Women sidelined in DA structures

WITH reference to the article “New Cape DA leader has deep roots in Chatsworth”, November 1-5), I have noticed with deep concern that in all the provinces that the DA held its provincial congress, only men were elected in leadership positions. Recently in Gauteng it was the same story.

This trend seems to be perpetuated, notwithstanding the fact that gender equality is a given in the constitution. But the very fact that it is not practised, as is evident in the various elections for leadership, makes one question whether discrimination against women seems to be endemic to the DA.

The struggle for emancipation of women has always been a long and painful one.

It must be acknowledged that a lot has been achieved since 1994 in making sure that we have policies, legislation and structures aimed at improving the life of women in our country.

The ANC has always been at the forefront of the struggle for women’s emancipation and gender equality.

This was once again demonstrated when Zandile Gumede and Fawzia Peer were elected mayor and deputy mayor of eThekwini, the biggest metro in KwaZulu-Natal.

The ANC must be commended for showing the world what true democracy is all about. They are eradicating inequality, not by paying mere lip service but by their deeds.

We hope that other political parties, and here I am referring especially to the DA, will take a leaf out of the ANC book rather than continue dwelling in the dark ages.

The DA in KZN has a golden opportunity when it goes to its provincial congress, which is scheduled for early next year. We need to ensure that women in the DA advance to leadership positions.

Therefore, I am delighted and happy at media reports that Shontel de Boer and Nicole Graham have already thrown in their hats for the leadership race and are challenging the incumbents, Haniff Hoosen and Zwakele Mncwango, for their positions.