From restoring bridges to brightening streets, Jozi My Jozi is bringing new life to the heart of Johannesburg—one project at a time.
Founded in 2023 with Wits University as one of the founding partners, Jozi My Jozi is a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing Johannesburg’s inner city through safety, education, arts, and economic development.
Jozi My Jozi is dedicated to bringing together individuals from all walks of life in order to improve Johannesburg’s inner city. The organisation is passionate about the city’s renaissance, and seeks to raise pride, inspire optimism, and establish a citizen-led movement based on constitutional principles. Jozi My Jozi enables communities to create sustainable solutions that improve safety, foster growth, and create a more resilient and livelier Johannesburg through cooperation and creativity.
Jozi My Jozi has spearheaded several impactful projects across Johannesburg, working closely with government, businesses, and local communities.
One standout initiative was the cleanup around Ellis Park ahead of a rugby match in August 2023. “We worked with the City of Johannesburg, businesses, and precinct managers to clean up the area,” said Communications Manager Innocent Mabusela.
clean up that happened ahead of the August rugby match 2023 at the Ellis Park stadium.
He added that they also partnered with PSA to improve public transport access to the stadium. Another key project was restoring Nelson Mandela Bridge, a high-traffic route used by Wits students and staff. “The bridge had broken glass and was covered in graffiti—we fixed it, cleaned it, and lit it up,” Mabusela said, noting increased usage since the improvements.
solar panels that were installed by the Nelson Mandela bridge
Jozi My Jozi has also installed over 650 solar-powered streetlights to combat cable theft and improve safety. “This year, we are continuing the project, focusing on walkable routes heavily used by pedestrians,” he said, emphasising the initiative’s role in making the city safer.
lights that help locals on the road and those walking across the Nelson Mandela bridge see better at night to avoid getting mugged.
Education plays a vital role in Jozi My Jozi’s mission to revitalize Johannesburg’s inner city. Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Mabusela shared that Anglo American has donated a building in Marshalltown to Wits University. “Wits Business School will now have students and lecturers using this space for their lectures,” Mabusela said. He added that this initiative will have a meaningful impact on the area. “It will really add value by bringing more activity and opportunities into the inner city,” he said.
A key part of this movement is student involvement, and Jozi My Jozi is actively working to expand its student chapter. When asked if there are any research, internship, or volunteering opportunities for Wits students—given that Wits is a partner of the organization—Mabusela shared that Jozi My Jozi is increasing efforts to engage students. “This year, we’ve actually been increasing momentum in terms of the establishment of our student chapter,” he revealed.
He explained that students from both the University of Johannesburg and Wits are being encouraged to take part, especially since many of them live and study in the inner city. “We believe that we’d want them to be the ones who are really going to drive the sustainability of the projects that we implement,” he said, emphasising that these young leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
Jozi My Jozi is offering students various ways to get involved, from volunteering in community cleanups to using their academic skills in real-world projects. “We need them to come on board and become part of our volunteers,” Mabusela said, highlighting the importance of student participation in bi-weekly cleanups.
Beyond that, he encouraged students to contribute their expertise. “Students have skills, and it is quite important that those who are studying, whichever degree, and they think that those skills that they have, they can actually come to use,” he added. By involving students now, Jozi My Jozi aims to create a generation that will carry its mission forward in the years to come.
Funding is essential for Jozi My Jozi, but the organization secures support based on specific projects rather than general donations. “We go to our funders with a project proposal, its cost, and required work,” he said. Funders then choose to fully or partially support it. “We don’t ask for money—we secure funding based on the projects we implement,” Mabusela said.
Jozi My Jozi’s efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration in transforming Johannesburg’s inner city. Through projects that enhance safety, infrastructure, and public spaces, the organization is creating a more livable and vibrant environment for residents, students, and businesses alike.
FEATURED IMAGE: Jozi my Jozi members doing a cleanup by Park station where commuters usually walk. Photo by. Jozi my Jozi
The cost of living is still under pressure as rising inflation patterns continue.
On 26 February 2025, Statistics South Africa (SA) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January, which has been raised to 3.2%, up from 3.0% in December 2024.
The CPI measures the average change of prices of goods and services typically bought by South Africans. It is a key indicator of inflation as it shows how the cost of living is rising or falling.
The contributors to the annual inflation rate include housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and restaurants and accommodation services.
The increase in prices affects people at all levels, including cash-strapped students. Luthando Nzama, a second year Fine Arts Student at the Wits School of Arts (WSOA), said students can’t keep up. “Whenever we go to Checkers or shopping centre’s the prices are really high and that affects the amount of groceries we (can buy),” she said.
