Arecent seminaratthe University of the Western Cape (UWC) has sounded the alarm on thegrowing vulnerability of sex workers in South Africa,pointing to adangerous combination of criminalisation, social stigma and aworsening funding crisis that is leaving many without support.
The event,held at the Centrefor Humanities Research Inyatsiba Lab in Woodstock,was organisedbyUWC's Research Chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmakingand its Department of Criminal Justiceand Procedure, together with the SexWorkers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT). Academics, activists andcivil-society representatives gathered underthe theme Practices of Sexual Freedomtodiscuss the realities facingsex workers and the pressing need for law reform.
Cherith Sanger, from UWC's Department of Criminal Justice andProcedure, drew astark contrast between the rightsSouth Africans celebrated on Workers' Day and thereality for sexworkers. Because sex work remainscriminalised, she noted, sexworkers are still unable to access the rightstofreedomoftrade, profession and occupation,tounionise or to participate in bargainingcouncil structures.
"Despite popular belief, sex workers are able to articulate theirown problems,needs, desires and solutions to theirstrugglesand should thus lead theadvocacy agenda for law reform themselves," Sangersaid. "As researchers, we mustdoresearchwith sex workers, not about them."
Excerpts from thedocumentary Womxn Working were screened at the seminar. In thefilm, sexworkers explain how their work can help break the cycle of poverty, while describing the everyday barriers that criminalisation creates —including difficultiesinaccessing housing finance, buyingland and opening bank accounts.
DIGNITYANDTHECOURTS
Dr TanveerJeewa andDrJohndré Barnes,from the Faculty of Law at StellenboschUniversity, examined the issue of dignity through the lens of the ConstitutionalCourt case Sv Jordan —a landmark caseinwhichasex worker and
others challenged the constitutionality of the Sexual Offences Act, arguing it violated their rightstodignity, equality and privacy.
Thecourt ruled that the provisions criminalising sex work were constitutional.
Barnes argued thisapproach has real consequences: "Dignityisconditioned on social acceptability, rather than being affirmed as aguaranteed right.Inother words,itisportrayed as something to be earned through conformity to dominant, societal norms."
SOCIAL-JUSICEFUNDINGCRISIS
Themost urgent message of the day came from Emily Craven, Director of SWEAT,who told delegates that the socialjustice funding crisis in SouthAfrica is the worst she has ever seen —worse, she said, than previous philanthropicpull-outs from the LGBTI sector.
"What we are seeing is across-the-board closures, retrenchments— important work coming to an end. And because it is so widespread, it means that places wherepeople might look for support or help are so overstretched, both hereand internationally,"Craven said.
She added that the crisis is not limited to SouthAfrica. According to information reaching SWEAT from American philanthropists, something like 87% of organisations in the USA that deal with women's health and LGBTIrightshave had budget cuts in the lastyear.
"Ifwesay that we believe social justice organisations are avital component —and Ibelieve that they are —ofany functioning democracy, then we have to figure out how to resource them," Craven
Theseminar was facilitated by Dr Hugo Uys, with Prof Karin van Marle, Research Chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking, welcoming delegates.
said.
From left: Dr Hugo Uys,Prof Karin vanMarle,Cherith Sanger,EmilyCraven,Dr Johndré Barnes,DrTanveer Jeewaand Prof KellyGillespie IMAGE:HAZEL ALLIES-HUSSELMAN/UWC
FROMPAGE1
OTHERRECIPIENTS
Two scientistswidely known for their roles during the Covid-19 pandemic, Prof Tulio de Oliveira who led the teamthat discovered the Omicron variant, and Prof Salim Abdool Karim, recognised forhis leadership in public health and HIV/Aids and tuberculosis research, were honoured
with the OrderofMapungubwe in gold.
The Springboks' director of rugby Rassie Erasmus received the Order of Ikhamanga in goldfor his inspirational leadershipof the Springbokstorepeated Rugby World Cup championships.
Athlone-born jazz andgospel artist Jonathan Butler received the same order in silver forhis contributiontomusicand the arts.
Trustdonates OlympicBrainz
Vermaak // Entertainment
Komsing saam aan Handel
ConSpiritoFilharmonies bied ‘n opwindende geleentheid aandie publiek om deel te neem aan'nuitvoeringvan uittrekselsuit Handel se "Messias" op Saterdag 22 Augustus in die NG kerk Uitsig in MountainView-rylaan, Ridgeworth.
