4

>>The iHuman next door

Are we plugging in beyond our natural reality?

10

>>Space hotel
A night of luxury in zero gravity

11

>> NHI piggy bank

Whose cash will fill it?

Edition 9, 8 September 2011

Maralack takes SRC Presidency

The race is over, but 8 of the 15 portfolios were uncontested
Lebogang Tlou and Benjamin Katz not to vote, Mabizela wrote. But we would like to encourage all students to actively participate in student governance...even if you are not running for a position on the SRC, Mabizela wrote. In the lead up to the elections, both an electoral grazzle (held on 13 August) and a presidential debate (on 24 August) were hosted. I think a grazzle is always a good opportunity to find out more about candidates, said Nguhi Mwaura, former International Representative Councillor of the SRC. Although Mwaura expressed concern that some of the questions asked at both the grazzle and debate were not adequately addressed. This is understandable however because the candidates are completely on the spot, she said. Hopefully [elected] candidates will be able to deal with tougher issues once in office. The electoral grazzle as well as the presidential debate were held at the Arts Major Lecture theatre and the General Lecture Theatre (GLT) respectively. here was an outcry of elation as Mattieu Maralack returned from the SRC offices proudly wearing the presidential blazer given to him from the now-former President, Allan Magubane. He was followed in by Silvanus Welcome, the new Vice-President External who was greeted with as much enthusiasm. I feel amazing! I didnt get the presidential position, but I made it, Welcome said. His first order of business will be to tackle his manifesto. Now its time for the manifestation of promises, he said. Martin Forsyth, unable to attend the proceedings due to personal reasons, was elected Vice-President Internal. The announcements were made on 1 September in the Rob Antonissen Room at the Steve Bantu Biko Union Building with the Dean of Students Dr Vivian De Klerk, recently appointed Deputy Dean of Students Roger Adams and a group of campaign supporters and election contenders in attendance. After he and his opponents left the room to hear their results privately, Maralack said, Im exhausted and excited. Its going to be a rough time, but Im up for it. I cant pull this off by myself, but Im happy, the council in place will work well. Of the 2085 votes cast from a potential 6207 (33.6%), Maralack received 980 nods, Forsyth, 651 and Welcome, 590. However, the presidential positions were only three of seven contested portfolios; eight of the total 15 SRC portfolios were uncontested. These candidates were introduced prior to the announcement of the contested positions. The uncontested portfolios are that of Treasurer, Academic, Activism and Transformation, Community Engagement, Oppidan, Projects Manager, Societies and Student Benefits. At the beginning of the process, the high number of vacant and uncontested portfolios resulted in Mohammad Shabangu, previous Vice-President External, reopening the nomination process shortly before handing over his Electoral Officer duties to George Kahn (who held the same position in last years elections). Referring to the high number of uncontested portfolios, Shabangu said, Students are apathetic, however we (the SRC executive) just got back from a SAUS (South African Union of Students) conference, and people would be surprised we think we have an apathetic community, but at North West University, the election ran with eleven uncontested seats. The difference with us (Rhodes University) is that our portfolios werent always uncontested; people dropped out along the way. I think this Student Representative Council is perfectly legitimate, he said. The announcement of the new SRC came after concern that, like last year, the required quorum would not be met, delaying the training process of the new councillors. The required quorum is 33.3%, the highest in the country (the University of Cape Town has a quorum of only 25%). Prior to the final day of voting, an appeal to students from the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs Dr Sizwe Mabizela, was posted on StudentZone. We fully appreciate that it is your democratic right

So long, farewell... but what did you do?

Allan Magubane: SRC President
Athina May Former SRC President Allan Magubane entered the SRC because he saw what the Council could accomplish. As president, he made it his goal to bring about foreseeable changes and to assist students. Magubane has experienced both triumphs and tribulations during his term as SRC President. Despite some negative speculation about the money spent on the SRCs 101 birthday celebrations, Magubane said, The 101 celebrations did not jeopardise our budget, there were sponsors involved. No one asked. Magubane also said he had experienced some internal conflict with senior SRC members. The constitution does not allow you to fire members, said Magubane. There is bound to be conflict within a group. Under Magubanes direction, the SRC have worked towards a student fund which will help students owing a non-substantial All photos courtesy of Martin Forsyth and the SRC

amount of money to the University in ensuring that they receive their results. SRC Residence Councillor Mzukisi Dyantyi rated Magubane as the strongest member on the SRC. Allan is a kind, passionate, observant and firm individual. He is a softy at heart, always smiling and joking, but when it comes to work, he will reprimand you if you are not performing. He ensures that he is aware of all projects that are currently being run by councillors and he is always there to assist. A great man of integrity he is, he said. Allan is a competent leader, stated SRC Oppidan Councillor Silvanus Welcome. Even though at times the outcomes of things were not always satisfactory, we respect him as a president, he said.

Mohammad Shabangu: Vice-President External

Kyla Hazel Transparency and accountability were the qualities Mohammad Shabangu hoped to embody upon his election as SRC VicePresident External last year. And this is a goal he feels he has managed to achieve. Shabangus SRC cluster is charged with the communication of information to students and he believes he has made substantial progress in this regard through press briefings, the use of social media and the development of Society Follow to facilitate better communication between students and their societies. His general duties being to advise, guide and govern, Shabangu has attempted to respectfully assert the independence of the SRC from the Dean of Students Office in

Mikaila Thurgood Mattieu Maralack, the new SRC president for 2012

representing student interests. He advised the SRC not to enter discussions with the University management guns-blazing but rather realise that, ultimately, both bodies have the betterment of the University at heart. I have enjoyed very positive relations with the SRC and with Mr Shabangu during the past year, said Dean of Students Dr Vivian De Klerk.

President Mattieu Maralack Vice-President Internal Martin Forsyth Vice-President External Silvanus Welcome Treasurer - Mihlali Mzileni Academic - Sakhusomeleze Badi Activism and Transformation - Nokwanda Shabangu Community Engagement - Thabo Seshoka Environmental - Ruth Kruger International Affairs - Amirah Kolia Media - Babalwa Nyembezi Oppidan - Nicolain Shabangu Projects Manager - Rory Abrahams Societies - Lihle Ngcobozi Student Benefits - Simone Starkey The Residence portfolio will be announced after a by-election is held next term.

Your new SRC

Masetshaba Mpete: Vice-President Internal

Joshua Oates Due to health reasons, Masetshaba Mpete, the Vice-President Internal of the SRC 2011, was unavailable for comment. However, Alan Magubane, SRC President 2011, expressed that he is somewhat unhappy with her performance over the past year. There were challenges, Magubane said. It is difficult to balance the demands of academics [with SRC responsibilities]. There are people within the SRC who work really hard, there are people who just work, and then there are those who do not work, said Magubane. He added that he and Mpete have a professional relationship, in which he feels comfortable saying that he was not entirely satisfied with her performance.

Mark Addison, SRC Liaison, said that everyone comes into their position on the SRC with good faith, as did Mpete. He chose to reserve his comments, stating that I feel that she needs to be here in the room, to defend herself before I say anything. The SRC Constitution has a vague description of what is required from the Vice President Internal. As such it demands a degree of personal initiative and action, which Mpete appears to have struggled to supply.

2 The Oppidan Press 08.09.11

News

The Oppidan Press 08.09.11 3

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News

SA Campus News
Compiled by Benjamin Katz

Third National Congress at SAUS

The South African Union of Students (SAUS) hosted its third National Congress in Gauteng on 25 August, attended by representatives from SRCs around the country, including the Rhodes Executive. Speaking at the event was the Deputy Minister of Education as well as speakers from various political groups such as SASCO, the ANCYL and the DA. The conference was primarily held in order to vote for the new SAUS National Executive for 2011/2012, where reigning President Sandile Phakathi was reinstated. The National Executive consists of five executive members and six additional members, of which Rhodes 2010/2011 SRC Environmental Councillor, Kiarin Gillies was appointed. Nominations are open to anyone who is currently serving, or has previously served, on an SRC for a Higher Education institution. One of the key discussions of the conference was in finding ways to further legitimise SAUS as a student representative group in South Africa.

So long, farewell... but what did you do? 2011 SRC reviews continued
Silvanus Welcome: Oppidan Councillor
Athina May As a councillor one can easily become unpopular amongst the people, said Oppidan Councillor Silvanus Welcome. My job is not to be popular but to act in the interest of the people. As Oppidan Councillor, Welcome had the job of attending to the needs of the Oppidan community and living up to the legacy he had seen left behind by his previous Oppidan committee mentors. I have been an Oppidan since my first year. In my second year I served on the Oppidan Committee, so in my third year I thought I would push it up a notch, he said. Welcome has been proactive in bettering the lives of the Oppidan community. Currently, after being approached by a student about the Oppidan bus having no shelter, Silvanus approached the Dean of Students. She (Dr De

The Oppidan Press spoke to the Councillors and their colleagues about what they did right and where they went wrong
Nguhi Mwaura: International Affairs
Lebogang Tlou Nguhi Mwaura, an International Studies student, listed some of her primary duties as International Affairs Councillor as dealing with inquiries from international students wishing to study at Rhodes. She also worked closely with the International Office to promote internationalisation within the institution. I was involved in organising the SRC Centenary celebrations as well, in organising events during Africa week, and [organising] an internal forum, she said. Among the number of highlights she experienced during her term in office, Mwaura regards working with her fellow SRC councillors of 2010/2011 as one of the more prominent ones. I have grown to respect them immensely, she said. [They] have been a pleasure to work with, learn and grow from, she said. Martin Forsyth, newly elected VicePresident Internal, has nothing but praise for Mwaura. Nguhi is a professional through and through, he commented. She has gone beyond the call of duty for the SRC, and

