From the Editor

By Kate Douglas

Whoever said university will either make or break you clearly did not attend university. If they had then they would have known that a student’s experience at university can never be simply defined in terms of ‘make’ or ‘break’. The truth is that university both makes and breaks you and Rhodes is certainly no exception. Student life is usually categorised by all-nighters, mountains of work, poverty, and a combination of sin and circumstance. It is extreme, but balanced. To put it simply, we work hard and play hard.

Welcome, purple people

By Kelly Adams & Meggan McCarthy

Pic: Desiree Schirlinger

Welcome to Rhodes, a place where purple will become your new favourite colour, all-nighters will become a bad habit and overalls will become your outfit of choice at all sporting events.

Rhodes is a famous institution, renowned for both its academic excellence and its partying lifestyle. University is, after all, a fountain of knowledge where students come to drink. However, never forget the main reason you are here – to get a degree. You wouldn’t want to leave before your initial three or four years is up.

Changes for 2009

By Sarah Botha & Viktoria Marinova

2009 has several new developments in store for Rhodes students both on and off campus. Such developments include the possibility of a new mall opening in town, the new Mandarin course being offered by the Department of Languages as well as the building of new residences on campus.

The new Plum Tree Mall is to be built behind Peppergrove Mall and will boast a glass elevator so that shoppers can easily move around the double storey building. When asked about the opening of a new mall, many students showed great enthusiasm. Danielle Bowler, a second year BA student, says “A mall is a fantastic idea. I think that the shops here have a monopoly which means that they exploit the students, so having a variety of shops will benefit us.” So by having a mall here it will mean that I’ll spend less money, which is great for my budget!” The mall will be opened later in the year.

Rhodes Lingo

By staff reporters

When the rest of the student body returns, you may start hearing a whole dictionary full of strange, previously unheard of terms flying around. Here is a short list of popular Rhodent lingo to help you as you settle into this mad little town.

Bush diving: A favourite pastime of drunken students. This activity involves literally jumping into bushes. The pain is not felt until the morning after.

Advice on being a Rhodent

By Mpho Raborife & Lynn Nowers

You’ve finally completed your schooling career and are ready to take on the challenges of varsity. Before you start celebrating the fact that you’re away from home and finally getting a chance to truly express yourself, you need to be informed with a few reality checks about this place.

Upon arriving at Rhodes, you will be met with pamphlets galore informing you about the various courses available to you, the different societies you will be encouraged to join as well as introductory lectures which you’re advised to attend. The aim of introductory lectures is for the different faculties to give you more information about the different subjects which are on offer, helping you to make a more informed choice. By the end of O-Week you will know that a DP (a Duly Performed certificate) is not a concept to be taken lightly.

Spotlight on the Oscars

By Kelly Adams

Award season has started, but the spotlight is shining on the 81st academy awards ceremony, which will take place on 22 February 2009. More commonly known as the Oscars, this year’s ceremony might be one to fill the history books.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) has earned 13 nominations, followed by Slumdog Millionaire (2008) with 10, leaving them both as this year’s leaders in the Oscar race.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, directed by David Fincher, stars Brad Pitt, a nominee in the Best Actor category, and Cate Blanchett. The basic plotline involves a man found to be aging in reverse.

Slumdog Millionaire has gathered a cult following and is based on the story of a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The film is directed by Danny Boyle, who is a nominee in the Best Director category.

O-Week Elsewhere

By Nyeleti Machovani

The curtain has closed on 2008 and it is certainly back to school and back to the academic rasp for many. Starting off the university calendars is the most anticipated event for the new additions to campus rush hour: first year Orientation Week, termed “O-Week”. You see, this period allows our emancipated fellow students to execute their freedom in utter abandon. Each institution has its own traditions as to how they introduce first years to new and unfamiliar territories. It is agreed upon that the average student will always remember their first year orientation. These memories, however, differ for each individual. Some classify their O-Week in warm, nostalgic tones while others try and shake off the bitter taste of a time they would rather forget. Activate goes on a limb to find out what students from different universities got up to during their orientation and the roles it played in introducing them to a place that will be home for a couple of years to come.

The political whirlwind that was 2008

By Tessa Trafford & Craig Wynn

The year 2008 was a roller coaster ride of political back stabbing, intrigue, and drama, as well as the largest economic crisis since the 1930s. Last year boasted the most expensive election campaign in history, the ousting of Thabo Mbeki and new political terms such as ‘Malemaphobia’ and COPE (Congress of the People). Controversy continued over name changes throughout South Africa and a leader was so desperate to cling on to power that he outright denied the disease that is killing his people. These stories are not confined to 2008 and just as certainly as you would suffer a hangover during this festive time known as Rhodes University O-Week, the effects of these stories will be felt in 2009.

