Orientation Week Special Edition

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What first years get up to at other universities

This special edition of The Oppidan Press will tell you all you need to know about student life, the University and Grahamstown

12 8 Welcome to Rhodes University!

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digs rely on Hi-Tec Security, as well as the local Grahamstown Police Station, for protection, while students living in residences are encouraged to report all crimes to the Campus Protection Unit (CPU). Despite the increased threat of crime, Wille noted ways in which students can remain safe and help protect themselves. New students arent familiar with the campus and are not streetwise, which makes them easy targets for thieves, he said. [Students need to] familiarise themselves with their surroundings to decrease their chances of being victims. Last year theft was a major concern, with an increase in reports of muggings, especially on Somerset and African Street. Hi-Tec Security had cases where items were stolen directly out of vehicles, as well as students cellphones reportedly being snatched in broad daylight. With regard to muggings, Wille said most incidents occurred late at night or in the early hours of the morning. He suggested that students not speak on their cell phones in isolated places but rather get to a safe place first before using them. Alternatively, a device called a stun gun can be purchased from the Hi-Tec offices on New Street. Stun guns have the exact physical features of a cell phone and can be given to a mugger in place of a cellphone, electrocuting the thief when it is held. If youre working late at the library, dont walk home alone, Wille added. Contact CPU and we will dispatch guards to make sure you are safe. (Furthermore) female students should never walk alone at night, it is much safer to walk in groups. Student negligence was also a major concern last year, with students arriving and leaving digs without properly locking up. Wille strongly advised students to keep burglar alarms activated and doors locked. People have woken up to find their doors open and their stuff gone, he said. Wille said that the most

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How safe RU? New students with risk free attitudes make easy targets
Ndileka Lujabe An increase in crime levels last year, with increased reports of break-ins, car thefts and daytime muggings, has caused concern amongst local crimeprevention agencies about the risk-free attitudes that are employed by new and returning Rhodes students. Students come to Grahamstown from big cities, such as Johannesburg, expecting not to be victims of crime here, said Andr Wille, Manager of Armed Response at Hi-Tec Security. He said students mistakenly assume that because Grahamstown is small, crime levels are not high. Oppidan students in stolen items in digs break-ins were laptops, clothing and cell phones. He said students werent being sensible and tended to be careless with their possessions. Simple things like locking doors and not putting your laptop near the window where it can easily be grabbed, can help a lot, he advised. Wille also warned that criminals are known to target drunk students at pubs, following them to their homes. He said students should always be wary and responsible. Hi-Tec Security can be contacted on 046 636 1660, the Grahamstown Police Station on 046-603 9111; and CPU on 046 603 8146.

R85m library expansion completed for 2011 students

Tsholofelo Tlhoaele Vice Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat has described the R85-million Library Expansion Project, completed in time to accommodate the new students of 2011, as the biggest single project in the history of Rhodes University and Grahamstown. Construction began in September 2008, and although expected to be finished in July 2010, was only finally completed in November last year - a four-month delay from the original date of completion. Local contractors C.M. Heunis Building Contractors and MBB Consulting Engineers headed the project, while University of Cape Town campus architect Geoff de Wet handled the design. De Wet also designed custom-made furniture for the library that was developed by TJs Joinery in East London. According to the Universitys press releases, the new library has almost doubled its original size with the expansion adding approximately 4500 square metres to the building. The library now offers four levels that include seminar rooms and study cubicles, computers and printers, and faculty-specific libraries. It was a proud moment and an exhilarating experience to be able to finally enter our new library. The returning students are bound to be in awe. The new library exemplifies what can be achieved by the combination of vision, creativity, purpose, planning and hard work, said Vice Chancellor Badat. The main library building now includes a new parking facility as well as a basement level, which according to the University, will be converted into a Learning Caf. An ABSA ATM has also been added near the possible caf location. The press release noted a number of environmental considerations that have been included in order to make the building more eco-friendly. Environmental factors include the use of thicker walls to provide sun shading, the use of solar glass, (and the) energy-efficient use of air-conditioning, the release said. Other construction work around campus completed for 2011 includes the building of three new residences behind Kimberley Hall that are expected to host 87 students each during the 2011 academic year. The residence construction reportedly cost roughly R57.4 million. Two additional residences are planned to be built each year over the next two years, in order to accommodate an increase in the Universitys student numbers in future years.

Chelsea Nelson A sneak peak of the new highly advanced library. Schematic drawings of the planning, the final product and new services it offers are inside.

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Matthew de Klerk Nearly 30 years since its introduction, the Compact Disc seems to be heading the way of its predecessors: the e-waste graveyard. Linn Products, a company that has, since 2002, held the Royal Warrant (making it sole provider of electronics to Her Majesty the Queen of England), has ceased production of CD players as demand plummets. The sheer drop in demand has been attributed to more and more people heading online to download their music fix. Founder Ivor Tiefenbrun has stated that CDs are clearly limited in their uses, saying that, people just prefer to have more control over their music. He also said that CDs limited space and lack of portability are contributing factors- highlighted clearly by the popularity of iPods and other Mp3 players. This development has gone alongside industry rumours and ideas of reducing the cost of CDs to one British pound (about R12). The music industry itself is going through some huge changes: the introduction of music download websites such as Napster sent shockwaves through the industry, paving the way for online music. Major international record labels and distribution platforms,

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

The death of the Compact Disc

such as Tower Records (now an online music store), have ceased physical production and have moved online. Some websites, such as Qtrax.com, even offer music free for download paid for entirely by on-site advertising. Billboard.coms Paul Caulfield said that so far this year, about 44 million digital albums have been sold, compared with 40 million during the same time frame last year. But while digital sales have increased slightly, CD sales have dropped from 147 million last year to 114 million this year for the same time period. The cheapening of CDs bears good news for aspiring musicians, as the cost of getting Pic supplied Compact discs succeeded vinyls 31 years ago, and are now giving way to online music stores. public exposure is much lower and the means of recording and distributing music is much cheaper. Also, the likelihood of socalled impulse buying stemming from the falling prices of the CDs will increase listenership and profits. However, Caulfield argues that there are still a few good years left in CDs. Just as with any media and format, the CD is going through some huge changes. Will they ever vanish completely? Well, look at LPs and old records: theyre still around, he said.

O-Week for the country

Leigh Hermon Orientation Week at Rhodes University has become bigger and better each year. New students can expect a week of early morning sing-alongs, introductory lectures and various SRC events. At the end of the week a huge party is either held on Prince Alfred street or on the Great Field. But what does Orientation Week hold for others around the country? Whilst we are in the midst of early morning choir practice, what are other campuses doing? First years at Rhodes can look forward to early morning serenades, where girls and guys will sing a set of popular songs to each other from the lawns of their houses. The serenade is then followed by a quick meet and greet and an embarrassing question and answer session, over a nice cup of coffee. From there, the first years will be rushed off to lectures about the library, different subjects and the various faculties and facilities at Rhodes. In the evenings one can expect an SRC function or a play about diversity at the Rhodes Theatre. At the University of Pretoria (Tuks), Stellenbosch University and University of Cape Town (UCT), Orientation Week is all about introducing students to the university through various activities that take place on campus and in residences. RAG (Reach out and Give or Remember and Give) is a huge community driven project where students raise money for various charities and beneficiaries. A week is spent raising money through the sale of magazines and other events. One of the major characteristics of RAG is the parade of floats. Ashleigh Kromm, a 2nd year at Tuks recalls her O-week: Each res teams up with another guys res and you build a float by making blommetjies. At the end of the week a parade is held where each team shows off their float. At Stellenbosch, Trollies is a race that sees student teams race down Victoria Straat in their own personalised trolley. Later on in the week each residence puts on a play or performs a group dance in an event known as Vensters. During one evening everyone walks to each of the houses and watches their plays or dances. Its quite a nice way to get to know campus, said Jurie Jean Van De Vyver, a Prim from Wilgenhof residence. Tuks hosts a similar event called Ienk-Melodienk where the first years learn the lyrics and dance moves to a song. So what do we do at Rhodes besides sing early morning songs? Our Orientation Week has rather been associated with the best drinking fest in the country. And what about Rhodes RAG? Each of the major universities host such an event so what happened to ours? In 1992 Rhodes Universitys RAG fell away due to drunken debauchery. RAG was once a highly anticipated event amongst Grahamstown residents. Rhodes RAG would be hosted on a Saturday morning where students would parade their floats around Grahamstown whilst ask-

O-week Special Edition

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

2011: what to expect

Matthew de Klerk 2011 (or MMXI in Roman Numerals) will be a common year: that is, not a leap year. Starting on a Saturday (for the first time since 2005), this year has been designated by the United Nations as International Year of Forests and International Year of Chemistry. In terms of the Chinese calendar, which cycles and begins again every 19 years (meaning that if you are 19 years old this year, you are in effect beginning a new cycle of life), 2011 is the year of the Rabbit. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit is meant to be a sign of good luck. This should be of great value to Barack Obama, because by the end of this year all US troops should have left Iraq. 2011 is also an exciting year in terms of sport: the Cricket World Cup is set to be held in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and The All-Blacks plans on taking a home-ground victory at the Rugby World Cup that will take place in New Zealand. On the subject of the things astronomical (i.e. the AllBlacks chances), we can also look forward to a Solar Eclipse on the 15th of June. In other space terms, this year holds the last launch of the Space Shuttle. After 135 launches since 1981, the Space Shuttle will go into retirement, ushering in a new era of spacecraft designed to travel further Pic supplied than the Moon: possibly to Mars. Also, this year Pakistan is supposed to launch their first space satellite. On a darker note, 2011 (though just short of the 2012 dooms-year) is a year of death: the film Aeon Flux theorised that 99% of all human life is wiped out by a deadly virus this year. In a similar fashion, K. A. Applegate's Remnants book series tells that 2011 is the year life on Earth (excepting a handful of survivors) becomes extinct after a 73-mile-wide asteroid (nicknamed "The Rock") impacts Portugal. Only time will tell where 2011 will feature in the history books.

ing the towns residents for donations. The parade would include a float for the Queen and Princesses of Rhodes and a group of drum majorettes performing for the crowd. The day would conclude with a RAG ball in the evening and was considered to be a worthwhile event on the Rhodes calendar. However, as the years the event seem to deteriorate in quality. Students arrived drunk and disorderly and little effort went into the making of the floats. The event was considered to be too alcohol orientated and so the residents of Grahamstown were no longer interested in supporting the event. But breaking away from tradition is not always a bad thing. Rhodes University still remains close to community based projects and there is an atmosphere of community engagement that is present all year round. There are a number of societies and student-based projects that can get a student active within their community - we just dont need to build a float to prove ourselves.

