Gauteng MEC for Health Hope Papo would like to clarify a statement in which he is alleged to have uttered a sexist remark in relation to a law suit by Ms Queen Mpinga, whose leg had to be amputated after a medical examination in a state hospital.
The Women Legal Centre, a non-profit law centre, issued a statement yesterday in which it criticised remarks attributed to the MEC as sexist and deserving to be challenged.
“I would like the state the following for the record. The said statement was allegedly made by a legal representative of the department in legal arguments with Ms Mpinga’s lawyers on the amount that had to be paid as a result Ms Mpinga lawsuit.
After seeing a media report about the statement at the time, I requested our Acting HOD Mr Ndoda Biyela to investigate the statement and dissociate my office from it. The alleged sexist statement does not reflect my personal and political views about women and their role in society. The context of that alleged statement will hopefully still be debated when the matter comes before court. ” the MEC said.
“Throughout my life as a student, youth and community activist, I was part of the just struggle to build a non racial, non sexist, united, democratic and prosperous South Africa. I was taught by my parents and in the liberation movement led by the ANC, that men and women are equal. I grew up believing that our country will not be fully liberated until women are free to pursue their dreams in life.
As part of the liberation movement led by the ANC and its alliance partners SACP, COSATU and SANCO, I have opposed (and continue to oppose) all forms of discrimination, including gender discrimination. I see myself as a gender equality activist in a long struggle which is still continuing until the abominable system of patriarchy is defeated.
I have up to this day, remained true to the belief that all obstacles that prevent women from attaining their full potential should be removed for us to attain a free and equal society,” he said.
The MEC would like to state further that an interim relief has been agreed and is in the process of being paid to Ms Mpinga to assist her pending the finalization of her legal suit. This relief will ensure that Ms Mpinga receives the domestic assistance she requires and does not have to rely on any of her daughters to do household chores.
If the Women Legal Centre had checked the background of MEC Papo from colleagues in the political arena, the community and the department, they would have learned that there was no way MEC Papo could have associated himself with such views about women.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
