POWA Press Statement regarding​ the Babes Wodumo video that was posted on Instagram.

POWA is aware of the video that is currently trending on social media about the “alleged” Mampintsha abuse video of Babes Wodumo. This presents the realities that most women in South Africa are experiencing on daily basis. The statistics of intimate partner violence are currently alarming and increase daily. The South Africa President on the Gender-based Violence summit that was conducted in November 2018 and the State of the Nation Address (SONA) February 2019 confirmed that the country is a crisis with regard to violence against women and girls. This necessitates that proactive measures be put in place to address the current status, this includes amongst others re-establishing the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and developing a National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence that is economically viable, time-bound with proper accountability measures and monitoring. However, it was disappointing that during the current budget speech February 2019, Minister of Finance did not allocate a budget towards the promises made during the GBV Summit and SONA to address the violence against women and girls. This, therefore, shows that there is no political will to address the status quo, and it can be taken that our government just does a lip service.
The current “alleged” Mampintsha abuse video of Babes Wodumo is one of the many cases that bring a face to the statistics of violence against women and girls. Irrespective of the fact that a lot of women still die in silence, due to the current status where women are stigmatised and not protected. Women continually live in fear of their lives even in the hands of their intimate partners.
POWA’s advice to women is not to ignore signs of abuse in relationships, report abuse, and consult for psychosocial support in order to be assisted to have the strength to go through a tedious process of the criminal justice system and exiting an abusive relationship when necessary. Whatever evidence that there may be to an alleged criminal matter like in the current matter is not enough unless a context is created by the complainant or victim to give it effect to the evidence. This also assists the criminal justice system in using the law to protect women from violence. For proper dispensation of justice, women are encouraged not to withdraw their cases, and this is possible when we utilise available psychosocial service.
POWA once again is pleading with the members of the criminal justice system to take violence against women and girls seriously, not trivialise it and apply the law to the letter to protect lives. We also recommend that the suspects in domestic violence cases should not be given bail, based on the sensitivity of domestic Violence. This does not only affect the victim but the rest of the family members, and often times the suspect when given bail usually interferes with the state witness and family members committing more offences that could have been avoided.

For Further assistance and access to psychosocial social services for support please contact POWA at​ 011 642 4345/6
Website: http://www.powa.co.za
Like us on Facebook: POWA
Follow us on Twitter: POWA_ZA
Instagram: POWA_ZA

Moving SWIFTly along!!

My three passions in life are Women, Africa, and the arts. I trained through POWA (people opposing women abuse) over 17 years ago and ever since I have been using my knowledge, expertise, and experience to create awareness on abuse and help survivors.
In 2015 I gave up acting after an unfortunate incident, which can be read here: https://city-press.news24.com/Voices/rosie-motenes-metoo-statement-20180429

After I resigned, I received an influx of private messages from actresses who had worked with the same particular producer and thanked me, as they had received the same treatment, some were fired and some succumbed to the demands. The unfortunate reality is that women have suffered for centuries by having to prove themselves, the couch audition is very real and often actresses are expected to perform sex acts just to get ahead. I worked extensively with SAGA http://www.saguidlofactors.co.za on the matter and they have really been a pillar of strength and support not only on a personal level but they have been credible in their work ethic and standpoint. In 2018 I met with the new management of the same production house who were horrified at the findings and the matter are resolved effectively and I feel satisfied as I know their sets will be safe for artists and crew to work on.

At the beginning of the year, I was alerted to a disturbing tweet regarding a fellow industry player. My blog on the matter can be found here:
https://rosiemoteneblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/18/rape-crisis-support-those-who-speak-out/

When I wrote that particular article I was concerned but also I felt guilty as many years back the accused called me a cock teaser after I got out of a very comfortable situation that he deliberately put us in. I knew that the time would be right to support the survivors as for a long time I felt that perhaps if I had ousted him then, perhaps I could have saved so many other rapes.
I then made the decision to contact SWIFT, through Sara Blecher. They assured me that they had been waiting for my call despite knowing where I was they never made the initial contact.
SWIFT- Sisters Working in Film & TV started the organization in 2016.

Charl Blignaut from City Press newspaper contacted me for an interview and I was in two minds to share my story as a few days prior I had spoken to a SWIFT representative who suggested that I do not go public. I sat on the decision and then I decided that as an activist I owed it to the other survivors and I participated in the article:
https://city-press.news24.com/News/khalo-matabane-women-speak-out-20180429

After the whole process, I realized that I had not dealt with that period effectively and reading up on the other survivor’s stories, I was triggered as I was still dealing with a separate trauma, I was raped nearly 20 years ago but never did anything about it and I purposely suppressed it. These triggers led to anxiety and elevated my fibromyalgia. A condition that I was diagnosed with after suffering from PTSD. I knew then that I would have to deal with my inner conflict and pain but I needed to gain as much support emotionally and psychologically. So I needed help and felt that SWIFT would be able to supply us with the necessary support as one of their mandates was tackling the sexual harassment in the industry. PTSD and these illnesses and triggers are very common to survivors of sexual harassment, rap, and abuse.

I began working with Aliki, Natalie, and Sara and agreed to be part of a panel at an event which was meant to be a safe space, the invite is below. My assistance to them included interviews, meetings and using my own resources, as an activist I was glad to assist.

The panel included experts from the legal fraternity ad myself.
At the event Carolyn Carew, whom I knew as a revered and professional producer stood up and read out a written testimony, pouring out her heart. I truly felt for her story and after she was done, I even said that she needed to find healing. She had stated that she did know about the allegations against Khalo Matabane and had subsequently fired him from her company and seemed to be more worried about the release of her new movie. He had directed that particular film along with a number of others. Her major concern was that she would lose a lot of money.

A few days after the event, I then met with Sara, Carolyn, and members from SAGA on working out a way forward. The meeting was held at Sara’s home. I had mentioned in the meeting that I had sent an email to the IPO (independent producers organisation) for a response on the matter and that i was waiting to hear back. I also shared some of my strategy forward, regarding our reporting and legal route. At this pont in time, I had no idea that Carolyn was in fact the chair person of the IPO and when I shared my plans she did inform me that she was the one who had received the complaint. A few days later we received a repsone from IPO and stating that Khalo was not a member, I was initially satisfied but I then I discovered that he might not have been a member but his business artner, Carolyn was the chair and had orchestrted the mail.
We managed to obtain proof of this below:

All the while I had been assisting and supporting survivors who had shared their stories publically as well as many others who did not want to reveal their identity. This is a common factor in these cases as survivors fear intimidation and in my case blacklisted as an actress, as you are seen as being diffiuclt and too opinionated. I still respect their deicon and I still believe them and I will support the to the grave.

A few months later many people questioned me as to why Carolyn had not made a public statement on the matter. It was then that I learned that she in fact was not his employer but a business partner as he was the director of her films and a director in the business and held a percentage in the production company. I was also awakened to the fact that she had orchestrated the IPO response but failed to mention it in the private meeting that was held at Sara house. This was worrying.
One of the survivors contacted Sara and asked these questions and Sara’s response was that the press release had been issued. In a private email to Sara and the survivor, I questioend this. Please read below. Please note I have omitted the last part of the email as it incuded perosnal infomtion on one of the other survivors and I shared with Sara as I believed it to be safe.

Greetings Ladies,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to write to both of you at the same time, as I believe in transparency.

Firstly, I wanted to thank both of you for your support and allowing me the platforms to push my passion and activism, the industry really needs that energy and force.

I do believe that moving forward, we need clarity on certain things so we are all on the same page. We cannot allow ourselves to become divided on this as it will dilute our fight.

With regard to the Khalo issue:

1. A few survivors will be opening cases but we are working on a few logistics and Inge and myself will share that with SWIFT when the time is right.
As per my previous mail, we wanted to know if SWIFT would stand in solidarity with us, yourself and Aliki replied, saying that the decision would be made by the board. I respect that and I will wait for that response.

2. The AGM. I believe the AGM has been moved for logistics reason. The time that it was meant to happen was 11h00 thus excluding many JHB and CT members as they would prefer to have it after hours. There will be an alternative meeting that will take place. As per my previous mail to Sara, please let me know what the agenda is, as I was planning to travel but if it is not that important then I can Skype through.