As jy noot kanhou en al vantevore die"Messias"gesinghet,ofdit virdie eerstekeer wil beleef, word jy genooi om te komsaamsing. ConSpiritotree altydsaammet 'n simfonie-orkes op.Sipho Fubezi (tenoor)enConroy Scott(bas) gaan optreeasdie soliste.
Die program salaangevul word met Haydnse"Tjello konsert in D" met MatthiasEnder en Mozart se "Klavierkonsert K.488"met Pieter Rooi as soliste.
Oefeninge begin op Maandag25 Mei en saldaarna elke Maandagvan 19:00 tot21:00 in die Gereformeerde kerk Bellville-OosinCherrystraat, Belair, plaasvind.
. Kontak SjoerdofAnna-Marie Alkema by Allmusic by 021981 5551 of stuure-posnasj@allmusic.co.za vir meer inligting.
. Cape Town OperapresentsGeorges Bizet's Carmen,a storyofpassion, freedomand jealousyatArtscape from 19 to 31 May. TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.
. CurroDurbanville High School presents Sister ActJR at the schoolinGroot PhesantekraalEstatefromThursday 21 to Saturday23May at 19:00.Tickets from R160 at Quicket . MillenniumtreeopVrydag22Mei om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR120tot R140.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. ACDC Duet Xchange2026,a two-day festival of dance performanceand competition,isatThe Homecoming Centre on Friday22and Saturday 23 Mayat 19:00.Tickets R150 at Webtickets . TheBavarianYouthJazzOrchestra meets the Stellenbosch UniversityJazz Band –A BigBand Celebrationisatthe Endler Hall,Stellenbosch on Saturday 23 Mayat16:00.Ticketsare R170 at Webtickets.
. Chicken, And. runs at TheHomecoming Centre from 23 to 30 May. This independent theatre production pecks at today'scapitalist hellscape,inviting youintoa warped talk showarena. TicketsfromR200atQuicket
. XollyMncwango: TheUnusual Encounter is at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday23May at 18:00.TicketsfromR300 at Webtickets.
. Boyz II MenLive in South Africa Tour is at the Grand Arena,GrandWest on Wednesday27May at 18:00.Tickets from R750atWebtickets.
. Elandré tree op by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville op Vrydag 29 Mei om 20:00.Die deuremaak18:00 oop. Kaartjies kosR220byQuicket
. TheRocky Horror Show is at Theatre on the BayinCamps Baycurrently until31May.The production is rated PG16.Ticketsstart from R200.Book at Webticketsoron021 4383300
. TheJiveCapeTownFunnyFestival runs at TheBaxterfrom28May to 21 June.TicketsfromR190 to R250 at Webtickets.
. JayenLianie MaytreeopVrydag29 Mei om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Please,don’t call me moffie runs at Artscapefrom2 to 6June. No under 16s. TicketsR150 at Webtickets.
. Cape Town SymphonyChoir presents Mozart's GreatMassatthe Cape Town City Hall on Saturday6Juneat19:00 and on Sunday 7Juneat17:30.Tickets at Quicket
. Killer Queen –ALamta Dance Production runs from 4to20Juneat Theatreonthe Bay. TicketsfromR200 at Webtickets.
. Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR290tot R350.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Cape Town ConcertSeries:Charl du Plessis –Mozart, Mambo&Merlot is on Saturday6Juneat15:00 at The Baxter.TicketsfromR100 to R300 at Webtickets.
Polisiepraatoorboeliegedrag
MAURICIAPETERSEN
MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Beamptes van die Bellville-polisiekantoor het onlangs'n veldtog by HTS Bellville aangebied waar hulle leerders oor dieernstige gevare vanboelie- en kuberboeliegedrag ingelighet.
Die span, bestaande uit kapt. Shaun Adams, sers.Charles Neelse, sers.Marvin Boer en kapt.GertdeVilliers, het op 'n interaktiewewyse met dieleerdersoor die toenemende probleem gepraat. Leerdersisingelig oor wat boelie- en
Beamptes vandie Bellville-polisiekantoor verduidelik die vier soorteboeliegedrag —fisiek, verbaal,sosiaal en kuberboeliegedrag —aan leerders vanHTS Bellville tydens‘n bewusmakingsessie
DEEL VAN‘NREEKSGEMEENSKAPSGERIGTE INISIATIEWE DEUR DIE BELLVILLE-POLISIE
kuberboeliegedrag behels, hoehulle dit kanrapporteer en wat die regsimplikasies daarvanis. Daar is ook klem gelê op hoe ernstig die gevolgekan wees —tot so ver as selfdood.
