Zille answers her critics, part II

Becoming rational and relevant on Gender

One of the consequences of the loud and often illogical debate on gender that has dominated the news recently is that the real issues have been almost entirely lost. It is deeply ironic that, during this very period, the results of research into crucial issues that should shape this debate were released at the University of Stellenbosch -- and went almost unnoticed.

The research was commissioned by the Anglican Church into the sexual behaviour and attitudes of youth between the ages of 10 and 24. The church was seeking to understand its role in the battle against HIV/Aids.

Only one newspaper, as far as I am aware, published the results. They were entirely ignored by the vocal army of activists, and the statutory commissions set up at huge expense to the taxpayers, supposedly to address these issues. Most of these organizations and structures were otherwise engaged, expressing "outrage" and launching protest actions against the composition of the Western Cape cabinet.

The survey reportedly found that more than 10% of South African children between the ages of 10 and 13 are sexually active. Just stop and think about that. Can it possibly be true that one in every ten of our children (not only girls) is subject to statutory rape?  A statistic like that should focus every adult's mind on how we as a nation can address an issue that has lasting personal, psychological and socio-economic consequences.

About 27% of respondents said that they could prevent HIV infection if they bathed after sex.  One wonders (silently) where they got that idea from. Asking that question aloud would attract another week-long misdirected uproar to divert us from the real issues. This statistic is a sharp reminder of the powerful impact that the behaviour of leaders has on young people.  It also explains why a leader's personal conduct should be subject to scrutiny if it has public consequences.

But in South Africa we prefer respecting taboos rather than facing facts. Public consensus is that women (in particular), must respect the secret realm of male sexuality, which requires both respectful silence and acquiescence. The tragic irony is that people who claim to uphold women's rights are at the forefront of maintaining this taboo, with disturbing consequences. This too is clear from the survey's results.

Misinformation around the link between sex and AIDS is rife. 38% of young people believe the pill can prevent HIV/Aids, and 30.4% believed that HIV/Aids can be transmitted via a toilet seat.  If young people believe they are at risk of contracting AIDS every time they go to the toilet, why bother to practise safe sex? All the more so, if they believe that taking a shower or swallowing a pill can protect them from the consequences.  These misperceptions are convenient for the large number of South African men who believe that multiple, unprotected sexual encounters are their right. Such men have no interest in challenging these myths.

When research like this emerges, it is clear how thin our constitutional veneer is in South Africa. Just scratch the surface and the real SA emerges.

It did so in brutal fashion this week on a facebook site that listed Deputy Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, and ANCYL spokesman, Floyd Shivambu, as administrators (see here). The postings on this site exposed such depths of bigotry and misogyny, that it is almost understandable why gender activists avoid the real issues. The consequences of doing so can be devastating.

In public, we often hear the ANC reciting its mantra of a "non-racial, non-sexist society". The warped set of hateful patriarchal attitudes displayed on this site, perhaps reveals more of the truth.

My aim is not to wage a verbal war with various ANC-affiliates, nor to prolong what the media has termed "mud-slinging". My aim is to clear the muddy thinking on these issues.  We must expose - and then dispose of - the political correctness that masquerades as enlightened opinion and progressive thought in South Africa. The impact of this muddy thinking is merely to perpetuate the behaviour that is at the heart of the problem.

That is why it is so easy to divert attention to imposing gender quotas in elite structures, and expressing outrage if they are not met. Far too many organisations and institutions that are supposed to promote the interests of women and children have become an extension of the ANC's predominant culture of undermining these rights through denial and diversion.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), created by our constitution, provides the clearest illustration of that.

The CGE's constitutional mandate is to monitor, investigate, research, educate, lobby, advise and report on issues concerning gender equality. It has done hardly any of these things. When he chaired the parliamentary review committee of Chapter 9 institutions in 2007, Professor Kader Asmal stopped just short of calling the CGE a useless body. He told the Commission, "So far you have not persuaded us that you understand your functions". He also called on the Commission to have a "higher degree" of competency and professionalism.