3. The Carolyn issue. This has come up on many social media streams as well as conversations that I have had with Inge. Carolyn did speak out the issue at the JHB meeting but I have not gone public on her speech as the meeting and space was a sacred one. It was a safe space for us women to unleash, share and find healing. It would be wrong and disrespectful for me to publicly make those announcements. This has then led to a number of filmmakers believing that SWIFT is protecting Carolyn and indirectly Khalo, as they are unaware that she has removed herself from Khalo. I am not sure how you plan to make this public but perhaps ask if you can make her comment public and then notify the other members that you have received that permission. This is to ensure that the other members still feel safe.

There was a response to some of the areas, but there was no mention on my response on the Khalo issue.

After continually​ asking this question I soon felt unsafe as I shared a lot of private information​ via email regarding​ our strategy, legal route etc.
I then decided to distance myself​ from Swift and the email is below, once​ again I have omitted the end part of the mail as it contains confidential information on one of the survivors and her well being.

*******************************************************************************
From: Rosie Motene
Date: Monday, August 6, 2018 at 9:23 AM
To: Aliki Saragas
Cc: Sara Blecher,​ Natalie Haarhoff
Subject: Re: distance from swift

Greetings

I hope you are all well.

I would like to inform you that from a personal standpoint I will be distancing myself from SWIFT.

I regarded this as a safe space as well as our jhb meeting. I understand your loyalty to Carolyn and her company but my concern is for the survivors.
With the IPO statement,​ Carolyn did not disclose that she had orchestrated the response. Her response at the jhb meeting was met with concern and as I told her she needed to heal. I then discovered that response was shared publicly, as a participant of the meeting, I find it concerning as we were not informed. What else was made public? Remember you declared it as a safe space.

*******************************************************************************

A few weeks after my​ email was sent I was invited to an interview on a TV show called Daily Theta. There I​ met with Zoe Ramushu who told me that she had received​d my mail and that she would respond. I was surprised at what she said as in the past few months I had never met with her and all my email and telephonic and personal corresponadne had been with Sara, Natalie and Aliki.

*******************************************************************************
Response from Zoe through the SWIFT board:
On 22 Aug 2018, at 18:48, Chiriseri Studios wrote:

Good day Rosie,

I’m so glad we met and were able to chat. As per our conversation,​ I’d just wanted to reach out formally as SWIFT to just apologize for the ways in which some of the issues around Khalo were handled.

We are so proud of the women who spoke up and started the wave of more women speaking up- we fully support and stand by them. We do believe our actions showed our support- by the statement we put out (albeit a bit slow), the event we set up, with your help, as well as engaging and facilitating connections to help the survivors who reached out to us. However, we do acknowledge that in all these actions there were some mistakes made from which we are taking our learnings from.

Essentially as I mentioned, SWIFT is an organization made up of volunteers, the majority of whose backgrounds are in film & television. If I’m absolutely transparent it varies between 5-7 of the same women depending who’s not on a project or burnt out. None of us in the team have any experience with trauma counseling or legal advising re: sexual crimes. As such we always intended to be a place people could reach out to and be connected with organizations who are trained and qualified to deal in this sensitive area- ie LHR, Lifeline, POWA partnerships.

We must acknowledge that in our haste to protect and help the victims who spoke up, we began engaging directly with them when untrained and this is potentially more damaging- but in all honesty Rosie when there is someone who has been brave enough to step up and contact you it’s difficult to tell them the technicalities such as – LHR hasn’t responded to our emails yet so please wait till they do -for example. Natural instinct is to jump in and help a fellow womxn/human.

That said we are vigorously working to put in place all our partnerships so everyone who comes forward can be helped by trained professionals. Simultaneously we are working on our policy document which will outline exactly what to expect from SWIFT in future situations so that we don’t experience a crisis of expectation, as we discussed.

In terms of a safe space being violated – this is something we are deeply sorrowful about as we have worked tirelessly over the last two years to create a safety net precisely for survivors. On this issue I couldn’t correctly articulate how the safe space was violated to the rest of the board. If you could kindly expand on how we ensure that a safe space that we create remains safe even after the event- so in future this doesn’t happen.

The board has made a decision that SWIFT will focus on the programmes we have developed around policy and strategies that structurally change the industry to make it better for womxn rather than create the expectation that we can help individual womxn through their crisis – we cannot deliver on this. We will be concentrating our efforts on the Pledge Campaign, the Code of Conduct we have developed being as widely adopted, lobbying government around these issues in partnership with CALS and SAGA as well as the Safety Officer Campaign going forward. We believe this is a critical intervention and one we can work on.

In addition to this we wil,​l continue to create partnerships and relationships with other organizations that can assist so that we can act as a referral – in terms of connecting these women to other resources that may be able to help them.

Finally,​ I really do appreciate you saying that we must clarify what exactly SWIFT offers so that all the good work we have done over the last two years does not get sidelined. We unequivocally support and stand with the victims and will continue to do so via statements and any other measures we can but we do respect your need to step back in this particular case. I’m so glad that we can work together going forward after this case is finalized and that the relationship is not lost as we value your knowledge and input and you as a person so much.

This battle has just begun and we will need each other to truly put an end to all the violence. We are so happy to have you in our corner.

Zoe Ramushu (On Behalf of the SWIFT Board)

Chiriseri Studios
********************************************************************************

My response:
On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 at 09:18, Rosie Motene wrote:

Greetings,

Thank you for the email.

I believe in transparency so I will be honest from the start. It was lovely seeing you the other day on the ​set of Daily Theta​, but I have to say I was rather surprised when you apologised for not responding to my mail. I was surprised as I had never addressed you as I was not aware that you are the spokes person. I had sent all of my emails to Aliki, Natalie, ​and Sara. I thank you for this mail and apology.

As per our conversation, my areas of concern were as follows:

1. Swift approach to the Khalo Matabane case, thank you have addressed it. I will not discuss this​ further as it is now a legal matter and I will only confide in my counsellor and lawyer.

2. Swift transparency with Carolyn Carew- I see you have not addressed this at all. At the meeting that SWIFT called, which was supposed to be a safe space for women. Carolyn opened up about her anxiety around the issue. I really felt her pain but was taken aback ​at the testimony. In our meeting at the Daily Thetaha studio, you even agreed that you were surprised by it and was not aware that she was going to speak. With that said, there was a lot of crucial information that had not been shared in her testimony. I say testimony as we were in a sacred space, created by SWIFT. She did not share that Khalo I was not an employee but actually a 33% shareholder​ in her company, she did not mention that her testimony was,​ in fact,​a statement and that it would be made public. These are also areas which were not shared with those present.
A few weeks back Ingeborg Lichtenberg included me in an email sent to Sara, addressing these iss​ues and I also responded stating that yes Carolyn spoke up about distancing her self but since it was in a safe space, it was not my permission or right to share the information. I have attached a scene grab of the email. I did not get a response on most of those facts and areas of concern. Since it was one of my major issues in our personal conversation and you have evaded it in this mail, sends major warning signs to me.

3. Regarding your set up as an organization​, as I said in original chat, perhaps you should position yourself as an organisation that can help and promote women in film, since you do not have the capacity to help women on other areas. Granted you have the contact with Lifeline and the lawyers but on request about the lawyers, I was told that you were working on the issue and waiting to get a collective group of survivors so we could have a united front. I said that I would try with a another lawyer. Since I did not get feedback from you, I have aligned with another lawyer, whom I will keep confidential, until the case goes to court. The reason for this is that one of my sources confided in me that she was aware of my plans, which means somebody on that email shared the information.

A few weeks back and as per the email sent to the other ladies, I shared that myself and Inge were going to open a case and we wanted support from SWIFT, the response was that the decision would have to come from the board. I respected that but did not receive any more feedback.

With the volunteers and people using their own time for the organisorganization​ally understand that. My activism does not bring in cash and is packaged with a lot of long hours, anxiety and trauma. It is something that not everyone can do and so do not feel bad if you cannot but my suggestion is do not pretend to do so. The activism space is a very scared and respected space. I gave off my time freely to SWIFT as I believed there was transparency, I will continue to do so with organisations that do so. The fact remains that at the second meeting that was held at Saras house, I spoke of the fact that I had called out IPO and I was waiting on a response. Once again, I was naive in believing that I was in a trusted space. Carolyn did not mention at all that she was in fact chairperson and that she would orchestrated the IPO response. I have attached that email proof.

