Professional Documents
Culture Documents
4
A
Benjamin Katz
12
Stephen Mina Rhodes University Vice Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat says foreign donations help fund the university. student they graduate. But most universities must realise that they need to put the money in first, in terms of scholarships, equipment and facilities. Its a very expensive investment, said Dr Badat. He further went on to assure that He said that with the Library renovations coming in 13% below budget, he hoped that donors would be encouraged to continue investing. The initial costing of the library was at R97 million, the contract price was R86 million and the final cost was R73 million. This resulted in R13 million in savings that Dr Badat attributes to disciplined project management. The universitys first construction will be a new building for teacher education at a cost of between R18 20 million. The building will be designed so that future additional expansion will also be possible. Rhodes has also received a $100 000 grant to develop jazz heritage studies. There has also been discussion about turning the botanical gardens into a jazz heritage site. Plans are to include a walkway leading visitors to various sections of the gardens, each dedicated to various acclaimed jazz artists.
News
News
SA Campus News
Compiled by Khangelani Dziba
Storme Sydow
The new room underneath the Library will become a learning cafe, but might be restricted to postgraduate access.
Chelsea Nelson Abby van Nierop (right) and Farrah Hayes (left) pay one last visit to the original Cafe Blanca. Camilla Wigmore bought over by new owners who will soon be taking over the property. Christopher Maxwell, the previous owner of Caf Blanca, a third-year BSc student at Rhodes, said that he intended to focus more on his studies. No one seems entirely certain as to how the changes to Caf Blanca are going to pan out. Rhodes student and bartender at Caf Blanca, Sebastion Tuinder, said he was apprehensive about the change of management. However, Tuinder is pleased that the new owners have promised all current workers their same positions. He added that after the Old Gaol (a bar and backpackers lodge) closed down last year, Caf Blanca became a
Drink Smart Week about On-going talks about library space getting the balance right
Benjamin Katz Talks over the use of the room beneath the library, which is currently empty, are ongoing. This is according to the Dean of Students, Dr De Klerk. Dubbed Ground Zero, the current plans are to turn the empty space into a learning caf with a slightly academic tone. Computers will be placed inside for student use and sections will be demarcated for students to work in groups or singularly. Despite speculation about the building, the room will not be used as a place to buy food or drinks. However, Dr De Klerk said that unlike the library, students would be allowed to bring food inside. In connection with this, talks are being held with the Kaif regarding the cafs current opening hours. The parties involved in the decision-making for Ground Zero - including the SRC, the Library and the Dean of Studentss Office - are hoping to get the caf to extend their hours later into the evening for the benefit of students using the room. Those involved are now discussing a counter-proposal that was brought forward recommending that the area be reserved for postgraduate students and be off-limits to undergraduates. However, a final decision regarding who will be allowed access has yet to be taken. To help finance furnishing the area, the SRC has managed to collect additional funds through the excess printing charges that have remained unused by the universitys academic departments. Printing costs are charged to registered students by every academic department to pay for photocopies and course readers throughout the academic year. When asked whether the excess printing charges should rather be returned to the paying students, Dr De Klerk said, The students the money belonged to are gone. The money has accumulated over 10 years.She suggested that this way the money could go towards benefiting all students, as well as those in the future. Benjamin Katz The Dean of Students Offices (DoS) Drink Smart Week was kicked off Monday 21 February with the annual Rhodes Got Talent contest. According to Dr de Klerk, the talent show was fantastic we even had to turn away students. The winners of the contest were then hosted at Vivs Variety Show on Friday. De Klerk said the aim behind Drink Smart Week was to get students to find something lekker to do on campus to create memories that are not linked to hangovers or about comparing the total number of drinks consumed that night. She said that later on in the year the DoS Office would be launching the DoS Challenge in residences, finer details for which were still under discussion. According to Dr De Klerk, the challenge would entail residences hosting Drink Smart events, with prizes to be awarded to the residences who entertained the best. Id like (the DoS Challenge) to not be alcohol free Id rather a drink smart (event) than an all or nothing affair. Its about getting the balance right, she said.
hodents and other locals will have to adjust to the changes that will soon be made to Caf Blanca as it takes on a new name and new ownership. Caf Blanca announced their closure two weeks ago after the lease was
Riaan Manser has spent a week travelling down the coast in a freezer to raise money for sports equipment for underprivileged schools. funds for those who dont have, but also spark an interest in the wealthy and get them to understand that there are those who arent so fortunate. When the Oppidan Press had spoken to Manser no official tally of the donations collected had been calculated. However, No Food For Lazy Man had already received a donation of R15 000 from a corporate sponsor and another R5000 had been promised to them onarrival from the Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato. Van Tonder said the team was trying to encourage corporations to come onboard. With regard to choosing which schools to donate to, Manser said he intends to investigate each school before equipment is given in an attempt to prevent the money from being wasted and to ensure it Pic Supplied is used properly. After Grahamstown and PE, Manser and his freezer moved on to Plett, George and Caledon before finally ending up in Cape Town. SMS donate to 42220 to donate R30 to the trust.
Wandile Zulu, BBS Societies presentations, in particular the Astrology Society, because they brought everything to demonstrate what the society was about.
Sean Black, BA The Amazing Other Show. It made people think about issues that people dont talk about, in a very fresh, clever way. It used laughter to bring issues to light.
