Latest news with #CommissionforGenderEquality
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
5 projects that are happening this Mandela Day
From healthcare and housing to transport and social relief, this year's Mandela Day honours Madiba's legacy not just with words As the country marks Mandela Day on 18 July 2025, government departments, organisations and civic bodies have lined up impactful community-centred initiatives in tribute to former president Nelson Mandela's vision of dignity, justice and service. From healthcare interventions to gender justice campaigns, here are just five of countless inspiring activities taking place this year. 1. Santaco cleans ranks and tackles GBV in Ekurhuleni The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) will mark Mandela Day with a dual-focus initiative at Esquereni Taxi Rank in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. The programme includes a rank cleaning activity and a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Drive in partnership with the Commission for Gender Equality. 'Former President Mandela taught us that true freedom is lived when we serve others with dignity,' said Santaco President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe. 'This campaign reflects our commitment to clean, safe ranks and a taxi industry where no commuter is offended, harassed or harmed.' The event, which runs from 9am to 1pm, also aligns with Santaco's broader #SantacoCares and Hlokomela Road Safety and Customer Service campaigns. ALSO READ: Smile Foundation's 25 years of changing lives 2. Gauteng health launches surgical marathons In a life-saving tribute to Mandela, Gauteng Health has launched surgical marathons at hospitals across the province to reduce surgical backlogs and restore dignity to patients in need. According to the provincial department, these marathons are underway at facilities like Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Dr. SK Matseke Hospital 'This initiative draws from the best global practices and ensure equitable access to surgical care and institutionalise time-based clinical accountability. 'It will mean that going forward, patients will be given clear timeframes by when their operations will be performed,' the department said. 3. Gauteng legislature leads community outreach The Gauteng Provincial Legislature will lead a Mandela Day activation in Westbury by donating essential goods and offering services to vulnerable households and shelters. Activities include food distribution, health screening, and child protection awareness in disadvantaged areas. The programme will highlight a key infrastructure project: the construction of change-room facilities (abolition blocks) at the Westbury Open Grounds ALSO READ: 'I want people to dance, to feel free': Mörda Bongz ahead of his Mandela Day performance with Soweto Gospel Choir 4. Premier Kagiso Mokgosi on the Ground in North West North West Premier Kagiso Mokgosi will take part in Mandela Day activities in Moretele Local Municipality. It will take place at Mazista village in Swartruggens at 8am The programme involves handing over renovated homes, delivering school uniforms, and launching a community garden. Mokgosi said the activities demonstrate government's commitment to 'meaningful change' at grassroots level. 5. Social Development brings services to the Eastern Cape Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe, joined by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the National Development Agency, will visit Mlungisi Township in the Chris Hani District to bring services directly to residents. Services include social grants registration, community dialogues and food parcels. The event starts at 8am at the Mzingisi Skweyiya Community Hall in Ward 17. From healthcare and housing to transport and social relief, this year's Mandela Day shows that South Africans are honouring Madiba's legacy not just with words, but with deeds that uplift communities. NOW READ: Mandela Day: Secret scarves to be distributed in various parts of the country
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Sexual harassment cases at SA universities often fall through cracks, warns gender equality body
The Commission for Gender Equality says officials at some higher learning institutions lack the skills to respond to sexual harassment cases of students. Appearing before the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on Wednesday, 16 July, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) cited a 2024 report that there is a lack of implementation of policies to address sexual harassment cases, and some universities lack the capacity to assist students. 'There are challenges around case management; there is a skills shortage among officials that are first responders… This led to many of the students stating that they would not report sexual harassment because they see that some of the alleged perpetrators are walking around because of cases that go through the cracks due to these skill shortages,' said Naledi Selebano, the acting head of research and policy at the CGE. The CGE is responsible for promoting respect for gender equality, and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality. 'There are staff shortages and issues of caseload wherein one individual is dealing with or responsible for the entire institution, including numerous campuses, because with universities, they may have multiple campuses and not just one,' Selebano told the committee. 