News Analysis

Lindiwe Mazibuko’s campaign and subsequent appointment to a position of parliamentary chief for Democratic Alliance (DA) had the public, but mostly the media and fellow members within her party wondering if she was the right candidate for the job. Her move also unearthed divisions within the DA with some members questioning the motive behind DA leader’s support for the rising female politician. This media highlight offers a comparative analysis of media reportage of Mazibuko’s aspiration and her subsequent promotion. Of the articles analysed, two focussed at the politician’s campaign, appointment and disunions within the DA. However, the pieces were silent at her capabilities and qualifications she was vying for

Discussions around sexual propriety always make me cringe, and thanks to our dear sports minister and his recent sex scandal. I’ve been cringing quite a lot lately. The problem is not with people voicing opposing views, not at all: the issue is afar more fundamental. Listen to enough o these discussions and you could easily walk away with a rather warped sense of the world where women who enjoy sex and unashamedly lay claim to their own sexuality are sluts, while men who do the same are studs. A world where a woman in a revealing outfit is an attention seeking easy floozy while men in tight fitting sleeveless vests are hunks simply showing off how hours in the gym eventually pay off.

Allocating enough resources to women’s empowerment endeavours at national level is one important step to achieving gender equality in a country. It is imperative for government to have a gender responsive budget to adequately address the different needs of women and men. This media highlight analyses a newspaper article that critiques the national budget allocation in Zimbabwe from a gender perspective. The critique traces the budget process since 2007 when the Zimbabwe government adopted a gender budgeting and women’s empowerment strategy.

Budgeting is perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects in the life of a human being, organisation or country. Budgets are an element of an organization’s financial management that addresses the overall fiscal integrity of an organization and is an ongoing process. Budgeting entails the allocation of resources equitably and efficiently. This piece places its view on the allocation of the pending 2012 national budget towards women’s activities in Zimbabwe in light of the fact that for the past 30 years or more, women issues in national been ignored or seen as insignificant. However the truth of the matter is that the importance of women in the contemporary society is all too evident albeit their low numbers in positions of decision-making. Even the ordinary woman is burdened with a lot of challenges which need to be catered for. As such it is of essence that national budgets do have a vote that is solely directed to the activities of women specifically because the very existence of nations is attributed to efforts and contributions of the millions of women worldwide.

Business is at term used to describe a commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood. It may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions. Business has now become the term on everyone’s mouth. It now encompasses a variety of activities both legal and illegal. As such this term has come under a lot of scrutiny. Gone are the days where one could simply say to their friend or spouse, “I was having a business meetingÀ especially with someone of the opposite sex without arousing some suspicion. It is without doubt that families, relationships and friendships have been torn apart because of business transactions involving married men and women. It is however more scathing for the latter in contemporary communities. This is fuelled by historical, cultural, traditions and beliefs that women should be subservient to their spouses. They shall at no time be seen to engage in activities or interact with any other men besides their husbands in socially or for business.

There are two articles under analysis: one news story and one analysis. Both discuss the debate between the Muslim community and policy makers following the yet to be tabled Muslim Marriage Bill (MMB).

Equal opportunities at the workplace do not necessarily translate to equality and neither is positive discrimination always positive. Such is the plight that has befallen many a woman in Zimbabwe. Equality in gender is only just but a political, social and economic statement, whereas in reality it is far from being achieved.

Though South Africa’s overall crime statistics have decreased for the second consecutive year, women and children are still among the hardest hit by violet crime. While violence against women and children has been declared a priority by the police, statistics show that there was a 5.6% increase in the number of women murdered last year.

After the Sowetan published its explicit front-page image (“SiesÀ, 15 August 2011) about the sexual encounter between two government officials, it boasted that the paper was sold out by 2pm the same day. This thematic case study focuses on the Sowetan’s ethical blunder and the blatant stereotypes it perpetuated. It traces the circulation of this story and the varied responses it received. Some newspapers such as Mail & Guardian critique the ethics of publishing such an article, while papers like the Daily Sun advertise the video of the sexual encounter, which is being sold by informal traders.

Is the government the champion to the right of sexual minorities? This past week there was a monitor excitement within a broader community of sexual minorities and the civil society organisations that works on sexual-health issues. Health minister Aaran Motsoaledi had agreed to give a keynote address at a conference that was focussing on sexual health issues affecting man who have sex with other men, (MSM) particularly within the context of HIV/AIDS pandemic.