Collapse 101
Carina Truyts Some call me the procrastination queen. To demonstrate, it is now 5:30 in the morning I have been hitting the snooze button on my alarm since 4:00. My attempts at being an early bird are spurred by the fact that my November exam timetable was conjured up and spat out of hell. I write six papers in one week, starting in five days. I should be knee-deep in work by now. This column should have been written two days ago. Moreover, I should not have stayed up late last night reading Jared Diamonds Collapse. Its not one of my regular acts of procrastination, reading historical science books (I usually tend to watch series, drink wine on weeknights, and abuse my Internet quota), but the book is excellent. Learning about the rise and fall of empires is absorbing. From Easter Island to Mayan cities, it shows how people in the past accomplished great feats: erecting massive stone temples and creating flawless artifacts and vast industries that eventually (and often literally) fell to the ground in the wake of human-induced environmental crises. Diamond shows how humans always go that one step too far. We expand our empires in times of good climate and cannot shrink or support them later. We chop down the last tree on the island to build a canoe, deplete the ocean of stocks, mine and leave our waste lying around to poison the soil. In pursuing our goal of economic growth we taint the survival chances of our children and line ourselves up for collapse. (Yes I know Im sounding dramatic but did I mention that Im not a morning person?) The point of Collapse is that we should learn from the past and from the mistakes made by those nations, empires and individuals that came before us. If we dont, history will inevitably repeat itself. Im really not keen on a war over resources, but it might very well happen in a few years time. I optimistically reckon that I might be one of the last of the population to survive and I dont want to have to resort to cannibalism (as has happened in plenty of societies in the past). Check out http://www.earthday. net/footprint/ and see what your effect on the planet is. If everyone lived like I do, we would need the regenerative capacity of 1,8 planets a year to survive. The other moral of the story is that at University, if you do not plan ahead, Collapse is likely to find you. You will end up on the night before your exam with your brain fried, guzzling Red Bull and contemplating whether or not sleeping with your book under your pillow will help (It wont). I wish I could be a shining example at this point and say that I have my study timetable pinned to my door and Im on my way to the library as we speak. The best I can do, however, is to tell you that under no conditions should you ever follow my example of procrastination. Did I mention that Im going on an excursion to Shelly Beach at 9:30am?

Student friendly Affordable Student accounts available Nutritional supplements such as USN, PVM and Evox in stock Friendly service Safe location and secure parking at Peppergrove Mall Deliveries free of charge Confidentiality when discussing any health problems or other issues B12 injections available as a great energy booster during stressful times or exams

Digs-hunting: get a win-win deal

Johnmark Kajese Home away from home, the moment has now come: being out of residence accommodation and moving into digs definitely is a daunting task. It is important to look carefully at the issue of lease agreements as you can potentially sign away your rights. Freedom is not free so keep the following in mind and increase your chances of having a good time in digs. The legal aspect of digs life is something that most people do not give full consideration to and more often than not, find themselves on the ugly side of the law. The important thing that one has to take into consideration is lease agreements. Most estate agents, depending on demand, will normally give a two week grace period for one to read and fully understand what one is getting into. This is done to ensure that a win-win agreement is reached between all parties concerned. There is no need to rush into signing an agreement because of the appeal of the place. Being an Oppidan student, various resources are at your disposal, free of charge, to ensure that you get what is legally in your best interests. Before signing a lease agreement, ask for a suitable grace period, say three to four days to study what is contained within. It is also important to look at the Oppidan Union webpage on Student Zone and follow the guidelines provided under legal advice. A wide range of measures are discussed that one needs to take into account before committing to an agreement. Grahamstown is home to the National Arts Festival, and this event held annually during the June vacation is one to consider in relation to the lease agreements. Some estate agents/landlords will make use of the properties that you might be renting so it is crucial to consider whether the place you want to get into will be rented out during the Festival, so as not to be left stranded should you decide to stay around for it. It is crucial to note that a lease agreement is a document that can be negotiated upon, and it is highly recommended that one highlights aspects of the lease that might need amending. The extent to which amendments can be granted depends on the estate agent, but it is important to make use of this platform where possible. Some terms and conditions are negotiable, so see what you can have amended to suit you. With regards to issues to do with possible legal action, it advised to seek the guidance and assistance of the Legal Aid Clinic, provided one meets the criteria for assistance, as this platform caters only for those unable to afford the services of a lawyer. SRC Oppidan Councillor Silvanus Welcome is around to cater for the needs of the Oppidan students and should also be one of the first people to get hold of for assistance.

The Springboks will defending their title at the Ruby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

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Editor: Lauren Granger Deputy Editor: Mikaila Thurgood Managing Editor: Lwandlekazi Gaga Marketing Managers: Jamie Bezuidenhout and Sin Rees Financial Manager: Munyaradzi Chapereka Distribution Managers: Ntombifuthi Phakathi and Mildred Chanhuwa Community Engagement Managers: Enathi Mqokeli and Zikhona Masala Chief Designer: Tselane Moiloa Assistant Chief Designers: Stepanie Pretorius and Claire Smith Marketing and Advertising Designer: Amy Slatem Designers: Shavaughn Haack, Gabi Zietsman and Chevawn Blum Sub-Editors: Sarita Pillay, Nadia Moore and Wilhelmina Maboja Acting Online Editor: Maricelle Gouws Arts and Entertainment Editor: Benjamin Greaves Environment Editor: Carina Truyts Features Editor: Bakhulule Maluleka News Editor: Benjamin Katz Assistant News Editor: Relebone Myambo Business Editor: Neo Khanyile Sci-Tech Editor: Muhammed Bemath Opinion Editor: Matthew de Klerk Pictures Editors: Chelsea Nelson and Storme Sydow Politics Editor: Leigh Hermon Politics Assistant Editor: Tanaka Johnmark Kajese Sports Editor: Fabio De Dominicis Ombudsman: Robert Brand Printers: Dupli-Print

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The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

This is NOT a movie!

Bakhulule Maluleka Suddenly, something weird happens... As Rusty feels the weight of failure on his back, a shout from Beaver sends him stumbling into reality: Its raining beer! Oh my gosh! Its raining beer! Everybody raises their lips to the sky and drinks in the droplets of alcohol. The advanced precipitator that Rusty stole from the physics department has finally done its job. Its precipitated every fluid within the vicinity into an alcoholics dream. Rusty realises that he didnt fail far from it. Hes just made this the most epic Vesuvius party ever. His fraternity brothers chant his nickname, SPITTER! SPITTER! SPITTER! as they hold him up so that he too can taste the wonder. What a party! What a night! If you havent watched the series Greek before, then you probably dont recognise the above anecdote. But if you have, you know that what Ive written doesnt even come close to the emotion of this particular moment. If this is what university is like, you think, then I really want to be there. Or maybe youre of the opposite mindset: if its like this, then I want nothing to do with it. First off, let me set things straight. This is NOT a movie! There is no such thing as a Vesuvius party or anything remotely like that. There are no mountains of beer kegs waiting for eager drinkers. There are no fraternities (although some residences wish they were), no sororities (thank goodness ), no crazy antics where one person does completely insane things but still manages to get away with it and there are no days of lazing around by the swimming pool or nights of utter debauchery none of these things. Now, Im not trying to make tertiary education sound boring, it isnt. What Im trying to do is take away some of the glamorous notions you may have about the year ahead. Where to start? I guess with the obvious: THERE WILL BE WORK. Havent you ever noticed that in all these shows and series (think Van Wilder, Greek, American Pie II) nobody ever studies? Not even one person in the entire movie is seen touching a book. If he or she does, its either because of some plot device like cheating on a test. Or its some miraculous fact, like that despite waking up ten minutes before the exam, after studying the night before because he missed all the lectures this semester, the protagonist is still able to pass. The protagonist is always a winner somehow, despite his laziness and careless attitude. Thats not real! Here, we graft hard! You may not see people actually doing much studying on Friday nights, but see them the next morning. Go to the library. Knock on a res door. Youll find someone with their nose in a book. Also, lecture attendance is not always a choice. Theres a simple piece of paper that goes by the alias of register. If you dont sign this paper regularly, according to your course specifications, you lose your duly performed certificate (DP). Without this certificate you cannot write exams. If you dont write exams, youve automatically failed. AUTOMATICALLY... Who wants that? Besides registers and DPs, theres also a few other things: 1. Residences AND digs have rules. You cant do whatever you want. Youll get kicked out. 2. You cant drink day in and day out. Its called alcohol poisoning. Get with the program. 3. Not everybody walks around trying to be sexy or wanting sex. This is a complete myth. 4. More about intercourse: you will not get laid by random girls/guys. There are no randoms here. Youll probably see each other at lectures, Pick n Pay or society meetings. Remember, Rhodes is small and youre here for three years, not just O-Week. 5. Things dont ever just work themselves out. You get what you put in. Dont attend lectures? Dont hand in work? You are the weakest link, goodbye. The rest youll learn as the year goes on. Fun exists youll see Pic supplied that. But always keep it in mind: This is NOT a movie. Pic supplied Chelsea Nelson

O-week Special Edition

Pic supplied

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

Campus or canvas?
Johnmark Kajese Few South African universities can match Rhodes reputation for producing world-class artists, the core of which can be attributed to an active arts community on and off campus. Involvement is just a few steps away for the budding student artist. For a taste of the artistic talent on campus, joining a society is a great way to start. Groups like Live Music Society and Ballroom Society command a large following and host smashing events, but dont forget about the smaller groups. Circus Society, for instance, is a relatively new initiative aiming to bring acrobatic and performance skills to the campus body. Society memberships may be pricey, but benefits often include support for personal artistic endeavors and reduced entrance to society events. For a more formal approach to the arts, one might consider enrolling in the Fine Art, Drama, Music and Musicology, or even English Departments. Apart from obtaining a theoretical background, courses always provide a practical component and give students access to creative resources. Dont be afraid to enroll in the arts as a one year

University is not like its portrayed in movies and on TV. But if you can work hard, you can also learn to play harder.

arb subject. Having a creative outlet tends to spur achievement in other endeavors and employers often seek out graduates with diverse interests. Though departmental enrollment is the simplest route to participating in student productions, avenues do exist for students that dont have the time or inclination to pursue the arts full time. The Drama Department, for instance, offers relatively open auditions for many of its student-directed plays and choreography pieces, including the popular annual student-produced show Innovations. One simply needs to inquire at the relevant department to see what kinds of involvement are available Scattered throughout town are numerous arts shows organized through churches, schools, and citizen societies. Those with particularly refined talents should look out for opportunities to showcase their talents at the annual National Arts Festival, a surefire way to start building a reputation. Above all, dont be afraid to try something new. A keen eye and an open mind are crucial for maturing artists. After all, the competition in Grahamstown is tough.

