Restaurant review Living elokshini

Does the Yellow Piano hit the right notes? Oppies from the township
page 7 page 4

The Oppidan Press Edition 1, 21 February 2007

SRC gives Green the red light

By Claire Carr and Lionel Faull Oxford University. In a press release said she would be available

N
early a month after
Bryony Green stepped
down as SRC President,
there is still uncertainty
surrounding the circumstances of
her resignation. Green resigned on
27 February, after she and the SRC
were unable to come to a compro-
mise over the amount of time she
could spend away from Rhodes this
year.
Green claims she asked for one
weekend a month away from Rhodes
to visit her fiancé in Johannesburg. She
added: “I must also make it clear that I
was prepared to negotiate the exact dates
of my absence, in consultation with the
SRC as a whole.”
The SRC believes Green would
have been away during the week, for
the majority of vacations and during
exam time, thereby compromising her
ability to carry out her duties. The SRC
Constitution does not specify how much
time any of its members can spend away
from Rhodes.
The issue was further complicated by
the impending approach of Orientation
Week, which meant that the SRC needed
to make a swift decision. Green chose
to offer her resignation because it is
constitutionally impossible to fire an
SRC member without 5% of the student
body (approximately 350 students)
present. The resolution can only be
passed with a two-thirds majority. Green
has indicated that she was not willing
to compromise the SRC’s team ethic by
holding a position without the support
of the SRC.
The SRC accepted her resignation
after an hour of deliberation. Their
decision was consensual, although not
unanimous. Green excused herself
from the meeting to enable the SRC to
deliberate freely.
Green was mid-way through her
second term as SRC President. Her time
commitments changed in December
with the news that she had won a
scholarship to read for her Masters at
announcing her resignation, Green
said: “I value my relationship with my
future husband…my studies at Oxford,
commencing in October this year, and
his work commitments in Johannesburg
will force us to spend most of our time
apart for the next two years.”
Green maintains that her request for
time away was not unreasonable. In an
interview with The Oppidan Press, she
said: “I still believe I could handle all my
commitments. Weekends are not a crisis
time at Rhodes and during holidays the
SRC doesn’t need everyone.”
“It was a surprise,
especially after the
amount of time
I’ve put into the
SRC over the last 18
months.”
Green is studying for a Masters
degree this year, which means that she
does not need to attend lectures and
does not have exams to write. “The other
members of the SRC Exec each have
three or four majors on the go. I had
planned to stay in the SRC office while
they were in lectures,” she said. She also
stressed that even when she would have
been away in Johannesburg, she would
have had Internet access and could still
maintain her policy of responding to all
student queries within 48 hours.
She admitted that she had been
surprised at the SRC decision to accept
her resignation without agreeing on a
compromise. Green had offered to step
down as President and assume either the
Vice-President’s role or the vacant Media
and Public Relations portfolio. “It was a
surprise, especially after the amount of
time I’ve put into the SRC over the last
18 months.”
Green’s successor, Fatema Morbi, has
denied that Green had asked to be away
for only one weekend a month. “Bryony
for the Monday meeting
with the SRC but then leave
on Tuesday and return on
Sunday.” Morbi also said that
at the beginning of Bryony’s term
last year, she had set a certain standard
by saying “the SRC comes first”. The
consensus among SRC members was
that Bryony was putting her personal
relationship before the SRC and should
therefore resign.
The SRC decided not to allow Green
to assume a different position on the
Council. Media and Public Relations
Councillor, Ricardo Pillay, explained:
“A certain team dynamic needed to be
considered in terms of how the rest of
the SRC would view Bryony. The team
would have either still seen her as the
President or they would have lost respect
for her because of the statement she
made about priorities.”
Dean of Students, Vivian de Klerk,
said that Green’s resignation was
“regrettable and hasty”. She added that
“Bryony’s long and loyal service to the
SRC deserved a good send-off. It is a
shame that she can’t be congratulated
and thanked after handing over in the
normal way at the end of her term in
office.”
De Klerk extended her support to the
SRC, saying: “They acted responsibly
and it wasn’t an easily-taken decision.
They are responsible, intelligent people
and we need to trust their judgement.”
What this means for Oppies:
Oppidans consist of more than half of
Rhodes students but have lost what little
representation they had on the SRC.
There used to be two Oppidan repre-
sentatives (Bryony Green and Oppidan
Councillor Keith Kachambwa) in the SRC,
but now there is only one.
Currently, nine of the fifteen seats on
the SRC are held by the Dining Hall repre-
sentatives and are not open to Oppies.
As President, Green wanted to amend
the SRC Constitution to include more Op-
pidan representatives.
Illustration: Alex Dubb

August 2006
Bryony Green campaigns
for a second-term in
office as SRC President.
September 2006
Evan Ford wins election,
chooses Treasurer
position. Bryony Green
is runner-up, chooses
President.
December 2006
Bryony Green wins a
scholarship to study an
MA at Oxford University,
starting October 2007.
26 January 2007
Bryony Green requests
time off from her duties
to visit her fiancé in
Johannesburg.
27 January 2007
Bryony Green offers to
resign. The whole SRC
meets and decides to accept
her offer. Fatema Morbi
becomes President.
28 January 2007 3 February 2007
Bryony Green announces O-Week begins with a
her resignation to the reshuffled SRC.
student body.

WORK HARD, PLAY

HARD AND MAKE THE WELCOME BACK!
MOST OF ALL THAT
RHODES HAS TO OFFER IT’S GREAT TO HAVE THE STUDENTS BACK!
53 Bathurst St Grahamstown. Tel 046- 6222950/6228700. Tim: 082 800 9276 Kevin 082 772 0400
 Editorial
THE OPPIDAN PRESS

Economic Indicators: page 9

2 We explain the markets

Editorial
Bryonygate
The dust has not settled on Bryonygate.
Yes, Bryony Green has resigned as SRC
President and the SRC have almost
finished playing musical chairs now,
but there are still questions that need
answering.
Bryony says she requested four days
away from Rhodes every month during
term-time. This would be over week-
ends. The SRC claims that Bryony was
demanding more time away, as much as
one whole week away each month. It ap-
pears that both parties are confused as to
the other’s intentions. The decision-mak-
ing process that led to Bryony’s resigna-

Illustration: Alex Dubb

tion was hasty and this probably caused
the mix-up. This is no inconsequential
misunderstanding. The SRC runs the
risk of becoming totally irrelevant if it
runs its affairs in this manner. Blunders
do not inspire confidence. At a universi-
ty where most students and staff couldn’t

Municipal water shortages leave

care less about student government, the
SRC needs to sharpen up its act.
Bryony has been one of the most
effective and popular SRC presidents
for years. She ran for president twice

Rhodes high and dry

precisely in order to create a platform of
consistency and reliability from which
the entire SRC could work. Now, half
way through her second term, all the
hard won consistency and reliability has
been blown sky high because her team
was not willing to compromise. The SRC
Executive had better work really hard
this year to prove to us that the decision
which they spearheaded was “in the best
interests of Rhodes’ student body”.
All the players in this affair have
claimed that Bryony’s resignation was in
our best interests. I resent being told that
something is in my best interests when
every ounce of my instinct cries out the
contrary. A hard-working and talented
individual has been allowed to slip
through our collective fingers.
To their credit, Fatema and her team
pulled off a successful O-Week. Perhaps
By Claire Carr and Lionel Faull
In the aftermath of water shortages
during O-Week, Rhodes has claimed that
the university’s national reputation is
suffering at the hands of the Makana
Municipality’s failure to provide basic
services.
“The water cuts have become regular
and intolerable. At the crucial moment
when we start an academic year, new
students and their parents were left with
a bad impression. The water is there.
What we have is a legacy of failure on the
part of the municipality to continually
was very annoying to come back to
Grahamstown and have these problems
because I thought that they were sorted
out at the end of last year. I wish this
municipality would start
looking after its residents.”
Rhodes University Estates Director,
Les Reynolds, explained that the O-
Week water cuts were due to a pump
failure at the James Kleinhans Dam
near the Great Fish River. Without the
pumps, the water has to gravitate into
the city’s pipes, at much less pressure.
This causes high-lying areas such as
Extensions 4, 5 and 6, the Gavin O’Reilly
Postgraduate Village, Kimberley Hall
Gordon Barker, or with one of the
Oppidan sub-wardens.
“The Fish River [one source of
Grahamstown’s water supply] is worth at
least 100 years of water. The water issues
are not because of an overpopulated
town or drought. It is because the
pumps are being mismanaged by the
municipality,” said Reynolds.
Howard Dredge, Makana
Municipality Finance Manager and
“The water cuts
have become
Acting Municipal Manager at the time of
the water cuts, said he does not believe
there is an ongoing water crisis: “I have
been working for the municipality since
1984 and this is the first time that water
incidents have piggy-backed.”
Dredge admitted that the
municipality’s water supply
infrastructure was ageing, but added
that the municipality was trying to
restore confidence among rate-payers.
Consultants have been assessing how
best to maintain existing equipment.
However, Dredge said that a long-
term plan is needed to acquire new
pumps. The annual municipal water

regular and
all is not lost. upgrade their equipment,” said Dean of and some Grahamstown suburbs to lose budget is R9.43 million. Ratepayers
Students, Professor Vivian de Klerk. water. Reynolds advised Oppidans who pay half of this figure (R4.6 million

Lionel Faull
Ryan Young, a BSc Honours student
living in Leicester Street, said: “It
experience water problems in future
to consult with the Oppidan Warden, intolerable.” annually). A new pump costs R2 million,
excluding installation costs.
editor.oppipress@gmail.com
.

