editorial: women’s day is not for old struggle alone

By Mashilo Mnisi (BTM Editor)

I dissent from Jacob Zuma’s idea of the version of South African Women’s Day. JZ puts emphasis on the ‘political’ tone while disavowing the notion of varied celebration approaches to the women’s day.

According to me, Zuma’s understanding of the day is dubious and marginalising since he echoes the so-called ‘political’ turfs of the old struggle. I believe that he would envisage, at one stage, that women raise voices against pass-laws or lately vindicating the platoon of supporting him as the ANC president to become the new president of the country in next year’s elections despite his tentative corruption case, and also to assist thwarting his case out of court paving his reigning route.

Politics come in many ways and change with time. The political struggle of yesterday is different form that of today, and it could be somehow ambiguous and not easily comprehended. JZ compares the Women’s Day celebrations of today with those of Valentine’s Day, for which I doubt if that could be the subject matter of the discussion.

Many different women celebrate the day differently in their own right. Some join together as women and celebrate their achievements in literary work such as the one of poetry where former CEO of Forum for the Empowerment of Women Donna Smith featured along with Khosi Xaba launching her book. I have observed women on one weekend celebrating – which could be an eyesore to JZ – by throwing a party infest of liquor and saying they were thankful that they were still healthy that day within the HIV and Aids ravaged environment. Such celebrations deserve an audience and are very pertinent during this Women’s Day.

Again, the ‘political’ struggle that needs particular attention is that of protection of the killing of the lesbians in the country. Although it tends to be a long way to go, I feel to say bravo to the 07 -07 -07 Campaign for being there for the lesbians. This is a new paradigm shift in the struggle as many lesbian are being murdered particularly in the townships. And therefore the awareness and the efforts the campaign is making in South Africa should be celebrated during this women’s months as it shows that lesbians have a purpose as much as any individual.

I am certain that JZ will open up to the fact that not only the women committed to the ANC and to the old struggle are entitled to celebrate the Women’s Day but the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women are entitled as well for a certain cause.