The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is in receipt of the open letter by the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga following the recent protest march by South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU).
In the open letter, the Minister expresses her displeasure at the display of a woman’s underwear asserting that it “illuminates the prejudices, beliefs and understandings of some men (and some women) that women cannot be fully human...”
The CGE is tasked by the Constitution and an act of parliament to promote gender equality and the status of women in an effort to ensure that the rights of South Africans are upheld. It is thus for this reason that the CGE seeks to look into the matters raised by the Minister and ensure that recommendations are shared with relevant authorities.
From the CGE’s perspective (in relation to the SADTU) march, it is important that whilst any institution, group or members of the public are allowed to express themselves in any protest or march, such undertaking should not occur at the expense of or violation of the rights of others.
It is the view of the CGE that the SADTU march/protest has made headlines. What was to be at the center of the expected discussions presented by SADTU at their march has now shifted to nuances that relate to human dignity and possible contravention of the Bill of Rights.
The CGE Act empowers the CGE to investigate such complaints whether lodged officially or not as long as it is a gendered matter, henceforth infringes on the rights of others. It is against this backdrop that the CGE intends to hold discussions with SADTU in relation to the matter.