•CARDS BIRITE
t
es

•GIFTS
b
it
ys

BUYERS AND SELLERS OF

Sa

•GIFT WRITING NEW & SECOND HAND FURNITURE

•PARTY ACCESSORIES
Cardies 99B High Street 27 Bathurst Street, Grahamstown
Tel: (046) 622 4907 Tel/Fax: 046 622 2983
Cell: 072 144 3506

The Oppidan Press Editor-in-chief: Lionel Faull

Deputy Editor: Ines Schumacher
Opinion Editor: Lara Faris
Political Editor: Boitumelo Mpete
Sports Editor: Saint-Francis Tohlang
Acting Science & Tech Editor: Lara Faris
Acting Assistant Chief Designer: Vanessa Berger
Chief Sub-Editor: Jade Fernley

STAFF
Managing Editor: Mike Winn
Advertising Manager: Tasmin Vosloo
Marketing Manager: Julia Housdon
News Editor: Claire Carr
Arts Editor: Sarah Laird Acting Features Editor: Ines Schumacher Chief Sub-Editor: Simon Allison
Acting Entertainment Editor: Sarah Laird Pictures Editor: Gaynor Barnard Acting Web Manager: Ines Schumacher
Art Director: Alex Dubb Assistant Pictures Editor: Leon Schnell Distribution subsidised by the 2007 Oppidan
Business Editor: Shingirirai Chaza Acting Chief Designer: Jacky Smith Committee

Mutual bribery and corruption
By Lara Faris
Bribery and corruption are not
just for our celebrity politicians.
Even in little Grahamstown where
Settlers Monument keeps an eye
on the township, and Rhodes
students drink themselves blissfully
into a stupor, there is bribery and
corruption. Unlike our new-money
aristocratic politicians, bribery in
this town does not involve Shaiks
and arms deals. It deals with
something more personal: insistent
guilt, gnawing at your heart, right
down to your ventricles.
The extent of your guilt depends on
the type of person you are. Generally,
if you feel like you’re being taken on a
guilt trip, you probably are. Personally
I think that Grahamstown’s beggars
bribe our souls. A ‘thank you’ in return
for R5 gives us peace of mind. We have
given to our less fortunate community.
A community that is usually seen to
Why I’m quite pleased they’ve stopped
shooting people with glasses
By Simon Allison
I was sitting in the bar of the
Foreign Correspondent’s Club in
Phnom Penh. It was sunset. The
barman, in colonial era black slacks
and a loose white shirt, brought me
an ice cold Angkor. I sipped it while
I watched the boats on the Ton Le
Sap river; some going slowly against
the gentle flow, while others let the
current push them along until, a few
hundred metres later, the Ton Le Sap
joins the Mekong – the river made
famous by Apocalypse Now.
I’d had a long day, consisting mainly
of sightseeing and saying no to crystal
meth dealers (there are a lot of them in
Cambodia, so this can be really energy-
sapping), and the beer went to my head
quicker than usual. But I was still think-
ing clearly, and what I thought was this:
Cambodia is a lot like South Africa.
Clearly, on the surface level, this is
not true. South Africa has one of the best
highway networks in the world; Cambo-
dia’s national highways are mainly dirt.
South Africa has big, modern cities, and
D &A
Timbers (Pty) Ltd.
Opinion
have a parasitic effect over the privileged
community actually becomes symbiotic
– we feed off each other. We all gain in
this mutual bond. Beggars gain untaxed
financial benefits and the giver gains the
relief of knowing that ‘today I have done
a good deed’. I will admit that sometimes
the intensity of the guilt can gnaw at my
nerves, and a needy stare can melt my
heart.
Bribery and corruption come hand
in hand. You see, corruption is described
as accepting bribes. Without bribery
there can be no corruption. Since we
are able to be bribed with psychological
satisfaction, we are actually corrupting
our own social system. Corruption has
a negative connation but perhaps this
connotation is not appropriate in this
case. Some say that giving money to a
beggar keeps them on the streets, but
I believe that beggars remind us of our
humanity. We walk around believing
that we are bigger than ourselves. I am
guilty of this too. By giving something
of our own to another we deflate our
view of ourselves and we become more
modest and we find humility. We are
brought back to reality again. Remember
Allison Wonderland
skyscrapers, and a relatively free media;
Cambodia’s tallest building is three
stories high and the last printing press
rusted away three years ago. Also, I’ve
only ever been offered crystal meth in
South Africa once (I said no).
Scratch the surface, however, and the
similarities reveal themselves immedi-
ately. Both are very new democracies,
following years of brutal and authoritar-
ian regimes. Apartheid I don’t have to
explain to anyone here, and in Cambo-
dia the Khmer Rouge killed hundreds
of thousands of Cambodians in the
1980s, deliberately purging the country
of intellectuals and skilled workers. The
genocide was so senseless that anyone
who wore glasses was marked for execu-
tion. Interestingly, whereas Apartheid
was clearly racist, the genocide in Cam-
bodia was one of the few in history not
motivated by racial or ethnic tensions.
It was not one group killing another – it
was one group killing itself.
This creates problems, obviously, for
the new post-genocide Cambodia. The
most pressing issue is that there are no
clever people left. It’s hard to run a coun-
try without any doctors, lawyers or civil
servants. Training up new people is also
hard – university lecturers were among
For all your building requirements
THE OPPIDAN PRESS
that the majority of our population is
made up of the township locals. Bribery
and corruption becomes necessary.
Corruption becomes positive. We
corrupt our society by making beggars
aware that someone does care. We
corrupt our society by making passers-
by aware that someone values the worth
of R5.
Pic: Leon Schnell
the first to get the chop.
South Africa too is struggling to over-
come its past. Apartheid may be over in
name, but socially little has changed. In
Grahamstown this difference is stark.
The city itself, where the white people
live, is beautiful. The township is vast
and dirty, without electricity and often
without water. At night it is lit up with
“I’d had a long
day, consisting
mainly of
sightseeing
and saying no
to crystal meth
dealers.”
Attention: OPPIDANS!
Come to D&A Timbers if you’re looking for a range of reasonably priced hardware for your digs.
“Beggars
remind us of
our humanity.”
During the National Arts Festival last
year I was very amused when one street
child had the ingenious idea of painting
his face white and miming in return
for a small entertainment contribution.
Naturally all the other street children
followed suit. A loop hole in the palm-
up business. In this case I don’t feel
guilty; I feel a smile creeping up my
cheeks. I again remember my humanity,
a pleasant corruption of my soul. The
big B and C links our community,
reminding one another of each other’s
needs. We should leave the big bucks
politicians of our rainbow nation to
paint their faces, mime and cash in. Here
in Grahamstown a guilt trip can lead
to a positive type of corruption, where
money has its worth and we all benefit in
our little circle of life.
floodlights which makes it look a bit
like a concentration camp. This social
apartheid is so entrenched that people
in the townships don’t even make it onto
the official population census for Graha-
mstown – they’re not part of Graham-
stown, apparently, despite the fact they
do most of the hard work which keeps
this place functioning.
As I was thinking, the sun set and
I couldn’t see the Mekong anymore.
My beer was finished, and all this deep
thought was depressing me a little bit.
I ordered another one, and I watched
the mayhem of cars, pedestrians and
motorcycles on the street below. I saw
a man wearing rimless glasses walk by,
and I thought: Cambodia might not have
come very far, but that man’s not dead,
and that’s a very good thing. Simi-
larly, South Africa may not have come
very far, but we can all sit on the same
benches, go to the same university, and
marry people of any colour (or gender).
These are all very good things.
As an eternal cynic, all this positive
thought came as somewhat of a surprise
to me. Must be the beer, I thought. Then
I thought: I’d quite like to go dancing.
That told me it was definitely time to stop
drinking and, especially, to stop thinking.
Bathurst Street
Tel: 046 622 7301
Fax: 046 622 8739
Cell: 082 824 6892
E-mail: jonathan@datimbers.co.za
The Oppidan Comm ent
Chairman Sam’s
one-year plan
Pic: Leon Schnell
By Samuel Simango
I am the Senior Student of the Oppi-
dan Union as well as the Chairman of
the Oppidan Committee. For those of
you that still do not know what the
word ‘Oppidan’ means, it’s simple:
an Oppidan is any student that lives
off-campus.
For those who may not know, I was
the Marketing and Public Relations rep
on the Oppidan Committee in 2006.
Without attempting to gloat, or possibly
offend any of the committees that came
before us, I would like to point out that
last year’s committee really revolution-
ised the relationship between Oppidans
and the University, especially with
respect to the services that Oppidans
receive. Last year’s committee went
through a trial and error period, from
which we will continue the journey
forward. To borrow the words of Neil
Armstrong, this can best be described
as one small step for the committee, but
one giant leap for all Oppidans.
My personal goal is to make this
year’s committee one of the best that
Rhodes University has ever seen. This
might sound a bit ambitious since there
is still so much to be done. However,
believe it or not, a great deal of it can be
done this year. I am not going to promise
Oppies the world, but I will say this
much – we came to get the job done. I
promise you nothing more and nothing
less.
Many people often ask me to explain
exactly what it is that the Oppi Comm
does. This can be simply summarised
in one sentence: we make life easier for
off-campus students. I will not spoil the
surprises that lie in store, nor will I bore
you by going into details about the plans
for this year. I wish I could take all the
credit but fortunately I have the privilege
of working with a great team that sup-
ports me in helping you. Together we
will work to make 2007 the year of the
10th hall!
We are looking for contributions to the Opinion
section from our readers. Send in your 300-400
word contribution to the Opinion Editor, Lara
Faris.
E-mail: opinion.oppipress@gmail.com
 Features
THE OPPIDAN PRESS