Sizwe Gumede, a second year Civil Engineering student at Wits University has also experienced the brunt of inflation. “Based on my experience, we aren’t able to afford some of the services and goods that we need,” he said.
Gumede said many students struggle to buy themselves essentials such as toiletries and thinks increased allowances may help.
“I heard that NSFAS will be going up, but for the past couple of years it’s been at the same rate while inflation is increasing. This left us students vulnerable to not (being able to) survive off this kind of funding,” he added. Last week, NSFAS confirmed that allowances for university students would increase by 4% and 46% for those studying at TVET colleges.
Various sources have researched the monthly average students need to get by, it ranges between R1500 to R3000 for groceries alone and between R500 and R1000 for other personal items.
As inflation increases, young people on the ground continue to be affected by the rising cost of living and are attempting to make ends meet.
FEATURED IMAGE: South African cash notes. Photo: File.
You just stepped off the high school train, here’s a guide that will help you choose an accommodation that best suits your needs.
Moving out of home can be stressful as the sudden onset of solo responsibilities begins however, it is less dreadful when you know your residence caters to most of, if not all your needs.
On-campus living
Wits University has campuses in and around Parktown and Braamfontein. Students can choose between on-campus residences or off-campus residences each with unique benefits and drawbacks.
The university offers free shuttle services whether you live off-campus or on-campus that transport students from their different residences in Parktown and Braamfontein.
These services operate between 06:30-00:00, meaning transport costs do not need to be budgeted for.
These accommodations vary on a scale of affordability starting from R67 160-R108 5676 annually, but they are all NSFAS accredited. Single and double rooms with meals included range between R89 326-R108 576 per student annually. These prices depend on whether you take all three meals daily or only one or two meals.
Although the meals are catered for, options for breakfast, lunch and dinner are limited. They are also catered for at specific times of the day therefore it would be ideal to store dry foods or snacks in case you miss the slots.
The upside of living on campus is that you can go to the Matrix to buy food, buy groceries or even access a bank. There are also wellness clinics that can be found on the Braamfontein campus and Wits Education campus. Consultation to see a general practitioner is R20 whereas if you are a Wits student living off-campus consultation is R50.
When there is load-shedding students are still able to study due to the back-up generators. Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the entire university and some libraries are open for 24-hours on both the Parktown and Braamfontein campuses.
On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) Wits busses transport students from the different campuses to Rosebank Mall between 08:00-17:00 for free.
Off-campus residences
A few off-campus accommodations are NSFAS accredited, namely: South Point 56 Jorissen, Apex, and Campus Central. However, with the accommodation cap introduced by NSFAS in 2023 of R50 000 per student, the full rental amount may not be covered.
The rooms at South Point 56 Jorissen range between R4930-R5870. It is a self-catering residence, allowing you to prepare your meals using the kitchen in your cluster. It is also within walking distance of essential shops in Braamfontein like Pick N Pay and Clicks, and only two minutes away from main campus. Study rooms and WiFi are available to tenants.
Apex student accommodation is a one-minute walk to the Braamfontein campus, with room rates between R4780-R7700. Back-up power enables students to cook and use computer labs during outages. Entertainment and wellness events are periodically hosted on-site. However, at Apex students must self-fund electricity top-ups once their monthly allocation is depleted.
Campus Central in Parktown, has rooms priced between R6300-R8200. Their facilities include study rooms, a gym, a laundry, and an outdoor soccer field. It is a self-catering residence with nearby fast-food restaurants. It is opposite the Wits Business School and a short walking distance from Wits Education campus where the Wits buses pick up and drop off students.
There is not a shopping centre near Campus Central that you can walk to, however you can use the Wits shuttle services to travel to Bramfontein where you can find a Food Lovers Market and Pick n Pay for more specific grocery items.
Living on your own straight out of high school is a major life transition, filled with excitement, independence, and new responsibilities. Finding the right accommodation can play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth adjustment to this new chapter. Whether you prioritize affordability, location, or amenities, taking the time to research and weigh your options will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.
FEATURED IMAGE: A photo of the reception at the Campus Central accommodation in Parktown. Photo by: Katlego Mtshali
Education breeds success, but for some Born Frees to grasp their promised freedom, parents have to make the difficult decision of placing them in schools outside the township – with or without the government’s help in getting them there.
The born-free generation
It is 6am, on a cold, dark morning in the middle of an average 2008 winter. The sun has not yet risen in the cosy three-bedroom Segoale household, yet it is warmed by the steam of multiple drawn baths. My slow movements in waking up are countered by the family of four’s frantic yet seemingly choreographed dance around the house: securing uniforms, jackets and ties in a flurry of green and red, the colours of our primary school. A 10-year-old Tumi Segoale, who had been awake for at least an hour, sits on the couch and offers me a warm bowl of cereal while I chase the sleep from my eyes. “Dude, when do you sleep?” I ask him as I sit down, exhausted from the rush. “I usually use the drive to school to catch up. You get used to it. But we let you sleep in a bit.”
