Slightly provocative pondering

Author

Stellen-Buzz with SMF
April 11, 2025

Dear reader,

I have nothing to complain about this week. I overslept on Tuesday, which caused me to forget my umbrella on the rainiest day of the year, but that is the extent of my troubles.

As our News Editor Ishmael Mabena said, the newsroom feels lighter this week. News week. Compared to last time, the Journalism honours class seems to have mostly gotten their shit together. I have no concrete evidence to present to prove that this is true, but our machine seems to be more well-oiled this time. I am cognisant of the fact that this could be a post-recess glow, and I hope that by writing this down I don’t jinx our class. 

This week was not all news, as we also had the pleasure of visiting Cape Town on Monday for a station tour of Cape Talk and KFM, a historical walking tour through Cape Town CBD, and a visit to Parliament. Endless excitement! I must also extend an honourable mention to our classmate Aubrey Phungo, who graduated from the University of Limpopo on Monday. 🥂

I am directing this idea mainly to our course coordinator, which might be a clever strategy for the BAHons classes to come: start news week with an excursion that inspires hope in the hearts of young journalists. If we get a glimpse of what our future could look like, we might subconsciously become more competent during news week.

I am directing this idea to our readers: I do not think the parliamentary librarian would necessarily want me sharing this information, but Parliament has a library. A beautiful one, in fact. And according to their mandate (the Constitution, bless) it is technically open to the public. If you would like to feel like Belle in Beauty and the Beast for a day, schedule a visit.

While the library had a very strong effect on my opinion of the government, which I will not be elaborating on further, I must also share some information from Molotho Mothapo, Parliament spokesperson. 

The public’s trust in Parliament has been decreasing, as well as their understanding of parliamentary functions. As impressive as the visit was, one must wonder what the value is in having a ‘world-leading’ constitution if it cannot practically benefit the majority of the country. Despite express provisions that call for public involvement (section 59 and 72), most South Africans are largely uninformed about procedures that directly impact their lives. This brings into question the fairness of the entire legislative process. People cannot exercise the rights they do not know they have. Is the Constitution truly an accessible document? 

Let us know how you feel about our government’s legislative branch here. I look forward to reading your responses.

Anke Spies, newsletter editor.

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The weekly rundown:

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The prevalence of TB in the Cape Winelands region is increasing. 

This was according to Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, at a recent commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day in Cloetesville. 

By Jared Moorgas

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By Annemieke Thomaidis

The Maties women rugby team has qualified for the Varsity Cup finals after defeating the University of Johannesburg (UJ) women 22-19.

SMF News attended the match, which took place at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 4 April.

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Four firefighters completed the Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon on 6 April in full firefighting gear to raise funds for a number of firefighting bases, including Stellenbosch, Helderberg, South Peninsula, and Newlands. SMF News attended the event.

By Danielle Schaafsma

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By Casey-Lee Anthony

A Stellenbosch GOOD councillor has filed a formal request to Stellenbosch Municipality to address traffic congestion at the Rustenburg and Sonneblom intersection in Ida’s Valley.

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Visual of the week:

Maties’ Varsity Cup victory

Prince Mulela, prop for Maties, embracing fellow teammate Samuel Badenhorst, centre for the team, as Maties progressed to the Varsity Cup final. Written by: Jared Moorgas

Photo by Anke Spies

Additionally: the sunset over a park in Kylemore.

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Get to know me!

  1. What is your favourite song and who is your favourite artist?

    My favourite song is Find Someone Like You by Snoh Aalegra, who is also my favourite artist.

  2. What is your favourite film?

    Moana. I have probably watched it 100 times.

  3. What is your favourite book, and what are you currently reading?

    Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Currently reading the Holy Bible.

  4. What is your favourite place you’ve ever visited and why?

    I got to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was lucky enough to see Chris Hemsworth get his star. It was such an awesome experience.

  5. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

    I would like to meet Rihanna and ask her why she stopped making music.

  6. If you weren’t studying journalism, what would you be doing?

    A foundation phase teacher because I am passionate about helping children.

  7. What is something most people don’t know about you?

    I was a competitive track runner in high school but later switched over to basketball.

  8. What is your favourite spot in the department or on campus?

    The chill area is my favorite spot. Those red couches are hands down the best part of the department. Super comfy and perfect for taking a break.

  9. What do you do if you’re not busy working?

    Binge-watch Vampire Diaries or Real Housewives of Durban 

  10. What do you want to achieve this year?

    Survive this course in one piece.

SMF News’s top 5

ideal first dates

  1. A dinner at Spur, then a R50 throwback movie at the cinema.

  2. Fliekniek at Oude Leeskamer, then drinks at Blix in town.

  3. Get frozen yogurt at Swirl’n, then a walk through the botanical gardens.

  4. Explore Stellies on a GONOW scooter.

  5. Visit the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof.

    NB: The date must contribute to the bill!

What we’re watching:

What we’re listening to:

Princess of China

Coldplay, Rihanna

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SMF News’s Monday: