Activate - Edition 1 2012

A C T I V A T E

RHODES UNIVERSIT Y INDEPENDENT

STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EDITION 1 • 28 FEBRUARY 2012 • SINCE 1947

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Editor-in-chief:

Lauren Kate Rawlins

Deputy Editor:

Isabelle Anne Abraham

Content Editor: Kayla Roux Managing Editor Palesa Mashigo Online Editor: Alexander Venturas

Chief Media Supervisor:

Megan Ellis Chief Sub-Editor: Matthew Kynaston Chief Designer Simone Loxton Assistant Designer:

Mignon van Zyl

Chief Pics Editor:

Anton Scholtz

Assistant Pics Editor:

Niamh Walsh-Vorster

Illustrator:

Katja Schreiber

News Editor:

Sibulele Mabusela

Deputy News Editor:

Neo Koza Politics Editor: Marc Davies Business Editor: Njabulo Nkosi C&A Editor: Alexa Sedgwick Features Editor:

Karlien van der Wielen

Features Assistant Editor:

Nina McFall Lifestyle Editor: Sarisha Dhaya A & E Editor: Elna Schütz Sports Editor: Bridgette Hall

Science & Tech Editor:

Eric Kudzanai Chakonda

Environment Editor Shirley Erasmus Advertising Manager Lethukuthula Tembe Distribution Manager: Bulali Dyakopu Community Engagement: Victoria Hlubi Editorial Consultant: Craig Wynn Contacts: Editor: activate.editor@gmail. com Deputy Editor: activate.deputy@gmail. com

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Printed by Paarlcoldset, Port Elizabeth

From the Editor

HIGHLIGHTS

Rhodes: a hub for cancer research

Page 22:

Page 14:

Sharing the wealth

Page 17:

A stitch in time

Page 9:

SRC faces multiple resignations

Page 7:

Street parade kicks off Project 200

Grahamstown is turning 200 years old this year, and residents kicked off the year-long bicentenary events with a R120, 000 street parade on Saturday 18 February in Church Square. This parade, which featured stilt-walkers, costumed performers, local dance acts, food stalls and speeches, is only the beginning of the range of activities and events that will form part of Project 200. Turn to page 7 to read the full story. Above pic: Anton Scholtz. Front page pic: Sara Garrun

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his year seems to be one of milestones! 2012 marks the 200th year of Grahamstown’s existence. Ubom!, Rhodes University’s resident theatre company, is turning 10. Even Activate has justed turned 65 years old. In a reflective mood, I was tempted to write this editorial about Activate’s history and our plans for the upcoming year. Established in 1947, we are one of South Africa’s oldest independent student newspapers and the stories that the walls of this office could tell are definitely worth listening to. The theme that has emerged in this edition, however, is one of history and heritage that encompasses so many different areas that it would be a shame to limit the discussion to our paper’s past alone.

Celebrations and commemorations this year aren’t only limited to Rhodes, but are also being celebrated all over Grahamstown. J. Chan Henry, a general dealer that sells everything from Christmas cards to hair conditioner, is situated on Dr Jacob Zuma Drive in Fingo Village and has been around for 80 years. Owner Yat Ming Chan Henry has seen Grahamstown change and grow over the years and in the photo feature of this edition we see a glimpse of his world. Even though he has a Chinese heritage, he was born here and celebrates South Africa as his home.

If Rhodes is our home for at least three years of our lives, and often more, the Student Representative Council is a body we should take interest in and employ to our advantage as the students it is supposed to be representing. Two years ago, the SRC celebrated its 100-year anniversary. They are almost as old as the univer-sity itself and have – for the most part – played a vital role in the student body. Judging by the number of voters in recent years and the number of times we have not reached quorum, however, there is a definite air of disinterest in the SRC and

what they are doing among students. There are many things that we can blame this on, but I would like to pose the question: has the media covered enough of what the SRC is doing and what is going on to ensure responsible and conscien-tious administration?

This question is especially pertinent in the upcoming by-elections, which have to be held because several positions on the SRC need to be filled due to the sud-den resignation of four stusud-dent councillors.

The SRC states their mission as “[striving] to develop an informed student body that is able to participate in institutional co-governance and transformation in a scholarly and progressive manner”. This kind of rhetoric can only become an implementable reality if we take an active interest in student politics and abandon our usual apathetic attitude. In many students, this attitude stems from an unsat-isfactory performance on the part of the SRC – but this is in turn aggravated by the disinterest of students in their representation. In last year’s elections, eight out of 15 portfolios on the SRC went uncontested. That means that the best candidate did not necessarily get the job – but rather the only person that applied. If you don’t care enough to vote, you won’t be represented – it’s as simple as that.

If enough students took an interest in the SRC and voiced their concerns, this would encourage more possible council candidates and in turn ensure a competi-tive environment when it comes to election time. In this scenario, the chances are a lot more likely that the best possible candidate for each portfolio will get it.

I challenge you to take an interest, take part and make your years at Rhodes something that you helped created rather than something that you just watched happen.

News [

in briefs

]

Mine workers listen to Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, during his address at the Impala Platinum mine in Rustenburg 21 February, 2012. Pic: Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters

A toll gantry on the N17, Germiston. Gauteng toll fees are set to become a fact of life, and the government will tolerate no disobedience, government spokesman Jimmy Manyi said on Thursday. Pic: Simon Mathebula

Statues of Buddhist monks are lined near a temple in Payathonzu, near the Burmese border with Thailand, 20 February, 2012. Pic: Reuters

A plane flies in the polluted air above the airport fences in Beijing, 22 February, 2012. Pic: Reuters

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triking season has hit South Africa yet again, and has resulted in widespread protest action on the part of students, union members and municipal workers. Those striking include workers and park rangers from the Kruger National Park, who have engaged in a three-week strike over wage increases. UKZN students have been engaged in a week-long protest demanding additional financial aid as well as addressing the issue of inadequate residential facilities. Cosatu mine workers, 17 000 of which were fired after they had refused to return to work, have been on an unprotected strike for five weeks.

It is evident that the season has only just begun as Cosatu has threatened to strike again next month over labour legislations changes. Sadtu may be joining them in protest over docked wages from the 2010 strike.

EC tackles alcohol

abuse

1500 first-years. Rhodes has been reaching its post-grad growth target of 8.2%,

with 2204 post-grads this year.

59% of Rhodes students are women.

Number of black students ( currently 58%) is likely to increase, but this depends on the availability of state

funding as well as donor funds.

20% are international students.

7576

students

in

2012

6% Education 12% Commerce

Strike season!

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outh African Breweries Limited (SAB) along with two other companies has entered into a partnership that will ultimately be in aid of promoting responsible trade and consumption of alcohol among Eastern Cape locals.

