As I started my investigation into the impact the language policy has had on life in residence, I got just what I expected. My first subject, an Afrikaans student was very opinionated and very defensive. When I asked what she thought about the language policy being applied in res, she answered that it is "absolutely ridiculous". She explained to me that she doesn't speak English when she is at home so why should she constantly speak English when in res. As I explained to her that it is only being considerate, but she interupted me and asked " Why if they can't understand Afrikaans, are they at an Afrikaans university?". Not shocked at all by this reaction I asked her how our res and ultimately our university could unite if everyone thought the way she does and she said "Hulle moet Afrikaans aanleer".
To give Afrikaans another chance I asked another student from residence what her stance is on Afrikaans or English in residence is and she had a complete different reaction than the first subject (there is hope yet). She said that from a previous experience she has learned that Afrikaans is not always better, especially when you're "out in the real world". After a recent interaction with another university she came to the realisation that Stellenbosch students are so isolated from others because of their Afrikaans bubble, granted this is not applicable to all students, but definintely the majority. When I asked her the same question as to how she thinks language could unite residents and the university she said we need to stop being stubborn. Afrikaans might be our comfort zone, but ultimately Afrikaans won't magically appear on everyone's tongues...
E. Beerwinkel
15863697
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Means of Intimidation I
I have decided to frame my part in this blogging experience by contributing under the subtobic of Means of Intimidation, under the category of Crime. This will include different ways and means used by criminals to force their victims into submission. I chose this topic due to a recent encounter I had with a thief.
I was walking home, and as I paused at a stop street I was approached by a young man and woman, round about my age. They asked me for the time and we swiftly started a nonchalant conversion. The young man eventually asked me for a cigarette, and as I was trying to explain that I did not have any, the young woman promptly peppersrayed me in the face while the man grabbed my arm and demanded that I give them my cellphone. I immediately did so and ran away.
After the shock subdued and I managed to scrubb off the remainder of the pepperspray, I remember being upset about not only losing my phone and becoming a victim of a statistic. I was even more troubled by the way in which it had all happened: I was manipulated into a false yet friendly conversation and then assaulted with a weapon invented to protect from exactly this situation.
In the weeks following I started thinking of all the different methods these (sometimes) clever criminals use to commit assault and/or robbery. I wish to comment on the following criminal phenomena's:
1) Petty Theft
2) Sexual Assauly
3) Drug Trafficking
I was walking home, and as I paused at a stop street I was approached by a young man and woman, round about my age. They asked me for the time and we swiftly started a nonchalant conversion. The young man eventually asked me for a cigarette, and as I was trying to explain that I did not have any, the young woman promptly peppersrayed me in the face while the man grabbed my arm and demanded that I give them my cellphone. I immediately did so and ran away.
After the shock subdued and I managed to scrubb off the remainder of the pepperspray, I remember being upset about not only losing my phone and becoming a victim of a statistic. I was even more troubled by the way in which it had all happened: I was manipulated into a false yet friendly conversation and then assaulted with a weapon invented to protect from exactly this situation.
In the weeks following I started thinking of all the different methods these (sometimes) clever criminals use to commit assault and/or robbery. I wish to comment on the following criminal phenomena's:
1) Petty Theft
2) Sexual Assauly
3) Drug Trafficking
Making a habit of it
The image of Julie Andrews running up the mountain singing: “The hills are alive with the sound of music” enters my brain every time I see Sister Marina Jacobs* on campus. I always image her leading the choir in song, just like Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. I usually start humming “I will follow him...” and start to fantasise about her life as a nun.
Sister Jacobs is a full-time student at University Stellenbosch and goes to class in her habit. A habit is the traditional dress that nuns are required to wear every day. Sister Jacobs mentions that the habit is a way in which nuns distinguish themselves from other Catholic religious communities.
The traditional habit is grey with long black sleaves and a black vail, but according to Sister Jacobs, nuns are allowed to wear white habits in the spring and summer. “We never wear other clothes. For any occasion we wear our habits. When we work we wear aprons over our habit. At night, we are allowed to wear ordinary pajamas,” she adds.
She is of the opinion that the habit is a sign to the world that reflects her religion and therefore also her identity. “My religion is part of my identity.” She does add that if a person wears the habit, but their identity is in contrast with their choice of clothes “then it is no sign of one’s religion”.
She mentions that she does not feel self-conscious on campus. “I am comfortable with what I wear and why I am wearing it.” She also thinks people on campus accept her identity. “Even if they do not accept my identity, I do not feel offended, because I am happy with who I am.”
Interview: Sister Marina Jacobs
*Name changed due to privacy.
Anika Marais
15685829
Health and Nutrition in the Squatter Camps
Diseases Related to Poor Living Conditions
Water flowing from the sewage bust
Seven year old boy at the street tap next to the dumping area
Women and children fetching water from the street tap
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) statistics the child mortality rate in Africa is ten times higher than that of the western countries. This is cause by lack of proper health facilities. 11 million children dies every year in Africa due to diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases that are worsened by poor living conditions and malnutrition. According to one of the school teachers in Kayamandi (Stellenbosch) Mrs Hlayisi*[i], there was a diarrhoea break out on the week of the 6th of September 2010 after some of the kids went to the dumping area to pick food and they brought it at school to share with other kids. She said that almost 50 children got sick and they have to let kids not to come to school for a week. Kids in the townships pick up dirt because they see their elders doing it and they end up getting sick more than adults do. Sometimes they go look for the bottles in the dumping areas so that they could recycle them for money.
Up to seven Million adults die each year in Africa due to chronic diseases in Africa. TB kills up to two million people, up to 500 000 women die due to maternal complications such as pregnancy and childbirth, up to two million people die due to HIV/AIDS, and 60% of the HIV/AIDS world cases are found in Africa. One million of this deaths caused by HIV/AIDS are found in South Africa. In the South African townships and rural areas there have been an increase in the malaria related diseases. Up to five thousand people die every year due to Malaria. This is because most of the people who stay in this areas are poor and cannot be able to buy the insecticides and pesticides . In Kayamandi people who do not have water at their houses uses the street taps that the water is on the whole day, this causes the tap areas to be always wet because people are always using water, the wet areas causes the Malaria Mosquitoes. That is why people mostly get infected.
