Press release: Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) deplored by Sowetan frontpage article of 15 August 2011, calls for gender education of journalists
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) strongly condemns the photographic images used in the article "The fifteen minute bonking that ruined officers' lives" on the page one and two of 15 August 2011 edition of Sowetan newspaper (see report). While we understand the importance of keeping a watchdog role on the public service as the Sowetan claims this article does, it is deplorable that Sowetan would stoop to this level to fulfill and in so doing subvert that role.
In a country where gender equality is overshadowed by rampant abuse against women to have a front page such as this one is absolutely shocking. Even more so, when one considers how we as a country have been fighting a battle against the sexual misuse of mobile technology, it is sickening that millions of South African homes - homes with innocent children - have been exposed to these images.
These images are so personal and so explicit that to use them in a public space, especially in the consumer media, is bordering on the propogation of pornography. It is sad that a newspaper with the history and social position of Sowetan would stoop so low. The Sowetan clearly is abusing or simply doesn't understand the role of the media in society, especially when it makes use of explicit sex to sell newspapers.
Even more so, in a country where media regulation is currently being debated, Sowetan's actions do little to strengthen the free media's debate. The CGE hereby calls for a public apology from Sowetan. We also recommend that your journalists and editors attend gender sensitivity workshops. The CGE is happy to facilitate this. We are sure that the Department of Correctional Services and the South African Police Service are capable of addressing the individuals involved internally.
Statement issued by the Commission for Gender Equality, August 15 2011
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