Activate - Edition 6 2011

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RHODE S U N I V ER S I T Y INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EDITION 6 18 OCTOBER 2011 SINCE 1947
A C T I V A T E
Pics: Anton Scholtz

The Occupy Grahamstown March took place on Saturday the 15th of October. The particiapnts consisted mainly of a mixture of students , the UPM and the media.
Pics: Anton Scholtz
OCCUPY HIGH STREET
Pics: Anton Scholtz
Pics: Jonathan Jones
Edition 6 . 18 October 2011
HIGHLIGHTS
Page 7: Occupying the world Page 8: Talking Makana with Rhodes ward councillor Page 18: Fokopolisiekar Page 11: Anything but the bucket Page 21: The Internet of Things to change the world
Editor-in-chief: Lauren Kate Rawlins Deputy Editor: Isabelle Anne Abraham Content Editor: Kayla Roux Chief Media Supervisor: Megan Ellis Online Editor: Alexander Venturas Managing Editor Palesa Mashigo Chief Sub-Editor: Matthew Kynaston Art Directors Lerusha Reddy Thirusha Raja Chief Designer Simone Loxton Assistant Designer: Mignon van Zyl Chief Pics Editor: Anton Scholtz Assistant Pics Editor: Niamh Walsh-Vorster Illustrator: Katja Schreiber News Editor: Sibulele Mabusela Deputy News Editor: Neo Koza Politics Editor: Marc Davies Business Editor: Njabulo Nkosi C&A Editor: Alexa Sedgwick Features Editor: Karlien van der Wielen Features Assistant Editor: Nina McFall Lifestyle Editor: Sarisha Dhaya A & E Editor: Elna Schtz Sports Editor: Bridgette Hall Science & Tech Editor: Eric Kudzanai Chakonda Environment Editor Shirley Erasmus Advertising Manager Lethukuthula Tembe Distribution Manager: Bulali Dyakopu
Page 22: Yes, vegans are irritating
Francois van Coke, lead singer of alternative Afrikaans band Fokofpolisiekar. Pic: Anton Scholtz
From the Editor
Community Engagement: Victoria Hlubi Editorial Consultant: Craig Wynn What *Activate *wants to do is shake you up a little. We want to make you think twice about your flushing toilet and your running water. Hey, maybe what were really trying to tell you is to stop taking everything in your life for granted. Many of us are in a position of unfair advantage, and although its a messed up system and youre in it, at least you have a flushing toilet and running water. You have somewhere to sit when you go to the toilet, and you dont need to worry about your toilet bowl toppling over underneath you. There are a couple of basic human rights - rights which are essential to us as human beings and without which we cannot live our lives with dignity. You dont have to do anything to earn these rights, and you definitely shouldnt have to buy them. How can we even dream of tackling larger issues, such as the devastating global poverty, when the plight faced by our fellow community members doesnt even cross our minds?
Lauren Kate Rawlins Editor-in-Chief
We feel a sense of deep concern and hope that you will too, for the unacceptable way in which the most basic of human rights are being disregarded in this town, in this country, and all over the world every single day.
n this edition,Activatewants to portray a slice of social reality that our readers might have never otherwise been exposed to. The reality that many Grahamstown residents live with is so far removed from the protected bubble Rhodes students move around in.
Contacts: Editor: activate.editor@gmail.com Deputy Editor: activate.deputy@gmail.com
Our leading news feature covered the Occupy Grahamstown protest which took place on Saturday. Partly in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement gaining ground around the world, the protest addressed issues such as corporate greed, the inordinate power of the Top 1% of the business elite, inequality and unemployment. This local protest diverged from some of the sentiments of the global movement, however, in its focus on municipal incompetence and unfulfilled promises. At this protest the absolute frustration and anger of Grahamstown residents who are forced to use a degrading system in which a single bucket is to serve as a toilet for entire households boiled over. Ayanda Kota, the leader of the Unemployed Peoples Movement, emptied three buckets of human excrement in the foyer of the Makana Municipal building in protest against this degrading, undignified legacy of apartheid. Our photo story on page 11 looks into the issue of the bucket system and the workers who handle the waste in the early hours of the morning.
Activate falls under a creative commons licence. Printed by Paarlcoldset, Port Elizabeth
News [in briefs]
Dalai Lama slams Chinese government

T
460. UNICEF, the UN Childrens Fund, said that the disease was causing an unacceptably high rate of fatalities and called for the redoubling of government efforts. The five countries that accounted for 90% of all cases cases and deaths are Cameroon, Chad, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Nigeria. The disease, which is caused by inadequate sanitation and a lack of clean drinking water, is quickly becoming one of the worst recorded epidemics of its kind. UNICEF reported that they were providing treatment kits and running community awareness campaigns.
Cholera epidemic
ccording to UN reports, the latest cholera epidemic to sweep through West and Central Africa has infected about 85 000 people and killed 24
Youth protestor throwing stones at Athens police force. Youths are outraged at the recent retretchments the government has issued. October 5. Pic: TimesOnline
he Dalai Lama has blamed the Chinese government for pressuring South Africa into refusing him a visa. The Tibetan leader, who is currently in exile, was invited to give a peace talk at Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutus 80th birthday. After being refused a visa, the Dalai Lama had a live video chat with the Archbishop in which he criticised the Chinese government. According to Al J azeera, the Dalai Lama, Slammed censorship as immoral. During the video chat, Tutu asked why it was that the Chinese government feared him. The Dalai Lama replied that Some Chinese officials describe me as a demon, so naturally some fear the demon.
First Afghan concert in three decades
abul, in Afghanistan, hosted their first live rock concert in September after more than three decades. The concert, known as Sound Central, was organised by Australian photojournalist Travis Beard. 10 bands performed to and had an audience of about 450 people, which included women. The event was held in the Barbur Gardens, a small enclosed park, and had performing bands and musicians hailing from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Australia. This was a rare event in the conservative Muslim country, as live performances of music has been outlawed by the Taliban regime. The concert which lasted for six hours and was silenced twice to allow the call to prayer from nearby mosques to be heard. No alcohol was served and there were no disturbances for the duration of the concert.
Riot police officer punches a Chilean student during a demonstration demanding free and better state education. 29 September. Pic: AFP
Condom tender goes down the drain T
Volunteers helping a woman through the floods that occured near Manila, Phillippines. 30 September. Pic: AFP
he South African government has cancelled a condom tender after finding out that the imported condoms from China were not approved by regulating bodies. A company located in KwaZulu-Natal received a state tender, which was later cancelled because, The items were not up to scratch, the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, told News24. Motsoaledi received a tip-off from a member of Congress of the Peoples (COPE), Swaphi Plaatjie, that there was, A certain company in KwaZulu-Natal which planned to import unapproved polyurethane female condoms from China. This is not the first time South Africa has had problems with Chinese condoms. Earlier this year, the court cancelled a female condom tender because Chinese condoms were too small. News24 reported that the court found the condoms were 20% smaller than Sekunjalos and were not made of the required material.
Annual vegetarian festival on Phuket Island off southern Thailand. 3 October.
Pic: TimesOnline
Demonstrators at the Occupy DC campaign sign a large copy of the US constitution. 10 October. Pic: AFP
The stranded cargo vessel Rena, which struck a reef off the coast of New Zealand, could cause the worst A bitten apple that was left outside Apple Inc. co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs home in commemoration of his life. Pic: TimesOnline environmental disaster in the country's history as oil continues to spill. Pic: LIFE online Lighting strikes the Statue of Liberty in New York. 22 September. Pic:AFP
05 News
National Census sweeps the country

By Matthew Kynaston
BlackBerry blackout
By Sibulele Mabusela
ave Steward, a writer for Politicsweb, said:Without proper statistics we cant measure progress. With the National Census currently underway, many are asking why we undergo such an expensive and time-consuming process in the first place. The Census began on 10 October and will run for nearly three weeks. Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi says that they are satisfied with the way the process is unfolding. Aside from one or two minor problems, such as the issue of one Roodepoort official requesting bribes, things have gone smoothly. Statistician General Pali Lehohla
stated that an investigation had been opened and that a toll-free line would be set up to report similar incidents in order to ensure the process runs even better. The census is not just about finding out how many people live in South Africa, but also, about refining statistics to improve the efficacy of the countrys expenditure in the division of its budget. Ownership of the economy and of land, as well as control, management and employment in the public and private sectors should ultimately reflect as closely as possible South Africas racial composition, Steward said. Further uses of the census include determining the effectiveness of education and health services and measuring the impact of industrial development.
A Census official can be identified by his or her yellow satchel and bib bearing the Census and Stats SA logo. They also carry an ID card with a hologram of the Census 2011 logo. South Africans are encouraged to welcome the officials into their homes so as to speed up the process. News24 conducted a survey asking people whether they were comfortable with the officials in their houses. 78% responded that they were not, because they were worried about bogus officials in uniform. Whether you have filled in the forms or not, the National Census will be extremely important to everyone in the country as it will determine everything from school fees and taxes to the racial make-up of economic ownership and control, and agricultural business planning.
Tornados rip through SA If I have one more drink towns

that the RIM people are just going to release a statement saying theyre sorry, but not compensate people for the inconvenience, he said. If I had the money Id transfer to iPhone. According to experts, the three-day blackout, which left many users outraged at being stranded without vital internet and BBM services, might have a disatrous effect on the companys share prices. By Yonela Zondani By Neo Koza
he recent BlackBerry blackout has affected millions of users the world over including people in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. The breakdown in communication varies in severity: many users have been unable to access the Internet or use instant messaging services like BBM since Monday 10 October, while others have not felt the effects of the blackout at all. The connecting problems are attributed to Research In Motion (RIM), the Canada-based company behind BlackBerry smartphones. The company has maintained relative silence surrounding the cause of the blackout, offering little more than an apology for the disruption. We are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused, read their statement. Many users are growing increasingly frustrated by the blackout. With the BlackBerry Internet Service and the networking fees we pay, we shouldnt be experiencing a blackout for longer than a couple of hours and this one is lasting a couple of days, complained first-year student Priya Pillay. RMR producer and administrative assistant Vuvu Nqezane was more upset with RIM than he was about the actual blackout. The biggest upset is
The BlackBerry franchise has been under strain to deliver to its customers Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster
A young boy rides past the rubble of homes that was the result of the tornados which hit duduza township and Ficksurg area. Pic: News24
ritish anthropologist Kate Fox has recently reported that behavioural changes resulting from the consumption of alcohol are in fact caused by certain cultural beliefs people hold. When people think they are drinking alcohol, they behave according to their cultural beliefs about the behavioral effects of alcohol, said Fox. Fox argued that promiscuity, violence and anti-social behaviour while drinking are not effects of chemical reactions to ethanol, but are actually determined by cultural rules and norms. Taking the British drinking culture, in which it is generally believed that alcohol is a disinhibitor that makes people amorous or aggressive into consideration, she conducted an experiment be undertaken wherein people were provided with non-alcoholic placebos. We become more outspoken, more physically demonstrative, more flirtatious, and given enough provocation, some (young
males in particular) become aggressive, said Fox. She added that those who most strongly believe that alcohol leads to aggression are the most likely to become aggressive when they think they have consumed alcohol. Fox believes that the magical disinhibiting powers contained in alcohol are continually re-enforced in educational programs. She recommended a radical shift in thinking if societies are to achieve any meaningful change. When you are drunk, you are in control of and have total responsibility for your actions and behaviour. We need to re-think the aims and messages of all alcohol-education campaigns, Fox claimed. Our beliefs about the effects of alcohol act as self-fulfilling prophecies: if you firmly expect that booze will make you aggressive, then it will do exactly that. In fact, if you believe strongly enough, you might even be able to get rip-roaringly drunk on some red grape juice.
wo tornados recently struck the small towns of Duduza near Johannesburg and Ficksburg in the Free State. About 150 people were injured in the fallout and one person died in both Ficksburg and Duduza. By Monday afternoon it was estimated that 558 houses had been completely ruined or very seriously damaged, and that 2 790 people had been directly affected. A total of 166 people were treated and taken to surrounding hospitals, News24 reported. The Lord was merciful for taking only one child. You can build houses,
but not lives, Solpha Mkhthskwa, a resident of Duduza, was reported as saying. Mkhthskwas son died after a wall collapsed on him. Netcare 911s Chris Botha told IOL that the houses of Duduzas informal settlements seemed as though they had been flattened as far as the eye could see. News24 later reported that the Gift of the Givers provided more than 300 temporary houses to the affected victims. The cause of the tornados is still being discussed. The tornados might have occurred in these rural areas because they usually have a lot less rainfall, fourth-year biochemistry student Siphesihle Rafuza explained.
Christopher Herring
Free learners training
Everyday Monday 17h00 at Office
Drivers tests appointments available in October.

072 938 5579 046 622 38 Somerset Str. (Opp. Arch)
meherring@hotmail.com Colcade building, 41 Hill str
Tel: 046 622 8503 Fax: 046 622 8563
06 News
UN calls for investigation into Egyptian clashes

By Neo Koza he violent bloodshed in the Egyptian clashes on Sunday 9 October has forced UN authorities to carry out an impartial and independent investigation into the incident on request. According to UN reports, 24 people most of whom are Christian have been killed, and hundreds have been injured in a heated clash between protestors and the military police. The protestors were retaliating against an attack on the Christian church, spurred by Muslim radicals late last month. Eyewitnesses to the incident claimed to have seen army trucks driving into the crowd of protesters and running over demonstrators. Several of the dead were reported found with crushed limbs while others were shot. We express our regret over the loss of life as well as over those injured while attempting to exercise their rights
Egyptian demonstrators gather in the streets of Qeua, Egypt, following a call by Islamist groups for a one million people rally.
to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, Rupert Colville, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson in Geneva, told UN reporters. He urged the authorities to ensure the protection of all, including minority groups, in their rightful exercise of freedom of expression in a non-violent manner. In February popular protests aimed at greater freedoms in Egypt part of a series of uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East led to the collapse of Hosni Mubaraks regime. Twenty-eight people have been arrested on suspicion of attacking soldiers and burning military vehicles during the clashes whileabout 200 peopleChristians and Muslims alike are said to have gathered in the streets to protest the violence. UNSecretery-GeneralBan Ki-moon has called on all Egyptians to preserve the spirit of the historic changes that took place earlier this year.
Women leaders of peace Beware: Library theft

By Sibulele Mabusela By Bulali Dyakopu
Pic: Time Online
he 2011 Nobel Peace Prize awards are taking place this month. This prestigious accolade is awarded to either individuals or organisations that have shown considerable achievements in one of the five categories stated in the will of Scandinavian chemist Alfred Nobel. The person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses, stated Nobel, earns themselves the award. In his will, the advocate of peace and social justice left his fortune to be used in this manner: thus, the Nobel Peace Prize awards were born at the start of the 20th century. The five different categories in which the awards may be presented are aimed at recognising those who continue to live up to the standards of Nobel himself. These categories are literature, physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, and peace. Three African women won the prize this year in recognition
of their role in promoting peace, democracy and gender equality. They are President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, who was the first woman to be elected president in contemporary Africa, peace activist Leymah Gbowee, and prodemocracy campaigner Tawakkol Karman. These women followed in the footsteps of the late Wangari Maathai of Kenya, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who passed away last month. Former Norwegian Prime Minister, Thorbjorn Jagland, heads the Oslo-based Nobel committee that selects the winner of the $1.5 million prize. We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society, he said in a New York Times report. He called the prize a very important signal to women all over the world. According to the article, Sirleaf praised the Liberian people, saying that she and Gbowee accepted this honour on their behalf. We are now going into our ninth year of peace, and every Liberian has contributed to it, she said. We particularly give this credit to Liberian women, who have consistently led the struggle for peace, even under conditions of neglect.
Teaching and learning at Student Imbizo