Itumeleng ‘Tumi’ Segoale starting his accounting articles in 2021. Photo: Nancy Segoale/Supplied
Tumi Segoale’s story, navigating the opportunities available to him as a Born Free, reflects the truth President Cyril Ramaphosa attempted to allude to in his story of Tintswalo. It is not a tale of fantasy, but real struggle – and, more importantly, effort – to get into the desired middle class, which many people often find to be a mirage.
The born-free generation are democracy’s children: those “born without the burden of apartheid”, either after 1990, the year Nelson Mandela was released from prison, or post-1994, the year of the first democratic election. Supposedly, Born Frees are able to enjoy a standard of living and a recovering economy withheld from their parents.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows that unemployment among people with less than a matric is 30% higher than among those who have graduated from a tertiary institution. Born Frees, therefore, need to access education before they can access this economic advantage.
Itumeleng “Tumi” Segoale was born in 1998 at the Johannesburg Hospital. He has stayed in the same house in Jabulani, Soweto for as long as he can remember. “Listening to my parents talk about how they grew up and how tough it was… it dawned on me just how flippin’ lucky we are that we were born at the right time,” he says.
Children’s Geographies published a study exploring the relationship between school choice and geography in Soweto. As a result of the apartheid-era Bantu Education Act, the educational policy of schools and the resources devoted to the specific institutions were wholly determined along racial lines.
What this created, even in the democratic era, is a legacy of well-performing, well-resourced schools typically found in “white” areas. “It has left behind a persistent set of geographically defined inequalities in educational infrastructure and resources,” the study states. According to South African Policy, a learner is considered to attend a “local” school if they travel a maximum of 3km from their home. The study notes that about a third of children between1997 and 2003 travelled more than 3km to school, with about 20% travelling more than 10km.
Tumi Mashiane, the executive manager’s assistant of the Southern African Bus Operators Association, contextualises the transport system before 1994. “Pre-democracy, the transport system was fragmented, largely serving affluent areas while neglecting townships. Infrastructure was underfunded and often inadequate.”
In 1996, the national government released the White Paper on National Transport Policy in an attempt to address these disparities. Former minister of transport Sindisiwe Chikunga reiterated its goal in June 2024, saying the White Paper “articulated a mission that promoted the use of public transport over private transport…. This system would be designed in such a way as to improve levels of accessibility for all.” The National Land Transport Strategic Framework outlined the national land transport strategy. It also established key performance indicators (KPI) to track the progress of policies and strategic initiatives – KPIs that the government continues to struggle to meet. So by 2004, when considering which school to place their child in, if Tumi’s parents aimed to “escape” the legacy of apartheid, they needed to send him to a school with better resources, outside Soweto. They were not the only parents in Soweto to make this decision. In 1996, the Mail & Guardian reported that tens of thousands of parents in Soweto chose to send their children to schools in wealthier suburbs.travelling more than 10km.
2004 to 2011: Primary school begins
Bedfordview is a quiet suburb in eastern Johannesburg. Some 14,000 people populate the calm streets, with two-thirds of them being white and English-speaking. Tumi attended Bedfordview Primary School (BPS), one of the few public schools in the suburb. The well-known school is surrounded by a bright, green fence, providing just enough space to see the six-lane swimming pool and newly built classrooms glimmering in the sunlight. The opposite side of the school hosts the general pick-up and drop-off area. This is well-paved with a gorgeous exposed brick display, sponsored, in part, by the students and parents through a buy-a-brick campaign. The school takes advantage of its location in a suburb where the average cost of a property is just shy of R3-million. Tumi’s parents worked near the school and it became the natural choice to send their son there.
Reflecting on this decision, he tells me, “There’s always a weird conception about… going to school in the hood that I’ve seen and it’s not good.” Tumi felt he attended a school that forced him to take his education seriously, an experience his friends attending local schools did not receive. In 2010, Soweto had 60 underperforming schools; other townships, such as Sharpeville, Tembisa and Mamelodi, recorded only 10 each. Then MEC of education Barbara Creecy hosted a summit to address the extensive rate of underperforming schools in Soweto compared to other townships. Although many parents were now placing their children in wealthier, “white” schools, resources were not necessarily committed to match this increase in mobility.
With apartheid’s legacy of confining black people outside urban centres, public transport infrastructure could not adequately address urban development in overpopulated, under-resourced areas like Soweto. “We have a new tendency called the urban sprawl, meaning areas coming into existence not far outside our urban centres of work and or residence,” says Lunga Jacobs, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Transport at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
One KPI set out in the 1996 White Paper was an average travel time to work of less than an hour. Every morning, during peak traffic, Tumi would spend up to an hour-and-a-half on the road to get to school. The government had 10 years to make schooling more accessible for students like Tumi, who attended BPS the year after this milestone was meant to be achieved. At this time, taxis from Soweto dropped their passengers off at the Eastgate Mall taxi rank, a 35-minute walk to the school. Fortunately, Tumi attended school near his parents’ work and they could drive him. Unfortunately, due to a budget shortfall in the billions, expired bus contracts from 1997 were renewed on a short-term basis, ranging from month-to-month to three years. Short contracts and underfunding required prioritising the maintenance of the ageing bus fleet, preventing conductors from adding additional routes to meet passenger demands. When contracts were offered, none were awarded. Therefore, any bus routes entering Bedfordview (and similar areas) did not travel deep enough into the suburb to reach Tumi’s school. “[W]e in transport… have a term called ‘sunk cost’… meaning it’s costs you forgo for the benefits you will reap on the infrastructure over the long term,” Jacobs says. But without such outlay, bus owners are unable to effectively plan for the future of urban development.
A rea vaya bus in a state of disrepair. Photo: Thato Gololo
2012 to 2016: Imperfect progress
“In high school it got even worse. At Jeppe it was more strict that I be at school [on time]. So [… we] became a lot more [disciplined]. [W]e needed to be ready to leave the house at six…” Tumi says. He is not alone. Stats SA found that almost 30% of students in 2013 had to leave home between 6am and 7am to make it to school on time. “Why didn’t you use other methods [of transport]?” I ask. “[Because I’m] living next to actual thieves,” he responds.
Safety is a concern surrounding any method of public transport, whether rail, bus or taxi. “I was so terrified that once I had a phone, if it got stolen, my parents just wouldn’t have the cash to buy it for me,” Tumi says. Stats SA’s National Household Travel Survey continuously emphasises this same sentiment. The 2013 survey, specifically, demonstrated that households had to wait even longer to access public transport than previously, with their journey times increasing. This lack of reliability, combined with safety concerns, likely contributed to the increase in private vehicles on the road, directly contradicting the government’s KPI of decreasing private-vehicle use. More than two-thirds of people in the country now use taxis as a means of transport, but the taxi sector is a notoriously difficult industry for the government to regulate. Although taxis are an affordable method of transport, the industry is marred by ‘intimidation, lawlessness [and a] lack of vehicle safety protocols’. A study on transport economics reflected on taxis’ increasing market share, saying that, should other means of transport not be developed, “The country will soon become entirely dependent on the informal minibus taxi industry.” A haunting warning of what was to come.
2016 to 2021: Independence comes at a cost
Tumi’s parents reflect differently on those same formative years. For them, their mode of transport was less about convenience and more about the money they saved by travelling together as a family. The National Household Travel Survey shows the proportion of income spent on transport has been increasing. In 2020, more than 30% of households spent more than 10% of their income on public transport. Another KPI not met.
The taxi industry, with its increasing market share in transport (almost 90% of the country at this point), is not subsidised by the government in the same way as the train and bus systems. Olga Mashilo, the director of Boleng Bontle Consultants, which specialises in transport and logistics research, says that a major contributor to the expense of transport is the cost of fuel. “We’re putting too much [in]to the fuel levy and there is no return on investment when you look at the infrastructure,” she says.
Nevertheless, craving independence, and to avoid that early morning struggle his parents still experience, Tumi began to actively explore his options during university. When he started at UJ, he discovered a web of transport allowing him to arrive at school at his leisure. Going to UJ’s Soweto campus allowed him to take a shuttle directly to the main campus. After that it was a simple Rea Vaya bus to anywhere else in the city. This is a path that many students in Soweto follow.
Near the end of Tumi’s primary school days, the City of Johannesburg introduced the Rea Vaya bus system, in preparation for the 2010 football World Cup. Its large red buses were reminiscent of the Metro bus system they were introduced to replace. With many abandoned bus stations scattered throughout the city – some of them complete, but lacking the staff and accompanying buses that populate the operational stations – many passengers pack the taxi ranks to travel home. Although the Rea Vaya system remains incomplete, it carries Tumi and many others like him from Soweto to and through Johannesburg for as little as R10 – a price possible only due to government subsidisation.