Bibliography
Weaver, J. R. (1997). Achieving Broad Based Sustainable Development. Westharthford: Kumarian press.
The article was based on the bibliography book
Media and Society
After establishing the great availability of film media on campus and the readiness with which it is available to students, this week we we study empirical data on the effect on student life on campus.
A quick survey of student clothing, discourse amongst themselves and topics being discussed on campus it is evident that there are general trends and common topics being discussed.
One student noted that movies gives on the opportunity to see what is new in entertainment style, language and catch phrases. "It helps keep one updated with what is happening culturally in the world, I go and watch a movie and I feel more informed," she said.
From this the importance of movies and films on determining the Zeitgeist of the moment is quite evident. It help shape our reality in that we look at movies, which presents a certain reality, an attempt to fashion our realities based on what we have seen and heard. It goes without saying that movies are not the only manner in which students do this (other avenues include fashion, music and travel) but what is unique about movies, as has been discussed in my previous post, is that movies and films are much more accessible to students on campus than some of the other elements, aside from perhaps music.
An Arts students remarked to me that one of the reasons he likes to watch films is because he can see new methods of design and technology. This sentiment was echoed by a friend of mine who studies systems engineering. "We don't all read blogs about technology and it is different reading a blog and experiencing the real thing. For instance, if people are talking about Avatar in 3D it is quite difficult to comprehend if you have not seen it in 3D."
So movies educate and help shape entertainment on a conscious level. What about the subconscious effects?
Studies have been to determine the effect of movies on our emotions, thoughts and desires and this is no different on campus. Why do so many more women, than man, enjoy romantic comedies/drama? Why do so many men enjoy action movies? (Many, not all !!). One of the reasons for this is that movies help reinforce our identity of ourself. Subconsciously, we have ideas of identity and person. Movies affects our subconscious identity in that it feeds it with information and modifications.
Movies also makes us happy. We want the lovelorn couple, torn apart by some malicious interference or another to end up together. We wan the slightly deranged antagonist to be crushed by the hero. It makes us feel good and therefore contributes to our mental and emotional well-being.
Anthea Hartzenberg
15617475
A quick survey of student clothing, discourse amongst themselves and topics being discussed on campus it is evident that there are general trends and common topics being discussed.
One student noted that movies gives on the opportunity to see what is new in entertainment style, language and catch phrases. "It helps keep one updated with what is happening culturally in the world, I go and watch a movie and I feel more informed," she said.
From this the importance of movies and films on determining the Zeitgeist of the moment is quite evident. It help shape our reality in that we look at movies, which presents a certain reality, an attempt to fashion our realities based on what we have seen and heard. It goes without saying that movies are not the only manner in which students do this (other avenues include fashion, music and travel) but what is unique about movies, as has been discussed in my previous post, is that movies and films are much more accessible to students on campus than some of the other elements, aside from perhaps music.
An Arts students remarked to me that one of the reasons he likes to watch films is because he can see new methods of design and technology. This sentiment was echoed by a friend of mine who studies systems engineering. "We don't all read blogs about technology and it is different reading a blog and experiencing the real thing. For instance, if people are talking about Avatar in 3D it is quite difficult to comprehend if you have not seen it in 3D."
So movies educate and help shape entertainment on a conscious level. What about the subconscious effects?
Studies have been to determine the effect of movies on our emotions, thoughts and desires and this is no different on campus. Why do so many more women, than man, enjoy romantic comedies/drama? Why do so many men enjoy action movies? (Many, not all !!). One of the reasons for this is that movies help reinforce our identity of ourself. Subconsciously, we have ideas of identity and person. Movies affects our subconscious identity in that it feeds it with information and modifications.
Movies also makes us happy. We want the lovelorn couple, torn apart by some malicious interference or another to end up together. We wan the slightly deranged antagonist to be crushed by the hero. It makes us feel good and therefore contributes to our mental and emotional well-being.
Anthea Hartzenberg
15617475
Friday, October 8, 2010
Nog 'n gesig van armoede: Die GROOT siekte
HIV/Vigs is 'n baie groot probleem op die kontinent van Afrika asook in Suid-Afrika. Ons as jong mense is van kleins af gebombardeer met inligting omtrent die SIEKTE waaroor iemand wat dit het, nie eintlik praat nie. Dit word verdoesel onder die vaandel van, hy het longontsteking of tering gehad, want dit bly 'n verleentheid om daaroor te praat, of om te erken dat iemand in die familie aan die siekte oorlede is.
Die voorkoms van die siekte, en dan uiteindelik die gevolge van dit op die familielewe, gee aanleiding tot baie armoede in huisgesinne en gemeenskappe. Weer eens trek ek die vergelyking tussen die voorkoms daarvan in Kayamandi in Stellenbosch en Khayelitsha in Kaapstad. In Kayamandi is daar 'n hoë voorkoms van HIV/Vigs, omtrent 20% en dit is net onder die mense wat wel by die klinieke aanmeld om getoets te word. As jy die som maak is dit een vyfde van die inwonertal wat ongeveer 33 000 mense is. In Khayelitsha is die hoogste voorkoms van Aids onder kinders tussen die ouderdom van 0 - 4 jaar. Dit is natuurlik as gevolg van ouers wat die siekte voor geboorte na hulle toe oordra.
Die voorkoms van die siekte is 'n groot oorsaak vir armoede. Baie van die volwassenes wat die siekte het, is nie in staat om te werk nie, en moet dan staatmaak op die hulp van die staat wat op die huidige stadium ongeveer R1000 beloop. Dit is nie genoeg vir 'n familie om op te oorleef nie. Dit lei op sy beurt weer tot misdaad en diefstal. Daar is baie kinders in beide die woonbuurtes wat deur allerhande organisasies van kerke en welwillendheidsinstansies onderhou word, omdat een of albei ouers oorlede is as gevolg van die siekte, en die kinders niemand het om na hulle te kyk nie. Dit lei weer tot gebrekkige opvoeding, wat weer die bose kringloop aanhelp.
