Commission for Gender Equality calls for respect of culture

Lusanda Bill
16 April 2015

The Commission for Gender Equality says it respects cultural freedom and choice but once the abuse of cultural practises and symbols is done at the expense of women and girls then it is not acceptable.

This follows the case of Mvumeleni Jezile who told the Western Cape High Court that the reason why he raped and abducted a 14-year-old girl was in accordance with traditional practise called Ukuthwala.

The Commission has also called on South African men to distance themselves from this culture, which some misuse in order to rob minors and girls of their fundamental human rights.

CGE Spokesperson Javu Baloyi says we cannot allow a situation whereby young girls are abducted and raped in the name of culture.

Baloyi says no cultural, tradition or religious practises supersedes our Constitution. We need to make sure that whatever we do in the name of culture should be in line with our Constitution.