Like most Chapter 9 institutions, their failure can be traced back to the ANC's policy of "cadre deployment". Like many of the so-called Chapter 9 institutions, there is a revolving door between the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House and the CGE.  Several gender commissioners have served as ANC MPs. Some illegally earned two salaries for several months because they refused to resign their positions on the GCE when they were elected to Parliament.

That is why the CGE is reluctant to challenge the ANC's discourse on gender. I am unaware of any statement ever made by the CGE on the need for political leaders to set an example on a range of issues that undermine the rights of women. If the CGE had done its job properly, it would not be necessary for opposition politicians to fight this battle alone.

Another problem with the CGE is that it is wracked with infighting over perks and positions. This is the inevitable logic of the "bean-counting" mentality. At one stage, for almost a whole year, the Commission was not quorate, so it could not even take decisions.

The committee on the Rights of Women in the Provincial Parliament was almost as bad. It provided an inflated salary for the ANC member who chaired it, and that was about all. This is the reason I have now located this committee in the Office of the Premier, where we are determined to address the real issues that exploit and oppress women, no matter how much outrage this elicits.

This article by Helen Zille first appeared in SA Today, the weekly online newsletter of the leader of the Democratic Alliance, May 22 2009

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But in South Africa we prefer respecting taboos rather than facing facts. Public consensus is that women (in particular), must respect the secret realm of male sexuality, which requires both respectful silence and acquiescence. The tragic irony is that people who claim to uphold women's rights are at the forefront of maintaining this taboo, with disturbing consequences. This too is clear from the survey's results."

Helen Zille

 

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responses to this article

What is sad and frustrating is that no matter how much sense you make, people will turn logic around and divert attention purely because you're the opposition, and more importantly because you're white and you're DA. We're dealing with a mass of uneducated brainwashed people whose culture . .more and values are totally different from the 'western' ones. . .less by Princess Constance Magogo Siibilile Mantithi Ngangezinye ka Dinuzulu on May 22 2009, 14:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

And this is why we vote for her keep at it Helen by bob on May 22 2009, 14:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Haven't answered the critics!! Miss Zille, you have successfully shown that there is gender inequality in this country and also that the organs created to address this are not working. You even attempt to convince us that by moving the committee to the office of the premier you have . .more done something.... You have grossly neglected to answer the critics questions though, the question of equality in your cabinet! (in all respects!) Give the critics a satisfactory answer first then tell them what you are doing to address the situation (you don't have to change them) then what you will do for the rest of the nation (or WC as you prefer to think)! This article represents babbling over an issue that is clearly defined "inequality in your cabinet". C comes after B and not vice-versa!!! Address the issue and let us all rest the matter after!!!! . .less by Zique on May 22 2009, 14:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Promiscuity 10% kids between 10 and 13 sexually active = promiscuity begins at home by example. Since "freedom" in 1994 this country has slid into a quagmire of decadence corruption and rot-- mirroring the rest of Africa. by Voortrekker on May 22 2009, 14:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Helly you sound like that idiot Julius Zille is quoting facts. Sorry for you but there are plenty who think that taking a shower after sex means no chance of getting aids. There is a popular well known person who has plenty wives, plenty kids and is known to have had extra marital unprotected . .more sex with a girl he knew had aids. After the sex he had a shower. Now do you think any of this person's behaviour, any of it, is acceptable, reasonable, objective, rational, clever, smart, intelligent, deep thinking, decent? This is not the kind of behaviour one looks for in anyone and hopefully people like this would never be considered for any responsible position in this country otherwise we would be doomed to fail. I mean really imagine a person like this taking your daughter out or being in a position of power. The mind boggles Helly. . .less by Facts on May 22 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Helly Actually, there's at least one person who think so ~ out president, to that believe he testified in court. by John on May 22 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Wasted talk Logic and reasoned argument is way beyond the rabble that make up the bulk of the ANC's support. And their leaders are people without any moral values - not fit to teach their followers or anybody else how to behave like decent, civilised human . .more beings. But nice try, Helen !! . .less by Reitz on May 22 2009, 15:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC trying to JUSTFIY Zuma All the ANC does is to try and justify the choice of president. Wouln't it have been cool for the ANC to have nominated a democratic, non racist, non sexis,t peaceloving, champion for all people as their presidential choice. I guess . .more not cause of their ARROGANCE. Aorrogance will bring them down and that Mantashe has no place in RSA politics today. He has a slave mentality, is racist and an arrogant old man. I cant wait for the day when youthful educated black ANC supporters kick his A** into oblivian. . .less by J on May 22 2009, 15:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thank God for Helen Without Helen and the D.A. we really should be packing for Perth. Can you imagine the anarchy and collapse of everything were it not for the relentless efforts of Helen and her people, to uphold some form of civilization and law and order, amid the . .more sea of corruption and incompetance that is S.A. Mind you, looking at the first posting by Helly above, I fear that all our efforts are in vain. . .less by Voortrekker on May 22 2009, 15:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

