7 September 2026
Year 88 Issue 9
PDBY yourcampusnews.
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2 | Editorial
7 September 2026
From the editor...
PDBY Media
“Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year?”
How does one begin writing their final love letter to thousands of readers? Well, how about calling on a musical for help – cue Rent’s “Seasons of Love” (or Glee’s Quarterback episode if you’re a die-hard Gleek). Anyway, that’s enough Entertainment references. No more avoiding the topic at hand. Take Rent’s breakdown and multiply that by three, and you’ve got the time I’ve given to PDBY as a journalist, Entertainment Editor, and Editor. If you go to the Music library, you can find my very first article stapled to their notice board in black and white. I love reading that and thinking about how much that Entertainment journalist has grown. How she moved away from reviews of campus concerts to calling out American politicians in nuanced film reviews. How she found herself through writing about sapphic anthems and rebuilt an entire section from the ground up. Then, pretty much took over every page and is now handing over a lovely little piece of history, ready to record what will hopefully be many more years of UP growth. Yes, I will give her credit for all those little wins because nothing about working in the media industry is easy. We often side eye Miranda Priestly for her icy demeanor, but really, that’s what it takes to succeed in this position. Unfortunately, I only figured that one out towards the end of my Editor term, but hey, better late than never. Many of the minutes at this paper have been spent learning. Learning how to perfect the art of bringing words on a page to life. Learning how to manage a team and drive a vision. And then learning how to share knowledge and leave a legacy behind. Most importantly, learning how to apologise when I’ve gotten it wrong and step back to let others share their own knowledge. A large part of leadership is just giving people the space to learn how to walk, allowing them to move, and being around to catch them when they fall. My editorial has done most of the work. Honestly, the most I do is get the pitches off the ground and then make sure everything is polished up during Final Checks. The magic happens in the
middle – with the journalists, copy editors, visual artists, photographers, and page designers driven by the passion their leaders have for this 16-page love letter you hold in your hands. A love letter of their labour and the things that make each one of them smile. That leads me to my next point – a thank you to your stunning Editorial. To Lebo and Neo who ran News and Sports – thank you for directing the truth and for allowing your journalists to find themselves in the crazy events that happen in our world. Cara and Gabby, your Entertainment and Features Editors – your leadership has allowed your journalists to share the most authentic
parts of themselves while driving home some hard truths to swallow about life and love and everything in-between. Amai and Sive, our brains behind the screens – and your next Editor and Deputy. Thank you for getting those pages far and wide through Social Media and Web. You’ve helped our home reach the hearts of millions more. To Alyx and Danielle – these pages have never looked more colourful. Your vision has brought each journalist’s work to life. Thank you for making everyone’s ideas pop off the page. To my Deputy, Jason. My bouncer, and ironically the more emotional one between us. Thank you for having my back and for always listening. You’re
our most iconic cheerleader, Razzmatazz! Finally, your Copy Editor who probably read the draft of this Editorial piece and wanted to rip her hair out because I’m actually pretty bad with spelling and grammar (copy editor’s note: correct). Hannah, aka HR – thank you for fixing every silly mistake we’ve made and for polishing the paper up to its most pristine form. Beyond that, thank you for being the support I’ve leaned on throughout these three years. From friendship dramas to helping me keep the paper afloat, you’ve been there through it all. You’ve poured your heart and soul into these pages – both personally and professionally. A paragraph can’t sum up what you’ve given, so I hope you know how valued you are. So back to Rent’s “Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes”. How do you measure a year, or in this case, three? Yes, it is in the sunsets we’ve seen from the office window. And then the sunrises we were shocked by because we spent an all-nighter trying to fit our degrees into our busy careers at the paper. It’s been measured in laughter over pizza, Vita C Switches, and Super Ms. Notes on the whiteboard and cut-outs of Sad Mouse. Our legendary digicam pics and Taylor Swift lyrics. All of it has painted the most gorgeous portrait of what it means to love. Getting these pages together may have been difficult, and leading a team was even trickier. But this love has been the easiest part of it all. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat just to get one more silly moment in our office. It’s all been measured in love. I found myself in these pages. In the articles I wrote, the friends I picked up along the way who have become my family, and in the mistakes I made. I lost parts of myself too, but those sacrifices have been worth the immeasurable buckets of love I’ve collected. And with that, I say good luck to Amai and Sive for your next five hundred twentyfive thousand, six hundred minutes. May each one be a lesson filled with love and light. May you find your voice and share it with the world.
All my love, your Dancing Queen
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7 September 2026
News | 3
March and March Deadline Not as Strict as We Thought Kofi Donkor
I
t has been over a month since thousands of South Africans took to the streets to demonstrate against illegal immigration. Since then, many changes have occurred regarding the country’s handling of foreign nationals, marking a turning point in South African history. March and March has seen much success following the protests, with many key role-players in the country’s economy and administration bending the knee to their demands. Proponents of the anti-immigration movement remain steadfast in their assertion that foreign nationals are the common denominator in all of the country’s shortcomings. However, several statistics (or lack thereof) may prove otherwise. Earlier this month, March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma held a press briefing in which she claimed that the protests were free of violence and that the rights of foreign nationals were not violated. She further reiterated that no destruction of property took place on the day. When asked about the sporadic lootings, arrests, assaults, and property destruction that took place during the march, Ngobese-Zuma said that March and March is only focused on the minimal “overall” violence that took place on the day. She further detailed that over 100 000 illegal immigrants have been removed from the country, explaining that many of said immigrants are to blame for the skyrocketing crime rates within South Africa. Interestingly, in the same breath, Ngobese-Zuma acknowledged that many of the now deported immigrants were living in inhumane conditions, with some being used as “modern-day slaves” by those who own the means of production. She said that March and March is apparently willing to fight against this cruel system if necessary. When speaking on the success of the march, Ngobese-Zuma highlighted that many children of illegal immigrants have left the country along with their parents. Supposedly, this will allow more South African children to access basic education. She did not provide any figures to support this claim. Continuing her tales of March and March’s victories, Ngobese-Zuma claimed that thousands of immigrants who “abused” South Africa’s healthcare facilities have left the country, subsequently saving the government millions in expenditure and making healthcare more accessible to South African citizens. Furthermore, she explained that healthcare workers are now able to work in far more “conducive” environments as a result. Again, no figures are adduced for these claims. Ngobese-Zuma also suggested that as a result of the protests, there has been a significant drop in crime, citing a 28% fall as reported within the Durban Central Business District. She detailed that this comes from clean-ups within the CBD, which subsequently resulted in increased police visibility and the closing down of illegal businesses, presumably run by foreign nationals. She ultimately claimed that this proved that irregular migration is directly linked to crime within the country. Later on, Ngobese-Zuma also said that as a result of foreign nationals leaving rural areas and townships, spaces have been opened up for South Africans to take back control of the township economy. It should be noted that the 28% figure was published by the eThekwini Municipality in April, months before the 30 June protests took place.
Additionally, the figure comes from a partnership programme between the eThekwini Municipality and urban management organisation Ensure Ubuntu. The programme, with co-operation from the police, involved street ambassadors, rapid-response teams, and security patrols. The figure in question covers 14 months of the programme’s operations and only concerns one category of crime within a managed precinct, reflecting a package of specific security and urban-management measures. The March and March leader also claimed that Somalians, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, and Nigerians are refusing to leave the country following the protest, claiming that many conduct illegal activities under the guise of standard businesses. She called for more funding to be allocated to the police to deal with foreign nationals, saying that “it is clear the police do not have enough vans, holding cells, guns, staff… or enough food to feed the illegal immigrants once they are apprehended”. She further stated that as a result, many illegal immigrants are released back into the unsuspecting public who “continue to suffer at the hands of these criminals”. She further suggested that March and March has had successful engagements with role-players within the delivery industry to ensure that jobs within said industry are reserved exclusively for South African citizens. Towards the end of the briefing, Ngobese-Zuma announced the formation of the “SA First Forum”, a non-profit initiative aimed at assisting South Africans in accessing legal services and addressing human rights violations. She explained that the forum will attempt to empower communities by providing information on immigration laws, legal education, advocacy, and other support services. Ngobese-Zuma claimed that the forum will “litigate against the state on behalf of predominantly black people”. Finally, she said that submissions by South Africans have paved the way for the establishment of the “First Safe Country Principle” within South Africa. She elaborated, saying, “To our joy and excitement, [this] means that there will be no Ethiopians, Somalians, Nigerians, Pakistanis, [and] Bangladeshis running to South Africa claiming they are running away from persecution and [that] they are refugees.” In conclusion, she called on the government to take a stricter stance on border control, calling for more funding to be allocated towards Home Affairs. Presumably to the satisfaction of Ngobese-Zuma and supporters of March and March, June and July saw a mass exodus of foreign nationals from South Africa. Many were deported by the government while others took up repatriation offers made by the South African government or the governments of their home countries. A recent article by the Washington Post detailed that over 178 000 African immigrants have left South Africa in recent months, returning to their home countries of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho, and Mozambique. As mentioned earlier, March and March place a large focus on “re-taking” ownership of the township economy. YeboFresh, an e-commerce and supply chain platform that connects major brands with informal township retailers, completed a market update report, detailing the impact of the 30 June protests on spaza shops. The report found that residents in some townships
had experienced a significant increase in the price of bread following the protests. Thandeka Khumalo, customer insights manager for YeboFresh, said that this was due to supply chain disruptions as bakeries temporarily stopped delivering bread to areas affected by the unrest. Regarding claims that foreign-owned spaza shops have changed ownership to South African nationals, Khumalo said that there is very little data to support this. PDBY also spoke with Mazviita Pasi, an international student from Zimbabwe studying at the University of Pretoria. Pasi highlighted that many illegal immigrants are in vulnerable positions themselves, having to leave their lives behind and seek work in environments where they are constantly faced with threats of deportation and violence. Additionally, many foreign nationals are abused by their employers as they are unable to report mistreatment to the relevant authorities due to their immigration status. Pasi also said that the situation surrounding illegal immigration is not being approached with the necessary degree of empathy, asserting that it does not simply boil down to foreign nationals maliciously entering the country to steal jobs and commit crimes. Further on, Pasi discussed how difficult it is to legally migrate to South Africa, highlighting that immigration involves expenses that many foreign nationals simply cannot afford. Moreover, corruption within institutions such as Home Affairs makes obtaining legitimate documentation extremely challenging due to documents regularly going missing, delays from officials, and inconsistent immigration requirements. Pasi also expressed their dismay at the villainisation of illegal immigrants because proponents of the antiimmigration movement do not consider the immigration process. Finally, Pasi highlighted the xenophobic nature of the countrywide antiimmigration sentiment. Despite the claim that the movement is only against illegal immigration, there have been many instances of foreign nationals with legitimate documentation being harassed and assaulted by protesters. They specifically cite an incident that took place in June during a March and March protest in Alexandra in which Total Mhlanga, a Zimbabwean national, was detained by protesters despite being in the country legally. They concluded by speculating that the use of foreigners as scapegoats allows the country’s leaders to escape accountability, especially as election season rolls around. The 30 June deadline has come and gone, but supporters of the antiimmigration movement seem to have no intention of slowing down. What stands out the most about this initiative is the apparent lack of empathy that its supporters have for foreign nationals. Immigrants are constantly dehumanised and branded as criminals and thieves regardless of their circumstances. Their struggles are acknowledged but ignored, with the likes of Ngobese-Zuma beaming with joy at the sight of children being pulled out of schools, families being destroyed, and people losing their livelihoods. It seems that the pathway to South Africa’s success is paved by the suffering of those who live in it.
4 | News
The Deal with Democracy: What Drives Electoral Success at UP Londeka Mbokane
E
very August, campus walls and social media feeds are plastered with This undermines the concept of democracy, causing it to be disguised as a the faces of many hopefuls promising a better year for all within their popularity contest and resulting in accountability taking a backseat once they have been elected. Poorly informed or apathetic voting often comes back to faculty. Beyond the theatrics of using popular TikTok trends and getting the most popular endorsements lie the crucial elements of democracy. haunt voters later in the year, as 65% of respondents said that the elected rarely deliver on their promises. A fundamental question emerges: what drives students to vote? Mbalenhle Zulu, 2025/26 Law House Treasurer, noted that failure PDBY conducted an Instagram poll where the general student to fulfil 100% of campaign promises is largely due to budget population expressed their views. When asked about manifestos, constraints. However, she emphasised that teamwork within the 52% of respondents admitted that they only skim a few pages as opposed to reading the full manifesto documents, while student body proves beneficial in conquering these constraints as the ultimate goal is to serve. Zulu acknowledged that there is an 18% questioned “What is a manifesto?” When it comes to the undeniable interaction between student governance depicting a medium most preferred by the PDBY poll respondents, 40% true democratic institution as well as being a social network and rely on official manifestos, followed by 34% reliance on wordof-mouth from their social circles regarding the candidates, and résumé builder. However, she warned that purely self-serving intentions risk not enjoying their term in office fully. The aim social media viewing only accounting for 26%. is not to just campaign for the title, but to do so for the passion of The electorate have previously expressed frustration with serving the electorate. Mampane echoed similar sentiments in his candidates spamming academic group chats at awkward hours or during important discussions. Although the tactic might seem useful reason for campaigning, with hopes of making an impact for the betterment of students lasting even beyond his tenure. for reaching the masses at peak hours, it often risks the candidate The declining belief in democracy in the real-world is evident being labelled as inconsiderate for failure to read the room. in low voter turnout among the youth, but it stems from experiences This serves as a stark contrast as Law House Chairperson as small as student governance. The demand for substance must candidate Treasure Mampane detailed that he spent one hour compiling his manifesto as opposed to two weeks spent on social Visual: Khanyisa Motsepe be greater than that of aesthetics. Beyond the optics lies great consequences in how student grievances and negotiations with university media campaigning. administration are addressed. Apathy towards campus politics and student While manifestos outline a candidate’s leadership credentials, policy positions, action plans, and values, 54% of the electorate admitted to having governance is a privilege that many discount until faced with the severity of its results. voted for a candidate due to personal relationships or direct social favours.
