Fast Food and Sporting Sponsorships Are Cause For Concern

The increase in food industries sponsoring sporting events and sport initiatives should be a cause for concern. Students and children are the main target of fast food companies which some would consider to be morally wrong, however, the companies cover themselves by saying that they sponsor sport and encourage exercise.

A documentary series currently running on BBC Education, channel 184 on DSTV, called The Men Who Made Us Thin, investigates how exercise, dieting and the overall importance of health has been made into a business and marketing scheme.

Jacques Peretti, the host of the show and investigative reporter and filmmaker, goes all the way back to take a look at the sponsors of the 2012 London Olympics, and looks at how the world’s largest McDonalds concords next to the Olympic stadium. Peretti says, “Don’t think the irony wasn’t lost on us, watching the fittest athletes on the planet as we stuffed our faces with Cadbury's, Coke and fast food.”

The Olympic rings hang gloriously from Tower Bridge in central London

Coco-Cola, McDonalds and Cadbury are reported to have put millions of pounds into the games between them. However, we have to stop and ask the question: Why are they all food companies?

The answer is the fact that it’s not just sport. Sponsorship of food companies is everywhere. In the United States of America, sports sponsorship by food companies is bigger business than anywhere else in the world.

Joni Freetop, a specialist who works with obese patients to find non-surgical treatments, has become increasingly concerned about the connection between sport and the food industry.

He says, “Coco-Cola pays for playgrounds. McDonalds provides jerseys to kids. And yes, of course it’s about sales, but it’s not just about sales. Underlying all of these efforts, I believe, is the perpetuation of the belief that exercise causes weight loss. That ‘all of our products are safe and fine and wonderful so long as you also exercise’.”

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This underlying theory refers to the Energy Balance. This implication is that if you do enough exercise, you can eat what you like.

In an interview with Joni Freetop, Jacques Peretti asked the question: Why does the food industry promote the idea of exercise, what’s in it for them besides sales?

Freetop replied with, “The obvious, of course is sales, but what’s in it for them as well, is smokescreens, for legislation. So if somebody out there suggests that perhaps we should stop allowing the sponsorship of sport, or that we should have a sugar, sweet and beverage tax, or ban advertising targeting kids with food, well they can say ‘You know what, it’s not about us, it’s exercise. Let’s focus on that!’ or the very least they can say “You know what, we’re part of the solution. We are helping by helping people to exercise!’ Because as the CEO of Pepsi once said, “If people just did what they’re supposed to, exercise, this problem wouldn’t exist.” And that’s just not true.”

Peretti then asked: What is wrong with promoting exercise even if they lose weight as a result of it? It’s still a good thing to exercise.

“Absolutely!” Freetop agreed. “There really is nothing better you can do. We need to promote exercise because of health benefits, but we have to stop telling people that it’s going to make them lose weight.”

So as a result of this idea enforced on the public, people feel bad about themselves when they do exercise and can’t lose weight.

Derek Yach, who previously ran the global health policy for PepsiCo and is now the Senior Vice President of The Vitality Group, part of Discovery Ltd where he leads the Vitality Institute for Health Promotion as Executive Director says, “I think that is an issue, I think there is this very intuitive sense that 'can we not just solve the obesity crisis by going for a couple long runs in the park. And let’s just do that, we don’t have to do much else'. And this is not a devious plot by corporations, it’s a deeply felt sense, I think, by many people out there that we can just increase our activity because the hard stuff is making fundamental changes in your diet over the long term.”

Coco-Cola accepted that they had a responsibility on both sides of the Energy Balance equation, however, they still say that if people want to maintain a healthy weight they must burn off the calories they consume. They released a statement saying that in relation to the Olympics, 73% of the drinks they sold were water, juice, smoothies or low or no calorie options. McDonalds said that they were committed to educating people on the importance of physical activity. In the UK they play an active role in local causes such as community football. Cadbury said that they sponsored the Olympics because it was the biggest UK event of that generation, and if people were to buy chocolate it made sense to buy a brand like Cadbury rather than an overseas one.

So overall, it seems that food companies were all in agreement with the fact that their product was probably not the best to have in a diet alone, however, they emphasised the fact that their consumers hold the responsibility to exercise. This, therefore, further pushes the ‘you need to exercise to lose weight’ concept on the public, whereas we know that that is not specifically the case.

Students or parents of young children are now urged to consider what message the fast food company is feeding them, rather than just what product they are buying into. Even though it can be said it’s just business, the public suffers the consequences of the ‘just business’ ideals in relation to overall health.

Therefore, consider what you eat, as it could be eating you up inside regarding how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.

Diversity in sports should be based on merit, not quotas

The issue of quotas in South African sport has been a topic of discussion on campus this past week amongst sports clubs and sporting fans. Racial diversity in Monash South Africa sports has been compared to the enforced quota laws that attempt to increase the number of ‘non-white’ players in South African teams. 

During the Apartheid era, ‘non-white’ athletes were banned from participating in sport and teams were selected based on race. As a result, South Africa was excluded from international sports due to sanctions. However, after 1994 when South Africa held its first democratic elections, the playing fields were levelled and South Africa could compete globally once again. Quota systems were then introduced to ensure that black players were included and given opportunities to participate, especially in most traditionally race-skewed sports such as rugby and cricket. 