All pictures courtesy of Martin Forsyth and the SRC

Boipelo Bonokwane: Community Engagement

Carey Frazer Community Engagement Councillor Boipelo Bonokwane has managed to achieve the goals she had set at the beginning of her tenure. Bonokwane worked with the Centre for Social Development (CSD) in hosting an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in which condoms were delivered to shebeens around Grahamstown. The CSD and the SRC also hosted a Jazz in the Park event, in which funds were raised for the CSDs early childhood development programs. The CSD and SRC have also been liaising with a school in Alexandria, where the SRC began a trial accounting tutoring program with its matric learners. Collaborating with a social worker from Child Welfare, a mentoring program between Rhodes students and the teenagers that Child Welfare supports has been instated. She further assisted Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) in planning Nelson Mandela Day, as well as Community Engagement Week. Bonokwane said that the one of the main challenges during her term of office was choosing which activities to get

Jean-Michel Gaud: Societies Councillor

Carey Frazer At the end of his term as SRC Societies councillor, Jean-Michel Gaud can happily say that he has had a rewarding term that was definitely worth the hard work. Some of his accomplishments include bringing the societies budget out of terrible debt by encouraging societies to treat their finances professionally and removing societies credit allowances. He also saw to the creation of Society Follow which allows for a communication space between students and the societies they have registered for. However, while the platform has been created, the actual use of the website by socieites has been minimal. Gaud found his major problem to be dealing with societies who exploit students, dont hand in correct documentation, and dont have a legitimate mission. Gaud said that those societies

Mzukisi Dyantyi: Residence Councillor

Senior reporter Tsholofelo Tlhoaele Mzukisi Dyantyi, the 2011 SRC Residence Councillor, feels confident about his performance during his term in office. As residence councillor, Dyantyi has been responsible for student welfare in campus residences. He was entrusted with dealing with any issue that arose from residences, including dealing with complaints about unfair disciplinary action from House Wardens, finding ways for injured and unhealthy students to get to dining halls, and addressing any issues ranging from administrative woes to student induced displeasure. He advised the next residence councillor to express his/her vision with the various Hall Wardens, have relations with building, maintenance and catering staff. These are departments that can make the job that much easier. And most importantly, you need to have fun. Enjoy being on SRC and serving the student body. Believe that they can make a difference, Dyantyi said. Dyantyi believes he has experienced personal growth working as a member of the SRC. He regards himself as someone who now understands the policies that govern this University, and therefore has a better understanding of concepts such as apathy and institutional culture experience. Through the mentoring and guidance of President Allan Magubane, Dyantyi believes the year has been a success.

Klerk) was on board with the idea of building a shelter, [which] will be built at the bottom of the library, he said. Silvanus is a great individual and it has been a great time working with him, said SRC Projects Manager Marc Lecwidi. Welcome also helped create awareness about xenophobic attacks happening off-campus with articles published on the Rhodes and Oppidan website. Students are not quick to respond to you about problems and as a councillor I would go out there and not wait for problems to come to me, he said.

will simply be cut from the system. We need to get rid of the random societies, he said. We will be reading through each and every semester report and if they are not doing what they have stipulated, they are leaving. According to Grant Goodwin, Chair of OUTRhodes, Jean-Michel has been very helpful, whenever we requested help with venues, information or contacting the SRC, he was able and willing. He has been helpful in giving society Chairs a guideline on how to proceed in new or unfamiliar projects.

Science Week success at Fort Hare

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) hosted the annual National Science Week in August bringing together more than 60 high schools in the King Williams Town, Alice and Fort Beaufort areas. The week included science competitions, workshops, outreach programmes and exhibitions from science institutions around the country. Phumezo Kwinana, manager of the Fort Hare Discovery Centre at UFH, the department responsible for the week, said the aim of National Science Week was already being fulfilled: The results of these events are already visible in our surrounding districts, as many learners choose to follow careers in science-related fields. The week is funded by the Department of Science and Technology.

Natalie Nyamutumbu: Activism Councillor

Megan Burton and Benjamin Katz While Natalie Nyamutumbu, Activism and Transformation Councilor for 2010/2011, served on the SRC, her contributions were limited. She was responsible for taking social action within the Rhodes community. A number of Nyamutumbus colleagues were reluctant to give comment on her performance or address allegations that she did not fulfill her role during her term of office. Despite this, Mark Addison, SRC liaison, said Nyamutumbu was always there to contribute. However, he did confess that within the Activism and Transformation Council, issues were disrupted. He said that what Nyamutumbu did not deliver was due to conflicts between the Dean of Students Office and the SRC. Allan Magubane, SRC President, said, There were difficulties, but in

Martin Forsyth: Media Councillor

Laura Skippers Martin Forsyth, SRC Media Councillor, is more than just the guy who sends you e-mails. Many students feel the SRC are not doing anything for them and I wanted to change that perception, said Forsyth. During his term of office, he has been responsible for changing the SRC logo and improving the awareness of the SRCs role on campus. Forsyth used StudentZone and StudentNews to publicise events on campus; he also created the Rhodes SRC Facebook page which currently has over 600 members. Although the membership is low, it is better exposure than what we have had before, Forsyth explained. He also took over the SRCs Twitter account from previous Media Councillor Lerusha Reddy, stating that membership had tripled. His role as Electoral Councillor

often took up responsibilities which fell outside her portfolio to ensure the success of the SRC. According to Mwaura, one of her biggest challenges was making meaningful contributions to the student body in a short period of time. Continuity is one of the things that I hope the new SRC president takes up in terms of following up on some of the projects that this (the 2010/2011) SRC has started, she said.

involved in. She recommended that the new Community Engagement Councillor form a strong relationship with RUCE, and ensure that the relationship is nurtured consistently throughout his/ her term in office. RUCE Chair Diana Hornby, spoke highly of Bonokwanes assistance and efforts, She is consistent and has been very reliable. She has willingly involved herself in a number of events we have run. She has been an asset.

Kiarin Gillies: Environmental Councillor

Kyla Hazell Kiarin Gillies began her term as SRC Environmental representative with a vision of unifying environmental projects around campus in an attempt to increase efficiency and realise a Rhodes that is more environmentally conscious. Her goal, and promise, was to find practical, sustainable and actionorientated ways of working with the environment, not against it. Philippa Kleyn, head of the environmental society, Gaian Revolutions And Social Solutions (GRASS), believes this is something she managed to achieve. Kiarin was an effective Environmental Councillor. She organised many meetings that helped with collaborations between environmental societies and res environmental reps. She has indeed made substantial progress in Rhodes becoming more environmentally sustainable, Kleyn said. Gillies, in celebration of the SRCs centennial year, has focused part of her attention on an ongoing project to plant 101 trees around Grahamstown and

Refilwe Dema: Student Benefits Councillor

Joshua Oates Refilwe Dema, the SRC Student Benefits Councillor, was pleased overall with her performance this year. Dema says that her position is a holistic portfolio in student benefits which ranges from financial aid to assisting students on the brink of exclusion. I had to deal with students who were about to be excluded for financial reasons, said Dema. She set up coaching and mentoring sessions with such students. Some of Demas successes include securing sponsorship deals for the Oweek bash, convincing the University that swot weeks are necessary, acquiring student discounts, and getting Standard Bank to assist the SRC with funds. Dema is proud of one achievement in particular: I was able to successfully advertise student bursaries for not only South African students, but international ones as well, she said. However, while Dema was not able to implement a shuttle service for Hilltop students her proposal will be given

Centre for Community School now at NMMU

The launch of the first Centre for Community School in South Africa took place on 26 August at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Dr Al Witten, the newly-appointed Centre Director, said, The centre will focus on developing and expanding the knowledge base of community schools in the country a grouping of schools that are engaged in simultaneous efforts to improve teaching and learning. Speaking at the launch was Professor Pedro Noguera, an expert on education and inequality in America. The centre aims to connect community schools across the Eastern Cape in an attempt to strengthen and support this form of education. It will work to promote community schooling as a credible education system. The centre will use resources from various departments at NMMU, specifically psychology, health and development studies.

terms of teamwork and co-operation she pulled through. In terms of Activism and Transformation specifically, she struggled to ensure something came out of her efforts. She did leave a bit to be desired in terms of bringing a proactive stance on Activism and Transformation to the SRC, he said. Nyamutumbu was unavailable for comment.

saw him responsible for organising SRC elections, the candidate grazzle, and the presidential debates. However, as a candidate running for this years presidency, he had to step down from his post. SRC liaison Mark Addison referred to Forsyth as a ray of sunshine, someone who is committed and dedicated to getting the job done even when others are not supportive of him.

Aslam Mayat: Treasurer

Megan Burton and Benjamin Katz SRC Treasurer, Aslam Mayat, didnt pull through this year in his role as an SRC councillor. Although he felt he had the knowledge and experience needed to take the position of treasurer to new heights, his presence around the SRC offices and in meetings was not consistent. As the treasurer, he was required to manage the SRCs budget ensuring that funds were distributed fairly and efficiently. Allan Magubane, SRC President, said, He wasnt bad, but there came a point when personal and academic issues took over. He was there at the beginning of the year, and dealt with the O-Week budget, he said. Luckily, when he was around he did his job, but there came a point when he didnt pull through.

Marc Lecwidi: Projects Manager

Relebone Myambo When the Projects Manager elected during the 2010 end of year SRC elections stepped down, Marc Lecwidi was there to take on the role and get to work. Lecwidi joined the SRC team in February 2011 after Robin Browns resignation in January 2011. He missed the training and team building [period] and had to help in a massive way with O-Week, Centenary and Inter-varsity, said Allan Magubane, outgoing SRC President. Lecwidis main projects of the year included the well-organised Centenary Celebrations, the O-Week programme, and seeing to the Inter-varsity logistics. For me he did a sterling job, Magubane went on to say. Boipelo Bonokwane, who was the SRCs Community Engagement councillor for the 2010/2011 period, spoke

educate people in the community about environmental awareness. She has also regularly attended Makana Municipality environmental meetings to situate Rhodes within a broader Grahamstown context. She also worked with the South East African Climate Consortium Student Forum (SEACC SF)to arrange green drinks where environmentally minded students can get together to discuss ideas and progress. At a recent South African Union of Students (SAUS) conference, Gillies was elected to sit on the SAUS National Executive Committee for 2012.

to next years SRC members. Overall, the SRC has done well this year, said Dema, adding that small changes now can develop into a big change in the long run. Former SRC president, Allan Magubane, is happy with Demas performance this year. She is a team player and boosts moral, he said. We need people like her in the SRC.