Vigs bly 'n kommerwekkende siekte onder tieners en volwassenes vanweë die gedrag van die mense. Dit wil voorkom asof die voorligting en al die kennis waarmee mense gebombardeer word in die land, nie veel van 'n verskil in die optrede en gedrag van mense maak nie. Wat 'n jammerte!
Paul Deetlefs
15718360
Die voorkoms van die siekte, en dan uiteindelik die gevolge van dit op die familielewe, gee aanleiding tot baie armoede in huisgesinne en gemeenskappe. Weer eens trek ek die vergelyking tussen die voorkoms daarvan in Kayamandi in Stellenbosch en Khayelitsha in Kaapstad. In Kayamandi is daar 'n hoë voorkoms van HIV/Vigs, omtrent 20% en dit is net onder die mense wat wel by die klinieke aanmeld om getoets te word. As jy die som maak is dit een vyfde van die inwonertal wat ongeveer 33 000 mense is. In Khayelitsha is die hoogste voorkoms van Aids onder kinders tussen die ouderdom van 0 - 4 jaar. Dit is natuurlik as gevolg van ouers wat die siekte voor geboorte na hulle toe oordra.
Die voorkoms van die siekte is 'n groot oorsaak vir armoede. Baie van die volwassenes wat die siekte het, is nie in staat om te werk nie, en moet dan staatmaak op die hulp van die staat wat op die huidige stadium ongeveer R1000 beloop. Dit is nie genoeg vir 'n familie om op te oorleef nie. Dit lei op sy beurt weer tot misdaad en diefstal. Daar is baie kinders in beide die woonbuurtes wat deur allerhande organisasies van kerke en welwillendheidsinstansies onderhou word, omdat een of albei ouers oorlede is as gevolg van die siekte, en die kinders niemand het om na hulle te kyk nie. Dit lei weer tot gebrekkige opvoeding, wat weer die bose kringloop aanhelp.
Vigs bly 'n kommerwekkende siekte onder tieners en volwassenes vanweë die gedrag van die mense. Dit wil voorkom asof die voorligting en al die kennis waarmee mense gebombardeer word in die land, nie veel van 'n verskil in die optrede en gedrag van mense maak nie. Wat 'n jammerte!
Paul Deetlefs
15718360
Public Transport: Welcome on Board.
There are a lot of interesting places to see in South Africa and even a lot more in Cape Town, and if you sitting there wondering how? come join me as we tour around. These wonderful scenic places i'am talking about are the Table Mountain, the spectacular Antlatic coastline to the coastal villages of False Bay or the beautiful wine route. Taking a cruise to the world reknown Robben Island would also be fulfilling and I too have had the priviledge of seeing ex president, Dr Mandela's former 'home'. Seeing the place was as exciting as being on the ship. A 30 minutes drive or so from the city of Cape Town to the small town of Stellenbosch will also teach you a lot about public transport. Coming to the university you will be amazed by the liveliness of activities by students. Some rushing from their residences by foot to classes, others cycling while others are driving scooters. Well there are those who enjoy doing jumps and tricks on their skateboards down victoria street while still on the go to attend lectures.
The main word or rather phrase here is public transport and we have various forms of public transport that we can mention. We have cars, trains, buses, minibus taxis, taxi cabs, ships, aeroplanes, bicycles to mention just a few. This year South Africa successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA soccer world cup and PUBLIC TRANSPORT became the buzz word, before and during the games. This even saw the birth of the Gautrain. The Gautrain is a mass rapid transit railway system in the Gauteng province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria and the OR Tambo International Airport. Basically it was innovated with the aim that it would relieve the traffic congestion in the Johannesburg - Pretoria traffic corridor. Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa and commuters were given a viable alternative to road transport.
S.Dlamini
15669130
The main word or rather phrase here is public transport and we have various forms of public transport that we can mention. We have cars, trains, buses, minibus taxis, taxi cabs, ships, aeroplanes, bicycles to mention just a few. This year South Africa successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA soccer world cup and PUBLIC TRANSPORT became the buzz word, before and during the games. This even saw the birth of the Gautrain. The Gautrain is a mass rapid transit railway system in the Gauteng province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria and the OR Tambo International Airport. Basically it was innovated with the aim that it would relieve the traffic congestion in the Johannesburg - Pretoria traffic corridor. Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa and commuters were given a viable alternative to road transport.
S.Dlamini
15669130
Poverty among SU students - Fact
As substantiated by the previous blog poverty can be found among Stellenbosch University students, and not only in the black racial grouping but also among a substantial part of the white racial grouping, which means that it is only through third party funding that these students are able to attend SU. Therefore issues of student fee increases and housing increases of 15%, as was indicated by the University in the third term, bodes ill for many students as most will not be able to pay for these substantial increases. Even those students not reliant on loans or bursaries are worried about these increases as most families are still feeling the effects of the 2008 economic crisis. Apart from just the fees of attending Stellenbosch University one must take into account that the prices of books and accommodation in Stellenbosch are very high.
With regards to my friends as well as myself, we try to avoid having to buy textbooks as far as possible, preferring rather to photocopy and use the library short loan section, as few people today have R500-600 to spend on one textbook that is rarely used for longer than a month. Thus the life of a student is not always easy, and a lot of the time their lives are made up of opportunity costs. Weighing the pros and cons of each decision for example; having lunch at the Neelsie and not being able to go out that night, or having some Maggie two minute noodles or a slice of bread and being able to go out that night. This may seem like a trivial example yet it highlights clearly that while the misconception remains that students are well off, very few students in reality have the luxury of spending without consequence.