By Bulumko Dukada
he students and the decision-making body of Rhodes University engaged in a two-day strategic planning session, concerning the future of the institution for the next five to ten years. These discussions took place at a Student Imbizo which was held at Summerhill Inn in Bathurst over the weekend of 1 and 2 October, five years after the last one took place in 2006. The key discussion points of this Student Imbizo revolved around a number of university issues, namely the size and shape of Rhodes, its institutional culture, equity and teaching and learning. The Imbizo was attended by a group of about 60 people, including the facilitators of the different themes that were being debated. Rhodes Vice-Chancellor Dr. Saleem Badat discussed the topic Where Leaders Learn, and Dr. Sizwe Mabizela, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, engaged on the topic,
Teaching and Learning. Also present were representatives from the Dean of Students office, the SRC and the general student body. Former SASCO Chairperson, Xhanti Njozela, was one of the discussants under the topic of Institutional Culture and Transformation. In his presentation, he lamented the fact that Rhodes is still a long way from reflecting national race demographics. Perhaps the biggest dilemma to transforming higher education is the competition between equity and excellence, said Njozela. There is an all-round perception that improving access and equity will lead to falling standards. Amongst other issues of immediate import which the students engaged with was the need for change in the current student constitution. A call was made for an interim document to be drafted. The Imbizo ended on the note that discussions of that nature should be held continuously, and with a larger number of participants.
ith swot week drawing closer, one is bound to find oneself at the library at some point. Over the last few months there has been a discernable increase in library theft, with stolen items ranging from bags and cell phones to laptops and external hard drives. This has led to a call for vigilance on the part of all students. People are being irresponsible and leave their valuables unattended, complained library assistant and third-year student Melissa Radebe. The library is fitted with cameras, but they are mostly trained on library property and often do not capture video footage of thefts.Victims should report their stolen items to the library assistants and have them recorded in an incident file. Theres really nothing we can do about it, said Radebe. The library started keeping an incident report on 23 March; between then and the end of July there have been 30 incidents of theft reported and 10 more during the months of August and September, said Jeanne Berger, the Deputy Director of library services. According to reports, two laptops, one hard drive, nine cell phones
and 13 wallets have been stolen. Berger added that the thefts took place when students left their belongings unattended: one such incident happened when a student returned after a 45-minute phone call to find her laptop stolen. The library has increased security measures by introducing laptop locks for students, as well as reminding them to remain vigilant in two-hourly announcements on the public address system. The library has also placed posters with the same message on all their notice boards. A laptop thief was apprehended by the Campus Protection Unit after he attempted to steal a laptop on 26 September. The man, who is a member of the public, had signed into the library on four occasions and almost stole two laptops. He failed because the laptops were on locks that he was struggling with when he was noticed and apprehended by CPU and handed over to the police. The library cannot take responsibility for users personal possessions, Berger said. We hope that students will now realise, through the measures we have taken to alert them to the problem of theft, that they should not leave any possessions unattended.
07 News Feature
In solidarity with movements across the world, Occupy Grahamstown served as a platform for residents to contend issues such as rising inequality, unemployment, and corruption. (Pics on righthand side) UPM leader Ayanda Kota strews human waste around the entrance hall of the Makana Municipality building in protest against the so-called
Occupying the world

By Megan Ellis
bucket system, an apartheid legacy many Grahamstown residents are forced to live with. Pics: Anton Scholtz
n 17 September this year, Wall Street in New York saw over 1 000 protestors march through it and many of them taking up indefinite occupation there. In just three weeks, the protests had spread worldwide. They hit Grahamstown on Saturday 15 October. Occupy Wall Street, a movement that drew inspiration from the Arab Spring protests which saw mass demonstrations spread across North Africa and the Middle East, centres around issues of inequality, unemployment, workers' rights, financial reform and corporate corruption. The massive power of the elite classes, or Top 1%, is also an ongoing concern. Professor Gavin Keeton, an Associate Professor in the Rhodes Department of Economics and Economic History, said that these protests may succeed in restricting the vast bonuses awarded to Wall Street executives despite financial crises. Legislation or shareholders could take another look at the size and inappropriate incentives often behind such bonuses, he said. This is not a question of free market but rather a reassertion of the rights of shareholders over managers, whose bonuses have grown out of
proportion. These protests are not only relevant to American citizens. Trevor Kana, a Politics Honours student, said that the protests mark a change for developing countries. The Third World has been crying foul play for a long period of time ... but the majority of people did not, because they were reasonably comfortable, he said. The financial crash and the Western governments response by bailing out the people (financial institutions) who caused it woke up the masses in America. He said that although the protests started in America, they are just as relevant in Africa. It is a good thing that people are taking to the street andprotestingagainst financial injustices in America because the same inequalities there are evident and massive at a global level. This was clear at Saturday's protest in Grahamstown, where the Unemployed People's Movement (UPM), Students for Social Justice (SSJ), and members from the Grahamstown and Rhodes community took to the streets with banners and songs. But Grahamstowns protest was not a simple clone of Occupy Wall Street. Lembede Sindile, a member of the SSJ and a speaker who addressed the crowd, says that Saturday's Occupy Grahamstown protest was different
to New York's. He says that people have been protesting these issues in Grahamstown and the rest of Africa for a long time. When addressing the crowd, Sindile said that the idea that protestors had no specific demands was bullshit. He said that this is because whenever people organise themselves in social movements then it is, Considered to be an agenda against the elite, whereas there are legitimate concerns which are raised. We have specific demands, said Sindile. It's not something that is abstract, its something that people live. He mentioned the call for greater accountability of their elected officials in discussing these demands. The group of approximately 50 people marched along High Street from the Makana Botanical Gardens, and occupied Church Square next to the Cathedral. Car guards and people next to the street joined in the singing and dancing. While there were comments regarding the protest's poor turnout, Sindile said that he was happy with the protest participation. It's better to have five people who will sit down and talk about issues than having a crowd that will just shout slogans and go home, he said. Lungiswa Gadu, a protestor and member of the UPM, expressed
her frustration regarding the circumstances she and many others face. Im afraid to walk at night, she said, referring to the muggings, rapes and murders that happen in the township. She also said that when it rains people fear for the elderly in case the houses fall down. I don't think much of the municipality, Gadu continued. They make promises and don't finish what they're doing theyre unfaithful to us. The frustration of the protestors with the municipality was exemplified by the protest's climax when, amid cheers of the crowd, members of the protest threw three buckets of human excrement into the entrance passage of the Makana Municipality building in objection to the so-called bucket system, currently being used in some areas of Grahamstown. Ayanda Kota, Chairperson of the UPM, declared outside the municipality offices: This is not our shit. This is their shit! Whether or not the governing bodies will respond to the wave of complaints sweeping across the world is yet to be determined. Social movements in support of the aims and message of the Occupy Wall Street movement are gaining momentum, and on Saturday protestors in Tokyo, London, Sydney and Toronto united in a global day of action against corporate greed and inequality.
08 Politics
MYANMAR 200 out of the estimated 2 000 political prisoners were released in Myanmar on Wednesday 12 October in a move aimed at gaining favour from the international community and repealing economic sanctions. Opposition leader Suu Kyi, who had formerly been held under house arrest for 15 years, lauded the move, nevertheless imploring government to release all remaining political prisoners. ROME As the Occupy Wall Street movement spread across the world in the form of a global day of rage against bankers, financial institutions and politicians, in Rome broke out in one of the worst instances of violence the Italian capital has seen in years broke out this weekend. Tens of thousands of Roman citizens aired the sense of discontent over inequality, corruption, poverty and unemployment that inspired this global uprising. The Rome protests started peacefully, but were reported to have taken a turn for the worse when a group of hooded radicals known as black blocs starting setting cars and garbage bins alight. NORTH KOREA The American government has been accused of withholding large amounts of food aid, as Obama seeks to gain leverage in the quest to stop nuclear arms production in the singleparty state. Jim White, of the international relief organization Mercy Corps, said that we are seeing large numbers of people in North Korea slip from chronic malnutrition to acute.

TUNISIA Islamist demonstrations took place in the capital Tunis after an animated film portraying an image of God was broadcast on private television channel Nessma. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd of allegedly peaceful protestors a week before Tunisia is set to host its national election after the political uprising in January. ZIMBABWE ZANU-PFs chief negotiator for talks with the opposing MDC, Patrick Chinamasa, said the ruling party will sink without Mugabe and cannot substitute him in the next general elections despite new pressure on the elderly president to step down. We will not change the captain when the ship is at risk of being shipwrecked, Chinamasa said. ZANU-PF insiders, according to AllAfrica.com, say Mugabes game plan is not to retire but to die in office.
WORLD POLITICS ROUND-UP
FRANCE G20 leaders meet on Friday in Paris to discuss the eurozone financial crisis amidst worldwide protests against global financial state. Concerns mounted on Saturday over suggestions that the IMF should issue financial support for a eurozone rescue package. Noneurozone countries in the meeting insisted Europeans sort out the crisis themselves.
SOMALIA Money, clothing and food have been donated to war-torn Somalia by the Islamist extremist group Al-Qaeda. Analysts cite the move as a means to gain support in the Somali region and illustrate ties with al-Shabaab rebels.
UNITED STATES Following the Republican block of President Obamas $447 billion jobs bill in Senate on Tuesday 11 October, he urged the opposition to stop picking partisan ideological fights and assist with job creation. The Republican party claimed the bill was wasteful and counterproductive. Obama will be contested by Republican candidate Rick Perry in the 2012 presidential and congressional elections.
Talking Makana with Rhodes ward councillor

By Marc Davies
ive months after the election of DAs Brian Fargher as the Ward 12 Councillor, Activate spoke to him about service delivery, voter attitudes and ward constituency in Makana Municipality. Fargher won Rhodes Ward 12 in the May municipal election with 68.01% of the total votes. A lower than expected general turnout resulted in fewer than 1 000 votes being cast, despite noticeable on-campus campaigning by the ANC and an independent Rhodes candidate. Here is what Fargher has to say 150 days down the line. Participation in both the Ward 12 and SRC elections was undesirably low. Does this reflect apathy or complacency in the Rhodes community? I would not characterise Rhodes students as apathetic or complacent. The high level of community involvement is one of the many indicators that persuades me otherwise. We just have to develop ways for students to play their part in the community, whilst not detracting from energy needed to meet the very real academic demands. There was a perception in many of our wards that a surprising number of young voters abstained from voting. The question here should perhaps be why so many previous supporters of the governing party and members of SASCO didnt cast a vote. I would suggest that traditional voters for one party in South Africa, who are disillusioned, tend to abstain sooner than transferring their allegiance to another party. Is it truly important for Rhodes to operate as a ward independently, as opposed to covering a greater area, when most students generally agree thatthe most detrimental municipal problems in Grahamstown (including those that affect Rhodes,such as water, electricity and crime) mostly exist or at least developoff-campus? The IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) determines the boundaries of each ward based on the
geography and the number of voters registered. As numbers of students and staff residents on the Rhodes campus have increased, the IEC determined it should be a ward. The DA obviously didnt share the view expressed by an ANC Councillor in 2010 that Rhodes students shouldnt be allowed to vote.The students now comprise a sizable portion of the residents of Makana and are entitled to representation in local and national elections. What is obstructing Makana municipality from providing cleaner waterand uninterrupted electricity to Grahamstown residents and Rhodes? Are these problems something that you are vigorously fighting to overcome inyour capacity as Ward 12 councillor? The governing party has presided over a general neglect of infrastructure and it will take years to undo the disintegration of infrastructure. It is encouraging that the new mayor, Councillor Peter, seems bent on correcting the situation and we will be supporting his every effort in this regard. The DA councillors are assisting the Mayor in his efforts to hold staff accountable and productive. The municipality has huge challenges in capacity, staff shortages and tight budgets, and has noted years of neglect in many areas. With the direct assistance of the Auditor General, great strides are being made to correct the internal problems with the Finance Department. The DA Councillors are involved in several aspects of the situation but the reality is that the turnaround will take some time due to the extent of the challenges. The governing party seems committed to resolving the problems and the DA are supporting their efforts. Do students, in your view, need to be more active in municipaldiscourse? Would collective pressure from the Rhodes community onthe Makana Municipality afford Ward 12 significant assistance in pushingfor better service delivery for all? Yes all pressure will not only press the governing party into action but politically empowers their
Grahamstown Ward 12 Councillor, Brian Fargher, of the Democratic Alliance. Pic: Anton Scholtz
office bearers to affect service delivery. It has been encouraging to see several students elected in the Ward 12 Committee, which according to the Municipal Structures Act is seen as a non-political conduit of communication with local government. I welcome all approaches for assistance or information directly to myself, on problems of any description, be it on service delivery or even problems with national departments such as Home Affairs. How would you rate your performance as councillor thus far? Any member of the public is welcome to attend not only Council Meetings, but also the meetings of each portfolio committee and judge for themselves the
performance of every councillor. Every DA Councillor has been vigourous in their efforts to hold the governing party to account. Furthermore, each DA Councillor is a voting member of at least one of the portfolio committees. Personally, I am a member of both the Social Development and the Finance committees. I also chair the new Disaster Management committee and co-chair the Safety & Security committee. These last two appointments are a major shift in policy of the governing party, as they incorporate opposition councillors in the development of policy and strategy structures. Rhodes University students wishing to contact Brian Fargher can call him on 082657 4447 or communicate via email on fargher@imaginet.co.za.
Statehood solution for troubled Palestine

By Shivani Moodley the sovereign status of a people pursuing self-determination, said Tselapedi. He further stated that granting statehood to Palestine largely impacts Israel ollowing years of instability in Palestine, mass support for legal statehood as well, justifying their distressed stance on the idea of Palestinian statehood. recognition from 126 United Nations member states may allow for talks Through granting the troubled state legal recognition, regional alliances will with Israel to redevelop if statehood is granted by the UN. In late September, change, possibly resulting in an international alliance shift. Such a shift will Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas submitted the application - which most certainly affect Israel, especially on how the Israeli state will be viewed has been heavily opposed by the US and Israeli governments - to the UN. US by the Arab world, said Tselapedi. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said that the US would veto such a decision, Political analyses have shown little consensus on whether granting the urging Palestine to re-engage in negotiations before it would support the application may be a long-lasting solution to the instability of Palestine, application. which has experienced decades of dispossession and failed peace operations. Politics Masters student Thapelo Tselapedi claimed that a veto from the US London-based political analyst John Rose, who specialises in the Palestine would be neither just nor democratic. It is indeed unfair not to acknowledge dilemma, said The granting of Palestinian statehood is an absolute necessity
for stability in the Middle East. He went on to say that this solution could only be feasible if three conditions are met. Firstly, Israel must withdraw from the West Bank. In addition to this, Jerusalem must be shared on the basis of equality and protection of civic and religious rights. The final condition, according to Rose, is that all Palestinian refugees that were displaced when Israel became an independent state in 1948 should be allowed to return to Palestine. For Palestinian statehood to be recognised, the UN Security Council will have to approve the application and a two-thirds majority of voters in the UN General Assembly will also have to be maintained. At present, the 126 countries supporting Palestines application accounts for 65.4% of UN member states and approximately 75% of the world population.
09 Politics
Commercialised education a threat to academic freedom, says Nzimande

By Marc Davies from what it used to be, even though some want to deny it, delivering a thinly cademic freedom in South Africa veiled blow to the highly critical sentiment is fragile and must be continually evident in the media. Discussant Dr Steven defended, Higher Education and Friedman, Director of the Centre for the Training Minister Blade Nzimande said in an Study of Democracy at Rhodes and UJ, address at Rhodes on 11 October. Presenting echoed Nzimande in part. Friedman agreed at the annual DCS Oosthuizen Academic with the ministers stance that commercial Freedom Lecture, the minister discussed interests and the perverse influence of the plurality of challenges faced by higher businesses and sponsors jeopardise university education in the country. curricula. Threats today are far more subtle, Addressing staff, students and Makana Nzimande said, arguing that it is capitalist councillors at Eden Grove, Nzimande interests rather than the government that expressed concern at South African discourse imperil academic freedom. He further being dominated by talk of freedom and mentioned the lack of diversity of views in rights, with very little being said about academia and the media. Accusing the media responsibility towards society. In this vein, he of sounding like a single voice, particularly stressed the lack of a common understanding regarding the Protection of Information Bill, of transformation in South Africa, saying he said higher education institutions need that higher education and academic output to be places where such topics are discussed needs to contribute to greater social equality with less sensation and more sense than and not reinforce segregation. Academic in the media. Academic freedom must freedom cannot be tackled in isolation to include active fostering and creation of an challenges in society, the minister said. The environment with free ideas, he said. discourse around which we are mobilising The issue of resources and effective does not take into account the working allocation is also important in order to class, he added, arguing that public debates extend opportunities to all in higher such as the Dalai Lamas visa saga and the education, especially rural universities, appointment of Mogoeng Mogoeng as Chief Nzimande said. He called for greater Justice overshadow issues such as the abuse of interaction and co-operation between farm workers. universities and Further Education and Regarding present-day academic freedom, Training (FET) colleges. Addressing Rhodes he noted that the situation is very different Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat, he invited
A
Political perspective
By Megan Ellis
thought that I wouldnt write a column about Malema after all, I think he is just a distraction from
the numerous other problems in South Africa. I thought that I would instead comment on South Africas promotion to stage 6 of genocide by Genocide Watch. That, however, was before I read the reasons behind this promotion. Now we have evidence of organized incitement to violence against white people. It began with the rise of Julius Malema... The report goes on to list Malemas various misdeeds over the past few years, including his controversial comments regarding land reform and his singing of Shoot the Boer. Apparently, one man is able to up our rating in a single term of ANCYL leadership. In a few years, one man is able to send us backwards instead of towards the progress South Africa aims to achieve. But can this really be said? Im the last person to support Malema; his remarks often disgust me. However, it doesnt take a single man to pull South Africa into genocide it takes the whole country. Over 3000 farmers, mostly white, have been killed since 1991. In May 2008, at least 67 people were killed in the xenophobic attacks. Thousands of homosexuals are correctively raped each year, alongside the tens of thousands of other rape victims of which babies form a disturbingly large part. All of these make their appearance in the headlines and then fade away almost instantly to be replaced by the latest news story. Violence in South Africa is endemic. Our own President was accused of rape and our Chief Justice lessens the seriousness of violence against women. Violence is not perpetrated against one group, one race or one sex. Our death toll at the hand of murderers each year is comparable to that in some war zones, including deaths from non-direct violence. I dont like to promote hysteria, but there is something severely wrong with the South African society. A single man didnt lead South Africa to genocide. He is but one of many contributors to our precarious situation. Poverty, corruption, inaction these all continue to further deepen the wounds in South African society, and its only now that we realise theyre starting to fester. South Africa is now at stage 6. What are we going to do to change it? For more on SAs genocide rating, see the Features section.
Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training expressed concerns over academic freedom during a recent address at Rhodes. Pic: Supplied.
Lesser-known leaders around the world