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Jacob Nwigwe: Academic Councillor

Senior reporter Tsholofelo Tlhoaele The 2011 Academic Councillor Jacob Nwigwe believes that as a leader you cant survive alone; we all work together to achieve a certain goal. This work ethic has carried him through his tough, highly demanding, but fun and successful term in office. Alongside collaborations with University staff and his colleagues on the SRC, he engaged with the Academic Councillors at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Stellenbosch. Nwigwes responsibilities this year included developing a suitable learning environment for students, ensuring that there was effective communication between students, staff and academic faculties; academic planning, and assisting students appeal against DP removal, exclusion from the University, and timetable clashes. Although Nwigwe felt that his term of office was short, he had planned to foresee the development of evening schooling. This would be particularly aimed at the Universitys support staff. He said that these workers deserve to be given an opportunity to grab certificates from the University. He was also in negotiations with the University regarding adding an extra week to swot week in order for students to have ample time to revise material that has been discussed in lectures. Nwigwe said he would advise the next academic councillor to put pressure on the University administration to secure shuttle services for residence students, particularly those in the Hilltop residences because this will facilitate student movement down to practicals and tutorials.

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Aslam belonged to several committees throughout the year such as Student Services and the Equity and Culture Committee. I enjoyed being involved not only with the University, but with those in charge. I learnt a lot, he said. Mayats advice to those joining the new SRC committee is for them to gain a basic understanding of how things work. Just get involved, he said.

highly of Lecwidis work ethic. Marc is a team player. Hes amazing. He was willing to sacrifice for the greater good, Bonokwane said. She did mention that their work relationship was not without its hardships, We have bumped heads, but always over silly things. We got along exceptionally well because we both wanted the same things, she said.

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4 The Oppidan Press 08.09.11

Features
Virtual soldiers: the rise of global Mouse-Click Activism
Become an activist and never leave your house
Khutso Tsikane and senior reporter Wilhelmina Maboja Activists used to be those people who would mobilise their communities for a cause that affected them as a singular, possibly insular community. It was about people that had an interest in taking an active part in causes relevant to their social context. Now their efforts have been fuelled by technological advances. Gone are the days when placards, burning bras and chanting slogans were the basis of protests. Today, you can become an activist or part of the worlds largest protest by simply clicking Like on a Facebook page. Activists now use networks of digital media to coordinate activities, plan protests, and publicise often high quality information about their causes. If youre fighting for a cause and need some sort of awareness, all you need to do is start a Facebook page, tweet about it, blog about it and before you know it, you could have all sorts of media coverage and your cause could become a worldwide movement. A movement that does not make it into the media is non-existent, says Joachim Rasche, a German political activist. You can now change the world by spending a few minutes on www.freerice.com, where you can improve your general knowledge while donating grains of rice to worldwide hunger-alleviating initiatives. Better yet, it is run by the United Nations World Food Programme. MouseClick Activism is now extending itself, reaching as far as our doorsteps. If filling bowls of virtual rice isnt your thing, maybe international Buy Nothing Day is. Founded by Canadian Ted Daves, the plea is simple: buy nothing. From the 26 to 27 November respectively, exercise your right as a couch potato and refrain from purchasing anything for 24 hours. Similarly, the Dove Real Women campaign that was launched in 2004 to help women have a positive image of themselves, empowered many to change their mindsets when regarding societys idea of beauty. Videos were uploaded on YouTube that showed real women defying the status quo of beauty and accepting their bodies as beautiful, no matter their shape or size. Khatija Nxedlana, a Fourth Year New Media student, commented on how powerful the online campaign was in changing the ideology and eradicating the stereotypical view of having the ideal body. If such a campaign can reach women from all around the world, imagine the power that technology has to change the world for good through global activism? Lauren Granger

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Arts & Entertainment

David Williams

The Oppidan Press 08.09.11 5

RUs divas delight Lady behind the live music

Madien van der Merwe In the Music departments Beethoven Room, an awaiting audience was serenaded by the fine-tuned voices of the Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC). In an effort to raise money for their tour to Johannesburg in the September vacation, the RUCC put forward their best talent for Divas Night on Thursday 1 September. From soulful solo performances to jaw-dropping ensembles, the choir certainly gave their all. It takes guts to be here, commented Thuli Siguca, an audience member. Vuyo Khumalo received an enthusiastic response after he amazed the crowd with his moving rendition of the Les Misrables classic, Stars. The audience also happily joined in with Gareth Grants skilled strumming of Oasis well-known Wonderwall. Zasembo Mkhize, Asemahle Badiwe and Bulela Maqela proved that three does not always have to be a crowd, and were beautifully in sync during their rendition of Destinys Childs Gospel Medley. Ben Ryan, meanwhile, was thoroughly absorbed in Drums in the Night, and his tribute to Pam, an original composition, seemed to hold the audience captive. The sweetly smooth vocals of Tiffany Brown were met with resounding applause after her performance of the well-known Wizard of Oz classic, Over the Rainbow. Nicky McLean, a member of the choir and MC for the evening, expressed the passion the members have for their art and the joy they receive from displaying their talents. We speak through our music, which helps us express ourselves in ways not possible through talking, she said. Audience member Michelle Blanckenberg was delighted by the performances, commenting that it is good that the choir pushes people to choose songs that complement their voice. The RU Chamber Choir is one of South Africas first university choral ensembles. Founded in 1953, it has steadily built up a fine reputation at Rhodes, as well as throughout South Africa, by way of its annual tours. Their repertoire was highly varied and masterfully chosen to reflect the talents of the performers. Divas Night is a great opportunity for the choir to show a different side of who we are, said Jessica Smith, one of the performers. We can give the audience something new. The evening was successful and enjoyable, and it is certain that the RUCC will continue to put forward their best voices, putting on shows that inspire and impress. David Williams

No more flowers and chocolate. The subtleties of steamy texting is replacing the traditional forms of courtship

Sexting: the new wordplay

Ananda Paver

A movement that does not make it into the media is non-existent.

Closer to home, the 1 in 9 Silent Protest on campus this year featured extensively on Twitter, and got coverage as the biggest student protest in South Africa, in turn creating an awareness of sexual violence. There are millions of online global and local organisations you can now join. Never have there been more creative and pervasive means of activism than in our age. Whether youre a couch potato or placard-wielding fan, the virtual world has something for you. Flex your phalanges and join the new global movement, because a little click click activism a day can make a significant difference.

eing ruled by technology may actually have its perks: in these techno-savvy times, sending a text message gets more than just your phone vibrating. When one considers how relationships have altered in the age of technology, sexting inevitably comes to mind. A witty portmanteau of sex and texting, the word refers to the act of text messaging someone in the hopes of having a sexual encounter with them; initially casual, transitioning into highly suggestive and even sexually explicit content (definition courtesy of Urban Dictionary). Instead of soliciting in person, one now has the luxury of delivering a well-played line from the comfort of ones own home. Embarrassing public rejection no longer a concern, the sexter can truly push the boundaries of the socially acceptable and embrace their inner kinky: nothing inspires courage quite like being unable to see the reaction one receives. Besides, it is, perhaps deceptively, effortless to delete anything too bawdy as soon as it has served its purpose. It would appear that technology has breached the final frontier: no longer simply mechanical improvements to that elusive quality of life but a tangible relationship crutch,

mediation fully integrated into carnal transactions. Of course, sexting is not the only romantic by-product of the technological influx. Think internet dating, video chat fornication or good old-fashioned porn just one click away. Some may argue that technology has made us lazy, but one must consider what it has done for the less confident, although equally hormonal, members of society. Should they be denied the opportunity to connect without that inconvenient face-to-face business? For most, however, sexting is only the beginning, the erotic ice-breaker if you will. It creates the premise of the actual act which presumably follows the flirty messages. Predictably, sexting too has its conventions, its rules and stereotypes. In fact, there is even a rather helpful website dedicated to successful sexting (www.sextingexamples.org ), created especially for those who struggle to find the right phrasing in those loaded situations. Perhaps we should be concerned about the infiltration of technology into even our most intimate interactions. Is it possible that we are no longer capable of competent communication in the flesh? On the other hand, technology may bring us closer together and improve our relationships through candid conversation. Ultimately, the mediation is a barrier in some ways welcome, in others cumbersome, and generally less private than one thinks.

hes had DJ Reddy D begging to purchase a portion of her 14000 vinyl record collection. Shes a sculptor of tones and has been involved in Grahamstowns live music scene since 1982 as a DJ but now owns a recording studio, sets up sound for the towns events and lectures Sound Technology at Rhodes. The Oppidan Press spent some time finding out more about the lady behind Grahamstowns music at Sonic Art Studios Corinne Cooper. Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Cooper has had a passion for music from an early age and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. I used to do vinyl deejaying since 1982. But as I got to deejay, night by night I got to hear the difference in quality of the recordings, so then in 1992 I started my own recording studio, she said. Cooper also has a Bachelors degree of Social Science for social work at Rhodes. When Im not in studio, Im a coordinator for a group home for the psychiatricilly ill, but apart from my love for music, Im a strong vegetarian and [Ive] been at it for 26 years. With her straight-forward critique of music producers today and music in general, Cooper said, some of the music today is good and some of it is bad. Why I say bad, is that up into the 1990s Kelly Muller

Corinne Cooper speaks about her love for music financing to record music was a challenge as well as the analog technology back then. You couldnt copy and paste a take. Nowadays you can pay R6000 for software instead of a R250 000 set up studio to record. Now anyone can think they can do it and its prevalent in South Africa, said Cooper as Katie Meluas The Flood played in the background. Cooper is currently working on a hip hop project called Inyaniso, (which means truth) and also teaches hip hop and singing at five schools in the Grahamstown vicinity. What I find appealing about hip hop is the rhyme and structure, and it has to be beautifully Kelly Muller done hip hop with perfect scansion. Multi-talented and generous, Coopers influence on Grahamstown music is hard to deny.

