The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is perturbed by the decision taken by the Premier of Western Cape, Helen Zille, and her party, to appoint an all male leadership in her provincial cabinet. Her prerogative is that of choosing the best team to lead the provincial legislature, but questions need to be asked in so far as promoting gender equity and equality are concerned. This outrageous action not only undermines women’s development and their capacity to govern but seeks to undermine the very gains that this country has made in ensuring that there is gender equity and equality in all tiers of government.
The South African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development strictly calls for 50/50 representation in political leadership and government by 2015 and South Africa is signatory to this protocol. This action, although in the context of service delivery, seems to undermine that principle wholly.
On the 8 April 2008, when the CGE hosted a political party dialogue on gender and elections, it became apparent that the Democratic Alliance (DA) did not have a clear cut policy on gender. However, a commitment was undertaken in the form of the DA signing a pledge committing political parties to advancing gender equality beyond the election. All political parties present affirmed their commitment to the redress of gender imbalances in the country. As such the actions of the DA undermine our country’s progress in adopting various conventions and protocols on gender, equality and development.
The appointment of an all male cabinet not only is questionable to those who seek to monitor and promote gender equity and equality, but to the women of the Western Cape in particular those in the DA. What does this move say about whether the DA has competent women available with appropriate skills to lead, like their male counterparts? Is the party not advancing stereotyping that seeks to promote the belief that only men can deliver, thereby entrenching patriarchal attitudes and beliefs?
One of the questions the CGE asked voters in our gendered monitoring of the 2009 elections was whether they could vote for a woman leader. Does the sceptical response received to this question provide insight into what informed the actions of Ms Zille? The CGE asks the DA how they have worked to prioritise the building of capacity of women leaders within the party. We also question Ms Zille on her commitment to advancing the cause of ordinary women within her party.
The CGE seeks to remind the leadership of the DA of the pledge that was signed with us. We trust that the party, and others who divert from South Africa’s national policy framework on gender equality, will be engaged robustly by civil society organisations that strongly believe that gender equality has been undermined. The CGE will seek an audience with the leadership of the DA and its premier to address our concerns.
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
11 May 2009
