WESTERFORD HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER THE FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER OF WESTERFORD HIGH SCHOOL Issue 10 ( August 2021)

Mr Brookbanks and Rae Human (Impact organiser for ‘Murder in ’) providing an introductory profile on the person of Dulcie September before the screening of the documentary to our Grade 12s. Dulcie September - Murder in Paris Over the course of last week, the Matric’s were lucky enough to be able to take part in the viewing of a new documentary that focused on Dulcie September and her assassination, entitled Murder in Paris. The students gathered in the Noel Taylor Hall where Mr Brookbanks gave a short history of September before handing over to the producer of the documentary. On the stage a large display had been set up, which told the story of September in letters and photographs.

The documentary was excellently done, bringing to light issues which had previously been brushed under the carpet. Some of these issues included the South African and French governments’ roles in September’s murder, due to her alleged investigation into the Arms trade between the two countries.

The story is told by the voices of those who lived through the experience, friends and allies of hers in Paris and , family members, and the journalist for whom September’s murder has become somewhat of an obsession. These voices explain how the facts of the case were muddled by authorities and how the authorities seemed to want the case forgotten as soon as it was opened.

The point, however, which was reiterated most frequently, was that one should not be asking ‘who’ killed September, but rather ‘why’.

Why would anyone kill the ANC representative to France? What had she uncovered which was worth the potential scandal of an extrajudicial killing to keep quiet? Was she involved in investigating something which still impacts our lives today?

The documentary does its best to answer such questions, however it is difficult to do so without any firm evidence. It is easy to speculate who had motive and means, to form theories and stories. However, without hard proof, it is impossible to say exactly what happened and how September came to be targeted and murdered.

Once the fog of mystery which surrounds September’s death clears, one thing is left which cannot be doubted or disputed. There is one piece of information which is undeniable. Dulcie September is an example of an incredibly powerful woman. She did what she knew to be right, and stood firm in her convictions, no matter what the consequences.

History, the majority of the time, is told by the voices of men. It is time that the world starts listening, really listening, to what women have to say.

Thank you to Mr Brookbanks for organising the documentary screening for the matrics, it was a powerful experience.

Written by Kiana Christodoulides Dulcie Evonne September

Dulcie Evonne September was born the second daughter to Jakobus and Susan September on the 20th of August 1935 in Athlone. September began her schooling at the Klipfontein Methodist Mission and then went on to attend Athlone High School. Over the years, September had developed a keen interest in political activism and it was vital to her that she do something meaningful with her life. With this in mind, she enrolled at the Wesley Training School in Salt River to pursue a teacher’s diploma. After completing her studies in 1955, September went on to teach at City Mission School in Maitland and then went on to teach at Bridgetown East Primary School in Athlone. In 1957, September became a member of the Cape Peninsula Students' Union (CPSU), an affiliate of the Unity Movement of South Africa. CPSU aimed to overcome racial divisions and forge solidarity among students of different cultural backgrounds.

September then went on to join the African Peoples Democratic Union of Southern Africa (APDUSA) and Yu Chi Chan Club, a militant study group which was replaced by the National Liberation Front (NLF). During the time period that she was engaged in activities for the NLF, September’s home was raided in the early hours of the morning and she was arrested and detained (without trial) at Roeland Street Prison on 7 October 1963. September was then charged under the Criminal Procedure Act, with the main charge being "conspiracy to commit acts of sabotage, and incite acts of politically motivated violence".

September was sentenced to five years imprisonment and after being released in 1969, she was placed under a five year banning order. This meant that she could not engage in any political activity or continue to teach. As her banning order reached its conclusion, September applied for a permanent departure permit as she had secured a position at the Madeley College of Education in Staffordshire. In London, September became heavily involved in the Anti- Movement where she helped to organise many political rallies and demonstrations. She then gave up her job as a teacher and joined the staff of the International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa, before joining the full time staff of the Woman’s League of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1976. September was an integral part of the freedom struggle and by the end of 1983 she was appointed ANC Chief Representative in France, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Along with her new appointment, September underwent a short military training course in the Soviet Union.

September then moved to Paris where one of her main duties was to grow support within France for the Anti-Apartheid Movement, as it was France which supplied the apartheid government with a large proportion of its military aircraft and naval aircraft.

By the mid-1980s, September was aware of a growing aggression in the Apartheid Government’s military actions against ANC external missions. She was sure that she was under surveillance, that her telephone was tapped and that unknown agents had gained access to her office. September approached the French police for protection, after her death the French Minister of Police disputed claims that September was refused protection.

September was assassinated outside the ANC's Paris office on 29 March 1988. She was 53 at the time of her murder.

