Significant Sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women's Coalition

Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition by Mary Kleinenberg

here is something disquietly democracy. Sheila Meintjes highlighted “ undemocratic about the the prevailing general attitude that Tcoming together of women,”1 “women’s concerns were considered – a derisive statement made by Martin to be in the realm of the ‘private’ while Williams, the managing editor of public matters were the concern of men; The Natal Witness, shortly after the black women having been subjected to formation of the Women’s National the triple oppression of class, race and Coalition in 1992. Williams’ opinions sex,”2 a view entrenched by comments on this topic revealed considerable like those of Williams. ignorance: he appeared to lack the The Women’s National Coalition understanding that the reasons for (WNC), an initiative of African National women organising separately from Congress (ANC) women, was formed men were based on experience. in April 1992 as a temporary body to Oppressed groups, including women, develop, empower, and educate women, have traditionally separated from with a specific aim of developing and their oppressors in order to develop promoting a Women’s Charter. For this their own strengths and independence. purpose it supported, informed and Furthermore, his assertion that such mobilized women’s organisations and actions are undemocratic showed carried out further research on women’s that he had a problem understanding needs.3

The national WNC campaign was The exclusion of women from the designed to CODESA process is both a symbol of our present society and a grim raise the general level of understand warning of the future. They will talk ing of gender issues among women non-sexism, they will not practise it. and men; to stimulate women of all The air around us is thick with talk backgrounds and interest groups to of change, or the end of racism and articulate their needs, concerns and apartheid, of a new era of democracy. demands for change, and to feed Is the change we are all talking about these into the constitutional processes; going to mean simply adding some to identify the central issues for a black men where white men sat charter of women’s equality and before?7 to assist in the formulation of this charter; to empower women through On 19 September 1992 the Women’s these processes to begin transforming Coalition was launched in Pietermar the conditions of their lives. It was itzburg as a subsidiary of the national envisaged that data would be collected from diverse sources, analysed, group. A wide and diverse group of publicised in a number of forms, and organisations was represented at this widely disseminated, especially by launch: the feminist journal Agenda, report-backs to the women involved. ANC Women’s League, Black Sash, Finally the women’s charter would Congress of South African Trade Un link to the overall constitution-making ions (Cosatu), Islamic Women’s Or 4 processes. ganisation, Progressive Primary Health The formation of the WNC happened Care Network (PPHC),8 South African at a time when the ANC and the Na Domestic Workers Union (SADWU),9 tional Party (NP) had begun serious South African Communist Party, and negotiations at the Convention for a Women for Peaceful Change Now. The Democratic South Africa (CODESA) meeting was chaired by Miranda Ngcu talks. These parties were led by two lu, and minutes were taken by Bathabile men, Cyril Ramaphosa from the ANC Dlamini, a member of the ANC, cur and Roelf Meyer from the NP. Among rently the Minister of Social Develop the teams of men discussing the future ment, and in 2015 elected chairperson of South Africa there were two ANC of the ANC Women’s League. women “advisers” with no speaking Before proceedings began Ngculu rights,5 giving them little power to outlined the purpose of the Coalition, alter the course of discussions. In this emphasising that it would attempt to patriarchal enclave it was assumed unite women previously divided by that women were not a necessary part their race, political affiliations, organ of the negotiations, but many women, isational beliefs, cultures and languages. from all political parties, objected to She pointed out that as a constitutional this. It became very clear that if women document the Women’s Charter would wanted to be heard they had to make help to solve and remove some of the a concerted effort to organise, and the problems faced by women.10 WNC gave them the opportunity to It was agreed that the organisations unite and articulate what they wanted to present would consult as many women establish in a democratic South Africa. as possible to find out what women Frene Ginwala6 expressed the problem wanted to see in the Charter. Some clearly in her first speech as convener: themes for future meetings were put