The Other Grahamstown

By Mbali Mabaso
There is life beyond the confines of
Rhodes and New Street. There is life
beyond the borders of Grahamstown
itself. All around, in the hills of
eRhini, there is a life that is largely
unknown and ignored by Rhodes
students. The environment is robust,
but it is also community-centred;
residents have a sense of belong-
ing. Here, at least, in the townships
around Grahamstown, the concept
of ubuntu is practised.
Yet this phrase cannot be used to
describe the relationship between
Grahamstown and its townships. The
socio-economic divide is only widening.
Rhodes University is set against the
backdrop of lush greenery and yet a five-
minute taxi ride later you find yourself
in almost a different world. There
are a multitude of shebeens (regular
haunts for some students), poor roads
by the socio-economic divide?
Buntu Plaatjie, a Grahamstown
native, is a first year BA student who
lives in the neighbourhood of Hlalani.
We meet at the main library where he
spends most of his day (when not in
lectures). Plaatjie and I begin to discuss
the issues he has been faced with
living as a student in the township. The
problem of transport is one thing that
immediately springs to his mind. Softly
spoken yet sharp, he begins to explain
that the reason he has to stay on campus
all day is because he lives too far away.
Unlike some students, he doesn’t have
the luxury of quickly going home to have
lunch.
Plaatjie fervently explains that unlike
students living closer to campus, he
feels disadvantaged because he can’t
run home quickly to fetch an important
textbook he’s forgotten. Instead, he has
to carry all of his books with him to
campus. Safe lockers on campus would
make his life easier. Plaatjie comes up
with another suggestion that has been
at the forefront of many discussions
Farayi Chikuni, an Oppidan sub-
warden, although not too familiar with
the township, responds to issues facing
students residing elokshini. He highlights
that there are some challenges that these
students will face this year, for example,
adapting to what he calls a “high risk”
environment in terms of security.
Chikuni notes that the Oppidan sub-
wardens’ allotted jurisdiction also covers
the township. “They are catered for,” he
says, but does not elaborate on how Oppi
sub-wardens will combat crime in the
township – which seems a daunting task
to say the least. Chikuni adds that one
of the sub-wardens, Xoliswa Dzakwa, is
a former resident of the township and
is quite familiar with the issues. At this
stage the Oppidan sub-wardens are still
at an experimental stage. Whether or not
they will successfully cater for Oppidan
issues is yet to be seen, especially for
Oppidans beyond the borders of town.
Mohlaki Nkogatse, a third year
student, adds a fresh dimension to the
plight of those living elokshini. “Unlike
those living in town if I need study
end in the evening and she has to worry
about how she is going to get home.
Again, transport seems to be the
main issue. Transport home after a
test in the evening can be a problem,
as is making it to dawnies. Some may
think that the Oppidan township
transport crisis could be solved by using
RhodeTrip. A viable option, but only if
you can afford it. Most of the students
affected cannot afford the service. “The
money is added onto your account,
you land up not being able to pay and
then you can’t come back to Rhodes the
following year,” says Nkogatse.
But there is a spark of determination
that shines through.
Nkogatse sees the fact that she lives
in the township as a motivation rather
than a hindrance. In fact, she goes on
to say that she is happy being around
the people living in the township: “It
motivates me to want to do better in
life.” She refuses to allow herself to be
consumed by the socio-economic ills
that surround her.
It takes great courage to be a student

Pic: Gaynor Barnard

and housing, and a high crime rate.
You may be excused for thinking that
anyone living in these parts of town is
immediately at a disadvantage, mostly
in terms of access to resources. But what
happens if you are a Rhodes University
student living in the township? Is it
possible to overcome the barriers posed
relating to Oppidan township issues: the
Oppi bus should run at more intervals,
not just at 20:30 and at 22:30. It is the
end of my discussion with Plaatjie and
he tells me that he has to go home now.
A part of me feels sorry for him because
I can only imagine how far and tiring it
must be to walk from campus to Hlalani.
material from the library at night while
studying, I can’t go because it is simply
too far,” she says. She raises other issues
like the fact that those living in res have
better opportunities for socialising
during Cheese and Wine functions,
whereas she has to think twice about
attending one. After all, these functions
living in elokishi and studying at Rhodes.
The obstacles created by the socio-
economic divide are real, and (unlike
transport) plentiful. However, these
students serve as a reminder to us all
that Rhodes campus, High Street and Looking down towards town, the road from
New Street are not the be all and end all
Joza seems to strech on forever.
of Grahamstown.

Keeping the home

fires burning
Victoria John captures the stories of two domestic workers through
pictures and words
Monica Ngeba
Monica is embarrassed by the size of
her home in Joza. She places rocks for
me to stand on to get through the mud
at her front gate. She also worries about
the loud kwaito music coming from
next door. She is self-conscious about
these things because she compares the
high standard of living I have to hers.
Monica is employed as a domestic
worker by students. She cleans up all
their mess – lots of beer bottles and
food stains. Twice a week the students
provide a hearty lunch for her as well
as a R60 wage. They do not know how
significant her curtsy is when she
receives her wage. It
is a gesture of thanks
and respect.
Monica lives in
a one room house
where she and her
husband are planning
to renovate the
room into a three
room “mansion”.
Her husband works
on a farm outside
Grahamstown where
his work forces him
to stay for 4 nights
of the week. On
Pumla Hlekani
Pumla has worked for the Weyer family
for seven years and is now part of the
family. She looks after the young daugh-
ters in the family every afternoon, from
the time they get home from school un-
til their parents come home from work.
This includes preparing meals for the
girls, playing with them, helping them
with their homework (even though she
is unqualified) and bathing them.
Pumla’s influence over these girls’
lives is vast. She is a teacher, guardian
and a companion to them. “I love these
girls as if they are my own. They even
come to my home sometimes,” Pumla
says. This love is
reciprocated by the
girls who regard
her as their second
mother. Pumla
lives in Joza with
her two children,
one grandchild and
husband. Last year,
at the age of 14,
Pumla’s daugh-
ter Thandi fell
pregnant. Despite
Pumla’s encourage-
ment to have an
abortion Thandi
Pics: Victoria John

these nights, Monica decided to have the

worries about the baby. Pumla was
safety of her two deeply distressed
children. by this decision.