On a personal note, I suggest that if any of your members have covered up on any sexual harassment allegations that occurred on their sets, they should come forward and acknowledge their wrongdoing​ and make an apology. I say this as there is a survivor who has claimed this and has proof, should this information go public, it could have negative implications for your brand. As I have been personally counseling​ survivors, at this point they are focusing on their healing, which I strongly advised the,. Let it be know there are many damaged souls out there, some who have tried to take their lives.

3. In response to how to engage with survivors, I respect your reply and once again as per our conversation, perhaps change your policy and let women know that you do not actually have the capacity, knowledge, ​and logistics to help women in those situations.
From POWA point of view. We had our quarterly meeting last Saturday and I presented my facts to the board and they stand with me and unfortunately we will not align ourselves with you, due to the lack of transparency and breach in safe​ space.
In response to your comment regarding safe spaces:
On this issue​,​​ I couldn’t correctly articulate how the safe space was violated to the rest of the board. If you could kindly expand on how we ensure that a safe space that we create remains safe even after the event- so in future this doesn’t happen.
As we discussed, I said that Carolyn’s testimony was never told to us that it would be shared as a press statement. This violates the aim of the safe meeting, which you had put on the invite. At the bottom of the invite it was written, NO press or recordings. That means that the information shared there would remain confidential.

In conclusion, I stand with my intention to distance myself from the organization​​n and as I stated, POWA will not be aligned either. I know that in our conversation I said that possibly in the future we could work together, unfortunately since you have managed to sideline my main concerns I can honestly say you do NOT have me in your corner. I will continue to do work with SAGA and I am sure our paths will cross but please let it be known​ that you can no longer use my name image or brand in any of your discussions, marketing etc.

In solidarity,​ I stand!!!
********************************************************************************
​​​​​
I still waited for the information​ to be shared but it was not. I then saw that SWIFT posted an additional post on Sexual HHarassment​but had not included any information on support from an NGO.

So what are my issues?

1. As Sara and Zoe have continuously stated that they are a ​bunch​ of filmmakers who are volunteering their time, they are not activists. This is despite the fact that Zoe accepted the title of an activist​t at the Joburg film festival panel discussion. I respect them as filmmakers and salute them for their accoldaes but they need to acknowledg that the sensitivity and sanctity of working with surviors are​ important and they need to take a stance on that. After all,​ when I originally​ came on board I volunteered​ my resources, shared our strategy​, used my own account to travel​ back and forth between meetings and interviews for them. As an activist,​ these are normal actions that we do plus we have to endure the intimidation​ and security aspects attached to the work that we do. It is not a glamorous​ job and often shows no immediate rewards but requires passion, commitment, ​and loyalty. I gave my ideas of raining finnace to host workshops, as that seemed to be the major concern.

2. In an interview​ on radio​ 702 with Joanne Joseph on Friday 30 November, Zoe said that she had engaged POWA through me, that is a lie as I had contacted​ Sara initially​​. They said that they have a connection​ with Lifeline, this is for one counselling session. Survisovrs of rape need​ more that​ one telephonic conversation.
The interview can be heard here:
http://www.702.co.za/articles/329219/actress-accuses-women-s-org-of-protecting-alleged-sexual-predators

3. I was told that I would have access to legal​ help and on two occasions, Sara informed me that they were​ getting a team together, that never transpired. The only time we s survivors received advice was when their rep said we should not talk publicly​ about our trauma. Due to the urgency of the matter, which is an important​ factor within the activism space, I then made use of my personal​ legal team. For the record the same person​ contacted​ one of the other survivors and advised not to report the case, there was no strategy​ attached to her comments. The survivor contacted me as she did not feel comfortable with the call.

4. I believe that SWIFT has​ excelled in the​ skills development and workshop aspect and we salute them for that. In terms of the activism​ space, they need assistance​ yet their argument is that they​​ are just filmmakers​. So as filmmakers​ do what you know​ best and do not try and undermine our questions and pain. This was mentioned a number of times at the acting indaba, which was held on 28 November in Johannesburg. In my talk at the same event, I pointed out to Sara that they had failed us as survivors​ ​and​ they needed to do what​ was right. The next day on the radio interview​, Zoe claimed​ that it was resolved. How was it resolved? At the same Indaba they bragged how they had traveled​ around the world sharing the​ work that they have done, this is fantastic​ as it has given them visibility but I​​ also see it as window dressing and​ dangerous as they have not begun to handle the sensitive​ and pressing issues that they claim to​ care about.

A way forward:
Continue to succeed in addressing the practical​ issues of the industry. Share their strategy​​ of how to deal with members​ who are involved and implicated​ ​in sexual​ harassment​ or rape cases. Please,​ could you stop claiming​ to be activists​ when it suits​ you then when called out call yourselves filmmakers who are volunteering​​g services?​ Choose your roles​ and battles effectively.

As I​ stated we all respect​ your accolades​ as filmmakers​ and perhaps stick to that and leave the activism to organizations​​s​​ that can effectively handle cases of rape, sexual harassment​, ​and abuse.
At the Joburg film festival panel, Gail Smith asked pertinent​​ questions about the particular​ case and addressed the concern around calling yourselves, ​activists. She also made an offer to assist​ you. I strongly​ suggest you take up that support as you cannot continue to fail survivors.

For assistance​ with abuse, shelter or counseling​ contact POWA
http://www.powa.co.za

Aluta Continua!!!

​​ ​​​​​​

WAKA + PASTE

My three passions in life are Women, Africa, and the arts.

My activism career started over 15 years ago when I did my training through POWA, http://www.powa.co.za. I have used my personal​ brand to create awareness on abuse and issues pertaining to women. I not only share my knowledge that I learned through the training but I share my personal experiences on how the abuse affected me. My aim has and always will be to create awareness, let others know that they are not alone and that the abuse is not their fault, all of this connected to the fact that it has been patriarchal ideologies that have supported and protected perpetrators. We have to redefine our rights and enforce gender equality.

Building​ my personal​ brand.
When I started my career we do not have direct access to PR gurus or marketing specialists who could guide us and those that did, paid top dollar for their services. I built my brand on knowing and understanding my craft, faith, discipline, dedication and passion. I made a tremendous amount of mistakes, partnered with wrong people, diluted my brand as I did not value myself enough and often second guessed my personal​ talent and ability. I value and treasure all those lessons. I have learned that building a brand and becoming an entrepreneur comes with a lot of challenges and frustrations but​ there are also many rewards. It has taught me to push through those boundaries, even when met with resistance. I remember when I was still acting on the soapie, Generations, I wanted to seek a car sponsorship and I naively approached BMW South Africa. My application was denied immediately and I was told that they do not sponsor non-sports people. So I then decided to visit a BMW car dealership in Bryanston, with my then partner. He suggested​ that I just buy one and forget about the sponsorship. I partly took his advice. As I entered the dealership I noticed that there were very few Black people walking in and out as buyers, I engaged with my friends who lived in that area and who drove BMW’s​ and asked where they had purchased their vehicles. Almost all of them directed me to the Black owned dealership downtown. As much as I wanted to support that dealership, I also wanted to prove a point. So I boldly revisited the​ dealership in Bryanston, sought out my vehicle and applied for finance and bought a vehicle off the showroom​ floor. I felt I needed to prove that as a young black woman, I had the ability and power to purchase the vehicle and perhaps the dealership needed to relook their strategy.
A year later I formed a partnership with a woman​ who could assist​ with a concrete​​ proposal and we approached the dealership that I bought my car from and we proposed a sponsorship deal, based on my facts and experience. This was in 2004 and we originally proposed the deal for six months, my contract was continuously extended till 2007. Every six months I upgraded my car to the new 3- series and had the opportunity of test-driving all the new series when they were launched.

The WAKA flame:
My love for the continent began when I started exploring Africa as a TV presenter and producer. I founded my Pan African talent agency, WAKA TALENT AGENCY in 2011. WAKA means to ​shine in Ki-Swahili​. I discovered that there was a gap for representation across the continent, I also saw it as an opportunity to create projects and synergies with other media practitioners in South Africa and globally. At present Waka Talent agency have a footprint​ in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, DRC, Uganda. Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Liberia, ​and Nigeria. We represent TV and radio personalities, speakers, emcees, ​and brand ambassador and influencers. A few of my clients are musicians and models in their own right but we do not handle those contracts nor do we search for that type of work. I often asked if that will be my next move and my answer is no. No, I do not wish to tackle that side of the industry as firstly, I respect that craft and with that aspect comes my second reason, I have no first-hand​ knowledge of it. As a manager,​ I,​ need to understand and know the craft, discipline​, ​ and experience that comes with it.

