outcry in the lgbti community as anc demands apology from a rape victim

By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Intern)

SOUTH AFRICA – July 8, 2008: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) supporters of Khwezi*, slammed the recent call by the African National Congress (ANC) leadership, requesting Khwezi to apologise for her rape allegations against the ruling party president, Jacob Zuma.

The request by the ANC has met much criticism from the LGBTI community asserting that Khwezi was never given a fair trial.

“As a feminist I have a problem with the request, Khwezi was not given a fair trial. It was a highly political case. She was judged both by the state and the community”, Mpumi Mathabela, media and communications coordinator at the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) stated.

“This is abuse of power and it is highly irregular that senior members within the ANC have to interfere. It is an indication that her safety is not guaranteed”, exclaimed Carrie Shelver from People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA).  

Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre Manager Nonhlanhla Mkhize echoed the same sentiments stating that this should not be accepted. “Hell no. The perpetrator should be the one to apologise and not the other way around”. 

According to Abeda Bhamjee, an Independent Refugee Law consultant, “the appropriate response if Jacob Zuma felt aggrieved, would have been to institute a civil action for defamation if the accusation was false. By getting the ANC involved and by the ANC insisting on a reaction, it strengthens Khwezi’s claim for asylum as it is direct persecution”.

She further went on to say, should Khwezi come back “her human rights will be at risk”. She also mentioned that she can object to the request.

Khwezi was granted humanitarian asylum in the Netherlands for a period of five years. This follows the outcome of the controversial rape trial involving ANC president Zuma where he was acquitted.

Judge Van der Merwe's verdict concluded that Khwezi and Zuma had consensual sex and rebuked claims that Khwezi was lesbian but stated she was bisexual with lesbian tendencies.

* Not her real name