SAB launched the campaign in partnership with the Responsible Trader Programme (RTP) as well as the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism on Tuesday 21 of February, endorsing responsible alcohol trade. The campaign aims to create awareness around the issue of responsible drinking and educated around 1 000 liquor store owners in the Eastern Cape about alcohol abuse. Taking place at the NMMU Missionvale campus, the campaign launch showcased drama productions and hosted liquor store owners from Jeffrey’s Bay, Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, Kenton-on-Sea, Alexandria and Port Alfred.

26% Natural Sciences/Pharmacy 56% Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law

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elson Mandela spent a night in hospital last weekend for tests regarding an undisclosed stomach ailment, triggering a new bout of anxiety across the country over the state of his health. According to reports, the 93-year-old former SA president is “in no danger” and was set to be discharged from the hospital by Monday, 27 February.

He “has had a long-standing abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention,” President Jacob Zuma said in a statement on Saturday morning, requesting the media and public to respect Mandela’s privacy. Mandela “is fine and fully conscious and the doctors are satisfied with his condition, which they say is consistent with

his age,” Zuma continued. “We are happy that he is not in any danger.”

Worries about Mandela’s health reached a peak last year when he was hospitalised with an acute respiratory infection and retreated from the public sphere, even

failing to appear or send a message on the eve of the centenary celebrations of the ANC. To avoid a similar situation, Zuma has offered to keep the public updated about the former president’s health.

By Sibulele Mabusela and K

ayla R

oux

Mandela in hospital for

‘diagnostic procedure’

Sourc e: Vic e-Chanc ellor ’s Annual Brie fing

News

28 February 2012

From Pedro Mzileni – Former SRC Treasurer “Dr. Viv De Klerk, colleagues, comrades and fellow Rhodents. From the bottom of my heart, I’m very sorry for my comments on Facebook last month. I was trying to make a point but I ended up being racist and I apologise for that. I know Rhodes rejects racism and for me to say that, [while] being a student leader at the eve of first years arriving was wrong and it would paint a bad image on the face of the university. I should’ve been punished if it was someone else, but you didn’t and that hurt me even more. I’m sorry once again; it will never happen again. I also apologise for dragging the name of my political party, the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO), into the mud and also the SRC. From now on I will make sure that all my arguments, statements and questions remain faithful to the Constitution of South Africa. Thank You.”

By Neo Koza

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he SRC by-elections are underway following the resignation of four committee members who were elected last year. “All of the members resigned due to personal reasons,” SRC President Internal Martin Forsyth said.

This statement is made amid speculations around campus that the SRC is ‘falling apart’, especially after allegations in The Oppidan

Press stated that former Treasurer Pedro

Mzileni had made a racist remark with regards to the Dean of Students, Dr Vivian de Klerk.

These vacancies have given current members an extra share of responsibility, as the Student Constitution states that on

forfeiture of office, the SRC Executive will re-assign portfolios among themselves.

Rory Abrahams has assumed the role of SRC Project Manager, while Bradley Bense, a candidate who came second in voting for the position in last year’s elections, has now been appointed Media Councillor. Simone Starkey, who heads the Students Benefits portfolio, has now replaced Mzileni as Treasurer.

In an interview with Activate, Mzileni addressed his concern with what he perceived as the lack of equal representation of students within the SRC. “Around 60% of our students this year are black Africans, but somehow our Dean of Students is white and there are no black Africans in the SRC executive today,” said Mzileni.

Forsyth however has pointed out that five out of six members of the SRC Executive are classified as black under the terms of the Employment Equity Act. Furthermore, he adds that since the SRC is elected by the students, it is the students’ choice as to who stands on the SRC. He asserts that the SRC is committed to transformation, not only with regards to race, but also gender.

Despite his comments and resignation, Mzileni has encouraged students to apply for the vacant posts. “These positions are key [to] making a revolution possible and I pray to God that they may be occupied by passionate and socialist individuals who have been Rhodents for a long time,” he said.

A secret ballot will be held in all dining halls on Tuesday, 28 February.

SRC by-elections in progress

_{Open letter}

By Kayla Roux

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any students will at some point in their university careers come across a TED (Technology, Education and Design) talk and in August, Rhodes is hosting its very own independent conference inspired by the concept. TED talks are a set of global conferences that aim to inform, inspire and disseminate ideas ‘worth sharing’.

“TEDxRhodesU offers an opportunity to connect with proven and successful visionaries who have propelled ideas into action, and will feature presentations by local thought leaders focusing on the theme ‘Africa Inspired,’” said official TEDxRhodesU spokesperson Morgan Hunter, in a statement. The conference will happen on 12 August this year. TEDx refers to programmes of “local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.”

Founded in Monterey, California in 1984 as a once-off event, the talks are now recorded and made available for viewing all over the world. “We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world,” reads their mission statement. “So we’re building here a clearing house that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world’s most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other.”

TED talks range an incredibly wide spectrum of different ideas and concepts: you can jump from a talk by Antonio Damasio on “The quest to understand consciousness” to a touch screen tutorial, from Paul Conneally on “Digital Humanitarianism” to Jenna McCarthy’s humorous insights into “What most people don’t know about marriage”.

“TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown,” added Hunter.

TEDx at RU

Brazilian electronic/instrumental group Napalma perform at the Arms in Bathurst on 25 February 2012. The group describe their sound as a ‘multicultural crossover’ involving ‘electro percussive beats’. The group played in Bathurst as part of their South African Carnaval Tour. The other venues for the tour also included DNE in Port Elizabeth and Barmuda in Port Alfred.

Pic: Nina Grindlay

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check out

News

Edition 1

By Neo Koza

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ive out of 60 prestigious research chairs have been awarded to Rhodes in open competition that was held across the SA university system.  The results of the latest round of awards in the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) programme were announced by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor on Monday 13 February.

The initiative was established with the aim of supporting scientific research leadership and capacity in South African

universities and sustaining a knowledge-based economy in South Africa. To receive an award for their research, the host university must make available a scholarly environment in which the research can successfully take place.

“Rhodes is the smallest university in South Africa,” says Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat in recent reports. “It has only 0.8% of South Africa’s university students and 1.9% of all full-time academic staff.” He adds that the chairs are “a testimony to Rhodes’ commitment to knowledge and its outstanding track record in research”.

The five new chairs at Rhodes are in Intellectualisation of African Languages, Multilingualism and Education; Insects in Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems; Interdisciplinary Science in Land and Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods; Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction: Human and Social Dynamics; and Marine Natural Products Research. These supplement five other chairs mainly in the field of science.

The research grant of R2.5 million will go towards the funding of staff salaries, post-doctoral fellowships, post-graduate bursaries and equipment.

Rhodes receives R2.5 million in Research Chairs

By Matthew Kynaston

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public protest has been planned for Wednesday, 29 February when Ayanda Kota, Chairperson of the UPM (Unemployed People’s Movement), is due to appear in court for charges of assaulting police officers. Many believe that Kota was a victim of police brutality, and have organised the gathering to protest what they identify as state oppression.