The Bellevue Rea Vaya station. Like many other incomplete stations, there is 24/7 security to ensure the structure is not looted. But this station is unique in that the surrounding traffic lights also do not work. Photo: Thato GololoThe Park Station Extension Rea Vaya station on the corner of Rissik and Wolmarans streets. Construction began in 2021 and continues till today with workers still assembling the hand rails. Photo: Thato Gololo
The future awaits – if you can drive there
Living in the same house in Jabulani – now by himself – Tumi is responsible for his own food, expenses and transport. After spending late nights playing PlayStation, he wakes up early to start his day. His work as a trainee auditor takes him all over the province, occasionally as far as Pretoria. The days spent in the central business district made him realise how traversable a city Johannesburg has become. Despite this, more than half of Johannesburg learners still walk to school, driven only by their resilience.
To survive this city, you’ve got to have thick soles. And, if you can’t drive, walk.
FEATURED IMAGE: The vandalised sign of the Orchards Clinic Rea Vaya station. While the structure was completed in 2020, the actual station has yet to open. Photo by: Thato Gololo
Global Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak spreads rapidly, prompting public health emergency measures.
Monkeypox, a rare and contagious viral disease-causing fever, headache, muscle aches and a characteristic rash, has sparked global concern as cases surge.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges enhanced surveillance, vaccination, and public awareness to control the outbreak of Mpox, stating “immediate action is needed to control the spread”, said WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
FEATURED IMAGE: Monkeypox virus information graphic created by Sanele Sithetho
The Western Cape High Court ruled in favor of eZaga Holdings, compelling the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to continue using its services for distributing student allowances, following NSFAS’s decision to terminate contracts after allegations of corruption.
As the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) prepares to appeal a court ruling, students are reassured that their allowances will not be affected, despite a change in the service provider responsible for payments.
The Western Cape High Court ruled in favor of eZaga Holdings on July 15 compelling the NSFAS to continue using the company’s services for distributing student allowances.
This ruling came after NSFAS announced its intention to terminate contracts with four service providers—Coinvest, eZaga Holdings, Noracco Corporation, and Tenet Technology and to transfer the distribution of allowances directly to universities.
In response to NSFAS’s decision to terminate these contracts, eZaga Holdings applied for an interdict to prevent the cancellation of its five-year contract. The court ruled in favor of eZaga, ordering NSFAS to continue issuing payment instructions to the company for student allowances. NSFAS, however, has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said,” this will not affect students at all because we are currently not using any of the payment partners to pay allowances to students, we are paying through universities, and TVET colleges students are getting their allowances directly”
Wits SRC Deputy President Simphiwe Mntungwa criticized the ruling, expressing opposition to eZaga’s continued role. Mntungwa stated, “I am strongly against the continued use of eZaga as a service provider for distributing NSFAS allowances. I, together with the Wits SRC, believe that this decision is a corruption stunt by the government that undermines transparency and efficiency in the distribution process. The court’s ruling, while binding, does not align with the best interests of the students.”
Mntungwa advocated for institutions to handle allowance distribution, highlighting the benefits of direct institutional oversight and accountability. He pointed out that the shift to institutional distribution has already proven to be more effective, reducing delays and issues linked to third-party providers.
The legal battle between NSFAS and service providers stem from an investigation by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) into corruption within the Department of Higher Education. OUTA’s findings, supported by voice recordings, allege that service providers paid substantial kickbacks to former Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande, NSFAS Chairperson Ernest Khosa and the South African Communist Party (SACP) to secure tenders and protection.
As NSFAS prepares to appeal the ruling, the immediate impact on students remains minimal, according to the scheme.
The Wits Liberated Zone has continued their fight for peace with a day of fun, because joy is the biggest act of resistance.
On Thursday, July 25, the WLZ invited students to the Lawns to enjoy games and a picnic in another effort at solidarity with Palestine. Food, blankets, board games, and Palestinian flags littered the Library Lawns as members of the Wits Liberated Zone (WLZ) hosted a picnic for Palestine.
Students spent their lunchbreak sharing foods in the colours of the Palestine flag, like olives and pizzas, playing board games, and making art as a peaceful demonstration of their support for the people of Palestine.
Games and art supplies at the WLZ picnic. Photo: Kamogelo KungwaneCoco, a student attending the WLZ picnic at the Library lawns. Photo: Kamogelo Kungwane
“In situations where there is a lot of censorship from the oppressing party, art becomes a form of expressing that liberation in a way that it doesn’t get censored. Art perseveres through censorship, and it gives people a reason to connect. When you form a community, art is just a mode of connection,” a member of the WLZ, Zehra Zaidi, stated.
The picnic was a gathering of likeminded people who have continued to support the cause for Palestinian liberation and have hoped to see the university make efforts to distance itself from Zionism.
