The neighbourhood of Fordsburg, west of the Johannesburg city centre, is a place of history and a wide diversity of cultures. But is there such a thing as a unique “Fordsburg Style”?
Aneesa Omar leans against the counter in her store in Fordsburg. A beautiful, bright head scarf frames her face, complementing her trendy tweed crop jacket, white shirt, skinny jeans and jewelled, pointed-toe pumps.
Omar is a designer of Islamic fashion for women, and the owner of Silk, a small but popular boutique on Lilian Road. Silk is famous as the home of the abaya – Arabic for cloak – a traditionally black, robe-like dress that leaves only the face, feet, and hands exposed.
It is worn for modesty, but its simple styling allows for great versatility of design and trimming, which new, young designers such as Omar are taking advantage of.
The intricate detail of Silk’s designs can be seen on any of the mannequins that are on display in the store. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Once a simply functional garment that signalled religious devotion, the abaya has become a fashion item in its own right and Omar’s beaded, laced and embedded crystal designs are proof of her claim that “Fordsburg is at the forefront of Johannesburg’s Islamic fashion”.
Overshadowed by the skyscrapers of glass, concrete and steel, Fordsburg lies just three kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg. It is a vibrant neighbourhood, not so much a melting pot as a masala of colours and cultures and traditions. A masala is a heady mix of Indian spices often used in delicious curries and it springs to mind in the way Fordsburg tantalises and seduces your senses.
The rise of Islamic fashion
In Fordsburg, you will find a modern building with steel windows right next to a century-old building with peeling paint that reveals the layers of its now-fading colours from over the years. You will find an authentic Egyptian shisha or hookah lounge right next to a Pizza Hut.
But when it comes to fashion and culture, the heart of Fordsburg is Islamic and it beats to the rustle of Silk.
Omar runs her boutique, situated next to a hair salon in the same centre as the Fordsburg Chicken Licken, which she jokingly claims “takes up all the parking”. With her mother Shanaaz Patel, a dressmaker, and her father and sisters, they have made Silk into the epitome of glamour for Islamic fashion.
“It started with my mom 16 years ago,” says Omar. “She realised there are no nice abayas here. So she would go to dressmakers and get the fabric and get them to make it. Then friends asked her, can you do one for me?”
Aneesa Omar and Eunice Modise are hard at work in Silk designing and making an abaya for a customer. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Omar has no formal fashion training and in fact studied a business degree. But through her mother, she became involved in the business of Islamic fashion. “I sketch with my mom, and then my mom is at the workshop where they do the cutting and putting the design into a garment. It is a lot of trial and error.”
Islamic clothing is often stereotyped in the Western view as being drab and restrictive. In truth, Islamic fashion has exploded onto the fashion scene in a big way.
The British clothing chain H&M made headlines this year as Mariah Idrissi became their first hijab-wearing model.Layla Sallie modles a trendy abaya from the brand House of Yushrah, on the streets of Fordsburg. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Layla Sallie models high fashion Islamic wear, such as the beautiful peach colored leggings on the streets of Fordsburg. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Layla Sallie shows off detail such as the shoulder crystals on her abaya. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Silk has been trading in Fordsburg since 2004. Omar explains that Islamic fashion thrives here because it is central, close to the freeway for visitors from out of town, and essential for supplies that are crucial to the practise of Islamic culture.
‘Islamic fashion is breaking through’
“You know with Islam,” says Omar, “when people eat halaal meat and all that, all the requirements are in Fordsburg. They have to stop here to go to the butcher and the grocer and get their spices. It just makes sense to be here.”
And it makes sense to shop for clothes here too. “Islamic fashion is breaking through,” says Omar.
“When we started 11 years ago, it was plain black abayas with not a lot of other detailing, mainly for religious purposes. So people wore them to cover up, and not really for fashion. Now they are very trendy. We have to change our designs every few weeks, and we have two fashion shows a year just to be able to keep up with the fashion.”
People come to Silk for the unique and trendy abayas and the head scarves, says Omar. But the “must have” item in Fordsburg, according to her, is the “high-low” hemline or the seemingly two-piece abaya. This style comes in a form that looks like a shirt and a skirt, giving the illusion of a two-piece, while retaining its essential modesty.