Rhodes offers students opportunities to get involved in everything from ballroom dancing to drama productions.

The legend of the university dropout

Bakhulule Maluleka We all have this illusion before we come to university that it takes certain things to become a dropout: you need to be lazy, you have to be into partying, be promiscuous, and take drugs the whole shebang. I use the word illusion because this is not what it is. Its far from being a reality, neither is it a fact. You cant even call it a mass correlation. The truth is, dear young ones, most of the people who advocate your being against these things possibly and probably did try them in their university heydays. What theyre doing is not trying to stop you; theyre trying to slow you down. Instead of binge drinking, drink responsibly. Instead of all manner of hard drugs rather exercise. They are giving you alternatives. What they are advocating is obviously in your best interests but the key is understanding which advice to follow and which rules to break. Think of a hypothetical young man, Jimmy. If he becomes a dropout, it will mainly be because hes never had to balance anything in his life. School is regimented for you. You have rules at home because your parents make them. There are rules here too. But the onus is on you to follow them. You make each and every choice. Thats a big burden to bear if youve never done it in your life and therein lies the possibly of becoming a dropout. Its a fear of the unknown; a loss of agency as decision-makers. This is worse when youre an oppidan: cooking for yourself, cleaning, budgeting, balancing a social life and having to do schoolwork. Its a lot, but you can ask for help. In fact, you should. Not asking for help is what ultimately makes people fail. Ask for help, dont be afraid. Its a life-skill.

Broke and bored

Melinda Alvarez Whether or not its your first year at Rhodes, living in digs is always an entirely new experience that raises a frightening prospect: budgeting. Holding on to hard cash until your next payday is a struggle well all undergo at one point. Thankfully, Grahamstown makes it relatively easy to have a good time without burning through your wallet. The first step to inexpensive entertainment is simply to be aware of your spending limit. Good practice involves keeping tabs on how much you spend on a night out. Taking out just enough cash for a single night will ensure you dont overspend. Becoming aware of prices around town can take time, but its an excellent strategy that helps you recognize a bargain when it presents itself. Its been said that the best things in life are free, and Grahamstown is no exception. Nature spots like the botanical gardens can be enjoyed alone or with friends. You can spend hours exploring the lawns and river bank, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying a good hubbly session. Picnics can be supplemented by a trip to inexpensive supermarkets like Pick n Pay and Checkers, but don't forget the Kaif and the Block House. For a more stimulating afternoon, then you might want to take a gander at the Albany Science Museum, the Observatory Museum, or the International Library of African Music just to name Pic supplied

The Observatory Museum is a cheap alternative to a usual day out a few of the fascinating museums around town. The Cathedral on High Street is also a wonderful example of the many amazing heritage sites in Grahamstown. When youre desperate to get out of the kitchen, look out for food specials at places like Rev's Diner, Pirates, Olde 65 and the numerous other restaurants that cater to student crowds. For those party animals out there, drinks specials can really take the strain off your wallet. Watering holes like the Rat and Parrot, Caf Blanca, and Equilibrium offer especially tempting student specials during large sports events, functions, public holidays and society events. Plan ahead to avoid those late night BP runs, or youll soon find yourself wondering where the last of your cash disappeared to the night before. Other entertainment can be found on campus, including drama productions, music performances and art exhibitions. Free performances and exhibits are particularly evident near the end of each term, when Rhodes artistic students showcase their talents in front of willing audiences. Though student life is all about getting the most fun out of the least money, dont be afraid to splurge now and then. Above all, live the life you always wanted even if you have to stretch your budget a little to get there.

Chelsea Nelson Jonty Allen realised too late that being a student means being studious.

O-week Special Edition

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

That stuff called water

Matthew Feldman Youll hear very strange things about the tap water in Grahamstown. Most of them are true (except the thing about it being completely safe for you to drink), which leaves us Rhodents with three choices: either risk it and drink the stuff, travel to the spring outside of town, or (as a last resort) buy water. Drinking the tap water isnt really an option as most of the time it tastes horrible, and the colour suspiciously changes from milky white to a murky brown in a couple of hours. It is also treated with high levels of chemicals to make it safer for us to drink but reportedly still contains heavy metals like Aluminium and Zinc. A quick trip to the Department of Ichthyology can tell you why these heavy metals are bad for you. Going out to the spring on the Port Alfred road where the water is free is an option, but this requires a good friend with a car and several hours free as many people in the Grahamstown area rely on the spring (dont start picturing waving reeds and dancing water sprites) for their water. This leaves us car-less and timeless students with no other choice but to buy water. But what type of water should you buy? mineral or filtered? The myth is that mineral is better for you but after talking to Douglas Green, store manager at Oasis Water in Grahamstown, it can be ascertained that the myth has been busted. You see, mineral water is pumped straight from the spring to the bottling plant and although this means that it does not contain any of the chemicals found in tap water it still has all the heavy metals. In addition, you would have to drink 400 litres of mineral water to get any use of the minerals so its easier to eat a plate of vegetables. Filtered water, on the other hand, uses a series of different stages of filtration to remove all harmful elements found in water. The first step is the removal of dirt particles by running the water through a sand filter; next is the salt tank which kills E-coli and breaks down the minerals and heavy metals so that they can be removed by the micron filters in the next stage. This is followed by a reverse osmosis process which removes the salt and the last of the minerals. Finally, the UV light filter kills any bacteria in the water. This makes it very clean. The people from Oasis go a step further, however, and filter by a process which adds Ozone (oxygen) in the water. Its this stage that makes their water so good for you. So take it from the experts, filtered water is the way of the future. Chelsea Nelson

Oasis, a shop in Pepper Grove Mall, sells filtered water.

The great water myth

Matthew Feldman Water has always been seen as a renewable resource. The truth is, at the rate the expanding population of the world use water, it appears people will soon be saying farewell to their swimming pools, Jacuzzis, even the refreshing glass of water from your kitchen. People are using this renewable resource too quickly: over-pumping groundwater, rivers, dams and lakes at a greater rate than it can be renewed through natures process. Dont forget to take into consideration that global warming looms its oven-hot head on the last fresh water supplies in the world, melting freshwater glaciers into the ocean, rendering it useless and salty. The arid areas of the world are becoming drier and the humid areas are becoming wetter, leaving our future South Africa (a semi-arid area with a sparse water supply) in dire straits. This bleak reality has seen the establishment of a great myth: salt water from the ocean can be desalinated and used for consumption. This seems very unlikely, because of the huge amounts of energy that will be required for this process and the large amounts of brine that will be created to desalinate seawater. This concept will be shrugged off by governments who find that recycling used water (industrially and domestically) is simply so much cheaper than establishing multiple, brand spanking new desalination plants along the coastline. This makes you think twice about drinking 8 glasses of water a day, doesnt it? This is especially when the water can be flowing out your tap from a sewage plant that is poorly run by your local municipality. Someone might forget to add enough chlorine to the concoction, or forget to close the filter sleuth. Our abundant freshwater resources may be a thing of the past if we carry on rapidly wasting and tainting water. Water conservation is only a small step to take - installing a rain water tank outside your digs may sound extreme but soon there might not be a choice in the matter.

Finding the internet

Brad Bense As any Rhodent will tell you, the two most important things needed to succeed at Rhodes (besides attending your tutorials and studying for tests) are: a) knowing how to use the library and b) access to a computer with internet. Being without internet access at your digs means a trip to the computer labs on campus, and if its going to be an all-nighter, then it means being subject Chelsea Nelson to the interesting odour of the Jac Labs (something no one should every have to endure). So heres some handy advice about internet service providers in Grahamstown. The basic facts on Internet service providers in Grahamstown are: there are three main options, with a variety of different product types. The three options are Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), 3G, and wireless. ADSL is a fixed telephone line that gives you fast internet speeds (unless youre on the cheapest package,then you might as well be using dial up). The problem is there are high monthly fees and if youre in a digs of five there is no way of knowing who used up all the cap. To get ADSL, all you have to do is get Telkom to install a land line and phone up M-web (or anyone of their competitors). 3G is internet coverage provided by your cellular phone service provider (namely MTN, Vodacom and Cell-C). It is a cheap option (and as a student, that makes it very attractive) as all you need is a cell phone that can connect to your laptop/desktop or a dongle, and a parent to sponsor the airtime. The downside is that it is more expensive to download data and the speed of your internet depends on signal strength (just like a cell phone).To get 3G, pop into your nearest cellular phone shop and ask one of the lovely sales people (Try MTN in Peppergrove Mall or Nashua mobile in New Street). Wireless is the last option. Its best described as your first cell phone contract: really cheap. All that you need to do is get in touch with a wireless service provider in Grahamstown, who installs your antenna, then its simply a case of buying credits (or airtime) as required. Its the cheapest option as the installation fee is once off and the amount of credits you buy depends on you. You get the same speeds as ADSL (because it runs on the fastest form of ADSL) with the only problem being that not all areas are covered and there is a slight lag (a delay between your computer sending a command and it being executed). To get wireless Internet, go to TTS in High street or IT Solutions in Peppergrove Mall. Armed with this knowledge, all you have to do is pick an option that suits your budget and lifestyle. In no time at all youll be surfing the Internet from the comfort of your digs.