“Movements like the Civil Rights Movement (in the United States) were endorsed by university students, and it led to such important change, so if we choose to be neutral then we are not fulfilling our right as a university,” said Adil Durrani, a WLZ member.
This marks the first activity by the WLZ after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and considered Israel’s laws on occupied territories as tantamount to apartheid on July 19.
“Before, people were unsure about what is happening, and we didn’t have a formal statement from a very high authority like the ICJ. If you are not going to believe that then you are just being ignorant,” said Durrani.
The Wits Liberated Zone many efforts to fight for Palestine, including the encampment on the Library Lawns in May 2024. Members of the Zone intend to continue their efforts until their demands are met by the university. “In the greater scheme of things, we are building up to seeing the university take action to show vocal support for Palestinians and show real condemnation for the Israeli apartheid state,” Zaidi stated.
The students of this movement continue to place pressure on the university, with the hope that these efforts will soon result in more direct shows of solidarity with Palestine.
FEATURED IMAGE: A group of pro-Palestine students gathered for a picnic at the Wits Library Lawns. Photo: Kamogelo Kungwane
Many traditions and cultures have subconsciously aided the wellbeing of one’s mind through music and sound.
A neurologist and music psychotherapist tackled the maze of the mind together on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Wits Origins Centre through a mental wellness and brain health seminar on International Museum Day.
Human brains have a potential that is unfathomable, and whilst people think we only use 10% of our brains at a time, they are mistaken.
Most of our brain is being used most of the time, even while sleeping, and over 85 billion neurons in our brains are always firing some sort of signal.
However, with all this brain power comes the largest emotional intelligence amongst all mammals. This EQ of humans is the area studied by neurologist and brain health specialist, Dr Kirti Ranchod, and music psychotherapist, Nsamu Moonga.
Music psychotherapist, Nsamu Moonga, leading the audience through a series of musical workshops to release their inner voice and learn to trust in a collective conscious. Photo: Victoria HillDr Kirti Ranchod during her seminar at the Origins Centre, speaking about all things brain health and wellness. Photo: Victoria Hill
Music is all around us — at birthdays, funerals, weddings, political rallies — and each scene sounds very different from the next, which is a subconscious understanding, Dr Ranchod explained.
Dr Ranchod said music is linked to both memory and emotion. When a person hears a specific song, they relive a specific experience, which leads to them feeling a specific emotion.
This is the basis from which Moonga bases his therapy techniques. He explained how humans forget things as a survival technique yet create rituals to ensure they do not forget what is important — the earth rotating completely around the sun, a human life ending, a life of two people beginning for instance.
Yet, Dr Ranchod said how music is exceptionally personal where one type of tune will relax someone whilst it will trigger another. .
To pay homage to International Museum Day, Dr Ranchod spoke about the San Trance Dance which is one of the earliest rituals known to date that used music to bind a group together.
The Trance Dance is a permanent feature at the Origins Centre — which traces human life back nearly two million years — because it sees the beginning of humans living in communities and activating their energies to connect with the spirit world.
With sound, rhythm, movement, and dance used to alter reality, shift consciousness, and change perception, this was the start of music therapy in practice.
Museums document the history we all share and allows for the interception of the past, present, and future. They allow us to understand who we are, where we come from and are the physical pallbearers of memory.
FEATURED IMAGE: Modern-day rock art as appearing in the Origins Centre to showcase how the past is still very much in the present. Photo: Victoria Hill
Growing up, most boys my age were obsessed with sports, gadgets and girls – I was obsessed with changing my family’s fortunes.
Growing up in a neighbourhood like Daveyton in Johannesburg’s East Rand, survival was a constant battle and dreams of graduating seemed like a far-fetched fantasy.
The sounds of gunshots, reverberating Kwaito and house beats were often my offbeat lullaby. The constant buzz of township life mirrored my internal thoughts, often filled with doubt, anxiety and hope.
Sharing the joy of graduation with the one who has been with me every step of the way. Photo: Simphiwe Mkheloe
I normally refer to myself as the son of a street vendor. My mother is an unemployed single woman who worked tirelessly to pave the way for my success.
The money she made from selling fruits, vegetables and snacks on the side of the road, was the first investment in my education. Education was a scarce commodity in our neighbourhood, yet she ingrained in me the belief that education holds the key to a better future.
I grew up in a small household and most of my weekdays were spent at Lekamoso Secondary School, while my weekends occasionally consisted of helping my mom with her vending business.
The corner at which my mother’s vending business is located showcases different role-plays of individuals: some are the product of the system, and others demonstrate how a life of bad choices can turn out. To me, all these scenarios served as life lessons that taught me which paths I do and do not wish to follow.
Despite learning about running a business from a young age, I ironically still grapple with impulsive spending habits. But, from dealing with difficult customers I learnt patience and humility.