The low-high hemline is when the front of the skirt is shorter than the back and will come up to mid-calf. “It’s an abaya but it actually looks like a skirt,” says Omar. “It’s not so traditional, so they wear leggings underneath them.”
Material and fashion – The gold of Fordsburg
While small boutiques like Silk embody the distinctive Islamic style of Fordsburg, the big, bustling centre of the fashion trade here lies within view of Silk’s storefront in the Oriental Plaza. Of the 360 stores in the Oriental Plaza, 128 deal with fashion in some way.
Jerry’s is one of the busiest fabric shops in the Plaza. It is a family business, run by Jerry Sakoor and his son Mohammed.
Mohammed Sakoor says that most of his clients come from other areas of Johannesburg. “I think everyone still likes their own thing, you know. I mean, we get girls that come in and want something classic and then you get girls that come in and want something modern. There is no such thing as one person’s fashion. Everybody has their own thing.”
Right now in Jerry’s, a trio of young women are helping their friend choose the perfect Chantilly lace for her wedding veil. Oohing and aahing, they place one fabric after the other over the bride-to-be’s head. “I just knew the drive would be worth it,” says one of the women, as the bride-to-be signals her excited approval.
Faruk Mdali, Ismail Hossain and Sunih Rayshanon (left to right), are hard at work even on a Sunday afternoon as their tailor shop, Faruk Tailor Shop, has customers pouring in and out of its doors throughout the week. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Fabric and fashion are a huge part of Fordsburg’s cultural identity and its thriving marketplace atmosphere. “There are a lot of tailors coming here, and they are starting to do designs,” says Sakoor. “People are getting more and more involved in fashion. I mean, if you walk around Fordsburg you will see new tailors, guys copying guys in France and all that, and they are doing pretty well.”
Even as far afield as Sandton, known as the richest square mile in Africa, the fashion influences of Fordsburg make themselves known. The luxurious Michelangelo Hotel is the venue for the twice-annual Silk fashion showcase. Omar explains that it is an invite-only event, to introduce clients to the new range and spoil them. “Even though it is a closed fashion show, people frequently try and crash the event,” says Omar.
“I think we were the first to do an Islamic fashion show. Before that, it was unheard of to put abayas on a runway. That just goes to show how fashion is changing.”
The detail of Aneesa Omar’s work being reflective of intricate art can be seen by examining the detail up close. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
When you look around Silk, it becomes clear that Islamic fashion is full of colour and detail that goes back centuries, echoing the colours and traditions of Islamic art. The fabric ranges from the fluidity of velvet, which Omar explains is a major winter trend, to the coarse yet silky detail within the lace. “Currently, I would say, lace is in fashion and tweed as well,” comments Omar. The trend is reflected in her own outfit.
Fordsburg, she adds, is one of the few places in South Africa where Islamic fashion is still designed and tailored to suit the customer. “Not a lot of people manufacture the garments in South Africa,” says Omar. “They just buy them from Egypt or Dubai and sell them in places like Lenasia. That is what you get mostly. So I think Fordsburg is the only place where they are still manufacturing and designing, which obviously makes a difference, otherwise everyone else just has the same stock.”
From manufacturing to fashion
One of the local suppliers of fabric to many Fordsburg stores is Nick Keves. He owns Superspun manufacturers, in nearby Albertskroon. He has spent most of his life in the textile business and, at the age of 70, he says he cannot quit as it is almost an addiction to him.
“There were a lot of big companies and one by one they closed down. Now what has taken place is there are a lot of smaller manufacturers who operate from home or garages or backyards or whatever who employ maybe five or six sewing machines.”
This smaller scale of infrastructure lies at the heart of Fordsburg’s fashion and material trade. “I think Fordsburg has always been traditionally, sort of the place for textiles,” says Keves, “and it still is to a large extent. It has kept pace with the times. They cater for every single thing you can think of.”
Showing off his yellow Converse All Stars Isail Gulam poses on the pavement of bustling Mint Street in Fordsburg. He has been working as a car guard in the area for many years. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
The cultural style of Fordsburg
But the style of Fordsburg stretches further than velvet, Chantilly lace and beautiful head scarves. It is seen and felt in the culture and social habits of the people who live here. One of them is Zunaid Varachia, who owns a printing and graphics company in Fordsburg and has lived in the area his whole life.