Amy Davidson, BJourn1 Hush, because it was done in a very creative way. It was interesting and constructive.
Alex Fraser, BBS. The Amazing Other Show, because it was entertaining and relevant. A good introduction to varsity.
Megan Wright, BA The Jazz Evening. The acoustic performances were really inspiring and beautiful students own compositions. The marquees were stunning.
Chelsea Geach
tyo has a stack of certificates to prove compliance with all fire safety regulations. However, one serious danger is that the long, narrow pub has only one exit onto the street, which may be very difficult to access in an emergency. The only alternative is a door which leads straight into the adjacent club, EQ. Equilibrium: Known for its music and dancing, EQ guarantees a good party but if you plan to light it up like its dynamite, proceed with caution! There are fire extinguishers behind the bar and in the DJ box, but the way in is also the way out. The beer garden does not offer an escape route onto the road, and although there is another exit by the bathrooms, this is kept locked. The key hangs in the bar, so the availability of that exit depends on the reaction time of the staff on duty. Rat and Parrot: This pub-and-grub is a favourite among students and Grahamstown residents alike, whether for dinner, drinks or a dance. If its the Rat that lights your fire, then you will be glad to know they are well prepared for emergencies. There is the main exit, as well as the door leading from the Mouse and Budgie onto the street. Less visibly, there is also a keg delivery entrance at the back of the Mouse and Budgie, and an exit through the main kitchen. In case you find yourself upstairs in a fire, especially on the balcony, there is a staircase leading down onto the road that should be opened in the event of a fire. Fire extinguishers are at the ready to deal with any fires arising from gas and fire
Pic Supplied
Features
Pic Supplied
A fireman rushes into an empty Olde 65 to extinguish a fire that ravaged half the pub - a relatively easy task during the day but what about a packed Friday night? cooking. Dudu Nyakotyo, the manager on duty, admits that in order to improve fire safety at the Rat there should be training and drills to prepare the staff for emergencies. Slipstream: If this is your top spot to get grooving, please do not literally burn up the dancefloor! With only one exit down a narrow staircase, evacuation will be slow and potentially dangerous. There are fire extinguishers available, and the large balcony will provide relief from smoke inhalation, but you may be trapped in one area unable to escape or simply trapped in the queue for the stairs. Proceed with caution. Pirates: With the pizza ovens burning, the rum flowing and the stripper poles smoking hot, one might expect Pirates to be a fire hazard. but this party place is, in fact, one of the safest in town. It has a large outdoor area, plenty of fire extinguishers and a clearly marked emergency exit to the back courtyard, making it unlikely that anyone would be trapped inside in an emergency. Manager, Nicole Bentley, assures us that all fire safety certificates are up to scratch and in compliance with national regulations. So if you feel like a firework, go ahead and let your colours burst Pirates has it covered!
e all know the bass. Weve all felt that wobble at Slipstream, at the Union, at Tunnels. Dubstep is the genre of electronic dance music that is fast moving from its counterculture roots into the welcoming embrace of the masses. Originating in South London, with the earliest Dubstep track dating back to 1998, it is swiftly following in the footsteps of its forebears that saw them take the world by storm. How would the world be had William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge not been firm supporters of a little known (at the time) movement called Romanticism? Or how would students and their lives be had the Beat generation and the Hippies not paved the way? In fact, some of the coolest movements of yesteryear have their routes in counterculture the Rastafarian movement, the Dandy, the Bohemians you name it. These movements were characterised by people choosing to be free from any norms and values that were agreed upon by the masses. This is not to say the movements had no norms or values themselves, rather they were purposefully against the set order. Some, of course, still exist; while others have faded with time. Dubstep, with its roots in Jamaican dub music, London garage and grime seems to be the new port of call for all those who see themselves as anti-mainstream. The movement has moved light years beyond its original inception as darker, more experimental dub remixes of 2-step garage tracks. Now Dubstep artists such as Rusko and Magnetic Man are verified presences on the pop
charts, with Rusko even rumoured to be the new producer for Britney Spearss latest album. His influence can already be heard on the first single off the album, Hold it against me. Rusko and Magnetic Man are the current ambassadors of the genre but they are not the only ones. There is a virtual army growing in number each day as people discover the sheer insanity of bass-drops and bass-wobbles. Overseas, Dubstep has dedicated blogs, websites, radio stations and nightclubs. With Rhodes being a university with one of the most openminded student bodies, is it any wonder that most jumped on the Dubstep bandwagon in 2010? We werent forced. Not at all, unless you call feeling the overwhelming throb of the floorboards, as the four to the floor bass count weaves itself seamlessly into the slower sub-bass forcing. Most of the Dubstep-heads couldnt help themselves. The genre is growing at such a rate that artists even have subgenres named after them, meaning there is virtually a type of dubstep for everybody. Be it Gorestep, produced by club-hopping Iranian DJ Borgore or Skrillstep, produced by LA aficionado and berpunk Skrillex, the alternative minds of Rhodes have been captured. Scarily for Dupstep enthusiasts, the more people like it, the less it can be said to be a fully-fledged counterculture movement. In all likelihood, it will eventually be subsumed into mainstream pop culture. I doubt many of the true fans care. In future, there may just be a clean division between the two: popular and underground much like hip-hop. But for now, as long as the bass still beckons, our feet will follow.
Skrillex, Dubstep DJ and contributor to the Skrillstep genre, has a huge following worldwide.
