01 September 08

By Keotshepile wa Mogotsi

IN recognition of Women’s Month in August, a group of concerned residents of Burgershoop, in western Krugersdorp, assembled at the community centre to thrash out issues of xenophobia and gender violence.

The two-hour meeting was organised by Mogale City’s social upliftment unit with the aim of stretching awareness on issues relating to gender and xenophobia in society. The meeting united a small group of black and white community members, symbolising a rainbow nation.

Women expressed their disgust with how women and children were constantly abused. This sparked a souring debate on the brutal attacks on women and children endured during the xenophobic violence that flared up across the country earlier this year. The media were blamed for labeling foreign nationals with derogatory names, such as aliens.

Leading the pack was the vocal Michel Berczynski, a social worker in the City’s social upliftment unit, who condemned the media for calling foreign nationals by offensive names. “Xenophobia is a prejudice against people who belong to other countries and it has touched everybody in the country. As South Africans we are ignorant and think we are the best on the continent. The media have also treated foreign nationals badly because they labeled foreigners by derogatory names such as aliens,” said a disgruntled Berczynski.

Her words were followed by those of Mapula Masetle, the acting manager of social development, who urged women to stand up and act against abuse; they should not wait for the annual 16 Days of Activism against women and children abuse, held towards the end of the year. “We should not wait … but should act now against abuse. We have linked xenophobia and gender so that we look at the impact they have on our communities,” said Masetle.

A sprinkling of men attended the meeting, and nodded their approval of the speakers’ words. The former member of the mayoral committee and now specialist for Thusong Centres, Bizoz Katane, took charge of the women’s programme.

In support of women, Katane said men and women should unite and stand against xenophobia and abuse of women and children. “We are in this together and we need to stand against xenophobia and abuse of women and children. Let us grab information on today’s issues and spread it further to make our people aware,” he said.

The HIV/Aids pandemic was also bundled into the programme to raise awareness of the disease. The HIV/AIDS Programme officer, Sana Madikane, touched on challenges her unit faced. She urged people to come out of the closet and talk about their status. “Our organisation has embarked on various awareness campaigns and people still don’t understand the virus. People are afraid to come out and disclose and others are not open to their partners,” Madikane said.

To encourage others to disclose their status, Matshidiso Serame, who publicly acknowledged she was HIV-positive, urged young people to be tested. “Before you think of sleeping with a partner, go for tests and know your status. This will assist in controlling the virus,” she pleaded.

There was a candle-lighting and a prayer for those affected by and infected with the virus. And, in an effort to make sure that the message had filtered down to the ears of the audience, they broke into small groups to discuss the effects of xenophobia.

Among the issues discussed was the question: “How does xenophobia and gender-based violence affect my life?” The majority of people at the meeting agreed that xenophobia should stop, and that displaced foreigners should be integrated back into the community.

Masetle said: “I’m honoured to have people like you. This function is fit to be held at a bigger venue … It really shows that women are affected by the recent xenophobic attacks and are eager to be part of a solution.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more women involved in issues affecting them and also participating in the recently launched Women’s Forum. This session is opening up other avenues for women to come together and share ideas and information on women’s issues.”