“I’ve got a lot of friends of mine who say that there is a certain Fordsburg accent, that you could pick up in certain words,” says Varachia.
Asked what fashion statement item is most important in the area, Varachia replies: “Cars.” But it’s not so much about the car you drive, he adds. It’s about the size of your tyres. “The bigger the tyre, the better. So guys with a smaller car with a 17 or 18-inch tyre, that’s what speaks out.”
And, of course, whatever the size of your tyres, you have to hang out at the carwash if you want to be seen in style in Fordsburg. “There are a few carwashes in Fordsburg and it is quite a community hangout spot for young guys. On a Friday and Saturday afternoon you will find a lot of young guys hanging out at the carwash.”
As for men’s fashion in the neighbourhood, there’s a lot more to it than the traditional Islamic style. “Converse has always been a very popular thing,” says Varachia, referring to the trendy brand of sneakers.
“Another important thing about Fordsburg is that guys like their takkies to be pure white. Pure white sneakers are very important. You can have dirty clothes, but you can’t have dirty takkies.”
It’s that kind of attention to detail that dictates Fordsburg style, says Varachia. “You are not going to get that anywhere else, at the malls or the other areas. It is obviously what makes it unique.”
To understand Fordsburg style, says Omar, one has to note how diverse the area is, making it almost impossible to pinpoint. “Fordsburg is a melting pot of cultures, so I don’t think it has a specific style. Our clients prefer garments that are modern and trendy.”
And this seems to be a consensus across the board. Sakoor agrees, “You get everything here. The residents are very mixed. There is Chinese stuff, Pakistani stuff, Indian stuff, everything in terms of fabrics and designs is in Fordsburg.”
But even if Fordsburg’s style may prove elusive by definition, one thing is clear. Fordsburg has a sense of spice and soul that you won’t find anywhere else in Johannesburg. That is what makes this little enclave so rare and vibrant. It is timeless, and yet it embraces change and new trends. Islamic or Western, old or new, traditional or cutting edge, the style of Fordsburg … is Fordsburg.
FEATURED IMAGE: The intricate detail of Silk’s designs can be seen on any of the mannequins that are on display in the store. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
A brand new steam punk bar opened in Melville this past week to a raging success, but what do they have to offer?
Kicking it punk style: The brand new bar at The Countess oozes steam punk. Photo: Sam Slabbert.
This past weekend saw a new hot spot opening in Melville, oozing a fresh steam punk style.
The Countess situated in 27 boxes opened to a very successful weekend sporting a steel and copper look that gave it a trendy vibe. Head bar tender Julian Short said they want to introduce something different and unique to Melville. “We want to introduce incredibly wholesome food that people will remember and drinks that are engaging and different to what everybody else is doing.”
He said they chose the steam punk style “because copper and brass are sexy”.
The bar offers a short and sweet Cocktail list, as well as a DIY Cocktail section created “in order to educate the customer about what cocktails are and how to drink them” said short.
Food prices range from R35 -R170 and drinks range from R16 – R80. This bar offers something for everyone, serving American style smokehouse foods, cocktails from every corner of the globe, and has a sandwich and coffee bar.
Short said they chose 27 boxes because it “is an amazing centre filled with forward thinking creatives. It has an amazing energy and we feel as though we fit right in here.”
“We have something for everybody here. Our target market is anybody with an open mind who is looking for good food and drink.”
Tonight is the opening of the highly anticipated world cup, with the Boks playing their first match tomorrow, are armed with the right details?
The world awaits: The rugby world cup will kick off in London tonight, with Twickenham stadium the stage for opening game. Photo: David Rogers.
The 2015 Rugby world cup will kick off tonight, when hosts England will face Fiji at 21:00.
The opening ceremony will start at 20:00 and will tell the story of the sport’s birth. Expected to be included is the story of William Webb Ellis, who in 1823 picked up a football and started running with it and is often credited as the creator of the sport.
Today the world cup’s trophy is named the Webb Ellis Cup. The show is expected to last 20 minutes and will end 40 minutes before the first match will kick off.
South Africa will play their first game tomorrow against Japan. All South Africa’s pool games are scheduled to take place at 17:45 making it convenient for most of us to catch the game.