"Ons wil graag die skool bevry van die misdryf en wil ook hê dat almal vrylik op skool moetbeweeg en veilig moet wees," het Neelse gesê. Die beamptes is verheug oor die positiewe betrokkenheid van die leerders tydens die sessie.Wat die bewusmaking, rapportering en begrip van die wetlike gevolge betref, hetdie leerders sterk betrokkenheid getoon.
Hierdie besoekaan HTS Bellville is deelvan 'n reeks gemeenskapsgerigte inisiatiewe deur die Bellvillepolisie. Diebeamptes het ook vroeër aanbiedings gedoen by DF Akademie, waar leerders gewaarsku is oor die gevare vandwelms en alkohol, asook by Bellville City FC, waar jong spelers ingelig is oorkuberboeliegedrag en die verantwoordelike gebruik van sosiale media.Die boodskap bly dieselfde:die polisie staansaam metdie jeug om 'n veiliger, gesonder gemeenskap te bou—een skool en een klub op 'n slag.
Wes-Kaapse hoërskoolleerders skitter in Dink of Sink-debat
AfriForum het op Vrydag 8Mei sy tweede van ses provinsiale uitdunrondes van sy Dink of Sink- onvoorbereidedebatskompetisie by DF Akademie in die Wes-Kaap aangebied.
Altesaam 159 hoërskoolleerders van 16 skole het daaraan deelgeneem. Diedoel vandie Dink of Sink-kompetisie is om Afrikaansedebatkuns op laerskool-, hoërskool- en universiteitsvlakte bevorder,terwyl dit deelnemers toerus met 'n noodsaaklike vaardigheid wat hulle in hul toekomstige beroepslewe sal bevoordeel.
Gedurende die dag het53spanne elk drie debatte gevoer oor verskeie aktuele onderwerpe. Nicolene Müller, AfriForum se koördineerder vir onderwys in die suidstreek, het die leerders se prestasies geprys. "Die leerders hethul take metgroot vaardigheidaangepak en beïndrukmet goed gestruktureerde, deeglik voorbereide argumente en kragtige teenargumente. Hulle het selfvertroue uitgestraal deur oortuigende lyftaal, duidelike stemgebruik en 'n opregte entoesiasmevir hul standpunte. Hierdie optrede het hul
vermoë om krities te dink en doeltreffend te debatteerduidelik na vore gebring," het Müllergesê.
JUNIORKATEGORIE
In die junior kategorie (gr. 8en9)het KaruRademeyer, AnéSwanepoel en Emma Snijders van die Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck die eerste plek behaal. Livia Lategan, Heleen-Mari Viljoen en Micke Gildenhuysvan die HoërMeisieskool La Rochelle was die naaswenners.
In die seniorkategorie (gr.10, 11 en 12) het Cayla Fourie, AnoukGerber en Saskia Cloete van die Hoërskool Durbanville die gouetrofeegewen. Dieter de Kock, Ben van Niekerk en Altus de Villiers van Paul Roos Gimnasium het as naaswenners geëindig.
"Die hoërskooldebatspanne het 'n indrukwekkende vlak van openbare
spreekkuns en kritiese denke getoon deur goed beredeneerde standpunte en selfversekerde optredes. Onssien met opgewondenheid uit na die verdere ontwikkeling van hierdie kompetisieen die rol wat dit sal speel in die ontginning van jong debatteerders se volle potensiaal," het Müller gesê.
Leerders vanHTS Bellville luister aandagtig tydens‘naanbieding deur beamptes vandie Bellvillepolisiekantoor oor boelie- en kuberboeliegedrag
Die leerdersvan DF Akademie wathardaan die werk is tydensdie kompetisie,is(vanlinks) Luahn Bester, Isabella Vermaak en Izabelle Visser.
Cape Town’sfour seasons in 48 hours
There is something almost theatricalabout the weather in Cape Town. It doesn’t simply change —itperforms, complete with dramatic lighting, sound effects, and just enough chaos to make everyone briefly question their life choices.
For 48 hours, the city is pushed through an entire weathersystem with verylittle warning.