HZ Vs JZ We will make your family ungovernable!!!! by Ramarete on May 22 2009, 15:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zique are you confused? Are you asking for gender equality or gender equity? Do you know the difference? Appointing a 50:50 cabinet for the sake of gender equality is hypocritical. Men and women are NOT equal to begin with. But what is equitable would be to appoint people based . .more on their skills, competence and integrity WITHOUT ANY BIAS based on, amongst other things, gender. Which other major party or political orgainisation can say that they have a woman at the top? To Helen, if that's the cabinet you believe will help you achieve the most for WP, then you should have it. Well done for sticking it out. But it would be even better to see the DA producing more capable women like yourself to one day take top posts in the government. . .less by Ken on May 22 2009, 15:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Miss Zille, your enemies are now of a different measure... Ms Zille: You are not dealing with the dumb Boers who played by some kind of rules anymore. Now you are dealing with the people you worked so hard to put into power when you were in the Black Sash. Unlike the Boers, your former . .more champions are not guilt-ridden cowards who would sell out their children to save their own asses. No, these men will fight back without rules and will appoint their judges, and the newspapermen who you used to brilliantly to silence and shame the Boers will now be disinterested. In the end, they will hang you out to dry, and your superior Englishness will not save your this time, just like it did not save Rhodesians. I am still waiting for you to make a clear statement about Afrikaans medium universities, or have now already forgotten about that promise about the Gerwel Report? . .less by JVR on May 22 2009, 15:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is also why i vote for her! Go Zille! Never afraid, always direct. No matter what they say Zille, never drown the fire. You are the new revoution. As long as Zille is in DA, i will vote DA. by TerenceD on May 22 2009, 16:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sigh Helen writes an insightful, thought provoking article on important issues facing SA on the ignorance of the population on basic healthcare issues, based on research from one of the country's leading universities, and the first to respond is a moron like . .more Helly who doesn't believe the research even when it is spoon fed in baby sizes. Therein lies the problem. Sheer ignorance amongst the population that the ruling party does nothing to rectify. "Do you think we are kids" asks Helly. Yes actually, you argue like you are about 4. I await with bated breath for an equally literate thought provoking piece from the ANC on the issues raised. In the arena of Gender issues, one Zille can achieve more than 20 ANC gender activists. As bob says, keep up the good work girl, that's why your party increased it's vote by 50%, because you are one of the most impressive politicians presently in the world today and during these uncertain times we are hugely privileged to have you working for us here in South Africa. An article like this gains you the respect that you deserve. For those Zuma fans who have hysterically been ordering everyone to respect him this last week, please watch and learn. . .less by Sad days on May 22 2009, 16:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Helly The man at the realm definitely thought that by taking a shower he could prevent contracting the virus by Green Boot on May 22 2009, 16:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Do keep up Zique All the answers you require from Zille about the cabinet were given in the Sunday Times Chris Barron question / answer column 6 days ago - with that out of the way, most of us have since moved on. Do keep up lad, there's no room here for stragglers. by Sad days on May 22 2009, 16:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Ken - Its not only about gender! equality or equity to me makes no difference!!! Its a matter of responding to the critics in an acceptable manner, not to avoid the question by pointing fingers!!! I for one was not bothered by the lack of females but more by the lack of . .more representation of the demographics in the cabinet! It states that there are no capable persons of colour in the DA in the WC, whereas the DA is supposed to attract the more intelligent middle class that want change from ANC and don't as such trust COPE! If I get you right Ken there are no competent black people in the DA (well in the WC in this regard!) this is my point of contention.This is what will keep the majority away from a party that could be key to the progress of the country! I don't believe that there was enough research in picking her winning team. (They may still succeed in the WC but it reflects badly on the party as a whole!!!!) . .less by Zique on May 22 2009, 16:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Sad days! The article here says "Zille answers her critics"...I'm not expecting to read an article written by a biased news paper in order to get answers out of Zille whereas the title of this article says that she does! Yes there is no room for stragglers in . .more any business.....then, from your statement, all the women and black individuals in the DA are stragglers. This is the mentality that will eventually bring the downfall of the DA - looking down on the opposite gender and the opposite race will stiffle progress immensly! The attitude that white people have in this entire affair has brought pain to my heart! . .less by Zique on May 22 2009, 17:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