Also joining us in Pool B will be Samoa, USA and Scotland. Most predictions point to us progressing from the group stages. But the problem starts after that. With their being a very good chance that we will be facing either hosts England or Australia in the quarter-finals, or perhaps even New-Zealand in the semi-finals.
If this is the case many believe the finals might be too predictable an outcome with all the tension placed in the previous rounds.
The obvious teams to keep an eye on are Australia and England in Pool A, New-Zealand, Argentina, France.
This will be the 4th World Cup for veteran Boks Schalk Burger and Victor Matfield. It was clear at their welcoming event, last Sunday, that the team have supporters backing them in England. More than a hundred people were stranded when the venue in Eastbourne reached full capacity, as crowds fill the stadium to cheer on the Boks.
The Joburg Ballet is proving yet again why it is considered the country’s largest and most prestigious professional ballet company, with its latest offering, the classic Don Quixote.
The romantic comedy is masterfully staged at the Joburg Theatre through vibrant costumes and scenery transporting the viewer into the world of 17th century Spain.
Don Quixote tells the story of a Don who is obsessed with finding adventure. On his quest for this adventure he meets the beautiful Kitri who is in love with a poor young barber, Basilio.
Kitri’s father does not approve of the match and has more ambitious marriage plans for her. The Don decides that Kitri is worth of his protection from all who may harm the young lady.
Prima-ballerina Burnise Silvius lived up to her reputation of being a vision of perfection, with every delicate move she made in the lead female role.
Jean Carlos Osma, as a toreador, and Javier Monier as a street boy, were notable as standout performers.
But despite the visual perfection of the dancers, their performances were not matched by that of the sound technicians at the theatre.
At times the music was too soft and transitions between tracks, usually seemless, were obvious to the audience. The sound issues were clearly distracting and broke the “illusion” of the imaginary world created through the performance.
Despite this though, the show remains a must see, and ends its run this Sunday, September 13.
Three Wits professors were ranked under the highest in the world his past week according to the National Researchers Foundation (NRF).
Prof Isabel Hofmeyr, Prof Christopher Henshilwood and Prof Bruce Rubidge received the highest honour of becoming A-Rated Researchers and are considered to be international leaders in their respective fields.
The NRF ranks researchers from across the world based on their recent research outputs and impact in their respective fields. The rating of academic researchers is done by committees who consist of members of academia. There is the 22 Specialist Committees who are coordinated by a convener, the executive committee and the Appeals committee.
Hofmeyr specialises in the field of Postcolonial Literary Studies. Her work deals with the ideas surrounding Africa’s intellectual place in the world and the material and aesthetic history of texts and their transnational circulation. She has won multiple prizes for her articles and books, sits on numerous editorial boards and has had fellowships in various parts of the world.
Henshilwood specialises in African Archaeology and holds a 10 year NRF-funded research chair and professorship at Wits. Henshilwood has published over 40 papers in leading peer reviewed journals, volumes and books. His work deals with evidence for an African origin connected with Homo sapiens from about 100 000 years ago. His research deals with Africa being the birthplace for the early development of modern human.
Rubidge’s research specialisation includes Karoo biostratigraphy, Basin analysis, Karoo sedimentology, Permo-Triassic therapsids, Vertebrate paleontology. His work deals with understanding the environment of the earliest land-living reptiles during the Middle and late Permian Periods. Rubidge is the director of the ESI and the Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences. He is the grandson of Sidney Rubidge and his family even has several creatures named after it. Most of these creatures originate from the Permian period more than 252 million years ago.
Mpumi Mlambo is a Wits BA Industrial psychology graduate who has a keen interest in entertaining the masses. She also studied entrepreneurship and development at the Raymond Ackerman Academy. This move was inspired by her business orientated family. With so much confidence, this multi-talented actress has managed to grab the attention of casting directors from an early age. She is part of the vibrant Alcatel One Touch SA team, where she has been a brand ambassador for the last couple of months. This year she won an MTN radio Award for the Best Breakfast show presenter for The Morning Shake Up on Vowfm. She has also been part of a television series on SABC. Recently she starred in a Dove advertisement for DSTV which has made her even more visible in the entertainment industry.
When did you realise that you were interested in acting or presenting?
