http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/10/pope-francis-is-not-liberal
Category Archives: Gender and sexuality
Nomboniso Gasa on patriarchy in history and SA today
Mandisi Majavu, Vavi: Discursive Tension Stifles Rape Discussion
Another take on the alleged rape or ‘consensual’ sex engaged in by Zwelinzima Vavi in COSATU HQ. While I think the writer brings some insights that have not been in the debate, the power relationship seems somehow to be lost in the various discourses that the writer examines. While ‘discursive tension’ may stifle debate, without detracting from what the contribution reveals, does it open that debate on Vavi’s actions, any further than it has been up till now?
Chase Madar, The trials of Bradley Manning
Athambile Masola, What if Marriage wasn’t anti-feminism?
Jen Thorpe, How you can tell when someone is a real rape survivor
Athambile Masola, Women’s bodies are not fodder for power games
T O Molefe, Hello rape culture, hello ignorance
Raymond Suttner, Power and sexual encounters in the work place
The recent rape allegations against Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretaty of COSATU has led to a range of arguments, which obscure the character of the sexual encounter, Continue reading
Sisonke Msimang, Who killed Pinky Mosiane?
This article demonstrates how the regulations stipulating that women be employed underground in the mines, is not supported by measures to protect them from sexual abuse. The murder of Pinky Mosiane has not been properly investigated nor has Anglo American or the National Union of Mineworkers taken firm steps to see that justice is done. While women working underground are especially vulnerable it is part of an overall situation where most women report sexual harassment at the workplace in South Africa
http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2013-08-01-who-killed-pinky-mosiane/#.UfniGY03ByU
Rebecca Davis, Of Good report. sugar daddies and Vavi
While reviewing the unbanning of a film previously banned as provocative, the author relates some of the issues raised with regard to a relationship of unequal power to the recent allegation of rape against Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary of COSATU. The allegation was withdrawn in an internal grievance process of COSATU. But even if one accepts that that ends the question of rape, which is doubtful, Vavi admitted to having a sexual encounter with a woman who was an employee in COSATU and thus dependent on him for her employment and any possible promotion. Hence this was an unequal encounter and raises questions about the character of consent, if it is given. This cannot be reduced to whether Vavi is unfaithful to his wife, nor to conspliracies to drive him out of COSATU. Davis briefly alludes to the way in which patriarchy plays itself out in the work place
David Massey, Do we have to talk about rape every day?
Rebecca Davis, Why Tutu’s support for gay rights matters
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven
Adrian Mitchell reads Bertolt Brecht
Interview with young feminist, Athambile Masola
Raymond Suttner, Nelson Mandela as a model of manhood
Whereas earlier studies of gender concentrated on women, recent decades have seen a flourishing of literature on masculinities, Continue reading
Raymond Suttner, Notions of manhood: Initiation tragedies should not blind us to dangers beyond those that are part of public discourse
The ANC and the Minister of Health have correctly deplored the spate of deaths resulting from initiation practices, in the Eastern Cape and other areas. Continue reading
Athambile Masola, Black love, intimacy
Athambile Masola, taxi drivers and the politics of space and security
Athambile Masola describes the daily experience of harassment in public transport. While gender equality is enshrined in our constitution the value is not part of the consciousness of most South Africans, men and women. A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about this constitution having created a crisis of manhood in South Africa. It is telling that that discourse is hardly heard any more, as there appears to be a continuing high tolerance of sexual abuse and harassment of women. The apprehensions of those practising aggressive masculinities seem to have been unfounded as freedom of movement of women remain under threat
Raymond Suttner 