Oracle is among the popular Internet Service Providers in Grahamstown and is located behind Yellow House in High Street.

For the Parents

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

For the Parents

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

Innovative infrastructural and spatial development

Parents O-week Edition

A special supplement introducing new parents to Rhodes University, the campus, staff and facilities available to students

Pic supplied

Brought to you by the Communications and Marketing Division in conjunction with The Oppidan Press

The aerial view of the Rhodes University campus. The overarching Institutional Plan, as outlined by Mrs Sandy Stephenson, Director: Institutional Planning, consists of a number of sub-sections. One of these is the vitally important Spatial Development Plan which is, like the other areas, a work in progress. A Working Group was established around mid-2009 under the leadership of Mark Hazell, Manager: Grounds and Gardens, and consisting of people with technical, aesthetic, engineering and architectural knowledge. Their brief was to discuss the following: What does Rhodes University currently look like? What should it look like? What is it going to look like in the future? As Mr Hazell explains, the goal of the committee is to determine what the University should be putting in place to ensure that the campus is able to meet the needs of relevant parties, both now and in the future. This led to further questions on changing demographics, emphasis and values. When looking ahead, it is necessary to ask if the values and requirements we are experiencing in 2010 will still apply in 2020, or indeed in 2030. With this in mind, Mr Hazell and the Committee sketched out the current land plan of Rhodes University, using colour-coding to define the front, client-facing end of campus and then moving on to define the academic and residential zones (in which there is some overlap) in other colours. This was a vitally important step as it allowed the Committee to not only visualise what the campus currently looks like, but also to properly question what it will need to add or alter in the years to come, if it is to continue fulfilling the needs of students, staff and community. A Spatial Development Plan is essential. New buildings, roads and even trees have a long-term impact on the land and the area around them. The brief which the Working Committee received from the Vice-Chancellor was to stay within the current 244-hectare land plan, and therefore thought had to be given as to how the University could expand within these constraints. Densification is one option. But, as Mr Hazell points out, people like the feel of the University as it is. The fact Sarah Shfer

Planning to meet challenges and manage opportunities

Rhodes University recently set the wheels in motion to create a comprehensive Institutional Development Plan, loosely termed Vision 2020. This came about as a result of the challenges faced by the University and opportunities presented by the new higher education landscape. The plan deals with shape and infrastructure issues, staff and student make-up, transformation and the ability to attract and retain staff, amongst other things. Vision 2020 is a living plan, to be reassessed and amended as necessary, and its aim is to position Rhodes in such as way as to ensure that its future trajectory meets the challenges, and reaps the rewards, of the 21st century. In the areas of learning, teaching, research, transformation, community engagement and infrastructure, the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) aims to ensure that the capacity exists for attention to be given to these areas in a way that ensures congruence between enrolment planning, academic planning, staffing, physical planning and the allocation of financial resources. The University has recently finalised its enrolment plan for the period 2011 to 2013. Formal institutional planning is a relatively new field in South African higher education, and is now directly linked to State funding, Mrs Sandy Stephenson, Director: Institutional Planning, explains. Whereas in years gone by the State was able to fund whomever the University enrolled, there are now far more stringent requirements in place. This is not unique to South Africa; the movement for more transparency and accountability in public spending on education began in the United Kingdom and Australia, and South Africa has followed suit. The issue of accountability for the expenditure of public funds is particularly pertinent in this country, with the amount of redress that needs to take place in relation to past discriminatory practices. Mrs Stephenson outlines some of the changes which have occurred since the advent of democracy in South Africa. One of these is the fact that the way students are now funded is based on three-year rolling plans which are negotiated in advance with the Department of Higher Education and Training. The plans also need to respond to the National Priority Areas, indicated for each planning cycle by the Government. In this current cycle, the national priority areas are widening access and increasing undergraduate output in engineering and life sciences, human and animal health, teacher education and output in all postgraduate programmes. Rhodes gets funding on the basis of this plan, which makes enrolment planning a delicately balanced and critical task. Each university has to predict how many students it aims to enrol in the years up to and including 2013, breaking it down into categories such as field of study, undergraduate and postgraduate figures, as well as race and gender. Another ongoing challenge is the decrease in funding relative to inflation and the cost of living. Adding to the challenge of preparing this plan, is the fact that Rhodes remains one of the few universities that offers a wide range of potential combinations of major subjects. Most other universities have elected to go the programme route, where a degree programme has a pre-determined curriculum. This range of choices is one of Rhodes Universitys great advantages, but it does make it difficult to predict what courses students will be choosing to study in future years and also creates time tabling challenges. The University increasingly has to cap admission numbers for certain courses, because of finite resources. The IDP is firm on this, aiming to retain Rhodes niche of smaller classes, personal contact with access to lecturers and Heads of Department, as well as its tutorial system which contributes significantly to the Universitys excellent pass and throughput rates which remain amongst the best in the country. The University is looking to keep its undergraduate numbers fairly constant for the next few years, while growing the postgraduate student numbers. Zamuxolo Matiwana

that only 25% of the land currently in use is covered by buildings is often cited as one of the big selling points of Rhodes. Our University is a human space, with trees and green lungs throughout. The Working Committee is very aware of this unique feature. Additionally the brief has been to keep the academic core of the University as closely knit as possible, because of transit times from residences to lecture theatres, and from one academic venue to another. The use of cars on campus has been increasing steadily over the years and the Spatial Development Plan outlines, as a future goal, an inner campus core which is completely pedestrianised. In the long-term, peripheral parking can be planned for, with possibly even a park-and-ride situation being created. To measure transit times, Mark drew 15-minute walking circles from different points on the campus. Greater than 15 minutes walking time, it has been found, stresses students and creates a larger traffic flow. While some of the proposals for future expansion place residences further than 15 minutes from the academic core, the Plan does provide for a shuttle service in these cases. Another possible future development would be a system of pedestrianised biodiversity corridors, which would create safe movement passages between areas of development not only for people but also for small animals, birds and butterflies. These would have cycle routes which are wellsurfaced and well-lit. When considering these possible future developments, the issue of how much Rhodes University is going to grow over the coming years had to be considered. Despite being the smallest

university in South Africa, Rhodes has grown substantially over the last few years, and already it utilises the bulk of Grahamstowns water and electricity supplies. Projecting to 2013, the total envisaged enrolment will be 7645 students, with 5329 undergraduates and 2273 postgraduates. While more infrastructure may be needed to cope with increased growth, future buildings cannot go up independently of back-up infrastructure such as roads and recreational spaces. Hall Wardens have been very specific about needing both passive and active recreation space associated with the new residences, especially as they are further away from the campus core. The Spatial Development Plan for further infrastructure therefore incorporates cycle tracks, cross country tracks, recreation areas around water features, and so forth. It is also essential that the inner core remains an attractive place to be, both in the day and in the evening. For inspiration, the Committee looked at photos of London, where ambient light is frequently utilised. The new Library has subdued lighting with a wash effect, and the success of this has resulted in a desire to revisit the lighting over the entire core of the campus and to look at creating a living centre where it is safe and enjoyable for people to meet. The new Learning Cafe at the Library will function as the core of a space that students will want to come to in the evenings, bringing their cups of coffee and their laptops and sitting at the picnic tables to study and socialise. Many of the ideas outlined above are already becoming a reality. What is perfectly clear is that the future for Rhodes University is an exciting and vibrant one.

Naming of new and old residences

The three shiny new residences gracing the hill below the newly-refurbished Kimberley Dining Hall are opening their doors for the first time in January 2011. Collectively known, for the time being, as Hilltop Hall, they stand squarely against a backdrop of wild scenery and are the proud possessors of one of the best views of the entire city from campus. Dr Iain LAnge is the Director: Residential Operations at Rhodes University, and the person ultimately responsible for the residences, new and old. He is also the best person to explain why Hilltop is a temporary moniker for the new Hall. The process of naming a Residence at the University is an interesting and slightly prolonged one. An official naming policy exists which guides and regulates the naming of University buildings. However, the process involves input not only from the University community, but also from the students who will be living in the new residence. Once consultation has taken place with these two groups, a recommendation is made to the Naming Committee, who will assess the choice and make a recommendation to the University Senate and Council. A recent example of this process is the naming in 2010 of Lillian Ngoyi Hall, which incorporates the Ruth First and Victoria Mxenge Residences. These three women gave their lives in the struggle against apartheid, and Rhodes University was happy to honour the decision of the community and students and name the buildings after these committed liberation struggle activists. In a further tribute, the opening ceremony was conducted during Human Rights Week, and members of the Ngoyi, Mxenge and Slovo families were invited to attend. Larissa Klazinga, Warden of Ruth First Residence and former Lillian Ngoyi Hall Warden, explained that as approximately 60% of the student body at Rhodes is female, it has become important for womens residences to be named after women achievers. And a name is not just a name. Time is spent at the beginning of every year educating the new intake of students about these women, and the contributions they made to South Africa and the lives of others. Currently, the plan is for Hilltop I, II and III and Margaret Smith Residence to comprise the Hilltop Hall. Margaret Smith Res will be moving away from Kimberley East to join the new Hall. Once the new residents are settled, the process of choosing a suitable name can commence. The Hilltop residences are still within the 15-minute walking circles outlined by Mr Mark Hazell, Manager of Grounds and Gardens, in the Spatial Development Plan, but parking for students cars will be available. Areas between the buildings have been ear-

Oriel Hall received a new name in 2009: Ms Yvonne Marais, great-niece of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and Ms Albertina Jere, former warden, at the renamed Courtenay-Latimer Dining Hall. marked for the development of social spaces and informal sports facilities. Housing 87 students per residence, all students will have a room to themselves, a rarity among universities in South Africa and an advantage which Rhodes students enjoy. An additional plus is that Rhodes ensures that all its residence rooms have a wired internet connection, which students who are signed up to ResNet can access at all times. While you might assume that the new residences would consist mainly of first year students, this is not actually the case. Dr LAnge and his team have tried to get as many senior students as possible to make the move into Hilltop Hall, to ensure the balance is kept between newbies and more experienced students. The Hall and House Wardens have been appointed. Dr Swantje Zschernack is the Hall Warden and House Wardens are Jono Bellingan, Shannon Stone and Vicky Heidermann. Rhodes University residences are still separated into male and female, and Hilltop has one mens and two womens residences. The security of residences is taken extremely seriously at Rhodes. During 2010 all residences had fingerprint access control installed. The Blue Route, which is patrolled regularly by Campus Security and which has panic buttons installed along its length in case of need, has been extended to incorporate the new residences. In terms of feeding the students living on top of the hill, Kimberley Dining Hall has been enlarged and now has two new Dining Halls serviced by the same kitchen. By refurbishing and extending this existing Dining Hall, Rhodes has saved in the region of R15 million. Students are able to choose from eight different types of diet at Rhodes; some of these include Vegetarian, Halaal, Hindu Halaal and Health African. The residences at Rhodes each have a unique character, and the men and women who live in them carry that forward into their future lives. Hilltop Hall will in its turn develop a character of its own and the students who, in 2011, are the first to live there and the ones entrusted with choosing its name, have an exciting and fulfilling time ahead of them on the hill with the spectacular view over campus and town.

