by Staff Reporter | Mar 9, 2015 | News
Wits Vuvuzela has been inundated with reactions to a recent article detailing an alleged racial attack on a Law student. The reactions though, have been divided over the significance of the altercation.
by Anelisa Tuswa
There have been mixed reactions to Wits Vuvuzela’s reporting of an incident in which a fourth-year law student claims she was verbally and physically assaulted by a fellow student. Since the article first appeared last week, Wits Vuvuzela has received over 100 comments via its website and Facebook page.
Sinethemba Memela claimed she was racially assaulted by a fellow student outside a lecture hall following a verbal altercation between the two during the lecture. Memela claimed her alleged aggressor had mocked their lecturer, Dr Malebakeng Forere’s accent. While a number of comments expressed sympathety for Memela and her account of the incident, many were critical of her.
One comment suggested that “we have to question the maturity of her (Memela’s) actions.” Another referred to the incident as a “sob story” and accused Memela of seeking pity.
Another comment read, “Why did you think it was necessary to join someone else’s conversation if you were not part of it in the first place?”
The individual, who did not provide their real name, closed the comment by saying, “I would think Memela was being a bitch by imposing and she is black, not white. If I a black person had called her a black bitch would you all say it was racist? Who are the real racists here?”
Others did not believe the incident was racially motivated. “Molepu” asked why Memela did not complain about being called a “bitch” instead of focusing on race.
Those who supported Memela expressed concern about the incident and its significance for the university. Collen Jaha Raka Kubayi wrote that she cannot find the difference between what happened to Memela and “what happened at the Free State University, when our black mothers were made to eat and drink urine and faeces.”
Nomakwezi Mkunyana-Manqaba said this was “bad and embarrassing” for the Wits community.
Wits university has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway but has not released any further information.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 9, 2015 | News
FIERCE POETRY: Poet Lebo Mashile spoke out against Israeli apartheid at the IAW concert on Friday. Photo: ichelle Gumede
By Katleho Sekhotho
Four big artists and free transport were not enough to get Wits students out to Bassline for a free concert, according to organisers.
A bus had been provided for the concert on Friday, the last event of Israel Apartheid Week, but then cancelled because of the low turnout, said Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee chairperson Shaeera Kalla.
Lebo Mashile, Tumi Molekane, Reason and Jr who were the acts for the evening, performed to a half-filled space at a free event.
The low turnout is in contrast to a comedy show held the day before at the Great Hall, which was filled to capacity, with some students being turned away.
Bassline has a capacity of up to to 1200 people. Less than 500 people were there, according to Bassline organiser Fattz Kgomo.
Kgomo said that despite the poor attendance, the night was still a huge success.
Tumi Molekane, popularly known for being part of Tumi and The Volume, told Wits Vuvuzela the event was a success: “They were loud you know, they were responsive … I think what I wanted to say to them, I think I said.”
Poet Lebo Mashile also received a warm welcome and told Wits Vuvuzela she participated in the concert because she’s ‘always been politically minded’.
Boycott Divestment Sanctions spokesperson Kamo Nakedi said organisers would work harder to promote future events.
“It will grow … It was the first time,” said Nakedi. “We can always do better.”
by Staff Reporter | Mar 6, 2015 | Opinion
Queenin Masuabi
After matriculating, I assumed that the days of hierarchies were over. Being in an environment filled with intellectuals, I thought that everyone was open-minded enough to understand the term “different strokes for different folks”.
This was until an engineering student confided in me about not wanting to date Bachelor of Arts (BA) students. Being a BA student myself, I was shocked at this statement. I thought that there was a disease that broke out which happened to only affect BA students, but boy was I wrong. Apparently, BA students were known for their laziness. BA has been dubbed the “easy course” which does not require much hard work. These students were said to spend all of their time on the library lawns and the Matrix where they would smoke hubbly-bubbly while other students are slaving away.
This made it difficult to date them because they have too much free time and could never understand when other students were studying all day. As if I didn’t have enough problems, now I had to deal with the fact that people would undermine me because of the course I chose.
“I thought there was a disease that broke out which happened to only affect BA students, but boy was I wrong.”
According to my knowledge most lazy, unintelligent people prefer to relax in the comfort of their homes. However, BA students are even worse. They cash in on bursaries or thousands of rands paid by their parents’ for fees then “chill” all day on campus.