Written by Kiana Christodoulides AN ODE TO WOMEN, IN ALL THEIR GLORY written by Anna McClellan

Without further ado and with no introductory, self-indulgent paragraph needed. Here are: Queer women in history who deserve to take up space this month and, frankly, should reign every space for the rest of time.

Sylvia Rivera

She was one of the first women to throw a bottle at the Stonewall Inn raid in 1969. If Stonewall is a term that is new to your ears, I implore you to take it up with our history department. Riveera was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. She was a pioneer of transgender rights. Her most notable quote was: “Hell hath no fury like a drag queen scorned.”

Edythe Eyde

A journalist in the ‘40s who founded Vice Versa, the first lesbian publication in the US. She made copies of the paper using carbon paper, but was only successful in distributing nine of these copies. She then joined the lesbian organisation “Daughters of Bilitus” and continued to distribute illegal publications.

Gladys Bentley A blues singer who performed in Harlem from the age of 16. In the 1930s she moved to Los Angeles where she continued to perform in gay clubs. She is known as one of the great talents of the Harlem Renaissance and is quoted as saying: “From the time I can remember anything, I never wanted a man to touch me.”

These are three of countless people who should dominate our space this Women’s month.

Linked below is a resource to find out more about formidable women in history. Please also consider the lack of education and knowledge around queer history in our schools’ history curriculum, and perhaps use this as motive to make a change. https://www.advocate.com/women/2017/10/03/20-game-changing-queer-women-history WOMEN IN PLUMBING written by Anna Mclellan

This Women’s Day, I attended a “Women in Plumbing” event. I had the privilege of experiencing and interacting with exceptional, unrecognised people aiming to eradicate gender inequality.

The JL Zwane Centre as well as Cobra Assist set up this event which aimed to teach women how to do basic, everyday plumbing. This included keynote addresses from women in plumbing. It may sound like a small moment, but the ripple effect is immense. Not only does it encourage the inclusion of women in male-dominated fields, but it also allows women to create their own income and businesses.

The “Women in Plumbing” initiative is tackling gender equality from a systemic viewpoint. It is the opposite of performance activism. It aims at incorporating gender equality into trade. As well as this, it enables feminist thought to be in the corporate, governmental, and civil service sectors, which is an achievement of note.

I was fortunate enough to speak to Nokubonga Mepeni who runs the JL Zwane Women’s Plumbing Project and is largely responsible for the event. When I asked what she wanted out of the day, she replied that her aim was “to equip the women of our communities and to cut the narrative that men only do plumbing.” She reminded me of the importance of self-sufficiency, and the continued narrative of relying on men. I hope she can do the same for you.

The teaching was done by two plumbers, one of which I had the pleasure of hearing talk. Lorraine Mooi is the director of “Women in Plumbing” and described her profession as “her first love.” As well as equipping women in this sector, her organisation is actively trying to end sexual harassment in the workplace. Mooi spoke about how women who have been assaulted are overlooked in trade- based jobs specifically, because they are a minority.

It is so good to be reminded that gender inequality exists outside of our own experiences. Feminism is more than commercialised catch phrases. It’s important to be reminded that gender inequality is structuralized and that it affects many in our population in their income endeavours. There was so much to be learnt and absorbed, but perhaps most important of all to learn and absorb is: not to be diminished by the insidious forms of gender inequality in our systems. Instead, we should take comfort in initiatives like this which are unequivocally necessary.

Women in Plumbing is about the elevation of all women in the plumbing sector. We are advocating that being a plumber and working in the plumbing sector is a viable career for females. We are here to address the concerns and challenges of women in plumbing Women's Day assembly speech Thatho Koyana and Grace Bagula

The 9th of August is a day for South Africans to celebrate the approximately 20 000 w itomen that had the courage to March to the union buildings in 1956 to oppose the extension of pass laws to black women during apartheid. As we use not only the 9th of August, but August as a whole, to acknowledge Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, Sophia Williams- De Bruyn and the women they led to protest-for their bravery-we should also use this month to celebrate the bravery of the women we have in our lives today.

From the women that marched to Parliament in 2019 to our mothers, sisters and best friends-each and every one of them has spent every day of their lives trying to make this country, and the world at large, a better place.

And so in this women's month, we would like to urge each and every one of you to not only acknowledge the phenomenal women in your lives, but also see what you can do to help them in making this country a better place for both them and future generations of women. Wathinta abafazi wathinta ibhokoto

PLEASE COME AND DONATE BLOOD TOMORROW 12 AUGUST! The blood drive will happen during the school day and will be open to pupils and staff members over 16 (no parents or outsiders due to Covid regulations).