Politics
Leigh Hermon
he 2011 municipal elections are around the corner and its all about loving your South Africa this year, according to the Independent Electoral Commission. The IECs campaign to discourage voter apathy amongst the youth is hoped to have a huge impact on the number of registered voters this year. The organisation is aware of the influence and power that the South African youth could have in the elections, but only if they register. This years voter registration campaign has seen the inclusion of Youth Ambassadors. These ambassadors are being used to promote voter activities in their communities. Such activities include the checking of ones voting details, registering and re-registering in the correct voting district. These ambassadors have been selected on the basis that they maintain a great deal of influence within their fields as well as their communities. Some of South Africas local celebrities have been included in the mix such as swimming champion Natalie du Toit, actor and presenter Lungile Radu and singer Refiloe Tsotetsi. However, with the previous registration weekend that was held on the 5 & 6 February 2011, how effective have the IEC been? According to the organisation, as of 8 February 2011 there are currently 23
Business
The recent IEC campaign used advertising and celebrities as a ploy to get the South African youth voting. 161 975 verified voters in and around South Africa. This number shows a 2.07% increase before the recent voter registration weekend. But this growth has not yet achieved the aim of the IEC to acquire 1.5 million new voters. However, the IEC remain satisfied with these results especially since of those who registered for the first time during the weekend, 57 569 were 16 to 17 year olds. This result indicates that within this age group that are unable to cast their vote in this years elections, teenagers are fully aware of their democratic right to vote. But what about the rest of us who can vote? More specifically, what about us students? Well, the IEC have reported that South Africans under the age of 30 were out in full force during registration weekend. A grand total of 653 498 people participated during the registration weekend and more than 2/3 of this number were new registrations. The IEC have announced that there will be a final registration weekend taking place on the 5 and 6 March 2011. Be sure to check your registration details on this weekend or at your local Municipal Electoral Office. Registration for voting will close once the government have announced an election date. All you will need to register is a valid South African, green, bar-coded ID book. Now its up to you to have your say! Its one thing to complain about the problems that our country may have, but its another to complain and never do anything about it. Casting your vote is the easiest, most important thing you could ever do within a democracy. So show your country some love and vote!
any of us come to university in the hopes of getting a degree and going to the working world with the knowledge weve gained in our three or four years here. Some, however, skip tertiary education and head straight into the business arena either as entrepreneurs or as employees. Then there are those who, while at university, embark on an exciting, risky enterprise. These are the kids who start a business, either as a way to make extra pocket money, or they see a gap in the market and decide to make this idea one which they can profit upon. The idea of starting a business while in university is not a new one. As we know, our treasured social networking site, Facebook, was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with fellow classmates Dustin Muskowitz, Eduardo Saverin and Chris Hughes during their student days at Harvard. It was only meant to be a means of student networking within the university. Zuckerberg is now a multi-billionaire. Another student entrepreneur we may not be familiar with is Allen Kim,
an undergraduate student in the United States of America who co-founded Bebaroo.com. This is an online rental service for high-end, special occasion baby clothes. Parents of infants can hire clothes for their babies to wear once or twice and then return them. Kim is one of 5 finalists in Entrepreneur Magazines 2010 College Entrepreneur of the Year. Our very own campus has some enterprising students who have started their own businesses. The well-known Pirates started with a group of students who saw the need for a late-night pizza place. Geoffrey Waugh, Daniel Hocutt, Chris Marshall and Karim Dhanani started in a res room on campus until they were shut down as the university does not allow for students to run businesses on campus. The boys were not about to give up just then and moved down to Somerset where their business and its popularity continues to grow. Since the move to African street, the famed pizza place added the options of grabbing a beer (or two) and having a good jam on to their already eccentric menu and now the place is more popular than ever. Speaking to Chris Big-Bird Marshall, one of the co-founders of Pirates,
it is clear that starting a business as a student does pose some challenges. Among others, finding funding for an enterprise, the lack of support from the university and the inherent risk that comes with a start-up business were some challenges that they faced. Another major challenge was the juggling of both academics and the business. Other student initiatives from Rhodes campus include the Rhode Trip Shuttle Services that enables many students to get around Grahamstown. This initiative has been running since 2005. There is also Kink, a business started by a student selling vintage clothes at cheap prices. This business began as a means of earning extra income and operated from the students digs once a month. She has since opened a shop at the back of Reddits coffee shop, on New Street. It may seem a daunting task to start up ones own business while juggling academics and a social life, but, as it happens, theres help at hand. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their
Pic supplied
Student entreprenreurship is not as glamourous as it may make it seem. communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. The organisation serves to provide guidance for students who have enterprising business ideas and the skills and ability to see them into fruition. SIFE has a branch at Rhodes University.