Hierarchy on campus
Top of the hierarchy, in this parallel universe, are medical students followed by engineering students and all other courses in the science faculty. Commerce and Law students are next and right at the bottom of the hierarchy are BA and Education students. I wondered if this was based on fact or opinion. One thing’s for sure, I felt the condescending tone from people when I told them what I was studying, even from students who take up to six years to complete a degree that should take just three or four.
I thought we had left such a mentality in the 1980s when studying certain courses was seen to be more acceptable than others. Some people do genuinely have a passion for the social sciences. They are content with what they are studying and are not too stressed about conforming to what is acceptable in the Wits society.
“According to my knowledge most lazy, unintelligent people prefer to relax in the comfort of their homes.”
After three years of undergraduate studies I would not change anything at all because I followed my heart. The bottom line is that we were all accepted into Wits, whether it was to study Medicine or Education.
All students should be respected for what they are passionate about without being judged. This means that the hierarchy must crumble and everyone must come back to earth.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 6, 2015 | Opinion
Titus Masike. Photo: Tendai Dube
Titus Masike just completed his BSc Nuclear Sciences and Engineering degree and is now studying Industrial Engineering. He is a model with Boss Model Management and plays the guitar when he isn’t on the runway or in class.
How did you start modelling?
I started last year around August/September. My friend Fuaad introduced me to Adrian Abrahams (photographer) and suggested I take some test photos with him. So I did and Adrian liked my photos and as a result he sent them through to Boss and other modelling agencies. Boss were the first to respond and they wanted to sign me up.
Does being a male model mean you get girls easily?
[Laughs] I don’t know. I don’t even know what that means because I don’t really pay much attention to all of that. Honestly, you’re asking the wrong person, I have a girlfriend and “Hi, I’m Titus” is what I consider a pick-up line.
Is modelling hard?
I wouldn’t say that, the act of modelling itself isn’t hard. But getting booked is the hardest part. I think I’m lucky more than anything. The bearded look seems to be in.
What’s the last thing you ate?
A chicken sandwich.
What is your favourite song right now?
It would have to be a song by Dawn Golden – Discoloration.
What is your favourite accessory?
Bags. Leather bags are a good accessory. I also like watches and a whole lot of other things like spectacles.
What are your tips for the runway?
When you walk make sure you keep your feet straight, so you don’t look like a clown.
What is your gym regime?
I go four or five times a week and I do martial arts at Wits.
Who is the most interesting person you have worked with?
Khanyi Mbau at the Jet summer fashion show. She’s actually really sweet.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 6, 2015 | News
WITS’ new circuit bus system has come under heavy criticism following a stampede that happened at the Education campus on Sunday.
Wits students were involved in a stampede while trying to board a single bus, apparently serving students from several residences, on Sunday. The incident happened at Wits Education campus where students from various residences had converged to catch a bus to Rosebank as part of a new bus system implemented by Wits Services.
HIGH FOOT TRAFFIC: Witsies wait for the next possible bus at the Yale road bus stop. Photo: Valerie Robinson
“The schedule is very inconvenient. What’s even more concerning is the rate at which management keeps making changes without finding out from students how they are affected.”
The new system which came in effect on March 1, requires all res students to travel to Education campus in order to catch a bus to Rosebank. The new arrangement has inconvenienced many commuters.
“On Sunday, the bus left the students who usually catch the bus outside Junction and fetched Junction Residence [students] who have their own bus,” said Nontobeko Nkosi, 2nd year LLB.
Previously, Wits students who stay in the surrounding student accommodations near Junction were picked up by buses on the street. But under the new system the buses now pick up students inside Junction, meaning students who stay in other residences cannot always access the bus.
Wits Vuvuzela has attempted to contact Wits Bus services spokesperson Nicki McGee but has not yet received a response.
House Committee chairperson for Knockando Hall, Ivhani Maselesele, said he’s found the new bus system “convenient” for him. “For the first time, the bus stops at Knockando, it takes us to JCE, where we then take the Rosebank bus. At first, we used to walk to EOH.”
However, Dankie Mokwena, chairperson from Jubilee Hall, said the new system was inconvenient for main campus students.
“The schedule is very inconvenient. What’s even more concerning is the rate at which management keeps making changes without finding out from students how they are affected.”
According to Mokwena, the House committees are trying to find a solution with management.
“We have suggested that there are better solutions and have highlighted the fact that management cannot complain about costs if our fees keep going up every year.”