By Megan Ellis
university heads from around the country to assist the ministry in generating solutions to the resource allocation dilemma. Billions of unspent rands in the National Skills Fund and ineffective SETA spending are topics that need university input. In an address to the minister, Head of the School of Languages Professor, Russell Kaschula, emphasised the necessity of language studies at university level to produce a multiplicity of qualified teachers in African languages, particularly isiXhosa, at Rhodes. Nzimande agreed with Kaschulas
argument, saying that real academic freedom in South Africa means the greater inclusion of millions of non-English mother tongue students into higher education. Both basic and higher education institutions were emphasised by the minister as needing transformation to accommodate them. In closing, the minister stressed the need for ongoing communication with higher education institutions to continue discussions on these matters.
week does not go by without leaders in the headlines, concerning issues such as new decisions, conflicts and scandals. However, with 196 countries in the world alongside nations, political parties, unrecognised states and separatist movements,
its no wonder that some leaders rarely make the headlines. Activate has decided to introduce you to some of the lesser-known (and sometimes more controversial) leaders around the world. Some even rule right here in South Africa.
Bill John Baker

Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
Letlapa Mphahlele
President of the PAC While the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has largely faded from the limelight, Letlapa Mphahlele, its president, is a member of the National Assembly. As part of PACs military wing during apartheid, Mphahlele was involved in the Heidelberg Tavern Massacre in 1993. However, he has since made steps toward reconciliation and is on the Board of Directors of the Lyndi Fourie Foundation. The foundation was started by Ginn Fourie, whose daughter Lyndi died in the massacre. She has since forgiven Mphahlele and together they promote forgiveness and progress in South Africa.
President of Taiwan (The Republic of China) Ma Ying-jeou is the President of the Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan) and the Chairperson of the Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party. While Taiwans independence is not recognised by most countries, the island holds its own elections and has been isolated from the Communist Party of the Peoples Republic of China since the late 1940s. Ma Ying-jeou does support the idea of eventual reunification with mainland China, but states that it remains the Taiwanese peoples decision. He does, however, specify that by the phrase One China he means The Republic of China. This means that he supports reunification only under the constitution of the ROC one which supports a democracy.
MaYing-jeou
Although he is only 1/32 parts Cherokee by blood, Baker was recently elected the Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The election process was long and included two elections, several recounts and a lawsuit. Baker assumed the post after the 12-year leadership of Chad Corntassel Smith. Principal Chief Baker, however, has to confront many issues facing the tribe, including the status of Cherokee freedmen. Its time to come together to work for one goal, and thats to improve our Nation, Baker said on his election website. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council , he said. He added that he would soon announce his leadership team.
Boshoff is the Chairman Prince of the Principality of of the controversial town of Sealand Orania located in the Karoo. Oranias population is made Founded by Paddy Roy up only of Afrikaners who aim Bates, the Principality of to keep Afrikaans language Sealand is located on HM and culture alive. Orania says Fort Roughs, just off the it welcomes all those who coast of Suffolk, England. identify with the Afrikaans While the states proclaimed ethnicity, but the town still independence continues to go draws controversy and unrecognised, it has its own accusations of racism. Oranias currency, passports, stamps self-government has been and royal family. Prince discussed at state level and the Michael took over leadership community has its own flag of the Principality of Sealand and currency. All residents of after his father retired. Orania do their own manual Despite affirming the naval labour and the community platforms sovereignty, Prince has links with the Coloured Michael has announced that community of Eersterust. Sealand is for sale. While Carel Boshoff IV, son of Prince Michael says that Oranias founder Professor one cannot sell sovereignty, Carel Boshoff, has not made as the family is looking for many headlines as his father, someone else to take over the who was apparently a longmicronations administration. term friend of Zuma.
Michael Bates aka His Royal Highness Prince Michael
Carel Boshoff IV
Chairman of Orania
King of the Zulu nation King Goodwill Zwelithini has been the reigning king of the Zulu nation since 1968. While King Zwelithini has no political power and his role is mostly ceremonial, his rule is protected under the Traditional Leadership clause of the Constitution. He is the custodian of Zulu traditions and customs and revived the controversial Ukweshwama, which attracted a lawsuit from animal rights organisations. King Zwelithini has honorary doctorates in agriculture and law. He is also the Chancellor of the SA branch of Newport University and KwaZuluNatals ML Sultan Technikon.
King Goodwill Zwelithini
10 Politics Feature
Americas unwinnable war

By Joel Pearson
en years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on U.S, thousands of Americans gathered in New York to pay tribute to those who died. Delivering a speech to commemorate the event, President Barack Obama said that in the past decade much has changed for Americans. Weve known war and recession; passionate debates and political divides, he said. We can never get back the lives we lost on that day, or the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed. Americans, however, were not the only ones who felt the effects of 9/11. For the majority of Afghanistans citizens, who now endure a great degree of instability and uncertainty in a country devastated by an apparently unwinnable war, 9/11 changed everything. 7 October marked another anniversary, although one which attracted far less media attention: the tenth year since the US and its allies first began what they believed would be a quick and easy war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Ten years later, however, long-term peace in Afghanistan appears as distant as ever, with victory against the Taliban continuing to prove elusive. The new government does not appear to be improving matters for the war-torn state. Widespread disapproval of the Hamid Karzai administration has rendered it largely incapable of exerting control beyond Kabul. Coalition troops also exercise only limited control over Afghanistans rural areas where the Taliban and regional warlords remain dominant. The total number of deaths among both coalition forces and Afghan civilians continues to rise almost daily. Coalition forces have suffered nearly 2 800 fatalities in Afghanistan since 2001. Last year, nearly 500 US troop fatalities were recorded the highest since the wars inception. The UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reports that between 2006 and 2010, almost 9 800 Afghan civilians were killed as a result of conflict between proand anti-government forces. Agence France Presse (AFP) reports that 2011 Is on track to be the deadliest year yet for civilians in Afghanistan. With the complete withdrawal of US troops scheduled for 2014, many ponder the possibility of a collapse of the Afghan state. The fear that many people have here is that if the politics arent dealt with, what we will see is when the international forces pull out, there will be a proper civil war, Kate Clark from the Afghanistan Analysts Network told AFP. With troop casualties in Afghanistan growing, there is growing fervour within the US for a speedy and complete withdrawal from the country, especially since the killing of Osama bin Laden by US special agents in Pakistan on 2 May this year. Informed that Bin Laden was hiding in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban regime, US and UK forces began a campaign of aerial bombardment in the mountainous northern region of Afghanistan on 7 October 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom had initially been welcomed by Afghans who hoped for an
Last year, nearly 500 US troop fatalities were recorded the highest since the wars inception.
end to the repressive rule of the Taliban, the militant Islamist regime governing Afghanistan with one of the most puritanical interpretations of Sharia law the Muslim world has ever experienced. Under Taliban rule, women especially endured high levels of oppression. But the coalitions shock and awe approach soon proved to be more destructive than liberatory. In the first 10 months of the bombing campaign, over 3 000 Afghani civilians had been killed, already surpassing the 9/11 death toll. Frequent and indiscriminate bombing of civilians turned many Afghanis along with many others in the Arab and Muslim world against coalition forces. Islamist militant organisations would capitalise on this animosity to draw willing new fighters into their ranks. According to Professor Paul Maylam of the Rhodes History Department, the tactics of warfare initially employed by the US-led forces were ill-suited to the stated goal of capturing Bin Laden. Aerial bombing never defeated al-Qaeda, he said. It actually helped increase recruitment and allowed it to spread to Iraq when it was invaded in 2003. Instead, Maylam argues that good intelligence was what was missing. US intelligence agents should have tried to infiltrate al-Qaeda., he said. This has proved a good counterterrorism strategy this is how Bin Laden was eventually caught. The Taliban were never decisively defeated. Instead, its members fled to Pakistan only to return after several years, finding fertile ground in Afghanistan to regroup and strengthen. Commenting on the return of the Taliban, Siphokazi Magadla from the Department of Political and International Studies argues that, When you dont give people any options, then it becomes a case of rather the enemy we know than the one we dont. Despite promising to spread democracy to Afghanistan, the US had paid little more than lip service to the goal of nation-building after the initial routing of the Taliban. The promised redevelopment funds did not materialise, with the attention of the US and the international media focused instead on Iraq, which was invaded in 2003. Afghan services and infrastructure remained in tatters after months of extensive aerial bombing. Hopes that the new democratic government, which the US helped to establish, would work to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans quickly dwindled as Karzais administration revealed itself to be increasingly corrupt and predatory. Wikileaks recently published a report from the US State Department which admitted that, One of their major challenges in Afghanistan [remains] how to fight corruption and connect the people to their government, when the key government officials are themselves corrupt. In 2007 and 2008, against the backdrop of high levels of public animosity towards Karzais government, the Taliban once again gained ground in Afghanistan. Many Afghan families provided refuge for Taliban fighters, who began to exact a series of stunning blows against foreign forces and the Kabul government. Through the
American soldiers in Afghanistan. 10 years of war, the conflict is far from over. Pic: Time Online
use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and strategic assassinations, the Taliban continues to resist complete defeat, posing one the gravest threats to the nascent Afghan democracy. Continuing instability is also underpinned by sharp public enmity directed towards the US and other foreign troops. Ten years since they first entered, the coalition forces in Afghanistan now number almost 140 000. They have come to be seen by local Afghanis more as occupiers than liberators. The activities of coalition forces are doing little to stem the tide of extremism in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan comes in the wake of the recent assassination of Karzais key negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani, by Pakistani agents posing as Taliban members. Rabbani was a former president and leader of the Northern Alliance involved in negotiations with the Taliban, and his death has raised fears of the outbreak of a full-scale civil war. Rabbanis assassination has invoked the ire of Karzai who has long accused Pakistans intelligence agency, the ISI, of funding extremist groups. Karzai has since announced that his government will no longer negotiate with the Taliban, focusing its attention on Pakistan instead. This Pakistani link has attracted increasing international speculation this year, following the hen Obama took office in 2009, he promised killing of Osama bin Laden by US special agents in the an end to the war in Afghanistan. Under a new Pakistani town of Abbottabad on 2 May. These recent strategy premised on counter-insurgency (commonly developments are cited as proof that the US counterknown as COIN), 50 000 additional US troops were terrorism strategy has only resulted in a shift of the locus deployed. Devised by General David Patraeus, COIN of Islamist terrorism from Afghanistan to Pakistan, the aims above all to avoid civilian casualties in military latter increasingly seen as playing an integral role in operations, recognising that civilian deaths are a key supporting terrorist organisations whose activities serve, recruitment tool for insurgents. Alienating Afghan among other things, to destabilise the unpopular Afghan civilians sows the seeds of our defeat, he said. government further. But while this new approach has proved more Afghanistan has shown that there are limitations to successful in persuading some locals to cooperate in military power, said Magadla. If victory was based counter-insurgency, most remain hostile towards the only on military power, then it would have been an easy foreign military presence, and instability remains the war and there would now be peace. Instead, she argued norm in most of the country. that Americas use of overwhelming military force in Coalition forces exercise little control beyond urban Afghanistan and Iraq has succeeded only in turning the centres and vast swathes of territory remain off-limits world against it. I dont think Americans anticipated to them.The ongoing war has perpetuated instability, this at all, she added. They were wrong about so many said Maylam. The Taliban had brought some stability things. to Afghanistan. Their fall from power did not bring The 10th anniversary of the entry of foreign forces into stability. Afghanistan on 7 October could not possibly rival the The results of the US intervention have not been spectacle of the 9/11 commemoration. It will proceed entirely negative, however. Women enjoy greater in an atmosphere of high tension amid the recent freedom in urban areas, and girls are now allowed to assassination of Rabbani, which has rocked the already attend school. Shopping centres have become a feature embattled Afghan government struggling to maintain its of downtown Kabul. At the beginning of October, the tentative hold on power. first rock concert in thirty years took place in the Babur Obamas anniversary address began with a passage Gardens in Kabul. from the Bible: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy But urban peace is proving difficult to replicate in cometh in the morning. But for most of the people of Afghanistans rural areas, and recent developments are Afghanistan, who mark 10 years of virtually continuous threatening even these modest gains. devastation, it seems that joy is far from certain, and the The ten-year anniversary of the beginning of the war in night is far from over.
Build up to 9/11
The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan signalled the beginning of a catastrophic ten-year war that not only dealt a punishing blow to the Soviet Union, but would directly come to haunt the United States on 11 September 2001. The finances, arms and training provided by the US to the Mujahideen - the Islamist guerrilla groups who expelled the Red Army in 1989 - would allow for the emergence of both Osama bin Ladens al-Qaeda and Afghanistans puritanical Taliban regime. The September 11 attacks have thus come to be emblematic of blowback: the unintended consequences of heavy-handed interventions in a sovereign state.
Bin Laden joins the Mujahideen,

communist militants. The Red Army invades Afghanistan. smuggling funds and arms to anti-
The Taliban consolidates its control over Afghanistan, imposing strict Sharia law.
The Soviets withdraw, leaving local power.
Bin Laden and al-Qaeda seek refuge in Afghanistan and, under the Talibans
protection, announce an international jihad to expel non-Muslims from Islamic lands.
militant groups to fight for control of
1979
1989 1988
1996 1994
1998
Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, with the support of three other militant groups, issue a fatwa calling on Muslims to kill Americans whenever and wherever they can.
Bin Laden establishes the Islamist terrorist
The Taliban (Students) is formed by Omar and seizes control of Kandahar province.
group that would become al-Qaeda (The Base), recruiting Mujahideen guerrillas to his ranks.
disaffected Mujahideen militant Mullah
Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri help orchestrate the bombing of US

embassies in Tanzania and Kenya on 7 August.
11 Photo Feature
Anything but the bucket