Leehandi de Witt
Student Number: 15709612
Staats Hospitale Skokkend
Daar is net een staat Hospitaal in die Stellenbosch omgewing wat die hele area moet bedien. Dit sluit in Pniel, Kylemore, Franschoek en omliggende plase. Die Hospitaal is ontoereikend aangesien as jy n sekere siekte opdoen en gesondheids hulp benodig het Stellenbosch vir sekere omstandighede nie die nodige toerusting om vir pasiente te sorg nie. Die klinieke in die omliggende areas het ook nie die nodige toerusting om na pasiente te kyk nie. Daar is ook nie aparte wagskamers beskikbaar vir die mense nie. Met die geval van as 'n persoon haar baba wil neem vir 'n maandlikse ondersoek is daar 'n moontlikheid dat daardie baba ander siektes kan optel as gevolg van die gemengde pasiente. Op Maandag die 4de en Woensdag die 6de het ek die kondisies van die pasiente by die klinieke en hospitaal gaan navolg. Die klinieke was propvol en mense sit alreeds van 8uur omdat daar so baie mense is om bedien te word. Die hospitaal se wagkamers was ook oorstroom en daar het verskeie groepe buite gestaan en wag vir hulp. Die kern gedagte is dat pasiente van die Staats hospitaal verskeie lang prosedures moet deur gaan voor hulle hulp kry. Die skokkende toestande wat pasiente moet deur maak is soos nie genoeg beddens beskikbaar nie, mans en vrouens moet in dieselfde saal le en die omgewing wat nie geskik is vir siek mense nie.
Stephanie Cupido
15907384
Health Safety: Pollution
The third issue that I will be discussing is that of pollution in Stellenbosch. Last year, there were numerous fires on the various mountains in Stellenbosch. This is a health hazard because of the amount of smoke produced. Smoke inhalation can result in situations where students experience intense coughing and shortness of breath. Many students on campus also suffer from allergies and as a result of the smoke become worse.
Another issue of pollution that is present in Stellenbosch is in connection with agriculture. The pollution in question is the chemicals that are used on the farmlands. The wind disperses these pesticides so they actually spread to areas where they were not supposed to and come into contact with people. There have been complaints of individuals contracting acute sicknesses from these pesticides with children more vulnerable.
The issue of water on campus is also a concerning one. Many students who live in residences tell of how they were warned not to drink the Stellenbosch water as it is not the cleanest and there have also been incidences where students have gotten sick from drinking this water. On the other hand, there are students who have not had any trouble with the water whatsoever.
- Sarah Otto (15659739)
The Homeless People in Stellenbosch:
The beggar’s Health:
There is a saying: “Beggars cannot be choosers”, the homeless people cannot choose what they want to eat, what they want to wear and where they want to sleep at night. Therefore the poor and homeless people in Stellenbosch experiences hardship and difficulty daily. They barely survive the circumstances like the rainy season and cold winter months. The most of them only eat food that they either stole somewhere or begged from students or other residents of Stellenbosch.
The homeless people sleep in streets, under trees or bushes or in shelter homes that they need to pay for. They first need to beg in order to get the money they need to pay for one night at the shelter homes. One positive aspect of the shelter homes is that they receive safety and food for one night. One the Stellenbosch community committees gave some of the beggars passes to stay one night at the shelter homes. This is one of the positive effects from the community on the homeless people. Die Matie recently posted an article on one of the famous homeless people in Stellenbosch called Moksie and she also said that the people treat her with respect and she sees the students as her children.
Carien van der Walt (15891933)
Die effek van armoede op die studente in Stellenbosch
Armoede is ‘n baie groot probleem in Suid Afrika en ook in Stellenbosch. Elke dag as ek klas toe stap word ek eers voorgekeer en dan word daar eers gevra vir geld. Die meeste van die keer het ek nie eers my beursie by my nie en dan kan ek nie geld gee nie en dan loop ek daar weg met ‘n slegte gewete en dit is baie onregverdig. Daardie persoon stap net daar weg en vra weer vir geld by die volgende ou wat hy raak loop. Dan voel daardie persoon weer sleg en so gaan hy aan vir die hele dag en laat ‘n klompie mense met ‘n slegte gewete.
Armoede maak ook dat geweld plaasvind, want omdat die mese arm is soek hulle aanvaarding en sluit dan aan by bendes. Baie van hierdie aansluitings sluit baie geweldadige optrede. Dit plaas die studente onder geweldige vrees en maak dat hulle baie bang is om in die aande vrylik rond te beweeg. Net nou die dag was daar ‘n student vermoor in Stellenbosch en dit ‘n baie slegte effek op sy vriende en familie. My kamermaat se vriend is ook drie weke terug deur ‘n bende bakie van die pad af getrek en toe slaan hulle vir hom met ‘n byl in die gesig. Alhoewel hy baie gelukkig was om lewendig daar weg te stap sal hy seker nou vir altyd in vrees lewe.
Armoede dryg mense ook om te steel en die mense wie hulle tyken is normaalweg studente. Hierdie klomp diefstal maak dat studente en mense oor die algemeen hulle vertroue verloor en mense en dit maak dat jy nêrens mee kan gaan sonder om jou besitting te sluit nie. Armoede sal moet uitgeskakkel word in Stellenbisvh, want op die oomblik het dit ‘n baie slegte effek op die studente.
Daniel Edward Theron
15718719
Armoede maak ook dat geweld plaasvind, want omdat die mese arm is soek hulle aanvaarding en sluit dan aan by bendes. Baie van hierdie aansluitings sluit baie geweldadige optrede. Dit plaas die studente onder geweldige vrees en maak dat hulle baie bang is om in die aande vrylik rond te beweeg. Net nou die dag was daar ‘n student vermoor in Stellenbosch en dit ‘n baie slegte effek op sy vriende en familie. My kamermaat se vriend is ook drie weke terug deur ‘n bende bakie van die pad af getrek en toe slaan hulle vir hom met ‘n byl in die gesig. Alhoewel hy baie gelukkig was om lewendig daar weg te stap sal hy seker nou vir altyd in vrees lewe.
Armoede dryg mense ook om te steel en die mense wie hulle tyken is normaalweg studente. Hierdie klomp diefstal maak dat studente en mense oor die algemeen hulle vertroue verloor en mense en dit maak dat jy nêrens mee kan gaan sonder om jou besitting te sluit nie. Armoede sal moet uitgeskakkel word in Stellenbisvh, want op die oomblik het dit ‘n baie slegte effek op die studente.
Daniel Edward Theron
15718719
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Language Policy and the impact it has on university residence dynamics
This is the first post in the Language Policy category on what will be become a diverse perspective on the university's language policy and the impact it has on residence life.
As I live in very small, but very diverse residence, I thought it would be interesting to further examine the impact the language policy really has on the different people affected by it. My study will focus on different types of people with different backgrounds and upbringings living in close proximity to each other and how something so seemingly insignificant as language can either connect or alienate people. My next few posts will be through the eyes of an Afrikaans person, a Xhosa person, a Venda person and an English person. I shall also ask them to explain their relationships with people in residence who speaks a different home language than they do and how this has affected their university and residence experience.