“A Friend of Every Nation”: –Barack Obama and his new America

By Craig Wynn

Time Square, New York City – Supporters look on as Barrack Obama takes his oat of office on 20 January

Barrack Hussein Obama is officially the new president of America. He has taken control of what is reputedly the most powerful nation in the world. With that power, of course, comes some of the greatest responsibilities that any world leader has had to deal with in modern times. What with the various wars in the Middle East, global climate change and the international economic crisis, Obama has definitely stepped into shoes that not many would dare go near. This begs the question: does he have what it takes?

Well, according to the majority of American voters, Obama is the best man for the job. Indeed, throughout the world, people have been celebrating since his inauguration on 20 January 2008.

Find your calling: pick a cause

By Jessica Edgson

A “Save Zimbabwe” protest organised by Zimsoc, 18 April 2008

There are two things that one learns upon arrival at Rhodes University. The first is that you are no longer a big fish in a small pond and the second is that the time has come to start caring about the world around you. Universities have a reputation for turning apathetic teenagers into thinkers and, in my opinion, Rhodes in particular has a reputation for turning thinkers into activists. Being politically and socially aware of our surroundings is not a new trend for Rhodents. Sir Basil Schonland, the first Chancellor of our esteemed institution, resigned in 1962 to protest the segregation of Universities in South Africa. Taking a detailed look at the history of Rhodes University, it becomes clear that Rhodents aren’t afraid to ‘stick it to the man’.

The politics of politics

By Craig Wynn

Yes,I know, Obama’s awesome and all this cool stuff is supposed to happen now that he’s president of the almighty USA. He may well end the recession and make friends with the East, or perhaps save Zimbabwe and end global warming. That’s great! But I declare that it’s not fair. I think, as people residing here in sunny South Africa, we deserve our own massive change in politics. Not to say that the opportunities aren’t there, I mean we have COPE now, Zille’s on a constant rampage, and the ANC is, shall we say, crazy and should take a break. There’s also a bunch of other independents who believe they can reform South Africa should they be voted in. Cool, but is it enough?

Alcohol personality types

By Ithuteng Mashabela

Have you ever wondered what your choice of alcohol could say about your personality? According to extensive research conducted on Rhodes campus and loads of practical experience in the field, the following has been discovered:

First-year fashion forecast

By Candice Brissenden

Those of you setting a stylishly clad foot on Rhodes soil for the first time may like to savour your last few days of ‘respectable’ conservative dress before being sucked into a whole new world of fashion. Your dress sense could go down a number of paths. The ever-popular “bungi look” is what several first years fall victim to, but then there are also the emo, goth, and indie-kid looks to entice you. You may very well already fall into one of these categories, but be prepared to take your look to a whole new level whilst at Rhodes.

Footwear is definitely something to re-assess once you arrive at Rhodes. Those fashionable high heels are most certainly a candidate to be traded in for some comfortable flats. Some people shun shoes altogether and it is not uncommon to see some people walking around barefoot all year.

Things not to do in O-Week

By Kate Bishop

When you come to Rhodes you will receive a handbook about all the fun activities on offer. However, what isn’t mentioned is what you shouldn’t do in O-Week. Here follows a little advice to help you make the most out of your first week at Rhodes.

*Try not to spend all your time in res during O-Week. This is the time to make friends and become familiar with your new campus and town. Although going out is generally associated with drinking, there really is no pressure.

*First impressions last. Having naps may seem like a good idea at the time, but a couple of O-Week impulse decisions may end up haunting you later. And ladies, the smudged mascara, outfit-from-the-night-before look isn’t always the best feeling when it’s time to walk home in the morning.

*Don’t get on the wrong side of your warden; you are going to have to live under his/her authority for the next few years, so beware!

Vegging around: the grass isn’t quite as green on this side

By Simone Armer

Roasted aubergine bakes, vegetable moussaka and spinach and feta pies all sound delicious, but don’t be fooled by the ROSS meal-server’s tantalizing descriptions; you will soon get bored of the soggy, tasteless mush that has been dumped on your plate. Take it from me, being a vegetarian in residence is not easy. On the plus side, there are plenty of places in town where you can get tasty, meat-free meals.