Kojo Baffoe: Ghanaian living in SA

Simba Mudereri from Zimbabwe, based between Harare, Gaborone, JHB and

Flavia Tumusimme based in Kampala

Weza Solange, Angolan living in SA

Lydia Forson. Ghanaian living in Accra

Chishala Chitoshi jnr living in Kitwe, Zambia

Meg Ottawa. Nigerian living in Lagos

These are a few of our Pan-African clients

Nurturing the talent
Being an award-winning​​g actress, TV and radio personality award winning film producer, ​and a revered TV producer, I have the ability to provide concrete advice and knowledge in that sector of the industry. As much as I respect the model and music industry, I have never worked down the ramp (professionally) nor have I recorded a song. So why would I have the authority of managing that career?
The moral of this story is that you need to know your brand, work and be passionate about it. When creating collaborations​, always look at what value the two parties​​s bring to the table. There always needs to be a value added beefits to all parties involved.

Time to PASTE.
As we are still focusing on TV and radio personalities and building brands and connecting them with global brands, we also plan to work with other entrepreneurs and artisans who have the Pan African vision and believe in the artistic spirit.
Brand value is not just about designing a logo, it is about a philosophy and a vision. I see the two concepts as one. As my vision and passion is led and dominated by my Pan African dream, I have looked to work with entrepreneurs who seek and live by that. Moving forward, we will be working closely with Paste Studios.

Paste Studios is a Creative Agency: Specialising in Design, branding and Brand Identity. I do understand that there are many agencies who specialise in these concepts but very few are innovative and keen to understand the Pan African market.
I met the CEO and founder of PASTE STUDIOS Manqoba Nhlapo, at a regular entrepreneurial spot in Johannesburg. We first engaged in conversation last year but as I strongly believe in Gods timing, we only engaged in business discussions this year. His entrepreneurial vision is raw and real.
Many people have this romantic idea that entrepreneurial lifestyle is sexy and cool, with your Mac laptop, you sit at a coffee shop and the work rolls in. Yes,​ you need the laptop as that is our life, we often sit at coffee shops as we need the free wifi. Let us be honest data in SA is ridiculously expensive. We may seem content and cute with our cafe​​e lattes or Americano’s or whatever it is that we are drinking, but often we are sitting with that one cup the whole day long.
So whilst randomly entering our regular space, Manqoba and I started chatting about these exact entrepreneurial challenges. We spoke about how we would see the same faces in the​ public​ workplace but we do to know what we all do. The conversation led to the fact the biggest challenges that small companies and agencies have is that they lack the finance and therefore the resources. We agreed that small entities need assistance from big corporates but we should also look at our smaller entrepreneurial partners for synergies and assistance. We began to understand what our respective agencies do and what our visions are and saw the scope for partnership.

WAKA TALENT will work in conjunction wit PASTE STUDIO on creating platforms and projects that can project to our Pan African audience and climate. They have the design, brand value and knowledge, we have the talent, expertise, ​and clientele, we both are passionate about the PAN-AFRICAN​N dream.

Manqoba’s passion to to create and design as well as connecting people from our continent. His vision is for PASTE to become the frontier of innovative​ design in Africa. Collaborating with the best designers and talent​ too​ bring South African products to a world class standard. Their leading factor is that they have the ability to create and design spaces that will to enrich people and optimise human interactivity.

Our first collaboration will ve revealed soon but should you require any additional information on with agthe ​ency, feel free to contact us:

WAKA Talent agency:
http://www.wakaagency.biz
rosie@wakaagency.biz
+27 0102861935

PASTE studios:
manqoba@pastestudios.co.za
​

-End

A salutation to the warriors!​

As we end of this August, I would like to honour. A few women whom I know have stood in their power and still stand tall.

In South Africa, on 9th August, we celebrate Women’s​ Day, which is a national​ holiday. The whole month dedicated to honouring women. Over the years we have seen that the month has become an explosion of pink-themed​ tea parties, media platforms broadcast Maya Angelou quotes and a number of campaigns are launched. Many of us have become very selective about​​ the types of campaigns and events we attend, as although we should celebrate ourselves, we as women are still fighting many battles.
On the 1st, we saw one of the most important marches of our time, The TotalShutdown march. We saw women across the country taking to the streets, demanding that the government hear our pleas. The marchers across the country have expressed frustration on the countless murders and gender​-based​d violence incidents and women and various vulnerable groups.

The messages were blunt – gender-based violence must “F off”.
Those were the words on a placard carried by a tearful Xoliswa Buthelezi in Pietermaritzburg who attended the march.
Another said: “My vagina is not your playground unless invited.”
Thousands of women gathered across the country to protest against gender-based violence and femicide as part of the #TotalShutDown march on Wednesday.
In Cape Town‚ some gathered at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and mothers who lost their children to gang violence met at the Castle of Good Hope before making their way to Parliament.

The organiser and the survivors who stood on the streets in solidarity, I salute you all!

A few days later, we were woken up to the horrifying news of a young student, named Khensani Maseko, who had taken her life. It was reported that Khensani had been raped by her boyfriend and could not take the trauma any longer. Like so many people who have been violated, the trauma of abuse and rape can lead to many other factors such as PTSD-Post traumatic stress disorder which in many cases can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and in Khensani’s case, Suicide.
Khensani, I believe​ you. May your dear soul rest in peace!

Prior to the month starting, we were also shocked by the arrogance of the South African rapper, Brickz, who was convicted of rape, who was hired to perform at the Kwaito and House Music Awards nomination party.
Brickz, who was found guilty of raping a 17-year-old relative in 2013 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, was released on bail in April pending the appeal against his conviction.
The awards’ founder and CEO, Perfecta Khumalo, was not deterred and said the awards would not “abandon” SA musos.
Out of this there was was light and I would like to salute the MD of Transafrica Radio, Busi Ntuli. They automatically pulled their sponsorship from the event on hearing the news that a rapist would headline the event.
This was her statement taken from Twitter:
”Unfortunately the organisers have through their PR practitioner informed us that Brickz stays. We have subsequently informed them that TransAfrica Radio can no longer be their partner,”.
Busi said the decision was a “no-brainer” and the station had the “duty to be on the right side of influence.”
“It was a no-brainer. The creative industry has since the beginning of time played an influential role in society. It is our duty to be on the right side of influence. I still love kwaito and house music.”

Busi, I thank you and salute for standing in solidarity with the survivor. Many people would have put money and business before this.

I would also like to salute my sisters who stood up and spoke on the trauma allegedly inflicted by Khalo Matabane.
Firstly to my warrior queens, Ntombi and Buhle.
Your power and reliance is astounding. I know the journey has not been easy. I can relate and I know that at times, it all seems overwhelming as many feel more comfortable in judging us. We know this, but more importunely we believe you and we love you.

To my other warrior queens who were brave enough to share their journeys in The City press newspaper:
https://city-press.news24.com/News/khalo-matabane-women-speak-out-20180429

Palesa Letlaka, Ingeborg Lichtenberg and Nico Athene I salute you.

After my article came out in the paper, the new CEO of Urban Brew, Verona Duwarkah called me and we met for coffee. She needed to make a proper apology and have ensured me that drastic changes have been made and I can categorically state that their productions are a safe place for all actors and crew to work on.
They have been working with SA guild of actors and working out strategic and concrete ways of creating safe spaces for actors in South Africa.

Verona, I salute you!

With that,​ I also need to thank my SAGA (SA Guild of actors) family who stood by me from day one. They work tirelessly at ensuring that our industry runs efficiently

Lastly, I salute those souls who are living with the pain, may you find your strength and voice to speak out. May the perpetrators be named and convicted.
Psalm 69:29

29 I’m hurt and in pain;
Give me space for healing, and mountain air.

Abuse in any form needs to be seen as trauma. Trauma takes time to heal and I urge you to get assistance from​ professionals in the field.
Please be sure that you find secure and safe spaces to share your experiences and always know that it is not your fault.
Healing is essential before embarking on legalities as you need to be strong. That is possible through professional help and support.