E. Beerwinkel
15863697
As I live in very small, but very diverse residence, I thought it would be interesting to further examine the impact the language policy really has on the different people affected by it. My study will focus on different types of people with different backgrounds and upbringings living in close proximity to each other and how something so seemingly insignificant as language can either connect or alienate people. My next few posts will be through the eyes of an Afrikaans person, a Xhosa person, a Venda person and an English person. I shall also ask them to explain their relationships with people in residence who speaks a different home language than they do and how this has affected their university and residence experience.
E. Beerwinkel
15863697
attempts to reduce crime in stellenbosch
Crime In Stellenbosch
20 Aug 2010, 30 cars and community watchers have been recruited in an attempt to reduce crime in and around stellenbosch. the recruites are scanned for criminal records and later given a uniform and basic training. this is a positive step by the local government to help reduce car theft. the new jobs serve to help in the development of the poorer communities which surround Stellenbosch
15380300
Bernhard Lotriet
20 Aug 2010, 30 cars and community watchers have been recruited in an attempt to reduce crime in and around stellenbosch. the recruites are scanned for criminal records and later given a uniform and basic training. this is a positive step by the local government to help reduce car theft. the new jobs serve to help in the development of the poorer communities which surround Stellenbosch
15380300
Bernhard Lotriet
Islamic fashion: knocking my socks off
When I walk past a Muslim girl – her hair and body fully covered – I admit, I tend to take a second glance. I am usually (too) fast to conclude that this dress code is synonymous with the oppression of women in Islamic countries. We have all heard the horror stories of women in Iran or Iraq
But after talking to Aaminah Souma, fellow student at University Stellenbosch and Muslim young woman, my eyes opened to another point of view. “I think the underlying reason for our dress code is beautiful and thus I’m quite proud as a young woman to adhere to it and to show others that you can still be fashionable and classy whilst adhering to them,” Aaminah commented. It is clear she feels proud of the fact that she chooses to wear fashion that reflects herself as a Muslim young woman.
Aaminah explained to me that in the Muslim religion the female body is the most desired shape on earth. Therefore, Muslim women’s clothes should protect her from men’s glances and keep her modesty and honour in tact. She makes it clear that these rules are not to oppress women but to ensure their safety. “If you own something of high value, wouldn’t you safeguard it?” she added.
In the religion of Islam, it is required that a certain minimum part of the body needs to be covered. For a woman, this is her entire body except her face and hands and for a man, it is the section between his navel to the knees. A further requirement is that the clothes should not be tight-fitting nor see-through and should not be too extravagant either.
Aaminah does admit that all teenage girls are self-conscious and that it is hard for them to attract attention to themselves by covering their hair or body. “Most females are quite self-conscious about the covering of their hair. The reason for this is that it is a definite distinguishing factor between yourself and another non-Muslim girl,” she explains.
On the other hand, she feels quite comfortable on campus when wearing traditional Islam fashion. “I have on a few occasions worn the Arab thobe to campus and found that it wasn’t really an issue. I wasn’t treated differently by lecturers nor fellow students. The only people who dared to comment were actually fellow Muslims who weren’t quite supportive.” She mentions that a vast number of Muslims, especially among the younger generation, have widely adopted a more westernised form of dressing and have subsequently disregarded the dressing requirements made upon them.
Aaminah says covering her hair and assets has become second nature to her and that she is proud to present herself as a Muslim young woman through the clothes she chooses to wear. She enthusiastically referred me to a blog (http://www.hijabstyle.co.uk/) focussing on Islamic fashion for women. Although she mentions that this has not taken off in South Africa yet, she is excited by the prospect of these clothes from the runways of Dubai and Indonesia Paris
My chat with Aaminah was enlightening. I admire the way in which she embraces her religion and is not afraid to express her commitment to Islam through her choice of fashion.
Enjoy some pictures below.
References:
Pictures from http://www.hijabstyle.co.uk/
Interview with Aaminah Souma.
By Anika Marais 15685829
FINANCES AND HEALTH
It is said that we sacrifice our health for money and then in turn sacrifice money for our health. Finance is the most important criteria of any sector of public services. It determines the future of the outcomes of the specific sector in this case public health. It allows the health sector to flourish because it allows more resources to be distributed around the country. In the South African budget R102.1 billion is allocated for the health sector; however this is not sufficient funds because there is an increasing demand for health services. The limited resources prevent people receiving adequate health services while almost 5 times as much is spend on each person on medical aid than on an uninsured person using the public sector, however the cost of private hospitals and clinics are escalating therefore there has been a decrease in medical aid members . There has been a decrease in resources especially the medical personnel as it is evident in the recent strike where the medical staff demanded an increase in their salaries because there are more opportunities in foreign countries. An increased budget allocated for the health sector will provide improved infrastructure, advanced health technology and service quality. The inequality within South Africa plays a huge role in limiting the resources in the health sector because the minority benefits more than the majority. The majority of the people in South Africa cannot afford health coverage and this has led to poverty.
K.FESTUS
Alcohol consumption
The (mis)use of alcohol in Stellenbosch is no news to anybody who pays some attention to their surroundings. What is not often as clear is the distinction between cultures and their alcohol consumption habits. There is evidence that suggests that alcohol abuse leads to a fall in social values and directly creates a cleavage in society and cultures.
Just after 1994, the African National Congress' Youth League (ANCYL), launched an intervention that questioned South Africans' alcohol consumption. Through discussions it surfaced that the "socially acceptable" ways of alcohol consumption are not being followed. "The policy intervention suggests an absence of norms and values for liquor consumption in African communities and implies a widespread problem of liquor abuse." They confirmed that good role models should be formed and that the media has the responsibility to establish clear values for society regarding alcohol consumption. They therefore argued that political intervention is necessary to achieve social change.