By Andy Leve and Kayla Roux
workers. South Africa is now 17 years into democracy, but many people have no choice but to use this 30-yearold system for disposing of human waste that was implemented during the apartheid era for township and rural homeland areas in non-white homes. The bucket system is used in areas such as Phaphamani, parts of Extension 6 and Kwandancama in Fingo Village in Grahamstown, and is most prevalent in the Eastern Cape in comparison to the rest of the country. Buckets are usually placed outside the home in makeshift shelters, and are supposed to be emptied on a bi-weekly basis by the municipality, but this often doesnt happen. When the municipality
number of townships in Grahamstown are still using the bucket system, an arrangement which sees homes equipped with one bucket that is to serve as a toilet for all the members of the household, and is then collected in the early hours of the morning twice a week by municipal
fails to arrive sometimes for two-week stretches at a time residents are forced to empty and bury the contents of the buckets in their own backyards. The Makana municipality has said that plans are in place to eradicate the system completely, and that they are expecting funds from provincial government in order to put the process into motion. There are alternative toilet systems available which could be implemented, given some infrastructural change and upgrades. From an environmental standpoint, a waterborne flushing toilet is an unfeasible option in our drought-ridden province. Therefore, flushing toilets in all households is not necessarily the answer. Systems such as the waterless loo function similarly to flushing toilets, except that no water is used in the process. If you would like to find out how this works and find out more about the bucket system in Grahamstown, visit www.activateonline.co.za to see the documentary made by fourth-year TV Journalism students Andy Leve and Duduetsang Makuse.
One of the bucket collectors picks up a full bucket of human waste during one of their bi-weekly collection rounds in Xolani. [Jonathan Jones] Below left: The truck waits for the last man to arrive so they can begin their round. [Anton Scholtz] Below Right: The first member of the bucket collection team is picked up at 3am in extension 7. The truck goes around and picks up each member of the team from their homes and then they begin with their work. [Anton Scholtz]
12 Photo Feature
2
1. A member of the collection team carries an empty bucket to a nearby house in Xolani, where he will replace a used bucket with this clean one. [Jonathan Jones] 2. One of the team members waits for the truck to come back and pick him up after fetching buckets from the houses. [Anton Scholtz] 3. A full bucket is picked up which will be passed (4) to the two men on the back of the approaching truck. [Jonathan Jones; Anton Scholtz] 5. A team member empties one of the buckets filled with human excrement. The truck keeps driving as workers move between houses collecting buckets that need to be emptied. The men have adopted different jargon and signals to communicate quickly while working. [Jonathan Jones]
13 Photo Feature
8
8. The truck is taken to a sewerage plant outside Joza at 6am to be emptied and cleaned. The part of the plant which receives the sewerage from the truck is currently overflowing and has the potential to cause serious problems for both workers and nearby residents. [Anton Scholtz]
7
6. A team member replaces a full bucket with a clean one at a dilapidated outside toilet in Xolani at 3:30am. Workers say they often find cigarette butts, condoms and litter in the full buckets which they are required to empty. [Jonathan Jones] 7. Finishing in Joza, one of the men jumps aboard as the truck leaves for the sewerage works at 5:30 am. After collecting buckets from Xolani, Fingo, Vukani , Hlalani and Tyantyi, the men have spent about three and a half hours collecting buckets filled with human excrement. [Jonathan Jones]
9
9. The truck is scrubbed and hosed off (10) after the sewerage has been deposited at the plant. [Anton Scholtz; Jonathan Jones]
11
10
11. The team wash their hands and boots after finishing a three to four hour shift at 6am. [Jonathan Jones]
14 Business
Smart business investments

By Njabulo Nkosi
ith the fluctuating currencies of the world, the devastating recession and the insecurity of the job market, it is a wise decision for any student to begin building a sound investment portfolio at university. Investment is the placing of money into assets (financial or otherwise) which should ideally yield a return in the long run. There are some things to consider when choosing an investment instrument, as wealth-building begins with a plan. The first decision a student needs to make is what they are investing for, said Johan Hefer, a lecturer at the Rhodes Management department and a qualified chartered accountant. Do they want to buy a house in three years, or do they want to save for their retirement in 30 years? If you have a 30-year time frame, you can afford to invest in higher risk asset classes such as shares. If you want to invest for a shorter period of time, you would be better off investing in more
Entrepreneurs of G-town
said MacDonald Kanyangale, a senior lecturer at the Rhodes Business School. Entrepreneurs are very important in any economy and at any level, be it country-wide or at a municipal level. Entrepreneurship is one way for people to break away from the chain of poverty and also enjoy autonomy in whatever they do. Most students have contemplated starting entrepreneurial ventures of their own at some point or another, but have failed to find precedents that promote inspiration. There are, however, a number of successful student-run businesses in Grahamstown. If you like going out on a Monday and have heard the word cougar, you will know a place called Pirates. In 2007, two students, Dan Hocutt and Geoff Waugh, began selling pizza from Dans res room. When it grew, Rhodes found them in contravention with res rules, but this did nothing to deter them. They found and leased property, selling Waughs Mercedes Benz and some cows from Hocutts family farm and borrowing money in order to raise the start-up capital. After a lot of perseverance and recruitment, they re-opened their business on 38 Somerset Street in August 2007. Pirates Pizza has since grown into a thriving business, which caters primarily for students with unique pizzas, daily specials and live music. Another success story is that of Luke Muyambi, the owner of Freshly Fun Donuts. Muyambi started his donut business from his flat. He saw an opportunity and decided to deliver donuts at set times, opening for business during swot week and exams last year. He has since obtained a solid market that is growing rapidly. In addition, Myambi is changing the name of his business to Dessert Island, indicating it will specialise in desserts a service Grahamstown is sorely lacking. There are many benefits of being an entrepreneur, such as flexibility and independence. With these benefits, however, come many costs. Start-up funds, lack of perseverance among up-coming entrepreneurs, who expect overnight business success, and culture of entitlement are some of the issues that damage entrepreneurship, said Kanyangale. Failure to manage finances effectively is also another big difficulty. In many situations, entrepreneurial students have found themselves under immense pressure, with their businesses taking up their time for sleep, study and socialising. Entrepreneurship also requires a lot of organisation, financial discipline and mental strength. There are many out-of-the-box entrepreneurial ideas for students to partake in that some see and others do not. After all, an entrepreneur is one who finds a need in his or her community and provides a service to capitalise on that need. From an educational point of view, students have an opportunity to enrol in a postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, recommended Kanyangale. This course is aimed at graduate students, other than those who have majored in Management, seeking a qualification to equip them to start their own businesses and to enhance their entry into employment in business. Details of the course structure are available in a brochure obtainable from the Student Bureau.
conservative options like bonds. There are many good investments that university students and graduates can make to build a strong portfolio. According to the Financial Times, gold is a stable investment instrument and is ideal for students because it is tangible, its prices are steadily rising, and it is easily converted into cash. It has been the investment of the past decade. Gold is a long-term investment, and has tripled its return on investment in the past decade. With the gold prices gaining momentum, many experts believe it will continue doing so for another 10 years, if not more. Unit trusts and hedge funds, where professional investors look after their investment instruments, are ideal, one Investment Management student at Rhodes said. Students do not have hours to search for investment areas. Investment instruments where returns on investments will be more readily seen are also available. Examples include empowerment
schemes like Telkoms recent BEE empowerment scheme as well as companies that are just starting up. Property is always a winner, provided that it is the right type, at the right price and in the right location. An opportunity for students with excess capital would be to buy a digs and rent it out to fellow students, thus providing the owner with a steady income. There are many great resources and free newsletters to subscribe to that could help students broaden their investment knowledge and assist them in making the right decisions. Students should be cautious of investment material that promises very quick returns, however, as the best and safest returns are seen after longer periods of time. Some suggested investment research resources are Sanlam Glaciers Funds, PSG Asset Managements Alphen Angle, the Personal Finance section in the Business Report, Entrepreneurship magazine and investment management professionals.
By Njabulo Nkosi
obert Kiyosaki, author of the bestseller Rich Dad, Poor Dad, was told when he was young to work hard in school, get into a good university, then go work for another person, and retire at 65 into financial security. Ever heard these words and been convinced that they are a solid plan? In todays world of scarce employment, povertystricken communities, government policies and employers downsizing due to recessions and financial woes, this advice may no longer be such a viable option. Although education is very important, nowadays the government is encouraging people to venture into entrepreneurship. According to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, SMEs (small to medium enterprises), are critical to the growth of South Africas economy. The best way to ensure this, said Gordhan, is to engage the youth in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is important largely for job creation, innovation and economic growth,
Steve Jobs and his business legacy

By Brendan Ward
Illustrator: Katja Schreiber
teve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple, founder of Pixar and international business icon, passed away on 5 October. On the following Monday, it was announced that his death was caused by respiratory arrest due to pancreatic cancer. The world has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being, read the statement on Apples website following the announcement of its former CEOs death. Jobs was a powerful and charismatic leader, and forged Apple into what it is today: the second most valuable company in the world. Professor Harry Dugmore, who lectures on New Media at Rhodes, says [Jobs] revolutionised three different industries the computer, mobile, and digital animation and movie industries. According to renowned industry analyst Tomi Ahonen, Steve Jobs was the greatest businessman and chief executive of any industry and any era ever! The technological achievements of Apple need not be listed; the cult-like following of their wide array of products should speak for that. What is most remarkable was the impact of Jobs on the business world. Steve Jobs not only drove innovation, set a benchmark for all competitors and revolutionised business, but he made all his inventions very user-friendly, said Professor Greg Foster, an Information Systems lecturer. This made Apple a cut above the rest in the industry. Jobs began his company in a garage with his business partner, Steve Wozniak. After he left Apple in 1985, it
steadily declined to near bankruptcy, and its turnaround to the industry giant today is largely due to him. As Ahonen says, Business is business. You have to make profits, and Apple under Steve Jobs has become the most profitable tech company. Jobs was described by colleague Bud Tribble as having a reality distortion field that made anything possible. This visionary drive into new frontiers made Jobs the perfect CEO for an uncertain digital age where boundaries are continuously being pushed into the unknown. The iPad is a case in point. While there had been other tablets available before its launch, the iPad instantly became the archetypal tablet before the market had even realised the enormous potential of the platform. Dugmore said that Jobs united the importance of aesthetics and functionality. He made beauty functional in every product. Instead of beauty and function in conflict with each other, Jobs used beauty designed to make it work better. As the world continues to mourn the loss of this visionary, the business world has yet to determine the nature of the post-Jobs era. Investor reaction to his resignation earlier this year was not overly negative the company saw very little decrease in share prices. The question is whether his successor, Tim Cook, can maintain the pull on the market that Jobs did. This drawing power is the kind that can keep the company strong such as the launch of the iPhone 4S last week. Moreover, Cook will need to be able to stay on top of revolutionary new technologies such as Siri, the voice recognition technology available on the iPhone 4S.
15 Comment & Analysis
Pushing my agenda
By Bruce Haynes
Disney: Is it all Hakuna Matata?

By Palesa Kgasane
he sustained media furore over ANC Youth League President Julius Malema is indicative of the prevalent intolerance of diversity of opinion within South Africas free press. While to be commended on rallying against any perceived threat to media freedom, South Africas media is at the same time proving itself to be incapable of understanding its associated responsibility to democratically represent the perspectives and interests of all segments of the population. South African media has been reduced to figuratively holding up a mirror in which the dominant elite can preen themselves over breakfast in the mornings. Any challenges to these dominant assumptions have, on numerous occasions, been met with a vehement backlash of self-righteous indignation by the so-called free press. Malemas views may make the painstakingly politically correct dominant class feel uncomfortable, but they are representative of the opinions of a large portion of South Africas youth and should be engaged with by the media as such. Struggle activists like Steve Biko did not sacrifice their lives for their children to sing FIFA World Cup theme songs sponsored by Coca-Cola and watch Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu braaing boerewors on Heritage Day. They fought for freedom of an oppressed people from economic and social injustice. Despite much World Cup flag-waving, South Africa remains one of the most unequal nations on earth. In many of his controversial statements, Malema has been speaking his mind. A political figure engaging in honesty of this nature, however controversial, should be lauded by media rather than being derided. Until South African media and South African society begins to value truth over political correctness, and to engage meaningfully in an open debate over past injustices and present inequality, this country will make no meaningful movement towards transformation.
or many of us, Disney movies are associated with our childhood years. The family favourites, which typically depict stories of good triumphing over evil with a tidy happily ever after ending, are usually remembered fondly and seen as wholesome models that influence and inspire children. Even parents seem to enjoy some of the humour, which may be directed at a more mature audience. Upon closer inspection however, the Disney classics have been found to contain ideologies that are Mbali Sebaeng, BA 3 I loved the movies, but I dont watch them now. I found that the female role was always waiting on her Prince Charming, and thats the only way she could be happy. Even today, nobody is content with being single and I think it has a lot to do with what we watched as children. There are also racist undertones. Some people may argue that Princess Tiana was the first [black princess], but she was not a princess from the beginning because once she kissed her prince she turned into a frog which is totally unlike what happens in other Disney movies. Her Prince Charming is a broke man as well. I have to wonder what they are trying to say. I dont believe in Disney movies, as you can see that they were made by adults whose own ideologies show through.
often unrealistic, overly romanticised, elitist and sexist. Subliminal sexual messages have been spotted by some in The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, and it has been alleged that Dumbo, a firm childhood favourite, is full of racial stereotyping. In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Frollo sings of a sexual fantasy about Esmeralda and his burning desire which is turning him to sin. Other critics, however, insist on Disney classics as good clean childrens fun, containing fundamental moral lessons. Did it all go down the rabbit-hole for Disney, or is this just a senseless witch hunt? Fans from both sides of the spectrum gave their views.
confronted with violence and social injustice. Disney movies are completely out of touch with what we experience and I think that we watch the movies to escape from our realities. Whatever the values are in those movies, at the end of the day Im going to have to walk out and face my reality. to be rescued. My favourite was Mulan, as she was actually strong and kicked ass. Pocahontas on the other hand used love to show the guy the world. I really think that these movies help to shape who you are, especially at such a formative age in terms of your understanding of the world. I definitely think that they can be relevant to ones adult life.
Jessika Kennedy, BSocSci 1 In times of modernisation and globalisation, things have become too complicated and structured. If people were to remember the messages they learnt in childhood from watching cartoons and Disney movies, they would realise that they Prinesha Naidoo, BJourn Honours shouldnt lose It irritates me that people try to read too much into these their inner movies, like they are going to brainwash kids. To me, it is a child. story you take from it what you want. They should Sibongile Mphuthing, BSocSci 2 respond more to I mainly learnt about sharing from Disney movies. For the messages that these example, when I was little I used to share my crayons, but programmes portray that now I can see that it really applies to life you learn to there is true love, there is share with the people around you. magic in the world. Mark De Vos, Linguistics lecturer Ive watched Disney movies all my life and enjoyed Nchimunya Hamukoma, them. I actually dont care too much about the values BEC Honours in the movies; they do not really impact me because Disney movies are responsible for a lot of when I watch, I watch in a space. Ive watched Tom and interesting ways we think as people. I noticed that a Jerry all my life and have no desire to start chasing cats lot of us who have watched the same things have the same around. Walking down the street, we are overtly or subtly ideas, like the categorisation of women who need
By Rubert Fitchet
SEXPOSED!
Conrad Swart, BA 3 Sex should be accepted as a natural part of life. Yes, it is personal, but it is part of who we are as human beings. SEXPO probably helps to share new ideas about sex and sexuality. I think its trying to make people more comfortable about sex. Francesca Smith, BA 2 I think its a bit of both. We are all already so desensitised as to what sex should be. Sex has become merely an act (as it is in porn): more an automatic action than anything else. However, SEXPO does have its benefits as far as removing the taboos that surrounds sex. Byron Thompson, BCom 2 SEXPO allows the public to explore and learn more about sexual activity. I honestly believe it will help society embrace sexual activity in a positive and relaxed manner as well as educating inexperienced individuals
he annual SEXPO gave South Africans another dose of the quirky adult entertainment people have come to expect at the recent Johannesburg and Durban shows. The focus of this Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Expo is not merely on titillating the masses but primarily provides patrons with an entertaining environment in which to learn about sex. The aims of the exhibition, as stated on the SEXPO website, are to educate, inform, entertain and celebrate sexuality in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Attractions like Pricasso (the artist who uses his penis as a paintbrush), the 3D erotic Justin Bradfield, BCom 3 Every day we are bombarded with sex on TV and in advertisements so it shouldnt be such a shock that they are holding these SEXPOs. Sexuality isnt something that people should be ashamed of: it is a part of everyday life and is no longer regarded as a taboo. People also have the choice as to whether or not they want to attend these events. All in all, I believe that the SEXPO is a way for people to let their hair down and have fun, much in the same way as some people would attend a car expo or an art expo. Jamie Bezuidenhout, BCom 3 I really think that the SEXPO shouldnt be taken too seriously. After all, its human nature and I think its good that people can be open about their sexuality. I do agree that sex should be a personal matter, but at the end of the day, I think its about acknowledging that, in some way or another, we are all sexual beings.
gallery and the giant Gold Member show exactly how SEXPO has gained its notoriety. However, questions are raised as to whether these kinds of materials and performances should be displayed in the public domain, and the sexual nature of the exhibition has been called vulgar and inappropriate by some. In light of the prevalent ignorance in South Africa regarding sexual health issues, SEXPO provides seminars on STDs and other safe sex practices. Not only does SEXPO cater for the health-conscious, but it also holds seminars which help to unleash ones sexual powers which are attended by those who are a bit more adventurous. So, is the SEXPO really just harmless fun with a free penis keyring, or a case of too much information? with regards to the different avenues of sex as a whole. This newly adopted relaxed approach will also aid parents when educating children about sex as well as giving children confidence when asking questions about sex. Professor Michael Drewett, Sociology lecturer I think it sounds like a good idea if its about promoting sexuality and informing people about what is available in this regard and the options on offer. If it in any way promotes harmful sexual relations between people then I would not support those aspects of it. Dean Ferreira, BSC 2 I think its a good thing; it prevents people thinking that sex is unnatural and also reduces the stereotypical view that sex is wrong. I believe that there is a taboo around sex which the SEXPO does not shy away from. It also allows the passing of information about HIV and other STDs.
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16 Features
Above: Princess Vuyisa Jezile is led to the kraal. Above right: Chief Tyali says a few words to Princess Vuyisa Jezile before the planting of the spear. Pics: Louisa Feiter
A royal wedding
By Louisa Feiter
In the wake of truth

By Karlien van der Wielen
announce to the ancestors her intention of marrying. By that time it was already midday and a hazy heat blanketed the landscape. The previous day 10 cows cattered ululations greeted us as we stepped out of the car: the wedding celebrations were already in full and 22 sheep had been slaughtered and the smell of cooking meat began to waft from the gigantic potjies swing. Groups of people wearing an eclective mix of traditional and modern clothing were sitting under simmering over the outside fireplaces. A lull spread over the proceedings as everyone retreated into the shade. trees or against the walls of the few patterned buildings, preparing food or simply passing time with Food was served and we were once again invited inside, where the King of the Transkei was reposing, to casual chit-chat. partake in more delicacies of liver and meat. Everyone seemed perfectly content that the day was passing by We were invited indoors at the Chief s house where Prince Mzukisi Tyali, the bridegroom, greeted us languidly. personally. Tripe with home-baked bread was served- a delicacy and a sign of honour. I politely took a piece, Later in the afternoon, everyone gathered in one of the big white tents erected for the occasion. The but after two bites I surreptitiously handed it to my father who seemed to be enjoying it more than I was. atmosphere was vibrant with energetic dancing and singing as various bridesmaids, family members and The bridal couple was brought to the kraal, preceded by a singing and jubilant crowd. I had been allocated finally the bride and bridegroom walked down the red carpet aisle: the white wedding had started. A Christian a seat outside - as a woman I wasnt allowed in the kraal. I was, however, close enough to hear Chief Tyali, ceremony followed, punctuated by short bursts of exuberant singing, complete with You may now kiss the the bridegrooms uncle, address the couple. When bride Princess Vuyisa Jezile emerged wrapped in a white bride. The ceremony was ended with some more songs and the guests moved to the adjacent tent where the blanket and head covered with a black cloth, she was led to Prince Tyalis mother, who also had some words reception and a couple of speeches followed. for her before she was led away again. Although I left after that, I heard that the bride proceeded to throw her bouquet and her garter into the After half an hours respite, the bride returned wearing a traditional skirt and an array of beaded necklaces. crowd. The wedding had featured an interesting juxtaposition of Xhosa and Western tradition cell phones, Her upper body was painted with clay and she was carrying a spear. Amongst more ululating and much high heels and cars vied with the rural scenery, ululating and traditional attire. All in all, it was a magnificent dancing, she walked towards to the kraal and upon arrival firmly planted the spear into the ground to experience: one that I wont be forgetting soon.
rchbishop Emiritus Desmond Tutu, who was the Chairperson of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, once said, My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. During the Rhodes Constitution Week, humanity was celebrated and shared at the 2011 Truth Commission in which students brought the alleged human rights violations they have experienced at Rhodes to light. Issues concerning the universitys prosecution procedure, HIV and AIDS education, racism, homophobia and religious intolerance were raised, drawing sharp attention to the flaws of humanity, while appealing for its more compelling traits such as compassion and empathy to be brought to the foreground. Most importantly, the event aimed to encourage what is arguably one of our most distinctive abilities: the capacity for change. The Rhodes Truth Commission focused on how the dignity of individuals has been compromised, either by fellow students or the university. Because the Commission was meant to provide an opportunity to share and discuss pain rather than to address the issue of retribution, participants were instructed to leave specific names out of their testimonies. The Dean of Students, Dr Vivian de Klerk, emphasised that the omission of the word reconciliation from the name the Truth Commission was a deliberate one. She does, however, maintain that certain steps will be taken in order to address some of the issues that surfaced. We didnt want there to be any expectation of something following,
said De Klerk. But there will be things that follow, like [in the case of] systems that have failed students. If the disciplinary process is too slow, and we heard about that, it needs to be tightened up. The story of Hope, a former Rhodes student who testified under a pseudonym, drew attention to the need for this tightening up of the disciplinary process. Hope was drugged and raped by a fellow university student early in 2010. After laying a charge and being sent home, she returned to Rhodes to find her attacker roaming campus as though nothing had happened. More than six months went by before the trial was heard, during which time Hope left Rhodes. The case only came to fruition when Susan Smailes, the Director of Special Projects at Rhodes, took it on personally. Another testimony, this time about the stigmas surrounding HIV and the lack of education about the issue at Rhodes, will hopefully bring alterations to the universitys HIV program under consideration. De Klerk also discussed possible changes to the structure of the Truth Commission, which would aim to make it more open and balanced. The event can then be called Rhodes Student Experiences, and will feature both positive and negative testimonies. Perhaps the most far-reaching change is still in the works. After the testimonies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela reiterated the need for a generic course that would encourage students to take a critical look at the social context in which they live. The course would be compulsory for all students and involve various methods of engaging with their social milieu. The course would aim to develop social responsibility, critical citizenry, respect for humanity, non-discrimination and so on, said
Professor Chrissie Boughey, the Dean of Teaching and Learning, who is currently taking the lead in plans to develop this course. The idea for the course was posited by Dr Saleem Badat when he first came to Rhodes University. Without turning into a Life Orientation course, the curriculum would require students to engage with issues surrounding exclusion, discrimination and injustice. Boughey stated that the course would, according to plans, take 150 extra hours over a three-year period, which translates into two hours per week. Its all about creating a certain society, because the Constitution by itself cannot deliver the kind of society in line with the values it enshrines, said Mabizela. It is higher education institutions like ours that have to instil these values and ensure that our students embrace those values. Not only that they embrace them, but that they lead those values of human solidarity, the value of respecting human dignity, of going beyond tolerance. Mabizela also urged Rhodes graduates to reflect the official university slogan, Where Leaders Learn, by showing a qualitative difference in the way they engage with society a difference that was not adequately demonstrated to the students who testified that the Truth Commission. Some of the harrowing accounts that surfaced during the Commission served as a reminder that Rhodes and its students still have a long way to go in terms of building the society of which Mabizela spoke. Although doubts have been raised about the efficacy of the proposed social education plan, definite steps have been taken by the university in the mean time. As De Klerk said in her introduction: We can only listen this evening and acknowledge wrongs done, and commit to working toward a more just Rhodes community.
17 Features
The digital death of music

By Tristan de Robillard and Nina McFall
t is very difficult to commodify something which can be shared among thousands for free as soon as a single copy is made digital. This, it seems, is the challenge staring the modern music industry in the face. The Life of Riley, a local Grahamstown folk-pop band, chose to make three singles from their album The Golden Age of Us available on their Facebook fan page. Lead singer Terri-Lee Adendorff said this was done to give listeners a taste of the album and to encourage them to take the bait and purchase a CD. Some artists, such as Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and producer lafur Arnalds, are using the changing consumption habits of listeners to their advantage. Arnalds embarked on a week-long composition project, Living Room Songs, in which one track was released every day for a week, starting on 3 October. The tracks are available to download for free at livingroomsongs.olafurarnalds.com and only require you to share the songs on a social network before you download it. When asked if she would ever consider something
similar with The Life of Riley, Adendorff replied, We are so small and dont want to make demands of anyone, even to share our music we are grateful to anyone who listens. Maybe if they enjoy it, they will come to a show. At Rhodes, the sharing of files has become the primary source of music for many, as the lack of availability has become a problem for the relatively isolated students of Grahamstown. Albums from more underground genres, such as indie rock and true metal, are not always available here. I find that, particularly in Grahamstown, the legitimate ways to get music are sadly limited, said Karen McCarthy, an English Masters student. Musica, which I dutifully frequent, stocks little if any of the music I prefer. I do try to buy the CDs of bands I love. They have to eat, after all. Adendorff believed that if bands made their music more easily accessible and met their fans demands, people would be more motivated to support them. She admits to copying music that is simply not available in Grahamstown, although she feels bad because she is in the same position as many of the underground bands she pirates from.
George Kirkinis, an English Honours student, receives songs from friends and will pay for albums that he likes, but eventually the financial difficulties of student life catch up. I do believe in supporting the music industry and so if I like an artist I will generally have to import their music through Amazon, he said. I also listen to all my music that isnt mp3 or vinyl, which necessitates that I often have to order it online. Because of the obvious monetary strain that this entails, I can only do this every now and then. The result is that a large portion of the music I like has to be in mp3 format. Would it perhaps be easier for Rhodes students if they had credit cards they could use to buy music from legitimate sites like Amazon? McCarthy acknowledged this, but there is still the factor of money to consider, so she admits to pleading the poor student case. Moreover, most students do not have access to a credit card, which is required for online purchases. It is much easier to get music from a friend who already has the album. That way it costs nothing and the music is instantly available. Though it is great to have access to music at the click of a mouse, some of the spirit of music has been
lost. We no longer actually own music, but rather save it. We no longer take pleasure in racing home after finally finding a CD we have been searching for, putting it in the stereo and turning it up to full blast. The Life of Riley has attempted to make their CD as easily available and affordable as possible. The Golden Age of Us will only cost you R60 and postage is free anywhere in South Africa. The CDs will also be on sale at their final Grahamstown show on 5 November at Slipstream. Adendorff said that they break even on the cost of CDs, and are not looking to make money but are simply enthusiastic about getting their music out there. The people who actually end up paying in these cases are the artists. The fact that it is now very difficult to make money from album sales means that artists have to make most of their money through live performances. Artists like U2 and Coldplay, who previously had fairly limited touring schedules, are now touring the world to earn the money their albums used to make. It also means that local bands may find it even more difficult than before to succeed without sufficient live exposure.
Genocide Watch fixes eye on South Africa

By Karlien van der Wielen
Food for thought

By Savannah Wilmot
Food wastage is a common sight in all dining halls on campus. Pic: Niamh Walsh-Vorster
es food is a contentious issue. Many complain about the quality of the dishes served, but a bigger issue may be what is left over. Food wastage is a serious problem. Following most dining halls prohibition on taking anything but four slices of bread and fruit out, copious amounts of food is left uneaten every day. According to Jay Pillay, the dining hall kitchen administrator, steps are being taken to minimise the wastage and utilise leftover food in a productive way. The main factor in food wastage is the fact that many people who do not collect their food at meal time had not unbooked the meals they knew they would miss. Pillay explained that she understands that remembering to unbook meals 48 hours in advance can be hard, and that missing a meal is sometimes unintentional. The seconds system is meant to curb this wastage, but it is obviously preferable to minimise the excess of food to begin with. Despite this, a lot of food is still being wasted. In accordance to Rhodes constant effort to give back to the community, the kitchen administrators have found a way to use the leftover food productively. The excess food is collected daily by local pig farmers who then use the food as slop for their animals. This process is in no way financially beneficial to Rhodes because, other than a minimal handling fee, the food is allocated to farmers in need at no cost. This food promotes
sustainability for farmers who cannot afford expensive feed, thereby utilising waste instead of just throwing it away. Questions may arise as to why the food is not allocated to safe houses and welfare homes to feed people. The difficultly lies in the fact that food becomes a health risk if it is not kept cool and fresh through the use of refrigerators. If frozen meat is defrosted and frozen again, it can pose serious health risks when it is defrosted for the second time for consumption. Many community houses do not have the facilities to keep food suitably fresh. This led the Rhodes kitchen administration team to the decision not to dispense food at a risk to those who receive it. Instead, a conscious effort is being made to ensure spare non-perishable food is appropriately wrapped up in hygienic containers and distributed to community houses such as Sun City Nursery School and Eloxoleni Street Shelter. Pillay suggested that Rhodes students can minimise food wastage by unbooking meals they wont be eating and telling the kitchen staff how much food they would like. She also felt that the staff could work on improving communication with the students as another way forward. Education is key: whether we do it in workshops or conventions, it would still help, said Pillay. Lets make people aware of what is being wasted and what we can do about it.
arely is a mere word responsible for as much contestation, agony and fear as caused by the label genocide. International organisations tiptoe around its use, at times deny its application and greatly fear the panic this word can precipitate. However, its use is not that strictly constrained by all organisations. Genocide Watch, an international organisation which monitors genocide risk factors around the world, has recently suggested that South Africa is in a state of preparation for genocide of its Afrikaner Boer population and other whites. Afrikaner citizens (with xenophobic attacks on Somalis also stated as a possible part of the genocide). This at least is the claim, despite South Africa lacking some of the key stages meant to take place in the build up to mass extermination. The site lists eight stages through which countries progress. The first two stages are found in almost any country around the world, but from there the stages become progressively more apparent as a country moves closer towards genocide. Before September this year, Genocide Watch ranked South Africa at stage 5, which features the division of a country along racial, ethnic, religious or social lines by extremists. For this stage to take place, the country must have seen the training of militias or troops, organisation of genocide, the dehumanisation of the possible victims and the rendering of these victims as distinct from possible perpetrators through the use of symbols. As of 15 September 2011, after monitoring South Africa over a period of 10 years, the country was placed at stage 6. At this stage, victims are identified by their ethnic identities and their property is expropriated. According to Genocide Watch President Gregory Stanton, a Genocide Emergency must be declared at this point. The principle reason for South Africas reclassification, according to the site, is Julius Malemas actions and speeches.
We have evidence of organized incitement to violence against white people, an article by the organisation stated. It began with the rise of Julius Malema, President of the African National Congress Youth League, who began singing the old anti-Boer song. The site also lists Malemas call for the expropriation of white-owned land and his criticism of Botswanas racially harmonious society as indications that violence against white citizens is now being propagated by South African leaders. Georgina Barrett, a lecturer in Rhodes Department of Political and International Studies, thinks this ranking of South Africa at the preparation stage is alarmist. I think South Africa has come a long way, she said, commenting on the progress the country has made in terms of reconciliation and unity. She also stated that there is no mass mobilisation by the government or other bodies, no monopolisation of the press and that South Africa still has a form of freedom of speech. Its a bit apocalyptic, she said with a frown. Its feeding into an apocalyptic political discourse. The ranking, while worrying, has not been widely publicised and Barrett feels that this is due to the fact that there are more pressing and perhaps credible issues facing South Africans. She does suggest that the ranking could foster discussions around topics of whiteness and blackness, especially in the wake of Samantha Vices controversial philosophical article on race issues in South Africa. In the meantime, Julius Malema was quoted saying that their Struggle was never, ever, white genocide. We never wanted to kill white people during the struggle. While there are worrying factors in South Africa, as there are in many countries around the world, Genocide Watch seems to be the only body that has picked up that South Africa is only one step away from full-blown genocide.
18 Arts & Entertainment
Gig guide
Fokofpolisiekar rocks PE
By Elna Schtz and Anton Scholtz
LOCAL
Comedy Lab
21 October
The Union
R10 entrance
Professor Pickles
A night of stand-up comedy with local and national acts.
A showcase of original student pieces featuring physical theatre, contemporary performance and choreography
Theatre in Motion
26 - 29 October
R10 for students
Rhodes Box Theatre
f you know anything about the Afrikaans alternative music scene then you know about Fokofpolisiekar. They have appeared on radio, and television, and their albums can be found in many music stores, but their gig last Saturday in Port Elizabeth provided many the chance to experience them live. The gig took place at one of PEs prime venues, Detroit Motor Spirit. Joining Fokofpolisiekar on stage were various local bands including Huis Najaar, VolksVyand and the Jack Rabbit Slims. It has been five years since the bands last appearance in PE. Die Bende(the gang) came out to face a crowd who were visibly and audibly hungry for them after a long five years apart. They tore through a setlist spanning their entire discography with an energy quite unique to the Bellville boys. Bodies were slammed from side to side and sweat shared in the chaos- one couldnt help but feel a great sense of unity amongst those who raised their fists with Fokof. One thing is for sure this band has created an extended family of loyal fans all over the country, and after a powerful performance its easy to see why. It has been a long road since the band exploded onto the South African rock scene in 2003. They paved the way for many Afrikaans acts and were the first Afrikaans band to be featured on 5FM. Since then the band has produced several albums, a book and a documentary about their rise to fame. It has evolved into something much bigger than I think any of us ever anticipated, says Hunter Kennedy,
Afrikaans punk legends Fokofpolisiekar played their first show since 2006 in PE at the weekend. Pic by 187
Fokofpolisiekars rhythm guitarist and back-up vocalist. The band has been in and out of hiatus: the members are active in various projects, including other impressive names in SA rock such as aKing, Van Coke Kartel and Die Heuwels Fantasties. All of our other bands frequent PE, but it's going to be great travelling with my boys again, Kennedy said before Saturdays gig. With the bands appearance in these parts once again, many fans are sure to be wondering when they can get their hands on something new from their favourite Afrikaans rockers. Kennedy makes no promises just yet. We threaten
to bring out new material all the time, but our respective schedules are so busy that we rarely get the time to get creative, he said. Fokof will bring out new material when the spirit is there. Nothing was ever forced in this band and we'll definitely keep it casual. Fokofpolisiekar has come a long way from starting an Afrikaans band more as a joke than anything else. Whether through controversy or pure rocking, they have earned a solid place in South African music. Hopefully these legends won't wait so long until their next visit.
MyOwnMusic
featuring SHOWPONY, The Funky Philistine and BadWolf
Coldplay thrills SA
By Niamh Walsh-Vorster
Slipstream Sports Bar
29 October
also featuring The Bad Hands and Danielle Bowler
Life of Riley
5 November
R10 entrance
Sliptream Sports Bar
NATIONAL
Keep an eye out for these international acts coming to South Africa:
Janet Jackson
(11,12, 15 November)
RUTV showcase sheds some light

