Governance

In the run up to the local government elections to be held on May 18th in South Africa, On April 15th2011, The Commission on Gender Equality together with the Independent Electoral Commission hosted a political party dialogue held at the Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. The purpose of the dialogue was to engage the IEC and political parties on the 50:50 gender quotas and women’s participation in elections. The event saw a number of key political parties, media, stakeholders in gender equality sector as well as ordinary men and women in the country converging to Constitution hill. Acting chairperson of CGE, Mfanolezwe Shozi warmly welcomed everyone. He noted that MDG3 recognises that women have equal right as men on all spheres therefore it was critically that women are represented in decision-making processes. He further posed a question to political parties present as to whether traditional leaders have influence on whether women vote or not. He concluded his welcome address by saying that “progress for women is a progress for all”. Mr David Dlali, Special Advisor to the Department of Women, Children and People with disabilities gave a keynote address on behalf of the department which although was great, was not warmly welcomed by members of the opposition who felt that the minister herself is never available in discussion about women’s issues and questioned why a man was sent to talk about women’s issues and why the department had a man instead of a woman as an advisor.

 

Local government elections are to be held on the 18th May. Once again we the voting public will be serenaded with posters, promises, propositions and propaganda. After four general elections, characterized by personal vilification, will this local government election be any different? Will the parties contesting the election once again engage each other in a battle of invective? Or will we, as the electorate, be enticed by a choice that is more compelling and that makes us reflect on our voting habit. After 16 years of democracy, we have learnt a few things. Do our politicians appreciate this?
Helen Zille in her weekly newsletter had an interesting piece on what some analysts call "political consolidation". "In truth" she says, "establishing a democracy – as we in South Africa know better than most – is a precarious business. Look how many times our own constitutional negotiations stalled over seemingly intractable disagreements, against a backdrop of escalating political violence. There was never any guarantee that we would reach a negotiated democratic settlement. Most often, it seemed as if the odds were stacked against it. Thankfully, in the end, common sense prevailed."

 

The appointment of Margaret Nasha as the first woman to occupy the post of Speaker of the National Assembly in Botswana signals another step towards gender equality in southern Africa. 

A draft bill before the Ugandan parliament that seeks to impose stricter sanctions on homosexuality would drive men who have sex with men further underground, making it even more difficult for them to access HIV services, according to AIDS activists.

Julius Malema, the ANC Youth League has reminded President Jacob Zuma that youth votes did not come cheap. 

The IFP Youth Brigade has apologised for calling on the party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi to step down.  They said they did not meant it.

The UN system has failed the world's 3 billion-plus women - but a new 'super-agency' may bring welcome change.

The NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO GCN) has called upon re-elected Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika and the soon to be inaugurated Parliament to consider a 50-50 cabinet population and an appointment of a female Speaker of the National Assembly.

This is an article by an M.A. student of University of Ghana on the need to have more ministerial position.