What I find appealing about hip hop is the rhyme and structure and it has to be beautifully done hip hop with perfect scansion
Kelly Muller

The life and times of iTim, the iHuman next door

Bakhulule Maluleka Now, many of you will notice that I may have coined a neologism in the headline of this article, the iHuman. With our extended feature this week being specifically about technology and its relationship with humanity it seems apt. You see, iTim, as his name implies, is a creation, an amalgamation of technological sugar, spice and all things nice. He is a human in the digital age whos a creator of technological innovations, but whos also created by that very technology. Instances of iHumans can be seen walking the streets or filling the spaces between one lecture and the next, forever plugged into cellphones, mp3 players or other portable digital devices. Dont get it twisted though, just being plugged in doesnt qualify you as an iHuman theres much more to it than that. As Alex Lenferna, a Masters student in Philosophy notes, There is no straight forward answer to this. Many of the great human achievements are, of course, made possible through technology; [whereas] on the other side of the coin there are many instances where technology replaces human functionality. Patrick Freer, a student in joint Honours in Physics and Computer Science adds, I wouldnt say that they become less human. Humans are in many ways made obsolete; however, they are not made subhuman. This is an instance of considering it a spectrum of humanness. The great mass of the worlds techno-savvy masses are not iHumans but then you get those special cases that just take it to new heights. Not even the archetype of the isolated teenager in his room programming and gaming into the early hours of the morning counts as an iHuman. fixed by better programming which is simple enough given enough time. But as outspoken computer scientists and philosophers have noted, it is only by over-valuing instrumental (quantifiable and falsifiable) knowledge that the iHumans belief can be rational. There is a growing number of news stories of people attempting to immerse themselves in a virtual world and discovering that their physical and psychological wellbeing is adversely affected... Sophistication is all that a machine can achieve, since it can never attain a single atom of understanding. Thus, I doubt the capacity of a machine to be considered smart in any real sense, quips Freer. In this vein, Lenferna gives a bleaker picture, he believes we are creating over-complex societies that allow to free humans to do what they want, when in fact society is creating technological behemoths that virtually eat your soul in their demands on time and energy. The suggestion is obvious: it takes more to be an iHuman than to be a lazy human bum. Even a tramp, with fewer visible things going on has a greater sense of his value in the universe. It is a pertinent question to ask whether those who believe in a technological singularity are not trying to make us iHumans. Biological glitches aside, as Lenferna notes, there is already enough complexity in the world as it is. Overvaluing instrumental knowledge may be leading to the beginning of a dangerous, slippery slope.

Final showdown of the bands

David Williams Last week Saturday saw the final showdown of Battle of The Bands in Grahamstown consisting of acts such as One Shushu Day, Lu-Fuki, Shackles and Bones and The Devil Sent Me Back. The annual event started off with great attendance at Slipstream Sports Bar with fresh talent for the student town to keep an eye out for. The competition was under way when masses of students made their way down for a variety of genres with good tunes. Nine bands applied, three of them each playing over three Saturday nights. The top three from each of the rounds then made their way to the final round. One Shushu Day set a warm vibe with afro-pop sounds and got the crowd involved. Having made it through to the finals, Asanda Lusaseni added Its nice to be in the finals but were here to jam and have a good time. Entering Battle of The Bands lets us play with other bands and share the crowds, which is great. Funk outfit Lu-Fuki and their stage presence got the crowd and groupies grooving, setting the scene for the hard rockers Shackles and Bones, whose perfromance was in sheer precision. We came second last year, second is not a first. We can always do better and if you can do better, why not? said guitarist Luke Clayton. Metalcore group The Devil Sent Me Back got the crowd in a mini mosh pit on the dance floor with heavy guitar distortion and cookie monster on speed-like vocals. Speaking before their set up, the band members were jovial and collected before their gig. Im super keen. Im glad we got this opportunity as it will get us exposed to the crowds, said front man Colin Naas. After the clash between the finalists, judges reached their verdict announcing Lu-Fuki as winners of the 2011 Battle of the Bands. After the announcement, bassist Vee Loureno shared her excitement: Its not necessarily about the winning but the love of it, she said. Shackles and Bones came in second, One Shushu Day third and The Devil Sent Me Back in fourth place respectively. Second Year BSc student Justin Stone, who attended the previous years competition, had found last years competition to be alive in comparison to this one, but it was a chilled atmosphere. With a diverse range of genres from funk, metal to afropop, judge of the competition and events manager Chris Hartley said that, With the competing bands there was a difference in terms of performance that some had tied, however all of them were of a pretty good calibre. The Live Music Society used the opportunity to release a compilation CD of 2010s entrants featuring Life of Riley, Folklore, Nia and Shackles and Bones.

Steve Haiden and Vee Loureno from Lu-Fuki and David Glover from Shackles and Bones brought a combination of sweat and chords at the Battle of the Bands last week

It takes more to be an iHuman than to be a lazy human bum...

Lenferna explains what could count as telling of iHumans: Living out our lives in a digital reality that does not have tangible results in the world around us. [Not realising that] actions in reality echo into eternity, while actions in digital reality fizzle upon execution. Thats why even the teenager is exempt. He may take on World of Warcraft with inexplicable zeal, but so does the eccentric ol lady with her cats and the soccer fan who never misses a game. Passion for technology is not an automatic iHuman qualifier. iHumans dont just have a passion for technology; they place unrealistic and often undiscerning faith in it. An iHuman will not only follow the latest models, try to acquire them, and maybe try building a few themselves. No, they will believe that they are worth less than R2D2 because their flaws require millennia of evolution, whereas the R2D2s can be

6 The Oppidan Press 08.09.11

Opinion
Matthew de Klerk

Do you have something to add? Email opinion@theoppidanpress.com

Do you have something to add? Email opinion@theoppidanpress.com

Opinion

The Oppidan Press 08.09.11 7

Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika: too Ard to sing?

O
ur national anthem is difficult to sing live with any real skill. Or at least, thats what it would seem, following the recent and not-quite-forgotten renditions by the infamous Ard Matthews and Ras Dumisani. Even the little girl from the FNB advert finds it impossible to remember the words. As national anthems go, Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika is one of the more unique and unusual, seeing as it includes three different languages, and it starts and ends in different keys: a turn that is found in only one other anthem, Italys. The most recent screw-up happened at the announcement of the Springbok World Cup squad on Tuesday 29 August, a day that Matthews has described as the darkest and longest day of [his] life in his apology. After strumming a few chords on his guitar, the Just Jinger singer launched into what was possibly one of the worst stage-fright attacks in history. Unlike the girl in the FNB ad, however, he didnt have a stadium of supporters to sing along with him and help him through it: the Boks sat in stoic silence, looks of bemusement and disbelief creeping onto their faces. The performance has provoked a large public outcry and much derision. Even Ras Dumisani has joined the voices of criticism, saying, He cant sing at all. In fact, I feel sorry for him. Dumisani, who caught the off-key moment on YouTube from his house in Paris, said, He looks like he cant concentrate on singing and playing the guitar at the same time he should have

I was completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion and I not only flubbed most my lines, but I also completely desecrated a moment that was meant to send the Boks off on their next mission with pride and confidence.
had someone to accompany him He honestly looks like he didnt even bother to rehearse he had forgotten lyrics and was off-key. Ironic words, coming from a man who only two years ago faced the same wave of public criticism. Matthews has, however, remained firm in his public apology on his blog that it was a genuine, nightmare of a mistake, saying, I was completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion and I not only flubbed most of my lines but I also completely desecrated a moment that was meant to send the Boks off on their next mission with pride and confidence. Editors and fans who posted on his blog, however, have been far more forgiving. Performance anxiety, especially for the honour of singing at the Springboks squad announcement, is a huge factor. Anyone who has ever been on stage will tell you as much. Speaking from personal experience, stage-fright is the most horrible and spontaneous feeling that can strike you. When I messed up

Pic sourced

Malema finally brought to book

Pic: sourced Matthew de Klerk

Pic sourced

Proud South African Ard Matthews botched up the national anthem during the send off for the Springboks last week my lines at my performance at Innovations a few months ago, it was completely sudden and absolutely harrowing, and so I think Matthews should be forgiven, experienced performer or not. The best reaction in response to this debacle has to be Nandos and their infamous dry wit. In a new addition to their famous, sarcastic adverts, they said, Ard, we have two words for you but we forgot them.

Despite his antics and outlandish claims, Malema still has a strong following

he time has finally come. After months of unheeded calls for action, the ruling party announced it has charged the outspoken Youth League president Julius Malema for bringing it into disrepute. This will be the second time that he has been disciplined in 16 months on the same charge. Still subject to a six-month suspended sentence (which if imposed will lead to his mandatory suspension from the ANC), Malema now faces the possibility of political ruin and humiliation. Last year, Malema pleaded guilty to undermining President Jacob Zuma. He was fined R10 000, ordered to attend political education at the party school for almost three weeks, to attend anger management and effective leadership communication classes, and was warned not to commit a similar offence for two years or his ANC membership would be suspended. This decisive action had to happen eventually. Malema has been a figure of heated controversy and the target of public outcry, stemming from racist Shoot the Boer warcries, and gaffes almost too numerous to count (one such example being his nationalisation comments when visiting the ZANU-PF Youth league in Zimbabwe). However, it was Malemas comments on the puppet regime in neighbouring Botswana that finally snapped the patience of the partys elders. Malema and his Youth League only withdrew the outlandish statements two weeks after they were issued. The BDP-led Botswana is a foot stool of imperialism, a security threat to Africa and always under constant puppetry of the United States, read the statement, which was later branded as extremely thoughtless and embarrassing pronouncements by the mother body of the ANC. This insult and disrespect to the President (Honourable Ian Khama), the government and the people of Botswana and a threat to destabilise and effect regime change in Botswana is a clear demonstration that the ANCYLs ill discipline has crossed the political line, said the ANCs counter-statement. Malema is currently under investigation by the Public Pro-

tector following allegations of corruption and tenderpreneurship (especially that of On-Point Engineering, a company linked to Malema that has benefitted to the tune of millions from the irregular awarding of tenders in the Limpopo Roads and Transport Department). The Hawks are also investigating these allegations of corruption. The hearing has gained much notoriety: ANCYL supporters flocked the streets, burning dustbins and bearing placards, some reading slogans like South Africa for blacks only. Such violent protest only serves to confirm the ANCs belief that Malema has sown divisions in the party: on one hand, the ANC want desperately to rein in Malemas embarrassing and dangerous ways, and on the other hand, the ANCYL is desperate not to relinquish the political power that Malema has brought them since his inauguration. However, the move to discipline Malema and bring him to book has perhaps come a little too late. The damage has been done. Malema has, as the ANC has charged, sown the seeds of division in the party, and has played on the fears and desires of a poor and struggling nation with instant-benefit ideas like nationalisation. This division is only too evident in the violent protests on the day of Malemas hearing: protests that had to have barbed wire and riot policemen, as well as ordinary SAPS forcemen and women reigning the crowds in. Malema, too, has already reaped the benefits of his position. Regardless of findings of corruption, it is clear, judging from his expensive watches, cars and mansions (all paid for by a government salary? Dont make me laugh!) that he has benefited healthily from his position of power. Also, his popularity (again, seen in the violent show of support) means that perhaps a separate, Malema-headed political party is an entirely possible, albeit terrifying, thought.