Anne Mager writes that this culture of alcohol abuse stems from the colonial period. Firstly, there was believed that a strong liquor industry was positive for the colonial economy seeing as it generated taxes and profits and created work opportunities. Secondly, she argues that the African individual was "fixed" according to white colonialists' perceptions because they feared that Africans might revolt, steal the stock or refuse to work. She says: "This racial phobia led to white preoccupation with fixing ‘the African character’ in relation to alcohol use and abuse, closing off the possibility of alternative understandings of the uses of commercial liquor."
Even though this is a very archaic way of looking at it, there can be argued that a culture of alcohol misuse was created and transferred from one generation to the next. In Stellenbosch it is evident that the practice of alcohol consumption is very differentiated. From talking to students* it has become apparent that white young adults are more likely to consume alcohol in public places such as bars and restaurants where as the majority of non-white young adults are more likely to consume alcohol at their homes or spaces such as open fields or parks.
On 21 January 2010 an Alcohol Monitoring Unit was established on specifically the Stellenbosch University (SU) campus and it's close surroundings. By August 124 arrests have been made in only the central Stellenbosch area. Eighty-five percent of these arrests were of males between the ages of 18 and 24. Llewellyn MacMaster, dean of students at the SU claimed that the media perceives university students as heavy drinkers who often abuse the substance. Within the first two months of the year university students in Stellenbosch spent more than R1 million on alcoholic purchases.
It is clear that the habits of our nation have not changed and that a distinguished set of moral values and responsible alcohol consupmtion has been implemented. It is also recognisable that our drinking habits are racially and culturally orientated.
* Young adults from a wide variety of cultures, races and ages were asked about their alcohol consuption.
REFERENCES:
Mager, A. 2004. ‘White liquor hits blacklivers’: meanings of excessive liquor consumption in South Africa in the second half of the twentieth century. Journal of Social Science and Medicine, 59:735–751.
Rhamugondo, L. 2010. High number of student DUI cases reported. Die Matie Student Newspaper: 1, August 11.
Ancoizaan Maree
15756378
Just after 1994, the African National Congress' Youth League (ANCYL), launched an intervention that questioned South Africans' alcohol consumption. Through discussions it surfaced that the "socially acceptable" ways of alcohol consumption are not being followed. "The policy intervention suggests an absence of norms and values for liquor consumption in African communities and implies a widespread problem of liquor abuse." They confirmed that good role models should be formed and that the media has the responsibility to establish clear values for society regarding alcohol consumption. They therefore argued that political intervention is necessary to achieve social change.
Anne Mager writes that this culture of alcohol abuse stems from the colonial period. Firstly, there was believed that a strong liquor industry was positive for the colonial economy seeing as it generated taxes and profits and created work opportunities. Secondly, she argues that the African individual was "fixed" according to white colonialists' perceptions because they feared that Africans might revolt, steal the stock or refuse to work. She says: "This racial phobia led to white preoccupation with fixing ‘the African character’ in relation to alcohol use and abuse, closing off the possibility of alternative understandings of the uses of commercial liquor."
Even though this is a very archaic way of looking at it, there can be argued that a culture of alcohol misuse was created and transferred from one generation to the next. In Stellenbosch it is evident that the practice of alcohol consumption is very differentiated. From talking to students* it has become apparent that white young adults are more likely to consume alcohol in public places such as bars and restaurants where as the majority of non-white young adults are more likely to consume alcohol at their homes or spaces such as open fields or parks.
On 21 January 2010 an Alcohol Monitoring Unit was established on specifically the Stellenbosch University (SU) campus and it's close surroundings. By August 124 arrests have been made in only the central Stellenbosch area. Eighty-five percent of these arrests were of males between the ages of 18 and 24. Llewellyn MacMaster, dean of students at the SU claimed that the media perceives university students as heavy drinkers who often abuse the substance. Within the first two months of the year university students in Stellenbosch spent more than R1 million on alcoholic purchases.
It is clear that the habits of our nation have not changed and that a distinguished set of moral values and responsible alcohol consupmtion has been implemented. It is also recognisable that our drinking habits are racially and culturally orientated.
* Young adults from a wide variety of cultures, races and ages were asked about their alcohol consuption.
REFERENCES:
Mager, A. 2004. ‘White liquor hits blacklivers’: meanings of excessive liquor consumption in South Africa in the second half of the twentieth century. Journal of Social Science and Medicine, 59:735–751.
Rhamugondo, L. 2010. High number of student DUI cases reported. Die Matie Student Newspaper: 1, August 11.
Ancoizaan Maree
15756378
Greetings,
As mentioned in my first post, I’m going to be looking at the impact that foreign cultures have on South Africans through the medium of music. Obviously I can’t know what this impact is on all South Africans. Accordingly, I’m going to be looking at the effects in Stellenbosch. This might not be the best way to do it as Stellenbosch is not a representative microcosm of South African society, but it’s nonetheless an interesting study.
First off, me. Im not that narcissistic that I want you all to know about me but there are some things that you do need to know within the context of this study. I’ve lived most of my life abroad. I didn’t have a Matric dance, nor did I support the school rugby team on Saturdays. I didn’t braai with my friends over the weekend or have a fake ID to sneak into clubs. Basically, I consider myself an outsider. Admittedly, this sucks. However, it has allowed me to view things that most students here consider ‘normal’ differently. In this sense I suppose I’m a bit like an anthropologist, coming into a strange environment and observing the social interactions of the primitive natives. Ok so that last bit is perhaps a bit unjustified. I mean, sitting around a fire eating meat, singing, dancing and trying to find a suitable mate; totally civilized right? Anyways, I’m getting off topic. The point is, I’ve noticed a lot of ‘strange’ behavior because I view things from the outside.
As Stellenbosch students, it is our obligation to party. There are those who prefer reading a good book to going out and dancing all night of course, yet both these types of students listen to music. We all have different tastes in music. I like old school rock n roll classics and chilled acoustic songs. You might like emo/screamo music. I won’t judge you. Regardless of what genre people listen to, where they listen to it or why, we all need music. Who of you have never heard a shrill “I love this song!!” at a club? I you haven’t, consider yourself lucky. The music played at clubs and on the radio and the music videos we watch on youtube and MTV are, unlike us, very homogenous. The music channels on DSTV will often give you the same songs over and over if you watch long enough. These are pop songs. Pop being short for popular, it’s basically what the kids are listening to today. You too. We’ve all heard Justin Bieber’s Baby, Ke$ha’s Blah blah blah and Katy Perry’s California Gurls. However, I believe that these songs are more than just a form of entertainment. They act as significant influences on us. Girls idolize Katy Perry and want to be with Justin Bieber. You’ve probably all read about the effect the media and celebrities have on people because let’s face it; sex sells. Girls want to be like the model and guys want to be with her. The same thing happens with music.