The fact that Botswana was successful in nationalizing its mines is not reason enough for SA to follow suit.
significantly high capital outflows from SA, with negative implications for the balance of payments and SAs future economic performance. Capital inflows fund the gap between investment and savings and these inflows amount to R414 billion in the form of South African equities - most of which are mining - purchased by foreign countries. It is quite safe to say that if the property clause were changed and local shareholders were not compensated, foreigners would not continue to invest in South African shares. The fact that Botswana was successful in nationalizing its mines is
Recent events in Egypt are a part of a wave of revolutions in the Middle East is the United States. In politics, there are no permanent friends, but permanent interests. The United States government has a vested interest in the Middle East region, based on the need to control resources that include oil, in addition to curtailing terrorism- which, ironically, can be argued to be as a result of the hegemonic foreign policy of domination of the United Nations. The US foreign policy towards the Middle East is unlikely to be contrary to these interests. The government of the United States is known to fund the Egyptian army to the tune of billions in US dollar terms. Now, in retrospect, why is it that there are no such funds being channelled to social services that include schools, health-care, employment creation that would have lead to a better standard of living for the Egyptians? Had this been in place, perhaps people would have marched, not in protest, but in celebration of a greater quality of life. The case of the Middle East should serve as a wake up call for the African people to realise that the West is often plagued by double standards. On the one side, you have the West engaging and funding undemocratic regimes like the one that was headed by the deposed Egyptian leader. On the other, democratic governments with the support of the people are chastised. Cuba is under American sanctions for being undemocratic, so what made Egypt any better? What the Middle East revolutions have illustrated, among other points, is that people cannot count on anyone but themselves to establish democracy and freedom.
Opinion
Opinion
Pic Supplied
Drinking at Rhodes
Ananda Paver & Khutso Tsikane When I told people I was going to study at Rhodes University, I came to expect somewhat of a uniform response: the initial Oh! of interest, followed closely by a pause and then, depending on the type of person I was talking to, either a frown or a slow, knowing smile. Well, they would say, I hear they do rather a lot of drinking there. Another pause. In fact, they would add, foreheads creasing in thought, Ive heard they consume the largest amount of alcohol per student in South Africa. Not much of a drinker myself, I laughed off these allegations, as well as the unpleasant suggestions that followed. Now, however, I find myself wondering just how accurate these so-called rumours may be. A mere week-and-a-half into my Grahamstown experience and Ive already had ample encounters with hoards of incredibly drunk people (generally in dark, confined spaces). In addition to the gregarious drinking, there seems to be a peculiar tradition among students to simply drop their drinks wherever they happen to be standing, regardless of whether the drink in question is emptier than a dawnie lecture theatre, or full to the brim. While Im hardly a party animal, Ive been to my fair share of clubs and this has got to be the strangest custom I have ever encountered. Upon asking anyone who would listen why on earth a person would waste a perfectly good drink, I was greeted with shrugs and the occasional chuckle: a reaction which leaves me unsure whether this habit is a result of sheer drunkenness or, perhaps, a premeditated feat performed by people who have taken a liking to the poetic chime of broken glass spraying in all directions of the dance floor. Judging, perhaps unfairly, from the O-week spectacle, I dont think it would be wrong to agree with some of the wilder reports. Free from the watchful eye of their parents and surrounded by intoxicated classmates, many students seem unable to judge when theyve had enough. Some may argue that this level of drinking (one surely extraordinary enough to impress even the most jaded of debauchees) will last only as long as O-week; Im not so sure. I believe that no mere lectures could possibly discourage such dedicated drinkers to surrender their new-found and cherished freedom. The only thing powerful enough to do this, I believe, is severe bankruptcy.
Pics supplied
Steve Hoffmeyr recently expressed anger at apparent comments by U2 frontman Bono about Kill the Boer
Negatives
There's a rule for that kind of music." Some argue that the song made notorious by Julius Malema is an expression of revolutionary history and a symbol of liberation, whilst others (including the AfriForum actvists who are trying to get the song banned outright) believe that Boere is a derogatory slur against all white Afrikaaners. Similar lyrics in deceased Youth League leader Peter Mokabas struggle songs in the early 1990s "Kill the Boer had been previously defined as hate speech by the South African Human Rights Commission. Activists for South Africas white Afrikaner people have gone to court to argue that the lyrics should be classified as hate speech and banned from public broadcast. A spokesman for Bono and the band insisted the singers comments were quoted out of context. If you read the actual transcript, it is clear that Bonos intention was not as has been reported, she said.
One of the many to jump on the overreaction band wagon is Afrikaans musician Steve Hoffmeyr. In a move that can be seen as a publicity stunt to win popularity with his majority audience (white Afrikaaners), Hoffmeyr tweeted in protest of Bonos alleged support of hate songs. I have just dumped my R5000 worth of U2 tickets in the Jukskei. I'm going home. I can find no context for that song. Sorry & goodbye," he posted on the social networking site. Hoffmeyr later admitted that it had been a publicity stunt. Bonos words were clearly taken out of context, and it is exactly that sort of breathless, misleading journalism that justifies extremist media control legislature such as the Protection of Information Bill. The whole saga, in fact, reveals a disturbing tendency for angst and paranoia amongst white conservatives a hangover from a bygone era, and one that causes as much concern as the hateful songs themselves.
trained circus animal to link your SIM card to your ID number and confirmed place of residence. The concept of RICA is that before the Act anyone could buy as many SIM cards as they wished, without even needing to produce an ID. The police have had problems where criminals could change SIM cards at will, meaning that their cellphone numbers were basically untraceable, making them nigh untouchable. However, there are two major problems with RICAs process of registration: one, you need an ID booklet, and two, you need a proper place of residence. Some half a million South Africans are still without their official green bar-coded ID books after failing to collect them at the Home Affairs Offices this year, and there are still thousands of South Africans not even registered on the population register (a number that not even Home Affairs Office knows yet). The second problem is that
most pre-paid customers have no fixed abode, and without a way to prove where you live (many informal settlements do not receive letters), you cannot register, and unfortunately, formal letters from local leaders and churches arent much of a great alternative to prove where you live. Frost & Sullivan ICT industry analyst Spiwe Chireka says that people struggling with either of these problems would probably find a way to get past the legislation, for example by having their friends or family members registering their numbers on their behalf. This would obviously defeat the entire process of RICA: who is to say that the criminals the Act is supposed to be stopping wont do the same? In this case, the government would probably start looking for ways to limit the number of SIM cards a person can own- a problem in its own right.