'There are issues around weaknesses with the protection: sometimes witnesses are reluctant to come forward; they do not want to be subjected to the process of hearings, and sometimes they lack the confidence to speak about issues of sexual harassment as well as to support the complainant.' The CGE said that pay disparities persisted along gender and race lines at SA's tertiary institutions, particularly at senior post levels, disadvantaging women and African professionals. However, some universities, such as Stellenbosch University (SU), have initiated pay audits and allocated funding to address disparities. The CGE found that while most tertiary institutions have GBV and sexual harassment policies, implementation is inconsistent. The head of legal services at CGE, Tsietsi Shuping, said: 'In many instances, victims do not report due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or uncertainty about institutional procedures. Many institutions have policy gaps on this issue. For instance, many universities lack comprehensive policies that directly address GBV; instead, focusing only on sexual harassment. 'There is often a gap between policy and practice, with poor enforcement of existing regulations. Research has also shown that universities sometimes downplay incidents of GBV to protect their reputation.' NSFAS delays Shuping said the delayed distribution of funds by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) contributed to students feeling vulnerable and becoming victims of sexual harassment. 'These delays may contribute to increased vulnerability to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as they often place students, especially during the registration period, under significant financial and emotional stress. Beyond tuition and accommodation, students also face urgent needs such as access to food.' The chairperson of the portfolio committee, Tebogo Letsie, said these matters of the safety and security of students must be resolved. Letsie and MP Yanga Govana called on the deputy minister of higher education and training, Mimmy Gondwe, to ensure that NSFAS responds to the issue of allowances being released on time because some students find themselves in a harsh position and have sexual relationships with older men to get money. Gondwe said, 'We're meeting on the 5th of August with NSFAS so that we can bring them on board regarding the concerns raised around the delayed payments that Honourable Govana mentioned.' The CGE recommended that all people who deal with sexual harassment must be trained on victim- or survivor-first responder approaches. Uncomplicated, pragmatic policies must be developed and structures put in place at all higher education institutions, including Technical and Vocational Education colleges and Community Education and Training centres, to address sexual harassment. DM
IOL News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
CGE hails Caster Semenya's court victory as a pivotal moment for human rights in sport
Caster Semenya won in a landmark ruling in Switzerland. Image: File The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights judgment that found that South African Olympian Caster Semenya was denied a fair trial by Switzerland's legal system. In a 15-to-two decision, the Grand Chamber ruled on Thursday that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court did not sufficiently review Semenya's appeal. This appeal was against the 2019 decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which had upheld World Athletics' differences in sex development (DSD) regulations. This signifies a major turning point in her continuing legal struggle against rules that mandate athletes with differences in sex development to medically change their inherent hormone levels for competitive purposes. Semenya was awarded €80,000 (about R1.6 million) in legal costs by the court, despite not having sought damages. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This decision, while not directly overturning the DSD regulations, paves the way for further legal challenges and increased scrutiny of how national courts address arbitration decisions concerning fundamental human rights. Javu Baloyi, spokesperson for the CGE, stated that the commission's monitoring role of international instruments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Maputo protocols, is mandated by the CGE Act 39 of 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA). 'The CGE believes that it is important that state parties intentionally commit to eliminating discriminatory practices against women at all levels of society,' he said. The commission stated that this case was a test of how effective these instruments are and how the courts consider them in the advancement of gender equality. The CGE has played a critical role in this matter and has further lobbied for support both nationally and internationally, said Baloyi. 'We noted and welcome the judgment as it confirms that a right to a fair trial was infringed. We believe that a fair trial would have vigorously reaffirmed that the regulations are a form of unfair discriminatory practice that violates the right to dignity, equality, and bodily integrity, among others,' said Baloyi. According to Baloyi, from this ruling, the court succinctly pointed out that the limitation of Semenya's rights is based not on existing law but rather on the regulations of a sporting body.. 'Sporting bodies must develop regulations that seek to promote inclusivity and not discriminate unfairly against any person based on their gender.' Baloyi said the CGE would be engaging Athletics South Africa (ASA), South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and other stakeholders in ensuring Semenya's rights and that of athletes with DSD are allowed to participate in sport both locally and internationally are affirmed. The CGE will continue to heighten activism against the World Athletics regulations that are discriminatory, he added. 'The CGE will draw lessons from this case and continue to influence and determine how to tackle gender discourse at the national, regional, and international levels.'