Students learn about and join University societies after registration in 2010. Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat outlined the projected figures in his speech to the University Senate in November of 2010: Next years enrolment target is 7390 students, hopefully comprising 5329 undergraduates and 2018 postgraduates. We expect our first-time entering undergraduates to number some 1500 students. Projecting to 2013, our total envisaged enrolment will be 7645 students, with 5329 undergraduates and 2273 postgraduates. This is in line with our overall institutional trajectory, which is to become more postgraduate and more research-oriented. Rhodes is the smallest university in South Africa and whilst it might only have around 1% of all students in higher education, in terms of outputs, to borrow a cliche, Rhodes punches well above its weight. While the number of enrolled students may be relatively smaller, Rhodes graduates a higher proportion of students than most other universities. Additionally, the University has an ideal environment for postgraduate study, and South Africa desperately needs increased numbers of Masters and PhD graduates. To this end, Rhodes is looking at building residences earmarked for more senior students, and creating a postgraduate centre. New Masters programmes, such as the MAs in Creative Writing, Integrated Development and Health Journalism, and a PhD in Higher Education, have recently been introduced. The Institutional Development Plan is growing, changing and expanding to incorporate new goals as they arise. Mrs Stephenson is particularly keen to stress that transformation is a substantial goal on which Rhodes is looking to expend further resources in the future. Academically, Rhodes is doing extremely well, allowing attention to be focused on the issues of transformation and infrastructure. The Rhodes motto is Where Leaders Learn. As a small university which allows future leaders to shine, it is moving forward into the future with all its flags flying and the scene set for continuing success.

For the Parents Rhodes one of the most productive research institutions in SA
Although the smallest University in South Africa, Rhodes has always had a reputation for producing fine research. In line with the Vision 2020 plan aiming to increase our postgraduate numbers, and looking to play to our strengths, research is receiving a great deal of attention and encouragement within the University. Dr Peter Clayton is the Deputy ViceChancellor: Research and Development at Rhodes University. He is passionate about his role and about increasing the output of high level research carried out at the University. Rhodes is a university of scholars; we are good at research. There is an excellent intellectual space across a range of disciplines, he says enthusiastically. The per capita research output of the University, as measured by the Department of Higher Education and Training, places Rhodes consistently in the top three research universities in the country, alongside Stellenbosch and UCT. Looking forward into the future, Dr Clayton emphasises that, in terms of the size of the student body, Rhodes is looking at keeping its undergraduate numbers constant over the next three years. The focus will be on growing the postgraduate numbers, in line with the desire to increase the research output coming from the University. In support of this drive, various initiatives will come onstream in 2011 and subsequent years. The desire to increase our profile in areas in which Rhodes is already a strong performer has resulted in three new research focus areas being established within the Humanities Faculty. These are: in Southern African Literature, headed by Professor Dirk Klopper of the English Department; in Critical Sexual and Reproductive Health Studies, headed jointly by Professor Catriona Macleod of the Psychology Department and Professor Louise Vincent of Politics and International Studies; and in Visual and Performing Arts of Africa, led by Professor Ruth Simbao of Fine Art. Each focus area will receive financial support for three years to cover research and masters, doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships. A fourth research focus area in the Humanities Faculty was initiated last year in the field of Transformative Social Policy, headed by Professor Jimi Adesina of Sociology. In addition the Humanities Faculty has new Masters Programmes in Creative Writing, and Social Policy and Democracy Studies, and a new Honours specialisation in Health Journalism, starting in 2011. Rhodes University has already a very strong research output in the Faculty of Science, with established researchers such as Professor Tebello Nyokong and Prof Christopher McQuaid receiving international attention. Medicinal Chemistry is a massive research area for our University, examples of which include Prof. Nyokongs use of photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment, and the work in cancer stem cell and malaria research being carried out by the BioBRU group. Allied to Medicinal Chemistry is an area called Marine Biodiscovery, which is starting to grow rapidly. Led by Professor Mike Davies-Coleman in Chemistry and Professor Rosemary Dorrington in Biochemistry, this research focus area looks at medicinal attributes in marine natural products, and is a relatively unique area of study on the African continent. Marine Biology is a particular strength of Rhodes University with the work of Professor McQuaid and the Southern Ocean Group receiving widespread acclaim. Entomology is another very visible area, Sophie Smith

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For the Parents

Sophie Smith

A night time view of Rhodes Universitys new Library and recently renovated old building. Zamuxolo Matiwana Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Development, Dr Peter Clayton. with great success being achieved in using insects to control water weed across the African continent. The Science Faculty has new Masters Programmes being launched in Bioinformatics, and in Applied Computer Science. Not to be left behind, the Faculty of Education is moving full steam ahead with new or expanded research initiatives in a number of areas: a new doctoral programme in Higher Education Studies has recently been initiated within the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching, and Learning; two NRF funded chairs have been awarded to Rhodes in the area of Mathematics Education; the Environmental Education and Sustainability Unit has recently expanded operations and moved into a purpose built facility; and new research initiatives in curriculum theory, and in primary and foundation phase education are being mounted. Additional successful research programs across the university ensure the ongoing productivity of Rhodes in terms of scholarly outputs. In an illustration of the Universitys committment to top notch research, Rhodes submitted eight proposals in 2010 to the South African Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), of which seven were successful the highest success rate of applying universities. The seven successful applicants are: Professor Robbie van Niekerk of ISER, whose research looks at Effecting social citizenship through social policy: policies, contestations and practices; Professor Catriona Macleod of the Psychology Department, who is researching Life Orientation sexuality programmes and normative gender narrative, practices and power relations; Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, Environmental Education Chair, working on Community learning, agency and sustainability practice in Southern African community-based natural resource management and poverty contexts; Professor Jane Duncan of the School of Journalism & Media Studies, carrying out a study of youth identity, media and consumption, and the public sphere in South Africa; Dr Michelle Cocks, of ISER, Untold Stories - Assessing African environmental perceptions in relation to past and present; Professor Charlie Shackleton, from the Environmental Sciences, researching on The contributions of trees to local livelihoods along urbanisation gradients; and finally, Dr Olaf Weyl, SAIAB Research Associate, who is conducting research on assessing impacts and benefits of alien fish introduction. Do biodiversity costs outweigh the economic, food security and recreational benefits derived from alien fishes in South Africa?

Minister opens new library

up as, a voyage centred on the pursuit, making and sharing of knowledge, she said. The Library Services vision of an enhanced and revitalised Library for Rhodes University was first articulated as early as 2004 by the late University Librarian, Margaret Kenyon, whose memory is honoured today in recognition of her tireless work to influence and incorporate the new Library onto the Universitys agenda. We are especially pleased to welcome her husband, Dusty Kenyon, at this celebration where Margarets hope is our reality, added Ms Thomas. Dr Badat reminded the audience that a vibrant and well-equipped library is an indispensable corollary to the pursuit of the core purposes of a university. He added that the new Library is intended to further cement Rhodes standing as one of Africas leading teaching and research institutions. It embodies our determination as Rhodes University to continue to provide a high-quality education and experience to our students, who come from diverse social and national backgrounds; to continue to push forward the frontiers of knowledge and understanding; and to continue to possess the best undergraduate pass rates, the most outstanding postgraduate graduation rates, and among the highest per capita research outputs of any South African university, he said. Dr Nzimande praised Rhodes for playing a vital role in contributing to South Africas quality research output. Despite its size, Rhodes University contributes almost 4% of total output in the higher education system and has consistently produced above the expected norm over the past five years. This means that Rhodes academics have a high per capita research output. I have no doubt that the improvement of the Library will allow this output to continue, he said. The Minister has made a commitment to the President to work towards key outcomes such as improved teaching and learning and increased postgraduate student numbers. He believes that Rhodes is an important contributor to teaching and research outputs. The size of the library has doubled with an additional 4500 square meters added on. It has more study space, a 24-hour access reading room, group study rooms, an Information Commons to support undergraduate students in accessing online resources and the Research Commons for senior postgraduate students and academic staff. It also offers collections arranged in Faculty sections: Science & Pharmacy, Commerce, Humanities & Education. An interesting design feature of the new building is the main staircase, which is a steel structure suspended from the roof with rods. The building itself is regarded as a high-tech building, fully computerised and designed to minimise energy usage. The multi-million rand Library Building Expansion and Refurbishment Project was started in September 2008 and took 26 months to complete.

Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande opened the new Library. Sophie Smith

Environmental Education Learning Centre heralds a new era

Zamuxolo Matiwana contribution as needs change due to the challenges inherent in the growth of our young democracy. Many partnerships have enriched the work of the Chair, including, among others, Goldfields South Africa, the Worldwide Fund for Nature, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa, UNEP and UNESCO and, closer to home, the Makana Municipality and the Umthathi Project in Grahamstown. During the early days, the Chair and its then partner, the Goldfields Environmental Education Service Centre, participated in educational policy development, working to make sure that the new curriculum incorporated environmental education. The focus is now on implementation, as the Chair works with educational and other institutions. Today, the Chair has an active research programme, with 16 PhD and 33 Masters students currently registered, and with a throughput rate in the Masters programme of 85%. Research produced in and through the Chair is intellectually rigorous, but also translates well into real-world situations, creating sustainable solutions for communities. Environmental education is a new field, born out of a new social movement and, says Prof Lotz-Sisitka, is always likely to be on the margins, engaged with the critical social change necessary for sustainable societies... Perhaps this is what we are most proud of research that has meaning in the lives of ordinary South African people.

