Incoming Accounting School Council hopes to prioritise the well-being of accounting students

TAKING THE ASC BATON: Incoming Accounting School Council chairperson (first-row, right side) is hoping to improve the well-being of accounting students by implementing a charity begins as home approach through the social development office. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

TAKING THE ASC BATON: Incoming Accounting School Council chairperson (first-row, right side) is hoping to improve the well-being of accounting students by implementing a charity begins at home approach through the social development office.                                                                        Photo: Nqobile Dludla

The outgoing Accounting School Council (ASC) welcomed the incoming ASC when members voted for their portfolios on Tuesday following recent elections.

Sewela Makgolane who was in the ASC last year as the Social Development officer came out top as the ASC chair when her position was uncontested during the voting session.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Makgolane said she was excited when her name was called up as the 2015 ASC chair although she knows that she has “big shoes to fill”.

“I’m nervous I’m not going to lie. Last year’s council did a fantastic job. Compared to the previous council in 2013, we were more known. People got to know more about ASC but a lot of work still needs to be done. First time I’m in such a position, I’m excited I’m looking at what I can do with it and how far I can get,” said Makgolane.

Wellbeing of accounting students at the top of the new council’s agenda

According to Makgolane, one of the biggest issues her team will prioritize the most is the “well-being of accounting students”.
Through the Social Development office, the council managed to reach out to students through their “charity begins at home approach”, however Makgolane said even though the council reached out to students, they didn’t reach their target.

“Last year we didn’t know about processes and how to go about things, but now that I got to see that last year I’m coming in this year with a greater mind knowing where to go when people need help.”

“A lot of students are struggling financially and socially and that’s what we’re hoping to fix. People are too quick to say Wits is hard and students are failing which is the truth but we need to look at why students are failing. It’s not always the syllabus, we don’t know what’s going on at home. For me that’s what I hope will happen. For us to say that we helped students and played a part in ensuring their academic success”, added Makgolane.

The incoming council is also hoping to build a better relationship with management and the students. According to Makgolane, compared to the Law School Council, the council has a long way to go in terms of being recognized by management and the students.

“We have about 8000 students in the school and not even half of them voted. We need to work on that, not just for us but for next year’s council so that people take us seriously,” said Makgolane.

Improving last year’s agenda

Outgoing ASC chair, Rodney Motjamela hopes that the incoming council “bridge the gap between issues we are facing that of finance, an office and being able to handle academic grievances.”, adding that “There’s immense room for improvement.”

“When I was in the council 2013 and 2014,the council was just a start up because during these two years we had to revive the council. This year what we wanted to do was to make sure that there is student governance in the school of accounting and that the ASC is recognized. We think we’ve done that.

So our vision was just to make sure that our presence is felt in the school and re-introduce student governance in the school of accounting,” said Motjamela.

According to Motjamela, the council still struggles to make some of their projects materialize due to insufficient funds and the council doesn’t have an office where students can easily access them.
With the establishment of the Accounting Student Club, the council hopes to raise funds through the club.

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Bidvest Wits through to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup

Nqobile Dludla and Boipelo Boikhutso

FROM ZEROS TO HEROS:  The opening goal came from Dutchman Cornelis Kwakman (on the floor) in the 39th minute from a set-piece. The Clever Boys ended the game with 3 goals, sending them into the quarterfinal of  the Nedbank Cup. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

FROM ZEROS TO HEROS: Henrico Botes (on the floor) scored the ultimate final goal, sending The Clever Boys to the quarterfinal of the Nedbank Cup with 3 goals.                                                        Photo: Nqobile Dludla

Bidvest Wits are through to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after defeating University of Pretoria (AmaTuks), 3-0 at the Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night.

The opening goal came from Dutchman Cornelis Kwakman in the 39th minute who landed a lead goal at the back of the net from a set-piece. Sibusiso Vilakazi came in the 56th minute and doubled their lead when he dribbled past Grant Kekana and shot past Washington Arubi.

