Briefs

Internship opportunities

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 1999, the foundation has funded an internship programme, run by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand. The internship provides successful candidates (who are South African citizens) with the opportunity to enroll at Wits for a master's degree by course work in international relations, political science or journalism. Applicants should not be older than 30 years and must meet the entrance requirements for a master's degree. The duration of the internship is February to December 2005 and candidates receive a full bursary for their fees (including residence) and a small monthly stipend. Applications should be sent to Neuma Grobbelaar, the Deputy Director of Studies at SAIIA, P O Box 31596, Braamfontein, 2017, faxed to 011 339 2154 or e-mailed to saiiagen@global.co.za or grobbelaarn@saiia.wits.ac.za. The application must include a letter of motivation, a full CV, three written references, June results or academic transcripts of previous degrees, and one example of written work, not exceeding 3 000 words, on a topic of choice. The deadline for applications is September 30.

Drumming workshop

Having represented South Africa at the recent Athens Olympics in a musical capacity, Cape Town drum set artist, educator and scholar Clement Benny will present a follow-up to his three successful percussion workshops, held at venues around Cape Town in July and August. In Back to the Groove, Benny will concentrate on ways to eradicate arbitrary drumming and guide participants towards drumming performances based on cultural and musical fact as pursued by their musical ancestors. This workshop and lecture is aimed at all musicians and will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 11h00 until 12h00 at the College of Music. Regularly engaged on the local music scene, Benny is a Harvard music alumnus and holds a MMus qualification from UCT. He has also studied at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Booking for the workshop is essential and can be made on telephone 650 2637 or 072 359 5543.

Hot air replaces hand towels

Due to escalating costs, hand towels in all loos at UCT will be replaced with hot-air dryers in the new year. The change-over will take place during the end-of-year vacation. An estimated 100% increase in the cost of hand towels in 2005 is what has prompted the decision, according to the department of property and services.

175th anniversary lunchtime function

UCT's 175th birthday is on October 1. All staff and students are invited to join the vice-chancellor on this day at the Jameson Hall for a lunch-hour of song, dance and laughter when UCT will usher in the next 175 years. Festivities start at 12h45 and will continue until 14h00. In the spirit of UCT's anniversary, you are invited to bring a non-perishable food item that will be collected in aid of SHAWCO's outreach programmes. If you need transport to upper campus, buses will leave at 12h15 from the following points:

• Graduate School of Business - outside the main reception area;
• Health sciences campus - outside the main entrance to the Barnard Fuller Building;
• Hiddingh campus - opposite the library;
• Kramer Law building - outside the level-four entrance; and
• Bremner Building - outside the main entrance.

Symposium announcement

A joint Poland-South Africa project will see a symposium titled Poland and South Africa: Two Rhetorical Models for Participatory Citizenship in Post-Totalitarian Cultures being held in Cape Town from September 27 to 29. The first day of the proceedings will take place at the District Six Museum and will be devoted to arguments of urbanity in the apartheid and democratic city. Held at the Irma Stern Museum, the second day will see papers being presented on socialist and democratic culture, while on the last day discussants will convene at South Africa's Parliament to hear and debate on papers concerning political deliberation. Attendance is free for UCT graduates and staff, although limited to 10 people. As pre-registration is compulsory, please contact the symposium assistant director, Nathalie Bucher, on nathalierosabucher@yahoo.com.

Close and personal with Abrahams

Best-known for his performances in Kat and the Kings, District Six - The Musical and Fishy Fêshuns, local award-winning actor Jody Abrahams now takes audiences on a more intimate journey in the new, soul-bearing, one-man show, Is Ja!. This is a roller-coaster ride that uses music and song to tell the sometimes sad, often hilarious, yet always truthful account of Abraham's life thus far. Written by Johannesburg playwright Stephen Simm, whose drama Fourplay is currently showing at the Baxter, Is Ja! offers insight into the sometimes bizarre industry called showbiz and allows Abrahams to express his versatility, both as an actor and a singer. With the help of a four-piece jazz band, Abrahams uses music to illustrate his story, which ranges from traditional Cape-Malay medleys to Sinatra, Afrikaans liedjies to swing, rock to Broadway classics, and pop to hip-hop. Is Ja! runs at the Sanlam Studio at the Baxter from September 21 until October 9. Bookings can be made through Computicket or at the Baxter. For block bookings call Sharon Alexander on tel 685 7880 or e-mail salexand@baxter.uct.ac.za.