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition forward. These included how law, the understanding of our rights as human economy and violence currently affect beings. The Charter will not only women in the KwaZulu-Natal prov draw up demands but change South Africa towards a non-racist, non-sexist ince. It was established that workshops democracy in which people’s worth as would be arranged to attempt to educate people is paramount. women, induce tolerance, and unite and Workshops are meeting places at integrate different groups.11 which we can talk openly and honestly A regional committee was elect about our problems, and decide what ed: co-chairs: Emily Ntuli and Else solutions we want. If we are able Schreiner; secretary: Miranda Ngculu; to be honest with each other, and patient, we will be adding valuable treasurer: Penny Haswell; convener of research from our region to the results workshops: Fiona Bulman, Nomusa of fieldworkers and the work of other Cembi, and Veronica Mesatywa. There regions.14 was a general feeling of excitement and many offers were made to help with The October 1992 general meeting of workshops.12 the MWC, held at Tembalethu, recorded In April 1992 when the options of that COSATU had withdrawn from the how to use and take forward a Women’s Coalition nationally, which meant that Charter were discussed there was gen one of the MWC conveners would have eral consensus that its main purpose to be replaced. Bathabile Dlamini and 15 would be to push for changes to existing Michelle Rall were suggested. laws that were oppressive to women.13 An example of how the Midlands After a national workshop, attended by Women’s Coalition worked is clear Else Schreiner, Mary Thrash and Miran from the first workshop, which fo da Ngculu from Pietermaritzburg, they cussed on women in the economy with brought back the following ideas which an emphasis on domestic service. This were received with great enthusiasm: took place on 28 November 1992 at the Colenso Hall, Cathedral of the Holy We need to deepen our level of Nativity. A group from the University of tolerance for each other’s different points of view, customs and beliefs, Natal presented a play, largely focussing and to try to find out what makes us on domestic work, after which there was the same while acknowledging what some discussion on how the play made makes us different, learning how everyone feel. A talk on employment each of us has grown up, our lives, from the employers’ perspective was what makes us laugh and cry. This given by the Federation of Women’s is a process of learning and teaching Institutes followed by a domestic – we all have something to learn and something to teach. workers’ perspective. Lastly, the AIDS In our groups, we need to understand Training Information and Counselling our needs, fears and hopes. How can Centre (ATICC) presented their views we get a fair deal? Can this be done on women in the home, and HIV Aids. by drawing up a Women’s Charter? The evaluation of the workshop by the We need to go out and “work” 67 participants produced a range of in communities around us, making women and men aware of the problems responses showing that some women that women face, making women and were politically experienced, while oth men aware of how women have been ers were not. It was thought that there squashed and exploited, and create an were too many inputs, and translation,

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition while valuable, was very time consum the violence, although some of their at ing. Some consideration was given to tempts to encourage peace had proved arranging shorter workshops with less ineffectual. Providing a space for material to cover. The request for the women to talk to each other about their next workshop to focus on women and experiences was an important function their rights in the law was accepted.16 of the Coalition. For example, Mildred The July 1993 Midlands Women’s Mdlala, a member of MWC, recounted Coalition (MWC) minutes noted that at a national conference her experience the new Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) of living through the violence with her members would be valuable to the or family in Imbali.20 Mdlala spoke about ganisation.17 By this time Rape Crisis, the enormous strain of being a UDF the Democratic Party Women’s Forum, supporter and living with the continual and the South African Students Con expectation of Inkatha vigilantes set gress (SASCO) Gender had joined, and ting fire to her house, or being caught it had been established that individuals, in the crossfire. At night no lights were not representing any organisation, were switched on so that it would appear that welcome to become members in the there was no one at home. When she Midlands.18 Women joining as individu heard shouting or gunfire on the street als felt that it helped them to put aside she bundled her children into cupboards their political differences, which were to hide them. In 1989 concerned citizens often divisive, and work together on of Pietermaritzburg formed the Imbali issues of common interest. Support Group, and volunteers spent Bringing together women from the nights with threatened families in Im ANC and IFP was considered crucial bali, hoping to deter the attacks. This because for the last eight years women was a courageous step evidenced by in this region, who were not necessar David Ntombela, an Inkatha warlord, ily part of the on-going violence, had warning whites and Indians squatting in suffered through it. According to John Imbali to get out or he would be forced Aitchison, who ran an Unrest Moni to take the law into his own hands.21 The toring Project in the Centre for Adult research conducted by Anne Truluck Education at the University of Natal, (Harley) for the Natal Midlands Black the conflict between Inkatha and the Sash, which culminated in the book No United Democratic Front (UDF) started Blood on our Hands, provided empiri in Durban in 1983, and soon spread to cal evidence of the fairly obvious, but the Midlands. “The UDF was formed in before this undocumented, fact that opposition to government proposals for Inkatha had been aided by the security a new tricameral parliament that would forces, which made the government constitutionally enshrine the exclusion complicit in fuelling the violence.22 of Africans from the government of Numerous examples of the appeals South Africa.”19 The MWC thought to the police that women made during that more research was needed on the the political violence are recorded. In impact this violence had on women, 1988 when the police engaged in a and the results should be made public. mass round-up of youths in Ashdown It was hoped that it might be possible and Sobantu, women from Ashdown to define what disempowering factors and Imbali appealed for police and prevented women from helping to end kitskonstabels to be withdrawn from