Changes on new bus schedule became effective from the March 1. These include buses leaving every 30 minutes instead of every 15 under the previous schedule. The only stops for the Rosebank bus, are in Parktown (at Junction Residence and Education Campus). A reverse circuit bus has been on weekends, during the day.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 5, 2015 | News
Michelle Gumede & Rafieka Williams
Joburg mayor Parks Tau did not arrive for a planned address at a pro-Palestinian rally at Wits on Thursday following a letter from the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), a representative from the ANC region said.
“It must be noted that the SAJBD sent the mayor communication saying they don’t want Parks to talk here, as they see this event as anti-Semitic,” said ANC Johannesburg regional secretary Dada Morero.
Tau had been scheduled to speak at Israel Apartheid Week (IAW), a pro-Palestinian event. Instead, students were addressed by Morero who apologised for the mayor’s absence. He said Tau had received a letter from SAJBD discouraging him from attending the event. Morero criticised the letter.
“The letter undermines the constitution of the state,” Morero said.
When contacted by Wits Vuvuzela, Morero denied suggestions that Tau had been pressured into not attending the rally by the SAJBD. He said Tau had been in a mayoral meeting and was unable rally.
However, Morero said the City of Joburg had signed an agreement with the city of Ramallah in solidarity with the Palestine. “We won’t back down,” he told Wits Vuvuzela.
When reached for comment, the SAJBD was not immediately available.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 5, 2015 | News
Sinethemba Memela has accused two of her classmates of racial abuse. Photo: Palesa Tshandu
Student leaders have expressed outrage over a report that a law student was called a “black bitch” and assaulted by a fellow student outside a lecture hall on Wits Campus.
by Anelisa Tuswa
Sinethemba Memela, 4th year Law, said she was attacked on Monday morning after her Intellectual Property lecture which culminated in a white, female student shouting at her “I will fuckin’ kill you, you black bitch.”
SRC calls for legal action
SRC deputy president Shaeera Kalla called for legal action and said such attacks were not unusual on Wits Campus.
“This is not the first incident of this nature, most students just don’t report racists’ behaviour, and this begs the question: are we then saying that we accept such behaviour as part of our everyday lives?” said Kalla.
“What happened is completely unacceptable. We as the SRC and the university as well need to take transformation more seriously as well.”
According to Memela, the incident started after she “confronted” two female students during the lecture as they mocked the accent of senior lecturer, Dr Malebakeng Forere.
Memela said the students were commenting on Forere’s pronunciation of the word “patent”.
“I turned around and asked them why does it matters how she says patent, we all know what she means,” said Memela.
“I said you’re an unnecessary black bitch”.
Memela said she tried to end the argument by saying the lecturer had a doctorate and did not need to be “undermined”, but added that she heard one of the girls refer to her as an “unnecessary bitch”.
When Memela asked them to repeat what they had said, one of the girls responded: “I said you’re an unnecessary black bitch”.
The verbal attacks later escalated into a physical confrontation as Memela was pulled by one of her aggressors outside the lecture venue. She said the student “pinched my breasts, daring me to beat her”.
The girl, according to Memela, was “screaming and shouting” before yelling “I will fuckin’ kill you, you black bitch.”
Wits investigates incident
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel said Wits was investigating Memela’s complaint.
“The university can confirm that it is investigating a complaint pertaining to an alleged racist incident that occurred on campus this week,” said Patel.
“The university condemns racism in all its forms and will not tolerate any racist behaviour on its campuses. Witsies are expected to uphold the values of the Constitution and to engage in a tolerant and respectful manner.”
Wits SA Students Congress chairperson Nthabiseng Molefe called the attack a violation of university rules and called on Wits to carry out disciplinary action.
“We are not going to tolerate such unethical behaviour on our Campus,” said Molefe.
“What makes it more distasteful is that they’re law students.”
SRC member Jamie Mighti said the woman who allegedly assaulted Memela was herself a “victim of being taught hate” and called the incident a “moment to teach”. He said the women should not be given a harsh punishment.
“We should find ways to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. Harsh punishments only reinforce the hate in a person” he said.
Following the publication of the initial report on Wits Vuvuzela’s website Wednesday evening, dozens of comments were made on the alleged attack via social media.
“What makes it more distasteful is that they’re law students,” said Bakang Huma Morobane on Facebook.
by Staff Reporter | Mar 4, 2015 | News
RACIALLY ABUSED: Sinethemba Memela says she was racially abused by two classmates and physically assaulted by one of them outside a Wits Law lecture venue this Monday. Photo: Palesa Tshandu.
by Anelisa Tuswa
A fourth-year Wits student was allegedly racially abused by one of her classmates outside a lecture room on Monday morning.
