by Sibongile Machika | May 22, 2015 | Featured 1, News
1. Take it as a sign to get kinky with your study partner, especially now that exams are around the corner!
2. Use it as an excuse to binge eat everything in your fridge but go easy on the garlic, cause, garlic!
3. Laugh in the dark as people pass you by. For extra effect, shine a torch light in your face everytime you do this.
4. Use it as an excuse to binge drink everything in your fridge
5. Practise turning on the lights with your mind. About 40% of human beings are known to have untapped telekinetic powers (trust us on this, we’re journalists).
6. Make shadow puppets with your toes. Useful activity for (1) above.
7. Instagram your night of darkness without a flash. Use the hashtag #darkness #Nofilter.
8. Try and match your socks up in the dark.
9. Grab a candle and walk up and down your place repeatedly – make the neighbours feel like a seance is underway.
10. If you’re a guy, stand about half a metre away from the toilet and aim for the bowl! Disinfect bathroom in the morning!
by Sibongile Machika | May 22, 2015 | Featured 1, News
Wits University has confirmed that it is investigating another member of the Student Representative Council (SRC) following a series of accusations on social media and media enquiries.
“The university can confirm that legal proceedings are indeed underway against another SRC member, following incidents which occurred last year, before the member took office,” the university said in a statement.
“These proceedings are being adjudicated by an independent student disciplinary committee and an outcome is expected in the next few months. The university’s management has no control over these proceedings. However, once a decision is made, the university will act accordingly.”
The Wits Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) had sent a number of tweets asking why no action had been taken against the SRC member as had been done with the dismissal of former SRC president Mcebo Dlamini.
The university said the raising of the matter was “political opportunism” and would not be pressured to act “outside of its normal procedures in response to this opportunism.”
STATEMENT FROM WITS UNIVERSITY
The University has received multiple queries from the media and social media pertaining to the status of another disciplinary hearing involving a member of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). We understand that this matter is being raised as a result of political opportunism to force the University to act beyond its boundaries. The University will not act outside of its normal procedures in response to this opportunism.
However, the university can confirm that legal proceedings are indeed underway against another SRC member, following incidents which occurred last year, before the member took office. These proceedings are being adjudicated by an independent Student Disciplinary Committee and an outcome is expected in the next few months. The University’s management has no control over these proceedings. However, once a decision is made, the University will act accordingly.
All student disciplinary matters are dealt with in terms of the policies and procedures of the University, which apply equally to all students. The University acknowledges that these procedures generally take too long to reach a conclusion and management has been authorised by Council to look at ways to expedite these processes without compromising the disciplinary processes.
by Sibongile Machika | May 15, 2015 | News
In a final attempt to save their jobs as sub-contractors for Wits University, MJL electrical workers made an impassionate plea to the vice chancellor, Adam Habib, and the rest of Wits management.
Workers and students gathered at The Great hall before their march to Senate House. Photo by Sibongile Machika
Yesterday MJL workers together with members of the workers coalition gathered outside the Great Hall in what they called “a final act of desperation”.
The workers marched to Senate House to hand over a petition and open letter addressed to Wits University. The petition called on students and staff to put pressure on Wits management to take their request seriously.”
“Thina siyay’isaba lendawo, yimbi lendawo siy’asaba lendawo yibi lendawo”
MJL spokesperson, Richard Ndebele said “This petition is about us getting our jobs back, we are asking the university to hire companies that can absorb MJL workers.
About 100 people attended the march including members of staff, students, student leadership and other workers in the university, some of whom are sub-contracted and employed by the university. In solidarity they sang struggle songs as they walked to meet Adam Habib. “Thina siyay’isaba lendawo, yimbi lendawo siy’asaba lendawo yibi lendawo”
In their letter the MJL workers who have been out of work since March blame the University for not doing enough to help them. Workers have been in a salary dispute with MJL Electrical owner George Cresswold since last year. They said that if Wits management acted sooner they wouldn’t be in this situation.
Wits management has previously said it is not the university’s responsibility to guarantee works jobs. However they are prepared to support the workers in a legal battle against Cresswold as a friend of the courts.
by Sibongile Machika | May 5, 2015 | Lifestyle
Cape Town’ First Thursday team brings a feast of art and culture to the Jozi night crawler.