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition the area. These kitskonstabels were tear gas, and demanded that the women South African Police special constables disperse. At the same time some Black popularly nicknamed kitskonstabels Sash women and supporters, who had (instant constables) who were thought been invited to participate in the march, to favour Inkatha. Then, during grow were arrested and taken to Plessislaer ing violence in Imbali a sixteen-women Police Station, blamed for instigating delegation approached the Progressive the women’s protest.25 Federal Party to complain about the Fidela Fouché, a member of the Natal uncontrolled behaviour of the kitskon Midlands Black Sash, argued that while stabels, and to request the redeployment there were women calling for peace, and of the army. In Hammarsdale there were there were many incidents of attacks on more protests against kitskonstabels women, including rape, women were and five hundred women signed a peti not only victims of the conflict but also tion for their removal. Again, in May agents of co-operation in the violence, of that year women in Mpumalanga using their significant power to further and Georgedale protested to police the dynamics of the tensions. Fouché about kitskonstabels.23 It was amaz believed that as well as protecting ing that a thirty-strong delegation of relatives in hiding and caring for the women went to the Loop Street police injured, some women had been seen station begging for protection the day cheering and ululating to encourage before a large-scale Inkatha attack on their men to join the battle.26 Slangspruit.24 On 29 March 1990, the Some idea of the volume and diver women’s march in Edendale to protest sity of MWC work can be gained from against police partisanship and violence the July 1993 minutes where tasks were ended when the riot squad blocked the set out for the next few months. In July, road, threatened to use firearms and Ann Skelton would set up a table at the

Women’s march 29 March 1990

Capital Centre, outside Pick ’n Pay to the control of patriarchal structures, it publicise the legal status that the new promised to be a very new and possi constitution would give to women, bly extremely intimidating experience. and talk to women about their legal They repeatedly told the organisers that problems. In August Tessa Cousins and their husbands, fathers, sons and chiefs Mary Kleinenberg planned to facilitate would know how they had voted. One a discussion on women and land re of the ways to convince them that their sources. In September, in conjunction vote was secret was to hold a mock with the Peace Accord, women would election. Everyone at the workshop be invited to submit names of all women voted for fictitious parties. This was and children who had been killed and followed by counting the votes. Having these names would be read out alpha established who had won the “election” betically at a memorial meeting. In all participants were asked to identify October, women and health would be their own vote. There was a great deal a focus for a workshop, while in No of merriment when it was found that vember the focus would be on sexual this was impossible, and they became harassment. Jabu Bhengu continued to excited and more confident about the organise literacy training on Saturdays electoral process. at Thembalethu, so popular and well Significant work in the MWC was to attended that she asked for more vol explain the role of local government. At unteers to assist with this task.27 a general meeting in October 1994 Ann Along with the variety of work Grayson explained that under apartheid shops, it was considered a priority to the Pietermaritzburg local government conduct voter education, especially voters roll contained approximately in rural areas, and two training work 50 000 names which would increase shops with the Independent Monitoring to about 300 000 before the local elec Programme for South Africa (IMPSA) tions could take place in October 1995. were arranged for university students Lengthy discussions ensued where from rural areas on 7–8 August, and women pointed out that only urban for Black Sash women, who would areas had so far been considered, and work in and around Pietermaritzburg, tribal areas also needed to be more on 27–28 August. Both groups conduct democratic. It was proposed that train ing voter education were encouraged ing on local government issues should to ask women what they considered take place to ensure that women could to be important needs and problems.28 be elected, and potential candidates Gaining access to rural women was a from the townships should be identified. complex problem due to the violence Those identified for local government and the restrictions placed on venues skills training were Anne Harley, Mak by political parties. hosi Khoza, Mildred Madlala, Nana On 7 August 1993 a voter education Mnandi, Karuna Mohan, Nazeema workshop, among many others, was Oboo, and Denyse Webbstock. 30 held in Pietermaritzburg.29 To many As well as the usual monthly meet this might sound like a simple process, ings, usually held at Tembalethu, in but to these disadvantaged women who Loop Street, and attended by a mini had never voted, who were suspicious mum of 20 women, visitors sometimes of this new authority, and were used to came to Pietermaritzburg to address