The protest will take place outside the Magistrates’ Office on High Street and has been approved by the Makana municipality. According to a press statement by Paul Hjul, the convenor of the event, “The great message of hope in South Africa is that as a nation, we have opportunities to defy nefarious tendencies of the abuse of power and corruption.” The statement goes on to say that sometimes organisations which are designed to combat misuse of power, such as the Public Protector, the media, the courts and the police, can themselves become instruments of abuse.

This protest is therefore seen as an integral part of upholding democracy. Hjul invites “everybody who believes in a just society free of the abuse of state power” to join the protest, which starts at 08h30.

Outcry over

Kota trial

By Megan Ellis

W

hile the fight against sexual violence continues to rage on in South Africa, a disturbing trend continues to rise, especially in the Eastern Cape. According to EC police spokesperson Brigadier Marinda Mills, child rape is becoming more frequent in the province.

Earlier this month, the Daily Dispatch reported a series of child rapes which occurred over one weekend, involving six children aged between seven months and 15 years. While child rape exists in other countries, South Africa especially has seen a rise in these incidents.

Legally, a ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18 years, but many of the victims are far younger. According to UNICEF,

doctors at the Thuthuzela Care Centres have reported seeing an increase in the number of child rape victims – some as young as three months old.

Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson for the

Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says that one of the reasons for the crime of child rape in South Africa could be linked to the practise of Ukuthwala. “One could call this the Ukuthwala Phenomenon,” says Baloyi. He notes that this practice, which is derived from Xhosa customs of arranged marriages, has been distorted.

He also identifies myths regarding HIV as a major contributor to child rape - specifically that “by sleeping with a virgin one can be cured of HIV.” Baloyi adds that some people are exploiting the vulnerability of children due to absent parents, with alcohol abuse also

often playing a role in rapes.

“What we at the CGE understand is that these rogue elements have no regard for the law,” says Baloyi. He adds that this gender-based violence is conducted without thought of the repercussions.

The prevalence of child rape has also been criticised as having a destructive effect on South African society. In a statement issued to government, Baloyi said that “This alarming trend needs to be promptly addressed as a matter of urgency, before we have a total eroding of moral decay in the province.”

Furthermore, he says that the youth affected by sexual violence will be stripped of hope for the future. “Some will be HIV-positive, young mothers or worse still, traumatised for the rest of their lives.” Baloyi adds that this

has the potential of “robbing society of future leaders and gender activists”.

In a speech addressed to the National Council of Provinces during 16 Days of Activism, MP Masefako Dikgale announced that the Department of Social Development has adopted strategies for early intervention, where children are identified as being vulnerable or at risk of harm and removed into alternate care.

Baloyi says that the CGE and other institutions should speak frankly and honestly regarding these issues. “Advocacy and sensitising society [should be aimed at] raising awareness around these ills,” he says. “We also need to ensure that all the perpetrators of gender-based violence and sexual harassment are brought to book - justice must be done.”

Child rape continues to rise in EC

By Yonela Zondani and Brenda Sekgota

B

eing accepted into university after high school is a dream that comes true for many young South Africans, but when it comes to the crunch, obtaining the actual degree may prove to be a bit trickier.

For a percentage of the 2011 first-years, and many others who were meant to be returning to Rhodes, this was the case. Although most returned to continue their studies, many others won’t be setting foot on campus again. Everyone had different reasons, but the biggest contributing factor to the number of non-returning students was exclusion.

As per Rhodes University’s general rules, section G7, “The Senate may refuse students permission to renew registration in any Faculty if they are deemed to be unable to profit from further study, or if they have failed.”

The Dean of Humanities, Professor Hendricks, says that if a student is not dedicated to their work and they do not show a certain level of hard work and commitment, they will find it hard to cope academically. Hendricks adds that even if you are, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted back into the institution. “Students need to start taking responsibility of their actions and realise that the University has strict rules when it comes to exclusion,” he says.

Silvanus Welcome, the VicePresident External of the SRC, says that students were excluded for two possible reasons: because of financial issues or because they had not performed well enough academically. He added that the SRC helps excluded students motivate their case to the Dean of Students so that the student can stand the chance of having their exclusion reviewed. In cases of financial exclusion, they can organise financial assistance where possible.

“This year we plan to work with Residence House Committees and locate mentors for first-year students in order to help cope better with academic challenges that they are facing,” Welcome says. “Students should know that they are not alone: there is help, but they just need to talk to the right people.”

Fourth-year student Desiree Rapula, who is currently studying a BMus, says that first-year students party too much and forget that they have school work to do. “University is more work and less play,” she adds.

While other students are still appealing to return, others have decided to study elsewhere. Siphelo Dyongman, a former BSc student at Rhodes, failed his second year – he says, however, that he realised it was not the end of the world and went to Walter Sisulu University. Dyongman is completing his degree this year.

Gone but never forgotten

Ayanda Kota of the UPM speaks to supporters outside the Town Hall during the ‘Occupy Garhamstown’ March, 15 October 2011. Pic: Anton Scholtz

News

28 February 2012

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ctivate will be giving away two sets of double tickets to

Splashy Fen Music Festival.

Look out for competition details in out next edition The giveaway is for festival entry only, including camping. Winners will be responsible for their own transport and need to bring their own camping gear etc. Tickets are not transferable and may not be redeemed for cash. Persons under the age of 18 must be under parental supervision.

The 23rd Splashy Fen Music Festival is coming up over the Easter long weekend and is once again set to rock the southern Drakensberg mountains with an awesome line-up of more than 80 top live acts on two stages, which takes

place on a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal from April 5 to 9.

Tickets cost R500 at Computicket and include camping for the entire festival from Thursday, April 5 to Monday, April 9. Established in 1990, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest-running annual music festival, which every year brings thousands of people from around the country and abroad together for what is regarded by many as the ultimate outdoor experience. With its breathtaking mountain vistas and unique vibe and character, there is simply nothing else quite like it! For more information and the full programme, visit www.splashyfen.co.za.

By Kayla Roux

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rahamstown is turning 200 years old this year, and residents kicked off the year-long bicentenary events with a R120, 000 street parade on Saturday 18 February in Church Square. Even though stilt-walkers, music and dance acts gave the day a celebratory air, many Grahamstonians still harbour reservations about the town’s chequered history and the notion of ‘celebrating’ a town that has its roots in violence and war.

Grahamstown was founded in 1812 as a military outpost on the frontier of the Cape Colony by Lieutenant Colonel John Graham and housed the headquarters of the Cape Regiment. For this reason, organisers have avoided the term ‘celebration’ when describing Project 200 events and activities, since for many there is nothing to celebrate

about the blood-steeped beginnings of Grahamstown. “In our launch event, we did try to be inclusive,” said Professor Julia Wells, Project 200 coordinator, Makana municipal councillor and historian. “Part of the idea of the launch was to have it in spaces that everybody shares and we felt that the only space we could say that about would be right smack in the middle of town.”