The recent violent protests only serve to confirm the ANCs belief that Malema has sown division in the party

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Strikes: the real effect on the country

Matthew de Klerk As South Africa rages through its infamous striking season, the dark side of the strikes has become terrifyingly apparent. Far from Cosatus claim that these strikes are to secure a living wage and better conditions of service at the workplace, strikers have become a force recklessly unheeding of societal and state laws. The figure of striking workers has climbed to more than 200 000 SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members and 70 000 Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) members. As the municipal workers strike entered only its second week of action, the City of Cape Town said it was receiving reports of violence and intimidation. Police provincial spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge, said police received reports that individuals who were part of the strike action were engaging in acts of criminality. Strikers reportedly stoned council vehicles and threatened staff at a clinic in Khayelitsha, and police had to be brought in to control the situation. According to eyewitnesses at the strikes, many protesters openly drank beer while tearing bags and kicking the contents around. The damage has extended beyond mere trash bags, however: three coaches were set alight at the Nolungile Station Khayelitsha outside Cape Towndamages that came to around R9.5 million. Similar reports have been given by Golden Arrow, whose employees claim that striking workers petrol-bombed one of its buses at the old Harare Terminus in Khayelitsha. As the passengers started abandoning the bus, one of the striking workers threw a petrol bomb at the bus which set the bus alight, said Golden Arrows Franois Meyer. These petrol-bomb attacks have even hit the homes of municipality workers in Nelson Mandela Bay, where at least two reports of arson have been lodged. The effects of the strikes have even affected residential areas. Electricity: in more than a dozen suburbs across the country, houses have been left without power for days on end. Many of these areas contain businesses that, without power, cannot function. The domino effect of lost revenue is hard to quantify,

Jade Smith The recent strikes in Grahamstown were mild compared to some of the others that took place in SA making it difficult to tell how badly our economy has been hit. Minority Front Councillor Preggie Padayachee has said some contractors and electricians received personal phone calls telling them if they went out to conduct repairs, they would be shot and killed. These people must be prepared to face the full might of the law they have every right to strike, but this lawlessness is unacceptable, he said. Similarly, Mangaung Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama has condemned this unbecoming behaviour, and the damages to property as shocking. Striking workers have also formed human barricades around electricity depots, further hindering the citys attempts to fix faults. No council vehicles can go in or come out of the depots. Anyone who tries to defy them has been threatened with assault. Workers are very angry and in my opinion any threats should be taken seriously, said Imatu shop steward Adriaan Williams. Union leadership has not been overtly vocal on these matters, with only Samwu General Secretary Mthandeki Nhlapo saying that the union did not associate itself with such behaviour. COSATU has, however, commented on the polices efforts to bring strikers under control, inferring that the police are being used by corrupt politicians and the racist enemy of the working class which is the capitalists [who continue] racial discrimination and racial attitudes against [Cosatu] members. Though Samwu have discontinued striking action, and their employees are back at work cleaning up the mess they made just days before, Imatu has claimed that it intends to continue its demonstrations until its demands are met, leaving many wondering when normality and peace will return.

Domestic and international flights, car rental, van rental, accommodation reservations, bus/coach bookings, visa applications, travel insurance.

Petrol-bomb attacks have even hit the homes of municipality workers in Nelson Mandela Bay, where at least two reports of arson have been lodged

8 The Oppidan Press 08.09.11

What has your SRC done for you?

Leigh Hermon

Politics

Do you have something to add? Email politics@theoppidanpress.com

Do you have something to add? Email environment@theoppidanpress.com

Green Eggs and Ham

Kate Janse van Rensburg

Health through cultivation

being plant-based. However, many of these plants are being harvested in an unsustainable manner, thereby putting at least 30 species of plant under threat of extinction. The Umthathi Project aims to redress this imbalance by establishing a valuable safety net in the heart of the Eastern Cape, says Marlene Mitchener, head of the initiative. The enterprise has more practical objectives as well: it teaches people how to use ecological and socially responsible methods for food production. It also provides people with education and training in the understanding of the important link between nutrition, hygiene and health. Umthathi has established a local network of traditional healers to identify the species that they would like to have propagated on the 10 hectare plot that has been secured for the creation of the centre, added Mitchener. The seed project has a wealth of collaborators and funders. Recently, members from the learners publication Upstart joined the Umthathi Project to get 10 backyard gardens started in order to enter the Grahamstown Flower Festi-

Environment
Nokuzola Ngubeni

The Oppidan Press 08.09.11 9

t the beginning of the year the Rhodes SRC held a press conference to discuss their activities and plans for 2011. At the end of their term in office, what have they achieved? There were four areas that the SRC said they would address: the exclusion of students based on academic and financial reasons, the Rhodes Constitution, a campus shuttle service and the learning cafe. The conference was aimed at alerting the student body that they were not just sitting at their desks all day getting paid for nothing. At the beginning of the year there were discussions held around students who were excluded for academic and financial reasons. Over 100 students appealed their exclusion from the university. The SRC managed to assist 10 of those students to be

readmitted to the university. The Council are also in the process of securing 10 scholarships from an investment firm in Johannesburg. The firm are interested in funding second and third year students fees. Student Benefits and Sponsorship Councillor Refilwe Dema is yet to reveal the name of the firm because they are in the final stages of the agreement. Demas portfolio has been concerned with making students aware of the financial opportunities available to them. She hoped that the new SRC would continue to work with the investment firm in securing financial aid and scholarships for students. The proposed shuttle service for students living in residence on the hill will address the lack of student attendance in lectures and promote safety on campus. However, this is a promise that has been made every year, but nothing ever comes of it. Media Councillor Martin Forsyth mentioned at the

presidential debate that based on his own research there was money in the SRC budget for such a service. Dema says that it is a possibility, but that would mean that students forfeit certain privileges that the SRC has been offering. What exactly these privileges are was not confirmed. And what about Oppidan students? With a growing number of students moving into digs were, there any moves to provide them with more transport? We planned to get Oppidans an extra bus instead of including them in a shuttle. I am hoping that my successor will continue where I left off and work with the potential sponsor for this second bus, said Dema. The learning cafe was a suggested 24 hour learning centre for students to be housed in the Steve Biko Building. This facility would be a fully equipped cafe dedicated to all those students who burn the midnight oil. The SRC said R1.5 million had been dedicated to the project.

So what has come of it? Dema explained that more research needed to be conducted in order to see if students would use it. I cannot promise that it will be a project for next year but if students really want it then the incoming SRC will take up the project, said Dema. Our SRC have also seen the need to review our Constitution. According to the Council it has been on the agenda for a number of years but no one has attempted to follow through with the task. This year, however, seems to be the one for change. Our SRC has set up a Constitution Reform Committee to look over our Constitution and suggest modifications. With this years SRC at the end of their term, students wonder what has been achieved. Its clear that there has been a move for change and progression. Although these moves may seem small, its up to the new SRC to ensure that there is sustainable change. Pic sourced

Tope Adebola

H
Carina Truyts

Making meaning of place

Any good BA student will tell you that those damn colonialists were heralded by a bunch of missionaries who justified exploitation of nature in the name of the Lord. Its not fair to blame the Christians any longer, as many religious groups, or groups who have no religions at all, are guilty of over-exploitation and criminal acts against the earth. I recently found this out from studying a course in environmental anthropology. I came to understand that the ways in which people conceive of their surroundings and understand place has a great impact on how they treat the planet. Religion, worldview, politics and economics play a large role in determining our ecocosmologies - our understanding of our environment, and the way we experience our lives in terms of our relation to nature. I started to wonder how we could analyse our ecocosmologies and examine our relationship to the planet. I began to think of my own ecocosmology and why I had turned out as a pro-greenie. My religion, (or lack thereof) of dim spirituality based only on vague ideas of the universe as karmic and the sun as a source of happiness, energy and good things. My zebra tattoo - why did I pick it? Why this compulsion to garden, to grow and to eat my own fresh lettuce? The places I have loved living in: beautiful mountainous Lesotho; invigorating, peaceful game reserves. Most importantly, what have these experiences meant for my ecocosmology and the repercussions of my understanding of place for the environment I interact with? As I ambled around our city this weekend I forced myself to think of the meaning places had for me. The places I have loved in, the trees whose shade Id never fully appreciated but read under every now and then. I figured that, if we all took a breath, a moment, to consider our position in the universe; the gifts we take in forms of produce, of protection and of energy from nature, the meanings we assign, the god(s) we choose to thank If we all knew where we stood with the world, then maybe there would be more acceptance, less hurting and discriminating against people who have different world views to us (as happened in Ethiopia last week). Maybe a larger scope of individuals would all gather into a throng of people who knew a good thing when they saw it - and worried not about their reputation when they pursued its protection. We might just see the wood from the trees.