Striker Henrico Botes added a goal in the 63rd minute after receiving a pass from Ben Motshwari.

Commenting on the first goal scored by Kwakman, Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt said “It broke the ice” for the game as both sides tried to break the deadlock in the opening minutes of the game.

“It was a hell of a goal wasn’t it? Jeez I mean he scored three goals and couple of weeks ago he scored one just like that. Fantastic goal!”, said Hunt.

Although The Clever Boys managed to break the deadlock, Hunt said the first half was “edgy” in terms of performance.

“We couldn’t get our passes and our movement and synchronization going. But we got much better in the second half as the game went on. We just lack a little bit of confidence, I guess after last week. All in all it was a great performance in the second half,” said Hunt.

Hunt hopes that his team maintains better “consistency” in the next games after suffering back-to-back Absa Premiership League defeats in recent games.

“I know the potential in the team. I mean from Tuesday to Tuesday we went from heros to zeros because we beat Sundowns and then we lost two games and then we won again,” added Hunt.

The opening proved to be difficult as both sides were determined to break the deadlock. The first chance for Bidvest Wits came after just 20 minutes when Sibusiso Vilakazi passed a promising shot to Papy Faty whose attempt went over the post.

AmaTuks tried to score straight after but Moeneeb Josephs was too quick for Geofrey Massa’s header.

The Clever Boys, who fielded the 16-year-old Liam Jordan last night, managed to hold on to their lead and secured themselves a place in the quarterfinals.

Post-match interview with AmaTuks coach Sammy Troughton

HOCKEY: Wits 1st team women suffer a 6-1 defeat to UJ

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: Wits coach (kneeling down) Pietie Coetzee strategizing a new plan

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: Wits coach (kneeling down) Pietie Coetzee strategizing a new plan after the third quarter of the game. UJ was leading with 3-0.                                                        Photo: Nqobile Dludla

The Wits first team women’s side faced an unfortunate 6-1 defeat to University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Saturday in the UJ vs Wits Hockey Derby at UJ Hockey Astro.

The friendly match was aimed at assessing the team’s pre-season performance ahead of the much anticipated Varsity Sport Hockey tournament and Southern Gauteng Hockey premier league.

Commenting on the team’s performance, Wits coach Pietie Coetzee agreed that she was “expecting a really tough game” but didn’t expect the game to be that one sided.

“I don’t think that the scoreline was really necessary, I think we can be much better than that so that’s something we should control better.”

“The match I think went really well for us in the first half because we managed to achieve a few of our objects that we set out. To control certain phases of the game which we did very well. After the the first half we basically took our foot off the pedal a bit and they came hard at us and scored all 5 of their goals in the second half.” said Coetzee.

Tough game for Wits

It was hard-fought from the outset, with an even battle in the first half meaning that scoring opportunities were few and far between.

“After the the first half we basically took our foot off the pedal a bit and they came hard at us.”

The home side came out guns blazing in the first quarter with clean short quick passes which were a bit of a challenge for Wits who focused on long passes.

Wits created a few early chances, but UJ scrambled well on defence and as a result made a few counter-attacking runs.

UJ opened the scoring against Wits 9 minutes into the game, leaving Wits falling behind with a 1-0 scoreline.

UJ threatened to score two more goals after wining short corners but UJ’s Taren Malleit slammed the ball straight to Wits’ goalkeeper’s feet.

UJ extended their lead to 2-0 when Marizen Marais scored in the last 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter.

Just when Wits was still dealing with the previous blow, UJ came back again with Claire Frey receiving a square pass from Nika Nel,slamming a 3-0 lead.

The Wits side could not take advantage of a short corner in the 4th quarter resulting in a goalless attempt that was quickly deflected by UJ’s goalkeeper Robyn Ormond.

The home side continued to dominate the last quarter when two goals left the score at 5-0 to UJ.

Wits finally responded with just 5 minutes left. A perfect shot from Toni Marks assisted by Londeka Dlamini and Nicole Fyrie, leaving the score at 5-1.

While Wits was still celebrating a goal, UJ ended the fight with a 6-1 scoreline.

Score update:

SCORE UPDATE

 

 

 

HOCKEY: Varsity Hockey champs UJ beat Wits 5-2

 

MEN IN THE BOX: Wits first team men's side prepares for a short corner taken by UJ in the first half. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

MEN IN THE BOX: Wits first team men’s side prepares for a short corner taken by UJ in the first half.                                                                                                                                                          Photo: Nqobile Dludla

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) 1st team men came up top in the UJ vs Wits Hockey Derby friendly tournament with a clinical 5-2 victory over Wits on Saturday at UJ Hockey Astro.

UJ wasted no time when the first half began as they showed Wits why they clinched the 2014 Varsity Hockey title.

UJ’s midfield ace Taylor Dart threatened to take UJ into the lead just 2 minutes into the game when his square cross from Brandon Panther was deflected by Wits’ goalkeeper Xander van Biljoen.

Another chance came from UJ’s Gareth Heyns who smacked a hopeful shot from the quarter line, but van Biljoen was too quick for his confident attempt.

With UJ dominating the first half with ball possession, Wits finally applied pressure in the back and moved the ball up past the center line and inside UJ’s D. However after much fight Wits’ Jon Haughton lost what could have been a lead goal for Wits when his advance was quickly stolen from him.

Panther quickly raced down and smacked the ball inside the top corner to send the home crowd into wild celebrations with a 1-0 lead to UJ 5 minutes into the game.

A wasted corner by UJ could have sent the fast paced men into a 2-0 lead, however Nic Rowe failed to stop the ball outside the top D.

After two more wasted chances, UJ’s Gerald Mpopo calmly pushed the ball between van Biljoen’s legs to send the hosts into a 2-0 lead.

Wits tried to redeem themselves in the last 6 minutes of the first half when upon winning a short corner, Jordi Sanders’ attempt was deflected by UJ’s goalkeeper Mattew Martins. A second chance for Wits came from Dylan Murray as he smacked a powerful shot that went wide of the post.

It was only in the last dying minutes that Wits started applying more pressure and equalized ball possession, but UJ held out well and took their two-goal lead into halftime.

Wits coming back strong in the second half

UJ had more powerplay at the start of the 2nd half as they attacked Wits in an attempt to take the game way beyond their traditional foe. Heyns slammed a goal, taking the hosts to a 3-0 lead after UJ won their second short corner.

Wits finally pulled back one showing plenty of fighting spirit when Haughton scored a goal, leaving the score at 3-1 to UJ.

After a failed attempt from a third short corner, Bryon Cleak responded with a 4-1 goal by pushing up-field and taking the ball into the Wits D and flicking it inside the right corner of the post.

It didn’t take long for Wits to respond when a hopeful short corner taken by Sean Donaldson went straight to Sanders who sent one in, leaving the score at 4-2 to UJ.

The Varsity Hockey champs extended their lead with just 1 minute left when a goal was scored before the game ended. Although Wits were able to pull 2 back, it was not enough to avoid defeat as the game finished 5-2 to UJ.

Score update:

SCORE UPDATE

Wits FC Women’s side net in a draw to UJ

The Wits Football Club Women’s side conceded three points after they drew 1-1 against neighbours, University of Johannesburg (UJ) in their first match of this season’s USSA (University Sport South Africa) Gauteng Football League, on Tuesday evening at the Bidvest Stadium.

Talia Swartbooi’s goal for UJ sent a wakeup call to a sleepy Wits who tried desperately to push forward in  the second half.

A chance for Wits came in the 60th minute when Paballo Rantseuoa’s shot landed in the hands of Christa Kgamphe.

Wits tried for a rebound when goalie Kgamphe lost balance, but was not quick enough for Nonkosi Twayise who charged from behind the goal keeper and stopped Rantseuoa’s second attempt.

A UJ handball and a free kick gave Wits their equalizer scored by Linah Maphanga in the 76th minute.