Two weeks ago Cape Town’s First Thursday team announced its move to Johannesburg. This Thursday, 7th May, they host Jozi’s first free arts and culture experience.
Think everyday Braamfontein on steroids.
First Thursday is a the free cultural experience in which some local galleries,restaurants and concept stores open for extended hours on the first Thursday of every month. The idea is to bring arts and culture back to the people while giving artists exposure.
“the perfect alternative night out for the art loving, wine drinking jozi night crawlers.”
Unlike traditional high society arts events which are often perceived to be reserved for the prim and proper elite, First Thursday is much more informal, you can dress as you please, you don’t have to know a thing about art and nobody will be shhhing you in the galleries. The aim is to encourage people to come explore, experience and celebrate art as they wish.
The concept has been very successful in Cape Town and is the perfect alternative night out for the art loving, wine drinking jozi night crawlers. Take a look at what you can expect this Thursday.*
The inaugural event is from 5pm till late. Some of this month’s highlights are Simon Gush’s “workplace” showing at the Stevenson gallery, “Wake up, this is joburg” showing at Fourthwall Books and “Time and again-A Penny Siopis retrospective” showing at The Wits Arts Museum.
There are 12 more cultural hubs participating this week including Kitcheners, Great Dane and the Neighbourgoods market. Maps showing all the venues will be available at all participating outlets and can also be viewed below.*
Advice from the First Thursday team follows:
BEFORE YOU GO
- Browse exhibitions, performances, and other events on our highlights page.
- Familiarize yourself with locations using our Google map (link in the navigation).
- Decide where you’d like to start.
- Invite old friends, new friends, family, and colleagues or do it on your own.
- Grab a printed map at your first stop.
- For more information check out the event website
GETTING THERE AND PARKING
We recommend taking the [Rea Viya] Bus or cycling if you can. If you’re driving, park near to where you think you might end up. Don’t stress yourself out trying to find parking on the doorstep of where you want to go. Parking a little further away and enjoy the walk.
* Video and map taken from the First thursday website
by Sibongile Machika | May 5, 2015 | News
Five SRC presidents pledged to join the student academic and cultural boycott of Israel after a press briefing yesterday.
Student Representative Council (SRC) presidents from the University of South Africa (Unisa), Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosutho University of Technology and the University of the Western Cape gathered in Pretoria to announce their participation in the academic and cultural boycott of Israel.
The announcement came after the minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande was denied a visa to travel to Palestine via Israel. The boycott is in line with the South African Union of Students’ 2011 mandate which stated that “all South African campuses must be Apartheid-Israel free zones”.
The leaders of the SRCs will now drive the boycott at their various institutions. The move follows closely on the heels of last month’s call by the African National Congress (ANC) and its partners to expel the Israeli ambassador to South Africa.
The press conference was hosted by BDS or Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions at Unisa.
by Sibongile Machika | Apr 25, 2015 | Featured 1, News
SAM Philane, a Mozambican national, was chased from his home in Primrose by a xenophobic mob last week. Now’s he’s living in a displacement camp. But he’s not angry, he just wants to go back to his home in the East Rand.
SAFE HAVEN: Living in a tent, Mozambican national Sam Philane and his partner Angelina Chiabo have fled their home in Primrose, fearing xenophobic violence. They have taken shelter at a camp established by charity Gift of the givers in Mayfair. Photo: Sibongile Machika
After hearing that the xenophobic mobs were starting to form in the Primrose area of Germiston, Sam called his girlfriend, Angelina Chiabo, asking her to gather up their valuables for safe keeping. But by the time he got home it was too late, their house had been looted. All they had left was one suit case and a box full of their documents and family pictures.
Thousands of foreign nationals have been displaced since the xenophobic attacks started in Durban three weeks ago. As more attacks have been reported across the country, foreigners have been fleeing for camps in fear for their lives. Many of them have had their possessions stolen or burnt, including their passports and immigration papers. The loss of their document makes them even more vulnerable to attacks from police and civilians.