In addition, every one of the twelve months of the year will carry a different theme so that each month, “a different group or organisation – or several groups or organisations – around town might say, ‘Now it’s our turn’,” Wells continued. The municipality is encouraging these groups – as well as members of the public – to tell their own stories and become involved in the process of remembering.

“It’s the story of a town that was clearly started in conflict – it wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the wars, if it weren’t for the British

colonial army investing a lot in the early decades of the town,” Wells said. She did, however, stress the importance of our positive growth as a town over the 200 years we are looking back on today. “For me, it’s a town that’s outgrown that, and I think that’s really important to say: we do so many other things that are so much more positive.” She added that one of the aims of Project 200 was to encourage people to find ways to share and develop these aspects of the town.

One of the ways organisers and coordinators are trying to do this is by asking Grahamstown residents to send their stories about the town, comments, opinions and ideas to Grocott’s Mail. “People should be thinking about their past and what it is all the time,” Wells said. As a heritage and history practitioner, she is interested in finding ways to “assist people to think about the past…in a way that will be informative and interesting and get them engaged”.

Street parade kicks off Project 200

Who is the band made up of, and what do each of you play?

Isaac - Drums, Jacques - Gtr/Vox, Louis - Bass

How would you best describe yourself as a band- in terms of sound and personality?

Sexy, Dirty, Rock n Roll

What can fans expect from you and Splashy as a whole?

Expect a tight, explosive, in your face, energetic set from us. Expect one of the best SA festival experiences of the year from Splashy Fen.

Favourite Splashy Memory?

Splashy 2009. We played the outside stage. The kids were

going crazy for the show, and halfway through the set they broke through the security barriers, knocked over the bouncers, and stormed the stage! A pure moment in rock n roll.

Tell us about your history as a band and where you feel you are now?

We have been a band for four and a half years now. We started in an old garage in Roosevelt Park. We tour, write and record music constantly.

What are your future plans?

Lots of touring, lots of recording, lots of fun, lots of money.

Is Grahamstown on the horizon?

April 2012 will see Shadowclub storm through Grahamstown for the first time, alongside our legendary friends Southern Gypsy Queen.

If the band had a super power, what would it be?

X-ray vision, to see through your clothes.

Favourite venue to play at?

As long as there are people to entertain, the venue is irrelevant.

Who are your greatest influences?

Mitch Mitchells, John Lee Hooker, Flea

Cats or Dogs?

Both

Left or Right?

Left

Anything else you want to add?

Balls of Steel, and nothing else!

Splashy Fen - the ONLY

place to be this Easter!

Politics

Edition 1

By Megan Ellis

T

he land reform debate has been sparked once again by Pieter Mulder’s comments on who has claim to what land in SA. And while online and social media are being flooded by outrage, I find myself asking: “Where are the San?”

It seems that in the land reform debate, this minority often gets ignored by the media and the general public. Yes, they are a minority – but I somehow feel they’ve got the rawest deal of SA’s ethnic groups.

While the Khoi and the San were two different groups, in modern SA they fall under the same title of San. San territory extended over a large portion of SA, but they relocated due to the migration of tribes from Central Africa. Later, from the south came the Dutch and the British, and those who were not used for slave labour, or shipped off to Europe to be studied and exhibited, were forced into smaller areas.

The industrialisation of South Africa did not help their cause. The development of cities and industrial areas has limited their territory to dry, arid regions where many South Africans would never choose to live. And while some may think this group of nomadic hunter-gatherers should be content in these areas, the San isolation has lead to the involuntary loss of language and the crumbling of their culture.

A search for ‘San’ online in South Africa yields more results for SANSA than the indigenous people. On all the forms I had to fill in at school, there was no race category reserved for San, even though their socio-economic history is far different from that of other black South Africans.

Some may say the San are content in their nomadic ways and therefore integration and transformation which takes into consideration their unique history is not needed. But many descendents of the Khoi and the San have integrated into South African society – what else is there to do when this society continues to encroach on your home?

The loss of San culture and identity will be a tragedy. The beauty in their legends, ceremonies and practices is humbling. The first time I saw a San hunter praying for the giraffe he and his fellow hunters had just killed, and thanking it for the food it had provided, I was speechless.

Without resources, how can this culture flourish? Despite being the first group to set foot in South Africa, their languages aren’t even recognised as official. And while I am not implying that San individuals should be obligated to remain in their traditional groups, I would like them to have the choice to integrate without it threatening the survival of their culture. After all, haven’t Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho and other African cultures and practises been able to thrive despite urbanisation of large portions of their population?

Obviously the land debate is fraught with complex arguments and emotions. Personally, I think that socio-economic status as well as race should be taken into consideration for it to be effective in terms of alleviating poverty. But I think it is time for our ‘rainbow nation’ to properly recognise the San and their descendents, as none of our ancestors are innocent when it comes to them.

We cannot proclaim to be a rainbow nation if those who were the first addition to the spectrum are excluded.

Our rainbow is

missing a colour

By Marc Davies

P

ieter Mulder’s name has flooded headlines and social media with his recent remarks regarding land reform. “Africans, in particular, never in the past lived in the whole of South Africa… these areas formed 40% of the country’s land surface.” Freedom Front Plus leader and Deputy Agriculture Minister, Pieter Mulder, suggested that “Bantu-speaking people”

had no historical claim to a large portion of South Africa’s land in North West and Western Cape.

Addressing the sensitive issue of land ownership in South Africa, Mulder refuted President Zuma’s statistics that white people possessed 87% of the nation’s land and that only 8% of the 30% land reform target had been achieved. The Deputy Minister instead referred to 2011 statistics from the Development Bank of South Africa, that

states only 44% of SA’s land is owned by Whites.

The ANC and the DA both criticised Mulder, accusing him of distorting history. The Youth Communist League said his comments were an example of “archaic white denialism” and called for his resignation. Shortly after Mulder softened his statements, saying that he was referring to the historic claim of San tribes, who arrived in SA before the ‘Bantu’ tribes and colonialists.

Masithethe:

Let us talk

Send your response to [email protected] and it may be published in

print or online! Activate invites interested people to respond and share their

attitudes on the complex issue of land redistribution and how (or if ) this

should be conducted. We want to hear your perspectives. If your response

is substantiated and fair, Activate may publish your response in the next

edition. Responses in isiXhosa, Afrikaans and English will be accepted.

Activate does not tolerate hate speech, racist, sexist or discrimantory

content.

Pieter Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus and Deputy Agriculture Minister, has been highly criticised for his remarks regarding land claims. Pic: Wikicommons

According to President Zuma’s statistics, white people own 87% of South African land, something which Mulder declined to accept in favour of Development Bank statistics. Pic: Wikicommons

By Kayla Roux

T

he Friedrich Ebert Stiftung/Fort Hare Autumn School on Democracy and Political Economy will take place in the third week of April 2012 in Hogsback in the Eastern Cape. The event, which is funded by German political foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, will host students from 3rd year to Masters level from across the country. Five Rhodes students, who are still to be selected, will be amongst the participants.