UJ dominated the ball possession but fast-paced UJ strikers Presocious Motabologa and Molemo Mashego squandered the chance to break the deadlock.

A second chance in the dying minutes of the second half came from UJ’s Zanele Sukazi whose shot missed the post by an inch.

A notable new striker in the Wits side, Siphesihle Zungu, almost scored a second goal but was stopped short without support from her mid-fielders who were staggering at the back.

Wits assistant coach Jabulile Baloyi agreed that her girls were “sitting far too back” in their own half but was nonetheless impressed by the performance despite not being able to get enough time to do pre-season training.

“A draw with our neighbours whom we know have so much experience in their squad and we have a couple of first years in our squad is impressive, so I’m quite impressed with the squad,” said Baloyi.

Both Wits and UJ walked away with a point each on the log, placing the former at 6th place and the latter at 5th place.

The Wits women’s and men’s teams are set to play against the Tshwane University of Technology on the 17th of March 2015 at Bidvest Stadium. Kickoff is at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

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SOCCER: Wits FC Women’s side looking to attack this season

The Wits Football Club Women’s side is hoping to win against the University of Johannesburg ahead of tomorrow’s encounter at the Bidvest Wits Stadium.

 

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CLASH OF THE NEIGHBOURS : L-R Wits FC’s Mid-Fielder Linah Maphanga and University of Johannesburg’s striker Molemo Mashigo at the USSA (University Sport South Africa) Gauteng Football League launch, which took place last Tuesday at UJ Soweto Campus.                                                                                Photo: Nqobile Dludla

 

Wits Football Club (FC) Women’s side coach Dennis Tshabalala emphasised the need to play attacking football against University of Johannesburg (UJ) Women’s side when the two sides meet at the Bidvest Wits Stadium on Tuesday night.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Tshabalala said: “The way we attack will be different tomorrow as it has (sic) been the area which we had to solve and I am confident we will score 1 or 2 goals tomorrow.”

Wits FC will be looking to return to this season’s USSA (University Sport South Africa) Gauteng Football League looking to qualify for the USSA Football Championships.

The team finished in fifth position last year with 11 points while UJ made it into the semi-finals of the USSA Gauteng qualifiers and finished third with 22 points.

Commenting on last season’s performance, Tshabalala said one of the positives was, “that we did not concede a lot of goals which meant defensively we were reasonably okay.” Tshabalala agreed that the team faced challenges with scoring against the top four teams.

Despite UJ finishing the season with more points than Wits FC, Tshabalala is confident that his team is “ready and have worked hard at dealing with any form of threat that they may pose.”

“Mentally we would need to be strong as this would put us ahead of UJ. [In terms of] Physical fitness we will be on par with them and we will compete”, said Tshabalala.

With three players from last season gone, Wits FC women’s side has six new players who according to Tshabalala will be adding more value to the team.

“To bridge the gap, we will work strategically at training to ensure the quick transition of the new players to blend in with the squad. There are six players who have joined us which would change how we attack (sic). We will have a different approach of attack (sic) this year which would ensure scoring more goals”, said Tshabalala.

Ahead of tomorrow’s encounter, Tshabalala said Wits supporters can expect “Great football with goals.”

Miss SA finalist making her mark as a pageant rookie

 

RETTY GIRL ROCK: Shané Naidoo is on of the 12 finalists for the 2015 Miss South Africa pageant which will be held later this month. Photo: Provided

RETTY GIRL ROCK: Shané Naidoo is on of the 12 finalists for the 2015 Miss South Africa pageant which will be held later this month. Photo: Provided

 

Casually gliding towards our meeting area with her hand bag in one arm and her lab coat in the other, Shané Naidoo’s black hair bounces with ease as the afternoon wind blows it gently.

From the day she was announced as one of the 12 Miss SA finalists, Naidoo admits that although she has always maintained a cover girl look, she has had to change every so often.

Maintaining a Miss SA look

“My sense of style has changed quite a bit. I was always well dressed and I took care of myself but I have my mom and sister to thank for this otherwise I’d be so derailed”, she explains.