Organisations that I fully endorse:
http://www.powa.co.za
http://www.tears.co.za
http://www.rapecirsis.org.za
http://www.sadag.org​

Find your safe spaces!!!

I am a survivor and many years ago I approached POWA for counseling, healing and then training on abuse. I needed the healing to move on and the training, so I could use my brand to create awareness, but I needed to be equipped with the correct knowledge. A few weeks back, I was invited to participate on a panel on a local TV program, called The Daily Thetha, which airs on SABC1. The Daily Thetha is an educational talk show on SABC 1 that explores youth issues as well as, issues of national importance.
The topic was on the #MeToo movement which has spread across the world. On arrival at the studio, I met with my panel, Mara Glennie who founded the Tears Foundation, Zoe Ramashu from SWIFT, Melusi Xulu, an attorney. It is so great to have met and spent time with individuals who are passionate about bringing change to our country. I had to share the amazing work that they do. We will only combat​ this if we collectively​ do our bit.

Mara Glennie’s who started the Tears Foundations, her motivation to help others comes from a deeply personal place.
The meaning of the “TEAR”
Tear Drop
“Our teardrop logo is a symbol for weeping at the violence and degradation suffered by rape and abuse victims; but, more importantly, it is a symbol of cleansing, healing, and hope”
TEARS’ developed a system that uses a simple SMS code and GPS location to allow other survivors to connect with much-needed​ help from their nearest care centre, immediately. They are able to do this because of the help they received from others. They run their foundation from a fully equipped office in Sandton, kindly given to them by Dr. John Wentzel and the Tsebo Outsourcing Group.

The sms details are:
*134*7355#

Donda Attorneys

Zamakhathini Melusi Xulu is a practicing attorney from Durban. He strongly believes that as a lawyer, it is important and instrumental that he be a servant leader to bring justice to​ our society. He graduated from the University of Zululand with an LLB degree. Prior to him starting his firm he has worked for Legal Aid South Africa (Vryheid Justice Centre)as a Candidate attorney; Siyaya Attorneys in Durban, as a legal practitioner and researcher and he worked for The National Prosecuting Authority as a prosecutor (in Free State) from 2014 to 2018.

Advice from me.

Speaking as a survivor, I understand the pain and anguish that surrounds​ any form of abuse. The trauma that arises is serious and if not treated accordingly can lead to many other problems such as depression, fibromyalgia, suicide, ​and anxiety.
Each crime is different and can be handled in a ​number of ways, but the most important​​ thing to remember​ is that it is not your fault and that you have the right​ to speak up. It is also very important​ that you find a safe​ space to share your pain and story for healing and assistance.

Sexual harassment​ at work:
The minute it happens you should report it to the authorities, keeping a paper trail is essential, so in the case of sexual harassment​ at work​, one should send an email and ensuring that the head of the department receives it. In various corporate companies, there are HR procedures. For actors in SA, my suggestion would be to immediately report it to SA (SA Guild of actors). You need to be a member to benefit from​ the amazing services. http://www.saguildofactors.co.za
If you​ are physically harmed, seek immediate​ medical attention and keep as much evidence as possible. With evidence, this may be uncomfortable​, but in the case​ of sexual assault, if the perpetrator touched any items, such as glass or plate, simply put your hand in a plastic​ bag and cover the plate. This ensures that your hand or fingerprints​ do not smudge​d the perpetrators. Any bit of evidence is crucial. You have every right to speak up and out on it.

In the case of sexual assault/rape/sodomy​.
The first step, the survivor shouldn’t wash or change their underwear as that would be literally cleaning away the evidence. Secondly, ​go to the nearest police station or nearest medical centre. If you start at a medical centre, they will call the police. If you start with​ the police, the police will take you to a medical centre. After getting the statement, you’ll be treated by a doctor, and smears will be taken and given back to the police. Those smears will be taken to forensics to​ try and verify the perpetrator. One of the biggest issues comes with reporting​ the crime. At the station,​ if a policeman​ or women refuses to open the case based on their personal beliefs​, take​ their badge number and report​​ them immediately​.

Your rights as a survivor:
You are permitted to have a person of your choice present to support and reassure you when reporting an incident.

The interview will be conducted in surroundings that are either familiar to or reassuring to you.

Once sufficient information has been obtained from you, a docket must be opened, registered on the CAS and an affidavit must be made.

You must be taken for the medical examination as soon as possible – even if the sexual offense​ was only reported more than 72 hours after it had been committed, and even if you have already washed.

The medical examination will be conducted at state expense and by a medical professional.

No man may be present during the medical examination of a female survivor, and vice versa. Even a member of the same gender may only be present during the medical examination if you as a survivor agrees to it. ​

You will​ come across people who will try and make you doubt your words, they will ridicule you, it is ok, it is not their journey and pain. You need to understand that your pain is valid and by not stopping it, you will not heal. Your healing could possibly prevent future abuse crimes, as the perpetrator will be stopped immediately. remember perpetrators continue​ to commit these crimes as they have been given the permission​ to and often have people protecting​ them.

It is important​ to share your ordeal in safe spaces, spaces where people have your best interest at heart and will be willing to help and assist​ you.

Contact details:
POWA:
http://www.powa.co.za

Tears:
http://www.tears.co.za

​​​​​

Reclaiming our villages!

RECLAIMING OUR VILLAGES

I come from a village called Phokeng. Phokeng is situated in the North West province and approximately 30 kilometres from the main town, Rustenburg. Unfortunately I was not brought up in the region as I was taken by my mother to Johannesburg at an early age, three months to be exact. Growing up I had limited access to my home and in my late thirties I made the brave move to pack up my city life and move home to work on my relationship with my parents and get to know my heritage. Through this journey of self discovery, I unravelled alarming facts about the region and the surrounding villages.

Phokeng and the surrounding areas boasts beautiful landscapes of rolling hills, set against the platinum mines. With breath taking sunsets and high temperatures, life there still follows along the village way, the sense of ubuntu shines bright as each family knows who everyone is and who lives where. With that when a child is seeing walking around the streets or at the shops or tavern, everyone know whether or not they are working, successful , have an extended family etc. During my time there, I noticed that the level of unemployment amongst youth is very high, I noticed the increase of taverns in the area.

Two years back when I was out of the country, my Rakgadi, my aunty from fathers side was attacked in her home, she was in her eighties at the time. For some reason I was not made aware of the attack and only learnt of it upon my return back to SA, which was a few months after the attack. By that time, time had lapsed. According to reports, that had found the perpetrator and had let him go. There was speculation that he was a youth from the area and was on Nyope.
What is Nyope? It is a home-made drug that has been ravaging the youths of South Africa especially in the crowded townships in the country, but what is whoonga, or nyaope as it is commonly known in the streets? Whoonga is a new and deadly drug which is slowly but surely destroying young South Africans in the townships and dusty rural villages. This drug was first reported in Kwazulu Natal, Durban to be specific and has since spiraled across the country with Gauteng now the hardest hit.
Whoonga (Nyaope), is a concoction of many substances that includes but are not limited to rat poison, battery acid, soap powder and even HIV/Aids medication anti-retroviral drugs. Whoonga is distributed as a very fine white powder which the users usually mix with marijuana or tobacco. When the drug is smoked, it is said to have an immediate impact on the taker and whoonga is said to be one of the most lethal drugs in the world. Source: http://www.ahp.org.za/news-detail/87/whoonga-the-cruellest-drug

Regarding the attack, I tried to get the case back on the roll but then Rakgadi passed away. I believe from the trauma that she suffered from the attack.
Other attacks and crimes have been reported within the villages and created a heightened sense of fear amongst our mothers and grand mothers of the area.
For example my mother creates a make shift security system at home. All the outside doors have security gates, but before sleeping my mum creates a make shift obstacle course by placing a chair against the door, with a metal cup balancing on the chair. When I questioned her on her method, she said it was to alert her should somebody break through the security door. A few years back, this was not the case.

So why are the youth committing crimes? They need money to feed their habits. Where do they get their drugs from? This then leads me to the outbreak that has occurred in the Rustenburg town.