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Why positive male role models are key to shaping boys and preventing GBV in South Africa
Father figures and positive male role models are key to addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. Image: Anete Lusina/Pexels As South Africa grapples with an escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), civil society organisations argue that the perception of boys who grow up without fathers as perpetrators of GBV is complex, emphasising that male role models—not just biological fathers—are key to shaping a child's behaviour and attitudes. According to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, 64.5% of South African children do not live with their biological fathers. More than half of this group, however, live with other adult men including stepfathers, partners of their mothers, extended family members, relatives such as older brothers, grandfathers, and uncles. This Sunday, 15 June, South Africa will celebrate Father's Day and as society reflects on the significance of paternal influence, it becomes apparent that honouring male figures who provide supportive, nurturing guidance could be instrumental in changing the narrative around GBV. Jean-Marie Nkurunziza, MenCare regional programme specialist at Sonke Gender Justice, said the perception that boy children who grow up without fathers tend to be perpetrators of GBV is complex and multifaceted. The organisation said most of the research on fatherhood and caregiving suggests that the relationship between a father's absence and boy children becoming GBV perpetrators is not straightforward. 'It is influenced by various factors, including family dynamics, social environment, and economic conditions within various families,' said Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza warned that if this issue is not addressed, it will lead to more dysfunction and increased inequalities," he said. He said violence may be transmitted from one generation to another, leading to a vicious cycle and pattern of violence in society. Nkurunziza further explained that GBV can have significant social and economic costs, including increased healthcare costs, low productivity, mental health issues and reduced economic opportunities. Sonke Gender Justice emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, including patriarchal norms, power imbalances, and deep-rooted inequalities, which is crucial to preventing GBV. Nkurunziza said promoting gender equality and challenging harmful masculinity can help prevent GBV. 'Providing GBV survivor-centred care, including access to healthcare, counselling, and justice, is essential in ensuring the well-being and safety of survivors by working with partners across the country.' Javu Baloyi, spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, stated that this perception is not necessarily true. 'It need to ensure that boys have mentors. In some cases, lack of a role model in a father figure is somewhat linked to anger, being respondents, and worse, culminating in gender-based violence. The issue of absent fathers has to be addressed,' he said. Action Society stated that there is evidence to suggest that the absence of positive male role models, particularly fathers, can contribute to behavioural challenges in boys, including a higher risk of violence. However, the non-profit organisation cautioned against oversimplifying or generalising the issue. 'Not all boys raised without fathers become perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV). Many grow up to be respectful, responsible men.' The real concern lies not solely in the absence of a father, but in the lack of consistent, healthy male guidance and emotional support during a child's formative years," said Action Society. It said failure to intervene allows the cycle of violence to continue unchecked. 'Boys who are not taught to manage anger, process trauma, or respect others may become adults who inflict harm." According to Action Society, this can perpetuate high rates of GBV, absentee fathers, and generational trauma in families and communities. "South Africa is already in a GBV crisis and cannot afford to ignore root causes or structural failures in raising boys to be emotionally secure and morally grounded men,' said the organisation. Action Society believes prevention is just as critical as prosecution. Investing in the development of boy children is a national priority. Fatherlessness is a symptom of broader systemic issues such as poverty, incarceration, substance abuse, and social breakdown that must be tackled holistically. 'Blaming fatherless boys alone does not solve the problem. Healing our society starts with strengthening families, communities, and the moral compass of future generations,' said the organisation. The TEARS Foundation believes in self-determination, accountability, and responsibility. The foundation cited the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that more than 60% of children in South Africa do not live with their biological fathers, and around 20% only have contact with their fathers twice a week. 'Some people believe that boys who grow up without fathers are more likely to become abusers, but if that were true, we would have to believe that 60% of the male population is abusive. That simply isn't supported by evidence,' said the foundation. The foundation said there is not enough research to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between father absence and abusive behaviour. 