I didn’t have specific interests but I loved entertaining people, so when other kids left school to go home. I stayed behind because we had to practice for a school concert. I was involved in every school concert in primary school. I was always participating in most of the Drama productions as well as mc’ing school events if not dancing at the school concert. Oh and how could I forget pageants? Every girl wanted to be a queen at some point, right and I became one too (laughs).
Who or what has been your inspiration? Why?
My mother and sister. My mother was able to put all of us through University with the little that she had. My sister is a warrior; she showed me that where you come from has little to do with your success. She taught me that with drive and hard work you can be whatever you want to be. She also taught me that it is important to fail because we learn through failure and become better at whatever it is we do.
When was your first big break?
When I was on Sokhulu & Partners at the age of 16. It was not a big break but it was great to work with people I had never thought I would even meet in my life. I am from a small Township where even making it to matric is a privilege, being on TV seemed highly impossible but it happened.
How does it feel to be a recipient of an MTN Radio Award? How has it changed your presence as a presenter?
It feels absolutely amazing to know that as a woman I was able to prove to a lot of people who think that women can’t host a prime time slot like a breakfast show and do great at it. I feel highly blessed to be a part of a great platform like Vowfm, it would have never happened without my bosses constantly critiquing me! I speak with way more purpose than I did before. I keep growing each and every day. I realised that a lot of people listen and I have the power to share empowering information with them instead of meaningless content.
Acting or presenting?
I can’t choose, if I had to choose it would really suck. The reason why I can’t choose is because the two are intertwined. As a radio host, I often have to be in character and prank people on air. I love the two just as much as I love My Mom and Jesus.
How do you juggle everything that you are doing at the moment?
The weirdest thing is I really have no idea. I just make sure that I do what I have to do. Get work done.
What are the struggles that you face in the entertainment industry on a daily?
It is very hard to be taken seriously as a female in the industry. When you are taken seriously, a number of men want to mix business with pleasure.
What can we expect from you in the future?
What do celebrities say again when asked this question, watch the space? I’m joking, I am looking forward to being a part of the biggest events this spring and summer with my Alcatel One Touch SA team as well as winning or rather slaying like the Cool Kids would say every single day.
Yes Paper Towns does star supermodel turned actress Cara Delevingne but before you rush off to go see it, maybe you should know there is no need.
Quentin (Nat Wolff) has always seen Margo Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delevingne) as a “miracle”. Despite being close as children they have drifted apart and Quentin has admired Margo from a far.
The enigmatic, free-spirited, punkish (and sometimes annoying) Margo shows up one night at Quentin’s window to take him on one last adventure after which she disappears. Quentin finds clues that Margo leaves behind, which he uses to find her.
To help him he has his two best friends Radar (Justice Smith) and Ben (Austin Abrams), Margo’s friend Lacey (Halston Sage) and Radar’s girlfriend Angela (Jaz Sinclair). To a large extent this supporting cast is the highlight of the film. The group go on an epic road trip from Florida to New York State in an attempt to find her. Along the way relationships blossom and we are taken on a journey to rediscover friendships.
The film is based on a book that was written by the author of The Fault in our Stars. Even though there are many similarities between the two, this film takes the viewer on a very different journey.
Both films have characters who are nearing the end of their adolescence and approaching adulthood. The films are also very similarly shot in terms of style, narration and trying to pass on a bigger message.
The story shows the dangers of putting someone on a pedestal whilst one of the best aspects of the film is the portrayal of friendship between Quentin and his two buddies.
Paper Towns gets an ‘okayish’ review. It entertains and brings across a bigger message, but you won’t always find yourself at the edge of your seat. So if you are looking for a pleasant film outing, go for it! But it won’t hurt to wait for this one to come to our television screens.
The best in world bartending will be on show in Braamfontein tonight. World Class, known as the ‘World Cup’ of bartending competitions, will kick off in Joburg.
Tonight five bars that have been selected as the best in Johannesburg, have each been assigned a premium product. Specialised cocktails will be made from this and the competition winners will be measured using social media.
Anti Est. in Braamfontien has been selected as one of the five bars to take part in this event for World Class.
In attendance will be the best in the bartending business from across the world. It is the first time that this prestigious event is being held in Africa and over 50 countries take part.
According to Anti Est. bartender George Hunter, “World Class is the largest and most prestigious bartending competition out there. It is the World Cup of bartenders. It’s a platform to display pure passion, excitement and skill for your industry.”
Next week the bartender competitors from around the world will start performing challenges in Joburg, and will then progress to Cape Town where the final will be held.
The event will take place between 9 and 11pm and will include a raffle to be held on social media with a prize valued at R3000.
I would not recommend missing this one, as chances are this is a once in a lifetime opportunity right in our back yard.
Idols SA judge and Metro FM presenter, Unathi Msengana, has been suspended from the radion station following a Twitter spat in which she called a Wits student a “psycho bi**h”.
Popular Idols SA judge and Metro FM breakfast DJ, Unathi Msengana, was suspended from her show this week following a twitter rant that was directed at a Wits student.
The twar erupted following an on-air interview the DJ conducted with Stellenbosch University student Anelisiwe Mdube about the documentary Luister, and the student’s experiences of being lectured in Afrikaans.
The hashtag #UnathiBeLike trended as social media users criticised the DJ for not allowing Mdube to properly express her views.
Wits University student, Palomino Jama, tweeted: “Wife gets beaten by husband. Unathi: Why didn’t you become a lesbian? You married him knowing men can be abusive”.
Jama’s timeline indicates that the she received a number of private direct messages from Msengana the next morning.
“You’re a fu**ing idiot if you think so … You are fu**ing delusional if you think you can get personal. Fu** your stupid mind. No amount is going to change our realities. You psycho bi**h. Fu** you twice over,” read some of the messages.
Jama then responded on Twitter with: “Nothing warrants me being fu**ed twice over or being called a psycho bi**h by a woman who is old enough to be my mother. Someone I had respect for.”
SABC spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, told Destiny magazine that “the questions she (Msengana) asked on air were valid and there was nothing wrong with her questions. We have no control over DJs and what they do in their private space, but our DJs should know that they are representatives of the brand”.
Following Msengana’s suspension Jama tweeted: “ I am not happy about what has happened to Sis Unathi. I honestly just wish the whole thing never happened.”
Jama told Wits Vuvuzela “I regret the outcome of her being suspended. That was never the intention. Mine is just raising awareness for Luister, clarifying the misconceptions and helping people understand so we can all stand in solidarity evoking change for the Black students of Stellies.”
It is still unclear when, or if Msengana will be returning to her show as the SABC says they first need to discuss the matter with her. Msengana has since released a statement in which she apologised for her reaction on Twitter. “I felt badly violated in my personal life and my personal beliefs … However, as upset as I was at that time, I should not have used offensive language”.
With DASO being occasionally mocked on social media and at circuses leading up to the SRC elections this year many are wondering, what’s the deal with DASO?
DASO who?: Floyd Nyalungu explaining why DASO is the way it is at Wits. Taken at Medical Campus during elections earlier this week. Photo: Tanisha Heiberg
It’s the last circus before the SRC elections, a Project W member got up to tell the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) that he thought it was “cute” that they are trying to run.
The comment shows the dismissive attitude that many student politicians have towards the DASO candidates, as the organisation has struggled to gain any traction during this election.
When DASO’s campaign manager, Floyd Nyalungu, was asked about this particular incident he laughed and joked that “other students even call us ‘DASO The Legacy” in reference to the popular TV soapie Generations, now known Generations The Legacy.
But Nyalungu, PG Law, is looking on the bright side, “cute represents something good”, he said.
DASO have only six candidates running for SRC while rival organisations Project W and the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) each have a full slate of 15.
One of the points raised at the circus was the view that DASO is ‘dying’ and Nyalungu attributes this to their lack of visibility. “The reason people say DASO is dying is because they didn’t see it on campus and that is because previous structures could not coordinate activities.”
Nyalungu added that the graduation of some executive members on an annual basis has affected the depth of leadership of the organisation.
“The important part is that we are here now and if we see a problem why not try and address that issue.”
Despite Nyalungu positive outlook, many Wits students seem to feel sorry for the organisation. The DASO tent has been a point they have been mocked and criticised when some people noticed that it appeared to be a DA tent with an additional “SO” handwritten in white paint.
But Nyalungu said that what looked haphazard was a conscious decision so students can see where they come from and who they are.
“Most student didn’t know what DASO is, but there is branding for DASO … and I believe next year we will actually be using our DASO gazebo,” Nyalungu said.
