manager, and Fitness repertoire. Manager Ruth Vorster found that the first few tutus and tiaras. the players’ and Roman’s love of ‘retail therapy’ is no help. This is a lesson other teams would be wise to learn before they meet a In the deep end with the pros similar fate. Roy Hodgson was fired By Kendra Dykman at Liverpool after only half a season, training techniques and programmes and club legend Kenny Dalglish was to make sure they never fall behind. brought in to save the team from wo of Rhodes’ top swimmers, In the coming weeks they will also be relegation. He was also dismissed after TCalvin Price and Simon Pheasant, attending a clinic hosted by Olympic only a season and a half after bringing embody the culture of athletics that gold medalist Penny Heyns. home the club’s first trophy since 2006 is developing on campus. The two Swimming takes up a lot of time, and making the FA cup final. The team swimmers joined numerous other and the two spend three to four hours is now looking for a new manager – hopefuls in Durban earlier this training every day. This involves two but whoever this turns out to be needs term for the South African Senior hours of training in the morning and to be given the scope and time to Nationals gala. The gala served as the two in the evening, allowing them develop the team if there is any hope SA Olympic qualifying trials, and for to take Sundays off. “If you’re not of returning to the top of the log. those swimmers wanting to compete training optimally all the time, there’s In light of this, taking a page out of in the international event, this was no point,” they say. While this can Manchester United’s book regarding their chance. have an impact on their university the treatment of managers and While Price and Pheasant didn’t Calvin Price competes at the South African Senior Nationals Gala in work, they feel that it is a sacrifice Durban. Pic: Supplied players would be worthwhile. Sir Alex qualify this time, it has brought them that needs to be made “when you are Ferguson has been their manager another step closer to their goal of swimming at this level”. Academia also for the past 26 years, and had he qualifying for the next Olympics in four years’ competitively in Matric. Before, he had been a has seasons, however: the two are more focused been given the axe shortly after his time. They competed in this gala after making water-polo player. “I didn’t have a swimming on work now that exams are near. appointment, I doubt Manchester the qualifying times at the Eastern Province coach, and I didn’t realise how fast I could Price and Pheasant are looking forward to United would hold the records they men’s, where they competed against many of go,” says Pheasant. He says that his best times the Olympics and are certain they’ll see some do today. Additionally, his policy that South Africa’s best. “The surprising thing for were made at the nationals this year, where he impressive swimming, particularly from the ‘no player is bigger than the club’ me is that the guys who used to be my role clocked a time of 23.6s in the 50m freestyle. He likes of Chad de Clos, world-record-holder has meant an iron fist in the dressing models – we are swimming with now!” says also placed 29th and 30th in the 100m butterfly Cameron van der Burgh and Heerden Herman. room. One has to respect their Price. and 100m freestyle respectively. The funding and support they’ve received performance on the pitch – throwing Calvin Price, a first-year student, has been The two are coached by Price’s mother, Sheena from Rhodes Sports Admin has made their large sums of money around is not swimming since he was 10. His forte is breast Price, whom they say is the most experienced dream possible. The two have a lot of potential the key to a successful club, but stroke: he placed in the top 25 twice for this coach in Grahamstown. While this can be and are set to excel as professional swimmers. “I backing and supporting your manager, event at the nationals. He also placed in the top quite challenging, as their competitors often want to rank in the top 10 at the next nationals,” as United does, has proved to be 25 in the 50m freestyle. come from academies and high performance says Pheasant. “So long as I keep improving, I’ll successful. Simon Pheasant only started swimming centers, Sheena keeps up to date with new be happy with my performance.” 31 29 May 2012 Sport

Laurie Halifax, deputising for Nash, receives the cup for Rhodes at the Intervarsity REgatta Ball given for visiting teams at the Windsor Hotel, East London. Matt Basson, O. Robert- son and A Morisby look on. Rhodeo, July 30 1948. EP academy dominates Rhodes Rugby By Siyavuya Makubalo the Varsity Shield in 2013 at USSA. They will need to win the The second half was more promising for Rhodes, but they tournament to be promoted to the Varsity Shield competition next struggled to turn possession into points. They played with more xcitement and anticipation was in the air when Rhodes year. The Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield aim to showcase rugby urgency but handling errors and turnovers at the breakdown saw students went in numbers to support the Rhodes 1st team talent across the country, and have produced stars such Juan de opportunities amount to nothing. The full time score was 39-0 to when they played against EP Kings 1st team last Wednesday. Jongh, who played for Maties. the EP academy side. EIt was an important match for the Rhodes team to analyse how their When the two teams met at the Great Field, Rhodes unfortunately This was the last match for this term and Rhodes Rugby now looks preparations were coming along, ahead of the annual University came off second-best. EP Kings capitalised on Rhodes taking a forward to the USSA tournament in July. Head coach of Rhodes Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament to be held at Wits while to settle into the game by retaining most of the possession and Rugby Qondakele Sompondo emphasised that their goal for this University from 2 to 6 July. constantly breaking the advantage line. At the end of the first half, year is to “position Rhodes rugby to its rightful place”. At the top of Rhodes faces the daunting task of competing for a spot in EP had a half-time lead of 18-0. their objectives is qualifying for next year’s Varsity Shield. Roland Garros - where to put your money

By Matthew Hirsch and Bridgette Hall Yet it was Federer who prevailed on the tricky surface, which Nadal said was only fit for oland Garros, the premier clay court “Smurfs”. Federer went on to win the Madrid Rtournament of the world and second Masters, beating Tomas Berdych in the final, Grand Slam trophy in the tennis calendar, and claimed the world number 2 ranking for begins this week. With one of the widest the first time since 2010. Nadal has since won viewerships in the world, the tournament may the position back, making the coming battles not have the same prestige as Wimbledon – but at the French Open all the more intriguing. it is unique in the kind of tennis played. The The top three men are definitely the ones to preceding clay court season is an indicator watch – but there may be an upset on the cards of where to put your money and who to keep from the likes of Berdych or Tipsarevic, who your eye on for the tournament. have been in fine form all season. The home The favorite for many is ‘King of Clay’ crowd will be backing countrymen Jo-Wilfried Rafael Nadal, who is on a mission to claim a Tsonga and Gael Monfils, ranked 5th and 13th record seventh Roland Garros title. Nadal has respectively. landed in Paris as the man to beat, after yet The women’s draw has seen Serena Williams another incredible clay court season which has on top of her game this season, dispelling the yielded three titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona myth that clay is her least-favourite surface. and Rome. He has 16 wins from 17 matches, World no. 2 Maria Sharapova has also been in with his only loss coming in Madrid to fellow superb form of late, winning in Rome against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. They played on China’s Li Na. Williams and Sharapova have the controversial blue clay, which many players together won the four main lead-up events, did not like – Nadal threatened not to play putting them amongst the favourites for this there again if they did not return to traditional year’s French title. However, world No. 1 red clay next year. Victoria Azarenka will hope to cement her The blue clay proved to be problematic place at the top with a win, and Li Na will want for world No.1 Novak Djokovic as well. He to retain her title as French Open champion. declared he would not be returning to the Marion Bartoli remains the French crowd’s tournament after he lost in the quarter final best hope for a local champion since Mary to fellow Serbian, Janko Tipsarevic. Djokovic Pierce took home the trophy in 2000. acknowledged that Nadal “is always the Roland Garros leaves you with two weeks favourite” on clay. He has the rare opportunity of whizzing top spin, enthralling rallies, an to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time – electrifying atmosphere and some of the most something which has not been done since Rod creative and entertaining tennis you will see Laver in 1969. this season.