Rebuilding Bridges: UP Hosts Dialogue on Afro-Caribbean Cooperation Lutricia Phiri
A
s global geopolitics continues to shift, the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean remains an important part of understanding the African diaspora and its place in international affairs. This was the focus of a public dialogue hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship (CAS), in collaboration with the High Commission of Jamaica to South Africa. Titled Rebuilding Bridges with the Diaspora: Afro-Caribbean Cooperation in the Evolving Geopolitics, the dialogue brought together diplomats, academics, and students to examine how historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean can be strengthened to address current political, economic, and social challenges. The panel featured Professor Adekeye Adebajo, Senior Research Fellow at CAS; H.E. Ambassador Joan Thomas Edwards, High Commissioner of Jamaica to South Africa; Dr Mariama Williams, Senior Strategic Advisor at the Global Afro-descendant Climate Justice Collaborative; H.E. Ambassador Inga Rhonda King; and Professor Carlos da Silva Jr., whose research focuses on African history, the transatlantic slave trade, and the African diaspora. A central theme throughout the discussion was the need to recognise the Caribbean as more than an extension of other geopolitical powers while acknowledging its distinct identity and its historical and cultural links with Africa. The speakers reflected on the idea of a global African community and the ways in which relationships between Africa and the Caribbean could be strengthened through greater cooperation in areas such as transportation, tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchange. The discussion also placed the African diaspora at the centre of conversations about international cooperation. Historical links created through the transatlantic slave trade continue to shape relationships between Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider Americas. Professor da Silva Jr. highlighted the historical connection between Africa and Brazil, including the significant number of Africans who were forcibly taken to Brazil during the transatlantic slave trade. The discussion demonstrated how these histories have contributed to the formation of African-descendant communities and cultures across the Atlantic. Beyond history, the dialogue considered how these connections can inform present-day partnerships. Questions around the United Nations and international governance also featured prominently in the discussion. The speakers raised concerns about representation, legitimacy, and accountability within international institutions, particularly in relation to the structures that continue to shape global decision-making. The question of who international power should answer to was linked to the broader need for greater participation in global institutions. The panellists emphasised that meaningful international cooperation requires
broad participation and systems that are responsive to the communities they represent. The unfinished work of decolonisation was another significant aspect of the conversation. The speakers reflected on the continued effects of colonialism and the importance of addressing historical inequalities rather than treating them as issues confined to the past. Discussions around reparations further explored what meaningful redress could look like. The conversation moved beyond monetary compensation to consider social, educational, and cultural dimensions of reparative justice. The panellists also raised questions about identifying victims of historical injustices and determining who should be included within reparations frameworks. For students, the dialogue provided an opportunity to engage directly with diplomats and scholars on issues extending beyond the classroom. Questions from students focused on practical ways of strengthening AfricaCaribbean relations, including creating more opportunities for exchanges between African and Caribbean students. The possibility of students from Africa and countries such as Cuba gaining skills and experiences that could later contribute to their communities was also discussed. The conversation further considered how discussions taking place in academic and diplomatic spaces can translate into tangible change. Questions were raised about how governments can be encouraged to take such conversations seriously and incorporate them into policy. The presence of diplomatic representatives from countries beyond Jamaica also reinforced the international nature of the discussion, with representatives including the ambassadors of Cuba, Turkey, and Singapore in attendance. Ultimately, the dialogue highlighted that rebuilding bridges between Africa and the Caribbean requires more than acknowledging a shared history. It requires continued engagement, broader participation, and practical cooperation that can translate historical connections into contemporary partnerships. For the University of Pretoria, hosting conversations of this nature provides students with exposure to international perspectives while creating a space where questions about Africa’s place in global affairs can be openly examined. As conversations around the African diaspora, reparations, decolonisation, and global governance continue, the dialogue demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where Africa and its diaspora can revisit their shared history while considering what stronger relationships could look like in the future. The bridge between Africa and the Caribbean may have been shaped by centuries of history, but the discussion at UP highlighted that its future will depend on what both regions choose to build from those connections.
7 September 2026
Degrees Delivered: Unlocking What’s Already Earned
Ompha Mudau
T
he University of Pretoria is addressing approximately R1 billion in historical student debt through a new fundraising campaign aimed at graduates who have completed their qualifications but remain unable to access their degree certificates. The Degrees Delivered campaign, launched earlier this year, aims to raise R50 million over three years to assist approximately 1 500 qualifying graduates with outstanding historical debt. The campaign comes as historical student debt continues to affect graduates long after they have completed their studies. According to UP’s Deputy Director for Fundraising and Alumni Relations Deidré Adams, historical student debt is estimated at approximately R24 billion across South Africa’s higher education sector. For affected graduates, outstanding debt can prevent access to their qualification certificates, potentially creating difficulties when applying for employment, registering with professional bodies, or pursuing further studies. However, Degrees Delivered is not a general debt write-off. The campaign uses donor funding to settle debt for graduates who meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must have completed their first undergraduate qualification at UP between 2020 and 2025, be South African citizens, and demonstrate financial need, among other academic and socioeconomic requirements. They must also have historical debt that is preventing the release of their degree certificate. Applications are assessed by a committee made up of representatives from UP’s Financial Aid Office and the Department of Institutional Advancement. Graduates identified as potentially eligible are required to complete an eligibility questionnaire and provide documentation relating to their financial circumstances, employment status, and identity. The university will also consider academic performance, financial need, faculty representation, and other approved allocation principles when assessing applications. For the campaign’s first phase, graduates with historical debt between R20 000 and R50 000 will receive priority, with the university saying that this will allow funds to reach a greater number of graduates. Graduates with higher levels of debt may be considered as additional funds are raised. According to Adams, approximately R11 million has been raised through contributions from corporates, a SETA partner, UP staff, and alumni. This represents less than a quarter of the campaign’s R50 million target. Fundraising has included events involving UP alumni and partners. The UP website reported that a wine-tasting event held in July raised R220 000 through ticket sales, donations, and an auction. The campaign’s fundraising model means that the amount of assistance available is dependent on the funds raised and the university’s eligibility and allocation processes. Degrees Delivered is not intended to resolve UP’s entire historical debt balance. Instead, it is a targeted intervention for a defined group of graduates. The university’s approximately R1 billion historical debt figure also places the R50 million campaign target in perspective. Reaching its target would represent a relatively small portion of the university’s reported historical debt while potentially assisting the approximately 1 500 graduates identified by the campaign. For eligible graduates, however, the outcome could be significant: having completed their academic requirements, they could gain access to the certificate needed for employment, professional registration, or further study. With approximately R11 million raised, the campaign’s next challenge is reaching the remaining R39 million of its target while determining which qualifying graduates will receive assistance.
Visual: Khanyisa Motsepe
Opening Doors: Faculty of Theology Hosts Career Fair for Future Graduates Lutricia Phiri
O
n 13 August, the Faculty of Theology and Religion hosted its annual Career Fair, providing students with an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore potential career paths, and build meaningful, professional relationships beyond the university environment. Held in Rautenbach Hall on Hatfield Campus from 09:00 to 14:00, the event brought together organisations from various sectors to engage with students about possible career opportunities. Among the organisations invited by Career Services were the Smile Foundation, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Campus Outreach South Africa, the Ntshole Foundation, HospiVision, Correctional Services, and several other organisations.The fair saw a notable increase in student participation compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing interest among students in exploring career opportunities and understanding how their academic qualifications can translate into the workplace. The Career Fair was also supported by various student structures within the faculty, including their Academic Student Council (ASC), peer advisors, House Theology and Religion, STARS Mentorship Programme co-ordinators, and faculty tutors. Their involvement helped create a space
where students could engage with organisations while receiving support and guidance from fellow students and faculty structures. PDBY spoke to representatives from some of the organisations present, including SAQA, the Smile Foundation, and Correctional Services. SAQA is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring that qualifications in South Africa are recognised and appropriately aligned within the national education and training system. The Smile Foundation, a South African nonprofit organisation, focuses on providing reconstructive surgery and related support to children with facial conditions such as cleft lips and palates, burns, and other facial anomalies. Their presence demonstrated the range of sectors and organisations where students can potentially apply their skills beyond traditional career expectations associated with a Theology and Religion degree. The Correctional Services representative also engaged with students about potential employment opportunities within the department. Students who required more specific employment guidance were referred to the relevant representatives who could provide further information about available opportunities and the requirements for working within their
respective organisations. For many Theology and Religion students, questions surrounding employment after graduation can often create uncertainty about what comes next. However, the Career Fair broadened their understanding of the possibilities available to them, highlighting that their qualifications can open doors across various sectors. Rather than viewing the career search as a single pathway, the fair encouraged students to consider the various ways in which their knowledge, skills, and experiences can be applied in the professional world. Meeting potential employers and industry representatives offered students the chance to ask questions, gain insight into different professions, and begin developing connections that could prove valuable beyond their university years. As students continue to prepare for life after university, the annual Career Fair serves as a reminder that the journey does not end with a qualification. For Theology and Religion students, discovering the different avenues available to them and meeting potential future employers may just be the cherry on top of their academic journey.
7 September 2026
News | 5
Tax@Tuks Brings Global Experts to Student Conversation
Mpho Mahlangu
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n 30 July, industry leaders gathered to discuss all things tax with UP students at an event hosted by Tax@Tuks. The aim of the evening was to inform, inspire, and prepare students for the tax industry and all its complexities. Part of the power panel was Chenai Makumba, Executive Director of the Tax Justice Network Africa, Annette Morgan, co-founder of the Curtin Tax Clinic at Curtin University, and Keith Fogg, Clinical Professor and Director of the Federal Tax Clinic at Harvard Law School. The conversation followed the panelists’ different career paths, most of which were non-linear and unconventional. Makumba shared that after university, she barely knew anything about tax. As someone who studied International Relations, she had no prior knowledge of tax, but stepping into the industry slowly moved her towards tax justice, policy, and its real implications on life. Most students pursue careers around what they studied, but the event revealed that discovering a career path does not have to be narrow. The skills and resources you acquire at university will always be at your disposal in whatever career you choose – you just have to be passionate and be a lifelong learner. The panel co-ordinator said, “Search for career paths that feel more safe to yourself and you will find your place.” This reassured students who raised concerns about the saturated job market. Morgan shared wisdom, drawing from her experience as a professor: “Showing you works better than telling you. That is why I always advise my students to work on what they are studying. Every student is different and has different circumstances, and it is important to expose them to different situations. That is why I expose students to tax in action to spark their passion.” She further shared that having an empathetic nature is important in the tax industry, which is why she encourages integrated learning. Fogg said, “Take every opportunity, [and] do not be frightened to say yes, I will do that. Your degree is only the beginning.” Tax on the Table proved to be a phenomenal event, with the panel discussion offering students an insightful look into the diverse opportunities available within the field of taxation. The event brought together students at different stages of their academic journeys who left with new perspectives on taxation, career possibilities, and the
importance of understanding the broader impact of the profession. PDBY spoke to Bathabile Mzwandile Nare, a second-year Accounting Science student, who described the event as one of the most impressive events she had attended. “Overall, Tax on the Table was a phenomenal event. The panel discussion proved to be extremely informative. I do not recall ever being in attendance for an event of that calibre.” For Nare, the calibre, qualifications, and experience of the speakers stood out, but so did the compassion they demonstrated in their work. Her biggest lesson was discovering just how broad the field of taxation can be as a career. “What I thought in my head is not what I heard from the speakers. The roads and paths tax professionals walk are so different globally.” Although she entered the event with high expectations because of the panelists involved, Nare said that those expectations were exceeded. Her most important takeaway was not simply about building a successful career, but about developing compassion and using one's career to make a meaningful difference. “The speakers not only loved tax, but got that far through their love of people. They identified different needs and took the onus on themselves to fix it. It pushed me to not just build my career on wanting a two-comma salary.” PDBY also spoke to Amogelang Sambo, a final-year BCom student, who also found the event insightful because of the range of perspectives represented on the panel. Going into the event, Sambo hoped to gain a better understanding of the different career paths available within taxation and the opportunities beyond the traditional roles she had previously been exposed to. “I was genuinely surprised by just how diverse the taxation space is.” Sambo explained that she had previously associated taxation primarily with organisations such as the Big Four firms and SARS. However, hearing from a panel member involved in tax advocacy across Africa changed her perception of the profession and highlighted the broader impact taxation can have. “It opened my mind to the broader impact that taxation can have and the many ways one can contribute to the field beyond conventional tax roles.” For Sambo, the event also answered a question she had been carrying with her: “Where to next?” She said that the discussion gave her a clearer sense of direction and helped her identify possibilities she had not previously considered.