Candidates battle it out at the first presidential debate

Leigh Hermon The best thing to happen to Rhodes politics was the hosting of the first SRC presidential debate. The audience was not subjected to hearing the long winded manifestos and election promises. Instead, the candidates were asked valuable questions from transformation to basic procedures within the SRC. The candidates were each presented with a set of questions from a panel of four Rhodes students, Garth Elzerman (chairperson of Toastmasters and former SRC Vice-President), Jai Clifford-Holmes (chairperson of Galela Amanzi and 2011 Mandela Rhodes scholar), Nosipho Mngomezulu (2011 Mandela Rhodes scholar) and Pumeza Mdangayi (a Rhodes Masters student and former SRC councillor). The first issue to be addressed was the exclusion of post-graduates from student activities. Mathaabe Thabane presented an argument where she blamed the post-graduates for isolating themselves. She advised that they should run for SRC and become more involved in student politics. Thabane was later asked questions about whether transformation at Rhodes has been successful and whether it still needs to improve or not. She gave the university a 6/10 and insisted that there should not be racial quotas instituted by the University. Rhodes should only follow those that are the legal requirements from government. Thabane said that there is no need to put people in jobs they can not do based on a quota system. However, in response to this, Zintle Matshaya and Silvanus Welcome gave Rhodes a 1/10 and believed that the university management was still white male dominated. Thabane was given a chance to review her answer and said that we shouldnt racialise issues entirely. She said there were clearly more important problems such as career development and empowering the youth. The panel were not shy with their questions when Elzerman quizzed Welcome on the functions and powers of the student forum and the general student body. Welcome seemed to stumble through his answer and Elzerman did not feel it was sufficient. The question was complex but, as a current SRC councillor, Welcome should have been aware of these procedures. Student apathy towards the SRC is evident, especially after last years elections where the voting time had to be lengthened in order to reach quorum. The panel asked Matshaya how she would deal with this indifference. She proposed gatherings at the Kaif lawns to take place every two weeks where students could present their ideas and suggestions. Maybe when provided with a space for dicsussion, students may become more involved. When Martin Forsyth took to the podium, he was asked to provide an example of an issue from his manifesto he would engage with. He touched on the proposed shuttle service which had been promised by the SRC at the beginning of the year. He insisted that he had done the research and as a current SRC councillor believed that there is money available in the SRCs budget. However, some view these suggestions as simply recycled promises from previous presidential candidates. The presidential debate quickly turned into a debate about the money spent on the 101 Birthday celebrations that happened early this year. Matshaya was fielded the question and when her response was met with much criticism, the audience could tell that she was feeling the pressure of the debate. Clifford-Holmes believed it was a success. It provided dimension in a way that manifestos and one minute speeches cant. We all got to see the candidates react under pressure and, to a degree, challenge one another. There is clearly a need for this event to take place during every debate as Clifford-Holmes remarked that asking scenario questions provided a way of seeing them in action. With the General Lecture Theatre almost half full there is clearly a need for these debates. By popularising them and encouraging students to take part the SRC might achieve a lot more than we realise. The debate offered a platform for students to express their concerns and the candidates were forced to listen and respond. Hopefully what was said at the debate will not be taken lightly by our new SRC.

ealth, sustainability, and climate change. These are the concerns of the 19 year old Umthathi Training Project, whose motto is Health through cultivation. The aim of this collective is to provide an increasing number of people in the Eastern Cape with the necessary skills in ensuring their food, health, and livelihood security. The NGO achieves its aim through encouraging the protection and understanding of the importance of biodiversity, and by ensuring food sovereignty, where people are able to produce their own food, by planting their own vegetables, indigenous, and medicinal plants. The NGO, which is located in Grahamstowns Extension 7, is made up of a one hectare training facility and nursery, where their specialty is the conservation of medicinal plants in order to protect any threatened species. According to www.gardenafrica. co.uk, plant compounds play an important role in modern medicine, with 32% of modern day pharmaceuticals

Zintle prepares soil for mustard seed planting on a lot at Extension Seven val Competition. Our very own municipality is also a sponsor, with the funds being used to collect, propagate, and maintain seeds [in order] to preserve indigenous plants. Fastenopfer and the Department South issued the project two 3-year grants, one for Climate Change, and the other for Community Development. The initiative is still in need of all the help it can get, so do not hesitate to get in touch via their website www.umthathi.co.za.

South Africas many responsibilities at COP 17

Senior reporter Abigail McDougall As the host country of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changes (UNFCC) 17th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP17), South Africa will play a key role in the international negotiations. South Africa will be juggling the goals of the conference as a whole, as well as trying to push its particular national agenda. Our position at the conference will be determined by two major factors: the need for a response to climate change through both mitigation and adaptation, and the imperative for development and economic growth in the country. South Africa plans to work to reduce global carbon emissions by adopting a low-carbon growth path. This means shifting from our current dependence on fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. The real question for South Africa is how feasible this transition is, and how it would work. Saliem Fakir, the current head of the World Wildlife Funds Living Planet Unit, suggested some possible solutions at a recent lecture on South Africas response to climate change. He advised that we need a systemic roll-out of renewable energy solutions. He emphasised the financing of this transition and its scale as the major issues: how do we make low-carbon energy available and affordable on a mass scale in the South African context? Fakir pointed out that government, civil society and business will have to work together to find solutions. The South African Government is taking action on multiple levels to put together a comprehensive plan. The Department of Environmental Affairs is responsible for managing South Africas response, and has to make sure South Africa meets its responsibilities to the UNFCC and the International Panel on Climate Change. Fakir mentioned the National Planning Commission, the Industrial Policy Action Plan, and the Integrated Resource Plan as examples of Governments efforts to plan in the long term. Government is guided by the Medium-Term Strategic Framework from 2009 to 2014, aiming to create economic growth and jobs while reducing our emissions. Visit the Department of Environmental Affairs website for links to policy documents and statements on South Africas strategies, including the Green and White Papers. South Africa is juggling its own agenda and that of COP 17 as whole. Our situation illustrates the larger challenge of finding solutions which benefit both developed and developing countries. As Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi, put it in a recent statement to the media: these must be appropriate to specific national contexts, as well as recognise our common but differentiated responsibilities.

The United Nations suffered a serious attack on their buildings in Nigeria

UN embassy bombed in Nigeria

Matthew Kynaston Twenty three people have died and more than 100 are receiving treatment after a bomb blast hit Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The bomb exploded in the United Nations (UN) building on Friday 26 August. A car full of explosives was driven through security into the buildings lobby, before the driver detonated the bomb. It is alleged that Al-Qaeda were involved, but they are yet to come out with an official statement. For now a radical group named Boko Haram has claimed responsibility. They are believed to have ties to Al-Qaeda. Nigeria, an oil-rich country, has been under threat from Boko Haram for many years. Many of its citizens have said they live in fear. The UN headquarters are near the United States embassy, and US President Barack Obama said that an attack on Nigerian and international public servants demonstrates the bankruptcy of the ideology that led to this heinous action. He went on to describe the suicide attack as horrific and cowardly, saying that it undermined the values on which the UN was founded. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also came out in support of the local Nigerian people. Eighteen people were killed in the blast, with a subsequent five more people dying from severe injuries. The attack is the largest against the UN for almost 10 years and is seen to be the latest in a series of deadly acts of violence by Boko Haram. It is said that their intentions are to implement a strict Muslim Sharia law, fervently opposed to Western culture and education. Much of Nigeria is already under Sharia law. Boko Haram seeks to expand this and change the way it is put into practice.

The attack is the largest against the UN for almost 10 years and is seen to be the latest in a series of deadly acts of violence by Boko Haram
For now, it seems that Nigeria is coming together in opposition against the actions of terrorist groups like Boko Haram. It is possible that the bombing points to larger problems in society. All that can be hoped for is a swift recovery from such a terrible act, and the rebuilding process can begin.

Boiling Point: bringing climate change home

Senior reporter Abigail McDougall Boiling Point: People in a changing climate is a book that pops up in the right place at the right time. Climate change is a vague worry niggling in the background. We are unsure of its urgency, or what we are expected to do, so it becomes white noise. Boiling Point brings climate change home to South Africa, giving it a human face. Leonie Jouberts book carefully weaves together hard science, compellingly human narratives, politics and history - drawing a comprehensive picture of climate change in South Africa and the world. Joubert is a Rhodes graduate and award-winning journalist. Boiling Point is her second book on climate change in South Africa, and grew out of her research as a 2007 Ruth First Fellow. It examines how climate change and its human impacts are unfolding. Joubert blends the macro and the micro. She zooms in on personal stories of South Africans living closely connected to the land, characterising them and making them real to the reader. Next she sketches them into their context: provincial and national environments, markets, the history and politics. Finally she zooms out to the grand narrative of global climate change while skilfully managing the transitions between these levels without jarring the reader. Joubert writes scientifically without being inaccessible: her writing is eloquent and imaginative yet remarkably digestible. This ability to combine complicated strands of cause and effect make the book unique. Joubert has attempted to paint a holistic picture: the book is a commitment to convey reality and truth in their complexity, rather than through sterile journalistic objectivity. Climate change takes substance and shape through stories of ordinary South Africans. Effects of climate change are real and happening and we must adapt; those least responsible for global warming are likely to most adversely be affected by it. In Jouberts words: these are the people whose chance of adapting to the inexorable shifts in long-term weather is hampered by a lack of basic literacy, money in the bank, and ownership of land. impossible to relegate as dodgy climate journalism. She avoids sounding preachy, accusatory, or doommongering. She does not blame global capitalism and the corporate agenda. She does not predict death and destruction, nor advocate extreme greening. Boiling Point is a balanced, interesting and highly readable portrayal of climate change in our country. At a time when South Africans urgently need a user-friendly guide to a real issue, Joubert successfully provides one. Pic sourced

Effects of climate change are real and happening and we must adapt. Those least responsible for global warming are likely to most adversely be affected by it
Joubert has fused thorough scientific research and human lived experience: a potent combination