Hundreds of first-years (also known as G11s) started their University careers in the second week of February with the hopes of attaining a world-class education and a Rhodes degree. So, with the reputation of Rhodes being notorious for drinking and being a place where the weekend apparently starts on Wednesday, firstyears were faced with the daunting prospect of Orientation week. The question on everyones minds was: How true are the rumours? The general consensus on campus this year seemed to be that the new-comers knew how to have a great (and yet also responsible) time. Actually, the students here know how to handle their alcohol, said Ross Soller, a second-year from Guy Butler residence. Rhodents know how to have a good time, and still excel academically. When its crunch time everybody has their priorities straight: we party hard, we work harder, and we get the job done. We earn our reputation, but not in the way that everyone seems to think, he said. For many, it wasnt as bad as the rumours had previously claimed. I thought I would feel pressured to drink during O-week, but the experience I had was that not everyone was getting drunk. I didn't feel left out because I don't drink, said Nompumelelo Banda, a first-
vs
Positives
year studying Pharmacy. Another first-year, Robyn Thompson, agreed. My friends and I never once saw anyone passed-out or walking alone drunk and [youd] best believe we were out having fun every night, so we would have seen something, she said. Many G11s said that they had an amazing O-week experience and put the rumours down to O-week madness. We're only drinking a lot now because its O-week: this is the only time we can have as much fun as we like, said Tumi Boikanyo, a first-year studying a BComm in Economics. Boikanyo is right: you don't get another chance to be a first-year. Sure, you might do first-year again academically speaking, but it is never the same as your first O-week, and once its gone, O-week will be gone forever. The atmosphere on campus this year was all about having fun and creating memories that will last forever, not so much about getting utterly hammered. The class of 2011 had heard so much about Rhodes and its infamous reputation for drinking that it seems they arrived here with the sole desire of not becoming a mere drinking statistic.
Pic Supplied
11
Storme Sydow
the hands of a roaring crowd. It was Johannesburg-based CrashCarBurns first time playing in Grahamstown, and they took little time settling in. 65% of women here drink once a week, so things might get a bit unexpected, quipped drummer Brendan Bugsy Barnes, referring to one of the Dean of Students posters. Vocalist and guitarist Garth Barnes commented on the Carnival, saying: The event started a bit late but it turned out well. There was also big beefy security for us, which was pretty unnecessary. Lead guitarist Fabian Sing had little to say of his first experience in the student town, noting Grahamstown is a very strange yet beautiful place. Ziyon, vocalist of Liquideep, echoed Sings views: Grahamstown is a very beautiful place. I wish that I could be here longer. Ryzor, the DJ and producer of Liquideep, shared his view of the event in general by saying, We want to see more events like these, but backing from corporations is needed. He also wished to give a word of advice to Rhodent fans, telling them that going to university [is] not for the workforce but for the ambition. The lively MC for the night, Anele Mdoda, was impressed by the diverse range of music at the Carnival, saying: It was done so well with every music genre. Its kind of like Glastonbury when they started off with rock but now acts such as Beyonce are being involved. Anele also added a word of praise for Rhodents: Theres a vibe here. I feel like a student again. You guys jam a lot and I like it, adding jokingly, I want a shirt from you guys so that I can say Ive been there.
Pic Supplied
Dave Knowles proves to be a popular feature at local gigs with his solo act For me, the beautiful thing is creating, playing around. I very rarely play my old songs or traditional covers. BG: Any last words? DK: In all art forms you have to get through certain barriers, so if youre simply playing covers, then you should try writing music, or if youre quite focused on one style of music then you should try to broaden your playing skills. BG: Thanks very much for your time. David plays locally and in P.E., as well as in other venues across South Africa. You can get a taste of his performances by searching YouTube for Dave Knowles Zula Cape Town.
I dont really understand the SA music industry and I probably never will.
He is known to many as South Africas soulful white boy, writing heartfelt lyrics and expressive melodies, while also keeping us dancing to house grooves such as the smash hit Change the World. However, after much thought, R.J Benjamin has decided to end his work as an artist within the South African music industry. I dont want people to think I stopped because I simply died off or had no more music left in me, says Benjamin. Explaining that he would rather be involved in the creative process of music production and songwriting, he added,What has always driven me has been the music. I love the creative process, [because] I love making something out of nothing. Benjamin will also continue serving as a trained vocal coach, as he has since 2000. R.J Benjamin has always been quite vocal about his negative feelings towards the South African music scene, even going so far as to boycott the South African Music Awards indefinitely. I dont really understand the SA music industry and I probably never will, he commented. A Metro FM Award winning singer, Benjamin has worked alongside, written for, and produced for the likes of Danny K, Lira, Tamara Dey, Karen Kortje, and Unathi Nkayi.. He has released a total of three CDs, Who I Am, Swimming in the Soul of Music, and House Bound. His final planned release will be Inside, which is currently going through post-production. Id like to thank the die-hard fans for joining me for the ride, a big thank you to all those that believed I had something to offer.