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, marked the beginning of a new era for the Rhodes Library when he unveiled the official plaque on 4 November 2010. Addressing about 250 invited guests such as the Deans, Heads of Departments and Institutes at the University, members of the Rhodes Council and Board of Governors, as well as representatives from donor organisations and those involved in building and designing the facility, Dr Nzimande spoke about the importance of the Library. He said the significance of a top quality library, which combines access to electronic and printed resources, and space for study, for both academic education and research purposes, cannot be underestimated. Good libraries are at the heart of knowledge building and are a key of continued investment for universities, he said. He added that a strong library contributes to strengthening teaching quality and high-quality research output, and can benefit every student, researcher and academic. I hope that this new Library will be a central station for knowledge building at Rhodes University, he said. The Director of Library Services, Ms Gwenda Thomas, delivered a speech focussing on the theme of hope. The story of the Rhodes Library is one of hope. The birth of a new library celebrates a community of hope formed around a common sense of purpose at Rhodes University that which our Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat sums Sophie Smith

The new Environmental Centre situated opposite to Eden Grove, behind Alumni House building. Rhodes University marked its 20th year of Environmental Education in 2010, commemorating the fact that the Murray and Roberts Chair of Environmental Education was established at the University in 1990.The current incumbent is Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka; prior to her assuming the Chair, Eureta Rosenberg held the role. In October 2010, a truly wonderful new Environmental Education Learning Centre was unofficially opened. The building is situated opposite Eden Grove and on the outskirts of the Botanical Gardens. The R12 million for this building was donated by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Why was establishing a Research Chair in Environmental Education such an important step to have taken? Environmental Education was diffuse and lacked a theoretical basis, says Professor Pat Irwin, the first incumbent and founder of the Chair. The Chair, and thus environmental education, developed alongside South Africas new democracy and, says Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, it was through the early work of the Chair in this period that we began to think of Environmental Education as a process of social change. The Chair has successfully changed its

The main staircase is an interesting design feature of the new Library.

Invited guests gather at the entrance to the newly renovated Library.

For the Parents

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Rhodes University remains by far the smallest university in South Africa, a position which Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat embraces. As a University, he says, we take great pride in our academic reputation and are wellknown for our academic excellence and producing high quality graduates. In his November 2010 report to Senate, Dr Badat reiterated that Rhodes enjoys the distinction of having the best undergraduate pass rates and graduation rates in South Africa, and outstanding postgraduate success rates. This he attributes to the quality of academic provision and to the commitment of Rhodes staff to student learning, development and success. Fifty percent of the academics at this University have Doctoral degrees, and Rhodes produces among the highest research output per academic staff member of any university in South Africa. This of course means that students at the University have the opportunity to learn amongst and with academics who are leaders in their disciplines. Overall, Rhodes University performs very well on all the key and meaningful performance indicators. According to the Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET), on the basis of these indicators Rhodes is among the top three universities in South Africa and held in high esteem on the African continent and beyond. Professor Chrissie Boughey is Dean of Teaching and Learning at Rhodes University, and Director of CHERTL, the

Creating a conducive learning environment to ensure student success

Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning. CHERTL is an academic centre working on the development of academic staff as professional educators, and the development of student learning in conjunction with academic departments. CHERTLs work in teaching and learning is recognized nationally and its staff members regularly provide courses for academics at other South African universities. When Prof Boughey came to Rhodes in 1999, the University had an Academic Skills programme, which was not producing the desired results. The idea that academic skills could be taught and then applied to whichever discipline one chose to study in, was fast being disproved. As Prof Boughey says, We have enough theoretical knowledge to know that there are not generic skills which can be learnt and then applied to different disciplines. Rather, what is required is discipline-specific. Current practice revolves around the belief that if the teaching within a Department or Faculty is good and if lecturers are cognisant of who the student is, and what he or she can and cant do, then learning challenges should be able to be addressed through mainstream teaching, and support and development should take place within the Faculties. In 2004, Rhodes made it a condition of employment that anyone coming to teach at the University needed to demonstrate their ability as an assessor of student learning before their appointment was confirmed. AcaSophie Smith

New Deans and HODs for 2011

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith Sophie Smith Pic supplied

For the Parents

Pic supplied

Dr Di Wilmot Pic supplied

Dr Bruce Brown Sophie Smith

Professor Rose Boswell Sophie Smith

Professor Jean Baxen Sophie Smith

Associate Prof. Robert van Niekerk Sophie Smith

Professor Chrissie Boughey, Dean of Teaching and Learning. demics do this by documenting their assessment practices and the rationale behind these. CHERTL offers an Assessor Course to support academics with the theory and practice of assessment. As a result of this, there is now a considerable body of people teaching on campus who have engaged in a very serious way with teaching and learning. This has had a huge impact on how staff at Rhodes deal with students and their learning challenges. In 2009, all incoming students were tested using benchmark tests, and the results were matched with their test results throughout the year. In 2010, every student who did not meet the automatic entrance criteria completed the benchmark tests. This system allows the University to identify those capable of attaining a degree but at risk of struggling academically, and make them an offer of a place on the Extended Studies Programme. Extended programmes allow a student to complete a degree over four rather than three years. Students are registered with the University in the usual way and the programmes are located within the Faculties. In the first year of a four-year Extended Studies programme, for example, a student in the Humanities faculty will do half the coursework but have double the tuition time. The additional tuition is provided by staff from the Extended Studies Unit, which is part of CHERTL. Some credit towards the degree will be earned in this first year. In this way, Rhodes offers a secure learning environment in which all students can flourish. Students are not ghetto-ised into separate streams, but are nurtured within the general student population. This has led to a distinct reduction in attrition rates. As a research-friendly institution, it is important to the University that the incoming first years are aware that Rhodes provides a supportive learning environment and a route through to postgraduate research and study for those who wish to follow this path.

Professor Greg Foster Every year brings a certain amount of change to the University. Rhodes would like to congratulate the following members of staff who will be taking up new posts within their departments and faculties in 2011, and wish them a successful tenure in these roles Dr Di Wilmot has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Education, and commenced her duties on 1st October 2010 on her return from sabbatical. Co-ordinator of the PGCE programme from 1996 to 2009, Dr Wilmot also teaches Educational Theory modules, on Assessment, Critical Thinking, Curriculum and Pedagogy, HIV and AIDS Education and Cooperative Learning, in the PGCE and BEd(Hons) programmes. In addition she teaches research methods, particularly case study and participatory action research, at the MEd and PhD level, and Geography Teaching Method in the primary and secondary school PGCE programmes. Her sabbatical took her to Wolfson College, Cambridge University, where she was a Visiting Scholar. Dr Bruce Brown has been appointed Head of Education. Dr Brown has been at Rhodes University since 1989, starting as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics (Pure and Applied) and moving to the Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project in 1997. He has been a staff member in the Department of Education since 2006, teaching mathematics and mathematical literacy education. His research interests are in rational number learning and teaching and learning for the development of rich conceptualization in mathematics. Dr Brown is the convenor of the ACE Coordinators Committee in the Department of Education. Professor Rose Boswell has been appointed as Deputy Dean of Humanities from 1 July 2011. Prof. Boswell is Associate Professor and Head of Department for Anthropology. She has an MA in Anthropology from the University of Cape Town and a PhD from the Free University of Amsterdam. Her PhD focused on the situation of Creoles (the descendants of African/Malagasy slaves and Indian indentured labourers) living on the island of Mauritius. Since completing her PhD, Prof. Boswell has been researching heritage management in the Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar. Fluent

Professor Larry Strelitz in French and the Indian Ocean Creole dialect, she is particularly interested in the dynamics of identity construction in post-colonial states and the African diaspora communities of the Indian Ocean region. Her teaching topics include applied anthropology, nationalism, heritage, identity and ethnography. Professor Jean Baxen has been appointed Deputy Dean of the Education Faculty. Prof. Baxen moved to Grahamstown from UCT in 2009, and her interests lie in curriculum theory, pedagogy, social identity (especially as it relates to teachers and their work), and HIV/AIDS. These diverse interests have led to her heading a variety of research and textbook projects. Dr Baxens PhD focused on factors that shape teachers understanding and experience of, and responses to, HIV/AIDS. She is a member on a number of editorial boards and chairs a number of NGO boards that work with young people. Associate Professor Robert van Niekerk will be taking on the role of Director of the Institute of Social and

Professor Herman Wasserman Economic Research (ISER) in 2011. Roberts area of research and teaching interest is in the institutional history, ideologies and understandings of social policy and social change in South Africa. He also has an interest in social policy in a post-apartheid South Africa - particularly polices aimed at overcoming inequality and developing social rights of citizenship and the good society - and the factors which account for success and failure in policy implementation. His PhD was completed at Oxford University and is on the history of social policy, social citizenship and contestations over the development of inclusive, de-racialised social policies since the 1940s. Professor Greg Foster will be taking on the role of Head of Department: Information Systems from 1 July 2011. He is the IS 202 Course Manager and the MSc & PhD Manager. Prof. Fosters research interests include Usability Engineering, Medical/Veterinary Informatics, and Mobile Computing. Professor Larry Strelitz will be tak-

Dr Jeffrey Brukman ing on the role of Head of Department: Journalism and Media Studies from 1 July 2011. Prof. Strelitzs primary research focus is in the area of qualitative audience studies. The focus of his PhD in media studies was on the relationship that local youth have to global media. He has published extensively in journals on a variety of media-related subjects. He has also worked as a print media journalist and a television cameraman. Professor Herman Wasserman will be taking on the role of Deputy Head of Journalism and Media Studies from 1 January 2011. Prof Wasserman heads the Research Unit for Media in the Global South (RU MIGS) and his primary research interests are media ethics, global journalism and the intersections between journalism and popular culture. He is a former print media journalist, has authored and edited books on tabloid journalism in South Africa, popular media, democracy and development in Africa and global media ethics, and published widely in international journals. He serves on a

Professor Michael Guilfoyle number of editorial boards and holds an Honorary Senior Lectureship at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Dr Jeffrey Brukman will be taking on the role of Head of Department for Music & Musicology from 1 January 2011. He is a Lecturer in Music Theory within the Department, where he teaches courses in Music Theory, Analysis and Composition. Professor Michael Guilfoyle will be taking on the role of Head of Department for Psychology from1 July 2011. Registered with the HPCSA as a Clinical Psychologist, Prof. Guilfoyles teaching areas are Narrative Therapy, Psychopathology, Community Psychology and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. His research interests include understanding the therapeutic relationship; discursive, narrative and constructionist approaches to therapy; the politics of clinical psychology and therapeutic practice; discourse theory and post-structuralism; power and dialogue, and implications for identity, social interaction and therapy.