Naidoo who is doing her third and fourth year in Industrial Engineering described herself as a typical girl who lives a normal life as a Wits student.

“I know that sometimes it’s exhausting to wake up every morning, do your hair and put on a bit of make-up but I like doing it although not everyone who studies engineering does that”, added Naidoo.

First pageant ever

Her poised posture doesn’t give away her claim that she is a pageant rookie. She explains that unlike her sister who has done it a couple of times, she has never thought of being a pageant girl.

“I just had to give it a shot because I like what the pageant stands for”, explains Naidoo as she gently brushes her hair away from her dolled up face.

“To be perfectly honest I didn’t think that I’d make it this far since it’s my first pageant. I thought it’d be my trial run, get a feel of things and come back next year or the year after but I surprisingly made it through.”

The 22 year old from Farrarmere in Benoni was among some serious competition.

“You’re suddenly with this group of 23 beautiful women and you are all buying for the same job position essentially and it’s a big deal.”

“I came in very confident. I was so excited initially I was like Oh my gosh! And (then) my confidence dropped very quickly. It’s intimidating. It’s something I’ve never done, I felt like I was thrown into the deep end.”

Why Miss SA?

“Entering Miss South Africa means fulfilling a lifelong dream and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. I aim to combine my personal goals and strengths with those of the Miss South Africa organisation to make a positive social impact in our society by means of engaging with our people and emphasizing their strengths.”

“I don’t just want to be forgotten the next day. But it is hard work trying to stay relevant.”

“I want to be a role model to young women across the country and an ambassador for women’s empowerment.” added Naidoo.

Managing school work and Miss SA has not been an easy task for the young student. She’s had to try and find a balance between labs and workshops required by the pageant.

‘I don’t want to be forgotten’

Sharing some of her fears in the competition, Naidoo is more fearful of “going through all this process and not being relevant at the end.”

“I still want to take away as much from the process and still use this platform even if I’m just a finalist to build a brand for myself in this competition. I don’t just want to be forgotten the next day. But it is hard work trying to stay relevant.”

When she is not thinking about women empowerment within the industrial engineering environment, Naidoo enjoys breaking a sweat and hitting the road or going to the gym.

She admits that one of her biggest challenges is eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I’ve been eating more surprisingly. As Miss South Africa you need to maintain a certain image so it’s about finding the balance. I’ve taken shakes, eating carbs and pasta and bread and all of the good things but I’m still training and finding a balance. It’s hard I have to say because I have a sweet tooth.”

 

 

No more funding for recreational clubs

 

IN PANIC MODE: The Wits Fencing club is now expected to dig deep into their own pockets for maintenance costs among others. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

IN PANIC MODE: The Wits Fencing club is now expected to dig deep into their own pockets for maintenance costs among others. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

The Wits Fencing Club was shocked late last year when they were notified that they will no longer receive their yearly budget due to changes rolled out by Wits Sports this year.

Wits Fencing Club chairperson Natalija Cerimaj was told that all recreational clubs have to be either financially independent or merge with an outside club.

The Wits Fencing Club is one of many recreational clubs who will no longer receive financial support from Wits Sport unlike the top five clubs (rugby, hockey, cricket, football and basketball) categorised as high performance.

Wits Sport low in funds

“Last year we thought we’d get here in Feb and get a little bit more money, [but] no. We were told you’re fine with what you have, work with what you have and re-allocate your funds into a certain direction,” said head of Wits Sport Adrian Carter.

He said that Vice Chancellor Prof Adam Habib had told Wits Sport to pick a few specific sports “you want to be known for”.

“We start competing in the next two or three year cycle. Easier said than done,” said Carter.

“The intention is not to take anything away from any codes.”

New Vision: ‘Revitilization’ of Wits Sport

According to Carter Wits Sport is introducing a revitalized Wits Sport mandate where more focus will now be placed on development and performance in order to boost a competitive edge in the top five clubs.