“It not only met my expectations but exceeded them by challenging my perception of what a career in taxation could look like.” Nakisani Thukutha, a BCom Honours in Taxation student, also shared her perspective, “The event was very insightful and encouraged me to [not] limit myself to local tax matters, but to think more broadly about taxation. I particularly developed an interest in the rights of taxpayers, which I realised many people are not fully aware of.” Rachel van Rooyen, an Honours in Taxation student, reflected not only on the panel discussion but also on the process of bringing the event together. For Van Rooyen, the experience reinforced the importance of remaining calm when things do not go according to plan. “I learnt to not panic when things go wrong and that there’s always a plan to be made. Our teamwork and ability to think on our feet and compromise made the event possible.” However, the panel discussion itself also challenged her expectations. While she expected the panel to be interesting, one of the speakers particularly stood out and introduced her to a career path she had never previously considered. “I expected to find the panel interesting, but my expectations were exceeded when I found one of the panelists inspiring and it opened my eyes to a potential career path I never knew about.” Listening to the different experiences of professionals within taxation allowed Van Rooyen to see how varied careers in the field can be. She highlighted Mukumba in particular: “Listening to the different experiences and career paths people took was interesting and opened my eyes to many careers I did not know about. Ms Mukumba was especially interesting to me as she exposed me to a career path that I think would suit me very well.” Across the different reflections, one message emerged clearly: taxation is far broader than many students initially imagine. For some, the event offered a new understanding of the global opportunities within the profession. For others, it highlighted taxpayer rights, advocacy, compassion, and the possibility of using a career in tax to create meaningful change. Ultimately, Tax@Tuks did more than introduce students to the technical side of taxation. It challenged them to think differently about where the profession can take them and perhaps, more importantly, what they can contribute once they get there.
Navigating Campus: Inside the Life of Someone with a Mobility Aid Mazviita Pasi
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n South Africa, facing barriers to accessing education is a tale as old as time. From funding issues to limited housing options, getting a degree can feel impossible. It can be especially difficult for disabled students who have to use wheelchairs or mobility aids to navigate a campus primarily filled with able-bodied students. Taking a walk through Hatfield campus, one will notice some accommodations that have been implemented by the university to make it more accessible for disabled students. One wheelchair user described how she finds campus “generally very accessible and moving around alone is fairly easy”. Examples of accommodations include wheelchair accessible ramps, wheelchair accessible seats in some lecture halls, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. This is in line with the expectations for educational institutions to accommodate disabled students as mandated by the Constitution and other forms of legislation on equality. Reading about accessibility from the perspective of a journalist may give one the hard facts, but it is important to hear from the personal stories of students who use mobility aids and wheelchairs. Anonymous #1 “On my busiest days, I wake up early. Getting ready takes me longer because I need to make sure that everything is accessible and that I have everything I need for the day. Once I get onto campus, it takes me time to move from the parking area to my lecture venue because I need to find accessible routes and I have to move my wheelchair across uneven surfaces and steep slopes. The accessible routes are sometimes also longer than the route everyone uses, so it takes me longer to get to classes. Not only that, but I also need to take time to make sure I can get to my classroom and that there is enough space for me to position my wheelchair comfortably.” Anonymous #2 “Navigating campus does get easier once you know it well, but ramps are slightly steep and harder to use without assistance.” Anonymous #3 “Some venues are harder to access. While they may have lifts and ramps, some of them only have limited seats that I can access with my mobility scooter. For example, I cannot get up the stairs of Centenary, and I can only sit by the front of the class, so when my classes are full, I have to get onto campus extra early.” Anonymous #4 “The elevators at Humanities make navigating campus difficult. When I have lectures in room 4-2, which is on [the] lower floor, I need to make sure that I get onto lifts C-F and not A and B, which are on the upper [4th floor].
I have no choice but to use the lift because of my wheelchair, and I basically accessible, which makes it more difficult compared to how it would be for [have to] hope and pray that I get lifts C-F, which can take a while.” able-bodied students.” At times, students who use wheelchairs may require assistance Anonymous #3 on campus when they encounter inaccessible routes. The “My options felt limited when selecting accommodation. I was informed university has a designated facility known as Access and that there were 6 official disabled rooms available from which I could pick Disability Inclusion Services (ADIS) that specifically as a mobility scooter user. At my current residence, I struggle to access the provides support to disabled students. In addition doors for most common areas as they are often too narrow or too heavy. to this, able-bodied students on campus can also Some entrances require me to use an access card, but the distance between provide some assistance. where I tap and the door is too big. If I were in a wheelchair Anonymous #1 instead of a mobility aid, I would struggle to make “Sometimes, I go to venues thinking it is it to open the door on time. Due to these access accessible and discover there is an obstacle that barriers, I find myself unwilling and unable to makes independent navigation difficult. People offer participate in my residence activities.” to help, but this is not always readily available.” When asked what students can do to assist Anonymous #2 wheelchair users, most wheelchair users “I feel like help is available on campus when I need it. stressed that students must be courteous Students can be helpful, and many are keen to assist with when using the lift, giving preference to the lift.” They went further and said, “Students are polite the elderly and wheelchair or mobility enough to make way, and they even offer to help.” aid users who cannot use the stairs. However, some able-bodied students can also make One said, “I wish students would be it harder for wheelchair users to navigate campus. more aware of and advocate for disabled Anonymous #4 spaces.” Students must be mindful and avoid “Using the lift in some venues can be difficult blocking ramps, accessible entrances, and pathways. Visual: Gabriella le Roux as able-bodied students will often crowd around the It is also important that students do not automatically lift and hog the lift when they can see that I am trying assume that a student requires assistance simply because they to use it.” are using a wheelchair. Anonymous #3 PDBY reached out to Catherine Karusseit, an academic who focuses “I’ve had my mobility aid damaged before in the lift due to overcrowding on the intersection between disability studies and architecture. She sees from students. The fact that the lift gets so full also means it takes longer for herself as an activist for disabled persons. Her views are personal and do not me to get to classes.” reflect those of the university. She believes that it is important to distinguish Anonymous #1 between “access” and “inclusive education”. Instead of simply prioritising “Sometimes, people leave their bags or chairs in pathways and end up the physical aspects of a building or educational institution, she explained blocking accessible routes.” that students must be made to feel as if the institution “welcome[s]” them In order for one to access campus, they require accommodation. This is and as if they “belong”. It must feel as if the campus was “designed” with not easy to find when one must search for an accommodation that is close the lives of students in mind rather than a specific mechanical check box. to campus and fitted with the necessary accommodations for a wheelchair/ Karusseit believes that it is important for educational spaces to be accessible mobility aid. to allow people who are disabled to “advance their rights, enjoy equality, and Anonymous #1 exercise control over their lives.” “When you are looking for accommodation, you have to find somewhere It is important to remember, as said by Anonymous #1, that “Accessibility that you like that also has common areas, bathrooms, and entrances that are should be something that everyone thinks of”.
UP Scientists Among Global Microbiology Leaders After Academy Election
Ompha Mudau
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rof. Mike and Brenda Wingfield of the University of Pretoria have been elected as Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, an honour recognising their contributions to microbiological science and their work in fungal biology and forest health. In communication to PDBY, Brenda Wingfield confirmed that the election is not a recent development, but the recognition has recently resurfaced across several media platforms. This could still provide an opportunity to highlight the research associated with the two scientists and the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at UP. The American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) is the honourific leadership group of the American Society for Microbiology. According to information provided by the Wingfields, fellowship is awarded through a selective peer-review process to scientists who have demonstrated significant scientific achievement and contributed to the advancement of microbiology.
The Wingfields’ research has focused particularly on fungi associated with trees and forest ecosystems, with their careers closely connected to the development of FABI and its research programmes in forest pathology, fungal genetics and genomics, and fungal pathogens. Mike Wingfield’s research has examined the emergence and movement of tree pests and pathogens, as well as their effects on forestry and natural ecosystems. He has also held international leadership roles in forest health and microbiology and has contributed to research capacity development, particularly in Africa. Brenda Wingfield, who holds the Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Foundation South African Research Chair in Fungal Genomics, has focused on the genetics, genomics, and evolution of fungal pathogens. Her research has contributed to the study of fungal evolution, speciation, mating systems, and pathogen diversity, according to information supplied by the Wingfields.
The professors’ election also reflects the international reach of research conducted through FABI, which the Wingfields said has contributed to establishing South Africa as an internationally recognised centre for research into fungal biology and forest health. Their work has also involved developing research programmes, collaborations, and scientific capacity over their careers. The Wingfields said that the recognition was notable because both were elected as Fellows, highlighting their closely connected careers and their collaboration on issues involving tree health. The election places the two UP academics among an international community of microbiologists recognised by their peers for scientific achievement and leadership in the field. While the fellowship itself is not a recent development, the recognition provides a look at the scale of research associated with FABI and the university’s contribution to international work on fungi, tree health, and forest ecosystems.
6 | Features
7 September 2026
The Final Year Paradox: Why So Many Final-Year Students Feel Lost Buhle Jantjies
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or years, the path seems simple: finish high school, get into university, work towards a degree, and graduate. Then final year arrives and suddenly the structure disappears. The questions become bigger: “What am I going to do?” “Where will I work?” “Am I ready?” Figuring out life in your twenties is daunting and exhausting. There is an invisible timeline that makes it feel as though everyone should be moving at the same pace, and falling behind can feel like failure. For final-year students at the University of Pretoria, that impending sense of doom becomes harder to ignore when graduation is no longer a distant idea. For Tsitsi Mahwire, a final-year BAdmin student in Public Administration and International Relations, that pressure is tied closely to what comes after graduation. “There is a lot of pressure, especially since the job market is so bad,” she said. Mahwire’s worry is not abstract. Her parents are not affluent, and their professional networks are limited by social class. Studies on graduate unemployment in the South African Journal of Higher Education point to limited job-market information, thin professional networks, and skill mismatches as some of the biggest barriers graduates face. For Mahwire, the question is no longer simply “What do I want to do?” Rather, it is also “Who will help
me get there? Khokela Maqwazima, a final-year BA Law student, sits in a different place, although that clarity and understanding developed over time rather than arriving at a certain moment. For him, final year is not about not knowing the destination. It is about the harder work of turning that destination into something real: applications, interviews, and the gap between wanting the life you are striving for and building it. For another final-year student who asked to remain anonymous, the pressure is more tangled. They describe the anxiety surrounding their personal life and career, and how the two might shape the person they become. “As a dreamer, I strive for nothing but the best in life,” they said. However, the economic realities plaguing Black South Africans keep pulling them back down to earth. For Mahwire, the fear is not only unemployment, but rather stagnation and the mental toll that comes with it. “My fear is spending years doing nothing whilst the world continues on,” she said. A University of Johannesburg study similarly found that graduates who are unemployed describe a psychological toll that goes beyond financial strain: anxiety, uncertainty, and a creeping sense of lost identity that builds with every unanswered application. Yet uncertainty is not necessarily failure. Mahwire pointed out that
even people years into established careers keep questioning their place in a changing world. For the anonymous student, what keeps them steady is smaller and more personal: not the fear of unemployment, but of “not making [their] mother proud”. They hold onto the belief that persistence matters, and that failure is not final. Maybe that is what makes final year so unsettling. It is not simply the end of a degree; it is the beginning of making decisions without knowing whether they will be right. The real introduction into adulthood. So instead of asking yourself and others “What are you going to do after university?”, maybe the better question as the finality of the semester slowly sinks in is, “How are you feeling about everything that comes after it?” Being lost is not the opposite of knowing where you are going. Sometimes, it is what happens when the only path you have ever known runs out from under your feet. Visuals: Jemma Thompson
Can They Fly at UP? Challenges Faced Places Where Time Slows Down: by Bursary Students Must-Visit Museums in Pretoria and Joburg Lydia la Grange
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oughly half of UP’s students make use of residence when she still had not received funding. But financial aid, whether in the form of NSFAS, once she communicated her situation to the university university-run or private bursaries, or student administration, they gave her more time to pay the fees. loans. Many of these aid schemes can be unreliable and Eventually, a bursary from the university came through leave students with outstanding debt to the university, and the student’s courses, meals, and residence were which can lead to them being deregistered or having covered through university funding. The student told us their results withheld. that they even offered to buy her a laptop. The student The University of Pretoria offers student loans, said that the university does help a lot, even if they take bursaries, and scholarships as funding options. Student a while to come through. loans cover costs but must be repaid at a later stage. The university has also recently increased its efforts Bursaries or grants are financial awards that cover to help students struggling with finances. According study costs and are usually awarded based on academic to eNCA, the University of Pretoria has recently achievement alongside financial need. Scholarships launched a drive to raise R50 million are awarded mainly based on academic to help graduates clear their student achievement. The majority of UP students debt. If a graduate has outstanding are provided with these funding options debt to the university, they cannot by independent companies and banks, while collect their results or certificate, UP funds about 5% of the total financial making it impossible for them assistance used by students each year. to get a job. However, if the PDBY interviewed students about university forgives every debt their experiences with UP’s financial without recompensation, it and administrative processes. One loses too much funding and student, who paid part of their university will be unable to maintain its fees in monthly segments, reported quality of education. UP has that in spite of paying their monthly found a compromise by launching fee, it never reflected in their account. a campaign scheduled from 2026 So when January 2026 came around, until 2028 to raise money in order to they were unable to register for their clear the R1 billion of outstanding modules. When called, the administration debt, blocking graduates from their office allegedly did not answer the phone, and hard earned degrees. Visual: Mila Jordaan the student had to go to the finance office three These are only a handful of times before the problem was resolved. Thankfully, the accounts and instances, and there are certainly more student was able to persistently advocate for themselves, experiences, good and bad, of UP students dealing with but if this had happened to a student living further away the university and financial aid. However, it is clear without the means to repeatedly visit the financial office that the university is doing their utmost to help students for assistance, that student would likely end up unable cover their finances. But as more and more students to attend the semester. apply for bursaries and financial aid, how long will the Another second-year student told us about how after university be able to keep up with the task of managing being rejected by NSFAS in her first year, she applied student funds, delayed payments, and communication for funding from the university. After having to raise between students and financial providers while also the money for registration and residence placement ensuring enough funding to provide students with a herself, she spent the entire first semester unfunded. sustainable, good quality of education? After a few months, she was nearly kicked out of her UP
Rona Disetlhe
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Reimagine our heritage institutions for a new era.” That is this year’s theme for Heritage Month. With how rich South Africa is in history, culture, traditions, and art, it is fitting that the institutions responsible for showcasing and developing these socio-cultural elements are being challenged to evolve into “spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement”. So which institutions are at the heart of this call? Museums. The places where time slows down – whether due to an enthralling art installation, a heart-wrenching showcase of key historical moments, or an exciting interactive exhibit. Consequently, here is a list of museums to visit in Pretoria and Johannesburg: The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) Of course, the museum at the top of the list is on home ground. Javett-UP, located on South Campus, looks at the creativity and future aspirations of the African continent. It responds to the present while looking back at history and looking towards the future. The latest exhibition you can go see is Thero Makepe’s “We Didn’t Choose to be Born Here” and Cow Mash’s “Ditšwatšhemong”. Address: 23 Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 17:00 Apartheid Museum A clearer look into 20th-century South Africa, comprising film footage, photographs, text panels, and artefacts that tell the events and human stories from the apartheid period. A quick Gautrain trip to Johannesburg South will have you deep into the painful history of our country. Address: Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00 The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History If you like fossils and the like, this is the place to visit. They have a collection ranging from dinosaur skeletons to plant fossils to pique your curiosity. You even get an insight into the world of Jurassic Park and Shakespearean lore. Address: City Hall, 432 Paul Kruger St, Pretoria Central Operating Hours: Daily, 07:30 – 16:00 Museum of Illusions Johannesburg Optical illusions, holograms, and immersive rooms combine education and entertainment in this u n i q u e museum that is said to inspire creativity. It will definitely leave you and your eight reflections having a fun time. Address: The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg Operating Hours: Monday – Visu a Thursday, 09:00 - 20:00; Friday Jem l: m a Thom pson – Saturday, 09:00 – 22:00; Sunday, 09:00 – 19:00 South African Air Force Museum A history lesson and an airshow? The South African Aviation Foundation is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of military aviation and its development to modern-day jets. Address: Old Johannesburg Rd, Valhalla, Pretoria Operating Hours: Saturday, 09:00 – 14:00 This is just a small selection of spaces that preserve history and still shape contemporary identity. Between them, they hold dinosaur bones and difficult truths, illusions built simply for your delight and airships carrying history. These show that a museum does not have to choose between teaching us something and moving us. So this weekend, pick one you have never been to. Let time slow down for an afternoon, and see what it has to say to you.