Pic: Gaynor Barnard
Dr Hoeane (BA (Lesotho), MA(Wits)) is
a professor in the Department of Politics
and International Studies. His research
interests include: African and South Af-
rican Politics, Democratisation, Ethnicity
and Identity Politics, Politics of Emerging
Democracies.
Bloody Diamonds
By Boitumelo Mpete
Conflict diamonds or blood
diamonds are said to be a crucial
factor in prolonging brutal wars
in parts of Africa. The movie Blood
Diamond, starring Leonardo
DiCaprio and Ghanaian born actor
Djimon Hounsou, is based on the civil
war in Sierra Leone in the 1990s and
depicts the effects of the diamond
trade in Africa. DiCaprio, who
plays a South African mercenary,
and Hounsou, who plays a Mende
fisherman, cross paths in their
common quest to recover a rare pink
diamond.
Hounsou’s character is pressed into
labour at a diamond field after soldiers
from the rebel Revolutionary United
Front attack his village, abduct his son
and force the rest of his family into exile.
He finds the stone that the film is based
on while sifting through silt at gunpoint
and risks his life to bury the stone in
surrounding brush.
While the movie credits roll, civil
wars in Africa continue to be funded
by conflict diamonds which are sold
for arms. The United Nations Security
Council defines conflict diamonds as
“diamonds that originate from areas
controlled by forces or factions opposed
to legitimate and internationally
recognised governments, and are used
to fund military action in opposition to
those governments or in contravention
of the decisions of the Security Council”.
The Security Council says that in order
for a consumer to know what type of
diamonds they are buying, they should
only buy diamonds accompanied by a
‘Certificate of Origin’ – this certificate
will prove that the diamonds are
legitimate.
The issue of conflict diamonds
prevails because government controls in
the United States and in other countries
are not strong enough or enforced
effectively enough to stop rebel groups
from exploiting diamonds to fuel
conflict.
Progress was made in 2003, when a
joint initiative between governments,
the international diamond industry and
civil society, known as the Kimberley
Yet another white man
By Dr Thabisi Hoeane
As the 2008 American presidential
race kicks off, the spotlight is on two
hopefuls who will make history if they
are elected: senators Hillary Clinton and
Barrack Obama.
These candidates, as well as other
presidential hopefuls that seek to replace
George W. Bush are sprucing up their
electoral machines. Significantly – as is
usual and customary – most are from
the Republican and Democratic parties.
The recent focus has mostly been
on the Democrats and for very good
reasons, not least because they seriously
yearn for power after having lost the
past two elections. Of course, Clinton
is a former first lady and Obama,
although relatively unknown, is clearly
Process, was introduced to stem the flow
of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley
Process Certification Scheme ensures
that participants certify that rough
diamonds that are in the market are not
from conflict zones. However, despite
the fact that the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme was launched in
2003, conflict diamonds from the Ivory
Coast are finding their way through
Ghana into the legitimate diamond
market.
The brutal civil war in Sierra Leone
has shown the devastating effects of
conflict funded by the illicit diamond
trade. Between 1991 and 2002 over
50,000 people were killed, while over
two million were displaced within the
country or made refugees. Thousands
were mutilated, raped and tortured.
“The
underground
trade of conflict
diamonds is
booming.”
Today, the country is still recovering
from the consequences of the conflict.
In 2002 Sierra Leone saw the end of
their decade-long civil war, but their
emancipation came at a great cost.
Meanwhile, the underground trade
of conflict diamonds continues to boom.
According to a report by the Partnership
Africa Canada, they comprise between
four and 15 percent of the global
diamond trade, and generate annual
trade revenues of US $7.5 billion.
While Hollywood is making movies,
rappers like Kanye West, Jay-Z and Talib
Kweli are depicting the evils of the rough
diamond industry in their lyrics. In the
words of rapper Talib Kweli:
People ask me how we wearing diamonds/
When there’s little kids in Sierra Leone/
Losing arms for crying while they mining/
Probably an orphan who’s momma died
of AIDS/ He built a coffin working often
but he never paid/ Forever slaving in the
world that’s forever cold/ Becoming the
man of the house at 11 years old.
Politics
THE OPPIDAN PRESS
the rising star in the Democratic Party
and arguably of contemporary American
politics in general. But just what are their
chances of success?
Clinton will not only be the first
former first lady, but also the first
woman to be president, while Obama
will be the first African-American. This
is not to imply that this is their primary
motivation for running. Regrettably, the
hype around these candidates is nothing
new. Geraldine Ferraro, a woman, once
had such ambitions. Jesse Jackson, an
African-American man, also tried his
luck, and both dismally failed.
Although my sentiments are with
these candidates – for I just can’t
stand the Republicans – I am merely
acknowledging that, barring a miracle,
Clinton and Obama are going to fail.
Sierra Leone
Liberia
Angola
Conflict Diamond States
Sierra Leone: On 5 July 2000 the Secu-
rity Council imposed a ban on the direct
or indirect import of rough diamonds
from Sierra Leone and on diamonds that
are not controlled by the Government
of Sierra Leone.
Liberia: Following the ban on direct
or indirect import of rough diamonds in
Sierra Leone, the Security Council said
that if the Government of Liberia does
not meet the demands specified, all states
would be mandated to take the necessary
measures to prevent the direct or indirect
import of all rough diamonds from Libe-
ria. These will be imposed whether or not
such diamonds originated in Liberia, and
a selective travel ban will be enforced.
Angola: On 15 September 1993 the
United Nations (UN) imposed stricter
controls on the Angolan trade of illegal
diamonds, and imposed an arms embargo
along with petroleum sanctions against
the National Union for the Total Indepen-
dence of Angola.
Source: United Nations Department of
Public Information
Sadly, miracles are rare in politics.
But why this gloomy prediction? The
plain truth is that America is just not
ready for a woman president, even less so
a president from a minority group.
We must just live up to the fact
that many societies around the world,
including America, are still steeped deep
in racial and gender prejudices.
Come 2008 we are still going to
have a white, male president in the
White House – whether Republican
or Democrat – and we have to brace
ourselves for that eventuality.
Why am I so pessimistic, despite my
declared admiration for these candidates,
you may ask? I am actually not, but
simply pointing out the patent truth.
Despite our properly expressed hopes,
the world simply remains unchanged.
Bridging the
language
divide
By Mvuzo Ponono and Boitumelo Mpete
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-
Ngcuka made an appeal at the official
opening of the University of South Afri-
ca’s academic year that students should
be able to study in African languages.
Mlambo-Ngcuka indicated the dan-
ger of South Africa becoming an African
country where its citizens cannot speak,
read or write African languages. “Can
you imagine a French person who can-
not speak or write French, or an English
person who cannot speak or read Eng-
lish? Why then should we have a Tswana
child who cannot speak, read or write
Tswana?”
The Deputy President acknowledged
the need for maths and science teachers
but said the need for language lecturers
is increasing.
Rhodes University is taking the
Deputy President’s sentiments to heart.
Professor Russell Kaschula, head of the
School of Languages at Rhodes, said that
the current course structure is designed
for second and foreign language speak-
ers but that in special cases first language
speakers could also join the course.
Although first language speakers
may feel left out, Kaschula and Bulelwa
Nosilela, who is the Xhosa subject head,
said that the University has accepted a
proposal to offer Xhosa 1 next year to
first language speakers that have taken
the subject up to matric. “This has been
long overdue for Rhodes, especially
being situated at the heart of the Eastern
Cape which is predominantly Xhosa
speaking,” Kaschula said.
Phil Kovacik is a third year American
exchange student who is taking Xhosa 1
as a subject. The reason he chose to do
Xhosa was “out of respect for African
cultures. I want to be able to speak to
people in their own language”. German
exchange student Sarina Szycukowiel,
said that doing Xhosa is an opportunity
to learn the culture of the land.
Next year the School of Languages
has elaborate plans of attracting prospec-
tive township students who excel in
language studies. They will be offered
bursaries in the course up to third year
and possibly up until postgraduate level.
 “
THE OPPIDAN PRESS

Arts
An artist cannot fail, it is

”
6 a success to be one.
- Charles Horton Cooley

A fresh fusion of dance found in Joza

By Hayley Mueller

It is pouring down with rain in Joza.
The sound within the tiny room is
deafening as it pelts down on the
tin roof, yet the air crackles with a
sense of enthusiasm and creativity.
This is the scene in Dumisa Mpupha’s
house.
About fifteen children have gathered
here, despite the rain, for Mpupha’s
specialised dance class. As the founder
and director of the Majik Theatre
Africa Company, Mpupha has enjoyed
the numbers grow each week. Bridget physical theatre, thus giving a dramatic
makes as many trips as need be in her background to their dance skills.
car to fetch them all from their houses, There is definitely a strong spirit
as sponsorship is a problem and the chil- within these children. They attempt
dren do not have enough money for the complex ballet moves and although they
taxi fare. Bridget believes, however, that fall down many times before succeed-
if their talent is nursed they could go far ing, they persist until they perfect their
as they have huge potential. task. Mpupha is not easy on them either
Mpupha describes the children – he stretches them to their full limit,
in his house as the ones who “see the not allowing anyone to slack off. This
bigger picture” as they are not afraid is all despite the fact that they lack the
of a challenge. These are the type of proper equipment. They perform ‘spider’
dancers he recruits for the Majik Theatre exercises on whatever walls they can find