“We want our football club to go and take part at Varsity Sport and actually make it to the semi-finals. But to do that, if I have four injured footballers they can’t just sit on the side of the field not being able to afford physio or a sport scientist.”

Carter stressed that: “The intention is not to take anything away from any codes. The intention is to focus on basketball men and women, football men and woman, rugby, cricket and hockey for the top five codes.”

According to Carter, the yearly budget given to clubs is being “wasted” by clubs, such as Wits Fencing, who are given a budget for University Sport of South Africa (USSA) but end up not competing. So from this year, clubs have to submit a report to prove they are “high-performing” in order to get financial support.

“We paid an athletics coach for cross country and there was an amount for USSA. Both those totals come up to just a shy of R50 000. The team didn’t even go to USSA, money wasted and yet football has had to grovel for money to take a crappy bus to go and qualify for varsity football.”

According to Carter, Wits Sport asked for funding from the university to supplement its own reserve budget but received nothing.

Not only are we now expected to pay our own bills, we are expected to maintain our own facilities and try and help students,” Carter said.

Recreational and competitive clubs will still have funds from their reserve accounts and receive funds from membership fees.

“Last year we thought we’d get here in Feb and get a little bit more money, [but] no. We were told you’re fine with what you have, work with what you have and re-allocate your funds into a certain direction,”

Wits Sport strategy: Commercial initiative

According to Carter Wits Sport is doing everything in their financial power to generate funds in order to assist other sport clubs. This will be done through Wits Sport’ commercial initiatives.

Wits Sport’ Kitchen was recently launched in March. The aim is to give services to sport facilities and conferences with a double turn over by the end of 2015 estimated at R3 Million.

Wits Sport is also hoping to draft an annual USSA hosting plan, where Wits is hoping to accommodate players and generate an income stream of about R1 million.

In addition, the new Technogym which will be up and running by March next year will generate a profit share of R1.5 Million.

In the mean time sport clubs have to raise their own funds through hosting of USSA tournament, merging with other external clubs or go independent.

Recreational clubs feeling the blow

While the emphasis is placed on high performing clubs, recreational clubs like Fencing are feeling the blow.

“We had a coach who was paid by wits, we had enough money from Wits admin to pay him and he could come on a weekly basis now we have to pay him out of or own pockets from what we have from our reserve. We can’t afford to pay him on a weekly basis so we’re trying to arrange with him that he comes to coach bi-monthly and not weekly,” said Cerimaj

 

SOCCER: Bidvest Wits take over Mamelodi Sundowns’ second place

The Clever Boys snatch second place on the log after a 1-0 victory over the Brazilians at home last night. 

DOWN TO THIRD PLACE: Mamelodi Sundowns dropped to third place with 37 points on the table while Sibusiso Vilakazi's 1-0 lead moved Bidvest Wits up to second place with 40 points.             Photo: Nqobile Dludla

DOWN TO THIRD PLACE: Mamelodi Sundowns dropped to third place with 37 points on the table while Sibusiso Vilakazi’s 1-0 lead moved Bidvest Wits up to second place with 40 points. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

A second half victory goal from Sibusiso Vilakazi ended the defending champions Mamelodi Sundown’s 15 game unbeaten run in the league at the Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night.

The hosts moved up to second place with 40 points, while Sundowns dropped to third place with 37 points.

Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane who was disappointed stressed that it was “a difficult game” as his men pushed hard against The Clever Boy’s defensive wall.

“We all want to win but tonight was not the night. Malajila could have stole it there but that did not happen . When the ball hits the post in the last minute and doesn’t go in, you just know that it’s not your night but you have to accept defeat”, said Mosimane.

The Clever Boys came out guns blazing with the first chance coming from Vilakazi at the far post, his chance was missed though as his attempt landed in the hands of goalkeeper Dennis Onyango in the first 2 minutes of the game.

Earning a chance from a set-piece, Jabulani Shongwe’s over the post shot hindered a lead from The Clever Boys who dominated with ball possession in the opening minutes .