“want to get paid the same salaries as the people who are educated, while they don’t even have matric.”
Philane and his girlfriend fled from their home and initially went to the Primrose displacement camp in Germiston. However, Philane said the conditions there were not good with men, women and children sharing the same tents at the camp. They then moved to a camp in Fordsburg which was set up by NGO Gift of the Givers.
A home away from home
Their temporary home is a small tent with two foam beds neatly made up and clothes stacked on top of a suit case. Philane, a Mozambican national, is adamant that this is only temporary. He has been in South Africa since 2000 and he sees himself as a dual citizen.
“I am not angry,” he said. Nor is he making any arrangements to leave this country. He seemed more concerned about his community, asking what is going to happen to the perpetrators, some of whom he knows personally. He wanted to know if leaders have discussed re-integration plans that will allow both perpetrators and victims back into the community.
Philane believes that the attacks are a result of frustration. He said like everybody else, he goes where the work is but there are not enough jobs for everyone.
He believes that locals struggle to find job because they “want to get paid the same salaries as the people who are educated, while they don’t even have matric.”
Philane adds that South Africans forget that some of their countrymen are also in Mozambique where they too are working as foreigners.
“We all follow the work,”
he said.
by Sibongile Machika | Apr 21, 2015 | Featured 1, News
A look at some of the oldest buildings on campus and who they are named after.
The #RhodesMustFall campaign has raised questions about the origins of the names of landmarks, streets and buildings around the country.
We take a look at some of the buildings at Wits University and the people behind the names.
1.Barnato Hall
The building is named after Barney Barnato (1852- 1897), a European mining magnate who established the Barnato Diamond Mining Company, the company that succeeded Cecil John Rhodes’ De Beers Mining Company.
2. Bernard Price Building
The Bernard Price building owes its name to Dr Bernard Price (1877 – 1948), Founding Chief Engineer of the Victoria Falls. Manager of Transvaal Power Company in South Africa from 1911 -1936. He was also instrumental in founding the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research.
3. David Webster Residence
David Webster (1945-1989) was an anthropologist, Wits lecturer and anti-apartheid activist. He studied at Rhodes University in Grahamstown where his involvement in politics began. In 1970 he moved to Johannesburg to teach Anthropology at Wits University.
4. D J du Plessis Centre
David Johannes du Plessis (1918-199) was accomplished doctor and Head of the department of Surgery at Wits University. He also served as Chief surgeon at the Johannesburg Hospital from 1977-1994.
5. G R Bozzoli Sport Pavilion
In memory of G R Bozzoli (1911-1998), a former vice chancellor of Wits. He served as a major in World War II where he was enrolled in the Special Signals Services to develop a radar system for South Africa. He returned to Wits as a Professor of Electrical Engineering in 1948. He spent 30 years here as dean of the faculty of engineering, deputy vice chancellor and then vice chancellor
Information provided by: A Vice-Chancellor Remembers: The memoirs of Professor G.R Bozzoli and Wits Archives
6. Jan Christiaan Smuts House
Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870 – 1950) was a great military general who went on to become the Prime Minister of South Africa.
Information provided by www.sahistory.org.za
7. Oppenheimer Life Science building
Ernest Oppenheimer (1880-1957) was mining entrepreneur and founder of Anglo American Corporation. He was elected as Mayor of Kimberly in 1908. As a member of parliament he focused instead on financial and economic issues.
8. Oliver Schreiner School o of Law
Oliver Schreiner (1890-1980) was a respected South African judge and law lecturer at Wits university. He set many precedents that still shape the laws of today.
9. Wartenweiler Library
Fred Wartenweiler (1876-1968) was president of the Chemical, Mining and Metallurgical society in Johannesburg. His wife Jane Love Wartenweiler, loved the English language and fought for its preservation. In her honour he donated money to several university upon his death. Wits was one of them and named its main Library after them in appreciation.
Information proved by the Wartenweiler brochure provided by Wartenweiler Library Staff
10.William Cullen Library
William Cullen (17910-1790) was a physician, chemist, metallurgist and teacher. Mostly celebrated for his work as a lecturer, who taught in plain English to ensure that his courses were practical, hands on and student lead. Cullen is remembered as a forward thinking man.
by Sibongile Machika | Apr 13, 2015 | Opinion
Struggles of the young, successful and independent.