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition important issues. It was women from 1994. Midlands women were advised these meetings who were involved in to choose a trusted representative who arranging and conducting the large understood the issues, because there informative workshops. The first of would be no time to report back to the two such meetings was in May 1993 group should a strong new argument when Pregs Govender,31 from the be presented which persuaded del Women’s National Coalition, came to egates to make changes to a particular Pietermaritzburg to encourage mem issue. Meintjes went on to say that it bers to continue the work on the issues was likely that the National Women’s that affect local women. She told the Coalition would cease to exist in Feb meeting that one of the purposes of the ruary after the launch. The question for coalition was to ensure gender equal Pietermariztburg was how to maintain ity in the new South Africa, and went the strong bonds that had been formed on to say that a key goal was to affect in the Midlands. It was believed that this the process of change, and ensure that work had drawn women together, and women’s voices were not lost. Gov broken through some of the apartheid- ender, full of charismatic energy, was created and political barriers, enabling warmly welcomed. She left the meet all women participants to express ing with the thought that in November opinions.33 1993 a decision would be taken about The Women’s Charter was finally whether or not to close the Women’s adopted at the national convention National Coalition once the Women’s at Kempton Park convened by the Charter had been agreed and launched Women’s National Coalition from 25 in February 1994.32 to 27 February 1994. Mary Kleinenberg The second such meeting, held late was there to witness large numbers of in 1993, was planned as a workshop exuberant women, representing their to find out what the local group had coalitions, finally gathered to agree achieved and what expectations there on the Charter and to launch it. The still were. Sheila Meintjes came to Pi atmosphere was explosive with emotion etermaritzburg when the current chair and exhilaration. Women had done their person of the NWC, Jean Ngubane, work and now in the words of Amanda was unable to attend. She reported that Botha reported in the WNC news, they the research had been completed and a “awaited the official acknowledge Charter, to which millions of women ment and recognition that they would had contributed, now existed. The have full and equal participation in the NWC and many regional coalitions, creation of a non-sexist, non-racist, like Pietermaritzburg, had conducted democratic society. Loudly and clearly research, by holding workshops in women were saying that they could no their areas, and had so contributed longer be sidelined. They claimed their to what women wanted to see in the rights – through the state and in civil Charter. She went on to say that this society – to play a rightful role to the would tell the world we are here, benefit of all.”34 women are people, and there are a lot The preamble to this Women’s Char of us. It was planned that the Women’s ter for Effective Equality is long and at Charter would finally be accepted at a times repetitious, but some of this is meeting in Johannesburg in February reproduced below. The most important