10 The Oppidan Press 08.09.11

Sci-tech

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Orbital Technolgies

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Pic sourced

Business
SMEs in China suffer due to a credit crunch
Zinathi Gquma According to an article published by the Financial Times, an official warning has been sent out in China about the effects of the governments monetary tightening on small business, which may be worse than during the global financial crisis in 2008. From tile manufactures in Shanghai to shoe factories near Hong Kong, smaller businesses have driven Chinese growth over the past two decades, accounting for about 60% of gross domestic product (GDP). A sharp slowing down in their activity would weigh heavily on the Chinese, and by extension, the world economy. It turns out that for the past decade or so, Chinas GDP has been overestimated. The countrys GDP growth has been largely supported by the high savings and low consumption rates. Due to GDP overestimation that is a result of subsidy transfers from household income, consumption by households has been restrained. China has been on a mission to re-balance this distribution in order for household income and consumption to grow at a faster rate than GDP. According to Michael Pettis, professor at Peking Universitys Guanghua School of Management, there are three things required in order for household income to grow faster than GDP. It requires that wages grow faster than productivity, that the currency appreciates, and that real interest rates rise. However, the only factor that has been increasing is wages - the currency has not appreciated and real interest rates have declined. As a result, Chinese privately-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been experiencing a number of adverse effects. The Chinese economy is struggling with balancing inflation control and maintenance of economic growth. The central bank of China has implemented measures to decrease money supply in order to reduce inflation. This credit crunch has prevented SMEs from lending from commercial banks due to the money tightening policies developed by the Central Bank. Larger, state-owned

The Oppidan Press 08.09.11 11

Crossroads for commerce grads

Sisa Matabiswana With the end of the year drawing closer, and the beginning of a new life as a graduate, most final year Rhodes students are currently facing the decision of whether to continue with their studies or enter the workforce. The pros and cons of working are as numerous as those of studying further. Having been at the same crossroad, an important question is what do you want to do with your life? A way to help you find your true fit is to get involved in the industry you want to work for. A good example of this is the banking industry which holds an annual Winter School, during the June/July vacation. Candidates are flown and accommodated at the expense of the bank for a brief period so that they can get a feel of what it means to work in that environment. Motshidisi Mokoena, a final year M.Com (Financial Markets) student, was recently invited to attend the Standard Bank Winter School held in Johannesburg. While there, they were taught about the bank, talked to people from different divisions, and were given interview skill sessions. With Third Year students and higher, the majors ranged from Forensic Accounting to Information Systems. Of her experience, Mokoena says that the biggest challenge was being exposed to a such a range of intelligent, driven and motivated adults. She added, I learnt a lot about myself as well as what it truly means to work in finance, and that was hard to cope with as I thought I was ready to start work. She also says, The special insight you gain from learning about a company from the inside gives you an added advantage when it comes to interviews. I think I also learnt that the competition is tough and that having a degree to your name is not quite enough. As a graduate applying for any job, you need to be informed, self-driven, motivated and passionate about your career aspirations if you are to outplay your competitors. But even after all the internships, winter schools, fellowships and further learning, nothing is guaranteed. Its all up to you to be clued-up.

The cost of borrowing from major banks has increased from 30% to 80%, therefore many SMEs have been forced to turn to loan sharks and some have been left bankrupt
companies have not felt the adverse effects of the credit crunch, because government backing ensures less credit risk. The cost of borrowing from major banks has increased from 30% to 80%, therefore many SMEs have been forced to turn to loan sharks and some have been left bankrupt. It seems as though the Central Bank of China just refuses to give SMEs a break. Operating costs have also increased. Since 2008; the wage rate has increased by 20%, the cost of raw materials has increased by 13%, coal has risen by 20% and electricity has risen by 30%. On top of that, approximately 30% of operating costs is accounted for by taxes. The tax revenue collected from private companies was 1.117 trillion yuan (R1.25 trillion) in 2010 and it has an annual growth rate of 22.2%, and the increase is higher than that of stateowned companies. The tax burden is so high, that the gross profits of SMEs have dropped significantly. As a result, some companies cannot even afford to pay their employees. Chinas profitability is growing, but many spectators have observed that it is the state-owned companies that are growing richer, not SMEs. From the actions taken by the Chinese government it is clear that there is an undertaking to restrict growth in the private sector. This is a very bad move on the governments part, because SMEs play an important role in a countrys economic and social development as they bear the majority of employment pressure in society and also provide direction for future economic development, according to China coverage publication Epoch Times.

Russia plans to launch first space hotel

Nomfusi Ncube

An artistic impression of the commercial space station, which should be open to visitors by 2016

private Russian space company has revealed plans and sketches for a hotel in space. The hotel, designed by the Russian firm Orbital Technologies, will house seven guests in four rooms who would be able to revel in zerogravity while watching our planet turn.

A two day trip on board a Soyuz rocket to reach the space hotel will cost nearly R7 million. And before you get too excited, the R7 million figure is only to visit the hotel. A further five-day stay is expected to add just over a million rands to the original figure. For those who can afford it, this could be one unforgettable trip. The company promises amazing views of earth and comfort not seen in most space accommodations. Uhm, how

many space hotels have you heard of before? Orbital Technologies has yet to disclose the cost of the project, but Chief executive of Orbital Technologies Serrgei Kostenko told the Associated Press that his company would turn a profit. Of course, we expect to make profit - this is purely business, he said. However, experts warn that the firm faces real challenges before it will be able to launch the planned space

station. Jim Oberg, a space consultant and expert on the Russian space programme, warned that if the hotel shared an orbit in close proximity to the International Space Station (ISS), this would put too much strain on tracking and communications resources on the ground. Due to open by 2016, visitors can choose beds that are either vertical or horizontal while showers will be sealed in order to stop water going where it

shouldnt and toilets will use air instead of water to flush away waste. The air will be filtered to remove any smells and bacteria before being pushed back into the cabin. Food will be prepared on earth and reheated in microwaves, the company has said. Kostenko says that the food will suit individual preferences, and that organisers are thinking of employing celebrity chefs to cook the meals before they are sent into space.

Rhodes researchers Game review: cancer discovery The Green Lantern:

Jonathan Smith East London pharmacy owner and researcher at Rhodes Universitys Faculty of Pharmacy, Michael Knott, has recently stepped into the spotlight. His research into seaweed has begun to show anti-cancer activity on breast cancer cells. Knott presented his research and findings to the Seventh European Conference on Marine Natural Products in Sweden in late August this year. Hopefully this will generate a lot of interest in what we are doing in South Africa...[this] is a great place to achieve a lot within research, and even though there are better facilities or equipment overseas, we can achieve a lot with our great natural resources and universities, said Knott. Knott is studying for his doctorate in marine natural product chemistry at Rhodes Universitys Faculty of Pharmacy, where he has discovered new types of compounds within South African seaweed with good anti-cancer activity on breast cancer cells. Knott credited the team for the research, in particular his supervisor, Dr Denzil Beukes of the Faculty of Pharmacy. For many, this is great news and could lead to the long awaited cure for millions worldwide. However, the clinical trial phase hasnt been reached and its effect on humans cannot be concluded at this stage. According to the National Cancer Registry, 1 in 29 women in South Africa is diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 3000 women die from breast cancer in South Africa each year. Gavin Ross I rarely hold my breath for movie tie-ins and DC's The Green Lantern has not been an exception to that rule. Starting off with a cutscene, it is established that the game is set some time after Hal Jordan has acquired the power ring which gives him his special abilities to conjure up green stuff. Sadly, we learn only a little more of how this happened as Hal is quickly thrown into battle against a bunch of intergalactic androids, known simply as The Manhunters. The other thing that we learn is that this game suffers from frame-rate issues and as the animation stutters along, it doesnt really give the player a good first impression. Fortunately, this problem doesnt hinder the game-play. Much of the game requires that you beat up the various space-robots before you can proceed to the next section. It is a case of go there, beat them up until the invisible wall disappears, then repeat the process again. Every now and then, the game will give you an object, like a door or some rocks to smash through. But thats about as varied as it gets and when it does switch things up, it rarely makes it clear what you should be doing and at times it can take a little while to solve. Despite the mundane level of design, the combat does bring some redeeming features to the game. The controls are quite responsive and there is a healthy amount of combos for Hal to perform that should keep the average hack and slasher fan busy for a little while. Slinging the mechanical enemies over cliffs is actually quite satisfying. The game also keeps the combat quite fresh by rewarding the player with various upgrades, new combos and constructs (glowing green weapons that Hal creates). Visually, the game is a bit of a mixed bag. While the cut scenes are marred by the frame-rate issues mentioned earlier,

Will the NHI heal or wound South Africans?

Lee Crisp

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi discussing the National Health Insurance plan

Rise of the Manhunters

the levels themselves are vibrant and colourful with lots going on in the background. Im always wary of movie tie-ins and The Green Lantern: The Rise of the Manhunters has done nothing to change that. However, I have played some pretty bad movie adaptations in my time and The Green Lantern is nowhere near the worst. Pic sourced

Mlondolozi Mbolo Michael Knotts research has shown anti-cancer activity on breast cancer cells

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The Green Lantern is available for Xbox 360

ublic healthcare in South Africa is not up to the standards required to meet the demands of the population at large. Conversely, the high costs of private healthcare are unaffordable to the majority of the population. The governments proposal of a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme has caused upheaval on various levels of the economy. The NHI is a healthcare funding system aimed at providing universal coverage for all South Africans without the financial hardships linked to accessing these services. The idea for an NHI was first discussed as far back as the 1980s by all the relevant progressive health bodies in the country at the time, yet it has taken over 30 years to implement for a number of reasons. The main reason is the widespread concerns as to the costs which the NHI will incur, and where funding will come from to cover these costs. The estimated cost of the 14-year implementation programme of the NHI, to be completed by 2025, stands at R256 billion. The 2010 World Health Report noted that a universal health programme such as the NHI requires expenditure of 5-6% of GDP. Therefore, by the time the NHI is fully implemented, expenditure on healthcare will stand at 6% of GDP double the amount which is currently spent. A number of experts are of the view that in comparison with other developing countries, this level of expenditure is far too high for the South African economy. As a result of this, many South Africans are fearful that it will lead to

an increase in taxes. However, Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan has said that the use of taxes to fund the NHI should be a last resort. Even in the Ministers statement, speculation as to how the NHI will be financed has not died down as the government is yet to fully clarify their position. It has been said that part of the funding will come from contributions made by all employed persons. Even with regards to this aspect, the starting income level for mandatory contributions has not been made known as yet.