Financial Aid at Rhodes University

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme of South Africa (NSFAS) seeks to impact on South Africa`s historically skewed student, diplomate and graduate populations by providing a sustainable financial aid system that enables academically deserving and financially needy students to meet their own and South Africa`s development needs. At Rhodes University, total enrolment in 2010 comprised of 7,1 92 students, with 5,309 of these being undergraduates and 1,840 postgraduates. In 2011 Rhodes expects the first time entering undergraduates to number some 1,500 students. As can be seen from the tables to the right, there has been a distinct upward trend over the last two years, at Rhodes University, in terms of financial funding by NSFAS. In 2008 there 636 students received NSFAS funding, growing to 814 students in 2009. In 2010, 910 students received this funding, equating to over 12% of the student body. There are methods of financial support other than NSFAS available. In 2009 approximately 1333 students at Rhodes University were awarded bursaries earmarked for South African citizens. A further 275 foreign student bursaries were given, and the second child credit accounted for a further 307 students receiving a form of financial aid. In 2009, therefore, a total of 1915 students received financial support other than NSFAS. Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, mentioned in his report to the Rhodes University Senate that our of the available scholarships. It was a The fields in which awardees are top students also continue to perform similar story in both 2009 and 2008, studying need to be those with a strong admirably in open competition for with three and four Mandela Rhodes social and human rights orientation, scholarships and prizes. scholarships awarded to Rhodes stuand the scholarship is designed to support candidates whose work poses In 2010 two Rhodes students entered dents respectively. difficult social questions and who link Oxford on Rhodes Trust Scholarships, A new Scholarship was launched in knowledge, politics, scholarship and namely Chris McConnachie and Clive 2010. Seen as a way of continuing the action. Eley, who join 2008 Rhodes Trust legacy of Ruth First, the United KingRuth First, an anti-apartheid activist, Scholarship winner Evan Ford. Others dom based Ruth First Trust and Rhodes journalist and scholar, was assassinated have proceeded overseas on Flanagan University have partnered to contribute by agents of the apartheid regime in and Commonwealth scholarships. funds to establish a Scholarship in her 1982. Judge Albie Sachs, a personal Rhodes University continues to honour. The Ruth First Scholarship friend, said at the launch of the scholdominate the prestigious new Manwill run from 2011 and will support arship: She looked the truth in the dela Rhodes scholarships, awarded for students studying full-time at Rhodes eye, which is the spirit imbued in this postgraduate study at South African University towards either a Doctoral or prestigious scholarship... The university universities. The Mandela Rhodes Masters Degree. Foundation (MRF) is a partnership 2010 NSFAS Loan Awards 2009 NSFAS Loan Awards with the Rhodes Gender No Value Gender No Value Faculty No Value Trust, which separately administers F 565 24,624,424.00 F 467 18,469,337.59 Commerce 253 10,322,904.00 the Rhodes ScholM 345 16,158,133.00 M 347 14,132,377.20 Education 2 52,052.50 arships to Oxford University. Total 910 40782557 Total 814 32,601,714.79 Humanities 318 12,883,070.29 In 2010 four Race No Value Race No Value Law 13 450,023.00 out of 27 of these A 21 850,406.00 A 17 591,665.00 Pharmacy 56 2,282,830.00 scholarships were awarded to Rhodes University students, the largest number awarded to a single university. Rhodes regards it as a testament to the quality of its teaching and learning that we make up less than one percent of the national student body, but win 15% B 705 31 61 814 28,838,725.29 1,161,419.00 2,009,905.50 Science Total 172 6,610,835.00 Value 3,696,326.00 2,709,033.00 10,827,851.00 7,561,167.00 7,236,167.29 571,170.50 32,601,714.79 B 770 31 88 910 35,381,232.00 1,314,120.00 3,236,799.00 40,782,557.00 C D Total 814 93 67 266 188 184 16 814 32,601,714.79 C D Total is taking the lead by providing such a scholarship because it is honouring someone who was radical, critical and brave. Rhodes University is currently striving towards growing postgraduate student numbers and making funding available to all postgraduates. As the result, the University postgraduate funding has risen over the years from 52% in 2000 to 75 % in 2009 per average, to keep up with the postgraduate numbers. The students are funded through various sources such as bursaries, loans, scholarships and both internal and external donors.

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Value 13,848,256.00 195,952.00 16,570,559.00 737,110.00 2,620,226.00 6,810,454.00 40,782,557.00 Value 4563724 2,839,577.00 11,412,354.00 11,510,478.00 9,409,437.00 1,046,987.00 40,782,557.00

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14

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

The Oppidan Press 07.01.11

15

For the Parents

RU Well? The Health Care Centre and Counseling Centre

Rhodes University students are unique in a number of ways, one of which is that most of you have specifically chosen to be here. Grahamstown is a small city, and most of the student body comes from elsewhere, whether it is from other parts of South Africa, the African continent or, indeed, the world. This, along with the fact that around half of all students at Rhodes live on campus in residences, means that looking after the health and wellness of the student body is a duty that Rhodes University takes extremely seriously. What was once the old Sanatorium, affectionately nicknamed the San by generations of past students, is now the Health Care Centre (HCC). The building on Lucas Avenue has undergone extensive renovations, and a full complement of staff are now on hand, consisting of four registered nurses, two clinic assistants and an administrative assistant. Head Nursing Sister, Heather Ferreira, reminds students in the RU (Physically) Well booklet that the HCC is there to take care of you the whole of you! As with the Counseling Centre, which can be found upstairs in the Steve Biko (Student Union) Building, the HCC maintains a holistic approach to the services they offer, and is on hand to provide any help that you might need. Dr Barbara Bull, from the High Street Medical Practice, is the sessional doctor at the HCC and is available from Sophie Smith Monday to Friday between 08h30 and 09h30. Should students need to see her outside of these hours, an appointment can be made and she will either come to the HCC or you will be able to see her at her rooms. The HCC provides HIV Counseling and Testing every weekday afternoon between 14h00 and 16h00. The intern psychologists from the Counseling Centre provide pre-and post-test counseling to ensure that no one is left unsupported during either testing or diagnosis. Another area in which the HCC looks to care for students is that of Female Reproductive Health. There are a wide number of contraceptive methods available to students, including Emergency Contraception. All women who are sexually active are encouraged to undergo a pap smear at least once per year, and the HCC encourages female students to contact them in this regard. Other services include the treatment of minor illnesses; the long-term treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes; emergency assessment and crisis management, for example in the event of rape; and appropriate treatment for HIV and AIDS patients. The HCC also runs awareness campaigns and provides free literature on health issues. Dr Colleen Vassiliou, Head of Student Counseling, and the staff of the Counseling Centre are based in the Steve Biko Building - a place where all students are welcome to visit when the stresses and strains of life on a busy campus get too much to deal with. With four psychologists and five intern counseling psychologists available, the Counseling Centre staff are fully equipped to help students to work through the myriad of issues which may arise. The Health Care Centre and the Counseling Centre both work on a Wellness Model. Students are often confronted with specific age-related health challenges and risks, such as excessive alcohol use, drug abuse and high-risk sexual behaviour, as well the pressures of studying, high expectations, living away from home for the first time, and depression. The Counseling Centre helps students to overcome these challenges by adopting a holistic view of students needs. A student will generally have six to eight sessions with one of the core interns, which aims to mobilise them in a crisis. Dr Vassiliou says that the Centre is not problem- focused; rather they look to build solutions. Academic wellness, social wellness, anxiety and depression are very commonly experienced challenges amongst students. Students can walk into the Centre and see the on-call psychologist without making an appointment. They will then be confidentially dealt with to alleviate the immediate stressor, and placed Sophie Smith