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition issue was that women were making it In August 1994, forty-six women abundantly clear that they wished to went to Durban, among whom were control their own lives, both at home Mildred Madlala and Phumelele Ntom and in society: bela, to present the Charter to the Pre mier, Frank Mdlalose.35 As women, citizens of South Africa, Some tension was articulated at a we are here to claim our rights. We committee meeting when Madlala re want recognition and respect for the work we do in the home, in the ported that she had attended an ANC workplace and in the community. We Women’s League meeting in Pieter claim full and equal participation in maritzburg where Bathabile Dlamini the creation of a non-sexist, non-racist and Ntombi Hlophe urged members society. to cut their ties with the local coalition We cannot march on one leg or clap because it was run by “whites” who with one hand. South Africa is poorer had no real conception of the hardships politically, economically, and socially experienced by black women. Phu for having prevented more than half of melele Ntombela and Else Schreiner its people from fully contributing to its offered to discuss the issue with vari development. ous people to help resolve the matter.36 Recognising our shared oppression, The friction was somewhat reduced, women are committed to seizing this but Dlamini no longer took part in historic moment to ensure effective Midlands Women’s Coalition activities. equality in a new South Africa. In an interview Govender agreed that For decades, patriarchy, colonialism, while the coalition had been working racism and apartheid have subordi to unite women, differences should not nated and oppressed women within be “whitewashed”. She went on to say, political, economic and social life. “Often we have been critical of each At the heart of women’s margin other, and debated until we have ended alisation is the patriarchal order that up in sterile situations. I think we must confines women to the domestic discuss our problems, but in a construc arena and reserves for men the arena tive way. We have got to do it in a way where political power and authority 37 reside. Conventionally, democracy that does not destroy.” and human rights have been defined With the launch of the Charter on and interpreted in terms of men’s ex 25 February 1994, the work of the periences. Society has been organised Midlands Women’s Coalition could no and its institutions structured for the longer be justified. However, at a well- primary benefit of men. attended meeting in Pietermaritzburg it was agreed that the organisation should The Charter goes on to list 12 Articles continue as the Midlands Women’s which include: Equality; Law and the Group (MWG), which women would administration of justice; Economy; be encouraged to join as individuals, Education and training; Development, not as representatives of organisations. infrastructure and the environment; The plan was to continue to show Social services; Political and civic commitment to women’s rights, and life; Family and partnerships; Custom, publicise the Women’s Charter while culture and religion; Violence against providing a “forum” to support women women; Health; and Media. in their endeavours. Anne Harley and

Phumelele Ntombela agreed to draw up on virginity testing and was opened a proposal to be presented at the next by a practising tester and promoter, council meeting.38 Gugu Patience Ngobese, who claimed The accepted proposal set out that that it was a valid cultural practice the Midlands Women’s Coalition would and outlined what she saw as benefits. dissolve, and the new group of indi These were: prevention of pregnancy; vidual women forming the Midlands early detection of STDs; minimising Women’s Group would begin operat the effects of Aids by encouraging ing from November 1995. This MWG girls to refrain from sex; identifying would be based in Pietermaritzburg, problems that mothers are not aware starting with their focus on the local of; empowering “maidens” to say no to government elections, encouraging sex. One of the concerned responders, women to register and vote; stand for Phumelele Ntombela, emphasised that election; monitor gender-awareness of she was not condemning virginity test candidates and demand that they com ing, but she wondered if it was relevant mit themselves to the principles laid out in today’s society. She asked what was in the Women’s Charter. “The mission being done for girls who are not virgins, of the MWG was to facilitate women’s particularly those who have been raped development and ensure that their rights or abused; because the testing is done are upheld and their achievements and in public it seemed that these girls were resources recognised”.39 made vulnerable to men who believe Staff were necessary to achieve the HIV/Aids can be cured by having sex aims of the newly formed MWG, and with a virgin. She asked whether girls the first appointed coordinator was were being humiliated by making the Ntombifuthi Ndlovu, who was ably as whole process public: does this conflict sisted by Thobekile Maphumulo,40 who with constitutional rights to privacy, and later became coordinator. A voluntary is there pressure on parents to “volun committee was set up to oversee the teer” their daughters?42 work of the organisation and to raise Those attending the meeting recom funds to keep it in operation. Two faith mended that the focus should be shifted ful donors were AusAid and the Mott from virginity testing to educating Foundation.41 parents about the need for sex educa It was not long before the MWG tion and monitoring sexual abuse. If became involved in a variety of issues, virginity testing continues it should publicising the Women’s Charter being be done by the mother in the privacy of prime importance. Among many re of the home. Boys and girls should quests, women asked for talks on child be taught about sex and their respon abuse, drug abuse, adult education, sibilities, also about AIDS and STDs. domestic violence and HIV and Aids. It was thought to be very important to These and many other issues were ad articulate the objectives of this test: why dressed over a period of twelve years is it done? The psychological factors by staff and volunteers, usually in the should be taken into account, such as form of workshops. abused girls who have no choice and A noteworthy and well-attended would feel haunted and discriminated MWG meeting took place on 12 against. Some concern was expressed March 1999. The discussion centred that the test in itself is a form of abuse.