My mother dreams of a day without having to wake up to endure the harsh weather conditions to provide for her family. I often look at her and remember all the promises I made to fulfill her dreams. It is inspiring that despite being in her fifties, she still believes success is possible, especially through me. Her words encourage me to pursue success relentlessly and with every fibre of my being.
One thing she has always advised me was to never compare myself with my peers. I have never felt like she was not enough as a parent just because she could not provide everything that I desired or everything that those around me had, she taught me to work for what I want.
My family and surroundings never laid the blueprint for success. For most, success and survival were synonymous, anything beyond that was seemingly impossible for someone like me.
On May 16, 2024, I walked across the North-West University stage to receive my first qualification, a BA in Communications degree. Looking into the hall from the stage, I could see her standing and waving at me and overcome with emotion. I will never forget how making her proud made me feel – it was an accomplishment weightier than the scroll in my hand.
Her tears during the ceremony and mine on the drive to university, reminded me of all the struggles we both went through for me to get where I am today.
I am proud to say that I am the first-generation graduate in my family, I am currently studying towards an honours degree and all of that is because of the strong and steadfast woman behind me.
FEATURED IMAGE: From corner stalls to university halls, my mom’s unwavering support has been the driving force behind my academic journey. Photo: Salim Nkosi
The Wits SRC took their fight against min-year exclusions directly to the Senate, hoping to resolve the issue before exams start.
The Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) led a spirited demonstration from the Great Hall to Solomon Mahlangu House on Thursday, May 16, as they challenge the university’s mid-year registration cancellations policy.
These exclusions happen when students are unable to meet financial and/or academic obligations. In particular, cases where students are unable to settle financial difficulties which prevented them from registering in the beginning of the year.
Addressing attendees in front of the great Hall steps, Wits SRC Academic Officer, Atlegang Motshabi, said: “The reason why these two motions make sense to collaborate is because the real reason for mid-year exclusions is capitalism. That’s why they’re scared to take a stance on Palestine, because of the system of capitalism.”
The SRC led the group toward the Senate Room in attempt to stage a sit-in as the meeting took place. However, Wits security closed the doors to the venue, leading to a standoff between the SRC leaders and Wits Campus Protection Services (CPS). This caused a delay as many students were not able to enter with some having to write tests in other parts of the same building.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela after the meeting, Motshabi said their motion had not been tabled or voted on, and they were advised to tweak errors on their proposal.
“The Deputy Vice Chancellor then told us that after we are done with it, we can take it to Senate Teaching & Learning, and she would then grant an emergency meeting, to make sure that everything happens before June results come out.”
Motshabi said the plan was to be proactive and prevent mid-year exclusions before it was too late. “In March we started consulting, because before you draft a proposal you have to go on a consultative process, you need to speak to different stakeholders then you need to take into consideration the Senate meetings and dates. The one that happened in March was too early (because) we had not finished the consultative process. So that’s when we said that May 16 is proper because it’s right before exam season.”
With the exams starting in two weeks, all eyes will be on the outcome of this process.
Women share their experiences with menstrual products in order to break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
As part of celebrating national menstrual health awareness month, Wits Vuvuzela spoke to various students about their experiences with feminine hygiene products. The month is used to highlight women’s experiences with these products; and address any misconceptions they may have about them.
Menstruation month is also celebrated annually to highlight critical issues related to menstruation. This can be combatting period poverty and debunking the misconception that considers women being on their periods as being “unclean”.
Sinovuyo Fosi, a 21-year-old Motion Picture honours student at AFDA explained that she normally prefers pads as she struggles with tampons because they never accommodate her heavy flow. However, an article on Healthline, a website and provider of health information, explained that when tampons are correctly inserted, there should be no pain or discomfort.
Guide on how to correctly insert your tampon. Photo: Ofentse Tladi
Like Fosi, Nicole Ludolph, a 30-year-old journalism honours student at Wits, prefers pads unlike other products.
“It has to be the Always brand that is extra-long and it must be flat, I don’t like the ones that are more spongey,” she said.
Ludolph’s issue with tampons stems from her fear of getting toxic shock, a rare life-threatening syndrome that consists of certain types of bacterial infections that results in your body releasing toxins that can cause organ failure.
But, Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN and founder of Girlology was quoted on Tampax explaining that toxic shock syndrome (TSS) infection is only partially linked to menstruation.
“Anyone can get TSS. Even men and children can get TSS, and only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. You are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from toxic shock syndrome,” she added.
Dr. Holmes explained that users can avoid getting TSS by using the lowest absorbency tampons that will manage your flow. She also suggested the use of pads intermittently to interrupt tampon use.