Even with the eventful lead up to these elections—loud debates, fights, scuffles and lawsuits—DASO seems to be missing from the action, a move that Nyalungu said is part of their philosophy.
“I remember even at the Great Hall when people were fighting we were just sitting there, just folding our arms, but ja that’s how we believe leadership should be. When you have a problem you sit down and solve the issue instead of physically confronting each other,” said Nyalungu.
“We are hoping we can share much of the office with Project W and [the Progressive Youth Alliance], but unfortunately EFF is not here,” he said.
When asked how they have been experiencing the reaction to DASO running for SRC again he said it was very “positive”. Nyalungu said there have even been calls made to the Cape Town office asking where DASO Wits is.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters visited Wits University yesterday to show their support for the suspended Wits EFF and students. The organisation is planning to take the university to court over the suspensions.
SUPPORT FOR THE SUSPENDED: Protestors made themselves heard yesterday in Senate House as they took a stand aginst the suspension of 7 Wits students last week. Photo: Tanisha Heiberg.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have stepped in to assist members of the suspended Wits branch and in the process, have called for a “proper vice chancellor”, at Wits University. EFF deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, together with national chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu, visited the campus yesterday and declared that the suspension of seven Wits students, and their elimination from this year’s SRC (Student Representative Council) elections, will be challenged in court.
Speaking to EFF supporters in Senate House, Shivambu declared that Wits vice chancellor, Professor Adam Habib, will not last much longer. “ I can assure you he is not staying here for a very long time”, he said.
“This university must get a proper vice chancellor, which is going to protect the students and make sure that the interests of students are at the forefront and not about themselves only”, he said. “You can’t disqualify students on the basis of your own imagination.”
“He removes SRC presidents (referring to Mcebo Dlamini), he charges students as he wishes without a proper process, and we must never allow such to happen. That is why we say that Habib, and all who support him, must fall,” said the former Witsie.
Shivambu went on to say that EFF will be lodging an urgent court interdict this morning. Through this they hope to compel Habib to allow all students to stand for elections if they are candidates.
The protest was arranged and attended by members of Wits Men’s Res. Vuyani Pambo, president of the now suspended Wits EFF, and one of the students suspended was also in attendance.
Shivambu ended his address by saying, “We must continue to fight together and unite even from all political parties, unite and defend students”.
Wits students took a stand against sexual violence Wednesday, showing solidarity for survivors and raising awareness.
Witsies marched in solidarity at the Wits silent protest on Wednesday, lead by the organisers. Photo: Valerie Robinson.
Sexual abuse, violence and rape is something that is a reality. The person sitting next to you in class could be a victim or a perpetrator. This week’s silent protest took a stand to break the cycle of silence.
A 3rd Year Law student speaking to WitsVuvuzela told how she was raped at a party in March this year. The person was not a stranger but rather one of her boyfriend’s friends. “I am doing this to break the cycle. Knowing I have a voice, and other women have a voice” she said.
One of the major issues the protest dealt with is the ‘shaming’ that takes place, when the victim might want to report it.
The student said when she reported it to the police their response was, because there was alcohol involved it simply comes down to her word against his.
A second Wits honours student also told her story of Sexual abuse. She was subject to sexual abuse by someone very close to her over an extended period of time. The abuse began when she was just 11 years old.
Unlike the first student she did not report the incident to the authorities. She said she was too ashamed and insecure to be able to talk about it.
Neither of the students sought any type of counselling. Bertrand Leopeng, an event organiser and an intern psychologist working at the CCDU said that they are starting a rape survivors group at the CCDU in order to accommodate students who require it.
The dean of students, Dr Pamela Dube, addressed the crowd at the start of the march, on Wednesday.
Reading a letter from one of the founders of the protest she said, “The testimony by survivors is eerily similar, whether it comes from a second year Wits student, or from a 70 year old Umlazi pensioner. All the stories speak of fear, of shame, of hopelessness. Very few of the stories feature the police, hardly any end with jail time for the perpetrators.”
Societal expectations and experiences can often place pressure on people’s relationships. With Valentine’s Day coming up we have asked individuals questions about their views on certain relationship dynamics especially when it comes to the most anticipated day of the year for some lovers, Valentines Day. Viewers shared their beliefs and Siyanda and Katlego talk about […]