Why Hatred has Become a Habit Lydia la Grange
gender-based violence, and much more are running rampant. According to the International Genocide Watch, our country is in a state of political polarisation where hostility between different Visual: Gabriella le Roux races and groups is common. While we as South Africans have grown hese are the words spoken by Nokuzola Fulani at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1996. Fulani was six used to these conditions, they tend to months pregnant when she watched her fellow South boil over from time to time. Africans drag her husband, Jacobs, from their home and In 2021, the Zuma riots proved how anger, frustration, and execute him. As reported in the South African History Archive, desperation give birth to violence. executions and necklacing were common during the According to the Sandy Africa Panel, 1980s period of Apartheid. A neighbour could accuse which was appointed following the riots to you of collaborating with the Apartheid government review the incident, the riots could be termed “bread and, by doing so, sign your death warrant. These riots”: riots where the participants were desperate for attacks were fuelled by hate and desperation caused by food and basic necessities and used looting to lay the Apartheid regime, but because people were not able to burn their their hands on these. The Zuma riots led to the actual oppressors, they settled for turning their hatred and flames on destruction of many South Africans’ property, with their friends and comrades. many facing injuries. To an extent, the desperate Decades later, South Africa is now a multicultural democracy, but circumstances in our country are responsible for it just as hatred did not die with the Apartheid regime. We have many cases of hate much as the individuals involved. crimes and tension in our country: crime, racial tensions, xenophobia, On 30 June this year, our country once again faced threats of violence
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“They made him drink petrol… and burnt him in front of me.
and mass protests when March and March launched a “national shutdown” calling for all illegal immigrants to leave the country. Leading up to and following the protest, xenophobia in South Africa had increased. Unlike the Zuma riots, however, these incidents are not merely spontaneous eruptions of frustration and desperation. Politicians often look away and allow xenophobia and anti-immigrant violence to run rampant, according to an article in The Conversation. Instead of condemning and shutting down organisations spreading violence against foreigners, many elected leaders look the other way or even actively embrace them. Many politicians would rather use immigrants as the scapegoat for our failing economy and use the resulting social division for their own gain. Violence and hatred in South Africa have always existed, and in times of uncertainty and frustration, it tends to boil over into violence. In 1994, South Africans were frustrated with the Apartheid government, but because they were hard to attack, they turned on one another instead. In 2021, driven to desperation, South Africans attacked one another again. Now in 2026, we have turned our hatred towards fellow Africans for the simple act of existing in our country. Perhaps it is finally time to admit that we have made hatred a habit, but instead of directing it towards those who deserve it, we burn our comrades instead.
7 September 2026
When Academic Pressure Becomes a Prescription Problem Gabriella van Niekerk
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new semester often comes with the familiar promise that this are appropriate for you. There are also risks associated with misuse, time, things will be different. Marks will be better, you will be including adverse effects and dependence, and then, there is the legal more organised, and you will spend fewer nights frantically aspect. trying to catch up. Then work starts piling up, test week looms, and In South Africa, methylphenidate is a controlled medicine. The anything that might potentially make studying easier starts to look Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 regulates the appealing. This is where “study drugs” enter the conversation. prescribing, possession, sale, and supply of scheduled medicines. For some, taking ADHD medications becomes this shortcut. They Having a prescription means that the medicine has been may get the medications from a contact who has a prescription, prescribed to you. It does not give you permission to while others might attempt ways around a script. The idea seems sell or hand it over to your friends. simple: take the medication, concentrate for longer, and perform That means buying medication from another better. This is the idea, but what about the reality? student, selling your own prescription, or There is a common belief that taking medications such supplying it to someone who does not have as Concerta or Ritalin will automatically make you more a prescription can have legal consequences. focused, more productive, and, therefore, smarter. Depending on the circumstances, students For someone with ADHD, properly prescribed may also face disciplinary consequences medication can make a significant difference. from their university or other legal It can help manage symptoms that consequences. interfere with everyday life, studying, At the University of Pretoria, and work. That is very different from students can approach the Student taking the medication when you do Counselling Unit for help with not have ADHD and expecting it to academic and personal difficulties. turn you into a better student. Student Health Services can provide Research from the University of medical consultations, treatment, and Cambridge and the University of referrals where appropriate. Students Melbourne has questioned the idea can contact the UP Counselling that these medications automatically Careline on 0800 747 747 or improve cognitive performance Student Health Services on in regular people. In some cases, 012 420 2500. Students with participants put in more effort while diagnosed conditions affecting Visual: Gabriella le Roux producing lower-quality work and taking their studies can also approach longer to complete tasks. Access, Disability and Inclusion Being able to stay awake or feeling more focused does not mean that Services (ADIS) for support and you are learning more effectively. Studying still relies on understanding, academic accommodations. If the problem is less retaining, and applying information. about a medical condition and more about not knowing how Another common misconception is that responding well to ADHD to manage the workload, UP’s Academic Success Coaches can help medication proves that someone has ADHD. There are plenty of reasons with things such as time management, study techniques, examination why a student might struggle to concentrate. Stress, anxiety, poor preparation, and managing academic demands, which are available in sleep, burnout, and the pressure of university can all affect how well every faculty. someone is able to focus. ADHD is a medical condition that requires Asking for help might not feel like the quickest solution when you a proper assessment. A positive reaction to someone else’s medication have three assignments due and test week coming up. It is, however, a is not a diagnosis. However, if you suspect that you may have ADHD, much safer one. A pill borrowed from a friend cannot tell you whether borrowing medication from a friend is not the answer. Getting assessed you are dealing with ADHD, burnout, exhaustion, or simply too much by a healthcare professional is. work at once. It is easy to forget that prescription medication is still medication. A new semester is an opportunity to start again. That does not Taking it without medical supervision means that nobody has properly necessarily mean finding a way to study harder. Sometimes, it means considered whether the medication, dosage, or possible side effects finding out why studying has become so difficult in the first place.
Do You Miss Being Bored? Thiya Kalan
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he more complex an invention, the more we geared toward self-improvement or “life-maxxing”. assume it took a mountain of time, effort, Boredom deserves a complete rebrand. It is not a and strategy to build. The greater its impact failure to thrive – it is stillness. It is a breather. More on the world, the more resources we assume were importantly, it is not a breather you need to justify, poured into it. And the more radical the idea, the nor is it a pause button you need to optimise so you more intentional we believe its creation must have can return to work 10% more effective. A break is been. Most of the time, we would be right. But just a break. When there is nothing immediately surprisingly often, we would be dead wrong. available to entertain us, the mind wanders. It The programming language Python was created makes connections. It notices things. It revisits because Guido van Rossum needed a holiday project conversations, invents scenarios, and occasionally to stave off Christmas boredom. Calculus was born comes up with an idea that would never have because Sir Isaac Newton was stuck in quarantine surfaced if we were busy consuming something else. for 18 months with nothing better to do. Penicillin Of course, not every bored moment is going to came from a messy desk and an unwashed petri dish. produce the next Python or penicillin. Most will What if boredom was not a problem we needed to probably produce an unnecessarily detailed fantasy solve, but a condition we needed to protect? about what you would do if you won the lottery. This is not a plea to adjust our digital diets or And that is okay. We have become so obsessed be less productive, but it does examine something: with productivity that even doing nothing seems to our collective fear of stillness. We have become require a justification. If boredom leads to a brilliant remarkably good at eliminating boredom. Waiting idea, suddenly, it is valuable. If it leads nowhere, we for a friend? Scroll. Sitting in a queue? Scroll. call it wasted time. But not everything has to lead Walking somewhere? Put your headphones in. We somewhere. have built an entire ecosystem around making sure Taking the long way home without listening to that we are never left alone with an empty five anything is not an inefficiency. Waiting for your minutes. coffee does not need to become an opportunity Partly, it is because boredom has always had a to watch a self-improvement reel. Maybe a few terrible reputation. It is usually an insult – the label minutes of absolutely nothing can simply be we attach to a friend we stopped hanging out with, nothing. We cannot and should not romanticise the complaint about “having nothing to do”, or the boredom. It can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, feeling that makes us reach for our phones when a and, occasionally, incredibly dull. But perhaps, that moment stretches beyond our comfort zone. Our is exactly why we need it. days are so densely packed that even our downtime The answer is not deleting every social media app has become productive. We listen to podcasts while or swearing off your podcasts. Maybe it is simply walking, watch Netflix while eating, revise with becoming a little more comfortable with the empty Visuals: Gabriella le Roux music playing in the background, and moments. Because at the end scroll before bed. We have somehow of the day, doing absolutely turned doing nothing into nothing is severely something we need to feel guilty underrated. And if we never about. allow ourselves to be Being efficient and on a quest bored, we will never find for self-improvement is great. out what our minds can do Discovering your purpose is even when no one else is telling greater. Do not be discouraged. them what to think. But not every single second of your existence needs to be
Cosy
Features | 7
Corner
Revolution Mpho Mahlangu When you see me in my hair, it is activism It is me reconstructing the perception I carried for years It is a bold declaration that I am who I am It is courage, it is healing, a wipe of years' worth of tears When you see me in my hair, it is a therapy session Between me and me, and another black girl That I finally hear you, that your crown is not a thorn Your being is not a curse and your natural is not a burden When you see me in my hair Recognise that art, the rise above criticism The triumph of consciousness and the root of excellence See it as a celebration for a black girl’s existence, the one who was once exiled out of her power It is restoration and revolution, the redemption of self A reign of victory When you see me in my hair Know that I found a way back home The mirror doesn’t scare me anymore So, see it as a generational breakthrough A very difficult battle I won When you see me in my hair, See a story of many black girls who are still fighting for their freedom See it as a step closer to healing the wounds of our ancestors See it as revolution, a phenomenal concept.