what a trooper man, i love helen zille. not because she is white. not because she leads the da. not because she is a woman. not because she is the same height as me. not because she is christian. but because she values rationality. true, it may not be the best way to . .more convince most south africans, but it's the best way to convince me. helen, you biscuit. . .less by gph on May 22 2009, 17:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

leadership The importance of leaders being suitable and indeed inspiring role models for the people they serve can not be understated. Its a fact of life. A leader is a celebrity. A leader, like a celebrity, stimulates adoration in some, and hatred in others. . .more Either extreme produces results whereby the observer's behavior is altered , and that impacts on our collective society for the good, or for the bad. I have worked daily in the townships for nearly 10 years. My partner throughout this period is from the townships. She is aghast at Zuma as a role model, for his sexual proclivities and how this affects the sexual awareness of growing children. As a librarian who developed a program to work with children after school, and who discusses anything they wish to discuss, she is convinced that their president's factual behavior has influenced them. She is angry that all the 'players', and those who look up to them thinking them 'cool', are now rationalizing their cavalier approach to multiple partners, and that showers are protective. Its actually a disaster Helen, and growing, as the report your referred to implied. On another matter, the best improvement to education in this country would be for schools hours to run to 4.30, with additional studies and supervised homework taking place during these extended hours. . .less by sirjay jonson on May 22 2009, 17:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

you've got to be kidding me zique 'The attitude that white people have in this entire affair has brought pain to my heart!' for goodness sake, to paint this entire debacle as the mess of white peoples' attitudes is frankly ridiculous. the fact that you say this demonstrates, and the fact . .more that you clearly are not white, contradicts what you say. not to mention the very obvious fact that heaps and heaps of black people have been as responsible in harbouring offensive attitudes. seriously, wake the f*** up. . .less by wtf? on May 22 2009, 17:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

beyond reason @ Zique.....if you refuse to be reasonable and deal with the facts, then lets put it another way....neither the DA or its supporters are under any obligatiopn to explain themselves to you. They have tried and you refuse to listen because you do not like . .more what you hear . .less by amused on May 22 2009, 17:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

It's their responsibility to take criticism It is any leaders resposibility to take criticism, in fact western leaders expect it before it is given, not that they are perfect. Objective criticism is a good thing but the clique of political leaders here in SA are too scared to give criticism. YOU GO . .more BABY ! . .less by Basil on May 22 2009, 19:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Jeez Helly You really must the most stupid person that ever blogged on Moneyweb. Zuma believes showers prevent AIDS. If that wasn't dumb enough by itself, he compounded it by thinking it was OK to say so in the Public Forum of a Court for the whole world to . .more listen to, and that it would not bring scorn apon himself by millions. And he was the Leader of the Moral Regeneration Program!! When I think about these things, and your bizarre comments, I think I must be in a middle of a confused dream, or flat out drunk. What's wrong with Black people like you - do you all want to die before your time? . .less by Andy on May 23 2009, 04:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stop digging The people who you could possibly convince, are on your side. Those you can't, don't hear anything. Let Zapiro do this stuff for you. by Richard on May 23 2009, 12:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Lack of respect Although Zuma made mistakes, Zille and the general white population has no RESPECT for the general black population. This is totally against natural law of interaction and you'll all regret this someday. Just like Apartheid wasn't fair, it was . .more never gonna survive. Its important for everyone to observe the natural principles of interaction, i.e honesty, fairness, respect, integrity, etc. . .less by TTP on May 23 2009, 20:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Helen Z Rocks! Cape Town is the best city in Africa because of you and the DA! If only people could see how beautiful cape town is then they'd see the light.. I'll always be DA! by The Man on May 24 2009, 15:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