Pic: Leon Schnell

international fame and success and is
now helping to develop this talent in the
children of Joza.
He does this with the help of Rhodes
student Bridget O’Keeffe, and together
they are merging traditional and con-
temporary dance, forming an original
style. O’Keeffe is a second year student
at Rhodes who trained as a ballet dancer
and teacher and could not bear to give
it up when she came to university. She
wanted to somehow merge helping the
community with her skills and through
this pursuit she met Mpupha. Together
they host workshops held once a week,
usually teaching about 30 children but
Africa Company – an ideal vehicle for
their success. Mpupha and O’Keeffe
are currently trying their best to attract
sponsors so that organised practices can
be held. These can accommodate larger
classes and ultimately culminate in per-
formances for paying audiences.
The children themselves are ex-
tremely talented. They have learnt to
effortlessly fuse traditional dance with
the ballet and tap dancing that O’Keeffe
teaches them. During the show that
we were treated to in Mpupha’s house,
the ease with which they switch from
high-energy dancing to the beat of a
large drum to graceful ballet is remark-
able. The average age of these children is
These young children are given new confidence through the art of dancing.
about twelve years old, yet they have the
speed and precision of trained dancers.
Mpupha describes the program as a way
of positively influencing the children
and steering them in the right direction,
away from other potentially harmful
influences in Joza.
O’Keeffe and Mpupha teach a wide
range of dance. Mpupha focuses not only
on South African traditions but explores
influences from the rest of the continent
as well. This is combined with O’Keeffe’s
modern style, which gives the children
more of a concrete background with
which to work. Many of these children
long to be professional dancers and so
persevere through rigorous and often
foreign conventions. One young girl said
that they were all “so proud” of them-
selves, to applause from the other chil-
dren. As well as the dance, Mpupha is
attempting to introduce the children to
and use each other as balancing beams
for pliés.
Ultimately the product is a mod-
ern twist on traditional dance with
each child’s unique influence creeping
through. They have performed for the
Fringe Theatre at the Grahamstown
Festival but both Mpupha and O’Keeffe
want more for the children. Future plans
include finding sponsorship for transport
so that practices can be better attended
and holding a large show for a Rhodes-
based audience to showcase their talent.
The visit to Mpupha’s house ends with
the children graciously thanking us for
watching them, but we resolve that it
should be the other way around.

Artist of the week

By Sarah Laird
Jordan Tryon recently received his Masters in Fine Arts at Rhodes University and he has already secured his first
solo exhibition. Entitled ‘Atonement’, his exhibition is being held at the prestigious João Ferreira Art Gallery in
Cape Town, from 7 February to 3 March.
Interestingly, Tryon has opted to focus on the medium of flour in his ‘Atonement’ works, as he says that within
Pic: Supplied

the Tabernacle practices, flour “acted as a symbol of purity and sincerity”.

The piece featured on our left is entitled The Bread of Presence, and is made from flour and epoxy resin.
Tryon is our artist of the week as he makes huge leaps both within his career and the art world at large.

The Oppidan Press Book Club

Come and join Rhodes’ first official book club! Bring your book of choice
EVOLUTION
....
.... ....
....
INNOVATION IN HEALTHY EATING
and meet students who, like you, may not do English but are eager to read
some good books. Look forward to themed evenings, votes for the best
book, a social and casual weekly get-together where characters, plots and Coffee Shop and Bistro
themes can be debated at length. Food prepared from fresh ingredients
Generous range of coffees, teas and health shakes
Our first gathering will be held at The Greens, Whilst we carry a modest wine stock, you are
Flat A1 on Sunday 25 February at 18:00 welcome to bring your own (small corkage fee)
– just an introductory meeting with drinks and Access for disabled (in process of being improved)
snacks provided. Popular function venue
Bookings accepted Shop 5
Please SMS Sarah on 083-607-3747 or Peppergrove Mall
Bridget on 082-674-5069 if African Street
you are interested in joining Mon-Sat: 08h30-21h00 Tel: 046 636 2433
us. Sun: 09h30-15h00 Email: gsapelt@yebo.co.za

EVENTS DIARY
Wednesday, 21 February Friday, 23 February Saturday, 24 February Friday, 30 March - Sun, 1 April March to June

Vladimir Milosevic, a Serbian
pianist, will be performing at
the Guy Butler Auditorium at
Settlers Monument, at 19:30.
Tickets will be sold at the
door.
The performance of Queen, at the
Guy Butler Theatre, Settlers Monu-
ment, at 19:30. Tickets accost R60
per person. Contact the Johan
Carinus Art Centre 046-622-4543.
Lower Albany Historical Society
are holding their monthly get-
together on the Bloukrans Bridge
(on the way into Grahamstown),
at 13:30. Contact Margaret Snod-
grass 046-648-3022.
Bathurst will be holding the
99th Omnia Bathurst Show,
which promises to be an awe-
some event (ideal for Oppies
who are looking to get out of
town for a day). Check it out at
www.bathurstshow.co.za.
ISEA Creative Writing Course,
consisting of 16 sessions, on
Thursdays 19:00-21:00. Cost is
R750. Contact Carol Leff 046-
603-8565.
 Entertainment
THE OPPIDAN PRESS

The Yellow Piano in perfect tune Cheesy tuna melt

A great quick snack for hungry
students in a hurry. Crisp muffins,
By Catherine McDonald was Woolworth’s Text). A bottle of Graça Ciders and beer are reasonably priced, when confusion or indecision struck,
costs only R36.00. For those of us who as is the rest of the menu, with Savannas and the waiters were very friendly and creamy tuna salad and bubbly
(like myself) have quite a limited budget going for R10.00. willing to describe the dishes and what melted cheese on top.
Arriving quite early on a Thursday and prefer to bring our own, they ask a The variety of food available on and they consisted of (yet again). Makes: 8 tuna melts
evening, supper at the Yellow Piano corkage fee of only off the menu is just as striking as the Apart from the main courses avail-
exceeded expectations. R10.00. piano perched in the middle of the able, there was also a selection of des- Preparation time 5 mins
The service upon seating area, with both a buffet and á serts, such as cheesecake and a chocolate Cooking time 5 mins
entering the la carte menu available. The dishes cake with the most amazing cream Ready in 10 mins
restaurant pre- available on the menu cheese icing laid out on the buffet table.
viously known vary in prices from as These also had to be sampled, naturally, Ingredients
as the Trading little as R36.00 for a and were as delicious as they looked, if 1 can tuna, drained
Store was very “long toast” (which is, not better, and well worth the second 1/3 cup chopped celery
prompt, with oddly enough, trip to the table. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
our waiter a small Pinch of salt
going out of his baguette) to 4 English muffins, split and toasted
way to make us about R80.00 Final verdict 8 slices ripe tomato
feel as comfort- for steaks. 8 slices Cheddar cheese
The buffet,
Ambience
able and as wel-
come as possible. on the other Food Directions
Apart from hand, costs a mere 1. Preheat oven to grill.
the (ahem) yellow R11.00 per 100 grams Service
piano that has made of food, so the budget Décor 2. In a bowl, mix together tuna,
its way into the building, need not worry. However, celery, mayonnaise and salt.
the décor has stayed very simi- with such a variety of dish- Booze Spread tuna mixture onto the
lar to that of the Trading Store, es, like the Mediterranean toasted muffin halves and place
give or take a few couches and salad with roast peppers, them on a baking sheet. Top each
chairs. The atmosphere is a lot onion and marrows which half with a slice of tomato and a
more relaxed and certainly more was worth a full plate on its The restaurant reviews of The slice of cheese.
sophisticated than it was under own, as well as an excellent baked Oppidan Press are a completely
the previous ownership. potato dish, it is difficult to hold independent assessment of 3. Grill until cheese is melted,
The Yellow Piano has quite an back. Also worth a mention was Grahamstown’s restaurants. about 3 to 5 minutes.
impressive selection of both alcoholic beef moussaka, oxtail in red wine Our reviewers dine incognito,
and non-alcoholic beverages, all quite stew, creamed spinach and a stunning providing you with a credible and Serve with a crunchy salad or a
reasonably priced. A glass of house wine chickpea curry. Yet another plus point is unbiased guide to eating out. baked potato.
costs R10.00, (white was Graça, and red Pic: Catherine Mcdonald the fact that someone was always nearby

Sudoku The official Oppidan Press

Sudoku is a simple game with a single
rule: COCKTAIL
Complete the grid by placing digits 1
through 9 in each cell in such a way that If you follow this recipe the result is a decadent
only one of each digit is present in every cocktail with a red and white layered effect
row, column and box. – perfect for the avid reader of The Oppidan Press.
Ingredients
4 2 1 7 9 30ml vodka
3 2 5 7 30ml white rum The best positioned and best priced
15ml Cointreau
9 3 2 6 30ml lemon juice liquor store in Grahamstown
9 6 4 8 30ml sugared syrup
4 9 8 6 2 A dash of Grenadine
Lemonade
2 7 6 9
Daily Sudoku Ltd. 2007.