Shacjles and Bones bassist Neil van Zaydam delivers a high octave performance at the 2011 SRC Carnival.
Do the Grammys exist to reward popularity or excellence, and how can the latter be determined?
Perhaps the Grammys have outlived their usefulness entirely. After all, forms of music have evolved so much in the last century that theres really no way to compare a dubstep track with Rachmaninovs piano concertos - there exists no universal criteria for excellence. Under the current restricted selection process, its no wonder that modern or less popular forms of music such as hip-hop, jazz, and house continually get passed over for top Grammys. Thats the real snub.
girl with a gift for folding origami cranes saves the day by presenting her most cherished crane to the Lady, who mercifully returns the animals to the jubilant people. The performers should be applauded for displaying striking diversity. Solid acting was buttressed by puppeteering, physical theatre, chorus, and even bokken sparring. Precise language ensured an easy-to-follow story, while a heavy dose of slapstick comedy kept the stage alive, so to speak. Japanese lore and culture was a major influence, lending the stage a magical spark. Ubom!s efforts lagged in other regards. Certain segments lacked cohesiveness or included ambiguous action, an almost unforgivable slip-up in a children-oriented performance. The stage couldnt seem to decide whether it was fundamentally Japanese or African, as Ubom!s attempt to produce an Asian-themed show displayed superficiality and came across as unintentionally patronising. Nevertheless, audience members young and old alike were unanimously delighted by The Land of the Cranes. Laughter was a constant accompani-
Pic: Supplied
Seen here descending onto stage in an egg, Lady Gaga was one of the only popular artists to win multiple awards at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards.
Letters
Pic courtesy of Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company Excited children line up outside the Rhodes Main Theatre to watch Ubom!s Land of the Cranes ment, yet the story included its fair share of tear-jerking moments. And of course the message the importance of kindness to others and respect for all forms of life was well-received and timely. Minor technical details aside, it should be stated unequivocally that The Land of the Cranes is evidence that this countrys theatrical performers are more than capable of producing relevant and necessary art. This sort of performance is hard to find in many communities, and Ubom!s mission of bringing professional theatre to young or underprivileged audiences is sure to have lasting implications. More than anything, this is theatre designed for all audiences, relevant to South Africans from many walks of life.
Editor: Lauren Granger Deputy Editor: Mikaila Thurgood Managing Editor: Lwandlekazi Gaga Marketing Managers: Jamie Bezuidenhout and Sin Rees Financial Manager: Munyaradzi Chapereka Distribution Managers: Ntombifuthi Phakathi and Mildred Chanhuwa Community Engagement Managers: Enathi Mqokeli Chief Designer: Tselane Moiloa Assistant Chief Designers: Stephanie Pretorius and Motlagae Konyana Marketing and Advertising Designer: Amy Slatem Designers: Shavaughn Haack, Gabi Zietsman and Chevawn Blum Cheif Sub-Editor: Nadia Moore Sub-Editors: Sarita Pillay, and Wilhelmina Maboja Online Editors: Katherine Kirk and Maricelle Gouws Arts and Entertainment Editor: Benjamin Greaves Environment Editor: Carina Truyts Features Editor: Bakhulule Maluleka News Editor: Benjamin Katz Assistant News Editor: Relebone Myambo Business Editor: Neo Khanyile Sci-Tech Editor: Muhammed Bemath Opinion Editor: Matthew de Klerk Pictures Editors: Chelsea Nelson,Storme Sydow and Binwe Adebayo Politics Editor: Leigh Hermon Politics Assistant Editor: Tanaka Johnmark Kajese Sports Editor: Fabio De Dominicis Printers: Dupli-Print
Letters to the Editor: letters@theoppidanpress.com Editorial complaints: r.brand@ru.ac.za Advertising details: advertising@theoppidanpress.com Distribution queries: distribution@theoppidanpress.com
13
practicality. This means that anyone with an Internet connection will be able to access his or her own Personal Computer from anywhere. Instead of having a localised hard drive installed into your rig, the domain of your work will be put into a cloud, a global network of users that can operate independently from one another whilst still using and sharing resources. There are many benefits that cloud computing offers: reliability of storage, and a recognised network that will result in the safeguarding of ones affairs whilst software availability will be more user-friendly. Software will no longer be needed to be installed on each users computer independently. The main reason for worrying about cloud computing lies in the potential that it breeds a generation of users that will not need to know about the technicalities of computers, levels of knowledge will drop with regards to the end-user. The idea that users wont need to know the details does encourage more computer users. This relation does need to be observed and computer users need to have more knowledge of how their computer works as opposed to being able to work a computer. As much as there are benefits, there are also potentially conservative fears of cloud computing. Software is no longer individually owned. Instead it is licensed and with cloud computing, it removes the user from having a lot of experience with working behind-the-scenes of the computers. When corporatisation is the gospel of the neo-liberal and the consumers just consumes, which cloud will the consumer consume? Microsoft and Oracle already have a large stake in attempting to fine-tune their clouds and, undoubtedly, Microsoft may be the cloud that most of us will be placed under. Embrace technology but instead of becoming a consumer, consider the alternative - become a solutions provider; dont be lured into the ease-of-access speech. Consider what you want technology to do and how you want to do it. Embrace it. Remake it should be the ethos for every person who will go into the world of computers.