Pirate’s Pizza, for example, has a delicious peppadew, feta and olive pizza and Olde 65 makes a mean veggie burger.

However, when your bank balance decides to start wearing purple and you’re feeling the pinch, parting with your precious copper is not going to be such a favourable option.

Enter the portable fridge. I got mine halfway through first year and I have never looked back. It looks like a mini cooler bag but each side has a built-in ice pack so all you have to do is pop it in your residence fridge, wait for water to turn to ice and pop all your goodies from Pick ‘n Pay inside. It should last about three days before the bricks begin to melt. Alternatively, you can invest in a lock, that way you can keep your bag in the fridge for as long as you want without having to worry about your food getting pinched.

Cruising G-town

Grahamstown is known for its awesome parties, great nights out and those evenings you just wish you could remember the next morning. Despite Grahamstown’s small size, there is no shortage of places to check out. Here are Activate’s hottest spots for 2009:

The Rat and Parrot

Rat and Parrot is known as the heart of the Grahamstown party scene and you will probably know how to get to the Rat before you know where your classes are. On Fridays the Rat is where most people start their evenings and don’t forget R10 draft night on Tuesdays. The food is brilliant during the day and any sports game must be viewed at the Rat – it just isn’t the same anywhere else.

The Union (“Bantu Stephen Biko”) – The Union is at its busiest on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. A great way to celebrate the middle of the week and warm up for the weekend, the Union is usually a pit stop before an evening at Friars or EQ. Don’t miss out on cane train Thursdays or those unforgettable mid-week themed parties which are a must in your first year.

To the Point with Kholosa Loni

By Ithuteng Mashabela

Activate reporter, Ithuteng Mashabela speaks to SRC President Kholosa Loni about her recent appointment and her plans for the year ahead.

So, how did you feel when you discovered you were the new SRC president?

I was really excited. It’s an enormous honour, but I think I’ve gotten over the initial hype. Now it’s all about the work. There’s a lot of planning to do once you realise the magnitude of the responsibility that you’ve been entrusted with.

You’re the first black female president too. What does that mean to you?

I think it’s wonderful, but I don’t think of myself as simply the ‘first black female president’. I’m the SRC president, that’s the crux of the matter. I do feel, though, that it is important that I raise the bar and set the standard for those who come after me.

How has your time as a member of the SRC in 2008 prepared you for this position?

I’ve grown a lot during this time. I’ve gained a greater understanding of the workings of the University system. I’ve also grown more confidence as a speaker. I’m more assertive and my people skills have improved and I’ve learnt to liaise and network quite well.

Open Column

By Fleur Rollason

So, you’ve arrived in the G-spot for the start of your university career and Grahamstown may not be quite what you were expecting. I can assure you that the years I have spent here have been some of the best. You may be thinking this place is a little too small for your liking. The one thing I can tell you is that it is definitely a unique place. Yes, Grahamstown does have little more than one traffic light and you may see slightly strange sights such as cattle grazing along well-known streets. And yes, a sometimes sleepy little dorp like Grahamstown does have traffic problems! I should know. I just got stuck in the Gtown ‘rush hour’! I was so close to going to UCT instead of Rhodes, but I thank my lucky stars I didn’t because I know I would not have had the awesome experiences I have had here. I love this town, and yes I know what you’re thinking, but seriously it is awesome. Soon you should discover that there is more to the party scene than New Street. Do yourself a favour, head to the Monument for sundowners or Settler’s Dam, on the road towards PE, for a picnic on a Sunday.

Keeping it safe at Rhodes

By Daniel Charvat

For everything that Grahamstown is, with its character and small town lifestyle, it’s important to remember that it is still just another town in crime-ridden South Africa, where being street-wise is your most valuable asset. O-Week (that would be the week you’re currently in, while half-heartedly reading this newspaper before the next introductory talk), is the one week that will remain in your memory as the most memorable week of your university life. Trust me, looking back at your year 10 months from now, you’ll see what I mean. Last year a girl was allegedly raped in O-Week, just one case of the 94 reported incidents of rape in Grahamstown last year.

Circus Adventures with Andrew Buckland

By Kutloano Kunutu

Pic: Joni Els

If he wasn’t already, Andrew Buckland has become one of Rhodes University’s coolest lecturers. Why? Well, he and his son, Daniel, joined the circus. Not just any circus, the Rolls Royce of circuses: the Cirque du Soleil.