On Wednesday 10 January 2018, violent eruptions resulted in the torching of several buildings, in Rustenburg town, alleged to be brothels and drug dens.
Taken from http://www.enca.co.za:
The Mayor of Rustenburg Mpho Khunou says one of the reasons why drug trafficking and prostitution is still so rife in the municipality is because repeat offenders tend to be released on bail every time.
The mayor says the city is also aware of the involvement of some police officers in local crime syndicates.
Khunou says while this is true, not all police officers are guilty.

Standing outside one of the burned down buildings in Rustenburg, Khunou says efforts are being made to root out known brothels.
“We want to reiterate that as the city, we don’t believe that all police officers are part of this. There are of course some rotten apples.”
Khunou says the focus has been on drug trafficking and not so much the idea that it’s foreign nationals running the illegal dealings.
“Indeed some of the houses where the activities are taking place belong to the South Africans, there are South Africans who are part of this. So we must not think that drug trafficking is only done by foreign nationals.”
He says the anger displayed by the community is understood but highlights support by government is being given.

One of the other issues within the villages and province is the high rate of hate crimes and attacks on the LGBTQI communities. Last week I heard the devastating news of somebody whom I had the honour of knowing, Kagiso Ishmael Maema. Kagiso was a 25-year-old transgender woman from Seraleng in Rustenburg, was discovered on Saturday, January 6.
Taken from http://www.mambaonline.com:

Maema, who preferred to be called Ousi Kagiso, is believed to have left home on Friday evening between 8.30 and 9.00 PM. She was last seen in the company of an unknown man at Eddy’s Tavern.
The two ordered drinks in the tavern and then went out to buy ‘bunny chows’ to eat. Maema’s dumped half-naked body was found in a stream the next day by a herdsman.
She was partially covered with plastic and had wounds on her head and arm, which appeared to have been caused by an axe. It is also suspected that she was strangled.
“Kagiso’s mother is not well. She loved her child,” Tsotetsi told Mambaonline. The unexpected death will have both a deep emotional and material impact on her family.

“Kagiso was an IT student who finished her studies and who was looking for a job,” said Tsotetsi. “The mother is not working and she expected Kagiso to assist the family [as a breadwinner].”

The killing is the third incident in the last few weeks involving members of the LGBTI community, and the second in the North West province.
Married lesbian couple Anisha (30) and Joey van Niekerk (32) were reportedly tortured, raped, murdered and set alight, allegedly by seven people in Mooinooi, near Rustenburg.
On the 1st of January, 23-year-old Noxolo Mabona was stabbed to death during an allegedly homophobic altercation in Strand, outside of Cape Town.
“There is a pattern of murder of LGBTI people around the country,” said Tsotetsi. “We are being targeted. This is very worrying for the LGBTI community and activists.”
A murder case has been opened with the Boitekong Police Station. There have as yet been no arrests.

So I plead that we all try and assist where necessary as it is evident that we need to reclaim our villages for our heritage , the communities living there and especially for our mothers and grandmothers who are living in fear.

If the police are not doing their jobs, raise the alarms, put it on social media, let it be heard. These senseless killings and pain needs to come to an end.

It is time to reclaim our villages.

For assistance with LGBQTI issues: http://www.thamidish.com
For assistance with domestic violence: http://www.powa.co.za
To share stories, please use my blog. http://www.roseimoteneblog.wordpress.com

The people vs HER!!

THE PEOPLE VS HER!!!

Demanding action on violence against women and non-binary people.

AN OPEN LETTER

To the Police of South Africa, led by Minister Fikile April Mbalula

Dear Minister Mbalula,

We write to you as the person who holds the political responsibility for the South African police services. We address this letter of demand, of concern and of a need for action to you specifically as we believe that the scourge of violence against womxn and gender non-binary people, in South Africa deserves a political commitment. Violence is primarily about the exercise of power by perpetrators, enablers and institutions.

With regards to your responsibilities, the Police are culpable for failing to effectively respond to increasing violence against women and non-binary people. Police stations are sites of violence where women and non-binary people are further victimised and assaulted.

For Womxn and gender non-binary people in South Africa, experiencing multiple forms of violence, over their lifetimes is not a possibility, but rather an eventual certainty as confirmed by police statistics that emanate from the institution to which you hold ultimate responsibility and as confirmed by our lived realities and experiences of being womxn and gender non-binary people in South Africa.

It is common knowledge that at least three womxn die at the hands of their intimate partners every day. The scale of the problem, is so massive that all institutions, individuals and the State ought to have a dedicated and resourced National Strategic Plan that seeks to end violence. Currently, South Africa has no such plan in place. But it is time that this violence stops! #KnowTheirNames – The two cases of the womxn below, is one of thousands, which we will be highlighting daily during our campaign.

• The body of Matiisetso ‘Nonkie’ Smous, a 28 year-old lesbian womxn, was discovered in Moakeng, Free State. She had been murdered and her body burned beyond recognition. Although suspects were arrested for robbery it took four months for the suspects to be arrested for murder. 8 months after her death, the suspects are still out on bail and threatening other lesbians within the community. Local police say the case cannot proceed because forensic results have not been delivered.

• Ncumisa Mzamelo a 21-year-old womxn was brutally murdered and raped in Bhambayi, KwaZulu Natal and her remains were found in a deserted toilet.
A case was opened with no arrest to date.

The People vs. Her* campaign aims to highlight the many ways the state, and all other places where we learn how to behave, act, respond and feel in the world violate women. We call these places institutions of socialization, and they include faith based institutions, schools, the home, the community, the media, the workplace and spaces of cultural activity, production and experience. It is in these places where beliefs and attitudes and rules are set, and where violence against women is permitted.
Men and communities, in these institutions systemically, structurally and socially enable, condone and perpetuate violence against women, children and non-binary people. Ours is in addition to highlight the negative social norms and behaviors that perpetuate all forms of violence, and that underpin violence.

We use the asterisks* to highlight diversity in the different identities that exist when we talk about women or her. We use the asterisks incite a long-term conversation about gendered violence that isn’t limited to a cis-gender and heterosexual women, but includes those who are genderfluid or have their gender imposed on them or reject gender as s social construct completely.
It is with this inclusive approach that our campaign aims to confront institutional culpability and demand accountability from the State and the Police for sustained violence. We demand systemic, structural and social accountability and action on the violence against women and non-binary people. We demand for the State to recognize, plan and act to shift negative social norms and behaviours that perpetuate all forms of violence.

From the Police:
• We demand that the police prioritise national and provincial guidelines on visible policing in informal areas to be developed in consultation with womxn and non-binary people.

• We demand the police to deal with missing dockets and unresolved case files.

• We demand that there is proper crime reporting to help build strong cases in court.

• We demand the discipline and arrest of all police officers who are perpetrators of violence against womxn and non-binary people, especially those who misuse their power with refugees, sex workers and minors.

• We demand an end to secondary victimisation, where police further violate survivors reporting crime. All police officers must be trained and sensitised on social norms and behaviours that perpetuate the violence.

• We demand for the police to play an active role in realising a fully funded multi-sectoral national strategic plan on ending violence.

From you, as the minister of police

• We demand that you publicly denounce all violence committed in the name of the police, and display the commitment through making public the records of prosecutions for violence against womxn in your own force over the course of your ministry.

• We demand that you lobby the national executive, and use the powers entrusted in you to declare violence a national disaster

• We demand that you provide us with a detailed and costed plan, as to how you have previously engaged Campaigns to end violence in South Africa and how you will engage and ensure that the voices if civil society are the ones shaping your responses and plans.

• We further avail ourselves to dialogue with you and any relevant people in your immediate line of authority on the matters that we raise. We look forward to an invitation for a meeting, where we will action the political commitment to violence.

• We demand that at every moment where you address the nation, you highlight a case of violence against womxn and non-binary people that you will personally follow up on, in a police station. We know that you are very active on social media. Use this platform in a constructive way

Yours in eradicating violence
A collective of womxn and non-binary people

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeopleVsHer/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ThePeopleVsHer

#ThePeopleVsHer
#ENOUGH
#EndViolenceNow
#GBV

International Day of The Girl Child.

Today is The International Day of the Girl child.

Every single girl from across the world deserves equal opportunities, respect, dignity and the right to live a life without fear or having to deal with abuse. Girls are one of the greatest gifts to earth, they are a source of energy, power and creativity. They can drive change and help build a better future for all. Yet, most girls face disadvantage and discrimination on a daily basis, and those living through crises are suffering even more. There are many communities where girls are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles, as they cannot afford sanitary products and there is still a huge stigma around menstruation.