what are you talking about zique Half of the top 12 in the western cape cabinet are non white whilst only one or two people in the remaining ANC provincial cabinets are non black. According to demographics they should have had 5 white males - they had none. I reckon a party really must . .more get its own house in order before throwing around accusations. In the DA shadow cabinet half the people are women. Many of the DA's leading MPs are women. The leader of the DA is a women - something the ANC have never managed. Almost half the CT mayor's committee are women. Helen chose the most qualified people for the tasks at hand. They happened to be all men. So what ? This will inevitably happen at times when you don't hire based on quotas. This whole attack is an ANC smear because they hate to lose. Move on man. If you want to be morally outraged, however, try this on for size. A political party that is always harping on about the 'poorest of the poor' sees no problem spending tax payers money importing 3000 bottles of French Champagne, costing over R1000 a bottle, to celebrate their win. . .less by sad days on May 24 2009, 20:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

French champagne and sour grapes May be this was a leftover kick back from the Arms Deal - More likely it was a case of sour ANC grapes because they lost the Western Cape. Either way - SARS did not profit! by Mayday on May 24 2009, 21:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@TTP honesty, fairness, respect, integrity is not something that is too evident in ANC politics and its people, the general black population. Have you ever stopped to wonder why white people don't respect the general black population? We judge you according . .more to our principles and our values and our culture. Neither do black people respect the general white population, and that is obviously because you judge us according to your principles, your values and your culture. Never the twain shall meet and there lies the problem, the cause of the racism in this country. Respect is something that must be earned from respectable people. The mob does not require respect, if they did, the ANC would no longer exist. . .less by Sojourner on May 25 2009, 08:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC's concern for the poor ???? "If you want to be morally outraged, however, try this on for size. A political party that is always harping on about the 'poorest of the poor' sees no problem spending tax payers money importing 3000 bottles of French Champagne, costing over R1000 a . .more bottle, to celebrate their win." Come on ANC and your supporters, justify that. . .less by Nic on May 25 2009, 08:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC vs DA (@ sad days) As much as I could get emotional and be biased about the chanting of most DA supporters it will not help the argument. Thank you for enlightening me on the formation of the DA - that is what was needed from the onset. I don't have any proof of . .more what you have said but the breakdown looks good. Again I'm not too bothered about the gender formation, I'm more bothered with the demographics! As a lot of you will say This Is Africa (TIA) you need to be sensitive with the background of the current working class. We come from a situation where white people oppressed black people stating that we (yes I'm black) are worth nothing and only good as manual laborers and should be separated from "the general public". Fast forward to 2009 and a statement flying in the same manner is thrown in our faces....now you think how these people will feel, will they truly support the DA? DA may do wonders for the economy and the country but I think that you need a proper strategist to deal with RSA, this is not the west: TIA . .less by Zique on May 25 2009, 09:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Nic I fail to justify something that has no proof attached to it. If by some way you have hard evidence of this then I can truly say that was stupid....but then again TIA. It is common place for parties to celebrate victory all across the world, the . .more budget for such victory parties must always be provided for. As you put it they spent R3M only on champagne for the party which seems very sensationalised to prove your point! Could it not be possible that they bought 2500 sparkling wine bottles and 500 champagne bottles? All in all this statement needs to be justified with evidence, don't take things on face value or you might as well be making an a** of u & me!! . .less by Zique on May 25 2009, 10:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