“I will fuckin’ kill you, you black bitch,” was one of the threats made by a white student, according to Sinethemba Memela, a law student attending an Intellectual Property lecture.
According to Memela, the incident started after she “confronted” two female students during the lecture as they mocked the accent of senior lecturer, Dr Malebakeng Forere.
Memela said the students were commenting on Forere’s pronunciation of the word “patent”.
“I turned around and asked them why does it matters how she says patent, we all know what she means,” said Memela.
“Unnecessary black bitch”
Memela said she tried to close the argument by saying the lecturer had a doctorate and did not need to be “undermined”, but added that she heard one of the girls refer to her as an “unnecessary bitch”.
When Memela asked them to repeat what they had said, one of the girls responded: “I said you’re an unnecessary black bitch”.
The verbal attacks later escalated into a physical confrontation as Memela was pulled by one of her aggressors outside the lecture venue. She says the student “pinched my breasts, daring me to beat her”.
The girl, according to Memela, was “screaming and shouting, beat me. Beat me, will fuckin’ kill you. You black bitch”.
Wits Campus Control has confirmed that Memela has filed a report. Michael Mahada, investigations manager, said Memela has made an allegation of an assault.
“After the matter is fully investigated it will be forwarded to the Legal Office to consider taking appropriate action against the student accused,” said Mahada. Memela filed both a report with Campus Control and said she went to the Career Counselling and Development Unit (CCDU) for counselling.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 27, 2015 | Opinion
By Brian Tebogo Mashego, third year BA student
Last week Thursday I was chilling with a group of friends at the Matrix building at Wits University, and hell broke loose when one of my friends made a reckless statement about a fellow gay student.
Within a wink of an eye we then interrogated his thinking around the issue of homosexuality, and as we were having this conversation I realised that although our South African Constitution theoretically ensure equality for all, social acceptance of homosexuality and homosexuals is generally lacking especially by those of us who grew up in traditional and religious families.
The discussion reminded me of a heart breaking event that happened to a fellow student, Thabiso; who was a colleague of mine when I was studying at the Vaal University of Technology.
Thabiso was contesting the student elections when his opponents found out that he was gay. The entire election campaign then became focused around his sexuality, throwing his campaign into chaos. By the time voting began students didn’t want anything to do with him. My heart was broken because students didn’t judge him on the basis of his competent leadership skills, but on his sexuality.
That event robbed us of a having a potentially talented student leader. As I began the discussion of the unfair treatment of Thabiso at my old campus I was met with criticism, losing some of my friends along the way.
Many talented students who are capable of leading the student community are denied that opportunity based on their sexuality.
Our discussion at the matrix continued to raise questions about the prejudices that prevail today, especially amongst the student community.
Chunks of the student population on our campuses still embrace hostile attitudes and unfair treatment towards gay students.
Of greater concern than the utterance of my friends’ homophobic remarks, is the fact that – like Thabiso – many talented students who are capable of leading the student community are denied that opportunity based on their sexuality. Our broader society has not only influenced this negative thinking, but have also lead us as students to belittle and disqualify them based on their sexual orientation. We are told that it is “immoral” and “unafrican” to be gay or lesbian. Our selective morality is revealing.
I think we are facing a challenge of creating a supportive society that is inclusive and respectful of gays and lesbians.
Homosexuality is a topic around which our culture still gets awfully skittish. This became visible to me when I was talking to a few homosexual students. Most of them feel that greater hostility is shown to them by ‘traditional’ and religious people.
Thabiso’s case teaches us that there is a great need for our student communities to begin embracing sexual diveristy on our campuses. This must start with our student leadership.
They must breakthrough barriers and speak out against this unjust treatment on behalf of gay and lesbian students. They must do this because it’s their obligation as student leaders and are supposed to represent the entire student body.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 27, 2015 | Opinion
Aspasia Karras, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire South Africa. Photo: Facebook
Aspasia Karras is the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire. Wits Vuvuzela spoke to Karras about this months “Naked Edition” of Marie Claire which is a yearly publication whose proceeds are donated to charity.
What are some of the difficulties that come with being an editor for a monthly women’s publication?
I wouldn’t say difficulties. Because it’s a monthly publication, what you put in the magazine has to be carefully considered, edited and curated. As media we are very fortunate because when you curate a brand like Marie Claire you have a website and Twitter that allow us to communicate things all the time for our readers which gives them a 24/7 experience of what’s happening and that can keep us very busy.