“This Autumn school plans to address the question of what social democracy means in the twenty-first century,” read a statement by the Director of the Rhodes Research Office, Jaine Roberts. Social democracy, a concept usually employed to denote advocacy for some sort of economic regulation, support of the welfare state and working class benefits.

The course will encourage students to explore ideas surrounding the core values, aims and worth of social democracy, and to develop practical solutions surrounding its implementation. “Social democracy is not predetermined or set in stone for all time, but must rather be constantly renegotiated and subject to democratic

contestation,” Roberts continued. For this reason, the general aim of the Autumn school is to facilitate and develop constructive study, discussion and reflection.

Students who “realise the important role that they can play in developing our democracy” are the ideal candidates for the programme. The students who are chosen will come together to discuss the issues above, facilitated by leaders and experts in the field.

Politics

28 February 2012

By Matthew Kynaston

P

resident acob Zuma has proposed a review on the Constitutional Court and the power it exerts over government. This comes after a decision was taken by the Cabinet last year to assess the impact court rulings have on South African society.

Of particular concern to the President is the way in which judges are influenced by the media in their rulings, which results in a disparity in the way he feels cases should be resolved. Zuma said that if the decisions made by Parliament, which is the government’s legislative arm, could be challenged (SA’s democratic system allows the Constitutional Court to review them) then there is no reason why the judiciary could not be similarly challenged.

The proposal has been met with widespread criticism. Advocate Craig Renaud, senior lecturer at the Rhodes University Faculty of Law, suggests that there has been a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the role of the courts in South Africa. “The government and the President, like the courts themselves, are subject to the Constitution. If the President or the government act in a way which is contrary to the Constitution, it is the job of the courts to declare those actions unlawful and invalid. In doing so, the courts are not changing the government’s power. They are holding the government to account in terms of the Constitution – which is precisely what the courts are supposed to do.”

According to the Black Lawyer’s Association, “The executive and the legislature do not have the power to amend or review the Constitutional Court’s powers”. Advocate Renaud agrees, saying that “Either the President and his advisers have simply failed to understand that they do not, in

terms of the Constitution, have the power to review the Constitutional Court’s powers, or they have understood that they lack the power in terms of the Constitution, but have decided to ignore the Constitution”.

Dr Rosaan Kruger, also a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Law, says that “the suggestion of the President regarding reviewing the Constitutional Court’s power is alarming for the simple reason that the system of governance provided in the Constitution is based on constitutional supremacy.  A supreme Constitution requires some way of enforcement – someone or some institution must ensure that the Constitution is complied with,

and that is the judiciary.  That is how the system is intended to work and even though it inevitably gives rise to tension between the elected branches and the judiciary, this is normal.” She added that the alternative – parliamentary sovereignty – is not an attractive option for South Africa.

Julius Malema has also commented on the power of the judiciary at the recent ANC Youth League lekgotla. Talking about court cases in which he is involved, he said, “There’s nothing I can do because the judiciary is controlled by these white minorities.” Malema described them as “mafia” and said that they controlled every state organ.

Warren Freedman, Associate Professor at the

University of Kwazulu-Natal’s School of Law warns that “This is how our democracy was founded in 1994 and how we have been operating since we adopted the new Constitution in 1996 - any changes to that would signify a radical change in the way our Constitutional democracy works.”

“All role-players in the drafting process agreed to the rules that we have in place – now all role-players must stick to the rules,” Kruger agrees saying, “Changing the rules if the result of the game does not suit you is not the way to go.”

Renaud added that “One cannot help but suspect that it is the beginning of a process of undermining the independence of the judiciary.”

Zuma challenges power of ConCourt

SRC faces multiple resignations

By Marc Davies

R

hodes’ SRC is set to commence by-elections for three council portfolios after the controversial resignations of four council members in a single week. The resignation of the SRC’s Liaison has also intensified the current difficulties faced by the SRC.

Pedro Mzileni, Babalwa Nyembezi, Nokwanda Shabangu and Lihle Ngcobozi, whose respective portfolios were Treasurer, Media, Activism and Transformation, and Societies, resigned from the SRC before Orientation Week this year. President Matthieu Maralack described the situation as “unfortunate and regrettable”, adding that the councillors resigned for different reasons.

On the resignation of Nyembezi and Ngcobozi, President Maralack said the pair had wanted to resign from as early as last year. “There was a clash between what the SRC actually is and what they wanted to do with SRC. Lihle, in particular, was not happy with the highly administrative role of Societies Councillor. Her expectations of the portfolio and what it actually entails clashed,” he said.

When asked about her decision to resign, Ngcobozi cited that she was “constructively dismissed”, to which Maralack responded that serious allegations of sabotage by Vice-President Internal, Martin Forsyth, had been raised. Digital documents on her SRC workstation computer along with other physical duplicates in the office had gone missing simultaneously. Ngcobozi said that former SRC Executive member, Pedro Mzileni, alleges to have witnessed the disposal of her documents. “It is hard for me to believe that one of my councillors would have done this,” Maralack says. “We’ve moved offices and I’m unsure whether [the documents] were lost or destroyed.” He added that the information had been left over the December holidays and that anything could have happened over this long period. “These remain allegations at this point,” Maralack said.

In an interview with Activate, Forsyth denied the allegations against

him, saying that he never had access to Ngcobozi’s computer password and that he had no knowledge of which box or documents had been disposed of. Forsyth ran with several other SRC councillor winners, including Ngcobozi, in the MySRC campaign in 2011, which was supported by the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO). Forsyth dismissed claims of “constructive dismissal”, saying that he had no motive to attempt to remove anybody from office, especially a councillor that was a part of the same election campaign as him. The Vice-President Internal says that mediation was attempted with help from the Counselling Centre after the resignation issues surfaced. However, the SRC councillors cited “personal reasons” for leaving the SRC. Forsyth says that before this, he had never been approached by the resigned councillors regarding their grievances. “Had they followed protocol and gone to their cluster heads, they would have seen that we are addressing the issues,” he states.

Former Treasurer Pedro Mzileni recently featured in the student press after posting about the Dean of Students, Dr Vivian de Klerk, on Facebook. The post stated, “How can we solve a problem like Viv de Klerk?” and went on to say “her white ass can get off that seat”. The SRC distanced itself from Mzileni’s comments which were made after his resignation. “We do not condone the statement that Pedro made,” Maralack said, adding that he was nevertheless in a ‘difficult situation’ at the time. Mzileni was reportedly passionate about students supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme of South Africa (NSFAS) and those that are “disadvantaged” at Rhodes. “He was vocal about his ideologies and wanted to improve things for these students in particular,” Maralack commented. When asked if the topic of NSFAS created any tension in the SRC, Maralack said that Mzileni, along with Nyembezi and Ngcobozi, had expressed that the SRC wasn’t making enough decisions in the interest of such students. “SRC is not hunky-dory, individuals come with various ideas and ideologies,” he added. Forsyth, in response to this, said that the Oppidan Councillor has been

handling matters concerning NSFAS and that the SRC is committed to all students.