'The truth is, the causes of abuse are complex. But complexity is not an excuse. Understanding these root causes does not take away personal responsibility or accountability for abusive actions,' it said. The issue of absent fathers is also complex, it said, adding that research shows that many absent fathers themselves grew up without present father figures. 'Breaking this cycle requires us to shift social beliefs. We must recognise that fathers do matter and that positive, present father figures who model respectful, morally grounded behaviour can help change the culture of violence we have come to accept,' it said. The TEARS Foundation stated that we live in a society that is 'hurting' and that if we do not address the erosion of shared values and the loss of moral direction, this pain will continue to grow. 'We believe the solution lies in rebuilding a society rooted in hope, healing, and human dignity. Change is possible when we choose to care, connect, and take responsibility for the world we're shaping for future generations.' Wessel van den Berg, Senior Advocacy Officer at Equimundo Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice, explained that a social father is a man who steps into a fathering role, engaging with the child and providing caregiving with the full knowledge and consent of the child's mother or guardian. 'Children tend to identify with men who they spend quite a lot of time with, and with time and consistency, these men could become father figures to them. So, a social father is really defined in terms of the nature and quality of care that a man gives to a child,' he said. Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder and CEO of The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit mentoring organisation focused on connecting 'fatherless' boys with vetted and trained social fathers, said social fathers are special people who, in the absence of a biological connection, must have a strong personal intention and commitment to make a good difference in the lives of boys. 'They need to be men who are driven by their values and can stand out as role models because of this demonstrable integrity,' he said. [email protected]
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament to summon MacG after comments about Minnie Dlamini
Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. Macgyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG is set to be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. In the recent episode discussing Dlamini's relationship break-up, MacG made distasteful comments about her [Dlamini]'s private part. 'Bro, I'm telling you, man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls,' said MacG. Letsike, said MacG's comments were nauseating in their vulgarity and must be regarded as an unconstitutional violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom and security of the person, equality, and human dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The deputy minister considers the comments to constitute online gender- based violence. According to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), this type of violence is 'any act of gender-based violence against a woman that is committed, assisted or aggravated in part or fully by the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as mobile phones and smartphones, the internet, social media platforms or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately'. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments 'There is no room in our democratic Republic for any misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. 'We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society, we have persons who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality,' she added. Letsike note and appreciate the stance Moja Love channel took regarding MacG's comments. However, they call on the channel to act swiftly to ensure consequences for the utterances they have publicly castigated. 'The chronic trend will cease only as there are tangible ramifications on the hosts of the podcast, and all other content aired by the Moja Love channel that perpetuates GBVF, whether sexual, physical, financial, emotional and/or online.' Actions to be taken Letsike said MacG's comments will be referred to the relevant Constitutional and statutory bodies for investigation including but not limited to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), among others MacG will be referred to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to summon Mr Mukwevho to appear before the committee and account in line with Section 56 of the Constitution. 'Should Mr Mukwevho fail without sufficient cause to appear before the committee, processes to implement section 17 (1)(c)(ii) of the Act must be engaged and Mr Mukwevho may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.' ALSO READ: 'Disgusting!' – Nkosazana Daughter slams MacG's claim about Master KG relationship Criminal case The deputy minister also explained that legal counsel on a possible criminal case of crimen injuria with the South African Police Service (Saps) will be explored, and as it may be legally plausible. 'As the Deputy Minister responsible for Women, a long-time advocate for gender equality, and a woman myself, I find Mr Mukwevho's comments reprehensible. This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender- based disrespect and consequently violence.' NOW READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO]