On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
If girls are effectively supported during their adolescent years, they have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realising the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability.

This year, International Day of the Girl (11 October) will focus on the theme, “EmPOWER girls: Before, during and after conflict”.

Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence. In humanitarian emergencies, gender-based violence often increases, subjecting girls to sexual and physical violence, child marriage, exploitation
and trafficking. Adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90 per cent more likely to be out of school when compared to girls in conflict-free countries, compromising their future prospects for work and financial independence as adults.

Across the world, empowered girls are raising their voices to fight for their rights and protection in all contexts. They are working to end violence against women and girls, to recognize indigenous rights, and to build peaceful and cohesive communities.

Support your local community of women’s organizations in promoting the wellbeing of the girl child. There are great initiatives or campaigns such as:

http://www.unwomen.org – UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.

https://www.cellc.co.za/cellc/girl-child – Cell C’s Take a Girl Child to Work Day® is a respected movement that affords grade 10 to 12 girl learners, from all walks of life, the chance to experience a day in the workplace first-hand. For many, the day spent in the working world, shadowing top executives and entrepreneurs opens up a world of hope and dreams. It inspires girls to work hard to achieve what they want to attain in life and contributes towards making their dreams tangible. First introduced to the South African business community on 8 May 2003.

http://v-girls.org – V-Girls is a global network of girl activists and advocates empowering themselves and one another to change the world, one girl at a time. Inspired by Eve Ensler’s best selling book I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls, V-Girls is a platform for girls to amplify their voices and ignite their activism. V-Girls is rooted in youth-driven activism and led by the vision and strategy of the V-Girls Action Team, a dynamic of girl activists from around the world, and supported by mentors, parents, educators, and girl advocates.

http://gracevillauganda.weebly.com/ – Grace Villa is a loving sanctuary for orphaned and vulnerable girls. Our girls were rescued from the streets, child headed households and abusive homes. We exist to ensure that these girls and many more out there are safe, cared for, empowered and given an opportunity to thrive.

https://minacup.org – The MINA MENSTRUAL CUP is especially designed for teenage girls and first time users.
By buying MINA for yourself, you automatically donate one to a MINA champion.
MINA has a life span of five years, she is cheap, safe, environmentally-friendly and she is a girl’s best friend. Mina is small, soft and re-usable. The Mina Cup can be worn between six to twelve hours and collects up to three times more fluid than tampons.

“If you think that educating your girl is enough for her to tackle the boundaries of tradition, then you are wrong. You have to ensure that not only you empower her with education, but also make her strong enough to resist the evils of societal pressure under which she often buckles. Her life and honour are far more important than “What will people say?” A little emotional support from the parents can make the life of a daughter abused by her in-laws beautiful.”
― Neelam Saxena Chandra

Rosie Motene
rosie@rosiemotene.biz

The war on women’s bodies.

The war on our bodies has been an ongoing struggle for decades, dating back to the 1970’s. People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers in order to provide referral services and shelter to women experiencing domestic violence.
The word “jack-roll” or ‘jack rolling”, started during the 1980s by a gang called ‘the jackrollers’, it was the abduction of women in townships who would then subjected to lengthly periods of gang rape.

It was only after The Bill Of Rights was signed, did women receive formal recognition as equal citizens. For many years South African women were under the legal control of their fathers and husbands, this is still the same in many African countries.
The domestic violence act 116 of 1998 was signed: To provide for the issuing of protection orders with regard to domestic violence; and for matters connected therewith.

About ten years ago, somebody asked me when I will stop marching and pushing the anti-abuse campaign, my answer was when the abuse stops.

I have written many blogs on the state of affairs regarding rape and abuse in 2014 I wrote about a women who called out for help after she had been raped, she called on the police for assistance, her response came from the Hillbrow police station where six policemen( Men) were called to a rape case, they found the perpetrator and let him go. The survivor was present and requested medical attention, they denied that and told her to sleep it off as she had been drinking. I have highlighted on many cases where survivors have received ill treatment from police personnel when trying to report a case. Like many activists and organisations, this outcry and call has been the forefront of many campaigns, yet there has been very little change.
Over the past years we have seen the disrespect of women’s lives from the very publicised murder cases such as Oscar Pistorius, who killed his girlfriend Reeve Steenkamp and received a reduced jail sentence to Shrien Devani who was acquitted for murdering his wife Anna Dewani and Thato Kutumela who was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for the murder of his girlfriend, Zanele Khumalo. Former Soweto community radio presenter Donald “Donald Duck” Sebolai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend, Rachel “Dolly” Tshabalala.
Unfortunately they have been hundreds if not thousands who have gone unnoticed.

Women in our present day still face many obstacles and challenges which can be related to poverty, violence and abuse in the home, unemployment, access to quality health care and legal representation.
Financial dependance of their male partners or husbands has increased vulnerability to domestic violence and rape.
The girl child has been greatly affected by the personal home front as well as discrimination at school, from the subject choices which have seen to be suitable fro male learners, girls have been sexually harassed, raped and abuse, some forced to drop out due to teenage pregnancy, possibly caused by rape. Many young girls miss school during their menstrual cycles as they cannot afford sanitary towels and tampons.

Over the past few weeks there has been in increase in reported crimes against women. These barbaric acts have been publicised and there has been a huge outcry from all sectors, that we need an intervention. This is true but we need to understand and own up to the fact that this has been on ongoing problem for years. The change that has occurred is that more incidents are being reported and now we hear a strong outcry from men.
The rate of crimes and murders that have escalated within the LGBT community. Due to the stigma attached many cases are not even heard and still remain unresolved.

Where to from now?
To start with, our men need to hold each other accountable. Many years ago I dated a man who’s business partner continuously made jokes about beating up women and this frustrated me, causing many arguments in our home. My then partners undermining attitude was that it was just a joke and I should get over it by response was and still is the same, if you joke about it, you condone the action. We need to create a shift in our conversations and attitudes towards women.

Gender equality starts in the home. There should not be gender specific roles for boys and girls, parents should be seen as equal. Children are taught and emulate what their parents do. Fighting in the home has proven to have lifelong effects on children. Many people decide to remain in abusive relationships as they feel that separation will affect the children, the violence and hatred is what affects the children.
If incidents happen at schools and remain unresolved, notify the department of eduction. No child should be scared to go to school or face any form df discrimination whilst trying to get an education.

The police need to be held accountable. Correct protocol measures need to be adhered with taking down reports, recording crimes and treatment of survivors.
We need harsher laws for rapists and abusers. Women need to stop being blamed for what happened to them. Victim blaming is still a major concern. I have made many reports and complaints to IPD with no response but if we get large number of valid complaints, then action will take place. Their contact details are:  
Address in Gauteng City Forum Building
 114 Madiba Street
 Pretoria
Telephone number: 012 399 0000

Email address

Complaints@ipid.gov.za

Our minister of police Mr Fikile Mbalula is very active on twitter: @mbalulafikile
 
Social media, should be used for good and not just scandal. If an incident occurs, recording it is necessary but so is justice. Record the dialogue and images but also record relevant information such as car number plates, what the perpetrator looks like, the exact location of where the crime takes place, such as a road sign, building structure etc
One should notify the police immediately and seek help for the survivor. We should make more citizen complaints, hold our police accountable. There are too many reported cased where investigating officers receive bribes and then in questioning the survivors, telling them that they should drop the case and convince them that they would not survive long trails. Granted trials are long and tedious and the incident will have to be repeated many a times but by keeping quiet will not help as the incident will still be repeated in your mind.

