This cache has been archived.

mr panda: This is definitely past its by date :(

Thanks for the lovely notes and happy days! I hope a new cache appears here soon so I can find it!

GC24P8W ▼

A cache by Mr Panda Message this owner

Hidden : 3/3/2010

Difficulty:

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Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The Jammie Steps

In the roughly 80 years since they were built, the Jammie Steps have been the heart of UCT. They are a natural gathering spot and a draw for social activity. From the early 1930's "Step Sitting I" was considered a required course for all UCT students. Pictured below are the steps from that time. Note the high incidence of muggles!
The steps ca 1935*
As a result of being a natural gathering spot, the steps also became the location of many protests. This location has seen contentious times. Academic freedom is fundamental to a healthy university, and is a value central to UCT. This freedom has not always been respected. During the struggle, the UCT community was very vocal in their condemnation of Apartheid policies. In an effort to marginalize the student's voices, the conservative media often claimed they were controlled by foreign communists. As a result, the campus became known as 'Moscow on the hill'.		1970's
August 1985*
Unsurprisingly, these sorts of protests were not looked on too highly by the Apartheid Government. A good example of how the government expressed their displeasure would be the events of the 7th of June 1972. (The steps are usually a bit quieter than this.)
News clipping about the events on June 7, 1972 (Argus)
These days, the students register for "Jammie 1001" and the course is as popular as ever.
The steps in 2010
"We Say Enough!" March on 22 Feb 2010		The recent protest march that mourned the senseless murder of UCT staff and students shows how the tradition of outspokenness continues today. Dr. Max Price's speech from this gathering was quite moving. (pdf) (mp3)
"How is it that we can bring all our talent and forces to bear to make a success of a sports tournament, but we cannot clean up a few streets in Observatory? To politicians we say: enough. We call on you to lead us. We will support you if you do so, but if you are flippant with our lives, as you have been, we will object -- we will show the middle finger at your convoys and we will vote you out. We say: enough! " - Max Price
Obviously, this is a high muggle area. During business hours, when it is term time, finding parking will be pretty much impossible. However, even with hordes of students around me, I filled the cache with goodies in the middle of the day and no one noticed. Weekends, off hours (early AM or evenings), or vacation times the steps are pretty secluded. I would not recommend an attempt late at night. The campus is pretty safe, but security will likely question you to keep it that way. The cache blends well and is made to last. I placed it weeks before it went active, and it was not moved or identified. With some care, it should survive a long time. FTF will receive a certificate for their efforts, along with their choice of swag. Ms Panda improved this cache listing as editor and proofreader. Also the Manuscripts & Archives library and the African Studies Library were very helpful. Some photos were obtained here. *The original of these images is in the possession of the University of Cape Town Libraries, Manuscripts & Archives Branch, used with permission.