Kele Kobokoane, a fourth year BCom Marketing student at UJ said she is reluctant to use menstrual cups due to concerns about the effort required for insertion – and doubts their ability yo securely manage heavy flow. Nqobile Khuzwayo, an AFDA graduate, echoes similar concerns. She explained that as a plus size woman, menstruation has always been difficult for her to navigate.
“Pads chafe me all the time whether it is winter or summer. I would love to try a tampon though, maybe my privates would not be in as pain for once.”
Dr. Meenakshi Bharath, a senior gynaecologist based in India on Happiest Health said it’s untrue that menstrual cups can get lost inside a woman’s vagina. “If the cup is not felt while trying to remove it, it just means the cup has gone one centimetre above fingertip”, she said.
Menstrual Cup Myths. Photo: Ofentse Tladi
On October 22, 2020, the National Library of Medicine conducted a study that concluded that 22.6% of women lacked the knowledge of using a menstrual cup while 56.2% feared inserting it. Out of the three hundred and fifty participants the National Library of Medicine gathered for the study, only 15.1% have tried using menstrual cups. This could be due to some of the myths as highlighted in the graphic.
As we navigate through menstrual health month, it is crucial to acknowledge that the above-mentioned myths scratch the surface of a much broader narrative.
As such if menstrual product uncertainties arise, seeking guidance from a gynaecologist is recommended.
FEATURED IMAGE: Celebrating Menstrual Health Awareness month with tips. Photo: Ofentse Tladi
Despite contingency measures, the electricity crisis persists, leaving some students hungry, and desperate.
Hundreds of students, primarily those living off campus have had a tough week without consistent access to electricity. The Wits Students Law Council stepped in to help those who have been going to bed and class hungry on Tuesday, May 8.
A note to students reads: “Parcels limited, law students priority” on a door in the Olive Schreiner building. A harsh reality check as resources are stretched thin amidst the ongoing electricity crisis. Photo: Katlego Mtshali
Between 08:00 and 10:00 in the Oliver Schreiner building, council members handed out grocery hampers containing non-perishable food items. Muhammed Takolia, a Community Development subcommittee member, reached out to Ashraful Aid to make the initiative possible.
Ntiyiso Chauke, a second-year LLB student, said: “I can no longer afford to rely on takeaways as a daily solution, as it is financially straining.”
Salim Nkosi, an Honours in Journalism student said that he has exceeded his usual expenses, “I’ve used R900 in 6 days, which is normally what I would spend in two weeks.”
First-year Bachelor of Accounting student,Sandile Gumede, said while grateful for the food, preparing it will prove difficult. The generator in his residence building is currently only operational between 08:00 and 10:00, which is when he plans to prepare his meals as he must also ensure his attendance at his morning classes. Having to make a choice between cold food and his attendance record.
During the handover, Wits Vuvuzela watched as some students had to be turned away. Katleho Ledibone, a third-year LLB student and Social Outreach and Community Development officer, explained that the council had prioritised law students, but would help students living off campus if they had leftovers or received more donations.
One of the students who had to leave was Tshepo Mathonsi who said, “It has been difficult, and I am disappointed I could not get a grocery hamper.”
Paballo Sethathi, a third-year LLB student said he has been borrowing money to get by and has fallen behind with his studies. “Libraries are full because so many of us are affected… some close early therefore I cannot work for as long as I want.” He added that all his textbooks are in PDF format, so he needs his electronic devices to be fully charged to read.
First-year Arts and Performance students Londeka Ndwandwe and Sylvia Sotomela said that while South Africans are accustomed to loadshedding, “we cannot normalize being in the dark for days…it should also be considered that we come from different homes/backgrounds our parents cannot give us money for food every day now that our groceries are spoilt.”
The Wits Senior Executive Team acknowledged the impact of the electricity crisis on students, particularly those in off-campus residences like Noswall Hall, and various South Point buildings, and is working to provide support through the Division of Student Affairs and accredited service providers. Additionally, the Wits Citizenship and Community Outreach Unit is offering extra meals and food assistance to students in need.
“We are in contact with the relevant utilities, departments, and we are hopeful that power will be restored fully in the next day or two,” the university said in a statement.
The Wits Students Law Council has promised to organise more hampers and has asked students to remain patient and be on the lookout for announcements regarding future distributions.
FEATURED IMAGE: Students affected by the power outage clutch essential grocery parcels on May 8, 2024, a beacon of hope in time of need. Photo : Katlego Mtshali
In episode six of We Should Be Writing season 7, the team unpacked the evolution of music as a form of expression and protest, through four decades in the South African context. The episode explores the journey of South African music and its consumers from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and contemporary listeners. From the […]