Meteors
South Africa has the oldest meteor scar in the world, just across the Vaal River near Parys, called the Vredefort Dome. The meteor plummeted to Earth nearly two billion years ago (Earth is said to be 4.5 billion years old), pre-dating the days of multicelled life.
Speed Gun
Did you know that the Speed Gun (used in cricket ovals throughout the world) was invented by a South African of Somerset West named Henri Johnson? Johnson developed the Speed Gun and it became formally used in England during the 1999 World Cup. The Speed Gun in cricket is used to accurately measure the speed and angle of the fast-moving cricket ball. The gun is manufactured by a South African electronic firm. It is now being sold in the United States of America and in Europe.
Pic Supplied
Tea
Scientific studies from South Africa and Japan corroborate findings of potent antioxidants in an indigenous herb tea from the Southwestern Cape region of South Africa. Called Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss), this red tea is the only other tea in the world which undergoes a fermentation process like black tea. Fermentation turns the leaves of Rooibos from green to a deep red colour and gives it a slightly sweet note with a deep body. Rooibos, unlike black and green tea, is completely caffeinefree.
Come and display your talent, increase your skills and knowledge and get a taste of what the working world is about. Be part of The Oppidan Press, a hard-working and dedicated team.
Are you an organised, reliable student with an interest in advertising? The advertising manager oversees the advertising side of the newspaper, leads a team of advertising representatives and maintains channels of communication between The Oppidan Press and its advertisers. If you thrive under deadlines and want to earn commission for your hard work, why not apply to join the team?
Advertising Manager
Are you responsible, organised and a born sales person? An advertising representative meets with businesses and sells ad space in the newspaper to gain experience and commission.
The saying, Dynamite comes in small packages has never proven more true in a piece of technology than in the X10 Mini. This gadget is about to take over the technological world, one click at a time.
Advertising Representative
The perfect position for a computer junkie interested in practical experience. The webmaster is responsible for designing and maintaining our website and works with the online editor to develop the site and post new content regularly. No experience in journalism is required, but good knowledge of HTML coding or Adobe Dreamweaver is a bonus.
Applications are open to students from any department or degree and oppidans and nonoppidans alike. Applicants need to submit a letter of motivation and a copy of their CV. E-mail applications, queries or requests for further job descriptions to
Webmaster
better world of social-networking. Other standards include getting emails on-the-go and with Google and 3G you still get high-speed web access.
Want to practise your writing and editing skills? An assistant arts and entertainment editor helps the arts and entertainment editor generate story ideas, mentor the writing team, edit articles and report on events for the newspaper.
applications@theoppidanpress.com
Environment
Green Eggs and Ham
Kate Janse van Rensburg Bruce Haynes
Health Suite...
Join the movement and make fitness a lifestyle
or the people who want to stay on top of their game, remain in peak physical form or for those who just want to have a chilled workout to keep healthy: the Rhodes Health Suite is the place to be. The Health Suite caters not only for the energizer bunnies of campus, but also for those who are just starting out. The Suite offers weight, group and personal training, as well as indoor cycling facilities for all members to use. Along with these are new improved programs which ensure that after every spin, kick, jog, jump and kick taken, your fitness goals will always find the back of the net. The group-training classes are a perfect social networking tool (after Facebook of course) for those looking to workout with other out-of-breath companions and have a good laugh in the process. For the more serious gym-goers who want a more specialised workout program, the personal trainers are at your beck-and-call at all times. The facilities at the Health Suite include a range of machines that ensure a full-
Sport
Ananda Paver
15
Carina Truyts
Sunrise Toffees
Im not really into religion but I quite like it when my mother says Grace. It makes sense to me, to thank for the blessing of food - irrespective of whether youre thanking God, Allah, mother earth or your mate whose turn it was to cook dinner. So many aspects of our lives are centred around food. There is clearly more to eating than plain nourishment. We laugh as we lick our fingers. We turn the radio on and jam in the kitchen. We get involved in making meals together. I cook, you clean? We associate food with different times and activities in our lives. The ritual of eating helps us to deal with trying events and day to day activities. The constant comfort that food offers is second to none: from pancakes on a rainy day to fresh popcorn at the movies. My friends believe in chocolate and Romany Creams for those with broken hearts.When we see tears, our first impulse is to offer comfort through nourishment. Cup of tea? we ask or (depending on the circumstances),beers at the Rat? Food also triggers a certain kind of nostalgia: I cant look at Sunrise Toffees without thinking of bygone road trips with my family. I remember pink ice- cream when I got my tonsils out and poking my fingers into my grannies big jar of forbidden prunes (I finally get it, by the way). The point of my wistful take on calorie consumption is that food is one of the most precious commodities we have. From Mama Pams boerie rolls (Where is she, on that note? I miss her) to Steers R1 ice creams. Dont waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and geography professor Per Assmo, Africa produces more than enough food to feed itself and have a surplus, but billions of people are starving. The United States Department ofAgriculture (USDA) statistics prove that North America wastes 27% of all food that is produced. That third could certainly feed a whole lot of impoverished people. Im not saying we need to start shipping our leftovers to Ethiopia. We need to be more responsible about what we eat, and mindful about what we waste. Cherish your sense of taste, as well as the opportunity you have to be nourished. There is a simple well-known line that reminds me how lucky I am: For what we are about to receive.