I’m 24, I live in Jo‘burg North and I’m working on my second degree. By most people’s standards I’m well on my way to success. Yet I hardly ever feel that way. Mostly because these achievements are nothing to write home about, at least not on the global scale.
People are often shocked to learn that one of my main goals in life is to be a mother. A mother of six to be exact. Six beautiful, cultured, free-thinking individuals that will give birth to more of this kind of human. That is the legacy I want. Planning, praying and hoping for my family is what keeps me up at night. Not the rat race.
Judge me not
Women like myself are constantly judged for putting their efforts into finding a life partner and building family rather than chasing a career.Such women are often seen as lacking ambition or having low self-esteem. Some people – usually other women – even dismiss such aspirations as their way of dealing with coming from a broken home. Well my self-esteem is doing just fine. I don’t have broken family issues and I am perfectly capable of having a kick-ass-career, if that is what I want.
“I would rather wake up at 7am to bake cup cakes with my little girl than be stuck in traffic on my way to work.”
The truth is, there is no profound reason for me wanting a family more than I want a career. This is just the kind of life that I want. I would rather wake up at 7am to bake cup cakes with my little girl than be stuck in traffic on my way to work. This is not to say that I don’t want to work, it just means that my career choice was specifically selected to allow for such a life.
From an early age we are all taught to work hard for what we want and who you want to become. We are encouraged to work on our spiritualty, our health and career constantly. Yet one of the most important aspects of one’s life must wait until all the other things are perfectly aligned? Who are you meant to share your career achievements with? Who are you meant to travel the world with? Who else is meant to benefit from all the wealth we’re accumulating?
We are finally in a world where women can choose whatever life they desire and make it happen. So if I need to serial date to find my life partner, I will. If I have the option to marry rich to ensure my six kids are well taken care, I’ll take it. If being a mother means I must adopt across racial lines then so be it. The point is that my life choices are nobody’s business, not even the feisty feminists who fought for me to have this choice.
by Sibongile Machika | Apr 4, 2015 | Lifestyle
A book review of Dare we hope? by Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela.
TO A NEW FUTURE: Dare we hope? by Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is a collection of her work published in local and international newspapers. Photo: Sibongile Machika
World renowned clinical psychologist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is an international expert on reconciliation. Having worked on South Africa’s TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), she is often the go-to person on topics that interrogate the challenges faced by South Africa’s young democracy.
Dare We Hope is a collection of her articles published in The Washington Post, New York Times and various South African publications between 1995 and 2014.
This selection of work confronts issues like Afrikaner rage, the politics of revenge, racism and the ruling party’s ever decaying sense of morality.
The subtitle of the book “Facing our past to find our future”, sums up Gobodo-Madikizela’s intentions. Through her work Gobodo-Madikizela shows how South Africans have found glimmers of hope in potentially catastrophic events like the murder of Chris Hani and the 2002 Boeremag bombing of the Soweto railway. She believes that it is this ability to find hope where there seems to be none that can help dig South Africa out of its current pit of corruption, reoccurring race issues and economic divide.
“Ten years of a change of law will not result in an automatic change attitudes”
Some of the key themes and concepts addressed in the book are: individual sense humanity, understanding the other and the psychological effects of that apartheid had and still has on both the oppressors and oppressed.
Gobodo-Madikizela does well bringing a fresh perspective to these perennial topics. In one of her articles she writes, “Many white South Africans … find it difficult to acknowledge the social, educational and economical privileges under apartheid gave them a better life, and also created the possibility of a better future for them in the post-apartheid era”.
She adds that “acknowledging that they have benefited from a system that oppressed fellow human beings and even committed atrocities, threatens white people’s sense of humanity”.
Engage in dialogue and debates
Gobodo-Madikizela also deals with the current government’s corruption, abuse of power and failing leadership. She explored how the nation’s growing disappointment with the liberation party affects our present and future, from Thabo Mbeki’s HIV/AIDS denialism saga, Jacob Zuma’s rape trial and the African National Congress’s (ANC) women’s dangerously fierce alliance to Zuma. The book allows the reader to deal with the current state of affairs and begin to imagine the kind of future they might lead us to.