Gale-force winds arrive first, pushing rain sideways across roads and turning visibility intoagrey blur.Then come the floods, the icy bite in the air, andthe constant roar of wind that makes even solid buildings feel slightly less confident than usual. And then there are the trees. Not just swaying —but uprooted. Entire trees are tornout by their roots, collapsing across roads and open spaces like nature briefly losing an argument with gravity People don’t talk about “badweather”so much as they talkabout getting through it —waiting for the next gust, the next downpour, the next reminder that the storm is still very much in charge. Then, just as suddenly as it arrived,it stops performing.
The wind drops itsintensity. The rain slows. Apatch of blue appears in the sky like someone testing the lighting system And then, almost without ceremony,the storm is gone. And this is where things get truly CapeTown. Because Cape Town has avery specific post-storm personality: complete denial.
THESTORMDOESN’T FADEAWAY—ITGETS SOCIALLYIGNORED.
Within hours, the same city thatwas dealingwith uprooted trees,flooded roads andflying debris begins behaving as if nothing remotely dramaticjust happened As if the previous 48 hours were just a slightly intense dream everyone agreed not to talk about. It is almostimpressive The storm doesn’t fade away —itgets socially ignored. One moment residents are navigating blocked roads and dodging fallen branches. The next, they are discussing weekend plans infull sunlight, with the confidenceofpeople who did not just survive what can only be describedas nature’s aggressive reminder. Lion's Head suddenly becomes apopular suggestion again, as if it wasn’tjust partially hidden behind horizontal rain a day earlier.The coastline follows the same pattern. Beaches refill quickly, even if the sand is still damp and the oceanhasn’t fullyrecovered from itsown moodswing Jackets disappear. Sunglasses return. Iced drinks are ordered with surprising optimism.
Coffee shops reopen their outdoorseating like nothinghappened. Conversations shift from “Did you see that tree comedown”? to “Whatabeautiful day forawalk”. Andthat is the most Cape Town thing of all —not the storm itself, but the speed at which it is mentally deleted.
And yet, within aday or two, it is treated as adistant inconvenience —something that almost happened in another version of the city. Almost like it triedtodo serious damage… and the city politely decided not to remember it thatway
That is thestrange rhythmoflife in Cape Town:extreme weather followed immediately by extreme optimism No slow recovery. No lingering drama. Just areboot. And by Wednesday morning, the same people who were dodging uprooted trees and sandbagging their driveways were posting sunrise selfies from Bloubergstrand beach, acting like the last 48 hours didn’t try to kill us —just briefly interruptedthe weather forecast.
-KAILINDANIELS
Kommentaar // Comments
NEWERA FORSANAVY: Captain ZaneleMadibamade history at NavalBaseSimon’sTownasthe firstwoman to command aValourClass Frigateduring theSAS AmatolaChangeofCommand Parade on Thursday14May.The ceremonymarked the transferofleadership of SASAmatolaand SASKINGShakaZulu,attended by senior navalofficialsand defencerepresentatives.Madiba’sappointmentwas hailed as amajor milestone in thetransformation of the South African Navy.Pictured theSA Navy sailors saluting their Outgoing OfficerCommanding of SASAmatola,Captain Dieter Jones,asasign of respect during theceremony
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Bellville-Noordnetbalspanneskitter
Die naweek van 9Mei het Laerskool Bellville-Noord se o.12A-en o.13A-netbalspanne metonderskeiding deelgeneem aandie Laerskool FD Conradie se jaarlikse sportdagop Prince Alfred Hamlet. Albei spanne het hul skoolmet groot trots verteenwoordigen'n indrukwekkende vertoning gelewer Die o.12A-span het die dag aldrie sy wedstryde met vlieënde vaandels gewen. Hulle het agtereenvolgens virRobertson A, Robertson Bendie gasheer, FD Conradie, geklop. Die o.13A-span hetsyeie merkwaardige veerkragtigheid getoon.Ná'n teleurstelling teen Robertsonhet hulle teruggekeer met'nvasberade optrede, gelykopgespeel teen FD Conradie en hul dagafgesluit met 'n oorwinning oor Koue Bokkeveld.
O.12AWEN AL DRIE WEDSTRYDE
Die spanne is saam metvan hul ondersteunersopdie platteland.
Dieo.12A-span is by AnushkaduPlessis (links) en NicoleTaylor.
Die meisies watsomooi gespeel het,issaam met AnushkaduPlessis (links),Jacques Viviers (skoolhoof, middel) en NicoleTaylor.