In an interview with Activate, Pedro Mzileni commented that none of the councillors who resigned did so because they wanted to, but rather because they were forced to. Mzileni does not regret his comments regarding the Dean of Students, however he has written an open letter to the students and staff of Rhodes University [printed on page 5]. Mzileni mentioned that close to 60% of students at Rhodes are Black this year, but that there is not a single Black person on the SRC Executive. He further questioned how “a student on Financial Aid, which they claim to represent, will have [their] concerns understood by a person who never experienced [that] before”. The former Treasurer said that he had not read the article published about his statements in The Oppidan Press.

Reflecting on the timing of the resignations, Maralack said it was a “crisis” and “huge to handle”. The resignations of Mzileni and Shabangu were, in his opinion, “unavoidable”. He said that the situation with Nyembezi and Ngcobozi, however, could have been avoided and added that in reflection, he could’ve done more in this regard.

Despite the difficult start to the 2012 term, Maralack said that he is proud of the councillors in light of the difficulties adding that, “It is unfortunate that we’ve had such a rough time, but we appreciate the support and solidarity of students.” He appealed to all students seeking help, those with questions or grievances to come forward to SRC, emphasising the ‘open-door’ policy of the councillors. Maralack stressed that regardless of the difficulties faced, the SRC has managed to fulfil its duties and contribute to a successful orientation programme.

The position of Media Councillor has recently been filled by Bradley Bense, who came second to Nyembezi in the SRC elections last year. The position of Treasurer has been filled by Simone Starkey, as this executive position is filled internally. The vacant portfolios are Activism and Transformation, Societies, and Simone’s former portfolio Student Benefits. Maralack expects a full council within the next two weeks.

Politics Feature

Edition 1

Power shifts in the ANC

By Marc Davies

C

ompulsory African language learning is set to become compulsory in all South African schools for students grade 1 through 12. The Department of Basic Education is expected to implement a new language policy as soon as next year in an attempt to “break language barriers”, according to departmental spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi.

Implementing African language education in teaching and learning will, however, pose numerous logistical difficulties. The nine official ‘indigenous’ African languages are mostly concentrated in terms of their usage across South Africa’s provinces. IsiXhosa is commonly used in the Eastern and Western Cape, whereas languages such as Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Northern Sotho and Tswana are mostly used in more northern provinces such as North-West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Languages in the country’s metropolitan areas vary, possibly as a result of urbanisation and migration to more economically prosperous cities.

Professor Russell H Kaschula, Head of Rhodes’ School of Languages, says that the challenge of implementing this proposed policy is one that “should not be seen as a logistically non-viable

problem… there are creative ways in which to do this.” Kaschula said language audits would be required for each school to

determine majority languages. He also suggested opportunities that could be made possible through mother-tongue multilingual or bilingual education programmes where more than one language can be used in the classroom. According to Kaschula, ABSA has used a system which localises ATMs in relation to the languages that are spoken in specific areas, suggesting that a similar method could be used for schools as well.

A research paper for the Centre of Development and Enterprise in 2011 revealed that South Africa produces far too few teachers, especially in mathematics and science. Sarah Murray of Rhodes’ Education Department said that the University is currently not producing enough teachers who can teach in isiXhosa. “It is very important that we produce teachers who can teach in this language,” she said. “The challenge is to recruit the m and ensure they have funds for their studies, and to design appropriate teacher education programmes.” Professor Jean Baxen – an Associate Professor in Education – is currently the Principal Investigator for the Cape Consortium Foundation Phase Research Programme which aims to address these issues. The Consortium is a joint initiative between Rhodes, NMMU,

Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Western Cape. The universities were awarded a R20.6m grant over three years to assist with the development and implementation of the ‘Quality teaching and teacher education research programme’ in the Eastern and Western Cape.

Reflecting on the necessity of encouraging African language teaching and learning, Professor Kaschula said, “Our linguistic heritage – which is part of our natural resources just like the Rhino – needs to be protected.” He further stated that we need to ask ourselves what kind of South Africa we want a hundred years from now – a homogenised, English South Africa, or a rich multilingual nation in which all languages are used as languages of instruction.

Both the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Basic Education have an enormous contribution to make in feeding back into the schooling system according to Kaschula. He nevertheless believes the “pendulum is beginning to swing back” towards language teaching, with 42 Honours students and 4 Masters students in mother-tongue isiXhosa having graduated in 2011 at Rhodes. Kaschula says about half of these students will continue as educators and emphasised the need for graduates to work in environments that are not exclusively English, as well as the need for multicultural awareness amongst students.

African languages on the cards for schools

Kgalema Motlanthe

SA’s deputy president has been treading lightly with regards to issues between the ANC and ANCYL and has actually emerged as the ANCYL’s preferred candidate for the ANC presidency. Motlanthe, however, has not declared whether he intends to challenge Zuma. His credentials make him a significant potential opponent, having stood in as SA acting president after Mbeki’s resignation as well as still having the support of the ANCYL (which proved influential in Zuma’s appointment as president after Mbeki).

Thabo Mbeki

While SA’s former president seems to have disappeared from the radar since his resignation, some publications have suggested that he is making a comeback. Julius Malema has called Mbeki’s ‘exile’ self-imposed and has called for him to become involved in local politics again. Mbeki has been vocal over certain issues, especially regarding African politics. He criticised NATO intervention in Libya and has also called Mugabe unreliable. Some have entertained the possibility of Mbeki returning to the party.

Tokyo Sexwale

Now a cabinet member, former businessman Tokyo Sexwale, seems to have set his goals even higher. The Human Settlements Minister was approached in 2007 as a possible candidate for ANC presidency, and this possibility has been raised again. Sexwale has been identified as a possible challenger to Zuma.

Jacob Zuma

Zuma remains ‘top dog’ in the ANC; however, this does not mean he is immune to controversy. The President still faces resistance from the ANCYL, culminating in a mob storming the stage during Zuma’s lecture at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. Zuma has also garnered criticism from media and various organisations for his controversial statements regarding the Constitutional Court’s power and his support for the Information Bill. However he remains the favourite for the ANC presidency in upcoming elections.

Gwede Mantashe

The ANC’s Secretary General continues to ally himself with Zuma, calling for the ANCYL to follow orders and attempting to bring the ANC branch back in line, as well as defending the President’s centenary speech. However, the ANCYL has also called for his replacement as secretary general. Mantashe, also chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP), holds the continued support of the ANC.