Dare we hope? poses more questions than answers, Gobodo-Madikizela calls on South Africans to engage in dialogue and debates that seeking first the truth and acknowledgement of our past and its effects in the hope that it is this truth that will bring us to real forgiveness and lasting reconciliation. The selection below highlights this notion.
“A starting point would be to acknowledge, instead of deny, that ten years of a change of law will not result in an automatic change attitudes, and that racism [amongst other things] will continue to seep − in subtle and not-so-subtle ways− into our new democracy. As we think about how to move this debate forward, we should focus on the psychological legacy of apartheid racism –the experience of white privilege while other racial groups were excluded from economic, educational, and occupational opportunities, which instilled a sense of superiority in the minds of many of our white compatriots. We should also not lose sight of the long-term effects of a system that strategically instilled inferiority by closing the door of opportunity to blacks.”
Dare we hope? Facing our past to find a new future is available from all leading book retailers.
by Sibongile Machika | Apr 4, 2015 | Featured 1, News
Despte the pomp and ceremony of a graduation, graduates across the country are faced with rising unemployment.
THREE CHEERS FOR THE NEW GRADUATES: Wits Education graduate celebrates victory with each other outside the Great Hall last week. Photo: Wits Vuvuzela.
Congratulations you made it. You’ve got the edge. You’re a Wits graduate.
Soon after the glamorous preparations, soon after your glorious victory lap across the Great Hall stage, and soon after the beautiful euphoria of your family celebrating your wonderful achievement, reality sets in.
In just 24 hours you go from being the celebrated minority of young graduates, to officially joining the multitudes of unemployed youth.
Let that sink in for a minute.
Here are some facts that should help you come to terms with your new situation. These facts might even help get you employed or even change your life.
First of all everything that the speaker at your graduation ceremony said is true. You’ve done well and everyone is very proud of you. But this is also true of all the other new graduates from institutions across South Africa. So you’re not as special as you might like to think.
SA has a 36.1% unemployment rate according to StatsSA. Some of those people also have degrees. In the professional working scene having a degree of sorts is a minimum requirement.
As they say in therapy, the first step to solving a problem is acceptance. So accept that the chances of you landing the first job you apply for, with your own office that has a view of the city and comes with a nice R20 000 plus salary is rather slim.
“We can’t all be DJ Sbu, Forbes only has 100 places on their list.”
The alternatives – graduate programs or apprenticeships
A more realistic goal is getting into a graduate program. Private companies, small-to-medium enterprises (SMMEs) and various government departments offer these annually. These programs are designed to give you a more practical idea of what your job entails and give you some experience.
An alternative could be an apprenticeship, which is more of a one-on-one relationship with a mentor who grooms you to one day fill their shoes. In any of these positions you will do the worst jobs, you’ll work the longest hours and you will earn the least amount of money. This is called “paying your dues”.
As a young graduate you need to realize that in the industry nobody knows what you’re about or what you’re capable of and you haven’t yet formed any relationship that could count in your favour. Basically you’re not worth much … yet.
What if you hate your first job?
Secondly, once you do get a job, there is the possibility that you might hate it. Maybe not what you do but rather the idea that you must wake up everyday at a certain time and do what you are doing to earn enough to get the basics and maybe a Big Mac nyana. You might hate your boss or the company you work for. Truth is at some point most people don’t like their jobs. This is what being a grown up is about, you do what you must to do to get what you want.
Finally, even after slaving away for three to five years at Wits and working for another two to three years you may just realize that the system is not for you. This is not the life you were made for. But before you run off to be the next big thing remember this. Whether you like it or not the system has been around forever, it works and there is a reason it works. We can’t all be DJ Sbu, Forbes only has 100 places on their list.
But if you really do have a ground-breaking new idea or a burning passion don’t let me stop you. Go be great, flourish after all not so long ago you were the privileged, educated cream of the crop.
by Sibongile Machika | Mar 20, 2015 | Featured 1
WITS students who are pregnant are being requested to leave res by the time they are eight months along, according to several students.