zille figures, seems like most of the people who responded here iare white. That is why i would never vote for that idiot Zille. Shes just a loud mouth. Funny how its you whites who got us in each and every mess that you can think off from global warming to all . .more this crime that is going on, but you are so high and mighty that you push the buck to someone else. You are just P*******. Read your history, every country that you ever went to is still trying to recover from your selfish ways. Bet if you were not around everyone would have been happier. Not civilized yes, but happier and there wouldnt be all this mess we have today. . .less by xx on May 25 2009, 11:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Good Luck people I just love the way you people think and I have a clear mind and i know how u think about blacks.Until you change your way of thinking about a black person.You will always have stress and worry about everything.Sure DA won WC,its great but Remember Fact . .more you will never rule SA again.Finished and Klaar.Hold on to WC cause its a last place you can rule and not forever.Those coloured who voted you to power will come to their senses soon and you will kiss WC goodbye. . .less by Tass on May 25 2009, 11:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sources of information My sources are the mainstream media. The US Presidential inauguration used a SA wine costing R95. The SA inauguration used Don Perignon, a top French Champagne that retails for R1700. Let's assume R1000 wholesale. The quantity, . .more according to one media report, was 3000. I see it was also drunk at Zuma's daughter's recent 27th birthday party which also cost R400,000. A SA Presidents income after tax is about R800,000. Our present SA President is also paying back a R4m loan from Shaik. Zuma's whole inaugural party cost R 75 million. Zille's celebration party was a finger lunch costing R50,000. Equivalent to a mere 30 bottles of Don Perignon. Certainly makes one think. . .less by Sad days on May 25 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

No contest As much as the ANC may try to belittle and insult Helen and the DA, there is no question that their style of administration works ...... Cape Town, under DA administration, is a jewel. The rest of South Africa's cities, under ANC administration, . .more are stinking sewers. . .less by Reitz on May 25 2009, 12:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Clear Thinking Helen Zille speaks the truth - no fear no favour. Keep at it Helen and keep your courage amid all the bad language and ill will thrown at you by misled and unthinking people. I am filled with admiration and respect. More and more people will come to your . .more support. . .less by Johnny Ace on May 25 2009, 12:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

zique and xx zique you have made a good point, and you nhave had the grace to acknowledge that. Thank you. Yes, evidence was needed, and when you received it, it was persuasive. That is the kind of discussion we need. However, too many whites fool themselves . .more that they are being rational when in fact they are just being verbose. They confuse good grammar and spelling with good thinking. That makes them feel superior, conveniently forgetting that many of the black correspondents are actually writing in a second or third language, often employing the logic embodied in that language. The whites should try discussing this in Xhosa or Tswana. xx also makes a reasonable point. Whites have unconsciously carried out havoc across the planet; mainly because of the Enlightment (so-called) type of thinking that puts the rational and possible above the good. They alos have a fatal flaw in that they are full of emotions; but do not understand real feelings, and are unbelievably short on empathy. Do you know that some senior folk in the "multi-racial" DA still think it is OK to refer to non-whites as darkies? How foolish is that! . .less by john kalala on May 25 2009, 12:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@zique Zique, you must be pretty slow..... Zille's defence to her critics was instant and spot on : WE DO EQUITY, WE DON"T DO QUOTAS! How could you have missed that? Whenever the "best" of anything is picked by those the ANC does not like, . .more and the result does not match the demographics of the population, the ANC cries "FOUL!" "Racist" if here is a disparity in racial demographics, and "Sexist" if there is a disparity in gender demographics. We've become so used to this in sports teams with "too many" whites; and now we will have to get used to it in opposition politics when there are "too many" males. Putting up with ANC-type stupidity is boring! . .less by mpho on May 25 2009, 13:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JVR Will somebody out there please comb JVR's back? by mpho on May 25 2009, 13:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ mpho I am without words for you!! by Zique on May 25 2009, 14:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Mpho I am without words for you!!! by Zique on May 25 2009, 14:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Mpho I am without words for you!!! by Zique on May 25 2009, 14:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why be a statistic??? I agree with Helen, as a women, there are far more bigger things to worry about, why does the ANC want me to be a gender statistic??? I am a woman and if I correct for the position then I deserve it, if I am not then I should not get it. I AM NOT A . .more STATISTIC, I AM A PERSON!!!! Thank you Helen Zille, thank you everything you do for us. Thank you for keeping it real. . .less by Dee on May 25 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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