The NHI has been seen as merely painting over huge cracks in the system rather than really fixing them
Over and above the direct economic consequences of the NHI, another concern is that the NHI is essentially the same failing healthcare system under a new name and guise. Therefore, the NHI has been seen as merely painting over huge cracks in the system rather thanreally fixing them. There is no doubt that the majority of the population would fully benefit from the existence of a scheme such as the NHI. However, whether the costs have been thoroughly measured against the benefits is not known. What is certain is that the nation will soon find out as the first stage implementation is planned for April 2012. One can only hope when it does, the NHI will balance the interests of the nation as a whole.

World bankers should be arrested

Neo Khanyile In a perfect world, when one commits a crime, they are hastily taken into custody and are locked up in a cell where they serve their time, be it 30 days or 30 years. Does it not then follow that world bankers who are committing crimes against humanity should be held accountable for their bad decisionmaking? The 2008 economic crisis, from which the entire world is still reeling, happened because mortgage lenders (banks) were happy to lend money to people who couldnt afford their mortgages. But they did it anyway because there was nothing to lose. These lenders were able to charge higher interest rates and make more money on sub-prime loans (loans to people who may have difficulty maintaining the repayment schedule). If the borrowers defaulted, they simply seized the house and put it back on the market. On top of that, they were able to pass the risk off to mortgage insurers or package these mortgages as mortgage-backed securities. Easy money! On a larger scale, world bankers lend money to governments that couldnt afford to repay it. In this way, the world bankers have purposefully set the stage so the nations who have borrowed money at what seemed to be initially good rates are now in dire straits because of the overt activities of the criminal bankers who keep changing the rules. The rules were stacked against the borrowers from the beginning and just as any loan shark would do, they waited until the world economy shifted into doom and gloom, to squeeze the countries into poverty. Ah, the beauty of legalised loan sharking isnt it wonderful? Iceland has the right idea. It is reported that police have begun rounding up a number of top bankers while other former executives and owners face a $2 billion (about R14 billion) lawsuit.

On a larger scale, world bankers borrowed money to governments that couldnt afford to repay it
Since Icelands three largest banks (Kaupthing, Landsbanki and Glitnir) collapsed in 2008, their former executives and owners have been living untroubled lives abroad. But the publication of a parliamentary inquiry into the island nations profound financial and economic crisis signalled a turning of the tide, laying much of the blame for the downfall on the former bank heads who had taken inappropriate loans from the banks they worked for. These bankers are basically guilty of crimes against humanity. Just because theyre in suits and not balaclavas does not mean they shouldnt be held to task for their role in engineering a world crisis.

Sports
Andre Ah Chow Denzil de Klerk While 9 September 2011 marks the unfortunate end of O-Term for some, for others it is the first day of a timely holiday. For those who love their rugby however, 9 September marks the start of the Rugby World Cup, when hosts New Zealand clash with their Pacific rivals Tonga in the opening match. This year the tournament will run over a period of 45 days, with the final scheduled to take place on 23 October 2011 in Auckland. Attempting to predict which two teams will be running onto the field on that day has certainly not been an easy task for many rugby analysts and experts. New Zealand, who are currently first on the IRB World Rankings, enter the competition as the outright favourite, also largely due to the much envied home ground advantage that they will have. While history tells us that New Zealand bears the chokers tag in World Cups, many of the other teams will be attempting to add further credibility to that label. Frances ability to knock New Zealand out of the competition in both the 1999 and 2007 World Cups has given them the dark horse reputation in World Cups. With the French being in the same group as New Zealand this year, antici-

IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE...

Green Eggs and Ham

Page 9

The fight for the Webb-Ellis trophy begins

pation is eager as to who will emerge as winners of group A. Defending champions South Africa see themselves in a rather tough group D. With two incredibly physical sides in Samoa and Fiji, as well as a spirited Welsh team, the Springboks will have their work cut out to avoid any embarrassing defeats in the group stage. With a squad with 18 players who contributed to the success of 2007, the Springboks will be looking to use experience to their advantage. Tri-Nations champions Australia are favourites to top the Group C table. Should this be the case, the battle for second place will be an interesting one, as Italy has been an ever improving outfit in recent years, and Irelands current bad form saw them fall to seventh in the latest IRB World Rankings. As for Australia winning the tournament, history has shown that no team that has won the Tri-Nations in the year of a World Cup has ever gone on to win that World Cup. They will be looking to put an end to that statistic. Group B has another triangular battle, where England, Argentina and Scotland are expected to battle it out for the top two spots. Beyond the group stage, all is there for the taking. At the end of the day, rugby is a sport played with an oval ball. Therefore the phrase, its all in the bounce of the ball will remain significant, as it always has in the history of the sport.

Shaun Gordon shows his powerful forehand in the Rhodes Rackleton tournament

A successful first serve for Rhodes Rackleton

with teams Multiple Scoregasms and Perverted Panthers finishing second and third respectively. The victorious team consisted of Roxanne Fietze, Jacques de Villiers, Carmen Foster and Matthew Nolden. All the competitors enjoyed the tournament though, with the majority stating that the day was great fun. According to Andre Ah Chow, chairperson of the table tennis club and co-organiser of the event, the main attraction of the event was that participants were able to experience some sports they may not be familiar with but are keen to try. Bjrn Krietsh, chairman of the badminton club said of the tournament, It gave all the clubs great exposure, as well as bringing together athletes from all

Andrew Tombs

n Sunday 21 August 2011 Rhodes University excitedly played host to its first ever Rackleton tournament. This tournament, sponsored by Red Bull, involved all four of the Rhodes racket clubs as the teams played each sport - badminton, tennis, squash and table tennis - in order to gain as many points as possible. Each team was made up of two men and two women, with a total of six teams taking part in the event. The number of who could participate was limited by the number of courts and tables available. Team BMW won the tournament,

the different disciplines. Everyone who participated had fun and we didn't get any complaints. We will most definitely be having it again next year. Although having started out as a relatively small event, the organisers are hoping that the Rackleton could become an annual affair. This years event took place on a Sunday morning to avoid clashes with other more major sporting events. This could have contributed to the smaller number, something which will be looked into for the 2012 edition. Thanks are extended to all four chairpersons of the Rhodes racket clubs, Roxanne Fietze, Taryn Purdon, Bjrn Krietsh and Andre Ah Chow, as well as club committee members for their efforts in the preparations for this event.

Dodge, dip, duck, dive... and dodge

These five Ds are the mantra of the dodgeballer
Andrew Tombs On Saturday 20 August Rhodes University hosted its second annual dodgeball event at Alec Mullins. This day was looked forward to with great excitement and was well attended, with a total of 20 teams taking part. The set-up was simple, comprising of three categories of teams: all male, all female and mixed. Each team consisted of 6 members who would sprint for the balls at the cry of dodgeball that started each round. A game consisted of three rounds and the tournament was held in round robin style, with teams from each category competing against each other to find the best of the crop. Jan Smuts house won the event for a successive year, with Thomas Pringle coming second and White House digs finishing third. The first prize included a full day at Madien van der Merwe Kariega Reserve, with game drives and lunch provided for the whole team. Simon Jenkins of Centenary House said that the event was pretty cool, yet the turnout was not as great as it was last year. This years dodgeball was a fundraiser event for the local Rhodes student project Galela Amanzi. The event was used to raise funds to purchase rainwater tanks for disadvantaged and water-scarce areas of Grahamstown. Jessica Greaves, the organiser of the event, said that they learned much from last years event which helped it run smoothly. She went on to say that it is getting better and better. The day wasnt just fun and games though, with contestants giving it their all in the competitive spirit of the day. Injuries aside, the annual dodgeball event is not to be missed and next years event promises to be even better.

PG Glass honours Rhodes sports personalities

Morgan Collins Any sporty person would agree that playing any sport, be it individually or in a team, requires a certain level of dedication. For the winners of Sportsman and Sportswoman Personality of the Year 2011, a bit more than the average level is required. 25 August marked the day of the PG Glass Sports Personality Awards - an evening dedicated to the people who make Rhodes sport what it is. Out of all the deserving candidates, the portraits that will hang at sports admin will be of Belinda Millar and Kevin Aitchison who are the new sports personalities of the year. This years Sports Personality of the Year Awards had one major change to previous years. The sports administration was able to obtain a sponsorship contract from PG Glass which will last for the next five years. In addition, the awards this year had two special guests Christine Coppinger from Underwater hockey and Mike-John Cannon from the Athletics club. Both spoke of their experiences of being a part of South African National teams. Millar and Aitchison form part of the Aquatics Club and Karate Club respectively. Having been identified as possessing the level of dedication, initiative and enthusiasm for sport at Rhodes, they now hold the responsibility of being official ambassadors of Rhodes sport ahead of the Sports Awards scheduled for October. Millar expressed her delight in receiving this prestigious award, saying that it was a great surprise. She added, Although it is a great privilege, the responsibilities that come with such a position are going to be challenging. I am excited to be more involved in sport at Rhodes through the opportunities that Sports Personality will give me. To add more pressure to these already dedicated individuals, the Sports Personalities of the ear will be expected to be present at sport admin functions as well as play a role in the sports awards and be involved in inter-varsity events such as the Vice Chancellors lunch. Sports Personality of the Year aims to highlight the individuals who dedicated themselves to Rhodes sport, according to Sport Administration sports officer, Melissa Awu. Other than dedication, the candidates must be outgoing, able to balance work and sport and be interested in furthering sports at Rhodes in general. The finalists for this years awards included: Justin Faure and Joy Ridgard (squash), Ziviwe Magaxala (soccer), Sivuyile Stix Mhlekwa (pool), Jonty Koekemoer (tennis), Matthew de Klerk (rowing), Kevin Aitchison (karate), Bjrn Krietsch (badminton), Jocelyn Coombs Hockey), George Purbrick (canoeing), Simon Naud and Nicole Messias (archery), Tim Ross and Jennifer Coppinger (athletics) and Daniel Baines and Belinda Millar (aquatics).

Jan Smuts powers their way to victory in this years Dodgeball Tournament