by Daniel Gallan | Apr 15, 2011 | News
RHYTHM STICKS: Justin Badenhorst performs with Hannah Wildflower and her band, just one more project highlighting his diversity.
SEATED at the back of the stage behind cymbals and snares is the humble drummer.
Drummers are responsible for providing the foundation for the rest of the band to lay their own layers on. As a result, most tend to stay in the background.
Those who can reach out past their kit, are those drummers who make a difference. One such drummer is Wits lecturer Justin Guy Badenhorst.
Badenhorst teaches music at Wits, saying it is the university’s progressive thinking that attracted him. However, it is his own music career that has gained him respect in the industry.
As a freelance drummer, Badenhorst has never been tied down to any particular style or genre and, as a result, has had the opportunity to perform alongside musicians with varying influences.
His four-piece drum band, 1st Project, opened for Snow Patrol at the opening match of the IPL, has performed with 30 Seconds to Mars as well as Shaggy and has toured more than 20 countries.
Despite this success, Badenhorstkeeps his feet firmly on the ground and behind a drum kit.
“It has never been about the fame. I know it sounds clichéd but it really is just about the music. I don’t try to worry about the whole groupie thing, nor about the money. For me just playing music is what brings me joy,” says Badenhorst.
Badenhorst also experiments artistically with his music and is involved in a number of avant-garde projects.
His project, Language 12, with legendary trumpet player Marco Wyatt, incorporates drum and bass with modern jazz to create a whole new genre of music.
It is this kind of thinking that separates himfrom other musicians who are merely trying to get rich quick and sell themselves as a package.
“All too often people don’t want to think about music, or listen to music that encourages thought,” Badenhorst says.
“People just want to feel music which takes away some of the artistic side of it. Music is an art form just like painting or poetry. When we no longer have to think about it, it ceases to be art.”
Badenhorsthas been recognised as one of the best drummers in the country and continues to perform for corporate events as well as lesser known, more artistic functions.
Check out his Facebook page as well as his projects including Donkey, 1st Project and Language 12.
by Daniel Gallan | Apr 15, 2011 | Featured 1, News
Members of the One Voice of All Hawkers Association marched to the offices of the department of economic development in Jorissen Place yesterday morning. The crowd was led by One Voice president and member of the City of Johannesburg informal trading forum technical task team , Zakharia Ramatula. Theydemanded that deputy director of informal trading in the department, Xolani Nxulamo, receive their memorandum of grievances to hand to Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo.
The association is unhappy with “false promises” made by the department and complained about the Metro police harassing them and impounding their goods while giving them exorbitant fines. Ramatula said corruption was rife in the department and Nigerian hawkers were bribing officials to take the trading spaces that South African hawkers have been promised by government. He said voting in the local government elections would be a waste of time as the ANC government has failed to deliver to its people.
by Daniel Gallan | Apr 8, 2011 | News
A thought occurred to me today. It happened after I logged onto Facebook and saw that I had 23 requests to join various groups whose main purpose was to show all our friends that we really care about this planet and the people on it. Groups along the lines of “show you are against world hunger” and “Help the people in Japan”.
Now I think it’s great that people are aware of the troubles we all face today and it’s great that we can feel sorry for people who have to go through horrific events, but my question is, do we really, truly care about these people.
It sounds very nice to say things like “Shame, look at that homeless man on the street, isn’t it terrible?” and “Wow did you hear what happened in Libya, how awful!”. But by saying these things, as well as joining groups that say these things, does not mean we really care, it just means we are aware that these situations are horrible and we feel bad for those people. If we truly cared we would do something about it.
When I say do something about it I don’t just mean giving the homeless guy your leftover fries, or standing at Wits and shouting at random people that the war in Israel/Palestine must stop. I mean really doing something. Mother Theresa cared, she actually did something. For us (I assume that most of the people at Wits are not living in poverty) to sit in our fancy homes with DSTV and internet and say that we really care is the same as saying we hate the government and not voting.
We can feel empathy for people in bad situations but unless we actively do something we cannot for one minute say we actually care.