Julius Malema

The controversial leader has taken a great fall after his suspension but is still supported by the ANCYL to the point of defiance, who have declared Malema as their only leader. Malema’s resistance to his suspension and criticism of top ANC leaders has not furthered his cause as he now faces expulsion from the party.

By M eg an E lli s

Photo Feature

28 February 2012

By Anton Scholtz

J

Chan Henry, a general dealer, stands on Dr Jacob Zuma Drive in Fingo Village. Its 80 years of service to the surrounding community shows in its aging walls, which are plastered with peeling stickers and advertisements, a faded Sasko Sam caricature smiling down on patrons. The shop, which has been open for over 100 years in Grahamstown, is now run by Yat Ming Chan Henry and his daughter Charisse Evans. It has passed through the management of three successive generations of the Chan Henry family, and started in the building in which the Hi-Tec Security

premises are in New Street today. The shop moved to its current location in 1933 due to financial difficulties brought on by the Great Depression.

The Chan Henry family immigrated to South Africa from Canton (known today as Guangzhou) in China during the Anglo-Boer War at the turn of the century. Ming says he left school at 15 to help his mother, Ellen, run the shop after his father’s death. His life and work have revolved around the shop ever since. At the age of 79, he still drives to PE every Thursday to collect stock for the store, and Charisse is the day-to-day manager, spending every day of the week (including Sundays) behind the counter.

Ming was born in South Africa and only went to China in recent years to investigate his family history. He said he enjoyed seeing the places his parents spoke of when he was young, but is adamant that South Africa is home. His Xhosa name, ‘Basayi’, was affectionately given to him years ago by locals and is testament to the fact that he is a well-loved and respected member of his community. Ming feels that it is imperative for everyone, no matter where they may come from, to do the best that they can to integrate into the community in which they find themself. Otherwise, people will remain divided and unfeeling towards each other.

Little shop, big history

Left: Yat Ming Chan Henry (79), owner of general dealers J Chan Henry in Fingo Village, is affectionately addressed by the Xhosa name ‘Basayi’ by customers of the local community, a name given to him many years ago. Chan Henry has worked in the shop since 1946 when he left school to help his mother with the family business after his father’s death. Right: Charisse Evans, daughter of shop owner Chan Henry, is one of five children and is the only one who works for the family business in Fingo Village. She herself has two children. Grahamstown, 24 February, 2012. Pic: Anton Scholtz

Photo Feature

Edition 1

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Ming Chan Henry sits in the shop office, which overlooks the entire store. The computer monitor on the desk displays CCTV footage of the shop so that theft – which has proven a problem – can be monitored and prevented. Grahamstown, 22 February 2012.

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A man who came into the shop to buy prepaid electricity tells Evans how his best friend was stabbed to death the day before. The owners of J. Chan Henry have built up personal relationships with their customers over their years of service. Grahamstown, 14 Fabruary 2012.

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Evans’ dog, Fudgy, cools down behind one of the shop counters on a hot afternoon. Evans says that the nine-year-old dog goes with her wherever she goes. Grahamstown, 14 February 2012.

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Bottles of various traditional medicines are displayed in a glass cabinet in the shop. Evans says that they are extremely popular amongst patrons of the shop at a cost of R10 each. Grahamstown, 14 February 2012.

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The view of the shop floor from the office, of which the desk is visible in the foreground. The black and yellow spikes are for security reasons, especially considering that the shop has already been broken into three times this year. Grahamstown, 17 February 2012. Pics: Anton Scholtz

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Photo Feature

28 February 2012

[6]

One of the shop customers, a traditional healer from nearby, wears the white beads sold in the shop. Grahamstown, 22 February 2012. Pic: Anton Scholtz

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Xolisile ‘Lee’ Ntlanjeni

,

one of the shop assistants, pours paraffin out of a an old petrol pump, which is located in the back of the store. Grahamstown, 26 February 2012. Pic: Lauren Rawlins

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A man looks out of the window of the building behind the shop. Originally, the Chan Henry family lived in the building due to racial segregation under apartheid but have since moved into the suburbs and now let rooms to members of the community. Grahamstown, 17 February 2012.

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Charisse Evans is reflected in a mirror while working behind the counter of J. Chan Henry. The shop has been open since her grandfather opened it in 1908. Grahamstown, 14 February 2011.

[10]

A customer leaves the shop after buying electricity for his prepaid meter. Grahamstown, 14 February 2012.

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Lee threads string through white beads in the back of the shop. The white beads are sold for various uses in traditional isiXhosa ceremonies. Grahamstown, 17. February 2012. Pics: Anton Scholtz

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A panaramic view of the outside of J. Chan Henry on Dr Jacob Zuma Drive showing the 1820s Settler’s Monument in the background. Grahamstown, 24 February 2012. Pic: Lauren Rawlins

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Business

Edition 1

By Njabulo Nkosi

A

carbon tax is an environmental tax attached to the burning of fossil fuels. The tax is meant to discourage the production of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and fund green initiatives. This is in effect a levy on the production of fuels such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum - thus encouraging non-carbon fuels and technologies to emerge in the market and better compete against large carbon-emitting corporations.

In economic terms, carbon tax is an indirect tax – a tax on transactions – aiming to lessen the negative impact of pollution. The tax can also raise awareness about pollution and can decrease the demand for fuel supplies. In addition to creating incentives for energy conservation, a carbon tax would put renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal on a more competitive footing, stimulating their growth in a largely fossil fuel-based economy. Despite these positive prospects, this tax may also have stifling effects on the economy – especially in South Africa. South Africa has the ambitious economic objective of creating 5 million jobs in the next eight years by sustaining GDP growth at 7 % per year. It also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% over the same period. However, studies conducted by the Industry Task Team on Climate Change (ITTCC), which represents SA’s largest industries in mining and mineral sectors, says the National Treasury may have to revise these objectives.

The Treasury initially preferred a carbon tax to be imposed directly on all measured emissions of carbon dioxide. According to director at BDO Consulting Services Shaun Nel, the problem is that “Eskom accounts for almost 50% of SA’s emissions compared to only 11% by the rest of the industry.” A carbon tax on emissions would thus increase the cost of electricity since Eskom is entitled, by nature of their operations, to pass additional costs onto consumers.

The ITTCC conducted a study that found that the carbon tax combined with electricity tariffs would cause a 63% weighted average reduction in operating profits across the sample. One relatively large energy-intensive firm would lose over 90% of its operating profits. ITTCC also reports that some firms’ operations will no longer be viable after such a reduction in their profits. A R100 per ton carbon tax

could eliminate R23 billion of tax contributions, R54 billion of exports and 63 000 jobs.

The South African ferrochrome industry would disappear by 2014 under the weight of R100/t carbon tax, higher electricity prices and other existing government levies. This means that SA may lose its share of the ferrochrome market to China. The ITTCC reports “that firms have a limited scope to reduce emissions and would... be heavily impacted financially.”