However, Ngobese continued to argue English, Zulu, Afrikaans and Xhosa, that it could educate and enable young free of charge to women living in the women, and the response from parents iNdlovu Regional Council, also known was generally positive.43 as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Wom It appears that the recommendations en were encouraged to use the book and from this meeting were not taken seri were free to copy any part of it, but were ously, since the increasingly contro asked to acknowledge the source. After versial practice of virginity testing has a great deal of consultation in the form grown enormously in KwaZulu-Natal of workshops, the book was written and it has spread to other provinces. in language that would be understood Ngobese is still a well-known and by those who had just a few years of sought-after tester who is adamant that schooling.46 The result was a very in this is a necessary cultural practice. formative, easy to read book that was Arguably the biggest, and best bursting with the sort of information known, MWG project was its contribu that women had said they needed. Some tion to the production of The Women’s of the issues covered were marriage Handbook. The Midlands Women’s and divorce, government grants, death, Group, the Commission on Gender police, courts and legal help, health, Equality and the Centre for Adult Edu children and youth, transport, land and cation produced a guide to legal rights housing, consumer issues, violence, and resources, written for women who and women working together. All this live in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was made possible by funding from the and surrounding areas.44 The project Swedish International Development was the brainchild of, and coordinated Agency (SIDA).47 by, Harley with a reference group made The work of women in the Coalition up of Phumelele Ntombela-Nzimande, resulted in a Women’s Charter, an im who was now deputy chairperson of the pressive document setting out not only Commission on Gender Equality; John what women want, but also recognis Aitchison, director of the Centre for ing and explaining their human rights. Adult Education; Ashnie Padarath, re Millions of women were consulted, gional manager of the Pietermaritzburg and could now say “I was part of that,” Black Sash Advice Office; Makhosi making the point that although the Khoza, deputy mayor, and later chair product was important, the inclusive person of the Executive Committee of process had been critical. Although the Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi Local the Charter is not a legal document, it Council; Buhle Ally, director of the helps to close the huge gap that often Centre for Criminal Justice; and Sizani exists between those making laws and Ngubane, gender specialist at the Asso those people on the ground, by con ciation for Rural Advancement. Harley sulting such large numbers of women. was ably assisted by her team, Zamo Surely, this was democracy in action? Hlela and Lungisani Kunene from Furthermore, the role of education in the Centre for Adult Education, and encouraging women to vote should Thobekile Maphumulo, Ntombifuthi not be underestimated. The Midlands Luthuli and Nomusa Malanda from the Women’s Group continued to talk to Midlands Women’s Group.45 large groups of women about the things The handbook was made available in that they thought central to their lives,

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition making important connections. One of In summary, it is interesting to its significant contributions was the pro examine various views on the much duction of The Women’s Handbook.48 discussed topic of “sisterhood”. The The MWG closed down in March Feminist Dictionary offers a variety of 2007, by which time there was only quotes from various women to describe one employee, Nareshnee Maharaj. sisterhood. For example, Mary Daly, a With the new democratic government in feminist theologian, is quoted as say place, unfortunately both the supply of ing in 1973 that “the word sisterhood donor funds and the membership of the no longer means a mini-brotherhood, MWG were dwindling. Many non-profit but an authentic bonding of women on organisations, large and small, suffered a wide scale for our own liberation”.49 the same fate due to a lack of funds. However, other views are expressed in Donors were altering the parameters the dictionary, one by Sylvia Witts Vi of what they considered important, and tale in 1982 pointing out that the word a lot of funding was going directly to sisterhood “has different meanings for government. black and white women”. She goes on