Now I’m not saying this is a bad thing. Inherently, as humans, our only obligation is to care for ourselves and care for our family. If we choose to care for other people we are going above and beyond our basic expectations but we have no obligation to rush off to Fukushima to move debris around. So don’t feel bad if you didn’t. But don’t join a Facebook group or a society at varsity and claim to be a humanitarian because you are not fooling anyone.
By not caring does not mean we can treat other people badly. So by not caring I’m not a bad person or a criminal. I can still express my empathy for the Libyans and others but the truth is I don’t really care about them, and unless you are selling your TVs and expensive clothes to buy a ticket to Tripoli to help them, you don’t care about them either.
Now I wish we all really did care. The world would be a much better place. But we like our things. We like going to Clapham Gold and spending 20 bucks on a drink and buying clothes and eating at nice restaurants. We don’t want to give up our luxuries to help those who don’t have them. If you are the exception, good for you! You are a better person than I am. But if you don’t give away your possessions and money, don’t worry. You are only human.
by Daniel Gallan | Apr 1, 2011 | Sport
This Monday night, in front of a televised audience, FNB Wits Rugby will face off against FNB CUT for the inaugural Varsity Shield title.
It has been a long, eventful journey but the final match of the tournament is upon us, with Wits earning the right to host the event as a result of finishing top of the log with their rivals from Bloemfontein but with a superior points difference.
The fact that Wits are in the final, let alone hosting it, has shocked many pundits. Wits, a moderately sized, predominantly English-speaking university was not given much of a chance in the competition. According to captain and scrumhalf David Turnbull, this has been one of the side’s main advantages.
OPTIMISTIC: Rugby captain and scrumhalf David Turnbull has his eye on the prize. Photo: Daniel Gallan
“No one really gave us a chance from the start,” Turnbull said. “But that has worked to our advantage. We have just showed up at every game knowing what we can do, not caring at all what anyone else thought. We are probably going into the final as underdogs again, but it’s worked for us so far.
“We’ve been punching above our weight. We were supposed to be one of the whipping boys of the competition but now we have a chance of playing in the Varsity Cup next season.”
According to Turnbull the reason that Wits have had such an impressive run is because they have been the most complete team in the competition. Wits’s defensive record was the best in the competition, conceding 13 tries, 5 less than CUT. Wits have been outscored by CUT this season but still have the ability to score with the wide ball always posing a threat.
“Defence is not about ability or training” Turnbull said. “It’s about who wants it more, who is willing to put their body on the line. When you hear that everyone has written you off, it just makes you want it more. Everyone in the team plays for each other and knows that everyone else is playing for them.”
Wits lost to CUT in the match at Wits in the league but won in Bloemfontein so the match is, according to Turnbull, “anyone’s to win”.
The match will be broadcast on SuperSport and will be watched by people all over the country. Witsies are encouraged to come and support the team as this will be a massive occasion. The winner of the match will get the chance to play for a spot in next year’s Varsity Cup.
“We don’t feel added pressure. This is just another game,” Turnbull said. “We are more excited than nervous. We are not even thinking about what will happen after the game. We’ll just go out there and do what we’ve been doing all season.”
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 28, 2011 | Sport
THE FNB Wits rugby side came from behind to beat the Central University of Technology (CUT) 26-22 in Bloemfontein on Monday night to go to the top of the Varsity Shield log.
Wits were once again punished for their poor discipline as CUT fullback Andre le Roux slotted four penalties in the first half. Discipline has been a recurring Achilles heel for Wits all season but, what they lack in composure they more than make up for it with their ability to score tries as was the case in the match against UKZN last week.
Inside centre Rudolf Prinsloo scored to keep Wits in the game, and a penalty from the same player meant that Wits went into the break 8-12 down.
Another penalty from Prinsloo early in the second half brought the score to within a point. Wits then took the lead for the first time in the match after a try from scrumhalf Brent Crossley was converted.
This was a massive moment for Crossley and the Wits coaching staff as it proved that Wits have depth at number 9 as they were without their captain and playmaker David Turnbull because of injury.