1 5 3 4 Directions
Pic: Sarah Laird

Put ice into a

7 6 9 3 tall glass. Pour the
9 8 7 1 4 Grenadine over the ice,
followed by your white
Each puzzle has a unique solution spirits and then add Our official cocktail was concocted
which can be found by logic alone. lemonade until the glass by Guido’s Andrew Beer. Thanks!

PARTY WITHOUT
• Cape to Rio R29.95
• Russian Bear R37.95
• St Anna R14.95

PREJUDICE
Regular specials also available.
We cater for functions and deliver on request.
Join a Society With a Difference
TRADING HOURS:
Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm

JOIN
Friday 9am – 8pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm

Tel: (046) 622-2246


8
Prof Whiteley’s proteins: easy as ABC
By Professor Chris Whiteley
Professor Chris Whiteley of the
Department of Biochemistry,
Microbiology and Biotechnology is
about to embark on academic leave as an
International Professor of Enzymology
at the South China University of
Technology, in Guangzhou, China.
He plans to take his ABC of research
projects with him. His scientific thrusts
are based around the role of enzymes
– catalytic proteins – in everyday
situations of Medicine, Water Recovery
and Neutraceuticals.
“A” is for Alzheimers disease
Alzheimers is a debilitating
neurodegenerative disease that is
prevalent in elderly people. Currently
this disease can only be identified
on autopsy after death. There is an
accumulation of an amino acid called
arginine in Alzheimers patients,
Professor Chris Whiteley (PhD
indicating a block of an arginine
(Natal), MRSC, CChem) is an as-
metabolising enzyme. Furthermore,
sociate professor of Biochemistry.
there is accumulation and deposits
He joined Rhodes as a lecturer in
of toxic β-amyloid peptides in senile
Organic Chemistry in 1979, and held
plaques in such patients and these are
the position of Head of Department
regarded as the ‘hallmark’ of Alzheimers
(Biochemistry) from 2001 until 2003.
disease. Prof Whiteley’s group has
His research interests are centred on
discovered that these amyloid deposits
enzymology, and in the near future he
actually block an enzyme called
is visiting China for conference and
Arginine Deiminase (AD). Since this
research purposes.
blocking leads to a build up of arginine,
it may suggest that the levels of AD in
Illustration: Alex Dubb
suspected Alzheimers patients may be
a critical biological marker for early
Bringing a Qualified Goldsmith onto your doorstep at
The Peppergrove Mall Tel: 0466225579
*10 % Off
All Watch Purchases for February ‘07
*Brands on Offer:
CK..Seiko..Citizen..Swatch..Hallmark..Jaga..Bijou
VALENTINE
Month
Special Offers
20% Off All Sterling Silver Jewellery
THE OPPIDAN PRESS
Science&
Technology
Furthering our understanding of protein molecules such as these is set to have a
significant medical and economic impact.
detection of the disease. By studying
computational biological models of this
enzyme, his group is able to identify the
3-dimensional area where these amyloid
peptides can interact.
“B” is for Bioremediation
Research is ongoing with attempts to
recover (bioremediate) reusable water
from Industrial Wastewater.
South Africa is an arid land with an
ever-increasing population so there is
always a need to be resourceful when it
comes to water. Prof Whiteley’s group
has exploited enzymes (hydrogenases,
hydrolases) to remove, firstly, toxic dyes
We Retail and Manufacture Fine Jewellery.
Design and Remodel to Your specifications.
Repair Gold and Silver Jewellery.
Replace Watch Batteries and Engraving
Pic: Gaynor Barnard
from a textile industry waste effluent
near King Williams Town; secondly,
strategic metals (platinum and rho-
dium) from a mining house effluent in
Gauteng; and thirdly, small molecules
(amino acids, fatty acids, sugars) from
an abbatoir effluent. The source of these
enzymes originates from the industrial
waste sludge itself and when suitably
prepared in a concentrated ‘cocktail’ they
can biochemically react with the con-
taminating components in the industrial
waste, effectively removing them from
the wastewater. Once again, computa-
tional molecular modelling can identify,
at a molecular level, the complete inter-
action and interface of the enzyme with
the industrial waste component.
“C” is for Chicory
Chicoru is a bulbous carrot-like root
grown predominantly in the Eastern
Cape with the processing factory near
Alexandria. An extract of this root is the
short-chained sugar molecules made
up of between four to eight molecules
of fructose. Each chain length has a
specific property in the food industry
with four units tending to be ‘sweet’
and therefore having a market in the
confectionery, chocolate, icing sugar and
jelly industries. A chain length of 6 units
is used in margarines, cooking oils and
preservatives, while a chain length of
8 units is used in dog food and animal
feeds. Furthermore, these short-chained
sugars have health benefits in that they
promote good bacterial flora in the
gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately
for the food industry, the chicory root
has a complete cross-mixture of these
sugars from single sugar units to ones
with chain lengths of 10 and above.
Prof Whiteley’s group has, once again,
studied an enzymatic synthesis, using
a transferase enzyme isolated from a
fungus and simple household table
sugar, to prepare a short chain sugar
molecule with a predefined and specific
chain length. Eventually this process will
be introduced on a commercial scale
enabling the industry to produce several
tons of sugar units of fixed chain length.

