Using rape loosely, as a metaphor, scars survivors again

IN a country where sexual violence and rape are endemic, the Commission for Gender Equality finds the latest work on Lady South Africa by cartoonist Jonathan “Zapiro” Shapiro in bad taste.

The commission believes the metaphor of using rape to drive the message of the cartoon across is not appropriate.

Equally so, it is our view that in the future people should not use the word “rape” loosely as it evokes emotion and re-scars survivors of rape.

The commission understands that there is freedom of expression, however that freedom comes with responsibilities.

This is particularly true when it comes to symbolism that is being used in this regard to communicate a message to the broader society.

The commission believes that rape cannot be normalised regardless of the situation.

As the commission, we constantly conduct legal clinics and outreach programmes as a way of educating citizenry about the scourge and what to do in instances where rape has taken place.

The prevalence of rape as per the 2016 crime statistics on sexual offences was 51 895.

However, this area of crime is prone to under-reporting by victims.

This suggests that the SAPS crime statistics relating to sexual offices might not be a true reflection of the current incidence of sexual offences in the country. Clearly this indicates that the symbolism or the metaphor of rape cannot be used. Rape dehumanises human beings. It is a trauma that those that have not been subjected to it, may think little of it.

The commission, while not wishing to restrict his freedom of expression, is asking Zapiro to reflect on and ascertain whether, given our diversity, this type of symbolism is helpful.

We hope he will reconsider the use of rape as a symbol to express his views.

The commission therefore encourages the public to make use of its toll-free number 0800 007 709, to report any matter that relates to gender-based violence.

Alternatively, members of the public may also visit the commission’s offices which are in all nine provinces to report such cases. Javu Baloyi Commission for Gender Equality