The Brazilians finally made a run past the center line after three minutes into the game with Khama Billiat sneaking a pass to the fast paced Cuthbert Malajila who threatened to net one, but Thulani Hlatshwayo quickly stopped The Brazilians.

In the 19th minute Billiat tried for another chance which went straight to Moenneb Josephs.

A promising free kick from Teko Modise after he was tripped by Phumlani Ntshangase failed to materialize as Bidvest Wits applied pressure at the back.

The hopeful Kees Kwakman had a brilliant opportunity to send The Clever Boys into a lead in the 40th minute as he sent a potential lead goal straight over the goal post from inside the box, leaving Bidvest Wits fans shaking their heads in disappointment.

Gavin Hunt’s men won the tactical battle in the first half, but for all their dominance in the first half they still had no goals to show.

Sundowns came back from half time with a slight change of attitude as they bravely tried to keep their place as runners up on the log, but a duel  attack by Bidvest Wits players Henrico Botes and Faty inside the box sent Onyango and Ramahlwe Phahlele on the ground.

Winning a second set-piece, Sundowns Modise sent his shot well over the top from a good position following a desperate scramble from The Clever Boys defence.

Hunt’s men finally proved their dominance when Nhlapo passed a straight shot to Vilakazi who dribbled past the sliding Mphahlele and netted a lead goal.

Shongwe threatened to give The Clever boys another goal when his attempt was shot wide after receiving a pass from Vilakazi.

Sundowns nearly equalized the score when Malajila’s golden opportunity hit the right goal post.

With under two minutes to go, the Brazilians pushed hard to equalize, but as the minutes died out it was clear that Mosimane’s men will be forced to give way to Bidvest Wits as they collected three points with their victory.

 

 

Wits Daso ‘will definitely be visible this year’

After claims of being invisible and not being able openly involved in student politics, the Wits Daso (Democratic Alliance student organisation) is preparing to re-launch itself on campus.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, acting Chairman Sihle Mthethwa said it’s now the time to re-introduce Wits Daso to students and shun claims that it’s a “sinking ship”.

“Wits Daso will definitely be visible this year. We are planning a re-launch that will hopefully attract students and bring back the trust students had in us,” said Mthethwa.

Wits Daso’s battle to dominate student politics was put to a test in 2014 when Wits Daso members ran for the 2014 SRC elections in secret under other organisations’ banners, reinforcing the claim that Wits Daso is “invisible”.

“What is happening to this organisation is that it is asking itself tough questions about how to drive internal change that is more authentic, visible and trust-worthy”

But former leader Luyolo Mphithi dismissed the claims that the organisation was invisible on campus. “I think this is a complete fabrication told by those who used guerrilla tactics to dissuade students from voting for Daso.”

“The execution of campaigns is a contributing factor also facing the removal of posters by the usual suspects which makes it seem as [if] Daso is not visible,” added Dikeledi Selowa who chaired the organisation in 2013.

The organisation was regarded as the official opposition to the ANC-led PYA (Progressive Youth Alliance) until 2011/12. Project W, a non-aligned student organisation, have now taken their place.

“What is happening to this organisation is that it is asking itself tough questions about how to drive internal change that is more authentic, visible and trust-worthy,” Mphithi said.

“This is a natural process in any organisation for it to re-think some of its strategies. I think Daso will come out of this re-engineering process much stronger  than before and ready to deliver to students,” said Mphithi.

Selowa added: “A re-launch is a formality for the structure, what Daso really needs is to let students be aware of their message,” but said a launch date has not yet been finalised.

“We need to recognise societies who believe that they can work with Daso and form an alliance with them. So we need to identify people who believe in our mission. We will have Blue Thursdays where we approach students and find out what issues they are facing. We need ideas from the very people that we serve,” said Mthethwa.

Selowa believes that “Daso needs to start fighting for the same market as the PYA and to do this it will have to come up with a new approach.”

Wits SRC president Mcebo Dlamini ‘resigns’

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RESIGNED: The screengrab from Facebook apparently announcing the resignation of the Wits SRC President, Mcebo Dlamini. GRAPHIC: Wits Vuvuzela.