Both sides traded tries through CUT inside centre Maphelo Mponod and the subsequent conversion gave the lead back to CUT. Wits once again took the lead through a Prinsloo penalty and when Riaan Arends, who has had a sensational debut season, scored, the win was sealed.
Wits held on to the lead and now move to the top of the Varsity Shield, one point ahead of their rivals from Bloemfontein. CUT, however, have a game in hand. Wits are not in action in the final round of the regular season as they have a bye and will be hoping that UKZN do them a favour.
CUT travel to Pietermaritzburg on Monday and if they lose Wits will finish top of the log. This would mean that the final will be played at Wits which would be a major advantage.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 28, 2011 | Sport
The Interfaculty League season is about to begin on campus and teams are getting fit and ready for a new season with new challenges.
The league starts in late March and team registration has already begun for the basketball, rugby and football teams.
Last year’s Steinhoff Interfaculty games winners will defend their titles as this year’s games begin.
This year’s games will include football, futsal (indoor soccer), rugby, basketball, netball and cricket.
The Humanities Titans will defend their 2010 interfaculty rugby crown. They have shown good early form thrashing Knockando 54-0 in the opening round. Last season they cruised through all stages of the competition and beat Engineers in the final.
Futsal will be a new addition to the football league. It is a fast paced, indoor version of the beautiful game and offers an alternative to those who don’t have enough time or players.
The outdoor, 11-a-side football league will also be kicking off next week. The defending premier league champions Miners FC will be defending theit title in what was a highly competitive league last year.
There is also a cup competition that allows teams from all divisions to compete and always throws an upset or two. Last year the Human-a-Titties FC made it all the way to the quarter finals and were the only lower division team to do so.
Basketball and netball internal leagues will be hitting the courts and teams can still register at the Wits Sports Council offices at Sturrock Park. Last year the Medics took the netball league.
Cricket will be the last of the internal leagues to start as it only gets going on April 2. Last year the Mens’ Res team won the tournament. Teams battle it out in separate groups with the semi-finals and final played under floodlights with a white ball.
The league’s starting dates are as follows: rugby – March 16, basketball – March 18, football –March 23, netball – March 28, futsal – April 1 and cricket April 2.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 18, 2011 | News
For many Witsies, the prospect of a cold one on a Friday night is what gets them through a long week. However, if a proposal to raise the legal alcohol drinking age to 21 is passed, this might change for some.
A summit on eradicating alcohol and drug abuse was held in Durban from March 15 to 17. Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said society’s wellbeing was government’s priority.
Vuvuzela investigated the effects the new legal age – if passed – would have on students, the social environment and various Wits’ clubs and societies.
Brendan von Essen, Wits Sports Council (WSC) chairperson said they have not formally addressed the matter as it has not yet become legislation but believes raising the legal drinking age will negatively affect Wits’ clubs and student campus life.
“Several of our events do involve the sale of alcohol. If the age is raised to 21, the WSC, fully cognisant of our legal duties, will be forced to re-evaluate the manner in which these events are held which could be detrimental to our clubs fundraising efforts,” he said.
Von Essen also felt it could create a division between younger and older students which would “hinder cross-year friendships that are a hallmark of university life”.
President of Wits clubs and societies Kentse Radebe said: “Clubs and societies would have to come up with new ideas about how to attract the student populace to their events and raise funds for themselves while ensuring that they cater to the needs of both those who are over 21 years of age and below.”
Wits Silly Buggers would still exist as they have a lot of deals with outside clubs but the new legislation might increase underage and binge drinking felt the club’s co-chairperson Andy Nell. “Underage drinking is less responsible,” he said.
First year BSc students Cayla Campbell (18) and Rory Murtagh (21) said the possible change of law was “not fair” and believed it would affect student social life and “increase false ID usage and underage drinking”.
A few Witsies like Dyllan Geldenhuis (18), a 1st year health sciences student, said they would reconsider joining clubs like Wits Silly Buggers and it would limit places they could go out to.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 18, 2011 | News
SOUTH African music is on the rise and last year’s Oppi Koppi was probably one the most epic festivals ever experienced by anyone in this fair country.