“Carbon tax is a good idea and principle when raising awareness about carbon emissions,” says Chris Upfold, an Information Systems lecturer whose research interest is in virtual teams and collaboration technologies. “It is [however] a first world idea which is not very practical. A regulatory body is necessary to ensure that the tax is imposed properly, as excessively charging firms, like Eskom, will end up widening the wealth gap in the country,” he adds.

The Treasury is operating under the assumption that any demise in emission-intensive industries and output can be countered by the emergence of new, green industries. “This idea of perfect alignment is unrealistic and improbable,” says Nel. “SA can’t risk shutting down productive industries and hoping that less energy-intensive industries will develop.” The stunted growth of the solar panel industry, which relies on silicon, is due to the high SA electricity prices. In 2008, SA was among the cheapest countries in the world for silicon production, but by 2011 the electricity prices drove SA well above the world average. SA’s electricity prices are higher than Russia’s and Brazil’s. By 2013, SA could outstrip countries that are currently more expensive if the proposed tariff is reached by Eskom.

The elevated electricity costs will affect all electricity-dependent industries, increase overall prices and inflation and hurt the country’s economic, educational and industrial objectives. Mike Rossouw, an executive director of Xstrata and Chairperson of the ITTCC, asserts that “It does not make sense to introduce carbon tax in light of very rapidly rising electricity prices.”

From an economic viewpoint, a regulatory body must be installed to oversee the imposition of the carbon tax: it must be intensely revised in order to avoid crushing vital industries and financially impairing consumers.

Carbon tax weighs in

The Telkom Effect

By Megan Ellis

L

ast year, the global community stood up against the elite and demanded that wealth be more fairly distributed. While awareness about the unequal balance of wealth increases, people look to those with political and financial power to help alleviate the global crisis.

One answer to this is ‘philanthrocapitalism’ – a form of philanthropy where wealthy individuals redistribute their money through

investments in projects and causes they are interested in to tackle problems facing poorer communities.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues to be at the forefront of the philanthrocapitalism movement. It is especially famous for the Warren Buffett donation – where Buffett, one of the world’s wealthiest men, has pledged 83% of his fortune to the foundation. This donation amounts to billions of dollars.

However, the movement has also come under scrutiny – especially for its potential to be just another form of paternalism. While wealthy capitalists do give funding to projects and aid, it is done so at their own discretion and on their own terms.

David Fryer, a senior lecturer in the Department of Economics and Economics History, does not think that philanthrocapitalism is a viable option in the alleviation of global poverty. He says the movement is undemocratic as decisions regarding aid are made solely by the organisations and therefore issues tackled are not necessarily

proportional to the scale or degree of the problem.

According to Fryer, these organisations “tend to implement their own particular models, regardless of the country’s model”. He adds that because these organisations do not collaborate with governments, they weaken the incentive for states to develop.

This is a common criticism of aid, which often does not engage with communities and make them self-sustainable, but rather implements its own notions of charity. Fryer does however think philanthrocapitalism would be more effective if it worked with legitimate governments to develop aims. But this is especially difficult to do in weak democracies and collapsed states.

Fryer does not dismiss the idea of aid altogether – he feels that NGOs have a place in pushing forward global issues such as environmentalism, rather than national issues. This is because in a national context, “With development projects, there is a gap between what the state is doing and what the donor community is doing.”

He adds that countries can become ‘infested’ with NGOs, all of which have different agendas. Fryer says that while redistribution is important, it should not be dealt with by charities. “Change must come from a democratic route,” says Fryer.

While philanthropy may have good intentions, often aid organisations “treat only the symptoms – without getting to the cause of the problem”. However Fryer adds that if philanthropic organisations engage more with communities and states as well as ensuring self-sustainability, their intervention becomes more beneficial to the people.

Sharing the wealth: A viable solution?

By Njabulo Nkosi

T

here was little respite for Telkom amid the scandal of their recent Competition Tribunal hearings. The Competition Commission proposed a potentially crippling fine on the telecommunications company for “abusing its monopoly power by charging excessive prices, engaging in prohibited price discrimination and withholding services to rival companies”. If the Competition Tribunal agrees with the commission, the imposed fine would equal 10% of Telkom’s 2003 annual revenue. The fine will amount to R3.5 billion.

This case dates back almost a decade, when 21 complaints were brought forwards from the South African VANS (value-added network services) Association, the Internet Service Providers Association, AT&T Global Network Services SA, Internet Solutions and Omnilink.

The Competition Commission’s logic in imposing such a fine is that the fine will act as a deterrent from future acts of larceny, thus protecting competition in the telecommunications industry and the SA economy.

Telkom maintains that it is innocent and undeserving of the proposed fine, stating that the fine should be lessened considerably. It claims that if the maximum fine were to be imposed – the tribunal has not done so in other cases – it would plunge the “struggling company” into the red. It even suggests that it could put key services at banks, government departments, the defence force and police services at risk. Telkom warns that the fine will “irretrievably jeopardise its viability”, resulting in disastrous consequences for the economy and the SA government – a 40% shareholder in the company.

Owen Skae, Director of Rhodes Business School, says “The quantum of the fine, if imposed, will be extremely detrimental to Telkom, as they would probably have to sell off its assets and in all likelihood not be able

to raise prices.”

These statements have merit as Telkom would have to raise R4.5 billion to pay the fine and stay afloat: money it does not have. In addition, the market structure has since changed and it is highly unlikely that Telkom could ever engage in such behaviour again.

The alleged anti-competitive behaviour took place eight years ago, when Telkom believed it was acting within exclusivity rights granted to it by the government in return for providing infrastructure to underserviced parts of the country. Telkom took telecommunication to rural areas through its wireless network, which was unaffordable. Telkom hiked local call prices during its five-year state-sanctioned monopoly.

“Many commentators believe that the final penalty (if imposed) will not be as high as [R3.5 billion],” Skae notes. “After all, one has to balance the public interest, and a severely weakened Telkom will not help South Africa’s competitiveness.”

Regarding the benefits of imposing a large fine on Telkom, Duncan MacLeod, an independent online publisher, says that the beneficial effect will be negligible. This is due to Telkom’s diminished monopoly power and the notion that “it can’t afford to institute big price increases because consumers will switch to mobile options.”

“In the short term, the impact [of the fine] is likely to be minimal,” says Skae. “But in the long term, it could play itself out in different ways - [for example] possible cutbacks on infrastructure spending, reduced services and uncertainty about its future,” he adds.

The imposition of the fine will have little effect on correcting Telkom’s past excesses and the SA economy. But the question remains as to what the correct action should be and whether the government should move quickly to finalise another fixed line operator coming into the market to create more competition? The next few days should prove decisive in the matter.

Do so-called ‘philanthrocapitalists’ such as Bill Gates really offer potential workable solutions to issues of the global distribution of wealth? Pic: Rotary International