Polite but Invisible: Rewiring Deference for the Modern Workplace Rona Disetlhe
Behavior in Foreign Cultural Interaction, Molinsky defines cultural code-switching as the act of “Nothing from my deliberately adjusting one's behaviour in a foreign setting to accommodate different cultural norms of side…” is a comment appropriateness. “Foreign” in this context means the familiar to most meetings. office: a space where you have to learn how to hold eye contact, interrupt, and self-promote in a way owever, is it received as just simple much more daring than you are familiar with. satisfaction or a sign of disinterest? What In a study by James Lappeman and others if I said that this dilemma begins with a titled Investigating the Experiences of Cultural cultural mismatch? Code-Switching Among One of the most beautiful Black Middle-Class aspects of South African Professionals in South culture is how deeply Africa, female participant embedded respect is. with fifteen years of Respect goes beyond being corporate experience is a common value – it is a part quoted saying, “As black of who we are. From asking South Africans, we are permission before sitting next raised to not look at our to a stranger or using familial elders in the eyes, since or honourific titles for any it is a sign of disrespect.” older people in public, even She contrasted this someone you have never met, statement with how her like “Uncle” or “Gogo”, it is white peers’ intrinsic how we are raised. This very confidence allowed them foundation fosters humility. to freely engage with However, being respectful managers. This highlights in African culture can also a very common contrast: Visual: Daniel Green include listening quietly two employees, equally and not challenging a person in authority. A direct capable, read completely differently in the same parallel… a mismatch to corporate culture where room. value is not solely tied to work ethic but also to Instinctively, the solution you might be thinking speaking up and taking initiative. Thus, anything of is to change yourself, hold eye contact, and sound opposite from this, like quiet deference, may be more assertive. Both are correct, but they may require perceived as a lack of critical thinking or ambition. It a deeper, self-reflective look. A cultural norm is not is a culture centred around professional relationships always a personal deficiency. Maybe there is room and daring ambition that may require a practice for development on both sides, where even quiet coined as cultural code-switching. listening can be a form of active engagement. In The Psychological Challenges of Adapting
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8 | Shoot your Shot
7 September 2026
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Hello UP student – this is a safe space to shoot your shot at all those cute people you see on campus. Tell those people how you feel about them, hit on your crush, or compliment a person on that outfit they were wearing the other day. Anything positive really. Try to be as descriptive and creative as possible with your description so it makes it easy for the person to identify themselves. If both people agree, PDBY will arrange a meetup. Do you think this is you? Email: shootyourshot@pdby.co.za
NM from accounting science I got your name from one of your friends at res, I wanna tell you that I would die to have you.
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To the girl with green glasses and green eyes in my Zen 353 class, I study geography, so baby I can rock your world.
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Scan the QR code to shoot your shot
7 September 2026
Fun and Games | 9
FUN AND GAMES Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Cote d'Ivoire Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Kenya Lesotho
Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
and h c r se a he d r o e w i f y a l l t r ie s h t e S o l v e n ide n t n c o u n t ic a th r f A ap nt m e r e e di f f on th
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7 September 2026
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7 September 2026
Entertainment | 11
Fear of the “Other”: Queerness in Horror
Mazviita Pasi & Atanda Ntlantsana
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orror, according to Brooke Lilek, is a canvas for “what haunts [American] society”. Horror reflects what we fear most. The animalistic shark predator in Jaws evokes the instinctual fears of early hunter-gatherers while The Exorcist shows the patriarchal anxieties of the 70s by presenting the foul-mouthed, tomboyish teenager as possessed by a demon. Responses to transgender and gender-diverse individuals have been historically hostile. It is no secret that this has continued into the current social climate, such as when politician Helen Zille compared trans rights activism to a “contagion” in a tweet. The fear of transgenderism has trickled into horror. One need not look further than the concluding scene of Sleepaway Camp where the horror is not in the violence of the severed head but in the reveal that “Angela” is a boy. A popular example of how horror reflects the fear of trans identities is in Silence of the Lambs. This film details the story of transgender serial killer Jame Gumb, who desires the final physical form of a woman. After being denied gender reassignment surgery, she embarks on a killing spree where she deliberately targets female victims, skinning them to fashion a female suit for herself. The message here is that the desire for transgender authenticity manifests itself in acts of violence against other people. Christina Hodel identifies how Silence of the Lambs never allows us to feel any empathy for Gumb. Instead, we only learn of the character’s past and previous crimes. The film frames the transgender individual as “monstrous and untrustworthy” for desiring to live authentically. Horror seems to have completely different messaging when written by and for queer people. When horror is intentionally written to portray an aspect of the queer experience, there seems to be more queer-positive messaging.
Alyx Bell
Visual:Amy Lamplough
The 2024 film I Saw The TV Glow centres the trans experience from a different perspective than Silence Of The Lambs. Rather than the character’s trans identity being a point of fear, this film focuses on the experience of closeted trans individuals. The horror factor comes from the fact that the main character, Owen, refuses to embrace his true identity – “Tara”. The “closet” in this case is represented by the midnight realm, an alternate world in which Owen
is trapped in an inauthentic life. This is in contrast to the real world where Tara, Owen’s true self, has been trapped in the midnight realm. Owen would rather remain in the midnight realm than explore the possibility that there is another “truer” version of himself. Owen is told, “The longer you wait, the closer you get to suffocating.” He knows that something is wrong. He knows that his true self is wasting away as he continues to live the life he feels he is supposed to live. This is what instills fear in us as viewers. Whereas Silence Of The Lambs’s subtext villainises the authentic expression of trans identities, I Saw the TV Glow explicitly places denying one’s true identity – specifically one’s trans identity – as a source of terror, leaving viewers understanding that what is scarier than being yourself is not being yourself. The recent queer horror film Leviticus depicts two boys, Ryan and Naim, being haunted by a violent entity which takes the form of the person they desire most – each other. This may seem as though it places queer desire negatively. However, as Ryan and Naim continue to pursue each other despite the fear that they could be interacting with the entity trying to kill them, audiences begin to root for them and their love. The entity itself emerges as a result of a ritual performed by a local pastor deemed the “deliverance healer”, representative of conversion therapy. The film frames religion-based homophobia as horrific and has the audience hoping Ryan and Naim will find a way to be together. The horror element in this film presents itself as the entity that keeps Ryan and Naim apart, but also as the people who shame queer desire. As queer people tell their own horror stories, we begin to see a different perspective on queerness. Rather than fearing queer identity, the true horror is living inauthentically. With more queer directors telling queer stories, we see that there is no need to fear the “other”.
The Gen-Z Hieroglyph
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hey set a tone. They create a mood. A sticker is more than just a funny picture shared between friends; it is the Gen-Z de-facto communication method. PDBY recently conducted a poll on Instagram asking students if they use stickers in digital communication. 87% of the poll respondents shared that they use WhatsApp stickers most of the time, with a further 7% saying their use was dependent on the conversation being had. It becomes clear that more and more people are turning to stickers to communicate over messages. In order to understand why, PDBY opened up the floor to sticker enthusiasts. Through a questionnaire, students were asked why they use stickers. One student shared that stickers “can communicate things that words and emojis just can’t”, with another adding that “sarcasm doesn’t relay over text”, and they further suggest that stickers can be used to bridge that gap. A respondent shared an interesting perspective on how stickers can actually add in the missing body-language element of communicating via text. Another respondent shared how stickers can be useful aids when you do not know what to say (I guess it is true what they say: a picture speaks a thousand words). Let’s jump into some theory: researchers Esther Linares Bernabéu from the University of València and Francisco Yus from the University of Alicante talk about the changing communication landscape in their paper A pragmatic typology of WhatsApp sticker
functions. In this paper, they suggest that communication is now a “multimodal-semiotic ecosystem” that encompasses “various sign systems”. Meaning is no longer simply constructed over textual discourse but rather through a blend of words, stickers, emojis, and videos. Within their study, three functions of stickers were identified: The first function is how stickers are linked to the sender’s intention. This highlights the importance of constructing one’s identity into message interactions. They serve as a way to express oneself. Secondly, stickers are used to convey non-verbal communication that is typically absent from text conversations. Lastly, stickers are sent to guide the recipient's understanding and interpretation of a textual conversation. To further understand the important role of stickers in everyday communication, PDBY sat down with the Visual Media Editor and asked them what their process is behind their sticker making. In this exclusive, the Visual Media Editor shared that they will take what they have described as “diabolical” pictures of their friends and then turn them into stickers. The Visual Media Editor shared that making stickers of friends “creates a close bond” and allows for “people to laugh at themselves”.
Stickers provided
Additionally, they will create stickers of pop-culture moments and cult-classic TV shows and movies that people can instantly recognise and identify with. PDBY also sat down with an international student who shared that “stickers help to close the geographical distance” and help keep “connections strong” despite the lack of in-person contact. Stickers are all about connection and community. Many people talk about how they will “steal” stickers from their friends and send them to other friends. Next thing you know, that weird sticker you made is being sent back in the post-exam debrief on the module group chat. UP students were asked why they “steal” other people’s stickers. One student shared that it is a “fast and easy way to get stickers” and that “people have the best sticker collections that make it hard not to steal”. Another student spoke on how “not everyone can paint the Mona Lisa and in the same way some people just make better stickers.” No matter how stickers come to be, one thing is clear: they bring people together and help communication among a community. They work perfectly to break the ice, make your point clear, help emphasise an emotion, and end off an awkward conversation. I mean, what better way to break no contact with your deranged ex than a sticker of Lin-Manuel Miranda looking extra whimsical?
The East is in Session: The Asian Persuasion Explanation
Milan Govender
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rab your matcha, manga, and your adidas Chinese New Year Tang Jacket, because we are about to unpack the Asian Persuasion takeover from the boot of a Jetour. Culture and pop-culture are slowly being de-gentrified as Asia gains a growing global influence. Prior to this cultural and economic remix, Western fashion, entertainment, and technology were seen as normal and standardised, while every other culture was deemed “ethnic” and “cheap”. Previously, buying an Asian-manufactured car was shrouded in scepticism. However, in recent decades, there has been an influx of Asian car manufacturers. Japan gave us Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan, and Mazda. China gave us Chery, Jetour, Jaecoo, and BYD. Korea gave us Hyundai and Kia, and India gave us Mahindra and Tata. This took the spotlight off of European car manufacturers as Asia bestowed cheaper, chicer, and chargeable cars upon us, with 37 new features. This makes us wonder why we questioned them in the first place. Heated seats, panoramic roofs, and 360-degree cameras are not too shabby, so why did we have to have a German or Swiss car? Moreover, on top of commercial car sales, the exclusivity and level of dope-as-hell-ness of JDM cars has piqued our interests more than ever before. Everyone wants a Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Honda NSX, or Subaru Impreza WRX STI to live out
their Fast and Furious fantasies, myself included. We never thought we would live to see the day that snail mucin was key in one’s skincare routine, but alas, Asia, you’ve done it! In terms of fashion, aesthetics, and cosmetics, they have everyone covered. Japanese streetwear, Korean skincare, and Indian haircare are increasingly becoming popularised. The regularisation of turmeric face masks, balloon silhouettes, glass skin, Y2K baby tees, balletcore, amla hair oil, chunky kawaii shoes, and semiformal blazers allows Asian fashion and beauty to take the stage, displacing Western, colonial-based trends and monopolised industry accumulation. Asian entertainment is also steamrolling their swag, with Bollywood, anime, TikTok, Nintendo, PlayStation, KPop, and KDramas being major contenders in our daily lives. Weekly Kung Fu Kitchen visits aside, Asian food has deeply influenced what we eat today, like noodles, chutneys, stirfries, biryani, and sushi. Moreover,
Asian drinks are now on our local menus – Vietnamese iced lattes, Thai milk tea, Japanese matcha, and Korean soju – and it has got me feeling like lowkey I wish I was made in China. Now, the traction of becoming Asiatic fanatics carries something quietly political about Asia’s cultural boom, which is the de-gentrification and de-centering of the West in global culture and as the default standard. Visual:Mila Jordan This is important because not only does it tackle the “Western = universal” bias that subconsciously and comfortably sits in our heads, but it also gives Asia more economic and cultural authority as they become influential on their own terms. So, is the group chat making it to Japan for the next holiday?