Consider Ke$ha; In her song Blah Blah Blah, she sings:
“I dont really care where you live at
Just turn around boy and let me hit that
Don't be a little bitch with your chit chat
Just show me where your dick's at
…
Come put a little love in my glove box
I wanna dance with no pants on”
Freedom of speech is great. I get to say what I’m thinking and there isn’t too much you can do about it. The same applies to Ke$ha. I think it’s great that artists have the confidence to discuss their personal interests. While it’s any guys dream to be in such demand by a woman, I find these lyrics inappropriate. I don’t mean to sound so prudish, but in a society where celebrities are idolized and mimicked, their behavior is also copied. Now, I’m not saying that by listening to this song you will become a licentious party girl. My point is simply this: Listen to what you’re listening to.
CP
Follow up to the beauty blog "What is percieved as beautiful?".
As a follow up from last weeks blog, the debate will be about how beautiful is fair skin or dark skin. In David Hume's Essay, Moral and Political, 1742, it mentions that: "beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them." This is exactly what this week’s blog is about. Nobody can say who is beautiful or what counts as beautiful, rather beauty lies within the individual. All the students who were approached regarding the question agreeded that beauty comes from with in. As Margeret Wolfe Hungerford said: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
References:
Homeless people in Stellenbosch (Continued…..)
As I have stated in my previous comment and experience on the homelessness in Stellenbosch, there are a few organizations and individuals who are trying to help these destitute people around the town of Stellenbosch. One of such organizations is the Night Shelter in Tennant Street, Stellenbosch. This shelter provides overnight facility and basic care to homeless people in Stellenbosch.
The Stellenbosch Night Shelter project was started in 1989 to address the needs of the large number of homeless people in the greater Stellenbosch area. They provide compassionate and non-judgmental care to the poorest members of the Stellenbosch Community.
The Shelter project have witnessed some very moving success stories, with residents reconciling with estranged or long-lost family members, finding permanent accommodation or a steady income. Indeed, the shelter is meant to function as a stepping stone to a safer, healthier and more settled life. The Municipal Shelter can accommodate 18 men, 8 women, a family of 4 and has a cool down facility for 2. Admission is free but on request of Municipal Law Enforcers or members of the public only.
All residents are encouraged and helped to apply for ID Books which will in turn help them to apply for any grants or pensions for which they might qualify. The Shelter runs a very successful river cleaning project whereby some of our residents clean the local rivers and surroundings. Businesses are more than welcome to use them to clean their premises. (Payment goes directly to the residents). The AA regularly visits the shelter to support residents in their efforts to remain sober. The Shelter social worker presents training programmes in life skills and conflict management and HIV/AIDS prevention. The Shelter also provides training in basic job skills, e.g. gardening and cleaning. The shelter is used as the training ground and residents are paid a small wage for their work.
To be continued………
References
Gift Katjiku (Student no: 15888657)
Homeless People in Stellenbosch
Homeless People in Stellenbosch
Homelessness is the condition and social category of people without a regular house or dwelling because they cannot afford, do not desire, or are otherwise unable to maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Street people are the segment of the homeless who spend substantial periods of time on the streets in urban areas. The actual legal definition varies from country to country, or among different entities or institutions in the same country or region
The term homelessness may also include people whose primary night time residence is in a homeless shelter, in an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or in a public or private place not designed for use as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Homelessness in Stellenbosch is no different to any other in South Africa or anyway around the world in the sense that causes and the consequences are similar everywhere you go. You walk down the streets in Stellenbosch and you see homeless people; children and adults begging for quarters. Most of them claim that they are going to buy “bread” to lure your pity and sympathy, in most adult cases; it’s just another collection for a next bottle of cheap whisky or wine.
In South Africa, homelessness is very prevalent in the previously disadvantaged communities, thus making black community’s very vulnerable. Stellenbosch plight of homelessness is no exception to the above mentioned claim, as it is evident that most homeless people are blacks from local community townships such as Kayamandi, Cloetesvill and Idas Valley.
Homelessness is the condition and social category of people without a regular house or dwelling because they cannot afford, do not desire, or are otherwise unable to maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Street people are the segment of the homeless who spend substantial periods of time on the streets in urban areas. The actual legal definition varies from country to country, or among different entities or institutions in the same country or region
The term homelessness may also include people whose primary night time residence is in a homeless shelter, in an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or in a public or private place not designed for use as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Homelessness in Stellenbosch is no different to any other in South Africa or anyway around the world in the sense that causes and the consequences are similar everywhere you go. You walk down the streets in Stellenbosch and you see homeless people; children and adults begging for quarters. Most of them claim that they are going to buy “bread” to lure your pity and sympathy, in most adult cases; it’s just another collection for a next bottle of cheap whisky or wine.
In South Africa, homelessness is very prevalent in the previously disadvantaged communities, thus making black community’s very vulnerable. Stellenbosch plight of homelessness is no exception to the above mentioned claim, as it is evident that most homeless people are blacks from local community townships such as Kayamandi, Cloetesvill and Idas Valley.
There are however individuals and organizations trying to minimize the plight of homelessness in the areas of Cape Town, particularly in Stellenbosch area. One of such organizations is the Night Shelter in Tennant Street, Stellenbosch. This shelter provides overnight facility and basic care to homeless people in Stellenbosch.
Organizations of such nature are mushrooming in the Western Cape province, which is a significant sign of hope and audacity in the province.
By Gift Mbanjanda Katjik
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Consumption: more than just what you put in your mouth.
The topic our group chose was consumption seeing as it forms such a big part of modern culture, globally and not just in Stellenbosch. Even though the consumption of food is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of consumption, it is not in my opinion the only form.