In April, the Sports Minister of South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, announced to press that he will no longer beg for racial transformation but will start forcing the country’s sporting federations to fulfil racial quotas. He publicized this during the release of the third Eminent Persons Group on Transformation in Sport Report for 2014/2015. Even though the system imposes equality within sports teams, the methods have been met with mixed reactions. Due to some sporting bodies failing to include more black players in their teams within the past year, Mbalula told press, which included Stephen Grootes from the Daily Maverick, that he has “resolved to revoke the privilege of Athletics South Africa (ASA), Cricket South Africa (CSA), Netball South Africa (NSA) and South African Rugby (SARU) to host and bid for major and mega international tournaments in the Republic of South Africa as a consequence of the aforementioned federation not meeting their own set transformation targets, with immediate effect.” Mbalula concluded by saying that he will review his decision when considering the results of the 2016/2017 Transformation Barometer next year.

The controversial South African Springbok rugby team in 2015 – Photo by Rajesh Janilal/AFP/Getty Images

Johan Smith, the Head of Sports and Wellness at MSA referred to the quota system saying that “if you look at the representation in sport codes like rugby, cricket and netball at national level, you will notice that quality players are being selected from all race groups. So, I will say that the process is necessary and successful.” Siya Mnyanda of The Guardian also agrees with the purpose of the quota systems saying that they are a way to “reverse the apartheid policies of racial division and systemic disadvantage”.

In contrast, Samo Nxumalo, the Student Representative Council Sports Officer says that “no one ever wants to stick out like a sore thumb and that’s exactly what these quotas are doing”. Nxumalo explained that teams are ‘forced’ to include black people in their leagues and that “it just gives the impression that it’s not that they want them there, it’s because they have to have them there.” She added that South Africa prides itself in the diversity it offers but it now seems like “pretend” diversity. Nxumalo commented saying that players want to be part of the team simply because they are good enough and not because the team doesn’t want to face law suits.

MSA is known for its diversity amongst students and has a vast variety of sporting clubs and societies. However, when the diversity was called into question, Nxumalo explained that sports clubs are diverse “but not diverse enough”. She elaborated saying that rugby is one of the only sports that break the stereotype as majority of their players are black. 

Considering what solutions could be proposed to address the issues against the quota systems, Nxumalo says that sports should be promoted as a whole and that every race should be treated “based on merit and not colour of their skin.”

As the controversial topic of the quota systems is still continuously met with mixed reactions, especially in the eyes of rising sports stars who want to be noticed for their talents, sometimes the agreement over sporting merit while pushing ethnicity aside is all it takes to get people to come together and join as one with a positive future-orientated attitude for South Africa.

For Fikile Mbalula’s full speech, click here.

Swimmer Kevin Paul Of SA Wins Gold

South African swimmer Kevin Paul has won a gold medal on Day 1 of the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Kevin Paul and Denys Dubrov competing for the gold (Photo courtesy of Bob Martin/EPA)

Competing in the Men’s 100m breaststroke, Paul started in the fourth lane after going strong in the heats leading up to the final race. With a strong start off the block and a good streamline under the water, Paul lead the race. However, Ukrainian Denys Dubrov on Paul’s right in lane 3 and Duncan Van Haaren of the Nederlands in lane 5 were catching up to the South African with a good pace.

Dubrov touched the wall first ahead of Paul at the 50m mark and Paul was put under pressure as the white cap of the Ukrainian had the advantage over him. However, in the final 15m, Dubrov and Paul were neck-and-neck, with Paul giving it all he had.

Just 8 years on from winning his first Paralympic medal, Paul reclaimed the title he lost in the 2012 London games in a thrilling finish just outside of World Record time at 1.04.86, just 0.0.24 milliseconds ahead of Dubrov. Paul won gold, Dubrov won the silver and Van Haaren claimed the bronze.

The 2016 Rio de Janiero games will continue until 18 September.

Monash SA students selected for Top 100

Six Monash South Africa students have been selected as part of the Top 100 undergraduate students in South Africa as part of the GradStarAwards. The Top 100 students were announced on the 15^th of August.

The GradStar Awards is an annual event produced by BlackBark Productions (creators of the Rising Star Awards) and GradConnection that recognises the Top 100 students across South Africa and connects them with potential employers, in turn giving employers a chance to develop long lasting relationships with the top talent.

The MSA students include Tsholofelo Gomba, Seannah Head, Mamodikwe Kungoane, Wura Makinde, Muhammad Raafay Siddiqui and Kirsten Olivia Smith. For their full profiles, click here.

The top 100 were selected above 3,500 other applicants, based on a strict and rigorous selection process which focuses on not only academic excellence, but well-roundedness and leadership skills.

The assessment process was designed to select candidates based on readiness for and ability in the workplace. The initial selection process involved students submitting application forms, then completing psychometric tests, and based on the results of the test, they were then invited to complete an online interview.