Zuma, Aids, credit and credibility
Being the start of a new year and with 2010 developments booming, four individuals have laid out their expectations for the
year, as well as indicating who they see as the big financial players. This panel’s four individuals all provide a varied view of the
influencing factors that will probably shape the financial future of South Africa. If collectively viewed, the opinions of the panel
should show where our country is headed financially as well as contributing to our understanding of the international financial
context. We will then be able to see that numbers do not shape the world to the extent that we think they do.
Lindiwe Zwane
BComm Honours Student
For Lindiwe Zwane, the focal point
of 2007 is the alleviation of the cur-
rent debt problem in South Africa.
Focusing on the National Credit Bill,
she feels that once the debt problem
is controlled, then the necessary
development in South Africa can
start to take off.
The Bill is a piece of proposed legisla-
tion that is set to transform credit poli-
cies as they currently stand. It aims to
boost consumer protection, and promote
competition and transparency in the
granting of credit.
Zwane also feels that as South Africa
has a relatively young population, excit-
ing opportunities stand in the wings,
such as the Credit Bill. She believes that
having goals as a country is encourag-
ing and points to some future direction.
With 2010 providing the alignment for
these goals, on top of the sturdy base of
a stable exchange rate, the future should
be exciting.
101 High Street, Grahamstown
Tel: 046-622 4116
Business
Our business panel give their
predictions for 2007
By Shingirirai Chaza
David Fryer
Economics Lecturer
David Fryer believes that there are
two things which will have a sub-
stantial impact on the economy.
Politically, the question of Zuma,
especially if he is seen as a credible presi-
dential candidate, may impact investor
confidence. Fryer questions the role of
the left in South African politics, which
has strayed from the moderation of the
1990s, where poverty relief was the key
issue. Business issues have become more
important, which may leave some people
on the left feeling marginalised.
The next big issue is acid prices,
which include housing prices and the
stock exchange. According to Fryer, no
economist really knows how significant
housing and share prices are. As is being
seen in the South African market, prop-
erty prices are appreciating, meaning
more spending within the nation. Can
this be sustained? South African culture
is more consumerist than before, as
clearly shown by the increase in debt and
a worsening current account.
THE OPPIDAN PRESS
Aziza Mdee
Third year LLB student
Aziza Mdee’s forecasts extend be-
yond the current year. She predicts
that in the coming years the govern-
ment will be able to make an impact
on the effect that the HIV/Aids
pandemic has and will have on the
economy.
Demographic projections show that
the introduction of large scale anti retro-
viral (ARV) treatment could reduce the
number of Aids deaths by 100 000 per
year. Their absence, however, could see
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
falling significantly in the years to come.
The rationale behind the provision of
ARV drugs is not only to save numer-
ous lives, preventing child-headed
households, but the workforce is also
sustained, particularly given the high
prevalence of HIV/Aids within the pro-
ductive population of the nation.
FREE Cell C
Starter Pack with
airtime to the value
of R12.00, and 6
months discounted
airtime
Helena van Coller
Advocate of the High Court of
South Africa
Helena van Coller, somewhat fit-
tingly, began her prediction for
the forthcoming year from a legal
perspective.
She states that the independence of
the Judiciary is in crisis. This is exempli-
fied by the manner in which recent legal
issues now seem to be clouded in politi-
cal questions, such as Schabir Shaik’s
stint in a private hospital when he was
meant to be in prison.
In her opinion, this lack of confi-
dence is further extended to the recent
water and electricity disruptions that
have been evident on a national scale.
She feels that the ordinary person
on the street is not affected by policy
considerations but views the success of
not only the legal system, but govern-
ment as well, in terms of their practical
implementations. This being whether
they have the basic necessities – for them
performance is key.
Purchase any Vodacom
product during the Super
14, receive a Spur discount
voucher and stand in line
to WIN.
Economic indicators
By Shingirirai Chaza
Exchange Rate (16 February 2007)
Weighted average of the banks’ daily
rates at approximately 10:30 am.
Rand/Dollar R7.1864
Rand/Pound R14.0077
Rand/Euro R9.4346
The rand exchange rate has been seen
to be relatively volatile over the past
few months. Even with its strengthen-
ing in December 2006 its future is
not firm. Two issues can be pointed
to which reflect the rand’s uncertain
future. One is the appreciation of the
rand due to the United State’s recent
dollar weakness; the other is the higher
domestic interest rates which have
helped sustain it.
Interest rates (15 December 2007)
Repo 9.00%
Repurchase rate: rate at which the pri-
vate (sector) banks borrow rands from
the SA Reserve Bank.
In December 2006, the repurchase
rate lay at 9%, having increased from
8.5% in October of the same year. The
gradual settling of the repo rate is due
to an optimistic inflation outlook. This
has resulted in decreased prime lend-
ing rates, and has in turn boosted the
economy.
Prime 12.50%
Benchmark rate at which private banks
lend out to the public.
In December of 2006 the prime rate lay
at 9%. It has now risen by 3.5%. These
adjustments are due to uncertainty
about factors such as movements in
the United States’ interest rates, South
Africa’s growing domestic debt and
rising oil prices.
Inflation Rate (December 2006)
CPIX 5.00%
Consumer prices excluding interest rates
on mortgage bonds - 12-Term % change.
CPI 5.80%
Consumer prices total (Metropolitan
areas) 12-Term % change.
Over the past few months inflation rate
risk has increased. These increases have
been reduced due to the recent stability
of the oil market. However, worries
still remain because of the continual
increase in consumer spending and the
impact it will have on the rate.
To all students and especially new Oppies: a warm welcome
back to Grahamstown!

For years we have been a meeting place for students –

especially for the night owls - and look forward to introducing
you to convenience like you’ve never seen before.

So, unlike the dining halls, we are open 24 hours a day, 365
days a year to serve and sell.

* Delicious meals from our Deli

* Freshly baked pies
* A full range of groceries and household items including the
famous SPAR brands
* Fresh fruit and veggies

Oh – and we also sell fuel including Ultimate Petrol

P.S. COMING SOON!

CONVENIENCE DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS!

For all your washing and ironing requirements, we offer a full service laun-

drette - or you can choose to ‘do it yourself’.

Conveniently located in the Pepper Grove Mall our friendly staff will be happy

to help take the hassle out of one of life’s necessary but most boring tasks!

Wash-a-Lot Laundromat We are open from 07h30 to 19h00 each weekday and from 08h00 to 14h30 on

@Pepper Grove Mall weekends.

Tel: 6362800

My
World Cup
runneth
over
By Saint-Francis Tohlang
T
he 2010 Soccer World
Cup is being dubbed
the greatest thing to
happen to old, poor,
burden-ridden Mother Africa in a
long time. For some reason, many
have been quick to assume that
this Cup contains sacred water from
the fountain of youth (and poverty
relief). If this is true, the question is
whether its power of replenishment
will really find its way into Mother
Africa’s cracked soles, especially
into some of her deepest cracks, like
Grahamstown.
We jumped for joy when Sepp Blatter
announced, in his heavy Swiss/quasi-
French accent, that South Africa would
host the 2010 World Cup. Blinded by
the promises being made, we were
almost certain that the predicament of
unemployment was solved and that the
age of economic enslavement was over.
However, did we pause for a moment
to realise that over-excitement always
causes disappointment? So how is a little
dorpie like Grahamstown to drink from
the Cup that is being crowded by dozens
of other thirsty mouths?
Cynics have exalted that the sight
of a dollar sign has fooled Africa yet
again. But how true are their claims? The
prospect of a town like Grahamstown
gaining significant economic and social
growth from the World Cup seems so
bleak that even the National Arts Festival
is a better prospect for economic growth.
The Integrated Development Plan
(IDP) initiated by the Makana Munici-
pality is in keeping with the govern-
ment’s ideas of initiating programs that
137 High Street Grahamstown
OPEN:
Monday- Friday
7.30am-9.30pm
Saturday
8.30am-2pm
and
5pm–9.30 pm
Sunday:
8am–2pm
Contrary to popular expectations, the 2010 Soccer World Cup is not going
to make a significant change in these boy’s lives.
will ensure that the country is ready
to host its biggest sporting event ever.
The municipality has been gearing up
and doing their part in ensuring that
Grahamstown’s infrastructure is well
equipped to deal with the influx of
people. Sadly, that influx will probably be
nothing more than a trickle of tourists
who do not manage to find accommoda-
tion in Port Elizabeth.
Grahamstown Executive Mayor Phu-
melelo Kate was very excited to point
out the “economic spin-offs” the 2010
“It is fair to say that
Grahamstown will
probably
receive a drink from
the Cup, even if it is
just a sip.”
Soccer World Cup would bring to the
Makana Municipality. When asked what
he thought the implications of the World
Cup would be, the Mayor simply replied,
“huge”. Kate added that “as long as we
position ourselves to the opportunities,
we will be able to maximise on the profit
margins”. My eyebrow is raised in skepti-
cal wonder at the Mayor’s words. The
inefficiencies of the Makana Municipal-
ity come to mind: think water shortages
and power cuts. The Executive Mayor
continues to address looming questions
about Grahamstown’s ability to facilitate
the mammoth needs: “The Integrated
Development Plan is the blueprint that
will be translated. 2010 features highly
on the project.” The plan focuses on the
development of infrastructures such as
Guest House and Restaurant
Good coffee and home cooked meals
at reasonable prices.
WEEKLY SPECIALS to tantalise your every desire.
ENJOY our courtyard for those late afternoon
relaxing sundowners.
Ideal VENUE for functions for up to 100 people.
We will cater to suit your financial and other needs.
Sport
THE OPPIDAN PRESS
Pics: Simon Capstick-Dale
water, housing, local economic develop-
ment as well as sports and recreation
opportunities. The resulting changes are
a positive prospect for Grahamstown
residents. However, Grahamstown does
not feature on the official plans by FIFA.
Local training venues to be used in the
vicinity of Port Elizabeth include the
NMMU Stadium, EPRFU Stadium,
Adcock Stadium, Dan Qeqe Stadium
and Zwide Stadium to name but a few.
Unfortunately, none of those venues are
in Grahamstown.
Contrary to popular belief, the
impact of the World Cup upon little
Grahamstown seems to be minuscule.
Despite the efforts of the Makana
Municipality in their quest to capitalise
on the so-called economic benefits,
Grahamstown resident Thobani Mesani
is skeptical of the growth opportunities
that will be offered by the World Cup.
He says: “I think it might be beneficial to
Grahamstown but not entirely, as none
of the World Cup games will be played
here, so Grahamstown’s businesses won’t
really benefit from it.” However, Mesani
is quick to point out the tourist influx
that Grahamstown can expect: “Most of
the tourist attractions such as the Monu-
ment, Egazini etc. will definitely attract
some of the foreign visitors.” As always,
tourism seems to be the saviour of this
little town in the heart of the Frontier
Country.
It is fair to say that Grahamstown will
probably receive a drink from the Cup,
even if it is just a sip. Mediocre as the
economic spin-off will be, there is a posi-
tive ray that emanates from the prepara-
tions for the World Cup. Grahamstown
is set for a minor face-lift. It is encour-
aging to see that sports and recreation
are among the proposed innovations,
although surely only after we overcome
all the water shortages.
Sport in Grahamstown:
even better than drinking
By Saint-Francis Tohlang
As an Oppidan, you may be forgiven
for sometimes thinking that things
are against you. You live in Oatlands
Road and are desperately seeking to
do something with your mates on a
Sunday afternoon. Your liver cannot
possibly survive another round at
The Rat, cash is low, the stains on
your carpet signal no-entry and the
aerial has been struck by lightning.
What to do?
Sport and recreation are great ways of
hooking up with friends to do some-
thing different and, most importantly,
cost-effective. Trust me, playing a game
of touch in your back garden is merciful
on your budget and offers that option
of recovery after a heavy night. Okay,
so maybe not every sport is free, but it’s
surely cheaper than what you would pay
for a night out.
Grahamstown has a lot to offer in
terms of recreational and sport activi-
ties, ranging from hiking to adrenalin-
pumping skydiving. Your experiences
are controlled by your budget, however,
as you could have an enjoyable day at
no cost or a more extravagant spree that
could leave you with no rent money.
The Center for Sports Development
under the guidance of former SA athlete
Fiona Williamson, brings sports to
people who cannot access the resources
provided through the University or via
the sports clubs. This bodes well for
Oppies on the other side of town who
find trekking to campus as strenuous as
a hike up to Hogsback.
So what exactly is on offer? Angling
sounds rather dreary but is a great way
to catch up with a friend while you try to
catch a fish. Is it anything new? I mean
it’s what you do at Friar’s every Friday
night. Angling permits can be obtained
from the Albany Sports shop
For those wanting to don that sophis-
ticated golf gear and parade the latest in
preppy fashion, the Grahamstown Golf
Course is situated off Cradock Road on
the outskirts of Grahamstown. So if you
Fully licensed
Tel: (046) 622 3242
11
are feeling chic enough, I suggest you
brave the walk – or call RhodeTrip.
Why not check out why Graham-
stown is rated one of the best venues for
rock-climbing and bouldering in South
Africa? This is mainly owing to its easily
accessible routes, crags, and the quality
of available climbs. Your legs could do
with some real walking, after all, and
perhaps you could play a game with your
mates: the last one to finish the trail buys
drinks? Or better yet, cooks supper.
One of Grahamstown’s best-kept
secrets is that for a couple of hundred
you can do one of the most stress-reliev-
ing, adrenalin-rush inducing activities
ever. For R750 at EP Skydivers, static
line jumping is on offer. After the course,
you are able to jump during weekends
for an estimated R230. Think about it:
how many people can say that they have
“ Angling sounds
rather dreary but is a
great way to catch up
with a friend while
you try to catch a fish.
I mean, it’s what you
do at Friar’s every
Friday night.”
skydived before?
There is plenty to do for those Oppies
seeking alternative entertainment away
from campus. Better still, it keeps you fit
and healthy which is always beneficial.
So a game of touch is not a bad idea and
a walk to the Botanical gardens will do
you good, but there are so many other
different sports you could do that are as
exciting, if not more exciting, than your
average weekend.
For more information on sport and ac-
tivities visit www.grahamstown.co.za
 News
Sport inside
THE OPPIDAN PRESS

