27 January 2009
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) notes with great concern the
statements that are being attributed to Mr Tokyo Sexwale reported in the
weekend papers. It is regrettably that a man of Mr Sexwaleâs stature is said to
have made these statements.
According to the statement attributed to Mr Sexwale alleging the Congress of
the People (COPE) of practicing witchcraft by embracing these women into the
party. Surely, all South Africans of conscience know that older women are
vulnerable especially considering victimisation of those accused of witchcraft.
This plays into old stereotypes and misogynistic attitudes which have no place
in a democratic society.
To accuse COPE or any political party of witchcraft is not only
irresponsible, it is highly inflammatory. In some communities, these labels of
witchcraft lead to people losing their lives. Further, we find the statements
attributed to Mr Sexwale patronising and demeaning to Mrs Mbeki, Mrs Njobe and
all other older women who have joined the new party. Ironically, Mrs
Makhosazana Njobe was an ANC MP at her time of leaving the ANC. Mrs Mbeki is a
stalwart of the South African struggle and a leader in her own right. We are
particularly concerned that neither Mr Sexwale nor the ANC have distanced
themselves from the said statement. This, we read as condoning these
utterances. The CGE believes in vigorous debate that is dignified.
We also note with deep concern the remarks attributed to Mr Malema on the
circumstances surrounding allegations of rape by Mr Zuma. Mr Zuma was alleged
to have raped a woman known as Khwezi. We note that Mr Zuma was acquitted of
the rape charges. However, Mr Malemaâs alleged comments are troubling at many
different levels including the apparent disregard for women who may be victims
of rape. Also, given the fact that Mr Zuma has placed himself as one who
respects African culture we wonder why does a young man discuss sexual
proclivities of his elders. If these comments are untrue, we invite Mr Malema
to clarify his statement to South Africans and clarify what it is he did
say.
We also find Mr Malemaâs alleged statements about pregnant young women who
need punishment regrettable and embarrassing to all those who believe in human
dignity. It is revealing that there is of course nothing said about these men
who make these young women and girls pregnant. Such double standards are
typical of a backward and patriarchal attitude that demeans and uses women as
scapegoats. We condemn the patriarchal stereotyping of women in any form and in
any platform, private and public. These statements, if true, undermine basic
rights of South Africans as well as the foundations of our constitutional
democracy. The CGE is going to investigate the utterances of these two men.
Depending on the outcome of such an investigation, we will take the issue up
with the relevant institutions and structures.
As we get into the full swing of political campaign, the CGE takes this
opportunity to encourage a healthy debate on the South African political
platform. However, the institutions considers any statements that project women
as either unthinking puppets who are paraded around by political parties, as
Mr. Sexwale is alleged to have said, very seriously. Women of all ages have a
right to chart their course, a right to freedom of association and speech in
accordance with the constitution and the norms of a civilised democracy.
The Commission for Gender Equality was created in terms of section 187 of
the South African Constitution to strengthen and deepen constitutional
democracy in South Africa. The Commission for Gender Equality Act, Act 39 of
1996 charges the CGE to undertake the following:
* Promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and
attainment of gender equality.
* Investigate gender related complaints from members of the public or its own
initiative
* Monitor and evaluate policies and practises of state organs, state agencies,
public bodies and private sector to promote equality and rights of women. The
CGE may make recommendations regarding the protection and promoting of
equality
* Develop, conduct and manage education and information programmes to foster
public understanding for gender equality
* Evaluate Acts, systems of personal/family law/ customary practices and
systems of indigenous law or any other law.
Enquiries:
Tel: 011 403 7182
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
27 January 2009
