The racist insult by Shahid Asau, the speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature that there are too many black women in the legislature should be taken seriously. The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) feels that the statement is regrettable and uncalled for. This flies in the face of racial tensions that have been simmering in the country. Apology alone is not good enough. The CGE recommends that the speaker visit its Cape Town offices wherein he will be taught how to be gender sensitive or help to raise awareness by partnering with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in issues that deal with racism.
The CGE calls for acceleration of the Employment Equity Act in the Western Cape as it is the province lagging in that regard. We also call upon his party to develop a gender policy where issues of this nature will be addressed. In the light of all these, we will want to remind the honourable speaker that everyone has a right to seek employment where they deem their expertise will be utilised regardless of their race and that their rights in every respect will be protected by the Constitution from being infringed.
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 011 403 7183
E-mail: Javu@cge.org.za
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
3 November 2009