12 | Entertainment
N.B: He’s Not Morally Grey, He Belongs on a List
Kopanyi Ramokgopa
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o many, dark romance books are highly turns 18. In what disturbing world should anybody attractive reads. They are dramatic and read a book about a child being groomed and come intense, offering a form of entertainment out of it thinking it was romantic? that lets readers insert themselves into scenarios In some BDSM-specific dark romance books, and tropes that would otherwise be questionable in authors write scenes that feature “resistance play”, real life. Realistically, no one actually wants to be which is defined by ChoosingTherapy.com as a swept off their feet by a potentially psychopathic, “role play scenario where participants pre-negotiate dangerous 6’7 mafia boss who quite literally hates and agree to simulate a forced or non-consensual everyone but them, but reading about it sure can be sexual encounter”. But members of the BDSM fun. Dark romances are typically written by women community argue that their kinks – which, above for a predominantly female audience, and this genre everything, require full and enthusiastic consent of romance books enables many readers to explore – are misrepresented, especially in books such as their sexuality and engage with taboos safely. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton. In this book, Unlike traditional romance books – which are a woman is relentlessly stalked, harassed, and more wholesome, with swoonworthy meet-cutes and continuously forced into sexual acts that go as far happily-ever-afters – dark romances feature some as to include the forceful insertion of a gun into her of these elements, but the portrayal of romantic genitals. At the end of the book, the victim falls in relationships involves power imbalances, toxic love with her perpetrator. As it currently stands, dynamics, spicy scenes, and this book is being behaviours that typically blur adapted into a the lines of morality without movie. How crossing them. In normal, can this book healthy relationships, be portrayed as extreme jealousy and romantic and excessive control not some deeply are red flags, but messed-up, in dark romance, badly-written Visual: Gabriella le Roux these behaviours PSA about severe can be proof of one's undying love and devotion. abuse leading to Stockholm Syndrome? Dark Importantly, most readers of these books are aware romance authors who write for the sake of writing that these are not the type of relationships one should and substitute romance for gory scenes not only pose strive for in real life. Rather, they are guilty pleasures harm to the reader – regardless of the grocery list of or ways to get your reading in without having to go trigger warnings listed and the “protect your mental through 500 pages of some pretentious person telling health” pleas before the book begins – but also harm you that you are only poor because you do not wake communities that are already misunderstood, judged, up at the crack of dawn. and shamed for their interests. The problem with some dark romances emerges It is important to support authors who tackle dark when authors do not blur the lines of morality but romances with nuance – authors who can explore instead romanticise grooming and sexual assault. In otherwise taboo themes that some people enjoy the book Credence by Penelope Douglas, a 17-yearreading about or participating in with tact, never old orphan moves in with her step-uncle and his two compromising a character's autonomy or ability to sons. Throughout the book, these adults have various consent. A dark romance book, above all, should be sexually charged encounters with her and eventually romantic, not abusive. engage in sexual acts with her from the exact day she
No More Doomed Yaoi
Atanda Ntlantsana
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n a world filled with doomed yaoi, toxic yuri, and other tragic tropes in queer media, it can often feel like drama and sadness are common themes in popular queer media, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. The queer experience can be a difficult one, and oftentimes, queer representation reflects that. These stories tug at our heartstrings and move us emotionally. But it is also true that such representation can leave one dejected and wondering, “Where’s my happy ending?” Just as much as there are hardships in the queer experience, there is also beauty and joy. Tears fill our eyes as Jack and Ennis miss out on their good life together. Our hearts ache when Achilles is yet another hero who does not get to be happy. But when do we get to smile and laugh? Queer joy refers to unapologetic expressions of happiness, love, and euphoria among queer individuals. This is a very important form of representation as it reminds us that despite adversity, joy can be found in community and unabashed love. If this is the kind of story you want to see, look no further, because the South African film industry is bringing joy to the forefront of queer stories. The 2025 film Umjolo: There Is No Cure and the 2026 film Black Burns Fast are sapphic films that centre South African lesbians. Black Burns Fast is a teen romance that centres a young girl discovering her sexuality and navigating her first romantic experiences. Umjolo: There Is No Cure features older characters and finding love in unexpected places. These stories centre love and are
more lighthearted films. What is most refreshing about the films is that they remain true to the queer experience while still allowing the queer characters to experience joy and happiness. These stories are not only beautiful depictions of queer love, but they also serve as a reminder that queerness is not all doom and gloom. Further, the films remind queer South Africans that love awaits them. It is important to understand that even though queer people do have a very unique experience for many reasons, they are also just people whose queerness does not have to be the centre of their life in a negative way. We need to be creating and consuming happy media along with the sad. Of course, the experience of the queer community is not all sunshine and rainbows, and there is a lot of progress that needs to be made for queer liberation. But depicting queer joy is an important step in the right direction as it provides comfort and serves as a reminder that queer people can, in fact, have happy endings.
Visual: Mila Jordaan
07 September 2026
The Artist is the Art Zizo Mtshemla
*Note: This article mentions child abuse and murder. rt is one of humanity’s most revered that the pair met in 2022 forms of self-expression. Through it, we when D4VD was 16 are able to document, release, and share and Hernandez was 11. our experiences. Through it, we prove that we are They then began a sexual not alone; our joys and suffering are not isolated relationship when Burke experiences. Because of the immense impact art was 18 and Hernandez Visual: Daniel Green can make on our lives, discourse around it is never- was 13. Shockingly, they had matching tattoos ending. Humans are generally multifaceted beings and spent holiday trips together (to the knowledge – a cruel individual can be capable of making of both of their families), among other “normal” beautiful and relatable art. However, does this relationship activities despite the immoral nature make their art less resonant? This is the question of their “relationship”. that humanity can never seem to come to a general D4VD’s music typically details topics about consensus for. Can we ever truly separate the art dark romance and love. The court of public from the artist? opinion is fully convinced that D4VD is guilty From the “simple” drawings in ancient caves to of what he is charged with, especially with the the intricate double entendres from your favourite extra scrutiny being placed on his song lyrics. An rapper, art IS humanity. It is a window into the unreleased demo of his titled “Celeste” has been a artist’s mind and the society they are born from. topic of discussion. The song includes the lyrics, James Baldwin asserted that art acts as a bridge “ Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on between humans: “... you read something, you her chest.” Furthermore, the accompanying music hear something, and you realise that your suffering video for his hit “Romantic Homicide” features does not isolate you.” As a result, many people see the lifeless body of a Hispanic woman covered in themselves in their favourite artists. blood, and many have noted her resemblance to To create meaningful art, one etches pieces of the late Hernandez. themself into their artform. Even the reductive How can the artist be separated from their art belief that art can purely be for aesthetic value when this is what we are dealing with? This is is a way of revealing your internal beliefs. What not a new phenomenon. We have seen it before you create is a reflection of how you view the when then 27-year-old R. Kelly wrote the song world, what your experiences look like, and what “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” for a 15-yearis acceptable in your society. Without having met old Aaliyah, whom he had illegally married. me, one could easily deduce my interests and Supporting an artist’s work is not a passive political beliefs from a quick reading of at least endeavour. Each stream for a song results in an three of my articles. This is where separating the artist accruing profit. This allows an artist to profit artist from their art becomes murky. from their behaviour and offers them the platform D4VD, legally known as David Burke, is an to continue in their ways. American singer/songwriter who rose to fame Two things can be true at once: people can after his song “Romantic Homicide” went viral be immoral and make entertaining art. An on TikTok in 2022. He is currently in hot water acknowledgement of this may be the cure to the as he is on trial for the murder of Celeste Rivas deification of celebrities and excellent artists. Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl who was found They are also human and are capable of doing both dead and dismembered in the trunk of Burke’s good and bad. A desire to separate the artist from impounded car. He has been charged with “first- their art may be an attempt to absolve ourselves of degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child the guilt of supporting a bad person. Art is a tool under 14 years of age, and unlawful mutilation to communicate and reveal our inner workings – of human remains”. Court proceedings show even the bad parts.
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We Need to Leave Helen of Troy Sparta Alone
Melissa Aitchison
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hree thousand years after Homer’s epics were if we accept that whiteness is the default for beauty: first sung, Helen of Troy remains remarkably a deeply problematic premise that the backlash good at starting conflict. The latest battlefield is inadvertently exposes. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which has reignited The controversy over Helen’s appearance is merely an old argument about who gets to play the mythical the latest chapter in a much older story. The obsession “face that launched a thousand ships”. Fueled by figures with Helen’s beauty has a darker, more uncomfortable like Elon Musk, Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen has consequence. Since The Iliad, Helen has served as the attracted backlash from various corners of the internet, ultimate scapegoat for male violence. Her abduction raising familiar complaints about “historical accuracy” (or elopement, depending on the translation) launched and “woke” casting. Suddenly, a character who exists a thousand ships and a decade of bloodshed, and she somewhere between myth, poetry, and history has has been blamed for it ever since. By framing her as become another front in the internet’s seemingly a passive victim whose beauty is a destructive force, endless culture wars. patriarchal narratives absolve the male characters such But perhaps the strangest thing about all of this as Menelaus, Paris, Agamemnon, and Achilles of their is that Helen has never actually belonged own agency in choosing to go to war. to one definitive image. Homer does not But whether Helen is framed as a give an exact description for Helen. The villain or a victim, she remains mythology surrounding her has been a symbol. She is a decorative retold, rewritten, and reimagined for object to be fought over and centuries, with different translations defined by men. Her own title creating their own versions of is not even her own. Helen what she looks like and, more is the Queen of Sparta, but importantly, what she represents. she is only referred to as “of Yet every new adaption seems to Troy” because she spent ten years in invite the same question: is this Troy after eloping or being taken actress the Helen of Troy? by the Trojan prince, Paris. Her The answer should probably be identity has been tied to men for that there is no the Helen of Troy. millenia. The current debate over In Greek Mythology, Helen is the Nyong’o’s casting is repeating the daughter of Zeus, the man who turned same pattern. The arguments are not really himself into a swan to trick and mate about Helen – they are about using her as a with Leda, Queen of Sparta. Leda then scapegoat in a culture war over beauty, race, laid an egg, and Helen hatched from it. and representation. To demand “accuracy” for a character who Nyong’o herself has refused to engage is literally half-bird seems insane. Homer’s with the backlash, saying, “I’m not spending descriptions of Helen are generic "beautifulmy time thinking of a defense.” This is a grace haired" and "white-armed", terms more around that Helen, fictional as she is, has never been Visual: class definition than race. “White-armed” is a Mila Jordaan afforded. The public outrage over her casting high-status social and beauty marker. It described is a reminder that women, especially women women and goddesses who had unblemished skin of colour, are constantly subjected to a scrutiny that because they did not work outdoors in the sun. Nolan's their male counterparts are not. Ultimately, these film also stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, and no one arguments are a distraction. Nolan’s The Odyssey is is seriously arguing that the Massachusetts-born actor an interpretation, one in a long line of retellings that is the spitting image of a Bronze Age Ithacan king. I stretch back to Homer himself. It is a work of art, not a mean, Matt Damon’s entire filmography is just him historical document. To demand it conform to a single, desperately trying to get home to Ben Affleck (which narrow image of Helen is to misunderstand the purpose could mean nothing). of myth. Helen belongs to everyone and to no one. It is The casting of Nyong’o only becomes a problem time to let her rest.
7 September 2026
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14 | Sport
7 September 2026
The Piazza Paradox: High Registration, Low Turnout, and the Disengaged Student Vote
Sawelelwa Zuleikha Gumede
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Sawelelwa and Corné are part of the news and sports presenting team at Tuks FM. Tune into Tuks FM on 107.2FM or stream us on www.tuksfm.co.za
verywhere you turn in and around Hatfield campus these past few weeks, there have been voting registration stands hosted by various political parties and representatives from the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC), specifically at the student centre piazza. There was a noticeable influx of students ready to scan the QR code and submit their ID numbers to check their registration statuses. The process was quick and frictionless, requiring little persuasion. However, statistics on the IEC’s website show that this does not translate to the ballot box. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 make up roughly one-third of the voting-age population, but the number of registered individuals within this demographic barely make up a fifth of registered voters. Most students were highly incentivised by the merchandise and sense of accomplishment for completing the process, but that energy is not being consistently transferred to the ballot box. Is this a result of pure ignorance towards our democratic rights, or is this a symptom of a deeper systemic mistrust of institutional processes? “Voting is an act of confidence and an act of faith,” said lecturer and academic from the Department of Political Science Dr Heather Thuynsma. “Youth non-voting is often driven more by a conscious political boycott of current party options than through administrative friction. Trends tend to show [that] this is because of campus political organisations hosting massive registration drives, but [they] struggle to actively connect local and national party politics to the daily, immediate struggles of the students themselves, such as rolling blackouts and water outages.” The local elections are set to take place on 4 November. Besides stressing about achieving distinctions or a passing grade, the youth unemployment crisis makes the future for the youth of South Africa despondent rather than hopeful. This drives apathy and systemic mistrust towards local government. Vuyo – a first-year student and first-time voter from Eshowe, Kwa-Zulu Natal – feels no belonging
or personal conviction in the local political parties governing the City of Tshwane. They live in a residence far from home and feel that things will not affect them. There is also a sense of a lack of known opportunities to get politically involved. “I only signed up to see what the commotion is all about. I don’t even know who to vote for or if it’s even worth it,” they said. “They don’t care about us. They don’t care about our struggles of paying high deposits at res or NSFAS delaying with payouts. There’s no policy or manifesto that wants to address that.” Tiaan Dippenaar – representative of the DA and Ward Councilor for Ward 56, which includes Hatfield and its surrounding areas such as Hillcrest and Brooklyn – noted that they are aware that many students come from various parts of the country. The aim of the activation stands is to increase registration for this specific ward to ease the logistical challenges involved in travelling home to cast your vote during exam season. Beyond that, he also urged young people and students to exercise their civic duty and be involved in current and political affairs. “The only reliable voters are the pensioners, which is sad because they get involved in policies that don’t affect them as much as the youth who haven’t faced the harsh reality of life full-on yet,” he commented. Dippenaar continued, “Registering is the first step in a long journey, and we owe it to the future generation to make it as hassle-free as possible.” While there is truth in that, there is an even longer journey ahead to build confidence in their political representatives among the youth – one that seeks to provide justice and service delivery beyond just a flashy title. The lack of municipal voter outreach and resolutions create high barriers to the creation of a connection between local government and student affairs. This is something that the demographic feels disappointed by, but know that it is used for statistics that reflect progress and success where there is none.