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition to say that at a recent women’s confer “And he would know”, many men still ence she felt uncomfortable when white live in a very secure patriarchal enclave: women kept using the term “sister Next up in Equality Courts must surely hood” because she only uses this term be former Anglo American deputy to describe women of African descent. chairman Graham Boustred, who told When challenged she explained that her Business Day in an interview (that he ancestors were stolen from Africa and had requested): “Do you know why brought to America as slaves, dividing it’s difficult to find a female CEO? families who never knew where to find It’s because most women are sexually frustrated. Men are not, because they each other when “freed”. Therefore, to can fall back on call girls, and go to her, the term has very significant roots erectile dysfunction clinics. If you and she cannot call a white woman have a CEO who’s sexually frustrated, “sister”.50 she can’t act properly.”55 Opinions expressed by Fidela Fouché Even after 21 years of this new de writing in the Sash magazine seem mocracy, the subjugation of women to agree with Vitale: “Although the has unfortunately continued with very concept of sisterhood continues to be little change. This failure to improve the invoked in women’s organisations, status of women is clearly expressed by shared gender does not, as a rule, tran Songezo Zibi when he wrote: scend race and class divisions. Nor, in general, is sisterhood more seductive It is very common for politicians and than patriarchal approval.”51 She went other public figures to talk of South on to say, “To believe that women can Africa’s democratic founding vision as that of a “non-racial, non-sexist South find a common bond in their oppression Africa”. One cannot argue with the as women is, therefore, to be seriously nobility of the phrase and it remains unrealistic. They are oppressed in very an ideal all of us need to pursue with different ways.”52 vigour. The question is how much difference However, it has been my observation these initiatives have made to the lives that in many cases mere lip service of women in KwaZulu-Natal. There was is given to the ideal. Partly this is because we are not willing to confront a great deal of idealism and hope that the difficult questions that will arise “the development of the potential of all out of a project that truly emancipates our people, women and men, will enrich South Africa’s women. We hang on the whole of society”.53 Then there was to much of what keeps women in the hope that women would “deepen bondage, largely because we have their levels of tolerance for each other’s such an intimate relationship with it 56 different customs and beliefs”.54 Those through tradition or religion or both. women who were involved in this pro There is however, some sense of posi cess certainly did this, but have men, in tive and encouraging change evidenced general, acknowledged that women’s by Dean Peacock, who is engaging men rights are essentially human rights and and boys in women’s rights in a South must be recognised in order to build a African charity, Sonke Gender Justice truly egalitarian society? Network, that tackles gender violence. Judging by an odious snippet from Peacock describes the severity of vio the Sunday Times in July 2009, headed lence against women in South Africa

Natalia 46 (2016) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2016 Significant sisters: Pietermaritzburg Women’s Coalition as “off the charts”, and hopes that the in these organisations for this better work of his organisation will change future which will sustain justice and this. He says that “men stand to gain an equality for women in South Africa will enormous amount by living in a world only be achieved by actively working where gender roles are freer and less on a shared sisterhood which includes suffocating”.57 women of different races and classes in Although, through the years of its one organisation. However, this ideal existence, women in the coalition expe appears to be fast slipping away in our rienced many difficulties, often exacer present, increasingly fractured society. bated by differences of colour and class, these were confronted openly and reso notes lution was sought, perhaps not always 1 The Natal Witness, 6 May 1992, Editor’s to everyone’s satisfaction. Largely, the column. Women’s Coalition, nationally and lo 2 Sheila Meintjes, “The women’s struggle for equality during South Africa’s transition to cally, and the Midlands Women’s Group democracy”, Transformation, 30, 1996, p. 49. demonstrated that women from very 3 Alan Paton Centre (APC), PC92/4: Pieter different backgrounds are able to build maritzburg Women’s Coalition Minutes, April a shared sisterhood, and work together 1992. 4 Martha Funk-Bridgman, “Breaking the for a better future. Although a great silence”, Sash Magazine, 36 (3), Jan. 1994, deal of the work was accomplished by p. 9. volunteers, it was finally necessary to 5 Pregs Govender, Love & Courage – A Story employ some paid staff. The sadness is of Insubordination (Auckland Park, Jacana Media, 2007), p. 124. that the work did not continue when it 6 Frene Ginwala was elected to the National was no longer possible to motivate for Assembly of South Africa as a member of grants to keep small non-governmental the ANC in 1994, and became Speaker of the organisations afloat, and funding ran House of Assembly in the first democratic parliament. out. Many of those who were involved 7 Govender, Love, p. 126. in Pietermaritzburg continue to meet 8 The National Progressive Primary Health informally, and still share a passionate Care Network was set up in 1987 to promote common vision of a better future for all primary health care in South Africa. 9 This became South African Domestic Service women, and men. and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU). The gender power imbalance in South 10 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands Africa’s patriarchal society is almost Women’s Coalition minutes, Sep. 1992. certainly the most fundamental and 11 ibid. 12 ibid. all-inclusive source of injustice, so that 13 APC, PC92/4: National Circular, April 1992. unless more egalitarian structures can 14 APC, PC92/4: National Circular, February be created, our society cannot claim 1993. to be free, just and ethical. Clearly, it 15 APC, PC92/4: General meeting of Midlands Women’s Coalition, 31 Oct. 1992. is not only religious conservatism that 16 APC, PC92/4: Midlands Women’s Coalition dictates women’s subjugation, but also Workshop notes, 28 Nov. 1992. the political context where there is 17 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands much posturing, but little action, even Women’s Coalition, 24 July 1993. 18 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands in observing existing laws pertaining to Women’s Coalition, 19 Sep.1992. women and the Constitution. Educating 19 John Aitchison, Numbering the Dead: men is important, but converting the The Course and Pattern of Political Vio- ideas and vision envisaged by the sisters lence in the Natal Midlands, 1987–1989