RU Sport scoops Lotto grant

2010 was an extremely exciting year for the sportsmen and women of Rhodes University, due in part to the fact that a National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (Lotto) grant of R4.5 million was made to Sports Administration. The grant has been particularly beneficial in that it has allowed for the refurbishment of the Astroturf, a vital component of the hockey programme. The grant has also assisted the University to build a futsal pitch. Futsal is an extremely fast-moving and exciting game, a variant of association football which is played on a smaller playing surface and mainly in a fully net-enclosed area. Unlike soccer, there are only five members in a team, including the goalie, and the emphasis is on creativity, improvisation and technique.Mr Roger Adams, Head of Sports, says the rest of the Lotto grant went on a further 17 items of sports equipment, including big items like a new rowboat, which cost in excess of R200,000, a sailboat, a new dojo mat and various other items of capital equipment. The money was not, however, used solely on equipment for Rhodes students. Funding was also allocated to eight outreach programmes, which members of Rhodes sports clubs co-ordinate with schools and other entities in the community. Among these eight programmes, a couple stand out, one of which is the Distance Running programme. This will be open to members of the community, along with the Cross Country league, which will be a new initiative to the Grahamstown and Rhodes community. Another highly anticipated outreach programme is the leadership training which Rhodes is setting up for community sports club administrators and those from local schools, with training taking place here at the University. Mr Adams feels that there is a lot of potential for developing running and walking programmes, both among the student population and within the community. A practical component which will involve the organization of a sports tournament will make this programme unique. Rhodes prides itself on its approach of offering a truly diverse range of sporting codes. The fact that we offer 30 different kinds of sport puts us among the very few universities in the country to give students such a wide choice. Among the more unusual sports offered by Rhodes are sailing & kite-surfing, fly fishing, underwater sports and canoeing. Archery is a very big sport at Rhodes, as is shooting. The University, in fact, has its own shooting range, located in a quarry above Jan Smuts Hall. In addition, Rhodes has its own Mountain Club, offering a range of activities from hiking to competitive climbing and outdoor adventure. There are also a number of martial arts disciplines practiced on campus. If you are interested in taking part in any of the sports on offer, but are concerned about not being first team material, stop worrying! Rhodes approach is one of mass participation, and the clubs are very open to first-timers getting involved. As Mr Adams explains; We have a wholesome balance between recreational and competitive involvement. So, how do you join a sports club here at Rhodes? Sports Administration and the individual clubs communicate their activities widely. This includes through a Sports Extravaganza, run through the SRC, where all the clubs are on display. There is also a sign-up evening which the clubs actively promote. And for those who prefer their exercise to take place under a roof, Rhodes has a well-equipped and staffed Health Suite, which is located next to the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE) Building on African Street. The Health Suite has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and, under the current management of Mr Felix Munyai, a great wave of positive energy envelops whoever walks through the door. There are a variety of exercise options on offer. Group fitness has always been popular, and the range of classes rivals that of any franchise gym: resistance training classes to tone and shape the body; Taebo classes which include kicking and punching movements; choreographed dance-style step classes; skipping/boxing workouts all are available and up to five different classes a day are offered. The Weights Facility is the pride of the Health Suite. New students who may not know what to expect, will find a truly comprehensive range of equipment available, including cardio workout machines such as treadmills, walkers, steppers and cycles. Resistance machines and free weights are also available. Staff is well-trained and always around to help when asked for assistance; they also ensure that safety protocols are observed. One of the more exciting and recent innovations of the Health Suite has been the introduction of personal trainers. Enthusiastic postgraduates from the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics will offer you an hour of personalised training at a fraction of the price you would expect to pay. The focus of the gym has shifted from an emphasis on body building to one of overall health and wellness. The Health Suite staff can offer advice on health, dietary and lifestyle issues, and all you need to join is a pair of takkies, a towel and a smile. Melissa Awu

For the Parents

The newly refurbished Health Care Center on Lucas Avenue. in either individual or group therapy. Group therapy is a new concept here at Rhodes University. The realisation that others have similar problems and issues can be as valuable as individual therapy. Groups are not bigger than eight members, and those currently on offer include stress management, healthy relationships, study skills and depression. First-year students who are going into residence will find that each Res has a Wellness Leader. These are students who have been given basic training in counseling skills and who act as peer counselors, helping students to help themselves and referring them for professional assistance if necessary. Wellness Leaders help get wellness conversations going on campus, and assist in organising projects and campaigns. You will know who they are from the badge they wear, which says RU Well? As Sister Ferreira says, Irrespective of whether you are experiencing physical, emotional, spiritual, social or financial challenges in your life, we are here to provide the necessary help that will make your experience as a student a positive one.

Above: The hockey Astroturf and futsal pitch during the construction and renovation phase. Below: The completed hockey Astroturf and futsal. Zamuxolo Matiwana

Pic supplied

Health Suite gets a facelift

The Health Suite has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and, under the current management of Mr Felix Munyai, a great wave of positive energy envelops whoever walks through the door. There is a variety of exercise options on offer. Group fitness has always been popular, and the range of classes rivals that of any franchise gym. Resistance training classes to tone and shape the body, taebo classes which include kicking and punching movements, choreographed dance-style step classes, skipping/ boxing workouts all are available and up to five different classes a day are offered. The Weights Facility is the pride of the Health Suite. New students who may not know what to expect will find a truly comprehensive range of equipment available, including cardio workout machines such as treadmills, walkers, steppers and cycles. Resistance machines and free weights are also available. Staff are well-trained and are around to help when asked for assistance. They also ensure that safety protocols are observed. Speaking of staff, one of the more exciting and recent innovations of the Health Suite has been the introduction of personal trainers. Enthusiastic post-graduates and third year students from the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics will offer you an hour of personalised training at a fraction of the price you would expect to pay for such a service. The focus of the gym has shifted from an emphasis on body building to one of overall health and wellness. The Health Suite staff can offer advice on health, dietary and lifestyle issues, and all you need to join is a pair of takkies, a towel, and a smile!

The Health Suite offers a variety of work out options to its members.

Rhodes Sport Community outreach, Nelson Mandela Township (NEMATO) started with the lotto funding in Port Alfred

Sports
Something for everyone
Fabio De Dominicis It is finally upon us! The year 2011, and the start of another academic year here at Rhodes University. A warm welcome to all first year students, who embark on a new and exciting journey of university life, which includes sport, of course. With the pulsating fever of the 2010 Soccer World Cup that gripped the country slowly starting to wane, there is no need to despair as there is much to look forward to in 2011. This years highlights will include the Cricket and Rugby World Cups. On the local front, though, Rhodes University is anticipating a year of even greater success than was achieved in 2010. The Rhodes motto states, Where leaders learn. This includes learning on the sports field as well. Rhodes University offers over 30 different codes of sport, ranging from the mainstream rugby, soccer and cricket to underwater hockey, mountain club, archery, table tennis and karate. This allows students to display their skills and talents over a number of sporting areas, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Despite being one of the smaller universities in the country, Rhodes University is still able to produce sports men and women of the highest calibre who compete at both provincial and national Pic supplied level. Last year, Natalie Ross and MichaelJohn Cannon, who received the 2010 Rhodes Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively, participated in the South African Duathlon Championships.Both were placed in the top 10 finishers. The Rhodes Archery team took part in the South African National and All-African Continental Archery Championships, winning a total of 12 medals, including three gold. Other sporting codes worthy of a mention include the Rhodes rowing team, who consistently performed well in all events over 2010, while the Pool Club were a dominant force in the province, recording victory in a number of competitions. The Rhodes Women Basketball Team had a fantastic season, ending up as winners in their league. Rhodes University offers a variety of sports on different levels. On the competitive side, there are a number of teams who train regularly and take part in a number of events, playing against other universities and clubs in the Eastern Cape. Yet for those who feel that the competitive scene just isnt for them, there are a number of sports that can be played on a social level, giving students a chance to meet new people and take part in different sports in a more relaxed atmosphere. Rhodes University also boasts the fully-equipped Health Suite, which includes a gym and studios for spinning and aerobics classes. Inter-varsity is an annual event that sees Rhodes University participating in a number of different sports against the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The much-anticipated 2010 trivar took place at NMMU, which saw Rhodes finish second behind the hosts, yet achieving victory in a number of codes, including pool, rowing, volleyball, mens squash and womens tennis and table tennis. The Inter-Res League is an enjoyable and entertaining sports event, which sees the different residences on campus pitted against each other, participating in a different sport each week. The 2010 Inter-Res winners were Graham House for the men and Atherstone House for the women. Team Oppi prides itself in Inter-Res success, where the males finished second and the females fourth a result that both will be keen to better this year. As the clich states, A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Yes, we are here for academic purposes but it is a question of balance. With so much on offer at Rhodes University, we hope to see as many students as possible taking part in as many sporting codes as possible and contributing to the success of Rhodes University Sport. Chelsea Nelson

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Digs hunting: get a win-win deal

Page 3

Above: Sailing is one of the many sports students can participate in. Here, Ania Barma and Rosa Hurford sail out of the Port Elizabeth harbour. Below: Join the Underwater Club and see the other types of watersport available. Pic supplied

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Advertising Manager Online Editor

P The Oppidan Press

Webmaster Picture Editor

For more information, check out www.facebook.com/theoppidanpress

Roger Adams, manager of Sports Admin & Andrew Matatu, Chair of Rhodes Student Sport Council

Sports admin welcomes you

Fabio De Dominicis As a tertiary institute of education, Rhodes University primarily serves an academic purpose, where students are given a wide scope of subjects to choose from in order to obtain their desired degree. On the sporting front students are also spoilt for choice, with the Rhodes Sports Administration ensuring a full and well-organized sports program for students throughout the year. Roger Adams, the Head of Sports Administration at Rhodes University, extends a warm welcome to all new students, especially the first years. Having experienced a successful 2010 on the sports field, Adams hopes that the new students at Rhodes will help continue this trend. University can be a complex place with many different activities. Students should decide what they want to involve themselves in, and I encourage them to invest any available time early on in the year to gather information of the available programs, and see where their interests lie, Adams said. According to Adams, the main objective of Sports Admin is to give students who are interested in sports an opportunity to become involved in a wide range of sporting codes catering for various interests. He urges new students to try out as many sports as possible, encouraging individuals to attend practices of various clubs to familiarise themselves with the many options available. Adams emphasises that sports at Rhodes University take place on a competitive as well as social level, therefore one should not feel intimidated when trying out a new sport. There are a number of sports bursaries available for sportsmen and women who perform at the top level and record outstanding performances throughout the year. This is something to aspire to for students who look to use their sporting talents to receive assistance for their academic pursuits. Rhodes University Sport also recently received a massive cash injection from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), which donated R4.5 million to contribute to the upgrading of a number of sporting facilities on campus. This money will be spread over a number of sporting areas, benefiting the seven internal league programs as well as eight outreach programs that Sports Admin is involved in. The money will be used to purchase sporting equipment such as hurdles, volleyball posts and nets, scoreboards, landing mats, as well as tennis balls and a cricket bowling machine. A large portion of the money has also been used to resurface the Rhodes hockey Astroturf, which will now also incorporate an allnew futsal arena, an exciting prospect for many indoor soccer lovers. Adams urges students to look out for the launch of the Sports Admins annual sports magazine later this month. The magazine will provide a useful reference, elaborating on the array of activities available on campus.

Applications are open to students from any department or degree and Oppidans and non-Oppidans alike. Applicants for the online editor position need to submit a CV, letter of motivation and a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. All other applicants must send in a CV and letter of motivation. E-mail applications, queries or requests for job descriptions to applications@theoppidanpress.com

SUPPLIERS OF BRANDED SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND FOOTWEAR BEST WISHES TO THE 2011 RHODES 1ST YEARS Tel: (046) 622 3146 21 PEPPER GROVE MALL. EMAIL: albanysales@insightnet.co.za