If you need assistance here are a few organisations that I have worked with and strongly endorse:

1. FEW: Forum For The Empowerment of Women
Call: +27 11 403 1906/7

Social media:
@forumfortheempowermentofwomen

Email
project1@few.org.za

Website:
http://www.few.org.za

FEW was established by black lesbian women activists living in Johannesburg in 2001.In a post 1994 South Africa and with the new constitution of 1996 recognising sexual orientation within the equality clause, it was clear that we had to organize ourselves to ensure that we were able to claim and live the rights entrenched in the constitution. Already, with increasing numbers of LGBTI people coming out and being visible both in everyday life as well as within human rights defending work, the age-old issues of discrimination, stigmatisation and marginalization were becoming more blatant. The group which initially began the conversation about organizing black lesbian women were concerned that within the broader LGBTI and women’s human rights issues, black lesbian women were more vulnerable because of intersecting identities, contexts and realities.
We also recognised the power within our community – both black lesbian women, women in general and the LGBTI community – to confront the abuses that were being perpetrated against us in a democratic South Africa. Initially, the focus was on social space and service provision, including counseling and information, education and communication on key issues, health and related realities of lesbian lives. A key focus was on the issue of hate crimes, particularly rape and sexual assault, which were being reported in growing numbers. The hate crimes were being perpetrated based on assumptions about sexual orientation and gender identity which were seen as deviant and so worthy of responses by communities. This homophobia was directed at all LGBTI people, but the targeting of black lesbian women for this “fixing” was obvious and linked to the patriarchal nature of our society which in turn fed heteronormativity. Projects included a small scholarship fund for survivors of hate crime related violence, drama and soccer as processes to engage with black lesbian women.

2. POWA: people Opposing Women Abuse:
Telephone: -11 642 4345/6
infor@powa.co.za
Twitter: @powa_za

POWA is a “feminist, women’s rights organisation that provides both services, and engages in advocacy in order to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and thereby improve women’s quality of life”.
POWA’s uniqueness as an organisation is in providing both services to survivors and engaging in advocacy using a feminist and intersectional analysis. Our work is rooted in the belief that change can only be said to be effective when women’s lives are directly improved through our interventions. We also believe that there is no single route to change, and thus constantly seek new and creative approaches in our programming to achieve the change we seek.

Frontline Services – Shelters, counseling, and legal advice
As one of our core frontline services, POWA provides shelter services for clients (and their children where relevant) who have been the victims of GBV. These services are located in the East and West Rand, and a “second stage” house is located in Berea. POWA also provides several forms of counselling to clients (including shelter clients), such as face-to-face counselling, support groups (facilitated by a social worker) and telephone counselling and referrals. The Legal and Advocacy Department at POWA also assist women (approximately 50 per month) with telephonic and face-to-face-legal advice to women, court preparation and support, and referral to other professionals and practitioners (pro bono).

Advocacy
The Legal and Advocacy Department at POWA works to “provide quality women-centred legal service and engage in national and regional advocacy for the protection and promotion of women’s rights.” POWA’s advocacy work includes advocating for legal reform, for example, parliamentary law reform submissions as well as strategic litigation. We actively participate in national advocacy. We are a member of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), a network of 26 Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners. In South Africa, POWA is the lead organisation spearheading the eight-nation Raising Her Voice Campaign, working to empower women to hold governments accountable to commitments on GBV and HIV.

Aluta Continua.

To continue the dialogue contact me via Facebook or twitter:
@RosieMotene.

Keeping our girls in school!

 I have been working within the activism space for over a decade now. I started with www.powa.co.za; I did an intensive three month training course, understanding what abuse is, the myths and misconceptions surrounding abuse, court preparation and what our rights are. On completion the course, I started working as training and public awareness volunteer, later I became a member of the board and soon I sat as vice-chairperson for a few years. I began my activist career with POWA as I came to the realisation that I had not truly healed from an abusive relationship. The relationship happened when I was at university and nine years after the incident, I still blamed myself. It was at the point of my life that I knew that although I had some of the best private school education, I was still uneducated. With my training at POWA, I used my public status to talk about my abusive partner, thus bringing healing to myself but I wanted to create awareness around the myths and misconceptions of abuse and let women know that they are not alone and more importantly, push the truth that if it is happening to you, then IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

Over the years I have worked with many women and children’s organisations and I have helped promote various campaigns, including working with the V-day foundation, founded by the award winning playwright Eve Ensler, who wrote the award winning book: The Vagina Monologues. I have worked in many disadvantaged communities across Africa, where the main focus has been on education, empowerment and knowing what your rights are. As those messages are incredibly important, there is an important factor that many of us have overlooked when it comes to women empowerment and girl power. That is acknowledging the stigmas that are attached to menstrual health and the reality of how it affects many lives. This includes the fact that due to various living conditions of living below the poverty line, many women and girls cannot afford the necessary tampons/pads nor do they have access to constant running water and washing materials.

 After researching through various websites and organisations, I soon discovered that approximately 50% of the female population is of reproductive age and most of them are menstruating every month. The majority of these ladies have no access to clean and safe sanitary products, or to a clean and private space in which to change menstrual cloths or pads and to wash. In many communities, menstruation is supposed to be invisible and silent, and sometimes, menstruating women and girls are supposed to be invisible and silent, too. Millions of girls and women are subject to restrictions in their daily lives simply because they are menstruating. Besides the health problems due to poor hygiene during menstruation, the lack or unaffordability of facilities and appropriate sanitary products may push menstruating girls temporarily or sometimes permanently out of school, having a negative impact on their right to education. This is a serious problem.

 I then began to research other alternatives to sanitary pads and tampons, as they are incredibly expensive.

 According to http://www.africa.com, Stuart Lewis wrote:

“In her lifetime, the average woman uses 11 000 tampons, or 22 sanitary products (pads or tampons per period). In South Africa with the average tampon costing about R1.50 each (yes, that means R33 a period, or R16 500 in her lifetime) and a pack of 10 sanitary pads costing R18 (which translates to about R36 a period, or R19 800 in her lifetime). This means that having a period is an expense that many cannot afford. Most South Africans still live below the poverty line, which means that they must use alternative means of stemming the flow. These include using towelling or material which is rewashed. However, in some cases this too is unaffordable.”

 As there are many communities across the continent where people live below the poverty line, the situation is the same if not worse, as many communities across Africa do not practice gender equality and the challenges for girls and women are much higher.

 According to Africacheck.org:

Since 2014, various people have claimed that 7 million girls in South Africa are missing school every month because they don’t have access to or money for sanitary products.

 A UNESCO report estimates that one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle. By some estimates, this equals as much as twenty percent of a given school year.

 So what is the solution to this problem? How can we ensure that girls do not have to miss school due to their menstruation cycles?

 

1. We need to break the stigmas and misconceptions that surround menstrual cycles.

• According to University of Melbourne research fellow Dr Carla Pascoe is that money can still be made from promising women a more effective way to conceal their period.
• In some societies, menstruation is perceived as unclean or embarrassing, extending even to the mention of menstruation both in public (in the media and advertising) and in private (amongst the friends, in the household, and with men). Many traditional religions consider menstruation as ritually unclean. 

 

We need to create platforms and educate young ladies, that menstruation a part of womanhood.

 

2. Finding a cost effective, hygienic product, that will allow them continue with their lives as normal.

 

I came across the PrincessD Menstrual cup.

 

The PrincessD Menstrual cup is a reusable, eco-friendly, cost-effective menstrual cup made of the highest quality medical grade silicone. It is available in 2 sizes (small and large).

The menstrual cup is the ideal, sustainable solution for girls in disadvantaged areas in the world.

 

How does it work?

 

• It comes in two sizes.

– SMALL (20ml)

For girls and women under 30 years old.

Suitable for a light flow.

 

– LARGE (25ml)

For women over 30 years old.

Suitable for a heavy flow.

 Why is the PrincessD menstrual cup so amazing?

• It offers up to 12 hours of leak-free protection.
• The cup is ultra soft and made from hypo-allergenic, non-absorbent medical grade silicone.
• It is biocompatible and approved by the FDA.
• It contains no bleach, deodorant or absorbing gels.
• It is eco-friendly and does not contribute to deforestation.
• It is easy to insert and remove.
• It collects and does not absorb.
• Depending on the flow it can be used for up to 12 hours as a time.
• Suitable for use during any sports and sleep
• It is reusable for up to five years.
• Washing it requires hot water. This is ideal for communities who have limited access to water. After wearing the cup for a full day, it can be removed, rinsed under hot water and reinserted.
• It is the greener alternative to disposable tampons and pads.

 

I have decided to partner with this revolutionary product after using the cup for three of my periods. I found it incredibly cost-effective and comfortable.

I will be pushing the brand across the continent and I am looking for Pan African partners.

We need to keep our girls in school.

If you are a corporate company or government or simply an individual who wishes to buy this product or help promote it across Africa, please do contact us. 

rosie@princessdmenstrualcup.com

www.princessdmenstrualcup.com