Author’s fifth novel captures the tragicomic absurdities of universities grappling with change
University of Cape Town students during the #FeesMustFall protests in 2016. Picture: JACO MARAIS/FOTO24/GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
A chance encounter with a former student while shopping reminds him of the joys of teaching. Dowling writes: “Should he have stayed in the tutorial rooms, inspiring the young to lead good lives? But teaching assistants and lecturers earned a pittance. No grilled artichokes for them.”All the while, his fellow administrative apparatchiks “earned huge salaries for finding new ways to squeeze as much work as possible out of their academic colleagues”.
Like Schreiner, whose prescient observations and evergreen wisdom are peppered throughout, it is clear Dowling cares deeply about the powerless and overlooked. With aching subtlety, she shows us the spiralling conditions — met largely with oblivious indifference by the university — that led to Siphokazi’s suicide. Dowling shows great empathy, particularly for students whose inadequate schooling and meagre finances leave them struggling with the rigours and cost of university life.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Barefoot Coach’ questions definition of ‘success’‘What is the definition of success?’ It seems an odd question from a man whose job it was to coach international cricket teams, but Paddy Upton is not your average sports coach. In fact, he’s not strictly a sports coach at all. He’s more of a one-man facilitator helping people become better human beings.
Read more »
BOOK EXCERPT: How the Sharpeville moment compelled Ronnie Kasrils to channel his anger into actionIn Catching Tadpoles: The Shaping of a Young Rebel, Ronnie Kasrils answers the question that he has been asked innumerable times: ‘What made a young white boy give up privilege and join the liberation struggle?’ He takes the reader on a rambunctious ride through his childhood, set against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa.
Read more »
Department of arts and culture to review language policy after criticism from CRL hearingsThe national department of arts and culture was put under the spotlight on the first day of the hearings by CRL commission on the over use of the English language.
Read more »
Should you use a Black Friday deal to book your holiday? | IOL TravelClinton Moodley asks the question: Should you book your holiday on Black Friday? IOL_Travel
Read more »
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Barefoot Coach’ questions definition of ‘success’‘What is the definition of success?’ It seems an odd question from a man whose job it was to coach international cricket teams, but Paddy Upton is not your average sports coach. In fact, he’s not strictly a sports coach at all. He’s more of a one-man facilitator helping people become better human beings.
Read more »