By Elna Schtz poorer community, exploring the nutritional habits and deficits of people without access to proper sustenance. hose that struggle and suffer in our community Another documentary investigated traditional leadership are often made invisible and deprived of a voice. in the Eastern Cape. The shorter documentaries each gave The sixth RUTV Documentary Film Festival last an insight into a personal story, such as the decision to Thursday took a bold step towards bringing issues to light have a child despite living with HIV and AIDS discussed that should never have been hidden. in The right to claim back life. Final-year TV Journalism students proudly showcased Perhaps the most graphic and hardest-hitting film of their documentary films of five or 24 minutes to an the night, Anything but the bucket, was a compelling look excited crowd at the Rhodes theatre. The films were a at the notorious sewerage system many Grahamstown thought-provoking look at issues close to home, with residents are forced to live with and its possible the aim that they may increase awareness and inspire alternatives. I hope its something that will provoke transformation. people into acting differently, said Duduetsang Makuse, The five longer pieces, produced in groups, spanned a one of the students responsible for the making of the film. variety of subjects. One contrasted the everyday lives of She expressed her hope that the film would have a lasting various schoolchildren in Grahamstown, while another impact. explored the marginalised Coloured community living on The documentaries were received with much applause the outskirts of town. The root of our ills engaged with the and approval by the audience. Its a really good showcase
ireworks, 62 000 fans, and one internationally acclaimed British band Coldplays Johannesburg concert on Wednesday 5 October was one that fans will be sure to remember. The huge crowd at the FNB Soccer Stadium was so excited for the main attraction that they started chanting while the local opening act, the Parlotones, was still perfoming. Once on stage, Coldplay did not disappoint. Fireworks lit the stadium during their opening songs and massive balloons were released amongst the crowd. Those lucky enough to be in the Golden Circle were showered with confetti pieces. The setlist included favourites such as Yellow, Violet Hill, The Scientist, Fix You and songs from their yet-to-be-released fifth studio album, Mylo Xloto. On stage, frontman Chris Martin commented on how South Africa is so much sunnier and nicer than England and said it would be a good idea to shoot
a music video here. Would you like to be in the video? Martin asked the audience. Fans responded ecstatically. This was the highlight of the concert for some fans like Khanya Dube. It was amazing! she said. Media reports confirmed that the band did in fact film a spontaneous music video in Cape Town and the Klein Karoo in the days following the concert. I loved being a part of their music video, said Dube. Later in the show, Martin warned everyone about the strange costumes the band were about to don. They put on Springbok rugby jerseys and changed the lyrics of one of their songs to give the Springboks the Rugby World Cup. When youre not as hot as Beyonce, youve got to do what you can, they joked. As the night came to an end, fans kept the music alive as they left the stadium singing at the tops of their lungs. Lauren Matthew, a fan who attended the concert, complained however that although the fireworks were good, the technical aspects of the show were somewhat disappointing. The sound sucked, Matthews said. They could have
Coldplay during their first performance at the FNB Soccer Stadium in JHB on Wednesday. Pic: Fiona Christensen
balanced it better. Other fans agreed. The sound did suck for the Parlotones, Shanice Pillay explained. It didnt faze me much because I went to see my favourite band and by the time they came on, the sound was sorted.
Coldplays first visit to South Africa was a huge success despite some difficulties. The band will continue their tour in countries like Scotland and England, ending the current tour on 14 December in France.
Lil Wayne
(7, 9, 11 December)
Deadmau5
(1, 2, 3 December)
Jimmy Carr
(8 & 10 December)
of young and upcoming journalists, said second-year student Jillian Penaluna. It shows how much potential young journalists have. The root of our ills was voted the most popular documentary of the night by the audience. Fourth-year lecturer Paul Hills agreed that the event was a great success and described the work as serious and focused. It struck me that the audience was absorbed and attentive, he said. The students felt enormously validated as young professional journalists and filmmakers. The event was not only a showcase, but a celebration of years of hard work well done. Its the biggest night for everyone in the class, said student Ayushi Chhabra. Its giving us closure. We can finally put BJourn behind us and move into the real world. For the fourth-year students, the night was the end of a chapter, but for those with difficult stories to tell it hopefully signalled the start of real change.

By Sarisha Dhaya and Matthew Kynaston Libra
Happy birthday! Due to a mix-up with your calendar and all your friends not caring about you any longer, you almost forgot it was your birthday. Still, you cant really party on your own, so the time has never been better for showing love to strangers. Moreover you will feel the need to try something new next week, but take care when ingesting things that have been sanctioned by the National Heart Foundation. Scorpio As you want to heal that tainted conscience of yours, you end up buying anyone you meet drinks. Personally you prefer sexy cocktails like Sex on the Beach, Blowjobs, Sex on my Face, Multiple Orgasm, Screaming Multiple Orgasm Well, you get the picture. Being the most sexual sign of the zodiac, once youve gotten a little tipsy, you pull out all the stops and a couple of other things on the stripper pole at Slipstream. In an unrelated incident you will hear of a relative of yours who has fallen into poverty, and not care. Sagittarius You are an idiot. Why would you spend all your money by the 17th, resulting in feeling the need to shoplift milk from Pick n Pay? The police will take pity on you, however, so long as you accidentally leave R100 lying around the police station. You will start a fight with a Leo that is filmed and put on YouTube, resulting in forgotten friends giving you a Pisces The fish! And dont you drink like one too? Anything goes really, but bear in mind that fire hydrants are government property and the alcohol behind the counter must be bought before it can be consumed. Your latest love interest will reveal their traumatised past, leaving with a moral dilemma: is it better to leave them for someone better, or stay with them as they remain unable to speak for fear of being locked in the basement for a month? Gemini Youve been called obsessivecompulsive before but you know that youre just misunderstood. But you did notice that there seemed to be more cement used between the bricks on the north side of your res than on any of the other sides. In an unrelated incident involving you, lots of money and the Rat & Parrot, you are later accused of running through the streets with a friends underwear on your head. Only those two CPU guards know what really happened after you were Aquarius You are utterly indecisive this month. When your neighbour reads The Communist Manifesto and knocks on your door asking for your money, you dont know whether to invite him in to discuss it or to call your Rottweiler. On the 30th you will panic when confronted with a robot turning orange. The resulting damage will cost at least R2 000 to repair, but at least that homeless man softened the impact of the crash. Taurus Congratulations, this month you will fall in love with two people, and break up with three. Youll also be enjoying a non-stop party and will not be aware of the failing love interests until at least the 24th. Its champagne all round, accompanied by kisses for all your friends, exes, and anyone (kind of) good-looking. Slurring your speech and doing Barneys I love you, you love me dance is how you like to keep the good times rolling. Watch out for angry pigeons falling from the sky in the middle of the month. call to laugh at you. Capricorn Disclaimer: under no circumstances must you trust your horoscope this month. That being said, you will feel like drinking alone in your room, as well as behaving schizophrenically on the 3rd of next month. You are devastated with the feeling of having lost a friend the following day, only to realise your mistake and go to a Scorpios party and be amazed by their pole-dancing talents. Aries You share a star sign with Lady Gaga and Pope Benedict XVI. This does NOT give you licence to go around telling people they have your blessing while wearing a costume made from a mattress and some fruit. Instead, try to practise calm behaviour. Meditation in a large egg should do the trick. Beware the snarling dog in the alley on High Street: not everyone desires your benevolent love.
19 Lifestyle
apprehended. Cancer You are grabbed by the sudden urge to quote movie stars, but remember, telling your partner that frankly, you dont give a damn, is not always advisable. They may be inclined to go ahead and make your day by walking out on you. On the 9th of next month you will experience something youve never felt before: staying in on Friday night and reading a novel. You may awake to find all your friends have left you, but at least you learnt a few new words. Leo Turns out that the annoying Sagittarius youve been wanting to exchange words with is actually the man who stole your bicycle last week and sold it back to you on E-bay. The fight that ensues doesnt end well, but now you are on YouTube how many of your friends can say that? In other news, your doctor will want to know why you have not had an organ transplant yet. That party last week did get a bit out of hand. Virgo You become a soulful poet when you drink: you get lost in every eye you see and you cant keep your hands off anything with legs. Everything seems so perfect in your hazy view. Being the purest sign the virgin you like your drinks neat and strong. Drinking with you isnt for sissiesYoure hardcore.
HOROSCOPES [MID-MONTH MADNESSS]

By Lauren Rawlins
Prof. Grootbooms pretty, pretty exciting adventures

P
rofessor Stefanus Grootboom, a new Sociology Professor at the University of Cape Town, is doing some interesting research into the lives and habits of students living in the big city. Hailing from the small town of Settlenbosch, Grootboom obtained his Masters degree in Sociology at the local university. It was there, however, that he got an itchy feeling and wondered if the world had more to offer him than just chicken farms and tekkies. He ventured into the big city, where he met up with the guys from whocsoc.com and One.Dog.Chicken and started documenting his investigations. Activate caught up with the zany professor to hear more about his sociological studies into what makes the world tick. Who is Prof Grootboom? What is the reasoning behind your name? Grootboom is the pigs bladder of every Gilbert, the fire that burns at every braai, the burning sole of a pair of Crocs at 3am in Die Danskraal the voice of a lost generation. In English Grootboom means big tree. I think you know why they call me that. The names Boom, Grootboom. What made you come to Cape Town? How did the UCT campus react to you? Koejawel, mainly. Im having a joke. After a lifetime in a small town I needed a change. As a professor of Sociology I felt that I needed to experience life in the big city.I really needed to try and come to terms with the social matrix that is Cape Town. But mostly it was my crush on Helen Zille that brought me to here. Like a rabbit in the headlights of an 18wheeler. Not really. Like most things in Cape Town the people didnt even notice that I was gently nuzzling their collective bosom and fondling their communal koejawel. Why did you study Sociology? Sociology is the study of the pulse of the world. But to be honest when I first registered I thought it was sokkieology. Who doesnt love a sokkie? Why did you start a web series? Who are you trying to reach and what are you trying to achieve? Originally I was filming my sociological journey with the help from the One.Dog.Chicken guys but they realised that it was so much more than a dissertation, it was something that needed to be shared. And what better way than a web series on WHOCSOC.com? How do you react to comments about you running for presidency? Is it something you would consider? Im not so sure I could handle the wife load. Have you found out what makes the world tick? Not yet my sweetie. Maybe you could help me? What sociological conclusions have you come to so far? The overarching one is that Im not as attractive as I thought I was. But thats still a contentious issue after my last outing in Greenpoint.
Professor Stefanus Grootboom, the newest addition to the UCT Sociology Department, is on a quest to find out what makes the world tick. Pic: Supplied
What do you have to say about converting vegetarians with your boerewors? Where would one get it? Vegetarians are a lot like a menstrual cycle. Just wait them out and eventually they come around. You know where to find my boerie. I have an open fly policy. Just putting that out there. How come the wors is only for the ladies? Im pretty liberal but my wors needs sauce. If you know what I mean. What was your reaction to meeting Jesus out and about in the streets of Cape Town? What other famous people have you met in your studies? I hate to break this to you. But that wasnt really Jesus. Jesus is Afrikaans. The Bible was written in Afrikaans after all. I dont really think anybody too famous. I spoke with Pieter de
Villiers daughter yesterday. Shes no G Korsten, you know. How did you develop your style? I have a number of fashion influences, including Freddy Mercury, Andre Joubert, Jan Smuts, M from James Bond, Bok van Blerk, Kim Kardashians dad and Robben Island wardens. Professor Grootboom says that he intends to extend his sociological studies to Rhodes University as he has heard that the guys are drunk and the girls are very friendly. My kind of party! WHOCSOC.COM, a student website, is your link to all the hottest, hippest happenings concerning student culture and lifestyle both on and off campus. Visit www.activate. co.za to watch some of Grootbooms sociological documentaries.
Professor Grootboom in action. Pics: Supplied
20 Lifestyle
Would you like veganism with that?

By Michelle Avenant
ith animal rights awareness on the rise and global warming heating up, many students are turning to vegetarianism or veganism in an attempt to downsize their carbon footprint and reduce their share in the cruelty inherent in todays animal product industry. Many of those living in residence, however, are encountering problems with implementing such lifestyle choices, leaving campus dining halls with a big portion of biting criticism heaped onto their plates. For me, the problem with vegetarian options in res is not just that theyre totally disgusting, but that nutritionally, they arent balanced at all, said second-year student Jonathan Stein. Stein professed that although he initially tried to maintain a vegetarian diet whilst living in residence, he eventually had to resort to eating meat twice a week in order to gain the nutrition he needed.
Jonathans shift wasnt as radical as that of first-year Darsha Indrajith, who had to switch from veganism to vegetarianism after moving into residence. I eventually found it too difficult to sustain, said Darsha. Most of the vegetarian meals contain cheese or a sauce that uses milk, and there is no alternative meal option if you are vegetarian. The experiences of students like Jonathan and Darsha do not necessarily imply that dining hall caterers dont make an effort to support vegan students. Campus dining halls accommodate vegans albeit by simply preparing an egg and dairy-free alternative to their regular vegetarian meals. The problem with cooking separate meal options for vegans, reported Kimberley Easts Assistant Caterer Cheryl Wallis, is that there are generally no vegans to cater for. At the most, weve had about four at one time, she said. She also said there are currently around fourteen vegetarians in Kimberley East Hall, making a second vegetarian meal option equally impractical.
While it seems that vegetarians and vegans are going to have to raise their numbers if they want to be offered more choices, the burning question remains as to how many more students would choose a cruelty-free diet if it was properly catered for and not seen as a special requirement. You have to ask yourself: is it the lack of vegans that is leading to the lack of vegan options or is a lack of vegan options leading to a lack of vegans. Student and animal rights activist Michael Glover is working on this. Glover, in co-operation with South East African Climate Consortium Student Forum member Alex Lenferna, is compiling a link for the ROSS meal-booking page which will educate students about the nutritional value and environment impact of their particular diets. Glover also plans to push for vegan to become an official meal option. For this to become a viable plan, however, vegans may have to rally their troops.
Clothing dilemma
By Amber Leigh Davies
arting with clothing can be an emotional experience. Many can relate to being unable to part with that too-small designer dress that cost way too much to simply give away to the girl down the hall. Its a dilemma which has been solved by a couple of creative people who have come up with the perfect idea: clothing sales. Residences across campus have seen both individual entrepreneurial exploits as well as sales with charitable intentions. Adelaide Tambo usually collects unwanted clothing from the girls at the end of the year to donate to charity. This year, the plan has changed. We plan to sell the clothes and donate the proceeds to the House of Joy, said Emma Vosloo, the res Community Engagement rep. The success of your sale depends on your marketing rather than your reason. Chipo Hamukoma, a sub-warden at Hilltop 2, decided to hold a clothing sale to earn some extra money to move out of residence next year. The most recent sale was less successful because I tried a different marketing strategy, she said. She explained that she allowed people to buy her old clothes online, but when it came to collection day, they simply didnt show. I have far too many clothes and I needed the money, said Martha Soteriades, a second-year living in Margaret Smith. I decided not to take them to Nearly New because I would have gotten a pittance for them. She added, however, that the sale was less than successful due to a lack of marketing; the sign on her door meant that only the people in her corridor knew about it. Whether youre a Good Samaritan with a full closet or just need a bit of extra pocket money, a clothing sale is a good way to go. Just remember: marketing is everything in the retail game. Let everyone know where you are and what youre selling, and your old clothes are bound to fly off the rails.
The hitchhikers guide