Sean Black
body workout. For the week following O-week, the Suite had remained open for all, yet as of Sports Sign-up Day, students need to have signed up as a member to use the facilities. For those who missed sign-up, the Health Suite offices are open during the week to assist you in this regard. The class times of the Health Suite are as follows: Aerobics daily at 06:15, 16h15, 17h15 and 18:15 Spinning daily at 16h00 and 17h00 Weight training Open daily 06h00-09h00; 12h00-21h00 Weekends: 14h00-17h00 For more information contact the Health Suite Manager: Felix Munyai Email: f.munyai@ru.ac.za Tel: 046 603 8367 Cell: 083 627 9536 Fax: 046 622 9704 So before first year spread takes hold of your love handles, grab your water bottle, sweatpants and towel and get going to the Rhodes Health Suite!
Pic supplied
Eager students sign up for the various work-out options at the Rhodes University Health Suite.
Rhodes media sports group: Old Eds polish off Buffalo Grand Challenge
New journos on the block
Sean Black A new club has taken formation at Rhodes this year : The Rhodes Media Sports Group. The club is for all the budding sports journalists looking for some early exposure and priceless experience in the particular field. The group is calling upon all writers and photographers with an undying passion for any sport to sign up. However, all journalism students interested in the field of television and radio are encouraged to join in this new initiative. The club is being hosted by the Student Sports Council and the University Sports Media Group (USMG). It is one of its kind at Rhodes being the only official media representation for the Rhodes Sports Club. For first year journalism students looking to get past the dreaded cut-off gate into 2nd year, joining the club would most certainly look impressive on ones portfolio, and may even be the deciding factor into furthering a journalism career at Rhodes University. Membership into this group coincided with sign-up day, yet for those still wishing to become an official sport journalist of Rhodes Sports Club, you can contact Ettione Ferreira. Her email address is etto07@gmail. com. Lindsey May half a minute behind, with local East London club, Leander, clenching a credible third place stroked by Jonathan Taylor. the University of Johannesburg were close on Leanders tails Rowers, their support crew, and locals alike, made settling for fourth place, followed by another Tuks team, with themselves comfortable on the Buffalo River and its banks Rhodes University bringing up the rear in a time of 6 minutes this past weekend to participate in the 124th Buffalo 43 seconds. Regatta held in East London. The junior eightman event provided the most excitement This Premier Rowing event is not only known for holding for the day, with an extremely close finish for the first three the title of the oldest annual sporting event in the country, places. Tightly won by St Benedicts of Johannesburg in a time but is also famed for its priceless, pure silver trophies - the of 5 minutes 50 seconds, St Andrews College only just took 1.2 metres tall Grand Challenge trophy and the Silver Sculls second, with Bishops of Cape Town taking trophy, both dating back to 1881. third, only a second off the leaders time. The renowned Buffalo Grand Im really happy with The junior womens quad event was Challenge, a coxless fours event, the results and proud of won by DSG in a time of 06:54, with St culminated proceedings on Saturday with Rhodes Rowing on the Andrews School for Girls taking second six senior A mens teams participating. and St Stithians taking third in a time of Old Eds, a Johannesburg-based boat whole 07:02. club, were first to finish the 2000 metre Stephen Green of Rhodes University, sprint with an impressive lead in a time who only narrowly took second in the senior mens sculling of 5 minutes 59 seconds. Stroked by three time Olympian event, says that he was happy with the Clubs performance as and bronze medal winner, Ramon di Clemente, the all they exceeded the expectations they had set beforehand. Im heavyweight crew of Old Eds managed to regain the title that really happy with the results and proud of Rhodes Rowing on they narrowly lost to Tuks (University of Pretoria) last year. the whole Green said. Left in their wake were last years winners who followed
Flooded homes in Queenland Australia are cause for much concern over climate change however claim is uncertain
Sports
ucked beneath the green slopes of upper-campus lies a serene, yet largely undiscovered sporting facility, bound to attract hundreds and become the hub of Rhodes sports within the following months: the newly-laid Rhodes Hockey Astro. The process of re-laying the astro pitch began towards the end of 2010 and was completed during the January vacation. A total of R3.26 million was spent on this venture, thanks to a largely substantial donation made by the National Lottery Board. The outcome is a top-notch surface which has Rhodes hockey players itching for the season to start. However, hockey is not the only sport to benefit from this project. Alongside the main astro is an additional 15m by 36m netted area, which serves as both a hockey warm-up area as well as an indoor futsal court. This netted area will also be able to host
Page 7
rest trickled in over the following 45 minutes. The day concluded with Piet Retief emerging victorious for the male residences, clocking in at around forty minutes. New House emerged as victors for the female teams. Both winners were amply rewarded for their efforts the Piet Retief participants received a massage treatment courtesy of Prissy Lane Day Spa, as well as vouchers for Pick n Pay. The New House girls walked away with vouchers for pizza at Pirates. The race was a fun yet informative way for first year students to become more accustomed to the Rhodes campus and its many facilities. Gush Gushman of Joe Slovo commented, There was way too much running but it helped me get to know the school better, so that was good. Yondela Norman of De Beers said the race was fun, yet the riddle at the IT Department was to his teams undoing, hampering their efforts to record the quickest time. An enjoyable day was experienced by all participants who now have no excuse to be lost on campus!
Res-Tops - Caps Golf Shirts - Hoodies Active Wear - Gifts Promotional Clothing