By definition consumption is the act or process of using/consuming something i.e. food, electricity, consumer products etcetera. For the purpose of discussions I would like to give a clear definition of consumer products. According to Allbusiness.com consumer products refer to all "goods bought for personal or household use". It can be differentiated from producer goods which has a different use (the production of other goods). These consumer products encompass food but include items such as clothing, utilities, entertainment and certain services as well.
My contribution to our group topic would attempt to cover more than just the topic of foodconsumption but rather focus on the effects of other forms of consumption such as household products, clothing, entertainment and alcohol, services etcetera.
References:
http://www.allbusiness.com/glossaries/consumer-products/4961482-1.html
Ancoizaan Maree
By definition consumption is the act or process of using/consuming something i.e. food, electricity, consumer products etcetera. For the purpose of discussions I would like to give a clear definition of consumer products. According to Allbusiness.com consumer products refer to all "goods bought for personal or household use". It can be differentiated from producer goods which has a different use (the production of other goods). These consumer products encompass food but include items such as clothing, utilities, entertainment and certain services as well.
My contribution to our group topic would attempt to cover more than just the topic of foodconsumption but rather focus on the effects of other forms of consumption such as household products, clothing, entertainment and alcohol, services etcetera.
References:
http://www.allbusiness.com/glossaries/consumer-products/4961482-1.html
Ancoizaan Maree
Health and Nutrition in the Squatter camps
Life in Kayamandi
Kayamandi is the shanty town located on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. This settlement was found in the early 1950s as part of the increased segregation during the Apartheid regime to house the migrant labourers. During the late 1960s the apartheid government built the hostels for the Black male migrant labours who were employed at different farms and factories around Stellenbosch mostly at the wine farms. The word Kayamandi means “pleasurable or sweet home” and it have made lots of migrant labours to like the place before they see it. For example the “60 years old Mr Jackson Mbita*[i] who moved to Kayamandi in 1972 when he was coming from Transkei in the Eastern Cape, hoping to find a good job, so that he can provide for his mother back home, in the wine farms or anywhere were he can be employed. He states that he liked the place before he saw it because of the name “Kayamandi”. This have made him to have confidence that he would be safe and comfortable at the place that he is going and there will be a nice brick home that will be provided for him. Only when he was in Stellenbosch he realised that the name did not resemble the place and the “nice sweet home” that he was thinking about was the hostel that his home is only his bed”. Majority of the population in Kayamandi falls under the middle class and the working class. 
The majority of the people residing in Kayamandi live in shacks. These shacks are housing units with no toilet facilities or running water and it also lacks isolation against heat, cold and privacy. In addition, residents of Kayamandi have limited access to clean water and sanitation while illiteracy levels and unemployment rates are high. For example Julia*[ii] a 37 years old unmarried women live in the two roomed shack with her four children of the age between 8 and 15 years old she came to Kayamandi when she was young with her parents who used to work in the dairy factory. She works for one of the cooking companies in the University residence. At her house there are no any water facilities and she uses water from the street tap. She tell me that she does not like winter when it rains because the roof of the shack leaks and they wake up everything wet in the morning, and if it rained for a week without stopping she end up not having a dry place to sleep. She also told me that in winter the kids got sick quite a lot and sometimes in the government clinic the medication finishes and people have to by the medicines for themselves and mostly when this happens she cannot afford the medication prescribed. When this happens she will either ask for medications of the neighbours or she will let the child’s sickness to get better by itself.
Currently Kayamandi has a high population in the small space. Half quater of the population are children under the age of 10 years and majority of these children are from single mothers. These children are subjected to poverty, hunger/malnutrition and insufficient education opportunities More than half of the population in Kayamandi live in poor living conditions in the shacks. These increase the rate of malnutrition, poverty, TB, and HIV/AIDS. The literacy rate very low and unemployment in Kayamandi is more than 50%. The local clinic statistics shows that there was a 20% HIV/AIDS infection rate amongst women and men, and the majority of the infected peoples are young adults on their twenties. Furthermore, HIV/Aids is still highly stigmatised in Kayamandi. People avoid learning their status and once they know, they find it very hard to disclose it. The local clinic statistics shows that seven in ten men live with chronic disease such as TB and diabetes.
Bibliography
(http://www.littleworksusa.com/BAckground%20info%20on%20ABE%20TRust%20with%20picture.pdf) Date accessed 22 September 2010
Take Responsibilty for your Actions: Pollution and Waste
Walking around Stellenbosch recently, the amount of litter that is around is really disgusting. It would seem as though people literally just walk around dropping litter without even blinking! What do they expect is going to happen to it? I just find it so revolting. I saw a guy yesterday walking on the side of the road while eating MacDonalds, I was behind him walking back to res from class and he literally just dropped whatever was packing his food as he walked. I couldn't actually belive my eyes... Do people honestly think that that is ok? I just cant seem to wrap my head around it.
Being taught that literring is wrong is something that you learn in Primary School or its a value that your parents have instilled in you as a result of respect for the environment. I was listening to the radio last night and they were discussing the same thing. The challenge that they posed though is the same as what I am challenging to everyone who reads this blog, that if you see people littering or being disrespectful to the environment that you politely confront them and let them know that what they are doing is WRONG!
Lynne Stark
Being taught that literring is wrong is something that you learn in Primary School or its a value that your parents have instilled in you as a result of respect for the environment. I was listening to the radio last night and they were discussing the same thing. The challenge that they posed though is the same as what I am challenging to everyone who reads this blog, that if you see people littering or being disrespectful to the environment that you politely confront them and let them know that what they are doing is WRONG!
Lynne Stark
Violent crime in Stellenbosch
Living in South Africa we are all exposed to crime in one way or another. It is hard to find someone who has not experienced some form of crime or another. As a result South Africans have sometimes taken a relaxed view of crime: "Yesterday my cellphone got stolen out of my car" - "Really, that sucks. That happened to me but they took...". However the worst type of crime is the one where you lose something not as easily replaced as a cellphone or CD player. I refer to violent crimes where people have been significantly hurt or even killed. Although perhaps not as common as theft it is still occurring in Stellenbosch, such as the death of Matie Daniel Booysen last month. This is one of the aspects of crime that this group will be looking at for the purpose of this Social Anthropology blog.
Damien Zehnder
Damien Zehnder
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