New, young, exciting bands are emerging and changing the way we view music in this country. Bands such as aKing, Die Heuwels Fantasties and Short Straw are changing the perception audiences have about South African music. Hoping to join these bands is Earl Grey and Croquet.
Consisting of Laurie Sloan on vocals, guitar and keyboard, Chris Smith on lead, his brother Johnny on drums and Dan Millar on bass, these guys are hitting serious notes with young and old all over the country.
They describe themselves as “feel good rock ‘n rollers who just enjoy playing together”. It’s easy to understand why their music gets the audience dancing and enjoying themselves. They have been friends since childhood and that really comes through in their music.
“We just started out as mates that enjoyed music and playing music together,” Laurie said. “We then started jamming more and more and then progressed into a band.”
The band is recording in studio after touring and gigging around the country and according to Laurie, it is performing live that is the most enjoyable aspect of making music.
“When we play in front of mates that dig us it’s awesome, but when strangers start gathering and jamming, that really gets us going. When people sing our own songs back to us, it’s just the biggest rush you can get.”
These four musicians are more than just a collection of talented people playing bluesy, jazzy, rocking music that is easy to relate to. They are four friends who know each other and know each other’s music.
Laurie added that “sometimes music becomes saturated, generic”.
“There is so much out there that it becomes so competitive. Music is not a competition. It’s something to be enjoyed.”
Earl Grey and Croquet have an LP out From the 21st Century. Check them out on their website www.earlgreyandcroquet.com or become a fan on Facebook.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 15, 2011 | Sport
BY DANIEL GALLAN
FNB Wits annihilated FNB UKZN 51-5 on Monday night at the Wits Rugby stadium to give the boys in blue a great chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
The Witsies gave their best performance of the season and showed quality throughout. Physically, they were too imposing up front, kicking out hand they were too accurate, running the ball they were too slick and finishing off possession they were too clinical. The away side never really had a chance.
After a scrappy start from both teams, Wits were the first to settle and scored after only 10 minutes through man-of-the-match eighth man Jason Fraser. The try was converted by the excellent Brendon Lizamore and the home side never looked back.
The pressure was relentless from the home forwards and the kicking out of hand was deadly accurate. UKZN could rarely get near the ball and if they did, a massive tackle or lack of numbers resulted in constant turnover ball.
One such turnover resulted in the second try of the night as Wits winger Nkuli Gamede kicked a loose ball ahead and chased it down to extend the lead. Lizamore converted and the game was effectively over.
After constant pressure and possession, Fraser dotted down once again and a hiding was already on the cards. With the crowd baying for blood, Gamede scored his second and clinched the bonus point just before the half time hooter. A slick run and off-load from flanker Clayton Allem set up Riaan Arends to canter home under the poles.
A yellow card for Lizamore minutes before the break was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect half for Wits. The result was never in doubt; the only question was by how much the home side would win.
The UKZN Impis scored a try early in the first half that proved nothing more than a mere consolation. Wits had switched off for the first 10 minutes of the seconds half, perhaps becoming complacent. UKZN were the better side in the second period, but could not break down the Wits defence.
FNB Wits showed aggressive determination in their match against FNB UKZN. Photo by Daniel Gallan
Wits started to get into the half after 30 minutes and scored their fifth and sixth tries in quick succession and hardly let up physically. The visitors in their frustration then resorted to dirty, with late tackles, back chatting to the ref and punches being thrown. It was more a compliment to Wits then a reflection on UKZN as it was all the away side could really do. One more try from front rower Katlego Kgame just before the final whistle allowed the conversion to bring the score past 50.
Wits now go into the crucial away game in Bloemfontein against CUT high on confidence and know that even without a win they should still make the playoffs. However, if Wits can go to the Free State and take revenge for the home loss to CUT earlier this season, they might just cement a home final. With the recent home form being what it is, that prospect certainly looks enticing.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 15, 2011 | Sport
Lining Up: Yumna Mohamed
The FNB Wits rugby side’s title aspirations were dealt a huge blow on Monday night after being beaten by FNB UWC 19-11 in Belville in the Cape.