(Pietermaritzburg, Natal Society Foundation 38 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands Trust, 2015), p. 11. Women’s Coalition, 29 July 1995. 20 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands 39 APC, PC92/4: Midlands Women’s Group Women’s Coalition, 16 March 1994. Book Mark. 21 Aitchison, Numbering, p. 40. 40 Currently Mayor of Mkhambathini. 22 Mary Kleinenberg and Christopher Merrett, 41 APC, PC92/4: Minutes Midlands Women’s Standing on Street Corners: A History of the Group Forum meeting, 10 June 1998. Natal Midlands Region of the Black Sash 42 APC, PC92/4: Minutes Midlands Women’s (Pietermaritzburg, Natal Society Foundation Group Forum meeting, 13 March 1999. Trust, 2015), p. 150. 43 ibid. 23 Aitchison, Numbering, pp. 25, 27, 28, 34. 44 Midlands Women’s Group (MWG), Com 24 Aitchison, Numbering, p. 117. mission on Gender Equality (CGE), Centre 25 Natal Witness, 30 March 1990, news report. for Adult Education (CAE), The Women’s 26 Fidela Fouché, “Women in the Natal conflict”, Handbook (Midlands Women’s Group, Com Sash Magazine, 34(2), September 1991, pp. mission on Gender Equality and Centre for 29–30. Adult Education, 1999). 27 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands 45 MWG, CGE, CAE, The Women’s Handbook, Women’s Coalition, 24 July 1993. 1999. 28 ibid. 46 ibid. 29 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands 47 ibid. Women’s Coalition, 15 May 1993. 48 ibid., p. 1. 30 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands 49 Cheris Kramarae and Paula A.Treichler, The Women’s Coalition, 8 October 1994. Feminist Dictionary (Pandora Press, 1985), 31 Pregs Govender supervised the formation of p. 421. the Women’s Charter. She was elected to the 50 Kramarae and Treichler, Dictionary, p. 422. first democratic National Assembly of South 51 Fidela Fouché, “Sisterhood”, Sash Magazine, Africa as a member of the ANC. 36(3), Jan. 1994, p. 7. 32 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands 52 Fouché, “Sisterhood”, p. 8. Women’s Coalition, 15 May 1993. 53 Women’s Charter for Effective Equality. 33 APC, PC2/4: General Midlands Women’s 54 APC, PC92/4: General Council of Midlands Coalition Workshop, minutes undated, 1993. Women’s Coalition minutes, Sept. 1992. 34 Amanda Botha, “Women for a new South 55 Sunday Times, 12 July 2009, news. Africa: The creation of the Women’s Charter”, 56 Songezo Zibi, Raising the Bar: Hope & Re- WNC News, May 1994, p. 1. newal in South Africa (johannesburg, Picador 35 APC, PC2/4: Committee Meeting Midlands Africa, 2014), p. 229. Women’s Coalition, 22 August 1994. 57 Janey Stevenson, New Internationalist, 468, 36 ibid. Dec. 2013, p. 43. 37 Funk-Bridgman, “Breaking”, p. 11.