Second-year student Mbali Ngcobo*, who is four months pregnant, said she was told by her res matron that she would have to leave her residence before she gives birth.
“I understand why I must leave, some people are dramatic and if I give birth in res it could be traumatic for some students,” she said.
Ngcobo’s experience is not unique according to several female students who have had friends who also had to leave residence after they had gotten far along in their pregnancies.
While Ngcobo said leaving res will be difficult and may impact her studies, she has made peace with this. She is hoping to give birth during September holidays and then return to Wits to take her exams in October.
GROWING BELLY ISSUES: Wits students are being asked to leave res at 8 months of their pregnancy,in line with a new policy under discussion Photo: Wits Vuvuzela
Ngcobo said she has the support of her family. However, they are not from Johannesburg and are unable to give her much practical support. She plans on moving in with a friend when she leaves residence.
Doreen Musemwa, assistant registrar of East campus residences, would not comment on the allegation that pregnant students are told to leave res when their eight months into term. She said a new policy is still under development and is “aimed at protecting the university and the university community, staff and students alike”.
“How the mother copes with all of this will also then impact on her academic career.”
Shameen Naidu of the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) could not confirm how many students at Wits are pregnant. However, she said having a baby while a student could be difficult.
“They may have to leave their infant with a family member, it may be psychologically distressing for both the mother and the baby,” Naidu said.
“How the mother copes with all of this will also then impact on her academic career.”
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to other healthcare professionals on campus who said they don’t believe that the forthcoming policy is meant to be punitive.
Yvonne Matimba, head of Campus Health, said she cannot comment on the pregnancy policy as it is still being discussed. However, she said Campus Health does offer a variety of contraceptive methods for free.
*Names have been changed at the request of the individual
by Sibongile Machika | Mar 13, 2015 | Lifestyle
UNSETTLING HISTORY: Cedric Nunn posing with some of his photographs from the Unsettled exhibition on the opening night. Photo Sibongile Machika
A black-and-white photographic exhibition highlighting the struggle of the Xhosa people opened at Wits Art Museum (WAM) this week.
The photographs, by acclaimed South African photographer Cedric Nunn, depict landscapes and buildings where key events took place.
The exhibition reflects the story of the Xhosa people that managed to resist British and Boer domination for 100 years in the Eastern Cape. The people in his portraits are the descendants of active participants in the wars and negotiations of that time.
“All this before the Shaka reign, yet history does not remember the Xhosas with the same glory.”
Nunn started his career documenting the realities of apartheid. His work mainly focuses on social change with particular interest in rural communities and issues. But reflecting a 100-year journey authentically was difficult. He said he focused on landscapes because land has an amazing ability to hold time. Black and white photography simply enhances that effect, said Nunn.
“This is an incredible story,” said Nunn. “That’s why I was drawn to it. Often people forget to see the good. Here is a nation that resisted British rule for 100 years,” Nunn said.
They had a dignity and code of conduct that carried them throughout the nine wars that played out at the time. “All this before the Shaka reign, yet history does not remember the Xhosas with the same glory,” said Nunn.
He said he felt a deep connection to this story because he is a descendant of a British settler who went on to marry a Zulu woman at time when it was seen as the ultimate taboo. More importantly this is a South African and that’s why it matters to him.
This project took three years to complete and was funded by Mellon Senior Scholar funding from Rhodes University. The scholarship allowed Nunn to be entrenched in the Grahamstown community while doing his work. Most of the pictures were shot in film so it took months before he could see the results of his work.
“More importantly this is a South African and that’s why it matters to him.”
Nunn said he hopes to leave a positive legacy for young South Africans and his exhibitions are one way of doing it. Unsettled depicts an important time in South African history and showcases the strength, dignity and humility of the Xhosa people which Nunn said he could still experience 150 years later.
Unsettled: One Hundred Years War of Resistance by Xhosa against Boer and British is showing from the 10th March to the 12th April 2015. WAM is open to the public Wednesday – Friday between 10a.m and 6p.m.