Wits started the game at the top of the Varsity Shield log, but have dropped back down to second place after FNB CUT beat FNB Fort Hare 18-11.
Wits struggled to match the in-form goal kicker Ambrose Steyn, and were never in the game. The visitors did manage to get a late try, with wing Nkuli Gamede crossing the line with two minutes left on the clock, but it was too little too late as UWC ran out victors and crucially denied Wits a losing bonus point.
Wits can still turn things around and they will be looking to get back to winning ways this Monday at their last home game of the season.
Wits play the FNB University of KwaZulu-Natal in what will be a must-win game. Wits beat UKZN in the last meeting 22-12 but will not want to be at anything but their best.
The prospect of playing in the televised final, as well as the opportunity to perform on the big stage in the Varsity Cup, hinges on the next two results. Wits are simply too good a side to be playing in the second division and will need to prove that Monday.
We encourage all Witsies to come out in full force and back our boytjies in their last home game. A good result backed by an enthusiastic crowd could prove to be the catalyst that drives the team forward to the title, and perhaps to the Varsity Cup.
The match kicks off at 7pm and tickets are R20. On Monday from 1pm there will be a promotion at the Matrix where supporters’ T-shirts and tickets will be given away.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 4, 2011 | Sport
THE WITS KUDUS returned to the top of the Varsity Shield log after beating the University of Fort Hare Blues 22-13 at the Wits Rugby Stadium on Monday.
Both teams started the game at an intense pace and the Blues had a chance to take an early lead, but flyhalf Qondani Katywe missed a very kickable penalty. Wits regained momentum and after good work from centre Heinke Hartegen, speedster Riaan Arends burst through a gap to open the scoring for the home side. Brandan Lizamore converted to take Wits to a 7-0 score line.
Things took a turn for the worse for the Blues when Katywa received a yellow card for dissent. With a man advantage in the backline, Wits started running the ball more, with the back three looking particularly dangerous. The ball was moved wide as often as possible and a sweeping counter-attack resulted in a second try for Wits. After good interplay, scrumhalf and skipper David Turnball gave a great offload in the tackle to release Nkuli Gamede. The conversion was missed but Wits had a 12-0 lead.
Wits had to dig deep for the remainder of the half and produced some brilliant tackles, pinning Fort Hare further back and forcing them to kick possession away too often. Arends then produced the moment of the match as he gathered the ball on the halfway line. He broke two tackles, then chipped the ball twenty metres, gathered possession again, and dotted down for one of the tries of the season. Fort Hare scored late in the half to bring the score to 19-7.
Fort Hare were definitely the better team in the second half. When they came out they were more aggressive and ran the ball more. Two penalties brought the game to 19-13 and Fort Hare grew as the game went on. Lizamore slotted a penalty to increase the lead, but it should have been wider as Wits turned down two very kickable penalties in pursuit of another try.
In the end Wits held out, but will need to be more clinical when on top and more composed when under pressure in their next games.
by Daniel Gallan | Mar 4, 2011 | Featured 1
Guy Buttery, with only his guitar and an unassuming, easy-going attitude, transformed music into something more than just sound at the Wits theatre on Saturday night.
The audience could almost reach out and touch the notes he played. Through his energy and personality his message came across as clear as any motion picture.
Without words, Guy told a story that transcended all social boundaries. There is little doubt anyone left after the show without having experienced something deeply profound.
Guy has performed with legends like Nibs van der Spuy and Arno Carstens, as well as The Violent Femmes and Jethro Tull. Buttery has played in major festivals around the world but a spur-of-the-moment jam session in Morocco stands out for him.
He couldn’t speak their language, and the Moroccans couldn’t speak English but they played together anyway.
“It was [a] very humbling [experience] and I’ll never forget it.”
Buttery had an amazing 2010, winning numerous awards, including a South African Music Award for best instrumental record. He also signed a contract with one of the UK’s premier guitar-makers, Roger Bucknall.
However, Buttery says he will not put too much pressure on himself in 2011.
“I just like to take it day-by-day…If anything the success of last year has had a positive impact on my career”
Guy’s album “Fox Hill Lane” is out now.