By Caitlin Stobie University is a time where many people have been known to find love. Pic: Flickr
Seeking soulmates
By Sarisha Dhaya
niversity life holds a large spectrum of opportunities for all of us. Included in this spectrum is the opportunity of meeting ones true love. Many students and graduates have fond memories of traditions such as the O-week serenades and the number of familiar faces and love interests that arose from that first encounter. Rhodes has a long line of couples that met here, fell in love, and never looked back. Some are currently engaged, others have just started the promenade of married life, and some have celebrated many anniversaries and the birth and milestones of children, and are still enjoying wedded bliss long into maturity. Brian John Wilkes and Helen Mary Piccione, who met while studying at Rhodes, have been together for years. Were still happily married and still really good friends with three kids, Helen joked. Their first date and kiss was at a party at the Pony Club in Grahamstown. Yes, we used to have lots of parties there, she reminisced. And Brickies, which is called Tunnels now, she added. Helen started her degree in Pharmacy at Rhodes in 1980, and she met Brian early in his first year of his LLB degree in 1982. Helen was in Phelps and Brian in Graham House. Our reses were paired for Rag [the equivalent of our O-week] and we had to build a float for the Rag parade, she said. Though they only started going out in 1985, they have been together since. When asked what has kept them together, they responded that as they got to know each other over a long period, they, Got on really well together. A similar upbringing and mutual friends
played a role in bringing and keeping them together. We were quite keen on each other, Helen said. The couple had a few favourite spots to spend time at in and around Grahamstown. We had lots of picnics, Helen said. We would go to Botanical Gardens a lot, to the Vic, Settlers Inn Motel [now the post-grad res], Kenton, and Port Alfred, she added. We had made friends with local people as well, and spent time in the Eastern Cape area at their homes and farms. The proposal came when Helen traveled to Pietermartizburg in 1987 for her Pharmacy internship, while Brian went to Durban to become a prosecutor for the Department of Justice. Brian popped the question while we were watching Wimbledon Mens semi finals on TV, Helen said. When asked how she knew he was her true love, her response was, I think you just know. Out of our extended group of friends about 10 couples got married and we are still in close contact with many of these families, she said. Our children are now friends Rhodes is a very special place. Helen believes that university life provides the opportunity for people to meet other people and that active participation in university activities betters ones life. Go anywhere youre invited, debate weird topics, stay up late, she said. Helen and Brian live in Hilton, KZN. Helen is a practising pharmacist working for the Department of Health, and Brian works in the real estate business after having practised law for 20 years. They have three children: Matthew, who is studying towards a BComm at Stellenbosch, Amy, who is doing her Bachelors in Journalism at Rhodes, and Justin, who attends Kearsney College in KZN.
ver since the days of Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg, tons of travel-hungry, cash-strapped youngsters have relied on passers-by to get them where they wanted to go. Its not the 50s anymore though, and South Africans are all too familiar with the concept of stranger danger. Is hitchhiking a viable option for students? Third-year student Jessica Stuart-Clark says that it is. She and her boyfriend hitched a ride from Grahamstown to East London in a kombi, and she feels that this is a viable option for students who are trying to save some money. In total it cost me R60 to get to East London, whereas the bus was Ri65, she explained. Stuart-Clark recommends that travellers especially females catch a ride with friends in order to prevent any problems. She also says that hitchhikers should remember to be street-smart when travelling, taking measures such as keeping their laptops and cell phones out of sight. If you take these precautions it is likely that you will have a safe and enjoyable trip. The experience was fine, said StuartClark. It is just like catching a lift or taking a taxi - and the adventure makes it fun. Matthew Gracie, a first-year BA student, once hitched a ride with a stranger from Mossel Bay to Cape Town. Although he felt a bit uneasy at first, he says that he eventually became comfortable and recommends the experience to other people. It was fun and exciting for about an hour,
Gracie said then its a car ride like any other. Although most hitchhikers travel long distances, the largely pedestrian nature of Grahamstown travel makes a lift down the street or a hitch up the hill a tempting option. First-year student Darrin McIntyre once caught a lift with a car full of strangers on the way to the Tunnels farm for a party. I needed a lift to Tunnels, and overheard that they were unsure of the way, he explained. I told them that I knew the way and could help direct them. McIntyre said that his experience wasnt bad, but he recommends that a hitchhiker gets a feel for the person who is offering them a lift before jumping into the car. Although McIntyre feels that carpooling can save money, he is also wary of the fact that some people may take advantage of the system or their passengers. A possible solution to the problem is creating a society that has set members who can arrange for certain agreements, McIntyre suggested. He admitted that such a society would probably have to begin on a small scale. However, he hopes that one day someone will Pick it up, iron out the bumps and create a working system. Those who are willing to catch a lift out of town with a stranger should wait at a spot opposite the police station on Beaufort Street, while those who want lifts over shorter distances such as up the hill on a hot summer day should use taxis, as their price ranges from anything between R6 to R10.
21 Science & Technology
Steroids for your brain

By Kayla Roux
e all have our own tips and tricks for improving our academic performance. From eating brain food to drawing mind maps, the sentiment amongst students seems to be that anything goes, as long as the results reflect it. When you think of the term academic performance-enhancing drugs, what comes to mind? Coffee and cigarettes? Ritalin and Adderall? Or do you envision a futuristic situation in which increased brain capacity, improved memory and enhanced cognition are only a pill away? The truth is that all these scenarios are a reality. We are all familiar with two of the worlds most acceptable drugs: nicotine and caffeine. Users claim that they increase alertness and improve concentration, and this seems to work for many students who puff and percolate their way through exam time with furious determination. Although coffee does seem to keep us awake beyond reasonable hours for those desperate cram sessions, and caffeine sharpens your alertness for a short period, the effect is not long-lived and you have to drink more and more of it to get the same effect. Drinking too much can also leave you feeling jittery and nervous and may interfere with your sleep, leaving you far worse off for that exam than before. Ritalin, a pill usually prescribed for individuals with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is increasingly being used to improve academic performance. Researcher Dr Steven Evans of the American
Psychological Association (APA) looked at the effects of these drugs on academic results in teenagers with ADHD, and found that students who took Ritalin not only completed their work faster but also with better accuracy than students who were given placebos. However, more and more students without prescriptions are making use of Ritalin to aid their studies. Adderall is a mixture of amphetamines designed to increase focus and mental-processing speed while decreasing fatigue, and is becoming an increasingly popular drug amongst students around the world. The use of these drugs isnt without side-effects, however. Apart from experiencing Ritalin, a drug usually prescribed to people with ADHD, is increasingly being used without possible dependence and withdrawal problems, some can prescription for increased concentration and academic performance. Pic: neelscorner. build up a tolerance to the drugs and others feel that it com suppresses their creativity. Smart drugs originally designed to treat neurological diseases such these drugs be legal or do they provide an unfair advantage? US experts have as Alzheimers are also being used with increasing frequency by healthy said that if their use of these drugs becomes an issue, schools and universities individuals who want to boost their memory and concentration. A sort might need to implement urine tests for these brain steroids. of mental tune-up, smart drugs (or nootropics, as they are also known) Anyone who thinks about the issue will see the difficulties that might could theoretically lead to an improvement in memory, learning, attention, arise: academic performance will become an issue of money and access to concentration, problem-solving, reasoning, social skills, decision-making and drugs instead of actual mental capacity and work ethic. That seems to be an planning. Although the effects of the drugs vary from person to person and unacceptable position to work towards, but research will continue to further have not been fully researched, ethical concerns are already being voiced. Will understand these powerful performance enhancers.
The Internet of Things to change the world

By Kayla Roux
magine dresses that tell the stories of their owners, cars that know when they need to be filled up and cows that send messages to their owners when they are sick. Imagine being able to find your car keys at the click of a mouse and an alarm clock that knows when your lectures have been cancelled to allow you some extra shut-eye. Sound like science fiction? It could be our future. All these things might very well become a reality with the Internet of Things. More and more things are being connected to the Internet, and this doesnt just include the obvious - computers, cell phones, laptops and tablets. From your kettle to your cat, every little thing can now be connected to the Internet with the help of a technology called radio-frequency identification (RFID). Items in our daily lives which are equipped with radio
tags can be read and inventoried by computers, carrying with them all kinds of information and communicating with each other. According to Cisco IBSG (Internet Business Solutions Groups), the number of things connected to the Internet in 2008 far outweighed the number of people in the world, and will have grown to 50 billion by 2020. They paint a picture of a truly interconnected world in which things talk to each other and develop their own kind of intelligence. They invite readers to imagine the following scenario: your meeting has been pushed back 45 minutes, but your car is low on petrol, and it knows that filling up will take a little longer than usual because there has been an accident on your usual route to work. All this is communicated to your alarm clock, which is adjusted accordingly. It sounds like fantasy, but there are already instances of practical application that make up the
Internet of Things today. Examples of the possibilities this technology might open for us abound. Sparked, a company in the Netherlands, is using wireless sensors on cattle with chips implanted in their ears which transmit messages to farmers when the cows are sick, pregnant or in need of attention. Healthcare research company Corventis has developed a wireless heart monitor doctors can check to determine health risks. An Oxfam shop in the UK has launched a pilot program in which clothes have been implanted with chips containing the history of the item: its previous owners, the places it has been, and so on. Ping, a prototype hoodie with a wireless interface, can even alert its wearer when his or her Facebook page has been updated and allows them to make quick responses based on gestures. The Auto-ID technology of RIFD can even help you find stuff youve lost, from your glasses to your golf balls, and it can allow you to
call your house and tell it to switch on the geyser for a hot shower when you get there. The purpose of the Internet of Things is twofold: it will not only ensure that things are connected to the Internet and to each other, but it also aims to create intelligent solutions. Manufacturers wont ever overproduce products or waste stock, because they will be able to trace when, where and how their output is being consumed and how much is required. Stolen items would be easily recoverable. Some arent so crazy about the idea, however, and two camps are clearly emerging: those who see the Internet of Things as a revolution in convenience and interconnectivity, and those who are suspicious of the power this technology will place in the hands of corporations and the fact that it takes the reach of surveillance to dizzying new heights. Whether RFID spells disaster or not, it certainly will change the way the world works.
Breaking the speed of light

By Matthew Kynaston
odern physics can be seen as a quest to unite the general theory of relativity with electromagnetism, in the hopes of developing a unified field theory which combines quantum mechanics with general relativity. There are myriad ideas about how this might be achieved, but one thing has remained constant: the speed of light being the maximum speed at which all energy, matter and information in the universe can travel. Until now.
The European Organisation for Nuclear Research, more commonly known as CERN, recently came up with some groundbreaking results from tests they conducted in September. They found that neutrinos (electrically neutral elementary subatomic particles), fired across 732km from CERN in Geneva to a laboratory in Italy, did the unthinkable: they exceeded the speed of light. The experiment was designed to see how many neutrinos spontaneously changed types, from muon neutrinos to tau neutrinos. To the researchers
surprise, the particles appeared faster than the speed of light: they arrived 60 nanoseconds before light particles would have. After repeating the experiment numerous times and checking their data for errors, it was concluded that the speed of light had indeed been transcended. Now scientific communities around the world are combing through the data, searching for an explanation for the remarkable event. One of the theories put forward as to the dilemma is strikingly simple: the satellites used to track the speed of the particles are assuming
that the neutrinos are moving towards them, and compensate appropriately. Each satellite subtracts 32 nanoseconds, because they calculate that there is less distance to travel than there actually is. 32 nanoseconds per satellite, subtracted from the total time the neutrinos travelled for, may explain the problem. Whether this is the answer or not, the experiments at CERN have excited scientific communities around the world and tantalised the imaginations of thousands worldwide.
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22 Environment
Yes, vegans are irritating

By Michael Glover
PLVillage hosts student workshop

By Angus Joseph
eople seem to harbour a particular aversion for vegans, and I quite understand why. Among other things, people complain that vegans are sententious that theyre given to long-winded pompous moralising. Well deal with that in a moment. Lets quickly look into why people may decide to adopt veganism. Firstly, water wastage: every one kg of beef you eat requires 10 000 litres of water. Secondly, protein wastage: for beef and veal calves there is a not insignificant 21 to 1 conversion ratio: which means that for every 21 kg of protein fed to these animals in the form of grain, we get only one kilogram of protein in the form of flesh. For other animals the average ratio is 8 to 1. Many individuals list environmental concerns amongst their reasons for going vegan. The meat industry is responsible for more CO2 emissions than all the cars, trucks, ships and aeroplanes worldwide. Therefore, effusive declarations about how much we love nature can be readily complemented by a humane diet. The cruelty that goes into the meat industrys production processes is another particularly relevant motivation (or moral reason). It entails serious abuse and suffering for the creatures reared there. If you arent the type to run away with your hands over your ears singing loudly when confronted with the effects of your actions and you think you wouldnt abuse your dog for trivial purposes, you might want to wonder how well eating such animal flesh coheres with the type of person you are. Outliers, bigots and the stupid notwithstanding, we do not believe that a persons (morally irrelevant) skin colour, gender or sex gives us special permission to violate him or her. Yet once we move outside the narrow ambit of human beings our insights are abandoned, and we quite seriously believe we can treat non-human animals however we wish. Beings that fall outside the protective sphere of membership to the species homo sapiens suffer pain, they have social and emotional needs, strong familial ties and so on. Do we really believe that we are entitled to use them according to any of our fancies? Vegans dont. Then there is the unanswerable question: when asked how they can continue to eat meat in light of the above, often, and again quite serious, responsible, educated and otherwise ethical people present us with the following astonishing statement: I just like eating meat. Vegans think this answer is scandalously embarrassing. So thats their case, cursorily flung. What nettles us about vegans? All sorts of things! Theyre mostly nave tree-huggers (who have accrued more knowledge on how bees feel about us stealing their honey than about how many people are malnourished, the violence of patriarchy, the financial crisis et cetera) and dewy-eyed hippies, who can philosophise for hours on how much better the world would be if everyone smoked pot. But lets not lose time dwelling on that. This is a call to all serious vegans and vegetarians: your position is an honourable one, it is ethically sound, humane, responsible, and philosophically compelling; but please have your facts ready, dont say its just your opinion (it sounds idiotic) and dont tell anyone that you think its wrong to kill mosquitoes! It isnt.(Two wonderful books to read: J.M Coetzees Elizabeth Costello and Peter Singers Animal Liberation.)
ucked away at the edge of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve in the Eastern Cape, the PRESENCE Network brings together researchers, municipalities, environmental organisations and farming communities in what is known as a learning network. This is an organic meeting point where the common intent is to restore and rehabilitate the landscape of the Baviaanskloof Catchment Area. The main focus is on creating and maintaining living landscapes, incorporating elements such as PES (payment for eco-system services), land rehabilitation, water catchment management and sustainable farming. Within the PRESENCE network is the PRESENCE Learning Village (PLVillage), a small community located on the edge of the Kouga Dam. About an hour inland from Jeffreys Bay, the PLVillage is home to researchers from across the world, all focusing their research on the Baviaanskloof and surrounding areas, and concerned with restoring the landscape to a fully functional eco-system. Between 18 and 21 of September this year, the PLVillage hosted a student workshop that brought together students from across the world. The main idea was for students to share their research objectives and findings, exploring common grounds and brainstorming solutions together. The workshop was attended by students from the Netherlands, NMMU, Rhodes University, University of Stellenbosch and the University of California. Each student was given five minutes to present their research topic and field related questions. Research topics were numerous, and ranged from Water Catchment Management to Riverfloodplain Geomorphic Form. Others were concerned with
Learning Village Kouga Dam. Pic: earthcollective.net.
Processes and Dynamics in the Baviaanskloof, Research and Development of a South African Voluntary Carbon Emissions Reduction Standard, the development of agrotourism and hiking trails in the Baviaanskloof. Lastly, the ongoing monitoring of PRESENCE including the exciting alluvial fan restoration project that takes place deep in the Mega Reserve was discussed. These presentations were followed by fun communal activities aimed to bring the diverse group together. The geo-cache treasure hunt on the Sunday took place under a blistering (almost-summer) afternoon sun, and gave students an opportunity to work and walk together, exploring the fauna and geology surrounding the Kouga Dam. The prize consisted of a warm beer and an amazing panoramic perch spot floating above the village. The night activities included a ping pong tournament and the decidedly successful Master Chef Potjie competition. Participants were divided into four groups, given basic ingredients and a potjie pot. A few hours later, the judges wined and dined, and after much laughter and taste-testing, the meals were shared and the winners
announced. The next day things grew rather more serious, with open spaces created for students to share, argue over as well as explore ideas and systems. Although the wind blew one of the gazebos away, the students were occasioned with open spaces for discussing value systems, elements of their research, media and so forth. An evening braai and more ping- pong closed the day off. The final day was reserved for even more serious business with representatives from the South African Earth Observation (SAEON), presenting a summary of their work. This led to a challenging group discussion on databases, sharing of research, accessibility of research data and conclusions. Everyone agreed on the need to share information and this space began the process of figuring out an efficient and ethical way to share research data. In bringing together students from different backgrounds and areas of research, the workshop strengthened and created networks between students while providing the platform for mutual sharing and learning - as learning networks do.
Ruth Krugers green revolution