Touchline Tempers: The Menlopark and EG Jansen Clash That Disgraced the Game Corné Snyman
T
he highly-anticipated Virseker Noordvaal Cup fixture between Hoërskool Menlopark and Hoërskool Dr E.G. Jansen was abandoned on 1 August after a physical altercation broke out involving adult coaching staff and parents on the sidelines. What began as a normal, schoolboy rugby match ended in a confrontation that has prompted ongoing investigations. Viral videos of the brawl shared widely on social media showed a chaotic scene on the touchlines, with adults entering the field while learners continued to sing warcries in the stands. The match was stopped just minutes into the second half with Menlopark leading 365. In the days following the incident, contrasting narratives from both schools and accounts from those on the ground have highlighted deeply differing views on what sparked the confrontation. In a press release issued after the match, Hoërskool Dr E.G. Jansen alleged that a group of Menlopark "Old Boys" had set up a gazebo behind the goalposts, consumed alcohol, and hurled severe racist remarks at black E.G. Jansen players. The school claimed that the altercation escalated when one of their players was pulled over a fence and assaulted, prompting parents to physically intervene to protect their children. Hoërskool Menlopark issued a statement days later, explicitly denying the allegations of racism. The school’s governing body
expressed regret that the claims were only being raised four days after the incident, warning that it would be extremely damaging if they proved to be a "desperate fabrication intended to shift blame". Citing accounts from neutral match officials, Menlopark explained that the allegations were entirely without foundation and firmly distanced themselves from the violence, saying that none of their players, coaches, or staff were involved. Following the incident, the Virseker Noordvaal Cup Committee placed all actively involved individuals on immediate precautionary suspension pending formal disciplinary hearings scheduled for the week of 17 August. The committee confirmed that written outcomes will be communicated once the hearings have concluded. Menlopark teacher Rigardt Dey, who was caught up in the incident, provided a first-hand account of the events. Speaking to Martin Bester on Jacaranda FM's Breakfast Show, Dey detailed the chaotic moments when the brawl erupted. As a teacher, he recalled standing on the touchline, actively trying to keep the Menlopark learners in the stands and away from the confrontation. During this time, Dey was struck from behind by an adult, unable to tell whether it was an elbow or a slap, which caused him to fall. "I don't even want my child to be there," Dey told Bester, expressing his disbelief over the adults' behaviour at a high school fixture. "There's
not a single child or teacher from this beautiful, wonderful school... that did anything. But here is a guy who just can't control himself." The incident has since led to broader discussions about the pressure surrounding elite school sport. Speaking to Mia Spies on Netwerk24, sports psychologist Dr Henning Gericke noted an increasing "winobsession" that has influenced school sports. According to Dr Gericke, while competitiveness is not inherently bad, the pressure to win can cause adults on the touchline to lose sight of the core purpose of school sports. "We have forgotten what the core values are," Dr Gericke explained. He noted that when parents and communities place the outcome of a high school rugby match above everything else, the immense pressure placed on the teenagers often becomes a vessel for adult egos. When those expectations are frustrated, the development and well-being of the young players become secondary, and boundaries are crossed. For Menlopark and E.G. Jansen, the immediate focus is now on the formal disciplinary process and resolving the conflicting accounts of what happened on the day as both teams failed to reach the playoffs. While the match itself ended with a 36-5 scoreline, the events on the touchline have shifted attention away from rugby and towards the conduct of the adults involved.
The Champions Next Door: How Communities Build Sporting Excellence Betty Molefe
M
any of South Africa's greatest athletes started in far simpler environments. Before the bright lights of professional stadiums and international competitions, they started in a dusty football field, a community boxing gym, a school netball court, or an unofficial cricket ground. The roots of sporting venues around the country are now the starting point for the development of discipline, the discovery of potential, and the start of ambitions. These locations serve as community centres where coaches, families, and young athletes unite to create the next generation of winners. They are more than just places to play. South Africa's sporting legacy is linked to the locations where young people initially develop a passion for the game, from township streets to rural communities. For instance, township football grounds have been some of the best talent manufacturers in the whole country for many centuries. Young athletes have used open areas, rough fields, and improvised goals as their first training grounds due to minimal resources and boundless excitement. Before being found by professional clubs, many professional football players started off by playing in neighbourhood leagues, school competitions, and community tournaments. Football skill development is just one aspect of these domains. They
teach resilience, dedication, and teamwork to young athletes. Local coaches frequently serve as athletes' first mentors, offering advice both on and off the field. Community football coach Mr Mothiba said, "A player needs someone who believes in them before they become a professional. We do more than just teach football. We educate youth about responsibility, discipline, and respect." A notable example is netball, a sport that offers chances for confidence building, leadership, and teamwork outside of competition. Young women are frequently inspired by coaches to have confidence in their skills and pursue athletic goals. Moreover, school and community courts serve as essential venues for participation and growth in netball, which is one of the most popular sports among young ladies in South Africa. Furthermore, maintaining the sporting heritage of South Africa, the pursuit of future champions is only one aspect of foundation sports. It symbolises resilience, communal pride, and the ability of sport to unite people. While boxing gyms create champions, outside of these boxing gyms, they have been used as safe spaces where young people in various South African communities can grow in self-confidence, focus, and willpower. The local boxing clubs continue to produce skilled boxers
Photo: Sourced
who participate at the regional, national, and international levels while often operating with little equipment. In South Africa, stories of aspiration and success may be found on football grounds, boxing gyms, sports clubs, and netball courts, among many others. The beginning of every champion and many South African athletes start in the areas where young people dare to dream, coaches aim to inspire, and communities come together. Rural and township sports serve as a reminder that excellence does not necessarily begin in a stadium. Sometimes, it begins with a ball, a coach, and a group of believers on a small field.
7 September 2026
United by Sport:
Sport | 15
The Traditions That Have Become South African Heritage Cayden Coetzer
S
port in South Africa has never simply been about what happens on the field. For generations, sport has reflected the country’s changing identity, carried the weight of its history, and, at some of its most important moments, brought people together across boundaries that once seemed impossible to cross. From a packed rugby stadium singing the national anthem to families gathering around the television for a Proteas match, sport has become deeply woven into the South African experience. But the country’s sporting heritage is far broader than the codes that dominate the headlines. Rugby, football, cricket, and athletics have each developed their own traditions, communities, and histories. Some traditions were inherited from colonial influence while others were developed within local communities, and many have evolved as South Africa itself has changed.
A History Written on the Field
South African sport cannot be separated from the country’s political history. During Apartheid, sporting participation was deeply affected by racial segregation. Different communities experienced sport in very different ways, while South Africa’s international isolation also meant that sporting events became politically significant. Therefore, sport became both a reflection of division and, eventually, a potential vehicle for reconciliation. The 1995 Rugby World Cup is perhaps the clearest example of this transformation. The image of Nelson Mandela wearing the Springbok jersey
and presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar became one of the defining images of the country’s transition into democracy. But rugby was not the only sport carrying historical significance. Football developed powerful roots within communities across the country, while cricket’s history reflects both exclusion and the gradual transformation of the sport. Athletics, meanwhile, has produced some of South Africa’s most recognisable international stars. Each sport tells a different story, and together, they form a much larger story about who South Africans are.
More than the Final Whistle
Sporting traditions are often passed down without us even realising it. A parent introducing their child to their favourite team. A school teaching its traditional war cry. Students gathering around a television during a major international tournament. Supporters wearing their team’s colours on match day. These seemingly ordinary rituals become part of a country’s cultural memory. They also change with every generation. For older South Africans, certain sporting moments may immediately bring back memories of Apartheid – the 1995 Rugby World Cup or the country’s return to international competition. For younger South Africans, those same moments may exist primarily through photographs, documentaries, and stories told by their parents. This raises an important question: how much of South Africa’s sporting heritage is being passed on?
Sacred Grounds: The South African Stadiums That Shaped our Sporting Heritage
Anastacia Couloubis
A
stadium is technically just a place where people go to watch sport. Concrete. Seats. A field. A few hundred bathrooms that somehow never have enough toilet paper. But some stadiums become so much more than that. They become places where history happens. South Africa is home to some of the most recognisable sporting stadiums on the continent, and many of them have witnessed moments that go far beyond the final score. From football world cup victories and Rugby World Cup finals to historic performances and emotional goodbyes, these stadiums have become part of the country’s cultural identity. For Heritage Month, it is worth looking at the grounds where some of South Africa’s biggest sporting memories were made. Because sometimes, the stadium is almost as important as the game.
FNB Stadium: Where the World came to South Africa
There is probably no stadium more closely associated with modern South African sporting history than FNB Stadium, better known as Soccer City. Located in Johannesburg, the stadium has been part of some of the country’s biggest football moments, but its most famous chapter came in 2010. South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African country to host the tournament, and Soccer City was at the centre of it all. The opening match between South Africa and Mexico was played there where Siphiwe Tshabalala’s famous opening goal sent the entire country into celebration. Then came the final. The Netherlands and Spain faced each other in front of a packed stadium, with Spain eventually winning 1–0 after extra time. But the match itself was not the only historic moment. Nelson Mandela made his final public appearance at the stadium during the closing ceremony of the tournament. For a country that had spent decades dealing with division and isolation, hosting the world’s biggest football tournament was already a huge moment. Having Mandela appear at the final made the stadium even more significant. Therefore, Soccer City became more than a football venue. It became one of the places where South Africa introduced itself to the world.
Ellis Park: The Jersey that Changed Everything
If Soccer City represents South Africa’s football heritage, Ellis Park represents one of the most famous moments in South African rugby. In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. The final was played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, with the Springboks facing the All Blacks. South Africa won 15–12 in extra time, but what happened afterwards became one of the most iconic images in sporting history. Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing a Springbok jersey and presented the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar. The image of Mandela and Pienaar together became a symbol of reconciliation and unity in a country still dealing with the aftermath of apartheid. It was one rugby match, but it represented something much larger. Ellis Park became more than the place where the Springboks won a World Cup. It is part of a moment when sport was used to bring people together. And yes, there is a reason people still talk about that final 30 years later.
Loftus Versfeld: Pretoria’s Rugby Fortress
You cannot talk about South African stadiums without mentioning Loftus Versfeld (especially considering it is down the road from us). For generations of South African rugby fans, Loftus has been one of the country’s greatest rugby grounds. It has hosted countless Springbok matches and is famously associated with the Vodacom Bulls. There is something unique about walking into an old stadium
that has hosted generations of supporters. You know that the people sitting around you are not necessarily watching their first game there. Their parents might have sat in those very same stands. Their grandparents might have watched rugby there before them. That is what turns a stadium into a heritage site. It is not simply the age of the building. It is the number of memories attached to it. Loftus has also hosted football, including matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, proving that its history extends far beyond rugby.
Newlands: The Stadium that Became a Memory
Newlands Stadium in Cape Town has a slightly different story. For more than a century, Newlands was synonymous with rugby. It hosted generations of Western Province and Springbok matches and became one of the most famous rugby grounds in the country. Then, in 2021, the stadium closed as a rugby venue. For many supporters, this was not simply the closure of another stadium. It felt like the end of an era. That is the strange thing about sporting heritage. A building can disappear, but the memories attached to it do not. Fans still remember matches played there, the atmosphere, the rivalries, and the moments they experienced with their families. Newlands proves that a stadium does not have to still be hosting games to remain part of sporting history.
The Wanderers: Where Cricket made History
South Africa’s stadium heritage is not just about rugby and football. The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is one of the country’s most famous cricket grounds, earning the nickname “The Bullring” because of its intimidating atmosphere. One of its most famous moments came in 2006 when South Africa played Australia in an ODI that has gone down in cricket history. Australia scored 434 runs, which at the time was a worldrecord total. South Africa then somehow chased it down. Yes, somehow. They reached 438/9, winning the match with one of the most unbelievable run chases cricket had ever seen. The Wanderers has also become known for its annual Pink Day cricket match where the stadium is transformed into a sea of pink to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer initiatives. Once again, the stadium becomes about more than sport – it becomes part of the community.
Moses Mabhida: A Newer Stadium, a New Kind of Heritage
Not all heritage has to be old. Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has since become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its famous arch has made it instantly recognisable, while the stadium has hosted football, rugby, and other major events. What makes Moses Mabhida interesting in the context of heritage is that it shows. Sporting heritage is constantly being created in this stadium. One day, the matches being played there will be the stories that parents tell their children. The stadiums of the future are already creating the heritage of tomorrow. More than four walls and a field, South Africa’s stadiums have witnessed some of the happiest, saddest, and most significant moments in the country’s sporting history. They have hosted World Cup finals, recordbreaking performances, historic victories, and moments of national unity. But their importance is not only about what happened on the field. It is about who was there. The families who went to their first game together. The supporters who travelled across the country. The children who watched their sporting heroes and decided they wanted to become athletes themselves. A stadium can be rebuilt. Its seats can be replaced. Its name can change. But the memories stay. That is what makes these places part of South African heritage. When we look back at our sporting history, we do not just remember who won. We remember where we were. And sometimes, that place was a stadium.
