The DA has written to the Commission for Gender Equality to request an immediate investigation into the illegal practices of sex-for-jobs and sex-for-housing in the Eastern Cape.
Today, 15 April 2019, I was joined by DA Team One South Africa Spokesperson for Women, Nomafrench Mbombo, and DA Women’s Network (DAWN) Eastern Cape Chairperson, Georgina Faldtman, in highlighting this scourge in the province (see pictures attached here and here).
Since last year Ms Faldtman and I have picked up issues during our travels throughout the Eastern Cape. During this time, we have been informed of many incidences of vulnerable and struggling women who have had to use their bodies as CV’s to get work.
These damning revelations came to light during discussions with women, specifically in Komani, Reeston in East London and Missionvale in Nelson Mandela Bay.
It was quite clear from our interactions with these women that they fear for their lives should they come forward.
We came across at least three examples of Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) sex-for-jobs allegations in Komani in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.
We therefore request the Commission to start an investigation into the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works – the department in charge of the EPWP.
The shocking practice of demanding sex-for-houses is also prevalent in Komani.
Three young women came forward and said they had slept with Enoch Migijima Local Municipality officials to receive RDP houses.
We spoke to a woman who did not have sex-for-houses, but because someone else did so, she lost the house she was entitled to. The sex-for-houses scourge is thus a double edged sword.
The Provincial DAWN Chairperson has written to the Commission for Gender Equality to immediately investigate these issues. (memorandum attached)
We must show zero tolerance for this kind of abuse, and we must show no leniency at all for those found guilty.
A DA government will build One South Africa for All by ensuring that the practices of sex-for-jobs and sex-for-houses are criminalised and all perpetrators arrested face the full might of the law.