By Shirley Erasmus
Award winner advocates awareness

By Shirley Erasmus
uth Kruger was elected as the new SRC Environmental Councillor earlier this year. She is full of inspiration for the year 2012 and is primarily concerned with environmental awareness, the creation of various initiatives, and working closely with the community to create a greener University and town. Kruger is the Vice-Chairperson of South East African Climate Consortium Student Forum (SEACC SF), an active member of the former Gaian Revolutions and Social Solutions (which now falls under SEACC) and Rhodes Organisation for Animal Rights (ROAR); she is also involved in numerous organisations outside Rhodes University. As the new SRC Environmental Councillor Kruger already has a number of projects and initiatives lined up. One of these is the Green Campus Initiative. This project will involve sponsorship from Eskom in order to have electricity metres put up in all the residences. This will ensure that students can measure how much electricity is used, creating an incentive that residences can work towards with the guidance of their Environmental Representatives. Furthermore, Kruger would like to embark on a Green Audit in the following year. The proposal consists of the university determining what environmental systems are currently in place and those which still need to be put into place. Although this is a huge task, Kruger says that we need to know what the problems are before we can work on fixing them. With that in mind, Kruger is adamant that one such system should be put in place as soon as possible, namely the recycling around campus.These stations will be a place where glass, plastic and paper can be separated into distinct bins, which will make for easy recycling. On that score,
Kruger maintains that there are not enough rubbish bins on campus, which she believes encourages littering. Kruger says that she is struggling with the sense of indifference within the student body at Rhodes University. This is evident in the amount of litter found on campus and the many ill-attended environmental events. She has discovered that it is important that one engage with the students in a fun and interesting manner, saying we are young and vital and this is our revolution. However, environmental societies and events also seem to be inadequately advertised around campus, and as a result go largely unnoticed. Kruger is thus brainstorming ways in which she can enhance the way environmental events and initiatives are advertised on campus. She is also working in close conjunction with the various societies at Rhodes University. As a member of ROAR, Kruger is working with the society to implement Meatless Mondays at the dining halls and to have a vegan option on the menu. She feels that if a meal is well-prepared, it may become popular not only with vegans, but also vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Both of these projects work out cheaper for the university (and the students, if the nonmeat meals are rightly less expensive) and are wiser alternatives regarding caring for the environment. Kruger has been working with Nikki Kholy of the Rhodes Community Engagement office in an effort to combine two areas of university life. She feels that interaction with the environment and human interaction are closely linked and should be held in equal importance. In order to implement this idea, Kruger aims to hold residence environmental representatives accountable for doing projects throughout the year. Sustainability within community engagement projects,
New SRC Environmental Councillor Ruth Kruger. Pic: Supplied
however, is a big issue. She is fervent about making sure that whatever environmental projects are put into place be accompanied the communitys willingmess to maintain them. Ruth Kruger has the advantage of receiving a full report from Kiarin Gilles on her position and progress during the year; this will apparently serve to guide Kruger into her position. Kruger does seem to have sufficient ideas and initiatives; indeed, her various plans could see Rhodes University functioning as a more environmentally aware institution.
aul Juby is a recipient of the individual Environmental Award, which he received on Saturday 8 October during Environmental Week. Upon leaving school, Paul was not exceedingly interested in the environment after taking a sailing course for a month, falling ill and quite literally ending up in the bush. Juby then chose to come to Rhodes to study Environmental Sciences. Currently in his second year of study and a member of Allan Webb Hall, Juby received his award for the environmental awareness he has been instrumental in creating within his hall. Juby says, I worked out how much electricity costs each person in res and how much water is used in our res, which just makes people more aware. He feels that the only way to create any change in the world is through awareness. In addition to this, Juby not only helped to organise Earth Hour earlier this year, but also helped with the Green Ribbon Project which ran at the same time as Environmental Week. Juby finds that it is hard to make people environmentally aware when there is no continuity- so he finds that creating events which are repeated year after year make people become more interested. Indeed, Allan Webb Hall has started compiling a portfolio of all the events and initiatives that they organise throughout the year and a list of contacts for the next Committee to work from. Juby says that there are many ways to help the environment, even if it is just starting small: by turning off lights and being aware of how much water we use. He is interested in working closely with the SRC in the next year in order to help other residences adopt similar plans. Im just a normal guy doing something small, he said. But if we can all do something small, we can start something amazing.
23 Sport
South Africans eating sour grapes

By Bridgette Hall
The Rhodes champions

By Kendra Dykman
he recent loss to the Aussies in the Rugby World Cup has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many South Africans. It is difficult not to feel disappointed with the score separated by two points, in a game that was essentially dominated by the Springboks. In fact, the Boks prevailed in every single statistic that is relevant the scrums, the lineouts, the tackle count, the kicking game. But what they didnt dominate was the scoreboard. To make it clear, the Boks had to make just 53 tackles against the Wallabies 147; they stole five Wallaby lineout balls without conceding one themselves; they missed 11 tackles to the Wallabies 13; they enjoyed 56% of the possession and 76% of the territory. Yet they still managed to walk away second-best, with fans pointing fingers at Bryce Lawrences supposed poor decision-making at vital parts of the game. Thus the unfavourable refereeing has become South Africans way of feeling better about themselves. This is what separates champions from those knocked out in the quarter finals. While Im not denying lady luck was clearly doing some sightseeing and Lawrence made some questionable calls, the fact remains that the only people Boks can blame for losing are the Boks. While our stats certainly are impressive, what wins games at the end of the day are tries. What the Boks failed to do on countless occasions was convert opportunities into points. And that is the very ideology of sport you score more than the other team and you win the game. Unfortunately some bad calls from the ref also just happen to be part of the game, but this is not the first time a team has felt outdone by the ref. Ask the English footballers at last years soccer World Cup, or anytime a cricketer is dismissed without having touched the ball. Accepting the good calls with the bad is the nature of all sports, and we as South Africans need to acknowledge that to be champions, no amount of poor refereeing or bad luck should stand in our way. Taking your opportunities and converting them into points is the mark of a true winner. The fact that we are able to point so many fingers only highlights what sore losers we South Africans are. Similarly, the carelessness of Bafana Bafana on Saturday (when they failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations) echoes the same sentiment. Ignoring that the administration did not read the rules correctly, if we really wanted to go through we should have turned up the heat and scored a goal. This begs the question: when will we stop making excuses and start acting like champions?
Michael Cannon takes part in 2011 Gijon ITU Duathlon World Championships, in Gijon, Spain consisting of a 10 km run, 40 km run cycle and 5 km run. He came 9th in his age group with a time of 1.55.08.
Pic: Supplied.
ijon, Spain: the site of great achievement for Rhodes students Michael Cannon and Natalie Ross, who participated in the 2011 Gijon ITU Duathlon World Championships. Ross placed second in her age group and Cannon ninth in his. The race consisted of a 10 km run, a 40 km cycle and another 5km run, a feat that Ross completed in a time of two hours and 19 minutes, placing her second in the group of women aged 20-24 years. Cannon completed the race in a time of one hour and 55 minutes, which placed him ninth in the 25-29 age group in the mens category. Not only did these results do a god job in representing Rhodes, but they were also unprecedented achievements within the university itself, with Cannon breaking the Rhodes Athletics Clubs record he set earlier this year, and Rosss result breaking the club record set in 2005. Cannon got involved in triathlons this year and only began participating in duathlons the year before. Although he considers himself quite new to these events, this has not affected his performance, and he placed first at the SA Duathlon Championships. Cannon does 300 km of cycling, 70 km of running and 7 km of swimming per week as part of his training. He incorporates a lot of protein and complex carbohydrates in his diet. This type of training takes up a lot of time, and Cannon said that as a Masters student it has taught him to balance his time, a feat he manages with the support of his supervisor.
Sebastian Vettel celebrates being the youngest driver to win two F1 championships. Pic: Supplied
Youngest double world champion

By Nico Taljaard
ne of the less eventful Formula One world championship races in recent seasons came to an end in Japan just over a week ago, in which Sebastian Vettel, needing only one point from the race, managed to come third and claim an emphatic world championship win with 4 races still to go. At only 24 years of age, Vettel became the youngest driver to win two F1 World Drivers Championships. By the time he won in Japan, Vettel had claimed 12 pole positions, nine victories and had managed to finish on the podium for 14 out of 15 races. In other words, Vettel completely dominated this season. His closest competitor, 2009 champion Jenson Button, ended the Japanese Grand Prix as the winner, but still 114 points behind Vettel in the championship. A race win earns drivers 25 points, second place 18, and third 15. Vettels worst finish of the year so far, which took place in Germany, was still enough to earn him 12 points.Vettel won five of his first six races, with the only blemish being the third race in China, where he came second.
Proteas look to push Aussies further down under

By Kenneth Ssekimpi
ustralia commenced their tour of South Africa with the knowledge that the host side would be bullish in their efforts to beat the visitors. The two sides boast an illustrious history, and this match-up has often provided fireworks and even a measure of controversy. South Africans would do well to remember or perhaps forget the events leading to the mix-up between Allan Donald and Lance Klusener that concluded their involvement in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. The scores were tied on 213, meaning that the Australians advanced to the final as a result of beating South Africa earlier in the Super Sixes. Interestingly, in the abovementioned Super Six match, Herschelle Gibbs dropped a catch hit from the then-
Australian skipper Steve Waugh when he attempted to throw the ball up into the air in celebration before he had full control of it. Youve just dropped the World Cup, Waugh remarked, although he later denied the statement. He would go on to score a well-played century. Ditto the Australians who, after posting an imposing run total of 434 then the highest total reached in One Day International (ODI) cricket were beaten by the Proteas in emphatic fashion, as a boundary hit by Mark Boucher capped off an excellent batting display by the South Africans with 438 runs at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg to earn a series win of 3-2. Another highlight was perhaps South Africas tour to Australia in the early 90s, where the Proteas claimed a series win for the first time down under since re-admission to
international sports. The two sides rivalry has been heightened in the past as both held down and occasionally exchanged the number one and two slots in both the test and ODI formats of the game, (Next to Edgars) until recently being toppled by the likes of England and India. The first Pro20, played in excellent conditions at Newlands in Cape Town on 13 October, was won by the Australians who managed to chase down South Africas total of 146-7 with five wickets to spare. The man of the match was Shane Watson, who reached a fantastic fifty. The South Africa vs Australia series will consist of two Twenty20s, three ODIs and two test matches, to be played in October and November. The rest of the full schedule of the matches being played is available online. Be sure to catch a game on one of the grounds near you.
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RWC Final: New Zealand versus France

By Matthew Kynaston
he Rugby World Cup is in its final stages, with New Zealand to play France in the final on Saturday and Wales to face off against Australia in the third-place play-off the day before. The four teams have had very different paths to this final weekend, with New Zealand being the only team not to have lost so far although but all have played well to get to where they are now. France beat Wales 9-8 in an incredibly close game on Saturday. It was not without controversy, however, with Welsh captain Sam Warburton receiving a red card after just 20 minutes for a dangerous tackle on Vincent
Clerc. The decision has raised some questions about the quality of refereeing at this years World Cup, especially after South Africas loss to Australia, but France did not rely on the referee and played well to win. Warburton has been banned for three weeks and will miss the third-place play-off against Australia. New Zealand started well against Australia, scoring a try after just seven minutes. The game saw a slightly different interpretation of the rules regarding the breakdown than was seen in South Africas loss to Australia: David Pocock was penalised and conceded several early penalties. Many of these were missed, however, and the game remained in the balance until
the 70th minute when New Zealand went 14 points into the lead through the boot of Piri Weepu. The game ended 20-6, an accurate reflection of New Zealands dominance. The final promises to be one of the biggest games of the decade. France has had one of their typical World Cups: losing to minnows, beating strong teams - both England and Wales lost to them and progressing to the final, where no-one can predict how they will play. New Zealand have been imperious this tournament and go in as favourites, but they have been knocked out by France in World Cups twice before. Whatever the outcome, the rugby world will watch with bated breath as the
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Confusion rains on Bafana Bafanas parade

By Kenneth Ssekimpi
Australia Cricket Tour to SA

19 October - ODI Supersport Park,Centurion 14:30 23 October - ODI Axxess DSL St George`s, 13:00 28 October - ODI Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, 14:30 09 November - Test Sahara Park Newlands, 10:30 17 November - TestBidvest Wanderers Stadium,10:30
afana Bafana failed to qualify for next years African Cup of Nations (AFCON) amidst a cloud of confusion and embarrassment. After the final whistle brought an end to the 0-0 stalemate against Sierra Leone at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, the Bafana camp was full of rousing cheers accompanying the assumption that they had qualified for Africas football showpiece from Group G. Soon, however, the news filtered through that they had failed to qualify, putting an abrupt end to the jubilant atmosphere at the stadium. The South Africans went into the final match of their qualifier with the knowledge that in the event of a triumph against Sierra Leone, complemented by Egypt remaining unbeaten by to Niger, they would progress into the tournament. If Egypt won and Bafana were to draw, the same thing would happen by virtue of Bafanas superior goal difference. The latter scenario played out on Saturday, with the difference that the South Africans were humiliatingly dumped out of the qualifiers. The video of their precipitate celebration
went viral on Twitter and Youtube. Even Bafana and Tottenham Hotspur maverick Steven Pienaar prematurely tweeted his heartfelt congratulations at their achievement, only to update his feed with disappointment at the ruling. The surprising turn of events can be explained by the Confederation of African Footballs Article 14, which states that in the event that teams have the same number of points at the closure of all the group games, the ranking of the teams shall be established in accordance with the number of points obtained in the matches between the teams concerned. Bafana, along with Niger and Sierra Leone, ended on nine points apiece. Whichever team obtained the most points from playing the other two teams would advance. Niger accrued six, and the other two five. In other competitions, groups are decided according to goal difference in the event that any number of teams is tied on points. The South African Football Association has since issued a letter of complaint.
Springbok saga
By Nico Taljaard
not to know about his future, saying that the writing is on the wall I will read it and move on. ts been a week since the painful Springbok loss to the Wallabies in Speculation in the Bok camp has now turned to who will be replacing Wellington. The 11-9 final score left many South Africans heartbroken Pieter de Villiers as head coach. The main contenders that have been as the Boks quest to win their third title came to an abrupt end. mentioned over the past week include former assistant coach and current The South African media, however, flocked to find out what coach Stormers coach Alistair Coetzee, predecessor Jake White, and possibly Pieter de Villers would do now that the tournament is over. Initial even Nick Mallet, who has now finished coaching Italy and might be reports signalling Pieter De Villiers resignation from the position of interested in returning home. head coach followd his comments after the game. There is a time to During his tenure, De Villiers managed to win a series against The come and a time to go and the journey I think for me is over, he said. Lions, a Tri Nations title and an IRB International Team of the Year Its the end for me. award. While the hopes and dreams of many a South African may have Just 24 hours after the game, however, De Villers claimed at a press been dashed after a rather dissapointing World Cup, it is clear that conference that he would not be resigning and would see out his current whoever takes over will have one of the toughest jobs in all of rugby if Springboks coach, Pieter de Villiers has announced he feels his time with the Boks is up after their loss to the Wallabies on October 7. Pic: Flickr contract, which ends in December. He said that he was the only coach not sport in South Africa.

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Page 22: Yes, vegans are irritating

From the Editor

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Edition 6 . 18 October 2011

News [in briefs]

Dalai Lama slams Chinese government

First Afghan concert in three decades

Condom tender goes down the drain T

Annual vegetarian festival on Phuket Island off southern Thailand. 3 October.

Edition 6 . 18 October 2011

National Census sweeps the country

Tornados rip through SA If I have one more drink towns

Drivers tests appointments available in October.

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UN calls for investigation into Egyptian clashes

Women leaders of peace Beware: Library theft

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Teaching and learning at Student Imbizo

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Occupying the world

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WORLD POLITICS ROUND-UP

Talking Makana with Rhodes ward councillor

Statehood solution for troubled Palestine

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Commercialised education a threat to academic freedom, says Nzimande

Lesser-known leaders around the world

Bill John Baker

Michael Bates aka His Royal Highness Prince Michael

King Goodwill Zwelithini

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Americas unwinnable war

Bin Laden joins the Mujahideen,

The Soviets withdraw, leaving local power.

militant groups to fight for control of

Bin Laden establishes the Islamist terrorist

disaffected Mujahideen militant Mullah

Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri help orchestrate the bombing of US

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Anything but the bucket

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Smart business investments

Steve Jobs and his business legacy

Illustrator: Katja Schreiber

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15 Comment & Analysis

Disney: Is it all Hakuna Matata?

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In the wake of truth

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