SRC (Student Representative Council) president Mcebo Dlamini has apparently resigned his position in a Facebook post on Saturday after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of an unknown offence.

The message, apparently sent from Dlamini’s Facebook account, was made in two posts announcing and explaining his resignation.

 

“This serves to inform you that I’m stepping down as wits src president with immediate effect … Wishing you the best my lovely witsies … not leaving you alone but leaving you in the hands of PYA led src..Amandla,” reads one of the posts made at 7.03pm.

 

He said for “further information” students should ask Vice Chancellor Prof Adam Habib, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics Andrew Crouch, Dean of Students Dr Pamela Dube and head of Residence Life Rob Sharman.

 

A previous post made three hours earlier said he had been found guilty of “insulting one senior managment clown in that I said his [sic] an incompetent white man who still harbours from apartheid hangover.”

 

“A white man who doesn’t care about the living conditions of a black poor child … A white man who sleeps well at night and have sex [sic] while the black majority are living like hobos.”

 

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A screengrab of a post made on a Facebook account apparently belonging to Mcebo Dlamini. Graphic: Wits Vuvuzela.

The post said Habib had used the “racist zionist controlled” Wits Legal Office to find Dlamini guilty of misconduct and sentenced him one year of expulsion from the university. Dlamini said this came after he refused to withdraw his statement and apologise publicly. Both posts have since been deleted from the account.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Habib said he has received a report that Dlamini  was part of a disciplinary hearing held on Friday about an offence committed prior to his election.

 

“This has been going on for some time. The hearing apparently found him guilty and he subsequently resigned on Facebook. I do not know if this is serious. He is entitled to appeal as per the rules. I was asked previously to stop the disciplinary. I refused on the grounds that rules and processes must apply to all,” said Habib.

 

Habib could not give detailed accounts of the hearing or on the charge of which Dlamini was found guilty. He said he was not part of the hearing.
SRC deputy secretary Amogelang Manganyi told Wits Vuvuzela that the secretariat has not received an official resignation from Dlamini.

 

Wits Vuvuzela tried to contact Dlamini but he was not available for comment.

 

The Clever Boys get their own TV show

THE TIME IS NOW:Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt during an interview with ANN7 and eNews ahead of their first leg CAF Confederations Cup clash with the Royal Leopards (Swaziland) on February 14. Photo: Nqobile Dludla

THE TIME IS NOW: Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt during an interview with local broadcasters ahead of the team’s first leg CAF Confederations Cup clash with the Royal Leopards.    Photo: Nqobile Dludla

Loyal Bidvest Wits fans will now get exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and news when Bidvest Wits Football Club premiers its own show next month.

The magazine-styled show, called ‘Bidvest Wits TV’, will kick off on March 12 on SuperSport 4 (channel 204).

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Bidvest Wits marketing manager Danielle van der Merwe said this is a project that the club has “been working on for a while now”.

“In the modern world your support base extends far beyond the community that you claim and play in, and in a professional sporting environment you need to give good exposure to your sponsors as well,” said van der Merwe. “So the two fit in nicely together. So essentially what the TV show will be is a window into this football club.”

While it has taken many years for the team to join other football clubs who have turned to creating their television shows, Van der Merwe explained that launching the show now has to do with “the growth of the club at the right pace”.

“I think that football clubs need to focus on football first. It’s all very well spending money, and have no doubt that this will cost us money to produce, but you have to do things in the right order for your business and that’s why for our business the time is now.”

The club has grown in strength over the last few seasons, finishing third last year and fourth in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) the year before.

What fans can expect to see

The 30 minute-long TV show will be aired every second Thursday monthly. The show go beyond match highlights and will showcase exclusive video footage of the Bidvest Wits players, updates and information on the academy and management and behind the scenes footage.

“Video and visual side of media is becoming content that people want … So a lot of people will get to see what we do behind our doors,” said van de Merwe.