Kirsten Olivia Smith says, “The psychometric tests were so difficult, I was shocked when I received an email saying that I had passed and could move on to the next stage of the competition. I am so honoured to be part of the top 100 students in SA and it just goes to show that hard work finally pays off.”

Raafay Siddiqui says that he first heard of the GradStar Awards through an email forwarded to him by Tulani, the Student Leadership Officer at Monash. Seannah Head as well as Mamodikwe Kungoane, however, first heard about the event from Dr Natasha Mwila, the International Business lecturer at Monash.

Wura Makinde says that she stumbled across the GradStar webpage when searching for South African bursaries online and decided that it would be fun to try her luck and apply.

Both Kirsten Olivia Smith and Tsholofelo Gomba heard about the GradStar Awards via the online social networking platform for students, GradConnection.

The GradStar Awards, hosted by the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, will take place during the mid-semester break, on the 27^th and 28^th of September.

For the complete list of the Top 100 students, click here.

Top 100 GradStar Awards – MSA Student Profiles

Six Monash South Africa students have been selected as part of the Top 100 undergraduate students in South Africa as part of the GradStarAwards.

They are:

Tsholofelo Gomba:

Tsholofelo, 20, is currently doing her second year of study, double majoring in Applications and Network Development and Business Systems. She aims to become a programmer, software developer or tester early in her career in order to gain hands on experience with computer systems before moving to management positions such as CIO. Tsholofelo likes helping others and tutors first year students in Database Management using SQL. In 2015, she tutored maths at Matla Combined High School as the school has a shortage of teachers and she believes it encourages students to study more technical degrees. Other than teaching, she is part of the Monash IT Society and Monash Game Development Club. If given the opportunity, Tsholofelo would like to do her Honours Degree in Information Technology. She is motivated by the desire to be the best she can be at whatever she does and wants to make her family proud. She enjoys long distance running.

Seannah Head:

Aged 20, Seannah is currently in her second year studying a double major in Business Management and Psychology. Academically inclined and goal driven, she works consistently to apply herself and achieve wherever possible. She gravitates toward leadership roles and shows a commitment to serve others and act with integrity, guided by her strong moral code. She works part-time at a recruitment company as a head administrative assistant helping to compile CVs for candidates as well as part-time tutoring at SA Tutors. In the future, Seannah aspires to go on to receive her Doctorate degree in the field of Psychology, with the end goal of opening her own Psychology practice. Displaying a positive attitude and kind regard to others helps her make the best of any environment faced, hoping to learn as much as possible from every opportunity or experience she faces.

Mamodikwe Kungoane:

Mamodikwe, 19 and studying business management as an elective, is dreaming big with aspirations of travelling the world to help those in need as well as learning from those who are already succeeding. She aspires to achieve greatness and to build the ladder higher and higher so that Africa can climb and conquer. Having participated in extra mural activities from a young age, the trend continues into the second semester of her second year where she participates in tennis, learning guitar and community engagement. She finds motivation in children who know nothing beyond their villages, townships or suburbs; in adults who suppress their dreams by settling and through community leaders, ministers, teachers and doctors who work endlessly to touch another life. Most importantly, her motivation comes from the good that people can do. 

Wura Makinde:

Wura, 21, is a resilient, head strong Charted Accountant in the making and is devotedly studying towards her degree. Wura is a dedicated and passionate individual who believes that hard work is the substance to achieve all goals. Wura is passionate about the African economy and is motivated by her dream of one day contributing to the success, growth and development of Africa as a whole. Wura believes in learning and drawing inspiration from every person she meets, she is also a firm believer of breaking boundaries and constantly drives herself to achieve new levels of success. She has a love for animals, enjoys regular visits to the gym and participates in active debates and discussion forums.

Muhammad Raafay Siddiqui:

Muhammad is an ambitious and proud 21-year-old Pakistani – born South African second year student. He has been fortunate to represent himself, his institution and his country at local and international academic competitions such as the International Junior Science Olympiad as well as local SAASTA Olympiads. Matriculating with seven distinctions and being rewarded with a scholarship, he quickly became involved in the extra-curricular activities offered at Monash. He currently serves as the President of the Model United Nations society as well as the External Director for the Debate Society at the university. His motivation is the desire to always uplift those around him. In the future, he aspires to be a leader that creates positive change within society, particularly through bettering the livelihood of impoverished and underprivileged communities.   

Kirsten Olivia Smith:

Kirsten Olivia Smith (20) is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Social Science degree at Monash University South Africa and is double majoring in Psychology and Journalism. SHe has a tuition scholarship and is the editor of MoTimes, the MSA student run blog, and class representative in all her units. She works part-time as a swimming coach and enjoys playing tennis as well as making and selling beaded jewellery. Kirsten is an aspiring photographer with a Diploma from The Shaw Academy and already has a number of regular clients. She is a film and theatre enthusiast, with a fondness for live productions. She aims to run her own photography, film-production or theatre company in the future. She wishes to bring creativity into the business world and focus on being unique. She has a consistently healthy and positive outlook on life and strives to excel in everything that she does. 

For the complete list of the Top 100 students, click here.