What are the origins behind the “Naked Issue” of Marie Claire?
The “Naked Issue” was started nine years ago. At the time doing a naked edition of a magazine was pretty dramatic stuff. I mean now you see celebrities like Helena Bonham Carter naked with a fish. This shows that naked has become a popular means of drawing attention to a particular cause. And that was the idea with the naked edition then and it still is the focus now.
What charity was used for this year’s edition and why?
This year’s campaign was for Blow the Whistle and it draws attention to, essentially, the terrible plague of violence that affects women and children in this country. So we felt that working with Blow the Whistle and getting amazing celebrities with real calibre and integrity to pose in the most vulnerable way really associated themselves with the victims. When you pose naked you are exposed and exposed to the entire nation. You become vulnerable like the victims.
Were you aiming for the same kind of response as last year’s #BoityReaction?
We haven’t had the Boity affect this year. The reason behind this is the seriousness of the campaign. I feel this year people have actually just understood what it was for and so we’re also celebrating this edition as well. The other thing that was moving about this year’s edition is the men who participated. They really exposed themselves and it’s a very brave act. They’ve really embraced the campaign.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 27, 2015 | Opinion
Riante Naidoo
by Riante Naidoo
It seems to me that for most young couples today, sex has become an integral part of relationships.
Although I believe it is entirely up to each individual as to when they start having sex, the general trend has certainly picked up in recent years, leaving our generation with the attitude that it is a relationship norm or requirement.
I beg to differ. I only discovered the general view of most students on campus when a friend assumed I had been sleeping with my boyfriend of four years. Dumbfounded by her assumption I sat and gave the notion serious thought. ‘Did they not see me as normal’ and ‘how can people just assume that’ were the questions that raced through my mind.
I wondered why girls complained endlessly about their ‘bae’ not being romantic or thoughtful enough, when they were all too excited to respond to his ‘booty call’.
On the flip side however, I find it is not only guys who centre their relationships around sex, but girls too.
Although, in some instances, it may be peer pressure or the need to feel desired that may push one to have sex, I feel it is directed more at a lack of self-respect or ignorance.
Sex is certainly not a need. As educated people, we have the ability to empower ourselves by whatever means necessary.
No matter your gender, whether your partner threatens to leave or pulls the ‘do it to show me you love me’ line, leave. Leave with your dignity still intact and your morale a little stronger.
After all, if you are the kind of lady who expects your husband to be pure enough for you, you do not want to be walking into that relationship with a hideous reputation or trail of ‘baby daddies’.
For those who are mature enough to maintain relationships which exclude the ‘sexual requirement’, there are so many perks of being young and in love. It is the time to enjoy the sillier side of life with your partner.
When I was 18, holding his hand, hanging out with friends together, sneaking into his lectures and waking up to his texts every morning was what made it exciting.
Our generation needs to re-discover what it is like to be embarrassed over being called out in his lecture and being teased by friends instead of falling pregnant after a drunken hook-up.
The idea of sex bogs me down with seriousness. Call me old-fashioned, but yes, it does carry a sacred value and level of intimacy I can wait for. Let it be something special you experience, one day with the most important one.
Despite all the aspiring Christian Grey’s or Anastasia Steele’s out there, who believe they are in their sexual prime, I assure you, there will be enough time for handcuffs and rose petals in between the sheets.
It is completely normal for young couples to be in relationships without sex. It is possible to be together where the other is not ‘getting it someplace else’ just because the two of you are not sleeping together.
This is the time to make memories. To go on road trips with friends, join campus societies and hike a mountain or invent something crazy. After all, Facebook was invented by a group of university students.
Make the real moments matter and just imagine what a legend you will be at graduation!
by Staff Reporter | Feb 17, 2015 | Opinion
We’re one week into the cricket world cup and today’s show looks at the science behind the sport. Experts and cricketers explain how the speed of the ball effects the game, what lucid dreaming can do to improve a batsman and all about the size, shape and make of cricket gear.
Finally, Michael Stevens from Jumping Kids and Dr Mariette Conning from the CSIR talk about how to build a prosthetic limb for a child cricket star.
The Science Inside, the show that goes inside the science of major news events, is produced by Paul McNally, Anina Mumm, DJ Keyez and Lutfiyah Suliman for The Wits Radio Academy. Tune in live to VowFM every Monday at 6pm.
If the full podcast does not load automatically, please click here.