2010 World Cup:

Holy grail or poisoned chalice?

Rate your digs

By Lionel Faull
Oppidans who feel they got a raw
deal when they moved into their
digs will soon be able to warn other
students about it on the Internet.
Dean of Students, Professor Vivian
de Klerk, is pioneering an online digs-
rating system. “The website will be an
incentive for landlords and estate agents
to enhance their professionalism as well
as to encourage better relations between
landlords and their tenants,” de Klerk
said.
Oppies can rate their digs according
to set criteria such as security, distance
to campus, state of repair and value for
money.
Jackie Vermeulen, a rental agent
at Pam Golding Estates, welcomed
the initiative: “It will mean we have to
deal with fewer complaints because we
won’t take on new digs which have bad
ratings.” Vermeulen also pointed out that
students pay for what they get.
Rohan Stroebel, a landlord, was more
cautious. He feels that unless landlords
can also rate their properties, the
initiative will be too one-sided. Stroebel
told The Oppidan Press: “The customer is
always right. In the eyes of parents, their
children are little darlings. Meanwhile,
back on the ranch, some students live
in a place for a year and it’s never the
same again.” Stroebel suggested that the
landlord’s ratings should be displayed
side-by-side with the tenant’s.
De Klerk said that Oppies will not be
allowed to rate their digs under the cover
of anonymity: “If students want the right
to rate their digs, they will have to be
prepared to stand by their claims in the
public domain.”
De Klerk is looking for student
volunteers to set up and manage the
website. She said it would be up and
running in the next few months.
Debate goes round and
round the Bot Gardens
News shorts
By Alexandra Richer
Much debate has arisen over the
new development at the Botanical
Gardens which is currently underway.
The project has been viewed
negatively as some are concerned
about the possibility of an entrance
fee and limited accessibility to the
gardens themselves. Rhodes’ Vice-
principal Colin Johnson has denied
these rumours, saying that “the new
development will not be barring
anybody, and nobody will be paying to
enjoy the gardens”.
Johnson also said that the project
is not merely to provide a new lecture
complex for the University: “The
community benefits, not Rhodes
University,” says Johnson, as the aim
is to create a learning area where
unemployed and uneducated members
from the Grahamstown community can
learn new skills.
“The development will be able
to help hundreds of families in the
community.”
The project is now pending as two
possible sites are undergoing historical
assessment. Rhodes’ Estate Director
Les Reynolds says: “Each site has its
pros and cons and people will always be
for or against having it on either Grey
Street or Lucas Avenue.”
Celeste House: the new
kid on the block
By Lionel Faull
Rhodes University moved a step
closer to addressing its long-term
student accommodation problem with
the inauguration of Celeste House, a
51-bed undergraduate residence, for
men and women, located off-campus
on the corner of Somerset and African
Street.
Speaking at the official opening of
Celeste, Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem
Badat said: “After cutting this ribbon,
I wish I could cut six more. That is
the number of residences we need to
accommodate all our first years.”
Celeste is a fully-functional
residence, with a Warden and a House
Committee, two common rooms and
laundry facilities. Security has been
beefed up around the premises with a
perimeter fence and a Hi-Tec security
guard on duty. Residents eat in Drostdy
Hall.
Director of Residence Operations,
Dr. Ian L’Ange, said that the University
was building two new residences at
Kimberley Hall this year.
It is likely that Celeste will remain a
residence in the coming years, despite
the new developments. Dr. Stephen
Fourie, Rhodes Registrar, said, “It
would be foolish to take 51 beds out of
the system.”

Provisional digs rating criteria:

Security
Fantastic
Fence/wall,
welded burglar
Very good
Fence/wall,
burglar bars &
Good
Fence & burglar
bars
Fair
Fence (with razor
wire)
Bad
Gate/lock
Awful
Zilch OLDE 65
bars & Hi-Tech Hi-Tech
Landlord Local and
concerned
Concerned estate
agent
Local yet hard to
reach
Estate agent
- hard to reach
Out of town Never responds
Sports Bar and Restaurant
Time to campus 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 20 mins 25 mins 30 mins+
State of repair Everthing works, Everthing works Everything works, Messed up, but Cracked, dirty, Unspeakable
looks good a bit shabby not too bad broken, ugly
Value for money Fully furnished Partly furnished All appliances, no Only stove and Only stove Completely FOOD AND DRINK
furniture fridge unfurnished
AT UNBEATABLE PRICES

Furniture High quality Nice and Seen life, but Mostly fair, Smelly, dirty, Unspeakable Castle draught R10
throughout comfortable works generally shabby broken
Garden Enclosed, ser- Enclosed and Enclosed, looks Enclosed Neglected Rough veld
(if relevant) viced, has pool serviced after itself Double cane and mix R9

Double brandy and mix R12

NEW & IMPROVED
Tasty Burgers – Chicken or Beef R15
Wallace’s Pharmacy Come see our other specials.

Open an account with Wallace’s for Use the “bottom bar” for your special functions
high-quality pharmaceutical care with no hiring charges!
and give-aways!

Great student benefits! Tel: (046) 636 7928

Peppergrove Mall Open 11 am till late 7 days a week

Tel: 046 622 7373
Email: wallace@intekom.co.za