A New Generation of Supporters
Universities provide an interesting space in which these traditions continue to evolve. UP is home to students from across South Africa, bringing together people who may have grown up supporting completely different teams and sports. TuksSport is therefore more than a collection of sporting clubs. It is also a space where different sporting cultures meet. A rugby supporter from one province may share a residence with a football supporter from another. An athletics enthusiast may train alongside someone whose sporting background lies in cricket or netball. The result is a constantly changing sporting culture. The traditions remain, but the people carrying them forward change. What Will We Leave Behind? South Africa’s sporting heritage is not something confined to old newspaper clippings or photographs hanging in museums. It is alive every weekend in stadiums, on school fields, university campuses, and in communities across the country. The challenge is ensuring that the history behind those traditions is not forgotten. Because when we celebrate a sporting victory, we are often celebrating more than the result. We are celebrating the people, communities, and history that made that moment possible. Sport may begin with a game, but in South Africa, its meaning has always been much bigger than that.
Traditional Games,
Timeless Memories
Betty Molefe
I
n South Africa, most children grew up gathering in the streets, schoolyards, and open fields to play games that had been passed down throughout the years, well before smartphones, internet games, and online gaming became common. These games served as more than just a means of entertainment – they created friendship, promoted teamwork, and shared cultural and social stories. Childhood games reflect the diversity of South Africans, from invented cricket games in rural areas to street football in townships, kgati (rope skipping), morabaraba in different neighbourhoods, and diketo in Limpopo and Gauteng. These games are more than just memories for a lot of students. They serve as ties to their families, communities, and traditions that have shaped who they are today. Many games with different histories have been created by South Africa’s various cultural backgrounds. In Limpopo, kids grew up playing games like diketo, while morabaraba became a favourite activity for both adults and children in many villages throughout the nation. Stick fighting, or intonga, is a traditional activity that reflects cultural customs and skills that have been passed down through the years in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Townships have also created their own sports cultures. Teenagers formed teams to represent their neighbourhoods. Even better, future athletes go on to compete professionally, as these unofficial events frequently become their starting point. Moreover, many traditions are becoming less popular as children’s free time has been consumed by technology. Nonetheless, communities, educational institutions, and cultural groups try to maintain these activities. These activities are acknowledged as part of South Africa’s living heritage through heritage programmes, such as indigenous games projects sponsored by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. It goes beyond simply honouring the past to maintain these games. It is about giving the next generation a chance to experience the imagination, co-operation, and sense of community that shaped the early years of their forefathers. These activities continue to serve as a vital reminder to today’s children that heritage can be found in ordinary situations. These kid-friendly games still unite people whether they are played on a dusty field, a school playground, or a local street. Overall, they serve as a reminder that even the most basic activities may evoke the deepest memories and that South Africa’s legacy can be found in both historical sites and the happy moments that children share while playing
Sport Traditions that Define the Sport Anastacia Couloubis
S
port has a funny way of turning completely normal things into traditions. South Africans braai before a big game. The All Blacks perform the haka. Football fans blow vuvuzelas until everyone within a fivekilometre radius knows that there is a match happening. The Olympics have their famous flame. Footballers have their very specific goal celebrations. Fans have songs, chants, lucky shirts, and at least one pair of socks that they refuse to wash during a winning streak. Okay, maybe that last one is just some people. But somewhere along the way, these things stopped being random habits and became part of sport itself. They are passed from parents to children, copied by new generations and eventually become something that fans cannot imagine the sport without. For Heritage Month, it is worth looking at the slightly less obvious side of sporting heritage. We all know about the trophies, the records, and the famous matches, but what about the traditions surrounding them? Where did they come from, and why do we still care about them? Because at the end of the day, sport would be pretty boring if it was just 90 minutes of people running around trying to score points. If there is one thing South Africans know how to do, it is turn absolutely anything into an excuse for a braai. Birthday? Braai. Family gathering? Braai. Public holiday? Braai. The Springboks are playing? Obviously, braai. The braai has become so closely associated with South African culture that it feels almost inevitable that it would find its way into our sporting traditions too. Before a big rugby match, it is not unusual for families and friends to gather around a fire, argue over who should be in the starting lineup, predict the score, and somehow have a heated debate about something that has absolutely nothing to do with rugby. And that is what makes it such an interesting sporting tradition. The braai is not technically part of the game. There is no rulebook saying that you have to eat boerewors before kick-off. Yet for many South Africans, it is part of the experience. It turns watching sport into a social event. You are not just watching the Springboks. You are watching them with your family, your friends, your neighbours, or whoever happened to arrive when they heard there was food. It is a tradition that has been passed down without anyone really sitting down and deciding, “Right, this is now officially a tradition.” It just happened. And somehow, that makes it even more South African. Then there is the All Blacks’ haka. A South African nightmare. The players line up, stare down their opponents, and perform a powerful Māori ceremonial dance before the match. It is probably one of the few prematch traditions that can make you think, ”I am not sure
I would want to be standing on the other side of that.” But the haka is much more than an intimidating rugby ritual. Its roots lie in Māori culture, where haka have traditionally been performed for different occasions, including welcoming guests, celebrating achievements, and expressing emotion. The All Blacks adopted the tradition during their international tours in the late 19th century. Over time, it became one of the most recognisable parts of New Zealand rugby. What makes it so special is that the All Blacks are not just performing something because it looks cool on television. They are taking a piece of Māori heritage onto one of the biggest sporting stages in the world. And that is where sporting traditions get really interesting. A tradition can start somewhere completely separate from sport and eventually become inseparable from it. If the 2010 FIFA World Cup taught the rest of the world anything about South Africa, it was that we really, really like making noise. Enter the vuvuzela. The plastic horn became one of the defining sounds of the 2010 World Cup. For an entire month, stadiums were filled with a constant buzzing sound that supporters either absolutely loved or probably wanted to throw out of a window. The vuvuzela was not invented for the World Cup, though. Similar horns had already been used by football supporters in South Africa, particularly in township football culture. The World Cup simply gave the vuvuzela a global audience. Suddenly, millions of people around the world were asking the same question: what is that noise? For South Africans, however, the vuvuzela was more than an annoying plastic instrument. It was part of the atmosphere. The 2010 World Cup was being hosted in South Africa, and the vuvuzela made sure that the tournament sounded like it was being hosted in South Africa too. It became a symbol of the tournament and remains one of the first things many people associate with the 2010 World Cup. Anyone who has been to a big football or rugby match knows that the players are not the only ones putting on a show. The supporters have their own traditions. Songs and chants can be just as recognisable as the teams themselves. In South Africa, football supporters have developed songs and chants that have been passed down through generations, becoming part of the identity of clubs and their supporters. Rugby has its own version of this. There is something about thousands of people singing together that makes a stadium feel completely different. You could be sitting next to someone you have never met, supporting the same team, and suddenly you are both screaming the same song like you have been best
friends for years. One example is ”Shosholoza”, which has become strongly associated with South African sport. Originally a song sung by migrant workers, it eventually became a symbol of solidarity and unity and found a home in sporting stadiums. It is difficult to explain why thousands of people singing together feels so powerful without sounding extremely dramatic, but it does. And that is the point – sport creates these shared experiences where strangers suddenly become part of the same community. You cannot really talk about sporting traditions without mentioning the Olympic flame. Every four years, the flame begins its journey to the host city, carried by a series of torchbearers before eventually being used to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony. The modern Olympic flame was first introduced at the 1928 Amsterdam Games while the torch relay was introduced at the 1936 Berlin Games. The flame is meant to connect the modern Olympic Games with the ancient Games of Greece. Although the Olympic Games have changed dramatically over the years, the flame has remained. It is one of those traditions that makes the Olympics feel like the Olympics. You could remove half the opening ceremony, change the mascot, and introduce a completely new sport, but if someone suddenly said, “We’re not doing the flame this year,” there would probably be an international meltdown. That is the power of tradition. Some traditions are not centuries old. Sometimes, they start with one athlete doing something slightly different after scoring. Then their teammates start doing it. Then the fans start copying it. And suddenly, ten years later, everyone knows exactly what it means. Football is probably the best example of this. Players have developed signature celebrations ranging from dances to gestures dedicated to family members, friends, or even video games. Some are carefully planned. Others are completely spontaneous. Either way, they give us something that statistics cannot – personality. We spend so much time talking about athletes through their numbers. How many goals? How many medals? How many wins? But when a footballer slides across the grass after scoring or performs a “SUIII” they have clearly been waiting months to do, we see the person behind the athlete. And sometimes, those moments become traditions of their own. The interesting thing about traditions is that most of us probably do not think about them while we are doing them. You do not sit around a braai thinking about the cultural significance of standing around a fire before watching the Springboks. You do not sing a team song and think, ”Wow, I am currently participating in an important example of
collective sporting identity.” Visual: Jemma Thomson You just do it. That is what makes heritage so interesting. It is not always something sitting behind glass in a museum. Sometimes, it is something you do without even realising that you are doing it. Sport is constantly changing. Players retire, stadiums get renovated, rules change, and new technology gets introduced. But traditions have a way of sticking around. Your dad teaches you the song. Your grandmother tells you how she watched the final. Your friends drag you to the braai before the game. You learn the chant. You buy the same jersey. And suddenly, you are part of something that existed before you and will probably exist after you. Maybe that is what makes traditions so important. Sport is ultimately about people. Yes, the records matter. The trophies matter. The final score definitely matters when your team is losing by one point with thirty seconds left. But the traditions surrounding sport are what give those moments meaning. The haka connects rugby to Māori heritage. The vuvuzela connects the 2010 World Cup to South African football culture. The Olympic flame connects today’s Games to their ancient roots. Songs connect generations of supporters. And the humble South African braai somehow turns watching a rugby match into a full-day family event. These traditions remind us that sport is not just something we watch. It is something we participate in. And maybe that is the best definition of sporting heritage: the things we keep doing because someone did them before us, and the things we will eventually teach to someone else. Because while the players may change, the traditions usually remain. And thankfully, someone will always be standing next to the braai insisting they know exactly why the coach got the starting lineup wrong.
From Controversy to Unity: The Story of the Springbok Jersey Cayden Coetzer
F
ew sporting symbols carry as much history as the Springboks. Today, the green and gold jersey is instantly recognisable. It is worn by players on the international stage, by supporters in stadiums, and by South Africans watching matches from homes across the country. But the Springbok emblem has not always represented the same thing. Its story is closely tied to South Africa’s history – making the jersey more than a piece of sporting clothing. It is a symbol whose meaning has changed alongside the country itself. Where Did the Springbok Come From? The Springbok has been associated with South African rugby since the early 20th century. The nickname was adopted by South Africa’s national rugby team during its early international tours, with the springbok becoming a recognisable symbol of South African rugby. Over time, the emblem became strongly associated with the national team and, particularly during Visual: Daniel Green
Apartheid, with white South African identity. That history meant that the Springbok was viewed very differently by different South Africans. For many white South Africans, it represented pride and sporting excellence. For many Black South Africans, however, the Springbok was associated with a sporting system shaped by racial exclusion and the Apartheid government. The same symbol could therefore represent completely different experiences depending on who was looking at it. When a Jersey Became Political Sport under apartheid was never simply sport. International sporting boycotts isolated South Africa from a large part of the global sporting community, while racial segregation affected participation at home. Rugby was particularly significant because of its close association with white Afrikaner culture. This made the Springbok emblem a complicated symbol when South Africa entered the democratic era. The question became this: could something that carried such a divisive history become a symbol for everyone? The answer began to change in 1995. The Moment Everything Changed South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1995.
The Springboks entered the tournament carrying decades of history with them. But when Nelson Mandela walked onto the field at Ellis Park wearing a Springbok jersey and handed the World Cup trophy to Francois Pienaar, the image became about far more than rugby. It represented an attempt to reclaim a symbol from the country’s divided past and give it a new meaning. The Springbok did not disappear – its meaning evolved. That transformation is one of the reasons why the jersey remains so culturally significant today. From Controversy to National Pride South Africa’s later Rugby World Cup victories have continued to build on that history. The team’s success in 2007, 2019, and 2023 created new generations of supporters who may know the Springbok primarily as a symbol of South African sporting excellence. For these supporters, the jersey may not carry the same personal associations that it did for previous generations, but that does not make its history less important. In fact, it makes understanding that history even more valuable. A national symbol can only truly represent a country when people understand the different experiences attached to it.
What Does the Jersey Mean Now? Walk through a South African university campus during a major Springbok match and the answer becomes complicated. For some students, the jersey represents family traditions. For others, it represents patriotism. Some see it simply as support for the national team. For many, it represents the idea that South Africans can find common ground despite their differences. The jersey has therefore become a piece of living heritage. Its significance does not come only from the rugby players who have worn it. It comes from the millions of people who have given it meaning over generations. The Springbok emblem carries a complicated history, but perhaps that is precisely what makes it such a powerful symbol of modern South Africa. It reminds us that heritage is not always about preserving something exactly as it was. Sometimes, heritage is about understanding where something came from, acknowledging the complicated history attached to it, and deciding what it can represent for the future. The Springbok jersey is more than green and gold. It is a piece of South African history that is still being written.
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